Chapter 5: Her Promise
Over the next few days, Aang and Katara didn't talk much to each other, for both were kept rather busy. The very same day they were reunited, lots of other events were happening. The rebels who had been taken prisoner after the ill-fated invasion were finally freed, and families and friends who had been separated were joyously brought together again. Even Zuko, to his pleasant surprise, was reunited with Mai. Having been released from jail by her father, the warden, she had decided to take Zuko back… provided that he didn't break up with her again. As for Ozai, he was sentenced to prison. Now a broken shell of his former self, and stripped of both his rank and his power, he would pay dearly for his crimes.
That afternoon, Zuko was crowned the new Fire Lord, and Aang stood proudly beside him. Now he and Zuko were genuine friends, and together they would work to restore the honor of the Fire Nation and the damage their world had suffered during the last hundred years. Katara looked on at Aang from the crowd with a smile. She was very proud of him. The boy she had freed from the iceberg had spent so much of the year being pursued, threatened, and even training for a task no other Avatar had achieved. But now Aang wasn't a fugitive anymore. He was a hero—the one who had ended the war. Zuko made that clear to everyone that day.
Yet what made Katara really take notice of Aang that day wasn't just the fact that he was now revered and respected. He seemed wiser, more mature, more sure of himself. He had turned thirteen somewhere along their journey, but for some reason, on this day of all days, Aang exuded a calm confidence Katara had never seen. Several days before, she had worried so much that she would never see him again. Now, however, Katara was relieved that her worst fears hadn't come true after all. But she hadn't forgotten the promise she had made to Aang. She wanted more than ever to keep it to him. The only question was, when?
It wouldn't be long until Katara had her answer.
Not long after, Team Avatar, now reunited, paid a visit to the Jasmine Dragon. Zuko's wise and kindly uncle, Iroh, had reopened his new tea shop. Having redeemed himself for his crimes against the city so many years ago, the ex-general could now live a peaceful life serving customers. He was especially happy that his troubled nephew had finally seen the light. That Aang and his companions had come to his own shop to celebrate was a huge honor for him indeed. He provided music on the tsungi horn while Zuko did the honors for him. Even Mai, despite being enemies with the Avatar for quite some time, joined the party. She was friends with them all now, just like her boyfriend was.
Sokka tried to paint a portrait of Aang and the others in celebration of their victory. But of course, he couldn't quite get it right, and soon everyone was complaining to him about how crude they all looked.
Only Aang did not join in the clamor. In fact, he had quietly slipped away from the activity, standing on the balcony of the Jasmine Dragon. He gazed at the sunset sky over Ba Sing Se. It had been a long time since he and his friends had last come here. Back then, the city was under the control of the ruthless Dai Li and their leader, Long Feng. But now the city had been liberated. It was at peace, just like the rest of the world. That made Aang happy, too.
Whoever would have thought I would come this far? he thought.
He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice someone watching him from the Jasmine Dragon. Katara had, more than anything, wanted to speak with Aang again. They hadn't had a chance to since the day they were reunited, for there were so many things going on even then. But now that he was alone, now that she knew nothing would come between them, she decided to take the chance. Quietly excusing herself, she strode outside.
Zuko was the only one who saw her go. He had a good idea of what was going to happen next. He and Mai had confessed their feelings for each other. Now it was Aang and Katara's turn. Still, he decided not to say anything or watch. He was just happy for his two friends.
Katara strode to Aang's side and hugged him tenderly. After a while, they gazed at the sunset. It looked beautiful. Aang hadn't noticed that Katara had turned to face him until a moment later. He noticed that she was looking at him in a way he hadn't seen from her before. Then to his surprise, Katara tilted toward him… and pressed her lips upon his in a kiss of love. Aang couldn't believe it. Katara, his best friend, the one who had saved him, his secret love—was kissing him—for real! This wasn't like any of their other past kisses. This one was initiated by Katara herself. Swept up in the moment, Aang kissed Katara back with all the passion he could muster.
The kiss seemed to go on forever—that is, until they heard a scream.
"AGGGGGGGH!"
Katara and Aang looked around. Sokka had seen what was happening and was quite appalled.
"Just what do you think you are you doing?!" he shouted.
Aang turned beat red with embarrassment and waved his hands dismissively. "Nothing! We're not doing anything out here."
Katara, however, was furious. How dare her stupid brother interrupt such a wonderful moment! "Haven't you ever heard of knocking, Sokka?!" she yelled, pointing a finger in his face.
"First of all," Sokka answered, "you're supposed to knock before you go inside, not before you go outside! And second, as my sister, you really shouldn't be kissing anyone in front of me! It's your sisterly duty to avoid giving me the oogies!
"Oogies?!" Katara screamed, angrier than ever. "Argh, you are so immature sometimes! What about you and Suki?!"
As always, Katara and Sokka began to bicker. Watching this, Aang was baffled. He didn't know what to say. If only he could calm the two of them down. But how? As it turned out, he didn't have to, for someone else put a hand on Sokka's shoulder. It was Zuko.
"Hey, chill, Sokka," Zuko said firmly. "This is their moment. Don't spoil it."
"B-but!" Sokka protested.
Suki came to Sokka's side. "Seriously, Sokka, let's give them some privacy, okay?"
When Sokka gazed at her, he relaxed a bit, but he still seemed quite grumpy.
Zuko strode over to Katara and Aang. "Why don't you two go someplace where you won't be interrupted?" he suggested.
Katara and Aang looked at each other for a moment. They both nodded. "Thanks, Zuko," they both answered.
And without another word, Aang and Katara mounted Appa's massive head and took the reins.
"Appa, yip yip!" shouted Aang.
With an obedient grunt, the loyal bison lifted into the sky, taking his passengers with him.
As Sokka and Suki looked on, his irritable expression softened.
"I was only joking, ya know, Aang. She really is very fond of you," he said softly.
"Sokka, why don't we go back inside? I'll help you fix your picture," suggested Suki.
"Wha—?! Hold on a minute, it's not that bad," protested Sokka.
As the two of them continued their banter, Zuko stared after Appa as he lifted away. He smiled proudly.
All at once, Iroh strolled to Zuko's side. He, too, had seen the whole thing, but out of respect, he had decided to keep quiet about it. But now that it was past, he wanted to share his sentiments.
"Ah, true love," sighed the old man. "That's something you don't see every day. I am very happy for Aang and Katara."
Zuko smiled shyly at his uncle.
"And I am proud of you, my nephew," said Iroh, "I am sure you will make a fine Fire Lord."
"Thanks, Uncle," replied Zuko.
"You know, you could make a fine matchmaker as well," Iroh joked.
"Uh… matchmaker? I dunno about that, uncle."
"Hey, Zuko!" shouted Mai from inside, "Are you finished out there? Don't keep me waiting!"
"Oh, sorry, Mai! I'm coming!" Zuko answered, startled, and he rushed back inside.
Iroh stared at the night sky for a moment, smiling. He had not forgotten how he had once told Aang how wise he was to choose happiness and love over power, or that one day, he would come to a better place. That the Avatar and his nephew were now friends was even better.
After awhile, Aang spotted a small garden just on the outskirts of Ba Sing Se.
"Doesn't that look like a nice place?" he asked Katara.
"Yeah, let's land there, shall we?" she answered.
At Aang's command, Appa set himself down and lowered his head. Aang graciously helped Katara to the ground. They gazed at the garden. It was a most beautiful sight—a grassy place of flowers, lakes and cherry blossom trees. As they walked around, Katara and Aang found a bench beside a tree, and they sat down.
Aang shyly glanced at Katara, feeling a little nervous. It had been a long, long time since the two of them had a moment to themselves, least of all in a place as beautiful as this. As intimidating as it was, there was something very warm and inviting about this garden. It was very peaceful and calm. He noticed Katara gazing at him, too. She looked so beautiful in her green kimono, but her radiant smile was what really warmed Aang's heart.
Katara had a look on her face that was one of warmth and contentment. She was much more relaxed, much less stressed. But she noticed that there was something different about Aang as well. When she saw him standing with Zuko, she admired how he carried himself with such a calm stride. It was hard to believe that several days ago he was the same scared, insecure, desperate little boy she had seen from the night of Ember Island. No doubt the fact that he had finally achieved his destiny and kept his promise had something to do with it. Or maybe it was because Aang seemed much more at ease. Whatever it was, Katara knew he had come quite a long way.
Even so, it felt so strange for both of them to be together — especially now that they were no longer on the run, nor at war. After what seemed like a long silence, Katara finally spoke.
"You know, Aang?"
"Yeah?" Aang answered.
"I think it's time for me to keep my promise to you."
"Huh? What promise?" asked Aang.
"Oh come on, don't play dumb with me. You know what I'm talking about. The promise we made to each other back on Ember Island?"
"Oh, that," Aang replied. In truth, he had tried to put it aside for his own sake, for he didn't want to risk disappointment. "But I thought you said you needed..."
"Aang, the war's over now. And we have plenty of time."
"No, it's okay, Katara, you don't have to if you don't want to. I don't want to force this on you," Aang said, trying to be polite.
"You're not. I told you I would let you know when I was ready to talk about... us. And I think now is a good time."
Truth be told, Aang was a little scared. As thrilled as he had been when Katara kissed him earlier, he did not want to get his hopes up. But on the other hand, he couldn't bring himself to say "no."
"All right, Katara," said Aang. "I'll listen to whatever you have to say. Anything."
Katara smiled softly, then tried to collect her thoughts. After a while she faced Aang with a surprisingly remorseful look.
"Aang, I… I want to apologize for what happened at the theater," Katara said finally.
"Oh no, Katara, that was all my fault."
"No, it's not," Katara protested.
"Yes, it was," Aang said passionately, "I got so upset by that stupid play that I forgot about what was most important. And it was wrong of me to kiss you. Both times. I should have just…"
"No, Aang," Katara interrupted. " I think I know why all this really happened. It's because of something that I did."
Aang was puzzled.
"I… I kept a secret from you."
"Secret? What secret?" Aang asked.
"I wasn't honest when I told you that I was confused," Katara admitted. "In reality, I was scared."
"What were you scared of?"
Katara bit her lip, then glanced at Aang. "I, too, was upset by that play. Namely, the scene where Azula struck you with lightning. It brought back a lot of painful memories for me."
That fateful day was a horrible memory for Aang, too. It had almost cost him his life. He was lucky that Katara had revived him with the Spirit Oasis water, but it left him a permanent scar on his back… and he had been out for what seemed like forever.
"I'll never forget how horrified I was when I saw you fall. I felt that something inside of me had died. If it weren't for that Spirit Oasis water… I don't know what I would have done."
Tears welled in Katara's eyes. Aang gazed at her with a look of empathy.
"All those days, while you were unconscious, and I tended to you, I felt you would never wake up. I was convinced I had lost you forever. But then… when you finally awakened, I was happy. I was so happy that I swore I never wanted to lose you again."
Katara dried her eyes. "It was just like when I lost my mother. I just couldn't bear the idea of losing someone so close to me again. Least of all... someone I loved."
Loved? Aang was very surprised to hear this. But he tried not to show it. He maintained his calm composure as she continued.
"I had not realized how much you meant to me—until that long period where you hovered between life and death. But I was afraid that if I told you that, not only would it distract you, it would put me in the position being hurt all over again if I lost you again. I didn't want that. That's why I kept my feelings for you a secret. I thought I was doing it for your own good… and mine. So that I wouldn't have the same kind of grief if you had been killed by Ozai. That, and we had lost the invasion, and things were so chaotic then, and… well, I just didn't want to think about any of that."
Katara wiped away another tear from her eyes.
"But in so doing, I feel like I caused you a lot more pain and anguish than I thought possible. I did not realize what you were going through. I tried to act indifferent and distant about it, but… I now know I was wrong to do that, and I'm so sorry."
Aang shook his head. "No, Katara, because of you, I was able to stop Ozai. I had to keep my focus. You have nothing to apologize for."
"Yes, I do," said Katara. "I felt so bad about hurting you like that. I didn't realize that my own emotions would cause you so much grief. After you left to fight Ozai, during each day you were gone... I finally understood that. And now that I know, I don't ever want to be apart from you again."
"Katara…" said Aang, speechless.
"Aang, you mean everything to me. I just can't imagine living without you. You've made me so happy and were there for me whenever I needed you. You came to save me whenever I was in trouble. And you took me to the North Pole to find a master to teach me waterbending. Every single day I spent traveling with you were some of the best I ever had. And I have no regrets. I would gladly do it all over again, because... well..."
Aang's stomach churned. He was nervous about what she was going to say next.
"Because… I love you, Aang," Katara finally admitted. "I love you very, very much."
Aang couldn't believe his ears.
"And no, not like a brother either… and I wish I had told you that beforehand. Then this whole mess wouldn't have happened between us. And we wouldn't have been separated. I don't want that anymore. I want to be with you forever."
Having finally admitted all this, Katara was anxious. She didn't know how Aang would take all of it. For all she knew, he would probably no longer feel that way about her after turning him down. His affection for her might have cooled. He might probably have resigned himself to call her a friend instead. And she wouldn't blame him for that... especially after her actions toward him that night.
But Katara couldn't have been more mistaken. In fact, Aang was taking in everything she said. She loved him! For real! All the uncertainties, doubts, and insecurities that he had buried… all of them were gone. A warm, soft smile creased across his angelic face.
"I love you too, Katara," Aang said, giving her a big hug. "I always have... from the moment you saved me from the iceberg. And nothing will ever change that."
Aang's gentle words touched Katara's heart. She, too, had lost all of her insecurities. It felt so gratifying to know that even after all they had been through, he still loved her. "Aang, can you ever forgive me?"
"Of course, Katara."
After a moment, Katara finally broke the embrace and gazed at Aang.
"You know, I think we should make another promise," said Katara.
"What's that?"
"From now on, I want us to be more open and honest with each other. If there are any problems between us, we should talk about them. That way we won't be able to separate again."
Aang thought for a second. "Of course! That's something I would love to do! I had wanted to tell you how I felt for a long time, but I guess I was kinda too shy. I'm willing to give it a try. It'd be a lot better than acting like an idiot again."
"You're no idiot, Aang," Katara answered sweetly. "You're fine just as you are."
Blushing, Aang extended his hand to shake on the promise. But Katara had a different idea in mind for sealing the deal. She planted her face in front of Aang's, puckering her lips.
But Aang hesitated. He felt nervous.
Sensing this, Katara asked him, "What's wrong, Aang? Don't you want to kiss me?"
"Well, uh…" Aang stammered nervously.
"Oh, I get it, you're worried that I'll get angry and run away again, aren't you?"
Aang nodded. "Yeah."
Katara grasped his shoulders gently. "Aang, I want this. I want this just as much as you. I'm not worried about losing you anymore."
Aang smiled a bit.
"Go ahead, kiss me," said Katara.
Aang trepidatiously moved toward Katara and lightly pressed his lips on hers for a brief moment, then parted. But she looked quite disappointed.
"What?" Aang asked.
"Don't hold back," Katara whispered in a sultry voice.
Those words alone were enough to finally break down Aang's hesitation. He leaned forward and kissed Katara deeply and passionately. He threw his arms around her waist and dipped her backwards as she kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck.
That kiss did more than just seal their newest promise. It was an all new beginning for both Katara and Aang. They were best friends... and now, they were a couple. They were together at last.
Roku was right. True love did have a way of overcoming even the toughest of obstacles. Katara and Aang had traveled quite a long journey together, one of difficulties, losses, and separations. But in the end it lead both of them not only to victory, but to true love as well. They had both kept their promises to each other. Now it was time for them to keep their newest one—one where they would talk about their troubles rather than skirting around them. And they would do just that for years to come.
Here ends the story.
