#but my dad seems to want rosie to also come and its just lik

[llatimeria]

my dad is thinking about bringing the family down to alabama to see his mom but i know for a fact we aren't gonna stay with her or see her too much (we're distant for a reason) but is there anything else to like. do. in alabama

[angel-squid-trash-ghost]

Parental Guidance Pt.4

            The sled was packed and ready to go. Katara climbed on to make sure their pile did not fall. Zuko, Katara and Kanna had worked their fingers to the bone mending and sewing. Summer had started and by the look of the pile, everyone in the village wanted a new wardrobe. Yise’s baby was also going to get her name soon. The most important delivery was her tiny parka.

             Yise insisted on inviting them inside. Her home didn’t look much different besides there being less furs. It had been a while since Katara had seen a marriage bed. Kanna presented the ceremonial dress. It had taken three tireless nights to fix every bead and bone into the intricate designs. On the bottom was a wavy array of blue glass beads and a lining of fox fur. Around the collar was a zig-zag pattern made of shells and bone shards also lined with fox fur. And all around the deep blue garment were threaded embroidery of birds flying. Yise choked up when she held it.

“Kanna, it’s absolutely beautiful. I don’t think Princess Yue’s could have been this fancy. The lamp oil isn’t enough. I have to find something else to repay you.” Yise gushed.

Kanna waved her hand blushing slightly. “Oh you stop now. It will be an important day. She should look her best.” Kanna touched the small nose of the baby on her back.

“Ms. Yise can we hold her?” Katara asked with big eyes.

              Yise agreed and took the small body from out the amaut. She sat the children down and carefully placed the baby in Katara’s arms. Katara made sure to hold the baby in all the right places and support her head. She marveled at the new life. The baby’s hair was already thick and curly. She cooed when Katara spoke to her. Zuko was delighted when the baby grabbed his finger. He praised her endlessly on how cute she was. The children laughed when the baby squealed loudly.

“What is her name?” Zuko said unaware of the secrecy that came behind naming ceremonies.

Before Kanna could explain, Yise answered, “Well an Earth sailor said their word for ocean was Temma. I think it would be unique.”

“An Earth name. That would be unique.” Kanna nodded.

“We have a Zuko why not a Temma!”

Kanna smiled. Her heart was warmed in its entirety, “That’s very true. I think Temma is a wonderful name.”

“Can I? Please?” Zuko didn’t move his eyes from the bundle of joy. Yise moved her daughter from one set of arms to the other. “She is so cute! Hi kissy baby! Hi!” Zuko enthused making kissing faces.

“She really likes you Zuko. She’s so small.” Katara laughed with the baby.

“Yeah. Like Lala.”

Katara hadn’t met anyone with that name, “Who’s Lala?”

Zuko thought hard frowning some. “I don’t remember.” Holding the baby suddenly didn’t feel as good as it did a second ago.

Katara sensed his distress, “That’s alright. Maybe later you’ll remember.”

Zuko nodded looking back down at the rosy face, “Yeah. Maybe later. But now I say hi to Kissy baby!” The baby squealed again shaking her chubby arms.

           Kanna watched Yise watch the children. Yise was always a sweet girl. She wasn’t one to gossip but she could hold one in a conversation for hours. It came as a surprise when she married the gruff and quiet Danak. But everything seemed to be going well. The new addition to the village was proof of that. Kanna took pride in her role. Her son was chief and led the men in hunts and battles, but she was the leader of the women. She was the one they would go to for advice and counsel. She watched Yise’s face go from content to thoughtful. Yise sighed.

“She’s a beauty. Just like her mother.”

“Oh.” Yise turned back to Kanna, “Thank you. She has her daddy’s stormy eyes and her mommy’s nose. Sometimes I joke that I only married Danak so we can have pretty babies.”

The women chuckled. Yise didn’t keep her smile long before she turned back to the children, “Is everything alright?”

“With Danak? Yes! It was a joke. I know people told me he was a mean one but he’s not at all. He’s truly a gentle giant. May I be swept away if I dared ask for a better husband. And you should see him with the baby. He blubbered when she barely said dada.”

Kanna nodded. That was good to hear. “I’m glad but that is not what I meant, dear.” Kanna had a special skill of drawing information from people. She had to if she was going to keep the women folk safe. “You look to be thinking about something.”

Yise looked at her hands, “I can tell you anything?” She didn’t need an answer when she looked to Kanna’s face. “Well, to be honest with you Kanna, and please take no offense, but I can’t help thinking it’s strange to see a Fire child holding my baby. I never thought I’d see the day! But he’s so well-mannered. And pleasant. Katara likes him too. It’s nice to see her have a friend. After what happened to her mother. Poor girl. Most of us don’t really have a problem with him being here anyway.”

“Most of you? The other women?”

“No, husbands too.” Yise paused, “Danak wasn’t keen to the idea. He was worried the boy would be a firebender. Oh, and do not get me started on Kehana! That old witch has it out for him. I’m surprised she didn’t try to poison him. It was a good thing Katara was there or that poor child would probably be dead!”

“That is troubling. Do people think I made the wrong decision?” Kanna feigned.  

“Not me. I knew when you took Zuko into your home that you must have saw something in him. And Hakoda hasn’t made a complaint yet. That has calmed Danak’s concerns down some. It’s all the same to me. The more the merrier.” Yise clapped.

At some point the baby had changed hands again. Katara now had the baby howling in laughter, “I just want to eat you all up! Yum, yum, yum!”

…

              Zuko pulled the sled back home. Katara sat in the back holding their basket of traded items. Hakoda had come back early. He had not been feeling well and Kanna put some soup on at the first look of his red nose. Hakoda sat next to the window, against his mother’s wishes and watched the village go on without him.

“Can we go out and play?” Katara pleaded to her grandmother.

“I don’t see why not. It is a beautiful day.”

“Yay!” The children cheered.

“I love you Gran-Gran!” Katara kissed her on the cheek.                              

“I love you Gran-Gran!” Zuko did the same.

“I love you Dad!” Katara went to leap in her father’s lap.

“Sorry, not today kiddo, Dad’s got the sniffles.” Hakoda stopped her.

“Ok. I love you. Bye!” Katara ran out the door.

“Feel better, Sir. Love you. Bye!” Zuko ran after her.

Hakoda scratched his beard. “Love you too?” He watched them through the window chewing his lip.

“What are you thinking.” Kanna handed him a bowl.

Hakoda blew on his food a few times, “I am not sure about him living with us. You went out today. What are the women saying?”

             Hakoda knew it was somewhat inappropriate to have his mother collect information for him. However, it was necessary to be a good chief. He knew some of the men wouldn’t be completely honest with him. But the woman never lied to Kanna. It was a superpower she had possessed since he was a boy. When him and Bato pulled pranks around the village, Kanna was always able to pinpoint who did what, when, where, and why. If there was a why. Just with a few maternal smiles and foreboding stares. She was not a woman to be trifled with.

“What do you mean?” Kanna sat on her stool.

Hakoda squinted, “Like what are they saying about him being here. How do they feel?”

“Most of them do not mind. Although their attitude is less accepting and more like an unusual fascination.”

“That is not so strange.”

“It isn’t right. Zuko isn’t an oddity. He is a little boy.” Kanna snapped.

Hakoda took his eyes out of the window, “I know that, mother.”

"Mm. They all agree that Kehana has the strongest opinion."

Hakoda sucked his teeth, "That miserable hag. Chief Arnook and his shit excuse to send a spy. She does not even bend. I should have been more forceful in my refusal. Anyway, she isn't one of us. She does not have a say." Hakoda ate, “Anything else.”

“About Zuko? Nothing really. They do not know much about him. He is with us all the time.”

A lightbulb went off in Hakoda’s head. “Mother? Have I ever told you how much I enjoy our talks?”

“Oh, hi Dad. What are you guys talking about?” Sokka walked in and threw his practice gear at the entryway.

"Sokka go outside and play." Hakoda said plainly.

"But I'm hungry. Can I have some soup?"

"Did you hear me?" Hakoda raised a brow.

Sokka threw his arms down in disbelief, "I don’t want to play with them. They’re babies. They’re probably playing some stupid baby game."

"Boy, if you do not get your narrow behind-"

Sokka threw his head back, "Argh! Fine!"

“My little boy is getting older.” Hakoda looked to the window.

            Zuko hopped in place humming a song he made up. Katara put the finishing touches on their snow castle. Which was really just a six feet high pile. They rebuilt a few times as the weather got warmer. Katara giggled to herself watching Zuko go up and down. Zuko hopped when he was happy. She didn’t know why but she didn’t mind it. She liked to see Zuko happy. His first weeks had been rough. But he was able to say more and he was a lot more comfortable in the house. It was the best thing in the world having your best friend live with you.

"What song is that?" Katara asked him.

"The sun is out, and it is so pretty!" Zuko sang leaping higher.

"Just like me. That's why I'm the princess! Let's go Warrior Zuko. You have to defeat the monster!"

Zuko grabbed his piece of driftwood. "Ok!"

            Katara sat atop her snowy throne. She described a giant green winged monster to Zuko. They planned how to defeat it with their many pretend abilities. Zuko was going to make his first attack when Sokka sulked towards them.

"What do you want?" Katara sneered.

"Dad says I have to play with you guys."

Before Katara could say anything Zuko happily agreed. It was strange because Zuko didn't like Sokka that much. It all made sense when Zuko told Sokka he had to be the monster.

"I'm not going to be the monster!" Sokka crossed his arms.

"Yes. You have to." Zuko grinned like a fox.

"Nuh-uh. I'm going to be a real warrior one day. And Katara is my sister so I have to save her."

"But I marry Katara." Zuko scoffed.

“You what!” Sokka bared his teeth. “You will never marry my sister!”

“In the game stupid head!” Katara hands fisted.

“Stupid head?”

“Don't say that Zuko. It's not nice." Katara wagged her finger.

"But you say-"

"No. We don't say mean things."

"Ok." Zuko glanced at the ground and then back up. "Katara!"

"Yes?"

"You stupid head." Zuko cackled.

            Katara threw a chunk of castle at him. He laughed anyway. Even Sokka laughed a little.

"We can settle this easy. Stick your feet out." Katara demanded. Sokka stuck his foot out. Zuko mimicked him. "Water, water in a pool. Show me which one is the fool." She pointed back and forth until she landed on Sokka's foot. "Sokka you're the monster." Katara hailed.

"Pfft! Fine Whatever." Her brother griped

Zuko hopped twice and then held his driftwood as mighty as any warrior would.

"Alright. Mighty warrior Zuko! Save me!" Katara put her hand to her forehead.

"Yes Princess! I will defeat you, monster!" Zuko declared.

Sokka quickly got into character. The baby games notion completely disappearing from his mind, "Not if I get you first!"

Zuko and Sokka went back and forth trading blow for imaginary blow. "I use bite power! I bite you!" Zuko open and shut his hand.

"I use my roar power. I knock you back." Sokka yelled towards Zuko.

Zuko put up his arm, "I block it. I use my weapon! Jah!" Zuko swung his stick but not too close to touch Sokka.

"My skin is impenetrable! I use punch power! And hit you directly!" Sokka punched the air over Zuko's head.

Zuko only knew what some of those words meant but dramatically fell back anyway. He held his chest and stuck his tongue out, falling to the ground, “Princess Katara! Help me!"

“She has powers too?” Sokka laughed.

“Of course I do! I’m the princess!” Katara slid down the castle landing to Zuko’s unmoving body. Sokka almost fell over with laughter. “Princess healing powers go! I make the warrior Zuko all better!” She placed a butterfly kiss in his hair.

Zuko bolted up, “I am better! I use my weapon. I hit you on the belly! Jah!”

“Oh no! My only weakness. My stomach!” Sokka fell to his knees, “Ah! My guts!”

“I got the monster!” Zuko celebrated.

“And then we live happily ever after. The end!” Katara hugged him hard.

“What do you want to play now?” Zuko asked Sokka.

“Hey Sokka! What are you doing?” A voice called.

              Katara saw the twins Noaluk and Yoton, Moak’s sons, coming up the hill. They were older and boys so Katara didn’t have much to do with them. Sokka knew them though. They would have had to been at training and hunting trips with him. Katara wanted to think that they wanted to join them. But by their faces and contentious gait that they weren’t there to save a princess.

“I’m playing.” Sokka stood up. He put his hands behind his back.

“With the burnt bastard?” Noaluk spoke first.

“Yeah. Aren’t you afraid he’s gonna set you on fire?” Yoton snickered.

“It’s not like that. My dad made me. It’s no big deal.” Sokka rubbed the back of his head.

Yoton walked up on Zuko. Katara instinctively grabbed his hand, “Just go away.”

“Why? We want to play. We can play soldiers. We’ll be Water Tribe and Zuko can be the Fire Nation soldier we kill.”

“That’s not funny. Go away!” Katara balled her fists.

Noaluk smirked, “You’re pretty bossy. Why don’t you be a good little girl and shut up.”

“Hey! Don’t talk to my sister like that.” Sokka took a step forward.

Noaluk pulled Sokka by the collar, “What are you going to do? Are you a traitor like her?”

“Come here, you ugly brat.” Yoton took another step forward.

“Leave them alone!” Sokka kicked Noaluk and tackled Yoton.

            Noaluk recovered quick enough to get to Sokka before he could land his first punch. Katara’s reacted quickly and jumped on Noaluk. She wrapped his arms around his neck pulling him away from her brother. She didn’t think she was strong enough to fight the older boy. She knew she wasn’t. But it didn’t stop her from trying to help. Yoton flipped Sokka over onto his back. He belted Sokka relentlessly. Zuko was yelling something in Fire’s tongue, struggling to force him off. Yoton shoved Zuko away. Hard. Zuko hit his head

               Katara gasped and lost her grip. Noaluk threw her over himself like a ragdoll. Katara thought hitting the soft snow would hurt less. She felt the sting in her eyes as Noaluk pulled her up. She heard Zuko roar something in Fire’s tongue. The thwack was louder. Zuko had swung the driftwood into Noaluk’s temple.

"Bato mentioned that he heard Zuko talking to Katara in Fire's Tongue. What do you think about that?"

"It'll be good for them."

"In what way other than that my daughter would know a language no one else can speak?" Saying it out loud made waiting for an answer useless. "I will only allow it in the house." His mother did not make a gesture to disagree, so he continued, "What if he turns out to be a bender?"

Kanna nodded slowly, "Well you would have to get a master to teach him."

Hakoda scoffed. “Yeah I will just send a letter to the Fire Lord and ask nicely.”

“A better question is how will you handle it. Do you think he will be a danger? Will you be more likely to let him stay if he was not?”

"If he were, we could use it to our advantage. At the end of it...he is a child. And I..."Hakoda forgot he was speaking aloud and went back into his own head. He peered back out the window. “Shit!” Hakoda leapt up. He rushed to get up, his body protesting with shallow aches.

Kanna put a hand to her chest. “What is the matter?”

“Zuko just hit someone with a stick!” Hakoda made his way outside.

“Oh my! He probably had a good reason.” Kanna followed him out the door. Now Hakoda was running. “Do not be too hard on him!”

Yoton abandoned his assault on Sokka and made for Zuko. “I’ll kill you, Fire Nation scum!”

             The blood rushed in Katara’s ears. She watched Yoton sprint for Zuko. He flinched but gripped the wood ready to swing again. And then it was as if time had slowed down. Something pulled in Katara’s heart. Her hands tingled. A strange sensation reverberated through her veins. Like a river surging, flooding everything in it’s path. She screamed at the top of her lungs. Suddenly, their castle, the little world Zuko and her had created together, broke and shot at Yoton. The air around them sparkled as the snow exploded. Yoton was thrown into his brother. She inhaled. The shimmering snow crackled and froze. They both struggled to break the icy cage. Katara was sweating suddenly completely drained. She saw spots and Zuko. Then Sokka. She rocked back. Strong hands caught her. It was her dad. She let herself slip into darkness unable to answer to her own name.

…

              Katara felt like she had woken up from a really long nap. She had somehow ended up in her bed. She blinked around the room. She went to rub her eyes but pulled something with her. Zuko had his fingers locked in hers. He sat up. She saw he was crying. His eyes were so red. She instantly cupped his chin. She didn’t like she wasn’t there for him. There was yelling just outside. It had gotten dark. She must have slept for hours. She wondered why he just didn’t wake her.

“Katara? Are you ok?” Zuko’s voice was hoarse.

“I’m sleepy. What happened?”

“You trapped Yoton and Noaluk in a block of ice. They’re out there trying to get them out. Then you wouldn’t wake up.” Sokka answered with his mouthful. He didn’t seem to be as troubled as Zuko was.

“Me?” Katara tilted her head. Zuko hugged her tight.

“Oh, my dear. You’re the first waterbender in the Southern Water Tribe in forty-three years.” Gran-Gran didn’t look as thrilled as Katara was.