The day started out splendidly for Aang and Katara.

It has been a week since the lunch outing with his parents and Aang had almost forgotten about what he and Suki had talked about. He reassured himself that if it came to it, he would fight his enemy alone, had made peace with the decision. Of course he had told Katara of the happenings during that day. She was one of his best friends as well as his girlfriend; as long as he was around her, there was a chance her life would be in danger.

Aang didn't want to worry her, but at the same time, giving all that she knew, it was safer that she was aware of that danger. If anything happened to her because of ignorance, he knew the blame would be on his shoulders. Having made the promise to protect those he cared about, it would make sense to tell of the troubles.

Currently they were out on another date, though this time Katara was the one leading him somewhere. Apparently she had a special place that he didn't know about. True he hadn't been in this part of the city and was curious about this area. It was more...tropical than the rest, with plants and trees were more abundant here. The ocean glittered in the distance, like diamonds bobbing under the cerulean depths. It was a park, but the private place as Katara called it was a little beyond the small hillocks.

They had packed a picnic lunch, driving out to this park, and were now walking through it, the air sweet with blooms and lively chatter. The sun warmed their skin, wispy clouds adding to the glory of the day. If Aang drew this on a piece of paper, he doubted even his impeccable memory would be able to capture the beauty of it.

Looking over, he felt his smile widen seeing the content look on Katara's face. Or a while she had been worried about what he had told her, but for now, she seemed alright. That was what mattered right then. Reality will come crashing in soon enough, but for now, he wanted today to be a good one.

"How much farther, Kat?" he asked. Okay, maybe he was being a little impatient.

"Just one more hill and we're there," she chirped back at him, grinning widely. It was clear she was enjoying his torment.

God, how had he gotten so lucky? Seeing her smile at him, her hair in a braid and swinging with her gait, all he wanted right then was to kiss her like the precious person that she was. Nothing mattered right now but being with her, sharing the moment in the sunlight that beamed golden rays down. Even with the shadow in their minds, it seemed so far away, as if the sun was forcing it away for the time being.

She reached the crest of the hill first before turning to him, hand outstretched. "Come on, Aang. Or is the hill too much for you?" she teased.

Rolling his eyes with a smile, he reached up, grasped her hand, then straightened, pulling her closer. Her breath caught when their bodies pressed close together, while his own heart was beating a fast tempo. They stared at each other, frozen for a moment in time where all else ceased to exist. He rubbed his nose against hers and she giggled, grinning.

"I think I can keep up with you easily," he said softly. Looking around, he then asked, "Where is this special place?"

Katara blinked before tugging his hand, leading him over to a small grove of trees. Once they entered, it was becoming apparent where they were headed. She led him over to a spot that was covered in a curtain of moss, which she pulled aside, and Aang gasped slowly at the sight before them. Sunlight dappled the ground, the small clearing featuring a pond in which tiny fish swam, and grass softly dancing in the breeze.

This was like a small sanctuary where one could escape from the harsh realities of the world. There was something peaceful about this place, where nature seemed to have a magic of its own.

"Wow," he whispered, gazing around. "This place is beautiful."

Katara blushed, twirling a loose piece of hair around her finger after lowering the basket. "I thought you might like it." She went over to the pond, kneeling down and gently dipping her fingers into the clear liquid. "It used to be our place."

Aang joined her on the ground, watching how the small fish darted playfully. At first he wasn't sure who she was talking about until he noticed her free hand, which was on her mother's necklace, and it clicked. "You and Kya?" he asked softly. He was unsure if he should say her name, but he didn't want her to be a nameless soul. She had been taken when Katara and Sokka were younger in a hit-and-run. Ever since then, the small family had been saddened by the loss.

Katara nodded, rubbing the smooth stone. "Yeah, back when we had our girls' day out. She would always bring me here, knowing that it made me calm. I've been coming here ever since."

Aang sat in mournful silence. If it was his own mother who had died, he wasn't sure what he would do. The idea of her dying was enough to bring tears to his eyes, mingling with the sadness he felt for Katara. She noticed, of course, for she reached up and wiped away his tears. "Hey, no crying," she admonished gently.

Clearing his throat to get rid of them, he said, "It just seems so unfair that you went through that kind of pain."

She shrugged, her face a bit downcast. "It felt that way for a long time. After she died, I thought it was important to pick up the mantle of a mother figure. I know Dad was there, but Sokka was broken up about it." She sighed deeply, shoulders sagging. "He had taken her death pretty hard. But me and Mom, we were so close." She twisted her index and middle finger together, showing how tight they used to be. "After the funeral, we broke apart for a while. I didn't really talk to Sokka or Dad. We were on our own for about a month."

Aang gazed at the fish. "I can't imagine what that would be like. Even though I was somewhere I didn't want to be, at least I had known my own mother was alive. Just the idea of her not being so..." He looked at her, grabbing her shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Katara."

She reached up and grasped his fingers, smiling a little. "Thank you, Aang." Taking a deep breath, she moved away from the pond to lay in the speckles of light. "Lay down with me?" she requested softly.

He did so, and they remained quiet for a long time. The grass cushioned his body, the sweet smell making him drowsy while the light kept him warm. Laying there, away from the other people, peace was filling his entire being. If he could move to this spot, it would be the perfect place to live.

"I appreciate you bringing me here," he finally said, breaking the silence. "It's nice to get away from everyone."

She chuckled quietly. "I"m glad you like it here, Aang. I know sometimes being around other people is still a challenge for you. If you want time to yourself, you're more than welcome to use this place."

He smiled at her, grabbing her hand in a sign of gratitude. "I might bring my sketchbook next time. It would be cool to draw this."

Eyes twinkling, she said, "You have a photographic memory; why would you need to be here?"

He shrugged slightly. "Because it would be good art studio. The lighting is perfect, it's quiet, and the tranquil air can do wonders for the mind."

"Hmm," she hummed, thinking through his words. "You know, I've never thought about it like that."

Aang rolled over, hovering over her. "Says an artist herself? I'm shocked," he muttered playfully, before leaning down to kiss her. The zing in his body almost shook him, but the last thing he wanted was to stop. Judging from how she responded positively to his ministrations, it was clear she had been waiting for this just as long as he had.

Her hands ran through his hair, gently tugging at the strands as the kiss deepened. They kissed for a long while, until the need to breathe became too much. Aang released her mouth, but whether from the isolation or the beautiful girl, he felt bold enough to gently kiss her neck. Her breath stuttered out as he explored her skin. The strong pulse at the base of her neck incited something inside himself and he gently bit there.

Her breath caught as she held his head there, tilting hers to expose more of her throat. The reaction made him bolder, straddling her hips as they kissed again, harder this time. It was as if a well had been filled, threatening to overflow and drown them. Aang slowed their kisses to avoid that circumstance before stopping completely. Gazing down, he saw the most beautiful sight under him. Katara, hair loose from her braid and upper body flushed, was gasping and smiling at him.

They giggled and laughed a little as he kissed her nose before climbing off. She in turn rolled over until her torso was above his. There was delighted mirth in her flushed expression when she said, "I didn't think you would go that far."

The blush on his own face deepened when he realized what had come over him in that small space of time. "Sorry," he said sheepishly, scratching his head. "Was that too much?"

Katara laughed lightly, playing with his shirt. "No, I actually liked it. It's nice to see that you've grown comfortable so quickly."

Aang reached for her cheek, thrilling in the fact that she was his girlfriend. "Only because it's you," he stated softly, heart thudding loudly in the near silent clearing. "But if I go too far with something, tell me. The last thing I want to do is hurt you."

She rubbed face into his palm in comfort. "As long you agree to as well."

"Then it's a deal," he said, gently kissing her again.

Oh, it was a wonderful day.

(***)

Of course, it had to end. With the sun going down, the couple had to leave the clearing and make their way back to the car. It was a bit of a walk, but Aang didn't mind. He wasn't ready to head home quite yet. The night was young; perhaps they could have dinner. Maybe kiss some more. He blushed, thinking about what had occurred in that peaceful place. He was pretty shocked at how much they had interacted. But he didn't regret it.

It had been the best date so far; not because they went anywhere fancy, but because they spent the better part of the day in a natural setting, talking, relaxing, and just being. Expectations were abandoned, shed like old skin, to show the person underneath.

The day been magical in its own right. To think that something like this could happen to him, after years of solitude and being harmed, it was the first time he had felt truly free.

But as soon as they left the clearing, something niggled in his mind. It was that same feeling as before, that someone was watching him, waiting to strike. It made his body clench, tension radiating from his coiling muscles. Taking a deep breath, he looked around casually, trying not to make it obvious that he was looking. For a moment, there was nothing to be seen; just other couples and small children heading for their own vehicles. Just as he was bout to turn away, the slightest movement aught his eyes. There, a slightly stooped figure was leaning against the fountain, and that tingle of dread made its way up Aang's throat.

Katara seemed to sense his alertness because she whispered, "What is it?"

"I might be imagining things," he whispered back, "but I think we're being followed."

For her credit, she looked calm, thought there was a slight tightness around her mouth. "What should we do?"

Aang thought about it. The best thing would be to get to car and call for help, but he really wanted to figure out who this person could be. Running was not on his mind. However, Katara was in trouble, too, if this guy was following Aang. Anyone he knew personally could get caught in the crossfire.

There was only one option.

"You have to leave," he murmured.

She glanced at him. "You expect me to leave you alone with this stalker?" she whispered archly.

Meeting her gaze, he simply said, "Yes. I'm fairly sure Azula sent this person and I have to figure out if he plans to kill me or bring me back."

Katara crossed her arms, empty basket swinging. "All the more reason to make sure you have backup."

Aang shook his head at her stubbornness. "Katara, if something goes wrong, someone has to go back to tell your Dad what happened."

"Again, I'm not laving you alone. Remember? When the fight came, we fight it together."

Sighing, wishing he could make her leave, he knew she would not leave his side. But at the same, relief coursed through his body, which mingled with guilt. If something happened to her, it was his fault, but the idea of going against a possible assailant alone didn't sit well. Perhaps a compromise was in order.

"Okay, we'll do it together, but only if you promise to run if things turn sour. Got it?"

"Got it," she agreed.

Letting out a slow breath, he focused his mind. "Now, let's find out if this person is a threat." The more they understood about this situation, the better chances they'll have.

She thought about it for a moment, before steering him away from the parking lot. "Come on; let's make ourselves easier to follow." Leading him to a street of shops, they pretended to look through the windows, while really keep track of the guy. He was indeed following them; there was no mistaking the intent in his walk. Though he appeared casual, it was clear that he was staying right on them.

Aang's heart was pounding in his ears as they neared the nearly empty portion of the sidewalk and into an alley. He didn't like alleys, but he knew what Katara was doing. They hid behind a dumpster at the intersection that led onto another road and waited. Shortly after, footsteps could be heard, eerie in the silence. There was no one around but the three of them.

Then a voice rang out, one that was familiar. The sound brought to his mind the image of watery eyes staring at him, eyes that appeared both dead and predatory. A gaze that he was all-too familiar with.

"Come out, come out, wherever you," it said, high pitched but muffled. "Come now," it continued, after pausing, "I know you're back there. I just want to talk; perhaps have a bit of tea and some fun."

This was bad, really bad. Why the hell was he following them? How in the world was he someone who could work for Azula? Katara thought he was harmless, but what will she think now? Looking at her, it seemed to dawn on her that she knew who this was and was shocked.

Katara met his gaze and mouthed, "Reynolds?"

He nodded, chest tightening at watching her face fall. Mr. Reynolds, a secretary at the school, was hunting them. And possibly out to cause harm them.

"Kids, get out from there," he demanded, sounding a bit angry. "There's no need for this childish game."

Knowing what had to be done, Aang raised his hands, breathed, "Stay here," and stood up from his spot.

Exposing himself.

And came face-to-face with a man holding a pistol.

The man grinned, those cruel eyes gazing at his body like a prize. "Well, well, it's good to see you again, Aang."

Swallowing his revulsion, Aang replied, "Mr. Reynolds. What do you want?"

The secretary cocked the gun. "Not much; I'm just here to finish a job."

Heart racing he asked, "Azula's doing, I'm guessing?"

The man nodded, saying, "Oh, yes, my Mistress." He scratched his thin cheek, gun still trained with unnerving steadiness. "You know, you've caused her a bit of trouble, along with those weak friends of yours." He looked around, obviously looking for Katara. "Where is that lovely young lady, by the way?"

Trying to keep his cool, he lied, "I sent her away; this isn't her fight."

Reynolds laughed, the sound manic in the dark. "Not her fight? Didn't she promise to stay with you for the entire time?"

Swallowing, he replied, "I made her leave. Azula's rage is with me; no one else." He had to keep Reynolds talking; at least until he could figure out how to get them out. He wanted Katara to run, to find help. It might be their only chance.

Reynolds snorted, shaking his head. "So you're alone? Pretty dumb thing to do, if you ask me." Then he shrugged, stepping closer with the gun pointed right at Aang's chest. "Well, no matter. I can still have some fun with you, young buck."

Aang's face twisted in disgust. "I'm not a slave anymore; I won't let you use my body before killing me. I would rather die."

"I'm afraid that is no longer up to you," he said back, grinning. "Let's take a little walk, shall we? I'm going to hide my gun, but if you so much as cry out as we go, I'll shoot you so fast you'll be dead before hitting the pavement. They don't call me the Viper for nothing." The man did so, watching the teenager in glee and physical hunger.

Knowing there was little choice, Aang turned around and began the walk out of the alley. Katara was nowhere to be seen, so hopefully she had hidden or run like he had silently pleaded.

But no...

Just as they were exiting the alley, a loud metallic thud sounded from behind Aang. He spun around to see Reynolds wobble into the wall, clutching his head, and there stood Katara, holding the lid of a trash can.

She looked up at him and yelled one word.

"RUN!"