I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender

CHAPTER 9

Still trapped in the vehicle with her stalker on the phone, Katara's anger morphed into anxiety "Why are you doing this to me?… I don't even know you!"

From the corner of her eye, she noticed Aang returning to the SUV.

"Oh, but you do." The voice continued with a chilling amalgamation of static and monotone. "But just in case you don't, allow me to pique your memory, "Katty."

In an instant, Katara felt her heart plummet, and everything closed in around her. There was no mistaking it; only one person ever used that name for her—the last person she ever wanted to hear from again. The mere thought of him lurking around, watching her, made her blood run cold.

No! No, no…it can't be!" She started to hyperventilate; her palms slick with sweat as panic seized her. The world around her blurred into insignificance, and she started to cry and scream. This isn't real, you're not here," she repeated over and over again.

The voice laughed maniacally, the automated sound eerily filling the air. "We'll keep in touch, sweet face."

Meanwhile, Aang reached the vehicle and knocked on the door for Katara to open. When he got no response, he cupped his hands around his face and leaned closer to the tinted glass to peer inside.

He saw her on the phone, with tears streaming down her face. "Katara! Open up!" he shouted, pounding on the window, but she didn't respond. The phone slipped from her hands, and she screamed, clutching her head, her eyes darting around wildly.

Aang hit the window harder and tried the door handle, but it wouldn't budge. He quickly pulled out his wallet, extracting his credit card. Using the edge of the card, he attempted several times to jimmy the lock. "Katara! Can you hear me? Open the door!" he shouted, still pounding on the window. The paparazzi started to close in, cameras flashing. "Nothing to see here!" Aang growled, scattering most of them.

Frustrated that the card didn't work, he shoved it back into his wallet in a haste. He spared another look in the vehicle the same way he had done before and saw something that made him gasp. Katara was slumped forward in the seat and passed out.

Feeling a surge of panic, Aang's mind raced. He knew he had to act fast to reach her. He circled the vehicle, his eyes scanning every inch for a potential entry point. And then, as if by some stroke of luck, he noticed it— a small crease in the window, barely visible against the glass.

Adrenaline pumping, he thought quickly of another way to pry the door open. After a few seconds, he leaned down and reached for one of his shoes, swiftly untying the shoelace. He pulled it taut, inspecting it for any signs of wear. With urgency, he tied a knot at one end, creating a makeshift loop.

"Katara, can you hear me?!" he called out again, his voice cracking with emotion. But there was no response, just silence.

Only silence.

He hurried back to the driver's side door, his fingers trembling as he pressed the looped end of the shoelace into the crack in the window.

"Please, Katara," he whispered as he worked. "Hang in there."

The lace slid through the gap, disappearing into the darkness of the SUV's interior. Aang guided it along until it reached the lock mechanism. With each tug and pull, he focused all his energy on the task, willing the lock to budge.

"Come on," he muttered, his heart pounding as he continued to tug at the lock. "Work!" A string of curses escaped his mouth as his frustration built up.

For a heart-stopping moment, he held his breath, willing the lock to give way. Then, finally, he heard it—the subtle click of the lock disengaging. Aang barely had time to catch his breath as he swung the door open and rushed inside.

Toph lounged on the plush couch, legs crossed, fingers deftly maneuvering the controller as she dominated another round of her favorite video game. Explosions and victorious cheers echoed through the room as she pumped her fist in the air.

Kuzon sighed in defeat, tossing his controller onto the coffee table with a defeated thud. "I give up. There's no way I can compete with you."

Toph chuckled, setting aside her controller and turning toward him. "Come on, man, don't be such a sore loser. It's just a game."

The young man couldn't help but smile despite his frustration. "Easy for you to say. You're the one who's been wiping the floor with me all night."

Toph shrugged. "What can I say? I've got skills."

Kuzon leaned back against the couch, shaking his head. His amber eyes casually drifted towards her. "You've got more than just skills, Toph." He almost wanted to smack himself for his loose tongue.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Toph asked, arching an eyebrow.

Kuzon hesitated briefly, trying to come off as casual as he could. "It means... you're impressive. Also, not many girls would be into this kind of stuff."

Toph's cheeks tinted with a faint blush. Uh... thanks, I guess."

After awhile of tense silence, Kuzon cleared his throat, trying to shake off the awkwardness. "So, uh...pivoting, how about we order some pizza? My treat."

"Sounds good," Toph replied casually.

If there was ever a place where Toph felt she could truly be herself, it was at Kuzon's, another one of her best friends. They had known each other since kindergarten, even longer than she had known Katara. The two were inseparable, bonding over their shared love of video games. Today was no different, as she was savoring one of the rare moments she had to herself.

She still hadn't talked to her parents since they suggested arranging someone for her. She just couldn't get used to their relentless efforts to control her love life. In fact, she was hiding out in one of the empty maid's quarters to avoid them altogether.

Meanwhile, her mother's illness loomed over her. Each day seemed to bring new signs of her decline—the pallor of her skin, the weakness in her movements. It was a painful reminder of how the cancer was ravaging her, draining her a little more each day. Toph fought back a tear, quickly brushing it away. She knew she had to be strong, not just for herself but for her mother.

But if she was honest with herself, she felt a bit guilty. Should she just try to make her mom happy by agreeing to their plan? She hated the idea of settling. Starting a relationship with someone had never even crossed her mind, much less marrying a total stranger and being stuck with them for life. She hadn't told any of her friends about her dilemma as yet. Katara had too much on her plate, and Suki and her were not so close.

"Hey Toph?" Kuzon shook her shoulders. "You good?"

"Keep shaking me like that, dude, and you'll find out what 'not good' really means," Toph said huffing.

Kuzon was unfazed by her words. "What's on your mind, Toph?" he knew when she was quiet, something was bothering her.

Toph inhaled deeply, groaning inwardly at the way her best friend could read her. "It's about my parents. They've been on my case lately about... about finding someone to settle down with."

Kuzon's eyebrows shot up in surprise, trying to process what she said. "Wait, you mean like... getting married?"

Toph nodded. "They've been on and on about it for some while now. "They even have someone lined up."

Kuzon felt a slight pang of jealousy at hearing this, but he stamped it down quickly. His best friend needed him right now. "Why don't you just move out?"

Toph clicked her tongue "It's not that easy Kuz. You know about my mom's condition and how I can't just up and leave. If I were to guess, it's my dad that suggested this crap in the first place."

"Hmm, that's messed up. Sometimes I'm glad my folks aren't here all the time to tell me what to do."

Despite the immense wealth of his parents and being their only child, Kuzon practically grew up without his parents. From infancy, he was surrounded by a revolving door of nannies catering to his needs, while his parents jetted off on countless business trips. When he was younger, he resented his parents for it. Now, residing in a lavish glass mansion overlooking the ocean—a property acquired by his affluent parents— he felt free.

"Yeah, yeah not everyone gets to grow up with parents who let them run loose, No offense by the way." Toph mumbled. She didn't know why the matter was getting her so irritated.

"Oh, none taken." Kuzon felt bad for the way Toph was being treated. She was independent, a trait that he grew to like her for. He tried to think of a way to lighten her mood. Then an idea struck him. "Well, if your parents are playing cupid, why not turn the tables?

"What do you have in mind? Toph asked curiously while placing her feet on the couch.

"Alright, just tell them you will agree to settle down if you get to choose the person. Then… uh" Kuzon was sweating a little. The last thing he wanted to do was piss Toph off. "Then you give them a taste of their own medicine."

You're still not being straight with me, Kuz. You have 10 seconds to tell me what you're getting at," Toph demanded.

"Ok, it's stupid ok. but what if you had someone pretend to date you just to get your parents off your back?"

Toph stood dumbfounded for a moment, then delivered a hard punch to his arm. "You're absolutely right, that's the stupidest plan I've ever heard."

Kuzon deflated immediately and regretted bringing it up. "Look I'm sorry I.."

—"But it might work." Toph interjected quietly.

"Say what?" Kuzon let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He didn't think she would actually go with it. "You know I was just kidding right?"

"So, what do you say?" Toph asked, ignoring his question.

Kuzon had just taken a sip of his iced tea which sprayed out over the cushions; her suggestion completely caught him off guard.

"Me?"

"Well yeah, I mean you're rich so that shouldn't be a problem with my parents. And you're my best friend, I trust you."

Deep down, Kuzon didn't mind doing something like this for Toph. But he didn't want his heart to be toyed with. Pretending to be her boyfriend was no small task, especially with the lingering feelings he still had for her—feelings he had long tried to bury. Most of his friends knew he had a crush on her.

But he knew she needed this. So if she trusted him, he would do it for her.

"Look just forget…" Toph started, only to be cut off.

"Ok I'm in." He said laughing while Toph rolled her eyes.

"For a minute there, I thought I was gonna have to kill you for having me put myself out there and be shut down by you," she admonished. "But seriously, I owe you one."

"Don't sweat it Toph." He said casually. Although deep down, his heart was skipping a beat at the idea of being known as more than her friend.

But don't think for one moment there won't be ground rules," she warned, pointing a finger toward where she thought he was, accidentally poking the side of his face.

Kuzon laughed lightly, catching her hands in his "I expected as much."

Finally, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of their pizza.

"So, up for another round?" Kuzon inquired once they finished eating and the maid had tidied up their space.

Before Toph could respond, she was getting a call. From the sound of the ringtone, she knew it was from Katara.

"Hey, I have to take this, don't start back without me." She cautioned him.

"Sure thing." He said while scrolling through his phone.

"Hey SugarQueen sup?—why are you answering her phone?—what happened?—ok on my way."

"I have to go," she said urgently, scrambling for her things. "It's Katara. Something's happened, and I need to get to the hospital."

Kuzon's eyes widened in concern as he watched her reaction. "What happened? Is she okay?"

Toph shook her head, "I don't know. Her bodyguard called and said she was in the emergency room. I have to go see what's going on."

Without waiting for a response, Toph grabbed her keys from the table and dashed toward the door, her bodyguard close behind her.

"Toph, wait!" Kuzon called after her, "Let me come with you."

She shook her head, "I have to go alone, Kuz. I'll call you as soon as I know what's going on."

With that, she and her bodyguard rushed out the door toward her parked Porsche, jumped in, and sped off.

Kat, I checked with the lawyer," Kya's voice rang out. "It's true that Jet has been released on good behaviour. After serving only a year, he was let out on the condition that he relocate to another country."

Katara felt the color drain from her face, her heart pounding in her ears. Jet, the man who had terrorized her for years, was once again a free man. The memory of his violent outbursts, the bruises that had marred her skin, flooded her mind, and she shuddered involuntarily.

"How is that possible?" she whispered, her grip on the phone tightening. "He was good in no way. He made my life a living hell. Now he kisses their ass and they let him go?"

"Katara," her mother interjected gently.

"His lawyers must have found a loophole, some way to manipulate the system," Katara continued, her voice trembling with anger and disbelief. "They probably argued that his behavior in prison showed signs of rehabilitation, convincing the authorities to grant him early release. But what about my safety? What about justice?"

Her mother sighed sympathetically. "I know, sweetheart. It's frustrating and unfair. But we'll figure this out. We'll take extra precautions to keep you safe, and we won't let him get away with anything this time. Besides, we don't know for sure if it's really him."

"But mom… I'm telling you it was him. That name he called me; it was our thing."

"I hope that was just a coincidence, Kat."

Kya sighed, running her hands through her hair. She had been pacing for the last two hours. When she heard that her daughter had been rushed to the hospital, she fainted and had to be tended to by the family doctor. She was still reeling from the news that Jet had been released six months ago, even more so from the fact that they were the last to know. She sank into the chair, the officer's words echoing in her mind:

"Legally, our hands were tied. The parole board made their decision based on Jet's conduct in prison, not his past actions."

"Legal complexities? My daughter's safety is at stake here! How could you keep such crucial information from us? she had demanded quite harshly. To which the officer apologized and informed her that he was not working on the case at the time.

To say Kya was enraged was a gross understatement. She had to take a few breaths to calm herself down. She realized a lot of parties were to blame for how the situation was handled; their lawyer being one of them. She would get to the bottom of it, one way or the other. For now, she needed to be strong for her daughter.

"I don't know if I can do this, Mom," Katara admitted, her voice trembling. "I thought I was finally free of him, and now..."

"Shh, darling, it's going to be alright," her mother soothed. "Aang is a highly trained professional. He'll keep you safe, I promise. Just focus on your music and leave the rest to us."

Katara nodded, even though her mother couldn't see her. "Okay, I'll try. I love you."

"I love you too, sweetie. Stay strong, and remember, you're not alone in this. Are you sure you don't want me to come there?"

"No Mom, I'm being discharged just now anyway, I'll be fine."

"Okay, I need to have a chat with your bodyguard once he gets you home. Tell him to video call me."

Katara's heart skipped a beat at her mother's request. "Um…why do you need to speak with him?" She asked fidgeting with the hem of her gown.

"I just need to update him about the situation with Jet. He needs to have the full information in order to do his job."

Katara wasn't exactly thrilled at the thought of her mom discussing her ex-boyfriend with Aang without her having the chance to talk to him first. She felt she owed him that courtesy. After all, Aang wasn't just her bodyguard; he was now her boyfriend. My boyfriend. The thought of it seemed unreal and she had to pinch herself a few times for it to sink in, but she was relishing in the feeling of it all.

She knew her mother had a knack for reading people and picking up on subtleties, and she intended to keep their relationship under wraps for now. So no, she didn't like the idea of the two of them talking when the topic was about her.

She couldn't recall much after the incident. But when she woke up, Aang was there, slumped in a chair beside her bed, sleeping with one of his hands holding hers. As soon as she moved, he woke up with a start and embraced her tightly, not intending to leave her side. Moments ago, he had stepped out briefly to call Toph and fetch her lunch; he couldn't bear the thought of her enduring the hospital's dismal fare.

Katara was touched by his caring gesture, momentarily forgetting what had led her to the hospital bed in the first place. She had been in such shock after the call that her blood pressure plummeted, rendering her unconscious.

"Sweetie, you there?" Kya prompted, breaking the silence.

Katara sighed, "Mom, I'll talk to him. It's only right that I do it. I'm the one went through everything thing that happened so he should hear it from me."

"But won't it be traumatizing to relive it? I still need to speak with him anyway. Your father and I want to have a briefing with him about increasing security and taking measures so that nothing like this happens a—"

"How is this his fault?" Katara interjected, her tone heated. "None of us have control over the messages and calls I've been receiving. And please Mom, I already have enough on my plate right now. I don't need more security; my bodyguard is more than capable."

"Katara, it's not about assigning blame. We're just worried, especially after what happened. Certain additional measures have to be put in place.

Katara took a deep breath. "I know, Mom. And I appreciate that. "But please understand, I need some time to tell Aa…my bodyguard about the entire situation. And while I'm willing to make some adjustments, I'm not prepared to overhaul my entire life. Once I've spoken with him, I'll allow him to talk to you, but please be gentle with him. He's done everything in his power to ensure I'm safe."

Kya sensed the gravity in Katara's tone as she vouched for her bodyguard, but she brushed it aside. "Alright, Katara. I'll respect your wishes. But promise me you'll keep me updated. I can't help but worry."

"I will mom, love you. Bye."

Katara ended the call, her hand shaking as she placed the phone on the bed. She took a deep, steadying breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. Jet was out there, free and likely plotting his revenge. The thought of him finding her, of him hurting her again, she closed her eyes and try to let sleep take her.

"How are you feeling, princess?"

Katara managed a weak smile, still groggy from sleep. "Better now, you've spoiled me." she teased, a subtle blush on her cheeks as her gaze fixed on Aang's concerned grey eyes.

She had just woken up and was lying on her side in bed. Aang sat in a chair beside her, gently rubbing her cheeks with his thumb. She was still connected to a saline machine, with tubes delivering the crucial fluid into her veins. They were waiting for a nurse to check her vitals and discharge her.

Aang's lips curved into a small smile, though his eyes stayed clouded with worry. "You had me worried there," he confessed, gently brushing a strand of hair out of her face with such tenderness, Katara shivered slightly.

"I'm sorry," she murmured. "I didn't mean to scare you."

Aang shook his head, his gaze locked on hers. "It's not your fault. I should've never left the vehicle," he muttered. "It was my job to protect you, and I failed."

Katara couldn't believe that after everything he had done to get her to the hospital, he was still blaming himself. She reached out and firmly grasped his arm. "Aang, listen to me," she implored. "Blaming yourself won't change what happened; you couldn't have predicted any of this.

Besides, you got me here safe and I'm here now, with you." She gently caressed his face, her fingers tracing the sharp lines of his jaw and the gentle curve of his cheekbones, lingering on the corners of his lips. Aang closed his eyes and leaned into her touch.

"And I'm grateful for that," he replied, his voice low and hoarse. "I don't know what I would do without you, Katara."

Katara blushed furiously, her entire body heating up at Aang's confession. He was so caring and attentive, always knowing what to say. "I'm not going anywhere, my love," she said, intertwining her fingers with his.

Aang blushed and Katara planted a chaste kiss to his lips.

"I'm starving." Katara admitted after awhile.

Aang chuckled. "You sound like someone."

"How dare you compare my appetite to my brother!" she mock gasped, feigning hurt "his stomach is like the bottomless pit."

Aang laughed and got up from his place in the chair to retrieve the food for her. "I got this from the same restaurant we were supposed to go at today. He made your exact request, sea prunes."

Katara's eyes widened and her mouth watered. She hadn't eaten her favorite food in a long time so she was ready to dig in. "Do you want any?" she asked while opening the cover and taking in the smell.

"Na, I'll pass. I tasted it one time and it's not for me." Katara rolled her eyes. "No offense Tara."

"She stuck her tongue out at him and continue to savor her food. "But did you grab something to eat? I might be here awhile."

"Yea I ordered my favorite, Tofu stir-fry and fresh vegetables with rice and a fruit tart. I saved a tart for you too." he replied, handing her the wrapped morsel.

"You're too kind." she smiled at him.

He shrugged.

Aang sat and watched her eat. He couldn't shake the fear that gripped him when he found Katara slumped forward and unresponsive in the vehicle. It felt like a cruel echo of his past trauma with his mom. He still didn't know what caused her to faint, but he didn't want to pressure her into sharing details. Without hesitation, Aang gently placed her head in his lap and drove straight to the hospital, tears welling in his eyes. His only focus was on her well-being. Sitting beside her bed, he waited anxiously, hoping and praying she would wake up soon.

"Are Toph and my brother here yet?" she asked, pulling him from his thoughts. She had finished eating and was readjusting herself to lie back down on the bed.

"Not yet. Last I heard, they were stuck in traffic," Aang replied.

"Can you lie next to me?" she asked timidly.

Though the idea sounded appealing, he hesitated. "Katara, what if someone sees us?" he asked, rubbing his neck.

"I don't care, Aang. I need the comfort of my boyfriend right now. Besides, this is a private room. No one would be able to just show up without my permission."

Unable to argue with her, especially when she looked at him with those pleading blue eyes, he relented with a chuckle "Alright, you've convinced me."

"You just can't resist me." She said with a triumphant smirk.

With a wide grin, he casually removed his suit jacket and gently placed it on the chair. Katara scooted over to make room for him. He smoothly slid onto the bed, leaning back against the headboard in a semi-reclined position. Without hesitation, Katara curled into him, wrapping her arms around his chest. One of Aang's arms cradled her head and shoulders, his fingers playing with her soft hair, while his other hand intertwined with hers on his chest.

After a while of staring at the ceiling, she shifted in his embrace and turned to face him directly. Aang's gaze met her oceanic eyes, and in that moment, all self-restraint on his part flew out the window. His eyes wandered to her perfectly shaped lips, and he leaned in unconsciously closing the distance between them. The kiss began softly and slowly, their lips moving together.

Then it became more intense as Katara's hand slid around Aang's neck, pulling him closer, while his grip firm yet tender, guided her hips closer to him. His other hand roamed upwards, fingers weaving through her hair as their kiss deepened. Katara parted her lips, welcoming him, their tongues exploring every inch of each other. She let out a soft gasp when Aang's lips trailed down to her jawline, planting delicate kisses and nips there, before moving lower to her neck for a few tender kisses. Then, he returned to her lips, gently tugging her bottom lip with his own before capturing it once more in a fervent kiss.

After a few moments, they parted slowly, their foreheads still touching, both flushed and smiling.

"How are you so good at this?" Katara asked, still a little breathless.

"You bring out the best in me." He whispered in her ears.

Katara felt warmth spread through her at his words. She hid her face in her hands, failing miserably to conceal the deep blush creeping onto her cheeks.

She repositioned herself back in his arms, reluctant to let go of him. Katara could feel herself falling deeper for him, she knew it was fast, but she couldn't control her heart. Those four words, "I love you," terrified her. She had once confessed them to Jet, only to have her feelings dismissed by the ways he treated her. Closing her eyes, she couldn't hold back the tears.

"Katara?" Aang asked, after feeling something was off.

"Hmm?" she sniffed quietly, trying to wipe her tears away.

Aang rubbed her cheeks and felt it was wet. He immediately drew back from her, fearing he did something he shouldn't have. "Are you crying Katara?" he asked, sitting up straighter to get a better look at her face.

Katara sat up, leaning against the headboard, staring straight ahead. She hugged her knees to her chest, a posture Aang had come to recognize as a sign of her distress.

"Did I do something wrong?" Aang asked cautiously.

Katara shook her head. "No, no, it's not you... I just..." Her voice trailed off.

"You know you can tell me anything, right?" Aang said, turning slightly to look at her. Her eyes were sad and downcast, and it tore at him to see her like that.

He pulled her into a hug, and as soon as her face touched his shirt, she let out a sob, her shoulders heaving as she cried. Aang's heart ached to see her in such pain. He had never seen her break down like this before, but he gently rubbed her back, letting her release her emotions.

"Shh, it's okay." He cooed, trying his best to comfort her.

After a few minutes, her shoulders relaxed and her breathing slowed. She was still clung to him, not saying a word, and for a moment Aang thought she had fallen asleep.

"Aang, I need to tell you about Jet… my ex-boyfriend," Katara said quietly, her voice hoarse from crying.

Katara lifted herself off his shoulders, her eyes red. She leaned against him, and he held her hands, giving them a reassuring squeeze.

Jet. He'd heard that name before from Sokka and it wasn't flattering. Sokka's descriptions painted him as obsessive and creepy, leaving Aang uneasy whenever the name came up. What he didn't know until now, was that Jet was actually Katara's ex, though he had his suspicions.

"I'm listening Katara," he said softly, "Take your time."

She nodded. "He was… charming at first, you know? Charismatic, confident… he swept me off my feet," Katara continued, her voice tinged with sadness.

"But it didn't take long for things to change. He started getting possessive, and controlling… he didn't like it when I spent time with anyone else, especially my friends and even my own family. The possessive behavior started out so small, that I didn't notice at first. He would invite himself to my girl's night out and hold onto me more tightly when I spoke with any of my male friends or colleagues. I also heard rumors that he cheated on me with multiple women and when I confronted him about it, he would accuse me of sleeping around."

She felt Aang's muscles tense beneath her touch, silently indicating his growing anger at her words.

"The first time he hit me, I was so shocked that I stood dumbfounded and refused to believe that he would do it again. After his apology, I forgot about it and brushed it off. Then he did it again, and again. I…I was so embarrassed at what my family or friends would think, that I hid it from them." Her voice cracked and more tears came.

Aang pulled her into a hug, his eyes narrowing in a mix of anger and hurt. He wanted to confront the coward who had the nerve to hit a woman. His anger intensified with each passing minute. He had never met the guy, but already he felt a deep-seated hatred for him.

"But Toph picked up on what was happening—she's very perceptive," Katara continued after composing herself. "She would always give me a mouthful for putting up with him, but I was afraid of how he would retaliate if I left him; he had already threatened my life before."

Aang gently squeezed her hands to slow her down, his mind struggling to comprehend what he had just heard. "Sorry for cutting in," Aang interjected. "But did you get to report him to the police?

"I tried Aang," she said breaking down in tears again. "But he was constantly around; my own family hardly saw me. I was also scared that they wouldn't believe me or take it seriously and then Jet would make good on his threats. I didn't know what to do." she started sobbing.

Aang pulled her into a tight hug, gently rubbing her back to help her release her emotions. Each tear she shed felt like a stab to his heart. He wiped the tears from her face. "I'm sorry you had to go through that... You shouldn't have had to face it alone Katara. I'm here for you now, okay?" He continued comforting her with soothing words until her crying eased.

After her tears subsided, she continued, "One night, I was at Toph's place and lost track of time. When I got home, Jet was furious. He demanded to know where I had been, and that was the last straw for me. I told him it was over. Then he... he slapped me," Katara's voice quivered with the painful memory. "And then, Sokka showed up. He saw what happened and... he lost it."

"Sokka... he beat up Jet, and they both ended up in jail that night," Katara continued. "Sokka got off because he was defending me, but Jet... he was sentenced for the abuse and for having an unlicensed gun. They found it in the apartment we were living in."

"So, that's why your brother is so protective of you," Aang thought aloud.

Katara nodded in agreement. "That, and also because he has a knack for inserting himself into my personal affairs," she admitted with a light chuckle. "As for my parents, they're good people, but they've become more guarded over time. They don't trust easily anymore."

"All I can say is that I won't be responsible for my actions if I get a hold of this guy," Aang responded darkly.

Katara was a bit taken aback by his tone, as she had never seen that side of him before. Behind his warm, calm demeanor, it was easy to forget that he was strong and fully capable of doing whatever was necessary to keep her safe, even if it meant taking a life.

"Aang…" Katara started, her voice fading. "That's not everything," she whispered, trembling.

"What do you mean?" he asked, puzzled.

"I just found out he was released from jail on parole over six months ago. Yesterday, before you found me, I got a call from an unknown number. At first, I didn't recognize his voice, but based on certain things he said, I figured it out. It had to be him who sent me the message, which means he's close by, watching me. I bruised his ego when I dumped him, so he's not going to take that well."

Aang whipped his head toward Katara, shock written all over his face as he processed her words. "He's been out for six months, and you're just now finding out?"

"Exactly. My parents are enraged about it too, but honestly I didn't expect better from the system."

"Well that is some bullshit." Aang exclaimed, his fist clenching "Something needs to be done about this."

"My mother is already on it. She's filing a formal complaint with the authorities and seeking legal counsel, Katara said placing a hand on Aang's shoulder to calm him down.

He nodded.

"I checked the camera footage while you were sleeping but didn't see anything unusual," Aang remarked after calming down. "I'll have to do a stakeout around the apartment just to be sure."

"Jet is good at playing this game, I know he is planning something." Katara slumped backward on the bed. Her saline drip was almost finished. She placed her hands on her forehead, a lone tear escaping her eye.

"Hey, hey Katara I know you are scared, but I'm not going to let anything happen to you. "Aang said wiping her eyes. We'll take everything in stride as long as he doesn't try to hurt you."

"So I have to ditch my current phone number," Katara mumbled dejectedly, already knowing the answer.

"It's for the best. I don't want him contacting you anymore. My concern is for your well-being."

"Are you saying that as my bodyguard or my boyfriend?" she teased.

"Both," he said winking. "But seriously, thanks for keeping me in the loop about this."

She blushed and nodded.

So, Aang?"

"Yeah, Tara?"

"I was wondering if you could show me some defensive combat techniques. I've always wanted to learn, and they might come in handy."

Aang's eyes met Katara's with a grin. "Will you be willing to try my meditation techniques too?"

Katara giggled and poked him in the chest. "Are you trying to distract me from learning combat techniques with your meditation shenanigans?"

He chuckled. "Maybe a little," he admitted, his grin widening. "But seriously, meditation can complement your combat skills. Plus, it's a great way to relax and center yourself."

Katara raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Alright, fine. I'll give it a try. But only if you promise not to make me levitate or anything."

Aang laughed. "Deal."

Then he leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. They were so engrossed in each other, that they didn't pick up on the commotion occurring outside the room.

Excuse me, miss, but this is a private hospital room," one of the nurses began, trying to gently guide the young lady out.

But Toph was having none of it. "Oh, spare me the lecture," she retorted, her voice dripping with defiance. "This is my best friend's room, and I can walk in here whenever I want. I need to see that she is okay."

"We don't care if you are the President. No unauthorized persons are allowed through that door. Those orders were from Ms. Hopkinson not too long ago.

Toph tried calling Katara's phone to no avail. She was getting more worried. The nurses were momentarily distracted by some patients and she took her chance and sped through the door, securing the lock.

When she turned around, her mouth dropped open as her heightened senses registered the scene, her sharp hearing picking up on what her friend was actually doing. "Well, well, well, what do we have here? Looks like I interrupted something." she laughed when she felt their reactions.

The Hopkinson Automotive Production Facility buzzed with the symphony of machinery, each clank, and whir a testament to the workers' dedication. Hakoda hurried across the room, heading to his car. His daughter was in the emergency room, and he was reeling. He didn't know the full story as yet, but he couldn't decide who to be more upset with—her brother for not looking out for her, or her bodyguard.

Approaching the entrance, Hakoda's keen eyes caught sight of a figure, a middle-aged man standing with an air of uncertainty near the reception desk. Then it hit him that he had scheduled an interview with a few prospective employees for various positions in the factory.

When he got closer, the man straightened, offering a cautious smile. He was neatly dressed, his hair short and spiky and beard cut low.

"Hakoda Hopkinson, I presume?" the man greeted, extending a hand.

Hakoda nodded, shaking the man's hand with genuine hospitality. "And you are?"

"Call me Lee. Lee Sun," the man replied, his voice a bit hesitant.

Hakoda studied the man for a moment, noting the flicker of unease in his amber eyes and the subtle tension in his posture. There was a familiar air about him that Hakoda couldn't quite pinpoint, but he quickly dismissed the thought, attributing it to the stress over his daughter. With a congenial smile, he extended an invitation.

"Come with me, Lee," He said, leading the way with a welcoming gesture. "I have something that came up unexpectedly so I won't be able to do the interview, but I can still give you short a tour of our facility."

As they navigated the factory floor, Hakoda shared anecdotes about the history of Hopkinson Automobiles, his passion for the craft evident in every word. Lee listened intently, his gaze drifting to the shadows that danced along the walls—a fleeting glimpse of curiosity, nothing more.

"And here's where the magic happens," Hakoda declared proudly, leading the man into the bustling engineering department. "Our team is constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in vehicle design."

Lee's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he surveyed the array of computer terminals and industrious engineers. For a moment, Hakoda thought he detected a slight smirk on his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by his polite demeanor.

"Perfect," Lee remarked.

"Well, I have to say, you seem like a sharp individual," Hakoda commented, pausing near the exit. "We're always on the lookout for talented people to join our team. Do you have any experience in the automotive industry?"

Lee hesitated for a moment, his facade wavering ever so slightly. "Let's just say I'm a quick learner, Mr. Hopkinson."

Hakoda nodded, seemingly satisfied with his response. "Excellent. We'll be in touch. I wish I could have gone through everything thoroughly, but I need to head out now."

"It's fine by me. I know you're a busy man." He chuckled.

They shook hands, Lee's closing around Hakoda's hand in a firm grip. Hakoda felt a brief moment of surprise at the strength of the man's grip but dismissed it as a sign of confidence. With a nod, Hakoda headed towards his car.

Once out of sight, Ozai paused, stealing a glance back at the Hopkinson's Estate. His eyes shimmered with a chilling intensity, a stark contrast to his earlier cordiality. A sly grin crept onto his face, reveling in the seamless execution of the first phase of his machinations.

As he settled into the driver's seat, he tossed the uncomfortable wig into the glove compartment and lit a cigarette. Taking in a long, contemplative drag, the car filled with swirling smoke. After a moment of satisfaction, he started the engine and drove off, his mind a dark elixir of calculated intentions.

A/N: Writing this story has really helped me to relax and express myself. I am grateful for the persons who recently favorited, followed, and reviewed it. The reviews are very comforting and it lets me know you are enjoying it.. So plz make me happy and leave a review

Review Responses:

KL117: Thank you for your review! Yea, I won't give up on the story.

Vapor23: Wow, you're making me blush. I am so glad that I have improved from the first chapter. Thank you so much for your encouragement, being labeled as one of the best authors on the site means a lot coming from you; since you are a phenomenal writer.

rosy boo: I'm glad you found this story interesting! I hope you continue to enjoy it.