A/N: re-write: 6/30/07) Didn't you just adore that last chapter? I know I did… :3 lol, Anywhoodles, read!

Book One - The Journey Begins

Chapter Nine - Little Spotted One

Katara slowly woke up the next morning to see herself all bundled up in her sleeping bag. She pondered for a moment … I don't remember getting into my sleeping bag last night…Katara rubbed her eyes and sat up slightly. The calm rays of the morning sunshine spread out onto her and before her in a gentle way. The sun was beautifully placed in the early morning sky. It had to be around early morning or so. She smiled a small smile and sat up; looking for Aang.

Katara looked around, noticing that Sokka was down on the beach doing who knows what. Aang was calmly lying on Appa's wide, fluffy tail. She stood up and stretched, suddenly remembering last night. She instantly smiled at the thought of Aang's gentle kiss. The simple taste of his lips; the sweet smell of his warm breath… Her heart skipped a beat as she lovingly stared at him, wondering what it was about him that made him so special to her…sure, he was a tad bit younger but she knew in no time, he'd mature even more into the young man he was becoming. She was willing to be patient, what's the rush?

That kiss was the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me… Katara thought. Her big smile soon disappeared when she thought of Sokka. Oh shoot… what do we tell him? And in a way where he won't tease us or something? Katara thought, but she ignored her conscious for the time being and slowly strolled over to Aang, who was staring up at the beautiful sky. Katara lay down next to him and smiled; she scoot closer to him, now feeling comfortable with being in his close presence. Aang slowly averted his gaze from the sky to Katara.

"'morning," he said cheerfully in his still cute and somewhat boyish voice as a big grin spread across his face. Katara sighed, still a little tired.

"Good morning," she sighed as she rested her arms behind her head. She suddenly remembered last night again. All she remembered was the fabulous kiss she shared with Aang, laying her head on his shoulder and nothing after it. She frowned and pondered for a moment before looking at Aang.

"Aang? How did I get in my sleeping bag last night?" Katara asked softly as she tilted her head slightly.

Aang looked at her and chuckled slightly.

"You fell asleep on my shoulder…So I put you in your sleeping bag when I got back to the camp," he said sweetly.

"Oh…I'm sorry," Katara smiled apologetically. Aang shook his head with a charming smile.

"It's not a problem," he smiled as he stared at the sky. Katara did the same, and the two were silent for a while… until Katara started to hear little voices from the forest. She stopped her daydreams and listened closely. They were saying things like, "Good Morning," and, "How are you?" and weird things like, "I caught a worm for you." Katara slowly sat up and stared at the forest, getting confused.

"Do you hear that?" Katara asked. Aang sat up next to her and frowned.

"Hear what?" he asked softly.

"Those voices… Don't you hear them?" Katara asked straight out of curiosity.

"No…" Aang frowned as he looked about. He then rubbed the back of his head.

"Maybe I'm more tired than I thought," Katara frowned as she lay back down on Appa's tail. Aang shrugged and followed, not having a clue what Katara was talking about. Katara still heard the little voices, repeating things over and over. Some were even singing little songs. Katara, now getting quite frustrated; sat up again quickly.

"Are you absolutely positive that you didn't hear that?" Katara asked as she stood and walked to the origin of the forest. Aang slowly followed her feeling a bit odd about this.

"I'm sure…are-are you ok?" Aang asked, getting confused and a little worried for her.

"I think…" Katara frowned and placed a hand on her cheek. She suddenly felt Aang's soft hand gently pressed against her forehead.

"Are you sick?" he asked. Katara smiled at his good intentions and carefully shooed his hand away.

"I…I don't think so…" Katara frowned.

"Hey guys, check it out!" Sokka suddenly called. Aang and Katara turned around to see Sokka with non other than Jada and Shiloh.

"I thought we were just going to leave them in the forest," Katara said as she pat Jada's long face and nose. She suddenly heard another voice, but this time it was louder and deeper.

"I was hoping they would," the voice said. Katara froze and stared at Jada.

"What?" Katara asked Jada.

"What?" Sokka asked Katara.

"Did-did you hear that?" Katara asked the two confused boys.

"Hear what?" Sokka asked.

"That voice," Katara frowned as she scoot closer to Aang.

"I think you are sick, Katara," Aang said softly, "We didn't hear anything."

"I think we should get out of here," Katara said firmly as she crossed her arms and scoot closer to Aang.

"Whatever," Sokka said as he climbed onto Shiloh, "We need to find a village around here somewhere, we don't have many supplies anymore..."

"OK," Aang agreed. He then looked at Katara. "Are you sure you're all right?" Aang asked lovingly.

"Yeah…yeah, I'm fine," Katara said softly as Aang got onto Jada and helped Katara up behind him.

The two horses slowly headed towards the forest and to the dirt road they were on yesterday, hoping they wouldn't run into that small fire nation troop. After what seemed to be hours of just walking in silence, Aang spoke up.

"Hey, look!" he said happily as he pointed down the dirt road. At the end of the trees, there was a wide, green grassland that stretched for miles and miles it seemed. Katara suddenly heard that loud voice again, coming from Jada.

"Finally, a place to actually run!" the voice said excitedly.

Suddenly, Jada reared up and neighed loudly. Aang gasped and quickly gripped her mane when suddenly, she took off at lightning speed towards the open plains. Shiloh followed Jada's idea and took off, too. Katara had her arms tightened around Aang's waist and was totally confused, but didn't bother asking Aang or Sokka if they had heard the voice because all they'd say is, 'no,' and 'are you sick' and things like that.

The two horses ran for a few minutes until Jada skid to a stop and freaked out, neighing uncontrollably and kicking her front legs around. Aang soon enough calmed her down, and she looked up slightly; she shifted her hooves in a worried manner. Katara quickly hopped up off of Jada and noticed something spotted and fuzzy lying on the ground. She stared at it as it fidgeted somewhat and whimpered. Katara cautiously walked over to it. It was about the size of Momo, if not smaller. Aang slowly stepped off of Jada and walked over to Katara as she picked up the odd little something.

"What is it?" Sokka asked, getting suspicious as he stared at Katara's back. Aang slowly stepped closer to Katara and frowned.

"Katara, what is it?" Aang asked, repeating Sokka's question.

"I wonder why Jada was so scared of it," Katara said softly as she still had her back turned to the two boys, Sokka still on Shiloh.

"What is it?" Sokka asked again, getting slightly impatient. Aang softly placed his hand on Katara's shoulder and turned her around slightly. Aang's eyes widened at the little something she was holding.

A/N: lol, I love cliffhangers. Please R&R! No flames

Mohalo ;)