Chapter 26

Friday came, and Sokka and Suki were still going on their date. The night before, the Gaang managed to convince the couple to not go alone. Aang, Katara, Mai and Zuko were going. Toph was harder to convince since, although she knew they were safer when together, she didn't have a date and she doesn't like to dress fancy. Katara had told that she didn't have to dress up or wear makeup. After a little while longer, Toph finally agreed, albeit reluctantly.

Here she was, in her room getting ready by Katara and Suki. Her parents had been reluctant to let them in, let alone allowing their blind child to go out with them and their friends. Mai was getting ready at her place. Just because she was friends with the other girls it doesn't mean she wanted to be around police guards when getting ready.

Katara was going through Toph's outfits, taking out blue jeans, a loose pale green T-shirt, and white tennis shoes. She brought them over to the bed and laid them out. "Okay Toph," she said, turning to the girl. "Let's get you ready." Katata was wearing a simple blue and white blouse with ruffles and a matching flowing skirt that went to her ankles, along with the flower clip she had worn that day going to Aang's house after the incident. It was clipped in the back, with half of her hair up, the rest of the curls cascading down. Suki was in the bathroom putting makeup.

Toph sighed, her black hair damp. She had been forced to take a shower, despite her claims that she was clean. Suki and Katara would not listen to her; the former had even threatened to tie the girl up and force her under the streaming water. Toph had complied after that. And here she sat thirty five minutes later in a white bathrobe, waiting for the torture to end. She drawled, "Okay. Let's get this over with."

Sometime later, the girls were ready, and Katara and Suki, despite themselves, were very excited. The latter was wearing a dark green, open sleeved shirt, black pants and shoes. She was wearing very light makeup: brown eye shadow, blush, and red lipstick with gloss.

Her short auburn hair was half up with a faux diamond pin on the left side of her head, a thirteenth birthday present from her dad. She didn't want a real one, and her father knew that, so he had surprised her with the pin. Thinking of her dad, Suki's eyes tear up a little, but she blinked them back. It was payback time.

The girls, along with the boys, were walking a short distance to a restaurant called The White Lotus. Sokka and Suki were leading the way, followed by Aang and Katara, Mai and Zuko, and lastly Toph. The shoes she wore had no bottoms to them, allowing her to see in case there was trouble. Everyone was on edge, and wondered why they were walking. It was obvious: even if they did drive, that wouldn't guarantee safety. Whoever would come after them would have a backup plan in case vehicles were involved.

They went into the nice restaurant, with its lotus wallpaper of pink and white, comfortable chairs and booths, with white and pink lotus candle holders, the candles already lit, creating a soothing atmosphere. Music played in hidden speaker, flutes and chimes releasing a beautiful calming melody through the air. Despite the name and setting, there was a scent of jasmine in the air.

The waiter came over and grabbed the menus; then proceeded the group to a booth, by request, to the back of the room. They were still a little fearful about being followed; but so far nothing seemed out of place. Nonetheless, it was only when the waiter had gone to get drinks that the friends started chatting.

Sokka turned to Toph. "Has anyone followed us?" he asked.

She shook her head. "So far, nothing out of the ordinary. But I'll continue to keep a lookout, just in case."

Sokka nodded and sat back, and Toph can feel from the vibrations that he was relieved like everyone else. Well, almost everyone; Aang was still a little tense, and the blind girl can tell that he was looking around, even though she couldn't see it. Toph couldn't blame him for being more alert than everyone else; his life had been turned upside down when he was fourteen. She felt bad for him. Even though her parents weren't the best, at least they protected her and they were around. Aang's parents were gone, forever.

The waiter brought the drinks and took everyone's orders; then walked away. Then a small group came into the restaurant, and the Gaang looked up to see Smellerbee and her friends along with On Ji. Aang and Katara along with everyone else tensed, but Toph, who looked curious and had to ask, "Who's the new chick?"

"On Ji," Katara growled. Toph raised an eyebrow, surprised by Katara's voice when she said the newbies name. The couple had told their friends of the encounter with the spy after school the day it had happened. Now Toph can sense the hatred they had for the girl, and she doesn't blame them. If it were herself and her boyfriend, although she doesn't have one, she would be reacting the same way the couple were right now.

The gang came towards their table when they spotted them, On Ji following the rear, looking uncomfortable as she looked around. Aang brought Katara closer when they came to the table, sat in the empty spaces save On Ji and Smellerbee, and Aang said lowly, "What's she doing here?" His anger was almost tangible, and On Ji flinched and looked down, fearful of what might happen.

Smellerbee came to her rescue. "It's not what you guys think. She's here to help us."

Sokka snorted. "I'll believe that when the North Pole becomes Hawaii," he said sarcastically.

She sighed. "I know about the fight between On Ji and Katara. But there's a reason besides having to break Aang and Katara up. If she didn't do the job, Jet would have known something was up. I managed to talk her into working with us. Other than being…" She paused, thinking of a nice way to say what On Ji was. Then finally finished, "Well, you guys get it. Besides that, On Ji's also part of the research center. She can get us the poison we need. Only the faculty are allowed in there. And On Ji has something to say to you two," she added, gesturing to the psychic couple.

On Ji took a deep breath to calm her nerves down before saying, "I'm sorry for what I did. But Smellerbee's right; if I didn't do the job, Jet would have discovered us. But I knew deep down that I wouldn't have been able to take your life, Katara. And when I saw you guys together, after what Jet had showed me, and what Smellerbee has shown me as well, I knew you two couldn't be broken up. I'm really sorry." When no one responded, she added, "I don't ask for forgiveness; but I want to help."

No one said anything for a few hearbeats, watching On Ji as she became more uncomfortable with everyone staring at her, trying to tell if she was telling the truth or fibbing to gain their trust. Then Toph sighed and said, "She's being honest." Her friends looked at her and she nodded; then they sat back and nodded as well, still wary but willing to give On Ji a chance.

That said girl gave a small smile in return. "Okay; I can get the stuff, but it's going to take some time. Can you guys wait for a few days?" There were some and mumbles of consent. On Ji nodded, satisfied. "Alright. Once I have the stuff, we can meet…" She thought for a moment. "The park," she decided. "That okay; or do any of you have a better suggestion?"

Everyone shook their heads as Zuko said, "The park is fine." Just because they agreed to work with Ob Ji it doesn't mean they have to trust her.

On Ji and Smellerbee nodded, the latter saying, "We'll have the stuff by next week. Come on, guys," she added to her friends. "Let's head out. We've been here long enough." And she and the others left Aang and his friends as two waiters came with their food. They ate in contemplated silence.

Could they really trust someone who had tried to split up Aang and Katara? On Ji had said she had to pretend in order to keep Jet in the dark, and so far he doesn't suspect a thing. But the Gaang knew it wouldn't be much longer before he finds out, especially when this girl joins. They could only hope to end this before anymore disasters strike.

After paying for dinner, the team headed out of the restaurant into the cool evening air, pulling their coats closer. The trees were starting to turn more brown, the color becoming more dominant with every passing day. A few leaves were scattered on the ground, some crushed by feet and wheels, the others untouched.

The Gaang walked a little, on high alert for danger. Then that said danger hit. The group of friends were stopped when Toph tensed and yelled, "Duck!" They fell to the ground a second before the darts zoomed passed them. Thanks the Spirits for Toph's vibration sense and hearing. If it wasn't for her, the darts would have impaled her friends.

Everyone jumped to their feet as seven spies leaped out of the shadows of the trees, daggers appearing in their hands. As they took their stances, the spies came at them, and the fight commenced.

Each teenager got their own opponent, and they had to scatter in order to keep themselves from attacking their comrades. As the fight wore on, it seemed that the fighters from both sides were evenly matched. No one could get a hit on either of them, both sides dodging as a strike was issued. But then Aang made the mistake of checking on his girlfriend. Katara was on the far left of him, fighting her opponent next to a small stream just behind the trees. If she was beautiful when gentle, then she was gorgeous when fierce. His heart flipped; and then a foot slammed into his chest, knocking him down and winding him of breath.

Katara, being his soul mate, felt a twinge of pain in her chest as she ducked. She risked a glance in Aang's direction to see him fall. She turned back around in time to avoid being slashed at, and attacked by twirling away, hit his shoulder blade connected to the knife arm, causing him to drop the weapon, grabbed the arm, spun and tossed him into the empty street. Katara turned back around to see the guy had his knee on Aang's chest, making it hard for him to breathe. The spy raised his knife, getting ready to strike. Katara looked at her friends, but the were too busy fighting their own battles. And even if they weren't fighting for their lives, the teenagers were too far away to help. And so was she. Katara had never felt so helpless as she watched the knife climb higher.

It stopped, then started descending toward its target. "No!" Katara cried and, on instinct, thrusts out her hand. What happened next really shocked everyone into stopping what they were doing. The water from the river shot out of the trees like a cannonball was shot. The guy stopped mid strike as the force of water pushed him off of Aang. Katara, who looked bewilidered by what was happening, moved her hand curiously to another spy by Mai and pushed him down and away. She did the same thing to the other spies present until all of them were washed away. Disoriented, half blind by water, they half ran, half staggered away, fear propelling them back into the trees.

When they were completely gone, everything was quiet save for the rushing water. Katara slowly brought it back to the hidden creek and somehow willed herself to let it go, and caused a loud splash to echo in the silence. Her friend gaped at her, wondering what had just happened. Then the girl fell to her knees with a groan, suddenly exhausted. Whatever she had done had really sapped at her energy.

Aang was the first to move. He had gotten up while the water was moving around, striking the spies. Going to Katara's fallen form, he knelt and wrapped one arm around her shoulders while bringing the other up to her face to stroke her cheek. "Katara? Water Lily?" he murmured. She had her eyes closed; now she opened them to stare into his concern filled gaze. Aang moved a piece of hair from her face. "Are you okay?" he asked quietly.

Now that she was resting, Katara could feel her energy come back, and she nodded. "I think so. Just a little tired."

Aang stared at her for a moment before hugging her to him. She hugged back, inhaling his scent that calmed her every time. "I'm glad you're safe," he whispered in her ear.

They stayed in that position for a long time; then Sokka interrupted the moment. "Question: what in the world did Katara do? How did she control the water? Why am I only one asking?"

The couple pulled apart, and Katara saw everyone was gaping at her as if she was an alien from outer space. Blushing, she ducked her head as she thought about the first two questions. She didn't know how she did it. All she knew was that she had to help Aang. And when she felt a surge of power pulse through her, it felt almost natural to control the water. She felt connected to that element, like it was a part of her. Katara had never felt so close to her element before.

Before she could say anything, however, Toph butted in with, "I thought I felt water drops on me. That was you, Sweetness?"

Katara gulped quietly as everyone stared at her again and started playing with her hair. "I… I guess so. I'm not sure how it happened. Aang was in danger of being stabbed when he was down, and the only thing I thought was to save him. When I pushed my hand out, the water just… responded." She shrugged. "It was weird."

Zuko had a thinking face on. "I wonder how you did it, though. I've never heard of this happening before."

The Blind Bandit scoffed. "It doesn't matter how she did it!" she said impatiently. "The point is: she saved Twinkle Toes' life; she saved all of our lives. Give her a break! Jeez!"

Everyone besides Aang blushed, even Suki, since she was wondering the same thing and gaping like a fish. They didn't know what to make of Katara's strange power; but Toph was right. Katara had saved their lives. Aang helped her off of the ground. He squeezed her hand and said, "I think now would be a good time to get home. It's been a crazy night." Everyone nodded in agreement and walked quickly away from the scene, no one looking back.

Aang and Katara were lying on her bed, Momo cuddled up on the large pillow, over their heads. His purr was loud in the dark, content and warm. Katara envied the little kitten. She wanted to sleep, her body craved it; but her mind was awake with the events that happened earlier that night. She still couldn't believe how the water had responded, how normal it felt to control it.

Aang had fallen asleep almost as soon as they had dressed and fell on the bed, though he had had enough energy to kiss her goodnight. Their other friends had decided to head home for once, knowing that they will be safe until the next attack. But Aang and Katara stayed together, not willing to risk being apart. After tonight, they wanted to stay together; but the couple understood the obligations of their friends to protect their families.

Katara gazed at her boyfriend's face, admiring the peaceful look. Then her eyes traveled to his shoulder where the dragon dagger had struck. The stitches had been removed, but the thick white scar was there, plain to see. Automatically, Katara reached her hand up to trace it, following the line down over his chest. She still remembered that horrific event that had changed their lives forever. She sometimes wishes that she could turn back time to prevent the incident from happening; but then again, if she had the ability, and used it, then she wouldn't have realized that Aang was The One. So much had happened since then. It was like from another lifetime.

"It doesn't bother me you know," Aang's voice said. Katara jumped and her gaze went to his face to see him watching her. She must have looked confused because he added, "The scar. I don't mind it."

Katara sighed, laying her head back down as she continued stroking the mark. Her eyes glistening as she softly said, "I hate it. It reminds me too much of the day I had almost lost you. I never want to remember that day; but it keeps replaying in my mind. It's like reliving that day as a waking nightmare. I thought you were going to die."

Aang moved his hand to her cheek to wipe the tears that had escaped and she looked at him with wide blue eyes. He held her gaze as he said, "I'm not going anywhere, Kat. I promise that I will be with you forever. Like you did for me." He grabbed her hand still on his chest and examined the ring he had gotten her. The moonstone seemed to glow bright, the back-to-back cresents glinting in the dim light from the window. "When I gave you this, not only were you promising to stay with me by accepting it, but I was promising the same thing to you. Like I told you, we're together now. Nothing will ever separate us." He kissed her forehead.

Katara's eyes closed as Aang's lips touched her skin, inhaling his presence like air. Spirits she loved him. He completed her in ways she never thought possible. When the lips were gone, she opened her eyes halfway, staring into his gray depths, raging with love and care that touched her deep within. Touching his cheek she murmured, "You're too good to me. I really don't know what I did to deserve you."

Staring deeply into her oceans he replied, "Nor I you. All I know is that we're meant to be." He smiled. "Besides, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have found a reason to live again. Like, live live. Not as a shadow, but as a person. Don't get me wrong; I love Gyatso very much, but you brought my life back, gave it true meaning again. Thank you, Katara; for everything."

She smiled, showing her teeth. "You're welcome, Aang. And if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have found the love I was subconsciously looking for. You bring out the best in me. I'm truly grateful to have met you, to have you as a part of my life." She looked into his cloudy gaze that never faltered. "I love you, Aang. So much that it feels like I'm floating on water."

Aang could feel his heart expand at every word she spoke, knowing they were true. He feels like flying, shouting his love for this girl that stole his heart without him knowing it. She was everything to him; his entire world that he would do anything to protect. Aang brought his face close. "I love you too, Water Lily. Words just can't describe how much." With that, she kissed him, keeping him from saying anything more. She brought him closer, both hearts pounding in the same rhythm.

They pulled apart when air was needed and smiled, eyes still closed and lips still tingling. "My Flowing Wind," Katara mumured. Her smile turned into a grin. "You blow me away."

Aang grinned too. "That was pretty cheesy," he commented, opening his eyes. "But I like it."

Katara chuckled and opening her eyes said, "I'm glad you do."

Aang held her close. "This couldn't be any better. You know, I'm kind of jealous, knowing that you can control water when I can't."

She looked a him. "Why can't you?" she asked.

Aang shrugged. "Because I'm not connected with water like you are. Air feels more right to me."

"Maybe we should try it," Katara suggested. "Maybe tomorrow we can test and see if you can control air. What's the harm?"

Aang considered. Like Katara, Aang always thought air suited him best. And it could help with the battle they are facing. Maybe they could use their powers to help people, if Aang has an ability other than to understand animals. He took a deep breath and nodded. "I guess we could try. But if I do have a power over air, we have to keep quiet about our powers, especially yours. Jet might know of it by now."

Katara nodded grimly. "I figured as much." Taking a breath she added, "So tomorrow, in my backyard, we'll test and see if you have it. And we'll learn how to control them."

He nodded. "Sounds good. But let's get some sleep," he added looking at the clock that read one A.M. "It's late; we should sleep."

At the word 'sleep', a large yawn escaped Katara's mouth. After closing it on a tired sigh, she said quietly, "I'm with you on that. Goodnight, Aang." She fell asleep before he could respond.

'She must be really tired' he thought to himself before kissing her head and murmuring, "Night, Katara." And he fell asleep quickly after that, Momo's purring still making music in the air.

A pretty short chapter, but it did have fighting. And… KATARA HAS A NEW DISCOVERED POWER! I hope made everyone happy about this chapter. And when will these spies learn that the Gaang will never be defeated? These people annoy me, and I'm the author! Please comment and let me know what you think.