"Hm hm hmmmm~! I can't believe we went this long without a picture together! Come on! Where is everyone standing?"

I could have never imagined my family would be anything like this. They look nothing like me, but that could be due to mother's magic. Persephone...that was her name. At least, that is what Vanguard told me. Who knew my biological dad has been watching over me. He doubted being a good father. I guess...I guess we have that in common. But...here I am with kids-errr...my kids, yeah. All with their own problems and issues. I still think they deserve better...

"I think it is optimal to be on this side of Father. Andromeda and Azuno are much taller, and should be featured on the other side."

Azula...you will always be my first baby girl. Since the day you were born, I was horrified that you couldn't use magic. That you were defective like me, because of me. That is where my insecurities started. I took my fears and trained you until you had broken bones. And you loved me either way. You may not be able to show emotion like us, but I always felt your warmth. Until...I didnt.

"Good idea, Azula! Smart as always!"

"I get it from Mother. Thanks for the muscle."

"Dah! Aye! You dont have to be mean to your old man."

Haha! I'm sorry, baby girl. When our family grew, I shouldered the burden on you to protect them whenever I was away. You were too young to know what you truly wanted in life, and it led you astray. Had I been a better father...had I just...listened...maybe things would have been different. I'm not to smart, youre right. All I know is how to do everything myself. How long were those days without me at home? For me to come back and resume your training? For me to wake up in horror on those training nights and tell you that you have to protect them. No good father would do such a thing. I am so sorry, Azula...

"Your age is catching up to you? Perhaps this new technique I have been working on will finally do you in."

"Is that a challenge!? We can go right now!"

But...maybe that made you who you are today. Have you accepted yourself? Have I? No...I didnt. I blamed myself for the negative aspects of you, but you were trying to tell me that it was okay. That it is never too late to discover oneself, and accept what you may find. I learned that from you, baby girl. And I still might apologize, for my reckless behavior. Getting myself into a coma for years, and putting you through that. All of you through that. I assumed you all were well off without me. I expected the world to be in ruin. But you all prospered, thrived really. I felt forgotten. I felt like my efforts in this world were in vain. That this world would be better without me. I fell deep into despair. I felt I let you down the most.

"Do not worry, Father. It is not perfected yet. There is still time."

Not perfect. Yeah. Thank you for sharing your struggles. Thank you for giving me a second chance. Thank you for making me proud to be your father. I love you Azula, more than you could possibly imagine.

"Azula! Give Daddy is always trying to get better! Even though it is at a snail's pace. He is getting older..."

"You too Andromeda!? Get over here!"

Ah, Kumo. My wild child. I honestly didn't know what to think of you when you were born. Better yet, you were born with two souls!? I do wonder if you get lonely since Kojo got his own body.

"I suppose I could stand here! I am looking forward to getting this picture framed for my office!"

"I'll probably keep it in a locket or something. It will probably get lost on my travels. Hee hee!"

Wow. You two have always been so different. But, you were always dragging him into your messes! Ha! He even took the blame sometimes. Andromeda...Azuno...you two always accepted me. Good and bad. When I would come home, you two would bombard me with questions. Where did I go? Who did I see? How was it like? I thought it was the least I could do for leaving to protect these locations. Little did I know I was fueling your hearts with passion. I want to hear your stories sometime.

"Hm hm hmmmm~! I'll keep some back ups at the house. Worse case scenario, we have to come together to take another."

"Oh! What an inconvenience! Daddy, please! I couldn't imagine wanting to meet up with my loving family! Haha"

"Hee hee. Sarcasm aside, Andromeda is right. I have plenty of paid time off at the university. It would be a good excuse to use it."

Kumo...Andromeda. Kojo...Azuno. Thank you. Thank you for never loosing faith in me as a Father. It just feel good to be loved for the sake of it. I may be yall's inspiration, but you two probably inspired me the most. Your life is what you make it. If your travels are calling your name, take to the skies Andromeda. If the lost histories of this world beckon to you, find them Azuno. As for me...heh...well, I'm still trying.

"We will put all of that and more into consideration! But for now, everyone say 'TONKOTSU PLEASE!'"

-Flash-

I still don't know what I have done to deserve such an amazing family. But...maybe I don't. I am worthy and deserve this happiness. I deserve to change for the better. To see my self-worth in what I have done and what I will do. And, I will do my best. I will more forward. I will stumble, but you all are here to catch me. I love all of you. So much. Thank you.

Art by the evergreen  Nexus