"Time is a brisk wind, for each hour it brings something new... but who can understand and measure its sharp breath, its mystery and its design? ~Paracelsus"
"Dear Toph,
I miss his snoring. When we slept in camp, his sleeping bag was next to mine, and I got used to him snoring every night. It became like a lullaby. And then, sometimes, he'd have nightmares, and he'd wake up. Then I would wake up because the snoring would stop. And I'd go over and ask him about it, and we'd talk until he didn't remember it anymore, and then we'd go back to sleep.
Those were the good old days, eh?
Now I can't get to sleep, because he isn't here snoring. It was the same in the palace.
I suppose it doesn't matter anyway. I cry myself to sleep every night, or stay up thinking about all I have lost.
You can't tell anyone this, you know. I will kill you.
I miss you too, Uyarak! How is your life? How is everyone else? I am writing some of them also, but you are the most prompt. Who transcribes your letters? Just curious.
Love,
Kya"
We received wonderful welcome on Nuuk. Everyone was happy to see I had brought a strong young man, though the town gossips were disappointed that we weren't together.
Liluye was absolutely crushed that I didn't have Mom with me. She was extremely angry for a few minutes, then cried in my arms for an hour. She's still frailer than I'd like. I blame my mother, though I still love her of course.
Sokka built Lil and me a house on the hill where our house used to be. He built himself a little cabin a few steps away. He eats with us, and pretty much takes care of our needs like firewood and meat. I still don't speak to him much though. Liluye likes him, she thinks he's handsome. She berated me daily for not marrying him, until I told her to stuff it, and explained the situation. She was silent thereafter.
Speaking of Lil, she has many suitors. Seems that while I was gone quite a group of boys went ice dodging, therefore becoming men. From what I hear, Kyqqa and Aunt Lanik took them, which would have been an awesome sight to see. Now a fair amount of these men are courting Liluye, who won't even be of marrying age for two and a half years. I find it rather amusing and love teasing her about it, as does Sokka. He has taken quite the liking to her… I believe she reminds him of Katara, just as Kat reminded me of Liluye.
I help in the rebuilding projects around town, as well as keeping my own home. It sometimes seems mundane and tedious compared to traveling the world, but it must be done. It is nice to have a routine. Liluye and I are also working on decorating our house, making it more a home. So far we painted my room red and blue; something that made me laugh, and her room blue and green, which interested me. She said she just likes the color green.
I am grieving. I wear black beads in my loopies, which I have resumed wearing, and black gloves. I cry a lot, sometimes randomly, when I see a place or a thing that reminds me of my father or Helaku. It isn't the best life, but I make do.
Liluye is my salvation. She is always smiling, and even when she is grumpy she is amusing to watch. She is always trying to build me up, down though she may be. I could not ask for a better sister.
And I miss Sokka. Though I would never admit it.
"Dear Toph,
Hitomi? Hitomi is reading my letters! Hitomi, if you tell anyone… I swear…
Anyway. Not much has changed. I think Lil has found the suitor she wants to court back. His name is Kona, he's rather handsome and very nice. I like him, at least, and Sokka does too, which seems to count for more than it should. They have become inseparable, Sokka and Liluye. He always takes her side, or vise versa. Quite annoying, actually.
We are working on building a library… quite a feat for an island as small as ours, I think. Everyone is going to put their scrolls in. Also, a small band of women went to the North Pole to ask if any male waterbenders wanted to come back to live in Nuuk. They were the prettiest ones, so I am sure we will get a few recruits. Haha.
I am doing better, as is Lil. We don't cry as much, at as little things. We smile more, laugh more. Please don't worry on our account.
I'm sorry Aang's not coming around. Perhaps you should give up? I know, I know. How are Katara and Zuko?
I still miss you! Only four more months!
Love,
Kya"
"Kyana, I'm going with Sokka to help with the library! We'll be back in time for dinner!"
"Wait, don't just yell and leave! And what is your obsession with nicknames?"
"I just like them. Regular names are so overused and boring!" Liluye grinned as I walked up
I absentmindedly fixed the bead on her hair loopy, "Don't do anything too dangerous, like lift anything really heavy or something. Don't run off with Kona. Don't go anywhere without telling Sokka first. And please do be back for dinner! I'm doing sea prunes, your favorite!"
She squirmed out from under my hands, "Ok! I'll be careful, and be back! Love you!"
"Love you too! Take care of her," I directed this at Sokka, who had just come to the door. He nodded and they took off.
Now, to make sea prunes…
They came home right in time to wash up and eat. Lil loved it, of course, and Sokka seemed satisfied. After dinner Sokka motioned for me to go to the main room,
"I'll clean this up. Lil will help me, right?" He turned to her pointedly
"Sure!" She jumped up and grabbed hers and my plate, heading toward the sink to wash them.
"Oh… thanks." I was slightly flabbergasted at their quickness, but I wasn't going to fight it. I went to the main room and settled down with my sketchbook. I loved drawing, though I didn't get to do it much. I wasn't terribly good at it, but I wasn't completely awful, and I enjoyed doing it. Currently I was working on a sketch of a wildflower I had seen outside the other day.
After a few minutes Sokka and Liluye came to join me. Sokka had some kind of woodcarving he was working on, though I couldn't yet tell what it was, and Lil was reading.
"What should we get Hitomi and Fong for their wedding?" I voiced the question to no one in particular, and they both shrugged, "Sokka? Any ideas?"
He shook his head and I exploded.
"Don't you ever talk? There was a time we couldn't get you to shut up! What is wrong with you?"
He frowned, "Fine, I like your drawing."
"What? Well, thanks, but that's not what I wanted! I want you to not be scared of talking! I don't want you to change on my account. I loved the old Sokka! I could never love this new one!"
He regarded me with an interesting look and Liluye watched the exchange with wide eyes. Finally, after what seemed like forever, he spoke again.
"Very well, if that's what you want. I can make something for them… some invention. What do people need?"
"Something to make the bed?" Liluye shrugged, and I laughed slightly as he winced
"Hmm, that might be a little too advanced. Anything else?"
"How about a pool? Could you engineer a Hot Springs in their backyard?"
He stroked the beard he'd been growing out,
"Perhaps. Just perhaps. Of course, we'd have to enlist Toph. Can you write her?"
I shook my head, "Hitomi writes and reads her letters."
"Darn. Hey, can I have a piece of that paper?" I handed it to him, "Thanks. Now this is what I am thinking…" He proceeded to sketch the blueprints for the hot spring.
This was more like it.
"Dear Toph
Sokka and I came up with a wonderful wedding present for Hitomi. Of course, I can't tell you about it, because of the unfortunate screener we have, but you can have in if you want. Just say yes or no.
Really? You honestly think K and Z are going out? How could you not know? You should ask them outright, and then you can tell if they are lying. I think that is wonderful though.
Who is this 'Teo?' I don't remember ever meeting him… he sounds nice though. Glad you have a new friend. How old is he? Hmm.
Sometimes, I miss Suki. Is that weird? Sometimes I'll think of her randomly, and think of what a great friendship we could have had, and then I miss her. It seems odd to me.
This month we're working on the school. They've asked me to be a teacher, but I don't think I have the patience. What do you think? Oh, and the girls still haven't come back from the North Pole. We expect them any day though.
Getting better every day.
Only three more months!
Love,
Kya"
"Dear Toph,
Nope, sorry. I won't give you any hints whatsoever. Hitomi would see right through them. SORRY!
I can't wait to try on the Issho Ojusan dress! From the drawing Hitomi sent it will be fabulous. I'm glad you and she have become friends. I would never have figured on it, your personalities being so different, but it is a good thing.
Sokka and I might come a month early. We're debating. If so, that means only ONE MORE MONTH! Oh my word!
I miss your love punches, crazy as that may seem!
I didn't take the teaching position either. It just wasn't right. I might be the librarian though.
The girls got back a few days after I sent the last letter, bringing ten men with them, of varying ages. Can you believe it? Ten men! That's wonderful!
One of them, Sennuk, is paying a bit of attention to me. I'm flattered, but I don't think I will return it. I'm not really sure why.
Still getting better. Every breath is a bit easier.
Two [OR ONE] more month.
Love,
Kya"
"Dear Toph,
No, that is not why. Most assuredly not.
-Kya"
"KYA!" I wasn't surprised that Toph was the first one to greet me. I was surprised, however, by the force of her hug. I was knocked over! The only hug that rivaled it was the one my mother gave Liluye. Complete and utter joy.
I was shocked at how much everyone had grown. They assured me that I had too, that I looked completely different and totally the same.
I absolutely loved the Issho Ojusan dress. It was one of my favorite dresses ever. I was more than proud to wear it. They looked so happy, I was so happy to be able to share the day with them.
I hung out with Li and Cha-Li at the reception. Cha-Li kept us laughing the whole time, telling jokes. Aang was telling us a story about Kuruk, one of his previous incarnations, and Cha-Li asked, with very believable mock sincerity, 'Who's She?'
He also told us, "When a child is born they have a rooster-roach in their head that feeds off the energy created by making a poo poo joke, but they usually lose it at age thirteen. Toph hasn't yet lost hers, nor do I believe she ever will."
I was quite glad he was there making me laugh, so I wasn't crying (albeit tears of joy) over Hitomi and Fong.
It seemed that the wedding went by in flashes. I remembered parts of it afterward, but not the whole.
I remembered speaking about my friendship with Hitomi. But I didn't remember what I said. I just remembered that it was nice and eloquent.
I remembered the cake… it was very good!
I remembered dancing with Sokka. It was an ethereal feeling… like walking on air. He led me around the floor, and we spun, and it was incredible. I didn't want it to end. Then all of a sudden it was over, and I remembered who I was and who he was, and I was glad. Still, somewhere deep inside, I wanted to do it again.
Of course Toph teased me the whole night. It was awful. At least I got to meet her 'friend' Teo. A nice kid in a wheelchair, about her age, really sweet and kind. And he totally had a thing for her, though I think she was denying it. Whatever.
Katara and Liluye were instant friends, as I knew they would be. They were rather inseparable, and I knew that the only way I was getting Lil back home was Sokka. The guy had scary influence on her. I knew he was filling the father void left in her heart, but I wasn't going to protest. So long as he didn't leave her all would be well.
All too soon we had to leave. More tearful good-byes were exchanged, more promises to write, more heavy sighs.
And then somehow, six more months passed. The time seemed to go quicker and quicker, it was strange.
Within those six months were my birthday, which passed nicely, Sokka's birthday, which passed quietly, and Lil's birthday, which passed with much fanfare. I knew Kona was just counting the days until her sixteenth. He had become rather a staple in our life, he was s fine young man.
Now it was summer again. The days hot, the nights warm, the sun always shining. It was nice.
"Dear Kat,
Really? A gold necklace? That is so nice! He is sweet, isn't he?
I find it so interesting… I would trust any one of you gaang members, and Hitomi, Fong, or Li with my life… even though I haven't known you for an inane amount of time. It is striking how quickly trust is developed during hardship, and close living.
I can't believe it has been a year since the comet. Doesn't it seem like it was just yesterday? Is Azula still locked safely away? I was always unsure of that. Insane, sure, but she still needs to be in a high-risk prison. Not some wimpy asylum.
Anyway. How is it, being girlfriend of the Fire Lord? Any special privileges? Anything different from being an ambassador.
Just curious, if you two got married could you keep your spot as ambassador? I suppose not.
Life is the same as usual here. Lil has a boyfriend. Quite the charmer. Already like a little brother. They are a really cute couple!
Miss you as always!
Love,
Kya"
"Fire Lord Zuko and Water Tribe Ambassador Katara
formally request your presence at their wedding:
Five days before the winter solstice,
At the palace
Please respond if you are planning on coming."
Note on back:
'Kya, I assume you and Liluye will be my Issho Ojusan? Or as they say in the water tribe, Bride's Maidens? I can't believe this is actually happening! It is beyond the limits of imagination! Please ask Sokka if he will be one of Zuko's men. Zuko asked specifically.
I'll send you more info as it is figured out!
OH MY WORD!
Love,
Katara."
"Katara,
OH MY WORD is right! Congrats! Of course I'll be your Issho Ojusan, so will Lil, and Sokka said he'd love to be one of Zuko's men! He was pretty excited at first, then he realized that this was his baby sister, and got pretty ruffled. It was very cute funny to watch.
We'll come down in a few months! I am so very very excited!
Oh by the way, you are too young to marry! But I suppose we will overlook tradition for the sake of true love… hahahah!
Love,
Kya"
"Dear Hitomi,
No WAY! That is sooo awesome! I suppose there is no way of telling if it is a boy or girl. I honestly cannot say which I prefer. What will you name it? I like Kuza or Zika or Kiza or Fina or Lizina, Yuuchi, or even Kez.
Oh, I cannot wait to see you! Only two months!
Love,
Kya"
"Dear Zuko,
Get her the blue, with the red flame. It is an amazing example of your connection. She will adore it! Glad you asked, it means a lot!
Way to go, on proposing! I'm glad you finally did it… took long enough! Just kidding… kinda! Hee hee
I can't wait to see how beautiful your children are!
By the way, aren't you glad I didn't take that Fire Lady position? There would have been a lot of to-do, and paperwork. See, I foresaw this. You two were so made for each other.
OK OK enough mushy talk.
EEK, I'm SO excited!
Thank you so much…
Love,
Kya"
"Dear Teo,
I'd wait. I think she still loves Aang. I could go on, but I'll see you in person in a month, and I think it will be easier to explain that way.
Thanks for asking though,
Kya"
"Dear Toph,
Wasn't Kat and Zu's wedding absolutely gorgeous? I don't know how they did it. I love weddings. Especially since I get to see you!
How is Teo? I have exchanged a few letters with him… nice kid.
Man, I miss you! How is Hitomi doing with her baby? Hitomi, I know you're reading this, don't overexert yourself!
Lil and Kona are getting ever closer. They went out fishing yesterday, one of the very few un-chaperoned trips I've allowed. I trust them but… you never know! Ha.
How about Li? And Aang? I haven't talked to them in a while… they're a bit flighty… don't return my letters as quickly.
I am beginning to get a bit tired of this winter. I want spring.
Love,
Kya"
"Dear Katara,
Sokka is doing great.
And no, he is still keeping the right distance. We're not courting, dating, or anything like that.
I still cry myself to sleep some nights.
Did I ever tell you I am working as the librarian at our town's library? It is very very small, but the kids love it. We have shows, and read alouds, and we even have adopted Uncle Iroh's traditional music night!
I suppose you get to officially call him Uncle Iroh too! Crazy, isn't it! We're related, somewhat distantly. I wonder…
Anyway, Lil will turn sixteen in four months. I have been helping Kona with his betrothal necklace. It is an interesting process, but with every step I can't help but think of Helaku doing it, making one for me. Those are the nights I cry.
Don't worry, my life is fairly good.
Miss you, as usual!
Love,
Kya"
"Dear Toph,
I assume Katara transcribed that last letter.
OH MY WORD, she used MY name suggestion! Yuuchi is a cute name, don'tcha think?
I am SO very happy she and the baby are alright! I must admit, I was a bit nervous.
That baby must be sooo cute! I cannot wait to see him! Can you please get married so I have an official excuse?
That was a joke, don't get huffy!
Can you believe it is nearing summer again?
The years fly, and I am left grasping onto their tails, trying to catch my bearings!
Love,
Kya"
"Dear Hitomi,"
Thanks for that drawing! He looks so cute! I will hopefully get to see him at Liluye's wedding, which should be sometime in the near future. Her birthday is in six days, and Kona has the necklace already!
I must admit, it's a bit of a shock, your little sister getting married. Strange and wonderful. It helps that Kona's such a great guy.
I am a bit worded out. Exhausted from the planning I have been doing. Kona, Sokka, and I have been planning the most amazing birthday for Liluye. I cannot wait.
I want to give you and little Yuuchi a big giant hug! Just pretend for now, ok?
Love,
Kya"
(Liluye's perspective)
I woke up at about eight O'candle, just like any other day; except this wasn't just any other day. This was my birthday. My sixteenth birthday! I had a lot of things I wanted.
I wanted my boyfriend Kona to propose.
I wanted my sister and Sokka to get married.
I wanted my mother to move back.
Truly, I wanted all my friends to move here. Of course that is impossible, since my friends are important ambassadors and a Fire Lord and Lady.
Really truly all of those were pretty much impossible, except for Kona proposing.
A few quick facts before my birthday:
My favorite colors are blue and green.
My favorite food is Sea Prunes
My favorite instrument is the pipa
My favorite animal is the penguin. I also like cats.
My favorite things to do are read and fish. I can't waterbend like my sister (or firebend like her) but I still love the water. I also love just hanging out with my cousins and friends.
I have always wanted to visit the North Pole.
Ok, now that that is done with, you can fully understand the magnitude of this amazing birthday.
I woke up and went to the kitchen as usual. Sokka and Kya were already at the table, discussing something in low tones. I hoped it was their engagement, but when I asked,
"Are you discussing your engagement?" They both gave me identical looks; a mixture of 'oh, please,' and 'I wish.'
I ate a plain breakfast, with them staring at me, watching me eat. It was slightly unnerving, but I sat through it.
"Lu?" Kona was at the door, coming in, kissing my forehead romantically, "I have a surprise for you outside!"
I dropped my spoon into my bowl of mush and jumped up excitedly. Sokka and Kya exchanged a grin and followed me out. When I sprang through the door I was greeted with the sight of a ginormous sky bison.
"Appa!" I ran to the fluffy beast and gave him a good scratch.
"Hop on!" Kona helped me up, and Kya and Sokka followed. Sokka moved to the head of the animal,
"Yip yip!"
"Where are we going?" I was brimming with excitement and impatience
"You'll see." Kya grinned evilly at me.
After about twenty or so minutes I spotted a gleaming white sheet of ice. A few seconds later I could make out an emblem on it, and the blue specks along it's top turned into men in parkas
"The north pole!" I screeched.
"You got it!" Sokka smiled back at me from his place on Appa's head
Kona grinned and put his arm around me,
"Surprised?"
I turned to Kya, whose face was one giant smile. I grinned back.
"I am so surprised! You guys are the best! I can't believe… wow!"
"Wow pretty much sums it up!" Kya leaned over and gave me a light hug, "Glad we could at least kinda make you happy!" She winked.
Oh man, something was up!
I tried to let that pass, because we were descending. Men in fluffy parkas with dark hair pulled into wolf tails were bending an ice runway for us. Odd, but nice.
"Liluye?" A tall man, dressed similarly to all the rest but with a bit more pomp, stepped up.
"Um, that's me…" I raised my hand
"I am Chief Arnook! Welcome to our grand home! Please, follow me."
I shot an excited look at Kya and Sokka, then grabbed Kona's hand and pulled him down the runway.
We were given a long, extensive, wonderful tour. We ended up, much to my amazement, at the palace.
"Welcome to my humble abode," The chief winked.
He gave us the tour of his palace, which in turn ended up in the dining hall, where a feast was laid out.
We were joined by important courtiers, and noblemen. It was absolutely amazing. But it was nothing compared to what the chief said at the end.
He stood up and cleared his throat, gaining complete and immediate silence.
"Dearest Liluye… I have come to know you in these few hours and have decided upon a course of action."
I cast a puzzled look at Kona, but his face said nothing.
"Young lady, how would you like to be the next princess of the Northern Water Tribe?"
I gasped. And sat there for five minutes with my mouth wide open, until Kona leaned over and whispered, 'I think they want an answer in this century," with a kind chuckle
"Me? How…" I was slightly dumbfounded honestly. This was wild. How was I even in the running?
"As you may know, my daughter and only heir died three years ago." A shadow crossed his face, and when I looked back at Kya I saw that Sokka looked pained also, but after a brief moment the chief continued, "Moving past that tragedy, and on to the practical. I need an heir. Age is creeping up on me, and I fear that if I die, my strong tribe will fall to shambles and in fighting. So I asked Sokka if he wished to take my place upon my demise. He declined, but he said he knew someone who would be perfect for the position. That someone was you, my dear. I said I could not say for sure until I met you, but now I have met you and I have decided that you will make a fine future ruler. Also, if you marry, you can choose how many duties your husband can have, be it all or none. It is within your discretion."
This was… crazy. Completely crazy.
"I… I suppose I accept? Yes, I accept!" I laughed out loud at the insanity of it all.
"Well then, will you come up here and give me a hug?" The old chief smiled kindly, and I skipped up there. Could this day get any better?
Apparently it could.
Kona took me out on a boat. Said we were going fishing. As soon as we were far out, he pulled something from his pocket and turned to me.
"Liluye?" He said, "Will you marry me?"
It wasn't fancy, crazy, or over dramatic. It was perfect.
And the conveniently timed fireworks were really nice too.
"Dear Hitomi,
Can you believe this is actually happening? Lil is getting married!
I'm still in shock. The whole 'water tribe princess' thing was insane too, but somehow this seems crazier! Ha!
I promised I'd send for you if there was a wedding. Unfortunately it's not me getting married.
Yes, unfortunately.
I want to love him, Tomi, really I do… it's just that every time I picture us together I see Helaku. It's completely horrible.
I am so tired of grieving. It's been three stinking years. I look awful in black and I'm totally worn out.
But what can I do? It isn't a choice. It's a feeling.
Say what you will. I'm feeling rather indestructible at the moment.
I must say; planning a wedding leaves you feeling rather accomplished! Too bad it's not done yet… speaking of which I better go talk to the ladies who are organizing the music. There simply must be a pipa. (Secretly I'm hoping Uncle Iroh will play it. And maybe we could finally get Zuko to play that Tsungi horn! Haha!)
See you soon!
Love,
Kya"
[Sokka's perspective]
I still loved her. More, even. After three years, I loved her more than ever. But I really didn't want to push her, didn't want her to shut me out for good.
Still, I was getting tired. Tired of not being able to put my arm around her, not being able to run up and kiss her, not being able to go to sleep with her soft breathing right next to my ear.
I missed her, truth be told.
But I didn't know what to do about it. I asked Hitomi, her best friend, and she said Kya wanted to love me, but she still wasn't over Helaku.
Three years. I felt bad for her though… to be grieving for three years must be tough. He must have been some kind of guy. Honestly, I wished I could have met him.
Watch what you wish for, kids.
It was a regular day (don't all stories start that way? That or 'once upon a time'… regular day seems to fit better here. anyway)
It was a regular day and I was just going to cut some wood (something I do a lot… it's amazing how much wood you need in the winter, just to heat your house and stove) when I collapsed.
Yep, passed completely out. Like I'd been knocked on the head.
Except, I didn't know I was unconscious. I thought I had been transported, somehow, into a nice little clearing. Well, I sorta had.
And then this guy came in. Now, I'm sure girls have dreams like this all the time, handsome guys walking up, but it was a new experience for me. I was completely confused.
"Who are you? Why are you here? Where is here?" I scratched my head stereotypically and looked around.
"My name is Helaku. You've probably heard of me…" He smirked slightly.
"Oh yeah. Oh! You're Helaku?" I sized him up. He had the basic Water tribe look… wolf's tail, blue clothes, and brown eyes.
"The one and only!" He sighed, "Look, I'm here to talk about Kya."
I gave him a sigh back and sat down, "This'll be a while."
"I want you to have her," He sat down too.
"What?" I sat bolt upright in surprise
"You… I think you'd be good for her."
"Then why are you here? That is something we agree on!" I gave him a look that said, 'leave me alone!'
"I'm here because I want to make sure you treat her right. And to tell you that I'm going to speak to her… hopefully get her to be more receptive of you."
"Ok?" I raised my eyebrows questioningly.
"Look… to really love a woman, to understand her, you have to know her deep inside."
I nodded, motioning for him to go on
"Hear every one of her thoughts, see every dream that she dreams, and give her wings when she wants to fly. When you love a woman, you have to tell her that she is really wanted… when you love a woman, you tell her that she's the one. Because she needs somebody, to tell her that it's going to last forever"
I nodded again
"When you can see your unborn children in her eyes, you know you really love a woman. You have to give her some faith, hold her tight, use a little tenderness, you must treat her right. When you do all this, she will be there for you, taking good care of you. Do you see? Can you manage this?"
I nodded for the third time, "I can. Very much so."
"Good. Go get her."
"Thank you… odd to say it, but I'm glad we talked." I shook his hand firmly
"As am I, bud. Now take care of Kya, got it?"
"You don't even have to tell me once."
And then I woke up.
"Dear Katara,
I am going to ask Kya to marry me. I don't know when, where, or how. This is where I need your help.
I don't need your help with the betrothal necklace. I've had that for a while.
You are the best sister ever!
Love, Sokka"
"Dear Katara,
No, I'm glad you showed Zuko the letter.
So really, no advice at all? I mean come on, how is 'whenever it feels right' supposed to help me.
Maybe I'll wait until you're here. You are coming down for Lil's wedding, right?
Oh, and to answer your other question… this is going to sound weird but I talked to Helaku and he said he was going to talk to her. He said the time was right.
You are still the best sister ever! Though I suppose, through your marriage, Azula is also my sister. Better watch out, she'll surpass you!
Love, Sokka"
[back to Kya's perspective]
I really, really wanted to love Sokka. But I was scared. Scared of forgetting Helaku, mainly. And every time I tried to picture Sokka and myself I saw Helaku. It was horrible.
Until one day. I was going to pick some flowers, a nice girly thing, when I collapsed. Passed out, I think.
Of course, I didn't know I had collapsed. I was transported to a nice clearing. I was really confused until Helaku came in.
Then I was breathless.
"You mean, this is possible? You can come to me?" I ran up and hugged him
"Not exactly. Well, it takes a lot. This is hard… and I don't want to waste my time talking about it…" He smiled and kissed me on the forehead, "I'm here to talk about Sokka."
"Oh, Helaku, I'm so –"
"Stop… you are doing nothing wrong." He laid a hand on my shoulder, "In fact, you're doing everything, almost, right."
I sat down because my legs had stopped working, due either to the fact that Helaku was here or the fact that he seemed fine with Sokka's and my… relationship, nonexistent though it was.
"Careful now! Don't want you hurting yourself. Look, Kya, you're being mean to the kid," Helaku made a puzzled face
"What are you talking about?" I couldn't assimilate his face with his words.
"Sokka! Why are you holding back? Why can't you love him? It's been three years! Three! Almost four! Your time of grieving is over, more than over! You can love him, Kya. You should."
"I was…" I bit my lip. I hadn't told anyone this, because when I said it out loud it sounded stupid. But I suppose Helaku would understand… somehow.
"I was afraid I'd forget you, so I didn't let myself see Sokka and me together. Every time I pictured us, I would force your face there. Then I would tell myself I didn't like Sokka, that all I could see was you. I was… am… so very scared I'll lose you. You were the most precious thing in my life, for so long, and you were the loss that hit me the most. I loved my father, I had many friends, but you were… special. I was so scared that if I heard Sokka saying he loved me every day, I would forget the way your voice sounded when you said it. Scared that if he held me, I would lose the feeling of your arms. Terrified that if he kissed me enough, I would taste his lips, not yours. I don't want you to just disappear. I don't want my children to one day come upon a marker and say 'Helaku? Who on earth is that?' I don't want to forget your scent, your laugh, even your annoying snorting noises. I don't want to forget you, Helaku."
"Kya… you have to let me go. Do you want your children to grow up thinking 'my father is second best in my mother's heart. My mother loves a man who has been dead for half her life more than the one who is living.' Don't look like that, Kya, they'd think it. It doesn't matter if you loved Sokka, or whoever, more, they'd still think that.
But that doesn't mean you have to forget me. Visit my grave. Tell my story. Name the library after me! I can leave a legacy without ruining your life."
I sat there for a few minutes, rather stricken. Every single thing he said was true.
"But… I want…" I trailed off. I didn't know what I wanted.
"Ky…" He frowned, "You know, they have a poem up here… I think it'll explain."
I bit my lip as he took a deep breath, and assumed his oratory stance.
"Night, and the spirit of life, calling.
And a voice, just the fear of a child, asking.
Wait… there's no mountain too great, hear these words and have faith, have faith.
He lives in you, he lives in me, he watches over, everything we see.
Into the water, into the truth, in your reflection, he lives in you."
I frowned, confused, "What does that mean?" suddenly the next line came to me. I don't know if I had heard the poem before, or if he put it in my mind, but all of a sudden I was speaking;
"You live in me, You're watching over, everything I see
In every creature, in every star, in my reflection, you live in me. "
He smiled slightly, "I'll be there. When you miss me, look at a star. Look at a bor-q-pine. Go bend. I'll be right there with you."
"I –"
He interrupted me; "I've been staying away. I wanted you to forget me, to go on with your life. Surely this can't be healthy, your obsession with me."
I opened my mouth to protest but he shook his head and continued,
"I just recently realized that, without intervention from me, you could be forty before you ever even decided to be nice to Sokka. And that is a ways from marriage! So, listen, you won't forget me, but you don't need to think of me every minute. If you feel like I'm slipping, just visit my grave or something poignant like that. I understand your loathing to forget completely, but forgetting and letting go are two completely different things. Got it?"
I nodded
"C'mere Anana," I ran over and he gave me a big bear hug, "I love you, ok? But you don't have to love me… not like that."
"Thank you, 'laku. Thank you so much."
"You say yes to him, ok?"
I shrugged, unsure what he was refferring to, "You got it."
"G'bye Pitsiark."
"Goodbye Helaku."
And then I woke up.
Dear Toph,
I talked to Helaku.
It was extremely interesting. And odd, but wonderful. And very very enlightening.
I could tell you more, but I'd rather do it in person.
Is Teo coming with you? I certainly hope so! He's a great guy, really cute.
See you very soon!
Love, Katara
Liluye's wedding was, definitely, the best night of my life.
OK, that is so not true. But it was the first best night of my life… if that makes any sense.
She looked so gorgeous. I must admit, I cried pretty much the whole way through the service. This was my baby sister, who I had pretty much raised these past few years… my baby sister. How on earth was she old enough to marry? I still remembered her losing teeth, wearing her first hair loopies, and catching her first fish. Here she was getting married!
Insane, I must say! And it made me feel a bit old, though most people wouldn't call twenty old, per se. Sokka just laughed at me when I told him this. He said if I already felt old then I might as well give up, not worry about aging. I smacked him for that.
My favorite part of their wedding, though, was the reception. For very obvious reasons.
Though perhaps they're not obvious to you? Oh… right!
I was sitting at the main table, with every single one of my dear friends. Hitomi and Fong (complete with their adorable son, Yuuchi! He's a total cutie!), Li and Cha-li, Toph and Teo, Katara and Zuko, Iroh and Ursa, Aang, my mother, and of course Sokka. Hitomi was talking about Yuuchi and the walking he was starting to do.
"Not even a year old, and he's pulling up on tables and things! He wants to be mobile so badly! He's so cute too, he makes this little face," She did her impression of it, which cracked all of us up
"Well, speaking of that… guess what?" Katara grinned
"No way! Oh my goodness, congrats Kat!" I gave her a congratulatory hug
"What? I don't get it!" Sokka frowned
"Come on, denigii, it's pretty obvious with the 'speaking of that'!" I raised my eyebrows at him
"Just tell me! Pleeeeeease?"
"She's pregnant!" I rolled my eyes at his denseness
"Really? No way! Congratulations Sis!" He leaned over and gave her a hug that probably left her with a few crushed ribs. Everyone else gave their congrats, and she smiled excitedly;
"Thanks guys! I'm pretty psyched!"
"Congrats to you too, Zuko!" Sokka gave him a hearty slap on the back
"Thank you!" The Fire Lord was blushing, but he looked every bit as excited as Katara.
"So, when are you due?" This was Toph
"Um, seven months, I think. So sometime in the summer!"
"That is sooo awesome! I can't wait! I hope it's a girl!" Li clapped her hands together ecstatically
I noticed that Aang had been silent this whole time. He was seated at the far end of the table, across from my mother, by Iroh and Ursa… the 'adult side' so to speak.
I watched him, as he stared first a Katara, then at Toph. He looked so incredibly depressed, I actually was worried. Who knew what he was going through? He needed… someone.
My eyes flicked across the table, stopping on every female for no more than two seconds.
Hitomi and Katara – married
Toph – I just… I couldn't see that. They'd had their chance, they'd both taken other paths at different times. They weren't destined for each other.
That only left Li. I sighed, moving my gaze to Cha-Li. I didn't want to break them up. He was an awesome guy; everybody loved him. He was funny, nice, and pretty good looking to boot. But Li and Aang would be good together. Plus, hadn't she kinda liked him, all those years ago?
I shook my head… this was going nowhere. It was a dumb idea. I turned to say something to Hitomi, and when I turned back Li was talking to Aang and he looked happy.
Really happy.
Maybe, just may-
"Kya? Don't do your matchmaker thing, ok?" Sokka raised an eyebrow at me
"How'd you… wha –" I gaped at him
"I know you! You were eyeing Li and Aang like you were naming their grandchildren already." He smiled, to show he wasn't being mean
"You!" I grinned and smacked him on the chest. He caught my hand and kept it in his. I was surprised, not only that he'd done it, but at the feeling of extreme joy that rose in me.
"Kya?" He gazed at me unflinchingly. My own eyes widened in surprise and shock, wondering what on earth he was going to say.
"Um, yes?"
"Will you marry me?" He pulled out the most beautiful necklace from his pocket and held it out, his eyes an amazing mixture of fear and hope.
I sat there with my mouth open for about five minutes, until Hitomi kicked me under the table. Then I promptly declared;
"Ouch!" which left everyone a bit confused. I then laughed and said, "Of course I'll marry you, you deniigi! What took you so long!"
Clapping was heard all around, along with cheers and cat-calls when I threw my arms around him and kissed him.
"About time," declared Katara.
"Oh, you're one to talk," Sokka laughed
She grinned, "Ok, ok! Zuko and I didn't wait this long! Congrats Sokka! I suppose this means I don't have to worry about you any more, right?" She turned to me, "Good luck!"
We laughed, long and loud and wonderful.
"Oh no, don't drink that!" Sokka knocked the punch cup out of my hand
"Why not? I'm thirsty!"
He snickered, "I just spiked it with Cactus Juice!"
"Oh Sokka! You pakak!" Even though my tone was reprimanding I couldn't help but grin
"C'mon, there's only a few of us left! Just wait ten minutes… it'll get interesting!" He leaned back in his chair, and I leaned into him, loving the way his arm automatically went around me.
Sure enough, ten minutes later we were enjoying it a bit too much. There was only our table and a few stragglers left.
"Look, all I'm saying is, Kuei loves that bear a little too much! Maybe it's his secret lover, dressed in a bear costume!"
"Fong! There is no way! That wouldn't work at all! It's probably his illicit child!"
"No, Tomi, Keui is way too scrupulous to have an illicit child!"
Sokka leaned in and whispered, "Too scrupulous to have an illicit child, but not a secret lover?"
I giggled, covering it up with a cough
"Ok, Aang, would you rather kiss me or Ursa?"
"Neither!"
"Ok… Appa or momo!"
"Neither!"
"You're such a cheater! Come onnnnn! Iroh or Zuko?"
"Neither!"
"Aaaaaaaaaang!"
"Is my mother flirting with Aang?" I whispered
"Um, I think so…" Sokka mock shuddered, causing another giggle from me.
"I dare you to kiss Iroh!"
"Nuh-uh! Not gonna happen, Schweetness. Dare me to kiss Cha-Li, pleeeeeeeaaaase?"
"No way, that's so cheating! Like, if you made me kiss Zuko, that'd be good for me, right? But not you? 'Cause it would be no fun. But that's why I'm not playing. Because I'm married, and you're not! Right, Toph? You aren't married, right?"
"I don't think so! Not last time I checked!"
"Good! SO kiss Iroh!"
"No way! No way! No waaaaaaay!"
Sokka snorted, "Did Toph just sing?"
"She tried to!" I smiled, "Your plan is working. Oh my goodness!"
"What?"
"I think Iroh and Ursa are making out in that corner!"
His eyes got ginormous, "No way, where?"
I giggled, "Gotcha!"
"Are you sure you didn't drink any of that punch?" He grinned
"Pretty sure. Hey, they may not be in that corner but where are they?"
He gasped, "No WAY! That's crazy! Them? Really, I thought… ok, that is creepy! I think I'm gonna have nightmares!"
I was about to reply, but sudden chants of 'Zuko! Zuko! Zuko!' interrupted me.
"Oh no, what's happen – Oh my word, finally! Yay!"
"Finally?"
"Come on Sok, we've been trying to get Zuko to play the Tsungi horn for ages! Didn't even think of getting him drunk… way to go!"
"Well, that's why they call me the idea man!"
I grinned and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "Sure it is, dear!"
We stayed silent and listened as he began to play. Despite the rowdy mood, he played a somewhat mellow piece. He played it through once, and then I recognized it. When he started on the second time I sang along;
"Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.
Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall
Four seasons, Four loves,
Four seasons, for love"
I grinned at Li, who had sung it with me.
"Good job!" Sokka smiled when I sat down and I smiled back,
"Thanks!"
Zuko played something a bit more upbeat, but I was getting tired.
"Sokka," I yawned, "Thanks for asking me, tonight. It was perfect timing."
"Sure. My pleasure!"
I grinned, and gave him a quick kiss, "I love you."
"I love you too."
A/N –i-amawriterDOTblogspotDOTcom/2010/05/shila-chp20-uitayokDOThtml