Chapter 13: New Digs
Morning had barely broken when Aang arrived at Toph's house. The streets were quiet as Toph and Azula stood outside, waiting. Aang greeted them, keeping his tone light. "Morning! Ready to head out?"
Toph cracked a smile, eager to get started. Azula simply nodded, her sharp gaze on the horizon. The three of them took a cab to the stables, where Appa waited.
As they approached, Appa gave a low, uncertain growl. His large eyes fell on Azula, and he shifted, clearly uneasy. Aang stepped forward, rubbing Appa's fur. "Hey, it's okay, boy. Azula's with us."
Appa hesitated, then let out a resigned huff and lowered himself, allowing them to climb aboard. Azula showed no outward reaction, but Aang sensed she'd noticed the bison's wariness. He hoped that over time, Appa would grow more comfortable around her.
Once they were all seated, Aang gave the signal, and Appa lifted off. The winds were calm as they soared through the air, and for a time, no one spoke. The vast landscape passed beneath them—mountains, rivers, and forests stretching into the distance.
Toph broke the silence. "So, this island—what's the deal? How big are we talking?"
Aang glanced at her, remembering Toph couldn't sense anything while riding Appa. "Not that big, just a small, empty island. It's off the coast of Cranefish Town, which is still under construction. But it's perfect for what we need."
Azula looked down at the coastline as it appeared on the horizon. The skeletal beginnings of what would one day become Republic City were visible, along with the small island in the bay. Isolated and calm, it was an ideal place to hide—yet it felt like she might be trading one prison for another prison.
They touched down gently on the island's rocky shore, and Aang hopped off first. He looked around, taking in the sight of the land he'd been given after the war. "Cranefish Town gave me this island. There wasn't much here—just a bit of land for me to build on someday. But for now, it's going to be your refuge, Azula."
He turned to Toph and Azula, explaining the plan. "Toph, I'll need you to help build a secure bunker. Something hidden where Azula can stay. It'll take most of the day, but I'll help however I can before I head out."
Toph nodded, already assessing the terrain. "No problem. I can handle it."
Aang continued, glancing at Azula. "There's some work you can help with too. Nothing too intense."
Azula narrowed her eyes, the temptation to argue clear on her face, but she held her tongue. Instead, she gave a curt nod, determined to maintain her dignity.
"I'll be heading out soon to gather supplies. There's no dock, so everything will be delivered by airship. And Azula…" Aang hesitated. "You can't be seen. Not yet."
The words sat heavily in the air. Azula didn't respond, her face impassive, but Aang could feel her frustration. Being hidden, out of sight—it was a sharp reminder of how far she had fallen from the power she once wielded.
"I won't be back until tomorrow at the earliest," Aang added. "There's a lot to get done, and I'll be back as soon as possible."
Toph cracked her knuckles. "If you draw up some plans I could follow those."
"That's not a ba...why do you still do this?" Aang said flatly.
Toph just laughed.
Aang gave her a grateful nod before climbing back onto Appa. He gave Azula one last glance—she didn't meet his eyes—and then they were off again, flying towards Cranefish Town.
After a quick stop to arrange for the delivery of building materials and provisions, Aang continued on, heading south. The journey to the Southern Water Tribe was long, but Appa carried him through the cold winds without pause. As they neared the familiar icy shores, Aang could feel the weight in his chest grow heavier.
He landed Appa at the stables where he always kept him, giving the bison a well-deserved rest. Aang lingered outside for a moment, trying to calm his racing thoughts. Katara knew he had gone after Azula, but she didn't know what had happened since. She certainly didn't know about his decision to shelter Azula on the island—the very place they had once imagined for their future family.
As he walked towards the village, his mind raced. How could he explain this? What could he say to make her understand?
Aang took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation to come. He loved Katara deeply, but he knew this was going to be one of the hardest discussions they had ever had.