Archive of Our Own

The explosion was too loud, her hearing was going in and out, a high pitch whine tuning out everything that wasn't muffled. The smell of smoke filled her nostrils, she could feel the heat and dust hitting her skin, even could taste it.

She felt herself coughing her lungs out, trying to get a grasp of what just happened.

One moment, her younger sister, too young at eight years of age to witness such carnage and anarchy, tried to lead her along, away from the warzone, even though both could fight.

They then noticed their father and mother seeming to be engaging in battle with another.

She had been able to hear sounds of ice being created from what water was still in the air, fire being ignited, and metal swirling around.

Hearing was her best sense, next to touch, naturally, having been trained by the best there was.

But now, already born blind, Ryoko couldn't hear her sister trying to call out to her to move.

Nor the sound of ice being thrown in her direction, sharply bent into a point.

But she did manage to have her hearing retune itself, enough to hear her father cry out her name as with his feet running.

"RYOKO!"

Before she knew it, brave and caring arms wrapped around her body from behind her and moved her around…

… before she heard ice hit flesh, followed by a gasp of pain.

The blind girl's eyes, unblinking, shook as she began to feel some kind of liquid drip on her shoulder, smelling like copper.

"MAKO!"

"DADDY!"

Her mother and sister had cried out before the sound of metal slicing up flesh went through Ryoko's ears, but she couldn't move, and she didn't want to.

She knew that if she did, her father would lose what grip he held already, one that was already slowly loosening.

"MAKO! NO!"

"Ryoko, are you okay?"

Hearing her caring father ask the simple question, all Ryoko, the blind daughter of Captain Mako of the Republic City Police Department and Thuy Huynh, Librarian at the local library, could do was just nod her head slowly, her eyes filled with tears as she knew what had just happened...

... And what was to follow.

"... yes, father…"

"... then that's... all… that matters…"

And then, Mako loosened his grip, a proud smile on his face as he fell to the ground, giving one final breath. Ryoko knew her father had just died, not only because she could sense it, but because of the way her mother and sister reacted. Thuy, along with her and Mako's youngest daughter, Vuong, cried out to him...

… but all Ryoko could do was just kneel on the ground, pale tangerine eyes filling with tears before she began crying loudly into the sky at her loss.

One which she blamed herself for, the first time she truly felt weak because of being blind.

Rising up, a sweating Ryoko Huynh sat on her bed, giving deep breaths as she feet her blanket, all alone in her bedroom.

It had been half a year since that fateful night and it still haunted her, even as her alarm clock buzzed on, right at 7am, the radio DJ talking about the day being bright and sunny.

How could she, when her father sacrificed himself to save her? Not only that, but it was her birthday. He should have been the one here, not her.

The newly turned twenty one year old began crying into her hands out loud, a common occurrence since that day.

And then there were all the reminders, starting with the massive funeral for him as everyone he knew and didn't know came, each of them giving tribune and their condolences to her, Thuy and Vuong.

Naturally, those closest to him were there to give their respects. Avatar Korra and Asami Sato helped give a shared eulogy for their former boyfriend and proud friend, with their daughter Yasuko II giving both Ryoko and Vuong the tightest hug she possibly could. It stung for her as well since Mako was her godfather.

Then there was Tenzin and his whole family giving their thoughts and prayers as well, Pema making sure to give the entire family some of her famous pastries. And she made sure to place one in her father's hands as he laid in the casket as well, knowing he loved them.

It was a little funny, but nice of her. Ryoko always liked Pema very much.

Her father's uncle and cousins from the Earth Kingdom all came to give their respects, all sharing the story of when they first met him years before.

Those part of the Republic City Police Department that served alongside and knew her father from when first started as detective and rose up the ranks to captain all gave their final salutes, including Lin Beifong and Saikhan.

Some of the Fire Nuns from the Fire Blossom Sanctuary, led by Fire Mother Ty Lee II, came to give their respect for the three females descended from Avatar Hiromi, offering whatever support they needed during their time of loss.

Heck, even royalty like Fire Lord Iroh II, his husband Haku and Crown Princess Ursa II, along with Ambassador Wu came to give their condolences.

But perhaps the hardest thing Ryoko had to endure was having to hear her uncle Bolin cry and say goodbye to his older brother.

She heard the stories of how after her grandparents died, it was just Mako and Bolin living on the streets for years until they met Korra and Asami, forming the newest Team Avatar. Even after everything the two went through, both brothers stuck together through thick and thin.

And when she herself was born, Uncle Bolin was her father's first and only choice to be her godfather. Both brothers were great uncles to their respective nephews and nieces and perfect brothers.

They even made the vow to name at least one son after their respective brother. Bolin was able to be first with one of his triplets, while Mako never got the chance.

Bolin himself always treated her and Vuong like princesses, often having to be reigned back by Aunt Opal.

So, when Ryoko herself heard her uncle begin choking on his words as he tried to give a eulogy about his big brother before being unable to finish, her aunt having to take him away from the podium, it broke the blind girl's heart.

Everyone told her that her father's death wasn't her fault, that Mako willingly gave his life to protect hers. But Ryoko didn't feel that way.

She felt it was her fault the city lost it's police captain.

That her Aunts Korra, Asami, Opal lost their close friend. Their family.

Her cousins Toph II, Mako II and Mochi no longer had their uncle.

Her uncle losing his older brother.

Her little sister Vuong lost her daddy.

Her mother losing the love of her life...

… and worst of all, Ryoko felt she was to blame for getting her father killed, all because of her.

A weak, pathetic, blind child.

"Ryoko?"

Lifting her head up from her hands with her pale eyes, tinted red, due to her crying, Ryoko heard her mother standing at the doorway, knowing she could see how she was.

"I'm sorry love, I wanted to wake you up, but-"

"Today's not the same without dad. Spirits, I miss him so much, mommy..."

It had been a while since Ryoko called Thuy 'mommy', but the young woman couldn't help it, feeling like a useless child.

While she had been still living with her parents and little sister even after turning eighteen, Ryoko felt like she was two again and she was scared of a noise coming from her closet as Thuy came over and sat on the bed, hugging her daughter as tight as she could, feeling misty eyed herself.

"I know you do. We all miss your father, it's alright."

Even after six months, the half-Earth Kingdom/half-Water Tribe metalbender understood her daughter's sadness, this was something the two and Vuong had to deal with as well. But Thuy held her daughter by the head and kissed her forehead, knowing it effected Ryoko the most.

Even as she worked her job and Vuong still went to school, Ryoko was never alone, as her friends would visit, like Yasuko and Toph. Even Roaluk, whenever he visited, which was every other month from Zaofu, was at his friend's side during these hard times for her.

But no matter what, nothing seemed to do the trick more than hearing her mother speak kind words. "The first birthday after losing a loved one is always the hardest, dearie." Thuy spoke softly, wiping some tears from Ryoko's cheeks.

"I was the same way after my own parents died. Your grandma, head bleeding and knowing she didn't have long, still was a tough bird and protected me when the walls of Ba Sing Se went down."

"I know… but you weren't blind…" Ryoko softly sniffled to which Thuy figured that'd where her daughter would go with, nodding.

"No, but I still know your pain, moppet."

"I...just...feel like I could have done more, should have done more. If I hadn't been born blind-"

"Don't say that. Ever. Being blind isn't a weakness. It has never been your weakness. Matter of fact, it makes you stronger. Would you say that Toph was weak? No. She made it her strength, just like you can." Thuy insisted, only for Ryoko to shake her head.

"She's different, she had earthbending to help get her around, able to sense around her… There's no way firebending could do the same for me…"

With those words, the blind girl stood up, almost reaching her hand out towards where her old metal cane was resting. She hadn't used it in years and now, she felt almost tempted to grab it…

… but she pulled back her hand.

"I have to use the bathroom."

Planning to leave her bedroom, another, smaller set of footsteps came in Ryoko's direction.

"Hey, squirt…" Ryoko said, stopping, knowing Vuong was coming.

"... I… Ah, hi… Would you… want a birthday breakfast? Because...we… kindofalreadymadeone." Her younger sister asked, the young girl who resembled her tan skinned mother already knowing how she was feeling. "It's just… a bowl of yogurt and fruit… strawberries, your… favorite."

Spirits, even in her current state, Ryoko knew she couldn't resist it. Especially knowing why Vuong was offering to make her food. "Would you mind serving me while I'm in bed?" she asked softly.

Not exactly the result she was expecting, but Vuong, having glanced at her mother, who just nodded along, did the same.

"You are the birthday girl. Shall I put mommy's cactus juice in it, since you're old enough to drink?"

"NO."

The response of Thuy's, quick, stern and motherly, was almost funny, and Ryoko found herself having to give a faint smile at it, to which Vuong herself gave a hopeful one of her own, at seeing her sister perk up a little.

"Just keep it plain. Okay, squirt?" she asked, "Not to mention, Mom'll have both of our asses, too."

"Hey, watch your fuckin' language, young lady!" Thuy said, in jest.

"Sure, cause that's coming from the person who is literally the person who swears the most," Ryoko retorted, a wide grin appearing on her face as she began doing an impression of her mother's unique dialect.

"Oy. I'm Thuy Huynh, the biggest fuckin' hypocrite I've ever heard of. Jeez, yellin' at fuckin' kids for their damn swearing. Fuckin' hypocrite."

"Alright, ya' little yapping arctic hen, go use the bathroom already!" Thuy shot back, happy to see her birthday girl feeling a little better, watching her leave her and Vuong be.

That was the Ryoko everyone was used to before Mako's death, the one who vanished for six months…

… and thinking about what her daughter requested, Thuy had an idea, smiling.

"Vuong, sweetie. Grab your mum her Varri-Phone, there's some calls I gotta make about tonight."

"Yes, mommy…"

Ryoko donned a red dress. It was nothing too simple, but nor was it complex, either. An ankle-length dress, adorned with spun vines of gold, the pattern mesmerizing to those who saw it.

Not that she herself could tell, aside from touching the fabric, but from the comments she got from her mother, Yasuko and Toph when she first bought it, the firebender knew it was pretty.

Drawing in a deep breath, she pulled her thick, auburn tresses into a simple bun, knowing, also based on other's comments, that it looked nice, as with not putting on makeup as she had a very natural beauty.

Taking a pair of sunglasses in her hand, Ryoko debated about putting them on. Normally, she didn't care. But things were... different now. So, she put them on.

They felt uncomfortable. They weren't... her.

Taking them off, she sighed. She didn't want to show weakness. Toph told her that being blind is only like that if she allowed it, and Ryoko didn't want it to…

… but the nagging feeling was there.

"Ryoko, come into the living room, I wanna see your new dress!"

Hearing her mother call out, the twenty-one year old refocused herself, beginning to walk out of her room, her hand gliding along the walls and doorway. It was a trick to get around Ryoko was slowly doing less, but still felt the need to.

"Coming, mom!" she said as she walked, using her other senses to navigate around her home, and yet, something seemed a little...off. It was something the blind girl couldn't quite pin down as she made it to the living room, where her mom and little sister were.

Upon entering, the blind firebender's pale eyes widened at the sudden increase of voices she just noticed, those she knew by heart.

Inside the quaint Republic City home, were a group of people. More specifically, all her friends and family.

There was Avatar Korra and Asami Sato, with her best friend Yasuko, naturally. Her aunt and uncle, Opal and Bolin, respectively, were there too. Then, there were her cousins, Mako II, Mochi, and Toph II. Even Master Tenzin and his whole family of children and grandchildren were there, with Kai, and the newlywed Ikki's wife Shavi alongside them.

Even more surprising was that Ryoko was able to tell that both Lin and Kya Beifong were there, which meant Roaluk came along, as well as…THE FREAKIN' FIRE LORD AND HIS HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER?!

… oh SPIRITS, Ursa was here too?

"WOAH, what are you all doing here?" she had to ask, feeling like she had been smacked upside the head with a watermelon before feeling Vuong's smaller hand grab hers, able to just hear her mouth moving into a big smile.

"We're celebrating your birthday!"

"What? But… Mom and… dad RSVP'ed at that big fancy restaurant! They booked it a year in advance!" Ryoko spoke up, surprised at the change of events before a familiar laugh formed, Korra's voice speaking up.

"Yeah, but your mother had a better idea, birthday girl."

"My mom?"

"Damn straight." Thuy spoke up, walking up to her oldest daughter, taking her by the hands, shooting a motherly smile. "Look, we all know how you've been ever since your father died, not wanting to leave the house." she explained more before Jinora came over, holding a cooing little infant in her arms, her second child Keno, as her five year old daughter Yuria sat on Kai's knee's.

"What she means is that, for your birthday, instead of paying for a pricey dinner, we've all decided to come and spend it with you as today is your day, when you need it the most."

"Happ… Happi…. Blurthday…" the one and a half year old boy in the airbender's arms sputtered out, still learning to talk, which Ryoko was surprised to hear, moving her head around in sincere amazement.

"I… I don't know what to say."

"How's about 'Where're my presents?', right?" Her Uncle Bolin joked, approaching his niece and giving her a big hug as he loomed over her, "Least, that's how I was with your dad."

Expecting to begin feeling melancholy, the firebender was surprised, to say the least, when she found herself cracking a small smile at his antics, something which made Bolin happy to see.

"We had this whole big routine planned at the restaurant." Mochi spoke up from the couch he was sitting on, his and his twin brother's heads, recently shaved, as they were soon getting their arrows, something which his brother named after their uncle had to get used to.

"Yeah, involving your birthday cake, but we'll just tell jokes instead, Ryoko." he finished, scratching the top of his head. Toph, who was sitting next to Yasuko, just sighed.

"They have to be funny to be considered jokes, you know."

Korra, who heard the interaction from across the room, burst out laughing.

"Good one, munchkin!"

Toph rolled her eyes.

"It's not a good one if it's the truth." Toph retorted. At that, Korra laughed louder, "And don't call me munchkin!"

"Why? I think it's funny." Yasuko pointed out, leaning close to her second best friend, looking over her friend's muscular body. "I mean, you're fifteen and you're like bigger and stronger looking than even my Anaana was and-"

"I get it, I get it…" Toph muttered, having to turn away, mainly due to trying to hide the blush of red on her cheeks upon hearing her crush speaking lightly of her.

Ryoko herself couldn't help but fail in suppressing a laugh, as she was the only one who noticed Toph's reaction from her tone of voice, knowing the truth.

Just hearing her daughter laugh made Thuy happy as the party had officially begun…

"Alright and this one is from…OH, Roaluk!" Vuong spoke up, as later, after eating some cake Thuy had asked Pema to bake. Everyone sat in the living room where Ryoko got to open birthday presents, the room covered in wrapping paper as the nonbender passed a small box to her sister.

Ryoko had gotten many different presents she had appreciated from those there for her, along with a card in braille from those at the Fire Blossom Sanctuary and a whole bunch of Yuan neatly folded in certain ways for her to tell which one was how much.

"Small, so guessing jewelry?" Ryoko guessed as she tore off the wrapping from the box as Roaluk just smirked.

"Just open it, alright?" he replied, "I'm sure you'll like it, Ryo."

Tearing open the wrapping, Ryoko's fingers grazed along the inside of the box, noticing the felt around the object, it being a piece of smooth crystal tied up with string.

"A crystal necklace?"

"Yeah, it's called Aoazul, or 'Blue Blue' in the language of the Southern Water Tribe. It's a redundant name, I know." he said before sitting in the free spot next to his galpal. "Said to give good luck and strength to the wearer. Plus, it would look adorable on you. Least, that's what Anaana says."

"Cause it's the truth, Roa." Kya's voice spoke up, eating her third slice of cake, even though Lin had told her to hold back on just two and she was trying to hide it.

Her wife had noticed, but chose not to say anything. If only because it was cuter to Lin when Kya tried to be sneaky.

"Alright, have two gifts left." Thuy said, finishing up her own piece of cake, both small boxes wrapped in paper and topped with bows, "One from the Crown Princess and one from… a mystery person, which you wanna open?" she asked, hoping her oldest daughter went with Ursa's first.

Ryoko herself however was conflicted, upon hearing one gift was from a mystery person, it had her curious. But the other was from Ursa herself, which made her feel like her entire body was on fire.

While both didn't have the same close friend relationship Ryoko had with Yasuko and Toph, she and her fellow firebender still encountered each other sometimes.

Especially as Crown Princess of the Fire Nation, the young woman named Ursa II would travel the world, helping with charities and political affairs. And whenever she was in Republic City, there was always the chance Ryoko would bump into her and it would turn the blind girl into a blushing mess, so much so that she would try hiding from her crush, who seemed to be none the wiser.

Unlike Yasuko, who was very much openly lesbian, Ryoko knew from when she was twelve that she liked both boys and girls.

But the interesting thing, however, was that it wasn't those two genders that got her attention as there had been a trans girl from high school that the blind firebender considered pretty. She believed the term to define her was pansexual?

When it came to romance, due in part because her blindness, Ryoko didn't care about genders or sexuality as she, quite literally, never saw them as a factor. It was more able to hear their emotions through their voice that always got to her heart.

It was something the original Toph Beifong told her when it came to romance and being blind, one of last things the elder earthender taught during her final days in the human world when Ryoko came out to her as they sat on a rooftop.

"The guy, girl, or whatever they identify as, can look beautiful and attractive, or look like they got whacked upside the face with the ugly as shit stick. Appearances don't matter to those like us. Be interested in their voice, their personality, their heart… That's what really matters, Ryoko..."

Even after coughing up a lung, ready to go out swinging, the legendary Beifong woman still made sure to leave her youngest friend with words to go by in ways only she could say.

"It may take awhile to find that one true love, kiddo... But the ride and stops along the way will be worth it, no matter the gender or their sexuality."

And nowhere was her old friend's words more true than when Ryoko met up again with Ursa four years prior when both were 17 and 15, with her family and the others being there in Capitol City to witness Iroh II take up the mantle of Fire Lord after his mother bestowed the title to him.

Ryoko obviously didn't know Ursa had developed into a beautiful girl with a lovely short wavy bob of light brown hair and fair skin, having gotten it from her surrogate mother, as with the trademark gold eyes of the Royal family.

But it was the princess's refined, yet spirit-like voice that made Ryoko's heart melt, her laugh as well, it was infectious as was her kind behavior. To Ryoko, that's what made her cute.

"I'll go with Ursa's first…" she answered, managing to hide her true emotions as she was handed one of the boxes. Noticing a bit of weight to it as she undid the bow and tore open the wrapping paper, she opened the cardboard box and reached inside.

"Oh, okay. I'm feeling glass and… Is this a perfume bottle?"

"Very pricey perfume bottle, yes. Give it a whiff." Ursa spoke playfully, wanting to see the birthday girl smell what kind it was, seeing her aim the bottle filled with blue liquid up away from her face and spritz a small bit of it in the air, smelling it.

It made the gold eyed young woman happy to see the look in Ryoko's eyes widen in amazement at just what the perfume was.

"Winter strawberries?"

"I know it's your favorite fruit, Ryoko."

"Any kind of strawberry is my favorite, but thank you so much!" the blind girl was tempted to get up and hug her, but her heart pounded like crazy at the thought, mentally blushing. "Seriously, thanks."

"No problem, it's my favorite as well." Ursa admitted, the chemistry was not lost on the young adult partygoers and some of the adults as well. "But I am curious who gave you that last present…"

"As am I." Asami spoke up, holding a sleeping Keno in her arms, so both Jinora and Kai were finally able to have their cake.

The tone in her voice suggested she knew more than she was letting on, but never elaborated further, getting Ryoko's attention.

Gingerly picking up the box; she felt she should be careful with it, the blind firebender gently took off the wrapping.

Once the wrapping was off, an elaborate string and paper wrapping still remained in it. "Wait, double wrapping?" Ryoko had to ask, only to notice the odd silence in the air, like people holding in their breaths.

More interested, she resumed the unwrapping until she felt something under the paper, some kind of fabric. However, once the pale-eyed girl ran her fingers across the exposed part of the gift, Ryoko knew exactly what was wrapped up, her gasp giving it away.

But it couldn't be... could it?

"N-No… NO… No way, this…"

It was. Here, in her hands, was her father's scarf.

Of course he remembered.

"Daddy, look what I found!"

"What is it, honey?"

"I found a cool feeling stone!"

Indeed, it was. Unknown to Ryoko what it looked like, she was at a loss for words.

However, that didn't mean that she didn't have any idea as she and her father were on the beaches of Ember Island in their swimsuits, on vacation with Thuy, along with Uncle Bolin and Aunt Opal, who was five months pregnant at the time.

Partially smooth, partially rough, an entire story could be written on the stone she found.

"Honey, it's beautiful!" Mako replied, surprised at what she found.

"What does it look like, daddy?"

"Well," he responded with a smile, "It's a clear red, almost see-through. It's what we call sea glass."

"Sea glass? You mean there's glass made in the water?" Ryoko questioned.

As Mako took the stone in hand to look at it closely, he rubbed his thumb across the smooth surface.

"Of course. It's created… Ahh... HUH. " he began to explain before realizing something. "Actually, I don't know how it's made, but it's pretty. Not as pretty as your mom, of course."

"Eww, that sounds yucky." Ryoko said back, sticking her tongue out as her father just found it funny, almost tempted to tell Thuy that when he and their daughter regroup with her, his brother and sister-in-law.

"Oh, hush." he said, fondly, "Anyways, before someone interrupted-"

Ryoko giggled. Mako sighed, pretending to be disheartened. In reality, he was as happy as could be. It would later be denied at a later date, but Ryoko knew her dad was beaming.

"As I was saying, it's red-"

"Hey, isn't that the color that you told me your scarf was? Something about it being… oh, elephant rats, I don't remember."

Mako chuckled.

"Yes, it is. Red, to me, at least, is bravery, desire, perseverance, and, perhaps most importantly, passion."

"I found your scarf at home one day, and put it on. It was in yours and mommy's closest." Ryoko admitted before smiling as she did some firebending stances, without the actual firebending. "I pretended I was you, fighting those mean Equalists alongside Uncle Bolin and Aunt's Korra and Asami!"

Then, giving a goofy smile, the blind girl heard her father laughing.

"Only, I'm a girl, not a boy. But I didn't care."

"Was wondering why there was a little burn mark on it." he pointed out before seeing the look on Ryoko's face sour a bit, casting her face down.

"I… You noticed that, huh?"

"Was it the only thing that got burnt?" Mako questioned his daughter, to which Ryoko nodded her head, almost afraid of what was next. "Well, that's all that matters, at least you were safe."

That wasn't what Ryoko was expecting.

"You… You're not mad I burnt your prized possession?"

"Ryoko, I may have been given that scarf by your grandfather when I was little, something I still care for today…" he answered, holding her hands and giving a smile as he continued.

"But you, and your mother, are my real prized possessions… And Uncle Bo as well, though you didn't hear that from me."

That last bit got Mako's daughter to laugh.

"So, when will I get your scarf, daddy?" she asked, which Mako began to think about.

"Maybe when you become a firebending master like me, show the world just how amazing you are." he answered, before poking her nose. "That, and so you won't burn it again."

"Burn what again?"

Thuy's voice rang out as the father and daughter took notice of the metalbender coming towards them.

"Oh, just her trying to cook us some hippo-ox steaks like last time." Mako quickly lied, watching his wife walk along the sand in her green swimsuit and towel around her waist before sitting near them. "Even though they were still yummy." he assured his daughter who laughed along with the playful lie.

"The char gives it flavor!"

"Yes, but you know mommy doesn't mind her meat not as burnt." Thuy played along, hugging the six year old she considered her 'Little Hyperactive Moppet' before large arms wrapped around the two not belonging to Mako.

"And I like mine a little rare!" Bolin's fun loving voice laughed out as Opal followed, herself taking it easy with, what she didn't know at the time, three buns in the oven as Mako helped her along.

That memory always stuck with Ryoko, especially the talk of her father's scarf. But she never knew she'd actually be given it, let alone holding it in her hands as her fingers moved along the fine old fabric.

But it was all there, even the little scorch mark she made as well.

"Father's… scarf…"

"Zoning out there, Ryo…" Roaluk said in his sassy manner, only to realize how much this meant to his friend, seeing her eyes begin to water as she just kept feeling the scarf.

"Oh wow, mom's, this is serious…" he noted to Kya and Lin who were just as surprised.

"Your father told me about what you two talked about back on the beach later that night, that very scarf…" Thuy began speaking, lightly taking her hand as she watched her daughter think so much of her late father, as did Vuong, who sat next to her big sister.

"... He said, that at the time, he was joking, but he did really consider giving it to you. And then, a year ago, when he saw you begin to generate lightning like him, he knew you were a firebending master…"

Ryoko couldn't believe it as she sat there, thinking back to her training by her father, all the lessons she learned from him, and, to a lesser extent, Korra. He was preparing her, getting her ready…

… he really was going to hold onto his promise.

"Your dad asked me to hold onto the scarf," Bolin spoke up, the serious tone in his voice cluing in Ryoko he wasn't being his typical jokey self as he kneeled in front of her, holding her by the cheek as his thumb wiped a long tear away, "Cause he knew that somehow, you'd find it. You always tended to find his gifts for you."

"And… after he-"

"He STILL insisted you be given it." Bolin said, a faint sound of sadness in his throat, trying to hold back his tears as everyone watched the moment in silence. "His… glowing spirit thingy may have… came to me recently to remind me. Perks of being married to an airbender, I guess." he noted with a sad smile.

Even during sad times, her uncle's humor would slip through unintentionally, but Ryoko knew he always meant well. But she just was curious, if her father's spirit came to his brother…

… why didn't he come to comfort her?

"Because I wanted to surprise you for your birthday..."

That familiar voice that began to speak in her head, it couldn't be…

"Ryoko, you're not to blame for my death. I made the choice to protect you, knowing the outcome…" The late firebender's voice spoke in her ears, Ryoko having to keep acting silently and crying to keep her current bout of hearing voices in her head private, lest they think she was going crazy.

"It's okay if they know you can hear me, Bo's already been visited by me… still have to talk to your mom and sister. I'm still getting used to being a spirit." Mako kept speaking, before, just for a brief second, Ryoko swore she felt the arms of her father hugging her from behind, his chi warm enough to feel.

"I knew what would happen if I saved you and I was okay with that. As long as you were safe, that's all that mattered… I love you, Ryoko, you, your mom, Vuong, your uncle, everyone. I always will..."

"I love you too, daddy…"

Those in the regular world were confused as to what Ryoko whispered to herself in a low tone, yet Thuy herself may have had an idea as she saw her oldest daughter begin to wrap the scarf belonging to the man she loved around her neck with a smile.

"Looks good on you, Ryoko…" Vuong complimented, to which the birthday girl just kept the smile on her face, wrapping her arm around her little sister's neck and playfully rubbing her knuckles on top of her head.

"Thanks, squirt."

Before then, their mother joined in on the fun as did Uncle Bolin, all four being watched being connected by the figure they loved and missed.

One's brother, two's uncle, one's husband.

An hour later…

Ryoko sat on top of the rooftop of her mother's apartment building, her back against an old stone play hut Toph had created for her and Yasuko back when she was four, something Mako and Thuy tried to convince the earthbender to take down after a few years, but gave up on.

Feeling the night sky breeze against her skin, the blind firebender made sure to wear her father's scarf around her neck proudly.

She knew the party was dying down a bit, so it didn't hurt to just briefly get away from it all for a bit for some alone time. Pale eyes just pointed towards the direction of the Spirit Portal in the middle of the city, a smile on Ryoko's face as she thought to herself.

It wasn't her fault, it was never her fault…

… she didn't get her father killed because she was blind, he made the choice to protect his daughter, no matter the cost. And Ryoko was thankful he loved her that much.

As for her blindness, it wasn't her weakness like she thought for the past few months. Instead, it'd be her weapon alongside her firebending for whenever bad people would come back, just like Toph had always said.

And Ryoko would always have her father at her side in her heart, as long as she wore the scarf that once belonged to him and his father.

"Your mom told me you'd be up here…"

There was that beautiful voice again, Ryoko turning her head in the direction it came from, having followed sounds of feet and hands going up the fire escape she had previously used.

If the blind girl could combust in flames, it would be this moment. She would be as she was now all alone with Ursa, who was named after her Great-Great Grandmother, able to smell the perfume she had on.

Like mint leaves, with a dash of lemon and coconut. It was an odd combo, but that was what made it even more intriguing. Ryoko could never get enough of it.

"Oh, ah… H-Hey Ursa…"

"Hey, yourself," was the reply. The princess continued, "I was hoping to get a moment alone with you, just us two."

There was a rather interesting lilt to her voice, but Ryoko was unable to place it.

"Yeah, why?"

Ursa chuckled, quietly.

"Well, maybe I wanted to get you out of the house, take you out to get some cold cream, spend some time away from the rest of the group."

This, admittingly, wasn't what Ryoko was expecting, her milky eyes blinking.

"What, like a date?"

The second that last word left her mouth, the blind girl covered it with a hand as quickly as possible, if to hide the red forming on her cheeks.

But then, she heard a light laugh.

"I mean, why not?" Ursa laughed, nudging her shoulder. "We haven't hung out in a while… and..." she explained, her voice growing a little softer, twirling a lock of her brown hair with a shiny, ebony, manicured nail as her own cheeks turned red.

"Mainly since… well, you know, what happened with your dad…And, I...missed you."

"You... missed me?"

Ryoko was shocked, although, to be honest, it really wasn't something to be shocked at. The Crown Princess shook her head, amused. Sometimes her friend could be rather dense.

"Of course I missed you, dummy. I mean, who wouldn't miss their... friend."

Ursa trailed off, leaving the blind firebender confused. Why had she trailed off like that? Before Ryoko had more time to process this, Ursa was back to her normal, cheery demeanor.

"On the way here, me and my dad's saw that this new creamery just opened a few blocks away, people have been saying it has some of the best homemade cold cream in the city. Wanna check it out, Ko-Ko?" she asked, using her nickname for the birthday girl, who wanted to try figuring out her crush, deciding to go along with it.

"Only if you're paying."

"Well DUH, it is your birthday."

Ryoko, blushing once more, got up before heading towards the edge of the roof and hopped off, using fire jets to stop herself before she hit the ground with ease. Ursa followed suit, landing gracefully.

"Nicely done." the Princess complimented with a smile. As the two began to walk side by side, beginning to chat, Ursa lightly took Ryoko's hand in her own, quite bravely as she had to briefly work up the courage to guide her along the streets.

An action that left Ryoko herself mentally jumping in happiness as she managed to keep it all in.

"Thank you, Ursa…" she said before letting her thoughts continue what she wanted to say.

'It means more than you know.'

Sometime later, the two were laughing and giggling down the lit up street as they were walking their way back to Ryoko's home, close to around nine o'clock, knowing the party may have been over and all the guests, including Ursa's parents, had left by then.

Of course, Ursa was at the age where she didn't need to live with her father and dad, but did promise to come back to the hotel they were staying at the next day.

"Okay, I will never doubt you again, Ursa. Strawberry cold cream with choco and caramel sauce is to die for." Ryoko had to admit, the wonderful flavors still filling her taste buds.

"I figured you'd like it."

"And you'd be correct!"

It felt nice to just get out of her home after months of wallow and sadness, Ryoko thought to herself. To finally feel herself able to let go of her pain and experience life.

She'd still miss her father and wish he was there with her, talking about police work, teaching her firebending and overall making silly jokes only dads could make while she and Vuong could only groan at them.

But Mako was happy in the Spirit World. And he'd be happy to see his oldest daughter finally hanging out with the girl she liked.

One Ryoko hadn't realized, somehow, was into her as well.

"Thanks Ursa, I really… well, needed this." Ryoko spoke up as she stopped, knowing they were a block or two away from her apartment, knowing the princess stopped as well. "This just cleared up so much in my head."

"It's fine. I know what it's like to be in a bad place after losing a loved one." Ursa admitted, kicking the ground, "I only met and hung out with Aunt Azula just a couple times… but she seemed to love me more than anyone, other than both Ty Lee's. And it sucked to know she died."

Azula. Now, that was a name Ryoko would never forget.

Especially with how close the infamous firebender was to her mother, considering the fact that the sanctuary their ancestor, Avatar Hiromi, had founded, was what the former Fire Nation princess had to thank for turning her life around.

"Obviously, she had her... history, but Azula, underneath her Azula-ness, had a way of getting into people's hearts later in life. Even when I was a baby, I could just remember her telling my dad to treat me like the most important thing in the world." The blind girl admitted before giving a silly laugh.

"I think that he was maybe thanking the spirits she never got to see Vuong born during her lifetime. Who knows what Azula would have done with him then."

Both young women laughed as they stood in the middle of the sidewalk, Ryoko knowing she had her pale eyes in Ursa's direction. She was enjoying the company, naturally, but having Ursa be with her...

"Ursa, you truly have no idea how much I enjoy hanging out with you."

Okay, she was feeling brave, but Ryoko thought that was good, let's keep going.

"Thanks. Know it doesn't happen a lot, but I enjoy our time together too, Ko-Ko." Ursa said back as both she and Ryoko were feeling the same way before both realized something.

They were holding each other's hands and didn't notice until then, the Crown Princess being the first to note it.

"Woah, we're… still holding hands."

If only Ryoko could hear Ursa's blush.

"We are… it feels so weird…" Ryoko said back, yet neither wanted to let go before she began to notice the smell of Ursa's perfume seemingly getting closer to her face, along with… strawberry lip balm?!

Before one set of lips was about to connect with another, loud rumbling was heard from above, getting both girl's attention. As they looked up, or, at least, as much as Ryoko could, what sounded like drops of water began coming down, starting to drench them.

A breathy chuckle creeped its way through Ursa's throat. Ryoko also cracked a small smile, unnoticeable to anyone but the princess.

"Of course…" Ursa noted, who had to chuckle as the rain that fell began to fall even harder, and, in turn, began to drench the two the longer they stood outside on the street.

In a matter of seconds, the pair found themselves soaked to the bone, from the top of their heads to their shoes.

Not wanting them to get any more soaked then they already were, Ryoko took a deep breath, and called upon her firebending.

"You might want to step back a little, just in case."

With no small smirk, Ursa replied, "Is that so? I thought that you could protect me from it..."

With that hard to miss, Ryoko blushed, her cheeks beet red.

The next thing Ursa knew, however, was out from Ryoko's fingertips came a massive wave of thin flames forming over both of their heads, blocking the downpour from getting them more wet. As the rain poured, onto the makeshift umbrella, it evaporated, leaving a pleasant sizzling sound.

"A fire umbrella?" The gold-eyed beauty asked. Ryoko shrugged, holding her arm up.

"I was thinking 'Fire-Brella', but that works too."

Knowing she couldn't hold her arm up forever, Ryoko nudged her head back towards the direction of her home.

"Shall we get back to my place?"

"Yes." Ursa agreed as both began running side-by-side through the rain, attempting to not get more wet than they already were.

As they kept at it, getting closer to the side of Ryoko's home, both deciding to go up on the fire escape up to the roof where Ryoko had an idea.

"In the hut, we can dry off in there. And to also wait it out." Ryoko insisted as Ursa took notice of the rather small play hut.

"Don't worry, we'll fit."

And, true to the blind girl's words, both were able to fit… not as much as Ryoko expected, but there was some room for both women to move around as they had their heads leaning towards each other.

"... well, I mean, I was sorta right." Ryoko admitted, rather bashfully, "Thought there'd be a little more space up here. I usually just go inside here to think, so I never have anyone up here."

Having to take off her scarf, Ryoko kept talking.

"Actually... you are the first person I've shown this to. Other than my family, Yasuko and Toph. Not our Toph, the first one. She was the one who made it, actually."

Finding the rambling of the blind girl funny, Ursa snickered.

"Dang, sounds awesome."

"It was, I know she had her rocky relationship with Lin and Suyin, and the whole thing with Hattori, but… Toph was my first real friend along with Yasuko, she was the one who showed me that being blind didn't make me weak. That, in fact, it made me stronger." Ryoko spoke fondly of her old friend.

"She was always there for me growing up, even came back to Republic City to mentor me. And even as she laid in her bed dying, she always had some form of advice to give… she was like a grandmother to me…"

Lowering her head, it did make sense to the birthday girl.

"And since both sets of my grandparents died way before I was born, guess it's not shocking I'd consider Toph to be my grandma." she admitted.

The princess could see there was so much to the girl she liked, holding her hand. "Well, she helped mold you into quite the smartass." she softly said, making Ryoko smile back.

"Heh, thanks Ursa." she said before holding up a flame she bent in her hand. "Now let's get us dried-WOAH…"

"What?"

Out of nowhere, Ursa was seeing the pale eyes of Ryoko's eyes widened and unblinking as they seemed to be fixated…

… on her.

"Ryoko?"

"Is… is this what seismic sense is like?"

"Pardon?" Ursa had to clarify before she took notice of those blind eyes moving around along with her head, seeming to almost scan her body.

"What's… what's going on, Ryoko?"

"I… I don't know-two seconds…" Ryoko tried to make it clear, letting the flame in her hand dissipate for a second or two before reigniting it, realizing something. "That's… that's new."

"What?" Ursa had to question again as now she was fully aware that those pale tangerine eyes were now in her direction like they were looking directly at her.

Ryoko didn't know how to possibly describe it, but…

"When I… firebend and focus, I can… actually see something, see… some bright shape, multiple… colors? That's the word? Like they're moving around, but still keeping a form…"

"You can... " Ursa began before getting an idea and raising her hand up and waving, which in turn she saw Ryoko turn her head towards. "You see me-"

"Moving your hand."

Casting her pale eyes at the flame she was bending, it too looked the same to her, as did her hand. "I think I can… see people's body heat, the fire, chi within them… but only when I firebend. Wonder if I can zone in on body heat."

This was a brand-new development, something Ryoko felt she needed to tell Korra, or any other firebender she knew, aside from Ursa before realizing something, looking back at her face…

… to her, the shape she saw looked to become clearer, becoming more lady like, like she was truly seeing the most lovely-looking being in the two worlds. And quite frankly, it made her tear up.

"You're… you're so beautiful."

Once more, feeling the words leave her mouth as were her emotions, Ryoko once more covered her mouth, thankfully with her non-bending hand, realizing how stupid she sounded.

But out of nowhere, Ursa softly took the hand and moved it away from her friend's lips, amazed to hear that.

"No… it's okay, Ryoko… I… I'm not bothered." she admitted. With the prolonged contact, Usra was able to feel the body heat from the shaking hand, letting it feel her own soft cheek as she smiled.

"In fact, I... liked hearing you say that."

"You… y-you did?"

Nodding her head, knowing with the flame still up, as Ryoko could 'see' her doing it, Ursa looked at the cute girl in front of her.

"Yes… and I find you beautiful as well…"

That made the elder of the two's heart bounce like crazy as she just sat, slack-jawed, to hear that as she didn't notice herself leaning closer, slowly.

"You do?"

"For a few years now."

"You know what I love about you?" Ryoko asked as she 'saw' Ursa leaning in close, "Your voice. Sounds like a spirit."

"To me, you're a beautiful spirit…"

Ursa hushed those words back before both were right in each other's faces, knowing what was bound to happen, so close to touching each other.

Then, without any more words said, taking the risk, the princess took the other hand that was firebending within her own, not feeling the sting of the flames in any way as the blind girl completed the small gap between the lips.

Ryoko didn't need to firebend to see the beautiful burning shape in front of her as she held onto her hands, able to feel every bit of chi coursing through Ursa's body as they kissed for the first time.

She was hoping she was doing alright with the kissing, as this was her first time, but Ursa didn't seem to have any complaints.

It was like a dam breaking, all of their emotions flooding in. And yet, it was refreshing, sweet, and caring. Ryoko couldn't get enough of it. She tasted strawberry lip balm, along with peanut butter mixed in with a subtle hint of choco, the flavor of the cold cream that she had had earlier.

Moving their lips away just for a moment to catch their breath, both feeling how hot it was, the two girls just kept their focus on each other.

"That was…"

Ryoko tried to put it into words, all her feelings, but she was drawing blanks. "Please, for the love of Kyoshi, help me out here."

"Mind-blowing?" Ursa had to giggle a bit, which was on point.

"Yeah… that… that was my first kiss, with anyone." Ryoko had to admit, feeling a bit silly. "I have no idea if I'm as good as any others you may have-"

"You're the first one I've kissed, as well."

That was not expected, Ursa admitting that as both still held each other's hands. "I mean, you're the… first girl I kissed, I've kissed a guy or two before. But with you and… just wow …" the princess had to make it clear, feeling like her mind was opened, as well.

And truth be told, she liked it.

"But if I can say anything from experience… you're a great kisser."

If Ryoko was red before, it was nothing to how she was now. It did, however, put her at ease before allowing Ursa to keep kissing her, both wanting more of each other's lips.

It was then both realized as they got their bodies closer, despite their attempt to warm up, their clothes were still wet… and sticking on their bodies as they kissed.

"OH, this is... awkward." Ryoko herself snickered as did Ursa.

"Gotta dry these clothes off."

"There a way to use firebending to do so while keeping our clothes on? Or our body heat?"

"Maybe? Guess there's one way to find out..." The Princess smirked before feeling herself be able to control her body heat as with Ryoko, both holding each others hands more, already feeling the small space inside the hut get warmer.

After a couple minutes, they had managed to do so, now holding each other's by the waist under a spare blanket Ryoko had kept in the hut against some pillows, the two girls just smiled at what they achieved.

The moonlight shined through the small cracks or two of the stone hut as the rain stopped.

"Hey, it worked." Ursa smiled sweetly, able to see that the blind girl was able to tell before holding up her hand and letting a small flame spark, Ryoko was able to sense Ursa's form, something she'd never forget in her mind, kissing whom she considered to be the most beautiful girl on the forehead.

Would it last forever? Maybe, maybe not, because who knew what life would throw? But right now, she just wanted to live in the moment.

"Hey, Ryoko…"

Ursa's soft tone looked to get the blind girls' attention.

"Uhm?"

"I was… wondering. This summer, it's planned for me to take a trip over to the Fire Blossom Sanctuary." the princess began saying. "I've gotta go there for some little peace summit meeting thingy with the Fire Nation, I see it more as an excuse to get a free trip and to learn about some of my family. But I've never actually been there before."

"Never?" Ryoko asked, sensing a shake of the head from Ursa.

"Nope, all the times I met Aunt Azula and the two Ty Lee's, they came to the palace." she admitted but shared a small smile. "I know you've been there a few times because of your family history there, but… would you like to come with me there, Ko-Ko? Spend time together, show me around."

Hearing the offer, Ryoko felt her pale eyes blink as she blushed. "Just… Us two? At Hiromi's home?"

"Well, aside from a few guards my dads will force me to take, but it'd be fun to learn so much with you there. Who knows, maybe you'll never want to leave there."

The birthday girl had to admit, it did sound tempting.

"Well, who knows indeed. Sounds fun..." she said before giving a smile as she engulfed her small flame and held her hand on Ursa's cheek, smiling.

"All that matters is that I'd be with you, Ursa..."