Okay people, Chapter 21 is now complete.
For all the Kataang lovers, there is some extra Kataang in this chapter for you all to enjoy. Also, since Tibetan monks are one of the inspirations for the air nomads in the show, I needed to do a little research of Tibetan ceremonies for this chapter. In this regard I do not own ATLA, or anything that is part of Tibetan culture and while things in this chapter are loosely based on the Tibetan/Buddhist ceremonies it has been modified to fit this story. Any similarity to real life is coincidental and is not meant to offend anyone who may follow Buddhism or be part of the Tibetan culture. Thanks again and enjoy.
Sincerely Ecanus
Chapter 21 Meant to Be
Aang poked his head into Katara's doorway and cautiously glanced around the room. The nurse was just smoothing the wrinkles from a freshly cleaned blanket that she had just draped over Katara's silent form. Aang gazed solemnly in his wife's direction. As always, the sight of her so still and silent made his heart ache. He gently rapped upon the door frame before entering.
The nurse looked up at him and smiled softly.
"Avatar Aang," she greeted him as she bowed her head in respect.
"Kali," Aang replied with a cautious grin, "How many times do I have to tell you, just Aang is fine." The nurse smiled as she stood up straight.
"My apologies," she replied, "I was taught it to be disrespectful to address the Avatar so informally as by your first name." Aang chuckled lightly as he leaned upon the door frame.
"I appreciate that," Aang replied, "but there is no need for formality here…this is my home, we are not among the public." The nurse nodded her head and smiled shyly.
"I insist," Aang said as his smile slowly faded, "I don't exactly enjoy being reminded of my title so often." He sighed heavily as he stepped into the room.
"Besides," he huffed, "after all that you've done for Katara and Kya…I consider you family." Kali smiled warmly in his direction.
"Thank you Avat…I...I mean…Aang," the nurse stuttered, "that means a lot to me…really." Aang smiled briefly and then turned his attention back to his sleeping wife.
"How has she been today," he asked as he continued to gaze in Katara's direction.
"The same," Kali replied, "no outward changes…though she does seem to be getting a little more color in her cheeks as of late."
"Her complexion does seem a little brighter," Aang commented.
Kali picked up the mass of dirty sheets from the floor and stuffed them into a nearby basket. She then picked up the filled basket and slowly made her way to the door.
"Well if you'll excuse me," Kali replied, "I have to get this laundry done…and you probably would like some alone time with Master…I...I mean Katara." She turned and headed toward the door but paused a moment before leaving. She turned back in Aang's direction.
"Y-you know...uh...if you don't mind my saying, Aang," Kali stated softly, "being the avatar...well...you shouldn't feel badly about that part of yourself...it is a great blessing to the world that you are who you are." Aang smiled weakly in the nurses direction.
"Being the Avatar may be a blessing to the world," Aang answered distantly, "but it's been a great curse to me." Kali nodded sympathetically in his direction.
"Well I'll be in the laundry room," Kali replied, "if you need anything let me know."
"Thank you," Aang nodded. He watched as Kali quickly exited pulling the door shut behind her. He then turned back to Katara once again, slowly making his way to the chair beside her bed. He flopped down into the soft cushions and scooped up her frail hand with his.
"Hey beautiful," he whispered softly. He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the cheek. With his other hand he gently ran his fingers through her long dark hair.
"Do you remember what today is," Aang questioned as he gazed longingly at her lovely face.
"Our anniversary," Aang chuckled slightly, "our real anniversary as you would say." Aang leaned back in his chair still grasping her hand tightly in his.
"Three years ago today," Aang sighed as he gazed in her direction, "we promised ourselves to one another in the Eastern Air Temple." He briefly let go of her hand as he reached into the pocket of his robes and pulled out a small black silk bag. He gazed intently upon the bag as he twirled it in his fingers. He then turned his tear rimmed eyes back to Katara.
"Everything about us was perfect then," Aang whispered, "nothing but love between us…no tragedy, no anger, no heart break…not like now." He opened the bag and reached inside. He slowly pulled a string of wooden beads from the bag on which hung a wooden hand carved medallion similar the one worn by Monk Gyatso. He gazed sorrowfully upon the ornate piece of jewelry. He gazed intently upon the intricate design carved upon the medallion's smooth wooden surface. At its center was carved the elemental symbols of water and air combined to represent the union of the Air Nomads and the Southern Water Tribe. Etched around this was a detailed depiction of light fluffy clouds.
Aang gently traced the image with his index finger, feeling every deep groove and detailed line. He turned his gaze from the center symbol to its surrounding pattern of clouds. He silently remembered why he had chosen that particular pattern. It was the combination of their elements that formed the clouds.
"Air and water," Aang mumbled to himself, "that's all they are." He sighed heavily as he closed his fingers tightly around the medallion.
He turned his eyes back to Katara as he gripped the medallion tightly in his fist. He brought his fist to his face and rested his chin upon it.
"Everything I said to you that day," he paused as he choked back the tears that threatened to fall, "I meant every word…I still do." He leaned over her and gazed at her emotionless face. He closed his eyes tightly and tried to envision Katara on the day of their secret betrothal. He could almost see her beautiful face lit only by the candle light, her loving smile and sparkling eyes. He could still remember their vows word for word as he had replayed the memory of that night many times in his tired and lonely mind.
…
It was surreal almost, standing before the Guru in the Eastern Air Temple, as so many souls had stood before. Aang had seen this ritual performed many times during the short life time he had spent with the Air Nomads over one hundred years ago. As a child Aang had never really put much thought into the ritual and although he understood that this was a sacred part of his culture, his young mind didn't quite grasp the true significance of it. It was not until this very moment when he himself stood on the altar of his ancestors in front of this beautiful water bender, did he completely understand the true meaning of such a ritual.
Every Air Nomad, even those devoted to the Temple and dedicated to celibacy, had been the product of such a union, which quite possibly made this ritual the most important of all the Air Nomad rituals. The monks who raised him stressed the importance of it to all their students. Each and every one of their birth parents had formed this sacred and holy union and the love shared between their mothers and fathers had thus formed them in body and spirit. Thus all the children of the air past, present and future were created in love, love being the foundation on which all life is built. This was one of the fundamental elements of the Air Nomad's entire culture and from which all their beliefs were stemmed. The monk's taught each and every child that although their parents had given them up to the Temple, the love that had created them would always remain a part of their souls. Time and distance did not matter. Separation was merely a physical illusion and love would always connect them. It was as the Guru had told him once before,
…"Love is a form of energy and it swirls all around us. The Air Nomads love for you has not left this world, it is still inside of your heart, and is reborn as new love."…
The love that Aang felt for his vanished people still remained in his heart and had been transformed into his new love for Katara. She was a part of him now just as the Air Nomads would always be. From the moment he first saw her, he knew that they would always be together; though at the time, he didn't fully realize what exactly that meant. He didn't know then that the feelings he held for her would grow stronger and blossom into the pure love that he felt for her today. He didn't know that his boyhood crush would grow to love him in return or that one day the two of them would be standing here on this altar about to become husband and wife.
He gazed lovingly in Katara's direction as the Guru stood before them chanting the heart mantra. Having memorized that specific mantra years ago when he was just a boy, Aang knew the prayer word for word, thus he barely paid attention to it now. His concentration instead was focused only on Katara. She was absolutely breath-taking standing before him. Her hair cascading gently over her shoulders, a crown of baby's breath atop her head. Her blue sapphire eyes sparkled in the dim candle light like a pair of perfectly faceted jewels. She gazed back at him with pure love emanating from her eyes. It was remarkable the way she made him feel. Never in his life had he ever felt so complete, or as though he truly belonged anywhere, until he met her. She cared about him; she gave him comfort and love, a sense of kinship and most importantly a sense of family. She was his family and he was hers.
Aang barely noticed as Pathik took hold of his right hand and dipped it into a wash basin. The Guru washed Aang's hand with a silk cloth and then did the same with Katara's hand.
"In the presence of the Spirits," Guru Pathik chanted, "these two souls cleanse away the impurities of their previous, individual lives so that they may be joined in a new life together, free of all negative residues." Guru Pathik dried each of their hands with a silk cloth. He then stood before them with hands clasped in prayer glancing back and forth between the two.
"Are you both ready," Pathik asked in a kind voice. Both Aang and Katara nodded simultaneously.
"Good," Pathik replied, "Now…it's been a while since I witnessed an air nomad betrothal ceremony…I hope I remember everything…let me see now." He paused for a moment in deep thought running his fingers through his long straggly beard.
"Ah yes," Pathik said suddenly, "give me your hands again."
The Guru held one of his hands out to Aang and the other hand out to Katara. They each placed their right hands into the Guru's. Pathik smiled and closed his eyes.
"Oh great spirits hear our prayer, grant great blessings unto these two souls," Guru Pathik then brought their hands together. He gently wrapped two silk ribbons, one yellow and one blue, around their hands, binding them together.
Aang gripped Katara's hand firmly in his all the while gazing deep into her eyes. She smiled back at him warmly. His heart was so full of joy and anticipation that it felt as if it would burst at the seams. The Guru then placed his hand upon the ribbons and gazed up into the heavens.
"The spirits of the Air Nomads and I have come here to this holy place in the presence of your greatness to witness, celebrate and bless the joining together of Katara and Aang."
"Many have stood on this very spot, before the spirits of the Temple," the Guru continued, "to pledge their love and devotion to one another, to solidify their commitment not only to each other but also to their culture, to make a promise to continue on the path to perfect wisdom and enlightenment together and most importantly to continue the sacred lineage of the Air Nomads."
"Ahem," Aang cleared his throat as he eyed Guru Pathik. Pathik looked to Aang in confusion for a moment as Aang nodded slightly in Katara's direction.
"Oh…uh…and the water tribe," Pathik smiled in Katara's direction. Katara giggled slightly.
"Marriage is a path of transformation of one's inner potential, a path dedicated to serving each other and helping one another to awaken their own potential. Love is the vehicle that will lead you through your life together now and always." The Guru paused a moment and smiled at the couple.
"Okay," Pathik said, "to each of the next questions you both need to answer I do." Both Aang and Katara nodded in understanding.
"Katara and Aang, do you promise to help each other to develop your hearts and minds, cultivating compassion, generosity, patience, enthusiasm, and wisdom as you endure the many ups and downs of life?"
"We do"
Understanding that the conditions of your physical lives will not always be smooth and that internally your own minds and emotions will sometimes get stuck in negativity, do you promise to see these circumstances as a challenge to help you grow, to open your hearts, to accept yourselves, and each other; and to generate compassion for the suffering of others?
"We do"
Do you promise to seek to understand yourselves, each other, and all living beings, to examine your own minds continually and to regard all the mysteries of life with curiosity and joy?
"We do"
Do you promise to preserve and enrich your affection for each other, to take the loving feelings you have for one another and your vision of each other's potential and inner beauty?
"We do."
And when it shall come time for you to part, do you promise to look back at your time together with joy that you met and shared what you have and acceptance that we cannot hold on to anything forever?
"We do."
"Oh yes…now we need the medallions," the Guru said," Now where did I put those things?" Both Aang and Katara chuckled as the Guru patted his garments searching for the medallions with a look of confusion on his face. "Ah yes, the Guru replied, "I forgot." He ran to the other end of the room quickly and rummaged through a canvas bag that hung on a hook by the door. He carefully lifted a small black silk bag from the canvas sack and then quickly ran back to the altar.
"Here we are," the Guru said, "okay now where were we? Ah yes…ahem…The wedding medallion is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in partnership." Aang and Katara turned back to one another and smiled.
"Do you have your own vows," Pathik questioned suddenly.
"Yes," both Aang and Katara simultaneously answered.
"Okay then," Pathik replied, "Katara you begin."
"Oh...uh...Okay," Katara sighed in nervousness. She looked up at Aang and smiled shyly. Aang smiled back at her lovingly as he silently encouraged her to continue.
"Aang," she sighed once more as she stood before him, "I always believed as a little girl, that the Avatar would one day return to the world, I always had faith in the stories Gran-Gran told me. Before I ever knew you, you were always my hero and I believed with all my heart that one day you would come to end the war. I didn't know then that I would be the one to find you in the ice berg, or that our paths would be as intertwined as they are today." Katara took a deep breath before continuing, "I realize now that you are so much more to me than the Avatar. You are my very best friend, someone I can talk to and laugh with. You are the person I turn to when I need comfort or a shoulder to cry on. You are the safe place I run to when I feel alone or hurt. You are the man I love and the person I want to be with for the rest of my life" She gently squeezed his hands as she spoke," I promise, Aang, that I will always be there for you as you have always been for me and I promise to love you all the days of my life no matter what fate the Spirits bestow upon us." The Guru smiled at Katara and handed her one of the two medallions.
"Katara," Pahtik said, "this medallion is the physical token that symbolizes the spiritual bond between you and Aang. By offering this token to Aang you vow to love, cherish and work day and night to bring total happiness to Aang. You vow to practice generosity, morality, patience, and joy in all you do; mindfulness and wisdom to treat Aang and all others with loving kindness and compassion, for all the time you are together.
"I promise," Katara replied smiling. Aang bowed his head as she gently draped the medallion around his neck. As he lifted his head he gazed lovingly in Katara's direction.
"Aang," the Guru said, "you may recite your vows."
"Katara," Aang said softly, "before I met you I spent most of my life running away from my destiny. I thought that being the Avatar was a curse, that people would only see me for what I am and not who I am. All that time I never thought that I could ever be normal or that anybody would ever truly care about the real me, but when you found me all of that changed. You cared about me from the very start, you believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, you stood by me even at my darkest moments and you saw me for who I truly am. It's because of you that I am able to live up to my destiny." Aang paused for a moment as he continued to gaze lovingly into Katara's deep blue eyes. "My destiny," Aang breathed in for a moment as a wave of emotion over took him, "my destiny is not just to be the Avatar…my destiny is to be with you. I had to be frozen for a hundred years to find you because without you I wouldn't be whole. If I never knew you I could never have been the Avatar that I was meant to be. I love you Katara, I always have and I always will and from the moment I first saw you I have known that wherever you are is where I am meant to be. I promise you from this day forward until the day I leave this world that I will devote my life, my soul and my heart to you."
Katara smiled warmly in Aang's direction. He could see tears of happiness welling up behind her lovely blue eyes.
"Aang the Guru called out. Aang turned to face the Guru. Pathik held the second medallion out to him. Aang gently lifted the medallion from Guru Pathik's hand.
"Aang," Pahtik said, "this medallion is the physical token that symbolizes the spiritual bond between you and Katara. By offering this token to Katara you vow to love, cherish and work day and night to bring total happiness to Katara. You vow to practice generosity, morality, patience, and joy in all you do; mindfulness and wisdom to treat Katara and all others with loving kindness and compassion, for all the time you are together.
"I promise," Aang replied lovingly. Aang then draped the beaded necklace around Katara's delicate neck.
The Guru smiled at each of them. He then grasped their joined hands and held them tightly.
"By the power vested in me," Guru Pahtik chanted," by the spirits of the Eastern Air Temple, and through the wishes of Katara and Aang, as well as the blessing of the Spirits above, these two individual souls are now joined together in the journey of life. As partners they shall face life's greatest blessings as well as its darkest challenges. And their deep, unending, love and devotion to one another shall be the driving force of all their endeavors."
"Congratulations," Guru Pathik smiled warmly at the newly wed couple, "you are now husband and wife." Katara and Aang beamed at each other in total joy.
"Well," Pathik urged, "kiss her already Aang." Aang quickly grabbed a hold of her by the waist and pulled her to him. He smiled lovingly as he held her close.
"I love you so much Katara," he whispered.
"I love you too Aang," she whispered in return. He instantly pressed his lips to hers. Their first kiss as husband and wife was full of all the love and passion that they had harbored for one another all the years they had been together. As he held her close to him, Aang felt as if all the pieces of his life had finally fallen into place. He was exactly where he was always meant to be, standing by Katara's side and ready to face the world together.
…
Aang sighed sadly as he recalled the far off memory of the private ceremony. He tore his eyes away from the medallion that he still held and gazed up at Katara once again. He then gently picked up Katara's limp and lifeless hand and squeezed it tightly in his. He remembered how happy they both had been on that fateful night, how full of love and hope they had been. He longed so badly to feel those things again. He longed to look at Katara and see all the happiness and love that he made her feel reflecting back at him from her sapphire eyes, instead of all the pain and anger. He sighed heavily as he leaned forward in his chair. It was hard to believe that something that had started out so perfect had turned out so terribly wrong. He silently thought about all the promises they had made to each other that night, many of which had been broken in the wake of their crippling grief. More than anything in the world, Aang longed to set things between them right once more. He then gently placed the medallion in her pale and fragile hand and pressed it into her palm.
"I kept this when you left," Aang whispered, "I told myself over and over that when you were ready…I would give it back to you…I still plan to do that…if you will have me." With his other hand, he pulled an identical medallion from beneath his robes that was still roped around his neck.
"I have mine always with me," he whispered, "close to my heart...right where you will always be." He pressed his own medallion close to his chest as he smiled sadly in her direction. He then gently ran his fingers through her long silky hair. He leaned forward and kissed her softly upon the forehead.
"We've come up with a plan to hopefully bring you back to us," Aang went on, "I don't know if it will work yet…but I'm praying that it will." He sat back in his chair again and placed the medallion back into the silk bag. He then stuffed the small bag into the pocket of his robes.
"I'm going to keep yours with me for now…until you wake up," Aang sighed, "and when you're ready we will talk about it…okay." He smiled longingly in her direction, wishing with all his might that she would give him some indication that she had heard his words. He sighed again as he stood from the chair, walked over to a nearby window and gazed out into the pale blue sky. He glanced back over his shoulder in Katara's direction. He turned back to her bedside and continued to gaze longingly in her direction. He longed so badly just to feel the warmth of her arms once again. He walked over the opposite side of the bed and carefully crawled onto the bed beside her. He laid his head upon the pillow and draped his arm around her waist. He gazed at her sadly from only inches away.
"I miss you so much Katara," he whispered in her ear, "I feel so empty without you." He pulled himself closer to her and gently rested his face on her delicate shoulder. He closed his eyes tightly as he tried desperately to feel as close to her as possible.
"Wherever you are is where I am meant to be," he repeated his vows, "I promise you Katara, I will do everything in my power to bring you back to me, and I will do whatever it takes to set things right…you have my word."
Toph stood silently in her do-jo with her fists upon her hips. She used the vibrations in the earth to watch her students as they sparred. Though her face showed no emotion, she was secretly pleased with the progress these students had made in such a short time. The students in this particular group seemed to be fast learners and were extremely skilled in the art of metal bending. Toph sensed that it wouldn't be long before this class would graduate and soon join her metal bending task force.
Toph had been commissioned by King Kui himself to organize the new department of law enforcement for Ba-Sing-Se which was meant to replace the now corrupted Dai-Li. So far she was beyond satisfied with the progress of the task force. They had so far been extremely effective in thwarting the criminal element of the city. Among their achievements, rounding up the last remaining members of the Ozai Loyalists in Ba-Sing-Se and bringing them to justice. King Kui had been so impressed that there were even talks of placing some agents in the newly formed Republic city.
As her students continued to practice, Toph walked over to a nearby bench. She picked up a towel that hung over the bench and began to pat the sweat from her brow. She then interlaced her fingers and stretched her arms forward, cracking her knuckles as she did. Suddenly she sensed a stranger approaching her. The stranger caused only the slightest of vibrations in the earth as they approached; a clear indicator to Toph that this person was no bender.
"If you're selling something," Toph said without even turning around, "I'm not interested."
"I…I…I'm sorry," the unknown visitor stuttered, "I'm not…uh..."
"You are not a bender," Toph stated bluntly.
"No," the stranger answered nervously, "no…I…I'm not…but…"
"So," Toph huffed in annoyance, "If you're not a bender then why would you be in a metal bending academy…unless you were selling something."
"No…you don't understand," the girl answered, "I just need to speak with Master Beifong…it's very important."
"What, do you have a kid you want enrolled or something," Toph questioned.
"No," the stranger replied quickly, "I…I don't have any children…and I'm not selling anything…but…wait…how did you know I wasn't a bender?"
"I just do," Toph huffed as she turned to face the stranger. She crossed her arms over her chest and gazed in the girl's direction with her pale unseeing eyes. The girl noticed Toph's pale eyes immediately.
"Are…are you Master Beifong," the stranger questioned in a nervous tone.
"Who wants to know," Toph questioned impatiently.
"Oh…I'm sorry," the woman replied, "my name is Ava…uh…Ava Luong…I'm an artist here in Ba-Sing-Se. You might have heard of me?" Toph just gazed in the woman's direction in mild interest.
"Nope…sorry," Toph replied flatly, "I'm not exactly a fan of art in general…so your name doesn't stick in my memory."
"Oh…uh…okay," Ava stuttered, "I…uh…I was recently hired by your parents to paint some pieces…uh…but that's not really why I'm here…um is there somewhere we could talk in private." Toph rolled her eyes.
"Anything you want to tell me," Toph sighed, "you can tell me in my do-jo." Ava took a deep breath as she tried to figure out where to begin her long complicated story.
"I need to contact Avatar Aang," Ava replied, "I was told that you are one of his close friends…I thought that maybe you could help?" At the mention of Aang's name Toph immediately became defensive. There was no way in hell that she was going to give any information about her friend to this strange woman, for all she knew Ava was some sort of spy for the loyalists sent to gather information so that they could come after him and his family once again.
"Who are you really," Toph fumed, "what do you want with the Avatar?"
"I…I told you," Ava stuttered in confusion at Toph's angry outburst, "my name is Ava…and…"
"You are out of luck lady," Toph yelled, "the last time I checked the Avatar has been out of commission since the tragedy…which I'm sure you know all about." With that, Toph began to push the girl to the door.
"No…wait…please," Ava pleaded desperately, "you don't understand…please let me expl…"
"If you think I'm going to tell you anything you got another thing coming lady," Toph fumed.
"Please," Ava replied, "my sister is in danger…the Avatar is the only one who can help us." Toph paused before pushing Ava out the door. She let go of the girl and stood up straight.
"I can't help you," Toph replied coldly.
"Master Beifong," Ava nearly sobbed, "I'm begging you please…please just let me speak…if you still don't believe me, then you can throw me out and I won't bother you again." Toph stood silently in contemplation of the woman's words. She rubbed her chin with her fingers as she decided what to do. She sighed in annoyance.
"You got five minutes," Toph replied bluntly.
"Oh thank you," Ava replied in gratitude, "thank you so much Master Beifong."
"Yeah…yeah," Toph replied impatiently, "hurry it up already, as you can see…I am right in the middle of a lesson here."
"Yes of course," Ava replied, "where should I begin…uh…my sister, Sun-Li, she has been working at an orphanage in Omashu for the past four months. Since she has been away she has written me every other week without fail…until recently. It's been nearly a month since I've heard from her."
"Okay," Toph huffed, "so…your sister forgetting to write for a few weeks, doesn't exactly require help from the Avatar…I'm pretty sure he has much more important things to worry about."
"You don't understand," Ava replied, "Sun-Li wouldn't just forget to write…she…"
"Are you sure you aren't just some paranoid crazy lady," Toph scoffed.
"Master Beifong," Ava replied in frustration, "with all due respect…I don't appreciate nor deserve such insults…I've come to you for help…you are my last hope…please don't mock me." Through her feet, Toph could feel the vibrations from Ava's emotion-filled voice, she sensed her heart rate increase with her emotion yet it remained steady and unfaltering as she spoke. It was unmistakable. This girl was telling the truth, or at least she believed that what she was saying was true.
"I'm listening," Toph replied in a more serious tone. She crossed her arms over her chest and stood in waiting of Ava's story. Ava smiled slightly though she could feel her eyes brimming with tears.
"Thank you," Ava whispered softly.
"Please continue," Toph replied.
"Okay," Ava sighed, "I'm not so worried that Sun-Li hasn't written me, but at what she sent me with her last letter."
"And what would that be," Toph questioned. Ava reached into her cloak and pulled a scroll out into the open. She quickly unrolled the scroll and handed them to Toph.
"I'm sorry," Toph replied, "you are going to have to tell me what these are, if you haven't noticed…I'm blind."
"Oh…uh…yes," Ava stuttered, "I'm sorry…I…uh…I forgot, I didn't mean to offend you."
"No, no," Toph replied, "you didn't…it's just a fact, being blind doesn't offend me, nor does the fact that people don't recognize it, please just explain what these are."
"They are drawings," Ava replied, "Sun-Li drew this one of a boy she met at the orphanage named Kyu…the other is a drawing that I did of Avatar Aang's son…if you could see it you would know that the two drawings are virtually identical."
"Okay," Toph paused for a moment thinking about the significance that Ava was trying to point out.
"I believe they are one in the same," Ava replied.
"Okay," Toph replied, "hold on…so you are saying that this boy…uh…Kyu was his name…this boy you think is really Tenzin?"
"Yes," Ava answered truthfully, "yes I do...and I think that the people who took him are the same one's my sister has been working for in Omashu." Toph shook her head as she contemplated what Ava had just told her. She flashed back suddenly to what Aang had told her the night before, about his dream.
…
"I have dreams about him all the time; it's always the same…there is a girl wearing the symbol of Omashu and she leads me to Tenzin, accept when we get to Tenzin he is being held captive and he looks up at me and say's 'Daddy come and find me."
…
Toph gasped at the startling revelation. Could this be true? Was this the true meaning of Aang's dream? Could Tenzin be alive?
To be continued….dun…dun…dun.
Sincerely, Ecanus.