Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar, the Last Airbender, or any of its characters, except for the kids I made up. I own them, for sure.

GOOD NEWS! I've actually found time to draw the main characters of my fic, and when I get the chance to scan them I'll give you guys the address.

One more thing: "Mika" is pronounced "MEE-KA" not "MY-KA." I thought I should clear that up.

Ok, on to the chapter.

Chapter 5: Tenkay and Mire

All Katara could do was watch. Stare and wait and watch as fire and sparks escaped Mika, who danced crazily around in joy, her limbs igniting with every spin, flip, jump and movement. Her face hardened with black light and pleasure. The fire was biding her, feeding her, giving her its energy, and Mika accepted it.

She didn't know what to do. If she would come between Mika and her element, things could get ugly. But she felt betrayed. The whole village had believed that Mika was a Water Bender, and she had believed it too. And here was Mika, in the middle of the night, Fire Bending like everyone who had believed her was a fool; and Katara would not be taken.

After about 3 minutes within Katara's arrival, Mika had slowed down. She stopped completely and breathed in, facing the calm shore. Her breaths were getting faster, harder, more raspy and broken with each wiff she took. Until finally, licks of dark fire escaped her mouth. Mika tilted her head upward, and Katara moved closer for the protection of the boulder. Mika's wings spread in full span, their tips trembling as more fire escaped her mouth. The flames discontinued and Mika sat down, facing the shore again, her back moving up and down with easier breathing. Truths pushed on Katara's shoulders. Not only could Mika bend fire... she breathed it.

Disgusted and hurt, Katara made her way back to their cabin. If possible, they'd leave in the morning. Mika could be a spy for the Fire Nation, and they could not take that chance.

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Tenkay stood up and stretched his long limbs, moving a tired hand through his orange hair. His friend Mire was out collecting food for the winter, and that would mean that Tenkay would be alone. He loved his friend, but Mire could get annoying sometimes. Besides, there were people that Tenkay could never get along with or love, people who lived further and further away, and people who lived next door, like Diro.

Mire came in the door suddenly, very excited and happy, bouncing up and down with joy. "Tenkay! Tenkay! You won't believe this! Buddha has sent 3 angels to the hills, the pastures, and here. Tenkay, Buddha wants to name the years after us! Isn't that great?"

Tenkay's face lit with excitement. "It's wonderful news, Mire. But what do you mean by 'us'?"

"I don't know, he told his angels to send for people who could be trusted, and so me, you, and Diro are going to his temple tomarrow to get the years named after us."

Tenkay made a face, for he hated Diro with all of his heart. "Well, Mire...I am very tired. When time comes tomarrow, wake me up so we can begin our journey. Do you promise me, Mire?"

Mire smirked at his friend. "Of course. I will wake you up tomarrow, when it is time to go. Sleep well."

Mire left the small room and Tenkay fell asleep instantly. He loved to sleep...it was what he was good at. Sleeping and keeping secrets from his beloved friend. Mire was too immature and oblivious to handle secrets either way.

Mire told Diro and when the sun rose the next day, he did not wake Tenkay. His friend was too lazy, and really, he could not be trusted.

So Mire and Diro made their way to the biggest dirt road they knew, eagar to meet the other people that had been choosen. Mire felt sorry for Tenkay, but he knew better than to go back. Tenkay was not responsible enough to have a year named after him.

Along the way they met many of the same type of people, all with amazing personalities and all that seemed very different from one another. One of the greatest people they met was a young girl named Kya, who Mire hated. She was a bright and beautiful leader, with sharp eyes and a clever mind.

Along the way to Buddha's temple, things began happening to the people choosen. The road they were walking on lit with color, and soon they began to grow extra limbs and wings...animal characteristics.

Beacuse of his trickery, Mire grow long, round ears and a naked tail. Because of his loyalty, Diro's ears flopped over his face and brown fur that was once on his head covered his whole body. Because of her brave leadership and clever mind, Kya became more reptile-like, sprouting wings and scaled ears. By the end of the day, when they finally did reach Buddha's temple, Mire was a rat, Diro was a dog, and Kya was a white, sparkling dragon. It was Buddha's magic that had changed them, and so the Chinese Zodiac was created.

And Tenkay, who was not on the main road, only sprouted long, furry ears, sharper teeth, and an annoying tail. The rest of his body and mind stayed human. He never forgave Mire, and when he grew old, he created Tenkay, the land of people like him. His children.

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A word of advice, if you didn't understand that big chunk of information up there, chances are you won't understand the story. Read it twice if you have to, and don't forget to review.

Speaking of which, I'm glad I got so many new reviewers! You guys are awesome, and I'll give you a personal PM when I get the chance.