Her Falling and Her Legacy *Part 2 ( A ATLA and LOK Imagine)
General Iroh II arrives at the Air Temple and Zuko has a dream.
Ba Sing Se
100 AG
Y/N smiles happily that her mooncakes have come out perfectly. It was the first time she had made them, and she was proud of how they turned out. She even gave them a little dragon design on it, circling a jasmine flower.
She took a careful bite to taste the flavors and smiled.
“Mmh, not bad!” She says to herself and makes a small plate for her and her roommates. She just wished that Zuko would wake up soon.
After Zuko released the Avatar’s flying bison, he became sick.
Iroh said that his aura is changing drastically and was the reason for his illness.
She sighs in worry but puts on a brave face before placing the plate on the kitchen table.
Iroh took one and tasted it. A smile was presented on his face. A clear sign that he was happy by the taste. “Incredible! You have outdone yourself, Y/N.”
“Thank you, Iroh. It’s my first time making these.”
Zuko entered the room and Iroh presented the mooncakes to him.
“Look, nephew, Y/N made mooncakes. Try one!”
Zuko looks at the hopeful gaze on Y/N’s face over his uncle’s shoulder and takes one.
After taking a bite, he hums lightly. “Pretty good.”
“Really?” She asked, worry washed away.
“Yeah. Really good, actually.” He takes another bite.
“Maybe we should add them to the menu of our tea shop.” Iroh suggested.
“Okay, but only I get to make them, I don’t want anyone stealing my recipe.”
“Deal!” Iroh finalizes their ‘business’.
Northern Air Temple
171 AG
Tenzin watched his pupils, yet again, with frustration.
It had weeks, but he still has ye tot manage to shape them into the ideal air nomads that he and his grandfather had dreamed of for as long as he can remember. After the close call with the bison herd from getting stolen by animal traffickers, if Kai and the other airbenders hadn’t interfered, he had expected they would at least become more serious about their training.
He winced as another was hit and out of the spinning paddles.
Not a lot, but at least a little.
He sighed once again and continued to watch until one certain pupil caught his attention.
At least one of them had expected those expectations.
“Don’t just stand there, Rookie! Be the leaf!” Meelo orders her as he pointed at the gates with his chest puffed up.
She looks down at him and then back at the paddle with a steady gaze. She watches as they spin and spin and then something just clicks.
“A leaf. . . I get it.”
She took her position and started moving her feet and walked onto the course, eyes closed.
Tenzin watched in tense, nobody had done it the first time with eyes closed before.
Yet she did the impossible, and moved like Meelo has instructed, like a leaf. But it wasn’t just dodging, it was like she was dancing. Like the leaf, she redirected any impacts that she stumbled upon her way through the grates and let the wind guide her to safety.
She finally arrived at the other side, unharmed and lowers of hands together.
The others looked at her with amazement and envy as whispers broke out.
“Wow.”
“She’s amazing.”
“She makes it look so easy.”
Bai-La was an incredible pupil. The most attentive, the most graceful and hard-working student that he has ever had the closest joy to have.
Other than the poor man that he had to demonstrate to shave, Bai-La was the only one who willingly volunteered to have her hair shaved. Technically, she asked for a half-shaved look to not lose all of her hair. He hesitated, but she was the only one who volunteered.
She passed every test and breathing exercises as well as understanding his lectures and stories, excluding.
If she kept it up, she would be at the same level as his children and Korra.
And . . . another thought had haunted his mind ever since he saw her eyes.
Y/N. The girl who would’ve been the Fire Lady.
Zuko’s first love.
Though he was not sure if it was just a coincidence, Bai-La's eyes and face were the exact copy of the girl who would’ve been his aunt.
Everyone knew the story. How Y/N The Gentle fought and aided future Chief Sokka, his would-be wife, Suki and future Chief of Police Toph to stop Fire Lord Ozai’s invasion.
Only Bai-La was sacrificed for the cause.
His mother once told him of how broken Zuko was when he heard of the news of his beloved’s demise, but he had to remain strong as he was the next Fire Lord. He managed to find happiness in Mai, but even she knew that she couldn’t compete with the girl who had stolen her husband’s heart, their respect for each other is unreal.
In fact, the now Fire Lord, name, Izumi was half of Y/N’s name, Y/N Izumi, to honor her in memory.
Which brings him to another situation.
“Alright everyone, that’s enough for today. We’ll continue tomorrow after our morning meditation.”
Most of them sighed in relief and even went on their separate ways in groups or alone. Bai-La jumps done and lands on her feet gracefully.
As she was about to leave, Tenzin stopped her.
“Just a moment Bai. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”
“Yes, Sifu Tenzin?” She looks up at him.
“Follow me.” He says, and they made their way out of the training grounds.
They reached one of many balconies of the temple and he took out an envelope from his robes.
“Here.” He hands it to her. “Letters from your family. I’m sorry I couldn’t keep my promise of bringing them here, but the letter that you sent to them was most helpful.”
Bai-La smiles gratefully and bows to him. “Thank you. These mean more a lot to me than you can think of.” She opens one and immediately begins to read.
Tenzin nods. “I’m glad. . . there is something else that I need to bring up.”
“Yes?” She looks back up at him.
“As you know by now, our situation with the world leaders have been a little. . . strained with the idea of airbenders being back to society.”
“You mean President Raiko?”
Tenzin didn’t reply. “Our first impression was not . . .impressive, per say. Two days from now, General Iroh will come visit by to write a report on our activities and how fair we are doing.”
“You mean spying?” She teases lightly.
“Yes.” He couldn’t help but to comply with her humor. “But General Iroh is a good man. The one he’s working above him, however.”
“No need for more explanations.” She raises her hand to stop him. “But I still have yet to understand what it has to do with me?”
“Well, other than Kai and my brother, you Bai-La have the greatest potential out of all the other airbenders. In fact, you’ve become a sort of prodigy. Which is why I want you to be a representative of the airbenders once the General arrives to build his report.”
“I don’t know what to say.” She says in surprise. “I am . . .”
“Just don’t get it to your head.” Tenzin teases as he places a hand on her shoulder. “You should prepare, the General will be here next week.”
“Yes, and thank you, Sifu Tenzin.” She bows with her fist connected to her palm.
He returns it and they began to walk away until Bai notices something.
“Is that an old oven?”
Tenzin looks over his shoulder and sees a familiar oven that brought up wonderful memories.
“Why yes, the air acolytes use it, but they’re a little old fashion these days. I used to make cakes with my father here once, Bumi did not like them.”
“Were they that bad?”
A secret smile made its way up to the corners of his mouth. “Not exactly.”
“Well, then, can I use it? I would love to make some mooncakes or some sweetbread.” She had sparkles in her eyes as she explained.
Tenzin raises an amused brow. “I don’t see why not. Here, let me show you a recipe my father taught me.”
***
Bumi was happily taking a stroll until something fell from the sky.
His head was suddenly covered in frosting and cake bits. He shouted at the sky in anger, knowing exactly who was responsible.
“TENZINNNNN!”
Tenzin and Bai-La looks down from the balcony and they both laugh. They then bow to each other.
“Your aim is perfect, my bright pupil.”
“Thanks, Sifu Tenzin.”
***
The Fire Nation.
The winds brushed his hair wildly as he stood there in the courtyard where the fountain lay, the exact one from Ba Sing Sae. The one where she took him there by accident.
Cherry blossom petals suddenly fall from the sky. Where did they come from? He doesn’t know.
“Zuko.”
His eyes widened and he slowly turned. The wind blowing through his hair as the owner of the voice that had called out to him was full in his sight.
There she was.
Young and beautiful as he remembered.
Her dress was the one she wore on their first date in Ba Sing Se.
He felt his youth coming back as he suddenly morphs back into the young lad he used to be when they were still together.
He ran to the other side of the fountain, where she was and crashes her into a hug. She let out a giggle as he twirls her around until he settles her back to the ground. Her head burry on his chest as he hugs her.
“I missed you.” He whispers into her hair.
“I missed you, too.” She muffles into his chest.
“This is another dream. Is it?” His tone of content did not waver.
“I’m afraid so.” She confesses. “But it’ll be over soon.”
His hold on her tightened at those words. This dream always ended the same way. He begs her to stay longer, but she always says no.
“Please. Just a little longer. A minute even.”
“You don’t understand, Zuko. It will be over soon.”
He frowns, this was different. He pulls away to look down at her. “What will be over soon?”
She raises a hand to cup his cheek, her thumb caressing the edge of his scar.
This was different too.
But he didn’t care, he leans into the touch and grabs it to kiss the palm of her hand.
“You’ll see.”
He suddenly wakes up.
He sat up and looked at the morning sky from his open window.
It has been days since he arrived at the Fire Nation to protect Izumi. She was reluctant to take the decision, saying that she didn’t need any protection, but he insisted. She has only heard of Zaheer and the Red Lotus, never seen them of what they are capable of.
His hands clutched the silk duvet as he imprinted the words of his first beloved.
It’ll be over soon.
But what did she mean by that?
***
Bai-La sighs as she wipes the sweat on her forehead with the back of her hand after setting the last batch of mooncakes on tray. She smiled at her grandmother’s signature design on the treats as fond memories began to unfold. She looks at the ready mooncakes that were packaged in boxes. At the sight of it, there was enough for a whole fleet. Which was what she was going for.
Ikki was there too, sitting near the baker on a rail of the balcony munching on a cake that Bai had given her. “Mmh! This is the best mooncake I ever tasted.” She pauses. “Don’t tell my mom I said that.”
Bai only smiles. “I’m glad you like them! It’s my grandmother’s recipe, never changed and never left eaten without a single crumb behind.”
Ikki looks at the number of mooncakes. “But why are you making so much? Is there a party? Are we having a party? Is it someone’s birthday?”
“Nope,” Bai answers quickly to cut off any remaining questions that the little girl has. “These are for the Air Acolytes as a thank you for helping us settling in the temple and for the Fleet of the United Republic of Nations as a welcome present.”
Ikki looks at the many boxes. “That’s a lot of mooncakes.”
“Ooh!” Meelo made himself known. “Mooncakes! Score!”
He was about to touch the ones that were already packed but Bai lightly taps his hand with a wooden spoon. “Apbububu- No touchy. Those are for the Air Acolytes and our guests tomorrow.”
Meelo rubs his hand in dismay, but his mood suddenly changed when a plate of mooncakes was in front of his face.
“These however are for airbenders.” Bai smiled.
He gladly takes one and takes a bite. His eyes sparkled as his tastebuds sings his mood. “Whoa! It’s like I’ve been taken to Flavor Heaven!”
He then takes more and more to stuff in his mouth, but Bai pulls that plate away from him as she laughs. “Hey! Save some for the others, Little Sifu.”
Little Sifu was a nickname she had given him since she started her training, Meelo didn’t seem to mind since the word Sifu is being used directly to him.
“Alright, since you two are here. Mind helping give these out till’ dinner time? I’ll put in a good dozen of mooncakes for you once we’re done.”
“You trade in a hard bargain, lady.” Meelo comes by and takes a few boxes with Ikki.
“But the temple is so big. How are we gonna take these to everyone by dinner? I’ll be tired from all the walking.”
“Who says anything about walking?”
Ikki and Meelo shared a look.
***
An air acolyte was done cleaning the windows, when suddenly, he hears the familiar sounds of wind whistles.
Before he could look behind, three figures passed by him, and he felt something in his hands. He looked down and was surprised to see a white box in his hands with a sweet aroma coming from it.
He squinted to the culprit that gave him the box and see Bai-La with the airbending children on air scooters with other boxes balanced on the top of their heads.
“Thanks for your hard work!” Bai shouted.
The air acolyte raises a brow but opens the box, nonetheless, he takes out a mooncake and smiles to where the benders headed before taking a bite.
“Mmh!”
***
Like Bai had hoped, they managed to deliver the mooncakes to every acolyte at the Temple by dinner. Some were surprised but mostly happy by the thoughtful treats.
Everyone finished their meals and the airbenders were surprised by Bai’s mooncakes waiting for them.
“So, this is what the commotion was about within the acolytes.” Tenzin said as he takes one.
“I wanted to thank them for helping us settle in the Air Temple.”
“How thoughtful.” Pema complements as she takes a mooncake as well. She noticed the design and admired it. “What a lovely touch.”
Bai smiled. “Thank you, it’s my gram-gram's signature.”
“These are delicious!”
“I know right!” Ikki was happily eating them.
Bai sat in her seat as she was being thanked and asked for making mooncakes again from airbenders and acolytes alike. One even asked for the recipe, but she shakes her head.
“Sorry guys, family secret. My grandmother would haunt me if shared the recipe from outside of the family.”
The mood in the room changed drastically after hearing the comment.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Bai.” Tenzin apologizes.
The young woman only smiled and shakes her head again. “It is fine, Master Tenzin, it was a long time ago. . .” She fiddles with something that tied around her neck that Ikki seemed to be the only one to notice.
“What that?”
Bai pulls it up a bit to show it. It was a half pendant that shined brightly in the light.
“It’s an heirloom, it belonged to my grandmother once, before she passed away. “
“Pretty! But where’s the other half?” Ikki tilted her head.
“I don’t know, my grandmother never really explained it to me.”
As Bai tries her best explain the mystery, by mere sight of the necklace, Tenzin was suddenly pulled into flashback, a memory that he had almost forgotten.
When Lord Zuko was telling them the bravery of the only fallen friend during the war.
Y/N the Gentle.
The portrait the Fire Nation Palace displays for her honor was made with as much detail as possible, the beautiful smile and kindness showing in her eyes. But what really stuck to young Tenzin the most was the necklace that the young girl was wearing around her neck.
One that took a similar resemblance to the one that Bai-La has in her hands.
And if he remembered the tales that Iroh had told him when he became older, Lord Zuko had the intension to marry Y/N after they brought peace to the Four Nations. But that promise was taken away from him when Y/N sacrificed herself to save his uncle and Toph Beifong.
He frowns at the sight of the necklace as the possibility ran through his mind.
After dinner, he stood up and announced that he had something to take care of in his study.
Once there, He rummaged through the bookshelf until he found what he was looking for. He opens it and flips through the pages until he stops at a chapter where the first page shows a picture of the same portrait, he’s seen in the Fire Nation Palace. He takes a small magnifying glass from his desk and moves it around the portrait until it stops to the model’s neck.
A pendant around the girl’s neck gave him the clue he needed for his question.
***
Tenzin and the acolyte elders watched as General Iroh’s fleet had docked the port on a blimp. The General himself was walking down the ramp and he saluted.
“Greetings, Tenzin.”
“General Iroh, it is good to see you.”
They shake hands.
“You as well.”
“I’m sorry you have to be put up with this assignment.”
“No trouble at all. It’ll be a short visit, but at least me and my men have a time to relax, away from Republic City.”
“And the President.”
Iroh smirks. “Especially.”
They began to walk and catch up, they have not talked since their ordeal with Unalaq. Once they reached the outskirts of the Temple where they were airbenders training on top of the poles. Iroh and Tenzin, and Iroh’s first mate, who was taking reports and writing them down on a clipboard, watched as they all worked through their training, some have fallen but few have managed to stand their ground on top of the poles.
“As you can see, they have a long way to go until they become proper airbenders.”
He winces as another pupil falls.
“Very long. Also, if you have the time, there’s something that I need to discuss with you.”
“What-” Before Iroh could even finish, a voice call from above.
“Look out!”
One of the pupils jumped with a powerful gush of wind by accident and suddenly fell on the General himself with a loud thud.
“Ow.” Iroh croaks as the pupil gets and apologizes repeatedly and bows many times, knowing who exactly he had dropped on as Iroh turns to his back.
A gasped was heard from above.
Suddenly, a sound of soft wind was heard, and a pair of legs was delicately floating down to the ground with airbending and lands in front of Iroh. He looks up to see that it was a woman close to his age.
The stranger leans and offers her hand.
“Are you alright?”
He took it and almost froze when he looked up and caught her eyes with his own. They were so bright and beautiful.
But his admiration was brief when she tugged his arm up and he snapped out his gaze and stood.
She was a short woman with long hair, yet the side was shaved off, it was styled in a very delicate way as well as edgy.
He clears his throat, remembering his manners. “Thank you.”
She smiled as Tenzin came to her side.
“Iroh, this is Bai La, one of the freed airbending prisoners from Ba Sing Se and finest pupil in the temple.”
“Hello.” She bows. But when she straightens her posture back, she moves her hair away from her face when a breeze passes by.
Iroh almost froze as the sight of her eyes were shown. A look that on Iroh’s face that Tenzin had predicted.
“I hope you and your men are hungry. The air acolytes and I prepared a welcome dinner in honor of your visit.”
“Yes. Thank you.” Iroh could only answer as his mind was plagued with possibilities because of her face.
“Hey, Bai!” Kai from above calls for her. “I thought we have a bet going on?”
“Coming!” She turns back to the General. “See you at the dining hall.”
She then jumps with the help of airbending to set herself back on top of the poles.
Tenzin finds himself back at Iroh’s side.
“She’s. . .” He hesitated, yet Tenzin knew already what the Crown Prince was going to say.
“Yes. Exactly.”
Iroh had returned from his military training from the Northern Water Tribe. His mother took him on a walk, and they suddenly found themselves in the hall where all his forefathers and mothers portraits hanged, including the heroes of their nation.
His mother, who suddenly stopped at one specific portrait that which she had mentioned was one of her favorites because of the story behind the person’s cause and bravery.
Yet, she had surprised Iroh then with a single sentence.
“You know. . . I used to hate her.”
Iroh’s eyes widened a bit as his mother confesses.
“When your grandmother Mai told me of Y/N, I grew angry at your grandfather, wondering why he could ever disrespect the woman who gave birth to me. Whispering her name in his sleep and she cried every time.”
She closed her eyes and opened them, filled with wisdom, yet despair. “But she explained to me that on the day of Sozin’s Comet, when Y/N was lost, he became a broken man, almost unrecognizable. That’s when I knew that I couldn’t hold on to that anger anymore, especially on a brave woman who gave her life to save the world.”
Iroh places a hand on his mother’s shoulder. “I‘m sorry you had to go through that, mom. It must’ve taken a great deal of strength to accept it.”
She smiles and looks up at him. “Thank you, my son.”
They both continued to look at the portrait. Admiring the woman who could’ve been Fire Lady.
The general continued to watch Bai as she jumps from one pole to another circling with Kai to see who can stay the longest.
“But. . .are we even sure?” He asked.
Tenzin whispers to him. “Look around her neck.”
Iroh squints and sees what Tenzin is referring to watch for. It was a pendant, broken in half. A pendant he was all too familiar with.
“We can’t know for sure. Have you talked to her about this?”
Tenzin looks at Bai with a conflicted gaze. It was clear that she had become his favorite student. He tried to keep all equal feelings for his airbenders but Bai was a kind and bright being that had the potential to become one of the greatest Airbending Masters.
“I just don’t want to overwhelm her.”
“You might now have a choice.” Iroh states in a calming manner. “With things going on at Ba Sing Se and the Red Lotus, there might not be a chance to tell her. Or . . . him.”
Tenzin looks back and watches as Bai laughs to whatever Kai was saying. Lord Zuko was
“No, there might not be.” He sighs. “I’ll arrange a private meeting with her. Will you join us?”
Iroh nods as he continues to gaze Bai. “Of course.”
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