Disclaimer: Once upon a time, on a planet known as earth, someone somewhere owned the rights to Avatar: the Last Airbender. That guy isn't relevant however, since he isn't the author of this fan fic. I own the made up stuff. The characters and world, I don't.

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Rated M: Mature Content. Blood. Guts. Sex. Drugs. All the good stuff.

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Author: So, how are you all enjoying the story so far?

Toph: A little sappy. When does all the good stuff happen?

Author: It'll come, don't worry. I take the attitude of "if it isn't a good time for something, don't throw it in just because."

Toph: You're overdue. Maybe you should make an exception.

Author: We'll see. I won't compromise a good story just to add some action though.

Katara: So, is it my turn yet?

Author: Actually, it is your turn.

Toph: Are you serious? I haven't had any time since chapter 1!

Author: Actually you have had a few bit parts. Get over yourself. You'll get your turn.

Aang: Get on with the story already!

Katara: Yeah, I want to see some action!

Author: Alright already. A few of you will have your own sub screens in this chapter, but Katara is the main focus. Now let's get to it!

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Chapter 5: The Spirit Walks

Katara was confused. Maybe confused was the wrong word for it. Puzzled seemed better. Yes, puzzled fit nicely. It had been a few days now since the official peace talks had began. Much had been accomplished just by having all the nations sit down together and talk. Zuko would make a fine Firelord, as he had already begun to prove. Katara couldn't be prouder of him. It was thanks to Zuko that the war was over; Zuko, and Aang.

Just thinking of Aang drew her gaze to where he sat, talking ardently with the general of the Fire Nations navy fleet. She couldn't help but notice that even while arguing, he maintained that same sense of presence. Katara couldn't recall life without the sense of self she felt emanating from the avatar. She couldn't quite explain it, but for some reason whenever Aang was around, she could feel it. It wasn't something she could touch, but she felt it just the same. If there were a thousand people surrounding her in a crowd, Katara knew she would be able to walk right to him as if they were the only people on earth. That thought brought a slight blush to her cheeks. Of course it was at that moment Aang turned to look her way. Katara bowed her head to cover her face.

It had been a few days now since that kiss on the palace balcony, and the one in the dining hall. They had had no time together since then, as Aang was constantly in the spotlight. Katara had spent her time with her father and brother instead. They had spent time as a family, for once not being pulled to all corners of the globe. Katara couldn't be happier with how things were. But…

"Katara? Hey Katara, you okay?" Sokka asked from behind her, jolting her from her thoughts.

"What? Oh; yeah Sokka what's up?" she asked, turning to her brother.

"The meeting is over for today. Everyone's leaving. I thought you may want to come grab some dinner with me and dad." He said casually, toying with the new boomerang he had been given. It was a very special item forged by Sokka's Master, Piandao, before he went off to Ba Sing Se. Master Piandao had given it to him when he had arrived in the Fire Nation capital, telling Sokka it was forged from the same metal as his sword. Of course, Sokka had been forced to tell his master about how he had lost the sword, saving his and Toph's lives from the Fire Nation soldiers aboard the air fleet. Master Piandao had praised Sokka's ingenuity, and promised a new sword to surpass the old one as soon as he could get the materials. He had sent for them immediately, and was nearly done forging his pupils' sword. Sokka, of course, had been helping, just like last time.

"Thanks Sokka. I guess I hadn't noticed." Katara said, as she stood up. "Where's dad?" she asked.

"He's already headed to the dining hall. He was talking to Chief Arnook about their big plans. I can't wait to see our tribe restored." Sokka said. They walked out the giant double doors and almost ran right into Suki. "Hey, Suki!" Sokka said excitedly. Katara noticed that Suki seemed surprised to see them both, and quickly turned to Katara.

"Can I talk to you when you get a minute, Katara? It's kind of important." She said quickly.

Katara was a little taken aback. This was not like Suki. "Sure Suki; right after dinner, if you'd like." Katara replied.

"Thanks Katara; Sokka." She said, nodding quickly to Sokka and then turning and walking away.

"What was that all about?" Sokka asked, obviously unaware of what Katara had seen plainly.

"I'm not sure." Katara said, as they began the walk to the dining hall. Katara had noticed that Suki barely gave Sokka the time of day lately. Before, she had always been happy to see him. Thinking back on the last few days, she hadn't been around them at all while they were together as a family. Sokka had attempted to invite her to join them, but had been shot down. Something was up. Something that was probably not good.

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Katara had just sat down between her father and Aang when Firelord Zuko stood and called for silence. All eyes, including Katara's, turned to him as he began to speak. "I wish to formally thank everyone here for attending these meetings. I know that peace is hard to attain and harder to maintain, but I truly believe we have the will and the skills to make sure it lasts. The Avatar has returned, and with his coming we shall once again find balance and harmony. To this I propose a toast; to the Avatar! May he live long and keep the balance!" he called, his voice echoing through the humongous chamber.

"TO THE AVATAR!" everyone shouted, their glasses held high and their eyes shining. As everyone turned to their drinks, Zuko remained standing. He waited for everyone to finish and then once again called all eyes and ears to him. "I have another announcement. Many of you have not known me long, and some of you have known me more than you may have liked." A few people chuckled at this. "I would like to once again state that I will do my best to restore the damage done by my nation, and to lead the Fire Nation into the future; a future of peace. I have all of you to thank for my throne, and my people's happiness; my happiness. Therefore, today, in front of the leaders of the world and my dearest friends, I would like to announce my own true happiness; my engagement. I declare today that I love Mai and would take her to be my future wife. I ask you all for your blessing."

Not a single sound could be heard through the hall. Most stood speechless as Zuko's request echoed in their ears, their minds unable to grasp what he asked. Katara couldn't even fathom what she'd heard. Zuko wanted everyone's blessing? Once again Katara could sense the Avatar's presence as he appeared before the room. Next to her, Aang stood up. "I would be honored to give my blessing to such a union. I hope you live long, happy lives together." He said simply.

Sokka stood up on the other side of Hakoda. "You're my brother in arms, Firelord Zuko. If you want my blessing, it's yours." He said. Katara admired how he sounded so mature suddenly.

One by one, all their family and friends stood and gave their blessing. The nobles of the world followed suit. The only one's not standing at the end were Toph and Mai. Finally, Toph stood and added her blessing to the rest, stating, "Hey, if it makes you happy, go for it!"

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Mai sat there, stunned beyond belief. Zuko hadn't mentioned an announcement to her. He hadn't even proposed to her! How dare he announce their engagement to everyone like this! What should she do? Everyone was standing, raising their glasses to them and she didn't know what to say! Standing slowly, Mai looked out at the crowd. She had to be careful with what she said next, or she would make Zuko look like a fool. She was tempted, but…

"Thank you all for your blessing. We couldn't be happier to know that you all care so much. Now then, if you'll excuse us a moment, my fiancé and I have something to discuss." And Mai immediately turned and walked from the room. Zuko, a confused look on his face, followed her.

As soon as Zuko entered the chamber Mai had decided to commandeer and shut the door, Mai exploded. "Engaged!? Since when!? Did I sleep through a wedding proposal!? What were you thinking!? How dare you!?" Mai raged.

Zuko stood there, fright in his eyes. Mai could be pretty scary sometimes, but she had never been like this. There was almost fire in her eyes, and since Mai wasn't a firebender, that was saying something. If looks could kill..."I'm sorry Mai. It just felt right. If you want me to call it off, I will." Zuko asked defensively.

Mai suddenly softened a bit. "Did you mean what you said?" she asked shyly.

Zuko was turned to face the brick wall so he wouldn't have to look my in the face. "Every word. I am sorry Mai. I guess I am not very good at this sort of thing. I'm not used to being happy either. It's just… ever since the other day, you've made me so happy; I just hoped we could stay this way forever. I should have asked you first, and I should have told you about what I had planned. I guess I got a bit excited. I blew it, didn't I?" Zuko said as he pounded his fist against the wall.

Suddenly arms circled around his chest and Mai drew herself into a hug against his back. Zuko turned slightly scarlet as he savored the intimate contact. "No, Zuko. You didn't blow anything. You just caught me off guard, that's all. It would have been nice to know what you were planning, and nicer to actually get a proposal. But I couldn't be happier you did what you did." She said, her cheek against his back.

"Well, I can't take back what I announced, but I can give you the proposal you deserve." Zuko said, taking Mai's hands and turning himself around in her embrace. "Mai, I love you. I thought I knew what love was before and I was wrong. This is love, and you make me happier than I have ever been." Zuko got down on one knee, his hands still clasping Mai's. "Mai, you are the best thing to ever happen to me, and I would be honored if you would accept this proposal to be my wife and my queen."

Mai looked down at the boy she'd loved her whole life and smiled, tears in her eyes. Gone were the feelings of empty sadness and boring depression. In their place were happiness, joy and love. Mai leaned down until her face was a mere inch from Zuko's. "My answer is yes, Zuko. Yes, with all my heart." She stated quietly as she leaned in for a kiss.

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Zuko and Mai had walked out of the hall, and everyone sat down to eat. Sokka was busy telling their dad and Bato all about his adventure on the air fleet for the umpteenth time. Katara decided to take this time to talk with Aang. He was currently sampling the food in front of him. He seemed so innocent sometimes. Since he was sitting next to Zuko and Zuko had left the room, no one was next to Aang to overhear their conversation, and on her other side, her father was quite occupied. "So, Aang, how's it going?" Katara asked. Did she just say that?

"It's going pretty well I guess." he replied between bites of an exotic fruit. "Have you been having a good time with your family?" he asked in return.

"Yes, actually. It's great having dad around again. Anyway, about the other…" she trailed off as a nobleman came up behind Aang and started shaking his hand.

"It's such a pleasure to finally get to talk to the Avatar. It's a real honor. Have you met my wife?" he asked. Katara turned back to her food and tuned out all the noise around her.

Finally, the noble left and Aang turned back to her. "Sorry about that. They never seem to stop. You were saying?" Aang asked her apologetically.

"Can we meet tonight? I'd like to talk to you without all the crowds." Katara asked.

"Sure. We can meet tonight after the meeting ends. That work?" he asked her.

"Sure. I will meet you on the walkway near the stairs where we watched the sunset the other day." She said, and then got up from the table and excused herself. Katara wound her way through the maze of halls back to her room and threw herself on the bed. She had no idea what she was doing. Every time she was near Aang now it seemed like she didn't know where to look, what to say or how to act. She travelled the world with him for the better part of a year and all of a sudden…

It seemed to start after their kiss the other day. Zuko's coronation had been a fun time. Katara and Aang had danced together, and Aang had been wonderful. They hadn't danced since they had been in the Fire Nation village a few months back. Once again Aang had led her in some fancy dancing, showing her some old Fire Nation dances and leading the whole floor. Afterwards, as the sun was setting, they had stood there on that causeway and they had kissed. It wasn't there first kiss, but it was definitely the start of something special. Katara began to feel warm just thinking about it. She sat up quickly and tried to calm herself down. She had an afternoon of meetings to attend.

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The meetings had gone smoothly, and things were finally wrapping up. A week's worth of meetings had tied up most of the big issues, and the little ones would take years to resolve. The mood was festive that evening, and tomorrow would be a grand ball to celebrate the rebuilding of the world. After the meeting, Katara found herself almost unconsciously walking towards the causeway. She was hoping she could get through what she had to say without botching it. Normally Aang was the one to botch things. She giggled at the thought. No, she would be fine; she had to be.

Arriving on the causeway, Katara saw Suki leaning over the railing. She had totally forgotten she had promised to speak to Suki after dinner. "Suki, you wanted to talk to me?" Katara asked, coming up to the railing and leaning on her arms.

"Yeah, thanks. I thought you may have forgotten, what with meeting Aang and all." Suki replied mischievously.

"You heard that?" Katara asked, blushing slightly.

"Yeah; I wasn't so far away that I couldn't pick up a few things from your end. It's about time though. I thought you two would never get together." She added.

"Sometimes it feels that way to me too, and we aren't together yet. Still, we aren't here to talk about me, so what's on your mind?" Katara added, gracefully changing the subject.

Suki told Katara everything she had overheard Sokka tell Hakoda that day in the throne room. "At that point I sort of snuck back out. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but…"

"It's fine Suki. I understand. I probably would have done the same thing." Katara said comfortingly, a hand on Suki's shoulder.

"So do you think Sokka still loves Yue?" Suki asked, her vulnerability fairly obvious.

Katara knew that Suki loved Sokka. She'd figured that out ages ago. She also knew that Sokka returned those feelings. Still, he had also obviously loved Yue. Katara knew her brother very well, but under the circumstances she couldn't say one way or the other. "I know he cares about you Suki. Toph told me how he went up against Azula all by himself, trying to make her tell him where you were being held prisoner. She made it sound like Sokka was going berserk, throwing her against a wall and demanding to know where you were. I think that counts for something." She explained.

"I hope your right. But he's still going to go with Hakoda to the North Pole and ask Aang for his help." Suki said sadly. She knew Sokka cared about her, but was it enough?

"Perhaps, but your assuming Aang will help him, or even that he can. Regardless, I think you should go too. If your there the whole time, even if Sokka can speak to Yue he will know your with him, supporting him and helping him through whatever it is he's going through. Maybe this is what he needs to open up and be okay with his feelings. You know how guys are." Katara said comfortingly. "Besides, even if this crazy scheme works, Yue is gone. It's not like they can be together. You have nothing to worry about."

"I guess so. Thanks Katara. I knew you would be able to help. I am going to go find Sokka and see if I can get him to talk about the North Pole visit so I can find an excuse to tag along. See you!" Suki said, going back towards the doorway.

"If you see Aang, tell him I am looking for him, will you?" Katara shouted after Suki.

"Sure!" Suki replied from inside.

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Suki meandered her way back to the dining hall where Sokka was still likely finishing his dinner. He sure could eat a lot. As Suki was about to enter the hall, Aang was coming out. "Hey Aang; Katara was just looking for you. She's out on the causeway." Suki told him.

"Thanks Suki. I was just on my way to see her. Sokka is still talking with Hakoda if you're looking for him." Aang offered in passing. Heading the way Suki had come, Aang began whistling a little airbender tune as he nearly skipped along.

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Katara stood on the causeway, enjoying the sunset and remembering the moment she and Aang had stood in this very place a few days before. She was imagining Aang was standing here with her, leaning in for a kiss…

Suddenly a metallic sound jolted her to her senses, just in time to jump back and avoid a sword o the throat. Someone had just attacked her. He was dressed in an all black suit, with an ugly blue mask hiding his face. He wielded two broadswords and began pressing his attack. Katara had no water handy and could barely avoid being sliced up. The stranger lunged and Katara threw herself backward, tripping over a potted plant and falling to the ground. The stranger used this advantage to cut at her, and he managed to slice her leg pretty good before she could move. Sheathing his swords, the man picked up the same potted plant Katara had tripped over and smashed it over her head. The last thing Katara saw was the mask of blue death, coming towards her.

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Author: A cliffhanger. Cliché, but so much fun!

Katara: urgh….

Aang: What did you do to Katara!?

Author: I put her in mortal danger prior to anything happening between you two.

Aang: How could you! We waited for 3 books to finish so we could be together! And she doesn't deserve it!

Author: Chill out Aang. I am sure even the readers know she'll be fine.

Aang: And I should just take your word for it!?

Author: Yeah. I sort of write this stuff.

Bato: You barely had me in this chapter. I am severely disappointed.

Author: Bato, you will get your chance to shine too. It may be a little later, but it's coming.

Bato: Oh fine. It had better be good though.

Author: I don't think it will disappoint you.

Toph: Don't forget me!

Author: How could I?

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Author's Corner:

Thus ends another chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading it as I enjoyed writing it. Not too shabby for a first work if I do say so myself. Not that I do, but… anyway… Please keep the reviews and what not coming. Let me know if anything stands out, what you like, what you don't like, etc. I corrected the name error and most of the spelling I could find. Thanks for pointing it out. I finally threw a little action in. It was necessary and serves a purpose. It gets more exciting folks, I promise.

Okay, so I am still a bit new to this site and no have idea how else to respond to reviews. So, this is my current solution. Thanks to all 4 reviewers that have posted so far. I appreciate the fact that you take your time out to tell me what you think. Regarding the questions posted by AVATARISLIFE, I misspelled Arnook as Panook because I never thought to check the name and semi-forgot it, so that was a pure and simple mistake. I have edited all my current chapters to change it to be correct. Thanks for pointing it out. As for the Kataang/Zutara/Maiko argument, I don't really have much in the way of favorites or lack thereof. I liked Water tribe romance regardless of it being Zutara, for example. If a story is well written and good, then the writer's creativity shines through, and that is what I like the most. My story focuses around Kataang and Maiko because that's how things wound up in the series. Zuko and Mai had their moment before the coronation, and Katara and Aang had the last seen. Since that's the way the authors wanted the series and I promised to make my story as close to the series as a continuation as possible fact-wise, I went with that. Suki and Sokka appeared to be an item for the remainder of book 3 as well, and as such, I am playing on that. I may add and change a few things, but those relationships are basic continuity, at least for the moment. Oh, and yes I liked the problem where the water tribes have to work together. It fit in with what I wanted to do; makes logical sense; puts the two tribes in contact and made for a good story. I only used it as a very general sub-plot though, so don't worry. I won't be stealing someone else's idea. Thanks for asking though! Keep up the reviews!