So this is my idea of what happened during season 3 of Avatar. I hope you like it! PLEASE read and review! I DO NOT OWN AVATAR! THIS IS PURELY FAN MADE!
Chapter One
"Hurry," She whispered her voice raw with emotion. "Bring him in here, there's a bed and a water basin I can use." Silently the group did as she ordered and gently laid the injured boy upon the bed, however despite their caution, a painful moan still escaped his lips. Instantly the girl was at his side, her eyes bright with worry. "Aang?" When he didn't answer the girls eyes welled up with tears, she turned to the others uncertain what to do.
"Katara, he was injured pretty bad. He probably just needs rest." Assured her brother in a quiet voice, afraid to wake the sleeping figure.
"How would you know that Sakka? What if he's dying? What if the spirit water only prevented the inevitable?" Kataras voice became shrill as she turned on her brother, her eyes wild, causing him to take a step back and raise his arms defensively against his chest.
"Katara" broke in another voice, "we saw his tattoos glow, he's the Avatar, it's going to take more than Azula to kill him," said the blind girl. Sensing Katara was about to argue she rushed on "You could give him a healing session. That would probably help." Wiping the tears from her face Katara nodded.
"Thanks Toph" she tried to give the other girl a smile but it looked more like a grimace. Quickly she grabbed the basin and bent water out of it and making the cool liquid twist around her hands until they were completely engulfed in water.
"Hey were going to need some help up here!" yelled a voice from the upper deck. Sakka glanced over at Toph and cleared his throat. "Um I guess Toph and I will go help on deck while you watch Aang." Katara merely nodded her head distractedly. Sakka gave one last worried glance at his sister before he left the room with Toph on his heels.
Katara allowed herself to look up. She loved her brother and Toph dearly but she was relieved to have the room empty of everyone except her and Aang. She quickly went to work, carefully peeling the remainders of Aang's shirt off his beaten and bruised body. Knowing that the worst of the damage was going to be on his back where Azula shot him, Katara gently turned him over and then bit back a gasp at the sight. A huge gash the shape of a star had taken over the middle of Aang's back, its center was raw and bleeding, and the edges were burnt so badly the skin was curling upwards. Quickly Katara placed her hands on the center of his back allowing the healing water to soak into the wound. Katara had no idea how long she sat at Aang's side, her hands on his back, sobs racking her sides as she continued to pour all her energy into healing her friend, she had no idea that hours had passed before she finally fell into a deep sleep that finally allowed her to escape this nightmare. She also had no idea that her brother looked into the room several times during the night, and when she at last fell asleep on the bed next to Aang, it was him who covered her with a quilt, his heart breaking for his younger sister.
Katara woke up slowly, her mind foggy as she stretched out on the bed. Where am I? She wondered just as her arm made contact with flesh. With a startled yelp she scrambled out of the bed and peered over the sheets at the figure lying on the other side. Immediately everything caught back up to her. The battle at Ba Sing Se, Azula, Aang in the Avatar State, and the lightning. With the image of Aang convulsing as the lightning slammed into his body replaying itself into her mind she rushed to her friends' side. His lashes made dark crescents upon his skin emphasizing the pale skin. His breathing seemed labored. Nervously Katara turned him over, upset to find that his wound looked just as bad as yesterday. Reaching her arm in the direction of the water basin Katara bent the water around her hand once again and got to work healing Aang. After several hours, but what felt like only minutes to Katara a knock sounded lightly on the door and a second later Sakka let himself and Toph into the room.
"We brought you some food," he said quietly setting the platter of fresh fruit and warm rolls next to the bedside.
"I'm not hungry."
"Katara, you won't do Aang any good if you let yourself get weak," pointed out Toph.
"Fine." Muttered Katara, absentmindedly grabbing an apple from the platter. She took a bite of the fruit and then set it down. She chewed slowly as she continued to focus on her patient, not noticing when her brother and friend slipped silently from the room. Aang's breathing had become even and quiet which eased some of her worries except now he had a fever going and despite her best efforts, Katara couldn't quite seem to make it fade. Bending fresh water around her tired hands, she rested them on his forehead, trying to draw out the heat. She was so focused on the fever that at first she didn't hear the raspy voice calling her name.
"Ka-tar-a" mumbled Aang. His eyebrows furrowed in his sleep.
"Aang?" Katara leaned in breathless. Was he finally waking up?
"I can't." He whispered.
"Cant what Aang?"
"Let her go." He said, his voice broken. Confused Katara just stared at him, patiently waiting for him to speak again.
"She's more than an earthly attachment," He said, his voice cracking as it slipped through his parched lips "I love her."
"Aang? What are you talking about?" Katara asked as she slowly slid water down his dry throat. At first she didn't think he was going to answer but then, so quietly she had to lean in to hear him, he whispered, "Don't make me choose." Katara starred at him quietly, her heart aching as she watched as tears slid down Aang's face and his breathing became labored again. "Don't…make…me….choose…" he whispered as he faded back into the darkness that seemed determined to keep him in its grasps.
Several days went by, and when Aang failed to speak again, or even show some form of consciousness Katara felt her spirits sink. Silently she let herself out of the room and closed the door softly behind her so as not to wake Toph and Sakka. She headed toward the bathing room, deciding a nice soak would help her clear her thoughts. Katara drew a bath and once in it she felt the warm water ease her aching muscles, only now realizing how much of a toll healing Aang took on her. The water lapped comfortingly at her sides as she closed her eyes and thought about the past few days.
"Hey Twinkle Toes," Katara stopped at the doorway, her heart beating rapidly. Had Aang finally woken up? Before she could push the door open to see for herself Toph continued talking. "You need to wake up, we all really miss you. Sakka hasn't even been eating much lately," she said, her attempt at humor falling flat. "You know, Katara really misses you," Toph said, her voice turning mischievous. "I bet if you woke up right now she'd give you a big fat kiss." The room was silent. "You must really be out of it if that doesn't wake you up." After a few minutes of silence Katara gently pushed the door open. "Hey Katara." Toph greeted without turning. It still amazed Katara how much the blind earth bender could "see" with her feet.
"Hey," she responded just as Toph tried to hide a yawn behind her fist which gave Katara an idea. She grabbed some extra blankets and bed rolls laying them on the floor. "Toph I was thinking that tonight you and Sakka could sleep in her tonight. I mean if Aang wakes up I'm sure he'll want us all here." Said Katara encouragingly.
"I guess, if that's what you want." Toph responded trying to sound indifferent, but Katara saw the happy smile that appeared on Toph's lips as she went to tell Sakka of the new sleeping arrangements.
Katara's thoughts continued to drift until slowly and without meaning to she fell asleep.
CHAPTER 2
Katara was bored. Toph was upstairs talking to The Duke, Sakka was following their father around while they planed the new invasion, and Katara had all she could handle with that subject. Dejectedly she headed to the room Aang was in. His wound was getting much better, but was in no way healed. With an ease of practice Katara stripped him of his old bandages and then, after some healing, re-wrapped the wounds to prevent infection. Once again left with nothing to do, Katara looked at her friend and sighed. Over the past several months Aang had become her best friend, the one she confided everything in. Well, she thought with a blush, almost everything. She hadn't exactly gotten around to telling him about her feelings for him. But then again, she guessed that was for the best because even she wasn't sure exactly what those feelings were. She wished she had someone to talk about it with, but she couldn't exactly tell her brother or Toph without completely embarrassing herself. And she definitely couldn't tell Aang. Or could she? Katara hesitantly leaned over to Aang.
"Aang? Aang wake up." When no answer came, she looked around nervously. He obviously couldn't hear her, and it would help her clear her mind. With one last glance around the room Katara began to fill her best friend in on her inner turmoil.
"I'm confused Aang." She confessed. "When I first met you, you were just some goofy kid that I found in an iceberg. You were sweet even then, and I came to care for you quickly, you were just like a brother to me. But lately I feel like that's changing. When I saw you fall in Ba Sing Se I couldn't breathe, I couldn't stand the thought of losing you, and it had nothing to do with the fact that you're the avatar and supposed to save the world and everything. I wasn't thinking about the rest of the world, I was only thinking that you were hurt, and I couldn't stand that." Taking a deep breath she continued. "I think I like you, I mean more than a brother and that scares me. I don't want to lose you as a friend and I'm afraid that if I tell you how I feel, you might not feel the same way." She admitted. "I guess I'm just being a coward, but it's the right decision don't you think? I mean it would be so awkward for us if you didn't like me back, and we can't have anything distracting us from the mission. It's just too important." With a heavy heart Katara pushed Aang's dark hair off his forehead, a small smile on her lips when she imagined Aang's expression when he realized he had hair. "So," she continued after a moment of silence, "speaking of awkward, remember when you busted into that cave where I was trapped with Zuko? He was telling me things, about his mother. He said he had lost her too because of the Fire Nation Army, and he seemed genuinely sad about it. It was weird but for a moment I believed him. I truly thought that he was just confused and hurt just like I was over my mom's death. For a second I had believed that he had changed and realized that what he was doing was wrong. Pretty stupid of me hu?" she remarked bitterly. "I can't believe I almost used the spirit water to heal his scar. What if I had lost you because of him?" she asked, tears gathering in her eyes. Katara took a deep breath and then continued. "That's not the only weird thing though." She admitted. "Right before you found us, Zuko was standing really close to me and well, I thought he was about to kiss me." She admitted with a blush just as Aang let out a moan, his face screwed up with pain. Immediately she turned her attention to her friend. "Aang are you ok?" Katara quickly grabbed a wet cloth and held it to Aang's forehead hoping the cool water would help the pain and momentarily putting a hold on her thoughts.
ONE WEEK LATER
Aang woke slowly, his head throbbing. Where am I? He wondered as his eyes adjusted to the light. He swung his legs to the side of the bed and then jumped up when his eyes fell upon the Fire Nation insignia that took up nearly a whole wall of the bedroom. Aang grabbed his staff and ran as best as he could from the room before skidding to a stop at a corner when he heard the sound of voices. Peering around the edge he felt his heart race when he spotted two fire nation soldiers. What am I doing here? Where's everyone else? He thought in panic as he sent a quick blast of air in the soldier's direction before running for the stairs in front of him, he was almost free when he stumbled on the last step. His staff went flying and he landed with a hard thud on the upper deck of the ship. Just as he went to try and stand up a furry and familiar creature came into view peering at him curiously.
"Momo?" asked Aang in confusion.
"Twinkle Toes, that's gotta be you!" he heard Toph exclaim happily as she and Katara rushed to his side.
Katara threw her arms around Aang causing him to stumble back before he could return her embrace. He wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her close to him. She's safe, he thought relieved as he buried his head into her thick dark hair, he inhaled softly, loving the smell of her so much that it took him a second to remember that there were other people around. Blushing he stepped back quickly looking around for Sakka and hoping the older boy hadn't noticed just how tight Aang had held Katara.
"Hey Aang, good to see you back with a living." Said a Fire Nation Soldier who embraced Aang in a quick hug.
"Sakka?" he asked, his confusion clearing when the soldier pulled of his mask to reveal a smiling Sakka.
"What-?" he began when he suddenly couldn't see straight and felt as though the ground was slipping under him. He vaguely remembered Toph yelling something before everything went dark.
"How are you feeling?" Katara asked Aang with worry when he woke up.
"What happened?" he asked shaking his head.
"You fainted, it's probly time for another healing season." Reasoned Katara as she began to unravel Aang's bandages causing him to blush and quickly turn his head away from her gaze. He had noticed his bandages as he was running from this room earlier but he hadn't had time to really think about just who had been trying to heal him. Now that he knew he felt his checks flame in embarrassment as he thought about Katara taking care of him when he had been completely defenseless. He hoped he didn't say anything embarrassing.
Katara's voice snapped him out of his thoughts as she asked him where the pain felt most intense. He told her a little higher, just as she did Aang got a flashback. He was in Ba Sing Se, and he was in the Avatar state. He was rising in the air looking down at all the soldiers.
"Just let me try something," said Katara softly. Aang felt the gentle pull of her healing and then his back arched painfully as the memories of Azula's lightning striking him assaulted him. With a gasp he turned to Katara.
"I didn't just get hurt did I?" He asked horrified, "it was worse than that, I went down," he looked at Katara his eyes in wonder. "You saved me."
Katara placed her hand gently on his check, "I couldn't just let my Avatar fall could I?"
Her Avatar? Thought Aang pleasantly just as a noise inturupted them.
"Knock Knock!" called a voice as Sakka and Toph barged into the room. "Hey Katara so do you think we should go over the new invasion plan?" asked Sakka.
"What's the new plan?" asked Aang eagerly.
"No Sakka! Not yet!" exclaimed Katara at the same time.
"Katara its okay" said Aang with an encouraging smile. "I've missed out on so much already, I want to know what you guys have been up to."
"Well, the new plan is the old plan!" declared Sakka excitedly. "You're going to learn all four elements and then go all Avatar on the Fire Lord!"
"Oh, ok."
"But that's not even the best part!" When Aang just stared at him in confusion Sakka continued. "We have a secret weapon." He whispered looking around suspiciously.
"We do? What is it?" Asked Aang excitedly.
"You! See everyone in the world thinks you're dead! Isn't that great!"
"What!?" cried Aang, "how is that a good thing?" he demanded of Sakka who said something about the fire lord not expecting them, but all Aang could focus on was the fact that he had failed again. Not only did he let Ba Sing Se get overrun by fire nation but everyone thought the avatar was dead. "This is so messed up," he said aloud just as shouts from above sounded.
"It must be another fire nation ship" Toph observed.
"I'll take care of it," said Aang swinging his staff open, "the avatar is back," he said just as a shooting pain went up his side.
"Aang don't, they don't even know were not fire nation." Reasoned Sakka.
"Fine." He mumbled as Sakka lead them to their hiding spots. Everything was quiet for a moment as Bato and another man spoke to the fire nation general. For a second it seemed as if everything would be okay when suddenly Toph leaned forward.
"They know!" she yelled while at the same time metal bending the platform out from under the fire nation general's feet causing them to fall into the dark water below. Unable to do nothing Aang rushed forward to help. Seeing what his friend was about to do Sakka grabbed his arm. "Aang please let us take care of this. You're still hurt, and you need to stay a secret. '
Aang glared angrily at his friend before yanking his arm away and stalking back to his hiding spot.
"I'm gonna give us some cover!" yelled Katara and moments later mist enveloped the ship, making it impossible for the enemy to see them. Even though he was worried, Aang still couldn't help admiring Katara as she began bending the water to attack the other ship. When she was water bending there was a look of total confidence and determination in her eyes, and her movements which were always graceful seemed even more so as she became one with her element. Her dark hair whipped away from her face as she sent a wave of water up and at the other ship. It seemed like they were going to get away easily, but just as the thought left Aang's mind a flaming rock crashed into the upper deck sending people flying back. Immediately Toph was on the attack, sending her own boulders over to the other ship.
"Things can't get much worse," he heard Sakka say just as a giant water serpent emerged and towered over their ship. "The universe just loves proving me wrong, doesn't it?"
"You make it too easy!" Toph shouted back as she sent another boulder flying. It hit the side of the fire nation ship and sent pieces flying in every direction, including the water serpent. A piece of burning wood hit the serpent in the face. The serpent let out an angry scream and wrapped its long body around the offending ship effectively ending the fight.
Several hours past and feeling hungry Sakka got Katara and Toph together to get food, the quickly headed to Aang's room. Katara pushed open the door to reveal Aang lying on his bed, staring dejectedly at the ceiling. "Hey Aang, we were headed out to get something to eat, wanna come?" she asked, just as Aang's stomach let out a gurgle.
"Well, I guess food does sound pretty good." He reasoned as he sat up.
"Here" said Sakka, throwing fabric in Aang's direction. "Tie this over your head to hide your arrow."
Aang turned in Sakka's direction furiously. "I'm not going out if I can't wear my arrow proudly.
"Aang be reasonable-"began Sakka.
"You know what, well meet up with you guys ok?" said Katara interrupting him. With a frown Sakka nodded and then headed out. "I think I know what's bothering you Aang." She began. "You think you failed, but you didn't. There was nothing you could do."
"Your wrong." He interrupted. "I did fail. I was at Ba Sing Se and I didn't help anyone! And now everyone thinks I'm dead! I always knew I would have to face the fire lord," he continued darkly, "but now I realize I have to do it alone." Katara began to interrupt but Aang yelled angrily. "No Katara! I don't want you or anyone else getting hurt to fix my mistakes!"
Sensing that nothing she said right now would get through to him, Katara stood up. "If you need anything let me know." As she walked out the door, she could have sworn she heard him say something that sent shivers up her spine just because of how much it reminded her of a dark angry boy she knew. "I need my honor back."
CHAPTER 3
He had to leave. Now, before they came back. He couldn't let them fight his battles anymore; it was getting too dangerous, the battle at Ba Sing Se proved that. Grabbing his staff Aang walked out of the room. The hallways were empty making it much easier to leave unnoticed. Aang cautiously went above deck, glancing around before making his way to the ships railing. Thunder rolled as rain fell from the heavy clouds and waves splashed against the ships sides. Aang looked behind him one last time, am I doing the right thing? He wondered. He knew his friends would be worried when they came back and he was gone. As if sensing that his resolve was weakening a flash of lightning spread across the sky, reminding Aang of just why he had to leave. With a determined nod Aang opened his glider and jumped off the ship.
"Food!" called Sokka happily as he rushed forward peering at all the fish for sale.
"You act as if you haven't eaten in days." Remarked Toph dryly.
"Hey it's been like five hours!" countered Sokka as he paid the merchant for their food. Hey turned to Katara a disgusted look on his face as she bought some fruit and lettuce for Aang. "You know, I really don't understand how that kid can stand not eating meat, it's too delicious."
"You know Aang, all life is sacred." Thanking the merchant Katara and the others headed back to the ship.
"Well his loss," said Sokka indifferently.
Once aboard the ship Katara left the others to take Aang his food, determined to get him to eat something. He was still healing after all. Swinging the door open Katara stepped into his room. "I brought you some-"her sentence went unfinished as she stared in horror at the empty room before her. She barely heard the noise of the tray as it fell to the ground because she was already running out the door.
"Katara what's wrong?" asked Bato when his daughter ran up to him, tears in her eyes.
"Aang's gone!" she cried, "he has this stupid notion that he has to save the world by himself. I mean I know the world needs him but doesn't he know that we need him too?"
Bato pulled his daughter into his arms and hugged her tightly. "This isn't just about Aang is it?" he asked.
"I know you had to go," she sobbed, "but it wasn't the same when you left."
"I know, every night I was gone I would think of you and Sokka and my heart would ache from missing you." He replied as Katara continued to cry. "I don't want to pry," he began once it seemed that her sobs were fading, "but what exactly is the relationship between you and Aang?"
"Hu? What do you mean?" asked Katara confused.
"Um, well," stumbled Bato looking embarrassed, "you seemed really upset when he was hurt, I was just wondering if you both were beyond just friends."
"What, no! Aang and I are just friend!" said Katara her checks flaming. "He doesn't think of me like that at all dad!" she told him, trying not to let the hurt of that statement show as she smiled at her dad. "You have nothing to worry about." Bato didn't seem convinced but just as he opened his mouth to speak Sokka ran up.
"Aang's gone!" he exclaimed.
"I know Sokka," she turned to her dad. "We have to find him." He nodded in understanding.
"You'll have to take Appa to catch up to him."
Katara gave him one last hug and then ran to get Appa ready while yelling for Toph.
Sokka shook his dad's hand. "Well meet you at the Invasion?"
"Yes, you remember the rendezvous point?"
"Of course." Said Sokka confidently. Then turning shy he said "It was nice seeing you dad."
"You too Sokka, now you better get going." His dad responded with a sad smile. Sokka nodded and then ran for Appa. He barely had enough time to climb next to Toph before Katara guided Appa into the air and into the storm.
He was so cold. Aang held onto the log tightly as shivers racked his body. He had failed again. He had lost his glider in the storm and was in the middle of the ocean with nowhere to go. I give up, he thought in despair.
"Aang." Said a voice sternly.
"Roku?" asked Aang looking up to see the image of the last avatar floating before him.
"You must not give up." Ordered Roku.
"But I failed," admitted Aang.
"No you did not. Your friends and the world are still counting on you Aang, don't leave them now." And with that a huge wave slammed into Aang, sending him in the direction of what appeared to be a small island. Deciding that Roku was right, Aang climbed aboard the log and stood throwing his arms behind himself, pushing the water behind him as he sped up. He crashed ashore and managed to crawl just far enough away from the waves so they wouldn't suffocate him before falling into an exhausted sleep.
"There he is!" yelled Sokka, pointing at the lone figure on the middle of an island. Katara's heart raced as she guided Appa to the ground. Quickly the three jumped off and ran to their friend throwing their arms around his as he sat up.
"Don't scare us like that again Twinkle Toes," scolded Toph. "Were in this together weather you like it or not. She told him, punching him lightly on the arm.
"Sorry guys" said Aang as he rubbed the spot where Toph hit him. "I thought this was the only way to make sure you were all okay," he told them, "but then Roku reminded me just how much we need each other." Katara smiled brightly at him, thankful for Roku's interference.
"Come on Aang, let's get out of here."
"Oh, were going to a meat place?" Aang asked Sokka with a grimace.
"Come on Aang, everyone eats meat, even the meat!" he encouraged.
"No thanks, I'll just go get some lettuce." With a shrug Sokka and the girls went into the restaurant.
Aang looked around the fire nation village thoughtfully. Dressed as a normal fire nation boy he was free to take in the sights he hadn't seen in over a hundred years. A slight twinge of sadness went through him when he realized his friend Kuzon had probly died several years ago. Shrugging off the depressing thoughts Aang nodded at civilians with a polite "hotmen," before noticing two fire nation guards approaching him.
"We caught you now." Said one menacingly.
"Who me?" Aang looked around him worriedly.
"Ya," said one of the other guards, "it's obvious you don't belong here. Next time you ditch school you should change out of your school clothes."
"Oh." Was all Aang was able to say before they grabbed him and dragged him in the direction of the Fire Nation School.
"We found this one wandering the village." One of the guards informed the teacher as they pushed Aang into the classroom.
"Wait, you're not from here." She paused. "You must be from the colonies. What's your name boy?" she demanded.
"Um, Kuzon." He said, smiling at the rest of the class. He made his way to the vacant seat the teacher assigned him, passing a pretty brunette who gave him a shy smile. It wasn't until after class that she introduced herself.
"Hi, it's Kuzon right?" she asked with a friendly smile.
"Yep that's me."
"My name's On Ji" she said, just as a large hand landed on her shoulder.
"On Ji," said the voice sarcastically, "you don't need to waste your time talking to the colony trash."
"Oh hello" said Aang as he bowed to the older boy. "You must be one of those popular kids I've always heard about."
"That's right," said the boy with a smirk. "And On Ji is my girlfriend, so stay away from her." He warned Aang before wrapping his arm around On Ji and walking away.
"Wow." Said a boy behind Aang, "he didn't even beat you up."
"Hu, must've just been lucky." Said Aang with a shrug.
"We were just gonna go play hide and explode," said the boy, pointing at the group of kids behind him. "Do you want to play?" he offered.
"Ya!" agreed Aang enthusiastically.
Ten minutes later they were on the side of a rocky mountain and the kids were getting into familiar groups. "Where do I go?" Aang asked one of them.
"Well, are you a bender?" asked the kid.
"What?" asked Aang nervously, "no, not me, I can't bend a thing. No way, I wish I could, but I can't. No one in my family can bend actually. Were nicknamed the non-benders," He babbled on.
"Ok, ok, well I can so just stick with me. My name's Cliff." The boy held out a hand.
"Kuzon," said Aang shaking the boy's hand.
"Ok so in the game we have pairs of benders with non-benders. Those two over there" said Cliff pointing to two boys in the distance "are it. They hide and try and get us with their bending, while we try and get away. If they get us, were on their team." He explained, before waving to someone behind Aang. "Hey On Ji!" he called to the girl.
"Hey Cliff! Oh hey Kuzon!" she greeted them both as she ran up. "Do you mind if I'm on your team? There isn't anyone extra." She explained.
"Sure!" said the boys in agreement.
"Ok awesome, now hurry lets hide!" grabbing their hands On Ji pulled them in the direction of a huge boulder to hide behind. At first the three laughed quietly as the two "it" players failed to find them, but after a while they grew bored and sat with their backs against the boulder in comfortable silence.
"ugh!" groaned Cliff as his latest attempts of a fire bending move failed.
"It's ok." Encouraged Aang, "you'll get it."
"No, I won't." Snapped Cliff. "I'm no good at bending! My parents are probly so embarrassed by me. There great benders." He explained. "And then they had me, and I'm medeocer at best." He angrily wiped his sleeve across his eyes to hide the tears that were threatening to fall.
"Look, fire is a very strong and powerful element. It takes a lot of practice to be able to get it right. It's better to learn slowly than rush into and get someone hurt." Said Aang, his voice going low at the memory of his first fire bending experience. He could still see the hurt look on Katara's face when he had accidently burned her.
"It's no use." Muttered Cliff.
"You just need to be more confident." Aang told him as he took the same stance Cliff was in moments earlier. The fire benders I've seen move with determination," thinking of Prince Zuko Aang added "and purpose. Like this." He said while turning and kicking the air. He had meant for it to be a demonstration of the movements only, just to help Cliff see how to move through the stances, but when Aang moved like he had seen Zuko do before, another thought went through his head. I think he was about to kiss me, rang Katara's voice just as Aang kicked the air and an explosion of fire blasted from his foot.
"I thought you said you weren't a bender!" squealed the boy.
"Wow!" shouted On Ji, her eyes wide as she stared at Aang who had a horrified expression on his face.
"Cliff be quiet!" he urged the other boy. "I'm not a bender, that was a fluke!" he said, pleading the boy to believe him.
"Are you crazy? That was NOT a fluke! You're the most powerful fire bender I've ever seen!" continued Cliff, who was starting to rant. "Why didn't you tell me you were a bender? I mean here I am telling you how much I suck-" Cliff let out a huge gasp. "You can teach me!"
"No I can't. I'm not a Fire Bender ok?" said Aang with urgency to his voice.
"Kuzon neither of us are going to believe that. What's the problem?" asked On Ji.
Aang dropped his head dejectedly. "I don't like fire bending." He admitted. "It, well it scares me. It's such a powerful element and it's too easy to lose control and hurt someone."
"Ya but with practice you can learn to control it and then you wouldn't have to worry about anyone getting hurt." Reasoned On Ji.
"I don't want to be able to control it; I don't want anything to do with it." Aang said angrily. "I told myself I would never fire bend again and I won't." Sensing there was more behind the story, but deciding to leave it for now On Ji just put a reassuring hand on Aang's shoulder while mouthing for Cliff to drop the subject.
