A/N: -feels terribly guilty for lack of updating skillz- Read, guys! – sorry, this chapter is a tad bit too short for my liking Dx
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Enjoy:)
Book Two – Water and Air
Chapter Seventeen – Stranded
The soft, crepuscule landscape gently illuminated her surroundings; the effulgent sunshine seemed to ease its' way over the ocean which lay just ahead. Little sky birds floated about in the cool, ocean breeze; they greet the new day with much enthusiasm.
She smiled; the harmonious, halcyon weather seemed to encompass every inch of her body as she stood, letting her toes sink into the balmy sand underneath her. All was calm as she could feel a gentle pair of arms work their way around Katara's lower waist; she smiled bashfully, knowing very well who this person was.
He hugged her tight as he gently began to nuzzle his soft nose and lips into the side of her neck; in a tender manner. She instinctively began to giggle softly, loving his very warmth and presence; she pressed herself closer to her love, she snuggled into his loving arms. Before too long, she gently turned around in his loving grip; eager to satisfy her need for tender loving care.
They kissed; a passionate gesture of eternal affection between the two lovers, he felt as if this was one of his favorite ways to show his love to her. They held each other close, an unbreakable, everlasting bond never to be broken; but just as things seemed like bliss, a moment of rapture, she felt as if something had suddenly gone missing; the one she loved instantly vanished from her grip as she opened her eyes, stunned by her sudden loneliness.
She glowered; she felt a sudden, teasing pain in the very pit of her stomach and it only caused her to grip her abdomen and cringe into a little ball. She fell to her knees; tears instantly fell like rain as the luminous sky went from a gorgeous, calm yellow to a horrid, terrifying black. Thunder was immediately present; as was a tall figure in front of the suddenly injured girl.
"Who's there?" she uttered; tears streamed her cheeks and in turn made her face sticky.
"Your past life." She spat, "Your duties await, and you're being indescribably irresponsible."
"Wh-what do you mean?" she whimpered; she then sobbed softly, feeling the teasing pain grow in her lower stomach; as if her body was attempting to turn itself inside out.
"The animals of your fifth Vyntresser form are in danger; you're being lazy, and your body is forced to undergo some changes you're not ready for." She snapped.
"Into m-my fifth form?" the young girl questioned softly.
"Not even close. Being irresponsible has consequences. You're blind in your line of duty, there were plenty of creatures in the Hibiscus cave you could've saved…but you chose to indulge yourself in the luxury of the Avatar's love…"
"The Commerson's…" she uttered softly to herself, now knowing exactly what the problem was, "I-I…I didn't think-"
"That's right. You didn't think."
"I-I'm so sorry…" she sobbed; burying her face into her hands.
"The creatures of this world need you, Katara…You're being a lousy Vyntresser; it shames me to be your past life."
"Aditya, I-I…I-"
"Nothing could be more pitiful than this." She muttered before vanishing right before the young girls' eyes. She gasped slightly as she scrunched into a smaller, fetal position on the hard ground; searing rain was suddenly present. She coughed, now able to taste the bitter sweet sensation of blood gently coat her tongue and with that, she closed her eyes; letting the darkness overcome. She let loose a loud scream before-
"Whoa, whoa hey!" Sokka screeched as he covered his head with his arms; his sister, who was laid before him, immediately sat up, nearly hitting Sokka square in the face. Sokka chuckled and gently stared at his sister; she panted softly, sweat clung to the crown of her forehead and tears delicately streamed her cheeks. Sokka instantly frowned, feeling a bit concerned.
"Uhm, Aang wanted me to ask you if you knew where his razor went but…Are you okay?" Sokka questioned; Katara whimpered softly and gently pressed her face to her cold, shaking hands. She began to sob softly, her hair down and a ruffled mess; it gently layered her shoulders and chest and slowly. Sokka's frown instantly grew as he set his burlap bag down; he then took a seat next to his sister on her soft blankets in which she slept in. The folds were slightly kicked about, indicating she had a rough night's sleep. Sokka stared at her for a moment before nibbling his lip slightly; he then gently embraced her in a loving hug.
Katara shook as she quickly pressed herself closer to her brother; she sobbed into his chest gently. She immediately began to fear for her life; her nightmare quickly flooded back into her thought process and with that, a small stomach ache instantly planted itself in the very depths of Katara's stomach.
"It's just a dream," Sokka soothed; he gently rubbed his sister's back in a loving manner. She heaved a sharp sigh along with a gentle sob, her thoughts were instantly all one big blur, only confusing her further and basically egging on her gentle stomach ache.
"It was awful, Sokka," Katara breathed; her hands and arms gently shook as she tightly gripped the chest of her brother's kimono. She gently cried into his chest, feeling her stomach ache get worse, as well as an on coming headache approach.
"Don't think about it…" Sokka said softly as he rubbed her back still, in a methodic, soothing manner.
"Did she find my razor, Sok-" Aang stopped his train of thoughts as he stared at the two siblings in each others arms. Aang immediately grew worried; Sokka chuckled as the young airbender approach.
"No, captain porcupine," Sokka said with a small smile as Aang rolled his eyes and knelt next to Katara; she still had her face and body gently pressed to her brother's chest for comfort.
"Katara," Aang said softly with a frown before glancing at Sokka, "What happened?"
"She just had a bad dream," Sokka chuckled as he gently cradled his little sister; the feeling of being protective quickly took over. Sokka smiled a happy smile and looked down at his sister before continuing, "Take a look at Aang, I'm sure you'll cheer up," He laughed.
Aang smirked as Katara gently pulled her face away from Sokka's chest; she then noticed Aang with what looked to be little, visible dark brown hairs sticking from his head. Katara instantly giggled softly and shook her head before wiping tears from her cheeks. Aang rolled his eyes and laughed.
"Okay, it's not my fault I haven't shaved in awhile, I can't find my razor anywhere," Aang said loudly as Katara gently removed herself from Sokka; feeling in a better mood, although her stomach ache lingered.
"You can't?" Katara questioned softly with a small, teasing smile as she gently wiped a lone tear that rested just on her jaw line; Aang stared at her for a moment.
"Where did you put it," Aang said deeply in a teasing manner; Sokka began to laugh.
"I don't know," Katara said softly in sing song with a sheepish smile.
- A few days before -
"Hindai, help me!" Katara whispered loudly; the two boys, Sokka and Aang, were loading Appa's saddle with all of their supplies. They were ready to head south, and to find food for Hinadi; Hinadi chuffed softly and seemingly looked about.
"We have to get Aang out of his Buddhist ways sooner or later," Katara said, even though that was partially true. She gently rummaged through Aang's bag, only to quickly come upon his small, sharp razor he used to shave his head with.
"Jack pot…" Katara smiled a devious smile and quickly tucked the small, delicate trinket into her kimono; she then gently emerged from the tent the three had slept in the night before.
"Okay, you ready to go?" Aang smiled as he gently pulled Katara into a small, loving hug. Katara beamed and nodded before removing herself from Aang and slowly heading towards the bamboo forest behind her.
"Yeah, I just um…H-have to go to the bathroom first," She fibbed as she quickly pushed past some bamboo stalks; she was out of sight. Aang smiled and nodded.
"Hurry back," He called.
"Hinadi, what should we do with it?" Katara questioned the large Shirlakoi that was following her. She neighed softly and gently pressed her large paw to the loose earth underneath her; she then began to dig. In no time, she had dug a small, deep hole.
"Perfect, Hinadi!" Katara whispered loudly as she quickly pulled the small razor from her pocket and threw it into the dirt hole; Hinadi then covered it up, pushing loose dirt over the razor and covering it completely.
"I think it'll be interesting to see Aang with hair," Katara smiled as she crossed her arms; Hinadi chuffed softly and bucked her head up and down.
- - -
"Well, it has to be here somewhere," Aang said in a sad tone as he gently pressed his hands to the top of his head; he then grimaced, "I don't want hair…"
"Well…Why not?" Sokka questioned with a small laugh as he gently hugged his sister close to him again; noticing that she still looked a little uneasy.
"I'm a monk, we're not supposed to have hair," Aang frowned as he glanced about, "I really want my razor, guys, just tell me where it is…"
"I don't know where it is," Sokka chuckled, "I don't even know where mine is…"
Katara giggled inwardly.
"They have to be around here somewhere," Aang said again as he glanced about, Sokka chuckled and rolled his eyes.
"Don't worry about it, Aang, we'll find it…" Sokka said softly; he then motioned towards Katara, noting she was now sniffling and gripping her stomach for an odd reason. Aang sighed softly with a small nod as Sokka gently let go of his sister. Katara groaned softly as Sokka stood; Katara took a quick look around, only to be surprised as to where the three were.
"Aang?" Katara questioned softly as the young airbender took a seat close to her.
"Yesm?" He chimed softly as he stared at Katara in a slightly worried manner.
"Wh-why are we in the air?" She asked, knowing all too well the three had fallen asleep on Appa's saddle in the middle of the forest they were in.
"We decided to head out early, you were still asleep when we left which…Was awhile ago," Aang said softly before eyeing Katara, "You've been asleep for a long time, are you okay?"
"We left?" Katara questioned loudly as she quickly began to crawl to the back of Appa's saddle.
She quickly peered off the edge, only to see Appa's massive tail waving about in the air; as well as Hinadi in flight directly behind the large flying bison. The gentle, winter cold breeze brisked past the three teens high in the air; a few stray icebergs lingered about in the cold, massive and seemingly endless ocean underneath.
Katara's shoulders slumped as she looked past Hinadi; nothing but the cold, blue ocean for as far as the eye could see. Katara frowned, feeling tears sting her eyes yet again.
There were plenty of creatures in the Hibiscus cave you could've saved…
The Commerson's…
You didn't think…
"No," Katara said softly as she shut her eyes tight; tears instantly escaped her closed eyelids and slid down her cheeks.
"Katara," Aang worried as Katara relaxed in her spot slightly; upon her state, Aang instantly embraced his love in a warm, comforting hug. Katara quickly wrapped her arms around Aang's stomach and tightened her grip; she softly began to cry in his chest, feeling as if this Vyntresser stuff wasn't coming to her as easily as she would like it to.
"The Commerson's…" Katara whimpered along with a gentle sniffle; Aang rubbed her back in response.
"Commerson's?" Aang questioned, Katara gently nodded her head and pulled away from the airbender she was holding onto to. She gave him a displeased look; her eyes glistened gently in the soft, cloud hidden sunshine.
"The dolphins, Aang I…I could've saved them," Katara said quickly, Aang cocked his head.
"Saved them from what? They seemed fine to me," He frowned before ever so gently tucking a few strands of loose hair that tenderly kissed Katara's cheeks.
"I-I don't know, but…Aditya was so mad at me, Aang…That's one of the worst nightmare's I've ever had…" Katara glowered as she gently averted her gaze from her lap to the endless sky around her.
"Aditya was in your dream?" Aang asked calmly, hoping to settle her nerves; Katara nodded and quickly looked down at her hands and lap.
"Evidently…Those dolphins needed me…" Katara explained softly, gentle tears continued to cascade down her cheeks; her stomach ache gradually grew into a teasing, aching pain that seemed to work it's way from Katara's stomach to every other part of her body. She continued softly, "…I-I'm not doing a very good job of being a Vyntresser, huh…"
"Katara," Aang started softly; he gently lifted her chin and looked her in the eyes, "It takes some getting used to…I still struggle being the Avatar, sometimes…You just have to learn from your mistakes."
"Aang, we have to go back," Katara begged, her brilliant, glassy eyes basically pleaded Aang to obey her whim; Aang gently shook his head and peered over the back of Appa's saddle.
"We can't, Katara," Aang said softly; Katara gave him a sad disappointed look before Aang continued, "We're already past the southern Airtemples…Not to mention Whale Tail Island," Aang frowned. Katara heaved a soft sigh and looked down.
"I have to save the Commerson's," Katara added softly.
"I didn't see the danger in them being in that cave, Katara…I think you're just letting your dream scare you, I'm sure it didn't mean much," Aang said softly and with his statement, Katara nodded slowly.
He's right, it's no big deal…Those dolphins seemed fine, I think I'm worrying for nothing…
"Yeah," Katara breathed before gently wiping a few tears that rested near her nose and on her cheeks.
"Cheer up, you're headed home today," Aang smiled a charming smile. With this, Katara bested a small grin before staring at Aang for a moment. She willingly let her mind wander from the stressful topic of the Commerson's and she quickly thought about other things. Like Aang's new hairdo.
"I like your hair," Katara said with a small giggle as she gently stood; Aang heaved a soft sigh and joined her.
"Seriously, where did you put my razor?" Aang asked in an impatient manner. Katara laughed softly and joined Sokka, who was on Appa's large head, with the reins in hand.
"Who knows, she probably stole mine too," Sokka said in mono tone as the two teens sat down next to him.
"I didn't steal anything!" Katara fibbed with a small laugh.
"It was in my bag the other day, how come it's not anymore? I never take it out of my bag…That is unless I'm using it, but I always put it back," Aang said quickly; he gently felt the top of his head, noting the gentle prickliness the little, short and dark brown hairs gave.
"I don't know," Katara said softly, Aang eyed her for a moment before sighing and shaking his head gently.
"I never go more than two days without shaving, it makes my head feel all…Hairy," He said with a disgusted look on his face and with that, Katara immediately sent him a glare.
"What's wrong with hair?" Katara said deeply, in a teasing type manner, as she motioned to her brown locks; which was down and in a slightly ruffled mess. Deep, brown gentle waves layered her shoulders, chest and back. The soft, cold ocean breeze combed its way through her beautiful hair.
"N-nothing at all!" Aang said in a worried tone as he gave Katara an apologetic smile, he blushed slightly, "It looks great on you but…On me? Come on."
"I don't know, you've never seen yourself with hair, and neither have we…Who knows! You might like it," Sokka chuckled.
"I've always wanted to know what you looked like with hair," Katara said with a small, bashful smile; Aang eyed her.
"You did do something with my razor, didn't you," Aang said as he pointed. Katara giggled and looked away.
"I doubt she'd get near mine," Sokka commented.
"Katara, you know how I feel about hair, can you please give it back?" Aang basically begged; Katara frowned at him.
"I…just wanted to know what you looked like with hair," Katara said in the most pitiful of ways; she smiled inwardly, noting Aang catch on to her pity act. Katara continued in a sad manner, "I think you'll look even more handsome than you already are." Aang stared at her for a moment; a small, bashful smile gently worked its' way across the young airbenders face and with that, Katara won the battle.
"Ohkay…" Aang heaved, "I-I'll try it."
"Thank you," Katara smiled in a happy way as she instantly gave him a big hug; gentle arms tightly wrapped around Aang's shoulders in a loving way. Aang beamed and returned the hug.
"If I don't like it, you're going to give me my razor back," Aang chuckled as he pointed at Katara; she smiled and quickly shook her head with a bashful smile before she suddenly felt the teasing pain in her stomach shoot from gentle to sharp. Katara gasped softly and gripped her stomach tight; she leaned over somewhat, feeling a bit strange…Something like this has never happened to the young waterbender.
"You alright?" Aang worried; he gently scoot closer to Katara with a small frown. Katara grimaced slightly and looked up at Aang with an apologetic smile.
"Oh, it's nothing…Just a stomach ache…" Katara frowned; as did Aang. He stared at her for a moment, feeling concerned before Sokka spoke up.
"Must've been what we ate last night," He said loudly as he glanced at Aang. Aang gaped.
"There's nothing wrong with my sweet rice," Aang said, getting defensive, "It was an ancient recipe of the southern air temple monks…And my favorite."
"I don't think it was the rice, Sokka," Katara said with a small giggle as she slowly tucked her knees close to her chest; she then rested her chin where she could.
"I don't know, I'm not feeling all too well myself," Sokka fibbed as he mocked Katara; he gripped his stomach with a small chuckle.
"You're hilarious…" Katara mumbled as she quickly looked away; she gazed out to the serene, dark blue ocean they flew over. Small, stray icebergs were now able to be seen. She heaved a soft sigh, noting the chilled air and with that, she gently stood to go get her parka.
"I hope Katara's not getting sick," Aang said to Sokka once Katara was from earshot.
"I'm sure she's fine, that bad dream probably just upset her stomach a little," Sokka said calmly, "This sort of thing always used to happen when we were children."
"Hmm," Aang hummed as Katara gently took a seat next to Aang on Appa's large, warm and fluffy head. She smiled a gentle smile as she instantly began to snuggle close to the airbender next to her; her fluffy parka instantly began to keep both teens warm.
Aang smiled a tranquil, happy smile; he gently worked his arms around the young waterbender that seemingly began to push closer to him. He cradled her, hoping to ease her pains as he softly began to whisper sweet, little nothings in her ear.
Katara heaved a soft, gentle sigh and gently began to tuck herself closer to Aang; with the presence of his arms around her shoulders, she let a small smile play across her face. He kept her warm even in the coldest temperatures of the South. She heaved a gentle sigh and seemingly began to bury her warm face and nose into Aang's soft chest of his parka. She prayed her teasing stomach ache would fade, but nothing, not even the soothing and loving feeling of Aang's very presence, was working.
"Are you really going to grow your hair out?" Katara mumbled, her gentle voice muffled in the soft material of Aang's brown parka.
"Yes," Aang sighed with a pitiful smile. Katara frowned.
"Are you doing it for me?" Katara questioned softly, Aang fell silent before grinning gently.
"Partially," Aang chimed, Katara cocked her head slightly and pressed herself closer to her love whose arms were delicately draped around her shoulders.
"Partially?" Katara asked.
"You hid my razor," Aang chuckled softly, although he wasn't angry at the fact. He figured Katara wanted a change and he was happy to oblige.
"…Who told you?" Katara questioned meekly with a small smile.
"So you did hide it!" Aang said, raising his voice with a small laugh.
"I'm sorry," Katara giggled as she gently pulled away from Aang slightly, "I-"
"So if you hid his razor, then where did mine go?" Sokka questioned as he peered over Aang's shoulder to give Katara the stink eye. Katara quickly shrugged before shuddering.
"I'm not touching your razor," she giggled; Aang chuckled as well.
"I just don't see how it could be there one day and then the next day-!" Sokka was interrupted by his sister who quickly flung her arm before her; she pointed down to what looked to be a large ice sheet.
"Look!" Katara said loudly as she tensed. She sat up further to get a good look off of Appa's head.
The three quickly looked past Appa's large, fluffy head to see none other than a large slab of land; ice and snow was all one could see for as far as the horizon dragged on. The early morning sun made the ice glisten gently in its wonderful blues and whites.
"Hey what do you know, land," Sokka chuckled as he looked about, "Must be getting close."
"Not that," Katara said quickly as she pointed downward yet again, "That!"
All teens glanced off of Appa's head yet again, as if on cue. Katara beamed and let her eyes wander down the large ice glacier, only to see what looked to be a person on a long dog sled; at least ten snow huskies pulling the large, man made sled the southerner rode on. Katara smiled, instantly knowing that the lone person below had to be from hers and Sokka's homeland; have wearing Water Tribal clothing such as a large, puffy parka with warm, white fur. With this, Katara instantly gripped Aang's arm in a gentle, excited manner.
"Aang! Let's land," She smiled into his eyes; he glanced between her and Sokka for a moment before he shrugged and took hold of Appa's worn, leathery reins.
"Yip yip!" Aang called before Appa let loose a loud groan; he quickly began to dive towards the large ice world below the three. Once near, Appa made a smooth, gentle landing just in the dogsledder's line of direction.
Katara instantly smiled and hopped off of Appa's head; she had quickly forgotten about her teasing stomach ache as Aang and Sokka joined her. She took a deep breath of the cold, familiar south air feeling relieved that they had neared hers and Sokka's homeland. She quickly smiled an eager smile once the dogsledder and their line of working ice dogs neared. The big, wooded sled skid in the gentle ice and snow, making long tracks as the snow dogs imprinted their paw prints in the ground.
"Hey," Katara called as she quickly neared the stranger, she smiled as this person slowly began to take her puffy Eskimo hood of their parka off. Katara gently approached, not wanting to startle the beautiful large, white dogs before her. They seemed a bit skittish at the sudden strangers and large flying bison not to far away from Katara and her new found stranger. Katara quickly continued with a genuine smile.
"We're headed a little further south to our homeland, are you from around here?" Katara asked cheerfully; stomach aches were the bottom of her priorities at the moment.
"Of course I am," she said as she looked Katara square in the eyes; Katara almost jumped clear out of her skin before the girl in front of her continued, "-and I'm surprised you haven't recognized me yet."
"Kiari?" Katara said softly with a small smile noting her long, almost white colored hair looked all too familiar to be someone else. Both girls giggled before embracing each other in a big, welcoming hug.
-
"Great," Sokka mumbled to Aang who was standing close to him in order to keep warm.
"What's wrong?" Aang questioned, confused as to why Katara and the sudden stranger were hugging.
"That's Kiari," Sokka said softly to Aang, not wanting to be noticed.
"I…thought that's why we came here in the first place," Aang chuckled as he raised one eyebrow and gave Sokka a look; Sokka frowned.
"It was and…Kiari's my best friend but…" Sokka trailed off and looked about; he took a deep breath and let it out, therefore letting the air in front of him fog gently.
"You… don't like her anymore," Aang sighed in an annoyed tone as he let his shoulders slump; he glanced at Sokka with a smug look on his face, only to notice Sokka staring at him with a sheepish, guilty smile. Aang rolled his eyes.
"Sokka," Aang complained before noticing the two pretty girls approaching the two.
"I-I…like her but…" Sokka whispered to Aang as Katara and Kiari neared, "I-just feel like...my feelings have suddenly changed."
"You better change 'em back quick, cause here she comes," Aang said for the sake of Kiari's feelings. Sokka quickly began to feel a strange feeling, one of moving on, remembering a certain other someone, he felt flustered, confused; his heart and feelings were now all over the place.
How does Aang keep his mind set on Katara so easily?... Sokka thought with a frown, he felt his heart get heavy; it sunk and gently broke as he could see Kiari's face literally light up with all the joy in the world.
"Sokka!" Kiari cried ever so happily as she dove into him, wrapping her arms tight around Sokka's strong, broad shoulders. Sokka bested a smile and quickly tightened his grip around his friend; he felt too strange for his liking.
"I missed you," Sokka uttered, feeling horrible; his feelings for her quickly began to shatter and fly away from him in a heartbeat. He felt as if he had loved her forever, they were perfect, but just as she slid into his loving arms, he felt as if his love for her fell from intimate to a sister-brother type of love. He grit his teeth, praying the feeling would return, but he honestly couldn't tell himself that he truly was in love with her anymore. He had changed with the help of a few other people, and he felt as if Kiari wasn't that one special girl that made his stomach churn, his heart beat madly, his every nerve ending swim…It wasn't there for him.
"I missed you too!" Kiari referred to Sokka's last statement excitedly as she quickly tightened her grip around her long lost friend. She quickly pulled away from Sokka with a big, happy smile; her light hair glistened in the calm sunshine of the south. She happily continued, "What are you guys doing here?"
Aang held his breath and shot a look at Sokka; Sokka instantly frowned and let his eyes bug, but Katara, being oblivious to Sokka's sudden change of heart, butt in.
"We're here to see you!" Katara said happily as she nudged Kiari; Kiari beamed and glanced back and forth between Sokka and Aang who each had a big, fat sheepish smile plastered on each of their faces.
"You guys didn't have to do that," Kiari smiled as she gave Sokka a bashful smile; Sokka chuckled and rubbed the back of his head nervously, feeling a bit awkward.
"Of course we did! We missed you," Katara said happily, "Especially Sok-"
"Katara, I uhm need to talk to you – over there," Aang said quickly as he flashed a sheepish smile towards Sokka and Kiari; he quickly began to push Katara over to where the large, white sled dogs were resting.
"Aang," Katara said in an annoyed tone as Aang pressed himself closer to her.
"Shhh," Aang hushed as he glanced over his shoulder, noting the two teens quickly board Appa's saddle, "Something's wrong,"
"What? What is it?" Katara frowned as she too scoot closer to Aang.
"Sokka… Sokka doesn't like Kiari anymore," Aang said softly only to see Katara's jaw basically fall through the ice below them; Aang chuckled apologetically.
"What?" Katara whispered with a frown, letting the air before her fog between the two.
"I don't know why he didn't tell us before, this is a big waste of time," Aang said in an angry tone, "We both have duties and we can't let Sokka's confused love life get in the way."
"Yeah," Katara mumbled as she looked off to the side, "He needs someone that's always with him on our trip," Katara said when suddenly, a certain someone crossed her mind; a surprised look quickly crossed Katara's features.
"What are we going to do?" Aang asked quickly, not noticing her surprised manner all of the sudden; Katara calmed herself, knowing it was too crazy.
-
"A blind girl, eh?" Sokka chuckled as Kiari sat down close to him.
"Yeah, she's really nice… A little stubborn and rowdy at times, but Paku said there was no where else for her to stay…" Kiari said softly, "I'm surprised she can walk around without anyone's help, I don't know how she does it."
"Interesting," Sokka mumbled softly as he looked about, only to notice something missing. All was quiet, and Sokka quickly grew suspicious. He frowned as his eyes darted about his surroundings.
"Katara," Sokka called loudly, only to notice the two teens pull away from their quiet talk and stare at Sokka, "Where's Hinadi?"
Katara and Aang immediately began to look about. Katara quickly pointed with a confused look on her face.
"She's over there," Katara said softly, only to see Hinadi what looked to be hundreds of yards away; she stood in a strong stance, as if she felt threatened. Katara instantly frowned, feeling strange vibes coming from the large winged beast she had come to know over the past few days.
"What's she doing?" Aang asked in a confused manner as Katara slowly began to head over to Hinadi.
She frowned, now feeling a little weird about this. Katara slowly tip toed on the thick ice her and her traveling companions, as well as Kiari's herd of sled dogs, stood on. Once near Hinadi, she gently placed one hand on her muzzle to ease her seemingly worried manner.
"Hinadi," Katara cooed softly as she stroked Hinadi's soft and gentle white fur. Little pieces of frost had clung itself to the small hairs that lined Hinadi's snout; she chuffed softly, letting the air calmly fog before the two. She then deeply stared into Katara's eyes, as if she was attempting to say something to the young waterbender next to her. Big, brown, clear eyes full of confusion and worry, Katara was almost scared to take her eyes away from Hinadi's.
"Hinadi," Katara said yet again, shaking the more irrational side of her away, "There's nothing to fear, why are you acting so odd," Katara giggled softly and slowly began to lead the large Shirlakoi towards the group of confuse teens she traveled with.
"Everything okay?" Aang questioned as Katara and Hinadi strolled up. Hinadi seemed tense. Her large, dark brown wings hung close to her large, horse like body, and her legs were stiff; her big brown ears lay flat against her mane as well.
"Yeah, everything's fine, I think something startled Hinadi is all," Katara said softly, noting the large herd of about a dozen or so sled dogs get a bit restless. Though they were tied up, a few of them were beginning to snarl and grit their teeth in an angry manner; Hinadi grew tense with every second that went by, but she seemingly ignored them. Or attempted to.
Katara sighed impatiently as the air before her clouded up; she turned to Aang with a frown.
"What are we going to do, Aang? Just turn back around and head for the main lands? We were there only a few days ago, and it could take even longer to get back," Katara said in a worried way; she glanced over her shoulder, only to see large thunderheads in the distance. She knew that could only mean trouble for her as well as the large, flying bison they flew on.
"Well," Aang heaved a dry sigh before rubbing his prickly hair, "We should probably rest up a bit at the Southern Watertribe… you know, to stock up on supplies and let Appa's leg rejuvenate itself," Aang said in a wise manner, hoping to resolve the difficult matter.
"Good idea," Katara started, noting Hinadi had strayed, "Well, we should probably-"
"Katara!" Sokka hollered. Katara only glanced towards Appa to see Sokka basically leaping from Appa's saddle. All in the same moment, loud snarls and growls instantly became present, as well as an ear piercing roar from Hinadi. Katara whirled around, only to see that a few of Kiari's sled dogs had gotten loose and were now nipping at Hinadi's heels. They bit harder and harder with each second, only to cause Hinadi to rear up, flapping her enormous wings, emitting the most painful of cries. She thrashed her two front horse like legs about in attempt to shoo away the now terrible and vicious sled dogs attacking her.
"Hinadi!" Katara cried as she quickly began to run towards the chaos; she felt a sudden tug on her arm, only holding her back and causing her snow boots to dig into the ice below.
"Katara, no!" Aang hollered as he kept her from the danger; the life threatening quarrel before their very eyes.
Katara's heart pulsed, her eyes filled with tears, her body tensed; adrenaline shot through her every vein as she stood and watched what was taking place. She felt as if this sudden urge of protectiveness for Hinadi had instantly entered her busy thought process, and with that, she only pushed farther and farther from Aang's strong and protective grip. She feared for Hinadi's life, now noticing blood being spewn from her past life's best friend. She was furious.
"Hinadi!" Katara screamed, but Aang's grip wouldn't allow her to move; Aang knew if he let her go, all hell would break loose, and Katara would more than likely be murdered. Katara sobbed aloud, feeling as if this sudden outburst wouldn't end, but just as she thought the large Shirlakoi was doomed, Kiari's sled dogs instantly took off, running straight for who knows where. They took off quickly into the distance, barking and snarling. It only tempted injured Hinadi further, and with that broiling anger came an irrational side. The large Shirlakoi instantly took off in order to seek revenge; she followed the sled dogs, one big snarling, bloody mess.
Not only did the outburst disturb the four teens witnessing the brawl, but it also confused the other animals of the group. Appa groaned loudly, and not knowing really what to do, he instantly took to the skies once Kiari un-boarded him. Along with Appa's disappearance came Kaimah's, she being still on Appa's saddle.
Momo fluttered about in a crazed manner; he circled about quickly, not sure when or where to land. It all happened so quickly, and within seconds, the four teens were stranded. Nothing but the large, wide open South and hundreds of miles away from their homeland.
"Hindai, no!" Katara screamed as she finally broke loose of Aang's strong hands and arms. She sobbed, tears instantly streamed her cheeks only to freeze and cling to her face as the cold winter breeze licked them frozen. She quickly ran faster, only to stumble over a large clump of snow; she landed on her hands and knees on her cold and frozen element.
"Hinadi," Katara sobbed; more tears were present. Her whole body shook, as if seeing that outbreak was one of the worst things she could witness; especially to have a close friend now be injured and lost. She shook her head and closed her eyes tight, now feeling that teasing stomach ache shoot to something painful. So painful, it basically screamed bloody murder. She clenched her teeth before quickly gripping her stomach.
"Katara," Aang said firmly, yet softly, as he approached the now shaking and sobbing waterbender who rested in the snow. He quickly knelt next to his love in a shocked and worried manner before immediately sweeping her up into his arms. He held her endearingly close; not really sure what to do in this moment.
Katara immediately pressed herself close to Aang as she buried her face into his warm chest. She sobbed softly, feeling as if this day couldn't get any worse.
"Kiari!" Sokka hollered out of nowhere as he flung his arm in the direction in which all of the animals of the group had left. Kiari jumped at his sudden outburst and frowned; she then let tears quickly form in her eyes. She nibbled her lip and held her arms close to her warm chest. Sokka continued to yell, feeling a whirl of emotions inside of him he felt as if he couldn't control any longer.
"Why didn't you tie your dogs up?" Sokka hollered as he stepped closer to Kiari, "They could've killed Hinadi, and now we're stranded!"
"Sokka, I-I…" Kiari mumbled softly, swearing she had tied her dogs up so they couldn't run off.
"This is your entire fault!" Sokka yelled as his heart literally pounded, "whose brilliant idea was it to come to the South Pole anyways!" Sokka hollered to Kiari before stepping away from her and walking away. He continued to walk, as if he knew where he was going; he walked a straight path, away from his now stranded traveling companions.
"Sokka," Aang called softly, noting their argument; he continued to cradle Katara in his loving arms. He frowned and heaved a long sigh, emitting a trail of fog before him. Kiari slowly strolled up with a terrified look of guilt on her face.
"Aang," Kiari uttered softly and shakily as she knelt next to the two, "I-I'm so sorry, I-"
"It's not your fault," Aang frowned apologetically as he glanced down at Katara of whom he held in his loving arms; she sobbed softly, "Sokka didn't mean any of that," Aang reassured as he glanced over his shoulder, only to notice Sokka now farther away than what he already was.
"Stupid Kiari and her…sled dogs," Sokka spat as he quickly kicked up some snow he brushed past, "Whose lame idea was it to come here anyways…I wanna get as far away from here as I possibly can," Sokka uttered to himself before he stopped in his tracks in order to get a good look around. He glanced off into the distance to see, non-other than a tall mountain. He chuckled in a dazed, yet angry type of way before heading straight for this destination.
"I don't need them…I don't need Kiari, or Katara, or Aang or even Appa to get me around…" Sokka said in an angry tone as he shuffled his way through the ice.
"Sokka!" Came a voice from behind. Sokka heaved a loud, raspy sigh before bluntly ignoring the young airbender behind him.
"Sokka," Aang said as he neared, he then quickly grabbed a hold of Sokka's arm, "Sokka you can't just-"
"Look," Sokka said loudly as he ripped his arm away from Aang's gentle grip, "This situation is messed up as it is, leave me alone," Sokka said loudly as he continued to trudge.
"Sokka, you're not being reasonable, we need to stick together! We- we could die out here!" Aang said loudly as he stood, watching Sokka leave his presence.
"I don't know about you, but I'll be fine without Appa or Hinadi, you'll see," Sokka spat as he continued to walk.
"Sokka, you'll freeze without the proper clothing, your parka's on Appa's saddle, we need to go find him," Aang frowned, now realizing that his bison whistle was on Appa's saddle. He frowned and shook his head in disbelief before searching his pockets.
"Look, I'm a man, and I'll do whatever it takes to stay alive, I don't need any of you guys," Sokka said as he waved his arm about behind him.
"If you were really a man, you'd admit that you're scared," Aang hollered to Sokka, who was now a good ways away. He frowned, noticing Sokka stop dead in his tracks. He stood for a little bit, staring at the soft snow under him.
"I-I'm certain we'll find Appa and Hinadi but… I'm sure you're just as scared as I am," Aang said softly as Sokka turned around.
"You watch your mouth, I'm not scared," Sokka yelled as he pointed at Aang.
"Then what are you?! You're a confused wreck and you're not helping anything or anyone...We're all scared right now, and you're being stubborn," Aang yelled, "If we all stick together, I'm sure we'll find Appa and Hinadi… Or at least survive out here," Aang frowned as the gentle, bitter breeze licked his face.
Aang heaved a sigh, noting Sokka's still stance in the distance. He stood for quite some time, thinking, mulling, observing his surroundings, or even more so the large mountain he was headed for.
"I'm sure there's shelter over by that mountain," Sokka snapped towards Aang as he pointed, "You can choose to follow me or freeze to death, it's your choice," Sokka said cold heartedly before turning on his heel and keeping a hard, steady pace for the large mountain in the distance.
Aang sighed softly as the two girls slowly approached from behind. He turned around and stared at them both, noticing Katara was gently embraced in Kiari's loving and friendly arms; Kiari didn't seem too pleased with the situation.
"I'm sorry for troubling you all," Kiari frowned as her eyes instantly filled with tears.
"You aren't troubling us," Aang frowned as he stepped closer to the two; he gently began to rub Katara's back in a soothing way, "It was just a freak accident."
"What are we going to do?" Katara questioned shakily as she peeked from Kiari's warm chest to look at Aang in the eyes. Aang sighed softly as Kiari tightened her grip around her old friend.
"Sokka's headed for shelter," Aang said softly as he looked out to the distance, noting Sokka still keeping his hard and steady pace in the snow, "the best we can do right now is follow him."
Katara sighed softly and gently wiped tears away from her face as she pulled away from Kiari. She then nodded in agreement to Aang's statement before following Sokka's footsteps in the snow. In a matter of seconds, the two teens in her presence fell into step with her as they trudged towards the large, and far away, mountain in which was their last resort.
Everything had happened so quickly, and Katara wasn't even sure if she were fully awake yet; she felt as if her nightmare lingered. She frowned, now feeling as if her nightmare and real life had quickly combined, causing a large headache aside her painful stomach ache.
-
"Hindai, no!" Katara screamed as she finally broke loose of Aang's strong hands and arms.
-
Katara clenched her teeth and shook her head slightly as she looked down to the soft snow her, Aang and Kiari walked on. She breathed softly and gently as new tears trickled down her soft, and somewhat winter chapped cheeks. The mere thought of losing Hinadi killed her inside, although she had no idea why.
Katara knew Hinadi was the utmost annoyance around camp, aside from Sokka, but she knew Hinadi was always up to something that had to do with teasing Katara. Although, deep down, Katara knew she had a strong relationship with Hinadi; although she didn't know what kind. Nothing was for sure anymore; she couldn't even remember the last time she thought clearly. Katara gently shook her head and got rid of her jumbled thoughts. What she wanted to focus on now was keeping everyone together, and making sure everyone survived. She knew it couldn't be too hard; with hers and Aang's bendings along with Kiari's fishing skills, they should be fine. She wasn't sure how open Sokka would be to the group with his hunting skills.
Katara sighed softly for the last time and gently wiped away a few more tears, knowing right now, she had to be strong, no matter how teasing her stomach and head ache was; she had to suck it up for the time being, and relax when the four found a decent shelter.
Just as Katara thought her busy thought process couldn't get more complicated, she felt a warm hand gently slip into hers. She let a gentle smile play across her face as she glanced up; noting Aang's sweet smiling face looking at her. His eyes so full of worry, yet at the same time, so full of happiness and hope; a certain type of hope that kept Katara going. Although she smiled at him and returned his sweet gestures, her stomach ache wouldn't allow such happiness. She instantly frowned and slightly hunched over as the three walked.
Aang, noting her pain, frowned just as well before giving Katara's hand a gentle squeeze.
"You okay?" Aang worried, not liking the idea of Katara getting sick in this moment, and at this bad of timing.
"I-I'm sure I'll be fine," Katara said softly as she gently pressed her hand to her stomach. "It'll pass."
"I don't want to take any chances of it getting worse," Aang said softly as he stopped, causing the two girls he was walking with to stop in slight confusion, but before Katara could say anymore, she noticed Aang bend over before her and sweep her up into his strong, loving arms.
Katara gasped softly and quickly wrapped her arms around Aang's strong, broad shoulders for support. She smiled a bashful smile before resting her head near his, just below his shoulder. She shivered slightly as her cold, chapped nose delicately met Aang's warm cheek. She beamed as her heart instantly skipped a beat; she then gently pressed her warm lips to Aang's soft cheek, planting a tender kiss where she wanted.
"Thank you," Katara said softly in his ear as she gently rested her head on Aang's shoulder. A small, happy smile spread across Aang's features.
"No problem," Aang replied with a gentle sigh as him and Kiari continued to walk.
Kiari sighed inwardly and gently pushed snow around as she walked.
What a bone head move, Kiari… I could've sworn I had tied Sahkida up so she couldn't run off with the rest f the sled dogs…Kiari scolded herself in her mind as gentle tears formed in her eyes; though she held then back.
Sokka didn't even seem too happy to see me…Kiari averted her gaze away from Aang and Katara, only to have a few tears gently trickle down her cheeks. She quickly and smoothly wiped them away with her thick gloves she wore. I wonder if he found another girl…
"How are we going to find Appa and Hinadi?" Katara suddenly questioned to Aang softly as he readjusted her in his arms. He then shrugged softly.
"I'm not sure…My bison whistle is on Appa's saddle," Aang heaved a dry sigh, "I'm sure they all just got a little startled, they could very well find their way back to us, animals have a good sense of direction," Aang said as a matter of factly with Appa in mind.
"Maybe," Katara sighed softly, her stomach ache basically made her whole body throb, but the soothing and gentle rocking motion of Aang's gentle pace seemed to ease her pains a little. As well as his steady heartbeat of which she could hear as she leaned her head close to his chest. She smiled softly, not considering the situation they were in, and closed her eyes. She attempted to clear her mind, but nothing was working.
She feared for Hinadi, but also for Appa in the same sense. She knew it wasn't like him to just wander off, but she also wondered how Aang was feeling. He seemed a bit shocked at the sudden disappearance in transportation but she guessed Aang figured that Appa would seemingly find his way back to the four who were in need of him. Appa was a smart, large, easily spot-able creature of the skies; it shouldn't be too hard to find him.
Katara glowered over Aang's shoulder and gently looked out to the vast, ice wastelands behind them; nothing but ice and snow for as far as the naked eye could see. Not even the mere sight of Appa, Hinadi, or Kiari's sled dogs were seen. Not one of them. Katara was amazed at how fast all of them had taken off. She was more confused as to why Hinadi and Appa had decided to follow the sled dogs as well. Nothing seemed to make sense at the moment.
Katara latched onto Aang as if he were her only hope; she knew she could look to Kiari for comfort and support in the hard times they were suddenly forced into, but she knew all too well that her brother was too stubborn for his own good; she hated his moods sometimes. She knew Aang would never shut her out, he was her love and comfort, and she knew he'd always be by her side.
"How long until you think we'll reach that mountain, Kiari?" Aang asked softly as the two trudged; the flat land they walked on was now seemingly sloping slightly.
"I'm not quiet sure," Kiari frowned as she peered out to the distance, noting the sun was now more than half way set; nightfall was soon present, along with the creatures of the south that came with the nightfall. Kiari continued, "If we're lucky, sometime after nightfall…"
"But, there are snow wolves in this type of wilderness out here," Katara worried; Kiari just nodded gently as Aang tensed; he held Katara closer to him.
"Yep," Kiari continued to nod, "And plenty of them."
The four slowly approached the treacheries of nightfall as they continued their struggle to reach shelter; but little did they know, not even a single prayer could help them tonight. The presence of hope for a new day held them together as they awaited a new day.
- - -
A/N: -falls onto knees- Ah, I'm like so sorry you all had to wait so long , I'm so sorry! – I'm also sorry this chapter was so friggin short… I'm hoping to make them longer, but I'm running dry of ideas for the end of this book. As many people can tell on my deviantart, I'm super stoked for my book three :D
Okay yeah – the whole part where Aang has hair – totally had it written down before I saw the season three trailer. Ooooh, made me so mad… I'm like -waves hands in front of Mike's and Bryan's face-... I came up with that idea! xD So, just to let you know, I'm not copying, I had the beginning written down sometime around the beginning of July-ish, lol. Just to clear it up – I don't like to copy the works of others, and it really bothered me... Anyways :)
I have pictures and such on my DA for this book as well as the next one a little bit – please visit my site!
VyntresserDrake1991. deviantart. com - - I also have three vids on youtube, my account there is TianShi1991 :D They're full of Kataangy goodness
Stay tuned! I'm hoping to keep this story rolling so I can get to my next book x) I'm so excited for it! \o/ -dances-
Mahalo! ;)
- Katara -