A/N. Katara is back! Now we are getting into the real problems of the story, where the most changes will happen. I know, it "only" took 52 chapters lol
I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender.
Katara sat down with the other warriors, as the sun was coming up. This was the day. The day they had been waiting for. The invasion! Finally… After today, they could finally live in peace if all went well. Sure… There were so many things that could go wrong… The Fire Nation military could spot them on their way, and the element of surprise would be lost. The Fire Lord could not be there! That was a concern she had raised with Sokka, but her brother had assured her that if Aang and the books the airbender had got in that school were to be believed, the Fire Lord didn't leave the capital. At least, not during dangerous moments. And an eclipse, robbing the most powerful firebender on earth of his powers… Surely Ozai would consider that a dangerous moment.
Yesterday evening… Had been awkward. Katara hadn't really known what to do after dinner, as the army went to sleep. Her father had posted sentries all along the island, and the idea that had been forming in her head had been put to a halt due to that. The waterbender had hoped to spend just one more night with Aang. Not to do anything, just… just to hold him. Just in case.
Just in case this was the day he wouldn't come back…
And said airbender was stretching next to Appa… Katara looked on, as Aang was walking over to them. Her father had called a war meeting, in the water tribe style. Where everyone could voice their concerns, ask questions, and so on. With his own band of warriors, that had been feasible. But Katara had counted thus small army. Six hundred and thirty? How were they supposed to explain the details to everyone, and keep everyone happy? That was just impossible.
"Hey!" Aang spoke happily, as he fell next to her. How was he able to be so cheerful, on a day like this? Katara tried to hide her own stress, but it had been forming like a ball in her stomach… But seeing the airbender, acting like that… It made it worse.
The sane part of her brain knew Aang was just acting, and was probably as nervous as she was… But the small, irrational part was screaming that he was being too careless! Not focused enough! Too…
"Everything will be alright Katara. Remember what you said in the cave. There is a future." He whispered softly. The words were enough to keep the fears away. He was right… They would win. There were things that could go wrong. But that was to be expected, and they would adapt the plan if needed! Everything was going to be alright.
She nodded, smiling, and turned to the other side. Her father, Tyro and Haru were walking towards them, followed by Sokka and Toph. Katara tried to suppress a groan, seeing how her brother was glancing from one scroll to another, clearly stressed out. Spirits… Not now. She knew her brother. Every time there was an important thing to be said, his stress or his nerves played up, and he would go into a long monologue, which made no sense whatsoever. The last time Katara had seen him like that, was the day he had tried to convince Gran Gran that he needed his own tent.
The younger earthbender apparently spotted them, because he waved towards them. Katara waved back, and gently nudged Aang so he would see Haru. The airbender also waved back enthusiastically, and for some reason… It seemed a small change of expression passed Haru's face, but Katara couldn't place it. Surely her own imagination.
Katara gestured for the young earthbender to join them. At the same time, she created a bit more space between her and Aang. They had agreed yesterday evening, before going to sleep, that it would perhaps be better to keep their relationship a secret for the warriors. At least, until they had won. Personal feelings shouldn't play a role in the coming fight.
"Hey guys, ready for today?" Haru asked as he approached them. The earthbender sat down on her right side, looking from her to Aang.
"Sure! Kick some Fire Lord's butt! That is going to be interesting!" the airbender laughed, but Katara saw the small expression of doubt in his eyes. She quickly smiled at Aang, mouthing Everything is going to be alright. As she had thought, his mind was filled with as many doubts as her own. But she was not going to speak her fears out loud to him. That would just be torture.
Turning back to the group who were standing next to the small platform Toph had probable bend out of the ground, Katara saw how Sokka walked up to it, while her father, the blind girl and Bato sat down in the row in front oh her. Looking at her brother, the waterbender observed he looked slightly nauseous, and that his eyes raked over the ranks of warriors.
"H-hey!" Her brother waved to attract the attention, and the small continuous murmur that had been happening before dying down, making everyone turn to Sokka. He seemed to realize how people were actually there. Katara would have liked to talk to him before he went to explain the plan, to reassure her brother, and give him some advice, like, look over their heads, not to their expression.
But that was too late now.
"Soooo… H-hello everyone! As… As you know, today, we are invading the capital of the F-Fire Nation. You know… Caldara. That is what it is called! Or Hari Bulkan! I've read some texts that called the city like that! But that is not important! The important thing is that w-we are going to attack it!"
Katara groaned softly, closing her eyes. Of course, Sokka was stressed out of his mind. Her brother was searching through the scrolls, and if she saw correctly, there were too many. Too many to be easy to search through. So, as Sokka was looking for the correct one, a sort of awkward silence settles around the warriors, with the occasional cough, scraping of someone's throat and, once, a sneeze. It was getting a bit uncomfortable.
"Ah, here it is!" Sokka held up a map of the city he had made, with help from the information out of the books Aang had got in the school, and also from the things the airbender had told him. Katara had seen him work on it for nearly a whole week, and she, in one of the front rows, could see it clearly. But she doubted someone in the back would even be able to tell what was on in.
"So, this is the capital, or at least, we think it looks like this! There are no known maps of it! So, Aang and I made this! Aang visited it several times before!" Her brother waved to the airbender. That information apparently was not a very welcome one, because Katara heard Alqaok behind her mutter something to the man beside him.
Turning around, she fixed the young warrior, with what she hoped was an angry glare. That idiot had been one of the reasons Aang had fled the ship two months ago, and had acted as if it was his right to talk badly about her, just because she was a woman close to his age. The young warrior saw her look at him, and he immediately shut his mouth. Turning back around, the waterbender thought about how he had got out of the restrains Toph had put around him. Hah!
"The Fire Lord's Palace is in the middle of a dormant volcano! Aang is going there! Oh, and there is going to be an eclipse! Firebenders are going to be useless! Wait… I'm getting sidetracked! Let me start at the beginning! Katara and I discovered… Oh wait, rather I got Katara angry and she exploded an iceberg! First, I didn't like the charming little demon, always smiling and kidding around, but I grew to love him over time! Then, we went to the Southern Air Temple where Aang used to live! And after that, we met Suki! She is a Kyoshi Warrior, and like, really nice!.."
Katara put her hands on her face, embarrassed for her brother. Spirits… Why did he have to get stage fright right at this moment!
"Wow… When he said the beginning… He meant the beginning beginning!" The waterbender groaned, as Sokka got into explaining how he got his butt kicked around by Suki, then moving on to their visit to Omashu.
Aang turned to her, raised eyebrows, nodding towards Sokka.
"Is he always like that when stressed?" The airbender whispered, and Katara only confirmed it by nodding defeatedly. She also realized that if they let Sokka talk as much as he wanted… he was going to reveal embarrassing details… Like how Aang had made her that flower necklace, got he mother's necklace back from the scarred prince… Well, they weren't embarrassing. But rather, she wanted to keep them private!
"… And then, he grew that weird moustache and beard thing, seriously Haru, we'll get you a razor this evening…" Her brother continued, but then, her father quickly got up, walked up to the platform.
"Thank you Sokka!" He quickly said, pulling at her brother's arm, "Why don't you take a little break as I explain the details?"
Katara didn't like that. It was Sokka's plan! Not his! Sure, she could understand the fact the time was of the essence. They were supposed to get going in an hour… But still, it was unnecessarily cruel to exclude Sokka. Her father should have taken him apart last night, to calm his nerves and explain how to talk to a large crowd! He would have done if he knew anything at all about Sokka… But no, her father had disappeared before dinner! Surely to talk about something with Bato, or one of the other warriors!
But he should have talked to Sokka. That was what he should have done, but instead, he had chosen to spend the little time they had with his warriors. Of course, as always…
Breathing in and out, she tried to calm herself. No personal feeling today. That was something that could wait… And if they won… Well, they could maybe rebuild a normal life. Where her father knew his children.
"Let me just clarify a few points for everyone! We leave in an hour. Today, an eclipse will happen in the middle of the afternoon. This will be the Day of the Black Sun, and firebenders lose their powers for a short period of time. There are two stages to this plan : A naval stage, where we will sail through the Gates of Azulon. There, guards will surely sound the alarm. We will use an invention made by the Machinist from the Air Temple, and my son. With that, we will be able to approach the city unseen. Each captain has his orders, and knows what to do."
Katara had to admit it… Her father made it sound much clearer than what Sokka had tried to say. But still… She felt bad for her brother, who sat down in the spot that her father had occupied before, in front of her. Quickly putting a hand on his shoulder, she squeezed gently in her brother's flesh. To show that she knew what he was feeling. And that it was going to be alright.
"When we manage to approach unseen, then, we will have the land stage. This is the important part. First, we get to the harbour. There, we will have to fight past their battlements and secure the plaza tower. This is the easy part! They will be unorganized, surprised by the attack, but that won't last! So, it is important we take out the harbour defences before they have a chance to put up resistance! After securing our beachhead, we will attack the Lower Town. I don't want any looting or pillaging! We have a goal, and we must focus on it! We secure that part, and then, it's up the mountain by the causeway!"
Yes… It was important what he told them. Katara knew her father was able to keep morale and order inside his own ranks… But would he be able to do the same with so many warriors, from so many different places? That was a serious danger. What if discipline broke down?
"If we keep to our timetable, the eclipse will begin when we reach the Imperial Caldara City. Again, no looting! I know, tin that city will be all the people who have organized this war, who have profited from it! But we need to stay together, to fight as one!" Her father punched the palm of his hand with a fist, but a hand in the front row went up. Katara stretched her neck, seeing the hand belonged to The Boulder.
"Excuse me Chief… But isn't the point to invade during the eclipse? Why don't we begin the assault when they are powerless?"
"Because the eclipse only lasts for half an hour… So, we need to use it as best we can. That means, attacking the most fortified part when they are powerless. We will draw as much fire towards us… So that the Avatar can slip through the enemy's lines, and get inside the Palace, to fight the Fire Lord."
Katara glanced at Aang. She knew he was probably thinking about that… This was the fight he had been training for since last winter… And now, it was here. But what would he do? Kill the Fire Lord? No… She couldn't imagine Aang killing someone. But… That was the only option. The Fire Nation wouldn't accept another ruler as long as the previous one wasn't dead… So… They needed to kill him. Maybe the airbender would be able to imprison Ozai, and they could kill him after that… If they did it like that, Aang wouldn't have blood on his hands…
"Warriors! This evening, the Avatar will have defeated Fire Lord Ozai! We will be in control of the Fire Nation Capital! And I promise you… This war will be over!" Her father shouted, so even the last row could hear his words.
A section of the warriors behind her began to cheer, and Katara knew those would be the Water Tribe. The warriors from the South Pole had always been rather loud after a speech, and some also whistled loudly. Crinching at the penetrating sound, the waterbender kept a hand on her brother's shoulder. Feeling them lower slightly, she quickly got up, pulling Sokka with her. Taking a step forward, she bumped against his arm. They always did that, to show support…
Her brother smiled at her and began to cheer as well. Sighing in relief, seeing that Sokka wasn't taking this slightly awkward debut as a leader too personal. Katara turned slightly, to see the Earth Kingdom warriors stomp down their feet. She had already seen this. This was their way to show their approval of something, without getting too out of hand. She smiled, seeing how even the most stoic warrior seemed nervous about this. About the end of the war…
Taking a step backwards, Katara saw Aang's eyes weren't fixed on her father, or on the cheering around him. No… They were looking at her. And she knew that look.
I promise… I promise.
This was his way to show her what the end of the war could mean to them.
Peace… And the chance at a future, one without dangers… Without the constant looking of one's shoulder, to check if there isn't someone following them… A chance at a future together… Maybe even a family?
Wow Katara, hold your ostrich horses.
Yeah, maybe she had been thinking about that… But that was way into the future!
"Alright people! One hour! In one hour, I want everyone on the ships! If you want to do something before, now is the time. Pray to whatever spirit or gods you believe in and make your peace with the world." With that, her father jumped down the platform.
The crowds of warriors began to split up in small groups. Some were already going down the path towards the ships, while others were walking towards their baggage, pulling out amulets, papers or other personal items that had meaning…
"Hey… Can we talk just for a moment?" Her father's voice pierced her thoughts, and a hand gently touched her arm. Turning around, she saw her father stand there, with his own bag in his hand…did he look… shy? Sort of. He didn't exactly look her in the eyes, and his mile seemed awkward.
"Yeah, sure." She answered, and walked away from the Aang, Haru and her brother, with her father in tow. Katara saw the small look the airbender cast towards her, and she just smiled, showing it was alright. That was why she loved him… They didn't need to talk about some things… He just knew and adapted his way of doing things to help her.
They arrived at the cliffs, where they could see the small harbour Aang and Toph had created. Watching the first men arrive there, she smiled. It was really happening! They were finally taking the fight to the Fire Nation.
"So… I promised Sokka some armour, you know… But I thought it was not quite fair. So I made this for you. If you want, of course, you don't have to take it!" Her father spoke softly, opening his bag.
He had… also made something for her? Katara had thought… well, Water Tribe traditions clearly state that this was a custom for when a son became a warrior… She had thought he wouldn't think to make something for her.
Her father handed her a water pouch…
He had adapted his gift… to fit her fighting…
For the first time since meeting him again, her heart swelled with love for him… He had taken the time to adapt his gift, to make it for her. To make it to acknowledge her fighting skills…
Katara took the water skin in her own hands, feeling the supple leather. There were beautiful symbols etched into it. She recognized the waves and the moon, symbols of the Northern and Southern Water Tribes, but also the stars, and the three small waves under a crescent moon that were the symbols of her village…
"Dad…" she whispered, but didn't continue.
"I mean, you don't have to use it!" He answered quickly, still not quite looking at her.
"No! I mean, yes, I want to use it! I just… I didn't expect a gift…" She whispered back, feeling the tears come to her eyes. She had hated her dad, wished him to go away… And he had been a pain in her backside to be honest, with all the meddling in her affairs… But… Well, Katara knew it came from concern and love. That it hadn't been to annoy her.
"You are as much a fighter as your brother Katara… I made the traditional armour for a southern warrior for him… But you, you are the first waterbender in our tribe in decades… And my sweet, beautiful daughter… You can't imagine how proud I am of you." With that, her father finally looked into her eyes, and as he did, Katara saw his own tears appear.
She knew why. Not because what he told her made him emotional… No, everyone around them was thinking of loved ones… And her father was unable to do that. Or at least, think about his own love without feeling sad for the loss. So, seeing the eyes of the woman you loved stare right back at you at such a moment… That would be rough.
"Sorry." Her dad muttered, wiping at his eyes, "Got something in it. Doesn't seem to want to come out."
She let him keep his dignity, not saying a word as he kept wiping his eyes.
"I talked to Aang… And he seems a fine young man. You could do worse." He laughed after a moment. Katara smiled. Of course, she could have known that he was going to say something about that.
"You know… It wouldn't surprise me if he wants to marry you, if we win…" Her father smiled at her, but something made her nervous. Why did he begin about that, now?
"No. No, we are not there yet." She answered shortly. Please spirits… Don't ruin it now.
"If he asks… Well, nothing is stopping you. If we win, there will be no danger to it." Her father smiled, patted her arm, and walked away.
No! Don't run away after saying that!
Katara stayed there. Tui and La… Yes, she had thought about the chance Aang would ask her, after the war… After this battle. They were both adults, and she would say yes in a heartbeat. But what her father said about the dangers… And what he said on the ship.
It kind of crashed down on her.
Spirits, if something had happened… She knew her father had not wanted her and Aang becoming physical… in case of more airbenders. If they lost this battle… Spirits, if Aang even got hurt… Of course the Fire Nation would hunt them down if they lost. They would know he was alive… And if Azula was to be believed, the Fire Nation also knew about her and Aang…
They would hunt her down.
Katara didn't care about that… but her brain turned on full speed… And the worst-case scenario made an appearance. What if… What if she was captured again like in Ba Sing Se? Aang had already proved once that he would run straight into the danger, to save her…
And she knew one thing. He would do it again, and again, and again.
For her…
Spirits… No… He would give himself up to the Fire Nation in that case. Just to make sure she was safe… And then, he would really be killed.
Breathe in. Breathe out. This is just your fears playing up. Just an episode. Nothing is going to happen! You are going to win, and everything will be alright!
Katara looked over the harbour, and further away, over the water… Everything was going to be alright.
"Hey. Are you ready?" Aang's voice sounded behind her, and she turned. There was some concern in his eyes.
"Yeah! Everything is alright." She smiled, but even to her, it felt fake, "Have you done your thing with the candle?"
Katara knew that when Aang doubted something, he would use the Air Nomad stuff in his chest. There were candles. She had seen him burn one that night in Ba Sing Se. If it went out during the night, that meant a bad omen. If it burned right through the night, it was good. She had also burned one when he had been wounded… And it had burned through. And it had been alright.
"Yeah! Burned straight through the night! Everything is going to be alright." He smiled widely.
But Katara had seen the small doubt in his eyes before a mask of confidence and love took its place.
And for some reason, she suspected that the candle had gone out.
Answers :
Kalaong : Exactly, Katara is at the same time his love and his best friend. He values her opinion and her for herself. Not just because he loves her. He is able to separate his love for her, and her being her own person.
Jjsmith103 : Yeah, I tried to make it look like Hakoda was an even worse version of Sokka lol! That he just doesn't think before talking, and he tumbles around when talking about feelings and so on. And of course, as seen here, he does it again, even if it is not at all his goal.
CoyoteLemon : Writing Hakoda has been the easiest thing to do actually lol! Katara is easy too, but Aang, I have some difficulties, mostly to show his goofy side. And I absolutely love writing Aang x Hakdoa chapters, they just work so well together!