A. N. : Since I don't really have a lot to say about this chapter, I'm just going to take a moment to thank all of you for reading. I especially thank the reviewers - those with an account already know how much they mean to me, but the guests maybe aren't aware so. Really, thank you. I'm not sure this story would've become what it is today without your support. Also I still don't know how long it will take to get to the end of it, so I guess we're stuck together for at least a few more years haha

Jet was right.

Katara hates that he was right, hates that she knew he was right even before going back to the village. The water is still sick, her head still hurts, and the only thing that changed is that the people are a little happier.

Even Xu's fish still looks as repulsive as before.

Actually, there is one more thing that changed – aside from Jet's I told you so face whenever he looks at her and ugh, she really hates that she can't even pretend he was wrong – and that thing is the faith of the villagers.

Before, they looked like they'd lost hope. Now – now they all talk about the Painted Lady and thank Her for Her blessings and pray She will bring more.

Somehow, Katara's headache lessens when she hears them. Which doesn't make sense – sure, she's happy she could help at least a little, even if it really isn't enough, but she isn't arrogant or stupid enough to revel in the praise given to a Spirit. Plus, she is sure her headache is linked to the state of the river –

Katara pauses. All this time, she's felt like Jang Hui is hurting and ill, like a person. And the Painted Lady is a river Spirit. Could it be ? But no, Aang is the Bridge between humans and Spirits, she is just a normal – if talented – waterbender.

Water ? Is it the water ?

She ignores Sokka's request that she just get in the spirits damned ferry already, and turns to watch the village.

Maybe the Painted Lady is asking for her help, maybe not. What matters is that these people need help. If Appa could play sick for another day – sick, like some villagers are, like that situation and the fact they don't have access to medicine is – then Katara could do more.

Jet is right, nothing will change so long as the factory still stands – but Zuko was right too when he said the blame would fall on the people living here. So maybe –

Maybe they could orient the blame somewhere else. Towards a being able to do very many a thing. A being who would without a doubt be pleased if that army factory disappeared for good.

Surely it wouldn't be sacrilegious to wear that name and mantle for just a night ? Katara would only be answering a request, after all.

She thinks about telling Aang – he is the Avatar, so he's probably know if this is alright, and if not then he could probably help anyway – but then Toph would hear, and then Sokka would know and he'd disagree, and she doesn't want to fight with him on this.

So Katara only stares at Jet, and nods when he raises an eyebrow.

She is doing this.