Chapter 16
I wanted to write a chapter in-between the action to stop it from sounding too sudden.
Besides, I wanted to write a bit at the South Pole.
-oOo-
Aang would never get used to the feeling of waking up in the south pole. His whole body was warm, even the top of his shaved head, encased in the thick sleeping bag. Only his nose, the tip of which was the highest point of his body, was icy cold. He shivered slightly and pulled the bag up over his whole head. He pretended that he was just some kid, who grew up in the water tribe. Not involved in the winning of the war. Not to be honoured. Not the avatar, not even a bender. How he would like that for just a few hours. But he was the avatar. He was responsible for all the issues after the war. Somehow it was all his fault.
Aang turned his head to the side. Where Katara had fallen asleep was vacated. In the low temperature it was necessary so sleep in a normal bed with a blanket and futon, but to also be in a sleeping bag. He had shared with his new girlfriend. His girlfriend. It took a while to adjust to the fact that the beautiful waterbender was finally in love with him. She cared about him.
He rose out of bed and left the tent. In the past few months, what had been the small village had now grown and most people had upgraded from tents to the beautiful ice houses that resembled the ones in the Northern tribe. Aang and Katara stayed in the tent seeing as Katara insisted that those with young children had the first, and best houses. Since those who had come from the North pole arrived, life had taken a pleasant turn. Sokka had the chance to rebuild his watchtower, being the first thing Aang had destroyed.
He couldn't believe that almost a year ago, he had arrived at this village, only to be turned away by most people. This year, he had returned as a hero.
Katara was over by the edge of the village, next to the water. It had been much to her delight that one of the young girls had discovered that, aged 5, she could waterbend. Katara had immediately begun to tutor the girl, who was showing signs of great improvement.
That morning, both were standing by the water, as Katara directed the young waterbender's wrist movements. Aang smiled as he remembered her teaching him the same thing, so long ago. He thought about the others who had travelled with them. Suki was staying at the South Pole with Sokka but he wondered how Toph and Zuko were doing. Surely being Fire Lord was a difficult job and Zuko would be kept busy. But what about Toph? What was she doing? Teaching metalbending? Going back to Earth Rumble 6? would she be able to? Would Shin-fu allow her back? He was sure there was still a grudge. He just hoped she was safe. He hoped she was happy. He knew her knack of getting into trouble...
-oOo-
I'll get back to the main plot tomorrow! I think I just like to avoid getting to the point and procrastinating so sorry :]