Sorry it took so long for this chapter to come out, I was busy with my other story, plus school, and I'm lazy with no idea what to write anyway. Hope you like it though, please review.

Disclaimer: I do not own ATLA.

~Chapter 6: Discussions and Farewells~

"Goodbye everyone. Today, destiny is our friend. I know it."

-Uncle Iroh

Katara's last day in the Southern Water Tribe was somber and gloomy. Katara refused to speak at breakfast, let alone anyone all day. Finishing her meal, Katara dashed to her room, and remained there until it was time for her to pack her things. Clothes, painting of her family, her little trinkets she collected from around the world, all into a small bag ready for the long journey.

Someone knocked against the door. Sighing, Katara approached it with a neutral expression, but she wasn't expecting this person to appear on the other side. "What are you doing here?"

Zuko rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I-I just t-thought, you see my-"

"Spit it out," Katara frowned. "What do you want?" She had things to do, places to be, and people to heal. She didn't need Prince Zuko attempting conversation with her while she's trying to pack her things to marry the guy.

"My uncle wants me to, uh. . .get to know you better," Zuko wanted to die, or at least pass out. How was he supposed to marry this woman if all she gives him are death glares? "since we're supposed to be married." He had to force that last word from his mouth, it was so awkward.

Katara raised an eyebrow. Was he serious? Why would he even want to know her? Doesn't he know enough? Can't he ask someone else about her messed up life? Of course, no one would tell him anyway, leave it to himself to figure it out, through pain and suffering. Toph wouldn't spill anything, nor would Sokka or her father.

"I'm kind of busy at the moment," Katara replied a little harshly. She was about to slam the door in his face, but something hard stopped it. A foot. "Do you mind?"

Zuko shook his head. "You can't keep avoiding it Katara, it's going to happen sooner or later."

"I can try the best I can."

"Oh yeah? You think so?" Zuko raised his only eyebrow. "What's going to happen when you can't fight any longer? Just going to pass out, give up, lose all connections to sanity?"

Katara remained silent. Would she lose her mind trying to avoid marrying Zuko? She almost lost it when Aang died, she couldn't eat, nor sleep. She was empty inside, she felt numb. She won't let herself go like that again, she won't give up, and she certainly will not be weak.

"You don't know me."

"But I can try." No! She does not wish to become attached! She doesn't want to start a bond between the two!

"Just, leave me alone." Katara pleaded. She just wanted to stuff her head in a pillow and suffocate. Maybe then she could be reunited with her mother again.

"No," Zuko denied. "not until you talk to me."

"Why do you want me to talk to you so badly?" Katara nearly whined. "What could I possibly have to say?"

"I don't know!" Zuko cried out. "Something? Anything beside's the silence you're giving me now."

Katara nearly threw him out a window. "What do you want to talk about with me?"

"Ba Sing Se maybe?" Zuko suggested, wanting to apologize for his wrongdoings.

"You want to talk about Ba Sing Se?!" She screamed, letting all of her anger out.

Zuko took a step back. "I just want to say I'm sorry!" He mentally slapped his forehead, this is not how it played out in his head.

"Oh really? Well you should have thought about that before you betrayed me!" She screamed, slamming the door in his face.

Zuko really slapped his forehead.

Katara was feeling too many emotions, in too little time. She wanted to hit someone and cry in her pillow all at the same time. She was angry at Zuko-of course-because he was such an ignorant, selfless, conceited little-she couldn't even think of it! He wanted to apologize for his betrayal in Ba Sing Se? Was he crazy? Did he really believe she would forgive him after something like that? She was broken about it for weeks!

His betrayal hurt her in so many ways, she'd have to write a book just to explain it all. She was trying to be nice, civil, friendly. She even offered to heal his scar! Heal him! She almost wasted the last chance for world peace on a simple scar! To be fair, the spirit water didn't even help bring Aang back, he was far too gone to be saved. She beat herself up for that day over and over again, but nothing helped, nothing brought the cheerful, energetic airbender back. Nothing healed her broken heart.

"Sweetness, you ready to go?" Toph's loud and obnoxious voice snapped her from her thoughts. Toph was right outside her room, waiting for her to finish packing.

Lifting her bag, Katara said one final goodbye to her room, her house, then left. Katara remained quiet as the two benders moved towards the docks; the villagers were waiting for them, not with cheerful farewells, but with grave faces as they watched their beloved waterbender leave.

Hakoda and Sokka were deep in conversation when Katara trudged along the snow, waltzing up to them. "I'm ready." She uttered, her voice small. Hakoda glanced over to where Fire Lord Iroh was chatting with his family, and sighed.

"I guess this is the last time we'll see each other for a while huh?" He placed a hand on her shoulder.

Momo flew over and landed on Sokka's shoulder. "You should take Momo with you, I bet he's getting tired of the South Pole, no nuts and berries for him." Sokka tried to lighten the moon, but failed inevitably. "Don't worry, we'll be able to visit before the wedding, you've gotta have a best man right?"

Katara just looked at him, not bothering to glare, or raise an eyebrow. The numb feeling was back again, and she wasn't sure if she could break it this time.

Hakoda directed his attention to the blind earthbender. "Keep her safe Toph." He knew Toph would anyway, but he was compelled to be sure.

"Just think of me as Sugar Queen's personal guard, no one gets to touch her without my permission." Toph pointed to her chest with her thumb, smiling.

Sokka hugged Toph, lifting her off her feet. "I'm going to miss you teasing me all the time." He grinned, showing his teeth.

"Yeah, yeah. Now put me DOWN!" Toph shouted, about to punch Sokka's head. When he did release her, she punched his arm, causing him to fall on the ground.

"Are we ready to depart your Highness?" A voice interrupted the scene. It was the captain of Fire Lord Iroh's ship. He was bowing to his lord when he spoke. Iroh's glance told the Water Tribe family they needed to say goodbye.

Hakoda turned to his daughter, bring her close for a hug. "I'm going to miss you so much, my little waterbender." Tears sprung from his eyes, but none from Katara. He released her, wiping his eyes. "Be safe okay?"

Katara nodded in agreement. Sokka approached his sister, embracing her as well. Whispering in her ear, "Don't be afraid to send us letters, and don't forget to use that dagger, I didn't just make it for decoration."

Katara smiled and let go of her brother, kissing his cheek on the way. "Take care of Appa, and take care of yourself." Momo flew onto Katara's shoulder, licking her cheek. "I love you Sokka, and I love you dad."

The three family members grouped together for a hug. After Katara bid her goodbyes to her grandmother and her former waterbending master, Katara was finally ready to depart.

Zuko and Azula had boarded the large ship before Katara was finished with her farewells, and Iroh was kindly waiting for the girls to follow. Once Toph stepped onto the ramp, she felt a whole lot better. It wasn't earth, but it was close enough, and it would take a while before she could remove her boots and parka. Katara was more hesitant, she took slower steps, and deeper breaths. Once they reached the main deck, Katara could see the entire tribe, even the people gathered around the docks. Lifting her arm, Katara barely waved her arm towards her family, before the pain became too intense and she had to stop.

Ten minutes later, Katara couldn't even see the South Pole, the fog covered most of it, even if she formed it in the first place.

"Shall I escort you ladies to your rooms?" Iroh's voice spoke from behind them. "We are short on cabins, so you'll have to share until we reach the Fire Nation."

Toph wasn't arguing. "That's fine, we're used to sharing." Iroh nodded, holding his arm out for the girls to head in that direction, and when they did, he followed.

This was going to be a very, very long trip.

So, Zuko talked to Katara for the first time. Yeah, that worked out so well. Not. Anyway. Hope you liked it. I'm welcome to any suggestions, maybe, it depends on what they are.

Please Review!

~EZ17