HELLO, FOLKS. It's been a long time. Hope you enjoy this chapter, it doesn't have much new events, but it's a lot lighter than the previous ones, i hope you like it.


Aang

He finally decided to leave the house. As harmful as they were, Katara's words the previous day knocked some sense into him, he's finally leaving the house, although Sokka's urgent message was the main reason for that to happen.

The Previous night was very hard and emotional for Aang to bear, he cried for half an hour after Katara left the house until the liquor and the weariness got the better of him and he finally surrendered to slumber and by no means did sleep make any difference, it was a night of nightmares, and when he woke up, he had a head for ten, it was a very horrible and annoying hangover.

Eventually, he got over it after a shower, he decided not to drink any liquor today as he put on his clothes and made some breakfast during which he received Sokka's urgent message.

Sokka's message basically said,

"Aang, there are urgent matters to discuss, meet me and Tolan at the Yu Dao administrative building.",

Aang on the other hand was considering going to the building anyways to inform them of his next move, He's finally decided it's time to meet with Avatar Wan. He's been very busy ever since the spirit told Aang of the way to connect with Wan, Aang decided no more stalling, they have won the battle and The Firenation conquest is over, any other matters can be delayed until he meets with Avatar Wan, he opened the door to his house and stepped out, making his way to the building.

As soon as he got out of the house and he started getting weird looks from the people, in broad daylight people took a good look at him, and since there were no Airbenders in town except for him, they knew he was The Avatar, and they knew that he finally came out of his cocoon as Katara called it, they must be feeling the strange need to talk to him, Aang decided to pick up the pace to get rid of the weird looks that were pointed at him. Finally, he arrived at the building, and he found Sokka and Tolan waiting for him outside.

"Hey, Sokka." Aang called as he approached the two men, Sokka noticed him and smiled warmly.

"Aang! Good to see you back with the living, buddy." Sokka said as he shook the airbender's hand, Aang smiled at him, but his smile wavered as soon as he noticed Tolan beside Sokka, the youngman didn't even look at him.

Aang wanted to address this but decided it can wait, "So, What's going on?" Aang asked.

"We can't speak here, we'll draw so much unwanted attention, let's head to the back of the building, it's completely covered." Sokka said, Aang had a look of confusion on his face, but decided to follow Sokka anyways, they reached the back of the building, and Aang waited for Sokka to start talking.

"You remember Jeri?" Sokka started by asking, Aang looked pensively for a second before the name clicked.

"Yeah, Shun's right hand." Aang said.

"That's the one, we interrogated the man and finally found out that Azula is definitely not a part of Zhao's scheme, she was the one responsible for the rebels' deaths and now she's The Firelord." Sokka informed, Aang was about to argue but Sokka beat him to it and continued,

"I know she's your friend, but yes, she killed these people. Anyways, She is The Firelord now, and The Firenation got word that you are still alive, I suspect after what happened here in Yu Dao, Azula will have to declare you an enemy of the state if she is to win over the people." Sokka said.

"Ok, that's it. who do you think Azula is? She's my friend, she would never turn The Firenation people against me."

"Oh, she already did. i wish i had the power to turn my people against you." Tolan said all of a sudden.

"Excuse me?" Aang said, trying to get confirmation that this was indeed an insult.

"Knock it off, Tolan." Sokka scolded.

"No, wait a second, Sokka. i don't think i can keep talking with the presence of an attitude like that. speak your mind, Tolan." Aang said passive-aggressively, Tolan was staring daggers at The Avatar, Aang wondered where that sudden change of attitude came from, but he suspected he's about to find out.

Tolan broke the stare and huffed, "Nothing. i'm leaving." Tolan said refusing to answer Aang's question, he turned on his heels and left quietly.

Aang kept staring at his departing figure for a second before turning to Sokka, "What the fuck was that?" Aang asked angrily.

"He did mention something about being angry at you for not attending the meetings and not caring about the state of the world." Sokka clarified for Aang.

Aang stood motionless for a couple of seconds, trying to find a silver lining and not admit that Tolan was absolutely right to be mad, eventually he gave up, and decided that it was indeed his fault.

"I guess he's right to be mad then." Aang said with his sight on the ground.

"It's okay, i don't blame you. i would have been in a worse condition had i gone through what you went through, but you came a long way in only a week. some strong spirit you have on ya, man." Sokka said admirably, he does know how to talk sometimes, but it wasn't enough for Aang to forgive himself,

Aang decided to change the subject or rather get back on the main subject, "So, you were talking about Azula turning The Firenation on me." Aang said.

"Oh Yeah Right.. since you are the public enemy number one, Azula will most likely refuse to meet with you at The Firenation Capital, so we'll have to smuggle you in." Sokka said.

"Wait, Wait a second, why would i go to The Firenation Capital?" Aang asked.

"To negotiate with Azula, we need her army, Aang. we can't fight The Dark spirits on our own."

Aang started to grasp what Sokka was saying, "Okay, Okay, Hold on a second. you are telling me that you are going to smuggle me into The Firenation Capital, and you want me to meet with Azula in secret to negotiate with her?" Aang asked.

"That'a about it." Sokka confirmed.

"Are you out of your damned mind?!" Aang questioned as he almost stormed off angrily.

"Come on, Aang. Azula is your friend, outta all of us you are the one with the most chance to knock some sense into her, maybe it's a stroke of luck that she became Firelord, so you could convince her to help us." Sokka said, and Aang did consider the offer for a second.

"No. No! I can't use our relationship to my advantage, Sokka. it's not me." Aang said although he's still considering the offer.

"It's not to your advantage, it's to the world's advantage, you are the only one who can talk to Azula, convince her to lend us her army until this Spirits War is over and then we can get back to settling our private problems. i know it's going to be hard to convince her to collaborate and it's going to be harder to convince our own people to collaborate but if it means our survival then we have to try." Sokka said, sounding like the wisest man in the world in Aang's ears, but still not enough to convince him, in fact it raised a question in Aang's mind.

"Convincing our people to collaborate? so you are telling me that nobody knows of your scheme?" Aang asked.

"With the exception of Tolan and Jeri. Aye, Nobody knows." Sokka confirmed.

"Sokka, you are really out of your damned mind." Aang said with angry eyes and tried to walk away from him only for Sokka to block the path with his arm with an even angrier look in his eyes.

"You once told me you would do anything to fix your mistakes and when i propose the perfect plan you chicken out?!" Sokka asked with rage-filled eyes.

Aang snorted, "The Perfect Plan? That's funny. guess that's why you are the meat and sarcasm guy." Aang mocked sarcastically and tried to take the other path, only for Sokka to block it too with his body.

"You know my plan is perfect, and you want to do it, but something scares you about meeting the princess."

"Yeah, the princess scares me." Aang said trying to find a clear path but each time Sokka blocks it.

"Nah, i don't think so. I saw you cutting through dozens of firenation soldiers during the battle of Yu Dao, i doubt The Princess's raw power scares you, it's something about your past with her."

"Move or i'll make you move, Sokka." Aang warned, clearly Sokka's line cut deeply.

"Did you sleep with her?" Sokka asked all of a sudden making Aang stop dead in his tracks, eying Sokka carefully.

"Who told you that?" Aang asked.

"Nobody. but you just confirmed it." Sokka said with a smirk, reminding Aang of the same mistake he made with Shun, when he gave away not having The Avatar State which made him at a disadvantage against the deceased firebender.

"Well, you caught me. Congratulations."

"Aang, you have to let bygones be bygones, So what you slept with The Princess? I slept with the daughter of one of the watertribe councilmen, i refused to go to the council building for a week after i knew he found out, but when i actually faced my fears and decided to go, i found that he was an understanding man, and he told me that his daughter is over eighteen and she can do whatever she wants, People can be surprising sometimes, all you have to do is roll the dice." Sokka said, why's he so damn wise today? Aang almost lost his mind.

"Sokka, i can't go on with this plan." Aang said, and Sokka sighed disappointedly appearing to have lost all hope, until Aang continued, "Well, not now anyways."

"What do you mean?" Sokka asked.

"Well, there is a trip that i have been stalling for months, i met a spirit that told me of a way to speak with The First Avatar, the only person who countered and defeated The Dark Spirit Vattu, his name is Avatar Wan, and he can be of great help to me, i'll depart for the island at which i am supposed to meet with him tomorrow." Aang informed.

Sokka looked like he was processing all of this for a second before he asked,"Why didn't you tell us all of this before?"

"I almost forgot about it myself, i was so consumed with the battle of Yu Dao and its outcome that i neglected everything else." Even Katara. he almost said, but decided against it.

"Well, if it's going to help us with this war, then by all means, but you need uhm.. you need uhm.." Sokka trailed off, apparently he was about to say something but reconsidered.

"I need what?" Aang asked.

Sokka mulled it over for a second, before shrugging and then he told him, "Well, you need a new bison." Sokka said, and Aang realized why reconsidered saying that.

Aang's face turned to a huge frown, he was glad that his mind finally thought of something other than Appa until Sokka came along.

"Oh, Yeah.. i guess.." Aang said sadly.

Sokka tried to lighten the mood, "Well, Lucky for you, Master Tenzin promised to send Senge back with a bison for you, but it's likely to arrive in two days so.. i guess you'll have to.. wait.. for a bit." Sokka said apparently thinking of his words carefully.

Aang smiled for the first time today, "Well, looking forward to seeing that little rascal again." Aang said cheerfully.

Sokka smiled at this, "Yeah. it's been four days but i already miss the little guy, i am sure Katara does too, and since she's staying for a couple more days, she's going to say hi to him herself." Sokka said.

Aang lost all thoughts that were going on in his mind at this. Katara is still in the city?! He screamed the question in his mind.

But he decided to compose himself in front of Sokka, "Katara is still in the city?" He asked cooly.

"Yeah. one of her patients suffered a relapse apparently, so she's staying with him for a couple more days until he improves, then off with her to Kyoshi Island. Apparently fate wants her to stay with me for a while until i conclude my business in the city so we can go see Mom together. i still don't know what changed her mind and made her wanna leave this early,, to the point that i am kinda thankful to the patient who suffered a relapse, does that sound weird?" Sokka asked but Aang wasn't hearing any of it.

Aang was seriously considering running to the infirmary and hugging Katara closely and apologize to her, he felt like fate granted him this opportunity to make amends to her, he cherished Katara more than anyone in the world, and now he needed her more than ever. He kept engrossed in his thoughts until Sokka brought him back to reality.

"Hey, Aang! Wake up." Sokka said snapping his fingers in front of Aang's eyes.

"Huh? What?" Aang asked.

"You kinda spaced out a little, is there something wrong?"

"No, Nothing. I'm glad Katara is still in the city, i wanna talk to her actually. where can i find her?" Aang asked.

Sokka looked at him questionably, before he finally gave him her location, "She's in the infirmary." Sokka said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, which probably it was, Sokka just told him that Katara decided to stay for a couple of days for the patient, of course she's in the infirmary.

Aang blushed at this, "Oh, Sorry. i wasn't listening at first. Well, i'll see ya later then." Aang ran off, but Sokka's voice caught up with him.

"What about our plan?" Sokka asked.

"I'll discuss it with you later." Aang responded then picked up the pace towards the infirmary, finally he's going to make things right with Katara.

Zuko

It was time for the team to finally meet with The young chief of The Northern Watertribe as Zuko, Master Fung and Toph were waiting in the main hall waiting for his arrival.

Zuko couldn't have been more anxious as to the reason Master Fung chose him for this mission, Master Fung told Zuko that he only met with him because that's what Iroh commanded and a Grand Lotus's command must be carried out, but there must be more to the story, Zuko has had his suspicions ever since he left for The Northern Watertribe but he decided to keep them in, no matter what the reason is, at least he was certain Master Fung means him no harm.

It's been some time since Master Fung informed him of the two events that shock him to his core, and to this moment he still hasn't recovered entirely but at least he could manage.

Aang is alive and has taken back Yu Dao. Azula is out of prison and is the current Firelord. What In The Actual Agni's Hell. Zuko thought still finding it difficult to comprehend and he was sure Toph by his side is having the same thoughts as she's been silent ever since Fung told her of the recent events, she told him that she doesn't want to speak to anybody and so Zuko decided to respect her wishes and she never spoke a word.

"You'll have to speak sooner or later, you know?" Zuko finally broke the silence.

Toph sighed heavily, "I'll speak when i want to."

"Toph, come on. at least tell me what's bothering you."

"What's bothering me? you mean it's not bothering you? that Aang has been alive all this time and he never spoke a word to us? like we have never been a part of his life?!" Toph finally said with a look of hurt clouding her milky eyes, Zuko's eyes widened, he wasn't expecting such heart-felt confession.

"How could he have known we're alive, Toph? we just got out of prison, and i doubt Zhao told anybody of this."

"We got out of prison months ago. he could have announced to the world that he is alive and we would have been the ones to find him, Now we are not even sure if we'll see him again or not, that fucking Weasel!" Toph shouted angrily.

"Toph, Stop. you don't want the guards to take it the wrong way, they'll think you are speaking ill of their chief." Master Fung interfered calmly.

Before Toph could utter another word, Zuko spoke up cutting her off, "We'll try to keep quiet, Master Fung. but their chief is late."

Master Fung sighed, "Yes, i don't know what's keeping him so long. but let's be patient, he'll show up sooner or later." Fung reassured, and the group went back to their usual silence.

Suddenly the doors swung open, and entered a youngman and by his side were two old men, Master Fung suddenly stood up and was followed by Toph and Zuko, it's now clear to Zuko that this youngman is indeed the chief of the northern watertribe.

"You must be Master Fung." The Youngman said as soon as he entered the city.

"Your assumption is correct, Chief Hahn. it's an honor to finally make your acquaintance." Master Fung said as he shook the young chief's hand.

The Chief then turned his attention to Zuko, "And you are?" He asked.

"My name is Lee, your majesty." Zuko introduced his fake identity, Suddenly the chief and his old companion started laughing, which put a frown on Zuko's face.

"Your Majesty? Earth Kingdom citizens am i right?" The young chief told his advisors and they laughed even harder.

One of Hahn's advisors stepped up and spoke to Zuko after the laughter subsided, "We don't have royalty here, Young Master Lee.. this isn't the earth kingdom, this is the northern watertribe, we have a chief not a king." The Advisor said. Zuko got flustered so he decided to shut his mouth and never speak a word again.

"Oh.. i see you have a young beauty in your company.." The Chief said as he spared a look at Toph, Zuko almost laughed at the chief's flirting with his friend, if only he knew.. The young chief got closer to Toph, he took ahold of her hand and gave it a moist kiss, Zuko's mouth dropped, this is the first time he's seen someone act so gentlemanly with Toph, even Haru who was her date at the ceremonies wasn't that flirty around her, Zuko was sure Toph was feeling the same as she had the same look on her face after the chief kissed her hand, eventually the chief let go of her hand,

"I am Hahn, pleasure to meet you."

"Toph." She replied. There is something wrong, how come she never attacked him with a rock.. wait, is she smiling? Zuko realized, the sight made the thought of pulling at his hair so appealing. Toph was looking at the ground as always but Zuko swore he saw the hint of a smile on her face.

"So, why are you looking at the ground, Toph?" The Chief asked.

"My eyes are useless, i am blind. but it's no bother, i use my earthbending to see." Toph said. WHY THE FUCK IS SHE SO ELABORATE WITH HIM?! Zuko screamed internally.

"Oh, Really? How so?" Hahn asked.

"Well, you see, Earthbending allows me to feel the vibrations in the earth and as long as you are touching the ground i can see you perfectly." Toph said.

Chief Hahn's face was that of wonder and.. amusement?

"Fascinating." He said. Toph's smile got even more visible, not visible enough to be noticeable by strangers, but visible enough to be noticeable by Zuko.

After some time of staring at her, Chief Hahn finally coughed and looked at the rest of the people in the room,

"Ahem, My apologies, Gentlemen. her abilities are indeed a wonder. but enough with this, let's get along with our meeting, Shall we?" The Chief said after breaking out of his daze, he motioned for the company to sit around, his advisors sat on his left, and Master Fung and his company sat on his right, while the chief himself sat at the head of the table.

"So, My advisors told me you had urgent business to discuss with me, Master Fung." Hahn said, and Zuko noticed he scarcely looked at Master Fung while speaking as he kept stealing glances at Toph, who kept looking at the ground the entire time.

"Your advisors are indeed correct, My Lord. We have urgent business that i am sure you are aware of." Master Fung said, finally getting the full attention of Hahn.

"Pardon me?" Hahn inquired.

"Some months ago, your predecessor the late chief Arnook summoned The Avatar for some business to be carried out here."

"Yes, indeed. i gathered the men that accompanied him to the forest myself."

"So, ever since Avatar Aang's visit, you never had any encounters with evil spirits again?" Master Fung asked.

The Chief stopped a second to consider and then said, "No, i don't think we have." Zuko wasn't convinced, and one look at Toph's face confirmed his suspicions, her smile was completely wiped away and it was replaced by a frown, you don't need Toph's Earthbending abilities to discover the young chief's blatant lie.

Master Fung smiled, "Chief Hahn, we both know that's not the truth." Fung said.

Chief Hahn scowled, "Are you calling me a liar?"

"No, i'm calling you over-cautious. we are not going to spread the news among your people, we are not going to cause panic in the northern watertribe, we're here to help." Fung explained.

Hahn had a look of hesitation on his face, his advisors were still rendered speechless, the looks on their faces told Zuko the entire story, they don't want to lie.

"I have not the slightest idea what you are talking about, Master Fung." Hahn stubbornly insisted, But his stubbornness wasn't there for long, as another person in the room decided to make a move.

Toph willingly put her hand on Chief Hahn's hand, causing the youngman to visibly shiver at her touch, Zuko and Fung set their mouths agape, what was happening wasn't easy to comprehend or to be found plausible, even for the first-eye witnesses.

"Chief Hahn, we are to be trusted i assure you. whatever is happening in the spirit world is beyond the power of anyone, even The Avatar himself, help us, maybe then we'll have a chance at survival. Trust us, and you won't be disappointed." Toph said calmly and warmly,

Zuko has never heard her using that tone before, The sight made Zuko unable to keep the thought of Toph drinking Cactus Juice off his mind, even though he's never seen her drinking it.

Chief Hahn's face softened and he took a deep breath, apparently Toph's plan worked, Toph withdrew her hand from The Chief's and waited as the rest of them to hear him talking.

"After Avatar Aang's last visit to the northern watertribe, the spirits ceased to exist, we've never encountered any of them for a while.. up until the cursed ceremonies, suddenly we found them increasing in number with each passing day, People thought it was the death of My Uncle Arnook that caused it, but i knew better, it was the death of The Avatar." Hahn said, Zuko and Toph glanced at each other before looking back at the chief,

"That's why i couldn't believe that Avatar Aang was actually alive, because then why the spirits are still attacking? but then i realized, there is actually one thing in the world that could bring people back from the dead, Water from the spirit oasis behind the palace, and it could only be used by a waterbender. did Avatar Aang know any waterbender by any chance?" Hahn asked, and even though it was off-topic, Toph and Zuko found it very intriguing.

Zuko and Toph had knowing looks on their face, "Yes. The former Southern Watertribe Prince and Princess, their names are Sokka and Katara. I think the girl was a waterbender." Zuko surmised and Hahn nodded in confirmation.

"Yes, that's her. she trained under Master Pakku here in the north pole. the spirit water must have been a gift from The Master to her. that's how The Avatar stayed alive." Hahn said, Zuko and Toph were about to ask more questions until they were interrupted.

"Excuse me, youthful people, but We're getting way off-topic here. Chief Hahn, you were talking about the situation in the north pole after the avatar's death." Master Fung interfered immediately cutting their on-going conversation.

Chief Hahn took another deep breath, "After The Cursed Ceremonies, our people noticed the same uncanny spiritual existence that was evident before Avatar Aang arrived, but even worse." Hahn stopped looking at his lap with fearful eyes.

"Worse?" Zuko asked.

"It gets worse with every passing day, if it wasn't for our people's knowledge and experience with dark spirits, the entire north pole would have been crawling with dark spirits." Hahn finally said.

Zuko and his company had astonished looks, "Experience with dark spirits?" Zuko asked the question that was on everyone's mind.

Hahn didn't say anything, instead he spared a glance at one of his advisors and the man started talking, "Here in The Northern Watertribe, we keep the traditions of the old. there is an ancient art that was used to.. how to put it? Enlighten.. yes, that's the word, Enlighten dark spirits. We use the art to stop evil spirits as soon as they leave the forest, we don't allow them near the city and this is why our people are still living in peace, and we would much prefer to keep it that way." The Advisor finished casting a meaningful look at Zuko.

Master Fung took a deep breath, hearing the full story appeared to have unnerved him even more, "Well, that's not going to work in the long run." Master Fung.

"Excuse me?" One of the advisors said, as Hahn and his company stared at the master as if he was some kind of traitor.

The White Lotus Master realized his mistake, "I'm sorry, let me rephrase that. the art you are using, it's not going to work in the long run. The spirits you have encountered are nothing but a dot in the ocean of what's coming." Master Fung warned.

Hahn and his advisors widened their eyes for a fleeting second, but then returned to neutral. "You're lying." Hahn accused.

"Why would me, an earth kingdom citizen come all this way north to lie? your city, your walls, your grounds and your goods mean nothing to me, but the people living inside these walls are of value to me and to the rest of The White Lotus memebers who seek balance and order to the world. What's coming is nothing your city, or any city in the world can handle. my advice to you, Chief Hahn. Evacuate the city." Master Fung said, shocking every presence in the room, including his own company.

Zuko and Toph stared at him with their mouths agape, Fung never told him anything about the evacuation plan, and so they had nothing to say to enforce it, Chief Hahn looked to be facing a different dilemma.

"What did you just say?" Hahn demanded.

"That's the only option you have for your people to stay alive, keep your trained soldiers at the portal, but the people cannot survive this storm." Master Fung warned again.

"Assuming your story is true, why do you think evacuating the city means their survival?" One of Hahn's advisors asked.

"Evacuating the city doesn't mean their survival, but it means clearing the city of any human presence so The Evil Spirit doesn't have the leverage in its upcoming war with The Avatar." Master Fung informed.

Zuko wanted to say something to Fung, but he decided against it as Chief Hahn was about to speak up himself,

"Get Out." Hahn said passive aggressively, effectively shocking everybody in the room.

"What?" Fung asked.

"I SAID GET OUT!" Hahn shouted this time.

"If you are not going to help us defend your people, then we'll help them ourselves." Fung responded.

"And what does that mean?!" Hahn inquired angrily.

"We'll tell your people of the dangers they are about to face. they have that right, don't you agree?"

"Then maybe i'll put all three of you in prison, that's one way to keep your mouths shut, am i correct?" Hahn said with a threatening tone.

"YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE US!" Toph finally shouted cutting off the concentration of both parties, Hahn turned his face back to neutral as he observed Toph,

"We're not here to hurt your reign or to take over this nation, Like Master Fung said it means nothing to us. We are here to save you, I've been having this bad feeling ever since i came to this cursed lands, and now i know why, it's not because of the cold winds, it's this cold spiritual energy all around the place. trust me, i sense things better than anyone. The First person Aang went to after his encounter with the spirits is me, he explained to me all this spiritual mumbo-jumbo that i never cared about at the time, but now i understand, there is this dark presence here, i can feel it, and now everything Aang said makes sense. there is a spiritual war coming, and you have to be a leader, you have to save your people in these dark times. and the best option to do that is to evacuate the city until The Avatar arrives and ends this evil for good." Toph stopped for a second before saying,

"and even if he doesn't arrive, at least we'll give the Fuckers a fight without any distractions. Do you concur, Chief Hahn?" Toph said, lifting her sightless eyes to look at Chief Hahn, even though she doesn't see through them, she can effectively make people melt by staring at them.

Zuko was astonished by Toph's speech, but he decided to not say anything to her until they hear Hahn's response, who appeared to have the same feelings as Zuko, and even slightly more, he did seem to like her earlier. Hahn looked at his advisors who shrugged their shoulders helplessly, as if telling him 'you know they are telling the truth',

Hahn then sighed deeply, looking back at them again. "Alright. Have it your way, i'll go take a breather in the gardens, you can finish everything with my advisors." Chief Hahn said, and slowly left the room, leaving Zuko, Toph and Fung expressing a sighs of relief and standing to finish everything with the advisors.

Zuko looked at Toph admirably, but he found her shifting her weight towards Hahn's departing figure, that's when Zuko knew she was thinking about him.

"You can go talk to him if you want." Zuko offered with a smile.

"What?" Toph asked after apparently being knocked out of her daze.

Zuko chuckled lightly, "I said you can go talk to him if you want, it's going to be some time until we plan everything with the advisors, you've done your part, take a breather too." Zuko said with a warm smile. Toph smiled back, she nodded and left the room looking happy to go talk to The Chief.

Even though it was so unlike Toph to be this.. girly? that's the word. it's so bizzare that i finally get to say this word about Toph. Zuko thought, even though it feels so strange, but everybody deserves their own share of strangeness every once in a while.

Aang

He finally made his way to the infirmary, his head immediately cleared of all thoughts of Vattu, and only focused on one person that he's here to meet. Katara.

He took a deep breath and stepped inside the building, people were still inside recuperating from the battle, some of them Aang recognized their faces, he fought beside them after all, he felt sorry for them that they had to take the short end of the stick, the world is saved from The Firenation but at what cost their legs? their hands? their legs and hands? it was so gruesome for Aang to see his comrades in grueling pain, some of them looked very desperate and ready to take their own lives, made Aang's problems feel incredibly pathetic compared to theirs.

So this is why Katara was more upset than usual and couldn't endure my mopiness. Aang thought, inwardly scolding himself for thinking his problems were bigger than these people's. He saw a nurse walking in the room, and he stopped her,

"Excuse me, Miss." The Nurse looked up and her eyes widened,

"The Avatar?!" She exclaimed happily, and Aang tried to calm her down. "I'm sorry, i just can't believe you are actually here, i've always wanted to meet you." The girl said.

"Well, i'm not here for long, i just need a small favor from you, Please." Aang asked, glad that nobody heard the nurse's voice.

"Of course, Anything for you, Honey!" The nurse said, which was followed by her cheeks turning beet red, she turned around and fiddled with her fingers nervously, Aang's cheeks mirrored hers, this nurse sure is very bold.

"Uhm.. I wanted to ask.. where to find a southern watertribe healer named Katara." Aang said, finally overcoming the silence that ensued after the nurse's remark.

"Sure! She's Uhm.. She's right.. right over there.. at room 51, she's currently tending for a patient named Sneers." The nurse said.

Aang almost facepalmed himself, he never got the chance to check on Sneers and Kori, he never even seen them since the battle.

well, two birds with one stone, he's going to meet with all three of them right now, that's considering Kori is in Sneers' room.

"Well, Thanks a lot." Aang said, and he made his way past the nurse, even though he felt she wanted to say more but he didn't have the time for that, Katara is in the room right now, who knows where she'll be next. He finally made his way to room 51, and stepped in only to wish he didn't,

as soon as he entered the room, he found Kori and Sneers deeply kissing, they never paid any attention to the door that squeaked as soon as Aang entered, they never paid attention to Aang actually making a sound as he stepped inside the room, they were just so deeply kissing that made Aang so nauseous, but he decided to keep the feelings in. he had to make his presence felt though so he cleared his throat,

"Ahem!"

The couple finally separated with blushes tainting their cheeks as soon as they laid their eyes on Aang.

"Hello, Avatar.. Good to see you again." Sneers exclaimed happily and nervously at the same time.

"Hey, Aang." Kori greeted rather dully.

"I'm sorry i ruined your moment, Guys. i just came here to see Katara, instead i was greeted with this. You can imagine my.. bewilderment." Aang said.

"Sneers was just having a difficult time.. and i was.. you know-" Kori started but was interrupted by Aang.

"I really don't wanna hear about it. it's good to have you back, Sneers." Aang regarded the injured warrior with a smile and a nod which Sneers returned, "Where can i find Katara, guys?"

"In the garden, she kinda.. left us for the same reason." Sneers said nervously.

Aang chuckled lightly, "Yeah, i can imagine her pain. well, See ya later, Guys.. Have fun.." Aang said with a wave, but as soon as he reached the door he reconsidered, "Well, not too much fun, but you get the gist." Aang said before leaving the room and making his way to the garden.

There weren't many people in the place, but it was still hard to find Katara, it was a very vast place with so many benches and fountains, it looked gorgeous to be honest.

Finally he found her, sitting on a bench with a cup of tea in her hand, she looked at peace, but Aang knew she was very good at hiding her inner struggle.

He breathed in fresh air, rehearsed his words a couple of times before finally mustering up the courage and walking towards Katara.

"Hey, Katara." He said as he stood beside her.

Katara got very startled at his voice, she almost dropped her tea cup, Aang couldn't make out the emotions that displayed in her eyes, was it Shock? Sadness? Disappointment, and he hasn't found out either as she stared at him in silence, she never even returned his greeting, so he decided to speak again.

"I just want to talk, May i sit down?" Aang asked with a smile, Katara's stony expression seemed to melt, and she motioned for him to sit as she turned her face from his and looked straight ahead.

Uncomfortable silence ensued, Both of them appeared to have lots of words but not the bold mouth to actually say them. Mostly because neither wanted to start the conversation, but Aang knew he was the one at fault so he decided to go on.

"The Sun does look more Shinier than usual." Aang voiced out awkwardly. Katara never responded.

And at that moment he knew that his only way out was to cut right to the chase,

"Katara, I wanted to apologize for my behaviour the other day, it was very uncalled for, and i shouldn't have done that. i just really hope you could forgive me." He finally said it, he finally mustered up the courage to own up to his mistake and apologize. Still Katara never responded. Aang was at a loss of words, he didn't know what to say anymore, but he tried..

"Katara, Talk to me, Please." Aang pleaded.

"There's nothing to be said, Aang. there really isn't." Katara finally talked, and although her words seemed discouraging, he felt satisfied that at least she talked.

"Try. You've come a long way with me, you got to know every side of me, even the one that comes out in the most desperate situation, don't give up on me now." Aang told her, his eyes reflecting unsaid Supplication.

"There's only one side of them that's real though, that's the only side everyone wants to see." Katara spoke, her voice seemingly free of all the formalities, for the first time since he arrived, her voice was full of compassion.

"I'm trying, Katara.. I'm trying. But i can't do it alone. i need your help, you are the only one left for me." Aang's voice trembled as he said so, the emotional weight of this conversation was very heavy that he even felt his eyes sting with tears, but he quickly blinked them away.

Katara finally shifted her weight towards him, she had a very good look at him, she was observing him with her eyes, at first she had the same stony expression, but two seconds later, her expression changed to that of empathy and.. desperation.

"How could you do this to me, Aang?" Katara asked with desperation filling her voice, it made Aang feel even worse.

"I'm sorry. I really.." He sighed, "I know there are no words that would justify my actions, but i'm begging you, Katara. i'll change, i'm so desperate and right now you are the only one that can make me feel better. I get it if you don't forgive me, i get it if you never do. but i need you now, i'll try my best to earn your forgiveness, but right now, i just need you beside me, forgiven or otherwise." Aang finally said it, he finally let out all his desperation,

he just confessed to Katara that she's his addiction, he wanted to hold himself from saying too much, but he just couldn't, he couldn't even help the tears that fell from his eyes. Katara's tears escaped her eyes as well, Aang knew it was the first time she's actually seen him completely bear and vulnerable, it shouldn't feel right, that someone has seen him so completely broken, but it did feel right with Katara somehow.

"I just.. I know you mean well, i do. but i don't want to feel the same pain again. the fact that i know that you could break again at any moment m-makes me.. makes me feel undecided." She confessed herself, streaks of tears on her cheeks.

Aang wiped away his tears, and boldly enough, he reached out and wiped away hers, she was startled by the move but did nothing to prevent it, he felt so at peace just wiping away the tears from her wet cheeks, She's got very smooth skin.. What am i thinking?! Snap out of it, Aang! He scolded himself internally as he retracted his hands feeling utterly nervous, but at least he's done the job and wiped the tears off her cheeks and without any complaint from her.

"I can't make any promises. But a second chance, a second chance is all i'm asking, Katara. Please."

Katara turned to look at him with determination, "No, you can make promises. Promise me, Aang. Promise that you'll never get your anger out on me again." Katara demanded.

Aang hesitated at first, but the look on Katara's face made him feel intimidated,

"Alright. I promise." He finally gave up. now i have to hold on to another Promise.. Just Great. He thought grievously.

"And promise that you'll never drink this piss you are drinking ever again." Katara demanded again.

"Piss?! It's the finest wine in the world, and i can't make such pro-"

"PROMISE ME!" Katara interrupted fiercely.

"Alright Alright, I PROMISE.. That i won't drink as frequently as i'm used to.. maybe a cup or two at important events. Come on, Katara.. everybody drinks at ceremonies." Aang said with a smile.

Katara couldn't help but return the smile faintly for a fleeting second though, but enough for Aang to catch it, she looked straight ahead again,

"Alright. You're lucky i can't stay mad at you."

"I'm lucky to have you." Aang said warmly, Katara looked back at him with the same glee in her eyes that he longed to see, for so long both of them have been very miserable that they never displayed any feeling that is remotely close to joy, but now they appear to have finally gotten on the right track.

"Aw. Aren't you the charmer?" Katara joked, finally lightening the mood.

Aang chuckled, "Don't patronize me, i know i suck."

"I'm not patronzing you, you have a good way with words. you truly are a charmer, nobody has ever made me change my mind about them in a matter of.. what? a day? less than a day." Katara corrected herself, and Aang found it endearing that she would admit such a thing in front of him.

"Really?" He asked, she nodded. "Wow, i really am a charmer." Aang said boastfully.

"Oh, Great.. i just unleashed a monster that i can never tame." Katara said regretfully.

"That was so Poetic. You should write a book or something." Aang mocked.

"One more word and my hot tea will be splashed all over your face." Katara threatened.

"It's not hot anymore." Aang remarked.

Katara took a look at the tea and then slumped back to the bench with a frown, "Just Great." She said, then she dumped the tea on the ground.

Aang laughed at this, "You could have waited for me to heat it back for you, i am a firebender, you know." Aang reminded.

Katara slapped her forehead, "I'm such an idiot." Aang loved the way she behaved when she's like this, her frown looked so cute for some reason, honestly anything about her is cute, but this takes the cake.

Aang's expression turned serious, now that he's through with making up, it's time to discuss real business, "Katara.." He called, and she looked at him with anticipation,

"I'm going to The Firenation in two days, and i might stay there for a while." He said.

Katara's expression turned to that of shock, Sheer panic on her face, "WHAT?!" She shouted, Aang was thankful that they were alone in the garden, but he still clamped her mouth shut.

"Katara, don't shout." He said, she pushed his hand away and looked at him with anger.

"Why would you go to the Firenation?! You know it's not safe, and you are still going! Oh, is it because Azula is now on the throne?! you think she'll take you in with open arms? she's not the same person, Aang! You have to trust me on this, she'll kill you! please, don't go, Please!" She said in a rush.

"Katara, Stop! Let me explain!"

"No explanation. you won't go and that's final!"

"I'm not going to see Azula! it's a journey i have to take if we are to win the war against the spirits!" Aang finally said, making Katara finally stop her rant.

"How so?" She asked after she calmed down.

"I'm going to meet with the first avatar there. i can't contact him through my normal avatar abilities, but a spirit i met on my way told me of his whereabouts and how to meet him, it's on an island near the firenation, filled with fire sages that will help me."

"A spirit told you that?"

"Yes, it was a very strange day. long story short, he was a dark spirit and something i did with my hand turned him back. actually, that's one of the reasons why i am going, i didn't use any waterbending to turn him back, i just put my hand on his head and.. he just turned back to light." Aang said, still having difficulties believing this, he might have forgot about it for some time, but now he's thinking about it more than ever.

"I just don't want you to be in danger.. How about i come with you?" Katara asked.

"No, Sokka told me that you are going to see your mom, i can't take that away from you, you need to see her."

"Yes, but i want to make sure you are okay, what if-"

"Katara, trust me nobody wants you to be with me more than i do. but i'll be able to handle myself, i might take Senge with me. well, i don't suppose i have a choice, he's getting me a new bison, and i guess i owe him one so.. he'll demand immediate repayment." Aang said.

Katara allowed herself a smile, but still she was chagrined, "That's still not enough, Aang."

"It won't take long, i promise. and then we'll meet back at Yu Dao, Sokka proposed something that i'm not supposed to discuss with anybody, but i guess you are not anybody so.."

"What's it?" Katara asked, it was more of a demand really.

"He proposed that one of Shun's captured buddies smuggles me into the firenation and i get to meet with Azula so i might convince her to make peace until the spirits war is concluded." Aang said.

Katara's face flashed slight anger for a second, and then it returned back to neutral. "Oh.." Katara said.

"If it makes any difference, i told him it's a bad idea. but then he convinced me somehow."

"Oh, i know how he convinced you. he reminded you of the royal.. the royal body, right?" Katara asked with malice, Aang might have been oblivious to Katara's feelings earlier, but now he gets it. it's jealously. He couldn't help the smile that spread on his face, it was heartwarming to know that Katara shares his feelings,

"Katara, i don't think i even remember what Azula looked like, i was drunk."

"Whatever." She brushed him off and looked straight ahead again.

Aang looked at her seriously, "I'm not doing this for me, Katara, we need Azula's army if we are to survive this storm. but in the end, it's your call, i respect your feelings and if you don't want me to do it, then i won't do it. but before you decide, think of the men, women and children that might be saved by this simple meeting." Aang said, he knew Katara wouldn't resist at the mention of saving lives, and indeed she couldn't.

"Alright, Fine! Spirits! you are such a sap." Katara gave up.

Aang chuckled, "You know you like it."

"I don't."

"Liar."

"Stop!" Katara said with a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

Aang then made a bold move, he moved Katara's body towards his, and he hugged her fiercely while both are still seated on the bench, which was followed by Katara returning the hug just as fiercely.

"I'm going to miss you." Aang whispered in ear.

"Me too." She whispered back, she hugged him even tighter.

They both pulled away, They stared into each other's eyes, both thinking the same thing, Aang felt himself being pulled towards her, he almost did it too, but suddenly he stood up, and with a smile he said,

"Well, i'll see you tomorrow, My savior."

He noticed the look of disappointment on Katara's face for a moment before she mirrored his smile after he called her 'his savior'.

"Savior?" Katara inquired with the same smile.

"I wouldn't be here without you. multiple times, actually. So from now on, i might as well call you that." Aang said.

Katara blushed slightly at this, "Oh, Well. I wouldn't say i saved you.. I-"

"Stop it with the modesty, will ya? it doesn't suit you." Aang teased.

Katara laughed, "I think i saw a stream of water around here.. oh there it is." Katara said, and she pulled the water from the stream and splashed Aang's face in a flash.

Aang pouted at this and removed the water from his face while Katara kept laughing, "Oh you are on." Aang said,

and he pulled the water from the stream and threw it at Katara, only that the waterbending master was up and anticipated the strike, She took the water and splashed it back at him, and so the bending battle started. Aang and Katara kept at it, splashing each other with water and laughing constantly, it's like at that moment both of them forgot any trouble they had, and just focused on the good they have. even the most desperate of people deserve their own share of joy.


AWWW. that was a cute, right? in all fairness, i am just compensating for all the darkness that took over this story, but don't worry, more darkness to come. Be Ready..