Tale of Aya and Iroh

It's been two days since the party at the Royal Palace and Aya was feeling better. The others were worried about her but she told them she was fine and they don't have to be concerned about her anymore. Aya has accepted herself and her firebending, because she is tired of hiding and tired of being afraid of what the others would say. She is the Fire Angel and the world needs to know she is alive.

The young firebender decided to explore the city on her own today. Aya walked through row of shops that contained, food, clothes, souvenirs, and any other items you could think off. Aya approached a clothing shop and the store owner gave her a smile.

"See anything you like?" The woman asked her and Aya scanned the shop. The clothes were beautiful and seemed to fit Aya's style, she needed a new flower crown.

Aya spotted a lovely flower crown that was littered with white and purple roses that were in a pattern. Aya grinned at the sight and pointed to the flower crown she was interested in and the shop owner handed Aya the crown. Aya examines the crown and handed the shop own the money she need to pay, the owner gave her smile in return.

"Thank you. Have a lovely day."

Aya places the crown on her head and looked in the mirror that the store had. The colors of the crown looked great with her dark hair and it brought out her gold orbs. Aya looked beautiful like always.

Aya walked around the strip of stores a little while longer but she stopped when someone caught her eye. A older man with a bread and had a hat on, he was in Earth kingdom clothes and seemed very familiar to Aya. The man turned around to face Aya and her eyes went wide.

It was Iroh. Her biologically father.

Aya turned away and was in complete shock. What is Iroh doing here? Is Zuko here as well? Do they know we are here?

These questions filled her head and she didn't know what to feel. She's never spoken to Iroh personally but she knows how he acts. He acts different then Zuko, he's much calmer and a lot nicer then him.

Aya turned back around and Iroh has left the stores. Aya didn't want to interact with him, but something was telling her to do that.

Aya, go talk to Iroh.

Aya listened to Sapphire's words and slowly left the line of stores.

He's just up ahead, darling.

Aya followed her instructions and continued to walk. Aya stopped when she approached a house and saw Iroh walk inside the house.

"What do I do?" I asked Sapphire in a low voice. "I can't just go up to him and say he's my father."

No, but you can introduce yourself. There is a small chance he could recognize you. You do resemble Ruka a lot.

Aya pondered Sapphire's idea and peered her head around the corner. Iroh had gone back outside and waters the flowers.

"But what if he recognizes me from before? We have met and he knows I'm traveling with Aang." I reasoned.

Iroh isn't like his nephew. He won't attack you and besides the both of them are trying stay low.

Aya nodded and exhaled before she came out from the corner of the alley way. Iroh had his back turned to her and she carefully approached the Firelord's brother.

"Iroh." She blurted out and the man turned around surprised to hear his real name. "My name's Aya."

Iroh looked at the firebender confused and she got closer. He did recognize her from before, he knew she was traveling with the Avatar.

"Hello, Aya." He greeted with a tilted head. He was confused, he's seen her before and she seemed so familiar. Those gold orbs of hers were similar to someone he knew before and her face looked familiar. "Do I know you?"

Aya couldn't just confess that she is his daughter so she had to take it slow.

"We have met before, but it was briefly." Aya remarked and crossed her arms. "It's hard to explain."

Iroh was confused but trusted the water tribe girl. He feels like he's met her before but couldn't put his finger on it.

"Come inside, Aya. My nephew is out at the moment and I won't let him hurt you." Iroh offered, opening the door to his house.

Aya gave him a soft smile and walked inside. Iroh was confused on where he's seen her before besides when he saw with the Avatar. He knew he from somewhere else.

"You seem familiar." Iroh said as he shut the door. "Where have I seen you before?"

"Well, I have been traveling with the Avatar." Aya told him with a shrug.

"Are you a bender?" Iroh asked as he went over to make some tea for her.

"Yes, actually. I'm a firebender, like you and Zuko." Ay informed him and Iroh turned to her with a surprised look. He knew she was from
the water tribe, he was confused on how she inherited firebending. "I know, it's weird but I figured out how I'm a firebender."

Iroh let her continue explaining and Aya let out a small breath.

"My mother was a water tribe warrior and my father was a firebender." Aya explained, leaning on the counter. "And my mother's name was Ruka."

Iroh gasped lightly and went over to the firebender. "Ruka? Did you say Ruka?"

Aya nodded. "Yes."

It all came back to him. Ruka was his girlfriend and possible wife but they got separated and he hasn't seen her since his daughter was born and Ruka got taken away.

It was silent for a moment before Iroh looked at Aya and he saw Ruka in her eyes. Iroh gently touched her cheek and Aya allowed this. Iroh knew who Aya was.

"Aya?" Iroh smiled softly and he felt tears form in his eyes. "My little girl."

Aya smiles at this and nodded. Iroh went around the table and embraced his daughter. He was beyond happy he found her, after all these years.

"Hi daddy." Aya cried as he held her close.

Iroh pulled away and held her at arms length. He got a good look at Aya and thought she was beautiful. Her daughter was gorgeous and he was so glad he found her.

"I found you." Iroh smiled with relief. "I finally found you."

"You were looking for me?" Aya asked with confusion. "I thought you didn't know I existed."

"I always knew you existed but I just didn't know where you were." Iroh told her and Aya wipes a tear away that escaped his face. "Finally..."

Aya and Iroh smiled at one another before they embraced again. Aya was happy, everything was coming together and things were making sense. She found her father, she found her destiny, and she couldn't be happier.

"I love you, daddy."

"I love you too, princess."

Iroh suddenly puked away, startling the young girl. "Wait, is Ruka with you?"

Iroh wouldn't know what to do if he saw Ruka again. He would feel so many different emotions and would probably be rendered speechless at the sight of the warrior.

Aya shook her head at this. "No, I haven't met her really. She gave me up so she could protect me, but I had a dream that was taken away by the Fire Nation."

Iroh's heart shattered at the remembrance of the love of his life being captured by his own kind. He loved that woman, but it was a forbidden love.

"Oh." All Iroh could muster out.

"Yeah, I don't if she is dead or alive." Aya remarked, letting go of her father.

"I hope she's alive." Iroh sighed and put his hand on his heart. "I loved your mother, but we were forbidden to be together. Despite not being able to see one another, I made an effort to see her and we had you." Aya smiled at this and looked down for a moment. "Then, the Fire Nation attacked her tribe and I haven't seen her since and now that I found you I can spend time looking for her."

Aya smiled at the thought of her parents reuniting. She has no idea if her mother is alive or not, but she has hope that she is and she will see her again for the first time in 12 years.

"Well, I wish you luck on finding her." Aya told Iroh with a sort smile. "But I can't help, my boyfriend and friends don't even know I'm here and they would probably go crazy if they did. Heck, they don't even know I'm a bender besides Katara."

"Boyfriend? Are you dating the Avatar?" Iroh asked and Aya blushed at the mention of her boyfriend.

"Yes, he asked me out not to long ago."

Iroh nodded at this and chuckled lightly. "Well, you're a beautiful, sweet girl and he's a lucky guy. I'm happy for you."

It was silent for a moment before Aya cleared her throat. "I should get going. My friends are probably worried about me."

"Yes, you should." Iroh agreed and the two shared on last hug. "We'll meet again, Aya. I love you."

"I love you too, dad." Aya smiled with happiness as they pulled away and she opened the door of the house. "Bye."

"Bye, darling."

Aya waved at him before running off. Iroh smiled at the sight of his long lost daughter and Aya was smiling with joy. She couldn't believe she found her biologically father.

I'm happy for you, Aya. You found your father.

Aya felt happy tears form in her eyes and she wiped them away with a smile still on her face.

——

Tale of Aang and Aya

"Aang! Where are we going?" Aya giggled as Aang pulled her along the alley way. Aang was excited to bring Aya to this place he just discovered. He knew Aya would love it, just like he loves her and she loves him.

"It's a surprise, Angel." Aang smiled and looked down at his girlfriend. "Just wait."

Once they got closer, Aang stopped and covered Aya's eyes with a blindfold. She giggled when he tied it around her head and placed her hands on her hips.

"Are we there yet?" She asked, almost losing balance but Aang stabilized her with his arm going around her shoulders.

"Yes, but you can't see it." Aang smiled and carefully guided her toward the location of their date.

"Okay." Aya giggles softly.

After a minute, the couple reached the date spot and Aang stood behind Aya.

"Ready?" He asked Aya, who nods with excitement. Aang removes the blindfold to reveal a beautiful garden filled with all types of flowers and a lovely picnic was set up in the middle. Aya's mouth fall agape and she covered her mouth.

Aang nervously waited for a reaction and twiddled with his thumbs.

"Aang..." Aya sighed with happiness. She was in love with the sight and turned to her anxious boyfriend. "You did this?"

"Katara helped me set it up, but I found this place." Aang admitted. "Do you like it?"

"Like it? I love it!" She giggled and tackled him in a hug. "You're the best boyfriend ever."

Aang was relieved and hugged her back tightly. Aya pulled away and turned to the garden, she grabbed Aang's and she pulled him towards the picnic.

Aya straightened out her dress before sitting down and Aang sat next to her. With the beautiful garden surrounding them, the nicely placed picnic, and the sun was setting behind them, the date looked absolutely magical. Aya was fascinated by the set up and loved everything about it.

Aya looked around the garden with amazement and Aang's eyes fell on her instantly. Her hair was blowing with the breeze that blew by, her eyes were sparkling, the last bit of the sun was radiating of her skin. Aya's skin was natural and wasn't occupied with any makeup of whatsoever.

"You're so beautiful." Aang sighed, resting his chin on his hand. Aya looked at him with a deep blush, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"Thank you." She shyly replied, glancing down at her hands. Aang compliment's her everyday and she still hasn't gotten used. She won't ever get used to it.

Aang's hand glazed over Aya and he intertwined their fingers together. Their hands fit together like two puzzle pieces, they fit just right. Aya scooted closer to him and leaned into his side, resting her hand on his shoulder. Aang blushed furiously at this and wrapped his arms around her torso, keeping her close to him. He planted a soft kiss on her temple and leaned his head on hers.

The couple watched the sunset together. It was perfect and nothing could ruin it.

Suddenly, Momo flew down and snatched a bowl of berries from them. The couple noticed this but didn't do anything. They were too infatuated with one another to care.

"Momo stole our food." Aya pointed out.

Aang shrugged. "Doesn't matter. At least I have you with me."

Aya turned her head to face Aang who did the same. The couple connected their lips together and Aya rested her hands on his chest.

Both of them didn't want this moment to end. They were so in love, it may be considered unhealthy but they don't care.

They had each other and that's all that matters.