Greetings, avid readers!

I'd like to start with thanking all the reads, favs and follows in this story. Even if silent, your support means a lot. As for the ones that took their time to write a review, thank you as well!

I'm pulling double shifts for the next two weeks, so excuse me if my comments are rushed. I literally only remembered that today was posting chapter day because I have a pop-up alarm on my work computer. Otherwise, you'd be left to dry.

Allergies are gone, I still can't pull a note, and I'm exhausted. Currently obsessed (I never know how to spell this work, gomen!) with Ms. Ariana Cane's books, read all four of them in like 3 days, highly advise. Need to pick Naruto back up.

Dommie, thank you for your advice, I will try to keep that in mind for the next time! You'll get your Zutara content, calm down. You're just jelly you didn't think of that first! Gonna see The Pope's Exorcist tonight, I'll let you know if it's good.

Brain Fart, thaaanks~!

This is my first try at a Avatar fanfiction. Go easy on me. Reviews and flames are always welcomed, for they keep my cat and I warm at night.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar nor any of the characters. Such credit should go to Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. I do own a... certain amount of characters that will be recognized further into the story.

Thank you, and enjoy the chapter!

Chapter VII: The Journey

X—X

"Avatar Aang."

He bowed before the six elders, who remained sitting down. He took his place in front of them and waited. He brushed the naked forearm, shirt now rolled up to his elbow due to the lack of string to tighten it. Ahria had offered to give it back to him, but Aang had shaken his head. He wanted her to have it; as weird as it might sound, that way he knew she wouldn't forget him.

"We are yet to come to a definite decision in regard to the proposition you presented." Elder Shiro declared.

"We are afraid this is a rather complex matter, so we ask more time of you, to come to a final decision." another elder spoke up.

"Please do consider my proposal." Aang took a deep breath. "Perhaps... different voices would help your decision?"

"Different voices?"

"I can bring with me different people of different nations to testify for what I'm saying," he suggested. "Renowned people, leaders in different nations. If you'll allow me, that is."

"... it is an interesting approach." Elder Shiro commented. "Very well. You will leave, you will fetch those leaders, and you will return in two months' time."

"Thank you."

"Someone ought to accompany you. To bring you back." Elder Boqin spoke up. "And to ensure the safety of our location."

"That is perfectly acceptable."

"Li Mei will do the job perfectly."

"Li Mei is needed in the Tower, Boqin."

"Nian Zhen?"

"He is to leave in two days' time to his own businesses. He can hardly follow the Avatar around."

"Mako or Kai."

"Mako was assigned a new position on the school grounds. And Kai's son is due shortly."

"Who would you trust with the safety of the Avatar and our location then?"

"May I... make a suggestion?" Aang let out.

"Certainly, Avatar Aang."

"Ahria."

Silence took over the room, and Aang saw Li Mei lower her head from the corner of his eye. Elder Shiro seemed to consider it, but the rest of the elders simply looked at Elder Boqin, who glared at Aang. But the monk stood his ground, and eventually, the elder shook his head and sighed.

"Out of all the people that foolish girl could delude, she chose the Avatar."

"Ahria is hardly delusional. Quite the contrary, she seems to be one of the most down-to-earth people I've ever met." Aang spoke up. "The people trust her, they welcome her, they cherish her. I know not your predicament with her, but it is hardly fair from where I stand."

"You are right, Avatar Aang. You know not our predicament." Elder Boqin shook his head. "Li Mei. Fetch Ahria. Share with her the new task at hand. Make sure she tries not to weasel out of it."

"Certainly, Elder Boqin."

A few minutes passed, and it wasn't long before Ahria was entering the room with Li Mei, her head down and fisted hands. When she looked up and saw Aang smiling, she frowned and relaxed her shoulders. "Li Mei?"

"The Elders have news to share."

"The usual, then?"

"Not this time." Elder Shiro intervened. "Avatar Aang has suggested bringing with him people, leaders of the nations to provide us with clarity on the words he speaks. You are to accompany him, gather these leaders, and return in two months' time. Secrecy is expected, Rea."

"...okay?"

"Do you agree?"

"I mean... yeah."

"You were to leave tomorrow, correct?"

"Yes."

"You leave today with Avatar Aang." Elder Shiro smiled gently. "Be proud."

"... thank you, Elder Shiro. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't, Rea."

"I expect you to behave." Elder Boqin let out, and Aang saw Elder Shiro hiding a roll of his eyes.

Ahria turned to him, eyebrow raised. "I expected you to keep silent, as you always do whenever I'm summoned by the Elders. But not even a holy Elder can escape the need for a snide comment, I see."

"Ahria," he warned.

"I'm going to pack. Elders, thank you for having me. Elder Shiro, thank you for your kindness." she looked at Elder Boqin and huffed, turning away.

"Elders, I further thank you for your time and patience." Aang bowed. "I will be seeing you in two months."

"Safe travels, Avatar Aang." The elders blessed them, and the two left the room.

They walked back to old Mako's house to grab their belongings, and the old man said his goodbyes in a gruff matter, shoving a hand-carved wooden winged lemur. She smiled and took it gently, carefully stuffing it away in her bag. The young woman gave him a tight hug and sighed. Old Mako was quick to kick them out of the house, and Ahria went willingly, laughing.

They said goodbye to everyone, Tenna even left the classroom to say goodbye to the two, and Mako hugged her tight. After a few heartfelt goodbyes, they walked to the edge of the barrier, and Aang took a deep breath. Ahria smiled at him and nudged to the barrier, and he nodded. She raised her hands and pressed them to the barrier, creating a passage large enough for the two to pass.

They found themselves in the forest once more. A rustle was heard, and they both turned to see Katara emerge from the bushes, cheeks flared but a glare in her eyes. She smiled when she saw Aang, but raised an eyebrow at the presence of the young woman next to her. Aang was quick to pull Katara into his arms and press a kiss on her forehead.

"Hey, you." he smiled. "I hope I didn't take long."

"You took long enough. How was it?"

"Perfect. They live, Katara." he sighed. "My nation is still alive."

"Why are they still back there, then? Shouldn't they have followed you?"

"The Air Dome is ruled by six Elders. They make all the decisions for the people." she stepped forward. "They requested proof that the world is indeed changed."

"And that's why we're here. We need to get everyone and bring them back here so that they can be living proof that the world has changed." Aang explained.

"Everyone?"

"Sokka, Toph, Zuko and Suki."

"And her?"

"She's here to keep an eye on me and bring us back in two months. The Elders requested so."

"So we're traveling with her?" Katara raised an eyebrow.

"I'll be out of your hair, don't worry." she looked away.

"Did you find out-?"

"She's an airbender," Aang explained.

"...okay." Katara nodded. "What's your name? I don't want to be calling you fake-avatar all the time."

"...Rea."

"Rea. Shall we go then?"

"Yes!"

–X–

"So, who are we picking up first?" Katara looked at Aang.

"Well, since we're in the Earth Kingdom, Toph. I think Suki is still at the South Pole, right?" Aang frowned.

"Yeah, she is." the waterbender nodded, and looked back to see Ahria.

The young woman sat quietly behind them, twiddling with a little wooden toy. Her hair bounced behind her back, and her steps were almost silenced. As a matter of fact, the only sound Katara heard from her steps was on her left foot, which she tended to press down on the ground slightly harder than the right one. She was focused on the object in her hands, but Katara knew she was paying attention to the world around her.

"So, what was it like?"

"Amazing. So many airbenders all in one place. There was this tower, like in the temples where they taught the best airbenders, but there was also this school, where they taught all children, oh and the common grounds, where everyone could practice their bending skills! And there was a library, and a clinic, oh the clinic was amazing, and there was so much to see!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. She didn't cause you any trouble?"

"Ahria is not a bad person, Katara. She's kind and helpful and sweet. We did threaten her and came out as aggressive." he looked back at her. "She's definitely... something."

"I see."

She watched him while he looked at her. There was a strange glow in Aang's eyes, a glow not often times seen. A glow that, if she were being honest, she had only seen once – directed to herself. Her heart both broke and soared at the same time. She was sure he didn't even realize what it was, but it was there. And now, Katara had a decision to make.

"Are you hungry?"

"Yeah, we can stop to eat something." he nodded. "Ahria!"

"Yes?" she looked up at him.

"Come on, let's get something to eat."

She nodded, and the three were quick to find a little corner on the side of the road for them to settle and eat. Ahria sat with her legs folded below her and bowed her head when Katara presented her with her plate. They sat back and ate, but the waterbender couldn't help but watch her intensely. Remove the bravado cloak, and she was lithe, a gentle little thing. Still, she would keep caution.

"This is great, Katara. Thank you." Aang smiled brightly.

"You're welcome." she smiled.

"How are you liking it, Ahria?"

"...it's delicious." She admitted. "I know a few housewives that could learn a lot from you."

"Thanks..." she nodded.

"Just telling the truth." Ahria shrugged.

"So... were you born in the Air Dome?"

"Yeah."

"You don't seem like the kind of person that decided to stay."

"I'm not. I left for the first time when I was ten. Accompanying our merchant on his trips. Then, I got a taste of the world, and I left whenever I could. There was a time I ended up staying here for about a year, but I returned home as soon as I could."

"Why? Were you... trapped or something?" Aang frowned.

"I was... someplace that withheld me to... responsibilities." she gulped. "But when I got free, I returned home."

"The war has been over for years now. Why is the barrier still up?"

"Because the Elders refuse to take it down. Make no mistake, the people know the world has changed. That the war is over. But if the Elders don't recognize it, then it's as if we're still at war."

"Can't the people push? Have they no voice?"

"They do. And they speak amongst each other. A few tried, but the Elders cast them out, claiming they posed a threat to the safety of the Air Dome." Ahria licked her lips. "Trust me, we need someone strong to face the Elders. And Aang proved to be that person."

"I see." Katara nodded. "Well. Let's get everyone then."

A/N: Hope you liked the resolution! Don't ask me what is up with Boqin, stick around and you will find out. Keep in mind, I'll keep this story up or drop it depending on your feedback.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to review if you want, or if you don't, I hope you liked it!

First to review gets a cookie!

Lots of love from this weirdo,

LoneeWolf :)