Chapter Two-Part Two: Why is it So Hard to Say Goodbye?

DISCLAIMER! I do not own Avatar nor any of the character associated with Avatar. Please support this series! I make no money from this and I write because I express my love for this show. Thank you!

Aang stood there now looking out into the cove. He had wandered away from everyone to think. Well not so much as think but remember. As the wind began to pick up, he breathed in. He could still remember the way her hair had smelled when he awoke from the iceberg. Aang opened his eyes a little bit. He had to let her go, if he was going to save the world. Except that everywhere he looked, there she was; her hair floating around her like a halo, and everything failing to compare to her beauty. He closed his eyes again to drown in his memories of her.

I like your hair.

He could never find the right words to say. It was always something awkward like a daydream about flying or something like, "I would never kiss you!" He walked over to the nearest tree and began to bang his head repeatedly. Stupid Aang! Stupid! Stupid! What good is it being the Avatar if you can't even talk to her!

Love is brightest in the dark.

He stopped suddenly.

She had just finished changing back to her water tribe dress when she picked up her mother's necklace.

You know you can't protect him forever.

It felt like it was just yesterday when she and Sokka found him in that iceberg. She had come a long way since then with her training as a water bender. The cool water tribe pendant made her shiver a little when it touched her neck. It had been some time since she wore her mother's necklace.

I don't want YOU or anyone else risking their lives to fix my mistakes.

While these words may have been said in anger, she knew it was also Aang's wish that no one suffered for something him. He can't do this alone though, she thought. She had just finished tying her necklace back on when it dawned on her. Aang might not come back today. He might not make it through this battle, and when the dust settled she might be without him. Tears began to emerge from her eyes and stream down her face like tiny waterfalls.

Katara, I have to tell you something…

Why is it that when all the hope in the world seems to fade, you begin to realize the things you should have taken notice of sooner? With her right fingers she wiped away some fresh tears, and closed her eyes.

Love is brightest in the dark.

Her eyes burst open with a revelation. She had to do something today, today was the day. No more blushing, no more waiting, no more. Katara wiped away the remainder of her tears and finished dressing. She would not let today pass by without letting him know.

He was training when Sokka's dad approached him. He had been preparing himself for sometime now since the invasion force had arrived at the cove. "Oh hi."

Hakoda approached Aang and put a hand on his shoulder. "So are you ready for today Aang?"

"I am as ready as I will ever be, sir." Aang replied. At times today he doubted his readiness, but with his newfound epiphany he couldn't doubt it anymore. He needed to be strong, for her. Hakoda smiled and looked out over the water now, removing his hand from Aang's shoulder and opting to cross his arms across his chest. "You know, in this life we face many battles. Many conflicts arise, and yet somehow we manage to retaliate and press on. Except for matters of the heart, those are the toughest to succeed in battle against. For you see, those are the ones that don't just reside in your heart, but in your soul as well. And when a good soldier is beat, he knows its time to gracefully surrender and accept his loss. Sometimes though, a loss is just good fortune in disguise. For you learn and grow from it, and with time you begin to become the man you wanted to be all along. Do you understand Aang?" Hakoda now looked at him.

Aang nodded. He did understand that this conversation had now gone from "Hey Aang let's talk about the invasion," to "Hey Aang, I know what you want to do with my daughter," and it was beginning to feel rather hot out here.

Hakoda smiled and looked at him. "Don't be a foolish soldier. While it takes one to start the wheels of change, it still takes time before change can be fully realized. Remember that Aang." And with this Hakoda nodded to him and walked off back towards the battalion. Aang stood there, puzzled, but at the same time a little dumbfounded. Did Katara's dad just tell him to stop being a moron and confess his feelings to Katara? Wow, today just went from scary to absolutely terrifying, and it wasn't even lunch yet.