Chapter 7 Missing
Momo landed upon Sokka's window sill not long after Katara had sent him with the note. Unknowingly the little lemur attempted to walk right through the window but was immediately halted by a thick pane of glass. He hit his head hard and fell down from the sill and into a deep snow drift. Quickly Momo popped his head out of the snow, a pile of it sat atop his head making him look as if he had a frosty white beard and hat. The lemur squeaked in annoyance, he shook himself off picked up the scroll which he had dropped in his fall and climbed back on top of the window sill. He peered in through the glass and could see Sokka still sleeping away. The lemur pushed lightly on the glass, nothing happened, he pushed harder nothing happened, suddenly he began to pound on it with his tiny fist. Nothing happened. The lemur huffed in frustration turning his back to the window. As Momo sat upon the sill in silent defeat he suddenly caught a glimpse of subtle movement in the house just across the way. He stared in curiosity as an older women reached to her window, opened it the slightest bit and then disappeared within the house. Momo raised one of his ears in interest. Suddenly the women reappeared this time she held a steaming hot pie in her mittened hands. She set it down carefully next to the partially opened window and then turned back into the house. At the sight of the delicious pie Momo's eyes lit up and his mouth began to water. Instantly forgetting his mission Momo dropped the scroll upon the window sill and took off for the opposite house.
Inside Sokka was dreaming away peacefully, drool dripping slightly from the corner of his mouth. He was completely oblivious to the lemur's antics outside of his window.
"Sokka," a voice suddenly yelled, "Sokka!"
Sokka just vaguely heard the booming voice that was coming toward his bedroom door. He cracked his eyes open slightly and saw something quite unusual at his window, a small white creature flapping its wings.
"What are you doing Momo" he questioned in his dreamlike state. He slowly closed his eyes once more and rolled over to his opposite side. Immediately his eyes flung open in shock.
"MOMO!" he rolled over quickly, but the window sill was now empty. Sokka sat up scratching his head in confusion when the booming voice suddenly returned.
"SOKKA," immediately his door flung open and Sokka was face to face with his father.
"Sokka, you're up."
"Yeah Dad, what's all the yelling about."
"It's your sister, Sokka; she didn't come home last night."
Sokka sighed in annoyance, "Is that all," he said crossing his arms, "Dad, when are you going to realize that Katara is not a little girl anymore she can take care of herself."
"You think I'm being overprotective don't you," he said as he wheeled himself over to his son's bedside.
"Maybe just a little," Sokka sighed.
"Well," the old man replied, "maybe you'll understand someday when you're a father, now get up you're going to find your sister."
"Oh Dad come on, you know she always comes back on her own, it's not like she can go very far." But his father was already out the door. Sokka got up reluctantly and got dressed.
"Stupid Katara and her stupid water bending," he mumbled "I never get any sleep because of that girl why can't she just be normal." Suddenly Sokka was distracted by the sound of yelling.
"Now what," he sighed. He quickly made his way over to the window, he could see the woman across the way shaking her fist and yelling into the sky.
"What in the world," he casually opened the window and leaned out.
"AND DON'T COME BACK YOU LITTLE RAT!" The women slammed her window shut and flung her curtains closed. Sokka gazed at her window in utter confusion.
"What the heck is going on with every one this morning," he sighed scratching his head. He reached to the window to pull it shut when he suddenly noticed a series of tiny foot prints all around his window sill and a rolled up piece of paper laying half buried in the snow.
"What the heck?" Sokka picked up the scroll gazing at it curiously when suddenly out of nowhere a streak of white flashed straight past him very nearly hitting Sokka in the head he had to duck to avoid being struck. The flying object flashed across the room landing clumsily atop Sokka's dresser inadvertently it struck the wash basin knocking it completely over. Water splashed all over the room. The creature attempted to stop itself from falling from the dresser but its attempts were futile. The spilled water made the dresser as slippery as ice and the creature went flying off the piece of furniture landing in the corner of the room with a thunderous crash.
Sokka ran to the corner of the room. He peered over to see two furry little legs sticking out from underneath the fallen wash basin. Sokka reached to the now cracked ceramic bowl and carefully lifted it revealing a dilapidated Momo lying upon the floor out of breath with a sticky purple substance all over his face and hands. The little lemur gazed up at Sokka and squeaked at him.
"What the heck, MOMO! Where in the world did you come from?" Sokka picked him up carefully and set him down upon his bed.
"Why are you all sticky Momo…and why do you smell like gooseberry pie…never mind I don't want to know?" Suddenly he remembered the piece of paper in his hand, he gazed back at Momo.
"Is this from Aang boy," he quickly unrolled the paper and read the note diligently.
"I can't believe it," he cried, "Aang is back, and he and Katara are out joy riding on Appa."
"Sokka," his father yelled suddenly.
"Oh great, now I have to explain to my father that his only daughter flew off in the night with some guy." Sokka began pacing, "I could just kill Katara for putting me in this position." Momo came up beside Sokka crawled atop his shoulder and squeaked at him.
"Okay, okay okay… I just need to think of a way to break it to him gently, I mean Aang is the Avatar, it's not like he's just some creep off the street." Sokka snickered to himself, "yeah right, Avatar or no Avatar Dad is going to blow his top, and when Katara and Aang do come home, that is going to be quite a site." Sokka couldn't help but laugh to himself. Sure Aang was master of all the elements, but he was no match for an overprotective father.
"Oh boy Aang, you certainly have gotten yourself in it this time, I don't even think that I can save your air bending butt."
"Sokka what's the hold up let's go"
"Okay I'll be there in one second Dad," Sokka called, "Momo you stay here alright."
Sokka turned to leave; he quickly went to meet his father who was already getting supplies together for the search for Katara. He had already packed up multiple canteens, a first aid kit, blankets, splints and other emergency provisions. Sokka just gazed at his father raising an eyebrow questioningly.
"Gee Dad, do you think it's really necessary to go all out I mean this is Katara we are talking about. We're not exactly going to find her hurt or trapped somewhere."
"And how exactly do you know that Sokka?"
"Well number one she is a master water bender, and seeing as how this whole place is pretty much made of water well, I think you get the picture and number two Katara can heal herself Dad, if she does manage to get herself hurt, she isn't going to be helpless."
"What do you want me to say Sokka that my daughter doesn't need me anymore."
"Well no Dad," Sokka said softly, "she really kind of doesn't, I mean…of course she needs you just not the same way that she did when she was little. Now she is capable of taking care of herself, she's independent." The old man nodded.
"Since when did you become so mature?"
Sokka shrugged, "I guess Katara rubbed off on me…but don't you tell her cause I'll never hear the end of it."
The old man chuckled, "You know Sokka, your sister reminds me so much of your mother, I guess that's why I get so overprotective, I couldn't protect your mother, and I was away from you kids for so long, I just don't know what I would do if I lost either of you."
"Well you're not going to lose us dad."
"I guess we can hold off the search for now but when your sister does come home you tell her I want to talk to her."
"Oh…right….Katara is still missing….uh, about that…" Sokka fumbled clumsily with the note in his hand.
Later on that night
Aang peered ahead into the darkness he could just barely make out the outline of the small island of Bok Choy. He could see the lights from the houses dancing playfully upon the ocean waves. He turned to face Appa's saddle; Katara was sleeping peacefully curled up with a fur blanket wrapped around her. Aang turned back to the front.
"Hey Appa," he whispered leaning forward toward the bison's ear, "I'm leaving the reigns for a minute, no falling asleep okay buddy." The bison merely groaned. Aang pet him gently on the head and stepped onto the saddle. He quietly made his way over to where Katara lay and sank down silently beside her.
"Hey Katara," he whispered. She didn't respond; Aang inched closer to her.
"Katara," he whispered in her ear. She stirred suddenly.
"No," she mumbled softly in her sleep. Aang smiled in amusement.
"What," he whispered trying to bate her into talking more in her sleep.
"Don't leave," she said suddenly and rolled over to her other side. Aang gazed at her curiously wanting desperately to know what it was she was dreaming about.
"Takashi," she suddenly muttered. Aang shot her a look of both surprise and curiosity.
"Takashi," he thought to himself, "who is that?" Aang softly laid his hand upon her back and gently shook her.
"Hey Katara," he whispered again, "wake up, we're almost there."
"What," Katara yawned rolling over to face Aang.
"Bok Choy," Aang replied, "we're nearly there."
"Really," she sat up rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Yup," Aang said as he climbed back over to the reigns. Katara slowly followed gently climbing up next to Aang and sitting down beside him. She wrapped her arm around his and leaned her head against his shoulder.
"How much longer," she yawned again.
"Not long at all," Aang replied, "a half hour at the most." Suddenly Katara felt Aang's arm tremble. She turned to him and noticed that his whole body was shaking.
"Aang are you cold," she asked looking to him in concern.
"No I'm fine; I'm not c-c-cold." Katara smiled at him in amusement.
"You are such a bad liar Aang," she sighed. She stood took the blanket that was wrapped around her and draped it over Aang's shoulders.
"No," Aang cried, "you need it more then me."
"No Aang," she smirked, "I think you need it more then me, look at you you're still shivering."
"I don't m-mind really as long as you're warm."
"Well the blanket is big enough for both of us," Katara said crossing her arms, "we can share it." She sat down next to Aang and he put his arm around her shoulder wrapping the other side of the blanket around her as well. She adjusted herself comfortably next to him and once again leaned her head up against his shoulder.
Aang turned to her lovingly and smiled.
"So Katara," Aang said slyly, "who is Takashi?"
Katara's eyes widened at Aang's unexpected question.
"What…Takashi, how do you know Takashi?"
"You told me about him, don't you remember?"
"What I didn't….Ugh…I was talking in my sleep wasn't I," she grimaced.
Aang nodded smiling profusely.
"Oh…well…this is quite awkward," she replied, "just so you know I had planned to tell you all about Takashi eventually, I just hadn't gotten around to it yet, not that there is anything to tell really cause there's not, I mean … like you really care anyway."
"Katara you're rambling."
"So I am," she sighed nervously, "okay let me just start from the beginning, Takashi is Master Paku's nephew, he was one of the water benders that came to my village from the north to help us rebuild. So anyway he came just after you left and I got to be good friends with him, I mean he's a great guy you would really like him Aang he helped me and Sokka out when Father was sick and when gran gran died he was so sympathetic. He would always lend me an ear when I needed someone to talk to, especially about you."
"Me," Aang questioned.
"Oh I told him all about our adventures and about all the crazy things we did, what it was like being on the run from the fire nation. Everything, I think he practically knows everything about you," she smiled.
Aang grinned slightly, thankful for the darkness to conceal his reddened face.
"So, Takashi left for the north pole to help his family about a week ago he'll be gone for six months, maybe more, if he even comes back at all he might just decide that he misses home and decide to stay there, you never know, any way I guess that's probably why I was talking about him in my sleep."
"Left huh," Aang replied.
"Yeah," Katara sighed, gazing up at the sparkling stars above, "I only wish the two of you could've met you might have been good friends."
"Maybe," Aang replied. Aang was quiet as he thought about all she had told him about the Northern Water bender, something seemed strange it felt as if she were leaving something out.
"Hey Katara," Aang said suddenly, "this Takashi…he likes you doesn't he?"
"Well I sure hope so Aang, otherwise he's got a pretty funny way of showing me how much he hates my guts!"
"No, I mean he really likes you, like, he likes you likes you?" Katara gazed at Aang dumbfounded.
"Aang what do you mean?"
"Never mind," Aang sighed fidgeting uncomfortably in his seat; "look we're here" He pointed forward toward the little island of Bok Choy. They could barely see it in the darkness but it was there just beneath them nonetheless
"Oh Aang I'm so excited," she gasped grabbing a hold of his arm. Aang smiled at her, slowly allowing all thoughts of Takashi fall away from his mind.
He steered the bison to the beach and landed the grateful creature effortlessly. Aang picked up his carry on bag from Appa's saddle and then air bended his way down from the giant bison. He then turned back to help Katara down. He lifted both his hands to her and she slid down Appa's side and into his arms. His arms were wrapped around her waist and hers were upon his shoulders. For a moment the two stood like that gazing into the others eyes.
"Okay," Aang said suddenly coming to his senses and quickly letting her go, "do you think you need anything from Appa's saddle.
"Um, I don't think so," Katara replied also trying to pretend the awkward moment hadn't happened.
"Okay then let's go see if we can find somewhere to stay," he smiled offering her his arm. As they strolled through the little town of Bok Choy Katara gazed lovingly at all the quaint little shops and houses. It was almost like she had gone back in time. For a moment she pretended that her and Aang were on the run from Prince Zuko and had ducked into this small town searching for an inn in which they could hide. She sighed to herself reminiscently, much had changed over time and reality wasn't quite as exciting. Now Zuko was Fire Lord, and there was no one to be on the run from any more. She and Aang were only passing through the small town rather then using it as a hide out.
"I think this is an inn," Aang said, suddenly interrupting her train of thought. He walked forward and knocked on the door.
Suddenly an old women answered wrapped up in a warm robe a lit candlestick in her thin and shaky hand.
"What is it," she asked in a raspy voice, "don't you kids know what time it is?"
"I'm so sorry to wake you at this hour madam," Aang bowed his head, "we just got in you see and we were looking for a place to stay the night." The old women eyed them curiously, she held the candle up to Aang's face and then up to Katara's face.
"Well," she sighed, "you seem nice enough, come in."
"Thank you so much," Aang responded, "it's so kind of you to let us in so late."
"Well I'm not the kind of person to just leave someone out in the cold," the old women smiled, "especially such a fine looking young couple as yourself."
"Couple….um," Aang stuttered.
"You are in luck my young friends I have just one room left and it's a good thing that the two of you are married because if you weren't I'm afraid I would have had to turn you away at the door." She turned and grinned at the two.
"I just don't believe in unmarried people sharing rooms you know, it just ain't right, I don't allow it in my inn. The old women turned and reached for their room key.
Katara immediately began to protest but Aang quickly covered her mouth with his hand.
"Just play along," he whispered in her ear. Katara rolled her eyes. The old woman slowly turned around to face them. Aang quickly let go of Katara and reached for her hand, he smiled profusely at the old women. The women smiled back.
"You've caught yourself quite a looker there young lady."
"You can hardly imagine," Katara said flatly crossing her arms and shooting Aang a sarcastic grin.
"So here is your room key," she said handing it to Aang, "come let me show you to your room." The old women stepped around the counter and walked slowly to the stairs.
"This way," she smiled.
Aang stepped aside and waved Katara forward, "after you dear," he said grinning.
Katara rolled her eyes, "thank you so much darling," she said feigning sweetness. The two followed the old women up the stairs and to their room. They slowly entered the room Katara immediately flopped down upon the bed.
"Now get a good night sleep you two," the old woman said, "I prepare breakfast for all my guests down in the dining room at 9 sharp unless of course you two love birds decide to sleep in then you'll have to get breakfast at the café down the street."
"Thank you so much," Aang said again.
"My pleasure," the old woman said, "and if you need anything at all don't hesitate to ask, my name is Rose by the way."
"Well thank you Rose," Aang repeated.
"Goodnight," she said. She turned and walked back down the stairs.
Aang quickly closed the door, he sighed as leaned against the inside of it.
Katara leaned up on her elbows and stared at him.
"Aang I can't believe that you just let that woman believe that we were married."
"What did you want me to do Katara she was going to turn us away if we weren't, then we'd have to sleep on Appa."
"So, it's not like we never did that before."
"Well its cold out," Aang said, "I'm not used to it, I'd probably freeze out there."
Katara just stared at him and began to laugh.
"You are absolutely unbelievable Aang."
"And you married me anyway," he laughed. Katara just shook her head.
"So Katara," he said flopping down upon the bed next to her, "now that we're married what should we do next?" He raised an eyebrow curiously at her. Katara leaned in close to him and gazed into his sparkling grey eyes.
"I think," she whispered softly, "that we should," she paused and place a hand softly upon his chest, "get some sleep." Suddenly she pushed him off the bed sending him tumbling to the floor. Aang sat up but was immediately met with a pillow to the face and a blanket over the head.
"Good night Aang," Katara laughed.
Good night Katara," he mumbled.
To be continued