Summary:

WARNING! Angst. This will switch back between Aang and Katara as they go through some "situations"

Disclaimer: I do not own ATLA; I wish I did, but I don't.

Chapter 3: Thoughts

There was darkness all around. No sound. Just nothing. Then a small glint caught her eye off in the distance. It as a light so she moved closer. Suddenly a cold breeze rush past her as she saw someone, a boy. The boy stood still with shuddering shoulders. As she moved closer to help comfort the boy, she realized it was someone close to her, "Aang?" The boy looked up with tears streaming down his cheeks, past his frown and dripping into the eternal blackness. She froze, shocked by what she saw, "Aang, what's wrong?"

He turned his head slightly away from his gaze and responded solemnly, "You."

At her realization of what he meant, she reached out to touch him only for him to flinch away from her. Tears welled up in her eyes as saddened whisper escaped her lips, "I am so sorry, Aang." He looked at her briefly and slowly shook his head. She dropped to her knees as he turned around and began to walk away, "Please, Aang, don't leave." He continued to walk away, not even looking back at her as he disappeared into the darkness once again. As she looked at the ground she was sitting on, she whimpered a small "Please" between shaky breaths.

Katara's eyes shot open and she sat up. She looked at the sky, seeing that the sun was about to rise above the horizon, leaving beautiful pinks, reds and violets across the sky. There were some lingering gray clouds. Gray clouds, an image of Aangs gentle storm-gray eyes flashed into Katara's forethought. Those playful, passionate, and beautiful eyes. She began to cry, just as she did in her sleep. She longed for him to be there; to share the moment of watching the sunrise as they had done so many times before. She sniffled and wiped the tears away as she got up. She put on her parka, as it was quite chilly that morning, and began to make breakfast. She got down on her knees next to the fire pit and she lit the fire with the spark rocks; suddenly, the silence was shattered by an irritating Sokka,

"What's for breakfast?" He yelled waking Toph, Momo and Appa up.

"Soup." Katara snapped coldly. Not interested in Sokka's desires.

"Really, again?" Sokka remarked more as a statement than a question.

Katara shot him an angry glare as her heart raced in rage. Although still half asleep, Toph could feel the spike in her pulse. She walked over to Sokka and tapped him on the shoulder. He stood up and looked at the blind earth bender with a questioning look.

"I don't think you should be complaining right now, Snoozles." Gesturing towards the enraged water bender. Sokka raised an eyebrow in confusion and then met the angry glare of his sister. His eyes widened as she clenched her fists. He turned his attention back to Toph, whispering, "Oops, sorry." He was relieved when he saw his sister relax. He wasn't sure if she heard his apology or she lost interest, but nonetheless, relief flooded his mind. He did not want to end up frozen to a tree again.

As she saw her brother turn to get ready, Katara felt sadness and despair consume her. She turned her attention to the soup as she began to stir it. The graceful swirling motion of the soup relaxed her. She gazed into the whirlpool, losing her thoughts in it. She saw the beautiful reflection of the sky, here own eyes, her sad smile as she tried to feel at ease, and...the goofy bald monk with an arrow on his head. She look up hoping it was a reflection of him, but when no one else was near, she began to cry. That sweet kid she loves so much. But is it love? She thought. I mean I like him...but like a brother...right? But I don't feel the same towards Sokka. Whenever he's around me though, I feel so...good, happy, free...loved. But he doesn't love me like that, especially not after...Katara remembered what she had said to him and began to lose it. She got up and ran into the surrounding forest with tears running down her face, leaving Sokka and Toph sharing a worried look at each other. Sokka knew her sister and rested a hand on Toph's shoulder, "I think we should leave her alone for a while."

Meanwhile,

Aang sat by the fire Zuko had created that morning as Iroh knelt by a pot, hanging over said fire, brewing tea. Aang was lost in a trance, he hadn't gotten much sleep the night before as he kept thinking about a certain water bender. He missed her, but he knew she could handle herself. His fatigue showed as he leaned against the wall of the cave they slept in and the dark gray circles under his eyes. He was lost in another world as he stared into the fire. It's slow burning and graceful flames reminded him so much of Katara; her water bending moves, her dancing moves, the determined look in her eyes when she wanted something, and...his love for her. But she doesn't feel that way about me...no matter what Toph told me. She's 14 and I'm just a goofy 12 year old bald kid. She could never love me. Tears began to run down his cheeks; the separation from her and the thought that she doesn't love him began to take its toll. Aang began to sob. Zuko sat across the fire leaning against the wall of the cave with his right arm resting on his bent right leg. He rolled his eyes, "You've got to be kidding me?" He gave an amused smile and a chuckle, "Why are you crying, oh great avatar."

Aang looked up at him with a sad and desperate look in his eyes, "You wouldn't know."

"Ha, you have no idea what I know." replied Zuko shaking his head.

Aang's breathing became ragged and his voice began to crack, "Please...just stop." Thoughts of Katara began to flood his mind. He cringed and squeezed his head trying to get the pain out of his head.

"Stop what?" Zuko asked sarcastically.

Aang ran out of the cave and towards the stream nearby with a stumble due to his imbalanced emotions. Tears running down his face and pain in his expression. Zuko chuckled.

Iroh was furious, "PRINCE ZUKO!"

Zuko jumped at his Uncle's sudden rage, "What?"

"Why, in the name of the spirits, would you say that to him?"

Zuko remained silent as he didn't know how to respond.

"The young man has been through a lot; he needs someone to help him, not hurt him."

"Then why don't you help him?"

"I have already helped him the best I can right now." Replied Iroh, "Once a lost duckling is taken in by a mama duck, he also needs a friend besides a mother."

Zuko gave Iroh an astronomically confused look.

Iroh sighed, "What I am saying is that he doesn't just need me; he needs you, a friend."

Zuko's eyes widened, "How can I be his friend? He is still my enemy."

"No, Zuko, he is not." Iroh sighed and closed his eyes, "You fail to understand that capturing him will no longer benefit you. The fire nation is evil and corrupt, my nephew. I have known this for a long time. What you have to realize is your destiny is no longer chasing the Avatar. You and I need to help him end this war and bring peace to the world."

Zuko contemplated this; his face laden with deep thought. He thought of all the struggles in his life, his mother being taken away, his evil sister, and his father who has never truly loved him. All the horrible things 'he' had done. Invading the South Pole, ravaging Kyoshi island, hurting innocent children, attacking defenseless people, attacking the North Pole. A tear ran streamed down from his right eye realizing that his uncle was right; he needed to help the Avatar, Aang. He stood up and glanced at his uncle, who gave him a reassuring nod. Zuko then walked out of the cave leaving Iroh and his tea, "Ahh, more tea for me."

Zuko continued to walk through the forest towards the stream where they had first ran into Aang. As he neared the stream the tall pines gave way to luscious cherry blossoms until he heard the faint sound of running water. He stopped about twenty feet from the edge of the stream to examine a distraught airbender. Aang sat with his knees tucked into his chest and his eyes glazed over as he stared at the water. He began to move his right hand back and forth, manipulating the water into soft swirls. Zuko sighed and stepped forward and sat next to the young avatar who didn't return his gaze. A long silence followed until Aang broke it with a disgruntled whisper, "What do you want?"

"I want to apologize for what I said earlier." Replied Zuko solemnly.

Aang took a shuttering breath, "You have no idea what I have been through."

Zuko remained silent.

"First I ran away from the only family I knew. Then I wake up a hundred years later only to find out the world is at war because of my absence." Aang took a deep breath as tears began to run down his face, "Then I find out that I am the last of my people and I have to restore balance to the world before Sozin's comet arrives." He now looked at Zuko with tears running down his eyes. Aang noticed a strange sympathetic look in the firebender's eyes. He continued staring into Zuko's eyes, "And now...the fire nation has taken me from my new family...and the person I love." He turned his attention back to the water, as did Zuko.

Zuko sighed then spoke with a sincere and honest tone, "For years now I have run around trying to regain my father's love and my honor. I had forgotten everything the Fire Nation and my father had done to me. They killed my grandfather, created a monster in Azula, scarred me for defending innocent men, banished me, and worst of all; they took my mother away from me, the only one who truly loved me for who I am." Tears began to stream down his cheeks as he looked at his reflection in the water.

Aang turned back to Zuko, "Zuko, I had no idea. I am so sorry."

"It's ok Aang. I had no idea about you either and I kinda needed to get that off my chest." There was a pause, "Also, I apologize in advance for anything I do; I am still trying to get used to helping you." Zuko stood up and let a hand out for Aang who hesitently accepted with a smile. Zuko pulled Aang up to his feet, "We should be going; we are going to head out for Omashu in about an hour." Aang nodded and headed back towards the cave with hopes that he and Zuko could become friends. When they got to camp, Zuko, Aang and Iroh packed up and left for Omashu.

Meanwhile,

Toph had started to worry about Katara. She had ran into the woods nearly three hours ago. Toph knew Katara was still distraught about Aang being gone and not knowing what had happened. She turned her head in the direction she thought Sokka was in, who was chasing Momo for stealing his fruit, "Sokka, have you seen Katara." He stopped instantly and turned to her,

"No, I haven't seen her since she ran off this morning, why?"

"Because I thought you might be worried about her." Toph replied in a questioning tone of voice.

"I am, but if I know her, which I do. I know we need to give her time and space." Sokka replied.

"Well I think a whole forest is a lot of space and three hours is a lot of time."

"Your point.?"

"I am saying we should probably look for her."

"Do what you want, but don't come crying to me once you get water whipped in the face." Sokka replied with a slight chuckle.

Toph stood up, "I'm going to go find her." She walked towards into the forest as she felt Sokka trip over something; she shook her head.

Toph wandered through the beautiful forest, or she thought it felt and sounded beautiful. She was careful not to trip over any roots. She was also very concerned for Katara. She had never seen anyone break down as much as Katara has in the last couple of days. As Toph continued through the forest, she heard faint giggling. It sounded like Katara. Toph followed the noise until she reached a clearing. Toph couldn't see it of course but it was a small pool of water surrounded by shady trees. Katara was knee deep in the water, laughing and...smiling. She was bending a ball of water in a circle, as she often did with Aang. Katara turned and plastered a smile, "Hey Toph, how are you doing?" Katara asked cheerfully.

Toph quirked and eyebrow and responded hesitantly, "Fine, I guess. Why are you so happy?"

Katara tilted her head in confusion, "Why wouldn't I be?" she asked rhetorically. Katara stopped waterbending. She then tried to hide a small giggle, "Good one, Aang."

Toph's eyes widened. She couldn't hear or feel Aang, as she slightly tapped the ground with her right foot. Even if Aang was stand in the pool, he was still touching earth.

Katara turned to Toph, "Toph, Aang will practice his earthbending with you once we're done here."

Toph shocked at this responded, "Katara, Aang is gone."

Katara looked back at the earthbender, "What are you talking about he is right here" pointing at the opposite end of the pool. She giggled again, "Aang, stop tickling me."

"No, he's not here. You're imagining things."

"Are you blind? He is right here next to me."

"Yes, I am blind, but I can still feel where people are."

"Well maybe you should get your feet checked." Katara replied accusingly.

Toph was now extremely worried. Katara was losing it so she ran back to camp while hearing faint giggled and talking from behind her. Toph needed to get Sokka. When she reached camp, she walked up to Sokka, "Snoozles, I think you sister's losing it."

"What do you mean she's 'losing it.'"

"Follow me." Toph led Sokka through the forest to where Katara was. They were at the edge of the clearing and Katara hadn't noticed them. He was shocked to see Katara so happy, but he was at ease thinking she got over it.

He then looked at Toph, "Now, what do you mean by losing it?"

"Just watch." Toph replied.

Katara was sitting on the shore of the pool in her under-wrappings, with her legs dangling in the water. She was content. She looked to her left and spoke, "You know Aang, sometimes I wish you weren't the Avatar."

"Why's that?"

"Because we can spend more time like this."

"Yeah, but I enjoy helping people and being the Avatar."

"I know but I just wish we had more alone time."

"We can always make time."

"I know, but it's hard to do that as much as I would like to,"

"Katara, I will always make time for you. I love you."

"I love you too, Aang."

At this Sokka turned to Toph with wide eyes. He got up and walked towards Katara, "Katara?"

She jumped, "Ahhh, how much of our conversation did you hear?"

Sokka sighed, "Your half."

She looked at him quizzically, "What do you mean?"

"Katara, Aang isn't hear. He was captured, remember?"

Katara scoffed, "I thing I would remember something like that, and he is right here in front of you."

"No, he's not, Katara. He was taken in the night by firebenders and we haven't found him yet.

Reality crashed down on Katara like a brick. She looked back to her left where Aang was before. He faded away. She looked back at her brother as tears filled her eyes once again. She grabbed Sokka and pulled him down to her level so she could have someone to hold. Katara sobbed into his a whimper escaped her. So many emotions ran through her; regret, sorrow, guilt, and confusion. She missed the airbender so much she began to pretend nothing had ever happened. She was living in a dream and was almost sad when Sokka pulled her out of it. They stayed like that for several minutes until Toph walked over and broke the silence, "We'll find him, Katara."

"But...how?" She replied pulling her swollen and bloodshot eyes from Sokka's chest.

"We are going to head for Omashu since that's where Aang would likely go in this situation. It is only a few days away on Appa."

Katara looked and him and sighed, "Okay."

"Let Toph and I pack up. You need to rest, okay?"

Katara nodded but was too exhausted to get up and walk. Sokka carried her back to camp as she fell asleep in his arms. He thought about what she had said, "I love you too, Aang." he wasn't sure if she meant it romantically or platonically. Or if it was just something that came out because of her unstable emotions, but he can't dwell on that now. He needs to get back to camp so she can rest. When they reach camp he climbed up Appa's tail and laid her down gently in the saddle as to not wake her. After Sokka and Toph packed up camp, they climbed onto Appa. Momo had found comfort snuggling up to Katara. Sokka walked up to Appa's head and took the reins whispering 'Yip! Yip!' and with that they headed for Omashu in hoped of finding their friend.

To be continued...

That was fun to right. I don't know how it was for you to read but I feel like it's my best piece of writing. It also gave me a few ideas for future chapters but those are secret so don't ask. As always, please review. And thank you for reading.