By: Kaiya Irion

Based on “Avatar: The Last Airbender”

Mai couldn’t keep her eyes open very long, so she held her hand out, waiting for Zuko to hold it. He immediately came to stand next to her.

“Is she ok?” Mai asked, exhausted.

“Our baby’s fine; more than fine. She’s precious.” Zuko replied as he stroked her hand. A palace nurse then came in and laid the new born in Mai’s arms.

The nurse then whispered in Zuko’s ear, “She is losing too much blood for the doctor to help. She has about an hour. My apologies.” And then she left the room.

“Help me sit up,” Mai told Zuko. He did, and she opened her eyes just enough to see her baby’s face.

“Zuko,” Mai said, her eyes closed again. “You love this child, you hear me? Make sure she never doubts your love for her.”

“I wouldn’t do anything else.” He promised.

Mai laid back down, Zuko supporting her. He moved Mai’s hair away from her forehead. “I don’t want to do this without you Mai.”

“We could switch places if you want.” Mai said sarcastically, though her voice was very weak. She looked up at him. “You’re going to be a good father, Zuko. Better than you believe.”

Zuko leaned over and gave her a short, gentle kiss.

An hour passed, and Mai died. As the servants took away her body, Zuko set the child down in her new cradle. She was named Aya, and Zuko treasured her.