A/N. I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender.

He had been gone a while… Katara had seen him return after more than an hour, and since then, he had been rather subdued. They had eaten on the big terrasse, and they were now preparing to go to sleep, so that tomorrow, they could move on. To the Northern Water Tribe… Tui and La, Katara really didn't like the idea of going there. Sure, it was the one place that would still be safe… But it had its weaknesses, the siege of the North had shown that… And now, it wouldn't just be one of the Fire Nation fleets that would come for them. It would be the whole of the Fire Nation might…

Sokka had estimated that there were nearly two hundred thousand soldiers under arms now in their enemy's army…and if their estimates were correct, there would also be nearly five hundred ships, and also those air ships… The Northern Water Tribe wouldn't stand a chance.

And they were going to bring that to their sister tribe… Because when the Fire Nation would learn where they were… They would come with their full might.

Wouldn't it be better to hide? To hide somewhere safe. There were islands to the west of the Fire Nation… no one really knew what or who inhabited those remote places… But it would be their best shot. Well, their best shot had been this temple… But that scarred prince had made sure their hideout was compromised.

Toph had ignored her since their… discussion. How could the blind girl be so stupid? Zuko was the most unreliable person in the whole world. At least, with Azula or Ozai, they knew that they were evil. But Zuko… Zuko had proven that his loyalty was easily swayed. And that, that was dangerous.

Aang had gone to make sure Appa was comfortable, for tomorrow, the bison was going to have a long day. Katara knew that the airbender liked to talk to his bison about his day, his feelings… And that he liked to do that alone. So, she had not gone with him. The others were also standing up, ready to go to bed.

"Sis… Can we talk?" Sokka's voice came from her left, and, turning around, Katara saw the pained expression on her brother's face. She nodded, concerned.

"Azula… she talked about Suki…" Sokka looked over his shoulder, to make sure no one was listening. The others were already going to the corridor where Aang had said they could sleep.

"Really?" Hope lifted her heart. She had not wanted to say it to her brother… But ever since she had seen the princess and her friends in the uniforms of the Kyoshi Warriors… Katara had been afraid of what had happened to Suki.

"Yeah… Apparently, she is alive… But in prison. I… I would like to try and find out which one. Azula made it seem like it wasn't the best place on earth…" Her brother spoke hesitantly, as if he was trying to make sure not to say everything.

"Sokka, we will help you. You know that, right?" The waterbender answered, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I know… I… I just worry about this. Not knowing was terrible… But to know exactly under what circumstances she is… It makes it all the more horrible…" Sokka sighed, closing his eyes.

Katara understood perfectly well. She was afraid for Aang, for what might happen… But at least, she had him here, now, at this moment. Sokka had to live with the knowledge that whatever was happening, he couldn't change a thing about it.

"Yeah… I get you. We will figure out where she is, and then, we will all help, I promise." She smiled at Sokka, who looked her into the eyes, with a grieved expression.

"Thank you… And another thing… Azula also said some things to Aang. I will let him talk about that with you, that is not my business… But, please Sis… Whatever he says, or tries to do, stop him. I never heard him so angry. He said he would rip her throat out. I worry that he would try something stupid if you don't talk him out of it."

He had said what? How… How had Azula pushed him so far? That was not Aang… Aang was sweet, considerate, and merciful, even faced with the people who had hurt him. He wouldn't hurt a living thing if he could help it. He would never talk like that.

"Sure… But what happened in that bunker Sokka? You, Aang and Toph have not spoken a word about it." She spoke softly, trying to read the emotions in her brother's ice blue eyes.

"I'll let him tell that… I… just know one thing. Nothing will happen. We will make sure of that… Please, convince him of that!" And with that, Sokka turned on his heels, and walked away, clearly disturbed enough to cut their conversation off.

What had she told them? From her own experience, Katara knew Azula was intelligent, and knew where to press to make something hurt, emotionally. When imprisoned in Ba Sing Se, the princess had threatened Aang, and had known, just with some reports of the Dai Li, what had been happening between her and Aang… So… What had she threatened Aang with?

Katara didn't need long to guess that it was something to do with her. Aang was calm and compassionate… But not if she was in danger. No, she knew that the airbender would destroy anything and anyone who would hurt her.

The waterbender turned to the bridge that led towards the building where they were sleeping. Crossing it, she thought about how these days could have gone…

She imagined… What if they had won? What if Ozai was dead? And his children? How different these days would have been? They would have celebrated an end of the war, Aang would have been safe, the Earth Kingdom liberated… Bumi, back on the throne of Omashu, Kuei in Ba Sing Se… The Water Tribes, safe…

And she would have accepted that necklace.

But now… Now, everything in their lives had gone to ash. Her father, her family and friends… All prisoners, at best. Her hope to have a safe life, gone… And her hope to spend that future with Aang? Well… It wasn't exactly gone… But the Fire Nation would surely try and use whatever they had to capture him. And what did they have? Their enemies had their friends… But they would be able to stop Aang from delivering himself to the Fire Lord. But… Katara knew that if it was her… Well, nothing would stop him from doing everything he could to free her. It wasn't pride, or even illusion, to think that. It was a fact…

Sighing, she arrived at the other terrasse. This one, smaller, had vines growing over the pillars, and the building that had apparently been the guest rooms was in rather good condition, which surprised her. There were no traces of battle, or even… Well, there were no skeletons to speak of. Nowhere. It just looked as if… The temple had been abandoned. But Katara knew that it was probably too much to hope for. No… The battle would have been somewhere else in the temple, probably. Perhaps even at the bottom of the canyon… Well, she would have tried to explore further into the buildings, if they had time…

But at the same time… it looked to peaceful. If she had not known about what happened between these walls… Katara would probably have loved it here. Everywhere she looked, the architecture surprised her. Everything… looked like it was defying gravity. Each building, hanging from the canyon walls… It seemed that even the smallest breath of air could make them fall down. But no, these walls had hung here for hundreds of years.

These were the buildings were Yangchen had grown up… Had lived during her time as Avatar. Even in the Water Tribes, stories were told of her kindness… And only now, Katara realized that was probably something typical for the Air Nomads. Yangchen had been known for kindness, mercy and generosity. Those were traits Katara knew Aang also possessed. And walking over this terrasse… She couldn't imagine how a man could attack these people…

What had the Air Nomads ever done to Sozin? They were innocent. Seeing how massive this temple was… Spirits, hundreds of people must have lived here. And not one had survived… Aang had told her that Air Nomads who choose not to spend their lives in the temple made their homes at the base of the temple. Had people lived down this canyon? Were there ruined huts down there? Traces that people had lived, laughed and loved? Spirits… She could understand why Aang didn't want to come back here.

It reminded him not only of the people he had lost… But also of all the lost futures.

The waterbender entered the room she had prepared earlier today. It wasn't some great luxury, but… Well, for the first time since Hama's Inn… They had a room for themselves. Sure, that cave before the invasion had been nice… But it had been a cave. No, this was much nicer. Katara had chosen one without too many murals… But it had been difficult. She suspected that the nuns had been rather artistic, for nearly every inch of every wall was covered by artwork… And she had tried to find a place as neutral as possible. Without the constant reminders for Aang how life used to be…

She heard footsteps in the corridor, and immediately dropped her thinking. Had that prince come back? Had he brought soldiers?

The footsteps approached, and suddenly, Katara recognized the light steps. Aang. He had apparently finished with Appa and was now joining her.

Well… She needed to speak to him. But spirits… She didn't want to.

The airbender entered the room, and for the first time since she had known him, Katara saw what he would look like as an older man. He looked as if twenty years had added onto his actual age, and he had slumped shoulders. His grey eyes looked up from the ground, saw her, and a small, sad smile appeared on his lips.

"Oh… You're here." Was all he said, as he sat down on a stone bench that stood against the wall. That bench had also been one of the reasons Katara had chosen this room. The only piece of furniture that had not rotten away, it would maybe proof useful. There were alcoves in the walls, big enough to lie down, and she had suspected that the guests had slept in these niches.

"How are you holding up?" She asked, sitting down on the floor opposite of the bench, with her back to the wall. Pulling her knees up, she clasped her arms around her legs. Katara had been curious who had been so important to him that he had needed to seclude himself in that building for an hour. She had not asked further questions, because she didn't want to seem jealous, which she was not. But… It had seemed so unlike him not to tell her about this person.

"Not… Not great. I liked it here, before. And now… Now it seems just… empty. I know these corridors, these rooms… And nothing is like it is supposed to be." Aang sighed, holding his head in his hands.

"Do you want to tell me about it?" The waterbender asked. She knew that it was perhaps a bit direct, but Aang had never been able to cope with something unless he talked about it.

"I… I visited this Temple for the first time… Well, I was eight years old. Gyatso dropped me off, I had to follow some lessons with one of the sisters here. I stayed for a whole month and was so homesick. And I was surrounded by girls. Which, at the time, I hated." He looked up, and a very small smile appeared on his face.

"After that, I came back here… nearly every two, three months. I used to visit Kuzon, and then, fly over here for a few days, before returning south. It… It felt like a second home. And to see it like this…" The harrowed look came back into those sweet grey eyes, and Katara's heart ached seeing him like this.

"We are going to leave tomorrow… But maybe we should talk about that…" She began. The waterbender wanted his opinion about the North Pole. It was a bad choice, for they would attract too much attention there. And attract too many enemies.

"Why? Agna Quel'a is the only safe place now." Aang sighed.

"But if we go there… It won't stay like that. We would be followed by the Fire Nation in the blink of an eye. We would bring slaughter to them, just like last time…" Katara stated, knowing that that would convince Aang. He didn't want more people to die for them.

"Yeah… It would be safer if you and Sokka went there. We will stay here." Aang said, without looking at her.

He wanted to do what now?

Separate? How stupid would that be? No! They needed to stay together!

"No way!" She tried to look into his eyes, but he kept them averted, looking at the wall on her left.

"Katara… It would be safer. They will be looking for an Air Nomad, with arrow tattoos and a bald head. They will come after me. And they will not give a second glance at a water tribe woman… at the North Pole."

That made her pause. He had said that she and Sokka should go there. But now, he talked only about her. So… he wanted her there. Of course, he cared about Sokka's safety as well. But this was directed at her specifically.

And… wasn't this what needed to be done? Katara didn't want the Fire Nation to use her as a bargaining chip to get to the airbender. But… to separate? No. That would just be foolish. Together, their friends and them probably formed one of the most capable fighting forces in the Nations… But to separate, would mean to lose that advantage. No… They just needed to make sure that the Fire Nation wouldn't be able to know about their attachment. That was the only way! The one reason why she had not accepted the necklace. Because… For all their faults, the Fire Nation probably knew more about the other culture than anyone on this earth. In a twisted, contorted way… but still. They probably knew about betrothal necklaces! And if she was captured… With one so clearly from the only airbender… Well, even if those soldiers didn't know about their relation, they would learn it that way.

"Has this to do with what Azula said to you?" She spoke through gritted teeth. She didn't want to sound angry… But it felt wrong. Wrong to separate, and certainly only for her to seek refuge, while her friends were in danger.

His face turned sharply towards her, and she saw the anger in those grey eyes, which seemed darker now than she had ever seen them.

"Who told you about that?" His voice trembled out of… Worry? Anger?

"The others told me something happened. Nothing more. They didn't say what she said. But Aang… What happened?" Katara said, as she saw how his hands trembled.

"Nothing. Nothing worth talking about." The venom in his voice was unmistakable. And Katara didn't like hearing him like this. This was not who he was.

"Aang…"

"No. I don't want to think about it." He cut her off.

So… it was something personal. Something that hurt only to think about.

"Did she threaten me? Aang, that is nothing… She killed you! She is capable of so much worse!" As she spoke, Katara realized her mistake. That sentence didn't put his mind at ease. It only strengthened his resolve.

"Exactly. And that is the point. That… Azula doesn't make empty threats. She makes only those she can make reality. And never. Never will that happen." Aang sounded so angry… And Katara felt her heart crack. She had never seen him this furious. At least, not angry like this. This was something far more than just anger, or enraged… Looking into his eyes, the waterbender realized what it was… This was pure despair.

"It doesn't matter! We can pull through anything, together! But they can't learn about us! Only Azula knows about us, and if we manage to make sure no one else knows, we are safe!" Katara retorted. That was her point. They needed to make sure that no one else knew. She only prayed the warriors would not talk during interrogation… If they did that, her hope, her only hope, would be crushed.

"Too late for that." Aang's voice sounded hard, unyielding.

That made her pause. Sure… Azula knew, but who cared? The only thing she knew was that perhaps, there was something between her and Aang. Rumours, reports from Dai Li… But Katara had taken care to make the princess have her doubts about it. During her captivity, she had never said she and Aang were together, always lying about it.

But no way Azula knew everything.

"You want to know what she said. Fine." Aang spoke angrily, "She has sent orders to the soldiers. They are to capture the water peasant. And… Do things. Unspeakable things. Azula knows that I won't let that happen. She counts on it. Don't you see? You need to save yourself. Please Katara… Please, for once… think of yourself."

Aang voice had broken when he had been speaking, and now, all the anger was gone. Only to be replaced by inexpressible sorrow.

Azula knew. And… She had made sure everyone knew. So… That was the Fire Nation tactic. Exactly what Katara had feared. Use her as the tool that would defeat the Avatar for good.

And… Unspeakable things…. Katara didn't need to ask him what that meant. Azula had probably spoken more bluntly, describing whatever she had in store for her. But Aang had chosen not to repeat them.

Even though the idea made her shudder, and her stomach turn, she knew that it was not important. It would never happen.

"Aang… If we separate, and hide in different places… It will only make their task easier. We need to stay together." Katara surprised herself by saying this. Even a few hours ago… She would have taken anything to make Aang safe. And here, he was trying to present an oppurtuntiny to do just that… But she didn't like it. It meant, going their separate ways. No. Never. Her fear had been that the Fire Nation would use her as a bargaining chip. And yes, it was clearly their plan to do just that… But there was no turning back now. No… They needed to face this head on.

"For once Katara. Think about yourself." Aang repeated, resolve shining in his grey eyes, "If you won't, I will. We can't do this, we need to make them think you are not important to me! We need… We need to stop!"

The pain in his eyes was nearly tangible, and Katara knew what he meant. They needed to make the Fire Nation think they weren't together… But what did he mean by… We need to stop?

"Aang, they just need to think that. There is nothing that would make people think we are together. Tui and La, I'm sure that the other, Teo, The Duke and Haru, don't even realize it!" Katara objected. How had she become this part of the discussion? She had vowed to do anything to make sure he was safe… And now, she was trying to back paddle… The Fire Nation was going to come after them, and now, with the information Aang had given… Well, it was clear that their strategy would be to try and hurt Aang by hurting his friends.

"That is not the point Katara! I can't let you be in danger! Only the thought is already slowly killing me! How… Tara, everyone I love dies! Horrible deaths! Please… Please don't let that happen. I can't take it anymore!" And Katara saw how his resolve cracked, and how he put his hands in front of his eyes, shoulders shuddering.

Spirits…

The waterbender got up, took the few steps to the bench, and fell on her knees in front of him. Closing her arms around his head, she let him cry. What else could she do? Aang was clearly not in a stable state of mind… Otherwise, he would never have suggested for the group to separate.

"It is alright… We will figure it out Aang… Tomorrow, we talk to the others… We will come up with a plan! A plan to stop the war, before the comet! I promise we will not fail this time. Everyone will stay safe. Me included. I'll not leave you! Remember? We have plans… plans that take more time than just these five weeks. We promised each other." She whispered, created some space between them so that she could look up at his face.

And his look was still so… so sad.

"Katara… I just don't want you to be in any danger. Azula… She knew exactly what to say to make me afraid. Scared, as I have never been before…" He whispered, and she felt his fingers softly against her cheek. The waterbender smiled at him, putting her on hand over his fingers.

"Aang, we have never been safe. We travelled around, and it was never safe, for any of us. Friends have died, we have been wounded countless times… It is just how this world works. And that is why we need to end this. Whatever the cost may be." She answered.

"No. Not whatever the cost may be. I… I would give anything up to make that a reality. But not you. Never. Katara, everyone says my fate is to end a hundred-year-old conflict. I say, my fate is to spend my life with you, however short that may be." Aang looked into her eyes, and too late, Katara realized what he was asking.

Suddenly, that pouch in her pocket felt heavy.

How could they? Even though she wanted to make a future with him… It was impossible, at least at this moment! If anyone learned about it… Katara thought she had been clear.

"It won't be short Aang. In five weeks' time, this war will surely have ended. It will all be alright." She whispered, taking his hand from her cheek, and just closing her fingers over it.

"Katara, you can't know that… It is entirely possible that I will die."

"No. Don't say that! No! It will not happen, do you hear?" Katara put a hand in her pocket, extracting the pouch from it, and putting it in the hand of the airbender, "When all is safe, after the war... But Aang, no one can know how important we are to each other. This would only make us a target. More than we are already!"

The airbender looked at the pouch in his hand, and then, in her eyes.

"You… you looked inside?" He asked in a small voice.

She nodded.

He sighed and stood up. Katara did the same, and as she did, she saw how his hand had closed around the pouch, and the knuckles were white.

"I… I'll sleep elsewhere tonight." Was his only reply, and Aang took the staff and began to walk to the door.

What the…

"Why?" Katara didn't understand. The airbender ignored that question, stepping outside, into the corridor. Had she not been clear? Had he not understood she would take that necklace as soon as the war had ended? Only then, she realized… Aang had been taught about Water Tribe traditions. He…

Oh no.

He knew what it meant not to accept a necklace…

"Aang, wait!" She managed to say, going to the door, and looking left and right into the quickly darkening corridor… but the airbender had already vanished.

Answers :

Alyssa: Thank you! Yeah, I wanted to show more of his past, as we don't see much of that on the show! But I hesitated on the fact of giving him a sister, for I had never talked about her before, but yeah, I thought it would be fitting.

Rak : I was going to post the chapter when I saw your reply lol! Yeah, Aang has really a rough couple of days. And now, I am only adding to it, sorry! In the show, he seems pretty cool with being in the Western Air Temple, but I thought it would be interesting to see him go into a kind of depression here, with everything that he has lost, failed to do, or misunderstands.