Authors Note: Inspiration music: Superman, Five for Fighting.
Katara held her sleeping daughter in her arms as she looked out over the beautiful expanses of mountains that made up the scenery of her home. She looked down and wondered at the life that she had created, barely 4 months old. Wondered at the time she had, the possibilities that awaited this little one. You're going to love it here, she thought. She only wanted the world for her. People always say it, you love your husband, but you love your children. You never understand it until you're there, she supposed.
The wind funneled through the mountains and made the whistling sound that she now found so comforting. She put Kya in her crib and kissed her forehead before quietly leaving the room.
She heard the door to their home slam shut and saw Aang appear before her. He was slumped over and his eyes creased with worry.
"Aang!" she exclaimed as she ran over to him, took his staff and helped him to a chair, "what's happened? What's the matter?"
He slumped in the chair and airbended a glass of water from their kitchen over to himself. "There's been another attack on Mai's life. It's as if they're targeting her to get at him. Zuko is irate...I've just received word, Suki sent one of the Kyoshi warriors...oh! Katara we need to prepare a room for her to stay the night."
"I'll take care of it. You just relax for a minute."
"No you don't understand Katara, I was only coming to tell you, I'll need to leave immediately. Sokka believes that he's found a trail. He believes a group of rebel water and earth benders have teamed up to assassinate the firelord's family, the problem is that they want to be found. They're gaining momentum. I have to go intercede. I just don't want...I don't want to leave you here unprotected."
"Aang are you sure? This seems so...so crazy. And don't worry about me. We've discussed this...Kya and I will go to the southern water tribe. We'll stay with father for a bit."
"I don't want to uproot my family for this ignorance. I don't want to have to leave at all. Who knows how long this will take, and to leave you and Kya here. She'll...she'll forget who I am."
"Aang, that's not true," she said as she rushed and knelled in front of his chair, her hands on his knees, "Kya will know that her father is the avatar, she will know and understand who you are and how important you are to the world...and," she said seeing that her husband remained unconvinced, "you'll come back often won't you?"
"Katara, I don't know. Of course I'll try, believe me if things weren't so unstable I'd bring you and Kya with me. I don't know what I'll do without your advice, but I just have no idea how advanced this is." He sighed and she could see the weight of his decision bare down on him. Katara knew him well, saw the devotion that he had to his daughter every time he looked at her, felt the love for her every time they kissed, touched or made love. She knew this wasn't what he wanted, and she knew expressing how sad the thought of him leaving made her would not help either of them.
"Sweetie," she said pulling him up and into a hug, "I know, I know you wouldn't stay away unless you have to. We knew this would happen eventually. We'll be fine, really we will. But Aang...I'll miss you." And she buried her head in his chest while trying to control the tears she could feel coming. She couldn't help one though and they both watched it drop to the floor.
He pulled her face up to look at him and quickly memorized her features. He softly kissed her lips with much emotion. He didn't want to part from her, and for the first time in many years he wished that it had been another airbender to pick the avatars four toys.
"Okay Katara," he said as he parted from her, "I'm packed, I'll take Appa now and head out. Suki's warrior will take you to your father in one of Zuko's balloons. Hopefully I'll be able to spare Toph or Suki to follow you there. Take care of our little waterbender for me," he smiled.
"Aang, we have no idea if she's a waterbender yet."
"Oh she is. She couldn't be any more like you if she tried...I love you both and I'll be home as soon as I can."
He kissed her cheek, grabbed his staff and headed out the door.
The emptiness was palpable as soon as the door closed behind him, she hugged herself instinctively and went in search of the Kyoshi warrior. If nothing else she was selfless. She made sure that the young girl had plenty to eat and drink and was a flawless hostess. Just keep busy. Just keep busy. Just keep busy. This was her mantra for many weeks to follow.