The Choice School For benders
Chapter Four
By: Frodo-Swaggins 32
Author's Note: Hello everyone! First off I want to thank EVERYONE for not only the awesome reviews and personal messages! But honestly just for reading this FanFiction! Its my first and I feel like you guys are enjoying it just as much as I enjoy writing it. In the first 3 chapters we have over SEVEN HUNDRED views! That is just crazy guys! So again thank you VERY much. So something I want to get out there is I know Aang overreacted xD But do not fret readers it will all be explained in the upcoming chapter ;) Also If interested in becoming a Beta reader please send me a PM and we can talk :-) The more too proof read the better!
Katara
Wow, he must really be hurting; I wonder whats wrong, he seemed so happy this morning. But before I could even ask him Mr. Jon Jon came in.
"Hello class, I am very sorry I'm late. I had a meeting run very late. Well anyway first I would like to welcome back all of our returning students. But I would also like to welcome our new students!"
Mr. Jon Jon seemed nice enough, especially for being fire nation. And once again since it was the first day we only got our textbooks and setup our lab journals. But Aang was still being pretty quiet. What is up with him? Ever since lunch he's been acting really weird, well there is only one way to figure it out.
"Hey Aang what's going on?" I asked him as I approached him
"Umm... I don't really want to talk about it right now Katara" He said softly.
"Are you sure? I bet some tea would help… You know any places around here?"
Aang looked like he was thinking really hard about it. He just sat there for a good minutes trying to decide.
"Um yeah I guess some tea would be nice" He finally said with a little more optimism. "And there is this fantastic tea shop owned by Mr. Iroh. Its called The Jasmine Dragon, It's only a few blocks from the bus stop." He said, finally seeming a little happier.
"Ok cool we can go there after school, I just need to check with my brother." After Chemisty Aang and I headed to our last class, bending practice.
Bending went by pretty slow, again we didn't really do much of anything; Just got our uniforms and split into different groups. But unlike the other classes we didn't get to pick our partners… Mr. Pakku Called out the groups.
"Team 1: Katara Of The Water Tribe. Azula Of The Fire Nation. Lu Ten Of The Fire Nation." "Oh great two Fire Nation Royalty" I thought as Mr. Pakku continued. "Toph Of The Earth Kingdom, And Finally Xing Ying Of The Air Nomads. Please go sit on in the bleachers and get to know each other." Of course I didn't know any of these people, Toph did look very familiar though. I was trying to figure out where I saw her, Oh thats right she was sitting with Aang and Teo at lunch! Well hey I should go introduce myself to her.
"Hey your Toph right?" I said as I put my hand out to her.
"Who's asking?" She said pretty bluntly, she didn't shake my hand back. So I just put my hands in my pocket.
"I'm Katara. I'm friends with Aang."
Toph
Oh this is that bitch from lunch that Aang was into. I really wanted to just punch her in the face but I could tell Aang has his head turned towards us, He would be mad if I punched his little sweetness. So I decided to keep my cool for now.
"Oh yeah you're that girl from lunch."
"Yeah, Hey do you know what's up with Aang? He seems different ever since lunch." She asked in a chipper tone.
"Damn straight I know what's up with aang, but it ain't my business to tell you."
Katara
"Oh ok" Wow she's kind of rude.
Aang
Oh jeez Toph is on Katara's team, this won't end well. Toph has always been like an older sister to me, and didn't like it when people hurt me. Like when Zuko and I got into a fight last year and she put Zuko in the hospital, I would hate to see Toph do that to Katara. Especially because Katara wasn't the reason why I've been sad since lunch. I could see Katara walk over to Toph, and I shot Toph a look, hopefully she would be able to tell. Then I heard Mr. Pakku calling out another group.
"Aang Of The Air Nomads, Han Of The Water Tribe, Hotah Of the Water Tribe, Zuko Of The Fire Nation. "Oh you gotta be kidding me" I thought, the Pakku finished. "And Haru Of The Earth Kingdom" "Please Just kill me now" Not only do I have Han, One of the worst waterbenders and biggest douche in the school on my team but I also have Zuko, and Katara's little flirt Haru… This Is going to be another great year… I got up and walked over to our assigned bleachers, when Haru came running up.
"Hey Aang! Looks like we're on the same team bro! Were going to totally dominate this year!" He said very enthusiastically.
"Yeah It's going to be great bro!" I told him. I was actually kind of excited, even though Zuko was an ass he still was one of the best firebenders in the school. And Haru was still a really good earthbender; And Hotah was also pretty good, Everyone except Han was really good. We may actually do well this year. After we sat down Haru started chatting it up.
"Hey Aang so guess What!"
"What?"
"So I asked Katara out on a date! We're going out on friday!"
I was mad but still happy for him, since he's like never had a girlfriend before and we are friends after all.
"No way dude that's awesome! So were you guys going?" Trying to hide my distaste for him right now.
"Honestly I'm not sure where we are going. I'm kind of strapped for cash right now, do you know a place that is nice but a little more on the budget side of things?"
Oh great now I'm picking where their going… "Yeah, I would check out this place It's called the Jasmine Dragon, Mr. Iroh owns it. They have the best tea in the City. And some good dumplings. Me and my dad go there alot."
"Ok thanks Aang!"
"Yeah" Then the bell went off, signaling the end of the day. "Hey Haru I'll see you tomorrow I got plans"
"Ok cya later Aang" Haru said as I jogged to catch up to Katara who was already outside of the gym. She was arguing with the guy who also rides our bus, he looked alot like her; He must be her brother or something.
Katara
I ran out to find Sokka to tell him that Aang and I were going for tea. I searched all over the bus area, but couldn't see him as hundreds of students flooded the area. But then I saw him and his dorky ponytail, then I ran over to him before I lost him again.
"Hey sokka!"
"Oh there you are Katara how was your first day?"
"It was great I've already got some friends! How about you?"
"Yeah it was ok, I still wish we were back at The Water Tribe though. I'm just ready to go back home, what is our bus number again?"
"Number 22, hey by the way me and my friend are going to get some tea."
"Oh cool, what's her name?"
"His name is Aang"
"Wait no! You are not going to get some "Tea" With some guy you just met! Especially some guy I've never met!"
"Calm down Sokka It's just tea, and It's just right down the street from the bus stop. So it's really close to the house. If I need you, I'll call."
"I don't know Katara after what happened last year I don't think it is a good Idea. Did you ask dad?"
"He doesn't care Sokka" I said, ever since mom died he didn't really care much about anything.
"Yes he does Katara. Just text him first and make sure."
"Ok fine" I pulled out my phone and texted him.
Dad
"Hey dad, can I get some tea with
my friend Aang?"
"Yeah honey that's fine." He replied.
"Thanks dad! See Sokka It's fine!"
"Ok but I want to meet him first." Sokka said
"Ugggg you are so overprotective! He rides our bus so you can meet him then." I told him then we made our way to the bus.
Aang
I saw them walking over to the bus and jogged to catch up to them.
"Hey Katara" I said. Then the guy looked right at me with great distaste, we were about the same height and size but he was still pretty intimidating.
"So you must be Aang." He said
"Yep that's me, you must be Katara's brother…?"
"Yeah I am! The name's Sokka. So what's this thing going on with you and my sister?" He asked, he seemed pretty mad.
" Yeah we're going to this sweet place called the Jasmine Dragon, It's right across the street from the bus stop. Is that ok?" I asked trying not to infuriate this guy. Then he grabbed me by the arm and pulled me aside, Katara was bright red; I'm not sure if it was from frustration or embarrassment, maybe a little bit of both. Once we were away from Katara, Sokka's tone got even more serious.
"Ok look "Aang" I don't know what your deal is, if you like Katara, or whatever. But here's what's up. Katara has been manipulated in the past by one of her "friends" just like you! He seemed nice enough but then he hurt her. And I swear "Aang" If you do Anything to hurt Katara I will kick your teeth in. got it?!"
"Got it Sokka, and I wouldn't do anything to hurt Katara."
"Good that's what I like to hear. But I've got my eyes on you." He told me as we walked back to the bus, Katara had already gotten on and I sat next to her. Then Sokka shot me a fierce look. But then he backed off, and I saw Katara giving him the same look. "What have I gotten myself into?" I thought.
Katara
"Ugg why does Sokka have to be so overprotective! Me and Aang are just going to talk and get some tea, I don't see what the big deal is." Then I thought about Haru. "What is he going to do to Haru when he finds out we are going to dinner? Oh Sokka is going to FLIP!" I thought. Then Aang and Sokka walked onto the bus and Aang sat next to me and Sokka sat two rows ahead of me. I could see Sokka giving Aang a dirty look and Aang could see him too. I didn't want Sokka to just scare away one of my new friends so I gave him a real nasty look until he stopped. Then I turned my attention to Aang as the bus got underway.
"Hey Aang I'm really sorry about my brother he's a jerk and just WAY too overprotective." I told him hoping he wasn't scared off by Sokka's attitude.
"Oh no it's ok Katara, he's just looking after you. He is your older brother after all" He said with a nice smile.
"Wow Aang seemed to take Sokka's nagging really well." I thought.
"Yeah he's ok most of the time" I said with a light chuckle, and Aang laughed started laughing too. Me and Aang just talked a little until we got to the corner of the street where the bus drops us off. We didn't have a very long bus ride since the school was just down the road from our stop; I could probably walk to school if I really wanted to. Me and Aang got out and started to walk towards the Tea shop until Sokka grabbed both of our shoulders and turned us around. "My gosh Sokka what is it now!" I thought.
"Ok Katara It is exactly 3:15 I want you home by 4:30 Got it?! And Aang! If she isn't home by then, well; we're gonna have a little chat. Got it?" Sokka barked.
"Sokka you're not my babysitter" I snapped back.
"Ok Sokka she'll be home by then." Aang said with a little bow as if not to make Sokka mad.
"Ok good." And with that Sokka finally left us.
Aang
"Jeez Sokka really doesn't like me." I thought.
"So Katara have you ever been here" I asked as the shop came into view.
"I've passed here a few times on the way to the store but no. I've always wanted to know what it's like!" She said with a big smile.
"Ok your gonna love it!" I told her as I opened the door for her.
"Aw Hello Master Aang, table for two?" Jin asked with a big smile.
"Yes, thank you" I told her as she showed Katara and I to a booth.
"Would you like your usual Master Aang?" Jin asked.
"Yes and please Jin, just Aang" I said with a smile as she walked away.
"Wow, Master Aang? Usual? Come here often Aang?" Katara said as she started laugh.
I laughed along. "Yeah this is my favorite place to come after school, it's so peaceful. And the dumplings are the bomb" I said with a smile. Then Jin brought over a large platter of various foods ranging from: dumplings, egg rolls, two bowls of soup, and a large pot of Iroh's famous Jasmine Tea.
"Wow this looks delicious!" Katara said, as she looked over the large platter.
"Well dig in!" I told her as I started to load up a plate with the various items and Katara did the same.
Katara
Me and Aang sat there and chit chatted and ate for a good thirty minutes or so until the whole platter was gone. Oh my gosh I was stuffed! I looked at the clock above the register and noticed it was already 3:50, I almost forgot why we even went to lunch because Aang seemed really happy and cheerful now; like nothing was even wrong earlier. Well I still wanted to know what was up, because Aang is my friend and I want to be there for him.
"So Aang quick question for you"
"Yeah Katara?" He asked.
"So what was wrong earlier? You seemed way different after art class, Is everything ok?" I asked as sincerely.
"Oh yeah, I'm sorry you had to see me like that Katara. I've just been having a really hard time lately with my bending practice and stuff. I've been under a lot of pressure ever since I got my airbending tattoos. I'm responsible for training the new airbenders and stuff like that."
"That does sound pretty stressful Aang. But is there something else that's bothering you? I'm here for you Aang." I told him. I mean teaching is stressful and everything but It seemed like something else was wrong, then I saw his eyes beginning to get red and his lip slightly quivering.
"Um… I mean, there is something else." Aang said but started trailing off. "I've, just been thinking of my mom" He finished.
I immediately knew what he was talking about and going through. "Aang… I do know what your going through. Do you want to talk about it?" I asked him, as he looked up.
"Do you?" Aang asked.
I could feel my face and eyes beginning to redden. " Yeah I do… " I started. "When I was about eight my mom was shot in a robbery attempt."
He put his hands on mine. " Katara that's horrible, I'm so sorry" He was so sincere and caring, and unlike everyone else who "knew what I was going through". He actually knew what it was like. What it's like to love someone so much then have them ripped away from you.
"Aang what do you do to help cope with it?" I asked.
"Well that is kind of how I got into art actually. My mom was a painter, and a really good one at that. Before she passed she had always told me that we can escape in painting, just get away from it all. And so when she died I kind of used that as a way to remember her, celebrate her, and deal with the pain. Because she taught me almost everything I know. What have you done Katara? If you don't mind my asking?"
"My mom was a waterbending master, She taught me ever since I was little. But to be honest when she died, I didn't really do anything to help cope. She was the anchor of the family, she kept the house together, and without her honestly; we as a family were lost. So I had to step in and become the anchor ever since I was little. But the past couple of years I've become closer through my waterbending. It's almost like when I'm bending I am connected to her."
At this point I was sobbing uncontrollably. Thinking of mom brought back so many memories. Great memories of when she would take me to the pool to bend, and when she would cook me those waffles shaped like my favorite animals. Aang could see I was a wreck. "Ug, we came here for Aang! To talk about his problems! I don't want this to about me. This about making Aang feel better, now he is the one making me feel better. Now Aang probably thinks I'm just an emotional wreck; what a great first impression." I thought. Then Aang sat next to me and put his arms around me and I began to sob into his shoulder. He was so sweet as he spoke kind, reassuring words into my ear.
Once I finally stopped sobbing Aang poured me a cup of tea. I sipped it for a minute until he put his hand on my shoulder.
"Hey Katara it's 4:15 I should probably walk you home" He said gingerly.
"Yeah we wouldn't want Sokka to get upset" I started laughing and so did Aang.
"Hey Jin can I get the check please?" Aang said as he waved her over.
"Oh Aang please two checks. That platter was kind of expensive." I tried to persuade him.
"Don't worry about it Katara" He said with a smile as he grabbed the check. He pulled out 3 gold coins and handed them to Jin and then left 2 silver coins as a tip.
"Wow, a generous gentlemen" I thought. Aang was too nice. He opened the door for me and we started walking up the road to my house. We were pretty quiet on the walk, even though it only took a few minutes to get to my house from the tea shop. Once we got to my house we stopped.
"Hey Katara I really enjoyed getting lunch with you" He smiled.
"Yeah so did I, we should do it again soon." I smiled back,
"For sure." Aang said.
"So what are you doing after this?" I asked.
"Well I have to work around 5 until around 9" He told me.
"Wow that's rough Aang. Well do you have a phone? We could text when it's slow and stuff." I told him. He started to get kind of flustered.
"Yeah here is my card." He said as he pulled out an IT business card. "Sorry I gotta run Katara. I'll see you at school tomorrow, and tell Sokka I said Hi." Aang said as he started making his way back down the street.
Thanks so much for reading everyone! This is my longest chapter at over 3,500 words! SO sorry It took so long to upload but I hope you all enjoy it. I wanna thank my bro Spencer for helping me get out of my writers slump! Him and all of your great comments kept me motivated to continue with this chapter! And hopefully the next chapter will be up within the next couple of weeks. And how do you all feel about Katara huh? She kinda being a little undecided between Haru and Aang huh? Do I see a love triangle developing ;) And I've made a few changes, because Han and Hotah (From The LOK) Are now waterbenders, its just a change I made for this FanFic. As always I hope you enjoyed and all positive and constructive feedback is always welcomed. Thank you everyone!