So, I'm back. This is kind of a repeat of the authors note from chapter one, but given the circumstances, I thought it was necessary. If you read last chapters, you can skip this.

This is the second chapter of a story I started 5 years ago. For those of you who know me, you've probably noticed that this is me republishing it. I loved the original idea but due to the long gap and so on, I decided to partially re-write the first chapter. And my reasoning behind republishing has to do with the fact of it being only one chapter. Hopefully this will also help the story reach more of you wonderful readers out there.

A/N: A reminder that these are dark subject matters. I promise in the future this story will get more uplifting, but for now it's not.

Content Warning: Due to the subject matters of depression and suicide depicted in this story, reader discretion is advised.

If any of you are or know someone who is having suicidal thoughts or tendencies, don't be afraid to reach out and get help. For those of you in the U.S. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a google search away. It's anonymous and a great first step in recovery. I had a friend who previously suffered from severe depress and said it was their first step in getting help and were deeply thankful as it gave them confidence to open to others.

Apologies for a downer of an intro but it's complicated and important to talk about (another authors note at the end)

Thank you for reading. Here's the chapter:

Chapter 2: The Horrible Truth

Katara was startled awake by pounding at the door. She slowly opened her eyes and groaned. Why can't you people just leave me alone? More knocking. "WHAT?!" She yelled. All she wanted to do was be left alone. Aang had betrayed her. After everything they had been through.

"Katara, it's Suki."

The waterbender let out a loud, exasperated groan. She wanted to make sure that her friend heard. More knocking. "Hang on, damnit!" Katara got up and slowly walked to the door and put her parka on. She whipped the door open, "What do you want?"

"Nice to see you too…"

Katara scoffed at her friend, "I don't need your pity, so I suggest you leave."

Suki sighed and pushed her way into the home, "I'm not here to pity you. Zuko needs you for an important world summit." As much as Katara protested, she allowed Suki in and shut the door behind her.

"Why me and not my dad?" Katara asked.

"He wants you there for your expertise on healing. They're planning a world-wide humanitarian division to set up clinics for those in need and the world council requested you." The Kyoshi Warrior answered matter-of-factly.

Katara rubbed her forehead, beginning to get a headache over the situation, "Will he be there?" She sneered.

Suki sighed sadly, "Unclear." She waited to see the water benders expression; it still showed malice and also…hurt. "He's been struggling too, you know."

Katara shook her head in disgust, "Well he should've thought of that first." Why should she feel bad for him? He was the one who was caught with…HER.

"Katara-"

"Yeah yeah, it was just a big fucking misunderstanding. Sure…" She waved her friend off.

"Believe what you want to believe but the world needs the two of you."

Katara sat silent for a long time. She didn't want to be around him, but the world needed her. She wouldn't abandon those people that needed her; not after everything they lost. Many of the people of the earth kingdom were just like her, forced to grow up without a mother or a father who was sent off to war. "Fine. But, if he is there-"

"Quit being so petulant!" She began to walk out the door. Katara followed hesitantly. "Not to mention, out of line." Suki turned to look over her should at the waterbender with slight anger.

The hidden meaning in those words shook the waterbender to her core, "Don't. Talk. About. That." She threatened.

"I'm not planning on it…but you better."

The two began walking through the street towards the newly constructed port. Katara just now realized that she had no idea where their destination was, "So where is this summit supposed to be anyways?"

"The Fire Nation Palace. I came here by boat from the Earth Kingdom, but Zuko is sending his personal airship to pick us up. It should be here soon." Suki explained.

Mere moments later a grand airship appeared through the clouds, its prow gilded, and the new royal family flag flew from the stern of the ship; gone was the black flame and phoenix iconography. What replaced it was a golden flame with four silver lotus flowers forming a square around it signifying peace between the nations. The airship made a quicker than normal approach and landed with a thud.

The captain rushed out of the airship before the ramp had completely extended. "Greetings, Suki and Katara." His eyes looked panicked. "We've had a change of plans; we're going to Ba Sing Se."

Suki was shocked and confused. She shook her head violently to get her thoughts straight, "Wait, what?"

"We received a messenger hawk just before making our final approach. It said to divert to Ba Sing Se with haste." The man quickly explained.

Suki shook her head. Clearly this was a fraudulent order, meant as a precursor to something sinister, "This has to be a mistake."

"I'm afraid not ma'am. It was signed personally by Firelord Zuko and was stamped with the royal insignia." He handed her the piece of paper that was attached to the hawk: After Katara and Suki are on board, divert the airship immediately to the Earth King's Palace in Ba Sing Se! It's an emergency!

Katara was reading it over Suki's shoulder, "Did something happen to the Earth King?"

"I don't know, but we best hurry." He said as he led the two women up the ramp and into the airship.

Before the two women were able to take their seats in the passenger compartment, the airship already began to take off. The shaking and vibrations of the airship still made Katara uncomfortable. It was loud and unnatural. Nothing like the freeing feeling of flying on Appa. She smiled inwardly at the good times. Before everything went wrong. Distracting herself from the negative thoughts, she had removed her parka in the heat of the airship and took in her surroundings. The royal lounge of the airship had changed much under Zuko's reign. Gone were the over-extravagant furniture and ornate pieces of artwork; only the grand table at which to two women now sat; six total seats surrounded the table. The ornate artwork and gold that was once on the ships flown by Ozai and Azula were replaced by simple paintings of family and friends. On one wall was a painting of Iroh and his son. Across from that was a painting of Zuko and Mai…smiling with their newborn daughter. Katara chuckled to herself. At the head of the table, however, was a painting the nearly brought her to tears; the six of them together after their celebration in Ba Sing Se…She sighed, this is going to be a long flight. And indeed, it was.

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After nearly twelve ours of flying, the Earth King's palace came into view. Katara hadn't slept a wink as her mind continued to dance between memories, and present nightmares. As the two women looked out of the window, they notice an unusual sight: Hundreds of Earth Kingdom soldiers were surrounding the palace as well as lining the walkway they would be taking from the airship into the massive building itself. Each soldier stood as still as stone.

Suki looked at her friend, "It looks like they're expecting an attack."

"Yeah…" Katara trailed off. She had never seen so many Earth Kingdom troops so organized. Even during the invasion of the Fire Nation, it was just a disorganized group of what were just rebels at that point, remnants of a once great army.

The airship touched down with a thud and the ramp quickly extended. The two female warriors rushed out and were greeted by nothing and no one. Suki turned to one of the soldiers "What's going on here, Soldier?"

"We don't know ma'm. We were told there was an emergency within the palace and to protect at all costs." His gruff voice replied with what seemed like a scripted statement.

Suki locked eyes with Katara, a knowing look of urgency as they both began to run inside passing soldier after soldier. This really can't be good. The Kyoshi Warrior thought. As they made their way inside, a servant immediately recognized them and pointed them in the direction of the palace infirmary without a single word. As they got closer, the two women noticed a blind earthbender sitting on a stone bench. The young woman was just sitting there, her arms resting on her legs with her palms up. She was blindly looking at where her hands would be. Suki followed her eyes to her hands and noticed…blood; a lot of blood. It was "Toph?"

Nothing.

Katara tried, "Toph?"

Toph moved at the sound of the waterbender's voice. She hadn't heard it in months. "Katara…I…" She was sobbing.

"Toph, what happened?"

"I-I…he." Toph was shuddering now. The nightmarish sight going through her head over and over again. A sight which she believed she had caused.

Suki knelt next to the earthbender and placed a hand on her shoulder. She squeezed tightly. She had never seen the gruff and unyielding earthbender in such a state, "Toph…it's okay." She paused. The earthbender tensed after the statement. Things were not okay. "Toph, who's blood is that?" The blood had dried to the earthbender's skin and clothes. It looked bad.

Toph continued to shake and sob. "A-A….Aang, he…" she couldn't say it.

Katara's eyes went wide. No no no no no. He got hurt saving someone? Saving the earth king? Fighting New-Ozai terrorists? The waterbender didn't want to believe anything else. Nothing else could be a possibility. It couldn't be anything else. She moved herself in front of Toph and knelt, gripping both of the girls' shoulders and shaking. "Toph?!" Katara began to shudder as tears pricked at her eyes.

"H-he…attempted-" She didn't want to say it. She took a deep breath to steel herself for the next word. Before she managed to utter it, Katara was gone "-suicide…" The blind girl trailed off in a whisper as she brought her hands to her eyes and began sobbing uncontrollably into them.

Katara was fully sprinting towards the infirmary now. Tears flowing like a waterfall down her cheek and dripping to the floor. I did this. This is my fault. Anger began to fill her heart, unreasonably so. Hating herself, hating Aang. How could you do this to us? To put us through this. As she rounded the corner, she saw a small door with several people waiting outside it. No faces registered in her mind, only colors. Crimson, gold, blue, green, white, brown, pink. She pushed her way to the door only to bounce off. It was locked. The young woman began to beat on it wildly. Screaming, "LET ME IN! LET ME IN!" She felt arms wrap around her and begin pulling her away. Screeching, balling and shaking uncontrollably she began to kick and punch at her assailant.

"Katara…" Her name registered in her mind, but she didn't stop.

"Katara!" A voice called out, but her eyes remained focused on the door. A woman inside opened to check on the commotion. As the door cracked open, the waterbender managed to break free and sprinted towards the door once again. Just before she reached the small crack in the door, it quickly closed. She slammed into it…hard. After the shock of the impact cleared, she fell to her knees, breaking down in front of everyone. She was frozen, unable to move.

By this point Suki had made her way to the scene. What she saw broke her heart. Iroh, Zuko, Mai, Sokka and Ty Lee were huddled around a broken waterbender. All of them resting a hand on her as the only possible gesture of comfort. Suki herself couldn't fight off the tears. How could she? The water tribe warrior turned his head and saw her. As he reluctantly left his sister's side, Suki noticed the bloodshot eyes of the man, but tears no longer fell. He had long since run out.

"Hey…" He gave her a soft and awkward hug. What could they do in this situation, but both needed it after this. They held each other for several moments. Suki could feel Sokka shaking underneath her before he uttered a question, "How's Toph?"

"Not good." She replied sadly.

"She found him, brought him here. Probably saved his life…I hope." He sighed, rubbing his head. He was nauseous, dehydrated and his head was throbbing.

"Do we know how he's doing?"

"We don't. He's lost a lot of blood…there are four healers in there from the Northern Water Tribe, including Yagoda. No one has seen him except Toph, and she hasn't said much of anything since bringing him here. They won't let any of us in until he's stable." He explained.

Suki nodded her head in the direction of Katara, "What are we going to do about her?"

The warrior looked back. Katara still hadn't moved from her place on the floor, her shoulders shuddering up and down. Ty Lee had knelt to her right and pulled her into a tight hug. "I-I don't know. I want to protect her from what she'll see in there."

"Sokka-"

"I know, I know. She needs to see. We all do. I just don't want her to be the first." He sighed, shaking his head. "I just don't know what to do…"

Suki just now noticed scratches and bruises forming on Sokka's arms, likely coming from the waterbender. Suki looked up from Sokka to notice the Fire Lord nodding to Mai before walking towards them.

"I'm going to go see how Toph is doing." Zuko spoke softly at no one in particular as he walked by.

"I'll come with you." Sokka stated. He looked to Suki, "You should be here for Katara."

"But…she's your sister."

"I want to be here, but right now she needs someone who she trusts right now." He looked at his feet. "And I'm not that person to her right now." His tone was sad. Since the breakup, he'd been caught in his sister's wrath as he didn't explicitly pick a side between the former lovers.

The female warrior nodded sadly, "I understand." Suki made her way to the waterbender and knelt on her left side, pulling her into a hug. Katara eventually relaxed slightly and leaned into the Kyoshi Warrior slightly. Her shaking had subsided, but tears and an occasional sniffle emanated from Katara. After what felt like hours and probably was, Katara had eventually stopped. Suki decided to speak, "Hey…we need to get you somewhere more comfortable."

"I need to be right here." The waterbender replied coldly. With the determination she had when about to go after her mother's killer.

Ty Lee finally spoke, her voice was week and raspy, "There's nothing you can do right here. Just move to the bench over there so you're not on this dirty floor."

"Fine." The emotion in her voice was gone. She was now closing herself off as she had done many times before.

Suki and Ty Lee helped the waterbender up, but as they stood Katara's legs nearly gave out. She was weak, tired and cramped from sitting on the floor. The Kyoshi Warriors moved Katara's arms over their shoulders, behind their necks and helped her over to a nearby bench. The three of them sat down and waited. Waited for the news.

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Zuko and Sokka sat down next to Toph, who still didn't move. The earthbender was beside herself with grief. After here earlier verbal tirade against the airbender, she only blamed herself for pushing him over the edge. A large tan hand gripped her bloody one and squeezed gently. Deep down she appreciated the sentiment from the warrior, but it didn't help. Nothing helped.

"We need to get you cleaned up." Came the raspy voice of the firelord. She still didn't move. Zuko caught Sokka's gaze. The warrior nodded telling Zuko everything he needed to know. "I'll go get a wash bowl." The firebender stood and began to walk away.

Sokka spoke hurriedly before Zuko disappeared around the corner, "Bring her a change of clothes if you can find some, please."

Zuko nodded with a solemn smile, "Of course." He rounded a corner and disappeared from earshot.

Sokka looked back to the earthbender. Her face was contorted into a constant from, her eyes squeezed shut; trying to hold back what tears remained. When her eyes did open, Sokka noted how red thry were compared to their normally pearl color. "Toph…I don't know why…but I can tell you're trying to blame yourself. You shouldn't."

Silence.

He sighed, "Toph…regardless of what you're thinking…it was his decision…and his alone."

A small, weak and broken voice came from the earthbender; a voice that Sokka had never heard her speak with, "That doesn't exactly help."

"I know nothing is going to make you feel better right now, but just keep that in mind." He spoke softly as he gave her hand another light squeeze. "It wasn't your fault."

Zuko returned with a bowl of water and a few rags. As he did so, Mai had also joined them after leaving Iroh's side by the infirmary door. Toph still wasn't moving, so Mai grabbed a towel from her husband's hand, dunking it in the water. She slowly and softly rubbed the dried blood off the earthbenders hands and arms. Once that was finished, she moved to dab the blood-stained parts of the young woman's clothes with the hope of removing some of it. It had helped a little, but a pink hue remained on the white parts of her clothing. All of this was done, surrounded by silence. Everyone too emotionally drained to convey anything but silent melancholy.

It took some convincing, but Mai and Zuko had managed to get Toph to stand and make her way to a guest room nearby. A maid had brought some clothes for the earthbender to change into later, but right now she just walked to the bed and collapsed. She hadn't realized it but she had been up for nearly 48 hours. Mai found a chair in the corner of the room and decided to stay and watch over then younger woman in case she needed anything.

Zuko left the room and joined Sokka outside, "I think you should go check on your sister."

Sokka returned to his sister only to find that after the long day of travel and hours of emotional turmoil to her mind, body and soul, she had lost all energy to stay awake. Her head leaning on Suki's shoulder, who smiled sadly at him. Sokka made her way to Iroh, who remained steadfast at the door.

"Still no news?" Sokka asked.

Iroh shook his head, "Nothing."

A few minutes went by and Yagoda poked her head out the door, seeing she was in the clear of any commotion she signaled Sokka and Iroh to come in. As they entered the room, blood-soaked wash bowls and linen rags were set on tables to the right. Directly in front of them stood a tall curtain surrounded what they suspected to be a bed with the Avatar on it. The other 3 healers were moving about, but in a much calmer manner.

Once the door shut behind them, Yagaoda spoke quietly, "Aang is stable…" A hesitant relief flooded across Iroh and Sokka's faces. "…that being said, he's lost a lot of blood and he is unconscious; likely in a coma."

"We cannot thank you enough, Master Yagoda." The firebending master bowed to his waterbending counterpart.

She returned the gesture, "Do not thank me. There is still much to do."

Sokka hated to ask this, but he needed to know. "What are the details?"

"Well…" She took a deep breath. "…he managed to slit both of his wrists. Master Toph got to him with just enough time to save his life. We got lucky with that. Best I can tell, she slowed the bleeding by gripping his wrists before earthbending a tourniquet around his upper arms and his wrists." She gave a sad smile, "I don't know how but she managed to carry him most of the way here on her own."

"May we see him?" The young man asked.

"Of course. But please, do not touch him. His arms still aren't healed enough to move."

They followed her to the curtain where she slid it open. The sight was haunting, and devastating: the Avatar lay motionless on a bed. His skin pale, as pale as Appa's fir. His face looked gaunt but oddly relaxed and at peace. Sokka's eyes looked him over further. A green blanket covered him up to his chest with his arms outstretched on top. His palms were facing up and bandages were wrapped around both of his arms from his palms to the middle of his biceps. A tear fell from Sokka's eye. What could I have done?

"I'll get the others, if that is alright Master Yagoda?" questioned Iroh.

"Of course." She hesitated before giving further instructions. "However, I know Katara will want to help with her healing abilities but in her current emotional state, it will be a hindrance."

Both nodded. Iroh moved to the door.

He slowly opened the door into the hallway, making sure he didn't startle anyone. Katara was still asleep on Suki's shoulder, who looked at the tea maker with desperate hope. He smiled softly at the warrior and mouthed He's stable. Suki smiled but Iroh pointed at Katara and mouthed Let me get the others to which the warrior nodded. Iroh walked off.

Suki sat in silence for a few moments, allowing Iroh to leave for the others. After some time, Iroh returned followed by Zuko, Mai and Toph, who looked a little better but not great. She nudged her shoulder a bit, just enough to disturb Katara's slumber.

The waterbender stirred awake slowly, clearly confused at to what was going on. Her realization that it wasn't just a bad dream flooded her with emotions once more. Only this time it was painted purely on her face. Grief, pain and tears. She stood up quickly as Sokka exited the room. Sokka's face scared her. He looked distraught and she expected her worst fears would be realized.

Everyone's attention was centered firmly on Sokka, "He is stable but unconscious."

An uneasy relief filled the room. Even Toph seemed to react more positively to this news. However, Katara held her breath as she sensed that wasn't all to the story.

Sokka locked gazes with his sister, "Master Yagoda has said he is not to be disturbed as it could cause further…problems."

How dare he tell me that. How dare he tell me I can't help. I've brought him back before; I can do it again.

With his sister's sudden fury on her face, Sokka added to the previous statement, "It could be a hindrance to his recovery." This time Sokka spoke with resolve as if he would stop at nothing to prevent this.

Katara hadn't realized it, but Suki stood with her, a hand on her shoulder. A gentle squeeze followed her brother's statement. The warrior new it would upset her friend, but it was for the best.

"Come in." Sokka held the door open to allow everyone in.

As they all started to move, Katara froze. She couldn't do it. She couldn't see him like this. The voice in her head constantly telling her it was her fault. You did this. You're the monster. She hadn't realized it but her fiddling hands began to shake uncontrollably. How could she be in the same room with him after everything she had done.

She was jolted from her thoughts by a gentle voice, "Katara…it's okay. I'm here for you." To her surprise it came from in front of her. She looked to where the voice had come from and saw only her brother, holding the door open for her. At least in this moment, with her brothers' words she felt brave enough to enter. As she entered the room, she saw the others huddled around a small opening in the curtain at the foot of a bed. Toph stood a few paces away. As she shuffled her way closer, her heart began to beat faster; scared of what awaited her. The others parted, allowing her to see.

What she saw shattered her heart. She fell to her knees once more and began to sob.

Hey guys thanks for reading this chapter. It's a sensitive subject matter so thanks for pushing through. Please review and let me know what you think; the good and the bad. These subjects can be hard for many, and I don't want to offend or make anyone uncomfortable.

For those who followed my initial posting of this story, thank you so much for coming back. I'm sorry for the 5 year wait, but a lot happened in my life along with a string of zero motivation. I have hit a new wave of inspiration and I hope to bring you guys more soon. I have a lot more free time now as my current job has me on call for medevac flights so sometimes I go days without working (hence why upcoming chapters might come in waves)

Again, thank you so much and have a good one.