Nearly everything was packed and ready to go. Zukko had sent a balloon for them as well, flown by Sukki which put Sokka in the best of spirits.
"Come ON guys," Sokka yelled to Katara who was running around trying to double check for forgotten items, "it's not like we can't ever come back."

"I can't find Aang," she called.

"What? Oh perfect," said Sokka rubbing his hand over his face. "Toph can you help her look for him? There's only so many places he could be. Right? I'm going to finish loading these bags up and- hey! Is anyone watching Kya?"

"I've got her," said Suki who was happily holding little Kya.

Sokka felt a pang of guilt as he saw them together, but immediately shook his head, he had much more important things to think about, Sukki knew that and didn't push him. Still...he felt that he was holding her back from what she wanted.

"Hey, you look like you actually know what you're doing," he said softly putting his arm around her.

"Haha, yea I've had my fair share of time with little ones," she said, completely missing Sokka's mood.

He felt better that the the same thoughts didn't even cross her mind and joined her in playing with his niece.

Katara found Aang much in the same manner as she did the night he announced their surprise trip to the southern water tribe. Eyes closed, listening to the breeze. She noticed his same youthful appearance, maybe marked by a little more tone in his body, and a few more little creases by his eyes. She knew him better than anyone and right now she knew he was hurting.

Just as she realized this she also noticed a small tear escape from the corner of his eye and fall to the ground. She dropped to her knees in front of him, put her hand on his shoulder and lifted his chin to look at her. "Aang?" she said softly.

He blinked his grey eyes at her and managed a small smile. "It's nothing, sweetie. Don't worry about it."

"Aang you know you're not getting off that easy," she said smiling back at him.

He sighed exasperated.

"Fine. I wasn't going to say anything. I didn't even think it was an issue for me."

"Aang! What was an issue," Katara laughed.

"Leaving this place," he said sadly, putting a hand on the stone column next to him. "This place is all that's left of my culture. And if we leave here, it's almost like i'm leaving part of myself. I've never had a problem with doing what I need to do as the avatar, but this one part, this part is the hardest thing I've ever done"

"You know that's not true. You are all that's left of your culture, and your children. And whoever else you touch. Remember the air acolytes?"

He nodded.

"They're building them an entire space on the island so that you can teach them about air nomad culture. Sokka was telling me this, and it was supposed to be a surprise for you...but I think you need to know. You will never lose your culture, or the people you loved, because you carry them with you. That's part of what makes you so strong Aang, your ability to love combined with your inability to let that love go. So while I know you're beating yourself up over this, just know it's why I love you." She took his head between her hands and looked at him as if to impress upon him just how much she meant her words.

He still felt as if he was leaving a huge part of himself behind, but he knew that Katara was right.
"Thanks, I know that, and it isn't as if we can't come back and visit," he said, again managing a smile for her.

"Exactly."

He put his hand softly on her stomach. She looked down and saw his tattoo, all of her repressed feelings of guilt came surging forward. "please little one. You have to be an airbender, like your daddy. Someday you can wear these tattoo's as well."
She tried to hide this feeling and covered Aangs hand with her own, smiling back at him.

"Well are you ready to do this Lady Katara," he asked, a gleam in his eyes.

She nodded.

"Okay, well I'm going to find Kya and we'll get under way."

"Oh-okay Aang. I'll just get these last few things together," she said.

"Alright see you in a second," he said waving and running out of the room.

His mood changes so quickly. She chuckled to looking down at the tiny bump protruding from her abdomen she pleaded once more.

She finished packing the last few of the belongings and headed out to the rest of her family.

"Come ON Katara," called Sokka, who was being climbed on by Kya, "We've got to get going, also...can you help me?"

She smiled and took Kya from him.

"Alright Kya give Uncle Sokka a break," she said.

Aang stepped behind Katara and made faces as his daughter who laughed with glee.

"Okay everyone," he said, "Sokka has packed everything well. Katara, Toph, Kya and I will leave on Appa and get there in two days. Sokka, you and Sukki can take the balloon. Hopefully you'll only be a day behind us. Zukko will be meeting us there, Mai of course will be at home. If there are any problems use the messenger hawks that he provided us with. And...well I think that's it. Anything to add Sokka?"

"Only that there is still unrest in some parts of the fire nation that we are flying over. We should be fine. Just keep your eyes open."

"Don't worry I can take first watch," said Toph laughing.

They all gave hugs and were off in mere minutes.

Nightfall came and Aang was up alone with Appa. He turned to look at his family behind him and smiled at their sleeping forms. He was happy with the thought that Katara's vision from so many years ago was going to come true. A truly harmonious world, the four nations, living together.

"I love you, forever girl," he said softly.