Chapter 6: The Aftermath
Four months had passed since the attack. Aang drearily made his way up the cobblestone path to his home in the southern air temple. Katara had agreed to move here permanently after she found out she was pregnant with her first child. It was safe, and quiet, the perfect environment to raise children in.
His fears for Katara's safety were amplified by what happened to Mai, it was only a day after the attack that they found that the baby was no longer alive. All they could do was stand by to comfort their friends as they grieved. It was not something that Aang ever wanted to experience again.
Aang had decided to follow their friends back to the fire nation, so that he could help Zuko find any and all information about this new threat. Katara stayed behind to transition their lives to the Southern air temple.
Not two months later Katara had found out about the pregnancy, she happily notified Aang by messanger hawk. As soon as he found out about Katara's pregnancy he sent for Sokka, Suki and Toph to come help in the aide of the firelord and his wife. They came within a few weeks and took over the search for information. Nearly every lead that they had come up with was quickly exhausted, but Aang had complete confidence in the fact that his dear friends would search just as thoroughly as he had been for the firelords attacker. Aang explained to Zuko that he needed to be with and care for his wife at this time but he would soon return. Zuko understood completely, and frankly the pain of seeing the wonder on the face of his friend upon discovering their good news was too much for him to handle. This would be the best for all involved.
The weight of a world that still needed to be united and the problems of his friend were enough to severely impact the happiness of the young avatar. He felt that his place should be with his wife during this time, but there were so many people in the different kingdoms that needed his advice, his help, to squash old prejudices and reunite their lands. However, as he returned to his home after four long months away, he attempted to hide these thoughts.
Aang found his wife in their bedroom rocking in the chair that her father had promptly made and sent over upon finding out about the impending birth of his first grandchild. She was reading and humming softly to herself, her hand resting on her belly that was just showing the signs of new life forming. He smiled to himself as he regarded her. The pregnancy had brought an extra pinkness to her skin tone. She looked so vibrant and full of life.
She gawked up at him, completely astonished, "Aang! I can't believe you're here, from your last letter I wasn't expecting you for a while longer."
He laughed heartily, "well don't I get a hello kiss? A hug at least?"
"Of course," she said jumping up and pulling him into her embrace, "you just startled me is all. I can't believe you're home! This is so wonderful. Does this mean there was a change in the fire nation? Did you catch them?"
Aang's countenance changed and he sighed heavily as he responded, "Not at all. They are still experiencing numerous reports of petty crime committed between earth and firebenders in the area. The trail for Zuko's attackers has gone completely cold. I just...I never dreamed it would be so hard to get everyone to get along. How thick can people be?"
Katara felt her heart sink, "Aang you know you can leave here if you need to. I'm perfectly capable of-"
"Katara we are not discussing this," he said with no mere hint of his frustration, "my place is here with you. You are carrying our baby and I have to protect you. Don't you remember the attack on Mai? That could be you. There are just as many people if not more that would love to wipe out the avatar's children as well.""Aang...I...I'm glad you're here. But, eventually you'll have to go back to your duties. I want to stay here and raise our children. I want you here as much as you can be as well, but for now you have to trust me that I will be able to protect them when you're not. I'm still capable."
"And you think Mai wasn't capable? You think Zuko wasn't capable? Tell me, if I leave, who will protect you Katara?" he said, laying a hand on her swollen belly.
"Fine," she said, scowling at her stubborn husband, "you win, but just know that I would rather die than let something happen to this baby. I-"
Aang narrowed his eyes, "I don't want to hear that."
"Fine! Fine," she said, throwing her hands up in exasperation, "damnit, Aang. I'm not some invalid. You've been gone for months and I've been fine."
"We're done with this conversation, this is my place. I'm not doing any good out there. I've let everyone else down, I-I won't let you down too," he said as a silent tear slid down his face. He gruffly wiped it and turned to stare out of the open window.
Her eyes widened and her face softened. She went to put a hand on his shoulder, "is that what this is about?"
"Nothing's changed you know. It seems that no matter what I do I'm too late. I was too late to see the obvious traps in front of us on the day of black sun. I was too late to save Zuko's child. I won't let it happen to you, not to us." His eyes pleaded with her for understanding. For the words that he wasn't able to fully say to pass between them.
"I don't believe that, Aang. You defeated the firelord. You'll find these perpetrators. You'll bring peace to the world. It doesn't happen overnight…"
"Just understand that I need to be here. I'll go back, they'll send word if anything changes and I will go if I need to. I want to experience this with you."
She nodded and drew him into a hug once more, "I really am glad you're back, sweetie. I've missed you."
"I've missed you too."