Well look. It's Aang's birthday and there's a party going on. The next few chapters are kind of long, but they're separated into sections. Some fun before the feels start.

ATLA and LOK by Bryke. Some characters and the story by me.

54 The Avatar's Birthday parts 1&2

Surprise

"Why would we have to stay in Republic City?" Aang asked.

"Well, we have a huge surprise for you and I need you to be out of viewing distance while we set it up." Zuko answered.

Aang sat back in his chair "I don't know Hotman-"

"Stop calling me that." the fire bender sneered.

"Oh, sorry. As I was saying Fire Lord Hotman," - he gave Zuko a devilish smile - "you know I hate staying with Toph, she knows too much. You can't so anything around her without her knowing, especially in her house."

Zuko rolled his eyes "I'm sure you two can control yourselves for one night."

The Avatar pouted "But it's my birthday and I just got home. That's a prime recipe for…something special."

The Fire Lord frowned in disgust "A whole nation wants to give you a present, and besides, your birthday is tomorrow. Why don't you go stay at Sokka's, he's never there anyway."

Aang sighed "Kimi and Philo are over there, so the grandkids decided they wanted to stay with them."

"Oh yes, I forgot, that's where mine are going." Zuko shook his head remembering how Ursa and Kya were together at that age "Poor Kimi."

Aang laughed "No, I feel sorry for the kids if they get out of line." he sighed "Well, I guess I have no choice. It'll call Toph and tell her we're coming."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

The morning of Aang's sixty fifth birthday (or one hundred sixty fifth, depending on how you look at it) started out beautifully. The sun was shining bright and it was warm. There was even a nice spring breeze blowing, but Aang was restless. He was ready to go home so that he could relax with his family and friends and enjoy the day. He paced back and forth.

"Hey Twinleketoes! Sit your old ass down. You're beginning to wear a hole in my floor."

He stopped "Sorry Toph. I'm just ready to get home."

Katara smiled up at him "Be patient. Zuko said he would send Tenzin to get us when it was time to go."

Toph perked up "Well speak of the devil." she went to the door and opened it right as he was about to knock "Hey Gramps." she said happily.

He smiled "Hello Toph." he kissed her on the head "Father, are you ready to go?"

Aang was at the door in a wink "Yes. Let's go." he stopped short and saw a crowd of his family and closest friends filling Toph's yard. They all yelled "Happy Birthday Aang!" as the three youngest of the group ran to him.

"Happy Birthday Grandpa, I missed you." Itsuko said.

He picked her up "it's only been one day."

"Oh" she said "It seemed like a long time."

"Hi Uncle Aang." a tiny boy said to him.

Aang reached for the boy with the other arm "Why hello Iroh. How old are you now, twenty, twenty-five?"

The boy laughed "No, I'm four."

"Ohhhh." he said feigning seriousness.

Zuko put his hand on Aang's shoulder "Come on, let's go." he said with a smile.

The group made the trek to the where the Avatar's other children sat on their sky bison "Happy Birthday old man." Bumi yelled as he jumped down from Pong's head and ran to hug his father.

"Boom. I thought you couldn't get leave."

Bumi shrugged "I lied." he ran and climbed back up on Pong.

Zuko ushered Aang and Katara onto his ship followed by Toph and Sokka while Lin and Hondo took Sokka's boat, Kya, Bumi and Tenzin rode their sky bison and Kimi took everyone else on the Air Temple ferry.

Aang leaned over to Katara "Do you know what all this is about?"

"I keep telling you no, they won't tell me anything."

"Because you have a big mouth." Toph said form the background.

Katara huffed as everyone else laughed. Soon they were sailing into the bay, when Avatar Museum Island came into view Aang turned to Zuko. "What is that?" he asked pointing to the large cloth draping something on top of the museum building "What did you do to my island?"

Zuko smiled "You'll see."

The Fire Lord went to the bow of the ship and sent up a large arch of flame as a signal to Aang's children. Each of them guided their bison to the top of the drape and hooked tow lines onto it. The husband and wife gasped as the covering rose to reveal a huge statue of a very young Aang.

The giant piece of carved stone stood there, one foot on the lower level, the other on the very top level of the building. It stood tall, holding a staff in one outstretched hand directing people to Republic City. The statue was an image of the air bender at no more than eighteen years old dressed I formal robes that permanently bellowed in the wind.

Aang looked in awe at the statue while his wife wrapped her arms around on of his. She smiled up at him "It's beautiful Aang, isn't it?"

He continued to look up at his younger self "I…I don't know what to say." he looked at Zuko "I'm honored, thank you.'

"Well, it's actually to welcome newcomers into the city, but the people wanted it placed for your birthday."

"It's still…I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything." Zuko said as he patted his flustered friend on the back.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Meeting the Family

When they arrived at Air Temple Island, all the Air Acolytes were at the dock to wish the Avatar a happy birthday. Some had even come back from the other Air Temples just for the occasion.

"Lee" Aang said as he placed both hands on the man's shoulders "It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you, Avatar Aang." the man said back with a smile "How is your birthday going so far?"

"Good." he answered "I'm surrounded by people who love me. What else can an old man ask for?"

Lee laughed "Pema said you had taken to calling yourself an old man."

Aang looked around "Where is Pema anyway?" he caught sight of his son jumping back on Oogi "Judging by Tenzin she's not here." he looked back at Lee "Did she decide not to come?" he asked as they started walking.

"She said she'd feel out of place. If she was just going to be here as my niece it would be one thing, but now that she and Tenzin are…" his brows furrowed a bit "together, well she feels like she would be interloping on a family moment."

Aang dismissed the statement with a wave of his hand "Bah, she doesn't have to feel like that. Ten'll get her to come." he looked at Lee knowingly "So how do you feel about the two of them?"

"I don't know. Part of me still sees both of them as the children I saw grow up, but another part of me wonders what this grown man wants with my little Pim." he looked at Aang "I know Tenzin's a good young man, so I don't worry much, but I raised Pema. It's like she's just as much my daughter as she is my brothers', so I tend to be over protective."

The air bender stuck his hands in his sleeves and nodded "I understand. I have a daughter of my own, and granddaughters. I don't know if I would accept the situation easily either. Heck, it took me a long time to trust Heng and he and Kya are the same age." Lee laughed. "I guess what I'm saying is we have to let our girls grow up to be women." he put his hand on Lee's back "Once you see them together you'll feel better about it."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Zana, Zarra and Pema sat on the balcony and watched as Tenzin landed in front of them with his glider "Ladies." he greeted the twins before turning to Pema "I thought you'd be on the island for Father's celebration."

"I told Uncle Lee to tell you I wouldn't be coming. Didn't he tell you?"

"I didn't talk to Lee. When I saw you weren't in the crowd I came straight here." Pema shot an annoyed look at the twins for the very audible swoon they let out "Why did you decide not to come?"

"Your family's all there and you're not all in the same place too often. You should enjoy your time with them."

Tenzin looked at her through lowered lids "That's a lovely excuse, now tell me the real reason you didn't come." she shifted and he lightened his expression "Would it make you feel better if Zarra and Zana came with you?"

The twins sat up and shook their heads enthusiastically "I don't know if we should. Besides, you brought your glider and the ferry's not coming back until tonight."

"Oogi's at the stables." he countered. When she didn't respond he gave a pleading look to Zarra.

She took the hint "Hey Zana, let's go change for this shindig." she said nudging her sister.

"Uh yeah, we'll be …changing." Zana said.

When the two went inside and slid the door closed, Tenzin pulled a chair close to Pema. He gently took her hands in his "I'd like you to come because my family is there. I want them to meet you."

She looked at him "What if they hate me?"

"They would never hate you because I love you."

She smiled a little "You're not going to sweet talk me into this. Besides she's going to be there."

Tenzin sighed "Yes, Lin is there, but Sokka said she has to report to work soon. She'll probably be gone before we make it back to the island."

"Tenzin I-"

"Pema please. Just do this. It's important to me."

He made the most pitiful puppy eyes he could and pouted his lip at her. She laughed and shoved him lightly on his shoulder. In the months they'd been together he had used that face a few times to get his way "You know, that's not always going to work mister."

Tenzin smiled "Did it work today?" he asked with a huge smile.

She rolled her eyes "Yeah, it worked." she dragged out.

"Well that's all that matters."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

When Tenzin and the young women arrived at the island they were greeted by three little ones running toward them. He stooped down and braced himself for the oncoming tackle.

"Uncle Ten, where did you go?" Emiko asked as she plowed into him at full speed. Tenzin grunted at the impact.

Next to hit him was Iroh. "We were looking for you." he said.

Itsuko's flying leap was the thing that finally knocked him over "Where did you go?" she said, echoing her sister.

"I went to go get some friends." he said, looking over his shoulder at Pema and the twins.

The children looked up then they crawled across Tenzin's face and ran to the girls "Hi. I'm Emiko and this is Itsuko and this is Iroh."

The young woman laughed. "Well I'm Pema and this is Zana and Zarra."

Iroh looked at them, then at the youngest girl "Look KoKo, more twins." he said as he pointed to Zarra and Zana then looked back to them "Ama and Adama are twins."

"Oh yeah?" Zana said "And who are they?"

"My big brother and sister." Emiko said before she turned back to Tenzin "Uncle Ten, can you do it, please?"

Tenzin adjusted his collar and looked around "Where's your mother?"

"Out by the house. She let us come cause we saw Oogi." she answered "Can you do it, please?"

Tenzin looked around again "Okay, but not for too long."

The children laughed as Tenzin started the spiral under the children and then, as he used to do with Keahi, Ama and Adama, he spun them up over his head.

"Ten-ZIN!" a voice screeched from the top of the hill. He lowered his head like a misbehaved child at the sound of his sister's voice and brought the children down into his arms "How many times do I have to tell you not to spin these babies around that high up!" she drew a stream of water "Okay, you wanna go, let's go because that's the only way I'm going to make you listen."

Tenzin put the kids down and raised his hands in surrender "Dear sister could you please not throttle me in front of guests." he said smoothly with a smile.

Kya frowned at him "You are so full of it." she said then she turned to his company and smiled "So this is Pema." she went and hugged the younger woman tightly "Welcome." then she turned and did the same with Zarra and Zana "Welcome." she stepped back, looked at the three of them and smirked "Three beautiful young women. Word of warning, watch out for my Adama. He's fifteen, and well, I'm sure you know how fifteen year old boys are." she grabbed Iroh and Itsuko's hands "Okay, have a good time." she turned to Tenzin "I'm telling Ursa. Be ready later, you know what's coming for you." she said in a threatening tone before walking the children away.

Pema stepped beside Tenzin "What does that mean?"

He looked down at her "A sparring match. It's sort of a tradition. When one of us turns sixteen we have to prove we are able to defend ourselves before we're allowed to go out on our own. Since there are so many of us now it's kind of a team sport. This year it's my niece Keahi and Little Iroh's sister Avani's turn to prove themselves."

The twins ran up "Ooo, can we play?" they asked in unison.

"I don't see why not. It turns into a brawl sometimes, so you have to be ready."

Zarra smirked "Oh, don't worry about us. Pema, you're joining in too, right?"

Tenzin stretched his eyes. To him, Pema was the delicate flower she was named after. "Oh, I don't know if that's a good idea."

She crossed her arms and eyeballed him "And what does that mean?"

"It means I don't want you to get hurt."

She stepped closer to him "So I would get hurt and they wouldn't?"

Tenzin raided his hands defensively "That's not what I'm saying."

Pema knotted her face at him and stormed off followed by the twins "You did it now buddy." Zana called over her shoulder with a laugh.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Adama sat propped against a tree and Kazuki lay in the grass beside him quietly listening as Avani, Keahi and Ama talked a few feet away. Minutes earlier his baby brother had come and flopped down across his chest. As Kazuki lazily rubbed Iroh's back the little boy was beginning to doze off. Suddenly Adama sat straghit up "Zuki, dude, look. Girls."

Kazuki lifted his head and glanced at the three young women coming across the hill that Kya and the children had come across a bit earlier "You don't have a chance."

"We'll see about that." Adama said as he hopped up.

Kazuki patted his brother on the back "Iroh. Do you know who that is?"

The little boy looked up drowsily "They're Tenzin's friends."

The teenager sat up and turned his little brother on to his lap "Do you remember their names?"

"Zama, Zaza and Peema."

"Do you mean Pema?" Kazuki asked with a sinister smile on his face.

Iroh yawned "Yeah, Pema." he said sleepily as he turned and nuzzled into his brother's chest.

His smile widened "Oh, this is going to be interesting. Vani, you guys, come check this out."

The girls walked up and Ama rolled her eyes "What's the big deal, I see Twin get shot down all the time."

"Oh, but this is going to be special." Kazuki said and they turned their attention to Adama.

Adama jogged up to the young woman "Well hello ladies. I've never seen you there around here."

"We've never been here before." Zarra answered.

"Then allow me to show you ladies around." he looked at Pema. "Hey, what's wrong. You're much to pretty to be frowning. Cheer up, it's a party."

Pema looked up at the boy and saw the family resemblance "Beat it kid" she said not feeling like looking into those eyes that were so much like his uncles.

He put his arm around her "Aw, don't be like that."

She stopped, folded her arms and glared at him, then she turned when she heard laughter coming from nearby.

"Is that Prince Kazuki?" Zarra asked.

"Yeah, that's my buddy. We're like this." Adama said holding up crossed fingers.

Tenzin came across the hill just in time to see Adama rest his tattooed arm around Pema's shoulder. He held his head down, exhaled and walked toward them. He noticed the other teenagers under the tree and Kazuki smiling brightly, totally enthused.

"Okay guys, this is about to get good." Kazuki said to the girls as he adjusted a sleeping Iroh in his arms.

Tenzin walked up behind Adama and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around "Hey Uncle Ten." he took his arm from around Pema's shoulder, turned and whispered to his uncle. "Look Unk, I got a live one here. I'll catch you later." then he turned and put his arm back around the young lady "So, like I was saying, me and my buddy over there, we could show you three around the island."

Now not only Kazuki was laughing, but the twins were too. They walked over to where the other girls were, looking confused.

Tenzin tapped Adama on the shoulder again. The boy rolled his eyes "Unk come on, give me a break."

"Adama, I'll be the one to show the lady around the island, isn't that right Pema?"

Adama's eyes stretched and he snatched his arm from around her shoulder. His voice cracked as he said "You're Pema!" with a bright red face.

All the teenagers fell out laughing. Adama apologized to Pema sheepishly and walked over to the laughing crowd with his head down "Not funny." he pouted as he folded down beside the tree.

Ama sat beside him "Awe, come on Twin, that was the best shoot down of all time." she laughed as she wrapped her arms around him and pushed him a little.

"Shut up Twin." he answered back as Tenzin walked up.

He smiled at the blushing Adama "Hello everyone." he said, "Well, I guess you know this is Pema. That's Zarra and Zana." he said gesturing to the twins. Then he started introducing the others "Well, you've met Adama and this is Ama."

Pema looked as the ashamed boy raised his hand in a small wave. He had a Mohawk of very thick hair with big curls. He had grayish blue eyes, light tan skin and a huge sun tattoo on his upper arm with a water symbol on top, a larger earth symbol in the middle and an air symbol in the bottom.

Ama and Adama were as identical as male-female twins could be. She had the same thick black hair and a smile like their grandfather. The only difference in here and her brother were their eyes, hers were amber and the waves of water at the center of her tattoo that was on the opposite shoulder.

"This is Keahi, Kazuki and Avani." he went on. Tenzin's oldest niece was stunningly beautiful. She was an older version of little Emiko; wavy brown hair, pale skin and stormy gray eyes.

Pema felt like she'd been looking at Kazuki and Avani all her life. Her grandmother had official pictures and paintings of most of the adult members of their family. It was easy to see who these two were related to. Kazuki looked like a green eyed version of his father while Avani was a female version of her grandfather.

"Nice to meet you all." Pema said then Tenzin put an arm around her waist and lead her away followed by Zarra and Zana. "I'm still not very happy with you mister," he whispered harshly at him "but that was pretty funny.

The twins stepped on either side of the couple "You're nephew is cute, are you sure he's only fifteen?" Zarra asked.

Tenzin laughed. "I'm positive."

"Well when he becomes of age tell him to drop me a line." Zana said, drawing a nasty look from her sister.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Tenzin went about introducing Pema to the rest of his family and close family friends. She was surprised at how sweet and welcoming everyone was. She was also surprised at how well all these important people had been able to keep their private lives out of the news. She would've never guessed that Councilman Sokka and Chief Beifong had been an item for over thirty years. But not matter how sweet everyone was, nothing could calm her for the moment she was dreading the most. Meeting Tenzin's mother.

Pema had seen Katara many times, but she had never really been around her. What people said about her was wildly contradictory. Some said she was the sweetest person you'd ever meet, while others said she was a force to be reckoned with and that even the Avatar and the Fire Lord was afraid of her. There were even rumors that she was the one who was running Republic City, the Southern Water Tribe and the Fire Nation from the shadows while everyone else were merely figure heads.

Tenzin didn't set her mind at ease either. The way he spoke about his other made it more than obvious he was a Mama's boy, and the mothers of men like that, well no woman would ever be good enough. In short, Pema was scared out of her wits.

When they finally found the Avatar and his wife, they were sitting on the beach. She giggled as he whispered something into her ear then he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. Tenzin dragged his hand down his face and groaned "Father, Mother please. We have company all over the island. Can't you control yourselves for one day?"

Aang waved his free hand and said "Nope." dismissively without even looking, then he heard an unmistakable laugh. "Hi Pema." he said finally looking over his shoulder. He stood up and reached his hand out to help Katara up. "and you brought friends. Welcome."

"Hello Avatar Aang." the three said with a slight bow.

Tenzin placed his hand on Pema's back "Pema, this is my mother, Katara. Mother, this is Pema."

The young woman nervously bowed "It's nice to finally meet you Master Katara." she said with a slight tremble in her voice.

Katara said nothing, she just stood there, her arms crossed, standing slightly to the side and just looked at Pema for a while. Her expression was inscrutable. Pema was so nervous she was about to start trembling, then it happened. Katara smiled and hugged her "Welcome Pema. So you are the young woman who makes my Tenzin so happy. It's about time he brought you here."

Katara felt Pema relax in her arms as she hugged her back "I'm glad to meet you too." she sighed into the water benders loose, gray-streaked hair.

Katara stepped back to her husband and he promptly wrapped his arm around her "The spar pick will be starting soon. There's a rumor going around the island that you will be joining us. Did my son tell you what you're getting into?"

"Yes" Pema answered "he said it can get pretty rough." she shot Tenzin a look "He's fine with Zarra and Zana sparring, but he feels I shouldn't."

Katara gave her youngest a disappointed look "Shame on you Tenzin. If she wants to join in then that means she can handle herself."

Tenzin held his head down "Yes Mother." then he turned to the sounds of voices coming from the steps.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

The spar started with the usual separation, the two sixteen year olds, Keahi and Avani versus the elder masters; Aang, Toph, Katara, Zuko and Sokka. Tenzin automatically went to the teens because he was the only other air bender. The girls chose Kimi as their water bender and Bumi as their warrior. With the teams even they went into a schoolyard pick.

The elders quickly picked Ursa, which sent the other team into groans and thrown hands. Avani called her father, Kyu and Kya was picked at Ursa's urging.

The two high-fived "We're coming for you Tenzin!" Kya called out while Ursa did the symbol for 'I'm watching you'.

At the end of the pick, the teens had recruited Ama, Adama and Kazuki while the elders had Philo and Zana. Two were left standing, Pema and Zarra. Tenzin spoke quickly "We'll take Pema."

She frowned at him "No you won't." she turned to the other team "If you'll have me I'd like to be with you."

Toph gave a knowing smile "Come on over Kid." she felt everyone looking at her "Trust me. It's a good bet."

"Okay," Aang announced "everyone go get changed. We'll meet back here in about an hour."

"Come on girls," Katara said to Pema and the twins Let's go find you something to wear. I'd hate for those nice dresses to get ruined."

Aang stepped to Toph "So what do you know about Pema?" he asked.

She smiled "You know those two girls are Ty Lee's nieces."

"No, I didn't know that."

"Yep, and the other girl, Ty Lee told me she spent almost every summer with her and the girls."

Aang laughed "Ah, I see. Well I don't know what Ten did, but he's in some deep trouble."

"Pretty much." Toph laughed.