17- Katara's Messages

Xia hummed to herself as she prepared breakfast. It was early, the sun had barely risen, and Aang was not yet awake. But she knew he was would appreciate waking up to the smell of cooking food. He was a vegetarian, but she found it easy to cook for him. Having her own garden allowed her to use fresh plants for her meals. And he always ate them heartily.

She heard a light shuffle from behind her and turned, tucking a small stray of black hair behind her ear.

"Good morning," she said brightly, and moved across the kitchen to kiss his cheek. Aang smiled down at her. She was so tiny; looked almost fragile. So different from Katara.

"Your smile always brightens my day," he said.

Xia only smiled wider, and then returned to cooking. "Breakfast will be ready soon."

"Okay. I'll be outside."

Xia nodded, as Aang left the cottage for the warm sun outside. Already it was a nice clear day. It would be good for travel. But fortunately, he had no missions right now. He had all day to spend with Xia.

He sat cross-legged on the grass near her garden. He gazed at the garden for a moment, admiring her work. She was very good with gardening; it always impressed him to see the numerous plants growing healthy and beautiful. It was no wonder she made enough money off of them to support herself. He had offered her money before, but she always refused, insisting that she was perfectly content with taking care of herself.

He closed his eyes and tried to meditate. But after a few moments, found it a little difficult. It had been ever since he left Katara. He felt a little guilty over it; for a while it was hard for him to get her face out of his head. But the more time he spent with Xia, the less he thought of her. Katara wanted more than he was willing to give. And Xia…she was different, new. She intrigued him.

Aang inhaled deeply, smelling the sweetness of the crisp air. He loved where Xia lived. Peaceful, perfect for meditating. He felt her presence even before she approached him. So he didn't flinch when she wrapped her arms around his neck, and traced his tattoos with her delicate finger.

"You were so young…did it hurt to get your tattoos?"

"A little, in different spots," Aang responded, then smiled. "But worth it. I am proud of my tattoos."

"Do you miss them?"

"Every day," he said, knowing she was referring to the Air Nomads. He recalled a day then, soon after his ambush. He was hesitant to tell her about himself, but she already knew. Her knowledge on his nation was incredible. And she was so fascinated by it…he couldn't help the feelings when they stirred for her. They made love for the first time that night.

Aang pulled Xia closer to him and kissed her. She was such a lovely girl. He didn't know what was going to happen between them, but whatever did, he looked forward to it.

"C'mon," Xia said, breaking the kiss. "Let's eat."

Katara-

I hope you are well, we miss you so much! Let me just get into the big news right away…I'm pregnant! Some of the older ladies think I'm about two months. I can't believe it, Sokka is so excited! Of course, he is hoping for a boy, someone to teach all of his "moves" to. I'd be happy with a boy or a girl though. Anyway, how are you doing? Have you found a cure for the illness yet? How is Zuko? I know something is up with you, don't forget, you can talk to me about anything. We're officially sisters now! Hope to hear from you soon!

-Suki

Katara read the letter through a couple more times. Suki, pregnant…she was going to be an aunt! She wished for a moment that she could return to them, and be there for the pregnancy and delivery. But she knew that couldn't happen. Not until these people were cured, and the culprit arrested.

She wished she could share this great news with Zuko, but he wasn't here. He left early to go talk to his father, former Firelord Ozai, and his insane sister Azula. She hoped that this would give them a lead. She wanted to go with him, but he reminded her that the patients needed her care.

So, after dressing quickly, she made her way to the hospital to start her work. It was a slow process, and she had numerous people to get through, but somehow, it felt like she was making a difference. Patients that were bedridden weeks ago were now able to sit up and eat. They could speak. They were still very weak, but there were definite improvements.

She tried to communicate with many of them, hoping they could tell her anything, but nothing. Most had a hard time remembering what they did last week. And some had been in here so long, they had trouble remembering anything outside of the hospital.

She walked into the next room and instantly recognized the man from yesterday. He was sitting up and eating well. He seemed to be mostly alert.

"Good morning," she said slightly surprised. Most of the patients that she worked with were not conscious, or aware of her presence.

"Hello…you were here yesterday weren't you?" he said softly. His voice still sounded weak. She knew this illness was mostly internal beforehand. She instantly went to the bowl of water near his bed. She knew it was fresh, thanks to the nurses.

"Yes," Katara answered. "I'm a healer. I'm just doing what I can to stop the illness from spreading."

"Well, thank you. I always admired waterbenders and what they could do."

She smiled at him, and began to work. He felt better than yesterday…could it possibly be going away?

"This illness is pretty bad isn't it?" the man asked, moving his weary eyes up to her face.

Katara didn't want to lie to him. "Yes, it's…frightening."

"Funny thing is, I don't even know how I got it."

Katara nodded; she heard that a lot. But maybe he was able to tell her more. After all, he was admitted only a couple days ago.

"Can you remember what you were doing before you started to feel ill?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary. I went to work, stopped off at my regular places for lunch, then returned home. Only hours later, I started to feel ill. It's very mysterious."

Katara frowned slightly. She finished her work, and the man sighed, relieved of the pain.

"Thank you."

"Of course." She pulled up a nearby chair closer to him. "Listen, could you tell me more? Where did you go? What did you have to eat?"

The man looked away and thought for a minute. "It's very hazy…nothing that I haven't had before…Just a rice bowl and a cup of tea."

Katara stared at him for a moment, hoping he would say more. But there was nothing. He looked exhausted. She didn't want to push him any further.

"I'll let you rest. Thank you for talking to me."

He managed a small smile and rested back on the pillows.

Katara left the hospital as the sun was starting to set. She managed to get through all the patients, and now she couldn't wait to lie down, to talk to Zuko. When she got to the palace, she wandered through, wondering if he was here. She moved to the gardens and found him sitting by the pond, stroking on the turtle ducks.

"Hey," she said.

Zuko turned and smiled. He always appeared happy to see her. "Hi."

Katara joined him on the grass. "Did you see your father and sister?"

Zuko nodded. "I got nothing from them. They claimed that they have nothing to do with this. I wanted to bring Toph with me to make sure, but I believe them. They are too heavily guarded. They can't be behind this illness…" he trailed off.

Katara could tell he was disappointed. That was their only lead. She leaned her head against his shoulder.

"I have good news," she said, breaking the silence.

"What's that?"

"I got a letter from Suki today, she's pregnant!"

Zuko grinned. "Way to go Sokka!"

"Did you ever want children?" Katara asked, then instantly wished she could take it back. Did she go too far?

But Zuko didn't seem to be bothered. "Yeah," he said. "But it never happened for Mai and me. I still want some though." He looked down at her, questioning her without words.

"Me too," she said, smiling. Then shivered.

"It's getting cold out here, want to go inside?"

Katara nodded, and the two of them retreated to the warmth of the palace.

The moon shone brightly through the window, illuminating the two bodies. Xia watched the muscles flex, the small bubbles of sweat form on Aang's head as he made love to her by the light of the moon. He truly was an amazing man, made her feel things that she hadn't felt in a long time. She gasped, breathing with him, wanting to come when he did. Normally, she closed her eyes, but she couldn't take her eyes off of him this time.

His tattoos…they were brightening. Her eyes widened as she watched. His breathing grew more intense, harder. The faster he moved, the brighter his tattoos glowed. He was stunning. She had never seen this happen before….

And then, it was over. He pulled out and before she had the chance to say anything, kissed her. She caught a glimpse of his tattoos starting to fade before she succumbed to the passion of Aang's lips.