She was warm, her body felt weightless as she seemed to be suspended in comfort. She could smell something sweet and comforting, hear a gentle crackling that filled her senses and, with the comfort that surrounded her, she felt enclosed and safe. She felt carefree, even. Gently, she stirred, halfheartedly trying to open her eyes whilst her body protested. Just stay here, it seemed to whisper to her, just rest here a little longer.
In her little cocoon of comfort, she only just registered the sound of footsteps among the crackling and, with the smallest groan of protest, her body finally gave way to her desire to address her surroundings. She squinted in the new light, and though it was warm and golden, it was still quite dim. The footsteps came closer and she slowly became aware of her body once more.
"Aang ..?" At first she wasn't aware that it was her that had spoken, until she felt an arm on her shoulder, firm but gentle.
"Ssh, Katara, just rest." A woman's voice replied, one familiar yet that she couldn't quite place. She turned her head, her vision blurry, before squinting up at the person who now stood over her. She tried to sit herself up, and that was when the comfort fell away, as a sharp pain snapped across her chest and up to her throat, coaxing a yell from her lips.
"Katara, you nearly drowned. Just relax for a moment."
"Where am I?" Katara managed hoarsely. The voice was so familiar, welcome, but with her mind so clouded she couldn't place it.
"You're in the Fire Nation," the voice replied. "At the Palace. How in spirits name you managed to bend your way here I'll never know."
Katara raised her hands to her eyes and rubbed, trying to rouse herself into full consciousness and ignore the stabbing in her chest. She looked up at the familiar figure yet again, and this time she was able to make out the face of Suki, looking down at her gently.
"Suki? Where's Aang? How did I get in the Fire Nation?"
Suki sighed, placing her hand back onto her shoulder. "No, Katara, you need to rest."
The Kyoshi warrior stood in a long, silken, red robe, her face make up free and her hair piled into a messy bun at the top of her head. She looked as though she herself had not long ago been roused from sleep. Suki took her hand from her shoulder, before turning left and walking away towards a mahogany table in the far corner of the room. Katara, wincing and grimacing, shifted herself slightly so that she could follow Suki's short trip to the table, before watching her pour a golden liquid into a silver cup. Suki reached into a fabric pouch, pulling out some white flowers, crushing them in her palm before sprinkling the dry dust over the cup.
"Here, drink this." Suki walked back to her, holding out the mug. Dubiously, Katara took the cup, sniffed the liquid curiously, before taking a swig. It tasted of warm honey and mixed spices.
"Thank you, Suki."
"Don't thank me," Suki replied, looking at her friend with a frown on her face. "What were you thinking, Katara? Why would you risk your life like that. Aang is fine, you know, just as Zuko said in his letter. If you had just been patient someone could have come and got you, or you could have just traveled with Sokka."
Katara looked up quickly. "He's awake?"
"Of course he is, it was just a mild concussion is all. He's fine."
"But he's not fine," Katara found herself muttering. "There's clearly something going on in the Earth Kingdom, and he's got to look out for Zuko as well. And Mahi Kah, too?"
"Everything is being dealt with," Suki explained, before she sat herself down on the end of Katara's bed. "The Firelord and the Avatar can take care of a few rebels."
"Rebels..." Katara shifted uncomfortably, before drinking the last of her offered medicine. She felt it ease her throat, which she realised now was incredibly sore, and it warmed her body. Feeling less constricted, she was able to sit herself up further on the bed. "Where is Zuko? Still in Yu Dao dealing with this? How did I end up in the Fire Nation?"
"No, Zuko is back here, he arrived a day before you did," Suki answered, taking the empty cup from Katara's hand and standing to place it back on the table. "He's also sent a letter to Aang who was still in Yu Dao. And as for how you ended up in the Fire Nation? Your guess is as good as mine." Suddenly, she shook her head, turning angrily to the waterbender. "You almost died, Katara. You were all but dead when they found you."
"Where was I?"
"You washed up outside one of the fishing villages along the coast. Zuko had to use one of the airships to come and get you so we could get you back to our healers here. I was so scared we were too late ..."
"I'm sorry I worried you, Suki," Katara replied, looking down. "I just had such a bad feeling about Aang, and when I found out I just didn't have time to wait. I had to know he was ok."
Suki only looked back, her arms crossed across her chest.
"I would have been fine if that rogue storm hadn't hit." At that, however, Suki perked up.
"Storm? No storms had been reported by the fisherman or navy."
"Well, maybe they missed it," Katara replied, with a hollow laugh. "But it certainly didn't miss me."
Suki shook her head again, though it seemed more to still her nerves than anything.
"So ... Zuko said that the council halls had been destroyed?"
Suki nodded. "Yes. No one knows exactly who is reponsible for it. Yet. But the assumption is that the rogue firebender that was spotted in Mahi Kah had something to do with it."
"So, it's aimed at the coalition then?" Katara asked, feeling stronger with each passing minute as the medicine worked its magic. "This isn't an attack on Aang?" At that, Suki just shrugged.
"Zuko doesn't think so," she replied. "But that's not to say Aang isn't one of their targets. But, the thing is, there was evidence that an earthbender may have had something to do with the destruction of the Yu Dao council."
Katara raised her eyebrows. "But that doesn't make any sense."
"You're telling me," Suki sighed. "Zuko's really worried about it all. From what I can make out Aang stayed in the Earth Kingdom in case any of the other colonies were attacked."
"I don't understand why Aang didn't tell me about Mahi Kah," Katara murmered, as Suki began to pour a white liquid into the cup this time.
"Probably so you wouldn't do what you just did a few days ago," Suki answered patiently, holding out the drink. "He knows if you worry you'll come back, he probably just didn't want to take you away from your family."
Katara took a sip of the drink, which this time tasted of vanilla and camomile, and she immediately felt herself grow drowsy.
"You need to rest now, Katara. I know you may not feel like it right now but you nearly died out there in the ocean and your body needs to heal." Katara hadn't even the strength to formulate a reply. "Aang will be back in a day or two." She felt herself drift off into a deep sleep.
oOoOo
Just hours after Katara woke, the Avatar was soaring with dizzying speed across the ocean towards her. His face still remained calm, but his knuckles were white as he gripped Appa's long fur, and unconsciously he had slipped into the Avatar State, the bison's already swift movements increased by the way Aang had been bending the air around them. This was uncomfortable for Appa, and he let out low grunts trying to express this to his friend, but Aang barely seemed to notice, so distracted was he with thoughts about Katara and what might have happened to her. But it spoke much of how important Katara was to the both of them that Appa never tried to slow or shake Aang back to attention. He grit his large flat teeth and continued forward.
For Aang, the journey barely crossed his mind. It had been a long time since he had slipped into the Avatar State without knowing, and certainly it was unusual that it should happen whilst Aang was still conscious. All Aang could think about was Katara ... what had happened to her? Had she been attacked? Was she badly injured? He knew better than anyone how powerful a bender she was, she could hold her own against most things. But as he soared to the Fire Nation, her condition unknown to him, that knowledge only seemed to fill him with more fear.
Finally, after flying over island and village, the Fire Nation Capital came into view, the long dead volcano upon which the City stood, large and proud along the skyline. At that, Aang put on another burst of speed, causing a wave to break out across the harbor as they shot by. As they flew up the height of the volcano, finally breaking over its top, the Capital came into view, the Fire Palace standing in its large circular courtyard. They were welcome by the sound of a large horn, blasting out across the otherwise still morning landscape. It had taken Aang and Appa a little over an hour to get there, and it was clear that much of the Fire Nation was still asleep. The horn was a new addition, but Aang didn't have any thoughts to spare and simply angled Appa down to the land at the front of the Palace, where several guards dressed in their army attire hurried down to greet him.
"I'm here to see Firelord Zuko," Aang said, jumping from a relieved Appa's head. One of the guards stepped forward and, unlike the others, she did not wear a helmet. She was a tall and severe looking woman, her height towering over Aang's, and she bowed.
"Avatar Aang, if you would like to follow me."
A pair of the guards stepped forward to lead Appa into the stables and, after a brief pat of thanks on his friends giant nose, Aang began to follow after the General.
It seemed that Zuko, either already awake or woken by the loud horns, was already waiting for Aang. He stood in the entrance hall, and as stoic and he looked, it was clear to Aang that he was also very nervous.
"Zuko what happened?" Aang demanded, walking past the General who had bowed again and thundering towards the Firelord. Hurriedly Zuko reached out, grabbing the younger boys shoulders.
"Aang, relax, she's woken up."
"Woken up?" Aang asked, his voice hoarse. "Woken up from what?"
"We don't know exactly what happened, but somehow she was found washed up outside of the fishing villages." Aang went pale.
"Washed up?" His voice was barely a whimper.
"It looks like she came on her own, I guess maybe she was caught in a storm or something," Zuko answered, quickly. "She was unconscious and the healers were able to keep her breathing until-"
"Keep her breathing!?" Aang went from frightened to furious in a heartbeat, the temperature in the hall dropping sharply.
"But she's awake," Zuko interjected quickly, fear flitting across his own features. "Look, Aang, if I had known she was going to come on her own I wouldn't had said anything."
"Where is she?" Aang showed no sign of having heard what Zuko had said.
"In the infirmary," Zuko replied. "But, Aang, you c-" Before Zuko could finish, Aang pulled the Firelord's hand from his shoulders, an unimaginable rage roaring in his stomach. He turned sharply on his heal, thundering towards the hallway that lead him straight to the hospital wing, and immediately guards jumped in his way, hoping to stop the angry Avatar from rampaging through their Firelord's home. With with barely a wave of his arms, Aang pushed the guards either side of the corridor with his airbending, ignoring the General's demands and yells for the rest of the guards to stop him. But Aang was indifferent, his blood boiling as he thought about how Zuko had put Katara in danger, how stupid she must have been to come on her own like that. He was so angry that not even Suki, stopping in front of him and putting a comforting hand on his shoulder was able to stop him. He nudged her away, and forcibly bent the infirmary door open, knocking three guards aside with it.
"Which room?" He demanded, glaring back at Suki. He saw her eyes dart quickly to the room at the furthest end of the infirmary before she quickly tried to calm him again.
"Look, Aang, first you need to relax," she started, but he ignored her, stalking towards the door, and slamming it open. Katara sat upright on her bed, her expression turning quickly from that of curiosity to clear fear as she saw the man standing in the doorway.
"What do you think you were doing!?" He yelled, slamming the door shut behind him with his heel. "Katara, you could have died!" But then, through his angry fog, he saw the look on Katara's face, her wide eyes a mix of horror and confusion, and he started to panic.
"K-Katara, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to you yell at you." His shoulder slumped, and a wave of guilt washed over him. Katara eyed him warily for a moment, before her posture, too, relaxed. He swallowed hard. "Are you ok? What happened?"
"I'm fine," Katara replied, though ignoring his second question. "I just missed you is all." She flashed him a smile, clearly trying to inject some humour into the situation.
"But you almost died," Aang said weakly, still standing by the doorway.
"So everyone keeps telling me." She smiled only more broadly. "Aang, for spirits sake I'm fine, ok? I almost made it to the Earth Kingdom but a storm kicked up, that's all."
Aang eyed her with concern. "Are you sure?"
"Yes I'm sure." Katara rolled her eyes.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you." In truth, Aang wasn't sure how such a rage could have overcome him so quickly, and mentally he felt sick with himself for how he had reacted.
"It's not me you need to apologise to," Katara said seriously, crossing her arms. "No doubt Suki and a few of the guards got it worse than I did."
Sheepishly Aang glanced back at the door, before casting another look in her direction.
"But you're sure you're ok?"
"For the last time, yes!"
Aang hesitated for a moment, before taking a few steps over towards her. There was a soft fire crackling in the corner of the room, and to his left was a table upon which two jugs with different coloured, sweet smelling liquids stood. Katara did look paler than usual, her hair lose down her back and lacking its usual volume, but her smile was genuine enough and he was able to breathe a small sigh of relief. All sorts of thoughts had been running through his mind as he had raced towards the Fire Nation, many of them involving Katara lying mortally wounded in the infirmary, and his anger with Zuko had been huge, but Katara's gentle smile, and her shifting over to pat the bed beside her eased him, and he mentally reminded himself to apologise, not just to Suki and the guards, but to Zuko for his reaction. He sat beside her, still inspecting her face and arms for any sign of injury.
"So, now you're no longer angry with me for trying to get to you, is it my turn to be angry with you for not telling me what happened in Mahi Kah?"
Aangs eyes quickly met hers, which, though still kind, were now flashing with warning.
"So, uh, Zuko told you about that, huh?" Katara scowled and he rubbed the back of his neck. "I didn't want you worrying, ok? I didn't want you doing exactly what you just did," he added pointedly. "I knew if I told you you would leave the South Pole."
"Which is a decision for me to make, Aang, not you," Katara replied. "You know I care about this coalition every bit as much as you and Zuko do and you've no right to keep that sort of information from me."
"I was going to tell you," Aang argued. "Once things had been sorted out with the mines I was going to come and tell you personally."
"By which point it would have probably been to late for me to do anything," Katara snapped. "I've put a lot of work into this, Aang, and me being your girlfriend doesn't make me any less a part of it."
"So, you're still my girlfriend, then?" Aang asked, cracking a sheepish grin. Katara glared for a moment, before she too started to grin.
"Of course I am you big airhead," she said, nudging him. "But don't change the subject."
With a certain relief, Aang chuckled softly. "Ok, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Mahi Kah. And I'm sorry I yelled at you. And Suki, and the guards," he added quickly at Katara's narrowed eyes. She nodded smugly, and Aang reached an arm round her shoulder, pulling her in for a hug which she returned gratefully. "But you have no idea how scared I was, Katara. Zuko just told me to come quick, I thought ..." he voice caught in his throat. But he was clear from the way Katara then stroked the back of his hand that she knew what he had thought. They remained there for a moment, each just relieved to be back in each others company again after several long weeks, before Aang finally spoke.
"So how much did Zuko tell you about what happened?" Katara looked up at him briefly, before cozying up closer.
"He said that you'd been knocked out by an explosion that destroyed the county hall," she replied. "That similar had happened in Mahi Kah a week before. Suki told me that there was a firebender involved in both attacks, and an earthbender in the second. Do you have any idea what's going on?"
Aang shook his head, though his thoughts once more became preoccupied with the rogue firebender, and the cracks in the stone at the council hall. His thoughts soon wandered to his first encounter with the firebender, that pain in his head and the way he, then, had caused a crack in the stone in Mahi Kah. He then thought of that feeling that had overcome him in Yu Dao, just before the explosion. He thought of how easily he had become enraged at Zuko and Katara, how he hadn't felt much like himself at all as he thundered down to the infirmary. And then, yet again, the firebender appeared in his minds eyes. Standing tall and indifferent as his robes billowed with fire.
"Aang?"
He looked down at Katara, who was watching him curiously, her brow furrowed.
"What is it?"
He quickly flashed her a smile, hugging her tight. "Nothing, sorry I was just thinking about what happened in Yu Dao. I don't know what's going on. I've spent the past week traveling to the other Fire Nation colonies in case they decided to attack again, but so far there's been nothing."
"Suki seemed to think that they were rebels," Katara said, though she still eyed him carefully. "Zuko thinks they're just trying to break apart the coalition. I suppose that's the only logical reason for why they would be attacking the colonies and not any other towns. It just seems odd that it's a firebender and an earthbender."
Aang nodded, his fingers playing with the edge of the blanket that Katara had drawn over them.
"Well, what do you think?"
He looked over at her again. Despite the evidence to suggest as such, Aang was still not convinced it was just the coalition that was being targeted. But he had told no one how he had felt in Mahi Kah, or the odd sense of foreboding he got each time he thought of the cloaked firebender. If anyone was safe to talk to about this, then Katara was, but he was scared of how she'd react, or whether she would just tell him that he was imagining it. Katara seemed to understand that there was something he wasn't telling her, however, because she reached up and placed a hand on his cheek.
"Aang, talk to me. What's going on?" His eyes searched her blue ones for a moment, before he sighed.
"I've not told Zuko or anyone this yet," he said. "I don't know if I will tell him, either. But something odd happened in Mahi Kah when I first saw the firebender." Katara sat up straighter. "It was like this intense pain in my head, I couldn't do anything. But I lost control of my bending, I earthbended this huge crack in the ground. Except I can't remember doing it, it was only once the firebender had disappeared and the pain stopped that I'd saw what I'd done."
"Are you sure it was you?" Katara asked. "There was an earthbender in Yu Dao, they could have been there, too." Aang shook his head.
"No, I'm pretty sure it was me." Katara was silent for a moment.
"Well, I think the earthbending was probably just a defense mechanism, you felt powerless with your head hurting like that."
"Maybe."
"But what caused your head to hurt?" Katara bit her lip. "You think it was the firebender, don't you?"
"I don't know what I think," Aang replied. "I just know it doesn't make sense. His bending was powerful, Katara, more powerful than Zuko, than Azula even. I don't like what's happening."
"We'll work it out," Katara said firmly. "That's what we've always done, isn't it?"
Just as Aang went to reply, there came a sharp rap at the door. Realising that there was likely quite a number of people outside demanding an explanation for his previous behaviour, Aang left Katara's side and walked up to the door, opening it. Outside, the head healer stood, her face deadpan, neatly folded red cloth in her hands.
"Master Katara needs her medicine," she said shortly. "And I have brought her a change of clothes. Now, if you'd be so kind." She stepped back, holding one of her arms back towards the infirmary. Aang, getting the hint, looked back at Katara, mouthed "back soon", and decided that he would do well to try and find Zuko.
On his way to the throne room, Aang had stopped several times to apologise profusely for his actions to the guards he had knocked aside. They seemed in part grateful, and in part shocked that the Avatar had spoken to them directly. Eventually Aang found himself standing outside of the throne room, the guards stepping aside to open the wide doors, announcing his entry. Zuko was there, though he elected to sit at the long table down the center of the room rather than on the throne itself, his legs crossed beneath him and he poured over a mountain of paperwork. Suki stood at his side, and she shot Aang an angry scowl as he entered. The Firelord, looking up from his paperwork, still seemed a little nervous.
"Hi Zuko," Aang said awkwardly, as the guards shut the door behind him. "Hi Suki."
"Hello Aang," Suki replied shortly.
"Look," Aang started, staying where he was. "I'm sorry for my reaction earlier, it was uncalled for, and I shouldn't have let myself get that angry." Suki eyed him for a moment, before her expression softened.
"It's ok, Aang," she said. "You were just worried about Katara."
"She was going to find out at some point anyway," Aang replied with a sigh. He looked with some concern at Zuko now, who had yet to say anything. But the Firelord had stood, walking up to Aang before clapping a hand on his shoulder.
"Apology accepted, buddy," he said. "And I'm sorry that I put Katara in danger like that. I should have known that she wouldn't have stayed in the South Pole. I wasn't thinking."
"Apology also accepted," Aang said with a big grin. "So," he looked over at the paperwork on the table, "busy much?"
"Very," Zuko replied, his shoulders slumping as he turned and made his way back to the table. "This is everything that I need to go through and sign in light of the change in our agreement with Yu Dao. Plus," he added grimly, "the accounts so that we can see if there's anything to be spared towards repairing the City. Because, even if they're cheapskates, the Firelord doesn't need to be." But there was definitely bitterness in his voice as he said that. Aang sat down opposite Zuko, reaching across and picking up the top sheet of paper, skimming it. He grimaced, dropping it back on the pile.
"I can't say I envy you."
"I take it nothing has happened in any of the colonies?" Zuko asked, now looking back at the parchment in front of him and grabbing a quill.
"Nope." Aang looked about the throne room. "But that doesn't mean it won't. I should probably get back there as soon as Katara is well enough to travel."
"She's going back with you then, I take it?" Aang looked over at Suki, who still stood at Zuko's side.
"We've not spoken about it yet, but I can't really see her wanting to do anything else. Though, I should send a hawk to the South Pole to let Sokka and Hakoda know she's safe."
"Already done," Zuko said, almost dismissively, before blowing gently on a signature and putting the sheet of paper aside. "I sent something as soon as she woke up. I'm willing to bet either they didn't know she was leaving or they couldn't stop her, so I wouldn't be too shocked if Sokka, at least, turned up here in time."
"What is wrong with those two?" Suki tutted. "We've said everything was fine, why do they insist on coming over to find out for themselves." Aang raised an eyebrow.
"But surely you'll be pleased to see Sokka again?"
"Well, yeh," Suki replied. "But I'm busy, and so is he."
Aang blinked, glancing across at Zuko, though he seemed notably unpinterested by what was being said.
"Ok, well I'm going to go and check that Appa has been stabled ok, and then go and see Katara," Aang announced, standing.
"Join us for dinner, Aang," Zuko muttered, nose almost touching the parchment as he jotted several notes in his elaborate cursive. "Katara too if she's well enough." Aang nodded, waving at them before leaving the throne room.
Now that the sun had made its full ascent in the sky, the gentle sound of the hub bub of the Fire Nation Capital could be heard through the high stone walls that surrounded the gardens of the Palace. The stables were to be found round the back of the Palace, and though not strictly accessible via the gardens, Aang had decided to take a stroll regardless, figuring he could quickly hop over the wall once he reached the end of the beautiful flowering circle of land. He was still preoccupied with thoughts of what had gone down in Yu Dao, but also how he had lost his temper in such an extreme way. Luckily, it seemed that no one was to be holding any grudges against him, but he still couldn't help but feel ashamed of himself. In his own way, Zuko had just been trying to help, and though he still couldn't believe how close he had come to losing her, he supposed he should feel happy that Katara would put aside everything to make sure that he was ok. An unconscious smile brightened his features as he thought of her and, pausing by one of the flowerbeds, he picked a small white flower, slipping it gently into his front pocket. For better or worse, they were back together again. And he hoped that he could soon take them both back to the South Pole for a real break. At that thought, however, darkness plagued him once more. He knew full well that, whatever the deal was with that cloaked firebender, things were far from over.
Deftly, he scaled the stone wall at the end of the garden, surprising a couple of dignitaries that had been walking the circumference of the Palace walls. He nodded his head to them, trying not to laugh at the look of shock on their puffed up faces, and turned right in the direction of the stables. Appa was fast asleep, he was relieved to see, and didn't seem overly stressed by the swift journey that had made from Yu Dao. As he approached, Appa opened one large brown eye.
"Katara's fine, buddy." Appa groaned sleepily and shut his eye once more. Aang patted him gently, checked that some fresh hay had been left in the stall with him, and then decided that maybe now it would be safe for him to go back and see Katara. Back in the infirmary, however, he came face to face with the angry head nurse, who told him that Katara was sleeping and under no circumstances should she be disturbed.
"Can't I at least see that she's ok?" Aang asked, but his shoulders had been grabbed and he had been roughly turned around, the nurse pushing him away before shutting the door sharply behind him. Grumbling angrily to himself, Aang decided there was nothing else for him to do but sit with Zuko and Suki in the throne room until dinner.
Dinner arrived later that evening, announced by the Palace's finest chef. Aang had spent much of the day lying on his back on the raised stage upon which the throne sat, one leg crossed over the over as he made spheres of air swirl above him, thinking of Katara and what he was going to do when he got back to Yu Dao, and he was grateful for the interruption. Zuko, too, seemed relieved, gladly pushing his parchments aside.
"Could you find out if Master Katara is well enough to join us?" Zuko asked one of the guards, who bowed deeply and left the room just as the double doors were opened once more by the trolley of delicious smelling food was wheeled in. Zuko thanked the cooks, and realising how hungry he was, Aang hopped down from the stage to join them.
"This will be vegetarian, Aang," Zuko said, pointing towards one of the bowls. It was to Aang's huge relief, however, when ten minutes later the door to the throne room opened once more, and in stepped Katara, with the guard at her side.
She did look much better, her skin has regained its usual colour, the top layer of her hair had been pulled into a bun, leaving her signature loopies framing her face. Despite her apparent good health, however, Aang jumped to his feet, holding his arm out for her so that he could lead her back to the table. Katara rolled her eyes.
"Suck up."
Grinning broadly at her, Aang sat back down, and the guard left them to their privacy.
"How are you feeling now, Katara?" Suki asked, a shadow of concern still on her face.
"Much better, thank you." The waterbender had already started to load whatever food was left onto her plate, her stomach audibly growling with hunger. "Though a little sick of tea."
"Don't let Uncle hear you say that," Zuko warned, his voice unclear as to whether he was joking or serious.
"So, how is it at the South Pole?" Suki leaned forward, her own meal finished. "Is Sokka ok?"
"Yeh, it's all going well," Katara replied between mouthfuls of food. "For the most part Sokka has been helping with the extensions being made to the village. He made his watch tower, of course," she rolled her eyes, "but we're also on the way to getting a dock built. Oh," she added in an excited voice, "there are two more expecting mothers as well now, which will be exciting for everyone. Gran Gran has this crazy idea that maybe another waterbender will be born, which seems far-fetched but, well, I'm here aren't I?"
"How is she, your grandmother?" Aang asked seriously. Katara's face twitched uncomfortably.
"Well, she seemed a bit brighter when I left," she said slowly. "But she's been really unwell for a long time. It's just waiting game now, I guess."
"Did you have any luck healing her?"
"No," Katara said quietly, looking over at Suki. "I don't know what's wrong with her."
Aang reached over and grasped her hand, squeezing it gently.
"But she has dad, and Pakku," Katara said, as though she was trying to convince herself more than she was the others. "But, I shouldn't stay away for too long."
Aang had expected as such, of course, but he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that Katara was already thinking about when she should head home. In truth, where they would end up, how their lives would entangle in the future, was something that they hadn't yet talked about. It wasn't that they were avoiding it, it was more that there never really seemed like there was much room for them in the past four years to really talk about what their lives held outside of the coalition, of reuniting nations and restoring peace. However, in the last two months Aang had been brought quite painfully to earth where their future was concerned ... Katara was needed in the South Pole. He in the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation. And he wasn't sure how long that would remain the case.
"Well, you're welcome here for as long as you need to recover," Zuko had said, rousing Aang from his thoughts.
"Honestly I just want to find out what's going on in the Earth Kingdom and with that firebender," Katara said seriously. Zuko looked across at her guardedly.
"I don't know what else we can do right now," he said. "Short of waiting for another attack that is."
"What about ..." Katara hesitated, glancing quickly at Aang before pressing forward. "What about speaking to Ukano?" Zuko immediately stiffened. "I know you don't want to, but he may still have information on other Loyalists. Maybe Aang could-"
"There is nothing Ukano can tell me that he hasn't said already," the Firelord interrupted shortly, bring a swift end to the conversation. Aang gave Katara's hand another squeeze under the table, trying to convey that Zuko's reaction to her wasn't anything personal.
The rest of the meal continued in an uncomfortable silence, until Katara decided that she would excuse herself. The nurse had wanted her to take more medicine before she went to bed that night, and she was feeling tired.
"I'll come with you, make sure you get there ok," Aang said sweetly.
"Get there ok? Sweetie, it's not like I'll be walking far!" Katara laughed.
"I know but ... well, you're not well and it's my boyfriend duty to make sure you don't have to go on your own."
"Your usual rooms are already set up," Zuko offered, having already turned back to his paperwork and pushing his food to the side. "Sleep well."
"You too, Zuko." Aang looked over at Suki, who gave him a sad sort of shrug, and he and Katara made their way back to the infirmary.
"I'll wait here," Aang said, as they got to the door. "Agoya keeps chasing me off." He narrowed his eyes at the door, shuddering slightly at the thought of the angry head nurse.
"You mean to tell me that the almighty and powerful Avatar is scared of getting told off by a nurse?" Katara teased.
"She is, hands down, ten times scarier than Ozai ever was," Aang muttered, not wanting to be overheard. Katara giggled, before reaching up and kissing him on the cheek. Aang was suddenly very aware that it was the first kiss they'd shared since they had seen each other again for the first time in months this morning. Still smiling, Katara entered the infirmary, the door swinging shut behind her, and a giddy sort of smile sat on his lips as he leaned back against the wall. Sure, she may want to head back to the South Pole before long, and there was a mad man setting fire to the colonies, but for the moment they were together again.
When she finally came back through the swinging door, Aang held his hand out for her. "You sure you don't need to spend another night there?" He asked. Katara shook her head.
"They keep it way too warm in there," she complained. "I've been living in the South Pole for the past two months, the Fire Nation is like a furnace." Together they made their way towards where their usual rooms stood waiting. They had been to the Fire Nation enough times now for Zuko to have a pair of rooms set up for them at all times, just in case they should stop by for a few days. Of course, Zuko still assumed, as did Sokka, that Aang and Katara slept in separate rooms. In truth, they still had, until a few months before Katara had left to the South Pole. It was never a conscious decision on their part. One night Aang had been in Katara's room after a particularly tough days negotiations, the pair sat on the bed talking through things, before they both passed out from exhaustion in each others arms. After that point, they'd never felt inclined to sleep separately, and so long as Sokka didn't find out, then there was no harm in it.
Tonight, however, as they stopped outside their rooms, Aang had stopped, looking down at her.
"Do you need some space tonight?" Has asked, concerned, Katara raised an eyebrow. "I'd understand if you just need some time, is all." But Katara shook her head immediately.
"No, I sleep better when you're with me."
Aang was glad she had turned to open the door as a happy blush burned his cheeks. Once inside, she headed into the bathroom to change into her nightwear, whilst Aang undressed and sunk gratefully into the silk sheets, yawning widely. It had been a long day, to say the very least, and he knew that they would have no time to relax tomorrow before they had to make plans as to where they were needed best. He heard a gentle creak, looking down to see Katara blowing out one of the lamps before heading over to the bed. He wrapped his arms round her as she climbed until the blankets, squeezing her tight before letting out a contended sigh.
"I've missed you," he said sleepily, nuzzling his face into her hair before kissing her temple.
"I've missed you, too," Katara replied, before rolling over to face him in the bed, her eyes dancing in the moonlight from the open window. They simply lay, smiling softly at each other, Aang reaching up and gently playing with the strands of hair that framed her face.
"You know, everything has felt pretty bleak lately ... the coalition, situations in Yu Dao, the attacks. Zuko," he added with a sigh. "Particularly Zuko, if I'm honest. I'm worried about him, and I know he regrets his decision to banish Mai, even if he won't say it."
"Aang ..." Katara seemed to hesitate a moment, before pushing on. "You know Zuko isn't your responsibility, right? I mean, he's our friend and I know that you want to be there for him. But it's not down to you to be looking out for him all the time."
Aang smiled sadly. "But in a way it is down to me. It's up to me to bring balance to the world, and Zuko is the Firelord, he's a huge part of that balance. If he starts to slip ..."
"What?"
"I don't know," Aang sighed, shifting uncomfortably. "I don't know what I would do if his decisions start impacting the world in a negative way. I'd hope I could talk to him and he would listen. But right now he's hurting, Katara, and he's made some bad decisions, and I need to make sure that nothing more comes of it."
Katara nodded, her hand reaching up to his shoulder, gently stroking up and down his arm. "Yes, I suppose you're right."
"We should get some sleep," Aang said. "You should get some sleep."
"Fine, fine," Katara sighed, rolling her eyes good naturedly.
"Although," Aang leaned forward, gently pressing the tip of his nose to hers and giving her a slow smile. "Maybe I could get a kiss first?"
Katara's eyes hooded. "I suppose one kiss couldn't hurt."
Still smiling, Aang leaned in, and their lips and tongues danced a familiar dance that both had missed deeply. With contended sighs, the pair broke apart, snuggling in close and closing their eyes.
He was running. His breath was catching in his throat. He was aware of pain, in his lungs, his head, his legs. The burning was intense, but he kept on running, though the large red buildings around him seemed to run alongside, growing closer and closer until the path before him seemed to close.
He was in the air, he had jumped through the gap, and now he tumbled. He hit the ground painfully, clutching his chest and crying out. But there wasn't much time.
A building appeared before him. Also red, also imposing, but he knew it. The Fire Sages Temple. He climbed to his feet, gasping for air. Suddenly there was a flash of blue, and at the front of the Temple stood Katara. Her face empty of emotion, though one arm was raised, her hand stretching out to him. He reached out.
His head exploded with pain, he dropped to his knees, just as Katara began to scream. Suddenly, a large black flame billowed out from the Temple, and Katara fell silent. He couldn't move, he couldn't even cry out as he saw her shining blue aura become enveloped by the flame. The Temple shook, the fire roared. Then, he heard Katara begin go cry.
He was on his feet, arms outstretched as he tried to run to her. Now the Temple exploded, throwing him backwards. He looked up to see the black flames start to form shapes. Two hooded figures, then four, then eight. He tried to yell for Katara, but nothing came out, and he could only watch, eyes wide with fear as he found himself facing twenty of the black, hooded figures.
"Hello, Aang." He swung round, and behind him in the roaring red chaos, another figure stood. Tall, and hooded also, though slender brown hands slipped out of the sleeves, raising up towards the hood.
"Who-" Aang's voice came back with a croak. "Katara, where is she?"
The hood was pushed back, and looking back at him, a man. Red eyes, slender nose, an unnaturally large smile on an otherwise beautiful face. Red tattoos curled across his forehead. His smile paternal.
"But, Aang ... You know I've been waiting a long time to see you."
Aang rose to his feet. The ground hissed, the swirling red miasmas growing violently in size.
"Katara-"
"WHERE IS SHE?!"
Wild, howling, animalistic laughs. Aang swung round once more. A figure sat hunched, naked, bony, pale and white as death. Except for a curious blue line down its back. Then, it looked up, long matted hair parted to reveal a face he knew well. Perverted with madness, eyes wide and crazed.
"WHERE IS SHE?!"
Aang woke with a yell, sitting straight up in the bed. His heart pounded hard in his chest, his body dripping with a cold sweat, his hands shaking uncontrollably as he gripped the sheets. Katara was quick at his side, a hand on his freezing shoulder.
"Aang? Aang what's wrong?"
For a moment he simply sat there gasping, before he raised one shaking hand to his forehead. Images flashed before this eyes ... the Temple, the hooded figures, the dark man with the smile, Katara ... that crazed creature on the stone floor that looked so much like-
"Aang, talk to me!"
Blinking heavily, he turned his head to her. Wide blue eyes looked back at him, and he swallowed.
"It's nothing, sorry, just a bad dream."
He saw Katara frown in the low light coming from the window, her hand withdrew from his shoulder.
"Nothing?" She asked, her tone doubtful. "What happened? What was it about?"
'I've been waiting a long time to see you ...' Aang thought wildly, knowing that there was no way that he could tell her what he had really seen, not just yet, not right now. "Uhh, I don't remember, it's already fading."
Katara looked unconvinced, but to his relief she didn't push the matter. "I don't like this, Aang. The attacks, that firebender, and now this?"
"It's just a bad dream, Katara," Aang said softly, though his voice still quaked slightly and his hands remain unsettled. "You know I get them sometimes."
She eyed him in the dark, eyes narrowed and searching, but finally she sighed, reached out once more to squeeze his shoulder, before laying back down. After a moment, Aang lay down, too, lying on his back and staring up at the ceiling for some time before he finally fell back to sleep.