The final day of negotiations and peace talks closed without incident. There would be more to discuss in the years to come; the grievances and needed recompense could not be fully counted for in only a week. But what had begun as tentative steps toward coexistence had become great strides.
There had been an interesting topic raised, one that Aang had not anticipated.
"Avatar Aang," Minister Shuo said, "we have spoken at length about the issues and concerns that lie between our three nations. But what of yours?"
Aang blinked. "How do you mean, Minister?" He was a bit wary of the representative, as he had quite soundly thwarted his attempt to gather the Fire Nation's princess for judgement. Grudges were carried over much less, but he had thus far not given Aang a reason to suspect anything nefarious. Even so…
"Perhaps I am thinking too far forward into the future, or perhaps I am merely ignorant of the grand designs of the universe. But certainly we gathered here should all be concerned with and take an active role in rebuilding the Air Nomads?"
"My people?" Aang asked, trying his best not to sound suspicious. He felt a familiar protective urge arise in his blood; he did not want to see the memory of his people tarnished any further.
"Well, forgive my bluntness, but a time will come when another Avatar must take up the mantle and continue the diligent work you will no doubt have accomplished."
Aang nodded, not at all affronted by the implication. The teachings of his people had familiarized him with death from an early age, and even though an Avatar's natural lifespan was quite long, he had no illusions of being an immortal being. His time would pass, as would that of every other living creature.
The lion-turtle from an abyss of time, his ancient voice booming in his head like the echo of a gong. Perhaps there was an exception to mortality.
Shuo continued. "The next avatar will be born to one of the Water Tribes," he said, nodding to the two chieftains, "though I doubt any among us will be present to greet them. Then the Earth Kingdom will have the honor of the next Avatar born to her people. Following that would be the a Fire Nation Avatar."
"Spirit's help us," his colleague said, his face paling. He covered his mouth when the entire room focused on him. He bowed his head in light of his faux-paw.
The sentiment was shared. An uncomfortable thought of the great power wielded by the Avatar born to island nation, and the relationship they may have with the Fire Lord. Some believed that Roku had not merely allowed Sozin to reek terror on the world, but even encouraged it. Aang knew that not to be the case, as he had seen it with his own eyes. It was friendship that had stayed Roku's hand and left him vulnerable to Sozin's treachery.
The notion was far in the future, but the implications unsettled those living now. This was one of the reasons the monks taught him to embrace the moment, to free himself from worries of things to come.
"The world today is very different from the one I knew," Aang said lightly. "I'm certain that in a few hundred years, it will be similarly unrecognizable to the one we have today. The legacy of the peace we build now will surely carry on far into the future." He meet Zuko's always narrowed eyes. "Including the Fire Nation."
"Indeed, that is our greatest hope, Avatar. As I was saying," Shuo said, tossing a glare at his fellow minister. "In time there will need to be an Avatar born of the air nation. In order to maintain the balance and the cycle of reincarnation for the Avatar, I believe this session would be remiss if we did not even broach the topic of restoring the Air Nomads, for all of our sakes."
Aang looked at the minister in a new light. Perhaps the man simply believed in the balance? And to advocate for his people was more than enough to endear him to the young monk.
Zuko silenced the room as he stood from his seat and gave a formal bow, his hands in the form of a flame. "If the matter is the restoration of the Air Nomads, I give you my solemn vow, Aang. The Fire Nation will do everything in its power to help restore your people. I can never undo what Sozin has done. But," he shook his head. "Anything you need, just say the word."
"Hear, hear!" Hakoda said, standing next. "I'm not certain how much we can dedicate to the cause, but the Southern Water Tribe won't sit this endeavor out. Balance is well and good, but we owe a good deal to Avatar Aang."
Chief Arnook nodded, less verbose but no less sincere as he stood. "Though the North have many differences to our brethren, on this, we wholeheartedly agree. The world can never be what was meant for us without the Air Nomads. Allow us to assist as well."
Shuo stood to bow as well. "You, of course, will have the Earth Kingdom's support. It is the least my country can do after you saved countless lives from Ozai."
Aang felt himself welling with emotion. Regret, hope, joy. He took a breath. He had to be the calm and stable pillar, but it was hard to remain stern and stoic when he was offered such support in restoring the nation he had lost in a night.
His first instinct was to humbly deny that any such measures were necessary. But Aang was a quick learner and a studious soul, so long as the topic had captured his interest. And if he took nothing else from them, he would come away from these meetings with a greater sense of nation building. His people had been largely self sufficient farmers who needed very little but their land, their bison, and their gliders. But going forward, it would take more than good will to restore his culture.
He stood and bowed to the gathered leaders, not as the Avatar, but as the sole airbender in the world. "I humbly thank each of you for your support. I'm not certain how to best utilize it, but I'm certain that from such generosity, a new air nation will be born."
With the pact between the four nations made, the leaders retook their seats.
Arnook turned his attention to Shuo. "I did not think the Earth Kingdom to be so keen on such an undertaking."
The minister adjusted his glasses. "Though it is something often overlooked, in practical terms, the Earth Kingdom has a vested interest in the restoration of the temples as well. At the very least, the Northern Air Temple. I understand that quite a few of our citizens have already taken up residence there."
Aang nodded. "I met them on my way to he North Pole. Some of them even joined our attack on the Day of Black Sun."
Shuo grimaced violently, a pained expression etching into his face. "Yes, well, I am proud that at least some Earth Kingdom citizens were able to help you at all, considering our… compromised state. I will see to it that they are commended for their service.
"But to return to the mater at hand. I have a proposal for how to best begin the rebirth of the Air Nomads. Something only possible given the pledges of cooperation just delivered."
"You have our attention, Minister," Chief Arnook stated.
"My thanks." Shuo then turned to Aang. "I do think there are no shortage of people the world over that would hold a great interest in your way of life, that of the nomads. And it takes people to maintain the temples, Avatar Aang. To uphold that life. Many of our refugees have taken an interest in the idea of inhabiting the remaining temples."
"You want the Air Temples to serve as a safe haven for refugees?" Aang asked. An unease crept into his stomach.
"I am not suggesting that your culture or the teachings of the Air Nomads be erased or smothered by an influx of outsiders. I am to understand there were… tensions upon your discovery of those residing at Northern Air Temple."
Aang vividly recalled his indignation and rage at what the Mechanist had done to the ancestral home of the airbenders. People often forgot. They were not simple homes atop isolated mountains. His people lived in temples. They were not merely abodes to house their physical bodies, they served as the spiritual centers of their cumulative efforts to attain enlightenment.
And that had been corrupted in ways that Aang couldn't stomach to think about in its totality. He was not one to stand on pomp and ceremony, but he could think of no other word to describe it than sacrilegious.
He swallowed the knot of anger that bubbled in his throat and said, "Yes."
"Then allow me set you at ease. What I envision, Avatar Aang, is a great number of disciples gathered by our three nations, each ready to inherit the teachings and philosophies of the Air Nomads directly from you, their sole heir."
"A sort of cultural exchange program?" Zuko asked.
"More of a permanent nationalization and relocation, Fire Lord."
"Then the citizens that participate would in essence be renouncing their homelands to take up the banner of the Air Nomads?" Hakoda asked.
"Indeed. From my estimation, each nation will have to give up a bit themselves and their populations to help restore the balance. But it is a relatively small investment that will reap far greater reward."
Citizenry were precious resources and the lifeblood of each nation. Aang understood if there was reluctance to give them up, if it was thought too much to ask.
"Long ago, there was a divide amongst my people," Arnook said, looking thoughtful. "A number of disagreements that became irreconcilable. And the departure of those discontented resulted in the founding of the Southern Water Tribe. I am to understand that amongst those that left the north some chose to remain in the swamps of the Earth Kingdom. Such splits are not unheard of throughout world history. And they have always resulted in the founding of new civilization. It would seem that it is our duty to take an active and steadfast role in this one."
"Well said, Chief Arnook," The Fire Lord said. "I believe that any willing to take up this cause should be welcomed to do so."
"What say you, Avatar Aang? Do these measures sound acceptable?" Minister Shuo asked.
A part of Aang wanted to be selfish. To keep what he had of his people locked away in his heart, for fear that their memories would be even further desecrated.
And yet… how could he deny that the very spirit of the idea? Giving shelter to those seeking it, and spreading the teachings of enlightenment to those who sought them. In a way, it epitomized the teachings of generosity and sharing that had left his people detached from worldly possessions.
The temple occupied by the Mechanist was doing well. It would be possible with the others…
Did he need help to restore the other temples? Now that he was an earthbender, he could repair the damage himself… and he wanted to do it himself. It was his hand that failed them. It should be his hand that laid them to rest.
But he would not let the teachings of his people die with him. And in the hands of others, they could spread to the four corners of the world, carried freely by the wind. Enlightenment did not belong to any one nation.
Aang smiled. "I would be honored to share the teachings of my people with those willing to learn."
"Very good. Then we shall each inquire as to which of our citizens would be willing to entertain this endeavor."
This was easily agreed to by the others.
Though a sense of unease continued to dwell within, Aang increasingly felt an excitement. Their teachings would not fade. Students from the world over, all gathered with common interest to learn the ways of his people.
Shuo, however, was not finished. "There is one other mater, Avatar Aang. It is a more… base concern, in a sense, but a very real one. That of new airbenders being brought into the world."
"I'm not really sure how the other nations could help with that." A part of Aang held out hope that there were other airbenders that were tucked away amongst the populace. But that thought sat in a quiet corner of his mind, pieces of it shaven off by the passing of each day.
"Through a tried and true practice. Those of noble families of all nations throughout history can carefully trace their familial ties gained through lineage and marriage. These lines go back for hundreds of years. I propose that we could organize similar methods for yourself. An arrangement that would allow for the world to be flush with airbenders in only a generation."
He looked at the man with open incredulity. "That sounds great, but how would it happen so quickly?"
Shuo chuckled, and Aang could see amusement on the faces of each of the men present, save for Zuko, who looked embarrassed. Aang was always ready to have a laugh, but he felt he was missing the joke.
"Well, let us say it is fortunate that you were born a man this time, Avatar, as this would all stem from you. From these gathered disciples, there would no doubt be a bevy of women willing to assist you."
"Oh. Great!" Aang rubbed the back of his neck. "Assist me with what?"
Shuo enjoyed the young man's confusion a moment longer before becoming serious. "Repopulation, Avatar. The next Avatar to be born from the Air Nomads will no doubt be a descendant of yours. And that requires a nation with which to learn the teachings from. To populate such a nation will require effort on your part. In the simplest of terms, Avatar Aang, I am proposing that we build you a harem."
Aang furrowed his brow as he puzzled through the words. The implication hit harder than the storm that had left him cocooned in an iceberg. His eyes slowly widened until his brows were nearly touching the arrow on his forehead.
"Even if not from the disciples, I'm certain that there are noble daughters who would gladly flock to your side."
One of his fellow monks at the temple had once embarrassed him enough that his head had been compared to a great tomato. Aang was certain that was what he looked like now. He full well understood that harems had been accumulated throughout history. Love amongst his people was rather fluid in a sense, given freely between one another. But they kept the men and women separated for a reason. They considered it a distraction and with good cause.
A stray, uncomfortable thought flitted through his head that he had proven it with Katara, with his unwillingness to relinquish her, even if it meant saving her. That had nearly undone the Avatar cycle entirely.
He stumbled through a politically appropriate response to say that he was uninterested. "I, uh, thank you for the consideration, but I think I will…uh… pursue traditional means of," he swallowed. "Restoring my people."
Shuo shrugged. "Then I will let nature take its course. Though I suspect you may well see the benefits as you get older. For now, we shall gather the interested parties. And return news to you by, say, this time next year?"
Aang nodded mutely. Thankfully he had not been required to give any significant input for the remainder of the meeting.
In the privacy of his personal rooms, Aang shrugged off his outer robe, leaving him in a simple yellow tunic.
He had been prepared for much in the negotiations, but the restoration of his people had not truly been on his mind. His focus was on the living nations.
Students from all over the world, ready to become nomads. It might not even happen. It could be only a handful of people. But even so, he would gladly impart what wisdom he could.
In one year… That would give him time to restore the Western Air Temple, which had been damaged both by Combustion Man's abilities and Azula's ambush. The other temples were in good condition but could likely use his attention as well.
He had to pay respects and bury any remains.
That other idea of the Minister's, though. It made him think of Katara… he felt himself redden. Things between them hadn't been well defined. He pined for her, but she seemed uncertain of him. Of them. If there was a them to speak of.
And he had handled it poorly. Maybe he didn't understand Katara the way he thought.
But… the war was over now. He had beaten Ozai. They should have time to talk. He should talk to her. Katara had decided to stay with him, in spite of the awkwardness. She would remain by his side. Surely that meant something?
As if he had summoned her, Katara approached.
He felt her footsteps before he saw her. He couldn't recognize everyone that way, not while wearing shoes, dampening his connection to the ground, a relationship already fraught with tension. But he had paid special attention to Katara's mannerisms. Her movements, the way she tucked her hair when it wasn't bound in her hair loops.
Aang turned, always happy to see her. The door flew open, and he saw her thunderous expression and teary eyes.
"Katara, did something-"
"You told her about my mother?" Katara asked, her tone wavering between accusation and demand.
"W-what?"
"Azula!" she shouted, marching up to him. "You told her about me! About my mother!"
"I-" Aang stammered and glanced at Ty Lee, who stood behind her at the entrance. She looked away. "I don't understand. Did you speak to Azula, alone? Why would you-"
"I wanted to see what you saw, if there was anything redeemable, anything worth salvaging. But all I could see was the same heartless bitch!"
Aang winced. Ty Lee, always ready to defend Azula, put her head down, saying nothing.
"Katara, I-I was trying to get her to relate to other people. To inspire her with how strong you are. I didn't think-"
"Didn't think what? That she would use it as a weapon? It's Azula, Aang! All she knows is lying and manipulation! She's nothing but a two headed viper!"
"If it's all she knows, that's because it's all she's been taught," Aang explained, patient. He reached out a hand to her.
Katara recoiled from him. "You're defending her? Even now? Even after…" Katara's shock and confusion gave way to consolidated anger. She narrowed her eyes. "Forget this, Aang. And forget her. Just tell everyone that you were wrong and that you'll hand her over to the Earth Nation."
"But.. Katara… I don't think I'm wrong about Azula. I know I'm not."
"Because you've 'seen her soul?' You're seeing things that aren't there, Aang!"
"Katara, I don't expect you or anyone else to be able to see it. I understand it's hard to accept against everything you know and have experienced."
"There's no need for you to stay and help her. There's an entire hospital for that. Just come with me to the South Pole, Aang."
The monk steeled himself against her pleading tone. "I'm not going back on my word just because it's difficult, Katara. I'm not the same kid who runs away."
"So you'd rather stay here with her?" Katara demanded, incredulous.
Aang shut his eyes. "Katara," he said, voice strained, "don't make me choose between you and what's right."
Her anger deflated a bit. "That's… I didn't mean it that way, Aang."
"I'm staying for her, Katara. And for Zuko. The Fire Nation. The world." He looked into her eyes. "For you. This is what's best for everyone. I know it doesn't seem like it, and I'm sorry she said such hurtful things to you. But this is the path forward. Toward peace. This is something of myself I have to give. Giving up on her now will only prove everything she fears to be true."
"Because you're the Avatar," she muttered bitterly.
"Katara, it's not simply out of obligation. Maybe this isn't a part of the Avatar's responsibilities. It doesn't matter. I want to help her."
"Yes." She slowly nodded. "This is who you are. But… I'm sorry, Aang, I can't do this with you. Not with her. I…" Katara swallowed and looked away. When she faced Aang again, there was something in her eyes that he'd never seen before, but had somehow always known was there.
"I was going to kill her, Aang."
His stomach churned and his legs felt weak, as if he'd been dealt a physical blow. "You don't mean that."
"I do, Aang. And I would have done it if Ty Lee hadn't stopped me. If it had been full moon… "
She left the threat hanging in the air. Aang could imagine the carnage that Katara could deal to a bound Azula while receiving Yue's full blessing. The feeling of his body obeying the will of another, his limbs not his own.
Aang smiled sadly and shook his head. "I didn't want any of you to stay with me to begin with. This was something I decided to do, but I want all of you to live your lives. I never meant to saddle you with this burden. I know how much it would be to ask of you."
"You want to deal with this… alone?" Katara asked.
She remembered the times Aang had flown off on his own. When he had been trapped in the storm that lead him to her at the South Pole. When he left after waking up to discover the fall of Ba Sing Se and a world that once more thought him dead. And when he had gone to confront Ozai. It never worked out as he intended, and it always ended up being too much for Aang to shoulder without help.
She and Sokka had never let Aang handle things alone since the dawn of their journey together. Even going so far as to venture into the Fire Nation just for Aang having a chance to speak with Roku, the Avatar before him. Even after they had temporarily left his side to follow Bato to their father, they both decided to stay with Aang.
"I won't exactly be on my own. Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee are all here. The Kyoshi Warriors. And the entire asylum staff."
Katara nibbled her lip in the adorable way of hers, when she worried. "But what about when you're alone with her? What if she gets free and…?"
Aang gave a disarming smile. "I'll be fine on my own, Katara. I handled Ozai, I can handle Azula. And I'm confident a time will come when she won't want to hurt me."
Katara looked at him then as if seeing him for the first time. "You really aren't the same kid." She bit her lip again. "So you're ready to be on your own now?"
Aang looked into her eyes and smiled, and she found herself recalling their time dancing in the cave. "I am," he answered. "Please don't fell guilty about leaving. I want you to return to the South Pole. Take your trials and pass them. I know you will. It's time the tribes and the world see you as I do." He bowed. "As Master Katara."
Katara felt her anger and worry melt, the way only Aang could do. She returned his bow.
"Then let's meet after my trials. Well, after…"
"Of course well will, Katara. I'll always have time for you."
She hugged him and he returned it. Embracing her warmth, and that clear smell of crushed flowers that he enjoyed so much. Feeling her body against his, he couldn't help wanting more.
"Be careful, Aang."
"Everything will be okay, Katara. I swear."
They pulled back, looking into each other's eyes, not letting go of their embrace. Her lips looked so enticing to him, as if they were pulling him in.
Ty Lee cleared her throat. The two separated, flushing guiltily. Aang rubbed the back of his head and Katara averted her eyes.
The Kyoshi Warrior gave them a wave. "I don't mean to interrupt, just wanted to remind everyone that I was here."
Aang wasn't sure what would have happened if she hadn't. Katara would be so far from him now, and who knew for how long?
The distance would create more uncertainty between them, and he knew that had made her hesitant to begin with. Katara would bring it up when she was ready. Aang held his desire in, as Katara had requested of him.
Katara felt the awkwardness following their embrace and Ty Lee's gleaming eye. But with her impending departure… No, not now. There would always be another time.
"The things I do for my friends," Toph muttered.
"You get used to tedious things like this," Mai said without moving her lips. Standing still and being quiet were amongst the first skills she had cultivated in her life. She hated it, but this was for a good cause.
"I could just bend a picture into bedrock or something. It would be even better."
"Toph's sandbending is pretty amazing, Zuko." Aang smiled. "I think you must have missed it when you started attacking me."
"But you'd miss all of the details of the faces." Zuko said.
At Zuko's insistence, they sat with the court painter, one entrusted with the portraits of Fire Lords past. Instead, he wanted a picture that would commemorate the friendship between them that crossed the boundaries of nations. He argued it would serve as a reminder everyday of the peace and kindness the world should strive for.
The painter, a middle aged man with sure and steady hands, had hinted that he could embellish or diminish their qualities as they desired. A common practice in portraits. Once Zuko understood what he was hinting at, he informed the artist in no uncertain terms that his scar was to be faithfully recreated. It was no mark of shame or cowardice, but a badge of his honor.
"I say you could have just left it to me. I could paint us just fine."
"Not a chance, Sokka. I don't one of your 'artistic endeavors' to be found and I'm mistaken for some hideous sea monster."
"Like that couldn't happen already."
Katara growled and made a subtle motion to her water skin.
"Ah ah, no waterbending, dear sister. You'll ruin our pristine looks and perfectly quaffed hair."
Toph blew her bangs out of her face. "I bet I don't even look that good."
Ty Lee gasped as she heard this unacceptable statement. "No way, Toph. You're super pretty! They couldn't make dolls as cute as you!"
Toph frowned and grabbed Ty Lee's hand. "You mean that?"
"Sure! Oh, and I can tell your skin is super soft underneath the dirt and grime. I can give your some beauty tips if you want. You'll be like a glimmering jewel everywhere you go!"
Coming from Katara was one thing; she'd lie about Toph's looks just to make her feel better, even convince herself that she meant it. Even from Sokka or Aang it would have been suspect to her. They never looked at her the way they looked at Suki or Katara respectively. But Ty Lee's words helped to soothe the lingering blisters the sharp tongued girls of Ba Sing Se had left on her skin.
She hid her face behind her bangs and smiled, letting the other girl go.
"Head up, Master Toph," the painter said from behind his canvas as his bush worked. He wasn't even looking at her!
"I think I'd like that," Toph said. "From what I hear glimmering is good, right?"
"The best!"
"Hey, you were never that accepting when I even suggested combing your hair," Katara said, fists on her hips.
"Maybe you just didn't make it sound appealing enough."
Had it been before his decision to remain behind, Aang would have grown bored of simply standing still, and begun fidgeting with his staff, which the painter insisted he hold. He simply enjoyed the presence of his friends all together. One last time.
Sokka's hand suddenly clasped his shoulder. "You know, the next time we do this, you might not be the shortest guy in our group."
"Next time?"
"Yeah," he said easily. "Next time."
The melancholy did not fade, but Aang found himself feeling hopeful of days to come. I'll make you guys proud. This isn't the end, Aang thought. Just a new beginning.
The bay of the capital city was a chaotic but functional gaggle of bustling bodies and bobbing ships ready to transport the waiting hordes back to their homelands. Wooden ships were moored side by side with steel vessels. Seeing these sailors and passengers coming and going, Aang smiled.
That's what ships were meant for. Meeting and separating, to come together and depart with greater shared knowledge. Taking travelers on further adventures where they would continue the unending journey of growth. They shouldn't be tools of war when they could be the methods of enlightenment.
Minister Shuo walked alongside his fellow delegates. When he spotted them, he stopped and offered a bow to the Avatar and company. Standing beside him were two men in red robes. Ambassadors appointed by Zuko to reside within Ba Sing Se and Omashu, so that the leaders of the two nations would have near direct contact when needed. They were brave men, to wade into the hostilities of a foreign country where many would harbor grudges against them. Bumi would make certain that no harm came to any diplomats under his protections but Aang felt less sure for whichever of the two ended up in Kuei's city.
They shortly boarded a grand vessel, the most extravagant ship Aang had ever seen. Rows of diamonds lined the ships hull, glimmering in the sunlight. It was otherwise decorated with the visages of badger moles and other fauna native to the continent. The sails cast shadows that stretched over much of the bay. Exactly the type of ship he would have expected Ba Sing Se to send to the Fire Nation. Cultural posturing would be alive and well regardless of peace or war.
Team Avatar stood before one of the vessels of the Southern Water Tribe, similar to the one that they had used for Sokka's right of passage, directed by Bato. Aang wondered where the ship had come from, but just assumed they had left it behind somewhere before the invasion, and retrieved afterward.
Toph set one foot on the the ramp leading to the ship and shuddered, stepping back. "Boats or flying. I'm really not sure which is worse."
Appa, standing near the group on the docks, let loose a disgruntled groan.
"Hmph, just for the record, I'm totally not going to miss you, fuzzball."
The flying bison merely grunted and nuzzled the girl. Toph actually giggled, much as she had in Aang's vision.
"Alright, you were the most tolerable of this group, I'll give you that. Make sure you get into plenty of trouble on my behalf, alright? Can't have things get too boring around here."
"Please don't," Zuko said. "The last thing I need is a ten ton bison wreaking havoc on my palace." He took a packet of something from his robes. "Here. You should have these."
Toph took the package into her hand and sniffed it. "What is it?"
"They're herbs that help calm sea sickness. Uncle sent them from Ba Sing Se. He wanted me to give them to you."
"So the old timer was thinking of me, huh?" Aang saw her lips tremble and knew she was fighting down her "sissy" emotions. "I was just going to tough it out, but I guess I'll accept. And thanks for giving me this, Zuko. It almost makes up for that fact you never took a life changing trip with me like you did everyone else. Try to be more like your uncle."
"I am. Everyday."
"Are you sure you wouldn't prefer the Earth Kingdom ships, Toph?" Sokka asked. "They probably have earth for you to bend on there."
"Nah, I should be alright with a couple clumps of dirt in the meantime. Besides, this could be my last chance to torment you for a while. Can't pass that up, can I?"
"Gee, I appreciate that, Toph."
"Momo, Appa, it's up to the two of you to look after Aang," Katara said, as though she were speaking to Aang's siblings. In a sense, he supposed that was true. They were three lost sons of a dead culture.
"I'm going to miss giving you belly rubs, Appa."
The great beast rolled over, and Sokka, Katara and Toph pet the bison, each with their own methods and each much to Appa's enjoyment.
"And I'm going to miss catching Momo from trying to steal my secret emergency supplies of meat."
Momo chittered.
"Wait, what do you mean supplies?" Katara asked. "Like, multiple stashes?"
"A vital resource to the war effort. I can guarantee we wouldn't have won without them."
A silence settled over them.
"So this is it," Aang said. It's not the end, he reminded himself. Even so, as the moment, approached, he felt apprehension.
He found it ironic that he was the least accustomed to saying goodbye to his companions, despite the many lessons of detachment passed onto him. Zuko bade farewell to everyone he knew other than his uncle. Sokka and Katara watched their father sail away. And Toph departed from her own parents. Suki had left her home and then the team after escorting them through the Serpent's Pass, returning to her duty.
He had met people the world over and always departed with them on good terms, looking forward to the day they would meet again. But he always had Gyatso with him, and the other monks to return to.
Wordlessly, the young group gathered in a tight circle and shared one final hug amongst themselves. Appa and Mom got in on it as well.
Sokka and Suki said their farewell, sharing a passionate embrace, followed by a kiss.
Katara came to him, and he knew already, before her arms even opened to embrace him. He reveled in their closeness, in her warmth.
He thought of the feel of her lips from atop the submarine. He wanted that again, more than anything, like a fire burning in his gut. But he fought the desires down. He wouldn't make the same mistake again, especially not during their farewell.
She pulled away. Her hands slowly slipped from his until their fingertips brushed, and a space was created between them that seemed less like a distance and more like and endless gulf.
Their eyes were locked as the ship sailed away. Until they were but specks to one another.
Aang and Zuko watched from the docks.
"Ready to head back to the palace?" Zuko paused, then said, "Back home?"
In his mind he saw the Southern Air Temple. Not the dead and vacant place it had become, but as he remembered it, the rich and vibrant hub bursting with life. Aang would never think of the palace as home, he was certain.
"I think I'll stay a bit longer."
Zuko waited a moment, trying to get a read on him. Then nodded. "I'll see you back at the palace, Aang."
He left with Suki, who gave him a comforting squeeze on his shoulder as she passed.
Aang merely sat with his remaining companions as the ship disappeared over the horizon. Something gripped his heart. A chapter in his life had closed and he wasn't sure he was ready for the next one.
He hadn't been ready for much of anything. Yet he had done it anyway. He would make it through this. With Azula, with the Fire Nation. He would see that this world was whole again. As four nations living in harmony.
He jumped onto Appa's head, shortly joined by Momo. "Let's get going, buddy. Yip yip."
People own the roads below would spot him in the air and shout. Aang, ever friendly, never failed to wave down in greeting from atop his bison.
There were a number of air ships they needed to avoid or maneuver around. Aang wasn't sure he would ever quite get over his disdain for them. He felt somewhat that their mere existence encroached upon his people's memories. The Fire Nation had taken so much, now they even had the sky. He would never forget the heartbreaking dread of seeing a fleet of those ships arise on the sunset of one of his great failures.
But it reminded him of the air temples as well. Of the purpose they could serve to those in need. Perhaps this was an extension of his people's gift to the world. Would the inspiration to fly have ever entered the Mechanist's mind had it not been for the airbenders whose home he had commandeered?
Was this not, in a roundabout way, the gift of flight coming from the airbenders and expanding to the world? He doubted that air ships would remain the monopoly of the Fire Nation.
An idea occurred to him then, one that he would speak to Zuko about.
They arrived at the palace. Now that the arrangements were permanent, Appa was given the finest stable that the palace had to offer. Enough hay to fill all of his stomaches, and spacious room that he didn't have to worry about breaking anything. It was perfect for a bison, so much so that Aang wondered what animal they had originally been meant for. Then he remembered that Sozin and Roku both had dragons, and there had been plenty around then.
Aang spoke at length with the stable hands about caring for both of his animal companions, about how Appa would like open air, and did not have to be shut within a stall to prevent him from running away. He patted his old friend and told them that a flying bison was comparable to humans in intelligence, and that Appa was clearly the smartest for picking him as a companion. He laughed as the bison's enormous tongue brushed against him.
He told them Appa's favorite fruit was honey melon, but he was only supposed to be given one a day. Appa sniffed at him.
Aang conveyed this in the friendliest manner he could manage. But the look in the stable hands' eyes when he had told them he was entrusting him with some of his dearest friends in the world, he may have said it with more intensity than intended.
Satisfied, Aang left them to return to his quarters. He used waterbending to clean the last bit of bison saliva from himself. Then he sat and simply let the minutes tick by. Let the silence envelope him.
Everyone encountered fulfilled a specific role, fitting into your life in one way or another. They were not always friends or allies. Ozai had been an enemy and a challenge that he needed to overcome. Zuko a perplexing test of trust and the potential of friendship. Azula… he wasn't quite sure. Not yet
Appa and Mom were great companions, and he was blessed to have them. He knew this every day he lived. But they weren't humans. He couldn't converse with them in the same manner. They wouldn't tell Sokka's lame but endearing wisecracks. They didn't prod and tease him the way Toph could. They couldn't provide the caring wisdom and compassion Katara did.
His friends were gone. Those he had traveled with, those who had brought him farther than he ever imagined he could go. Their hands at his back had kept him pushing forward. He couldn't count all the times he had been saved by them. And he couldn't truly measure how much his life had been enriched by them.
Friendship was such a precious thing.
Aang clasped his hands before him. Thank you, he thought to the universe, whose hand had guided their fates together, and entwined their destinies. Thank you for giving me such wonderful friends.
And every moment that passed they were further and further away, crossing the sea. It felt so strange being away from them after nearly a year of seeing them every day. When would he be able to lay eyes on them again?
It would be hard. But the strength they gave him would not simply fade due to distance. Aang would endure. He would thrive.
A ghost of Katara's fingertips leaving his own touched his hand. He became suffused with confusion and regret. The uncertainty ate at him again, nibbling away at peace.
He was a world away from the girl he loved, and though he would always have the means to see her so long as Appa was by his side, he was chained by his responsibilities. It had taken all his effort not to kiss her again, not to pour out his feelings for her. Aang had restrained himself.
And she had left. Without ever speaking of her feelings for him. Whether she returned them or rejected them. Was that meant to be answer enough? Was he supposed to continue waiting, pining for her in the months to come? The… years? How long would he remain in the Fire Nation?
As long as it takes, a voice said in his mind, and it sounded very similar to Kyoshi.
He couldn't have imagined it all, could he? The moments they had shared throughout their travels. She had been the first one to bring up the idea of them kissing, as they traveled through the secret tunnels. And the danced they shared together, again in the intimacy of a cave. Even though they had been surrounded by others, to him, it truly felt as if it had only been the two of them. As they stared into one another's eyes… Was that not what one felt with someone they wanted to be with, romantically?
But he had gotten no answer. Even in the final moments they shared together, only ambiguity remained on her part.
And she could meet someone else that caught her fancy in a way Aang apparently had not. His stomach clenched at the thought, and he decided to steer his brain away from it.
He received a knock and started. He could tell it was a servant before he opened the door.
"Yes?"
"Lord Avatar," he said, bowing at the entrance, "Fire Lord Zuko has requested you join him in his office."
Aang was grateful that there were already tasks that required his attention. Idle minds brought ruin to themselves. He would focus on the reasons for staying.
Zuko's office was a private study with decor befitting a royal, but less flashy than he would have anticipated. Books lined the eastern wall and several weapons of high quality adorned the southern wall behind Zuko's head. Aang felt a particular tug at his memory as he recognized the two broadswords.
Steaming tea awaited him as he sat across from Zuko.
"What's up, Sifu Hotman?"
His face cringed with distaste, but he refused to dignify the nickname with an acknowledgment. "I had thought you would come find me after you returned. I didn't interrupt any, uh, monk practices, did I?"
Aang smiled and shook his head. "Not at all, I meditated this morning. I was simply thinking…" he trailed off.
"Well, the prisoner exchange is going to take place in a month's time. I'd appreciate if you didn't get into any other Avatar shenanigans that would prevent you from making an appearance."
"I won't have to give a speech, will I?"
"It will say plenty if you're merely present."
Aang nodded.
"Will you be attending?" he asked.
"Minister Shuo assured me that King Kuei will be in attendance as well, so I shall reciprocate."
"That's good," he said, unable to muster his usual cheer.
Zuko was familiar enough with anguish to recognize the look on Aang's face. "Something troubling you?"
He didn't want to whine, but Zuko was the only friend he had to talk to.
He let out a long breath that was much too strong for anyone but an airbender. "I miss them already."
Zuko nodded and waited.
"It's been so long since I've been without them. I knew the war was going to end, and even when it felt like I might lose, I'd think to myself that if I did, I would never get the chance to travel with my friends again. To show them the world without the fear of a battle at every corner of it. But it also felt like we would all be together forever.
"We won the war, but I still had to separate from them."
Zuko winced. "Aang, I didn't intend to keep you from the others."
"It wasn't just that, Zuko," Aang said, shaking his head. "Whether it was here or anywhere else, I'd have probably needed to focus my attention elsewhere. Running off to solve this problem or that. How much time would I really have for them? I couldn't stay at the South Pole, either. They're safe, they're happy. That's enough. I just wanted to always share that happiness with them."
"We are where we have to be. It is through our hands that the world will be shaped, Aang."
Zuko's words gave the airbender pause. "Aren't you worried that sounds a bit like Sozin?"
His good eye widened. "No, not at all," Zuko said in a rush. He calmed. "Sozin's vision from the start was about supremacy, he just didn't realize it. Our words and actions carry weight. The world will look to us for guidance. I'm sure you're more familiar with it than I am."
"Tell me about it. Everyone always expects me to have the answers as if I was born with them."
"You weren't?"
"What?"
"Well, don't you seek counsel from your past lives when you face a dilemma?"
"I guess in that respect it would be true. But they don't always have the answers, either. It's more like advice. I still have to learn things on my own, through my experiences."
"And you will pass them on someday, to the next Avatar. That is in essence what we are doing, Aang. We all have responsibilities that will take our time and energies. We could spend our days relaxing and enjoying our success. But the resulting world would be a much worse place for it. For our friends, our families. Our countries. Our children someday."
Aang pursed his lips. "Zuko."
"Yes?"
"Growing up sucks." He deflated into his chair, sulking.
Zuko smiled and took a sip of his tea. "I had similar feelings toward my banishment. Thinking it would never end. Years spent at sea, my old, outdated ship hobbling from port to port. Searching for any shred of a hope of a clue."
Aang felt a flash in his mind, of a young Zuko, tears streaming down his unscarred face. Looming over the child with the feeling of revulsion coursing through his veins. How had such weakness come from his lineage? A lesson must be learned to salvage the boy, too polluted by his mother's kindness. He must learn respect… And by his own hand, which he had stayed for far too long. Suffering will be his teacher.
Aang closed his eyes and shook is head. That was a bad one. They weren't usually so vivid or long lasting. He took to his own tea, his mouth suddenly dry.
Zuko did not notice, his mind contemplating Aang's dilemma. And it brought him to a troubled time in his life, when he had been near his lowest. Nothing could compare to his betrayal of Iroh, but he had debased himself into thievery beyond the need for survival.
"During my time as a fugitive from my own country, I took leave of my uncle. I wanted to travel alone. But the truth is that I wasn't ready to be on my own then. Uncle knew that. Maybe somewhere in my head where I wasn't being stubborn I knew it too.
"But right now I have more responsibility and challenges than I did while I had my own wanted poster. And Uncle Iroh is in Ba Sing Se, retired. The difference is that now I've taken in enough wisdom that I am ready to be without him. At least most of the time.
"And I think it's the same for you. You did need them. But look at you now. I think you are more than capable of standing on your own. A fully realized Avatar at twelve years old."
The words echoed his own thoughts, but he appreciated them none the less. "Maybe you're right, Zuko. Maybe this is part of being the Avatar."
"Although I wouldn't say that you're alone. I'm still here. So is Suki. And Mai likes you. And Ty Lee, well she likes everyone. Maybe we could be your team."
"So, a new team Avatar?" Aang asked, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Sure."
"Okay. So would you be Katara or Toph?"
"Wha? Why would I be either one of them?" he demanded. "If I'm anyone other than myself, then I'll be Sokka."
"Sokka? You?" Aang tried to cover his mouth before a laugh escaped, but it sounded very much like a snigger.
"What's that tone mean, Aang?"
"Ah, well, it's just that Sokka is the wisecracking meat guy. Besides," Aang said, unable to deny himself a devilish grin, "Sokka's plans actually worked for the most part."
"My humor is perfectly sufficient, Aang. And my plans were improvised!"
"Don't worry Zuko, sometimes you're just as funny as Sokka. Even if it's not on purpose."
"Like when?"
Aang cleared his throat and adjusted his voice to match the rasp of his friend. He raised his hand in a wave. "Hi. Zuko here."
Fire Lords were not known throughout history for their propensity for blushing, but if only a portrait could have captured Zuko's face then. It would be his greatest legacy, Aang felt certain.
"I did not sound like that," he growled.
Aang chuckled. "Yes you did. You can even ask Appa."
Zuko merely folded his arms and glared.
"I guess Mai can be the Toph of the group. She seems like she's into tough love. And Ty Lee can be the Katara." His mind drifted to the feel of either of their bodies pressed against them. Aang swallowed and breathed in heavy to keep himself from flushing.
"So whose the new Zuko?"
"I suppose all I would need is an enemy turned friend."
They paused and looked at one another, and each knew their minds were on the same firebending princess.
Aang knew that he shouldn't, but he just couldn't help himself. "So Azula will be the new Zuko."
Zuko was quiet a moment. "Aang?"
"Yeah?"
"If you ever want to coexist peacefully in the same world with my sister, never tell her that."
Azula had been moved out of the Palace dungeon and transported back to the asylum before the talks had fully concluded.
Now that the topic had been broached, Aang asked, "So what island is the institution located on?"
Zuko opened a drawer from his desk and pulled out a scroll. He unfurled it to reveal a map. Aang followed the line his finger drew from the palace to the island relatively close by. "It's on Jishu, southeast of the capital. It's a quarter of a day's trip with an airship."
Aang judged the distance. It would take less than two hours or so for Appa to reach it.
"I've set aside one of our simpler models for your sole use; I can have it ready anytime you want."
Aang made a face. "Why would I ever need one of those when I have Appa, the original airbender."
Zuko shrugged. "Well, Appa isn't a machine. There may be days you want to let him rest. It may just be something you'd like to experience. Aren't you the least bit curious about what it feels like to fly on something other than your glider or your bison?"
In a childish display, Aang stuck his chin out. "Not really." He settled into a thinking posture as his earlier idea came to him. "But there are plenty of people that would be."
"Be what?"
"Interested in flying. Zuko, you did mention how worried you were about shifting from a wartime economy for your people, right?"
Zuko grimaced. "Our sole focus has been the war effort, and though I hate to phrase it this way, that has been a prosperous endeavor for my people. All of our advanced metallurgy have gone into the development and production of tanks and ships. I pledged to end the production of war machines during the peace talks. But without that central drive, I worry about what those energies will be put towards."
It reminded him of Zuko losing his firebending after he had given up the life he thought he wanted. That concerned Aang as well, the lack of purpose. But he saw a solution.
"What if you didn't stop the production?"
"I think that a continued arms race will send the wrong message to, well, to everyone, Aang."
"Maybe for the ships and tanks, but what if you focused solely on the airships?"
Zuko folded his hands in front of himself, the picture of a waiting king. "I'm listening."
"Do you know how the war balloons were created?"
Zuko thought back. "Sokka mentioned that a friend of his invented them. I had originally assumed it was some genius who wanted to make a name for himself."
Aang gave a rueful smile. "They were created by a man known as the Mechanist. He also invented the submarines. He's one of the refugees that took up residence at the Northern Air Temple. I was thinking that you could sell them commercially rather than for military use. And with each of the air balloons produced and sold, he would receive a percentage of the profits. Money that would in all likelihood be used for the benefit of the temple, if not the all of the temples. Usually the selling an invention comes with royalties to the inventor, right?"
"Yes, they are typically rewarded with contracts. And he certainly deserves compensation for his work." Zuko smiled. "And in this way, the Fire Nation can help to restore your people."
Aang nodded.
Zuko's smile slipped away from him. "My war ministers and generals will be far from thrilled with the idea. I'm already on tense terms with some of them."
"How do you mean?"
"Giving up that technology means forfeiting the strategic military advantage, and providing other nations with the same means."
Aang paused. "Your country needs to be prepared to defend itself. I understand. But that's faulty reasoning induced by fear."
Zuko waited, and so Aang continued.
"The Mechanist is already free to design them for Ba Sing Se or anyone else that asks. I wouldn't be surprised if they contact him at some point to do exactly that. You can stay one step ahead. This will generate funds for the Nomads and keep your country productive, by exporting airships. That should silence the dissenters about a coming economic collapse."
Zuko nodded, then gave him an appraising stare. He had a surprising mind for the building of wealth for a penniless monk. "Are you speaking as the Avatar, or an Air Nomad?"
Aang bowed his head. He had never considered the conflict of interest that may arise between his roll of keeping balance and rebuilding his nation. They had always seemed one and the same to him.
But rather than feeling guilty, he felt he was simply doing what was best for the country he needed to build. He gave the Fire Lord a cheeky grin. "I am the last airbender, after all. That makes me the head of state by default. Basically a king."
"As if you had monarchs."
Aang raised a brow. "How do you know?"
Zuko realized that he truly had no way of knowing. Sozin had so perverted history that any accurate account of the Air Nomads and their culture would have burned to cinders.
He scowled. "So you could just be making it all up?"
"When you acquire ancient wisdom, the truth will make itself evident to you."
That sounded like something his uncle would say to cover up his debaucherous ways. But there was no way he could catch Aang if that were the case.
Zuko smiled, and felt a burden lifted off of his shoulders. Something good that could come directly from the war effort, something that could help the people of the world.
You wanted to use these to destroy the world, Father. Now you will see what this power can do in the right hands. will show you and Sozin both.
Zuko paused. "I'm not so certain that people would be receptive to the airships. At least not yet. We flew them over the skies of Ba Sing Se when we occupied the city. What Minister Shuo said about his people and what they witnessed unsettling them may carry over to airships just as they would our tanks, or any Fire Nation machinery."
"Maybe. But it should set them at ease if they see the Avatar using one."
Zuko made a face of inquiry.
"I'll show up with the prisoners during the exchange," Aang explained. "That will show the good they can do, as they are bringing them back to the Earth Kingdom."
Zuko leaned into his chair. "As I said, your presence alone holds power."
"In the meantime, I'll write a letter to the Mechanist to see what he thinks of the idea."
Zuko nodded. The lull in conversation gave him the opening to voice a concern lurking in his mind for several days.
"When do you think you'll go to the institution?" Zuko asked tentatively.
Aang stiffened just a bit, but Zuko noticed. "I think I'll visit her in a few days time. Give her a chance to get settled beforehand."
"I understand Azula upset Katara quite a bit. That's why she left, right?"
Aang looked away. "I'm just going to give her enough time to get settled back."
Zuko wondered if Azula wasn't the only one that needed time, but he thought better than to say it. He felt he should apologize for her behavior, but wasn't sure it was his place, or if Aang even needed to hear it.
"Aang, Azula has a way with words. She's never defenseless, even if her bending is suppressed. It's another reason that I didn't want to send her to the Earth Kingdom. She has the intelligence and cunning to be a severe threat without any physical force. She get's into your head. See's through you."
"Zuko, do you know the goal of my people's philosophy? Of enlightenment?"
The monarch shook his head.
"It is the understand the universe. But to do that, we must first understand ourselves. Self reflection, introspection, are the core demands of our ways. If Azula can tell me anything about myself that I don't already know, I'll be grateful to her."
"Azula always lies, Aang."
"She can't lie to me, Zuko. Not about the things that matter," Aang said. Zuko looked at him in shock, the claim challenging what he had always set as the foundation for his relationship with his sister. But Aang only showed a certainty that left little doubt that, at the least, he believed it.
After a few days of meditation and reflection, and with no pressing matters emerging, Aang felt ready to see to Azula once more. He couldn't waste the opportunity he did have to speak to her without distractions. Eventually something would come up.
He said his goodbyes to Zuko and the others. Suki wanted him to be careful, speaking of Azula's sharp tongue in a way similar to Zuko. Mai loomed and said nothing, and Aang was unable to read her. He got a big hug from Ty Lee, and he felt a bit guilty from how much he enjoyed it. She thanked him and wished him luck.
It almost felt as if he were being sent into battle against Ozai again.
Appa's saddle was now thoroughly cleaned and expertly fastened. Momo curled into his favorite spot, directly on the center of Appa's back.
They took to the skies, their course set to the island where an imprisoned princess resided.
So obviously the weekly update schedule got away from me. I had to write this chapter pretty much from scratch, which I had not anticipated. But I added a lot of new story elements and did some world building.
No Azula this chapter, which I never thought would happen. But she'll be the focus next time.
Thank you for the reviews. I read and appreciate each one.