A/N: So who liked the foreshadowing? I've thought of an entire new set now, which begins with this chapter.

A Disturbed Spirit

Aang's POV

And thus began my task. I would've liked to stay in the Southern Water Tribe Village with Katara or travel the world just for fun and just sort of forget about all the duties but that would undoubtedly end badly; so with her support and a gentle push we've taken off to start. I'm happy she decided to come; it makes the otherwise lonely duties bearable… I've thought of how previous Avatars were able to conduct their travels and duties alone… I don't think I could, at least, not happily.

The first stop we were going to make was the island of Kyoshi, to drop of Sokka and Suki and since we'd be in the area, check and make sure everything around the island was moving smoothly.

It was a straight two day journey without detours and we ended up making camp somewhere in the southern reaches of the Earth Kingdom Shoreline to give Appa a break from flying all day. We didn't bother unloading anything but sleep sacks and provisions for the night and it wasn't long before we had a fire goine.

I remember the first time we stopped around this area, barely able to find firewood or something to eat; but I guess we've all grown more capable due to our adventures… plus having someone like Suki who knows the area is a plus as well.

"So, Aang, are you looking forward to flying the world and making sure everyone is playing nicely?" Suki asked from across the fire, leaning forward a bit with her chin in her palm as her elbow rested on her knee; Sokka was scarfing down some food next to her and I sort of shrugged.

"To be honest, not particularly, I mean, I love traveling… but it is the other part I don't much care for. I am only fifteen, almost sixteen and people as old as Master Pakku are relying on me for advice and help…" I said quietly as I drew designs in the dirt in front of me with a twig as the fire crackled

"You have the collective wisdom and strengths of thousands of Avatars, Aang… I think they sort of forget your age and think more on that" Katara said as she took a twig and drew the design I had made for her on her necklace; I felt a small smile curve on my lips as I sat up straighter and looked at her, taking her hand with mine and nodding.

"Yeah, I guess but it is still a lot; I am happy you decided to come with me" I smiled as I watched the firelight dance on her face as her own lips curved into a warm smile of her own.

"Hey, you've got us, at least until we get to Kyoshi!" Sokka exclaimed with a grin and we all all laughed

"True"

"So, after Kyoshi, where are you two headed, I mean do you actually have plans drawn out or something?" Suki asked

"Sort of" I began, looking to Katara who nodded "We're going to check out Kyoshi and the surrounding area before hitting Gaoling to check in with Toph, then either Omashu or Ba Sing Se."

"So, you're hitting the Earth Kingdom first"

"Basically, then we'll go to the Northern Water Tribe and then the Fire Nation. I just saw Zuko not too long ago and he didn't say anything about trouble so I am fairly certain the Fire Nation isn't in dire need at the moment"

"When you see Toph, tell her we said hi" Suki said with a grin

"Not a problem, but that won't be for about a week, once we've dropped you two off we'll be flying around the area and such" I answered

"That'll make Oyaji happy I imagine, to know the Avatar is watching over the island for a while" Suki mused and I nodded

We sat and talked about nothing for a little while, just enjoying the temperate climate change from the cold of the Southern Water Tribe Village. I could tell by her words and tone that Katara wasn't exactly excited about all the duties that came with the Avatar but she was very careful not to show it… I can just notice certain things that she doesn't realize I suppose.

We called it a night soon after the sun was completely off the horizon and the moon had begun its rise. Suki and Sokka turned in almost immediately, they shared a small tent and I could've sworn I heard whispers but then again, Katara and I never went straight to bed either.

Speaking of Katara, in the time since we had decided to go to bed, we had migrated onto Appa's tail and she had moved and was leaning on my chest in between my legs, my arms were wrapped around her waist and her fingers were laced with mine as her hands rested on mine. She was breathing softly and I could tell her eyes were open, she was looking out to open sea or at the moon; something was bothering her.

"What's wrong?" I whispered; my lips next to her ear and I saw her squirm in the slightest as I am sure a small smile took hold.

"Nothing" She answered unreassuringly so I prodded the subject

"Katara…" I said softly, kissing the back of her neck and she let a small sigh slip

"Aang, I just have a bad feeling" she answered softly and my eyebrows perked

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure…"

"Whatever it is, I am positive we can face it together" I said quietly but firmly "Thank you for coming…"

"Aang" she began before turning her body so she could look at me; now sitting on my lap with her own legs wrapped around my waist and her arms around my neck. "Aang, I would follow you to the ends of the earth, you know that"

"Maybe… maybe I like hearing you say it" I whispered as she smiled and leaned in, I felt her lips rest against mine. It was short and sweet before she broke and pulled in, resting her head on my shoulder and hugging me, my arms moved from resting on her hips to wrapped around her back, tightening our embrace.

"I love you" she whispered as her head rested against mine on my shoulder, my lips curved into an unbreakable smile

"I love you" I answered, softly running my hand up and down her back. I am not sure exactly when it happened but we both sort of drifted into a light sleep on Appa's tail and the night changed to day; luckily for us, we woke before Suki and Sokka cause, even though he accepts us it might still have been awkward for him to find us the way we were.

We were able to quickly get ready and start preparing breakfast before the other two began to stir, I imagine the smell of food woke Sokka – though it was rather interesting as even though we knew they were awake, neither of them left the tent immediately.

"And he got mad at us before?" I whispered to Katara and she nearly choked on a laugh

"He did call himself a hypocrite" she answered

"Think I should air bend the tent off of them… you know, for fun?" I mused aloud with a smile and she slapped my shoulder, stifling a laugh

"Aang! I doubt Suki would be appreciative of that, I don't think Sokka would mind though."

"Hmm, fine, but I still think it would be worth it" I remark and she laughs, continuing to stir the pot.

About ten minutes after we heard them wake up, Sokka appeared out from the tent, yawning and stretching as he came towards the fire.

"Morning" He yawned, his eyes half-closed as he plopped on the other side of the fire, Suki was soon after

"Morning you two" Katara said next to me as she stirred the pot of broiling soup.

"You two sure took your sweet time getting up, didn't you?" I remarked as I glanced to Katara, I saw her fighting a laugh

"Oh, Ha. Haha" Sokka mutters glaring at me as Suki sits next to him with a smile

"Breakfast is almost ready" Katara says besides me and we soon all have a bowl of soup to help subdue our stomachs until we reach Kyoshi.

"We can be there shortly after midday if we leave right after breakfast" I said as we ate the soup prepared for us

"Sounds perfect; I need to check in with Ty Lee and the rest of the warriors to make sure they haven't slacked up in my absence" Suki said

"Ty Lee is still in your group? I would have thought she would have traveled Kyoshi to show other groups the pressure points and bender blocking" I remarked and Suki shrugged

"She might have, she expressed interest in sharing the technique but I never 'ordered' her to, so if she did while we were gone is one thing."

"As long as she doesn't block my bending again, I'm A-ok" Katara muttered from besides me, obviously recounting the number of times Ty Lee had blocked her bending when she was fighting with Azula.

"Don't worry, Katara, Ty Lee is good. If you remember, I am pretty sure she said she was forced to join Azula anyways" Sokka remarked and I saw her shrug

We finished our meal shortly after and tended to the campsite before taking off. We flew for the better part of six hours before Kyoshi Island was in site in front of Appa.

"There she is, Home sweet home" Suki said happily and I shot another glance at Katara, she looked off just like she had last night

"Katara, are you alright?" I whispered, leaning closer so only she heard me, and she nodded

"Yeah… just that feeling again"

"You can't explain it?" I asked, concerned

"Not really" she muttered before returning my gaze and forcing a weak smile on her face. I leaned in closer and kissed her softly on the lips; the act seemed to calm whatever was wrong for the moment.

"Thanks… like magic" she mused with a real smile as I grinned warmly at her. I jumped down on Appa's head and grabbed the reigns, taking us in for a landing right outside the town.

Shockingly… we were not greeted, by anyone. In fact the town looked abandoned and I could see the look of confusion on Suki's face as she jumped off of Appa, Sokka close behind, running towards the village.

I grabbed my staff and took Katara's waist without warning and airbended us both off and we quickly chased after Suki and Sokka. Suki was walking the street yelling for anyone to answer only there was nothing. It was broad daylight and it literally looked like everyone was gone, like they had left in the middle of dinner.

There were bowls of food on counters and tables, cloths on the floor and food still out in the stalls – but not a single soul was in sight. All of us were growing more concerned and I felt Katara's hitched breathe.

"I knew something was wrong…" she whispered next to me and I shook my head

"No, something may have happened but until we can confirm, don't jump to conclusions." I answer quietly before turning to Suki who was become more frantic. "Suki!" she stopped and looked at me "Wouldn't your warriors have left some sort of message, or maybe Oyaji, for you to find when you returned? Maybe in the Dojo?" I questioned and her eyes sparked

"Yes! Maybe both of them. Can you two check the town hall, Sokka and I will check the Dojo and meet you there." She said and I nodded. She grabbed Sokka's hand and they ran off towards the Dojo as Katara and I entered the town hall.

It was just as empty, but there were no signs of any sort of fight or problem… besides the lack of people. We decided to stick together and search together until we knew what was going on. We searched the bottom floor for any sort of sign but found nothing. Then we went upstairs and found the same room we had been in when we first came to the island, on the table was, to our delight, a note.

To whomever finds this,

My name is Oyaji; I am the leader of this village on Kyoshi Island. Something happened not too long ago that has caused some disturbances at night. Upon the second day, right before dusk, we decided it was best to abandon the town and retreat to our safe area within the mountains – I am aware the other villages are going through something similar and should meet us there. It is something beyond our power – whoever finds this, please find the Avatar – he may be the only one who can help us.

"That… doesn't sound good; it is nearing dusk isn't it?" I mutter as I finished reading the note aloud, Katara looked stricken as she gazed past me. I turned my head and instantly dropped into an Airbending stance and Katara fell into a Waterbending one.

On the corner where two walls and the ceiling met was a darker looking form – it looked human. It was watching us, but not attacking us. It could be a spirit, maybe a restless one that has been unable to pass… the second we dropped into our forms it vanished and Sokka and Suki ran up the stairs.

"Aang! Katara!" Suki exclaimed

"Shh!" I snapped, still looking at the corner, Suki and Sokka stopped dead in their tracks as they glanced around the room. After a few moments of silence I dropped out of stance and immediately walked over to Katara, wrapping an arm around her before returning my gaze to Suki.

"What's up?" Suki questioned

"Did you find anything at the Dojo?" I asked and she nodded

"A note from Ty Lee – it mentioned something about restless spirits and disturbances and said the village retreated towards our safe area in the mountains. Then we heard something rustle outside but rather than try to find it, we ran back here… safety in numbers right?" She said with an uneasy laugh and I nodded

"What was that about, Aang?" Sokka questioned, he had his boomerang drawn and hadn't fell out of a fighting stance the entire time.

"We saw something in that corner. It looked like a human but a spirit too; it was darker and just watching us. When we noticed it, we dropped into our stances and it vanished.

"Alright, so, no more splitting up" Sokka mused, instantly scanning the room again

"Yeah, and I saw we try to find the safe area, Suki, you know where it is?" I asked and she nodded

"Yeah, we should be able to make it there before nightfall"

"That would be preferable…" I mutter and glanced to Katara, she seemed shaken still

"Are you alright?" I whispered and she nodded before wrapping both arms around me

"Yes… I guess I was just reminded of Koh and it shook me – I'm sorry I won't freeze like that again" she murmured as we hugged, I stroked her back and nodded

"It's okay, We're here and together, we'll be fine" I said confidently and she smiled

We quickly left the town hall and retreated towards Appa; the rustling noises Suki had mentioned had become more apparent and I was NOT about to leave Appa here alone, plus flying might be safer.

When we found Appa, he looked shaken as well but was instantly happy to see us. We quickly boarded and he leaped into the air without my command, but as we glanced back down I understood why. A wave of moving shadows engulfed where we just were, but dispersed the second we took off. Something was here and something was not happy at all. But what could have happened to make this – obviously the villagers knew and, as I suspected, it was likely they had caused it in some form.

I took the reins with Katara next to me and Suki over my shoulder, directing me towards the Safe area – which was only a fifteen minute flight. We flew slowly though, observing the island and as the letter suggested, the other villages looked abandoned as well. Soon we were in sight of a crevice in the mountains, where a few of the bases met and formed something close to a bowl. Suki pointed and nodded and I took Appa in.

As we drew closer we could make out a larger encampment inside the bowl with a few openings leading into the mountains. The second Appa was in sight of the encampment we soon saw a lot of moving spots, people all hurriedly approached and pointed into the sky, I heard sounds of glee as we landed.

We were first greeted by Oyaji, who bowed graciously to us before hugging Suki.

"I am so happy you came, Suki" he said before turning towards me "And you as well, Avatar Aang – I am sorry that it must be under these circumstances"

A crowd had formed around us quickly as we stood talking for a moment, then I heard none other than Ty Lee's voice

"Suki!" she exclaimed, throwing herself at the Kyoshi Warrior returned.

"Ty Lee, I take it the rest of the warriors are here as well?"

"Yep, they are all around guarding the perimeter with the other groups, I was sticking with Oyaji." She said with a grin – she must've had a sunny disposition.

"Are there… is anyone missing?" Katara asked Oyaji and he shook his head

"No, we left the villages before the disturbances became too severe." He explained and I held up a hand

"Wait, you need to back up. What caused this, and what is the nature of the disturbances?" I asked and he sighed

"The disturbances were random. Pounding on doors and opening them to see nothing – windows being blown open with no breeze on the first night. The second night it became much worse, still not threatening but… well, the villagers started seeing things. The pounding on the doors continued and they would open the door to see a figure that would vanish in thin air. They couldn't describe the look other than a shadow. They started seeing silhouettes in their rooms where they slept, but again, once they notice them, they vanished." Oyaji explained and I felt a shiver down my spine. "Upon the sightings, I decided to evacuate the village before it became worse." He finished and I nodded.

"Very smart decision" I muttered, before returning my gaze to him once more "You failed to answer what started it…" I said and I could see him shift

"About a week ago, we found some sort of artifact within the mountains where we mined. We ended up taking it towards our village to study and then a few days after that is when everything started.

"Where is the artifact?"

"In a small building next to Town Hall" He explained and I sighed

"Have there been any sightings or disturbances here?" Suki asked and Ty Lee and Oyaji shook their head

"Not yet, we've been here for a few days undisturbed" Ty Lee answered, her obvious sunny disposition was gone during the explanation. I flattened out my robes and felt the necklace I had received from Katara the day of the Coronation and smiled weakly.

"Alright, tomorrow at dawn I will return to your village and see what I can find out. In your letter it mentioned the disturbances only happened at night?"

"Most frequently at night but the day we left a few sightings were seen during the day"

"Alright" I muttered and Katara shook her head.

"No, you are not going alone"

"Katara-"

"No." She said again, her face was uncompromising "We are a team, we fight as a team, love as a team and work best together as a team and I will NOT let you go by yourself."

"You ain't gonna win this one, Aang" Sokka whispered, nudging my side with his elbow and I sighed but nodded

"Fine but…" I glanced around the crowd and everyone else, whose eyes were all on us. I turned back to Oyaji "Is there a place we can sleep for tonight?"

"Oh, of course! Please, allow me to show you to yours rooms, Ty Lee, please show Suki and Sokka to theirs." He ordered and she nodded

"Of course" she said before taking Suki and Sokka's hand, leading them through the crowd

"We only need one room" Katara said and Oyaji paused before eyeing us and nodding

"Oh, but of course, my apologies, I had assumed but was not going to say anything. Please follow me"

He lead us through the crowd and into one of the bigger buildings, probably an encampment center, inside was many rooms. He lead us towards a corner room before opening the door and beckoning us in.

"I will come for you after dawn, you can have breakfast and then return to the village." He said and I spoke before he shut the door.

"Sir, can I trust you to make sure Appa is feed tonight?"

"I will see too it personally, again, I thank and welcome you" he said before shutting the door. I placed a hand on the door and closed my eyes before turning to face Katara. She was sitting on the bed, looking at me, still looking a tad upset.

"Katara…"

"Aang, how could you think I would let you go alone?" she said immediately

"I was thinking of your safety…" I muttered and she stood up, walking towards me

"And I was thinking of yours. Avatar or not, you are still human, you are still mortal, and you are… still the most important person in my life. I will not let you risk yourself like this and not stand by your side." She said strongly and I smiled, wrapping my arms around her waist.

"And I couldn't ask for anyone else – I don't deserve you" I teased and she just wrapped her hands around my neck gently before kissing me softly.

"Whatever this is Aang, we'll fix it together just like you said when we arrived" she whispered and I nodded

"Hard to argue with that kind of logic" I mused and she smiled.

"I love you" she whispered against my lips

"I love you, Katara" I answered poetically and she beamed

We retreated to bed shortly after, both of us just lying down… not entirely capable of going to sleep. Not after what we saw in the village.

A small part of me wanted to stay awake just for her sake, to make sure nothing happened. I found myself kissing her lips softly as she drifted in and out of consciousness, but I soon saw the sleep take her over… and very soon after I fell asleep as well.

Only to awaken to a knock at the door…