Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

This was the last farm in River Valley. Farm wasn’t the right word though. It was barely an acer. Still, Yon Rha had been keeping an eye on the Water Tribe widow and finally traced her back to her residence. He doubted she had much of value, but it was better than nothing.

Early morning was the perfect time to break in, opposed to night as most people assumed. Morning chores needed to be done, leaving the house unattended. As predicted, the widow headed to the small barn out back with the shaggy dog trailing behind her.

After waiting a moment, Yon Rha crept in through the side door. It led to a quaint kitchen lined with flowers and handmade decorations. Yon Rha paid no mind as he set to work, rummaging through drawers and cabinets for hidden valuables. Tucked away under the sink was a jar filled with copper coins. Yon Rha stuffed it into his bag and kept looking. These country bumpkins never kept all of their money in one place.

He turned his attention to the counter and started uprooting the flowers and shaking out the contents. There he finally noticed the decorations. Water Tribe, as assumed, but strangely a lot of other things he didn’t recognize from any other nations. Miniature handcrafted objects: a tiny broom, a thimble and small plates on a makeshift table, even a clothesline with doll size blue dresses hanging from it.

Clearly this widow had too much time on her hands.

After clearing the kitchen, Yon Rha moved on to the rest of the house. He had to hurry. There was no telling how long the dog will stay outside. The rosemary masking his scent only lasted for so long. The door led to the main room. Another two doors were on the opposite sides of the room.

To save time, Yon Rha forgo the main room to search the others for the bed room. After discovering the first door led to the bathroom and quickly clearing, finding another jar with a few silver coins in it this time, he checked the other room. It was a small cozy bedroom only containing a bed and nightstand. Yon Rha ran his hand between the mattresses and found documents. Nothing of use. Only a marriage and birth certificate. Where was the deed to the house and land?!

Swearing under his breath, Yon Rha tossed the documents aside and threw open the drawers. His frustration bled out into his work but he didn’t care. In seconds, he upturned the bedroom, just like the kitchen and bathroom. Yon Rha returned to the main room. There had to be something else!

He rummaged through the bookshelf, tossing books and kit knacks aside. Ash and cinders where was the deed?! Yon Rha spotted the piano and looked inside, knocking off photo frames and more miniature knit knacks as he did so. Yon Rha winced. It was time he got a move on anyway. Something caught his eye. There on the table by the window was a jewelry box.

Finally!

Yon Rha rushed over, prepared to swipe it and stuff it into his bag, when he paused. The box lid was propped open. Inside were not jewels, but cotton balls and soft wash cloths. Laying snuggled against them was a delicate doll as if she was asleep.

Agni. Were all those tiny things for her? The widow was more mad than Yon Rha thought. Regardless, the doll could be worth something. She looked so real. Curiously, Yon Rha poked her with his finger. Much to his surprise, the doll groaned. He jerked back as she sat up and rubbed her eyes.

“Good morning, Mother. You won’t believe what happened last night…”

The doll trailed off as she looked up at him in shock. Yon Rha stared back, equally shocked.

“W-Who are you?”

The doll’s eyes darted to the rest of the room. Her tiny expression morphed to horror when she saw the house’s disarray. Yon Rha shut the lid tight just as a scream escaped her mouth. Swearing loudly, he stuffed the jewelry box into his bag then bolted out the door.

~*~

Kya hummed softly as she milked the dairy cow. She was so excited for her daughter and greatly looked forwarded to talking to her about her little fairy friend but knew she had to wait. Katara was by no means a morning person, especially after a full moon when she would stay asleep until noon. Kya swore the tiny girl could sleep through a hurricane.

After finishing with the cow and caring for her other needs, Kya heaved the bucket full of fresh milk back to the house to store properly. Appa, having finishing his business, followed her eager to get back to his post of guarding Katara. As they reached the house, he suddenly started growling.

“Appa?”

The dog darted around the house while barking loudly. Concerned, Kya sat the bucket down and followed. She found Appa walking in a circle frantically sniffing the ground.

“What’s wrong boy?”

Appa pawed at his nose then howled. Kya swallowed.

What was going on?

Her stomach dropped when she noticed the side door ajar.

“Katara?” Kya hesitantly entered. She gasped when she saw the mess. “Katara! Sweetheart are you okay?!”

It took all of Kya’s self-control not to immediately rush inside, least her daughter got caught underfoot. She carefully made her way to the window, praying that Katara was safe.

The jewelry box was gone.

No.

No, no, no. Please!

She couldn’t lose another child!

Kya gripped her head as tears streamed down her face.

“KATARA!!!”

~*~

She pushed against the jewelry box lid with all her might, but it was no use. She couldn’t get a good grip with all the rocking movement and something was pressed against the top.

“MOTHER! APPA! HELP!!!”

Katara’s breath became shallow. This couldn’t be happening!

After what felt like forever, there was a loud thump that flipped the jewelry box over. Thankfully, Katara wasn’t hurt because of her soft bedding, but she was still terrified. She felt movement again and the box was flipped right side up.

Katara braced herself. She hoped beyond hope Mother found her, but something in her gut told her to be prepared to run. The lid slowly opened as a large brown eye peered through the crack. Katara shivered. Gritting her teeth, she slipped through the crack and bolted.

“WHAT THE-“

A giant hand slammed down in front of her. Katara stumbled back and tripped over something. She landed hard on her back then suddenly slid backwards before crashing again. Confused, Katara looked up just in time to see a jar lid screw shut. She frantically banged on the glass.

“Let me out!”

The man brought the jar up to his face and stared wide eye at Katara, causing the girl to shrink back.

“What is this thing?” He tapped the jar. “Some sort of human bug mutation?”

“I’m not a bug! I’m a moon fairy!”

The man’s eyebrows raised. “Moon fairy?”

“Please let me go! My mother’s looking for me!”

“Moon fairy…” The man repeated while running a hand through his hair. “Great Agni.”

Hope swelled up in Katara. He realized his mistake and would let her leave.

“Yes just like the stories. Now if you would please unscrew this-“

“I’m gonna be rich!”

Katara’s stomach dropped. “W-What?”

“People will come from all four nations to see a real living fairy!”

“Wait-“

Katara was knocked off her feet as the man turned sharply. Before she could recover, the jar jerked forward, forcing Katara out. She landed hard again, followed by a clank sound. Katara turned around and saw she was in some sort of cage. It was old and rusty with a swing hanging from the ceiling.

“And to think, that water savage was keeping this rare treasure all to herself.”

He leaned closer and grinned at Katara. The girl whimpered and scooted back.

“Please let me go. I need to see my mother. I need my mother.”

The man frowned. “Wait a second. Where are your wings?” He grabbed the cage and yanked it closer. “Did you lie to me?!”

Katara covered her face. “No! They haven’t grown yet!”

The man grunted. “I would get the deformed one. Still, people will pay hundreds to see a real life shrunken girl. The living doll!”

“Wait a second! I’m not something to be put on display!”

Katara was once again ignored as the man draped a covering over the cage then left her there. Katara pulled at the bars until her arms were sore and hands raw. Exhausted, she sunk to her knees and wept bitterly.

~*~

She had no idea how long it has been. Katara was so hungry she ached and her head pounded from dehydration. Regardless, she couldn’t lose hope. Mother had to be worried sick and she promised to meet Zuko again soon.

She was jolted awake by the cage being rattled violently. Katara screamed and grabbed a bar to keep from being throwing around. There was a brief flash of light as the man lifted covering and peaked in.

“Good, it’s still there.”

“Hey wait-“

The darkness returned. As did the shaking. Katara’s demands to be set free once again fell on deaf ears. After what felt like forever, the shaking stopped and the cage landed with a hard thump.

“Listen up, little girl. Not a word from you until I lift the covering. Once I do, you’re going to smile and act cute for the crowd or I’m roasting you over my fireplace. Got it?!”

“I need food and water-“

“You’ll get it after the show. And only if you do a good job. Now shut up!”

Katara winced.

“Come one come all! Marvel at Yon Rha’s mysterious shrunken girl! The tiny woman the size of your thumb! Merely two copper pieces for a peak!”

Katara tried for the bars again. Maybe they loosened up during the journey and she could slip through while the man was distracted. Her luck held out as she found a slightly loose one towards the back. Katara twisted it back and forth while trying to lift it out of the socket.

Suddenly the cover was ripped off and light poured in. Katara covered her eyes and hissed. As her eyes adjusted, she saw dozens of huge faces staring down at her in pure curiosity. Katara froze.

“Behold, the mysterious shrunken girl!”

“What’s her name?” someone from the crowd asked.

Katara’s mouth hung opened. “K…Ka-“

“Thumbelina! The tiny beauty size of your thumb but as graceful as a dancer!” Yon Rha declared.

The crowded ooh. Katara’s cheeks heated up.

“Scammer! That’s just a doll in a cage!”

“I assure you, she’s very real. Thumbelina, give these fine folks a little dance.”

Katara remained frozen.

“DANCE!”

Yon Rha hit the cage with his staff, knocking Katara over. The crowd gasped when they heard her scream. Yon Rha leaned in close and whispered low enough for only her to hear.

“Remember, I know where your mother lives. And I’ve already broke in once.”

Katara’s heart dropped.

“Now. Dance.”

Katara shakily rose to her feet, earning more gasps to the crowd.

“Smile.” Yon Rha hissed.

She plastered on a fake smile and started to dance.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Thumbelina the mysterious shrunken dancer!!!”

Applauses sounded and coins were tossed their way. All the while, Katara’s heart broke piece by piece.

Chapter Text

“Another late night ride?”

Zuko jumped. “Uncle! I-I was just…uh… Druk’s hungry so I’m getting him a snack. You know how he gets when hungry.”

Druk let out an offended buzz.

“See!” Zuko smiled awkwardly.

Iroh chuckled. “Of course. We wouldn’t want to deprive our dear Druk of his late night snacks that you can easily retrieve from the kitchen.”

“R-Right. I’m glad you understand.” Zuko busied himself with adjusting Druk’s reins.

“So, what’s her name?” Iroh asked in a sing-song voice.

Zuko flinched again. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Please Nephew. I know the look of young love when I see it.” He smiled. “Besides, you’ve been wearing a forget-me-not in your hair all month and your ring is missing. So please, indulge your dear old uncle.”

Zuko sighed. Nothing got past Uncle.

“Katara.” A smile grew on his face despite the embarrassment for being caught. “She’s a moon fairy.”

“A moon fairy?” Iroh repeated, shocked. “Here?”

“Well, not in the Summer Grove. But close by… on the human’s farm.”

“Prince Zuko!” Iroh scolded.

“The human didn’t see me! Even if she did, it wouldn’t have mattered. Katara says the human is her mother.”

Iroh shook his head disapprovingly. “You know humans are dangerous to our kind.”

“Katara’s special, Uncle. Really special.” Zuko pressed. “She never even seen another fairy before we met and I promised to meet her again tonight.” He mounted Druk. “I’m sorry, but I won’t break that promise.”

Iroh sighed. “Very well. I don’t like it, but you have my blessing.”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

“Just please… be careful. Katara’s mother may be one of the kind ones, but there is a reason our race stays hidden from humans.”

“I promise.” Zuko flicked the reins. “Let’s go Druk!”

The bumblebee took off, leaving a trail of pixie dust behind him. Iroh sighed again, praying to the sleeping sun that he made the right decision.

~*~

Kya aimlessly stared out the window from her seat by the desk. Once again, she didn’t have the energy to make it to bed. She didn’t have energy to do much of anything these days. Kya searched the entire property top to bottom, and even broke into Hama the Healer’s old cottage for clues of her missing daughter. Nothing turned up. Whoever stole her money took Katara as well, her most priceless treasure. Appa whined and laid at Kya’s feet, feeling just as guilt-ridden.

Some protector he was.

The sun slowly dipped down as the moon rose. A full moon tonight. Katara’s favorite.

“Let me be your wings…” Kya sang hoarsely as tears trickled down. “Let me be your only love. Let me take you… let me take you far above…”

Kya covered her face and wept. “Katara… my darling girl…I’m so so sorry!”

Appa rubbed her leg to comfort her. It was no use. Kya would never be the same again.

“Katara…”

Faint buzzing caught her attention, followed by a faint glow.

“Miss? Are you alright?”

Kya looked up then gasped. Standing on the window seal was a bright golden fairy. The same Katara talked to. He stared up at her with concern written all over his face.

“You’re Katara’s mother, right? Why are you crying?”

“Katara has been stolen.”

“What?!” The fairy flew up to her face alarmed. “When did this happen?!”

“The morning after the last full moon. Someone broke into my home and took her. I can’t find her anywhere!” Kya wiped her eyes. “Please, you must help me!”

“I swear on my honor to bring Katara back home!” He flew to a nearby candle then lit it. “The forever flame will grow brightest when we near. Let it comfort you until then.”

Kya clutched her necklace. “Thank you, kind sir.”

He nodded then whistle. “Druk! Hurry!”

The fairy leapt onto a bumblebee then sped off. Kya watched until the pixie dust trail faded. She then took the candle and carried it to her nightstand. Appa hopped into bed with her and snuggled close. Kya wrapped her arms around him as she watched the flame. Fairies were bonded by their words.

Her daughter was going to be okay. She had to be.

~*~

Katara collapsed to the ground with a huff then pulled off the tight ballet shoes. Though stylish, the toy shoes were tight and left her feet sore and throbbing. Yon Rha paid no mind as he opened a celebratory bottle of sake.

“Another successful night! All thanks to my little star!”

Katara turned her head bitterly.

“Aw don’t be like that. Here’s a little treat for ya!” Yon Rha tore off a piece of bread then tossed it between the cage bars. “And here’s a little treat for me!”

He turned up the bottle and took several swigs. Katara grabbed the bread and started to eat. It wasn’t stale or moldy this time. A real treat indeed.

Katara shook her head. She couldn’t succumb to hopelessness. It was hard though. Katara had lost track on how long she’s been trapped in this old cage, performing dance after dance and living off of scraps. Yon Rha called her such wonderful things in front of crowds, but behind close doors she was nothing more than an object.

A couple of stray tears slipped down her cheeks. Katara quickly brushed them away before her captor saw. Thankfully, he was still lost in his own little world celebrating the latest performance.

“28. 29. 30! That’s 30 silver pieces!!!” He cheered. “You know what this means?!”

“You can finally get a real job instead of using me.” Katara muttered.

Yon Rha’s mood immediately soured. “What did you just say?”

“N-Nothing.”

“Are you getting smart with me, little girl?” he grabbed the cage.

Katara scooted back. “N-No one’s smarter than you!”

Yon Rha smirked. “Damn right. Who else can milk 50 silver pieces from this backwater town in one month!” He took another swig from his bottle then cheered.

Katara’s heart sank. One whole month…

She hugged herself, wishing for her mother once more.

“Eh, take that grab off. I’m done with the ballerina act. Got a new one for ya.” Yon Rha dug threw his bag then pulled out a new doll. She wore a fiery red crop top and flowing skirt lined with golden threading. “Really says Fire Nation doesn’t it?”

“Fire Nation?”

“That’s right! I’m heading back to my homeland! Spirits, I can’t wait to rub it in Mom’s face! Who’s the failure now?! Ha!”

Katara’s stomach dropped. She remembered reading about the place with her mother. It was far away from here, all the way across the ocean. Far away from Mother.

“We can’t-“

“QUIET!”

Yon Rha hit the cage with the sake bottle, causing the clay porcelain bottle to shatter. Katara screamed and covered her head as the shards and alcohol sprayed everywhere.

“NOW LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO!” He angrily threw the broken bottle at the wall then kicked over a chair. “I paid good money for that bottle! Good money!”

Katara covered her ears. It’ll be over soon. She just had to wait it out like the other times. Yon Rha continued to scream and throw things until he finally tired himself out. He then leaned over Katara’s cage and glared at her.

“Thumbelina.”

Katara hesitantly looked up.

“Agni, you’re so ugly. Bug mutation freak. No wonder no one loves you.”

Katara’s eyes burned with unshed tears. She knew it was a lie, but it hurt every time. Yon Rha tossed the Fire Nation doll inside, nearly hitting her in the process.

“Change. You look like crap.”

He shut the cage door then put the covering on.

“Wait! I still need wa-“

The door slammed close with a heavy thud.

“…ter.”

Katara sank down defeated. The Fire Nation… She’ll never see Mother again. Or Prince Zuko.

No. Get up.

She can’t give up now!

Katara ran her hand along the bars until she found the loose one. She had been working on it in secret nearly every chance she got. Now, she had to finish! Katara twisted the bar back and forth to wear down the grip. Finally it started to lean. Summoning all her strength, she pushed it out of the socket. It scrapped across the ledge before hitting the other bar. Katara’s heart leapt. The hole was small, but she could just barely squeeze through.

She could escape!

Katara wasted no time in changing out of the ballerina costume, now covered in sake and dust, into the Fire Nation outfit. She then threw the rag she used as a blanket over the doll and squeezed through the hole. Katara forced the bar back into place to cover her tracks then slipped under the cage cover.

The desk Yon Rha left her on was crowded with junk and shattered bottle parts. Katara picked her way through and climbed to the window seal. It was closed tight and the latch was missing. Katara sucked her teeth. The only other way out was the door.

She eased her way off the desk by using a discarded coat Yon Rha left draped over. Once down, Katara raced towards the door. It was disorientating being on the ground with everything towering above. Mother never ever let her down there, opting to carry her or let her ride on Appa. Katara now saw why.

It took some time picking through the mess, but Katara finally made it to the door. She stared up at the handle wondering what to do next. If Zuko and Druk were here, they could zip her right out without breaking a sweat. She really was a tiny useless creature. Both in human and fairy terms.

Katara steeled herself. No time for self-pity!

Maybe there was a hole in the wall or-

The ground began to tremble. Katara’s blood went cold. Yon Rha was coming back! Katara ducked behind a huge work boot right as the door swung opened. She held her breath as the man thundered by, half muttering to himself. Acting quickly, Katara slipped through the door just as he closed it.

“What the-“

No no no! Katara jumped off the side of the porch then scrambled under some leaves right when Yon Rha stepped out. He lingered, unknowingly looming over her hiding spot. Katara covered her mouth and prayed to the moon for mercy of any kind.

“Damn mice…”

The door shut with a loud thud. Katara remained frozen a bit longer before she finally released the breath she was holding. She did it. She escaped!

Katara crawled out and looked up at the night sky for the first time in a month. The bright full moon shone down on her, filling her with energy and hope. Katara tied up her hair then started the long trek home. She was going to make it, one way or the other.

Chapter Text

Ladies and Gentlemen!
Come see the tiny beauty! A real life fairy!
Thumbelina the mysterious shrunken dancer!

Under the caption was a drawing of small ballerina dancing in a cage with a wide grin on her face.

Katara!

Zuko’s blood boiled. Uncle was right.

Druk zipped all across the human town going from window to window. Katara had to be close by! Zuko didn’t care if it took him all year. He was going to find Katara and bring her home.

“Whoa! Druk turn back! Quick!”

The bumblebee flew back to the last window he peaked through. A house, more of an old shed, at the edge of town by the road. Zuko squinted through the dirty glass. There, he could just make out the large cage nestled on the desk. It could be the one from the posters! Zuko had a good feeling it was.

He rubbed his hands together to build up charge, then melted a hole through the window’s wooden frame. Druk buzzed back and forth anxiously. Zuko shushed him.

“Stay here, buddy. Be ready to buzz off when I get Katara.”

Durk nodded.

Zuko squeezed through the hole and crept onto the desk. On the other side of the shed was a human passed out on the floor snoring loudly. Zuko quickly but quietly flew to the cage and lifted the cover. His fairy glow lit up the area. Instead of a pet bird angry for interrupting their sleep like the last couple of cages he check, there in the center laid a small figure under a rag. Zuko’s heart jumped.

“Katara!” he whispered shouted. “It is I, Prince Zuko. I’ve come to bring you back to your mother! Katara?”

After no response, Zuko melted a hole through the bars then shook her awake. She was stiff and cold to the touch.

“K-Katara…?”

Dear Sun Spirit. Was he too late?

Zuko was so distraught, he did not notice the snoring had stopped. Suddenly, the cover was ripped off and the drunken human loomed over him.

“THIEF! GET AWAY FROM HER!!!”

He opened the cage and attempted to grab Zuko. The Fairy Prince whipped out his swords and slashed the human’s hand in one quick motion. He jerked back, screaming and cursing. Druk rushed in and flew around the human, causing him to flare around like a duck on ice.

“No! Give her back! She’s mine!!!”

Using the distraction, Zuko scooped up the figure and flew up, prepared to make a break for it. The rag slipped off, revealing a small porcelain doll instead of the moon fairy.

“What the-“ Zuko tossed the doll aside then flew up to the human’s face. “Where is Katara?!”

“She’s mine, you stupid bug! You hear me?! Mine!!!”

He swung but missed and fell hard on the floor. Zuko drew his swords and pointed them at the human’s eye.

“She’s not in the cage!” He growled. “What did you do to her?! Answer me!”

“W-What? She’s…” the human glanced at the broken cage. His face twisted in anger. “YOU TOOK HER!!!”

Before Zuko could react, Druk shoved him out of the way, taking the full force of the human’s backhand.

“DRUK!!!”

Zuko rushed over to the crumpled bumblebee and cradled his head. Druk whined weakly. Tears filled Zuko’s eyes.

“Stay with me, buddy. Please….”

“Damn bugs! Ruining my life!!!” The human raised a shoe, prepared to crush them both.

“STAY BACK!!!” Zuko shot a fiery blast at him.

The human dodged at the last second and crashed back down with a ground shaking thud. The fire blast hit a half full bottle of cheap booze then rapidly spread across the building.

“NO! MY COINS!!!”

The human frantically tried to put out the flames but only ended up spreading them further. Zuko used his pixie dust to levitate Druk then rushed out of there. The whole place reek of alcohol. It would not take long for the flames to consume it.

Sure enough, the entire shed was up in flames. Nearby humans rushed over to douse the flames, but the one who stole Katara was nowhere to be seen. Zuko didn’t care.

He used all his energy to carry Druk away from the smoke and humans to the edge of a forest. He rested Druk on a flower then stroke his head.

“It’s alright. You’ll be alright.”

Druk buzzed weakly, though it was clear he was fading fast.

Zuko called over some early morning songbirds and asked them to take Druk to Princess Ursa in Summer Grove.

“Thanks for the save, buddy. Mother will patch you right up.” Zuko kissed his head. “Stay strong for me, okay?”

Druk nuzzled his face then settled down on the songbird’s back.

"What of you Prince Zuko?" The bird chirped.

“Please tell the Sun Fairy King, Katara is missing, and I will not return until I bring her home.”

The songbirds bowed then took off.

Zuko’s heart tightened as he watched them fly away. Druk was a fighter and Mother could work miracles with her herbs. He’ll be alright. He knew it. And Uncle and the rest of his family would be beside themselves with worry, Zuko knew he made the right decision.

Steeling himself, Zuko flew into the forest to continue the search. Katara was not in the shed or else she would have revealed herself sooner. She had to escaped. And Zuko was going to find her.