Author note: Hey guys! Went camping for the weekend, and now I'm back! I was thinking about the story the whole time I was there, so I'm excited to bring this to life! We are almost nearing the end of this story - but stay tuned, I will be starting more Kataang fluff after this story ends! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I think you already know I don't own any of these characters.
The South Pole
"Shhh Appa," Aang whispered as he jumped off Appa, "remember, you're too easy to spot. Katara will know I'm here if she see's you. You need to be quiet and stay out of sight. Can you do that for me, buddy?"
Appa groaned once again, causing Aang to smile and hug Appa's face. "Thanks buddy. I promise, this will be worth it."
He took a deep breath and began to walk towards the tribe. After four days to himself on Whale Tail Island, he had come up with zero on the plan. He had resorted to doing it on the fly once he found Hakoda and Sokka. He admitted to himself that planning things was not a strength. In fact, it seemed whenever they had a plan in the past, it was Sokka's. "Just find them," he thought. "And whatever you do, don't let Katara see you."
He sighed. He hadn't even thought about the fact that he could end up right where she is, and the whole surprise would be ruined. He would have to be quiet and quick. Which, luckily, he was good at because of his airbending abilities. He got lost in his thoughts once again. "What if it all goes wrong? What if it's not good enough? What if I can't even get it done?"
As he got lost in his thoughts, he was overwhelmed with memories of the first time he was here. When he awoke in Katara's arms. He was so thankful her face was the first thing he saw after his 100 years in limbo. Her presence was soothing right from the start. Even when they barely knew each other.
The village coming into view jerked him from his memories. It was bigger then it was all of those years ago. He was happy to see it flourishing, especially since the last time he was there, it wasn't a very fun experience.
"Avatar Aang!"
"What is the Avatar doing here?"
A group of young kids had spotted him. He immediately felt his heart drop and slapped himself. Why didn't he think of this? "Why are you an idiot? Of course people will recognize you! You're the most recognizable person in the world!" He groaned and rolled his eyes at himself as the group of kids ran up to him.
"What are you doing here, Avatar Aang?"
"My hero!"
"I can't believe you're here!"
He put his hands up and tried to quiet them down. "Um, hey kids! I, uh, need you to keep it a secret that I'm here. Can you help me with that?"
One of the youngest kids in the group tugged at his clothes. "But why, Avatar Aang?"
"Well, I'm here to surprise someone. She doesn't know I'm here, and I need it to stay that way for now. You think you can do that for me? We can make it our own 'Avatar Mission.'"
The group of kids all gasped and jumped in excitement. "Of course!"
"Wow, an Avatar Mission!"
"We might be as cool as Katara and Sokka now!"
"Wait, aren't you Katara's boyfriend, too?" The oldest of the group had asked this.
Aang smiled. "Yes, I am. And she's the person I'm trying to surprise. But, I need to talk to Chief Hakoda and Sokka before she knows I'm here. Are you down to help me?"
They all giggled and jumped with pure excitement. "We can do that!"
"What do you need, Avatar Aang?"
"Well," Aang began, "I need somewhere to stay out of sight so Katara doesn't find me. Do you know of any good hiding places?"
"You can stay with us, Avatar Aang! Our parents would love to have you at our home!"
"I don't want to intrude," Aang replied, "I can even stay outside. The cold doesn't bother me!"
"Our parents would be honored! We can take you to them now!"
Without another word, the oldest of the children grabbed Aang's hand and led him around the outside of the village, to their home.
"Mom! Dad! We have a surprise for you!" The youngest yelled as they ran inside. "Come and see!"
"Keela, what is it sweetie," came an older voice from another room. "I'm making dinner!"
"Come here, mom! We have a guest!"
"A guest? Did you three pick up a stranger from the road again? I told you already, strangers aren't always trustworthy -" She came walking into their main room to see Aang. "Avatar Aang," she gasped out, "I am sorry, I didn't mean.. I mean.. well, it is an honor to you have in our home!"
"The honor is mine," Aang said as he bowed to the woman. "I am sorry to barge in like this, but these three children of yours caught me walking in, and agreed to help me with something. You see, I am trying to surprise my girlfriend, Katara, but she can't know I'm here yet. I just need to stay hidden for a few days from her. I don't want to intrude on your beautiful home. I can stay somewhere else-"
"Nonsense! You are welcome here of course! My husband will be getting home soon from the town meeting. He knows Katara's father, Chief Hakoda. They are good friends! Our home is yours!"
"Thank you very much," Aang bowed again, "if he knows Chief Hakoda, he could be of help to me as well. I need to speak with him without Katara knowing."
"Well, that is perfect! They have a meeting again tomorrow. He can talk to Chief Hakoda there."
"Thank you for your help, ma'am."
"Please, call me, Tyla. These are my children, Keela, Noen, and Rana. Our house is your home! I will have dinner ready soon. Have you ever had stewed sea prunes?"
Aang gulped. "Um, yes I have.."
Tyla laughed at the face Aang made. "Avatar Aang, if you do not like them, I can make something else-"
"No that is not necessary! I can find something in the market."
"But everyone will recognize you," Rana chipped in.
"Hmm, good point. Tyla, I do not want to be a burden and make you cook something just for me. May I borrow a snow jacket? If I wear that, I should be able to go to the market undetected."
"But you still risk getting spotted," Tyla said. "Nonsense. I can make you something."
Without another word, Tyla hurried to the kitchen, busying herself with additional work. "Avatar Aang," Noen said, "let me show you to where you will stay!"
"Wow, Avatar Aang staying with US! This is so cool," said Keela.
The three kids grabbed Aang's hands once again and pulled him to another small room off the large entrance. It was small and housed 3 cots. "This is where we sleep," said Rana, "and you can stay in here with us! You can even have my bed!"
"I can sleep on the floor," Aang replied, "I sleep on the ground all the time."
Rana opened her mouth in protest, but was interrupted by a sound at the front of the house.
"Tyla? Kids? I'm home," came a man's voice from the large room.
"Dad's home!" The three kids shouted all at once, running outside of their small bedroom. "Come on Avatar Aang, he will be so excited to meet you!"
When Aang entered the large room again, Tyla was already hugging her husband, who's eyes were wide as he stared at Aang. "Avatar Aang," he immediately said, bowing, "it is a pleasure to have you here. My wife just told me you were here. My home is yours while you visit."
"Thank you, sir-"
"My name is Noquan, and don't mention it. We are honored to help you. It's the least I can do."
"Thank you, Noquan. Your hospitality is appreciated."
"Kids," Noquan said as his wife went back to the kitchen, "why don't you go wash up for dinner? I need to talk to the Avatar."
"Awww," the three children groaned as they walked out of the room.
Noquan motioned to a couch in the corner of the room, offering Aang to sit down. Aang took him up on the offer, and Noquan sat down next to him. "I met Chief Hakoda's kids today. Katara mentioned you, quite a bit actually. Are you two, um, together?"
Aang nodded "Yes, and I'm actually here to, uh, propose."
A smile spread across Noquan's face. "How wonderful! Congratulations! Is there any way I can help?"
"Actually, there is. I need to speak with Chief Hakoda and Sokka to get their help. Would you be able to talk to them tomorrow?"
Noquan nodded. "Of course, I am good friends with Chief Hakoda. I will try to speak with him alone tomorrow. He has been to my home before. I will invite him to dinner."
Aang shook Noquan's hand. "Thank you for your help, sir. It really means a lot."
"Don't mention it, Avatar. Anything for the savior of the world."
Author Note: I almost didn't include this family, but it just felt right! Please like and review!
