[EDIT: 10/12/2020]
9:30 PM
Aang lay there on his guest room bed, awake and looking up at the canopy ceiling...
Dinner has passed and everyone felt tired from traveling the whole day, so they all went to get some shut-eye for tomorrow. However, Aang couldn't sleep...
...It's nothing. he thought with furrowed brows and a frown.
Katara and Zuko's interaction was just...friendly banter. They haven't seen each other and they're being good friends...
Aang looked down in thought as he lay there.
"Hey, Katara!" called out Aang as he dashed up to the young water-bender girl.
She was walking up to her room in the hallway of the guest quarters, which his room was across from hers conveniently. Turning around to face him, she gave him a smile, "Oh, hey Aang. What's up?"
As soon as Aang got close enough to Katara, he stopped and said, "Oh, nothing much! I was just, um...wondering what you were up to?"
Katara quirked a brow, "Well, I was going to go to bed."
"You are? I mean, don't you, uh...want to hang out?" Aang asked with a hopeful look.
"Aang, it's late. We have to rest tomorrow so we can go to this island to meet up and retrieve Ozai, Azula, and these other prisoners. You should probably get to bed too." suggested Katara.
"B-But I'm not tired! I just..." he sighed, "...I just want to spend time with you, Katara."
Katara frowned, "Aang..." she stood there in silence for a moment.
"I mean...we haven't technically been hanging out recently. We haven't even seen each other...I mean, we were at the Spring Festival at Omashu, but...it just didn't felt like it was enough. It felt like...you were avoiding me." Aang said with a sad frown.
"No, Aang, of course not," Katara said to ease his doubts, "I just..."
"Just what?" he asked softly asked, "I mean, I know we both have duties and you're doing yours while I do mine, but..." he sighed once more, "I just want to be with you, Katara."
Katara said nothing as they both stood there...
"...That was basically why..." Aang started, "...I want to do that with you."
Katara looked at Aang...and said, "Aang...I know you love me, and I love you...but you have to know that...sometimes life just gets in the way."
Aang gazed down in silence as he looked forlorn.
She frowned deeper when seeing his dejected state. She had to make it up to him... "Aang, I mean it. Once we get Ozai and everyone else, we'll have time for each other. You and I will have a day to ourselves. I promise."
Aang looked up at Katara with hopeful eyes. "You really mean it?"
"Absolutely," Katara nodded with a sincere smile.
Aang smiled widely, "That's great! And hey, when we do catch Ozai and the others, and if the island is home to some cranky spirits, we can maybe see what this Sairento Hiruzu has to offer! Since, you know, it's a resort town."
Katara giggled, "Maybe."
Grinning, Aang felt elated.
"Well, I'm gonna get to bed. You probably should too. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night, Aang," Katara said as she turned to her door.
"Wait!" the air-bender exclaimed, "A-Aren't you forgetting something?"
The water-bender stopped and turned her head to Aang, "Uh...no, I don't think so."
Aang frowned again, "Our kiss goodnight."
Katara blinked, "Oh...r-right. I'm sorry, it...must've slipped my mind."
"Oh, n-no worries! This has been a recent thing! I just...you know, want to show you that I love you!" Aang told her.
"Right..." Katara said.
"So..." The young boy stood straight as he closed his eyes and slightly puckered out his lips.
The young lady looked at him for a moment...almost like she was hesitating.
When not feeling any lip contact on his lip, Aang opened his eyes slightly.
Katara then quickly gave him a peck on the lips, surprising the air-bender.
"Um..." she smiled, although it looked forced, "Good night, Aang. L-Love you," and with that, she opened the door, went inside, and closed it.
Aang stood there...
...No matter how much that kiss sent a tingle down his spine...the kiss itself didn't feel genuine.
Aang lay there on his bed thinking of the memory...of the kiss...of her behavior...her stance...
...Her body...
Shaking his head, he canceled out those thoughts.
No, I shouldn't be thinking these thoughts. ...Why am I though? I mean...Katara is pretty...yeah, she really is...she's...really...
Aang gulped.
…Pretty.
He shook his head again and sat up, "Ugh!" he put a hand on his head, "I haven't even..." he sighed and mumbled, "...I just wish I can...touch her in a way..."
...To touch her bare skin...
Aang groaned as he put his hands on his face, "What's wrong with me?" he muffled behind his hands. He let go of his face and swung his legs off the bed as he sat there on the side of it, looking down in thought.
He wanted his relationship with Katara to be like Sokka and Suki's. Where they touch each other, give each other kisses...be intimate.
That's what couples do, right? He just...doesn't understand why he and Katara aren't intimate with each other.
"I mean, I'm not asking her to...do that. I'm just...I just want to..." he blew a sigh out of his nose.
He sat there in the dark, alone and simply...frustrated.
His thoughts went back to Katara and Zuko's interactions, how they looked at each other with so much...warmth. And when they talk to each other, they seem so...happy?
Katara looked...happy when she was either with or communicated with Zuko.
"...How come she's not that happy when she's with me?" Aang asked himself, hoping he gets an answer from none other than himself...maybe possibly from the Avatars. Sure, she was happy with Aang, but...she never looked at him with so much...warmth? Tenderness? ...Love?
Knock-knock
Aang heard the soft knocking on his door as his head perked up at the sound, "Hello?" he conjured a flame in his hand.
Katara?
The door opened, revealing the person to be none other than...
"Hey, Twinkletoes."
"Oh...hi, Toph," Aang said, a little bit disappointed.
Toph frowned, "Well, gee, sorry I'm not the person you thought you were expecting."
Aang blinked, "Oh! No, I, uh-I was just..." he sighed, "Sorry."
Toph shrugged, "Eh, don't worry about it. I actually came here to see if you were okay."
He looked at her in what little light that he made, "Really?"
"Well, that, and Sokka and Suki won't stop going at it like jackalopes," Toph grimaced, "Sheesh, they're right next door to me too. Just be glad you don't have sensitive hearing."
"Oh..."
"So why so glum, chum?" Toph asked as she closed the door and went over to where he was.
"I'm not glum," Aang denied.
"You really want to lie to me right now?" Toph asked cynically as she got closer to Aang, the fire lighting up her facial features. She had her hands on her hips and...
Aang blinked again. "Your...hair is down."
"Pfft!" she blew a strand of her bangs away from her face, and said with a cynic droll, "Wow, really? Thanks, Captain Obvious."
Wow...Toph looks...really nice with her hair down. Aang's eyes widened at that train of thought, letting him shake his head to clear it. "U-Um..."
"So yeah, anyway, don't try to change the subject and lie to me. You might as well just fess up. What's wrong, Twinkletoes?" Toph asked as she hopped on the bed and sat next to him.
Surprised that Toph would be brazen enough to just jump on his bed for the night, Aang extinguished the flame out of his hand and cleared his throat out of nervousness and said, "W-Well...what makes you think something is wrong in the first place?"
"Well, you're not as chipper as usual. You kind of were when we flew on Appa, but ever since we landed here in the Palace shortly after, you seemed tense."
"I..." he was going to deny it, but thought better of it, since his friend is a walking lie detector. Aang sighed, "Okay, you caught me."
"As usual."
Aang scowled at her but realized she couldn't see it. Shaking his head with a groan, "It's just...well, you know that me and Katara are together, right?"
"Uh-huh. I'm fully aware."
"Well..." Aang frowned at the thought, but he kept going, "Toph, did...did you notice that Katara seemed...different when...she was around Zuko?"
Toph sat there in thought...and then she said, "Maybe."
Aang blanched in horror. "W-What do you mean?"
Toph sighed, "Twinkles, look, I know where this is heading, and let me just say that Sugar Queen would not go that far as to cheat on you."
"Cheat on me!?" Aang said in a panic.
"Calm down, lover-boy," Toph said with a hand raised to stop him, "Sure, she may have been a little lighter when she was around Zuko-"
"She was!?"
"BUT, I think it's just a phase. I mean, she chose you, didn't she?"
"...Well...yeah..." Aang said, feeling a little calm when thinking about it.
"And you two have been together since when?" she asked him.
"...Around three months actually."
"Right! And you and I and everyone else know that Katara is definitely not a floozy! She's way too sweet to even entertain the thought of cheating on you, especially since both of you have been recently dating. Not saying that she would cheat, but she would've said something to you if your relationship with her wasn't going anywhere."
"Yeah...yeah."
"And besides, you're the Avatar! That's like a high status in itself! Higher than a Fire Lord, if you ask me."
"...Yeah," Aang smiled, feeling elated.
"Plus, girls are falling at your feet everywhere you go. Of course, I don't know why they would do that, you'll always be fluttery ol' Twinkletoes to me," she joked.
Aang chuckled at that and sat there looking at the floor in thought.
"...Thanks, Toph," he said glancing at his good friend with a smile.
"Eh, just don't worry about it. I believe these things work out well in the end. As I would say, 'Let the rock roll in place'."
Aang snickered at that, "Wow, never heard of that phrase before."
Toph smirked, "That's because I made it up."
Now the air-bender laughed softly, while Toph chuckled. Enjoying the moment of humor, Aang turned to Toph, "Really though, thank you Toph."
"Hey, no prob. If you ever want any advice, I'll be as blunt as possible." she hopped off the bed, "Well, I guess I'll get back to my room. Maybe Sokka and Suki cooled down a bit."
Aang watched her go and felt like he needs to repay her. "Hey, Toph."
Toph stopped halfway to the door. "Yeah?"
"You know...if Sokka and Suki are still at it...you can sleep in my bed if you want."
Toph turned to Aang with wide-eyed shock.
Realizing how that sounds, Aang blanched once more, "I-I mean, I'll sleep in your room! I mean, because you don't have to hear them! I mean, because, you know, your ears are sensitive! You can, um, sleep here, while I sleep in your room! That's what I meant!" his face redden as the heat risen to his face.
Toph stood there for a moment, stunned. Then when she came to and realized what he meant, she said, "Oh..." she then blinked, "Wait, are you sure?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Uh, y-yeah! I mean...I just want to...repay you for making me feel better," he said sheepishly.
"Oh...well, if you can stand the noises next door, then...okay," Toph shrugged, feeling a little weird.
"Yeah, no problem!" Aang said with a smile as he got off his bed and made his way to the door, but not until he passed Toph and put a hand on her shoulder and said sincerely, "Thanks again, Toph."
The earth-bender girl smiled a little as well, "No prob, Twinkles. Have a good night's rest. We're gonna need it tomorrow."
"We sure do. Night, Toph."
As Aang exits the room, Toph stood there for a moment, sensing his footsteps going to her room...
She walked over to his bed, climbed on it, and rest on the mattress...
She frowned.
She had felt Katara's heartbeat whenever she was with Zuko...it felt too much like something else...something more than a phase.
"...I hope I'm wrong on this one, Twinkletoes."
And with that, she drifted off to sleep...
10:30 PM
Five fire-benders and a messenger hawk were all inside and stationed in a small airship carrier that was heading to the island. It was at the beginning of the night and they left extremely early than they planned. In fact, it was the message that made them go to the island as quickly as possible. The messenger hawk that arrived at the base received them a message of utmost urgency and importance, that the team wasted no time putting their armor on and going out into the evening.
They flew for what exactly felt like two hours, but are coming up to their destination now.
Sairento Hiruzu.
One of the soldiers, a man in his twenties, almost drifted off to sleep from where he was sitting...
"Herai! Wake up!" said a gruff voice.
The soldier known as Herai perked his head back up into the waking world. "S-Sorry, I'm awake...ugh," he rubbed his eyes, "are we there yet?"
The gruff voice belongs to an older man in his late fifties who looked to be the commander of the team due to his rugged experience. The man shook his head and sighed, "Almost. Just get your head in the game, Henrai. We can't sleep on this mission, no matter how late it is."
"Wish we had some rest," muttered another man in his twenties that was sitting across Henrai.
"I don't make the rules, Arek," the commander told the soldier. "We've been informed by Fire Lord Zuko that his father, former Fire Lord Ozai, and Princess Azula, along with the other escaped prisoners are on this island that we're about to land in," he turned to the pilot who was driving the airship carrier, "How long do we have until we reach the shore, Torubi?"
"About ten minutes from now, Commander Dagura," said the pilot/soldier named Torubi, who looked to be in his twenties as well, as he looked ahead at the windshield through a telescope while driving, "I think I see one of our ships in the distance. They've surely landed here."
"Man, we're ordered to retrieve the former Fire Lord and former Princess by the Fire Lord?" said another soldier that was in his late twenties sitting next to Arek, shaking his head at the irony of it, "Try to make sense out of that."
"We need to also retrieve the prisoners as well, Maji," Dagura reminded him. He turned to Torubi and told him, "Try to find us a place to land somewhere that's not close to the airship. Somewhere that looks safe enough to land, and make as less noise as you can."
"Aye aye, sir," Torubi said as he steered the carrier airship to the right of the island.
Once they flew close enough to the shore, they made their descent to the beach in front of them, away from where the other ship was situated way off to the left, and softly landed on the sand away from the airships and ships' docks.
"Alright," Dagura said, "We've arrived at Sairento Hiruzu. Everyone get into positions."
Herai, Arek, and Maji all got up from their seats as Torubi walked away from the steering wheel to stand by each other, with Dagura in the middle.
"Sairento Hiruzu, huh? I heard this island is infamous," Arek said.
"That it is. Full of seedy stuff went on here. It's just an abandoned resort town now," Dagura answered.
"Apparently not, since there are people supposedly living on this island. I mean, whoever broke them out has to have their base here, right?" Torubi asked.
"Yeah. Which means we have to fight some of these new hostiles. Here's hoping they come quietly," Maji told them all.
"It is a shame though about this island. I heard this place was really gorgeous. I've also heard that the town here, Silent Hills, used to be a fun place." Herai commented.
"Well, we're not here for a fun time, Herai, we're here on a mission," Dagura said, making the situation known, "Alright men, once we lower the hatch, be on your guard. Try to keep your fire-bending to a minimum so we won't be detected. Once we reach the town, if there's anyone there at this time of night, we'll make them lead us to where Ozai, Azula, and the prisoners are. If these hostiles attack, it is by my orders that we defend ourselves and shoot to kill. When we retrieve our target, we'll write back a message to the Fire Lord via messenger hawk. Alright then, any questions?"
"No sir," Torubi said.
"None whatsoever," Maji also said.
"None by me," Arek replied.
"Uh, no sir," Herai said.
Dagura nodded, "Then let's move. Torubi, lower the hatch."
Torubi nodded as well and used the twist lever to let the hatch door descend slowly onto the sand, where they met the night and its fog.
"Sheesh, foggy much?" Maji muttered.
"Hmm, it looks like we need to use our bending for this," Dagura said quietly as he conjured up a small flame in his hand. Everyone else summoned a flame onto their hands as well, "Follow my lead."
Dagura was the first that came out of the airship carrier while the others followed suit, leaving the messenger hawk inside. They gradually wandered into the fog as they proceed into the forest, their stances on high alert as they quietly ventured through...to Silent Hills.
...Inside the forest, however...something waited for them...
6:00 AM
Zuko wakes up from the light of the sun as it illuminates his bedroom.
Getting out of his bed, he got dressed in his casual Fire Nation garb, not wanting to adorn the Fire Lord outfit, as it would be too formal...even though he did want his father, sister, and these prisoners to remind them on who they're up against. But chances are, they'll have a fight on their hands if the special ops team hasn't dealt with them...which he hoped they had. They told him that they'll send a messenger hawk to let him know that they'd gotten them all in custody. Honestly, the only real threat they would have is Azula...but if these prisoners and people who broke them out are somewhat of a threat as well, then maybe they're having a tougher time than he thought. He really hopes not...with all that said, he really did trust these men to do the job. They all met before when Zuko was crowned Fire Lord, and they've pledged loyalty to him, saying that they've not agreed with his father's views, as well as not being keen on his past reign. Zuko was thankful that he at least has supporters who will stand by him...much like his friends and Uncle.
Either way, he got dressed, putting on dark long pants, and putting on a red tunic, along with some Fire Nation boots. He looked at himself in the mirror and briefly wondered if this was too casual. He's been banished and hanging out with his friends for so long, that he hasn't thought once about how he should look for the trip. He even had his hair down to his shoulders. Deciding that it doesn't really matter, he gave an affirmed nod at his reflection and exits his bedroom.
As he walked through the halls in the early morning to go to the kitchen to get something to eat, he took a turn around the corner to see someone familiar...
"Katara?" he said in surprise.
Katara, who had her back facing Zuko, was startled by his voice and turned around to see the young Fire Lord. "Oh, Zuko..." she sighed a breath of relief, "It's just you."
Zuko looked at her in concern, "Is something wrong? It's really early in the morning. Usually, I rise with the sun," he said, trying to joke.
She chuckled, which for some reason, made Zuko happy. His Uncle's corny jokes must be rubbing off on him.
"No, nothing's wrong. I just...felt like getting up early today, you know?" Katara said with an innocent shrug.
"Oh, okay...well, do you want something for breakfast? The chefs usually cook something at this hour." Zuko offered.
Katara smiled. "That would be nice. If it's anything like last night's dinner, I would love to see what they cook up for breakfast."
Smiling as well, Zuko said, "Well, uh, let's...go on over there then."
The water-bender giggled, which made Zuko feel even more elated. She has a really nice laugh...
"Alright then," Katara said with a grin, "Lead the way, My Lord," she said as she stepped aside and gestured with her hands.
Zuko chuckled, "Sure thing."
They walked side by side down the hall to make their way to the kitchen. As they did, they made idle conversation.
"So...did you sleep well?" Zuko asked Katara.
"Oh yes, I did! Very well, actually," Katara said to him with a smile, "Those beds are so comfortable, a spirit-send. It made me forget all about my worries."
Zuko blinked, "Worries?"
Realizing what she said, her eyes widened, "I-I mean, not that I'm worried about...um, about anything!" Katara said stuttered, "Why would I? I'm just...well, I mean, I'm..." she looked hesitant to continue. She stopped and gazed down at the floor, her posture looking despondent and crestfallen.
Zuko stopped as well, a little confused but also concerned once more, "Katara?"
Staying silent for a moment, she sighed, "Actually...I need to talk to you about something, Zuko."
He looked at her with a worried frown, "Is everything okay?"
"...I don't know..." she turned her head to Zuko, "Is it okay if we speak somewhere private?"
"Sure," Zuko nodded, "We can go to my study."
"That would be great."
They made their way over there, navigating the halls until they reached the study. Zuko closed the double doors behind them, while Katara went to his desk and leaned back on it.
"What's going on, Katara?" Zuko asked her as she stared at her.
"...Zuko, did you ever...feel like you've made a mistake?" Katara asked him.
Zuko just blinked as he gave her a wry look of amusement. "I've made plenty of mistakes in my life."
Realizing that she hit a touchy subject, her eyes widened as she blushed, "I-I mean...oh, Zuko, I'm so sorry, those were poor choices of words. I wasn't thinking, I-I mean, I completely...forgot," she said with a cringe.
Thankfully, Zuko chuckled, "No, it's fine. In fact, I'm glad you've forgotten all that had transpired between us during the war."
Katara smiled in relief.
"But you're gonna have to be more specific, Katara. What kind of mistake did you make?"
She frowned, "Well, what I mean is...well, say that you said something you shouldn't have said, but you couldn't find the way to handle the moment. And now you're regretting you said it, but you can't be able to tell that person, because the damage is already done?" Katara explained.
Zuko stared at her a little confused at her way of words...until his eyes widened in realization. "Is this...about Aang?"
She gazed down at the floor with a forlorn frown. "...I...I don't know what to do, Zuko. I-I love him, but...just not in that way."
The young Fire Lord was silent, taking what Katara said into account. "...This feels like when Mai and I broke up."
Katara looked up at Zuko.
He continued, "It...wasn't easy, but...I told her that I wasn't...really in love with her."
"...How did she take it?"
"...Not good. She was upset, and...stormed out of the palace." Zuko looked awkward as he shifted his stance. "I mean, at least she didn't maim me..."
"...There's no good side to this, is there?" Katara droned with a dubious look.
"Well...we're kind of getting there on just being friends, if that helps," Zuko said sheepishly.
Katara groaned, putting a hand on her forehead. "Zuko, I can't tell him that I don't feel that way about him. He's still so young, and..." she let her hand drop away from her forehead and sighed, "I don't want to break his heart."
Zuko stood there in thought as he looked down. "...Have you tried talking to him about it?"
"...I'm scared to."
"Because he wouldn't understand?"
Remaining silent, Katara still leaned back on the desk. After a moment. she looked at Zuko, "I really messed up, Zuko."
"How?"
"...I...he said some things to me...and I didn't know how to respond to it."
"...What kind of things?"
"...I..." she sighed miserably, "Zuko-"
Suddenly, one of the double doors opened to reveal...
"Zuko?" said the voice of Iroh, "Katara?"
Zuko turned around to see his uncle, "Uncle! Good morning. Um, Katara and I were just discussing some private matters."
"Uh, hey Iroh. Good morning," Katara greeted Iroh with a soft smile.
Iroh smiled back at them. "Well then, I am really sorry to interrupt. However, I was looking for you Zuko, because a messenger hawk came this morning. I think it is from the special ops team."
"From the team? Already?" Zuko asked in surprise. That was quick.
"Yes, my Nephew. It was addressed to you. It has the Royal Family Seal on it."
Zuko's posture tensed, almost like he was mentally preparing himself, "Alright. I would like to read it then."
Iroh came up to his nephew and gave him the message. Like his uncle said, it had the Royal Family Seal on it, meaning only members of the Royal Family should read it.
As Zuko was beginning to slide off the seal, Katara walked up behind him to see if she can catch a glimpse of what the letter says. As soon as the young Fire Lord opened it, he read it to himself.
"What does it say?" Katara asked him.
Zuko scan through the note...his eyes widened in shock, along with his mouth agape.
"Zuko?" spoke Iroh in a concerned tone when he noticed his nephew's look of incredulity.
The Fire Lord's hands...were shaking.
Katara noticed this as well. "Zuko? Are you okay?"
"Uncle?" Zuko said suddenly, "Who sent this?"
Iroh blinked, "Well, I would assume the special task-"
"No, really, who sent this?" Zuko's voice was firm.
"Zuko?" Katara said, a little confused at his instant change of tone.
Iroh looked at him in wonder, confusion etched on his face as well.
"Uncle...this isn't from the team," Zuko stated.
Eyes widened, Iroh looked at him curiously, "It isn't?"
"What? Zuko, what does it say?" Katara asked him as she peeked around his arm.
She read the note clearly:
Zuko,
I found a lake...the lake is so gorgeous.
You have to see it...there are turtle-ducks everywhere.
I wish you were here...
Your father and sister are here...
Now only you remain.
And I miss you.
Come...come to me...come to us...to Silent Hills in Sairento Hiruzu.
We can be a family again.
I love you...Zuko.
Signed...
Now Katara's eyes widened in shock. "Wait...it says..."
"What is the matter?" Iroh asked worry etched on his facial features. "What does the note say?"
Katara jerked her attention back at Iroh and then looked back at Zuko, who stood there in disbelief.
"Uncle...this letter..." Zuko said, trying to form the next words out of his mouth, "...is from my mother."
End of Chapter 6
For real this time, the next chapter will have the Gaang going to Silent Hills. XP
Wow, I'm on a roll, huh? I have three chapters all out in a single row! I might do this with my other stories from now on! So who knows? Maybe I'll do three chapters of Clown or To Rise! You'll have to wait and see! ;D
So yeah, with all that said, what do you think of the chapter? Do you like it? Leave me a review! Do you want to follow and fave it? Then go on ahead! I love to hear what you think! :D
Until next time, keep on rocking everybody! And thank you all for reading! :)
-TSP