Chapter 2:

My father didn't take my lateness too well. That night he had brought me home furious at how late I was. What was I so late for? He wouldn't tell me. He paced back and forth and raved on about how late I was. He had a meeting with someone very important that I was supposed to meet: General Koran.

Inside, I was smiling. That boy I met outside my school was my reason for why I am not engaged to the general tonight. I told my father of this and he even got angrier. I was brought up to be obedient. What kind of child was I to dishonor myself and make a fool of her father especially since I was set an order? He sent me away to drink his cares away, as he does when he's angry. And I stepped out of my house to the stairs that led up to our home.

Our home was set on the side of a hill. This hill was just one of many for I could see many homes just like mine popping out of the tall Lato trees, tall trees that grow in the Fire Nation. This was the capital's environment. In the Lato trees there were many birds and animals beyond your imagination. Sometimes they were thought to be a part of the imagination for they do not let themselves be seen frequently. I hear them. The trees make noises, and I know that trees do not talk. I have been lucky to see some of these animals. Some of them so beautiful beyond compare that I cannot describe them in words.

But, one of the most beautiful things I have seen is the Fire Lord's palace. Early in the morning I would see the sun hit the roofs' tiles and it would just glitter. The same would happen at sunset and occasionally I would see a flock of Puznons, birds with a long tail that seems to be a different color from every angle. I stopped at the top of the stairs because the sun was setting and I was beholding this sight of the palace. Then, after a few seconds, it started to rain. I thought about going back inside, but then again, who would want to meet a drunkard in the middle of the room? So, I started to walk down the steps down past the gate and onto the road in the rain.

I had walked a little way when I heard a familiar voice.

"Ren!" I turned and saw that it was the boy that met me outside of the school.

"Oh, hello again." I said calmly at the boy who was now panting in front of me. Now that I had nothing to do, I studied him more closely. This boy, he a bit taller than me with his hair back. His hair was the color of brown, but appeared black in the dim light. His clothes were like any fire-nationer's clothing; shades of red designed in the fire nation's patterns. "What are you doing in the rain?"

"You know, just walking around." He said, acting casual. He kicked at a stone and we started to walk. I started this little game with him.

"I see. And you specialize in just walking around?"

"Well, no. It seems like the only thing to do around here and well, look what that's gotten me." He signaled my presence.

"You're going to catch a cold out here if you stay out here for long."

"Well, so are you. In fact, why are you out here?" His question caught me by surprise. What was I going to tell him? That I was actually sent out of my own home due to my drunken father? No. I'd just lie.

"You know, walking around."

"Oh, so you're taking my job then?" I smiled. He grinned back. Soon, my new found friend tilted his head.

"You hear that?" He asked me. I listened. Music was playing.

"That's the moon festival. They always hold that once a month."

"Have you been to one?"

"Um….no." Uh-oh, I knew where this was going.

"Then let's go!"

"Maybe…" I looked back. My father would be wondering where I have been. I had been gone for a long time.

"Come on, live a little." I looked at him and his outstretched hand. Then I turned to my home. If I went, I would have such a fun time. This guy I met looked all right to be with and I knew that he wasn't going to be a problem. But then if I stayed at home. I would hear my father yell again. Going would make me dig a deeper hole for myself. I let out a sigh looking down then took his hand. My father was going to fry me when I got home. But first, I'm having fun.

At the festival, there were lanterns held up for the celebration. Music was playing loudly and there were many people were walking around with their loved ones. We followed the music of a group of voices, mostly people singing along to the song and the light instruments that gave the care-free feel in the festival.

"Come on." I was pulled into a group of dancing people. I reluctantly held back.

"Eh," I had my doubts. What did I know about dancing?

Suddenly, I was joined into a dancing circle and we danced the night away. Amidst all of the lights and music, I could see Joni and Zindel. I don't know if they really were Joni and Zindel the music and my laughter made me hypnotized. They, too, were in the fun. Then I joined my new friend and I laughed like I haven't laughed in a long time.

After the dancing, the boy led me out. We walked and laughed at the festival looking at all of the fun games and shows that were being held. All of a sudden, he stopped suddenly.

"I'll be right back. Don't go away now."

"But – why would I go? What's going on?"

"Here, just wait here kiddo." He held my hand before letting it go and disappearing into the crowded streets. Soon Joni and Zindel were at my sides.

"Hmm. Who's the new friend, kiddo?" imitated my friend, Zindel.

"Oh, just a new kid I met after school."

"Looks kind of cute. Does he have a brother?" teased Joni.

"Whoa! No way. It's not like that." I said defensively.

"Sure seems like it to me." Joni and Zindel smiled. The two were ganging up on me! I could not believe this.

"No –"

"Hey, Ren." The boy returned again and stood beside me. He spotted Joni and Zindel. "Hello everyone else!" He waved. The two waved back again as if nothing had happened.

"Oh yes, this is Joni and this is Zindel" I said gesturing to the two of them.

"Nice to meet you all."

"Okay, well I guess we'll just see you around Ren." Then the two left. I watched them as they left as if I was to bear a hole through each of them. Somewhere inside of me, let out a small growl.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah." I caught myself.

"So, where will we go next?" He asked me. I shrugged then looked around.

"It's getting kind of dark. So, we'll have to hurry." Omigosh! Did he say it was dark?

"Oh no! I have no time. I have to go!" I turned to go but was stopped. His hands were still holding mine.

"What! Again!" He protested.

"Sorry!" I turned to run home.

I was at the steps of my house when I was stopped again.

"Ren, wait!" I stopped and turned.

"Yes?"

"I had a great time tonight."

"So did I, but –"

"When can I see you again?"

"Uh…" What did this mean? He wanted to see me again?

"Ren, when can I –"

"Tomorrow, at the school. I'm there everyday."

"Okay, I'll see you then." I turned to continue running up the steps, then stopped. "Sorry, but I didn't get your name." He paused before answering.

"It's Zuko."

"Okay, Zuko." I smiled and Zuko smiled back. Then we went our separate ways.

hope you like this story.