Disclaimer: I do not own any of the ATLA characters.
Chapter 1
It has been four years since the war ended and Fire Lord Ozai defeated. Tensions were still high after the war. Aang and Zuko had created the Harmony Restoration Movement. It was a plan to remove the Fire Nation colonies in the Earth Kingdom and relocate the colonists into the Fire Nation itself, but protests and revolts spread.
Over the past century, Fire Nation colonists had become deeply integrated amongst Earth Kingdom citizens. Realizing this, Zuko had withdrawn his support from the movement, only leading to more protests. Aang had been against Zuko's withdrawal, saying that the Fire Nation cannot occupy part of the Earth Kingdom if the world is to ever live in harmony.
Avatar Aang, Fire Lord Zuko, and Earth King Kuei met to discuss the fate of Yu Dao, one of the first colonies to be impacted by the movement and where most of the conflict had occurred. Earth King Kuei was adamant about seeing the movement through and had sent soldiers to Yu Dao to remove the Fire Nation citizens by force, if necessary. Fire Lord Zuko sent his own troops to meet the Earth Kingdom soldiers. Another war had begun.
Aang had stepped in, effectively stopping the battle before there were many casualties. He had proclaimed that the world was changing and that the separation of the four nations could no longer apply after the Hundred Year War. The Harmony Restoration Movement had collapsed, but it led to a more integrated coexistence between all four nations. The Fire Nation colonies elected coalition governments comprised of Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom representatives.
Katara and Sokka had returned to the Southern Water Tribe for a time to help rebuild their home. Toph had created a Metalbending Academy to teach young Earthbenders how to bend metal. Suki stayed with the Kyoshi Warriors who were assigned to be the personal guards to Fire Lord Zuko. Aang had travelled to the Southern Air Temple with the Air Acolytes to teach the ways of the Air Nomads in order to preserve his culture. Everyone had gone their separate ways.
Aang still saw his friends from time to time. But after the Harmony Restoration Movement, they became busy with their own agendas and their own lives and he with his duties of maintaining the balance with Zuko, that Aang missed his friends. Especially Katara. After they had kissed on that balcony, they were finally together. Aang assumed that they would stay together forever. But when Katara travelled to the South Pole and he stayed in the Fire Nation Capital with Zuko, they hardly ever saw each other. And Aang missed her. A lot.
Two years after the war ended, Aang had received a letter from Katara. She told him that they should stop whatever was going on between them. They rarely saw each other, and when they did, there was always some task that needed to get done. It was heartbreaking for Aang, but he agreed. Some part of him had known that there would be little time for romance in his life. He accepted that fact. Embraced it.
Aang threw himself into work. He helped Zuko restore the balance of the world. And Aang was proud of what they had accomplished. It seemed as though the scars left from Fire Lord Ozai were beginning to fade. There was peace.
Now, four years later, Aang braced his hands on the balcony overlooking the upper ring of the great city of Ba Sing Se. He had travelled from the Fire Nation Capital to oversee the colonies and ensure that there was still peace amongst the citizens. And there was. He was relieved to see that both Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom citizens could coexist and form lives together. It gave him hope for the future. That maybe someday, Katara and him could…
Aang shook his head ridding that thought before he could finish it. He had responsibilities to the Air Acolytes. To the world. There was no room in his life right now for romance. There might not ever be. The sooner he accepts that, the better. Aang just hoped that when he would see Katara today that he would be able to keep a level head.
There was to be a meeting today with the most influential political leaders from all four nations. And considering how he was the last Airbender in the world and the Avatar, he was expected to be there. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the plans to form the United Republic of Nations. It was to be a society where people from all over the world, in every nation, could live together in peace and harmony. It was to be located somewhere on the western coast of the Earth Kingdom. The city's government would be made up of representatives from all four nations to create the United Republic Capital. This meeting would draw up the plans for the officials that would make up the council.
Aang was anxious. He wanted the meeting to go well, but was unsure how the people would respond to one united city where everyone from any nation would live together. So far, the colonies have been a success. But that was only one small region. The United Republic of Nations would be a major city.
Aang took a deep breath, staring out into the great city of Ba Sing Se. The sun was beginning to rise. He would have to leave shortly. Aang sighed and walked back into the large home that was given to him by Earth King Kuei in thanks for saving not only his kingdom, but the world four years ago. The place was spacious and luxurious. Quite frankly, Aang didn't need something this extravagant. After almost a year on the road, travelling the world and sleeping mostly on the hard ground, Aang found it difficult to sleep in a soft, plush bed. Every time he laid down, he seemed to sink into the mattress. Slowly suffocating him. So most nights, he slept on the wooden floors, finding it a hundred times better than the ridiculous mattress.
Aang entered the bedroom and slid on the yellow and orange robes along with his necklace of four round, wooden disks, each one carved with an elemental symbol. He didn't usually like to wear it, but when there were important events he had to attend, it was custom that he wear the necklace.
The meeting took place at the Earth Kingdom palace, at the heart of Ba Sing Se. Aang walked there, not feeling like it was necessary to use his glider, considering how close his home was to the Earth King himself.
The guards did not hesitate when he approached. They simply stood aside and let him past, blank expressions on their faces. Aang walked through the grand entrance into the palace and into the great halls. Every surface of the palace was covered with every shade of green imaginable, and the Earth symbol was stitched into banners that hung from the ceiling, decorating the long halls.
Aang walked in silence, his feet landing softly on the cool marble floors. When he reached the end of the hall and stood before the huge golden doors into the council room, he could hear muffled voices inside. He sighed. The doors were opened before he had the chance to do it himself.
He entered the room and the conversation stopped as all eyes looked to him. He bowed and the gesture was returned by everyone in the room, except for Fire Lord Zuko and Earth King Kuei, who merely nodded their heads as a sign of acknowledgement. There was one seat empty at the long table. Aang made his way over and sat in the seat directly to the right of Zuko, who had a strained smile on his face as he looked to his friend.
Aang was wary of that smile and kept his face blank, not wanting to show emotion to the other people in the room. If there was something wrong with Zuko, he would ask his friend later about it. For now, he had to focus on the meeting. Aang wanted this to go as smoothly as possible. He was really hoping that they could come to an agreement regarding who would be on the United Republic Council as he looked at the faces of some of the most powerful political leaders in the world.
Both General How and General Sung were there. Both on the Council of Five, a group consisting of the five-highest ranking generals in the Earth Kingdom Army. Earth King Kuei sat beside them. He was busy petting his bear, Bosco, who sat next to his chair. There were a few Fire Nation admirals along with Fire Lord Zuko who sat at the head of the table. Aang went around the room, staring into the eyes of everyone there until his came to rest on the person who was sitting directly across from him. He swallowed nervously.
Katara sat across from Aang, to the left of Zuko. She had been sent as an emissary for the Southern and Northern Water Tribes, considering how both tribes were already occupied trying to rebuild the Southern Water Tribe.
Katara's eyes met his and his breath almost caught at the crystal blue he saw there. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. He cannot even recall the last time that he had seen Katara, but she has definitely matured and looks more like a young woman now. Aang's palms were sweaty and wiped them onto his pants underneath the table discreetly. His heart was racing as they continued to stare at one another. He felt like her eyes were piercing straight into his very soul and it was nerve wracking. Katara kept her expression blank and Aang couldn't tell what was going through her mind. Was she happy to see him? Did she wish that they were together again? Did she even care? Should he?
Aang was so lost in thought that he hadn't even realized that someone was speaking to him.
"Huh?"
General Sung was staring at him expectantly and with slight irritation at having to converse with a teenager who has no interest in paying attention in council meetings. He sighs. "I was asking you how training the Air Acolytes was coming along? Surely, you must be overjoyed at having people so interested in your culture and traditions."
Aang looked at the general. "Yes. They are doing quite well and have learned so much. We have even managed to do repairs upon the Southern Air Temple to restore it to its former glory." It was not a lie. Aang was very pleased with how the Air Acolytes were adjusting to the life of an Air Nomad. They even did some repairs on the Southern Air Temple. It looks like it did a hundred years ago. Bright and cheerful. With the only exception of there not being any Airbenders or sky bison. It did sadden Aang to know that he and Appa were the last living Airbenders, but the Air Acolytes were willing to carry on the way of his people. It made Aang very grateful to them, and he said as much.
General Sung smiled. Not a pleasant smile, but one that promised he had horrible news and he had no problem being the one to deliver it. That smile promised something awful.
"I'm sure you are very pleased. However, doesn't it worry you that you are the last Airbender in the world? Are you not concerned about the entire Airbender civilization dying out with you?"
Aang bristled, not sure how to respond to this. Of course he was worried. How could he not be? The thought of being the last Airbender to ever exist saddens him greatly. But he hasn't had the time to think about that, considering the fact that the world is still trying to heal from the Hundred Year War that just ended. Romance is not at the top of his priorities. He said none of this to General Sung. Not with Katara watching every expression he makes. But General Sung continues.
"It has come to the attention of this council that the whole idea and purpose of the United Republic of Nations is to have all four nations contributing to society. This concept cannot be achieved when we only have three of the four nations on the United Republic Council."
Aang could feel his control over his emotions slipping as he begins to understand what General Sung is suggesting.
"I realize this, General Sung. Which is why we had already agreed that I would be on the United Republic Council representing the Air Nomads."
General Sung smiles cruelly. "And we appreciate your devotion to our cause. But we are concerned that your attention will be divided, considering that you are the Avatar and have other duties to fulfill. If we are to make this work, we need members on the United Republic Council who are solely devoted to this cause." Aang could feel his irritation building, clenching his fists in his lap to stop himself from doing something he might severely regret. General Sung keeps talking.
"Which is why we have decided that you, Avatar Aang, will not be on the United Republic Council. At least, not until you can provide offspring that are Airbenders."
The room is dead silent as everyone looks to Aang, fearful for what the powerful Avatar might do.
Aang is grinding his teeth and his hands are clenched into fists so tight, that his knuckles are bone white. He is not sure what to say to this and refuses to look into the eyes of anyone in this room, especially not Katara who is burning eyes into his head from the intensity of her gaze. Sensing that Aang cannot physically talk right now, lest he do something he will regret, Fire Lord Zuko speaks up on behalf of his friend.
"Surely we can allow the Avatar to be on the United Republic Council. He has done so much for our cause and if it wasn't for him, we would be bowing down to the Phoenix King right now." Everyone shuddered at the thought. "He should be allowed to reside on the council." Zuko says this definitively with no question of his authority as Fire Lord.
General Sung shakes his head as if he regrets saying the words even though he is considerably pleased putting the Avatar in his place. "Unfortunately, the council has already voted and made their decision."
Fire Lord Zuko stands up, his palms slamming into the table. "Why was I not notified of this?"
General Sung looks up smugly. "Forgive me, Sire, but some of us in this room would not find it entirely fair for you to participate in this matter given your… relations with the Avatar."
The room was tense as Aang and Zuko looked to each other. It was Aang who spoke up.
"Assuming I understand this correctly, you want me to have an Airbender child in order for me to be a member of the United Republic Council?"
"That is correct."
Aang was furious. He stood up, his fists at his side. Everyone in the room could feel the rage seeping out of him and they stiffened. A slight breeze began to blow around the room, even though there was no ventilation or open windows of any kind. The wind was coming from the Avatar.
"General Sung," Aang said in a deadly quiet voice. The general looked to Aang, still wearing a smug smile on his face. "You will forgive me if I am being rude, but I fail to see how discussing my love life has any relevancy to the United Republic Council. I am the Avatar and-"
"And that's another thing," General Sung interrupted. "You are the Avatar. You are supposed to keep the balance between all four nations. But there is no balance when there is no Air Nation."
"Yes, there is. The Air Acolytes-"
"They are not Airbenders. And no amount of teaching from you will make them so. Which is why until you bring more Airbenders into the world and restore the balance of the four nations, you do not have a say in the matter and you will not be a member of the United Republic Council."
"But-"
"That is final." General Sung had effectively cut Aang off from any defending himself.
The room was dead silent. Everyone was wary of what the Avatar might do in his anger. Aang didn't even know what he would do. But rather than hurt anyone, he stormed out of the room, slamming the doors behind him with a powerful blast of air.
The council stayed silent, not really sure how to proceed after that tense conversation. Katara had sat with her hands clenched and her head down, refusing to meet the gaze of anyone, especially Zuko, who she felt had his eyes on her the entire time, trying to decide if she was alright. She was hoping that nobody would point out her own relationship with the Avatar. It would be too humiliating. But when Katara saw Aang storming out of the room, pure fury written on his face, she had had enough.
"General Sung, don't you think that was a little unnecessary?"
The general looked to Katara and gave her knowing smile that she dreaded. "I don't believe that you can have a say on this matter either, young lady. We all know of your relationship with the Avatar." He smiles and raises an eyebrow at her. Katara can feel the heat rise to her cheeks as everyone around the room snickers or smiles, except Zuko. He just scowls and everyone can feel the irritation radiating off of him. They stop smiling.
Katara stands up and leaves quietly, no longer wanting to be in that stuffy room.
Fire Lord Zuko turns his attention back to the men gathered around the table. He clears his throat and everyone gives them their complete attention, even General Sung. "Now gentlemen, can we begin discussing the plans for the United Republic of Nations? The whole purpose of this meeting?" Zuko looks to General Sung, clear annoyance written on his face. "Or did you want to continue talking about petty teenage drama?"
Nobody objects.
Aang storms down the long hall, none of the guards stopping him. Nobody wants to get in the Avatar's way and they are smart not to. Aang is furious. How dare General Sung say that he cannot be a member of the United Republic Council? He is the Avatar and the only Airbender. He has every right to be on that council. Worse than that, General Sung had given him demands about his love life. Or lack thereof.
It was humiliating to have to be told by an Earth Kingdom General that he needed to start finding a woman to marry and have Airbender children with. And he said that in front of Katara. If Aang could, he would have blown up the entire Earth Kingdom palace. Sitting in that room, he was trying so hard to rein in his power.
After he defeated Ozai, it was easier for Aang to control himself and the Avatar State, but sometimes when he became really anger, he could still slip. That was one of those times. The only things holding him back from destroying the place were Katara and Zuko. He did not want to see them get hurt because of something he did. So he leashed his powers and stormed out of the room, not wanting to test fate. What he needed right now was to find a deserted area and just blow off some steam. And that's what he was going to do. If he hadn't heard footsteps running after him. Aang didn't need to turn around to know that it was Katara. But he did anyway.
Her face was flushed and it looked like she was struggling to keep control of her emotions as well. Aang briefly wonders what they had said to her after he left. His blood boils at the thought of the arrogant General Sung.
Katara stands in front of him, panting from having to run to catch him. He allows her to breathe for a moment as he takes in her beauty. It is almost overwhelming after not seeing her for years. Her eyes are such a brilliant blue. Her lips soft. Her skin smooth. Katara has not grown much taller in the two or three years she they were apart, but Aang lowered his eyes from her face to the rest of her body and immediately his cheeks burned a bright red. He quickly averted his gaze before Katara noticed him looking where he really shouldn't.
She smiled a small, shy smile at him when she caught her breath. Aang returned it, not sure what else to do. They both stood there awkwardly, not sure how to continue. Not sure what to say. Not after what Katara had done two years ago in her letter, saying that they were done. The silence stretched on and Aang racked his brain for anything to say instead of standing there like a fool. But Katara spoke.
"Are you okay?"
It took him a moment to remember what had happened at the council meeting. He was so absorbed in Katara that he forgot momentarily what he was so angry about. But his anger came back with a vengeance.
"No," his hands clenched. "What General Sung said was ridiculous. I deserve to be on that council just as much as him. Even more so. I defeated Fire Lord Ozai and helped save the world and I am not even allowed to be on the new United Republic Council? And what was that all about with me needing to… you know…" Aang trailed off, not wanting to say it in front of Katara. It was just too embarrassing to put into words.
Katara blushed lightly, but she placed a hand on Aang's shoulder. He trembled at that simple touch from her. It has been almost three years now since the last time that he felt that warmth from her. Aang forgot what it felt like.
"I know, Aang," she said gently. "It really is unfair of them to force you into something like that. They had no business commanding you like that."
Aang sighed. He needed to hear those words. Needed someone to take his side for once. It feels like no matter where he turns, there is always somebody who needs something from him or doesn't agree with what he is doing or restricts him from doing something entirely. It is a relief to have just one person who doesn't need anything from him.
Aang forgot how much he had missed Katara.
"Do you have plans for tonight?" he blurts out unexpectedly.
Katara blinks, surprised. "...No."
"Great," Aang smiles, a plan already forming in his mind. "I will meet you outside the Jade Dragon at sunset."
He doesn't wait for Katara to respond. Just practically flies down the hall and out the door. His day just got infinitely better.
Katara didn't know what to think as she stood outside the Jade Dragon. Her hair she had left down but pulled two strands back with a flower pinned in place. Her dress was a light green with gold trimming in an elaborate design-a common dress found in the Upper Rings of Ba Sing Se.
Katara wrung her hands nervously. She was surprised when Aang had asked her to meet him here. She had assumed that when she sent that letter to Aang that he wanted nothing to do with her anymore and had moved on as she had tried to.
Katara had attempted having relationships with others from her tribe when she was at the South Pole. Now that some of the Northern Water Tribe had moved to the Southern Water Tribe, there was no shortage of young, strong men for her to pick from. And she had. But she always found some reason to end the relationship before it even really began. No one made her feel the way that Aang did.
Now standing outside of the Jade Dragon, she was more nervous than ever. She had no idea what to expect. She wasn't even sure what this was. Was this a date? Or was this a fun outing between friends? Katara didn't know what to make of this. She didn't even really know what she wanted from this. Did she want this to go well so that maybe they could get back together? Or did she want this to end badly so that she would have an excuse to push Aang away? She just didn't know. And the more time she had to stand outside by herself, the worse it got. Her nerves were frayed and her thoughts kept spiraling down and down and down…
"Katara?"
She whirled around to see Aang standing in his usual orange and yellow robes. A smile was on his face as he looked at her dress. "Wow. You look…" He swallowed, not really sure how he wanted to finish that thought. "Just… wow."
Katara pulled nervously on a strand of hair while simultaneously blushing at his bafflement. "Oh… thank you. But this-this isn't really anything special."
Aang just smiled and held out his arm for her to take. She cautiously looped her arm through his and he led her through the streets of Ba Sing Se. Katara hadn't the faintest idea where they were going. Aang led them over bridges and markets until Katara had no sense of where they were. The sun was almost completely gone and the city had begun to light their lamps, casting a glow over everything.
When Katara's stomach began to rumble, she opened her mouth to ask Aang if they were almost wherever they were supposed to be when he stopped. "We're here."
Katara found herself in a small courtyard with a water fountain in the center. Around the edges of the circular courtyard and within the actual fountain, lamps were lit. White flowers that Katara did not recognize were strung from the balconies of all the buildings surrounding the courtyard. And next to the fountain a small table and chairs were placed with what looked to be steaming plates of food. Katara's mouth watered at the sight of it. It looked so unbelievably good.
She smiled to Aang who returned it with his own. Her heart stopped. When he smiled like that, he looked quite handsome. Katara didn't know when, but somewhere in the past couple years, Aang looked less like a goofy kid and more like a young man. His face was no longer round. He had a strong jawline that made Katara's knees almost buckle. He had grown. A lot. Aang was now a few inches taller than her His body was still thin, but now instead of delicate skin, there was strong muscle wrapping around his frame. She could feel his arms through his robes and it was obvious that Aang had been training. Katara didn't realize that he had matured so much. He certainly looked more mature. But he acted it, too. In his speech, in his posture, in the way that he presented himself.
It made Katara wonder how much she had changed. If she looked any different to Aang. But she didn't get much of a chance to dwell on that before he was tugging her to the table. Aang made sure to pull out her chair and when she was seated, he pushed it back in. Then he sat down.
Katara could hear faint music in the background, playing a soft and calming tune.
"Aang, this is… this is…" Katara struggled to find the right words to describe how incredible this was, but none of the words that came to mind, did it justice.
Aang blushed and Katara raised a hand to her mouth to hide her giggling. It seems he hasn't changed that much.
He scratched the back of his head nervously. "Well, I just thought it would be nice to do something together. We haven't seen each other in so long and I…" He trailed off, not sure if he should finish the sentence. And I missed you.
But Katara didn't need to hear it. She knew what he was thinking. She reached across the table to grab his hand. "I missed you, too."
After that, it seemed like time moved differently. They were in a world of their own making. They talked for what felt like hours. Maybe it was. They didn't know or care. They talked about everything and yet nothing. There was never a lull in the conversation where one didn't know what to say next. Once they got used to each other again, it felt just like old times. And they both liked it.
Aang had not felt this carefree since he broke out of that iceberg all those years ago. It felt good to just sit and relax. Nothing to worry over. No duties to fulfill. No responsibilities. He felt like the weight of the world that he has been carrying for five years has been lifted off of his shoulders and now all that is left is this light, airy feeling. Floating.
Katara had missed him. He missed her. Aang took this as a good sign that maybe they can get back to where they were. He wanted that. He didn't care what sacrifices he had to make. He would go to the South Pole with her. He would go anywhere with her. Screw the council. He certainly had no say in the matter anyway. And Zuko had everything under control with the plans for the United Republic of Nations. He was maintaining the balance in both the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation. The Air Acolytes have more or less become self-sufficient and didn't really need Aang with them anymore. Aang felt as if he were free.
Of course the universe just had to prove him wrong. When it seemed like things were going so well… "Avatar Aang!"
Aang looked up to see one of the Earth Kingdom guards running down the street towards him and Katara. His face was pale and a sheen of sweat covered him. He was gasping for air when he shouted, "The palace is under attack!"
Aang grabbed Katara by the arm and steered her back towards the palace, cursing the universe silently all the way.
Author's Notes: Like I promised, I have now started moving away from the ATLA episodes and am now writing original stuff! I am so excited to write this next chapter, but it probably won't be up as fast as this one... hang in there! Please read and review! I would love to hear what people think! Until next time!
