We are who we are

by YumenoJigen

Whether we fight it or accept it, we are who we are. But who are we exactly? What do we want? What must we do? What do we sacrifice? What do we gain? The answers will be in the roads we take between love and duty. That's what the Avatar, Katara, Sokka, Chenlian, Zuko, their friends, and their enemies will learn during their journey. OC insert in canon story (OCxZuko).

6. Temporary happiness

Fight06: Temporary happiness

Food. Meat. Fish. Vegetables. Fruit. Ash bananas. Ash bananas. Ash bananas. Wares, toys, clothes, fabric, instruments, jewellery, flowers... People. Sellers and customers. People chatting. People laughing. People being worried. People meeting and parting. And children running about, playing, having fun, or buying or selling instead of their parents or under their more or less careful watch. Markets were always so lively. And bag in hand, Chenlian was walking around, trying to enjoy her tenth day of freedom. She had bought a few things already. Tonight, she wanted to camp out. She had already camped out on Roku's island just before coming here. After the 'incident' she had slept for hours and then ate and left immediately before sunrise, and still a little shaken, she wanted to avoid staying too long with people. Here, there were barely rumours of the war. It seemed like a faraway thing, merely a subject of gossip, with no idea of the pain that was being inflicted on others. Everything seemed so peaceful. Peaceful...

"Thiiiieeeeeeeeves!"

Chenlian sharply turned around. Who said it was peaceful?! A man was running toward her direction and alerted by the noise, another dashed off in the opposite direction. That person was soon engaged by three youths looking about twelve, a girl and a boy. The second criminal was also chased by a boy and girl the same age and face as the two others. She was going to intervene but stopped and watched intently. They might be kids but they seemed to have a minimum of fighting experience. And they had plenty of guts and a good heart. Apparently there would be no need for her to make herself known. People were calling names, surely the children's, probably their family if they were around too. One of the thieves had already been immobilised but it was not going so well with the other. Indeed the bandit had managed to throw the boy off and a dagger was descending on the girl's neck. Instinctively, she took something from her bag and threw it hard and fast. It hit the wrist, a cry was heard, and the blade fell harmlessly on the ground with a clang. It was enough. The man was soon defeated as other people came to help. The wrongdoers were taken away by the authorities. She hid amongst the crowd. The incident was over. She was just glad everything ended without problems. Chenlian turned back and went back to her shopping. She had already forgotten about it when she felt two arms around her shoulders, startling her.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?" It was a young man in his mid-twenties who had spoken.

"Here, you forgot this. But there's a bump now." Another one, apparently around sixteen, put the very apple she had thrown back into her hand.

I was seen?! No way... but...

"Food is important, but you saved our young ones, we want to thank you properly and apologise for making you waste such a delicious-looking apple."

"That's right, don't be so cold and come over. I'm sure everyone will be more than happy."

"You've got time, right? Come on."

And Chenlian, without the time and chance to utter a single word, completely caught up by their pace (which was about as rare as a firebender caught bending water), was taken to meet the whole family where she was introduced to its twenty-two members (the twenty-third and twenty-fourth being still in their mothers' wombs). They had all come to the market as a family outing to sell the products from their plantation as well as buy everything they could need and just chatting with people and doing some negotiations. There were the father's grandmother Shian, the mother's grandfather Mujun, the father Chengan, the mother Mingjia, their ten children: the oldest son Changan (27), the oldest daughter Meian (24), the second son Rongan (22), the second daughter Nuan (18), the third son Ruan (16), and the twelve-year-old quadruplets: the three girls Yian, and Jian, and the two boys Yuan and Huan. Changan was married to Yinye, and they had three children: their eldest son Chaojin (6) and their twin little girls Lihua and Minhua (4). Meian was married to Taisu with whom she had a son Weizhi (2). And Rongan had married Lingli and fathered a now one-year-old daughter Mingfen. Both Meian and Lingli were pregnant, their children due sometime between June and September.

It was Changan and Ruan who had hailed her. Chengan had been busy handing over the criminals who had dared disturbed the peace and order and more importantly, raised their hands against his children. The grandparents, pregnant women, and five little 'babies' had been snacking when they heard there was a commotion but the adults had held them back. The two parents had been selling their products, Nuan and Taisu were shopping, and Ruan negotiating shipping with a merchant from another island whose daughter was quite fond of him... and there was a high probability the feeling was mutual.

She was bombarded with questions about herself, her family, her destination, her travels, her likes and dislikes... to which she answered to the best of her abilities despite being frequently interrupted by other questions... Until their mother made them shut up:

"Such things should be left for after the meal! Of course you'll stay with us for the night, won't you dear?"

Of course, how could she possibly refuse? Only she made sure to give a fake name. She would have preferred to proudly introduce herself and tell the truth, but again, it was better, safer not to, for everyone's sake. Chenlian had rarely met such forceful people. But they were also brave and courageous, although the young ones were rather impulsive and reckless, but that was to their honor too. And through their questions, she learned about them. They seemed like good, law-abiding people, faithful to their country despite a latent dislike for war who had taken some of their family members. They were the result of the merging of the two most influential (and former rival) families of the island. They upheld honor, responsibilities, and honest work and were quite wealthy. Each of their members was proud of- and would do anything for their family, which was not that common in the fire nation. Somehow, they reminded her of a water tribe clan. Everyone in that family was to learn the basics of martial arts, in order to protect themselves, their family, and their possessions, as well as the order and peace of their island.

The grandparents were always bickering but that was their way of getting along. Both had strong and sharp personalities and were very resilient and 'take charge', and still quite fit for their age. The parents were as strong and stubborn as their own parents with the same gentle sides when need be. Chengan's appearance was gruff and bear-like but surprisingly tender, cheerful and playful when you got to know him. His wife was a pretty woman, very kind and friendly, but somehow she had this authoritative aura and people instinctively obeyed her. It was impossible to say 'no'. But she would also melt when her husband would take her in his strong arms, nuzzle her, and be all cute and loving. Changan would try to look serious, tough and strict but was in fact very doting. Excellent swordsman and farm tools user, very good at fixing things. Meian was the second mother of the family. She did most of the cooking and often yelled at people to behave, even more so than their mother and everyone felt submissive to her, but she was very kind and friendly too and possessed great physical strength and stamina. Rongan had a laid-back and playful personality but was reliable when need be, and preferred hand to hand combat. Nuan, although quite pretty, did not show much emotion or spoke much but was mature and wise and knew more than she would let on. Somehow, she reminded Chenlian of another girl she knew, although unlike her, that other girl seemed constantly bored. Maybe the difference in social standing... She was mostly responsible for the laundry and although she rarely raised her voice, it was not wise to anger her. Ruan looked kind of like a punk but was the most knowledgeable one, and good at acupuncture and medicine. Yuan and Huan often fought but they were united against Yian and Jian and would mock them for their concerns about their weight and boys (although they were all slender) and their sort of friendly rivalry. As for the five little 'babies' they had that limitless stamina and hunger for games, novelty, and attention as proper to their age... to the point that Chenlian thought that playing with them was much more exhausting than everything she had endured until now. And much funnier too. It was a huge, warm, lively, and extremely rowdy family.

When they arrived at the plantation, the men unloaded the three carts they had come with and the women started preparing the meal. After that, they talked and laughed again a lot. They shared recipes, remedies, meals, stories, songs, beddings, knowledge about other cultures or the art of growing good ash bananas... Chenlian helped them with everything as much as she could, cleaning, cooking, the laundry, picking eggs, vegetables, baby sitting the young ones, teaching them moves of her own in swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat, although ranks and formalities had little to nothing to do with them... She was really lucky to have known such a family again... With them time passed slowly and quickly in the same time.

And so, in the twelfth day after Aang and Chenlian's awakening and escaping from their respective prisons of ice and metal...

In the star filled night, Prince Zuko's ship was gliding through the ocean. In his quarters, Zuko was sitting in the lotus position in front of an altar. Four white candles were burning in front of him, their light increasing and decreasing to the rhythm of his breathing. His eyes were close. His face was calm and concentrated. He was meditating. The door opened and Iroh entered the room.

"The only reason you should be interrupting me is if you have news about the Avatar." The prince warned, his voice dangerously silky. The retired general entered cautiously. He was carrying a map.

"Well, there is news, Prince Zuko, but you might not like it. Don't get too upset."

"Uncle, you taught me that keeping a level head is a sign of a great leader. Now whatever you have to say, I'm sure that I can take it." Zuko replied calmly.

"Okay, then... we have no idea where he is."

"WHAT?!" The teen yelled, enraged. Obviously, the meditation and Iroh's teachings did not seem to have left any deep or lasting effect on the young man... The four candles flared to the ceiling with his wrath. He bolted upright and turned around to face his uncle, his anger evident on his face. Iroh turned away from the flames, raising his right arm to protect his face before pulling a fan out of his robe as the flames subsided.

"You really should open a window in here." The old man fanned himself.

"Give me the map!" Zuko barked, snatching the scroll. He studied it for a time.

"There have been multiple sightings of the Avatar, but he is impossible to track down." Iroh summarized the situation.

"How am I gonna find him, Uncle?" The exiled prince looked down at the map marked with circled Xs and dotted lines connecting the reported Avatar sightings. The lines were zigzagging all over the landmass drawings in an apparent desire to shake people off their trail and confuse the pursuers as to their actual destination. "He is clearly a master of evasive maneuvering."

"You have no idea where you're going, do you?" Sokka asked the Avatar. Sitting atop Appa with an exasperated expression on his face, he was reading the same map as Zuko's.

"Weeelll, I know it's near water..." Aang turned his head back to answer. They were flying over an endless expanse of water for as far as the eye could see.

"I guess we're getting close then." The warrior replied, as smart (and sarcastic) as usual. Aang still had his head turned back, but his attention had shifted to the pretty brown-haired girl who was mending a cloth. He asked Momo, who was sitting on his left shoulder, to get him the marbles. The lemur rummaged into the boy's shirt and returned with a marble it handed to its master.

"Hey Katara! Check out this airbending trick!" Aang smiled eagerly and suspended the marbles between his two hands and made them whirl around and around in mid-air, thus producing music – or at least noises. He was grinning happily at Katara, seeking her attention but she was preoccupied, and did not look up from her sewing. She merely replied absentmindedly that it was great. The monk was crushed that she did not even looked. The girl stopped her sewing and looked at him, repeating with a smile that it was great.

"But I'm not doing it now."

Sokka, who was lolling at the back of Appa's saddle with his arms crossed casually behind his head, waved his arm dismissively.

"Stop bugging her, airhead. You need to give girls space when they do their sewing."

Katara stopped her needle in midair and turned her head towards Sokka, her face a mixture of annoyance and anger at her brother's arrogant tone and attitude.

"What does me being a girl have to do with sewing?" She asked, clearly aggravated.

"Simple: girls are better at fixing pants than guys, and guys are better at hunting and fighting and stuff like that. It's just the natural order of things." The male chauvinist replied smugly.

"All done with your pants! And look what a great job I did!" The waterbender said with an overly – and obviously fake – happy tone. Glowering, she threw the pants at her brother. They hit him in the head.

"Wait! I was just kidding! I can't wear these Katara, PLEASE!" The proud and brave warrior begged, sticking his arm through the big hole in the seat of his pants. But Aang reassured him: where they were going, he would not need any pants!

They arrived at an island and landed on a snowy beach. Snow-capped mountains were visible not to far behind them. Sokka wanted to keep flying as they had already made a pit stop the previous day, and for once, his sister agreed with him.

"But Appa's tired already, aren't you boy?" The little monk argued, shading his face and looking out over the water. Before the lack of response from the animal, he insisted. "I said, aren't you boy?" Aang nudged Appa conspiratorially with his elbow. Appa yawned on cue, evidently more to get along with his master and friend than because of his supposed fatigue. Aang stuck his thumb in the big bison's direction.

"Yeah, that was real convincing. Still, hard to argue with a ten ton magical monster." Sokka replied sarcastically. Then the airbender noticed the reason he had come here for. The elephant koi. All excited, he stripped down to his underwear and told Katara that she gotta watch him. He was going to ride the giant koi fish. He dived into the water before leaping out again a second later with a shocked expression on his face. He had apparently forgotten that at this time of the year, the water was generally icily cold. The siblings looked at each other wryly, and Sokka made the universal "he's crazy" signal by twirling his finger next to his head. However, the temperature was not enough to dampen the boy's feelings who managed to catch hold of an elephant koi. The giant fish leapt out of the water with Aang riding on its back, his hands grasping the dorsal fin. The airbender's enthusiasm was communicative, and soon Katara was excitedly cheering for him. This made the monk even more ecstatic as two other elephant kois joined the one he was riding on. But Appa, who was bored, had gone off somewhere to eat and the girl had gone to try and stop him. The Avatar noticed and made a dejected sound and expression.

Suddenly, the two fish behind Aang veered off, and Sokka noticed that there was something in the water that must have scared them and attempted to warn him. Alerted by her brother's cries, the waterbender quickly came back. They yelled at their friend to get back here. However, with the wind and the distance, the child could not make out the meaning of their screams and misinterpreted their frantic gestures for cheers and encouragements. The koi fish he was riding bucked and sent Aang headlong into the bay. He resurfaced, spurting water out of his mouth. He was breathing heavily and gasping for air when an enormous serrated fin ominously rose from the water behind him. The boy turned around and his eyes widened. He screamed in panic. The Avatar leapt to the surface of the water and using his airbending skills, began to run towards the shore. The huge fin turned and chased him but Aang managed to reach the shore in time, running head first and full force into Sokka, knocking him off his feet, and they both crashed into a tree far in the back. Disappearing below the surface, the fin slowly headed back out to sea. Katara ran back to her companions. Aang was already dressing himself. They did not know what that thing was and did not intend to stay to find out. It was then that four green clad warriors fell on Aang, Sokka, Katara, and Momo from the trees Before the travellers could even blink they were all subdued, bound and blindfolded, utterly overcome by the warriors' sheer superiority in their fighting skills and speed as well as their extreme efficiency and organisation. There was absolutely no wasted movement or imperfection in their attack. And their individual abilities only enhanced their teamwork. Even Momo was captured in a bag.

The prisoners were led up a snowy mountain path surrounded by naked trees and into a village were they were tied to a big pole. An old man and a woman threatened them to throw them back in the water with the unagi if they did not answer all their questions. Sokka demanded that the cowards showed themselves. The blindfolds were removed. Before the captured stood five young girls dressed in pine green robes. Their faces were painted white, red lips and accents, and black eye, red eyeshadow, and brow streaks. Black armoured plates covered their torso, waste, shoulders, and forearms, and they carried fans in their waistbands. Sokka was straining at his bonds, this time demanding where were the men who had ambushed them.

"There were no men. We ambushed you. Now tell us, who are you and what are you doing here?" The lead female warrior, recognizable to her different haircut and headdress, asked in the same tone.

"Wait a second, there's no way that a bunch of girls took us down." The Water Tribesman laughed with smug disbelief. The leader of the women grabbed him by the collar and shook him.

"A bunch of girls, huh? The unagi's gonna eat well tonight." She said threateningly.

"No, don't hurt him! He didn't mean it. My brother is just an idiot sometimes." Katara interrupted them.

"It's my fault. I'm sorry we came here. I wanted to ride the elephant koi." Aang apologised. However, the old village head – Oyaji – still suspected them of being Fire Nation spies. Kyoshi Island had stayed out of the war so far and they intended to keep it that way. Aang's face showed surprise and interest.

"This island is named for Kyoshi? I know Kyoshi!" He exclaimed happily.

"Ha! How could you possibly know her? Avatar Kyoshi was born here four hundred years ago. She's been dead for centuries." Oyaji was sure the spy had exposed himself. At the top of the pole the prisoners were tied was a statue of Avatar Kyoshi, dressed in the same green garments as the female warriors who captured Aang, Sokka, and Katara. Her face was painted white and there were two open fans in her hands.

"I know her because I'm the Avatar." Aang answered with truthful simplicity. However, such a thing was impossible: the Avatar was an airbender who had disappeared a hundred years ago. The old man ordered for the impostors to be thrown to the unagi. The Kyoshi warriors assumed a fighting stance, each having two open fans in hands, and closing in menacingly toward the helpless trio. Katara tersely asked Aang to do some airbending... which he did, breaking his bonds, shooting himself into the air, and doing a back flip over the top of Kyoshi's statue. He landed gracefully on the ground amidst the 'oohs' and 'aahs' of the gathered crowd, which now included other members of the village. They all gazed at him in shock and amazement: it was true, he was the Avatar... And Aang, realizing that he now had an audience, pulled the marble out from under his shirt and grinning like a fool, did the same trick he had tried to impress Katara with earlier, much to the villagers' delight.

Not long later, a small girl was running eagerly across a pier to a fisherman who is lifting his catch out of the water in a conical basket. She told him the Avatar was on Kyoshi. He dropped his basket in surprise and quickly picked it up again. In a small street of a village, the fisherman handed his basket of fish to a merchant and the merchant sold a fish to a customer, apparently a man from the Fire Nation, from his cloths. And so the rumour spread like wildfire into the ears of the person who should have never heard it... In Zuko's quarters, the customer who had purchased the fish from the merchant (and turned out to be Zuko's cook) served the cooked fish to the prince and his uncle.

"The Avatar's on Kyoshi Island!?" The teen stood up angrily. "Uncle, ready the rhinos. He's not getting away from me this time." He told his kin while leaving the room. Iroh was still sitting at the dinner table with the steaming and so delicious-looking hot plate of fish in front of him. He clearly had no intention to leave, not when that was in front of him.

"Are you going to finish that?" He asked his nephew, obviously hoping for a negative answer so – he – could finish it. Zuko walked back in, as angry-looking as always, and grabbed the plate with the fish.

"I was going to save it for later!" He stormed off again with his meal. Iroh crossed his arms in annoyance, sulky and pouting. That fish looked so yummy... he didn't have to take it away!

The next morning on Kyoshi Island, Aang and Katara were savouring their breakfast sitting before a long low wooden table covered with over fifteen plates of food with Momo occasionally snatching pieces and hiding back under the low table; while a few villagers were restoring Avatar Kyoshi's statue. Outside, Appa was lying on his side munching on fresh hay and grunting happily, clearly enjoying the attention. One villager was scrubbing his fur and another was buffing his horns. In the house behind Appa, Aang happily threw his arms in his arms in the air after another had brought another plate of food.

"All right! Dessert for breakfast! These people sure know how to treat an Avatar!" He exclaimed, his mouth full, and still stuffing his face. He offered his female friend a sweet, saying she got to try it. The waterbender accepted after a little hesitation. "Sokka, what's your problem? Eat!" He turned his attention to a very disgruntled Sokka sitting hunched and glowering in the corner of the room.

"Not hungry." The teenager replied, sulking like a child.

"But you're always hungry!" Aang replied, shocked.

"He's just upset because a bunch of girls kicked his butt yesterday." The waterbender explained with a smug, knowing smile and expression.

"They snuck up on me!" The warrior lamely justified himself.

"Right. And then they kicked your butt." Katara corrected herself with the same smug tone as before.

"Sneak attacks don't count!" Sokka got up angrily and paced around the room, gesticulating wildly to the air. "Tie me up with ropes! I'll show them a thing or two. I'm not scared of any girls." He paced around to the breakfast table and ferociously grabbed sweets. Under the table, Momo protectively and possessively gathered all the sweets he had collected against him in case 'someone' would try to steal them. "Who do they think they are anyway?" He talked to himself, his voice lowered, before growling and shoving a sweet into his mouth and walking out of the room. "Mmm... this is tasty."

Still at the table, the Avatar wondered what his friend could be so angry about. After all they were given the royal treatment. Katara warned him not to get too comfortable as it was risky for them to stay in one place for very long.

"I'm sure we'll be fine. Besides, did you see how happy I'm making this town?" Aang replied, confident and optimistic as always, turning around to look out the window at the two villagers working on Avatar Kyoshi's statue. "They're even cleaning up that statue in my honor!"

"Well, it's nice to see you excited about being the Avatar. I just hope it doesn't all go to your head."

"Come on, you know me better than that. I'm just a simple monk." The boy dismissed his companion's worries with a smile. He stood up and went to the window where he looked down in surprise to see the courtyard full of little village girls, screaming, squealing, and cheering at him. Aang's mouth curved in a large silly grin while his cheeks turned red. Katara, standing slightly behind him, crossed her arms, sticked her tongue out and made a long exasperated sound.

Not long later, Aang was running back and forth over a bright red bridge while being hotly pursued by the screaming pack of little village girls. The group ended up splitting and coming at him from both sides of the bridge as he stood in the middle of it. The boy jumped high in the air as the groups merged together beneath him, waiting for him to come back down. He had his arms wrapped around a spinning ball of air that soon dissipated and he fell into the girls' waiting arms. Later, Koko, one of the young girls, had managed to monopolize him and both were standing before a waterfall, posing for an artist.

"Painting the Avatar... that's easy enough..." The old ink-painter said, starting his drawing. He dropped his parchment for another look and there were two girls standing with the Avatar. He made the adjustment, looked again, and there were five girls standing around Aang. And the next time he looked, every girl in the village had joined the group. The artist stared at them with great disbelief and irritation. The group crowded in closer to the boy, giggling, while he had something of a horrified expression on his face. After surveying the scene for a few seconds, the artist got up from his stool and left, giving up. The girls collapsed on top of Aang into a laughing pile.

Then the Avatar was doing push ups in front of six of the girls staring down at him in rapt admiration. The young monk began to do one handed push ups before putting both hands behind his back and using his breath to push (airbend) himself up off the ground. Katara walked past them carrying a basket and rolling her eyes.

Sokka approached a house nestled in evergreen trees, muttering to himself about 'girls'. He walked up to the door and looked inside. The fan warriors are drilling. He grined, puts up his hands, and entered the dojo.

"Sorry ladies! Didn't mean to interrupt your dance lesson." He greeted them arrogantly, stretching his arms and waist. "I was just looking for somewhere to get a little workout?"

"Well, you're in the right place." Suki, the leader of the female warriors, told him. She apologised sincerely about the previous day as she did not know he was friend with the Avatar.

"It's all right. I mean, normally I'd hold a grudge, but seeing as you guys are a bunch of girls, I'll make an exception." The water tribesman replied flippantly while rotating his shoulders.

"I should hope so. A big strong man like you? We wouldn't stand a chance." Suki noted sarcastically.

"True. But don't feel bad. After all, I'm the best warrior in my village."

"Wow! Best warrior, huh? In your whole village? Maybe you'd be kind enough to give us a little demonstration." The female leader, whose light brown hair was cut in a bob, leant toward him, smiling.

"Oh... well... I mean... I..."

"Come on, girls! Wouldn't you like him to show us some moves?" She turned toward her girls who were giggling and nodding affirmatively.

"Well, if that's what you want, I'd be happy to. All right, you stand over there." He grasped Suki's shoulders and pushed her back a little, but she did not move, which he did not seem to notice or care. "This may be a little tough, but try to block me." Sokka threw a punch. The 'girl' blocked it with a deft thrust of her fan to his shoulder. Sokka rubbed his shoulder. "Heh heh... good. Of course, I was going easy on you."

"Of course."

"Let's see if you can handle this!" Sokka attempted to kick Suki who caught him under his leg and tossed him backward toward the door. He landed on his butt.

"That does it!" He yelled angrily, bolting upright and lunging again. She grabbed him by the arm, spun him around in circles, tied his arm to his foot with his own belt, and threw him to the floor.

"Anything else you want to teach us?" The female warrior laughed as she stood victoriously over Sokka whose face flushed in humiliation and all the warriors laughed at him.

And the day wore on with the men showing off to the girls (more or less successfully) and the girls training, giggling or shopping, and everyone doing what they ought to do.

When you are happy, time passes too quickly. And before Chenlian or the family she was staying at noticed, three days had already passed, and four since she arrived on that island. Once more, she did not want to, but it was time to leave. And once more, she better not say goodbye, or they would want to see her to a ship, ask the passengers and/or the crew to make sure they saw to her well, and help her after disembarking... and while she was immensely grateful for their concern and kindness, and that she had already become like a family member, she'd be constantly watched, and she wanted to avoid that. The more time she would spend with people, the more she would increase the chances of being discovered, even though she had picked up some make up skills and could lighten her hair with lemon, or darken it with henna, sage, rosemary or black tea and thus constantly change her style as well as her name. Even if those were a really nice family, it did not mean she could blindly trust anyone. She knew that her leaving like this was certainly going to hurt them very much, and that they might feel betrayed, and yet still hoped in a corner of her heart that they would trust her despite what they might hear in the future. And so, Chenlian crept away in the middle of the night, careful to try not to wake anyone up.

"Are you leaving?" A voice asked quietly. The firebender was unable to tell whether there was any hint of reproof or accusation or not. Maybe she felt guilty enough as it was and thought she had heard it. Or maybe she just hoped it was not the case. She was just at the door and her attempt to quietly slip away had failed.

"Ruan..." She whispered his name. Ruan, the one closest to her, in age and personality. They understood and appreciated each other for what and who they were as much as it was possible in such circumstances. The rest of the family had often teased them about the type of relationship they had. They too almost could have passed for brother and sister. "Yes."

"Without saying goodbye?"

"I'm not good at it..." There was a long pause. Both seemed to be waiting. The boy was first to break the silence.

"Oh, come on, don't make that face." He scratched his head. That face: her head slightly tilted, sorrowful, sincerely apologetic, and yet determined and still hopeful for his understanding and acceptance. "You've had that troubled look all afternoon: it's obvious you were planning something like that."

"So you knew... And here I thought I was good at judging people... it means there are always people above you. Do the others know too?"

"Beats me. But I'm sure some do."

"I see. Will you let me go like this?"

"You'd knock me out if I didn't, right?"

"That's-"

"You told many half-truths, and hid many things, but – we – can tell you're not a bad person despite that, and we believe you have a good reason for acting like that. The little ones will be very sad, and for that I should probably try to force that reason out of you and dissuade you, as they'd also be very sad if something was to happen to you. We would all be. If you're so secretive, it means you're up to something dangerous aren't you? Relax, I'm not going to do anything. I just wanted to talk. Well, that being said, I can't imagine you going into danger for the heck of it. No, I believe you're like us. You have something you want to protect no matter what, right? You seem to be wavering a lot about this and that but you still walk forward. Don't worry about us. Keep walking forward. Don't look back. And protect everything that you must, need, and want to protect."

"Thank you. All of you. Because people like you exist, I can fight. I will protect everyone, and I will come back. And at that time, I will tell you everything you want to know. The entire truth this time. Until then please take care and tell the others I'm sorry and 'see you next time'."

"Alright." He answered. The girl had barely taken a few steps that she felt an arm wrap around her shoulders. "Wait. You forgot this." Ruan gave her a box wrapped in a cloth.

"What is it?"

"A surprise." The boy smiled mysteriously. "And don't forget that you will always be welcomed here, because this is also your family."

Chenlian's eyes widened for a second, shocked by the sheer warmth and sincerity of this simple statement. She recovered, let out a small chuckle and left without another word or look.

After having walked far enough, she opened the box. It contained her favourite dishes. She started trembling.

"Are you crying?"

"I'm not crying. If I have the time to cry, I should be keeping my promise to them instead... And how many times are you going to make me repeat myself?" And indeed her eyes were completely dry. But Guang knew that just like that time on Ember Island, even if her eyes were not crying, her heart was, and even if their connection allowed him to know her feelings first hand, there were things that needed to be voiced.

The next day in Kyoshi Island was mostly the same as the previous one...

Aang was showing the statue of Avatar Kyoshi to a cluster of girls, saying it was himself in a past life. They voiced their amazement at how pretty he had been. He excused himself to the 'ladies' to go see Katara who was today again in the market place filling a basket with vegetables. He approached her and taped her on the shoulder.

"Oh, good! Can you help me carry this back to the room? It's a little heavy." The waterbender asked him for help.

"Actually, I can't right now."

"What do you mean you can't?" She shot back, a little irritated.

"I promised the girls that I'd give them a ride on Appa. Why don't you come with us? It'll be fun!" He offered.

"Watching you show off for a bunch of girls does not sound like fun." Katara continued picking up vegetables.

"Well, neither does carrying your basket."

"It's not my basket. These supplies are for our trip. I told you, we have to leave Kyoshi soon." The teen retorted, her tone slightly dry.

"I don't want to leave Kyoshi yet. I can't put my finger on it, but there's something I really like about this place." The monk's eyes fell on the group of groupies who had been following him around all day. They giggled.

"What's taking you so long, Aangy?" Koko stomped her foot in annoyance and put her hands on her hips.

"Aangy..." Katara repeated flatly.

"Just a second, Koko!" Aang called back.

"'Simple monk,' huh? I thought you promised me that this Avatar stuff wouldn't go to your head."

"It didn't. You know what I think? You just don't want to come because you're jealous."

"Jealous? Of what?"

"Jealous that we're having so much fun without you."

"That's ridiculous." The waterbender girl furiously put the vegetables in the basket.

"It is a little ridiculous, but I understand." The Avatar replied smugly. Katara looked angrily at Aang as they stood framed by the vegetable stand. She groaned loudly, exasperated, picked up the basket, and marched away from him. Aang watched her go as the giggling girls dragged him away.

Sokka kicked a stone outside of the fan warriors' dojo. He walked cautiously to the door. Suki and her warriors were training again, but stopped when they saw Sokka walk in. He timidly greeted the leader.

"Hoping for another dance lesson?" She inquired mockingly.

"No... I... well, let me explain."

"Spit it out! What do you want?"

"I would be honored if you would teach me." Sokka knelt down in humility.

"Even if I'm a girl?" Suki said, a little dryly.

"I'm sorry if I insulted you yesterday. I was wrong."

"We normally don't teach outsiders, let alone boys."

"Please make an exception. I won't let you down."

"All right. But you have to follow all of our traditions."

"Of course!"

"And I mean ALL of them..." And soon, Sokka was clad in the full green dress and white face paint of the fan warriors.

"Do I really have to wear this? It feels a little... girly."

"It's a warrior's uniform. You should be proud. The silk thread symbolizes the brave blood that flows through our veins. The gold insignia represents the honor of the warrior's heart."

"Bravery and honor." The male warrior repeated, standing proudly. Aang walked by the door to the dojo. He turned and ducked his head in, smiling mischievously.

"Hey Sokka! Nice dress!" He giggled and raced off. Sokka slumped down, his momentary pride is visibly crushed by Aang's barb. Suki was smiling at him and enjoying his discomfort.

Katara was practicing her waterbending in their room, a plume of water rising and falling from a small bowl in front of her. Aang entered and stood cockily in the doorway.

"Katara, remember how the unagi almost got me two days ago?"

"Yeah." The girl replied, not looking up from her bowl.

"Well, I'm gonna go ride it now. It's gonna be REAL dangerous."

"Good for you."

"You're not going to stop me?" Aang asked, surprised.

"Nope. Have fun." The waterbender answered, her eyes still fixed on the bowl.

"I will." The boy crossed his arms peevishly.

"Great."

"I know it's great."

"I'm glad you know."

"I'm glad you're glad."

"Good!"

"Fine!"

Their tone had been steadily rising too. And when there was nothing left to say, Aang angrily turned to storm out of the room. He paused at the door and turned his head back to look at Katara who was still intent on her waterbending and did not look up at him. His face fell and he walked out the door. Katara let the water fall back into the bowl, crossed her arms, and looked at the door through which Aang had just exited. Obviously, both had been hurt and regretted but were too proud to apologise and speak their real feelings.

In the dojo Suki and Sokka were circling each other with their fans unfurled. She warned him that he was not going to master it in one day and that even she was not that good.

"I think I'm starting to get it." The boy said, slightly losing his balance. He kept practicing, and at the end of the set threw his fan out the door and into a tree. Suki looked out the door at the lost fan as snow fell from the branches above to bury it.

"It's not about strength." She turned and walked toward Sokka. "Our technique is about using your opponents' force against them. Loosen up. Think of the fan as an extension of your arm." She assumed the battle stance. "Wait for an opening and then..." She lunged at Sokka who parried the thrust, knocking her off her feet. The girl appeared surprised and embarrassed as she looked up from her spot on the floor. And Sokka was just as surprised.

"I fell on purpose to make you feel better!" Suki got to her feet, flustered and obviously lying.

"I got you! Admit I got you!" The male fighter laughed and pointed a finger at her.

"Okay, it was a lucky shot. Let's see if you can do it again." The Kyoshi warrior laughed as she grabbed Sokka's outstretched hand and painfully bended it back. She let go of Sokka's hand and they assumed battle positions. They began circling each other.

In the middle of the bay the Avatar was looking towards shore at his fan club, all of the girls were sitting and apparently very bored and impatient. Aang tried to stall and renew their interest by spinning the marbles between his hands but they were tired of that too. Koko asked where the unagi was; it was getting late. The girls started to get up and walk away, leaving Aang alone in the water to shout and wave at them.

"Where're you going? Don't leave!"

"Sorry, Aang! Maybe next time." And as the last of the girls was leaving, Katara walked onto the beach.

"Katara! You came!" The airbender waved excitedly.

"I wanted to make sure you were safe. You really had me worried."

"Back there you acted like you didn't care."

"I'm sorry."

"Me too. I did let all that attention go to my head. I was being a jerk." Both apologised sincerely.

"Well, get out of the water before you catch a cold, you big jerk!" Katara said affectionately.

"On my way!" Aang grinned widely as he began to swim toward shore. As he swam towards land, the unagi came up behind him and caught him in its wake. As the unagi rose from the water, Aang was kneeling on a portion of its tail. The unagi raised its head and spewed a powerful jet of water directly at Aang. He leapt up and grabbed hold of one of the unagi whiskers. The giant sea serpent shook its head back and forth in an attempt to dislodge the human who was swinging back and forth in front of its sharp fangs, saliva drips from its teeth. Katara cried at him to hang on. The monster kept shaking its head until Aang was thrown into the water where he surfaced, unconscious. Both the unagi and Katara rushed towards him but the girl reached him first and took him into her arms just as the unagi raised itself from the water. She pushed the water forcefully in front of her, propelling both herself and Aang away from the beast. The unagi dived into the water and the force of its dive sent the two benders flying into a recess in the rocks. The sea monster shot water from its mouth until it eventually sank back into the bay. Katara peered over the side of the opening to see the Prince Zuko's ship approaching the island. It landed, the prow was let down and Zuko rode out of the hull on the back of a komodo rhino accompanied by many men also mounted on komodo rhinos.

"I want the Avatar alive." The prince warned his soldiers. The girl hid back in the recess with a still unconscious Aang as Zuko and his army march towards the village.

"Wake up, Aang!" She cried when they were gone. She moved her hands up Aang's chest, drawing the water out of his lungs and bending it out of his mouth. The boy coughed and sputtered.

"Katara... don't ride the unagi. Not fun." He managed weakly.

In the dojo, Sokka and Suki were still sparring when Oyagi ran to the door, breathless, and warned them that Firebenders had landed on their shores, telling the 'girls' to come quickly.

"Hey, I'm not a... oh, whatever!" Sokka began before running after Oyagi and Suki.

It was in a deserted town that Zuko entered. He yelled at the Avatar to come out: he could not hide from him forever, and then, before the lack of response, he ordered his men to find him. Three komodo rhinos marched into the main street. The villagers were hiding inside their wooden houses. The fan warriors silently ran along the rooftops, jumped, and quickly took down the enemy soldiers from their mounts. Suki headed directly for Zuko who had stayed behind at the entrance. As she was about to land on him, he turned his stead and its tail swatted her down. She was still on the ground when the prince aimed a fire blast at her. Sokka stepped in front of Suki and deflected the fireball. While his attention was distracted, a female warrior who had jumped down from above made him fall from his mount onto the wooden walkway of a house. He was then surrounded by Suki, Sokka, and another warrior who cautiously approached Zuko who spun around on his hands shooting fire bolts out of his feet at the three warriors, knocking them all away, before pulling himself to his feet and leaping to the middle of the street.

"Nice try, Avatar! But these little girls can't save you."

"Hey! Over here!" Aang suddenly yelled from behind him.

"Finally!" Zuko said, turning around to face him. He immediately attacked him with three consecutive fire balls. But Aang dodged them and, using his staff as a helicopter, flew toward Zuko who shot another blast of fire, knocking Aang's staff out of his hands. The Avatar leapt away and picked up two discarded fans. The prince lunged at his opponent who used the fans to throw a powerful gust of air at Zuko. The air knocking him through a wall. Aang dropped the fans and recuperated his staff. He threw it into the air and flew over the now burning town. He looked behind him to see the statue of Avatar Kyoshi engulfed in flames. He landed next to Katara, who was helping a small child inside a house that was still safe.

"Look what I brought to this place." Aand said, upset. Katara tried to reassure him saying it was not his fault. "Yes, it is. These people got their town destroyed trying to protect me."

"Then let's get out of here. Zuko will leave Kyoshi to follow us. I know it feels wrong to run, but I think it's the only way." The waterbender suggested wisely and decisively.

"I'll call Appa." The Avatar agreed, hanging his head.

In town, the battle was still raging. A female warrior knocked a soldier out by throwing her fan directly at his face mask. Sokka and Suki were crouching down behind a house.

"There's no time to say goodbye." The Kyoshi warrior said with urgency in her voice.

"What about, 'I'm sorry'?"

"For what?"

"I treated you like a girl when I should have treated you like a warrior." Sokka apologised for his prejudice.

"I am a warrior." Suki leant toward him and kissed his cheek. "But I'm a girl, too." Sokka put his hand to his cheek, his eyes wide with surprise. He blushed. "Now get out of here! We'll hold them off." Suki left to join the fight. Sokka ran up Appa's tail. Katara, Aang, and Momo were waiting for him. On the airbender's command, Appa grunted and flew out of the town. When he saw them leaving, Zuko ordered everyone back to the ship. They must not lose sight of them. And noticing just how upset Aang was, Katara and leant forward and tried to comfort him: he had done the right thing. Zuko would have destroyed the whole place if they had stayed. They were going to be okay. Without a word, Aang suddenly dived off of Appa's head into the bay, a determined expression on his face. The Avatar soon resurfaced holding the unagi's whiskers and forced its head towards the burning town of Kyoshi. He pulled back on the whiskers and the monster spewed water over the town. The stream went on long enough to put out the fires Zuko and his army had begun. Soaking wet, the invaders, all gathered on a single rhino did not look very happy to say the least.

After judging Kyoshi out of danger, the last airbender let go of the unagi's whiskers and jumped into the air just as Appa swooped down. The bison caught Aang in his front paws and flew off. Oyagi looked at the departing travellers through a window and gratefully thanked the Avatar. The monk climbed into Appa's saddle where his friends were sitting, waiting for him.

"I know, I know. That was stupid and dangerous." He took the initiative before the scolding actually came.

"Yes, it was." Katara agreed before suddenly taking the boy in her arms. Aang's face lit up with joy and surprise. That was what he had truly wanted all along. And Appa calmly and quietly flew away to the setting sun.