The walk back was completely silent. Almost eerie, the way no one said anything. It was one of those times that Aang didn't want comfort, didn't want sympathy. Sokka was constantly looking at the ground. Katara was biting her lip, urging herself to say something, but could not. None of them could. Aang was determined to get back to camp.
After about 30 minutes, they made their way back. Kyoto looked up and smiled. "Hey, we were worried about you! I'm so glad Sokka and Katara found you! You okay?" Aang didn't say anything as he shrugged, sat down on a sleeping bag, and stared at the fire. Katara looked at Aang in concern, but knew Aang needed to think about this. Kyoto looked at Sokka in worry. "Hey…what's the matter?" Sokka looked at the ground. Kyoto found herself with her hand on Sokka's shoulder, and in a calming voice, said "You can tell me. You can tell your problems." Sokka then did something very unusual. He hugged her. It was gentle, quick, light hug, but a hug none the less. Kyoto blushed deeply, smiling weakly.
Sokka took Kyoto aside, and there, he told her. "Aang…he isn't a normal kid…" Kyoto tried to stiffle a laugh. She thought Sokka was trying to be funny. "What!" Sokka looked at the ground, and Kyoto's awkward smile faded. "Oh…I'm sorry." Sokka finished. "He…he's the Avatar, Kyoto." Kyoto stared at Sokka in disbelief. "Come again?" Sokka nodded. Thoughts raced through Kyoto's mind. Avatar…he did this…Zhao came because of him. She knew Aang was trying to help, and because of that she wasn't too angry, but still didn't feel quite the same about him. She was in hiding during the time Aang was at Kioshi Island. She never actually got to see him. Sokka replied in a guilty tone. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." Kyoto didn't really know what to say. So, she smiled and said "It's okay. I understand, Sokka." Sokka was really starting to adore her.
They would have to leave for the firenation base the next day. Katara put the sleeping bags together, then glanced at Aang. Her eyes were teary, and her cheeks were red. She was really worried about him. In a shaky voice, she spoke. "Aang….are you alright? W-will you be warm enough?" He stared at her for a moment. His eyes still held no warmth. "I'm fine." He replied quickly. "Just go to sleep." Katara gulped, and nodded. "See you in the morning I guess…." Then she went to the other side of their little campground, and laid on her sleeping bag, wishing they had their tent. She refused to cry.
He was deep in thought. Should he go? He wanted to help Kioshi Island, but who knows what would happen around the firenation base? Katara and Sokka could get taken away. Kyoto could get hurt, and if Sokka got out okay, he would never forgive him. He didn't want to think what could happen to himself.
In the morning, he decided, he would have his answer.
During the night, when the sun was just starting to rise, Aang fell sleep. He tossed and turned, as most people do when they have things on their mind. But no one came, as they were all avoiding Aang till he felt better. Sokka had another dream, this one was not a nightmare. He dreamt of Kyoto, however, when he went greet her, in the dream, she turned into Suki. He awoke with a gasp. He realized it all then, he didn't love Kyoto. He loved Suki…and whenever he saw Kyoto, he was only thinking of her. But for how long? Would it change?
I enjoyed writing this chapter. I sincerly hope you all liked it. Reviews please, new chapter soon!