Chapter Fifteen: First Steps

Song's Pov

The day slowly passed one after another. Everyday the sun rose and set again and again in the same order as before. But each day was one step closer to recovery. I'm not going to lie and tell you it was easy. Everyday was grueling, and I fell down more times than I could even count. For awhile everything seemed hopeless, and it was almost everyday I wanted nothing more than to give up. Until finally, after weeks and weeks of trying, I was able to take my first steps, and I never looked back after that. I still have a long way to go, but at least I knew I could go somewhere. These were the first steps in a long journey that I knew wouldn't end anytime soon, and this has been one of the hardest (if not the hardest) thing I've ever been through. I wasn't afraid though, I was no longer that scared little girl who didn't know what to do. I was a fighter, and I wasn't going to give up anything soon. I was going to face this head-on, and I wasn't going to let anything hold me back.

"You're almost there!" Ava said as she cheered me on.

"Coming!" I said as I tried to catch up with her.

She was fast, especially for someone who can't even see. I never would have guessed that she was blind. I doubt anyone would, but she never stops impressing me. People in general never stop impressing me. It's amazing amazing that we all are special in our own way, and it's amazing that we all have our own gifts and personalities that makes us a little different from everyone else. I think we're all here for a purpose, but we just need some time to find it. I mean I'm still here after all that I went through, so there has to be some reason why I'm here.

Suddenly she came climbing down and knelt down on a branch that was in front of me.

"What are you doing silly?" I asked.

She had a big smile on her face, "Tag!" She said as she tapped my shoulder and then scrambled up the tree. "Catch me if you can!" She giggled.

"Why you!" I laughed. As quickly as I could, I tried to catch up with her, but she was far too fast.

She and the others have cheered me on since day one, and they didn't let me give up on myself. I'm glad they didn't. If did I probably would've been able to walk again. I still have a long way to go, but a little goes a long way. One step forward is better than none.

When I finally made it to the last branch, I breathed a sigh of relief as I stood up and looked back at the forest. I took a deep breath, and inhaled the sweet scent of the place. It was a far cry from the mountains back home. The air there was scarce and dense, not to mention it was filled with smoke and the scent of desperation. Here though, it was clean and light with a tint of the smell of the blooming Fire Lilies. I haven't even seen them since I was a kid, but here they're blooming almost everywhere. For awhile I just stood there as I watched the sunrise. We had to wake up before dawn to see this, but it was well worth it. There is nothing more peaceful than watching a new day begin that is filled with endless possibilities. Before my life was depressing and miserable, but now it's filled with something I have never had before.

"Hope," I whispered as I sat down next to her. I looked at her and smiled, something I haven't been able to do for awhile. But here I am in a much better place in my life, and I wasn't going to let anything pull me down ever again.

"Here," Ava said as she quickly placed a Fire Lily in my hair, "that'll do you justice."

"Thank you," I said, touched by the kind gesture.

For awhile we just sat there as we watched the day come to life before our eyes. It was magical to say the least.

"I think we should head back." Ava said as she started to climb down. "We don't want the others to worry about us."

"Good point." I said as I started to climb down. When I finally landed on the ground, an idea started to take form.

"Race you!" I said and I dashed toward the Temple.

"No fair!" She yelled as she chased after me. "You had a head start!"

That still didn't stop me, and I continued to run as fast as I could. It felt like years since was able to run. For weeks I've barely been able to walk, but here I am running to my heart's content as the morning breeze blew through my hair. It almost felt like I was dancing in a way, with the sound of the birds in the trees and the sun slowly rising in the east. It's bright glow bathed me in its warmth as continued to run through the forest. Before long I was already back where the others were.

"There you are!" Zuko said.

He had a big smile on his face and I could see that twinkle in his eyes. I immediately ran to him, and I was welcomed in a tight embrace. I laughed and smiled as he twirled me around. It felt like I was flying in a way, I never felt so free in my life. It was exhilarating! I haven't been up in the air since I was a child. It felt like… It felt like when my dad used to swing us up in his arms when we were younger.

"My dad." I thought.

Suddenly the smile was gone, and a wave of sadness hit me.

"What's wrong?" Zuko asked as he looked at me. His amber eyes met mine, and I knew he worried. I could hear the concern in his voice, but I didn't want him to worry.

"Nothing." I quickly said.

I tried to think of something else to say, but he gave me a look as if to say "I know you better than that." I hate lying, so I just didn't say anything.

"Well, I guess I know where you two have been." He said as he stroked a small strand of my hair that held the flower.

I smiled, "I was beautiful there!" I exclaimed. "The sunrise was beautiful, and seeing the Fire Lilies bloom, and then hearing the bird sing… it was wonderful.

"I'm glad," he said as he put his arm around me. "I'm glad you're finally happy."

I smiled, "Me too. I'm glad I finally found the beauty in living."

We both smiled as we made our way back to the others.