Okay, moving on to chapter 7! Anyway...here it is.

Disclaimer: If I owned Avatar, would I be writting stories for the show?
Spoilers: Uh, no spoilers in this chapter.

Yep, it's that time again! Time for the kids to get a year older; Zuko- 8, Mai/Ty Lee/Azula- 7

Chapter 7: The Announcement

One long year has passed since the incident at the market when everyone was still a year younger. Ever since they found out, things have somewhat changed. Not any major changes though, just how everyone thought of each other.

And now, everyone was outside where they would normally spend their time. But instead of just sitting around, Mai and Zuko would have a short sparring match until Azula would decide to do something else.

"Wow," Azula looked from the bridge by the small river. "Look at them...they've been at it for 20 minutes now."

"I know." Ty Lee replied. "They're so cute!" she killed the seriousness.

Mai looked up to see he was charging at her prepared to tackle her to the ground. Instinctively, she jumped out of the way. Gracefully, Zuko spun around and stuck his foot out to kick her, when she ducked and tackled him to the floor instead.

"Aw man, that's like the fourth time you got me down." the firebender complained. She smiled proudly. Neither of them used weapons or firebending, so the game was to tackle your opponent to the ground. "You're really good..."

"Thanks," she said while trying to get up. But as she pushed herself up, her hand apparently slipped on the wet grass causing her to fall on top of him with no support this time. For a while, Mai just stayed there, frozen. Eventually getting over the embarrassment (partially), she stood up, holding her hand out for him to get up as well. "S-sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay, really." he interrupted, causing them both to smile.

"Yup, that was really smooth." Azula quietly told Ty Lee.

"Aw, it was just an accident." she walked off the bridge with her back turned towards the scene. Suddenly, Ursa walked out of a building and gently shut the door behind her. Azula jerked her head her way, smiling.

"Hi mom!" she ran over to her. "Need help with anything?" she asked sweetly.

"Not right now, dear." she put her arm around her daughter. "Could you go get your brother for me? And come right back." she requested. Azula nodded and ran off. From afar, Ursa watched as she pulled her brother away from Mai as they both headed back her way.

"What is it, mom?" he asked.

"Okay, we got a letter from Uncle Iroh saying he's done with all the military work, for now. So we can all go to Ember Island again in two days!" she sounded excited, because it's like taking a vacation away from thoughts, stress, and war problems.

"Yay!" Azula clapped her hands together.

"Oh yes, and to make things even more fun, Ty Lee and Mai's parents are busy with the government stuff- so they can come with us." they looked back to see the two looking a bit bored. "If they want, of course."

"Okay, I'll go tell them right now." Azula ran towards them. "Hey, do you two want to come with us to Ember Island for a month?"

"What?" Ty Lee asked full of surprise and excitement.

"My uncle is temporarily finished with his military work, so we're heading to Ember Island for a month!" Azula had a huge smile on her face. "And you guys can come!" Ty Lee jumped up and down clearly signaling 'yes'.

"I don't know, Azula..." Mai responded not as eager as Ty Lee.

"Oh come on, Mai!" the cheery girl turned to her. "You get to spend a whole month on a peaceful island. Clearing your thoughts, stress, and problems. With me, Azula, the fire lord/fire lady...and Zuko." she said his name in that annoying singy-song voice. She turned her head, blushing at the thought.

"Alright." she smiled.

"Good." Azula ran back to her mother and brother. "They said they're coming!" she confirmed. Ursa smiled once more and left.

"Great..." Zuko started.

"Aw, don't be so negative." she crossed her arms. "It'll be fun with me, Ty Lee, and Mai." she watched as he turned away, blushing at the though of spending a month on a relaxing island with her.

"Well, we are leaving in two days." he headed for the door. "I'm gonna start packing."

So obviously, the setting for the next few chapters are going to be Ember Island. That'll be interesting...

-Black5Belt