Katara's bottom lip trembled as she realized that was exactly what Aang was doing. Like an arrow, he shot straight down, the illumination gone from his tattoos. His body, limp, barreled towards the cave floor. Not long ago, they'd been fighting side by side against Dai Li, Aang with air bending, and Katara with waterbending. Although the pair had been grossly outnumbered, the Southern Water Tribe girl had refused to surrender.
Why?
Because the Avatar gave her hope.
He'd been the light shining on the war-torn world, the one person capable of leading her people out of darkness and into a brighter tomorrow. The forced split between their group--between Sokka, Toph, Katara, and Aang--marked one of the hardest moments in her life, second only to the time that was now. Aang had tried his hardest to win the war, training to master the other three elements. Sadly, it hadn't been enough. Already the world seemed less colorful without him.
Then there was Azula, a smug smile gracing her thin lips. Arms out, fingers still smoking, she had a reason to be cheerful--she'd done what she'd set out to do. The enemy was eliminated, and nothing else stood in her path. Fire Lord Ozai would be proud, and her brother would restore what little existed of his honor through her, cementing him forever in her debt. Yes, life looked good for the princess.
Through Katara's eyes, nothing would ever be the same. It was the truth, the harsh reality thrust suddenly upon her. What was worse, she had to bear it. Of course, suicide was an option, but Aang wouldn't like that.
Aang wouldn't like that.
Past tense.
Fury ran through Katara's veins, a second wind. Summoning the last of her energy, she drew a wave from around her and set off. Powered by pure rage, she swept the water over the Dai Li and drowned the cruel-hearted men. The Avatar was the only thing on her mind.
She caught him on his way down, as if to prolong his death. This did nothing in the way of help; Aang's skin cooled beneath her touch, and he was dead weight in her arms. Holding him close, Katara fought back angry tears, not yet allowing herself to believe it. Not yet. But when no breath escaped from Aang's lungs and when he whispered no words of comfort, when his eyelids stayed shut and when he didn't stir, Katara had to admit it.
The Avatar had officially
fallen.