Asahi watched as Aangs tattoos starten glowing; she'd heard of the state from the Dragons and from the others, but it was still a unique sight. Figuring that the Avatar would need some time in the spirit world, she assume a meditating position herself and tried to calm her heart. After a while, though, she realised that, with all that had happened, meditation was impossible for her at the moment, and so she just laid down on the soft grass that surrounded them, closed her eyes, and let her thoughts stray. Han had left her after they'd finished their tea, realising that she'd need some time on her own. He was such a great friend and she was utterly relieved that he was behaving as she knew him and not as unpleasantly as he had presented himself those past days. She knew he resented the royal family for murdering her father, but she wondered why he couldn't realise just how different Zuko was from his father. Zuko; at first she had assumed that he was the one approaching her earlier, yet it was Aang. How surprised she'd been at his arrival and even more so at his suggestion of looking for her father in the spirit world. She'd never really spent any time alone with the Avatar so far but it was obvious that he was a great person. And not simply because he was the Avatar, but for everything that Aang, the Airbender, represented. She always felt a slight envy at the way Aang treated Katara; the girl had told her of her love story with the Avatar and Asahi felt that they deserved nothing more than happiness, yet she wished that Zuko would look at her the way Aang watched Katara. If only just once.

Suddenly, Asahi heard Aang move, so she sat up quickly, watching him impatiently. The glowing subsided and she knew he'd come back. When he opened his eyes, he was smiling gently.

"Did you…?" She asked carefully when Aang stayed silent. He nodded; Asahi could feel tears fill her eyes yet again.

"I am to tell you that he's very proud of you."

She gasped, unbelieving of his words.

"And also, that Pyro is a great Dragon; he couldn't have raised him any better."

The first tear trickled down her cheek.

"Oh, and your mother wants you to know that she never once regretted having you, so you should live your life freely and in joy."

"…my mother?" Asahi's eyes widened in surprise.

"They found each other in the spirit world. They are happy, Asahi." He added, after seeing her reaction. She was overjoyed, yet couldn't stop her tears from falling. Her father had reunited with his greatest love. She couldn't have asked for more than knowing that he was happy on the other side. She felt the sudden urge to hug Aang and said:

"Say, Aang…"

"Yes?" He looked at her enquiringly.

"Would it… would it be too much to ask you to give me a hug…?" She asked shyly and blushed. Aang chuckled and opened his arms wide. Asahi carefully accepted the gesture and let his natural warmth caress her soul. Slowly, her tears subsided and in the end, she found herself smiling happily. With everything that had happened lately, the friendly affection of Aang's was just what she'd needed. After a while, she eased away from him, grateful for his appearance.

"Thank you, Aang." She finally said, meaning each and every word of it, unable to express her feelings any better.

"I'm the Avatar." He said, smiling and shrugging. "It's my job to help people."

That last comment made her laugh and she was about to suggest that they return when a female voice rang over the plain.

"Aang? Are you there?" Katara was calling for her boyfriend from the distance and Aang's face brightened in the most adorable way.

"Katara!" He called out to her. "I'm over here!"

The pretty Waterbender joined them but stopped short when her eyes locked on the inscription on the stone.

"Oh- oh, dear, Asahi, I'm so-"

Asahi stopped her, raising a hand and shaking her head, smiling gently.

"Actually, I'm fine." She admitted. "I was a bit down this morning, but Han and Aang here cheered me up. I must say, you've made a great match." Asahi winked at Katara who blushed. "If he weren't taken maybe I'd make a move on them." She added and laughed at their faces as her words sank in. "I'm joking, joling!" She said grinning, an patted their shoulders equally. "He's all yours." She whispered in Katara's ear but couldn't help placing a playful peck on Aangs cheek. She trotted of cheerfully, leaving the two of them behind in their bafflement.

Zuko was wandering the Temple grounds with Pyro in order to relieve his mind of imagining whatever that stupid Han was doing with Asahi right now. He found beautiful paintings, great statues and awe-inspiring views, none of which helped him in his quest.

Zu-papa, are you still worried? Pyro asked, feeling the tension Zuko emanated.

"Worried? Over that little twit?" He snapped. He didn't mean to lash out on Pyro, but he was just so on edge.

Hey, it's not my fault! The Dragon defended himself. Zuko sighed:

"Yes, I know, sorry." He said as the two of them walked on. When he turned a corner, he bumped into someone and stumbled backwards.

"Hey, can't you look where you're- oh, it's you." Zuko's face stiffened as he found out that the one he'd run into was no other than Han.

"Oh, the Firelord, eh?" The other man mad a disrespectful grunt. Zuko looked around, trying to find the person he'd much rather see at the moment.

"Looking for Asahi?" Han asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "She's not with me anymore."

"Is that so?" He tried to turn his face into a blank, so as not to give away the relief he'd felt at Han's words.

"Yes." Standing in front of him, the Sun Warrior assumed a threatening pose so Zuko built himself up as well.

"So? Where is she now?" Zuko asked slowly. He had no desire in conversing with the guy, but he sincerely wanted to know.

"Why would I have to tell you, huh?" Han spit out. He obviously had no intention of getting along with Zuko, but neither did he.

"You're really annoying, you know that?" Zuko asked through his teeth.

Yeah! You show him, Zu-papa! Pyro encouraged him fiercely.

"What? You're just jealous I'm closer to Asahi than you are." Han snorted.

"I'm not." Zuko denied. "Just annoyed by your disrespectful behaviour."

"Oh, please." Han rolled his eyes. "You're so obviously in love with her, it's almost sad."

Zuko clenched his fists. This guy brought out all his rage, but for Asahi's sake he tried to remain calm; he realised though, that the torches' flames that were lit on the wall were growing stronger.

"The one who's obviously in love is you. I mean, you're not even trying to hide it."

At those words, Han sneered.

"And why should I?" He retorted and shrugged. "I have every intention of making Asahi mine. I have loved her for a long time and I'm not such a coward to deny my feelings like you."

"So you do love her!" Zuko exclaimed.

I knew it! Pyro commented beside him.

"Of course." Han remained awfully calm which made Zuko even angrier. "Have you looked at the girl? She's beautiful, bright, cheerful, strong… everything one would want in a woman."

There was nothing Zuko could answer to that as, somehow, he felt exactly the same as Han did. His teeth crunched as he tried to suppress his desire to give his rival a good old punch in the face.

"What? You're speechless now?" Han asked scornful.

All of a sudden, Pyro built up between the two of them, his back towards Zuko.

Leave him alone, puny little human, or you'll learn just how devastating a dragon's wrath can be. He growled.

Although Pyro was not yet as huge as his parents, he was impressive enough, indeed. Slowly, Han backed away. Pyro, still showing his teeth, kept growling.

"Great Master!" Han cried. "I'm sorry, I never meant to offend you!" And thus he ran away, but not before shooting Zuko another hateful look. Zuko watched him leave, putting a calming hand on Pyro's side and tried to not let Han's words influence him too much.