Katara sat by the glow of a small candle and the full moon bright in the sky. She tucked her hands up, bending at the wrists then pushing them up to the sky. The water moved with her, like an obedient child. It lifted, pulled and pushed at her whim, dissolving her inhibitions in one small wave. Guiding it out of the small fountain before her, she extended her arms as far out as she could, dangling the water off the edge of the balcony in front of her. The water sloshed, forming a living sphere that breathed droplets outward as it levitated. At any moment, Katara could drop her aim, and even the slightest malicious twitch could rain droplets down, lost in the waters a mile beneath her. But she didn't. The water trusted her just as she had trusted it all these years. She flipped her hands over, exposing her palms to the star-scattered sky and moon's drawing power. Sucking in a small, sharp breath, Katara pulled the water back over the edge of the balcony. With one hand closing slowly, she pushed the other down in a calming gesture, creating a small flow as the water poured quietly back into the fountain.

Sighing, Katara sat on the edge of the marble water feature. It was one of the first additions to the topsy turvy Western Air Temples where she had called home for the past two years. She could remember clearly the day Aang had demanded the fixtures be installed. A refugee earth bender from south of Ba Sing Se and an engineer deserter from the Fire Nation had worked together to make sure it functioned well. They had bickered a few times during the process, prompting Katara to giggle as she watched while caring after Momo. Things were changing in the winds and two years seemed like so long ago. The Western Air Temple still served as a refugee hot-spot, now to over a thousand citizens who deserted their nations out of fear of the recently established peace falling apart. Katara could feel the air growing denser every day. Makeshift tribes of respective nationalities had formed and grown tightly-knit. Hostility was smoldering, just waiting for kindling and Katara worried…

She leaned in closer to the candle glimmering next to her and growing hotter as she removed much of the space between it and her cheek. The war had been over for four years. All of the kingdoms were growing in unity. Trade routes, new Kyoshi camps, settlers moving in flocks to help other tribes and nations all contributed to the emergent peace. Katara knew the pilgrimage well, in fact. She had served as Ambassador of the newly re-settled Southern Water Tribe for the first two years following the war. She visited her friends in Ba Sing Se often during her travels, a very eager airbender not once leaving her side.

The flame of the candle licked at her. Four or five years ago, having a flame so close to her would have given her pause, made her flinch or even prompt her to consume it in her own element. Now, as it glowed so close to her eye, it warmed her and she could feel…

Him.

Zuko's coronation day had been celebrated by the Fire Nation as a relief to the tyrant rule of his sister and father before him. It was also renowned by other nations as many new treaties were signed and trade routes opened. Katara had watched from the outskirts of a crowd of thousands as one of her greatest friends succumbed to the cage of a crown upon his messy hair. His people bowed and rejoiced as she turned away and faltered to her emotions. She knew she should be happy for him, but something inside her told her that this was a day of mourning. That full moon night three years ago was the last time she had laid her eyes on her friend. He had called on her many times in letters, missives and the occasional court herald, but an assistant was always sent in her place to attend to the needs of the Fire Nation. More than once, Aang had questioned her on her reluctance to visit the Fire Lord in his own nation. He had offered to send for him to visit the Western Air Temple, which was only a few days across the sea. Katara would smile at him when he offered these things, only replying with a half-hearted "I love you" and a kiss on the nose, melting away any of his suspicions for a short time. How could she tell him of her yearning to be anywhere else but with him?

Of course their constant closeness had led to a deepening of their relationship for the past two years. Katara had known no other man in the intimate ways that she knew Aang, so of course when the three word ballad of destruction fell from his lips for the first time, she returned it, despite the bitter after-taste of it screaming that she shouldn't. The days passed on and more and more romantic transactions were had between the two. Aang had fallen in deep with Katara, and she returned her affections with all that she had in her, leaving her feeling empty and exhausted all of the time. She had decided long ago, even before the war had ended, that if Aang were to pursue romance with her, it was in the world's best interest that she return his affections. Yet, after the war was won, she had a blinking hope that she would be free from her emotional shackles until Aang swooped her up once more. She knew it was not fair to him that her love and affections were forced, but he was always happy to see her and she did not want to let him down. He was her friend, after all. But that was when the doubts started to creep further into her mind.

One year ago, she announced her leave of absence as Ambassador, prompting many letters of concern from Toph, Suki, Ty Lee, and yes, even Zuko. Over and over she reassured everyone that she was alright and just needed to dedicate her time to building and keeping her new home in order. It was bullshit, of course, but she hoped that her friends would turn a blind eye. Nasty rumors began to fill her ears from those around her regarding her temporary resignation. Citizens spoke of abuse, unplanned pregnancy, even accounting having witnessed the former Ambassador in fits of rage or attempted suicide. These rumors were always quickly dismissed at the Avatar's urging and the growing reclusiveness of Katara.

Katara held her eyes shut and pursed her lips, turning to fully face the candle. The warmth tickled her lips as she held them close to the element, flickering wildly at her breathing. So close, yet so far…

Footsteps closed in on the balcony from behind her as Katara's pursed lips opened into a gentle 'o' and a single breath silenced the warmth she relished in. The footsteps grew louder and closer but she remained stoic, even as a hand clasped her shoulder.

"Katara, I know it's late, but," Aang sat next to her and placed a finger under her chin, turning her eyes to meet his. "Katara, a missive has arrived from Omashu. There has been an outbreak of violence among the Fire Nation tribes there. I am leaving at sunset tomorrow evening."

The words cut into Katara's subconscious. Part of her willed herself to tell him to have a safe journey, but her freedom craving spirit ate at her.

"How long will you be away?" She asked.

"I'm not sure. It's hard to gauge but I will try to make it quick." His soft hand now encompassed her cheek that had, only moments ago, felt true warmth.

"Well I hope your journey is-"

"Come with me."

His voice rang in her ears as she was taken aback. Aang did not usually offer to bring her along unless she had expressly been invited. Even then, she would send someone in her place so she could have some days of peace from the Airbender. Katara was not ungrateful that he had offered to bring her along, but she felt that she would just be a burden on most occasions, distracting him from his true efforts. She pondered for a moment on her position at his side while he mediated this concern of the village. He would have meetings with the tribesman, resolve their issues in a matter of hours, then take the children out for toys and the adults out for frozen fruit pops. The thought made her lips curl up slightly. Maybe venturing out of the comforts of her home would be good for her…

"Aang, I am not sure I would be of much help to you…" She looked down while she spoke.

"So what, Katara? Just be my company, then. Please. For so long you've been so sad here and I just want to help you break this cycle, Katara. I know I don't know what is wrong or why you have been so depressed, but I want to help you find the piece that is missing." He pleaded with her, placing a kiss among the tresses of hair crowning her head. "Let me help."

With that, Katara knew there was no fighting him. She nodded, letting her impulses ravage her like a hungry beast. He pulled her in tightly under his chin and she could feel his muscles tighten into a smile.

"Thank you, Katara. You won't regret this."

Aang pushed Katara lightly and navigated his lips to hers. The kiss was sweet and full of the Avatar's passion, ending only when Aang tilted his mouth away and pressed his forehead to hers.

"Haru will remain here to watch over the refugees. Appa will have to stay as well in case supplies are needed. We'll leave by ship, but until sunset tomorrow," Aang stood, pulling her up and leading them to the doors behind them, "until then, you're mine." Smiling, he pressed his lips to hers and kicked the door shut.

The sun shone brightly overhead as Katara trudged through the sand behind Aang. A sudden cust of wind pushed Katara forward slightly, buckling her legs and sending her, knee-first, into the warm sand. At hearing her grunt and thud to the ground, Aang spun around, his two earthbender friends following suit. Aang was always near some sort of entourage; his loyal accolyties willing to assist him in any circumstances. The two young earthbenders started forward, rushing to Katara's aid. Just as they bent, arms out for Katara to balance herself on, a ring of bellowing laughter shot through the air. Katara snorted and sputtered, letting out loud giggles as she pushed herself onto her backside. Much to the confusion of the young men at her sides, Katara stood herself up, placing her hand on the arm of the man to her right.

"I'm alright, guys, thanks!" She smiled, baffling them further.

Aang jogged over to her, pointing to the bag that had landed softly in the sand in front of her. The young man to Katara's left picked up her bag and continued toward a large wooden ship that had been wedged into the sand. Aang replaced him at her side and took her arm in his. Katara blushed lightly, still giggling as they walked arm-in-arm to the ship.

"So you're laughing already and we aren't even on the ship!" Aang was smiling, watching as the sun pushed further towards the horizon through a patch of greying clouds.

"Heh, yeah, I guess so," she said.

"Still don't think being out is doing you any good?"

"No, Aang, it is, I just," she tried to think of what to say but decided to keep it simple, "Thank you."

They were at the ship, standing hand-in-hand now. Katara pursed her lips and leaned in for a light kiss as Aang brushed his lips to hers.

Aang pulled her onboard and up to the deck. The ship was large; a small troop could sail comfortably for quite some time. For the journey to Omashu, however, the vessel would only house six; Katara and Aang, the two young Earthbenders who had accompanied the couple to the ship, and two waterbenders who would ensure their hasty arrival to the Earth Kingdom.

"Avatar Aang," one of the waterbenders, a large man with very little hair that Katara recognized as Alon, approached them. "We are ready to depart, sir."

"Thank you, Alon," Aang bowed to him as he returned the gesture.

Alon turned around and motioned for the younger, female waterbender to follow him. She had been adjusting the rigging on the ship, but she responded immediately to her superior's request. Katara had seen her around the Western Air Temple as well, mostly practicing her bending or chatting with Haru. Her name was River, Katara remembered. Her parents had brought her to the refugee sight almost a year ago. Shortly after, a young man arrived to the air temple to gather her mother and father for important business. Katara only had the good fortune of meeting River's mother once before her sudden departure. She was a strikingly beautiful woman with sharp red hair and fair skin. Katara had never seen a waterbender with such features, so Katara assumed River doted mostly on her father's genes with her darker skin and curly brown hair.

The two talented benders took position, Alon at the stern and River at the bow. River lifted her arms into the air while Alon did the opposite, pushing his arms out over the railing of the boat. Katara could feel water as it pulled at her heart. The deck beneath their feet quivered as the waves broke against the shore and the bow of the ship. The water overtook the sand around them as Katara admired the fluid movements of the two benders. Closing her eyes, she felt her palms overturn at her sides, the movement of her hands and fingers imitating the push and pull of the bending that brought the ship into open ocean in a matter of minutes. A swelling grew in Katara's stomach as the ship beneath her feet touched water on all sides. Sighing, Katara moved her hands up, pressing them to her breasts as she breathed deeply in and out. Aang approached her, snaking his arm around her slim waist. Instantly, Katara could feel the spirit of water alive in him, touching her through his hands. It felt calming and almost spiritual for their skin to meet, but a clap of thunder jolted Katara from the serene moment. The tide had calmed over deep sea and Alon walked over to the couple who were distracted by the sudden end of their embrace. River had taken over his ministrations at the stern, pushing the ship Southeast.

"Avatar Aang, Master Katara," he bowed, "the winds are in our favor but it appears that we may not beat this oncoming storm. I expect to arrive at the swamp in eight days time. From there it will be a day's trek North to Omashu."

"Thank you, Along. Please let me know if you need any assistance on deck." Aang smiled, still embracing Katara. "We'll be below deck until the storm passes."

The journey was very boring for Katara. A storm came, causing a whipping in the sails that she listened to from the cabin below deck. Just as quickly as the storm arrived, the seas grew calm and two moons into their pilgrimage, Katara's longing begin to eat at her again. She walked onto the deck on her third sunset on the ship, gazing out. She felt a pull from the north; an omen. But of what? She felt a cold pang in her chest and a boiling in the pit of her abdomen. Her fingertips tingled, drawing her starboard. She wandered mindlessly to the ship's railing as a light breeze blew into her eyes. Everything calmed and her head felt clear as she leaned over the side of the ship. Katara dipped her hand down the side of the boat, fingers dangling like ghosts. She felt her heart beat harder and at her command, the salt spray jumped up to brush the pads of her fingertips like a whisper. Trembling at the touch, she bent her arm further outward until a small vine of clear liquid enraptured her arm like a string of bangles. It was cold and for a moment, it solidified, glassing over in ice and absorbing her small droplets of perspiration in it's wake.

Against her will, the ice shattered and the water vanished back into the ocean. Katara scoffed and stood upright just as she felt the ship drop from below her. Although her feet stayed firmly planted, her stomach jumped up into her throat, eliciting a cough to escape her lips. She turned towards Alon at the stern of the ship and started towards him. Aang, the young earthbenders and River all ascended to the deck as a loud clap of thunder shook through the air.

"Katara, what is it?" Aang shouted as sheets of rain now fell hard onto the deck.

"The storm caught up with us, but," she glanced around, her eyes fleeting from her companions to the dark horizon. "Something is wrong. I feel it, this isn't just a storm, it's…" Then Katara knew.

Her eyes were drawn over the bow of the ship, transfixed on a darkness like death rushing towards them.

"Rogue wave!" She screamed and launched herself to the edge of the ship.

Alon, River and the Avatar rushed forward to join her. Katara raised her arms high, her companions mimicking her every move in fluid succession. The boat rocked and teetered. The two earthbenders were clinging to the ships largest mast; it was all they could do to avoid being thrown into the unforgiving ocean. The rain fell even harder, accompanied by chunks of ice growing in size every second. Katara's arms extended up again, then out, then up again, then down in a pattern, like a prayer to manipulate the spirit of the sea. The wave still hunted them with growing ferocity. Frustrated, Katara continued her ministrations with her right arm, her left bending up and back behind her at an impossible angle. This was the focus of a true waterbending master. The ship gained haste and a distance was formed between the benders and the wave, but it too seemed to gain speed.

"It's going to hit, Katara! We can't stop it!" Aang was screaming now, not noticing that despite the commoation, Katara had formed a shield to keep the rain and ice at bay. The benders continued to move, their rhythm well established, but it was not enough. The rogue wave towered above them like a mountain. Aang broke his focus and suddenly the world moved slowly in flashes. Alon grabbed River and dove forward in time to cling to the ship's railing and each other. One of the young earthbenders, the one who had picked up Katara's bag for her, slipped over the side of the ship while the blood curdling scream of his brother pierced the air. Aang felt a wave of sick pass over him at the sight before his eyes, but trauma blocked his physical ailments when he thought of Katara. He screamed her name but heard nothing in return. Everything was quiet until he turned to see her. Katara.

She was standing perfectly still on the ship's railing, facing him, a look of terror and apology washed the striking blue in her eyes away. Her arms, now mentally separated from her body, flung around her chest as she turned and jumped, flinging herself into the darkness of the wave. The first thing she felt was true pain, excruciating. She felt herself being rolled, drowned by her own element as she pushed her arms out to her sides, bending with every ounce of life within her. She had to stop the wave from colliding with the ship and the only way to do that was to go within.

"Katara!" Aang screamed and braced himself for the full impact of the wave. It would surly capsize the ship, trapping the earthbender in a tangle of mast and rigging. Alon and River's skin would be stripped from them at the force of the wave. This rogue wave, this random phenomenon would destroy him. But it never did. The deadly impact of the wave never came.

The sea was calm now as a light rain fell like mist upon the ship. The young earthbender was shrieking in grief and Alon and River were pulling each other up, inspecting themselves for broken bones or missing appendages.

"Katara?" The name fell from the Avatar's lips in a meek whisper of desperation.

"She saved us." Alon approached him now, shock and loss apparent in his voice. "We must continue on to help the citizens of Omashu."

"No! Where is she?" Aang broke away from Alon and rushed to the ships railing, darting his eyes over the open ocean in a desperate attempt to locate his waterbender. "We have to find her! Go back!" Aang was screaming now.

"With all due respect, Avatar Aang, continuing on to help the city is where we are destined to go. Katara sacrificed herself to the ocean spirit so we can continue our mission," Alon pleaded with the distraught airbender, "to bring peace to the world."

"How can there be peace without her?" Aang felt so broken.

"Avatar Aang, please," River chimed in, "We need to make it to Omashu before there is anymore fighting or anymore storms. It's what she would have want-"

"Shut up!" Anng flew at River, grabbing her wrists tightly. "How can you know what she wanted? You have known her all of three days, how do you kno-"

"Because she was with you!" River screamed back at him, no regard for the hand tightening around her wrist. "Avatar Aang, she stayed with you, day and night. Anyone who glanced at her for even a moment could see her heart longed to be elsewhere, but she stayed for her people and she stayed for you!" Now fuming, the young waterbender was a tower of just and harsh truths above the Avatar who sat before her in a puddle of mourning. "Do not let her die in vain."

For a moment, the earth was still and quiet again, the rains grip on them loosened with the grip of Aang's hand. A single tear streamed down, lost among the seawater and perspiration adorning his face. As he looked up at his waiting companions he clung to no expression. He was stoic. A rock.

"Full speed to Omashu, then. No more delays."

The sun rose and fell twice before the sopping form of a deprived waterbender hit the sands of Ember Island. An old frail man with his walking stick had shouted to draw attention to the young figure. Her brown hair was matted and her blue clothing was in shreds.

"Is she alive?" A small girl clung to her mother's leg as a crowd formed around the girl on the beach. The old man reached out and pushed his cane into the figures chest.

A cough, a gurgle and finally a long heave escaped the girl's mouth. Bolting upright, her beautiful blue eyes snapped open. She stared around herself in horror. At the notice of the group gathered around her, Katara mustered her remaining strength and pulled herseulf upward into a sloppy defensive stance, bending water from the shore into a weak whip. Unbeknownst of how weak she really was, she lunged forward, only for her legs to give out from beneath her. Attempting to balance herself, Katara grabbed the outstretched arm of a young man to her right, tearing a patch form his sleeve as he caught her. She held the patch and brought it close to her heart, immediately recognizing it's markings.

"Bring me to the Fire Lord."

And darkness washed over her.

AN Welcome to another Zutara fic! Of course! I am working on this piece for Zutara month. Of course it wont be done by then, since I am trying to write a hundred things at once, but it should be a long one. :) Please Follow, Fave and Review!