"Aang, why? Why must you go now?" Katara asked as he packed

"I've already said why. If I don't go now then this could turn into another war."

It had been 6 months since the end of the war and there was still loads of trouble. The resistance of the fire nation was not giving up and seemed to be growing stronger each day. They had spread all over the world and it was becoming increasingly difficult to get rid of them.

"But now? Its not fair!"

"Since when has anything been fair Katara? When? I know that Sokka and Suki's wedding is coming up! I know Toph's 13th birthday is in 3 weeks! I have a duty to fulfill though!" Katara looked down as he shouted at her.

He sighed and said, "I'm sorry for yelling. But I have to go. I really do."

"why can't you take me with you? I can help! I can fight to!" Katara pleaded.

Aang just shook his head, "because I'm picking up soldiers and there will be no room. And you don't want to miss your brothers wedding do you? Not to mention we're fighting in a desert, you'll run out of water quickly and just be an open target. I wont let you become barbequed because of me." he grabbed her by the shoulders and she saw the worry in his eyes. He hugged her tightly.

"Fine. Go. Leave me here." she said pulling back and walking out of the room.

Aang shook his head and sighed again then checked over his things to make sure he didn't forget anything.

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"all packed?" the young water tribesman asked the Avatar.

"yep. Where's Katara? Isn't she coming to see me off?"

"Her and Suki are on there way. Are you sure you don't want me to head out here after the wedding?" he tossed Aang some of his things and Aang tied them down to Appa.

"I couldn't do that to you right after your wedding. No stay here. Your father told you to protect Katara and now I am to." Sokka nodded and Katara's voice chipped in.

"I don't need protection. What could happen?" she saw herself with very few weak points. Aang saw her like that to but he was paranoid that everyone knew what her weakness's were.

Aang smiled as she pulled him away from the bubble of people slowly forming to wish Aang off.

"How long will you be gone again?" she asked leaning against the just closed door of Iroh's teashop.

"I'm not sure. It could be months." There was an uncomfortable pause between them before Katara asked what he hoped she wouldn't of.

"What if you don't come back? … what if - what if you-"

"die?" he finished for her, "I wont. I beat the fire lord in battle. I think I can handle this." that didn't stop Katara from passionately kissing him.

She threw her arms tightly around his neck only making it harder for him to breathe.

Aang had to go and reluctantly pulled away. "your not making this any easier Katara. I have to go now." he said half opening the door. She slowly nodded and they both walked out.

Aang said his good byes quickly then jumped on Appa. He was about to leave when Katara pulled herself up next to him.

She hugged him and said "promise me you'll come back. Promise me."

He could feel the moisture of her tears on his shoulder as he replied "I promise that I'll come back Katara… but if I don't come back for a while, promise me that you wont find anyone new."

Katara laughed lightly, "I would never love anybody but you Aang. I love you."

Aang held her at arms length and said "I love you more." they both smiled and Katara slid off the bison.

Aang looked at everyone once again and said "good bye everyone. I'll be back. Take care of each other… Yip-yip." they watched him disappear before moving. They exchanged silent glances and went back to what they were doing before.