Chapter 3:

The Beach

I can't believe I completely forgot about this one-shot series. Well, at least I got back to it eventually. This one takes place when Tenzin is five years old. Kya is seven and Bumi is six. Hope you enjoy!

One summer day, Aang and his family traveled to Ember Island for a day at the beach. His children had never been to the island before so they were very eager to arrive. When Appa started to fly over the beach, Kya, Bumi and Tenzin began to cheer.

"We're here, we're here," they cheered.

"Kids sit down," Katara ordered. "You know I don't like you running around while we're flying."

The children quickly obeyed their mother. They knew that it was very dangerous to run around Appa while they were in midair. If Appa happened to hit a bump, they could be thrown off, which would not be pleasant. As the island came into view, Aang signaled for Appa to land. The large bison gave a loud growl before descending towards the beach. "Welcome to Ember Island kids," Aang said.

In a blink of an eye, Kya, Bumi and Tenzin hopped off Appa and ran towards the water. The moment of fun had come at last.

Kya bended a stream of water in her hand and hurled it towards Bumi. The young boy was not pleased. "No fair Kya. You're a waterbender; you have a huge advantage over us."

Kya grinned. It was true, this was her domain; she was surrounded by her element. Using the skills her mother had taught her so far, she summoned a large wave from the center of the water. With a flick of her wrist, the wave drenched Bumi and Tenzin in water.

"Take that!" she cried.

"Kya thanks a lot," Bumi moaned as he examined his drenched shirt.

Katara smiled as she watched her children play. It was so nice to see them happy and so full of life. During the war, Katara wished dearly for her children to grow up in peace. She didn't want them to worry all the time and miss out on childhood like she and her brother did. Now sitting here on the beach with her husband she couldn't help but feel overjoyed. "This is what we fought for," she thought to herself. "And it was so worth it."

Just then, Tenzin ran back onshore towards Katara. He held out his hand to show Katara what he had caught.

"Mamma, look what I found," he said.

In his tiny hand was a small crab. They were native to the area. Katara remembered Aang telling her how he would visit this beach as a kid to catch them. He also said that they liked to pinch whatever they could. Before Katara could react, the crab grabbed hold of Tenzin's hand and gave it a tight squeeze. The young boy let out a loud cry.

"Ow, ow, let go, let go!"

"Hold still sweetie, I'll get him," Katara said reassuringly. She picked up the grab from the behind with a tight grip ready to tear it off her son's hand.

"Now this might hurt a little bit, okay," she warned. But I'll make it quick." With a quick jerk, Katara removed the crab from Tenzin's hand and tossed it back into the sea.

Tenzin started to cry as his hand throbbed with pain. The crab had dug deep into his skin tearing the flesh in the process.

"It hurts," he cried tears streaming from his eyes.

"It's okay sweetie. I can heal it, remember?" Katara said.

Before she tended to Tenzin's injury she called to Bumi and Kya to get out of the water. She didn't need anymore injuries on her hands. Just then, Aang showed up with a large picnic basket. His smile faded when he saw the gash on Tenzin's hand.

"What happened buddy?" he asked.

"He found a crab in the water and decided to bring it back to shore and show me," Katara said. "Now who does that sound like?"

Aang couldn't help but laugh. He knew she was referring to his days as a child playing around with dangerous animals. "Yeah I guess he gets it from me," he said.

"Like father like son," Katara agreed. "While I'm healing Tenzin's hand, why don't you take Kya and Bumi to see the lighthouse," Katara suggested. We'll catch up with you in a minute."

"Sounds good. Kya, Bumi, let's go check out the lighthouse," Aang called to his children.

After the three left, Katara retrieved her waterbending pouch out of her bag and bended fresh water onto Tenzin's wound.

"Now we know not to play with strange animals don't we?" she said.

Tenzin nodded. There was no way he was going near a crab ever again.

Katara held the water over the gash. She took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. She then removed the water from his hand and bended it back into the pouch.

"There good as new," she said proudly. Tenzin examined his hand with amazement. His mother's healing abilities always impressed him. She could do anything.

"Thanks mamma," he said smiling. Katara smiled and picked him up and sat him on her lap, giving him a kiss. "You're welcome my little airbender. You know I would do anything for you."

"Because that's what mommies do," Tenzin said.

Katara laughed. "Yep. They will do anything for their babies."

"If I was ever kidnapped would you rescue me?"

"I wouldn't rest until I had you back safely in my arms.

"What if a giant lion turtle stole me and you had to fight him to get me back."

"Then I would fight until he was vanquished."

"Wow. A mommy's love for her children sure is strong," Tenzin said.

Katara held Tenzin tightly as she gave him another kiss. It was so true. She loved her children dearly. Words couldn't begin to describe how much they meant to her. She made a promise when Kya was born to be the best mother she could be. Looking at her youngest child now, she knew that she had fulfilled that promise. She and Aang had given their children the best life possible in a world in which they helped save. When the time came for them to go off on their own, Katara would be very sad. But she knew that it wasn't good to dwell on the future. She should look to the present and enjoy the moment.

"Yes, a mother's love for her child is stronger than any force on earth," she said. "I love you and your siblings so much Tenzin. I hope one day that you will have children of your own who you can give your love too."

"I will and I'll name them after you and daddy."

Katara smiled. For such a young age, Tenzin had a big heart. She knew that he was destined for great things.

By the time the two had finished talking, Aang had returned with Kya and Bumi.

"Mom, you should have seen the lighthouse it was huge," Bumi cried.

"It must have been a thousand feet tall," Kya said exaggerating greatly.

Katara laughed. "Maybe after lunch I'll come over and see it with you guys.

"Who's hungry?" Aang asked opening the picnic basket. The kids instantly held their hands up high eager for a delicious meal. For the remainder of the day, the family stayed on the beach building sandcastles, splashing in the water, and playing air tag with each other. When it was time to go home they kids were very upset.

"Can we come back again tomorrow?" Tenzin asked.

"Maybe," Katara hummed in thought. "That is if you finish your chores first."

"I'll get started on them as soon as I get home. Tenzin raced towards Appa jumping onto the saddle with excitement.

"Come on guys!" the sooner we get home the sooner I can finish my chores and the sooner we can come back to the beach."

Aang and Katara laughed. Their children were unique alright. The spirits had truly blessed them.

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