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The instructions the old herbalist gave her were strange to say the least.
Plant the seed three days before the next full moon. Keep it cold and water it only with ice water. Be present when the blossom open.
Kya had only wanted something to help with fertility, but the herbalist assured her the odd methods will give her a child. She was not sure this was going to work but after recently losing both her husband and son, she was willing to give the mysterious seed a shot.
She planted it in a small flowerpot exactly three days before the next full moon and kept it cold by placing cubes of ice around the base. It was a welcome distraction from the grief.
On the eve of the third day, just before the moon rose in the fading sky, Kya dragged her chair beside the flowerpot perched on the window seal and waited. She wondered what she should do after it blooms. Turn the petals into tea perhaps? Surely the flower held magical properties.
“It should be any second now, Appa.”
The shaggy white dog raised his head and tilted it.
“I know what you’re thinking.” Kya sighed. “Hama the herbalist is many things, but a liar was not one of them.”
A small sprout pushed through the dirt.
“See! I told you.” Kya smiled.
Appa huffed then went back to sleep.
The plant continued to grow at rapid speed, rising higher with the moon. Just before midnight, the plant produced a light blue flower bud. Joy welled up deep inside Kya. The thought of turning it into tea was far from her mind. She loved the flower like it was her own child.
“My sweetheart.”
Kya tenderly kissed the bud just as the moon reached its highest peak. The plant folded into a full blossom. In the center rested a tiny girl no bigger than Kya’s thumb. Her long dark brown hair drifted down like waves, covering most of her bare body. The girl looked up at Kya with wide blue eyes the exact shade of the flower petals.
“Hello mother.” she smiled.
Kya gasped softly. “Hello.”
Tears slipped down Kya’s cheeks as she smiled back. She gently picked the tiny girl up and rubbed her cheek with the tip of her thumb. She was so delicate and fresh, like the first droplets of dew. That’s what Kya will call her.
“Katara.”
~*~
Life on a farm was challenging for someone only a few inches tall. But Katara was never one to back down from a challenge. She helped where she could and tried to stay out of trouble. Easier said than done.
“Sweetheart, please be more careful.” Kya said as she gently wiped Katara down from the cherry filling.
“I only wanted even out the spread.”
“I know dear. But I rather have an uneven pie spread than a well baked daughter.”
Katara looked down ashamed for falling into the pie and worrying her mother. Though Kya's face held a warm smile, Katara could tell she was frightened. After all, she was seconds from ending up in the oven.
“I’ll clean the counter to make it up to you!”
Katara broke free to grab her tiny makeshift broom then started sweeping up the spilled flour. Kya sighed and shook her head affectionally.
“I think it’s time to call it a day.” She said while scooping Katara up. “It’s getting late anyway.”
“But-“
“No buts either.”
Katara grumbled and crossed her arms. “Fine.”
Kya placed Katara on top of the piano and began playing while Appa howled along. Instead of dancing like she usually did, her eyes drifted to Kya and Hakoda’s wedding portrait that hung beside a framed picture Sokka drew a while ago. If they were still here, would things be different? Would Mother be happier with a normal family? Katara sat down and brought her knees to her chest.
“Katara, you love this song. What’s wrong?”
“I wish I was useful.” she said quietly. "If I was bigger then maybe I could be."
Kya stopped playing and gave her daughter her full attention. “Darling, your value is not determined by what you can or can’t do. I love you, no matter what.”
Tears formed in Katara’s eyes, but she quickly brushed them away. “I love you too.”
“Instead of music, how about we read a story instead?”
Katara nodded, gratefully.
Appa whimpered, disappointed that the song would not continue.
Kya patted his head. "Maybe tomorrow.”
"Sorry Appa." Katara apologized.
The dog hopped on the chair and gave her a big wet lick to show no hard feelings.
Kya went to the bookshelf and pulled out Katara’s favorite. The Legend of Oma and Shu. After placing Katara on her shoulder, Kya settled down on her chair with Appa curled up at her feet and began the story of the forbidden lovers from warring fairy kingdoms.
“Mother, are fairies real?”
Kya hummed. “I don’t know dear. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were.”
Katara fell quiet as she stared longingly at the picture of Oma and Shu secretly meeting in the glowing crystal caverns.
“Am I a fairy?”
“I don’t know that either. Hama the herbalist moved away before I could ask.”
If she wasn’t a fairy, then what was she?
Katara sighed and leaned against Kya’s neck. The cerulean stone of her necklace gleamed in the candlelight. Katara subconsciously touched her bare neck.
Was she the only one of her kind in the world?
“Katara. Promise me you won’t lose hope.” Kya said gently yet firmly.
Katara swallowed the lump in her throat. “I promise.”
After finishing the story, Kya placed Katara on her old jewelry box she converted into a bed for her daughter.
“Mother, could I sleep by the-“
“Window?” Kya finished with a smile. It was a full moon tonight and Katara always became restless during them. Kya threw her a wink causing Katara to laugh some.
“Anything else?” Kya asked after placing her on the table beside the window.
“Could you leave the book, please?”
“Of course.” Kya opened the book to the picture Katara was staring at and leaned it against the window seal. She kissed her fingertip then placed it against Katara’s cheek.
"Goodnight, dear.”
“Goodnight, Mother.”
Katara waited for Kya to retire to her room for the night before slipping out of bed. She traced her hand along Shu’s cheek. At this angle, they were about the same height. Something inside Katara ached. She loved her mother with all of her heart and felt guilty for having such traitorous feelings. But she couldn't help wonder what it felt like to hold someone's hand in her own, or wrap your arms around their shoulders in an actual hug.
The moonlight filtered through clouds, bathing the room in a soft glow. Katara spread her arms out wide to soak it in and immediately felt better. She decided then and there to stop moping around. So what if she was the only tiny person in the whole world. Katara had a loving family and warm house. That’s all that really mattered. Katara caught a glance of Shu staring at her through the pages.
“Don’t give me that look.” Katara crossed her arms and before sighing dramatically. “Alright. If you insist. One dance.”
Katara hitched her skirt and twirled around, singing the song mother played earlier.
Let me be your wings
Let me be your only love
Let me take you far beyond the stars
~*~
It was the perfect night for a ride. Zuko loved the feel of the wind in his hair and moonlight on his face. It was good to slip away from all the pressures of being a prince and have a moment to just be himself.
Zuko decided to take Druk on a different path tonight, near a small farm right outside of the human town. Uncle warned him not to venture too close to human dwellings, but it was late, and everyone was asleep. Druk buzzed excitedly as he whipped around crops and did flips, showing off as usual.
“Easy buddy.” Zuko laughed. “You’re going to wake the whole farm.”
In the distance, Zuko heard soft singing. Overwhelmed by curiosity, Zuko steered the bee towards the source. They peered through the farmhouse’s window and saw a girl dancing and singing on the table.
She looked human but was his size and wingless. She was absolutely beautiful with tiny flowers in her long hair and a voice clear and crystal as the first drops of dew. Zuko flushed. He knew it was wrong to spy. The least he could do was introduce himself. Druk buzzed angrily and nudged him towards the window.
“Okay. Okay. I’m going.”
Zuko pushed open the slightly ajar window frame and slipped in. Zuko’s hands twitched, aching to hold something. He should have brought a gift. He considered turning back to get one but saw Druk glaring at him through the window. Zuko rolled his eyes, knowing the bee would simply push him back inside if he left without talking to the mysterious girl. Zuko peaked around the book where the girl continued to sing and dance without a care in the world.
Let me be your wings
Leave behind the world you know
For another world of wondrous things.
We'll see the universe and dance on Saturn's rings.
Fly with me and I will be your wings.
She twirled, letting her pale blue skirt billowed out around her.
“You have to go now? In the middle of our dance? Such manners.” she tsked. “Oh you have to stop the pirate raid? Why didn’t you say so?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll save you from the pirates.” Zuko spoke without thinking.
The girl let out a startled gasp. “Who’s there?!”
“Hello. Zuko here.” He stepped out from behind the book and saw her holding a sewing needle for defense. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
The girl took a step back as her mouth dropped. She looked between Zuko and the book.
“Um, I was flying nearby and heard your singing, so I thought I’d introduce myself but wanted to wait for the right moment and…” Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose. “Out loud it sounds really creepy. As a prince, I really should have known better. I’m sorry-“
“Y-You’re one of them!”
Zuko raised his brow. “I beg your pardon?”
The girl’s eyes became glassy as she lowered the needle.
“I thought I was the only one…”
A massive white dog’s head appeared over the table and growled lowly at them. Zuko pulled out his dual swords and jumped in front of the girl. She waved him off.
“Appa no! It's alright! He’s a friend. See.” She curtsied. “My name is Katara. Thank you for coming Prince Zuko.”
Catching on quickly, Zuko sheathed his swords and bowed. “No trouble at all. The pleasure is all mine.”
The dog nodded in approval before returning to his sleeping spot under the table. Loud snores filled the room as the two eyed each other with barely contained laughter.
“Sorry about that. He's very protective.” Katara tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Katara.” Zuko said in awe. His golden wings sparkled with delight. “What a lovely name.”
“Thank you. You have a lovely name too.” Katara held his hand. Zuko flush from the sudden contact. “And such beautiful wings. Are there more fairies like in The Legend of Oma and Shu?”
Zuko smiled at her excitement. “Yes there’s a whole kingdom of Sun fairies not too far from here. That's where I'm from.”
Katara gasped. “Really?!”
He nodded before growing serious. “Have you truly never seen another fairy before?”
“Never.” Katara shook her head. “Mother said I was born from a flower she got from a mysterious herbalist.”
Zuko considered her words carefully as he thought. “Like a Moon fairy.”
Katara gapped at him. “A what?”
“Moon fairies are born from snow blossoms. There are many types of fairies, but Moon fairies are the rarest. I think that’s what you are.”
Without warning, Katara threw her arms around him in a tight hug.
“For so long I didn’t know what I was." She cried. “A Moon fairy... Thank you.”
Zuko’s heart hurt for her. He couldn’t imagine going through life thinking he was the only one of his kind. She must have been incredibly lonely.
“You’re not alone Katara." Zuko said as he hugged her back. "Not anymore.”
They continued to hug until Katara regain composure. She let go and cringed at her outburst.
"Sorry I got you all wet."
Katara used her sleeve to wipe Zuko's ropes. Her hand stopped over his well-defined chest, and she suddenly felt very hot and stomach fluttery. Zuko placed his hand over hers.
"It's no problem." He rasped.
They remained frozen in that position brief moment before tapping came from the window.
“What is that?” Katara asked.
“Oh it’s Druk, my bumblebee. He doesn’t like being in one place too long.”
“A bumblebee! Why didn’t you say so?” Katara laughed as she dragged Zuko onto the window seal. “Aww he’s so cute!”
Druk buzzed and snuggled up to Katara.
An idea hit Zuko. “Would you like to go on a ride?”
Katara’s eyes lit up. “I’d love to!”
Zuko laughed as he helped her onto the bee. “Hold on tight!”
~*~
The ride was magical.
Katara held onto Zuko as they flew into the night. He was so warm, and his wings shone like the early morning sun.
“I wish I had wings.”
“They’ll grow in soon. Just give it some time.” Zuko said encouragingly.
Katara giggled as Druk buzzed in agreement.
They flew through the crops and into the forest close by. Katara leaned down and brushed the water with her hand, leaving behind a trail of sparkles. They soon abandoned the bumblebee as Zuko took Katara in his arms and danced with her with nothing but his wings and pixie dust keeping them afloat. Katara never wanted the moment to end. When they returned to the farmhouse, it was nearly dawn.
“Will I ever see you again?”
“Of course. Just say when.”
Katara bit her lip as she thought. She needed time to process and come to term with everything, but she wanted to meet him again soon.
"Next full moon. That's when I have the most energy."
"You rise with the moon. I rise with the sun." Zuko took off his ring and slipped it on her finger. “To remember me by.”
It fit her perfectly. Katara took the forget-me-not blossom out of her hair and tucked it behind Zuko’s ear. Her fingers brushed his scar, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, his marigold eyes soften as he gazed at her. Katara decided to give him one last thing.
A kiss, right on his scar.
“Thank you, Prince Zuko.”
His eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “You’re welcome…”
Zuko leaned closer, their lips were nearly brushing before the rooster crowed, startling them apart. The two flushed and laugh nervously.
“M-My mother will be up soon.” Katara stammered and pointed towards the window. “I better…”
“Yeah, I-I gotta get back too.” Zuko climbed onto Druk and gave her an awkward wave.
“See you soon.”
Katara waved back with a wide grin. “Goodbye.”
She returned to bed with a full heart. Despite the adrenaline wearing off and exhaustion starting to set in, Katara felt like she was still flying. After so long, she finally found that missing piece and a friend to share it with. Maybe even more than a friend. Katara fell asleep with a smile on her face. She couldn’t wait to tell her mother later.
Little did she know, Kya stood in the door frame watching the whole scene unfold. She placed a hand over her heart as silent tears streamed down. Appa nudged her leg worriedly.
“It’s okay boy.” Kya whispered. “Everything is okay now.”