Chapter 27
Saturday morning, with the sun shining bright and a few clouds coating the blue sky, it was perfect weather for power discovery. Aang and Katara were sitting in her backyard, thinking about how Aang can learn about his air ability, if he has one to learn about. Hakoda had gone to work early this morning and won't be home until eight o'clock.
"Well," Katara was saying, "maybe it has something to do with being light, being as close to the element as possible. There's a little breeze out today, so that probably helps a little. And you're calm and collected; it will help you focus. When I did it yesterday, I felt a surge of energy rush through me. Maybe it will happen to you too. Do you want to try it?"
Taking a deep breath, Aang nodded and stood up. He didn't want to admit it, but he was nervous. What if it doesn'twork? What if Katara's the only one who could control an element? As far as he knew, Jet could be plotting a new way to eliminate them, maybe starting off with taking Katara away first.
Aang tried to calm down as he walked to the center of the yard where the pond is, his body becoming relaxed. No one was taking her away as long as he was around. If anyone was going to kidnap her, they were going to have to go through him and their friends. He closed his eyes, feeling the breeze blow through his hair and caress his face, relaxing him more. 'Be connected' he thought. Then something extraordinary happened.
As Aang took another deep breath, the wind seemed to grow stronger, more leaves flying around with every powerful gust. He continued his breathing, and the air responded by hitting him harder every time he inhaled. Something compelled him to lift his arms, and when he did so, the wind responded, pushing through the trees with force, almost knocking him back before he managed to stay on his feet.
He opened his eyes with an awed gasp as he controlled the wind, moving it through the leaves, causing most of them to fall and swirl. Katara was right; there was an exhilarating feeling of power coursing through his body. Aang's senses came at attention. It felt amazing. Aang tested his new found power as gently as possible, and caused a mini tornado of leaves, spinning faster and faster with more power he added.
Katara watched with wide eyes, unable to comprehend what she saw. The wind was responding to him as if it was born with him. The colors of the leaves became a blur as they swirled faster, colors creating a vibrating rainbow. It was an incredible sight to behold.
Aang, who was having blast with his powers, decided to have a little fun. Taking another deep breath, he manipulated the winds to carry the leaves to his girlfriend. She giggled as the leaves brushed against her skin before laughing. She couldn't help it. It was like a caress. Aang laughed too as he increased the speed a little. It was fun watching his girlfriend laugh. It made him happy. Unfortunately, however, he put a little too much force into it. The wind actually picked Katara up and she squealed in surprise, flailing her arms about. He gasped and somehow willed himself to stop. Again, he sort of failed as she fell on the ground, the grass breaking her fall. She wasn't very high, so the impact wasn't too hard; but the force was enough to knock the wind out of her.
He ran over to her. "I'm so sorry!" he said, frantic. "Are you hurt?"
Katara chuckled a bit while getting up. Aang helped her to her feet as she said, "I'm okay, Aang. It didn't hurt; really. Calm down; you're making the wind become agitated."
Aang, with his brow furrowed, looked around them to see she was right. The wind was swirling around them; he can tell by the way the leaves were moving and feel of the breeze. The element never responded to him before. But then again, he was never normal, so maybe this was a hidden talent? No; he would have known about by now. Again, air never responded to his emotions until now. Then maybe… "How do you think we got these powers?" he asked as the wind died down and stopped.
Katara looked at him. "I think when our souls merged, it unlocked them. The elements we are closest to became closer, becoming a part of us. I'm not sure how, but I do know that until we became one, our powers were dormant. Maybe the Spirits blessed us with them. Who knows?"
Aang shrugged. "You might be right. But the important thing is, we have something to give us leverage when we fight these guys again."
Katara shook her head. "I don't think telling the others is a good idea. You'll be in more danger now than you ever were."
He stared at her disbelievingly. "What? But the others know about you. They'll come at you harder than ever before. It doesn't seem fair that you're more at risk than me. I want to protect you."
She held his hand as she led him inside the house. "I know you do," she said gently once inside. Going over to the couch, Katara added, "But for once, let me do the protecting. You've done so much already, and I want to repay you. Let me do it," she rushed on when Aang was about to interject. "It's like I told you before: I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines. All the rest of you had risked your lives for me. I want to help you. Please keep your powers quiet."
Aang hesitated. He didn't like the idea of Katara being at more risk than him. Even though he can understand where she was coming from, he didn't want her to be the main target. So he took a breath and said, "As much as I appreciate that, I don't want you in any more danger either, Katara. We were given these powers for a reason: to protect one another. I'm sure of it. As much as you want to be the protector, it's also my job to keep you out of harm's way."
By looking into his serious gray eyes, Katara could tell that he wasn't going to back down from this argument. She thought for a moment. Compromise. That's the best way to go. "Okay, how about this: You can only use your powers if they're needed, and that will cause more surprise for the Snakeheads. It will be the only time where you expose yourself. You can use your powers from then on. Deal?"
Aang hesitated again as she held out her hand. He thought about her offer; then shook her hand, feeling tingles spread from their palms to their bodies. "Okay, deal." As they released hands he added, "But if a situation gets too much to handle, I'm stepping in. No arguments."
Katara sighed but nodded. "Okay, Aang. Just be careful. Can you do that for me?" She was practically begging him to do as she says.
Aang sighed while he brought her into his arms. "I promise," he stated softly. If it makes her feel better, he would do it. For her.
Katara visibly relaxed, snuggling closer. It felt like the weight of the sky, or a large portion of it, had been taken off her shoulders. All she wanted was to see him safe and happy. The girl was willing do to anything to keep it that way, just like Aang would do for her. "Alright," she said while breaking the hug and pecking his cheek. "Now that we have that out of the way, what do you say we go practice our… What should we call it?" she asked.
"Hmmm…" Aang said while thinking. Then he smiled. "Bending," he stated.
Katara stared at him. "What?" she asked.
Aang rolled his eyes playfully. "Bending; because we bent the elements to our will. We took control of them. I was thinking we call your power 'Waterbending', and we'll call mine 'Airbending'. What do you think?"
Katara shook her head, but she was smiling so he knew she wasn't rejecting the idea. "Where do you come up with this stuff?" she asked while playfully nudging his shoulder with her.
Aang feigned being offended. "Are you saying you don't like my idea? I'm hurt, Water Lily."
Katara laughed. "No need to get dramatic, Flowing Wind. Yes, I do like it. 'Bending'," she said, trying the word out, and her smile turned into a grin. "It has a nice ring to it. Bending it is!"
Aang grinned and pumped his fist in the air. "YES!" he exclaimed, happy to get his way.
She laughed while grabbing his hand and hauling them to their feet. "Okay, okay; you got your way. But don't expect it all the time," she added mock sternly.
It was his turn to laugh as he led her back outside. "Alright. Now, let's practice. You never when you might need it." Katara nodded and walked gracefully toward the pond, where she took a Tai Chi stance. Aang watched her for a moment as she carefully lifted a small stream of water and started playing with it. Then he took a Ba Gua stance and started controlling the winds, an idea forming in his mind.
After a few hours of practicing, the couple cuddled on the couch, listening to soft music playing on the speakers. They did not talk: out loud or in their minds. Katara gave a content sigh and snuggled deeper into Aang's warmth. Training had gone great in her opinion. They had learned that Ba Gua and Tai Chi worked best with their type of Bending: Tai Chi for water; Ba Gua for air. They even played around with their powers just for the heck of it. It was a great day for the both of them.
"That was fun," Aang said, reading her mind. Whether that was intentional or not, Katara wasn't sure.
She nodded. "It was. Who would have thought we would be granted these skills? They're pretty cool."
He nodded, holding his girlfriend close as he felt sleepiness creep into his relaxed body, and he could tell Katara was tired too. It was around noon, and practice had taken a lot out of them. Aang yawned and Katara followed suit. "Maybe we can take a little nap," he suggested, sinking into the couch with her. "We're meeting the others later. How does that sound?"
Katara rested her head on his chest for a pillow. "Hmhm," she said, halfway to Slumber Land. "Sounds good. Sleept tight, Aang." Then she was asleep before he could respond.
Aang chuckled quietly and closed his eyes. "Sleep tight," he murmured back before succumbing to darkness. Everything was peaceful; but in Katara's mind, everything was taking a dark turn.
Katara opened her eyes and looked around. She was in the dark forest, the Autumn air swirling around in an unpleasant way. She shivered and brought her coat closer to her body. What was happening? How did she get there? Where was everybody?
"Aang?" she called, her voice echoing in the gloom. She felt strangely cut off from the world. "Sokka? Toph? Zuko? Suki? Mai?" Katara waited; but nothing answered except for an owl hidden in the trees. Swallowing, the Waterbending girl turned in a circle.
It was then that a flash of light shown behind her back, making Katara freeze on the spot. Oddly though, nothing about it struck fear into her. It was more warm; almost kind like. When the glare died down enough to be tolerated, Katara turned around slowly. What she saw made her gasp in astonishment.
It was a blue and white glowing figure of a woman, with long hair, sad but loving eyes, and a perfect posture. But what struck the girl most were the lady's eyes. They were bluer than the rest of her.
"Hello, Katara," she said with fondness and love.
Katara started because she recognized the voice. Now she knew who it was. It was someone she hasn't seen for years, since she was a little girl. Feeling tears pool in her eyes, she whispered brokenly, "Mom."
The woman smiled. "Yes, dear," she said softly. "It's me." Katara smiled and ran towards her mother. But when she tried to hug her, her hands went through Kya's transparent body. The girl stepped back with a gasp, her hands freezing. Who knew ghosts were so cold? Kya looked at her daughter sadly. "I am sorry. I wish I could embrace you as well. But I do not have much time. The Great Spirits have sent me to give you a message."
"Message?" Katara asked. "What is it? Does it involve the Black Mamba?" She had so many questions to ask her mother, felt the need to voice her curiosity about the Afterlife.
But before she could do so, Kya said, "No, it doesn't. It has something to do with your friends, mainly Zuko and Toph. The Spirits wanted me to tell you that you and Aang are not the only ones with hidden talents."
Katara frowned. "What do you mean? What talents?"
It was then that Katara noticed how more transparent Kya had become. She was vanishing. Katara stared at the ghost in bewilderment. "Wait!" she called to her disappearing mother. "What talents? Please Mom, you can't leave!"
Kya gazed at her daughter. "You have grown so much. You remind me of Kanna when she was younger in her pictures. Before I leave, tell Sokka and Hakoda that I love them. And that I am proud of what you have accomplished. I love you, my little dolphin. Good luck." And Kya vanished, leaving a grief stricken Katara behind. It was like losing Kya all over again. It was not fair. Her mother didn't deserve to die! She was the sweetest thing in the world. And what did she mean by 'hidden talents'?
Katara wiped her eyes and thought about it. She had the feeling that it had something to do with Aang and her. Something they had discovered. The realization hit her like a rock. She knew what her mother meant! But her elation was short lived, for on the other side of the clearing came a scream. From a male's voice. Katara whirled around, and her blood turned cold.
On the other side were her friends inside a net, big enough to fit all of them. But the one who screamed wasn't in the net. Aang was tied to a tree, watching as his other friends died right where they were. Focusing, Katara could see a faint white vapor in the air, and knew it was poison. Tears streamed down her face as Toph tried to get out, but then the blind girl collapsed with a final breath.
"NOOOO!" Aang yelled in despair as thin traces of water fell from sad gray eyes. He had to look away, and it was then he saw Katara. He gasped and jerked at the ropes, but held him fast. "Katara!" he called. "You have to get out of here! It's a trap!" His wet eyes widened. "Look out! Behind-" A folded rag hit his mouth. Aang tried to break free, but the rag must have been poisoned because he stopped struggling after ten seconds and his eyes gave a glassy stare.
Then the same thing happened to Katara. A rag, which was a little damp, wrapped around her mouth when she had been about to cry out. She struggled, but arms wrapped around her, pinning her arms and forcing her to breathe the toxic. Her struggles became futile and she stopped as her breathing slowed and her heart thundered before slowing down too. The man dropped her, knowing she was done for, and she hit the ground with a thud. Katara, even through bleary eyes and the breathing mask on his face, knew it was Jet. She will never forget those dark, cold eyes. "Enjoy your sleep," he said softly. Then everything in her stopped, and darkness fell upon her forever.
Katara woke with a start, bolting upright, clammy with sweat. Her heart thundering, the girl looked around. She was in a living room; her living room. And that was when she remembered the training she and Aang had done, going into the living room, and falling asleep with Aang at her side, listening to music. Placing her hand on her rapid beating heart, Katara tried to calm down. But the dream replayed in her mind. From Kya's message to the destruction of her friends. She knew the message was real; it felt real.
Even though Katara was glad to see her mother again, it made the ache in her heart come alive again with the knowledge that Kya was gone. And watching Aang die was hard on her. This must have been what he felt when his nightmare occured to him. Speaking of which, that said boy stirred and groaned before opening his eyes slightly. Rubbing his head, he sat up and said, "I don't feel right. What happened?" He looked around before his eyes laded on his girlfriend, who was looking a little pale. He became concerned instantly. "What's wrong, Kat? Are you okay?" He pushed hair from her face to feel it.
Katara licked her lips before she said, "Yeah, I'm okay. Just a dream."
He held her hand. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked softly.
Katara thought about her answer carefully. She knew he knew something was wrong, but like him, Katara didn't want to worry Aang even more by telling him her nightmare. So she decided to tell him about seeing her mother, and relaying the message. "She had said 'hidden talents.' At first, I wasn't sure what she meant. But then I thought about her saying that me and you aren't the only ones with hidden talents. And I knew what she meant. Mom had meant-"
That was when the door opened and Sokka came in, looking frazzled and scared. He looked at the couple. "Help me!" he exclaimed while diving behind the armchair for cover, hands over his head, eyes shut tight. "He's coming after me!"
The couple stood up quickly. "Who?" Aang asked, suddenly on high alert. "Jet?"
Sokka peeked around the corner of the chair to stare at the kid like he was crazy. "No; Zuko! I played a little joke on him; now he wants revenge. And he did the freakiest thing I have ever seen. Something Katara did yesterday, only with fire!"
Aang looked bewildered. Giving his head a quick shake he then said, "Are you serious?"
Sokka nodded. It was then that a voice shouted, "GET OUT HERE, SOKKA! WE'RE NOT DONE YET!"
Aang and Katara whirled around to see Zuko through the open doorway, fuming. Quite literally, because his hands, balled into fists, were smoking. His hands were engulfed in flames.
WOOT WOOI! I'M ON FIRE! This was pretty awesome to create. I felt bad because Kya wasn't in the story, not really. So I brought her ghost in. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Here's a virtual cookie for the people reading and following the story (::) . Thanks everyone, and leave a comment. They help.