That's the spirit! Thank you.

Yutaka - The first thing I noticed was that there's a lot of use of "he" in your post. You should try some more variety, like "the brunet" or "the green-eyed young man" or "the Waterbender" or something like that. You could also try different ways of phrasing your sentences so that they don't start with he so much. The second thing I noticed is that there is no depth to your post at all. There is no feeling or description. I get where you are, but not what it looks like or what you look like. And there's no feeling whatsoever. Your post was... bland, for lack of a better term. The third thing I noticed is that there seemed to be no point at all to your post. Why is your character there? What is he doing? What does he want? Why that village? Is he on a mission - personal or business? Is he just wandering? There are so many unanswered questions, I could go on but won't.

Next, I see some grammar errors. You seem to have some problems with the tenses in your post not agreeing, ie 'was walking' but 'has passed'. Notice the ing on walking but the ed on passed? Yeah... Also, the term 'crippling' growl confused us. Growls don't cripple, though I get what you're trying to say, but the term itself is a bit confusing. It should have been rephrased. Also, you said "He stepped up to the counter and said Hello, and asked for a room." It should have read, 'He stepped up to the counter, said "Hello," and asked for a room.'

I'm sorry, but your post is DENIED. If you're having trouble coming up with a plot of your own for this post, feel free to sign for the exemptions, keeping in mind what I've told you. If you do decide to re-do the post above, there is no need to post it again, simply modify the post and then post saying that you're made the necessary modifications.

Looks good on you, I think, and I'm not sure how many people could pull it off. It does look good, though, and I like that piece of red added in. Good choice.

OOC: Yes. It does.

Takeno saw Yuna’s bright eyes and wide smile, and he was sure that the expression would was mirrored on his own face. She seemed excited, which was good, because the soldier had never been more excited in his life. The dark-haired young man could remember being happy when he joined the Army, and when Makino approached him to be in the Resistance. Nothing compared to his first date with a girl he truly liked, or could like... Yes, he had been out with girls before and then some, but it hadn’t meant anything. The Firebender hadn’t felt this excited to be going out a first date with the beauty in front of him now. He didn’t care if she was from the Colonies, and undoubtedly, she was, because she was beautiful, she seemed nice, and she seemed to like him as much as he was sure he liked her. That is, as much as you could like someone after just meeting them and not really knowing them.

Taken could hear his parents now. “She’s not right for you, Takeno,” they would say. “I’m sure she’s a nice girl, but she’s from Colonies. Don’t you think you should get interested in a girl who’s actually from the Fire Nation?” Heh, the soldier would be tempted to say, “Yeah, sure, oh, and by the way, I’m really a high-ranking member of the Fire Nation Resistance. I think Ozai and Azula are power-hungry freaks that need to be put down.” Oh, yeah, that would go over well. His parents would either kick him out and disown him, or die of shock. Or both. That might save him the trouble of having to think of an excuse or find somewhere else to say when he gets time off. What did he really care what they think anyway? If he did care, he would never have joined in the Resistance, because if his parents found out, they’d turn him in… they would never understand, not in a million years.

This was exactly what he needed. Some time to feel just like a normal guy, not a soldier in the Fire Nation Army or a high-ranking member of the Fire Nation Resistance. The only thing that reminded him right now that he was both was the uniform he wore and the events that had transpired earlier tonight. The solider was trying hard not to think about them, but he couldn’t help but wonder how loyal that boy would be to Makino. The Resistance member wouldn’t hesitate to kill him if he had to protect the older man, but he hoped the boy would turn out be loyal; it wouldn’t be necessary then, and it wouldn’t force Takeno to do something that he didn’t want to do. He had a duty, though, to Makino, the Resistance, the rest of the Fire Nation and the World. It was important that he do whatever he could to carry out his duty in the best way he knew how. Right now, though, all he wanted to think about was his date with a pretty girl.

Takeno didn’t realize when he asked Yuna to lead the way to her lodgings that the beauty didn’t know. The soldier had assumed that she had already known her way, at the very least had been told where to go. When she got out two sheets of paper, the young man realized he’d been wrong. A slight worried look crossed his face, as the thought crossed his mind that he’d made a mistake. If the beauty minded, though, she didn’t act like it. The young woman from the Colonies took charge, and proceeded to lead the way. The soldier breathed a sigh of relief, because it seemed as if she had a map. He didn’t feel like such a loser… right now, anyway, but he was sure by the end of their date he’d do something stupid to show that yes, he was really a loser and not as cool as he’d like to act sometimes. For instance, the soldier had a habit of covering up what he was feeling with his good-natured attitude. It served him well most of the time, though.

The bags were starting to get heavy when they finally reached the place where Yuna was staying: Baba Ling’s Tea House. Takeno read the sign on the door and then followed the beauty in front of him in. Trying to be a gentleman, he was about to carry the bags upstairs for her, when the old lady stopped him. Mrs. Ling, or so Taken assumed, insisted on the young woman doing it herself. “I don’t mind, really,” he said, but she cut him off. Yuna would do it herself. Okay, the soldier thought to himself. He thought he saw the old lady giving him a look, wondering why he was with the young girl. He just gave her a wide, charming smile. Once Yuna took the last of her bags up front, the young man decided it would be better to wait outside. “I’ll just be outside, waiting for Yuna.” He stood there for a moment, before he nodded. With a soft, “Yeah,” he turned and waited on their front porch for the beauty to finish.

It wasn’t long before she came down the stairs, although she didn’t seem to see him as she went to lean on the railing. “Hey there,” he said softly, coming up next to her. “Ready to go?” He held out his arm at an angle, indicating that she should slip her arm through it. He had no idea if this really worked or not on girls, but it was worth a shot. After all, this date couldn’t go any worse than the other first dates he’d been on, right? At least the girl wasn’t going out with him just because he was a soldier or something, like most of the others had. “We still have to go by the Barracks, so I can get out of this uniform. I don’t think you want me walking around in this, do you?” His amber eyes twinkled as he gave her a small smile. So far, things were good… A pretty girl and he was technically off duty all ready. All he had to do was change into some civilian clothes, and they could be off. If Lee was at the Barracks, that would be all the better. The fellow Lieutenant was his bunk mate, and he would like to give him a piece of his mind after the mistake he made earlier.

Images aren't necessary, but the improvements were much better.

Ah, good another appilcant for Ty Lee. We look forward to seeing it.

Hey there.

#6 could use some work, but it seems to fit her character well enough.
#9 - Why does the way she grew up affect that?
#10/11 - Everyone else doesn't have to know, but you should. These are vague.

I would say the same about 12, but 12 and 13 weren't on the list, so please remove them. Thanks.

Kokejin - I must say, I am impressed. I remember where you were at when you were here last time, and you are miles better now. I could hardly tell that English isn't your first langugae.

Even though the post was in first person - which was annoying, to be honest - it was still good. I liked the way you ended it, nice and dark. I mean, this prompt is a bit difficult to find a happy ending out of, but still. Just so that you know, we don't allow first person anymore. No one ever used it. Besides, Toph and I agree that your post would have flowed much better in third person.

Just keep that in mind - along with varying the use of the character's name and she with like "the Waterbender" or "the brunette" or the "amber-eyed girl" or something like that - and you'll be just fine. ACCEPTED

Kokejin - You wake up and find yourself in the middle of nowhere. Your town is nowhere in sight, and nor is anyone or anything else for that matter. You have no idea how you got here, all means of communicating with anyone who might help you are gone, and no one is coming down this road. How do you feel? What do you do? What do your senses pick up? No godmoding. Only thoughts, feelings, and sensory reactions.

Will be up shortly.

OOC: Slight godmodding, Kanea, sorry.

Azula watched Mai walk away. The Princess almost thought she saw her friend’s jaw clench for a moment before going back its usual passiveness. So, she had been right. Well, Azula was usually right; that wasn’t new. It didn’t really bother her that Mai had feelings for Zuko, and that she hated the baby. The dark-haired young woman knew that her friend knew where her true loyalties lay… and it wasn’t with her brother, who was now with Karena – by choice, and not by force. Zuko had made his choice, not that it would make a difference. Her father still knew who the better child was, and it was most certainly not him. She had proved time and time that she was superior sibling, much closer to her father and grandfather than her weaker older brother was.

Azula’s stomach clenched tightly as she remembered what had just transpired between her and her father. She was no longer flawless in her father’s eyes. He knew how that she made mistakes, and this one had been foolish and stupid in his eyes. The man had no idea what he was getting to it. It was logical that she fight him again. The Princess had fought him before, and it only made sense that she does it again. She had tried to tell her father that she would not make that mistake again; he wouldn’t listen. Of course, if she didn’t fight Lakano, then she wouldn’t make that mistake again, would she?

Ugh, how was she supposed to get revenge on him if her father had forbid him to fight the Waterbender? He was more powerful than for which Ozai was giving him credit. “Yes, I’ll there,” Azula said matter-of-factly. “In fact, I think I’ll go there right now.” Something tugged at the corner of her mind, though. The Princess tried to push it away, but every time she tried, it only got larger. I have to fight Lakano again… surely father can understand that? He didn’t, though, and why should he believe her? Even though she had never failed him before. What made him think that she would do it again?

“On second thought, I think I’m going to go find my father,” Azula told Mai. “Perhaps if I try to… appeal to his better nature, he’ll consider giving me a second chance. After all, this is the first time I’ve ever failed him or disappointed him.” Besides, he has no idea what Lakano’s true power is. Heh, maybe I should just let him fight the Waterbender so he can see for himself. On the other hand, there won’t be a river nearby for him to feed off. It’s possible that Lakano could be overwhelmed without one. Her heartbeat began to quick at that thought, and not for a good reason. “He might not, but at the very least, I can try and make him understand what Lakano is truly like.”

He’s a lot more powerful than you think… Azula thought to herself, and she refused to believe that he could be so easily overwhelmed. He’ll think of something, and if my father doesn’t listen… Ozai had to listen to her. “I’ll see you later, Mai,” the Princess said, before walking off in the direction of her father’s chambers. She knew that the Fire Lord had a War Meeting around noon, so maybe he was taking an early lunch alone. His rooms were a little father down from hers and Nikuro’s. She knew he was inside she saw two guards outside the rooms. Waving them aside, she walked in, immediately dropping to her knees in respect and submission, something she didn’t like doing, but it was necessary.

“Father, I’m sorry to interrupt you, but if you could hear me out,” Azula told him, keeping her eyes glued on the floor in front of her. “I know that you don’t want to believe me about Lakano, but I implore you to believe that I am telling the truth.” She didn’t want to give her father any time to berate, so she continued speaking so that Ozai would not have a chance. “He is as powerful as Shakhran said. I didn’t believe him either. That’s why he beat me. I… underestimated him. I know it was foolish, but if you would give me another chance… He would not have a river this time, and I know how he fights. I would make him pay.” Her voice became darker, and she dug her nails into the floor in front of her as best as he could.

I have to fight him again… What will do if you say no, Father? I have to fight him again…

Makino had seemed as if he’d needed time to think, so Zhai-Li had excused herself and gone to bed. The noblewoman almost thought as if she heard Shio taking a bath… It would take some getting used to having a teenager around the house again. Sighing, the noblewoman undressed, and got into bed. Sleep would not come, though. All her thoughts were of Karena and the baby in the Palace. Was it truly hers? Stop it, Zhai-Li… it doesn’t matter. No, it really didn’t. The Resistance’s plan would be the same no matter what. Her husband knew how to handle such situations; he always had. It was her place to mind the house, like any good wife.

Forcing herself not to think of Karena at that statement, finally, Zhai-Li fell off to sleep. She had no idea when he came to bed, but he was still asleep when she got up early in the morning. Her body would never let her sleep late. She had to get up and make sure that the servants got things down. Luckily for them, the noblewoman had promptly sent them both home for the night when Takeno had shown up. They were both already working on the laundry and cleaning when she walked in the kitchen. Michi and Junichi – a married couple that worked her and her husband every day. “Have you started the tea, yet?” She asked them, her voice clear and polite, but not overly kind.

Junichi shook his head. “No, ma’am. We always wait until you wake up before making it.”

Zhai-Li nodded her head. “Of course,” she said, before taking a seat at the table.

“Should we start breakfast, ma’am?” Michi asked.

Zhai-Li shook her head. “No, not yet.” It was then that she remembered that she should tell them both about Shio. “Makino and I have taken in a young boy named Shio, about sixteen or so.” Both of them nodded. “He’ll be staying with us for the unforeseeable future.”

“We saw his dirty clothes,” Junichi said. “I’ve already cleaned them. At least as best as I could. I’d figured you’d want that, ma’am.”

Zhai-Li nodded. Once tea was ready, she got up and woke up Makino. Then, she had Junichi and Michi start making breakfast, and she waited until it was almost finished before getting up to rouse Shio. Shaking him lightly on the shoulder, she said, “It’s time to get up. Breakfast is nearly ready, and there’s already tea made.” She began to walk towards the door, stopped, and turned around. “You’ll find your clothes from yesterday already cleaned as good as possible. They’ll do until after we finish eating. Then, we can go and get you some new ones.” Turning back around, she headed for the door again. “Don’t be long.” With that, she walked back into the kitchen just as Junichi and Michi were putting the plates on the table.

*shakes head* Nope. I went over and looked at your profile. There's nothing in there about that. You also say he's a member of the Resistance now except you don't say how he got to be one. Perhaps you should edit that stuff into your Profile...

I'm sorry, but I'll have to wait until your profile is approved before I can accept or deny this.

Edit: Also, your character's profession can't be fighting. Unless he's a merchant or a soldier, I'll probably have to deny you, since it's a lot harder for a regular citizen to get in we've found.

OOC: 13229 characters. 2450 words. *blinks* Wow. Thank you, Kaoru!
EditOOC: Now, with Karena 17225 characters and 3182 words. Much more concerned about the first one, though, lol.

For a second, Lakano thought Haru was going to try to weasel his way out answering his boyfriend’s queries. He should have known better, though, because as soon the redhead looked into his eyes, he broke down crying. Wrapping his arms tight around his boyfriend, he was more worried than ever before. It wasn’t only just worry he was feeling… he was starting to feel angry, too, but of course, the redhead wouldn’t see the expression on his face – worry mixed with anger. He wasn’t mad at Haru, of course… only his father for making him feel like this. No one made his lover this upset without hearing about it. He supposed that it came with the territory of being in love, something that had happened quickly, but had only gotten stronger over time.

Whatever had happened, it was bad. Haru, despite how he acted, was extremely bothered by this. It was just then that it hit the Waterbender that they hadn’t been together very long… Neither of them had told each their life stories, just general info. Lakano knew that both he and Haru possessed great power and strength in their element, and both had been pushed too far. Haru just wanted to cook, while Lakano had found his joy for Waterbending again. His boyfriend knew that he was an only child, and had left the North Pole because he needed to get away. Now, the brunet thought maybe whatever happened was his father was the reason why he left.

After a few minutes, Haru seemed to calm down. Lakano watched as he gathered himself for a moment, and then began to launch into the story, answering the questions that the Waterbender needed to hear. The brunet just sat there, waiting and listening. It was a lengthy story. He was slightly surprised to hear that telling his father had been Xiaoyu’s idea. He supposed he saw the logic in that. After all, it was his father. Most would expect him a parent to love their child no matter what. Then again, sometimes your parents had a funny way of showing you how they truly felt.

Take his own parents for example. The blue-eyed man knew that they loved him and had only wanted what was best for him. They still drove him away, though. Because both of them were mediocre benders, the couple had wanted their only child to be the best. He could have been. However, that’s a lot of pressure to put on a young child. By the time he’d gotten to his teen years, he’d already started getting sick of it. So, he started going less and less and around seventeen or eighteen, he quit all together. He was sure that his parents and Master Pakku had been extremely disappointed. He hadn’t cared, and he wasn’t entirely sure that he cared now.

Lakano’s mind quickly went back to Haru. Blue eyes followed the redhead as he got up and leaned on the table that was sitting in their room. Brows furrowing in confusion, the brunet did nothing to stop him – or tell him to come back. If Haru needed space to tell this story – a difficult story, it was sure to be – then the Waterbender should be patient and understanding. He should give him that space, and then give him comfort when he needed it. It was hard to tell from this distance, but the brunet could swear that Haru was digging his nails into the table. It made his heart beat faster to know how painful this was for him… and also know that there was nothing he could to stop it.

Hatsuharu continued his story, and Lakano listened to every word anxiously. He wanted the bad part to come already. He knew, though, that when it did, he would begin to hate his father for the pain that he’d caused his son – because he already knew that’s whose fault it was. When Haru actually did get to the end of his story, the Waterbender’s eyes widened in shock. That was the reason why Haru left the Fire Nation? Not truly of his own accord, but because his father kicked him out? What kind of parent is he? Who kicks their only child out of their house simply because of their sexual preferences? It filled him with a rage the likes of which he hadn’t felt before.

Lakano forced himself to get control of himself so that Haru would not see how angry it made him. He wanted Haru’s father to feel pain, even a fraction of the pain he’d just seen the love of his life in. The brunet knew that wasn’t the way to handle things, though. What Haru needed right now was comfort… at least that’s what he thought he needed. The Waterbender knew that he needed to say something to the Firebender, do something. Words would not come, though… at least anything that sounded even halfway good. What could he possibly say to make him feel better? There was nothing, because nothing could truly make him feel better other than his father’s acceptance.

It angered Lakano to know that it was a void not even he could heal. Perhaps it would heal with time, but Hatsuharu had told him that it’d been three years since the incident. If it hadn’t healed by now, than chances are that nothing would – except his father’s approval of his lifestyle. At the very least his acknowledgement that he was still his son, and that he still loved him, regardless – and that he would accept the fact that he would fall in love with a man, and there was nothing that could be done about that. In fact, Haru already had. All he could do was be there for him, and make sure that when they met, his father understood exactly who he was.

Lakano would not hurt Haru’s father… but he certain wouldn’t let himself be pushed around by him either. After hearing his boyfriend’s story, the Waterbender was almost completely certain that the redhead’s father would not like him one bit. It was true that he and Haru were very different. Lakano was about as masculine as they came, while Haru… well, he wasn’t, quite the opposite actually. What he couldn’t understand was the fact that his father hadn’t already been able to tell that there was something different about his son. After all, Lakano and Akita noticed it instantly. The Waterbender was sure that his Earthbending friend was able to tell exactly why sooner, but that didn’t matter.

Getting up after a minute or two, Lakano got up and walked over to Haru, who was still leaning against the table. The redhead was staring at the same spot on the floor that he had throughout the entire second half of his speech. For about thirty seconds that seemed to drag on forever, the Waterbender just stood there in front of him wondering what he was supposed to. I suppose that I can’t do anything if he’s not even looking at me, the brunet thought to himself. The question is, even if he was, what am I supposed to do? Stepping forward a little more, he put a tad hand next to Haru’s much paler one. With the other hand, he put two fingers under his boyfriend’s chin, raising it so that they could look eye-to-eye.
Blue met amber and the blue eyes could say without words that he was worried, concerned, and wanted nothing more to take every bit of pain away that the amber eyes were feeling. Gingerly, Lakano covered Haru’s lips with his own. The kiss was gentle, and sweet – not meant to seduce, but meant for comfort. With that one kiss, the brunet wished every bit of pain away that his redhead was feeling; he knew he couldn’t, but he was sure as hell going to try. It was painful for him to see the firebender like this; he hated it with a passion that he couldn’t have stopped even if he wanted to. He covered up the anger he was feeling for Haru’s father, because this was neither the time nor the place for such things. That would come later, much later.

“If I could take your pain away, I could, you know that,” Lakano told him. “I feel helpless, because I don’t know what I could do to help you.” His shook his head lightly. His dark brown hair was put up in a ponytail, as usual, but it had grown a few inches since he had met Haru. Now, if taken down, the hair would lie much closer to the middle of his back than just slightly past his shoulders, as it had been. Blue eyes stared into amber ones, desperately wanting to make everything all right – just say that it was, and make it so. Life never worked like that, as both of the young men in the room would know. Life had a way of throwing you curve balls, and either you caught them, or they hit you. If they hit you, it had a way of making your life miserable.

Lakano thought of Makaro, and realized that yes, parents really could disown their children for stupid things. After all, his warrior friend had been disowned at a very young age because of inability to bend, something just as foolish as Haru being gay. Makaro had never told his parents of his sexuality, if indeed, he’d realized it before he met Wayu. The Waterbender had no idea, because it was not something the two friends had discussed. It didn’t matter, to be honest. Makaro was gay, as was Lakano and Haru. Each was different, and each dealt with it differently. Lakano didn’t care, as long as he had Haru. Makaro didn’t mention it at all, and it didn’t seem to bother Haru. That wasn’t the reason he was crying; he was crying because of his father’s rejection.

Lakano kissed him again, this kiss having a little more passion than the one before it. “Tell me what you need, love,” he told him in his baritone voice. “I will do it in an instant.” A slight chuckle escaped his lips as he realized how lost he was in this situation. The brunet was not used to feeling so helpless, and here was… with a boyfriend, who was hurt and tormented and he had absolutely no idea what he could to fix it – if indeed, it could be fixed; he wasn’t sure that there was anything. Looking down at Haru, he waited for a moments for the redhead to respond. There had to be some way to comfort him, but right now, the Waterbender wasn’t sure exactly what that was.

“You told me when he first met that people wouldn’t understand, and we had to let it roll off our back, remember?” That was after that chaotic three way battle that had taken place on the day that Haru and Lakano met – the Hunt vs. Azula and her posse vs. the Avatar and his friends, and Lakano and his. The Waterbender had been injured, and the ensuing scene between and Haru… well, Sokka had called it disturbing. The Firebender had handled him with class, sending the young man right where he needed to go. “I also told you that I’d spend the rest of my life making it up to you for turning back on your nation… for me.”

Hatsuharu had originally been fighting a young teenage boy, without bending. When Lakano had gotten hurt, the Firebender had shown what he could do. The injuries that he gave the boy with that one burst… well, let’s just say if he healed, it would be a long time from then. The Waterbender had said there was no way he could repay him for that, and it was true. However, the brunet had meant what he had said next – that the twenty-two year old would spend the rest of his life trying to make it up to him if he had to. To him, he was doing this for two reasons. One, because Haru was the love of his life, and he needed to make it okay. Two, because he promised Haru he would make it up to him if he could.

Something else struck Lakano… the Waterbender had left his parents, without a note, taking some of the money that they had with him. He had never truly considered going back, but as each day went on, the brunet found himself thinking about it more and more. What if he did go back? What would they say? It had already been two or three months since he left. The probably didn’t even know if he was alive or dead, especially if news of the Fire Nation’s take over of the Earth Kingdom. A Waterbender wouldn’t fare well… or most of them, anyway. He was different, in many ways, it would seem.

Even if his parents forgave him for leaving, Lakano had changed quite a bit. The brunet would be going back, not only having helped the Avatar take down the Fire Nation, but also with a lover. Not just any lover, but a male lover. His parents didn’t even know that he was gay. After all, he hadn’t found that out until a very flirtatious sexy redhead forced him to realize it. Of course, he couldn’t be more grateful now that he had. His life had changed for the better that day. What if his parents didn’t see it that way? What if the knowledge that his son had been instrumental in the downfall of the Fire Lord, he was gay, and madly in love with a Firebender? It might be too much for them to take.

Shaking his head lightly, Lakano brought his mind back to what was most important right now – Hatsuharu. Putting his hands on his waist, he gently pulled his lover’s body towards him. He didn’t want to do it too forcefully – although that was usually his style. Haru still had his nails dug into the table, and he didn’t want to take him by surprise too much. “Just tell me what you wanted to do, what you need…” He covered the redhead’s lips once again with his own. He truly didn’t know what to do, and thinking of Haru kept his mind of his boyfriend’s father and his own parents. The kiss was short, but lingering. “I will do anything you ask. All you have to do is name it, and never forget that I love you more than anything.” Blue eyes stared into amber, waiting for a response… any kind of response.

Karena looked Katara, waiting for a response. The Waterbender was obviously troubled by something. The Firebender only hoped that she would open up. They didn’t need any anxiety in the group, what with the battle tomorrow and all. If the air needed to be cleared, tonight was the night do it. Once Katara finally opened up, the young mother immediately felt bad for her. Aang… of course, she should have assumed that’s what the Water Tribe girl was worried. Ever since the Avatar had been injured, that seemed to be all she thought about. She always by his side, caring for him, tending to him… waiting for him to wake up, something that had not happened yet.

Karena felt a pang of sympathy for her. No one in the group had been completely clear of unhappy feelings lately. After all, the Firebender and her fiancée did not speak for a week after their child was kidnapped. It had threatened to tear them apart, but of course, nothing really could. That’s what she wanted to think, and so far, that, had proved true. After all, she and Zuko had been through quite a lot. They had a volatile engagement – he’d despised her back then, and she didn’t blame him. They had a night of passion – once she wanted to repeat, but had been unable to – that had left her pregnant. She would like to think that being a father – and a husband – had changed him for the better.

Karena could hear the pain in Katara’s voice, and wondered for a moment if maybe there was more to her feelings than just friendship. Call it intuition. Everyone had been affected by Aang’s injury, not just Katara; that was true. The brunette just had a feeling that there was more to it, but of course, saying anything about it would be unfair to Katara. The two young women had never been the best of friends, for they were entirely different in most ways. The Waterbender’s last words took Karena off guard, though, and not in a pleasant way. Her words rang true, but they brought unpleasant memories that she didn’t want to repeat… at least not right now, but repeating was all she had done since it happened.

Nikuro… Every minute of every day Karena wondered if her sweet baby boy was all right. The Firebender figured that the Psycho Princess would not do anything to hurt him, because she needed him for her own personal gain. It still didn’t change the fact that she had taken the baby – only a few months old – out of his mother’s arms. She had ripped him, taken him from his parents… who had both been nearly destroyed by it, too. Azula couldn’t keep them down, though, and the nobleman’s daughter would be damned if she get let her get away with it. Together, they would all make her pay… with her life if necessary. No one messed with her and got away with it. No one.

Sighing, Karena stood up. Grabbing a closer, empty chair, she pulled it up and close to Katara as she could get. Pausing for a few moments, she wanted to make sure she got her emotions under control. “Yes, I do,” she told her, matter-of-factly. “I worry about Nikuro every minute, and I will worry about Zuko tomorrow during the battle, though he can more than handle himself.” She gave her husband a true smile, something rare from her. “I know Nikuro’s okay, but I also know that Zuko and I won’t be satisfied until he’s back with his – his parents, where he belongs.”

Karena held Katara’s blue gaze with her brown one. “What I told myself that helped me get of out of the… funk I was in after he was taken from… was that I had to turn my grief into anger.” She paused for a moment to make sure that the Waterbender was getting her point. “We’re both mad at the same person, and there’s nothing we can do about what she’s done until we see her again.” Azula would most certainly have a lot to answer for when they found her again. If the Firebender had anything to say about it, she would pay.. and dearly for what she’d done. She was not a person to mess with, and she would sure that, the hard way if necessary.

Bosco - Thank you!

Gen Bai Ru - It's up to you, but I would at least try.

As long as you keep it strictly Avatar/TARP related, you are free to try that if you want to when the time comes. However, Toph and I think that it needs to be only canons and their characters that they can make fun of OR they can make fun of someone else's character, they have to have permission first in order to post.

Well, we're glad that you're interested! Just do your best. The worst that can happen is we say no.

Thank you, Haru! Once we get some more applications, we'll give our opinions on it. Thanks again.