DISCLAIMER: I do not own A:TLA, or any of its characters. I'm just someone who appreciates the Avatar Universe and wanted to see the story continue. Hi all! This is my first fanfiction, so I would love to hear back from any readers on what you think
Prologue
This was the night that the soldier was to receive his reward. He rubbed his palms together anxiously and paced the small metal waiting room. His leader and mentor, Jing Hua had been working on this center for the last 5 years and the soldier had been loyal to him every step up the way. They had worked together to locate and determine the finest benders the world had to offer and now they had finally captured 9 of them.
A heavy metal door creaked open across the room and the solder lifted his head and stood at attention as Jing Hua entered the room. Jing Hua's very presence commanded attention and respect, but not because of his build. His eyes, pitch black, and dead triggered something deep within you, some instinct that screamed if you will not run than be very, very careful. He was a tall, somewhat thin man, but his firebending skills knew no equal and his vision of a world where benders ruled non benders and eventually exterminated them was one the soldier shared. And not just because of the treat that awaited him.
"The woman is ready for you, and you need not be concerned for your safety. Her hands have been bound and there is no water within her cell. If you are able to impregnate her quickly and produce bending offspring, than you shall have your request."
The soldier looked up at Jing Hua in surprise. "The water bending peasant from the Southern Water Tribe?".
"Yes. Once you prove yourself, and we are able to capture her, she will be yours."
The soldier bowed deeply. "Thank you, sir. You will not regret this."
Jing Hau sneered and began to walk away. "Everything I do has a purpose. I have no regrets." Chapter 1
Aang pushed his penguin faster with a burst of air and flew past Katara into a long ice tunnel.
"Cheater!" He heard her call out from behind him. He laughed and knew without a doubt she would still beat him. She always did.
Just then as he burst from the tunnel a shadow passed over him and Katara sailed overhead easily taking the lead and crossing their predetermined finish line. His penguin slid to a stop beside hers before bucking him off and onto the ground. He laid there for a moment, catching his breath and enjoying the warmth of the sun. Pleased that after 5 years he could finally relax and really spend time with Katara. Maybe now that things had finally calmed down they could….
Suddenly a weight dropped on him and he gasped in surprise. Katara laughed. "I win."
He stared up into her crystal blue eyes and cupped her cheek with his hand. "I love you so much."
Katara's grin faded as she picked up on the change in mood. She placed one of her hands over his.
"I love you, too."
He smiled and then suddenly flipped her over so his body partially covered hers and kissed her deeply.
When their relationship first started after he defeated Firelord Ozai there had been a lot of love, end of the world, til death do us part kind of love, but there hadn't been much time for them to really be together alone. As a result, the physical aspect of their relationship had matured slowly. Lately though, they had been taking matters in their own hands, sneaking away, making excuses. Anything just to have a few more moments alone together.
Aang deepened their kiss, running his hand down her side, frustrated at the thick parka barrier that lay between them. Katara responded greedily, wrapping her arms around his neck and bringing him closer. She moaned as Aang kissed his way down her neck and gently nipped her bare skin.
"Aang…"
"Katara…" He lightly kissed her nose before capturing her lips in another world dizzying kiss.
"Aang," Katara gasped between kisses, "this is killing me. Let's just go back to your house…"
Aang's eyes clouded at the thought, but managed to draw himself back. "Katara, there's just a few more months before the wedding and…"
"I don't want to wait, Aang. Doesn't it matter what I want? I know you think you're protecting me, but I want you. I want to be with you." She leaned over and whispered, "I want to be yours completely."
Aang didn't realize he was holding his breath until that moment.
"Aang! Katara! Where are you? Ugh. Please end all ooginess before I get there. Why am I always the one that gets sent off to find you?" Sokka grumbled as he attempted to walk through the ice tunnel. "I don't understand why you can't just stay where everyone can….AHHHHHHHRRRGHGGHHHH!"
Katara and Aang jumped out of the way as Sokka flew past them face first into an embankment. Katara stifled her laugh, but Aang raced over to help dig him out. He dodged Sokka's flailing feet and managed to airbend away most of the snow.
"Every time you two lovebirds go wondering off, guess who they send? That's right, Sokka. And guess who always ends up suffering in some way?" Sokka glared. "That's right, me! So why don't you just do ME a favor and STAY PUT!"
"Sokka, we were just out penguin sledding! What did you think was going to happen?" Katara rolled her eyes and helped her brother up. "Now come on, let's head back. It's nearly dinner time and we have an early start tomorrow."
Aang sighed at the thought of what would inevitably be a very long journey to the Earth Kingdom with lots of "Sokka watching". At least this would be the last trip the Gaang would have to make before he and Katara were finally married. One last journey, one last council meeting, and then…marital bliss!