Chapter Text
You sat at the table with your aunt Pema happily chowing down one of her delicious veggie rolls.
“Oh Auntie Pema!! I never thought veggies could be so delicious!” You took another bite, “but this awesome!!” You exclaimed happily. She let out a light chuckle and looked at you with a warm smile.
“I’m glad you like it,” she smiled. “So did you have a good birthday?” she asked. You shook your head up and down with excitement.
“Yeah I did!” Your smile was huge. “Thank you so much Auntie Pema for the candy, taking me out, and buying me that present! and it’s not even over yet! I get to see my parents tonight!” You bounced excitedly, your joy overflowing.
Your parents were soldiers of the White Lotus, six months ago they were deployed on an assignment. You weren’t allowed to know where and you hadn't seen them since.
However today Pema told you they’d be returning today, and on your birthday of all days. It was the best birthday present you could think of.
Pema just looked at you with a weak smile.
“Yeah honey, I’m glad you're having a good day.” Her smile faded and her face scrunched up.
“Are you ok Auntie Pema?” You asked. She put her hand on her chest and took a deep breath.
“Yeah honey I’m ok, my... my uh...uh” She paused. She took a deep breath and continued. “My head hurts.” She explained. You became confused.
“But you put your hand on your chest?” she asked. Pema went to answer, but an acolyte walked into the room and spoke before she could.
“Pema the ship from the South Pole has arrived” he said, Pema’s eyes shot open. Your confusion disappeared and you only felt pure joy.
“Mom and Dad!” You shouted excitedly. You shot up and ran to meet them, but Pema caught you before you could run very far.
“(y/n) before you go to see them… I need you to do something for me.” She said.
“Sure what is it?” You smiled.
“Please don’t ever forget how much your parents love you. They love you more than anything and would do anything for you. Please don’t forget that. Can you do that for me?” She asked, tears starting to form in her eyes.
“Uh yeah?” you said with confusion. Pema gave you a hug.
“Ok! Now go see your parents!!” She said with a huge smile. Your joy returned once again and you sped off to meet your parents. You ran straight for the boat not stopping for anything.
You reached the dock where you could see White Lotus soldiers getting off. Some were limping, others were carrying their friends, some held their gut as they walked slowly. Tenzin stood at the edge of the ramp talking with a soldier who had a bandage over her eye.
“Uncle Tenzin!!!” you shouted happily, running towards him.
“Hello little one” he said with a smile. You jumped into the Air Benders arms and gave him a tight hug.
“Ow!” Tenzin yelped, “Easy (y/n)!” he explained, taking you off and putting you back on the ground. You looked at him again and realized he was pretty injured. He had a bandage on his forehead, a black eye and several cuts on his face.
“What happened, Uncle Tenzin?” you inquired, “and where are my parents?” Tenzin got down on one knee, and looked you in the eye. He took a deep breath.
“(y/n)... your parents… They’re gone.” You only became confused.
“What? What do you mean gone? Like missing? Or they quit or they... or...” You couldn't think of anything else that he could have meant. Tenzin swallowed and explained it to you.
“(y/n)...” he paused, tears beginning to roll down his cheeks. “Your parents… are dead” Your heart sank and your eyes went wide as tears began to roll down your cheeks. No. Was all you could think. Hehe no no no no no.
“NOOOOO!!!!” You screamed. You ran past Tenzin, and bolted up the ramp. It’s a lie! He’s lying… this is all a joke! They’re fine, they’re safe they’re right... here.
You stopped at the edge of the ramp. Inside the cargo hold of the ship two people laid with white cloth draped over their faces. No mom, dad... no no. Tears began to well up in your eyes. Mom, Dad!
“NOOOO!!!!” You ran towards them screaming. You made it to the bodies and went to pull the cloth off, but before you could two arms reached out and pulled you away from them.
“C’mon kid, you don’t need to be looking at that” The woman who grabbed you said. You tried to pull away, streams of hot tears pouring down your cheeks causing your vision to become blurry.
“But they're my parents!!!!” you sobbed, your eyes stung fro the salt in your eyes. “They can’t be gone!!!!” you screamed, slamming your fist against this mystery person. The woman just held you tightly to her chest.
“I’m sorry kid,” she said, her voice breaking as well. “I’m so sorry.”
“NOOOOOOO!!!!” you screamed in uncontrolled sobs, that rattled your core. Your tears we’re boiling and scorched down your face. “They can't leave me,” You returned the embrace and clung to the mystery woman and cried for the rest of the night.