Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar or anything associated with it except my fanfictions.

Okay, this is actually going to be a series of "vignettes" of goodbyes with certain people. Hope y'all noticed how I kept Yue alive. Can't say the same for some other people... but that's not till much later.

North Pole

It had been only a few days since the aftermath of the battle. Although the clouds were dark - portending yet another blizzard the people of the North Pole periodically weathered - the sun still peeked through a hole in the dark sky, casting a bright light that dispelled any lingering gloom from the destruction endured during the Siege of the North Pole. The ice sparkled and glittered, making it somewhat difficult to see the congregation near the docks that was sending off Team Avatar.

For the Four Nations - well, three nations, because the Air Nomads had believed in pacifism and also did not exist anymore - an unspoken agreement that existed was that whenever there was a battle, the victor was always given the right to name the battle. Hence, the battle for the Northern Water tribe was humbly named the Siege of the North by Chief Arnook, and everyone quickly agreed on the name. Well, Zhao angrily shouted that it was a horrendous name, but he was shut up by Zuko when a fire whip was held to his neck, with the the Prince retorting that it was Zhao's fault for not winning the battle.

And so Team Avatar and company had emerged victorious from the exhausting battle - but not without cost.

Although retaining bending on their side would speed up matters, the city of the North Pole had been leveled to the ground, razed by rhinos, melted by flames. It would be a long while before the North Pole would be restored to its former glory. Progress was further impeded by further complications. For example, Zhao was even more of a liability than previously thought. He behaved torridly in prison, and proved to be an unruly prisoner of war, not worth the effort or the reward in detaining him. Furthermore, not all of the waterbenders could be spared to rebuild the North Pole.

Pakku was talking quietly with Chief Arnook, and when they had concluded their discussion, they hugged each other and bid their farewells. Pakku was to go to the South, along with a contingency of other tribesmen, to repopulate and restore the magnificence of the South Pole. "Also, there is a certain lady I must teach waterbending. I'm certain she must be headstrong and unique if she had such a profound effect on you," Pakku remarked dryly to Aang's furious blushing. "It would also be nice to meet my beloved's granddaughter. She must have Kanna's personality - and probably her good looks as well," he remarked impishly. Aang shrank in his ascetic clothing until he could barely be seen within his shirt. Pakku threw back his head and laughed. "In all honesty, though, thank you for opening my eyes to the world. There really should not be barriers between people, especially not ones based on sex." Aang had smiled and nodded to Pakku, still elated over having become a full-fledged waterbending master, and itching to reach his next mentor to teach him earthbending.

But the fact remained that he would be leaving his old life at the North Pole. Quite a few people arrived to bid the crabby waterbender goodbye. One of the healers - an woman around Pakku's age named Yugoda - warmly embraced Pakku, whispering, "But don't be surprised if she decks you." They shared a smile, but before long, the line of people grew too large for Pakku to dwell on any one person for too long, no matter how close they were to him. From then on, goodbyes were hasty, although heartfelt and genuine.

The party for Zuko, Sokka, Momo, and Aang was noticeably smaller, although the goodbyes were much more significant. Surprisingly, the very first person to walk up to the trio was Pali himself, his hands fidgeting as if he was in a very awkward position. After a moment of strained silence, he took a deep breath and said. "I still don't trust you, and I don't think letting you all go is a good idea." They bristled at the statement, but Pali continued on. "But... I do thank you for saving our home. Although you were the catalyst for our suffering... you were also the ones who shouldered your responsibilities and became the solution to our suffering. And for that, I thank you, and wish you good will on you journey."

They stood in stunned silence at Pali's admittance and humility, the man himself included. Finally, Zuko bowed to Pali. "Thank you," he choked out. And nothing more had to be said.

After many tired thanks and gracious dismissals of their heroics, Princess Yue herself was standing in front of them, biting her lip, eyes betraying her uncertainty. Upon seeing her, Sokka - who had been joking and basically disrespecting every person that had come to say goodbye to them - suddenly turned red and started trembling. Aang and company took this as their cue, and they quietly slipped away to reconvene on the ship they were to set sail on.

Yue was the first to speak up. "So..."

Sokka stuttered back. "Well..."

And then Yue said, "Sokka, I -" at the same time that Sokka said, "Yue, I -" and then they fell silent. Yue turned her head away, eyes downcast.

"Sokka... I had always believed that my duty was to the people, and that nothing ever would or should get in my way. I had always focused on my responsibilities, and I always dismissed love as a child's fancy. But when I first saw you -" Yue faltered. "I realized I was wrong. Sure, life is about upholding your responsibilities, but... life is meant to be lived. You gave me life, Sokka. You cast away my darkness, and let me see the light on the moon." She blinked away tears. "Sokka... before we met, I was betrothed. But now, with Hahn gone... I'm a free woman. Free of any responsibility." She stepped up to Sokka and tenderly touched his cheek. "But never free again in the heart."

"Yue..."

"I guess this is goodbye forever, Sokka." She turned around, not wanting him to see the tears. "You have your home... your family to look after... your people to lead. I can't do this to you. I care too much for you."

"Yue. Listen to me." She stopped talking, and turned around to regard Sokka curiously. "Close your eyes," he said. She closed her eyes, feeling the crisp air against her cheeks - and something being fastened around her eyes. She didn't wait to hear Sokka's acquiescence before opening her eyes to see -

A necklace. A betrothal necklace, to be exact. One that exactly expressed what the artist had wished to display. The stone displayed the two koi fish, merged together in light and dark, Yin and Yang. Her breath caught at the stunning simplicity in the beauty of the necklace. Her heart soared in giddiness and love for the awkward boy in front of her, anxiously gauging her reaction. After a moment of happy, but shocked silence, Yue looked up to her love's face and asked:

"But -"

"How many times have I told you Yue, the South Pole isn't like the North Pole. I may be son of the Chief of my tribe, but that doesn't mean I'm automatically his successor. The South chooses its leaders. And... I guess... none of them will be me. Because nothing will keep me away from you." He reached out to hold her hands. "Yue, I love you so much, that words cannot express my feelings for you. When I first saw you, I knew that I had found the woman of my heart. You're kind and sweet and beautiful... you're the person I need the most in my life. Despite my awkwardness and my shortcomings, you always brightened my day, and you brought meaning back into my life. I know I'm not exactly the best person, but I promise that I will be loyal and loving to you for the rest of your days. I can't live without you... and I don't want to live with out you. I love you. Yue," he said, face set in uncharacteristic somberness. "Do you take my humble hand to be my future wife?"

Yue could only stand there, stunned. Sokka, however, took this the wrong way. He sagged, and took away the necklace. "I'm sorry, Yue. I guess it was too much, too soon. It's... it's okay if you don't -"

"Put it back on."

Sokka jerked his head up in shock. "What did you say?" He asked, hope dawning within him.

"You heard me. Put it back on."

With trembling hands, Sokka fastened the necklace around Yue's neck. The next three words she said cemented their loving relationship to the end of their days.

"Now kiss me."

And it was everything she had dreamed about, everything she had hoped for, when Sokka's passionate lips came crashing down on hers. She saw stars in the daylight as she was swept away by the wonderful feeling of love. They stayed intertwined together for a long time, and when they broke apart, Sokka said with a smile, "I'm glad you liked it, Yue. Ever since I heard about your tribe's customs... I spent day and night working on the necklace. I poured all my efforts into it... and you look so beautiful with it. I thought the fish really represented our love for each other, the odds in which we met, our differences... and also your connection to the moon. I'm so, so happy right now. Yue," he said. "I love you."

Yue smiled the first true smile in her long life. "Goodbye Sokka," she said shyly, pressing her lips to his cheek. "When we meet again... we will be wedded as husband and wife." She kissed him straight on the lips. "I love you too, you know," she murmured against his mouth.

Sokka wandered around dazedly, tottering in his disbelief and happiness. Arnook, Aang, and Zuko confronted him. "What did she say?" Arnook asked.

"She said yes..." Sokka said dreamily. "Yes... yes... yes..."

Arnook clapped his future son-in-law on his back, and Aang gestured with his hands to Zuko. Zuko smiled, and handed the three gold coins from their previous bet back to Aang. "It's not like I would've put it to good use anyway," Zuko joked.

Arnook took one good, long, hard stare at the two boys, and then sighed. "Way to ruin such a significant moment in my life," sighed Arnook. "My daughter is once again betrothed - connecting the two watertribes this time! - and you two just had to conclude your irresponsible dealings with each other. Do you have any respect for your elders?"

"Well... technically I'm a hundred-twelve years old," offered Aang, and together, they laughed, hopefully their last moments together in times of strife. When they settled down, Zuko and Aang offered their congratulations, said their goodbyes, and then dragged a lovesick Sokka to the ship they were embarking on that was destined southward.

Crescent Island/Hei Bai's Forest

Another farewell at daybreak. This time, the sun was unhindered, and shined freely over the beleaguered North Pole Watertribesmen. Pakku wiped the sweat off his brow, his many years spent in a frozen wonderland not conducive to the high temperatures he was currently assaulted by.

He walked up to Aang, presenting a box filled to the brim with scrolls. "These scrolls will help you maintain your mastery over water, Avatar Aang. Take care to never slack off your training." Aang smiled in thanks and bowed reverently to his teacher.

He stepped up to both Sokka and Zuko, both expecting presents. Pakku shook his head. "Although I don't have as great presents for you two, trust me when I say they're just as valuable. For you, Zuko -" he procured some money. "Watertribe money. So you don't have to use your accursed ashmaker currency." Zuko bowed gratefully. "And you, Sokka -" Sokka raised his head, knowing that although he himself shouldn't expect much, he couldn't help himself. "I give you some money as well, to supply you and the Avatar on your journey." Pakku and Zuko shared a glance at each other, and Sokka wondered why they were given two separate piles of money when they could've easily accepted one combined pile at once. "And I give you this token of your time at the Northern Water Tribe." Pakku slipped a wooden tile into Sokka's hands. His breath caught at the bizarre gift Pakku gave him.

The White Lotus tile? Like the one Zuko kept... he bowed to Pakku, wondering at this cryptic gift, but still thankful that he received something more than a pat on the back and a "Good luck, son."

"Now... farewell. Remember to fly straight to the Earth Kingdom base to the southeast of here. General Fong will provide you with an escort to Omashu. There, you will be safe to begin your earthbending training with the King of Omashu." Pakku couldn't help but add one last tidbit. "I never imagined the day when I'd be taught something about my culture - by a foreign child."

Aang shrugged. "One must always be receptive to new ideas - who knows what new things one might learn!" he grinned. "Monks."

Pakku smiled, and then sighed. "It will be quite draining in old age to create a betrothal necklace for Kanna... and I don't know if I can find the resources to make one."

Pakku had talked about proposing once more to Kanna, for once talking like a nervous fidgety boy a small fraction of his age instead of the calm, sarcastic, imposing man he usually commanded. Everyone enthusiastically backed the idea. And Aang was reminded of a certain something he had on his neck...

He took it off, admiring it for the last time in the glinting sunlight. It was slightly tattered, watermarked, and frayed from his many adventures, but for the most part, the necklace was intact. He took a deep breath, remembering Katara, and everything she had did to him, had done for him - and then let her go. He had to. For her own good. There was no point in her waiting for a boy who would never be able to provide for her and a family. He would be able to wait for her, but she had a life in the South. He couldn't get in the way of that. And, as the necklace reminded him, he had put Katara in indirect danger by wearing the necklace. He cared too much for her to let that happen. He proffered the necklace to Pakku. "Well, then, maybe this will be a worthy substitute."

Pakku paled. "Aang, I can't do this to you -"

But Aang was staunch in his offering. "Think of it as a materialistic greeting to Katara - and a redemption shot at Kanna." Pakku bowed deeply to the Avatar whom he owed so much, and Aang climbed onto Appa, refusing to let anyone see the tears pooling in his eyes.

With a sharper "Yip yip!" than he intended, he took off to the skies with his friends. And when he was finally out of sight of the ship and the others, he slumped over in sorrow, and silently let the tears fall freely.

Earth Kingdom Village (Ep. "Imprisoned")

The villagers were suspicious of the three incognito travelers coming through the Fire Nation garrison, and they endured many suspicious glances and hissing from both Fire Nation soldiers and civilians alike. This was the final straw for Zuko. He took a deep breath, gathering his courage to say what needed to be said, and do what needed to be done.

When they finally prepared to leave the village together, Zuko finally brought up something he had been dreading to say, but knew eventually had to happen. "Guys... this is where we part ways."

The devastated looks on the others' faces nearly made him change his mind, but he remained firm in his resolve. For once in his miserable sixteen years of mindless existence, Zuko was certain that he was absolutely right. "Guys... you've seen the reactions when people find out about us. When you guys are alone, the Fire Nation soldiers are suspicious, but it's not as bad as it is when I'm also with you guys! Take a look at the North Pole! I almost got us killed at least three times! It was only because of Yue that we barely escaped by the skin of our teeth. I know that they started warming up to us in the end, but still. No one trusts us together, just because I'm a person with ties to the Fire Nation."

"Ties that have been cut!" Aang cried. "I thought we were doing this together. I need a firebending teacher! And there won't be another person able to firebend that will be willing to teach me! And things will be so lonely without you..." Aang's eyes tore into Zuko beseechingly, begging the prince not to leave them behind.

"And we'll have other difficulties without you!" Sokka cried. "Less money, less -" he suddenly realized something and squinted at the scarred firebender. "That's why Pakku gave us two bags of money," Sokka stated. Zuko did not make any effort to deny this. "Ugh! I hate this! I hate you! I hate your stupid plan! Especially since... since you're right," he admitted, catching both Aang and Zuko off guard.

Zuko sighed with relief. "Glad you're on board, Sokka." But they still had Aang to deal with. The young boy frantically craned his neck between the others, stunned at this sudden reversal of events.

"But guys! -"

Zuko sighed. "Think about it, Aang. Right now, I'm more of a liability than anything. I can't teach you firebending because you have to follow the cycle to maintain what little balance exists in the world, and everyone's going to hate you guys since you have a Fire Nation boy, who is also a supposed Fire Nation traitor, in your midst. At least with me gone, people who hate the Fire Nation will support you guys. Besides, if it makes you feel any better, it's not so much a permanent separation as it is a pilgrimage I need to make. I want to see the destruction of the Fire Nation, and forge my own path. I need to do this. I'm sorry, guys, but it's for the best. Doing this... I'll be better able to help you out later. Not to mention people won't be so distrustful of you guys anymore. Trust me, sooner or later, we'll all be reunited. I can feel it -"

"Because it's our destiny?" Aang half-heartedly joked. But nothing could stop the boys from shaking with sobs. They all hugged each other, and Zuko placed his hands on Aang's shoulders, their grief at goodbyes having been set aside.

"Get ready for the next time we meet, Avatar... because I'll be the toughest teacher you'll ever have!"

"Yes, Sifu Hotman," Aang replied with a dullen tone, but his eyes betrayed the brave attempt of amusement inside of him. They chuckled at Aang's teasing, reveling in the fun company they had been privy to for the past several months. To think that only a short while ago Zuko was bent on finding the Avatar and returning home. Now, he had the exact same goals, but with a different perspective and agenda. He had found the Avatar. He had been brought to an important revelation. He wasn't going to throw that revelation away, and he would bring back balance to the world. His detour wasn't running away from his destiny; it was to take some time reflecting on everything that had happened to him, so that he would be all the wiser and stronger when the time finally came to aid Aang in his mission to end the war.

After their heartfelt goodbyes and wishes of luck, Sokka and Aang climbed on top of Appa, and Zuko waved to them as they became smaller and smaller in the distance until all he could see was an indistinguishable speck of dust among the clouds. He sighed, hiked up the backpack he had prepared for this moment, and began his long trek within the Earth Kingdom.

South Pole

Katara gazed out longingly into the sea of blue, seeing the same sights she always saw, the water holding nothing but icebergs.

Ever since Aang waltzed into and out of her life, she had been a wreck. Whenever anyone mentioned even the mere thought of his name, she would fumble whatever was occupying her attention at the time - whether it was overstewing sea prunes, nearly letting clothes float out to sea, or just plain helping out in the village. The people of her village learned to cautiously navigate any waters that were even remotely related to Aang. She was a literal mess, almost as bad as when her mother had died. The only thing keeping her going was that somewhere, Aang was doing his duty to the world, saving the world... and destroying her heart. She had almost nothing left. Her father had left for war - she didn't know if she'd ever see him again. Sokka had gone traveling around the world. And Aang...

Kanna proved to be a good ruler - but then again, it wasn't as if there was much that needed to be done. Sure, the South Pole was a mere shadow of the tales that were told of the days before the Hundred Years' War, but... it was perhaps because of that fact that not much needed to be done. Because there was no use in worrying about things that no longer existed.

A flitting, fleeting, precious moment from her life. Her only token - or lack of one - of the Avatar who captured her heart was the bare neck where she would sometimes instinctively touch. She wondered what he was doing, what he was thinking, if he was gracing someone else with his loud, ringing, laughter that rang like chimes in the wind.

She was tugged out of her thoughts when she saw a cone of suspiciously dark blue bobbing up and down among the gentle waves that led to their village. She started and quickly ran out to investigate, wondering who it was that had decided to visit them. Was it her father? Her heart quickened with anticipation and a somewhat halfhearted excitement at seeing her father and disappointment that it would have nothing to do with Aang.

Her spirits were brought even lower when she realized the style of the ship was nothing like her tribe's fleet. Multiple sails encircled a mast, creating the conical shape she had seen from so far away. The boat consisted of two hulls, of a color as white as the snow she treaded on. She squinted in confusion. What in the world would display such blue color? Certainly not the Fire Nation; they heavily emphasized their nationalistic colors of black and red. Definitely not Earth Kingdom; even if they hadn't come to vists since decades before Katara was born, she was certain they would be sailing under green and brown standards. So what could it be?

Her eyes widened when the only possibility presented itself to her, and she was brought out of her deep funk. She quickly ran to the tent housing her Gran-Gran, who was tending to a pot of soup in quiet solitude. "Gran-Gran!" she cried. "There's a ship coming towards us!"

Kanna simply raised an eyebrow. "Then let them come. If they want something with us, they'll ask us. No need for me to move my weary bones, little waterbender."

"But Gran-Gran... I think it's from the North Pole."

Kanna snorted. "What makes you think our sister tribe would come to us now, of all times, my little waterbender? From across the world during a century-long war, no less!"

"But the ship was white... and it had two wooden bodies, and..."

Katara needed say no more. After going through a multitude of emotions - fear, anger, pain, and... something else? - Kanna suddenly shot up from her sitting position, nearly spilling the boiling pot of soup, and narrowed her eyes. "I suppose it is. Bring everyone outside. Now."

The whole village of women and children were gathered in front of the ship that had arrived.

It was nothing like the wooden ships her father led. These boats were ornately carved and painted with white, and were much more elaborate in design. They had interesting protrusions at the bows of the two hulls. This eccentric and exotic design dispelled any doubts that the boat was from the North Pole.

Kanna stood behind Katara, hiding herself from the ship. Although Katara wondered at this, she let it pass. As leader, Kanna deserved protection - much more so than her granddaughter could give her.

Surprisingly, it was an aged man that took himself off the ship. He had a pompous air about him - but one that seemed recently tempered by something or other. She could see that although he was a very proud man, he had been exposed to a revelation that completely changed the course of his life in old age.

He appeared to be looking for something - or rather, someone - as he scanned the sea of faces before him. Katara was certain that he was probably looking for their leader, or at least a boy to talk to. She was surprised, therefore, when Pakku gazed at her, turned pale, and then strode briskly over to her.

"You must be Katara." Pakku said. The whole village gasped at these unexpected words. Pakku smiled. "Aang has told me much about you." She blushed furiously, wondering how they had met, and why Aang had sent him to them. She was answered a moment later when Pakku said, "I know it must be hard to be the last waterbender of your tribe, and to be unpracticed as well. That is why I am here. I have brought a small party of Northern Watertribesmen to reconstruct the South and restore it to its former glory. It's about time that us Northern Watertribesmen aid our sister tribe in the South." The man smiled at Katara. "And that means being your waterbending master."

Katara was stunned. All her life, waterbending had been her lifeline, her tie to the past, her tie to her people and family and culture. All her life, she had wanted to learn about waterbending and the art, and now she was given the opportunity to carry out her lifelong wish? She couldn't help herself. She flung herself into the old man's arms, and after an awkward moment Pakku clumsily patted her back. "There, there..." he said soothingly, and then he stiffened against her. Katara looked up at him, and saw his gaze on the person behind her.

Kanna stalked towards Pakku. Katara, not knowing what was happening, untangled herself and brought herself a respectful distance away. She watched the scene before her unfold.

"Well, well... look who's here..." Kanna growled menacingly.

The man smiled awkwardly, and held out his hands tentatively. "Kanna... it's been ages..."

For a moment, time stood frozen, the standoff between Kanna and the old man reaching such a high tension it felt as if the ice below them was cracking. Kanna broke the stalemate by slapping the old man in the face.

"You!" she shouted, and the whole village and the Northern Watertribesmen all shouted in shock. But when things didn't seem as though they could become wilder, Kanna suddenly pulled Pakku in for a heated kiss.

When they broke apart, gasping for breath, the dazed man smiled lopsidedly and said, "Me."

And they hugged each other, and the tribes erupted in shouts of joy and excitement. Even Katara couldn't keep a smile from her face.

That was quickly wiped away when Pakku said, "I know so much has happened since you left our tribe... but my love for you has always run as deep as the ocean. Do you think -" he pulled out a necklace and held it out to Kanna. "You could give us another chance?"

Her heart stopped, and plummeted in despair. It was the necklace that used to be hers, a heirloom passed through three generations of women. The necklace she had given to Aang, a shy, coy, sneaky, wistful, impulsive expression of her undying love for him. And he had sent it back, for someone else to use. She knew what this meant for her. It was a rejection. A goodbye.

A farewell.

Her heart shattered, along with what little remained of her world.

She was barely aware of her Gran-Gran nodding, happy tears forming in her eyes. She heard the raucous cheers from everyone else as though from a distance took a better look at the necklace, and confirmed her deepest, darkest fears when she saw the stone on the necklace was identical to hers.

Her necklace was faded and tattered and torn, like what Aang had done to her heart. But it looked so wonderful on her Gran-Gran's neck. She looked so happy, and the man who offered to teach her waterbending and Kanna were smiling at each other... Katara was happy that she had found love.

But jealous and hurtful that it ostentatiously marked the end of hers.

So while joyous celebration was occurring with the reunion of the two tribes and the revelations of love, Katara slowly walked away, head hung low, tears stinging her eyes.

He was lost to her.

Forever.

And as she sat on the hill where she and Aang had gone penguin sledding, she shook from the aching sorrow in her heart.

She had been so used to goodbyes. Her mother left. Her father left. Her brother left. And Aang was now gone for good.

So why did this goodbye have to be the hardest of them all?

That's the last you guys will see of Katara... for now.

This is the End of Pseudo Book One: Water. I hope you've enjoyed this wild ride as much as I have.

Please Review. And know that Book Two will be arriving at a fanfiction near you...