Lucid Dreams

By Gomp

Chapter Two: Lasting Friends

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After the man on stage finished his speech the crowd of people stood around and discussed their ideals of the future. Aang made sure his tattoos were well hidden as various people walked by him- only offering him quick glances. Katara suddenly grabbed Aang's hand and pulled him away from the crowd. They were both quiet as they snuck away and rushed through the forest and towards the direction of their camp. When there was finally a good distance between them and the rally of people Aang picked up a wooden stick and carefully lit it with his hand cuffed over the tip.

They continued to walk towards the camp with the small trickle of light helping guide their way.

"They hate us." Katara finally said in disbelief.

Aang glanced over to find Katara's face scrunched up in a worried expression. He shook his head. "There will always be those who disagree with others, right?"

Katara turned and grabbed the burning stick from Aang's hands. She looked Aang directly in the eyes. "They said they had a weapon- one that could defeat benders. That goes beyond simply just disagreeing."

Aang knew she was right, but he also tried to find some reasoning in the situation. "We are benders- what weapon is there that could truly defeat us? Most of the benders served in the war. Think about all the types of weapons the Fire Nation thought they could use to destroy us. The drills, war ships, air balloons- we were always able to find a way to defeat them."

Katara held the flame in front of them while her eyes followed up the trunk of the trees to where the large branches blocked the moonlit sky. She thought about the past when the moon had been destroyed and when there was the eclipse of the sun. "There are many forms of weapons that they could use against us. They don't always have to be simply mechanical."

Aang followed her eyes and then her train of thought. He was unsure of what to say, he knew Katara was right. He simply opted to remain quiet, unable to find any words of comfort. When they finally reached the campsite both began to hurry and pack their belongings. Considering they were both benders they thought it was just best to leave.

As they took flight the sun slowly began to rise above the horizon. The sky was filled with the suns morning hues, making it a rather pleasant sight. However, both Aang's and Katara's darkened thoughts consumed their attention so they never even noticed.

After some time Aang finally decided to speak what was on his mind. He turned to find Katara staring blankly at a set of puffy white clouds. "There really weren't that many people there."

Katara turned and looked at him in surprise. "What?"

"The crowd really wasn't that big. I know it's weird to hear people talking so badly about benders- but that doesn't mean everyone feels that way. They can talk about weapons, but really who knows if they were being truthful."

Katara pushed back a few strands of hair behind her ears. "This isn't something we can just ignore."

Aang nodded. "I agree, but we are also about to go see someone who just lost someone very dear to them. I just don't know how serious we should take this. Maybe we should wait a bit before we involve others."

Katara thought for a few moments as she considered what Aang had said. She grabbed a few strands of hair and began to tug on them. "I know you're right. And besides…" She smiled. "…we always have the Avatar to protect us."

Aang suddenly turned away from Katara and faced back towards the direction Appa was flying. The Avatar? He looked at the arrows that were permanently engraved on his hands. He was the Avatar even though for quite awhile it hadn't felt that way. Avatar's had always faced powerful benders or corrupted rulers, never once were they to face just the average person. The Avatar was meant to bring balance to the Nations. How could he even fight the people who were the ones that made up the Nations?

Long ago he remembered Monk Gyatso had told him bending was meant to simply help and protect people. The use of it in a destructive manner was only done by those who were destroyed themselves. As Aang looked down to where his feet hanged, he could see how small the world looked far below. He wondered why those people did not see bending that way. His mind wandered to all of his friends- all of the benders he had met on his journeys. Most of them were such good people.

He always thought he was a good person.

Why didn't others see it like that?

Three long days stretched by as Katara and Aang continued on with their journey. The silence between them seemed to grow a bit more comfortable. However, Aang found himself longing to hear something he hadn't thought about for ages- Sokka's incessant chatting. He was beginning to loath the utter silence.

As evening settled in Aang found a clearing on the ground that was right next to a shallow river. He landed Appa in the area-guiding him down with ease. As per usual both Aang and Katara did their part to set up camp. After Katara finished collecting the fire wood, Aang used bending to blow flames and bring the fire to life.

They both sat by the fire and watched as a fish on a stick roasted by the flames. Momo ran in circles catching the various bugs that were flying by- chirping loudly when one would slip by.

Katara pulled her knees up to her chest as she watched the flames dance around. Without looking at Aang she spoke to him. "You have changed a lot." The fire began to crackle.

Aang looked up with a raised eyebrow. He was rather surprised to hear her speak considering how quiet they had been with each other. "Changed, how?"

Katara shrugged her shoulders as she began to tug on a piece of her hair. "Well, for starters you don't look the same."

Aang patted his head full of hair. "Is something wrong with my hair?"

Katara couldn't help but smirk at his remark. "No, no, your hair is fine. It's just we both got older. And well- you're much quieter then I remember."

Aang grabbed the bowel of blungleberries that Katara had picked and began to munch on them. Between his mouthfuls he spoke out. "You are quieter yourself."

Katara grabbed the fish on the stick and began to chew on it. She chewed for some time before swallowing and finally speaking again. "I have spent a lot of time with the Southern Water Tribe helping rebuild homes and teaching others what I have learned from our sister tribe and on my travels." She took another bite from the fish and swallowed. "It's amazing how fast time just seemed to slip by these past few years."

Leaning forward, Aang handed Momo what was left of the bungleberries. The lemur squealed as it ran away into the bushes with them. Aang's eyes turned to the fire as he watched the flames dance before him. Considering Katara told him the things she had been doing, he figured it was only right to share with her. "I have traveled a lot- but also spent a lot of time at the Southern Air Temple with some Monks who are helping rebuild it. To think over 100 years ago that temple was once full with Air Nomads. I understand how fast time can just zoom by, things change before you even know it." He sighed as he looked up to meet Katara's gaze.

"I don't feel like things are fun anymore." Katara admitted. "I mean- even during the war we would always try to have our moments of fun. Now look at us." She opened her arms indicating everything around. "When did things suddenly get so serious?"

Aang couldn't help but snort with a short laugh. "Weren't you always the serious one?"

Katara lifted an eyebrow with a small smile. "I'm being serious."

"See!"

Aang watched as a frown marred Katara's face. He could sense that Katara had more on her mind then simply what she was saying. "Is something going on?"

Katara tossed the rest of her fish towards the bush Momo was in. A sudden screech of joy erupted from the bush as the lemur found the gift. Katara laid on her back so she could look up at the sky. Aang moved himself closer to where she was laying. "What's bothering you?"

"It's stupid." Katara said.

Aang shrugged his shoulders. "I doubt it is that stupid. It's obviously bugging you- come on Katara."

Katara looked over and met his gaze. "Gran Gran has been bugging me about… settling down."

Aang suddenly felt a bit flustered with the topic. "Oh?" He said with red cheeks.

"Even though our tribe does not have arranged marriages it is customary for a girl my age to have been married and already starting a family."

Aang turned and looked at the stream that was running freely in front of their camp. "You don't say."

Katara shook her head. "My point is I don't even feel ready for that type of stuff. I miss having fun and the adventures. Every day for the past few years has been like the same routine. At least you have been able to live a life where you can just do what you want. I am beginning to feel like all the rules of my people are starting to wear on me."

Aang shook his head. He was surprised to find himself feeling agitated at what she was saying. Before he could think, the smart remark left his lips. "You at least have your people- I have nothing. And honestly you could have had the free life I have if maybe you would have considered certain things before you did them."

Both knew exactly what he meant. Aang immediately regretted what he had said while Katara sat up and looked sadly at the ground. "You're right." She finally said. "I shouldn't take my tribe for granted and I know I have made… bad choices in the past."

Aang felt stupid to say such things. He looked up at the dark sky to find the moon nearing full. Taking a deep breath he suddenly sat up and held his hand out.

Katara looked up at him with a curious expression. "Aang?"

"Well, if you want to have fun." He pointed towards the sky. "The moon is shinning brightly tonight."

Both were exhausted the next morning after spending half the night chasing each other around with water bending. Momo had joined in with the fun, so he too looked almost dead the next day. After pulling themselves out of bed and moping around the camp, they finally found the will to pack their things and continue on with their journey.

The days went by much faster as they both grew more comfortably and talked more freely with one another. It would be two more days till they finally reached the Crescent Moon Island. Aang couldn't help but remember how hard it once was to even fly near the Fire Nation. He recalled the ships sending balls of fire their way and Appa always having to sway out of danger. Now it was so peaceful and calm, the ocean water splashing gently against the coast. As he looked down below he could see a pillar of smoke rising from the volcano where Roku had once lived. Even though he had not made contact with Roku in the spirit world for some time, he still felt a close connection to the past Avatar.

The day began to pass by peacefully as they grew closer to the Fire Nation Capital. The thought of seeing Zuko made Aang's gut twist in a rather unnerving way. He had to admit there was some humor to be found in the fact he was the one taking Katara to see Zuko.

Aang took in a deep breath and allowed it to leave slowly. He gently patted his bison on its head and stroked its ear. He now was beginning to understand why the Monks tended to live in such solitude. They were avoiding drama of the every day life.

It was evening by the time they finally reached the Fire Nation Capital. There was an odd silence to the city, a silence of mourning Aang was certain. They carefully flew over the city as they watched the small bits of activity that took place below.

Right after the war Aang had been presented by Zuko with a beautiful house on the Fire Nation Capital Hill. Aang scanned over the clusters of roofs of the various homes in search of his own- only to quickly find it (it did have the largest courtyard in the city after all). He landed Appa easily in the enormous yard space. The house was bigger then Aang had remembered, but it had been over four years since he last had seen it. He easily jumped off the bison and waited for Katara to do the same. Holding the reigns he led Appa to the giant stall that had been made specifically for him. Aang was surprised to find fresh hay and water already in the stall. Zuko had once promised him that he would keep the house ready and waiting for him incase he ever wanted to visit. He supposed Zuko had kept to his word.

Katara and Aang unpacked the saddle then carefully took it off Appa's back. Appa wiggled his body freely after having all the weight removed. Aang walked Momo to the single tree that stood tall in the court yard. Zuko had even gone as far as to build the flying lemur his own tree house. Momo joyfully jumped from Aang's arm and scurried up the branches of the tree- venturing into the little wooden house. He threw a handful of berries at Aang before he turned his back and munched on whatever food was inside there. Aang smiled knowing his friends were going to be well pampered during their stay at the palace.

Aang pushed opened the door to the house and couldn't believe to find it so well kept. He could tell Zuko had always made sure the house was cleaned and organized for if he ever decided to return. He carried his bags to the same room he had used for a long while after the war had ended. The room was almost exactly how he had left it. It was the smaller room of the house, he had always wanted his friends to take the bigger rooms, but it was very cozy. What he enjoyed the most about the room was it had a private small balcony that hung off the back of the house. It provided a glorious view of the entire city the stretched out below them. He had discovered awhile ago that it was a very soothing meditating spot.

Aang opened his bags and began to unload the few items he had brought with him. He pulled out a map that was folded up in his bag and took it to the wooden table that sat against the wall. He used two golden paper weights he found in a drawer to keep the map straightened against the hard wood. The map was a detailed map of the Fire Nation. There were various circles and dots he had drawn on the map a long time ago. This specific map was one he had been meaning to use for almost a year. There were places he had marked that had potential leads to possible Air Nomad people. Wasn't one of the best hiding places always right under the enemy's nose? He had always meant to come to the Fire Nation to check out the leads, but well- he had always found excuses (as stupid as many of them were) not to go.

Aang practically jumped when he suddenly heard a light knocking on the bedroom door. He usually was good at sensing when people were coming, but this time he was caught off guard. Aang opened the door to find Katara standing there.

Katara seemed to fidget as she looked at Aang with nervous eyes. She was rather quite as she spoke. "I'm going to see Zuko. Apparently word went out we were coming since we passed Crescent Moon Island. Royal Guards are here if we wanted escorted. I wanted to know if you would join me."

Aang stared wide eyed at Katara. As much as he wanted to see Zuko, something deep inside him told him not to go. With his nerves suddenly on edge he couldn't help but shake his head. "I-I have a few things I have to do here." He looked back at the open map on the table. "You go ahead. I will try to catch up shortly."

Katara nodded as she slowly walked away. She looked back once before she followed the guards.

Aang sighed as he shut the door. He turned his back against the wall and slowly slid down to the floor in a sitting position. The thought of seeing those two together just did not sit right with him. He knew he was being silly, considering the reason as to why they were there, but he simply couldn't help but feel that way.

Aang suddenly stood up and walked across the room. He opened the door to the balcony and took a deep breath of the fresh cool air. There on the balcony sat something that hadn't been there before. A small bonsai tree had been placed on the ledge. Aang sat down next to the tree and looked out at the beautiful scenery. He smiled thinking of all the times he used to sit there and just watch the view. Katara used to often sit with him as they would silently watch the world below. He closed his eyes tightly. He breathed in and out and tried to clear his mind.

Yet his mind was so clouded with the thoughts of Zuko and Katara. "Kid's- we were all just kids." He reminded himself. However, after fighting a war he hadn't felt like such a kid then. "It was just kid's love." He knew deep down it had been true love.

Clasping his hands tightly and feeling so much pent up emotions, Aang never noticed as bonsai tree's pot shattered nor that he had sucked all the water from the tree and took its life.

It was the middle of the night when there was a very precise knock on the door. Aang easily awoke to the sound. He laid very still in bed, hoping whoever it was would just go away, but once more the same knock rang out. Giving up he crawled out of the comfortable bed and stumbled his way across the cold stone floor. The bedroom was almost freezing since he had left the balcony door open. Aang shivered as he finally reached the bedroom door and pushed it open carelessly. "What?" He muttered.

His eyes suddenly opened wide as that notorious scared eye met his own. Zuko stood alone, in a robe, staring at Aang with a curious gaze. Aang opened the door the rest of the way. "Zuko I-" Aang stopped mid-sentence as Zuko wrapped his arms around him.

"I know how hard it must have been for you to come here. I appreciate you taking the time to visit."

Aang hugged back. "I was selfish for not visiting sooner, and I am sorry for that."

Zuko pulled away and took in a deep breath. "May I?" He asked as he pointed towards the room. Aang allowed him to come in while shutting the door behind him. Aang walked across the room and also shut the balcony door. With an easy motion of the hand, he lit the candles that sat on the shelves against the wall.

Aang spoke nervously. "I should have come to see you sooner, but I guess I was just so tired from the traveling… must have dozed off." He knew it sounded just like it was- an excuse.

"Aang please. Just to have you here- it has been so long." And it had. Aang was surprised to really get a good look at Zuko. Zuko's dark hair fell to his shoulders shoulder's in a thick mass. He was taller and had bulked up slightly. His face seemed more angular then Aang could recall. He looked very much like his father now- Ozai.

Aang offered a sad smile towards Zuko. He was slow with his words. "I am so sorry about Mai."

Zuko suddenly turned his head down towards the ground while he tightened his hands at his side. "First my Uncle, now this…."

Aang placed his hand on his friends shoulder. "Life isn't always how we plan."

Zuko nodded as he brushed strands of his long hair back behind his ears. "Mai gave me the greatest gift of all- the gift of a healthy son. I know I need to remain strong and focus on the new things in my life."

Aang suddenly felt very guilty with himself. He had never even bothered to ask Katara about the baby. How could he not ask such a thing? However, it brought him much joy to hear the child was healthy and it was a son of all things.

Zuko suddenly turned with a half smile. "Would you like to see him, my son?"

Aang gave a rather surprised look. "It's the middle of the night." He pointed out.

Zuko shook his head as a laugh fell from between his lips. "I don't think he ever sleeps. He is as stubborn as his father."

Aang couldn't help but give a toothy grin. "I suppose it can't hurt to see the future king." He quickly grabbed his boots and a shirt and slipped them on.

The two silently walked from the house towards the palace. As they walked together Aang couldn't help but notice the full moon that hung high in the sky. It lit everything with a luminous glow. A group of guards followed their every move, ready to protect their king.

Zuko was the one who finally broke the silence as they began to walk up the steps to the palace. "Why are you hiding your tattoos?" He asked simply.

Aang was surprised by the question. He looked at his hands- his sleeves hung over his tattoo markings. He knew his hair covered everything that was on his neck and head. "I don't know." He said honestly. "Maybe it's just easier not to have people always following me around because of who I am."

Zuko offered a gentle laugh. "You used to be so proud to show your tribes tattoos. It's just odd to see you hiding the fact that you're the last Airbender."

Aang shook his head. "I am still proud, but since the end of the war- well it has been hard to get around with people always crowding me. I guess that is a reason." Aang didn't really know why he hid his tattoos. He had a slew of excuses, but why he truly hid them he really wasn't sure. Part of him wanted to say sometimes he felt the other Airbender's were hiding from him because he was the Avatar, but he knew that was on the brick of being crazy talk.

The Royal Palace was as elegant as Aang remembered. As they walked past the galleries Aang could not help but take notice of the painting that once was Mai and Zuko. There were black scorched marks covering it.

Zuko led Aang to a room that sat at the end of a very long corridor. The sounds of a baby weeping rang out. Zuko pushed open the door to reveal a nurse cradling a child. The nurse cooed at it and tried to sooth the infant.

Aang was quiet as he walked towards the baby. He had to admit he had never been near such a young kid before. He felt almost nervous to be so close to such a small person. And to think this was Zuko's baby- it just made it all the more peculiar.

Zuko stood behind with his hands clasped. "Aang, this is my son Iroh. He is to be the next Fire Lord of the Fire Nation."

Aang nodded as his eyes ran over the small child. The baby had Zuko's nose with Mai's eyes. It cried loudly as the nurse continued to rock it back and forth.

Zuko gently took the child from the nurse then held the child out towards Aang. Aang blushed slightly while shaking his head and hands in front of him. "I had never held a child before." He admitted.

Zuko however ignored Aang's comment and leaned forward holding the baby right over Aang's arms. "It would give me honor to know the Avatar had held my child."

The nurse gasped when she heard Zuko say that. She bowed her head towards Aang and with a very hushed whisper she said to herself. "It's the Avatar!"

Aang looked at the nurse, then at Zuko, and then finally settled on the baby. He sighed with a small smile as he nodded. The child was easily placed in his hands and was much lighter then he anticipated. He couldn't help but give a toothy grin when the child stopped crying and began to giggle at him. It was odd for him to hold a child, to feel such a small life cradled in his arms.

Aang leaned forward so the baby could tug at his hair. The baby giggled with delight as it grabbed and yanked hard at the Avatar's scalp. "Future Lord Iroh, I am honored to be in your presence." He said with a laugh. Zuko couldn't help but laugh with him.

After spending some time with the child, Zuko and Aang finally decided it was best to retire for the night. Zuko walked with Aang to escort him back to his house, but suddenly stopped when they stood right outside the palace gates. Aang turned to see why Zuko had stopped, but found Zuko with his head bowed. "I know I have wronged you." Zuko said quietly.

Aang opened his mouth, trying to find the right things to say. It took him some time before he could think clearly. "The Monks had always taught me about forgiveness, I had forgiven you long ago."

Zuko shook his head. "I know you did- I can see it in your eyes. However, I know you never forgave her." He looked up at Aang. "We both had broken your heart that day, it wasn't just her."

Aang wanted to just stop Zuko from talking, however if things were not said now he knew the conversation would simply pop up later. "Zuko- Katara followed the path she wanted to that day. She made her decision and I have done nothing but respect that choice."

Zuko shook his head. "You are wrong. There was so much twisted emotion when I lost my uncle. Both of us were at fault that day- but neither of us meant for that to happen. We had simply been lost in a single moment of time- it was never meant to be a life choice."

Aang thought about the passion of that kiss- a passion he and Katara had never shared together. "Actions sometimes speak louder then words."

Aang turned on his heel and began to finish his way back to the house while leaving Zuko behind him.

Aang woke up the next day and stretched with contentment after having another good nights worth of sleep. He did his morning meditation then proceeded to the court yard to run through various bending forms. After he was done he visited with Appa and Momo to see how they were doing. Both animals lazily glanced at him as they basked in all the spoiled treats that had been given.

Going to the kitchen Aang searched through the various types of fresh food that had been stalked up. He made himself a large breakfast filled with various types of fruits then suddenly stopped himself before he was about to eat.

Aang was not sure why, but for whatever reason a crooked smile plastered itself onto his face. He walked down the hall to Katara's bedroom and knocked on her door. He was surprised to find himself whistling and swaying back and forth as he waited for her to open the door. However, after some time his whistling faded when he realized she was not there. He sighed heavily as he returned to the kitchen. But of course, as per usual, Momo's grimy hands dug deep into his fruit bowel as the lemur chirped happily while stuffing his face.

Aang rolled his eyes as he looked at the lemur. "Momo!" He walked over to his friend while petting it on its head. "Well at least I have you to keep me company." Suddenly the lemur's tale shot up as it jumped from the table, rushed across the kitchen floor, and jumped out of the open window. Aang grumbled. "Figures."

Aang cleaned up the mess in the kitchen and walked back to his room. He was rather certain he knew where Katara had gone, so decided it better to probably focus on other things then dwell simply on that. He sat down and looked at the map he had opened on the desk. He ran his fingers to two locations that were close to the Capital. One of them especially he had always been very curious about. He had heard numerous reports of a little child that had been causing quite the ruckus in that area. It was said the child had very odd abilities. Aang knew it was a very tiny possibility the kid was an Air Nomad, but he knew he had to take all possibilities seriously.

Opting to let Appa rest, Aang borrowed a donkeylizard from Zuko's Royal Pastures. The creature squawked as he jumped on it and headed towards the direction that was on the map. It only took Aang a few hours to reach his first lead. It was a small village where he had heard they often had unexplained wind storms. He spent much of his time talking to the local people, but everyone always said the same thing. "It's just the wind silly! You see that- that there big mountain. It's just the wind flopping its way down the hill side and blowing us all away!" With a sigh Aang decided to head for the next village on his map.

The next lead was much more south of the Capital. The town was positioned in a very rocky terrain. The people did not seem as friendly as the people from the other village. They wore Fire Nation clothing and carried that stern attitude many of the Fire Nation people had. He was rather cautious when he passed by a group of questioning looking people; they glared at him as he trotted by. He patted his donkeylizard as it continued to make odd squawking noises every time it walked over a sharp rock. When he finally reached the heart of the town, he began to ask various people about the odd child he had heard about. Everyone seemed to have their own version of the kid. They would point to other people and tell him to talk to them, only to have those people ignore him or send him on his way. Nothing really seemed to make any sense as he hopeless wandered around. Finally he was met by a boy about his age who stopped him in front of a cabbage stand.

The boy, one with short hair, bright yellow eyes, and a nose that stuck up in an odd angle, leaned over and whispered in his ear. "You the one asking about that kid?"

Aang looked at the boy oddly- considering he was whispering to him, and whispered back. "Yup, that's me."

The boy pointed at an ally between two buildings. "Meet me over there."

Aang nodded as he bought himself a half of a cabbage from the stand. The cabbage stand owner looked at him oddly. "You look so familiar." He said. His eyes narrowed. "I think I have seen you before."

Aang smiled sweetly while he shrugged his shoulders and shoved a piece of cabbage in his mouth. "Nope- I doubt you have!" He said with a full mouth.

He walked away from the stand, knowing very well who that man was. He wiped the sweat from his face and headed towards the ally.

The boy was standing there with his arms crossed. His eyes darted around to make sure they were alone before he finally spoke. "Why you looking for that kid?"

Aang continued to munch on the cabbage as he shrugged his shoulders. "Um- no real reason. I just heard some interesting things about them so was curious." He tried to sound as innocent as he could be.

The boy looked at Aang accusingly. "You plan to take them away or something?"

Aang quickly shook his head. "No! Not at all. I just thought maybe- I don't know- I could help them or something."

The boy rubbed his perked up nose with his hand. "There aint no helping that kid. Nothing will help them- just a troubled kid who can't get themselves together."

Aang suddenly felt a bit of hope swell up inside him. "So you know him?"

The boy snorted. "Everyone knows them! All the villagers are pretending they don't because they don't want to admit to what they had done."

"What do you mean?"

The boy sighed. "They banished that poor kid a few months ago- made this huge scene in the middle of the city. The kid kept causing so much trouble. They were always blowing stuff up and doing weird things. The locals couldn't take it anymore so made an example out of them."

Aang let out a heavy sigh. "Banished? Do you have any idea where they would have gone to?"

The boy shrugged. "I doubt very far. I don't think that kid ever meant any harm. They were just weird- that's all. Though," he scratched his chin, "I have to admit, I did see them start to hang out with some odd looking folk right before they were banished." He shrugged.

Aang nodded. "Can you tell me what this kid looks like?"

The boy nodded as he held his hand below his chin. "The fellow stood about here. They never talked at all- not sure if they were mute or just shy. Had short dark shaggy black hair- always covering their face. They wore this big brown heavy coat, even when the days were extremely hot. No family that I know of, never really had any friends. They just one day wandered into town over a year ago looking for food. "

Aang bowed with thanks as he turned to leave. However, as he walked forward he walked right into a man's chest who pointed a rather accusing finger at him. It was the cabbage stand man.

"I do know you!"

He grabbed the half eaten piece of cabbage that Aang had been munching on and threw it right at Aang's head. "How could I forget you!" He said loudly.

Aang raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"You're that rotten boy with all those weird tattoos! You always would ruin my cabbages!" He moaned with such sadness.

Aang looked over to the man's side and couldn't help but laugh as he pointed to the man's stand. "I think you got the wrong guy." He said while having to hold his gut from laughing so hard.

The cabbage man slowly turned to find a crowd of kids stealing his cabbage. He quickly ran screaming at the kids with his arms flailing about.

"Are you the Avatar?"

Aang turned to find the boy he had been talking to looking at him with shock. Aang shook his head. "No, never heard of him."

He began to walk away but the boy grabbed his arm tightly. He pulled up Aang's sleeve and gasped. "You are!"

Aang quickly grabbed his hand and pulled his sleeve over his tattoos. He wasn't sure why but he felt so angry at the boy for catching him. He took in a deep breath and allowed it to escape slowly. "It doesn't matter who I am."

The boy swallowed as he shook his head. "I'm not going to run off telling people who you are- but I will let you know, you're not really liked around here."

Aang's shoulders slouched. "Is it because of Ozai? I knew that would happen with the Fire Nation people."

The boy looked him directly in the eyes. "No, it's because you are a bender."