14-Aang's Mission

The mid-morning sun was shining brilliantly over Aang and Appa as the two of them soured through the skies. Appa roared exhaustedly. They haven't taken a break since they left the Kyoshi Island.

"I know buddy, I'm tired too," Aang said, yawning himself. "But we're almost there."

They would reach the earth kingdom soon, gather some necessary supplies, and then arrive at their destination by midday. He had traveled this way so many times, it was almost second nature. Stifling a yawn, he resisted the urge to stop. The sooner he reached the earth kingdom, the sooner he would get to see her.

Katara's face was still clear in his mind from the previous evening. He had hurt her deeply; he sensed that. But he also sensed the decay in their relationship. As well as her new interest in Zuko. He wasn't blind. In the past this would have bothered him. But now…Katara had been right in her assumption. He was out of love with her. As much as he tried to stop it, his heart was moving on to another. His mind wandered to the letter he received, the one sent from her, the girl who was causing him all his inner conflict.

Aang,

Hope you are well. Things are fine here. My flowers are blooming nicely as well as my business. There is not too much trouble here, but I admit, I do get awfully lonely. Oh how I miss you, your strong arms, your friendly smile. I hope you visit soon. I have a surprise waiting that I think you will like.

Only yours,

Xia

Women had been attracted to him before. His fame only escalated after the war. Women of all ages approached him, wanting to do things for him, worship him. But back then, none of them seemed to compare to Katara. She had been perfect. However, one was different; similar to Katara, but different, a change. He met her a few months ago, but the memory still was in his mind as if were only yesterday.

He had received an alert for a mission, one that he was initially grateful for. He was feeling suffocated, restless. Turning away Katara's offer of help, he journeyed alone. Just some bandits in the earth kingdom; he thought the mission would be simple. But it wasn't.

There were too many of them; Stealthy, yet powerful earth benders, who were shooting boulders into the sky. And still they managed to remain impossible to see. He and Appa dodged, used to such battles courtesy of the old fire nation. But somehow, there had been one he missed. A large blow to the head had him spiraling down to the hard earth below.

Within seconds, he was surrounded, right when he rose. The battle was fierce; at first he was evenly matched. With elements, he was a master. But still one had slipped through his vision. Before he could stop it, he felt the sleek metal of the knife suddenly make contact with his flesh. He couldn't count how many times he had been stabbed that day. But he could clearly remember himself falling, his world darkening.

He tried to get up; he had to fight back. But it was useless; he was too weak. He felt the blood staining his clothes, the warmth of it on his fingers as he clutched the wound. He briefly thought of Katara, and her healing abilities. Her face was imprinted on his mind as he slipped into darkness.

He woke to a face. It was a beautiful, face, warm and smiling. Was it possible that Katara somehow came anyway? No. This was someone different. Pale skin instead of dark, brown eyes instead of blue, hair the same length as hers, but sleek and pitch black. The smile remained on her face as she adjusted the soft pillows on the comfortable bed upon which he laid.

"How are you feeling?" the woman asked wiping his head gently with a warm towel.

"What happened?"

"You were ambushed. I found you right outside my house horribly injured."

Aang looked down to see his previous wound bandaged; all his other scrapes and bruises, tended to.

"You saved me…but how did you stop the bandits?"

"They were already gone by the time I found you," she shrugged, rising from the bed. "I guess they thought they had succeeded in your death."

His eyes, still adjusting, followed her as she walked away. She was tiny, petite. How could she have gotten him inside? He glanced around at his surroundings. The house was small, but cozy. Quiet. This woman appeared to live on the outskirts of the Earth Kingdom.

He tried to sit up; he couldn't stay. Not only did he fail the mission, but he had to find Appa. The woman returned a moment later, carrying a cup of tea and some food on a tray.

"You should really lie back down, you need your rest."

Feeling the sharp pain take hold of his body, he complied and rested against the pillows once more.

"Where is my bison?"

"He is just fine," the woman responded, placing the tray down in front of him. "He's behind the house eating some hay. I have to say, it's amazing to see an actual sky bison up close."

Aang smiled and glanced down at his food. His stomach rumbled hungrily. "I don't know how I could ever thank you for everything you have done."

"It is my pleasure, Avatar Aang."

"What is your name?" Aang asked, taking a sip of the tea.

"Xia." She seated herself on the edge of his bed.

"Well, Xia, this tea is delicious." The warmth spread through him at once, making him feel more comfortable, more at ease.

"Thank you," she said smiling. "It's my own recipe."

Aang could almost see her smile now, the one that he had become so familiar to him. He ended up staying a couple of weeks, healing and getting to know Xia. Not only was she beautiful, but also intelligent. She had a vast library, and had surprised him with knowledge on the Air Nomads.

Things had started off innocent. He left as soon as he felt well enough. But he found that he kept wanting to see more of her. His next mission in the Earth Kingdom led him back to her house, drinking her delicious tea. And before he could stop it, he had fallen for her. At first, the guilt was prominent. But over time, as his interest in Katara faded, so did his guilt. Xia was here now, and he wanted her.

Squinting his eyes through the sunlight, he spotted the town approaching and pulled on the reins. Appa roared gratefully, and started heading towards the land. He landed on the soft grass and rested his head down, pleased. Aang jumped off and rubbed his friend's fur.

"Stay here, I'll be right back with some food for you."

Appa roared in understanding and closed his eyes to rest. Aang was exhausted too, but he needed some supplies first. He headed into the busy earth kingdom town. It was not as large as Ba Sing Se, but still carried a good amount of people. He acknowledged the greetings and bows from the villagers as he passed, giving them all a warm smile or wave.

"Water and a bundle of hay please," he said to the shop owner as he approached him.

"Of course," the man said immediately.

"Why hello Aang," a different voice said, making the Avatar turn around.

"General Iroh!" he said, smiling at the wise old man who walked toward him.

"Back in the Earth Kingdom I see," Iroh said pleasantly.

"Yeah, another mission."

"There seems to be a lot of missions here for the Avatar huh?"

Aang nodded, and then quickly changed the subject. "You are well? How is the tea shop?"

"It is marvelous. I was just visiting from friends of mine, other tea shop owners. I was just about to head back."

"Well I won't keep you," Aang said, taking his hay from the cart owner and paying him. "I should get going myself."

"Give everyone my thoughts," Iroh said, moving away.

"I will, it was good to see you!" Aang called after him. Even after these years, the man was still moving well. The end was not in sight for him. But he didn't know if he could keep his promise. Now that things were over with Katara, he wasn't sure when he was going to see the others again.

He returned to a disgruntled Appa shortly, who did not want to be disturbed. But they were almost to their final destination.

"I know buddy, but just one more trip. You know the way."

Appa took off and within minutes they arrived at a little cottage, one on the outskirts of the earth kingdom, one that had become like a second home. Aang smiled at his host as she walked out of her front door, her long black hair flowing with the breeze. He hopped off of Appa, and approached her, a large grin on his face, one that almost resembled the smile from when he was kid.

"Xia…" he said embracing her. She was warm, as always, her tiny arms wrapped around his neck returning the hug.

"Aang, it's so good to see you."

She didn't get a chance to say more. He closed the distance between then, touching her soft lips with his.

"Come in," she said breaking away. "Are you hungry?"

"Very," Aang replied, following her into her home.

"I was wondering when I was going to get another letter from you," Aang said, seating himself at her table.

She returned with a hot cup of tea and placed it in front of him, smiling at him.

"You know I can't keep myself away from you," he continued, taking a sip. He sighed in delight. "Or your tea."

"Well, I'm glad you like it," Xia said, watching him fondly.

He took another sip, feeling warmed from head to toe. It was just as delicious now as it was when he first met her; her own recipe.