A/N. Kind of an in between chapter, moving on from the marriage and onto the end.
I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender.
Aang groaned as he stood up from Sun Meditation, followed by an equally grumpy Zuko. The sun, slowly rising above the roofs of the buildings around the courtyard, shone on the dragon mosaic. If not by his state of mind, the airbender would have loved the early morning.
He had not slept well, due to… sounds… from the bedroom next to his and Katara's. Spirits… They had really married yesterday. He had kept his mouth shut, not telling the firebender. Not because he didn't trust him, but they had agreed that it would be better not to tell anyone… or their own safety.
"Sleep well?" The airbender asked, as he and the prince had not exchanged a single word that morning. Aang had joined Zuko in the courtyard, where the firebender had already been deep in meditation.
"What do you think?" Zuko bit back, clearly irritated.
"As good as me, I suppose." Aang agreed, rubbing his eyes. Spirits, he was exhausted. Sure, he and Katara had made it late this night, but that had not been the point! But Sokka and Suki had kept them all up.
"I didn't even know someone could make that much noise. Mai nev…" Zuko seemed to realize his mistake, because his cheeks grew completely red. Arching an eyebrow, Aang couldn't help but grin at the prince.
"Mai never…?" He asked, trying to sound as innocent as possible. The firebender made a strangled noise, before scraping his throat.
"Not important. What I meant to say, was that they kept us up. I knocked on their door to make them stop, but I just heard Sokka scream to go away." Zuko sighed, sitting down on the low wall on the side of the courtyard. Aang, following his firebending teacher, sat down next to him. If Zuko was in a talkative mood, they would always talk a bit before starting practice.
"Yeah, Katara and I knocked on the wall to make them stop." The airbender shuddered, thinking back at how his wedding night had gone.
It had not been such a catastrophe, normally. He had thought that Suki and Sokka would stop after a few minutes. He had not explained his reasoning to the waterbender, but Aang knew that the water tribe boy hadn't… well, done it before. Sokka had come to him for advice in the Air Temple… And Spirits, did Aang regret ever lending him their book…
It had lasted the whole freaking night! After an hour, he and Katara had begun to knock on the wall, to make it clear that they were fed up with it all. When that hadn't worked, they had heard Zuko nearly punch a hole in the door of the bedroom next to theirs, trying to make the two stop.
It had only been due to the intervention of Toph that it had finally grown quiet in the house. The blind girl had come out of her room, threatening to crush Sokka's balls under a rock. Her words. When peace and silence had finally returned to the bedrooms, Aang had seen the slight change of colour in the night sky, and, knowing that dawn was probably less than an hour away, he had given up on sleep. Katara had not had the same problems, and she had fallen asleep nearly as soon as her head hit the pillow. The airbender had opted to lay down next to her, trying to get some rest.
Which had been a bad idea, because he had time to think about the future…
So, here he was, sitting next to Zuko, instead of having a wedding night. Yay.
"I mean, they can do what they want, but not at the expense of our rest." Zuko continued, still clearly irritated at the couple.
"I can understand their enthusiasm… But yeah, you're right." Aang agreed. Of course, opening up to someone in that way… It was wonderful, and he didn't have the heart to make Sokka and Suki stop it… Just… Not in the house.
"I mean, where did they even learn all the things we heard?" The firebender grumbled, and Aang could see the disgusted look. Yeah… They had heard plenty of things. And some had made the airbender blush. Not because he disapproved, he would never! But rather… He had thought he and Katara were quite advanced in their comfort, after four times together. Four and a half! Yeah, he had counted.
But what he had heard coming from that bedroom…
Nope. Not going to think about that.
"Moving on. Have you practise the forms I gave you?" The prince suddenly turned to him, the good part of his face obscured by the shadow that was softly growing in the courtyard. Meaning that Aang only saw the scared, angry part, and not the kinder side.
"Eh…" The airbender swallowed thickly. He had promised the day before that he would practice the forms after the theatre, which had been a condition of Zuko for even allowing them to go.
"No, right? Too much personal matter?" The sarcasm was dripping off the firebender's voice.
"What? No! No personal matters at all!" He tried to defend himself, but it sounded… as lying. Which it was, of course, but Zuko didn't need to know that.
"Mph." The prince nearly rolled his eyes. Aang tried to smile at him but was met with that cold golden stare. Yeah… He was going to have to do some serious training to make it up to him. Yay. Seven days… Seven days to master firebending. And to be honest, Aang began to recognize the signs meaning that the comet was approaching…
He had not told anyone… not even Katara…
But today was the day he had fled the Air Temple, a century ago…
And, a century ago, he had flown under an orange sky during the first few hours of his journey to the Southern Water Tribe. And as the sun had begun to set yesterday, he had watched the sky turn that same sickly orange colour… And he had known. It was all true. At the end of the week, the comet would cross the sky…
And Ozai would probably use it. Use it for something terrible…
"Zuko?" He had to know… he had to know what was coming.
"Yes?"
"When you were back at the palace… with your father…"
"With Ozai." Oh yes… Zuko hated to have the Fire Lord as his father…
"Did you… Did you speak about the plan for the comet?" Aang stood up, walking to the middle of the courtyard, where, as he looked at the tiled ground, the great ember and fire eyes of the golden dragon stared back at him.
"You will defeat him before the comet." The firebender answered but it didn't escape Aang's attention that he evaded the question."
"But what was the plan? He has to have one, right? And even if I defeat him… His successor could implement it." The airbender objected. The play had made it abundantly clear that Ozai meant for Azula to succeed him, so even if they managed to… neutralize… the Fire Lord, there would be another to take his place.
"His successor will be my Uncle." Looking up, Aang saw the determination in the prince's eyes. He didn't plan another scenario… He had this in mind, so he wanted it like that. That was the problem with Zuko… He was too stubborn to even consider other options…
"Yeah… but what if it is Azula?" Those had been his thought this morning, as Katara had been snuggling him in her sleep and he had been staring at the ceiling of their bedroom…
"You want to know?" The snarl on Zuko's face was unmistakable, and he was clearly angry. But Aang knew it wasn't directed at him… But rather at something that wasn't palpable. He nodded. He had to know…
"We had a council… before the invasion. About what to do. There had been some talks about attacking the Water Tribes before the council, because the general thought you were dead…" Was it just his imagination, or did Zuko sound… Ashamed? Probably yes. Then again, planning to murder a whole people was something to be ashamed of.
And it was exactly what the airbender was afraid of. The Fire Nation would attack the North Pole, right? The Southern Water Tribe didn't pose a threat, and the Earth Kingdom was occupied. The Air Nomads were gone, so they couldn't object.
No… The only reasonably threatening enemy left for the Fire Nation was the Northern Water Tribe. And even then, it wasn't a huge threat…
"So, they would attack the North?" Aang asked, meeting Zuko's eyes. In those ember eyes was only confusion.
"No… No, they won't. That was the idea of the general, to capture the new Avatar… With the power of the comet. My… Ozai had another plan. That he had concocted with Azula."
The firebender's voice changed as he spoke. First it sounded puzzled, as if he couldn't actually believe Aang thought this. But after a few words, it changed. Into something darker. The airbender, trying to discern some emotions, could only observe anger, shame… and some envy? Envy that it had been Ozai and Azula planning this? Jealously that is hadn't been him who had been at the right hand of the Fire Lord as he planned on taking over the world. But Aang knew Zuko better than that. Yes, he was envious.
But not because of all that. Rather because Azula had always had what he had craved. Their father's love. And once more, Aang knew that that wasn't what the prince wanted anymore. No… Now, Zuo desired the death of his father.
"And that was?" He asked, trying to push down the fear in his gut. Zuko sighed, and suddenly, Aang realized that there had been a reason why the firebender had been so focused on the training, and on defeating the Fire Lord before the comet, as Roku wanted…
He was afraid too.
"The Earth Kingdom is in open rebellion… And… And my father and sister… they are planning on burning the revolts out of their hiding holes…"
Oh no…
No… Not that…
"They will start… At the north-western tip of the continent… And use… use the airships. To burn their way to Ba Sing Se…"
That… That was not true. No one would be that cruel… Right? Millions of people lived in that part of the Earth Kingdom! Ba Sing Se alone was already… what had Than said, on their march over the Serpent's Pass all those months ago? Ten million? Fifteen? He didn't actually remember. But what he did know, was that that swath of Earth kingdom territory was an important part of it, producing grain and vegetables feeding the capital…
"But…"
"No but Aang. That is Ozai's plan. Why do you think I have been hammering you about ending the war before the comet? It isn't just about killing my father." Aang observed that he suddenly called the Fire Lord my father, "It is about the lives of millions. Millions like you and me. People who deserve a chance. And they won't get it if Ozai or Azula are alive when the comet comes."
At that, the airbender's ears perched. Yes, Zuko had been clear that he wanted Ozai dead. But Azula? He had never heard the firebender actually wishing his own sister dead…
"Ozai, I get… But Azula…"
"No. She won't rest, don't you get it? She will take over from my father, and the war will go on. Only Uncle can stop this. He will know what to do! I hate to say this… But she needs to die." Aang could hear that that hurt Zuko, for the prince turned away from him, looking up towards the rising sun.
"Do you get it now? End the war before the comet. You can feel it too, can't you? The power of the sun? It is getting stronger. We are getting nearer, and we don't have an actual plan on defeating him. Seven days, Aang! Seven! Who cares about the fact that the play was mean to us? Who cares about Sokka and Suki screwing each other's brains out? Who cares for your love life? These seven days are the most important days in our lives. And we need to fight. And win." The prince threw his arms up, in a desperate move that made Aang look down, slightly ashamed.
Yes… Zuko was right. But he was also wrong. Yes, they should start planning on defeating Ozai. Yes, that was their duty, their goal. But it wasn't the reason why they were fighting. They should be fighting to make the world a better place. War was never an option, and neither was fighting. But when he needed to, Aang would only fight for the right reason.
And of course, stopping a century old war was the right reason… It was just not the reason Aang had for stopping it. He wanted an end to the war because it meant that his loved ones would be safe, and able to do what they wanted with their lives… He didn't want to stop it for the millions of the masses that were waiting for an end… however it ended.
He wanted a stop to it all for personal reasons. Sure, maybe that made him a bad Avatar, only willing to think of his own life, but… Well, it was true.
"I know Zuko… But are you sure that that is their plan?" It was selfish… But Aang grasped at that last straw of hope. Maybe the Fire Nation wasn't planning on killing millions… Once more.
"I don't know. Maybe I misheard Ozai proclaiming his intent to burn down half the Earth Kingdom in front of the whole War Council." The firebender looked like he could nearly slap him several times to knock some sense into him.
"So… Seven days to stop that?" Aang looked down at the golden dragon mosaic. If only they had that kind of power… They could stop Ozai with that. But no… The world was stuck with him.
"Yes. Seven days. Six to be exact, otherwise you'll be fighting him during the comet. And trust me, you don't want that." With that, the firebender began to march towards the open door that led into the house. They would normally have breakfast together after Sun Meditation, but this time… Well, Aang felt he would need a minute alone.
The other side of the courtyard was occupied by the stable buildings, and Appa had been confined into it. Not because they didn't want him to be near them, Spirits no… No, it was just that the air bison was too big to hide anymore. Sky Bisons would grow for nearly their whole lives, even if that growth slowed significantly after they pass the twenty-year mark. But Appa was getting a growth spurt, meaning that he was getting too big.
Aang felt himself gravitate towards the stables, knowing that a few minutes with Appa would calm his nerves. Walking towards the door of the building, the airbender thought it all through.
Zuko had just told him something that deep down, he had already known. Of course Ozai was going to use the comet as an excuse to wipe out a people. Only, he had thought it would be the North Pole… The good feeling he had had in his heart ever since last night was slowly dying as he realized what this all meant…
He would have to fight Ozai. Kill Ozai.
How could he kill someone… He did not want to harm another human being, even one as despicable as the Fire Lord. In the Earth Kingdom, people had asked him how he would take revenge on the people who had killed his people… But he had always answered that he wouldn't.
Even if he wanted… These people were dead. Long gone, cremated and dust in the wind by now… Perhaps some of the people who had killed the Air Nomads had even been friends of his… Gyatso, his mother, Jinora, and all the other monks and nuns would say the same thing.
No crime justifies the killing of the guilty. It only creates one more murderer.
If he was to kill Ozai… he would be no better than the Fire Lord…
Opening the door that led inside, he was met with a puff of warm air.
"I know buddy, I've been neglecting you." He sighed, seeing how Appa was facing him, an irritated frown visible deep in the white fur. Walking up to the bison, Aang let his full weight nearly fall against the soft fur, feeling himself disappear into it. A groan coming from Appa was clearly meant as a question.
What has been happening?
"Oh… You missed a lot. We watched a play yesterday, and it was so horrible. It was about us, and I was played by a girl." Aang sighed, feeling good that at least, there was someone with whom he could be completely open, except of Katara, of course.
Appa huffed some warmer air that began to spiral around him, teasing his tunic in every direction.
You deserved that.
"I asked Katara to marry me… Again." The air suddenly changed direction, pushing into his face. As Aang bend it away, he knew what the bison meant.
What is the matter with you, you idiot! You told me she wanted you to wait!
"She said yes, thank you very much." Aang laughed, feeling the joy he had felt before flaring up once more, before dying down again. The air suddenly hung still, and the airbender took a step backwards, seeing how Appa was fixing him with those big brown eyes. The expression was unreadable, but suddenly, the bison opened his mouth and licked him all over.
"Yeah, yeah, thanks!" Aang smiled as he felt the hot tongue go over his face once more. Wiping his face somewhat clean, he sighed, turning back to the bison.
"But this morning… Zuko told me something truly horrible. His father is planning on killing millions… in only seven days. I will really need to fight the Fire Lord in a few days… Otherwise, I'll have failed as Avatar… And Roku was right. If Ozai can harness the power of the comet and use it, balance will truly be broken…" Of course, he couldn't blame Zuko, and he was grateful the prince had told him… But did he have to tell him today? He had hoped to be able to spend at least a day in pure ignorance, having the evening with Katara… his wife.
His shuddered, only thinking about it. She was really his wife… And he was really her husband. It felt unreal to be completely honest. It didn't feel like they had really been married last night. Of course, to be honest, it didn't change a thing. But it felt… He didn't know how to explain it. It felt… more real? No, it had always felt real. More… tangible?
No. He really didn't know how to explain it, but it felt good. And that was the most important.
"I married her last night." He admitted, sliding down and sitting with his back against one of the furry paws of the bison. Letting his head rest against Appa, the airbender sighed contently. It was weird. At the same time, he was feeling the dread of having to fight someone… And maybe be forced to kill that person. But at the same time, there was that feeling of content. Happiness, knowing that it was all going to be alright, because at the end of the day… Katara would be there.
That duality of feelings in his heart was going to mess him up, wasn't it? Aang couldn't help but just… shrug. Shrug at that thought. Let it become a mess. At least, that mess would his own doing. Closing his eyes, he decided he didn't need breakfast. Let Zuko sulk over his bread buns, maybe it would make him less angry during training.
"Aang?" A male voice called from the door at the entrance of the stables, and the airbender tried to withhold a groan, to limited success.
"You." He growled, not even giving Sokka the kindness of opening his eyes. Planting his foot down, Aang could feel how his friend moved towards him.
"You sound… angry with me." The water tribe boy said hesitantly, and the airbender felt the tentative smile on the tanned face of his friend.
"Oh no. Not angry at all."
Not angry at all. No, he wasn't angry that Sokka and Suki had ruined his wedding night. He wasn't irritated about the fact that he hadn't closed an eye this night because he had to listen to the "Oh Sokka!" and "Oh Suki".
Not. At. All.
"Did… eh… Did you sleep well?" Aang heard the slight excited tone in his friend's voice. Oh, Sokka was clearly dying to tell him all about what had happened.
"No. I had front row seats at a rather loud and obscene play." Aang answered through gritted teeth. Sure, he was happy for Sokka to have finally done the deed. Certainly after all the hints that Suki had been dropping. It had been painfully obvious, but Aang didn't have the heart to point his friend in the right direction. Luckily, he wouldn't have to…
"Ah… Eh… Yeah, about that… I wanted to apologize. For keeping you up. Is Katara angry with me?" Ah, there it was.
"Well, she is disgusted for one." Aang opened his left eye, seeing his friend stand in front of him, hands deep in his pocket with a stupid grin on his face, "But angry? No… She wouldn't be angry with you for being happy."
Sokka nodded, sitting down next to him. The airbender resisted the urge to give his friend a soft elbow in the ribs, just to take some revenge.
"I also meant to thank you." The water tribe boy began awkwardly, "I mean… If you hadn't lent me that book… Spirits, I would have looked a fool. Suki… Suki seems to have some experience."
Judging on what he had heard from the other room, Aang would say a lot of experience.
"I mean… yeah, thanks."
Grinning, Aang couldn't help it.
"You should thank Katara. She bought it." Opening his other eye, the airbender turned to his friend as he shuddered.
"Thanks for reminding me." Sokka gagged.
"You're welcome." Aang crossed one leg over the other, settling deeper against Appa's paw. As long as Zuko wouldn't call him, he could stay here, teasing Sokka. Living a good life.
"Seriously, you are a disgusting little man, you do know that, right? Torturing me with stories about you and… my sister. When you had that book!" Sokka defended himself.
Ah… Yes. When they had talked about this in the Western Air Temple, it had grown to be a very awkward conversation.
"Hey, be happy. Apparently, my advice gave you the Oh Sokka's that I heard," Aang laughed. Spirits, it felt good to laugh. Why worry… They would fight Ozai. And they would win. And he and Katara would be able to live their lives… Together.
"Why do you look like you swallowed meat without realizing it?" Sokka suddenly asked.
Shit. He had forgotten… Apparently, his face was an open book.
"Zuko told me some stuff… But we'll talk about that during lunch, alright?" Let them all have one morning of happiness left. Let Katara be blissfully unaware of what was needed to be done in the coming days. Let Sokka and Suki bask in their lusty hangover. Let everyone live their lives… Just for one more morning.
He could ruin it later.
But ruin it, they had to… If they were to have a plan on fighting Ozai…
Answers:
Jjsmith103: I wanted to make it clear that even though Aang remembers more than in the series, he still doesn't know everything. And what he knows of the water tribes is of course old news, because Katara remembers much more simpler ceremonies. But I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Handler: Thanks, I was going for that!