Chapter 9 Closer
Aang watched in amusement as Katara tried on a gigantic straw hat outside of a quaint little hat shop. She struck a silly pose in front of a large mirror, burst into laughter at the sight of her own reflection and then ripped the hat from her head.
"I thought it was perfect," Aang said innocently
"Yeah perfect for Appa maybe," Katara laughed.
"Nah… Appa doesn't look right in hats," Aang said.
Katara just laughed. Aang smiled gazing at her lovingly, how he had missed the lovely sound of her laughter. Katara suddenly became aware of his gaze.
"What," she smiled.
"Oh…Nothing," Aang said softly, "I was just thinking."
"Thinking about what," she asked curiously.
"Nothing," he said.
"Aang," she pressed.
"Your laugh," he said suddenly, "I just realized how much I missed hearing it that's all," he smiled. Katara smiled back at him.
"What's so special about my laugh," she asked.
Aang shrugged, "I don't know," he said blushing slightly, "it just always makes me smile." Katara blushed with his compliment.
"Well," she sighed, "where to next?"
"I don't know you decide," Aang replied.
"Let's just walk around for a bit," she said grasping Aang's hand, "maybe we'll find something fun to do along the way." Aang smiled at her.
"Sure," he answered.
The two walked the streets of Bok Choy Katara paused at practically every shop window gazing in adoringly at all the lovely wares. Aang just trailed after her following wherever she led. As they walked Katara stumbled across a charming little antiques shop.
"Ooo look at this place," she exclaimed. She immediately entered dragging Aang in after her. Aang just gazed around the shop in mild interest.
"I absolutely love looking at old things," she said gazing at some ancient jewelry.
"Please," Aang replied, "I'm older then half the things in here
"Aang," she exclaimed in amusement.
"What it's true," he grinned. Katara just shook her head. She turned her eyes back to the rows of rings, pendents, necklaces and bracelets. Every rare stone and precious metal sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight. Suddenly a particularly beautiful and shiny stone caught Katara's eye. It was a beautiful blue sapphire pendent the stunning blue stone was surrounded in silver with tiny little rubies encrusted all around it and it hung from a delicate silver chain.
"What's this one," she asked the clerk pointing out the sapphire pendent.
"Oh this is a very special piece indeed young lady," he said, "would you like to look at it."
"Yes please," Katara replied her eyes gleaming. The clerk brought the pendent out and placed it gently in Katara's eager hands. She held it up in the light admiring its luster.
"This particular piece has a very special history as well young lady," the clerk boasted, it's said that this very pendent belonged to Avatar Tanimoto himself."
"Avatar Tanimoto," Katara questioned as she eyed the sparkling pendent.
"Yes, legend has it that Avatar Tanimoto and Princess Kyoko of the Northern Water tribe were secretly in love, but the princess was arranged to be married and they were forced to separate. Both the Avatar and the Princess were heartbroken but decided that it would be best for Princess Kyoko to avoid scandal and maintain her family's honor. Reluctantly the two went their separate ways. However, it is believed that this pendent was given to Avatar Tanimoto by Princess Kyoko to remind him always of her and the very special love that they shared." This got Aang's attention immediately. He peered over Katara's shoulder and gazed curiously at the pendent.
"Hey Katara, can I see that for a minute," he asked.
"Yeah sure," Katara replied handing the pendent over to him. Aang held it up to the light and inspected the charm meticulously.
"Be careful young man that is very old," the clerk warned.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Aang waved the man away and continued to peer at the pendent.
"What is it Aang," Katara asked curiously.
"I'm not really sure," he said, "I just have this weird feeling that there might be more to this pendent."
"What do you mean," Katara questioned. Aang shrugged and continued to fiddle with the small piece of jewelry.
"I say young man, do be careful with that," the clerk exclaimed.
"Ah ha," Aang exclaimed, he brought the pendent down in front of the clerk and Katara. "Look here," he said pointing out a small carving in one of the rubies.
"What is it," the clerk asked in awe.
"It's a lock," Aang replied, "this pendent is a locket and it seems that the only way to open it is with water bending."
"Water bending," both the clerk and Katara questioned simultaneously.
"That's right," Aang said, when a drop of water is formed over that symbol it releases the locking mechanism within the locket." Katara took the pendent carefully in her hands and looked at the tiny carving in intrigue.
"Look at that," she gasped, "it's the symbol for water."
Aang smiled at her, "why don't you open it Katara; of course if that's alright with you," he asked the clerk. The clerk nodded.
Katara smiled in delight. She held the locket steady in the palm of her hand; she then reached to her canteen and carefully removed the stopper. Slowly she bended a single droplet of water from the canteen, she raised it to the locket and gently smoothed it over the tiny cuts in the ruby. The moment the water touched the stone a series of tiny clicks was heard and the pendent suddenly opened. Katara and the clerk both looked to Aang in amazement. Aang reached to the locket and gently lifted the tiny lid. Inside was a small painting of a beautiful young woman and on the other side there was writing.
"Carry me with you always and we will never be apart," Katara read aloud. She looked up to Aang in amazement, "Aang, how did you know this was here?"
Aang shrugged, "I honestly have no idea," he sighed, "I just had a feeling."
"Oh my," the clerk said gazing at the contents of the locket.
Katara gently traced over the outline of the young woman's face with her finger.
"She's so pretty," Katara sighed, a sad expression suddenly showing in her eyes.
"What is it Katara," Aang whispered.
"Oh nothing," she said smiling weakly in his direction, "it's all just so sad that's all,…I mean, to fall in love like that and then have to give it up." She turned her eyes back to the locket.
"I just can't imagine what it must have been like for Kyoko to know that Tanimoto was out there somewhere and she could never be with him; and poor Tanimoto having to live with the knowledge that his one true love was married to another." Katara sighed heavily and shook her head.
"I imagine that sacrificing love for the sake of honor must have been heartbreaking," Aang said softly gazing at the shining locket. Slowly he grasped her delicate hands in his and gently removed the pendent from her palm. He raised his eyes meeting her gaze and smiled warmly in her direction before turning his attention back to the clerk.
"Sir, how much do you want for this locket," he asked.
"For you Avatar Aang," no charge, "it practically belongs to you anyway."
"Thank you sir but I couldn't just take it from you," Aang stated.
"Please I insist."
"That's very kind of you," Aang smiled.
"Thank you," Katara said. The clerk nodded.
As they left the shop Aang stopped and grabbed hold of Katara's hand. She turned to him and smiled.
"Come here," he said gently pulling her toward him, he slowly unwrapped the locket and then held it up to Katara, "You should have this, since you liked it so much." He gently placed the necklace around her neck and fastened the chain's tiny lock behind her. Katara smiled as she lifted the shimmering stone and gazed at it.
"Thanks Aang," she whispered softly, "it's beautiful, I don't know what to say," she looked up to him and smiled. Aang could feel his face flush slightly. He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck in sudden nervousness.
"Well where to now," he grinned. Katara shrugged as she gazed at the long road ahead.
"I don't know," she sighed, her eyes suddenly caught sight of a small hand painted sign. "Hey look at that," she said.
Founders Day Festival Tonight!
Don't miss the festivities.
To be held at the Town Square
"Aang," she said turning to him and grasping both his hands, "will you take me to the festival?" She batted her eyelashes and smiled at him in hopefulness.
"Oh no fair," Aang laughed, "Of course I'll take you to the festival," he sighed, rolling his eyes.
"Really," she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him on the cheek.
"But you do realize that we are adding a day to our trip if we don't leave by tonight," Aang reminded her.
"Oh what's one more day," she smiled.
"Alright," he sighed.
Later that night
Aang sat slothfully upon the staircase performing his old air bending marble trick out of sheer boredom. Katara was spending an unusually large amount of time getting ready for the festival and Aang was beginning to loose patience. He leaned back upon his elbows sighing heavily and glanced back at the closed bedroom door.
"What could possibly be taking her so long," he muttered to himself. Just then Rose approached him in her normal pleasant manner. She leaned merrily upon the railing of the staircase, and gazed down in Aang's direction.
"Look at you," she sighed shaking her head in amusement, "you look as bored as an earth bender on a fishing boat."
Aang began to laugh, "A fishing boat, huh." The old woman sat down upon the stairs beside Aang and patted him lightly on the knee.
"I promise you she will be worth the wait," she sighed. Aang raised an eyebrow to her in slight curiosity.
"It's just a festival," he sighed, "I don't see why she has to go all out I mean it's not like it's a banquet or a grand ball or something." The old woman just chuckled.
"Oh my boy, you really are clueless aren't you?" Aang just gazed at her questioningly.
"Listen to me young man," she said, "a woman doesn't spend all that time trying to look perfect for just any old reason, she does it to get the attention of a special young man, the man she loves!" Aang's face flushed slightly, and he turned from the old woman's gaze. He began to shake his head in disagreement.
"So what you're saying is that Katara is taking forever to get ready because she loves me…., that's what you're saying right?" The old woman just gazed at him in amusement. She leaned in close to him and draped her arm over his shoulder.
"The moment your bride comes down those stairs and you find yourself unable to take your eyes away from her even for a moment then you'll know what I'm talking about," she winked at him. Aang just shook his head slightly and smiled at the old woman.
Suddenly he heard the door open behind them. He quickly stood and straightened out his shirt. Rose pulled him forward and adjusted his collar for him.
"You look dashing," she said patting him lightly on the cheek.
"Thanks," Aang replied blushing slightly. Rose then nodded to the top of the stairs. Aang turned instantly and there before him stood Katara. Aang gulped at the air as it seemed that he was suddenly unable to breathe. She was wearing a pale lavender kimono with tiny little flowers of a darker shade of purple embroidered all throughout the silken fabric. It was just slightly tighter then the ones she usually wore which accented her slender form and the short sleeves showed off her bare arms. Something she was unable to do in the much colder South Pole. Her hair was partially up in a bun, a pair of chopsticks holding it tightly in place, the rest of it cascaded over her shoulders in a shimmering mass of waves almost resembling a waterfall. Aang just gazed at her unable to look away, his thoughts suddenly were a jumbled mess and he was unable to utter understandable language.
"Do you like it Aang," Katara asked, holding the skirt out and twirling around at the top of the stairs. Aang just stood there speechless. Rose suddenly nudged him in the arm with her elbow.
Huh…Oh….uh Katara you look uh, I mean, that dress is just and I mean…uh... Aang could suddenly feel beads of sweat begin forming across his forehead. Katara just gazed at him curiously. Aang took a much needed deep breath.
"You look absolutely beautiful Katara," he said softly.
"Thanks Aang," she replied. She quickly made her way down the stairs pausing on the very last step just in front of Aang.
"I saw this in that little dress shop and I just had to get it, it was just so pretty." Aang gazed up at her almost longingly.
"Your locket matches it nicely," he said softly. Katara looked down upon the sparkling stone.
"So it does," she smiled. Aang smiled back at her drawing slightly closer to her. He held his arm up suddenly offering it to her.
"Shall we go?"
"Certainly," Katara nodded slipping her arm in his.
"Have fun you two," Rose called after them as she watched them leave. She turned from the door and shook her head in amusement.
"Oh to be young and in love," she sighed.
Later at the festival
As the two made their way to the town square nearly every person turned and stared at them, or rather, they turned and stared at Katara. Aang felt slightly annoyed by all the attention, but at the same time he didn't care. Katara was here with him so if anything they were staring in envy. There were lanterns lit and music was playing and the town square almost had a romantic atmosphere to it. There was a large buffet table with many different foods. There were a number of couples dancing closely. Katara just smiled at the sight.
"Would you like me to get you something to drink Katara," Aang asked.
"Yes, that would be nice," she smiled. Aang headed over to the buffet table. The moment Aang stepped away a brazen young man dressed in earth nation colors approached Katara.
"Excuse me miss." Katara turned to the young man. Aang returned with two glasses of punch just in time to witness the young man flirting with Katara. He quickly set the glasses down upon a nearby table crept up next to the two and ducked behind a decorated pillar. He peered out from behind the pillar and gazed apprehensively in their direction.
"Would you like to dance with me," the man asked gazing at Katara in hopefulness. Aang stood perfectly still, nervously awaiting Katara's answer.
Katara smiled at the young man graciously, "that's very sweet of you," she said, "and I'm really flattered, but I'm here with someone already," she sighed, "and I kinda would like to dance with him." Aang was taken aback by her answer.
"She wants to dance with me?" The young man frowned.
"He's a lucky man," he sighed, "but if you change your mind, I'm all yours." Aang rolled his eyes at the man's cheesy line.
Katara giggled, "I'll keep you in mind," she said. Aang grinned; he had caught the subtle sarcastic tone in her voice that the Earth bender had missed. The wanna be suitor smiled at her, bowed his head and walked away. Aang came out from behind the post and nonchalantly walked over in Katara's direction.
Katara shot him a questioning glance.
"What," he asked guiltily.
"I thought you were getting me a drink," she said sarcastically looking to his empty hands.
"Oh, uh… they just ran out, told me I had to come back later."
"How could they be all out, the festival just started?"
"I guess a lot a people like punch," he smiled.
"Hey Aang," she said suddenly, "you see that earth bender over there." Aang stared in the direction of the young man that had just been speaking to Katara.
"Yeah," Aang said
"He just asked me to dance a few minutes ago while you were at the punch table, and he seemed really nice I think I might go take him up on his offer."
"What," Aang said, "I thought you told him that you wanted to dance with me?"
Katara smirked at Aang crossing her arms.
"I mean I…"Aang smiled sheepishly, "I think I'm caught."
"Aang you were spying on me?"
"No I wasn't spying, I was already coming back with the punch and I saw you with that guy and I just…alright I was spying but I wasn't trying to spy it just sort of happened."
"What…Aang that doesn't make any sense, how do you accidentally spy?"
"Well I don't know, you were there and he was there, I wanted to hear what you guys were saying, I just listened without you seeing me it wasn't really spying."
"You're right Aang, it was eavesdropping."
"Oh come on Katara, it's not like I was being malicious or anything, I just wanted to hear what you were saying that's all."
"Why Aang, what's the big deal, I mean so I was talking to a guy so what, why do you care?"
Aang could think of nothing to say to her. He could tell her the truth but he didn't want to tell her he loved her in the midst of an argument.
"Just…because," he said.
"Because why Aang, why does it matter to you?"
"Because Katara, I…because you're my friend and I," Aang sighed heavily, "listen, you're right, it doesn't matter okay, I'm sorry that I was eavesdropping, I really didn't mean anything by it and I won't do it again…okay."
Katara nodded looking away from him slightly; she seemed almost disappointed with his response.
"Katara, do you still want to dance with me?"
She gazed up at him and smiled slightly,"Yeah sure."
When they got to the dance floor Aang bowed to her and held out his hand. She smiled and placed her hand in his. He pulled her close to him wrapping his arm around her waist. She laid her arm upon his shoulder. He smiled lovingly at her. She smiled back though her eyes seemed a little sad.
"Katara," he whispered as they moved around the dance floor, "I'm sorry I caused an argument, I didn't mean it."
"It's okay Aang really," she replied, "let's just forget about it okay." She leaned forward and rested her chin upon his shoulder. Aang wrapped both his arms around her waist and held her close. His heart fluttered as he held her and he could feel his pulse begin to race.
"Aang," she sighed.
"Yeah," he whispered.
"Do you ever think about what life might have been like if you never left, or like if my father never got sick?"
"What do you mean," Aang asked curiously
"I don't know; just how our lives might be different if we never had been separated for those two years." Aang gazed into her deep blue eyes.
"Of course," he whispered softly, "I think about it all the time."
"Do you have regrets," she asked her eyes dropping away from his.
"Some," he said softly. Katara gazed up at him in curiosity.
"Do you," he questioned.
She nodded looking slightly away from him.
"What is it Katara what's wrong," Aang whispered, gently lifting her chin to look her in the eyes.
"Nothing," she smiled, but Aang could see her eyes were filled with tears. He brought his hand to her cheek and gently wiped them away.
"Katara please tell me what's wrong," he sighed.
"Nothing Aang, it's nothing, it doesn't matter, let's just have fun at this festival that's the whole reason we're here right." Aang just gazed at her in concern.
"Come on," she said, "I'm thirsty let's go see if they finally filled up the punch bowel," she smiled at him jokingly. He smiled back.
To be continued