Heartbroken and Missing
Going Our Separate Ways
Twilight was falling over the city of Ba Sing Se as Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph headed towards the Western Air Temple on Appa. Having found the lost bison, they all agreed it would be for the best if they headed somewhere safe. This way Aang could continue his training. All that was left for him to learn was Firebending. The problem was that he vowed to never bend fire again. Not since he had hurt Katara…
"Are we almost there yet, Twinkle Toes?" Toph was about to get airsick from riding on Appa so long. Being so far from solid ground wasn't exactly her forte'.
"Don't worry," Aang looked over his shoulder as he sat on the bison's head lowering the reins. "We'll be there in five minutes. And trust me, you'll love it there."
"It's an Air Temple. Nothing about that name sounds inviting to me." She gripped the saddle a bit tighter trying to keep from vomiting. She'd never been so high into the sky before.
Katara walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Try not to think too much. Just close your eyes and we'll be there before you know it."
"Ugh," Toph rolled over onto her back and squeezed her eyes tight.
"I can't believe I get to see dad tomorrow," said Sokka with a bit of worry in his eyes. "Are you sure you don't want to come with me Katara?"
"It's not that I don't want to Sokka," said Katara looking away from Toph to face her brother. "It's just that somebody needs to stay at the Temple to make sure nobody comes along."
"But Katara-"
"We're here!" interrupted Aang. The two benders and Sokka looked down to see the most intriguing place. It was nothing like the destroyed Eastern Air Temple. It actually almost looked completely un-harmed. The Western Air Temple looked golden and radiant above the night clouds and the moon shining above it. One would think this to be a whole new world in itself. Which would explain the Air Nomads tradition of being so peaceful and tranquil: they were far away from all of the world's troubles.
"Wow, it's so beautiful," said Katara as she helped the airsick Earthbender off Appa.
"Land!" shouted Toph, not even caring about the Temple around her. She was practically making earth angels into the ground.
"No offense, but I thought the Fire Nation destroyed both of the Temples?" asked Sokka.
"They did," Aang looked away. "But luckily some of the Guru's have been repairing it over the years.
"Speaking of Guru's," said Katara pulling a letter out of her pocket. "Are you going to go see Guru Pathik tomorrow?" She handed the Airbender a letter that was originally tied to Appa's horns.
"I don't know. I mean, I want to master the Avatar State, but this just isn't a good time."
"Aang, it's not that you want to master the Avatar State, it's that you need to. The world needs you too. And what do you mean this isn't a good time?"
"Well…with Sokka leaving to find your guys' dad and Toph going off to the Earth Kingdom to make sure everything is still safe, I just don't feel comfortable leaving you here alone."
"Wait, this is about me?"said Katara accusingly.
"Well not exact-"
"Look, you're going to see Guru Pathik tomorrow. I'll be fine here. Besides, I highly doubt anyone will be simply able to waltz into a Temple that just happens to be floating way up here above the clouds. And even if it were in the middle of the Fire Nation, you need to trust me. I'm not just your friend, I'm a master Waterbender," said Katara smiling proudly.
Aang laughed at his selfishness, "You're right. I was being stupid. I promise I'll go first thing in the morning."
"Good for you Twinkle Toes now will you please go to sleep already!" yelled an annoyed Toph.
"Seriously, we have a big day ahead of us," said Sokka who had already set up his sleeping bag. "So do as the girl says." Within two seconds the warrior drifted off to sleep.
Katara and Aang laughed and pulled out their sleeping bags.
After breakfast the next day, the gaang began preparing to go their separate ways. It wasn't easy for them being that they hardly ever resulted to this.
"Tell dad I said hi," said Katara pulling her brother into a hug.
"I will, I promise." Sokka climbed onto Appa's saddle.
"Be safe Sugar Queen," said Toph patting the Waterbender on the back.
She smiled, "You too, Toph. I mean it." She watched as the Earthbender slowly boarded Appa. A look of despair was across her face, but not because of going back to the Earth Kingdom, but because she had to ride the flying bison yet again.
Sokka laughed and helped Toph to the top. "It's not a big deal, c'mon"
"Easy for you to say," mumbled Toph.
Katara laughed and turned to Aang. "Good luck with Guru Pathik."
"Thanks," he looked away, clearly nervous.
"Hey, it'll be fine. You'll have the Avatar State mastered in no time," she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"I hope so," Aang looked back at Katara. "Promise me you'll be safe?"
She pulled him into a hug, "Of course. You have nothing to worry about."
The two benders pulled away. "Now go already," with a playful smile Katara made a shooing gesture with her hands.
Aang laughed, "Alright, alright. You better be here when we all get back this evening."
"Oh of course, dad," she laughed as the young Avatar jumped up onto Appa's head and grabbed hold of the reins. Katara waved goodbye as the rest of the gaang flew off into the sky.