Katara

He left so suddenly. I couldn't even react before he escaped my grip. It all happened so fast. One moment we looking at the moon together and the next he confessed his love to me and left. I didn't want it to be this way. I didn't want to hurt him but he needed to know.

I dropped down to the floor and cupped my face. I couldn't contain myself. I was crying so much. At first I wanted to go after him but he needed his space. I knew that. After collecting myself, I wiped away my tears and stood up. Before returning to my room I glanced at the moon. I closed my eyes and breathed in the cold air. I hoped everything would be alright.

I headed back towards my room and looked over to Aangs room for a moment. I wonder what he was thinking right now. I hope he was okay.

Aang

After closing the door I immediately started to pack what I had with me. I didn't have much because I didn't need much to live on. The monks always believed in simplicity and so that is how I lived my life too. It was much easier this way. It was easier to not have worldly attachments.

After I packed most of my stuff, which wasn't a lot, I sensed footsteps. Katara returned to her room. She stopped for a moment before closing the door. Even though she hurt me so much with her words, I hoped she was okay. I was rather harsh with what I said. I had to tell her how I feel though. Especially now, before leaving.

I took out a scroll and some ink. I began writing.

To whoever finds this letter,

I have decided to leave in order to rebuild the air temples. I have realized my duties and know that I must make this journey on my own. Please do not look for me. The world has gone long enough without its avatar and I must make rebuilding it my priority. I hope my decision to leave is not too upsetting. This is my choice and solely mine. As my friends and my family I sincerely hope for your support in my decision. I don't know how long this will take but I will try to write as often as I can. We will see each other soon.

Your true friend

Aang

I rolled it up, tied a ribbon around it and left it on my bed, where it was visible. I walked towards the door and stopped to take one last look at my room. The moon shined perfectly upon my bed, where the scroll lay. I forced myself to look away and leave. If I didn't leave now, I was afraid I would never leave. But I knew leaving was the right thing.

As I passed Katars room, I felt this eery sensation. I wish I could've said goodbye to her, but if I did she would somehow convince me to stay. She always does.

I walked outside and passed Toph's room . As it was midnight, everything was dark and I tripped on some berries Momo left on the carpet. I managed to catch myself with airbending, but I definitely still made a sound. I hope no one heard me. I mentally cursed myself.

I walked outside and made my way towards Appas shed. He was still sleeping but I had to wake him. I walked over and slightly padded his head.

„Wake up buddy. We have to leave." I scratched his head and he growled. I gritted my teeth.

„Shhh Appa. We don't want to wake the others." I said in a hushed tone.

„Going somewhere?" I froze. I knew Toph heard me. I should've been more careful. I mentally facepalmed and turned around.

„Hi Toph. We were just going for some late night flying." I laughed anxiously and hoped she would believe it.

„Don't lie Aang. I found your letter. I know you're planning on leaving." She sounded mad. How would I get out of this now?I sighed and looked down. Then I remembered something.

„But how did you know what I wrote? You can't read." I said looking at her confused.

„I read it to her." Sokka came out of nowhere with the scroll in his hand.

„Seriously Aang, a letter? You couldn't even say goodbye to us?" He raised the scroll and waved it in my face. I looked back down before I spoke. I felt embarrassed to be found like this.

„I know it's not the best way to say goodbye but you would've stopped me from going if I said goodbye to you. This way would ensure that I could leave." I said looking back up.

„I mean, it is true. Katara would've probably stopped him from going." Toph shrugged and turned to Sokka. As I heard her name I furrowed my eyebrows. She would have stopped me.

„Still, how can you just leave?" Sokka sounded more hurt than angry. I looked at him.

„This isn't personal Sokka. The war has ended but there is still so much to do. I have been gone for 100 years. I need to atone for that. And I will by rebuilding this world. Starting with the air temples." I spoke way harsher than I intended. Sokka sighed before looking up from the ground and back at me. He put his hand on my shoulder .

„I know Aang. I guess I'm just mad that you wouldn't even say goodbye." Toph stepped forward.

„I'm sorry. I don't mean to hurt you guys." I looked at both of them.

„Its okay. I just hope this journey will do something good for you too. I know you have to rebuild the would but don't lose yourself in the process of that." He smiled at me and I smiled back. He came closer and gave me a big brotherly hug.

„Thank you for understanding Sokka." I said as we pulled apart. I looked over at Toph.

„And thank you for finding me. I really did need to say goodbye." I came in for a hug and she hugged me tight. As we let go she punched my arm really hard.

„Don't be a stranger, twinkle toes." She said smiling as I rubbed my arm and giggled.

„I won't. I promise." I said and got on Appa as Momo flew over my shoulder. I looked at my friends one last time and smiled at them.

„Bye Aang. Bring me some souvenirs from the air temples." Sokka screamed as he waved.

„And say hi to the boulder for me if you happen to see him. Don't be shy to mention that rematch I'm still waiting for." Toph also screamed and waved.

„I won't! Bye!" I said and with that we flew away. I looked back at the capital and wondered if this really was the right choice. I guess I would figure that out when I arrive at the Eastern air temple.

Sokka

I watched as he flew off into the night. He was gone. I know he said he would write but when will we see him again? I knew we would separate but I didn't know it would happen so soon. And that Aang would be the one to leave. I dropped my shoulders as we started walking back.

„I wonder how Katara will feel about him leaving." I said almost unconsciously.

„She could already know." Toph said keeping her gaze on the ground.

„What?" I asked looking at her. She looked up and we stopped walking.

„Before I found the letter, I sensed Aang and Katara on the balcony. They were arguing about something. Then I felt Aang leave and I heard Katara crying. Something must have happened. I guess that's triggered him to leave." I stared at her blankly. Did my ears deceive me?

„What, no. Didn't you see them at sunset? They were so happy." I scratched my head.

„No, Sokka I didn't see them." I blushed and laughed slightly. I keep forgetting she's blind.

„Besides I didn't need to. I could feel their heartbeat. They were happy. But as the night carried on, Katara seemed more stressed. I don't know what happened, but they clearly talked it out on the balcony." She said and we continued walking.

„But what could have happened? Do you think he did something?" The question was dumb. I knew it too.

„Come on Sokka, be serious. Aang wouldn't do anything to hurt Katara. Besides I think it was something she said." We were now at the entrance and stopped walking again.

„Why do you say that?" I looked at her in confusion.

„Aang was alone on the balcony at first and then Katara came. I don't know what they said but I know Aangs heart started racing after she said something. After that he left." She turned to face me.

„I guess we'll know tomorrow." I yawned and stretched my arms.

„Let's just try to get some sleep while it's still dark." I walked back to my room.

„Good night." I said before closing the door.

„Night." she said and closed her door.

I laid down and closed my eyes. Tomorrow will be a loooong day.