Traveling across the world with Appa was just one the most fantastic experiences ever. But, there was just one tiny problem

And Sokka figured it out too as he held the world map in his hands, "You have no idea where you're going, do you?" He looked up at Aang who was currently the one riding Appa.

I hid my smile behind my hand.

"Well..." Aang trailed off, happily "I know it's near water"

I looked down, seeing we were flying over the sea "I warned you about Aang's navigational skills" I looked back at Sokka "Us not knowing where we are is now your fault cause you could have taken the reins"

"Hey!" Aang complained making me laugh.

Katara briefly smiled as she continued sewing a hole in Sokka's pants.

I closed my eyes, trying to take a nap, Momo laying on top of my stomach using me as a bed. However my attempts for a nap were interrupted by Aang who was trying to impress Katara

"Hey Katara!" I opened an eye, seeing Aang holding two small gray marbles "Check out this airbending trick!"

Using airbending, Aang managed to spin the two marbles quickly along an equatorial plane as he grinned happily but Katara wasn't even paying attention, concentrating in sewing.

"That's great, Aang" Katara told him nonchalantly without looking up

Aang stopped his trick, disappointed "You didn't even look"

Katara looked up, smiling enthusiastically "That's great!"

Aang gave her a dismayed look "But I'm not doing it now"

Sokka waved his arm breezily at Aang as if trying to shoo him away, "Stop bugging her, airhead. You need to give girls space when they do their sewing"

I raised my eyebrows at him, offended

Katara looked at her brother irritably, glaring at him "What does me being a girl have to do with sewing?"

Sokka lazily bended his arms behind his head, laying down "Simple. Girls are better at fixing pants than guys and guys are better at hunting and fighting and stuff like that. It's just the Natural Order of things"

"Those kind of comments will at one point come to bite you back" I informed him calmly.

Katara didn't take the calm response as she smiled sarcastically, showing him his still ripped pants "All done with your pants! And look what a great job I did!" She angrily tossed him the pants in his face.

Sokka quickly scrambled to free himself.

Katara turned away, angrily

I looked at Sokka chuckling, "And that is just beginning, I can tell"

Sokka sputtered, sticking one arm through the large hole in his pants "Wait! I was just kidding" he looked at Katara pleadingly, "I can't wear these! Katara, please!"

Aang giggled enthusiastically "Relax, Sokka. Where we're going, you won't need any pants"

I looked at Aang, realizing we were now close to our destiny as he yanked Appa's reins to the left, Appa picking up speed to where Aang directed. I jumped to Aang's side, leaning to the front seeing an island covered with mountains.

Aang landed Appa in a beach. The four of us dismounted Appa.

"We just made a pit stop yesterday" Sokka told us "Shouldn't we get a little more flying done before we camp out?"

Aang and I weren't paying attention, looking toward the water, looking for the Elephant Koi.

"He's right" Katara told us "At this rate, we won't get to the North Pole until spring"

Aang turned to them, innocently "But Appa's tired, aren't you boy?" Appa didn't react, only giving a small grunt that didn't convince anyone. I shot Aang a look. Aang nudged Appa's front leg with his elbow "I said, aren't you boy?"

This time, Appa's grunt sounded more convincing, even opening his mouth wide as if he was yawning

I clapped once, "See? We can't fly with a tired Appa"

Sokka gave us blank looks, "Yeah, that was real convincing" he told us sarcastically. Aang I and turned away to the water again. Sokka seemed slightly fearful "Still, hard to argue with a ten-ton magical monster"

Aang and I ran toward the shore, looking at the water

Aang pointed to the water, excitedly taking a deep breath "Look!"

I smiled finally seeing an Elephant koi fish jumping out of the water and back in, creating a giant splash. I looked behind us at Sokka and Katara seeing their expressions, grinning widely "Our first stop, remember? Elephant koi. Aang and I are going to ride them!"

More koi fish jumped out of the water as Aang began to shrug off his robes "I will first!" He exclaimed, running straight to the water, looking back at us "Katara, you've got to watch me!" He exclaimed before diving in, soon submerging out of the water, jumping with a shiver "Cold!"

I practically jumped in excitement starting to shrug my robes off as Sokka made a circular motion around his left temple with his left hand, signaling us he thought Aang was crazy. I didn't pay attention to them, pulling my robes out of my head but before I could take them off, Katara placed a hand in my shoulder. I paused, pulling back down my robes, looking at her questionably

"Don't you think that's dangerous, Kai?" She asked in concern, looking toward the water at Aang swimming to the deep waters where the koi fish were.

I pouted "Katara! It's not!" I whined "It's just a harmless swim with giant fish. Nothing to worry about" I pointed toward the water where Aang had managed to grab into a the back fin of one of the koi fishes and was now riding it, the koi fish jumping in and out of the water with Aang shouting in delight.

Katara dropped her hand from my shoulder looking at Aang impressed, starting to cheer him on. "Woo!"

Sooka just looked unimpressed, arms crossed over his chest

"Isn't that fun?" I beamed

"Are you kidding me?" Sokka looked at me, pointing lazily toward Aang and the koi fishes, unimpressed "The fish is doing all the work"

"It doesn't change the fact that it looks fun" I pointed out, shrugging

"It doesn't look dangerous" Katara said hesitantly.

I grinned widely "It isn't!" I ran toward the water as she sighed before something that Appa did caught her attention, running toward him.

"Wait!" Sokka's alarmed exclaim made me stop in my tracks making me groan. Why can't I just ride a koi fish in peace?

I turned to face Sokka impatiently "What is it?"

Sokka ran toward me, stopping at my side "There's something in the water"

I frowned, looking toward Aang, not seeing anything. Just a little Monk having fun. I crossed my arms "Yes. There is. Something called fun. Fun I should be having too" I complained, stomping my feet in the ground

"No! That!" Sokka exclaimed, pointing at some of the koi fish. I opened my mouth to ask what was it but one koi fish being pulled under the water unexpectedly by an unknown source made me close my mouth, my eyes widening. "See? Something's in the water"

I looked toward Aang who was surfing on the koi fish's back, smiling widely and unaware of the danger. "Uh oh..."

Katara walked closer, frowning at our expressions, becoming worried "What's wrong?"

"Aang's in trouble" Sokka answered "Aang!"

"Aang!" I shouted

"Get out of there!" Katana shouted

As the three of us shouted for Aang to come back, he grinned waving at us, returning back to surf with koi fish. I groaned realizing he thought we were cheering him on

"That's not playtime anymore Aang!" I shouted in worry and anxiety as he got hurled off the koi fish into the water when the koi fish got pulled under, failing his arms and legs in alarm "Aang!"

Aang surfaced out of the water, coughing. And it was when the four of us finally got a view of the danger. It was a large creature, its massive dorsal fin emerging from the surface directly behind him. Aang turned around, shouting in alarm and fear.

Aang used airbending to run across the surface of the lake at lightning speed, fleeing away from the creature in fear. The creature followed closely behind Aang. Aang, running was leaving a trail of white foam behind him as the creature started gaining on him.

I jumped out of the way as Aang ran closer. Katara following my lead but Sokka wasn't as fast. His face grew alarmed as Aang collided straight into him as he reached the shore safely. Once he was safe, the creature disappeared beneath the water again.

I felt like I could finally breath as Katara and I ran to where Sokka and Aang came to a halt. Sokka was leaning against a tree trunk, a trail marking where his body slid across the ground.

Aang was already dressing as we got closer, Momo along us.

"What was that thing?" Katara asked

"I don't know" Aang answered

Sokka stood up, wiping his hands together. "Well, let's not stick around to find out. Time to hit the road"

We nodded. But as soon as we moved, I paused sensing something shift in the air, frowning. It was then when a group of several female warriors clad in green kimonos descended from the treetops to ambush us.

They were fast that we couldn't defend ourselves. Sokka was pulled back and knocked over. Katara got pulled by her arm, leaning in to maintain her balance but for the moment of distraction, someone pulled her parka over her head, pulling her down. As Aang got distracted by Katara's struggle, another female warrior grabbed him by his collar. Momo flew up screeching from his shoulder, only to be quickly caught in a bag, only his head still protruding. All of them being caught served for me as a distraction for someone to grab my arms, pulling them behind my back tying it them together, putting a fold in my eyes, blinding me completely.

I groaned touching the ground, struggling to sit up. I could see nothing, taking deep breaths, in and out focusing on the sounds around me. I could hear each of my friend's breathing patterns. Sokka's was heavy, Aang was silent even if he was scared and Katara's was slow as if trying to keep calm. The four of us were close by, the crush of leaves in front of us told me we weren't alone. I tried to remain calm and passive

"Morning" I greeted cheerfully as we began to be dragged toward some path

Sokka being close by grunted, "Or, we could stay a while"

~8~

Still blindfolded, we were taken to some kind of village (my hearing let me know there were more people around, talking away from us). We were tied up to some kind of wooden pole.

"You four have some explaining to do" I heard the voice of a man addressing us.

"And if you don't answer all our questions, we're throwing you back in the water with Unagi" Even if they made their voice sound manly, my ear picked up some kind of tone to it. This was a girl's voice. Probably one of the warriors who ambushed us.

"I apologize for our intrusion" I spoke in behalf of the four of us, keeping a calm front, however Sokka ruined my efforts.

"Show yourselves, cowards!" Sokka shouted challengingly

There was a moment of silence before my blindfold was pulled down. I blinked at the sudden light, looking around, seeing that indeed we were in a village. A man and five female warriors clad in green kimonos wearing white and red face paint were in front of us. The sight was slightly familiar.

"Hello again" I flashed them a cheerful smile. They didn't react at all at my greeting. I silently huffed. Rude.

Sokka looked around aggressively, "Who are you? Where are the men who ambushed us?"

One of the warriors stepped forward, gesturing heavily with her clenched fist "There were no men" she told him indignantly. I looked up. This was the girl who threatened us earlier! "We ambushed you. Now tell us, who are you and what are you doing here?"

Sokka stared at them in disbelief "Wait a second" He amusingly glanced to his right to where Aang was, as if looking for confirmation "There's no way that a bunch of girls took us down"

"Bite" I told him, reminding him of our conversation about his sexiest comments

The warrior grabbed Sokka by his collar, angrily. Sokka gulped "A bunch of girls, huh? Unagi is gonna eat well tonight"

Katara leaned forward in her bonds, looking apologetically and pleadingly "No, don't hurt him! He didn't mean it. My brother is just an idiot sometimes"

The warrior released Sokka, but still stared at him angrily.

"It's my fault" Aang confessed guiltily. I sighed, leaning against the pole. Everyone looked at Aang surprised, except me. "I'm sorry we came here" he looked at me. I nodded. Aang nodded his head at my direction "We wanted to ride the elephant koi"

The man pointed at us angrily "How do we know you're not Fire Nation spies? Kyoshi stayed out of the war so far. And we intend to keep it that way!"

My expression lit up, the name leaving the same familiarity I had when I saw Avatar Roku's statue "This island is named for Kyoshi? I know Kyoshi!"

"Ha!" The man chuckled humorlessly "How could you possibly know her?" He looked up toward the top of the wooden pole. It was the statue of a tall woman holding two stretched open fans. She was dressed in a similar outfit as the female warriors that ambushed us. She wore the same white paint in her face, with the red accentuated eyes as the female warriors in front of us. That's why they looked familiar! "Avatar Kyoshi was born here four hundred years ago. She's been dead for centuries"

I looked up at the statue thoughtfully, before looking at the ground as hesitation filled me. Even if I wasn't ready to be known as the Avatar, I could remember the proud look Aang gave me when I entered the sanctuary at the Air temple. How Katara looked hopeful when she learned the Avatar was back. Even if I didn't want to be, I did like seeing people smiling instead of frowning. If telling people I was the Avatar brought them hope, then they had the right to know. They had the right to have some light in all the darkness they have lived in the past one hundred years

"I know her because..." I spoke calmly, my voice soft and still hesitant, "I'm the Avatar"

Aang and Katara looked at me with proud expressions, starting to smile.

The Kyoshi warriors and the man looked shocked at my revelation.

The Kyoshi Warrior shook her head, not convinced by my words "That's impossible! The last Avatar was an airbender who disappeared a hundred years ago"

I smiled sheepishly "That's me"

The man pointed at me angrily, looking at Kyoshi Warrior "Throw the impostor to Unagi!"

"Wow" I widened my eyes as the warriors immediately retracted some metal fans from out of their belts, sliding them open. "Riding the Unagi sounds fun, but uh... I don't think my friends share the same opinion"

The Kyoshi Warriors threateningly started to surround us.

Aang glanced at me nervously "Shouldn't you prove you're really the Avatar?"

I looked at Aang wide eyed in fear, "How am I supposed to do that?"

Katara leaned forward in her robes giving me a pointed look "Do some airbending"

If I could facepalm I would. Of course! If they saw me doing airbending, they'd believe my words.

"Right" I grinned nervously, bending my knees before jumping, leaving a large dust cloud as I shot up in the air, stretching out my ropes, using one of the outstretched fans of the statue to snap them in half. Now free, I sat down on top of the statue of Avatar Kyoshi's shoulder, rubbing my wrists, listening to people exclaim in awe about my appearance.

A small smile played on my lips seeing everyone smiling, their eyes lit up. That's all I've ever wanted. Seeing people happy.

I jumped, landing gently on the ground in front of the surprised crowd, my robes still fluttering in the air.

The man and the Kyoshi Warriors stared at me in shock. A lot more people gathered around to see what is going on. Unlike the female warriors, the other civilians were dressed in blue.

The man looked at me in awe "It's true ... you are the Avatar!"

I smiled slightly "But I'm not the last airbender, though" I glanced at Aang "He's also an airbender. We're the last ones"

Aang grinned, jumping in the Air creating an air scooter, staying floating for a few seconds. Everyone stared at us in awe. The last ones of Air Nomads.

A Kyoshi warrior immediately cut off Aang's ropes and he stopped at my side, smiling at the attention.

I grinned, pulling out the grey marbles I took from Aang's robes after he went to swim with the Koi fish as a payback for him riding them and I didn't. Aang gaped at me in disbelief, "Now, check this out!" I beamed, performing Aang's trick, letting the marbles spin around really fast between my hands, smiling hopefully that I managed to impressed them

They immediately cheered, some young man in the front of the crowd started to emit a high pitched squeal while widely tossing his hands up in the air in admiration. He got so overexcited that he started to foam, fainting. I cringed, still smiling as everyone cheered me on

Aang had his arms crossed but I flashed him a wide smile. Aang dropped his hands, smiling happily, cheering as well.

At least I made people happy.

~8~

The news of the Avatar's return had put up the entire island in a happy mood and to think it was my doing, I couldn't help but feel pride swell inside of me.

The village immediately welcomed us with open arms, leading us to one of the prettiest houses, making a feast for us, Appa was well fed as well!

I sat on one of the chairs of the long table as villagers entered the house, placing different food dishes for us to eat. Fish, desserts for breakfast, it had been a while since we ate like this.

The only one who didn't seem comfortable was Katara. She sat between me and Aang, seeing Aang and Momo watching the desserts, happily.

Momo happily dig in, chittering

Aang threw his arms in the air, ecstatically "All right! Dessert for breakfast! Kai! Enjoy this that is for you!"

I practically jumped in my seat, starting to eat the dessert, closing my eyes in delight "This people really know how to treat the Avatar and her friends!" I looked at Katara who wasn't sharing our same sentiment. I picked up a pastry, giving it to her with a smile "You have to try at least one" Katara hesitantly grabbed it making me grin. I looked around seeing Sokka hunched grumpily. I looked between him and the food in shock "Come on, Sokka. Why aren't you eating?"

Aang paused, looking at Sokka in shock too.

"Not hungry" Sokka grumbled

I exchanged a wide eyed look with Aang

"But you're always hungry!" Aang exclaimed while Momo flew around the table eating contently.

Katana glanced at us amused "He's just upset because a bunch of girls kicked his butt yesterday"

"They snuck up on me!" Sokka defended himself

I ate a pastry, glancing between them in amusement

"Right" Katara smiled in amusement "And then they kicked your butt"

Sokka stood up angrily "Sneak attacks don't count!" He exclaimed indignantly, walking out with big strides mumbling to himself, walking around the table and picking up some dessert "Mm. This is tasty"

Sokka walked away, eating the dessert angrily

"I don't understand why he's so angry" I said in confusion. "We're having a good time! This place is amazing"

Aang nodded in agreement

Katana gave us an uneasy look "Hey, don't get too comfortable. It's risky for us to stay in one place for very long"

"I'm sure we'll be fine" I reassured her "Besides, did you see how happy I'm making this town?" I clapped excitedly. For the first time happy to be the Avatar. I walked to the window, pointing outside "They're even cleaning up that statue in my honor!"

Aang beamed "It's so nice seeing you excited about being the Avatar, Kai! I knew you'd come to terms with it"

I smiled at Aang. Someone who always believed in me, always.

Katara nodded but she seemed more concerned "I just hope it doesn't all go to your head"

I waved a hand reassuringly, "Come on! It won't. I'm just a simple nun" I leaned on the window sill to get a better look on Avatar Kyoshi's statue, getting startled by some screams of delight and admiration. I looked down to see some villager boys and girls. My cheeks heated up in embarrassment as I flashed them a small smile and a wave.

Aang leaned forward from over my shoulder to see what the commotion was about, smiling "Yeah. We're gonna like it here"

~8~

Even if all the attention was intimidating, people looking up at me for being one piece of hope for them was giving me this boost of confidence in myself. But it was also tiring having to run away from all those admirers. I even had to wear a cloak to hide my appearance to walk around Kyoshi and even with that I still had to run.

Aang seemed to have the same problem for being an Airbender, a Master at that. There hadn't been an airbender for a hundred years and people were in awe to see what we could do.

I was watching him perform some tricks for some villager girls, sitting in the high branch of a tree, smiling slightly seeing my best friend smile.

It had been a rough awakening for the two of us and seeing Aang smile in happiness after what we found in the air Temple, it was all I've ever wanted.

Though Katara didn't seem to like the attention we were getting, believing it was finally getting to our heads. I didn't understand. This is what they wanted right? For me to accept I was the Avatar, to give people hope. I wasn't understanding why she was angry.

And so I asked.

"You guys wanted me to accept my role as the Avatar" I reminded her after she and Aang argued about leaving Kyoshi and something about Katara being no fun or something. I agreed with Aang, I didn't want to leave Kyoshi

Katara looked at me unamused "One thing is that. But you and Aang are letting the whole 'I'm the Avatar and the last Master Airbender' to get in your heads, Kai. We should leave, it's a risk. Besides that you need to master the other elements, remember?"

My face dropped, "I know I have to. But, there's something about Kyoshi I like" I gave her an innocent look, "It doesn't hurt to stay a little while in here. Aang is having fun" I ignored her irritated huff by Aang's situation with her admirers. "Sokka is getting the training he always wanted to become a good warrior. And I finally accepted being the Avatar. Kyoshi is a good place for us Katara"

Katara's expression softened slightly "Yes, Kai. But you promised you wouldn't get this Avatar stuff wouldn't get to your head"

"And it hasn't" I reassured her. Katara looked unconvinced. I sighed in defeat "Just... Let us enjoy this for a few more days and then we'd leave. I promise"

I grabbed the basket from her hands, bending the air underneath it to carry it easier.

Katara sighed, nodding reluctantly "Alright. Deal"

I grinned, "You won't regret it!"

~8~

Almost a week passed and I wasn't making a move to leave or tell the others to leave, breaking my promise to Katara but I really liked this village.

I had just returned from Aang's and I's fans, giggling to each other. We had met up, and had had all day playing with air to the much enjoyment of everyone.

Aang had even promised the ride the Unagi to his fans making me pout. First the elephant koi now the Unagi? Not fair.

We came across Katara at the house who was practicing her bending, her back toward us as she concentrated

"Katara, remember how Unagi almost got me the other day?" Aang told her confidently

Katara didn't turn to face us "Yeah"

"Well, I'm gonna go ride it now" Aang bragged. I raised a brow in amusement "It's gonna be real dangerous"

Katara sounded disinterested, still not looking at us "Good for you"

Aang and I exchanged a surprised look

"You're not going to stop him?" I asked

"Nope" Katara answered, still sounding disinterested. "Have fun"

Aang crossed his arms, defiantly "I will"

"Great" Katara replied stiffly

I looked between them worriedly and confused

Aang seemed annoyed at Katara's lack of interest. "I know it's great"

I looked between them as they got irritated at each other and stayed quiet, seeing Katara's control over the water getting lost, the water splashing on the ground.

Aang threw his hands, walking away "Fine!" He stopped at the doorway, giving Katara a sad look, looking at me expectantly.

I looked back at Katara, glancing at Aang 'Go. I'll be right behind you' I mouthed

Aang nodded slightly, walking away

"Katara?" I asked softly. Katara didn't look up "You know he's just doing that to get your attention, right?"

Katara looked up surprised "What?"

"He's upset you aren't paying him attention" I explained "You're our best friend. Aang looks up to you and likes you. We never had a friend from the Water Tribe before, or a waterbender. And you're being a great company that your lack of interest hurts" Katara stayed silent "I know I broke my promise. And I'm truly sorry about that. I just didn't want to leave Kyoshi. But, don't take it out on Aang. He's not at fault. It's mine" I gave her a moment so she could say something but she stayed quiet. I nodded to myself, "Alright. I'll go check on Sokka before I go to Aang. See you later"

I walked away, sighing softly

~8~

I stopped in front of the Kyoshi Warriors' training dojo where Sokka was training with them, leaning against the doorway, silently and smiling, seeing Suki (the Kyoshi Warrior) teaching Sokka their ways. At least someone made good use of our time in here.

I smiled, clapping when Sokka finally could defeat Suki.

They turned to face me, surprised.

"Avatar" Suki immediately bowed "It's an honor for you to grace us with your presence"

I waved a hand, uncomfortably "Uh, just call me Kai. Everyone does" I smiled. Suki returned the smile, standing up straight "You guys were amazing" Suki and Sokka exchanged smile. "Do you mind if I watch for a little bit?"

Suki glanced at Sokka "For me no problem"

Sokka stood straighter, "Not at all, Kai"

I clapped, as they prepared for battle again, starting to circle around each other.

~8~

Momo was now on top of my head, as we watched Sokka and Suki train. I'll admit, Sokka was doing an excellent job. Suddenly, in the middle of their training, the headman of the village who introduced himself as Oyaji appeared, breathing heavily. He first looked at me in horror

Sokka, Suki and I looked at him alarmed

"Firebenders have landed on our shores!" Oyaji exclaimed. My eyes widened in horror. Firebenders? "Avatar, you must leave immediately!" Suki ran to him while he turned around, screaming for the rest of the warriors "Girls, come quickly!"

I looked at Sokka in guilt "It's my fault, isn't it?"

Sokka placed a hand in my shoulder "We can do this" he ran off after Suki

I bit my lip worriedly, following behind. I couldn't let them get hurt because of me!

~8~

I hid behind a pole, seeing four Firebenders (including the one who kidnaped Aang) surround the village mounted on komodo rhinos, stopping right at the base of the Kyoshi statue. I could see all the villagers hiding in the nearby houses

"Come out, Avatar!" The leader called out "You can't hide from me forever!" The other riders walked through the village, looking, searching for me. "Find her"

The riders next to him began to move into town. I could see the warriors surrounding the soldiers while still being hidden behind the houses as they moved into town. I watched as every warrior began to fight off against the Fire Nation soldiers, seeing Suki and Sokka attack the leader.

I gasped when he used his Firedending to attack them and the rest of the warriors. This didn't feel right! I had to do something. I looked up at the house we were are, running and jumping toward it quickly grabbing my staff, landing on the Main Street as the leader shouted

"Nice try, Avatar!" The leader shouted "But these little girls can't save you"

"Hey!" I called out determinedly, my staff in front of me challengingly "Stay away from them. It's me who you want"

The firebender turned around, "Finally!" He threw two fire balls into my direction. I ducked underneath the first one, using my staff to decimate the next Fire ball. I rapidly spun my staff over my head, propelling myself in the air, landing in front of him. He immediately kicked my staff out of my hands, surprising me. I jumped, landing between two fans of a Kyoshi Warrior that were lying on the ground, picking them up with airbending.

The firebender (I need to know his name!) charged madly, fist already held stretched out before him. I spun around a few times to create a bigger momentum, using the extra power of my swirl to blast him in a nearby house with a strong blast of air.

I looked sad that I had to attack him, knowing it was wrong but necessary, running down the main street, picking up my staff, tossing the object in the air where it snapped open into my glider, jumping on it. I flew threw the village, a guilty look in my face when I saw the chaos I caused for not insisting the others to leave like Katara asked me to

It was my fault the Fire Nation was burning down the village of Kyoshi.

I looked at Avatar Kyoshi's statute, guilty and sad "I'm sorry"

~8~

I found Aang and Katara helping some villager girls into safety, landing in front of them. As soon as I did so, I was attacked by a bald head with air nomad clothes

"Kai!" Aang hugged me tightly in relief "You're okay! We were so worried"

I bit my lip in sadness, pulling away "But, look at what I brought to this place"

Katara walked closer, "It's not your fault"

I glanced toward the girls in the house, hating the frowns in their faces. How I caused their happiness to go away, bringing sadness and worry "Yes, it is" I contradicted, turning to face them, feeling upset "These people got their town destroyed trying to protect me. You were right. Staying here was risky"

"Then let's get out of here" Aamg suggested

Katara nodded in agreement "Zuko will leave Kyoshi to follow us" I frowned, opening my mouth to ask how they knew that name, but Katara didn't let me ask "I know it feels wrong to run, but I think it's the only way"

I closed my mouth, seeing they were right, sighing sadly "Alright. Aang, let's call Appa"

~8~

As soon as we decided to leave Kyoshi, we packed all we could into Appa, waiting for Sokka. As soon as he arrived, I helped him, nodding at Aang

Aang pulled the reins, "Appa, yip-yip!"

I sat on the edge of the saddle looking down in sadness and guilt at the burned village as Appa flew us away, the Fire Nation retreating back to their ships to follow us like Katara predicted they would.

"I know it's hard" Katara told me softly "But you did the right thing"

"Katara's right. Zuko would have destroyed the whole place if we had stayed" Aang jumped to my side, sitting next to me, placing a comforting hand in my shoulder "They're going to be okay, Ki"

And I wanted them to be. They had to!

My eyes found the Lake where the Unagi was and I couldn't help but get an idea to help them. I looked up determinedly, standing up and jumping off Appa

"What are you doing?!" I heard Sokka exclaim in shock just as I plunged into the water, looking around desperately. I found Unagi, using my airbending to swim faster toward it, grabbing his whiskers in the top of his head, pulling him toward the surface. As soon as we shot out of the water, I breathed the air contently as we swayed about a few times before I sturdied myself atop Unagi's head, pulling the creature's barbels. Unagi opened its mouth wide, starting to gush water which rained over the town to put down the Fire, my grin grew seeing this, loosening my grip on Unagi's whiskers causing it to cease to gush water, launching me into the air but I was caught by Appa.

I pushed my wet bangs away from my face, breathing heavily "It was fun" I chuckled. I looked at Aang, "Now I get why you were so excited about riding him"

Aang laughed in amusement

I leaned back on the saddle, closing my eyes contently.

"That was dangerous" Katara told me. I opened one eye, only to see her smiling.

My smile grew "I know"

Sokka smiled