Disclaimer:

I do not own the characters, the plot, or the setting of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Chapter Six

Into the Makeshift Hot Springs

I stretch out my body before rising from the floor. The sun is shining bright, warm on my face. I look back to see...huh, no one.

"They may be out, looking for Aang already!" I draw out a long yawn, stretching again. "Well, maybe I'll bathe in the-"

"Yeah Aang!"

"Come on, Twinkle Toes! You can beat him!"

Who? I step outside. There's Zuko. And there's Aang! There's Zuko with Aang! Oh my gosh! There's Zuko sparring with-

"Hey, Mary," Katara greets me with a plate of eggs. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah...thanks..."

What's Aang doing here? He's supposed to be on the Lion Turtle! We're supposed to be on the Lion Turtle! Where's that got damn Lion Turtle!? I catch wind of a strange sound and turn my attention to the open waters. Sure enough, on its merry way, is the Lion Turtle drifting past this God forsaken island.

"Mary? Mary are you all right? What's over there?"

It's Katara again, looking very concerned about something.

"Yeah! Hey, I'm going to look for a hot spring, breakfast was-"

"Did someone say hot spring?" Sokka jumps into the mix wearing nothing but his swimming trunks. Then I had an idea.

"Yeah, I did, and I know the perfect place..."

. . . . .

"Um, Mary?" Aang says, "Where are we...exactly?"

"We've been walking for hours," says Zuko.

"I forget why we're out here," whines Sokka.

"Are you sure there's a hot spring in this area?" Katara questions.

"Of course! Now...where is that...Aha!"

There is a large stone wall with a circle of pillars standing in front of it.

Toph frowns, scouting the grounds, "This doesn't feel like a hot spring. Where's the water?"

I'm confused, too. I mean, where are all the White Lotus members? The warm reunion? Come on, not even an ambush? I hear faint voices. I perk up some when I turn around, but it's only Sokka. We're nose to nose. His mouth is moving and I'm finally able to make out what he's saying.

"Mary, it's okay if you don't remember where your spring is. We're all tired from the long, uneventful ride, let's just take a break."

"No, no!" I regain my focus. I move to the middle of the pillars and sit on the ground crossing my legs. I call over Toph to help me dig a large ditch. I force my hand into the dirt for wet soil.

"Jack pot! Katara! Come in here and fill us up with water, will ya?"

Toph catches on and calls over Zuko to heat up the pool, and Aang to disperse the steam. Sokka follows eagerly.

"Wow!" He's breathless, "This is amazing!"

"Did you plan this from the beginning?" Smiles Katara.

"Who cares!?" Toph beams. "Who else can say they've got their own personal hot spring?"

We all lay back and simmer for a while. I sink beneath the water to think. I can't believe this. Have I affected the events of the series just being here? I let out a couple of air bubbles before resurfacing. It's a pain, but I know I'm just going to have to be patient. Wait until the next episode while we play to our hearts content.

Because we had spent a lot of time getting here, the day is already coming to a close. The boys set up camp amidst the forest, and by the time the stars are out, everyone is in their tent. I venture out to Apa and bury myself in his fur.

"Tomorrow is going to be a long day."

Author's Note:

Well, friends, we have come to a close. Thanks for reading, I hope to see you for the last chapter!