Sacrifice for Harmony
Aang sighed deeply and tried to concentrate. He needed to meditate on this problem if he was going to do something about it. As harsh as Toph's words had been Aang knew that she was right about this. Aang had to admit that his friend was becoming wiser as the years went by. It was hard to believe that four years had passed already since Ozai's defeat. Saving the world didn't mean that Aang no longer had problems to face, however. Politically things had been unstable in the first few years. The nations were beginning to heal and trust in each other again. There was still much to be accomplished though.
As for Aang's personal problems they too never ended. The main problem was Katara. The pair had had a tumultuous relationship after the war. They were constantly breaking up only to get back together again. Aang loved Katara and she loved him but something wasn't right.
"I know it hurts Aang but you need to realize that it's not going to work between you two."
Toph was right, as always. And Aang hadn't wanted to listen at first. But he couldn't stand seeing Katara so miserable. She deserved better and so did he.
"I don't think she loves you in that way Twinkle Toes."
"Then why has she stayed with me all this time?" Aang demanded.
"I'm guessing she doesn't want to hurt you any more than she already has. She's placing you above her wants. Typical, selfless behavior from Sugar Queen if you think about it."
Aang had thought about it. He had come to the realization that he and Katara did care for each other. It just wasn't in that kind of way. And... it was possible she cared for someone else. This was something that Aang definitely didn't want to think about. Once again Toph had forced him to confront this idea.
"They're harmonious together." Toph wrinkled her nose. "I can't believe I'm saying this but they balance each other out. Fire and water, Yin and Yang blah blah blah. Water and wind just doesn't work because then you're both too passive."
Aang had decided enough was enough. Katara and Zuko obviously had feelings for each other. He wasn't sure Katara herself knew it, though he suspected she was beginning too. Zuko, however, had always sought Katara out specifically to spend time with her. He had broken up with Mai recently as well. Aang suspected that Zuko was confronting his true feelings now just as he was.
Suddenly Aang heard someone approaching. At first he thought it was Katara because the footfalls were so light but he turned to find Toph standing behind him.
"I wanted to see how you were doing." Toph said calmly. She hoped Aang had had time to cool off and that she hadn't interrupted his meditation.
"I'm...ok." Aang replied with a shrug. "I've thought about what you said."
Toph winced, something Aang hadn't seen too often before.
"Look I'm sorry-
"Don't be. I've spent some time thinking. You were right as always." Toph grimaced. Being right all the time wasn't always a good thing.
"So what will you do now?" She asked, curious about how he would handle everything.
"I'm going to have a talk with Katara and tell her everything. I just want her to be happy again." Aang declared firmly. He began to leave and Toph watched him silently. When he was gone she smiled slightly.
"I'm proud of you Twinkle Toes. You're doing the right thing." Zuko and Katara would bring harmony to the Fire Nation and to the group as a whole. The tension would significantly decrease that was sure. Toph too began to leave, thoughts of harmony, balance, earth and wind clouding her mind.