Hey guys, sorry for taking longer to update but Uni was stressful this week and it really made me lose motivation.
Good news though, it's over for now and I got two weeks free so I will try and post a lot more.
I don't know if in other countries the human anatomy is taught in the 10th grade but in mine it does so if anyone is confused why I wrote that then you have your answer here.
Also, we are close to the reunion so the next chapters will alternate between Aang and Katara POV.
I hope you like it.
Aang POV
It was 7:20 the next morning when I woke up both sad and happy. Happy because I finally got to see the boys of the old group but sad that they left and it will be at least two months until I see them again.
I got up from the bed and went to the kitchen to eat breakfast. I ate some cereal, brush my teeth, and change my clothes to a yellow shirt, blue jeans, my Adapt BB, and a black jacket in case it will rain.
I made my way to school on foot thinking about the promise I made to Sokka about taking to Katara face to face. It's been around 4 months since I left and I still love her.
I miss her smile, her big blue cerulean eyes, that smile that made my knees weak, her laughter that reminds me of chiming bells. Her brown chocolate hair that smelled like a stargazing lily which was also her favorite flower. And her goddess-like body that made my blood turn to fire. She was perfect. On top of that, she was my best of friends, my secret-keeper and the sun when my world was dark.
But still, she rejected me for someone else. Someone that I know, will hurt and use her. And she didn't believe me when I warned her, she chose him, and she accused me of bitterness. Her best friend, the pillar she leaned on when her mother died, the one constant thing that made her smile and laugh. She threw everything away and twisted the knife of rejection with just a photo and a text.
As much as I try, nothing can heal the pain I feel when I think of that day. And nobody will replace her in my heart, no matter how many girls I date and no matter how much she hurts me.
Maya is an amazing girl and I really like her but she reminds me a lot of Katara and that makes it even harder to be with the girl. It was unfair, but I told her about my predicament and she still accepted to date me.
I need to keep my concentration. Today, our team plays the Pit Vipers and it will be the hardest game we had. I need to be motivated and keep these thoughts away for now.
"Hey guys" I waved my hand to my group of friends that were waiting in front of the school"
"Morning Aang, ready for math and Anya?"
Hideo asked with an annoyed voice.
My first class was Math, which was a hard class to start the day. We will probably spend the entire hour doing Algebra or Geometry. It didn't help that Prof.Anya was one of the most drastic teachers in the school and would give you an F for not paying attention. I was still an A student, but I don't spend as much time studying.
"Don't remind me. I bet she will just give us another surprise quiz."
I replied with the same annoyed voice.
"Sucks to be you I guess," Seb said and Kuzon just laughed.
I and Hideo just shook our heads and went to class and sat down at our respective desks.
If we won't be given a test then we will probably have to solve Algebra or Geometry equations.
Lucky for us, the teacher didn't have a quiz but the class went as expected with the teacher writing a problem on the blackboard and calling one student to solve it. I was called too, but I didn't have much trouble solving the equation.
" I can't believe she gave us so many problems to solve today," My friend said while putting his hands on the head.
"Look at the good part. She didn't give you an F for not getting the right answer" I said with a laugh.
We both laughed while heading towards our second class.
The second and third classes were much easier. I had geography and biology which weren't much trouble and the teachers were more laid back.
The fourth class was PE and we will discuss our tactic for today's game.
"Alright boys, the Pit Vipers are a hard team to draw. They are very physical, they play very defensive and score on counter-attacks. Our attack will need to be clinical and score every opportunity, in looking at you Rubio and Nordën. Our defense has to be mobile and fast to stop the opposing players. The midfield will the most important part today. Kuzon, you will play your box-to-box role and help both the attack and defense while Marc remains in a defense role and Jacob helps the construction in the offensive. We will play a 4-3-3 formation today with Aang and Hugh on the wings and Seb as a central striker. I also convinced your next class teachers to excuse you and let you keep training for the match so you better not disappoint me. Understood?" Coach asked loud while looking at all of us.
" Yes sir" we answered and run on the pitch to start training. We were split into two groups today, the attacking players did passing and shooting drills while the defense did sprint, tackling, and aerial duels. We were all motivated to win today. We are 2 games away from the final and the regionals trophy, and we were determined to win no matter what.
The 2 hours of training went slow, and we spent a lot of energy getting ready for the game but we were ready. The attack was deadly and the defense looked strong, but the real deal will be holding and breaking the Vipers.
After the second hour passed, the coach told us to eat and rest after we got home so we get our strength back and to come to the pitch around 6, so we'll have another hour to warm up.
The final class was history and the teacher told us about the Earth Kingdom. We will also need to have our projects done for next week.
The class finally ended and I hastily put my book and notebook in my bag and made my way to the exit where I meet my friend every day.
"So, we'll meet at the pitch, or are we going together?" I asked sitting on the bench.
"I and Seb are going alone" replied Kuzon while taking a sip from his water bottle.
"Me and Maya can pick Hideo if he wants to come with us," Rayla said looking at Hideo l who smiled.
" I would appreciate that, thanks girls"
"Alright then, I'm off to take a nap so I don't fall asleep at half time," I said goodbye to my friends and headed home.
I arrived and stripped off my clothes. I also texted Yangchen to tell her that im going to sleep until the game. My alarm was set at 5:20 so I had time to get myself ready and arrive in time for warm-up while getting another two and a half hours of sleep.
I woke up at the sound of the alarm and rapidly got up from the bed. I ate some bacon and cheese and got my equipment. I had another 20 minutes until the warm-up begins.
I got my keys and bag and went to the car. I started the engine and put my destination on the phone so I can get the fastest way possible.
I arrived 10 minutes later and parked the car.
I got out and went to the locker so I can change in my football equipment.
Most of my teammates were already there including Seb and Kuzon.
Coach Santos gave us the drills we have to do and left us there. We have one hour until the game starts so we will be warmed up and ready to go.
It was around 20 minutes later when the Vipers arrived and they looked scary. All of them had frowns on their faces and looked like they were going to war, not to a football game. I knew that this truly will be a challenge and we will have to give everything to win.
We continued our training while they started theirs. They worked on mostly on defensive drills and some shooting ones.
It was 5 minutes before the starting whistle when the coach called us in a circle.
"Boys, I hope you are all ready to go because this will be the most demanding match you played. The tactics and the formation are the same, the rest depends on you" Coach finished and gave me a look. It was my time to motivate as captain.
" Guys, I won't lie to you, we will be tested hard today, as you were told, they like to play physical and they have a strong defense. We'll have to be fast and mobile, our passes must reach their target and our shots must be on goal. Our defenses need to be both strong and fast. Our energy, strength, and speed will be demanded constantly in this game but I know that we are capable of winning this one so let's go there and show those guys who Royal are" I finished with a shout.
"At three.1.2.3 Royal" We all shouted and take our positions on the field ready for the whistle. They will have the ball.
The game starts and they started passing the ball while we took our defensive positions.
At one point we intercepted the ball and we went on the offensive. I dribbled past their midfield but when I reach their penalty box I was surrounded by 5 players who dispossessed me and it was their turn to counter-attack but our defense also stood strong and got the ball back.
This was the way the game went on. When one of us had the ball in the proximity of their goal 4 or 5 players close on us and we were effortlessly stopped and the Vipers started a counter-attack. They were clearly more aggressive than us
We didn't manage to shot many balls on the target but nor did they. Our closest scoring chance was a cross in the box and Seb' header went over the crossbar while theirs was a counter-attack that our keeper stopped with a great save.
The first half ended in a draw and we started the second half with different tactics. This time we decided to wait them out.
This tactic however didn't work either because they kept passing and didn't attack. The time was running out but, alas, an opportunity didn't come and the 90 minutes finished in a tie. It was now time for overtime, two halfs, 15 minutes each.
The game was now a bit fierce because they didn't have enough energy to keep bringing 5 players to stop us so our team created more opportunities while they took on the defensive.
They kept fouling us, giving us freekicks and chances to cross the ball into the box but they did their homework and kept Seb guarded so he wouldn't be able to use his aerial abilities.
Overtime finished too and penalties were next. It is the final stage, now an individual battle. Keeper vs outfield player. It was a battle of nerves and calm.
They were first and the number 10 picked the ball and...scored, shooting the ball right in the center. Unfortunately, Jake, our goalie, dived left.
Kuzon took the first penalty for us and ...scored in the upper right corner.
Next, was their number 11, and ...scored again, this time, lower left.
Royal's next taker was Seb and he easily placed the ball right under the crossbar, leaving the opposition goalkeeper no chance to save.
The next two penalties of each side were scored and it was 4-4.
The Vipers were next and the number 12 placed the shot on the left side of the post...SAVED. Jack dived the right way and saved the shot giving us the possibility to win and it was on me.
I took the ball and placed it on the spot and got a big boost. The shot was heading towards the lower-left corner. The keeper dived the right way...
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I SCORED. He wasn't able to save the shot and Royal won the game.
All my teammates congratulated me while the crowd cheered loudly.
We were through and 1 game away from the final.
Coach Santos celebrated with us and gave me a handshake."Good job Rubio" he said smiling widely.
I, Seb, and Kuzon left to celebrate the win with our friends at Rayla's house.
It was later in the night when I arrived home and change into my sleep clothes. I fell asleep thinking about the last game we have to win until my reunion with Katara and my inevitable confrontation with my feelings.
Katara POV
I woke up the next day and went to the kitchen to eat breakfast when I saw my brother already up at the table.
"This is strange, I've never seen you awake before me," I said while pouring milk into the bowl.
"I just woke up and decided to eat something," Sokka said with a shrug.
I sat down at the table opposite to him.
"Do you think Jet wants to take revenge on me or Suki?" I asked a bit scared now knowing what my ex is capable of.
"Don't worry. I'll be around you the whole day. I already texted Zuko what happened and both he and Mai are going to protect you two. If he tries something, I'll kill him before he realizes what's happening." My brother said seriously.
I got up from the table and hugged him. He hugged me back while patting my head.
"Don't worry, if he hurts you in any way im sure Aang will be here in less than one hour and beat him into a coma. Of course, if he's not already dead from my beating." He said laughing and I chuckled.
"I wouldn't have a problem getting hurt if it means I get to see Aang," I said seriously. I really would not mind if I would get hurt if Aang comes back. I know that he would comfort me and be by my side.
I quickly thought of something else as I felt a tear roll down my cheek.
" I don't think he would be very happy if you would deliberately get hurt just so you can talk with him," Sokka said while putting the dishes in the sink. " But I promise you that and Zuko will do everything we can to make sure we reach the final so you and Aang can talk and sort things out. He promised me that if both our teams meet in the final he will talk with you. And I know he keeps his promises, especially to me."
"Thanks, big bro," I said with a smile.
He laughed as I went to brush my teeth and do my make-up. I didn't really use much, just a bit of mascara and foundation.
I dressed in a dark blue pair of jeans, a white shirt, and a navy blue jacket with white Converse on my feet.
Sokka drove us to school and we met with the rest of the gaang. I guess just the gang now that Aang is on the other side of this big city.
"Hey, guys. How are you? " I asked while hugging Suki.
"Good Sugar Queen, how are you? Do you want me to beat the shit out of Jet or ask my parents to hire a hitman?" Toph asked with a smirk.
I really hope she was joking about the hitman.
"I'm good Toph, don't worry. Suki took good care of him." We all snickered at this remembering how I told all of them how Suki whacked Jet in the head with a branch.
"Anyway, are you ready for the game Sokka, the Sun Warriors are pretty good?" Zuko asked.
"I am. We all need to be if we want to win." Sokka answered.
We all headed to our respective classes me with Suki and Toph and the boys with Mai.
When I entered the classroom I saw Jet looking at me with anger.
I tensed a bit until I felt my friend's hands on my shoulders.
"Don't worry, we are here with you" Suki said with a smile.
I nodded and I took my seat in the front of the class. I was a pretty good student so I always sat in front of the class.
The first class we had was Biology with Ms. Chen. This class was one of my favorite because we studied the human body anatomy and I wanted to work in the medical field so I paid more attention to it.
As the class went on, I could feel eyes on me but I didn't look back once, knowing it was Jet.
This was how the rest of the day went. I was unlucky because I had five out of six classes with Jet and this is what he did the whole time, just glaring at me but he never tried talking with me or hurting me in any way.
In the break, he spent his time talking with his friends but once we were in class he was back glaring at me but I didn't pay much attention.
At the end of classes, Sokka and I went home so we could get ready for the game. I took a shower and change my jeans and shirt to a black jumper and dark blue sweatpants and White Adidas Falcon.
My brother decided to change into his football equipment and let me drive to the pitch.
20 minutes later we arrived and we parted ways, him going to warm up and me joining my female friends in the stands.
"Hey girls," I said giving Suki, Mai, and Toph a hug.
"Hey Tara," they all responded.
"Is Sokka ready to play? The Sun Warrior is good," Suki asked me.
"He's ready. Both him and Zuko are determined to win the remaining game so we can meet Aang again" I said hopefully.
"Good, I miss Aang." Mai said while the rest of us looked at her with surprised looks on their faces." What? His jokes were funny and he sometimes listened to my problems and gave me good advice." Mai replied with a shrug.
I smiled at this remembering how he would also listen to me and always giving me good advice.
I was pulled out of my thought by the crowd cheering as our team occupied the pitch
The Sun Warriors also joined and their captain joined Jet in the middle to decide which team will have the ball first.
We have it and our boys took their positions and the game was on
It was the 30th minute when Zuko had the ball and he passed it to Haru who ran on the right flank and passed it back in the center to Jet who scored. It was 1-0 for us.
Everyone cheered loudly including me. I didn't care Jet scored but I was happy that he would bring me closer to the opportunity to see Aang again.
The teams resumed their places and the game resumed.
The first half came and went fast and the second half began when our team took the ball and charged at the opposite goal.
Jet passed the ball to a guy called Roy who then passed the ball between The Warriors lines and out Zuko 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper. The crowd cheered again when Zuko scored, and it was now 2-0.
The game was nearly over and we were in the lead with two goals when the one of the Warriors players was fouled in our box and they had a penalty kick which they scored and it was now 2-1 with 15 minutes to go.
They threw themselves at our goal but our defense stood strong and we defended every ball until the final whistle.
Everyone cheered even louder now as I and the girls went to meet the boys. As we arrived I saw Jet kissing one of his friends called Smellerbee. I just smiled at this, hoping that maybe I could do that with Aang someday, even though I knew he was in a relationship, I didn't care.
I was pulled from my thoughts by Sokka and Zuko coming out from the locker room and we celebrated together when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
It was Jet. My friends and especially my brother got ready to beat him if he would try something.
"Wait, please. I just wanted to apologize for what I was about to do in the park and what I said about you. Smellerbee made me realize what an asshole I've been and I want to change. I hope you and your friend forgive me. I am really sorry" Jet concludes while looking down.
I was shocked. This was the last thing I expected, but I could sense in his voice the regret and sadness. The exact same voice I use when I talk about the day Aang left.
I looked at him and smiled a bit." I believe you and I forgive you. I also have to apologize for what I said about you. It wasn't true. We are just not the right person for each other and I hope you and that girl are happy together."
He looked back up and smiled at me. Not a charming or seducing one. Just a smile.
"I forgive you and thank you.I hope you will find your person". He returned to his friends.
"Well, I certainly didn't expect that,"
Suki said with wide eyes
"How could you believe him Kat, he is probably thinking how to hurt you and wants you to drop your guard." My brother said with a concerned look.
"He isn't lying. Trust me, I recognize the regret in his voice" I replied with a sad look.
Sokka looked at me and he understood what I was talking about.
My friend hugged me and we parted ways, each of us to his home.
We arrived and found my dad asleep on the couch. We woke him up so he could rest better in his bed.
" Oh hey, kids. How was the game Sokka?" My dad asked with a sleepy look.
"We won" the boy replied simply.
"Good job Sokka. I'm sorry I couldn't come. I was tired but I promise if you reach the final I will take a day so I can come." The boys hugged while I went into the kitchen so I can eat dinner.
After this I changed into a large shirt and some shorts and went to bed, thinking about how close I am to seeing Aang again. I was determined to do anything so he would be my friend again, if not my lover, but that was unlikely seeing how he is in a relationship, but I didn't lose my hope.
I know this chapter is rushed in some parts especially the forgiving Jet part. Also, I apologize for the misspelling words am still pretty tired after the week I had and I didn't revise it thoroughly. I hope you enjoy it and I think I might post another chapter tomorrow, this one will be grammatically better.