"You can't stay here, Sokka. They'll know that you helped us," she continued to press her brother.
But he shook his head, persisting in his decision. "I have to, Katara. If this plan of yours works, then someone has to be here, ready to step into power or the city will fall into chaos," he spoke with a firm voice.
They were in a small cave embedded in the mountain that separated their safe haven from the rest of the world. Katara and Zuko had discreetly called a meeting with their friends to reveal their plans with them. They had all solemnly agreed on what must be done, but all of them knew the sacrifice required.
"He's right, Katara. Someone has to be here to restore order, or the council will tear itself apart and everything we worked for will be for nothing," she heard Zuko add, and turned to see the grim expression he wore. Katar huffed in frustration. She knew that they spoke the truth, but what her brother was suggesting would put him directly in the line of fire. If he stayed behind then their father would know that he'd helped them with their plans, and Katara doubted that he would be merciful.
Sokka reached across the small stone table that Toph had bent for them and took her hands in his, "I'll be okay, lil' sis," he whispered tenderly.
Katara could tell that he was trying to ease her worries but she couldn't stop the tears from stinging the corners of her eyes, "Even if you are," she started with her voice quivering, "what if we aren't? I know that they'll need you, but what about us?" She asked as the first tear broke free and streamed down her face, "We can't do this without you. We need to do this together. Just like the good old days," she finished with a sad smile.
She watched him sigh and shake him head before speaking in a voice lined with bitterness, "No matter what we do, it'll never be like the old days again, Katara."She felt that comment settle heavily on her chest and she pulled her hands gently away.
She dared a glance at Suki and Toph, who had both been quiet. Toph looked as frustrated as Katara felt but remained silent, probably accepting the fact that it had to be this way. Suki, however, looked pale and upset. Katara knew that it would be just as hard for her to accept Sokka staying behind as it was for her, they'd been through so much together; and there was always the possibility that Sokka wouldn't make it out alive.
No. Don't think like that. He'll be fine.
She shook herself out of these thoughts and looked around their small circle, memorizing the faces of the people she loved the most, "Just like the good old days," she said, mustering her courage, "Living every day, risking not seeing the next. For the people of this world, we sacrifice our freedom and our lives. Taking down the tyranny that threatens peace, devoting ourselves to the purpose of restoring balance to our world-"
"-The avengers of the Avatar," Zuko said cutting her off. She looked at him to see his smoldering gaze searching her eyes, like they held an untold secret.
She nodded to him, accepting the title, and then stood to address her friends for what may have been the last time, "We leave in the morning."
Zuko stood from his seat next to Katara as everyone else rose in solemn silence. He walked over to a rather grim-looking Sokka and they grasped each other's arm in respect, "May the spirits protect you," he offered to the man. Zuko knew what he was sacrificing and held deep respect for the warrior.
Sokka nodded and walked to a farther corner of the room gesturing with his head for him to follow, once they were away from the girls, who were debating if their planned escape route would be effective, the Water Tribe man crossed his arms and stared seriously at Zuko.
"Listen, Hot-Head," Zuko mentally cringed at the nickname, "I am leaving my sister in your protection, and I trust that you will protect her,"
Zuko nodded vigorously, "Of course, I'd do anything to-"
"-But," Sokka cut him off, "I also trust that you will complete your mission no matter the cost. This is bigger than any individual's life,"
Zuko narrowed his eyes, "Are you suggesting I sacrifice her life for this?" He asked, his voice bordering livid.
Sokka shook his head, "No, I want you to do everything in your power to keep her from harm. But know your limits Zuko, I've seen the way you look at her, don't let your feelings for my sister stop you from saving the world," the man replied, his voice firm.
Zuko clenched his jaw in anger, but nodded,"I understand."
Katara was walking back to their apartment with Toph and Zuko. They'd said goodbye to Sokka and Suki back at the cave and now were trudging through side paths to avoid being seen. Her brother and his girlfriend were going to spend the night at Suki's apartment, Katara couldn't blame them. If she was leaving behind the love of her life to his death the next morning she would want nothing but to hold him in her arms all night long as well.
She, Toph, and Zuko had agreed to spend their last night in the city in their own beds, but they all knew that sleep wouldn't grace them. There was so much to do before dawn. Their things were already packed with food and water, but the fact that they'd be going somewhere that no one else had ever gone was thrilling and yet terrifying at the same time.
No one spoke, but they all knew what the other was thinking. Katara sighed and kicked a pebble further down the path, Toph, who walked on her right, blew at her bangs with an angry huff of air, and Zuko simply trudged on her other side with his eyebrows furrowed in thought.
"Okay, I'm sorry guys, but I can't take another second of this! I'll see you at home," Toph cried raising her arms dramatically before disappearing into a hole that appeared suddenly under her.
Both Zuko and Katara stood still, staring at the place where the earth bender was just standing. Katara then resumed walking, giving the girl no second thought. Right now, she was too worried about her brother to be concerned with Toph's moods. She felt Zuko next to her in the dark and took comfort in his presence. Even if he didn't feel it, he radiated a sort of confidence, and it made her feel protected from everything they were about to face.
She reached down and slid her hand into his larger one, he squeezed it reassuringly and they both stopped in the middle of the path. She felt him pull her into a hug, and she wrapped her arms around his neck and he snaked his around her waist and pulled her closer, as she buried her face in his neck.
He mumbled reassurances into her hair and she sighed, accepting the small comfort they gave, "Everything's gonna be ok Tara."
"How can you be sure?" She asked quietly.
She felt him hold her tighter, as if he would never let her go, "I can't," he finally answered, "but I'll do everything I can to make sure that it is."
Katara felt her heart expand with gratefulness, he wasn't going to lie to her and he made only the promises he could keep. That was what she needed, she needed him.
Ello everyone! Sorry for the late update, but I started at my new school and so I'm trying to adjust while doing homework and fulfilling my other commitments too :/
Hope you liked that! I'm already almost done with the next few chapters so expect them very very soon!
Please review, wonderful people!
Love you guyzzz
Kmsitterley
