Chapter 2
Katara walked back into the camp to find Aang sitting next to the fire. His eyes were following the gentle flow of flames. He looked rather innocent. Looking up he noticed Katara.
"How's he doing?" Aang questioned.
"He still needs some time. I think we should leave tomorrow afternoon."
"Ok. Is there any village around here that might have an earthbending master?"
"I don't know." Katara answered. "I'll get the map." Katara walked over next to Appa, who was pleasantly sleeping with Momo on his fuzzy bison head. The bag was full of junk that Katara thought they really didn't need. The bison whistle, an old piece of fruit, the waterbending scroll, a rock, and some nuts. Then Katara saw it. It was the engagement necklace Yue had worn. The image was carved beautifully in the rock. Katara hated to see her brother in the condition he was already in and, the necklace probably wasn't helping much. I should get rid of this. Sokka needs to move on, but he did love her. Katara sighed as she dropped the necklace back into the sack, and found the map.
Katara walked up next to Aang and sat down. Aang couldn't help but let out a small blush. Honestly he had like Katara since she'd found him in the iceberg, but he wouldn't admit it. For one thing Sokka would most likely tear him up from the inside out, and what if she didn't feel the same way? And even if she did if the fire nation found out she would be the easiest way to get to him. No it was just better this way. At least for now.
"Aang? Aang!"
"Oh what sorry," Aang recovered.
"There's a village about a three hour flight from here. We could get there tomorrow. Maybe they'll have a master to teach you." That was Katara always the optimist. That was one of the reasons Aang liked her. And she was smart, even though her naivety sometimes covered that up.
"That sounds great Katara, I think I'm going to bed now," Aang said climbing onto Appa.
"Okay get some rest."
The next morning Katara awoke to see Sokka putting the fire out. She was shocked usually she had to practically drown him to get out of bed. Aang was still asleep on Appa. He was curled up in the fetal position snoozing soundly.
"You're awake. Good," Sokka said tossing her a apple from the food sack. "About last night..."
"Forget about it." Katara waved with a smile grabbing the apple. For some reason she was always in a better mood in the mornings, and so forgiving Sokka was happy she was his sister. "So, Aang and I found a village on the map. About a three hour fly. I'm guessing we leave now, get there by about noon. What do you think?"
"That sounds ok. Let's go now Aang needs the sleep anyway." So Katara and Sokka packed up camp. It was a very silent pack up. Probably because the sugar high 12 year old was asleep. When everything was packed, Sokka sat on Appa's head and they were off.
Katara was practicing her waterbending when Aang woke up.
"Hey sleepy head. Took you long enough to get up." Katara teased getting Aang some breakfast. "Sleep okay?"
"Yeah" Aang answered shoving half the fruit in his mouth. He was becoming a teenager. Goody Katara thought Another bottomless pit, but that's okay a least it'll give him a bit more strength.
After Aang was done eating he and Katara practices some waterbending. He was having trouble with one move were you shoot a blast of water thru another ball of water. He could get the water to hold the form of a ball. Or at least a blob, but had trouble getting more water to shoot thru it.
"Keep trying Aang," Katara encouraged walking over to Sokka. "You want me to take over for a bit?"
"No I'm fine. Besides Aang needs your help."
"So how long do you think until we get there?"
"About an hour and a half."
"Ok," Katara got up and tried to help Aang. It looked like he was really starting to get frustrated. It might have been the fact that he was about gouge his eyes out. "Aang, why don't we try a different move?"
By the time they landed next to the village Aang had gotten in quit a bit of practice, and had also acquired a new enemy the water thru the ball of water move. Katara called it the marble move. No particular reason she just mostly liked the name.
Appa landed and the trio disembarked. They were greeted by a man dressed in a green layered outfit similar to Sokka's, only it looked like it had more clothing. His eyes were a very dull brown and he looked like father time had started to set in. Small wrinkles were forming on his forehead and next to his mouth, and his hair was jet black with small streaks of gray.
"Welcome to our village Avatar and companions. We'll be happy to offer what we can. Our village is not very large or rich." His smile was warm and caring.
"Thank-you sir," Aang said bowing. "I was wondering, does this village have any earthbending masters that I might be able to learn from?"
"I'm an earthbender, but unfortunately, I'm not a master. I can teach you what I know if you like. All the masters from our village left to fight in the war." Aang's hopes of finding a master were getting really low really fast, but he might as well learn what he could. They could stay here for a few days.
"That would be great." Aang said half heartedly.
"Wonderful, please come meet my wife and children. My name is Huan by the way." Haun said motioning them to a nearby house. The house was rather small but had a homely feel. "Wen! We have company!" A woman with red hair also starting to streak with gray came to the door. Some soap suds were on her, she'd been doing dishes when the unexpected company arrived. After her came a boy who looked about Aang's age. He had very fair skin and freckles. With jet black hair as well. "This is my wife Wen" Haun said motioning toward his wife. And this is my son Tai. Where's Ami?" Haun asked Wen.
"I'm coming daddy," Came a young girl's voice. When the girl entered the room there was silence. Then a faint, by Sokka.
A/N: O the drama! Can you guess why Sokka Fainted? I can't decide if I want to have a little Katara/Aang. If you people's want me to I will. Any way hoped you liked! Reviews would be great!
