Dear Agony part 1
Again Katara couldn't sleep. Even though her bed was mostly comfortable. Even though her beloved Aang was nearby.
Perhaps it was the fact that they nearly faced another war a few days ago, when Zuko's army faced off with Kuei's
right in front of Yu Dao. The Earth king had seen the plight of the colony, and had backed down, giving her and
Aang time to consider another solution.
Or perhaps her restlessness was attributed to the proximity of Aang's 'fangirls'. Or the Air acolytes, as Aang
proclaimed them yesterday. Since coming to terms with the clubs, he had spending time teaching them the ways of the
nomad, starting with the Ba Sing Sei chapter. Which meant sitting to the side while a dozen girls ate up her
boyfriends attention.
Katara sighed, shifting to her side for a more comfortable position. It seemed vile, to judge the young girls who
were basically restoring Aang's culture. Something that was lost for decades, and to close to his heart. And all
she could do was get jealous. "What's wrong with me?"
She couldn't imagine being in Aang's position, waking up a century from now and discovering that the water tribes
were a thing of the past. The poles deserted, the wondrously made ice structures falling into ruin and relics
scattered about carelessly. No one in the Earth Kingdom would know how to properly stew a sea prune. No one in the
Fire Nation would know how to carve weapons from whale tooth, or make clothing from tiger seal hide. No one
anywhere would remember the proverbs, fables and legends passed from one generation to another.
It was one thing that astounded her when she first met Aang. How well he took things in stride, how he set aside
his loss to find the good surrounding him. How he became a hero. Even though he hated the thought of being the
avatar, when he learned of the war and how much he was needed, it took very little prodding to convince him to
help.
She was proud of him. Even through the childish mannerisms and desire to play all day, he still stepped up when it
was time to serious. He fought bravely at her side, facing down countless enemies for the sake of righting wrongs.
And he learned even more while on his journey to stop Ozai, and afterwards. He was a shining light for the world,
and she was thrilled to be at his side.
So why couldn't she sleep at night?
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The barely muted giggles of the fangirls woke Katara the next morning, and she grumbled irritably. "Of course.
First thing in the morning." She let out a breath, pushing away her jealousy and preparing herself for the day. She
plastered a pleasant smile as she walked out the room, spying Aang teaching an acolyte how to play a flute.
"Hey, Katara? You slept late!" The cheery airbender flashed her grin as he noticed her, and give her a quick hug.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yes." Katara lied through her teeth, but Aang didn't seem to notice. "How long were you up?"
"Hours." Aang stated, gesturing through a window. "I helped them plant a garden in the plant. Did you know they had
seeds native to the temples?"
"How lovely." Katara looked behind Aang, seeing the gaggle of girls whispering to themselves while pointing to her.
Were they conspiring? "So, how much longer will this lessons take?"
"Weeks, maybe months." Aang held her hand while turning his gaze to the acolytes. "I'm teaching them an entire
culture. That's a lot to learn, you know."
Katara twitched, thankful that Aang didn't see it. "...Lovely."
"Avatar Aang!" Won-Yee, one of the newly dubbed acolytes, ran toward them excitedly. "We just got a message from
our Yu Duo chapter. It's addressed to you!" She held out a scroll for airbender.
Aang accepted gratefully, unrolling it with a satisfied grin. "It's from Mayor Morishita! He wants to have some
meetings with us while Kuei is touring the other colonies."
"Oh, so we have to leave?" Katara tried to keep the excitement from her voice, knowing Aang wouldn't be.
Indeed, the monk nodded with a quiet sigh. "Yeah. Sorry, Won-Yee, lessons will have to wait, again."
Won-Yee beamed, giving Aang a comforting pat on the back. "Don't worry, we're patient. Do you need help packing?"
Aang shook his head. "No, I'll take are of it. Sweetie, I'll take care of yours, too. You should relax before we
leave." He planted a kiss on her cheek before going to fetch thier belongings.
Katara smiled as she watched him, enjoying the peaceful moment before she noticed the smug expression on Won-Yee's
face. Remembering that this was the same girl to claimed Katara was the 'first' girlfriend, and implying that there
would a second, the waterbenders smile quickly vanished. "...Can I help you?"
Won-Yee was quiet for a moment. "Just watching history as it passes by."
Katara's face turned red, huffing at Won-Yee. "Are you implying something?"
"I noticed you're wearing the same dress as yesterday. As the last four days."
Katara gaped. "My clothes? You're nitpicking my clothes? What an inane thing to say. Aang and I travel a lot, extra
clothes would just get in the way-"
"So you settle for a single dress. The same day after day. Never changing."
Katara stared down the little girl. "You're wearing the same dress."
Won-Yee smirked. "This is a uniform, worn during alocyte duties. In my free time I wear different clothes. To
stimulate the eyes. Aang's noticed my dresses."
Katara's face burned even harder. "So you have pretty dresses. Congratulations."
Won-Yee shrugged, now turning away, still with a smug attitude. "Just saying...I make an effort not to be *boring*."
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The comment stayed with Katara, even when they reached Yu Dao, meeting with important figures in the colony and an
advisor acting in Kuei's steed. The second day of the meeting, Katara is fighting to keep her mind focused on the
matter at second, and chastising herself for not being able to. The future of the colonies was more important then
anything concerning her, and it was important that she help in any way. Kuei's advisor had the floor, and was
currently informing the council of past governments, hoping to hone the strategy they would take.
She was trying so hard to pay attention, even pulling out some tricks grangran taught her. Listen to each word
being spoken, and repeat them in her own mind. She was trying so hard...but her idiot brother was being an idiot!
"Even if the past bores me out of my skull?" She heard Sokka whisper to Aang, quietly enough to not disturb the
speaker, but unfortunately she was right next to the warrior.
"Yeah, I agree. We need to a *new* way of seeing the four nations, not-"
Katara snapped. "Can you two keep it down? Some of us are trying to listen!" Bad enough that Sokka had to run his
mouth, but he was drawing Aang into his nonsense! Aang instantly responded to the chiding with appropriate remorse.
"Sorry, Katara!" Aang gave her an apologetic look, and Katara started to soften when Sokka opened his mouth again.
"Surprise surprise. My boring sister likes boring lecture guy." Sokka said, waving dissuasively.
Katara twitched, fury rising within as she lifted her water cup. Aang didn't appear pleased either.
"Hey, that's my girlfriend you're talking about!" Aang gave Sokka a glare, an expression he could barely manage.
Katara's glare was harder, clenching her teeth so hard they nearly broke. No longer caring about interrupting the
speaker, she bending the water in her cup to morphing into snow and slam onto Sokka's face.
The tension was broken, and Aang slapped his hands to his mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Katara breath
deeply, preparing to tune into the lecture again. A few chairs down she faintly heard Zuko speak up for the first
time, actually interrupting the speaker to ask for clarification.
Katara rubbed her head, thinking nothing would get accomplished with all these interruptions. She glanced across,
seeing Kori at the other end of the u shaped table, and how she listened so effortlessly. Of course, this was her
home at stake, of course she'd give it all her attention. Just like Katara was supposed to, and Aang. How were they
supposed to help when they couldn't even manage to listen to a few words?
Again Sokka's voice broke into her thoughts, like jagged ice. "The guy's a blowhard! Only people like Katara take
him seriously."
Katara twitched. Of course she took this seriously! They were all supposed to! Using Sokka's water cup this time,
she flung a snowball at her brothers face. What was wrong with Sokka? What was wrong with all of them?!
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The end of the meeting had came quicker then she expected, possibly due to her inability to focus. And she was left
with a feeling of remorse and disappointment in herself. She rubbed her head, trying to reassure herself that she
wasn't a failure just because one mistake when she saw Kori walk out of the building.
"Hey there!" Katara called out, rushing to catch up to the other teen. "So, that was an informative meeting."
Kori lifted an eyebrow, curious about the waterbenders sudden attention on her. "I suppose."
Katara smiled, appearing friendly. "So, which part did you think was the most informative?"
"....All of it?" Kori glanced away, looking among the departing attendants. "Is there something you need?"
"I just thought we could compare notes, afterall you do live here."
"Why couldn't you compare notes with the avatar or your friends. I'm not trying to be rude, but you've never tried
to strike a conversation with me."
Katara bit her lip, feeling a flash of guilt. "My brother couldn't be bothered to pay attention, and he was
distracting Aang too-"
"-And you." Kori narrowed her eyes. "You didn't pay attention, so thats why you're coming to me for hints."
Katara turned red with embarrassment. "That's not true! I listened, I really did! But Sokka was talking through it,
and then insulted me! It was hard to ignore, but I tried."
Kori crossed her arms, but found it hard to be cross when Katara was almost pleading for forgiveness. "Well, you're
have to try harder, since the avatar doesn't seem to care much."
Katara blinked, gaping at the other teen. "What? Of course Aang cares! That's why he's here!"
"It took him long enough to decide that. He only decided to support us at the last second, in case you failed to
notice. I don't even know what changed his mind."
Katara bristled at the veiled insults, unable to refrain from taking it personally. "Aang had a lot on his mind!
You have no idea of what he goes through on a daily basis! He changed his mind because he realized separating multi
ethnic families was wrong! When I pointed out what could happen to us-"
Kori's eyes sharpened, and she waved a hand to stop Katara. "Wait, are you saying he reconsidered because he was in a relationship with you?"
Katara stopped. "What?"
"The avatar didn't even stand up to support us. It was all because he didn't want to give up his girlfriend."
"That's not true! He does care about the colonies! About people!"
Kori crossed her arms. "Then why didn't he care? Remember when you and the avatar first came to this colony? After
the fight with the firelord, he gave you two a tour around town. My parents and I followed you. Even after seeing
our families, how close we were to each other, the next time he arrived he still insisted we leave. Is that how the
avater shows his 'care'?"
Katara sputtered, indignant at Kori's harsh words, but at the same time finding it hard to dispute it. "He..He was
confused! You don't know what it's like to have the pressure he does, to have to make the decisions he does!"
"And that makes it right? To nearly spilt about our town, our families, because he was 'pressured to'?"
"You just don't understand!" Katara brushed past Kori, away from her words of hate. She didn't understand what life
was like outside the colonies. She just didn't understand.
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Katara wandered the streets of Yu Dao for an hour, coming to terms to with's Kori's hateful words. She didn't like
the other girl, for being so quick to judge Aang. But as the time passed, she started thinking of it another way,
much to her regret.
As much as she hated to admit it, she could sympathize with the girl. Pulling apart the words, it was apparent
Kori's main complaint was the lack of defense of her home, from the world's guardian. Katara's own home, the south
pole, had been attacked and seized for decades. Despite her peoples fights to defend it, more and more pieces were
taken away.
Likewise, Kori's home was under attack, and she desperate tried to defend it. To protect the place she was raised,
her neighbors and friends, and her family. And then comes the avatar, who stated it was wrong to protect her home.
If Katara had experienced that, she would telling Aang off like no tomorrow.
That left the question, why was Aang so opposed to keeping the colony intact until she spoke to him? What was the
basis of his reconsideration?
A gentle poke at her shoulder sharply drew her out of her thoughts, nearly jumping at the action. She turned,
seeing Aang at her side.
"Hey. I was looking for you after the meeting." The Airbender started. "You seem occupied."
Katara gave a shrug. "I...suppose I am. I'm just...thinking."
"About what?"
Katara paused at the question, regarding Aang sharply. "...Do you really want to know?"
Aang frowned. "Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?"
"I don't know. Don't mind me. I'm just a little cranky."
Aang watched her for a moment, and lightly stroked her hand. "Katara, I'm your boyfriend. If something's bothering
you, tell me."
Katara didn't want to get into an argument, not when they needed to focus on the colonies, but the question
wouldn't leave her mind. "Aang...why exactly did you change your mind?"
Aang blinked, not quite understanding. "What do you mean?"
"I mean...First you're against the colonies staying, then you say they should stay. Why?"
"Well, you youself changed your mind, and-"
Katara bristled. "So that's it? Because of me. Because I made you think of what would happen to us if the nations
were made to separate. Maybe Kori was right."
Aang stepped back, now thoroughly confused. "Wait, wait. Lets backtrack here. What does Kori have to do with this?"
Katara crossed her arms, a flurry of emotions invading her heart. "She said you only spoke up for this village for
selfish reasons. And you just confirmed it."
"I didn't confirm anything!" Aang tried to defend himself, still wondering why Katara was angry. "Why are you
upset? Are you saying I shouldn't have changed my mind?"
"No, I'm saying you should have changed it for the right reasons! And to think I stood up for you!"
Aang sighed, rubbing his head. "Katara, calm down. Making this decision wasn't easy, and-"
"Well, it should have been easy!"
"Why?"
That stopped Katara's building rant. "What?"
"Why should have it been an easy decision?"
Katara huffed. "Because it should have! Because...people's livelihoods were at stake! People's families!"
"And war was at stake, too. Like I said, it wasn't a simple decisions, no matter how we would have wanted it to
be." Aang paced in a small circle. "Believe me, I wanted to do right by everyone. I had a lot on my mind."
Katara didn't back down. "That's no excuse, Aang. Your actions threatened to rip apart families that did no wrong to anyone!"
Aang didn't like the fact Katara was yelling at him over this, out of the blue, but managed to stay calm.
"Why?"
Again, Katara puased. "Why what?"
"Why did it threaten to rip apart families?"
Katara gaped, stretching her arms into the air. "Are you serious? Are you that dense?-"
Aang held up a hand, interrupting the waterbender while ignoring the insult.
"I never said they had to separate. In the case of Kori's family. Ling could have traveled back to the fire nation
with her husband and daughter and become a Fire Nation citizen. Or her husband and daughter could have stayed and
become Earth Kingdom citizens."
Katara opened her mouth, only to close it again. The process happened several times before she finally spoke again.
"But either of those choices would have compromised thier uniqueness. They would have to sacrifice a part of
themselves just to conform to standards, and that's not right either!"
"In other words, it's not a simple decision. Nothing about it was simple."
Katara sighed, her ire cooling, but still feeling uneasy. "...Maybe, but Aang, That doesn't change the fact your
motivations-"
Aang interrupted her again. "Are you saying you don't trust my motivations?" He looked at her sadly, as a moment of
silence passed. "Listen, Katara, I'll admit when you placed it in a personal light, it did make me think of things I didn't before. But it was really a bad thing? I may be an avatar, but I'm not all knowing. I can't always know the right decisions to make, or know the right reasons to make them. That's why I rely on the advice of those around me. You, Sokka, Toph and even Zuko."
Aang glanced to his girlfriend, meeting her softening gaze. "I might not agree with your advice, but I do consider
it. And I'll have you know, you weren't the only reason I changed my mind."
Katara averted her eyes, starting to feel guilty for doubting Aang and giving him a hard time. "I'm sorry, Aang. I
know you do your best, and I don't know I let Kori get to me. It's just...seeing them have their home threatened
and trying to keep their family together..."
Aang stepped closer, wrapping a comforting arm around her. "It reminded you of your own home, didn't it? Of your
own family. You told me how much it hurt to watch your father leave..."
Tears welled in Katara's eyes, nodding at the truth. "Yes...I guess I was connecting Kori's situation to mine. I
guess I had a selfish motivation too."
Aang cupped her cheek, gently wiping away the tears with a finger. "Don't worry so much about motivations. You do
so much for everyone, no one will begrudge you a little selfishness." He grinned. "And if they do I'll give them an
avatar beat down."
That drew a chuckle out of the waterbender, and she settled into his embrace. "Thank you, Aang. I'm sorry about
getting on your case. I know you do the best you can."
"I forgive you." Aang ran a hand through her soft hair, and then broke away. "We should get going to the Inn. It's
getting dark and Appa's getting hungry."
"Agreed." Katara breathed deeply, pulling herself together before following the shorter airbender.
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The next few days went by quickly and peacefully. Katara, Aang and Sokka visited Toph's school, meeting the three
progressing students. During their stay more residents of the nearby Yu Dao stopped by, interested in enrolling
their children. Toph's school went from three students, to ten in the course of two days, and the gaang celebrated
her success.
Word from Zuko came shortly after, requesting their presence at the palace. Toph, being too busy with her new
students remained, but sent her good wishes. Aang, Sokka and Katara prepared for the journey.
It was several days later that they arrived, meeting with Iroh first before the elder firebender called out his
nephew.
Zuko emerged from behind a curtain, making sure to keep it closed after himself. Aang was the first to greet him,
with an excited bow. "Thank you for inviting us to your home, your fieriness! We've been out of touch much too
long!" Despite their butting heads at Yu Dao, or maybe because of it, Aang found himself even more fond of Zuko. He
hated to think would what have happened if he gave in to pressure, and ended the young firelord.
Zuko, however, fixed with him a confused stare. "It's only been a week." The firebender glanced around his friends,
and noticed one missing. "Where's Toph?"
"She had to stay at the academy." Sokka answered, also glancing around. "Now that folks have seen the lily livers-"
Sokka noticed his mistake, and corrected it quickly before Katara water whipped him for being mean. "I mean, her
students in action, everyone and their mother wants to be a metalbender. Even the Yu Dao police chief went to visit
her!"
Katara took her turn as Sokka finished. "We came as soon as we received your message. What is this about?" Katara
wondered if it couldn't have waited a little longer. After all, as Zuko had just pointed out, they saw each other a
week before.
Zuko took a deep breath, knowing the three before him might oppose his plan. "I recently obtained some new
information about-"
"Zuko!" Suki rushed through the curtain, interrupting Zuko's explanation. She wore a frantic expression, grabbing
at Zuko's arm while barely noticing Sokka's presence. "I'm sorry, but your sister just collapsed!"
A chorus of confusion erupted. Aang and Katara were left guessing, wondering if Azula was what Zuko wanted to talk
about, and what had happened just now. Sokka grumbled out loud about Suki's closeness to Zuko, which in turn cased
her confusion, only now seeing her boyfriend. Suki rushed over to hug the warrior, which left ZUko sputtering for
answers. "Wait, what? She collapsed? From what?"
Suki frowned, craning her neck to glance at Zuko. "I don't know! She seemed fine a few minutes ago, but then she
just fell over! Katara, can you check her over?"
Katara gaped. "Um, I guess, but where-"
"Here!" Zuko answered, pulling the curtain back and gesturing for Katara to follow. "She's in the back room."
Katara bit back even more questions, merely following to find the rest of the Kyoshi warriors hovering around the
fallen princess. She kneeled, bending the water out of her waterskin and tried to heal the unconscious girl.
Aang drifted closer to Zuko, speaking up now that the matter was being tended to. "...Isn't she supposed to be
locked up?"
"Yeah." Sokka echoed. "Did she escape or something?"
"She didn't escape." Suki stated, but left the explaining for Zuko while she savored Sokka's touch.
Zuko sighed heavily, stressed and concerned for his sister. "I, well, I let her out."
Sokka rose an eyebrow. "Really. You let your crazy, lightning throwing sister out of the psych ward for...what now?
Maybe we should call you 'Bad Decision Lord!'"
Suki smacked Sokka lightly on the head. "Be nice."
Zuko became flustered, sputtering an answer. "Well, I had an reason, which I was going to tell you but-"
"Enough!" Katara snarled at the bickering teens, not moving from Azula's side. "We other things to worry about. I
don't know why, but Azula's running a high fever. We need to move her to a bed. Aang, I need you to get me a lot
more water. Suki, I'm to need your fans. Come on, everyone!" Katara's orders left little room for protest, and
everyone snapped to their tasks.
Azula was placed in her familiar bedroom, with Katara tending to her. It took several hours, but the waterbender
managed to calm the fever. Azula remained unconscious, leaving everyone to hover either inside or near the doorway.
What had began as a joyous and fun filled reunion had turned for the worst.
Perhaps it was the fact that they nearly faced another war a few days ago, when Zuko's army faced off with Kuei's
right in front of Yu Dao. The Earth king had seen the plight of the colony, and had backed down, giving her and
Aang time to consider another solution.
Or perhaps her restlessness was attributed to the proximity of Aang's 'fangirls'. Or the Air acolytes, as Aang
proclaimed them yesterday. Since coming to terms with the clubs, he had spending time teaching them the ways of the
nomad, starting with the Ba Sing Sei chapter. Which meant sitting to the side while a dozen girls ate up her
boyfriends attention.
Katara sighed, shifting to her side for a more comfortable position. It seemed vile, to judge the young girls who
were basically restoring Aang's culture. Something that was lost for decades, and to close to his heart. And all
she could do was get jealous. "What's wrong with me?"
She couldn't imagine being in Aang's position, waking up a century from now and discovering that the water tribes
were a thing of the past. The poles deserted, the wondrously made ice structures falling into ruin and relics
scattered about carelessly. No one in the Earth Kingdom would know how to properly stew a sea prune. No one in the
Fire Nation would know how to carve weapons from whale tooth, or make clothing from tiger seal hide. No one
anywhere would remember the proverbs, fables and legends passed from one generation to another.
It was one thing that astounded her when she first met Aang. How well he took things in stride, how he set aside
his loss to find the good surrounding him. How he became a hero. Even though he hated the thought of being the
avatar, when he learned of the war and how much he was needed, it took very little prodding to convince him to
help.
She was proud of him. Even through the childish mannerisms and desire to play all day, he still stepped up when it
was time to serious. He fought bravely at her side, facing down countless enemies for the sake of righting wrongs.
And he learned even more while on his journey to stop Ozai, and afterwards. He was a shining light for the world,
and she was thrilled to be at his side.
So why couldn't she sleep at night?
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The barely muted giggles of the fangirls woke Katara the next morning, and she grumbled irritably. "Of course.
First thing in the morning." She let out a breath, pushing away her jealousy and preparing herself for the day. She
plastered a pleasant smile as she walked out the room, spying Aang teaching an acolyte how to play a flute.
"Hey, Katara? You slept late!" The cheery airbender flashed her grin as he noticed her, and give her a quick hug.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yes." Katara lied through her teeth, but Aang didn't seem to notice. "How long were you up?"
"Hours." Aang stated, gesturing through a window. "I helped them plant a garden in the plant. Did you know they had
seeds native to the temples?"
"How lovely." Katara looked behind Aang, seeing the gaggle of girls whispering to themselves while pointing to her.
Were they conspiring? "So, how much longer will this lessons take?"
"Weeks, maybe months." Aang held her hand while turning his gaze to the acolytes. "I'm teaching them an entire
culture. That's a lot to learn, you know."
Katara twitched, thankful that Aang didn't see it. "...Lovely."
"Avatar Aang!" Won-Yee, one of the newly dubbed acolytes, ran toward them excitedly. "We just got a message from
our Yu Duo chapter. It's addressed to you!" She held out a scroll for airbender.
Aang accepted gratefully, unrolling it with a satisfied grin. "It's from Mayor Morishita! He wants to have some
meetings with us while Kuei is touring the other colonies."
"Oh, so we have to leave?" Katara tried to keep the excitement from her voice, knowing Aang wouldn't be.
Indeed, the monk nodded with a quiet sigh. "Yeah. Sorry, Won-Yee, lessons will have to wait, again."
Won-Yee beamed, giving Aang a comforting pat on the back. "Don't worry, we're patient. Do you need help packing?"
Aang shook his head. "No, I'll take are of it. Sweetie, I'll take care of yours, too. You should relax before we
leave." He planted a kiss on her cheek before going to fetch thier belongings.
Katara smiled as she watched him, enjoying the peaceful moment before she noticed the smug expression on Won-Yee's
face. Remembering that this was the same girl to claimed Katara was the 'first' girlfriend, and implying that there
would a second, the waterbenders smile quickly vanished. "...Can I help you?"
Won-Yee was quiet for a moment. "Just watching history as it passes by."
Katara's face turned red, huffing at Won-Yee. "Are you implying something?"
"I noticed you're wearing the same dress as yesterday. As the last four days."
Katara gaped. "My clothes? You're nitpicking my clothes? What an inane thing to say. Aang and I travel a lot, extra
clothes would just get in the way-"
"So you settle for a single dress. The same day after day. Never changing."
Katara stared down the little girl. "You're wearing the same dress."
Won-Yee smirked. "This is a uniform, worn during alocyte duties. In my free time I wear different clothes. To
stimulate the eyes. Aang's noticed my dresses."
Katara's face burned even harder. "So you have pretty dresses. Congratulations."
Won-Yee shrugged, now turning away, still with a smug attitude. "Just saying...I make an effort not to be *boring*."
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The comment stayed with Katara, even when they reached Yu Dao, meeting with important figures in the colony and an
advisor acting in Kuei's steed. The second day of the meeting, Katara is fighting to keep her mind focused on the
matter at second, and chastising herself for not being able to. The future of the colonies was more important then
anything concerning her, and it was important that she help in any way. Kuei's advisor had the floor, and was
currently informing the council of past governments, hoping to hone the strategy they would take.
She was trying so hard to pay attention, even pulling out some tricks grangran taught her. Listen to each word
being spoken, and repeat them in her own mind. She was trying so hard...but her idiot brother was being an idiot!
"Even if the past bores me out of my skull?" She heard Sokka whisper to Aang, quietly enough to not disturb the
speaker, but unfortunately she was right next to the warrior.
"Yeah, I agree. We need to a *new* way of seeing the four nations, not-"
Katara snapped. "Can you two keep it down? Some of us are trying to listen!" Bad enough that Sokka had to run his
mouth, but he was drawing Aang into his nonsense! Aang instantly responded to the chiding with appropriate remorse.
"Sorry, Katara!" Aang gave her an apologetic look, and Katara started to soften when Sokka opened his mouth again.
"Surprise surprise. My boring sister likes boring lecture guy." Sokka said, waving dissuasively.
Katara twitched, fury rising within as she lifted her water cup. Aang didn't appear pleased either.
"Hey, that's my girlfriend you're talking about!" Aang gave Sokka a glare, an expression he could barely manage.
Katara's glare was harder, clenching her teeth so hard they nearly broke. No longer caring about interrupting the
speaker, she bending the water in her cup to morphing into snow and slam onto Sokka's face.
The tension was broken, and Aang slapped his hands to his mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Katara breath
deeply, preparing to tune into the lecture again. A few chairs down she faintly heard Zuko speak up for the first
time, actually interrupting the speaker to ask for clarification.
Katara rubbed her head, thinking nothing would get accomplished with all these interruptions. She glanced across,
seeing Kori at the other end of the u shaped table, and how she listened so effortlessly. Of course, this was her
home at stake, of course she'd give it all her attention. Just like Katara was supposed to, and Aang. How were they
supposed to help when they couldn't even manage to listen to a few words?
Again Sokka's voice broke into her thoughts, like jagged ice. "The guy's a blowhard! Only people like Katara take
him seriously."
Katara twitched. Of course she took this seriously! They were all supposed to! Using Sokka's water cup this time,
she flung a snowball at her brothers face. What was wrong with Sokka? What was wrong with all of them?!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The end of the meeting had came quicker then she expected, possibly due to her inability to focus. And she was left
with a feeling of remorse and disappointment in herself. She rubbed her head, trying to reassure herself that she
wasn't a failure just because one mistake when she saw Kori walk out of the building.
"Hey there!" Katara called out, rushing to catch up to the other teen. "So, that was an informative meeting."
Kori lifted an eyebrow, curious about the waterbenders sudden attention on her. "I suppose."
Katara smiled, appearing friendly. "So, which part did you think was the most informative?"
"....All of it?" Kori glanced away, looking among the departing attendants. "Is there something you need?"
"I just thought we could compare notes, afterall you do live here."
"Why couldn't you compare notes with the avatar or your friends. I'm not trying to be rude, but you've never tried
to strike a conversation with me."
Katara bit her lip, feeling a flash of guilt. "My brother couldn't be bothered to pay attention, and he was
distracting Aang too-"
"-And you." Kori narrowed her eyes. "You didn't pay attention, so thats why you're coming to me for hints."
Katara turned red with embarrassment. "That's not true! I listened, I really did! But Sokka was talking through it,
and then insulted me! It was hard to ignore, but I tried."
Kori crossed her arms, but found it hard to be cross when Katara was almost pleading for forgiveness. "Well, you're
have to try harder, since the avatar doesn't seem to care much."
Katara blinked, gaping at the other teen. "What? Of course Aang cares! That's why he's here!"
"It took him long enough to decide that. He only decided to support us at the last second, in case you failed to
notice. I don't even know what changed his mind."
Katara bristled at the veiled insults, unable to refrain from taking it personally. "Aang had a lot on his mind!
You have no idea of what he goes through on a daily basis! He changed his mind because he realized separating multi
ethnic families was wrong! When I pointed out what could happen to us-"
Kori's eyes sharpened, and she waved a hand to stop Katara. "Wait, are you saying he reconsidered because he was in a relationship with you?"
Katara stopped. "What?"
"The avatar didn't even stand up to support us. It was all because he didn't want to give up his girlfriend."
"That's not true! He does care about the colonies! About people!"
Kori crossed her arms. "Then why didn't he care? Remember when you and the avatar first came to this colony? After
the fight with the firelord, he gave you two a tour around town. My parents and I followed you. Even after seeing
our families, how close we were to each other, the next time he arrived he still insisted we leave. Is that how the
avater shows his 'care'?"
Katara sputtered, indignant at Kori's harsh words, but at the same time finding it hard to dispute it. "He..He was
confused! You don't know what it's like to have the pressure he does, to have to make the decisions he does!"
"And that makes it right? To nearly spilt about our town, our families, because he was 'pressured to'?"
"You just don't understand!" Katara brushed past Kori, away from her words of hate. She didn't understand what life
was like outside the colonies. She just didn't understand.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Katara wandered the streets of Yu Dao for an hour, coming to terms to with's Kori's hateful words. She didn't like
the other girl, for being so quick to judge Aang. But as the time passed, she started thinking of it another way,
much to her regret.
As much as she hated to admit it, she could sympathize with the girl. Pulling apart the words, it was apparent
Kori's main complaint was the lack of defense of her home, from the world's guardian. Katara's own home, the south
pole, had been attacked and seized for decades. Despite her peoples fights to defend it, more and more pieces were
taken away.
Likewise, Kori's home was under attack, and she desperate tried to defend it. To protect the place she was raised,
her neighbors and friends, and her family. And then comes the avatar, who stated it was wrong to protect her home.
If Katara had experienced that, she would telling Aang off like no tomorrow.
That left the question, why was Aang so opposed to keeping the colony intact until she spoke to him? What was the
basis of his reconsideration?
A gentle poke at her shoulder sharply drew her out of her thoughts, nearly jumping at the action. She turned,
seeing Aang at her side.
"Hey. I was looking for you after the meeting." The Airbender started. "You seem occupied."
Katara gave a shrug. "I...suppose I am. I'm just...thinking."
"About what?"
Katara paused at the question, regarding Aang sharply. "...Do you really want to know?"
Aang frowned. "Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?"
"I don't know. Don't mind me. I'm just a little cranky."
Aang watched her for a moment, and lightly stroked her hand. "Katara, I'm your boyfriend. If something's bothering
you, tell me."
Katara didn't want to get into an argument, not when they needed to focus on the colonies, but the question
wouldn't leave her mind. "Aang...why exactly did you change your mind?"
Aang blinked, not quite understanding. "What do you mean?"
"I mean...First you're against the colonies staying, then you say they should stay. Why?"
"Well, you youself changed your mind, and-"
Katara bristled. "So that's it? Because of me. Because I made you think of what would happen to us if the nations
were made to separate. Maybe Kori was right."
Aang stepped back, now thoroughly confused. "Wait, wait. Lets backtrack here. What does Kori have to do with this?"
Katara crossed her arms, a flurry of emotions invading her heart. "She said you only spoke up for this village for
selfish reasons. And you just confirmed it."
"I didn't confirm anything!" Aang tried to defend himself, still wondering why Katara was angry. "Why are you
upset? Are you saying I shouldn't have changed my mind?"
"No, I'm saying you should have changed it for the right reasons! And to think I stood up for you!"
Aang sighed, rubbing his head. "Katara, calm down. Making this decision wasn't easy, and-"
"Well, it should have been easy!"
"Why?"
That stopped Katara's building rant. "What?"
"Why should have it been an easy decision?"
Katara huffed. "Because it should have! Because...people's livelihoods were at stake! People's families!"
"And war was at stake, too. Like I said, it wasn't a simple decisions, no matter how we would have wanted it to
be." Aang paced in a small circle. "Believe me, I wanted to do right by everyone. I had a lot on my mind."
Katara didn't back down. "That's no excuse, Aang. Your actions threatened to rip apart families that did no wrong to anyone!"
Aang didn't like the fact Katara was yelling at him over this, out of the blue, but managed to stay calm.
"Why?"
Again, Katara puased. "Why what?"
"Why did it threaten to rip apart families?"
Katara gaped, stretching her arms into the air. "Are you serious? Are you that dense?-"
Aang held up a hand, interrupting the waterbender while ignoring the insult.
"I never said they had to separate. In the case of Kori's family. Ling could have traveled back to the fire nation
with her husband and daughter and become a Fire Nation citizen. Or her husband and daughter could have stayed and
become Earth Kingdom citizens."
Katara opened her mouth, only to close it again. The process happened several times before she finally spoke again.
"But either of those choices would have compromised thier uniqueness. They would have to sacrifice a part of
themselves just to conform to standards, and that's not right either!"
"In other words, it's not a simple decision. Nothing about it was simple."
Katara sighed, her ire cooling, but still feeling uneasy. "...Maybe, but Aang, That doesn't change the fact your
motivations-"
Aang interrupted her again. "Are you saying you don't trust my motivations?" He looked at her sadly, as a moment of
silence passed. "Listen, Katara, I'll admit when you placed it in a personal light, it did make me think of things I didn't before. But it was really a bad thing? I may be an avatar, but I'm not all knowing. I can't always know the right decisions to make, or know the right reasons to make them. That's why I rely on the advice of those around me. You, Sokka, Toph and even Zuko."
Aang glanced to his girlfriend, meeting her softening gaze. "I might not agree with your advice, but I do consider
it. And I'll have you know, you weren't the only reason I changed my mind."
Katara averted her eyes, starting to feel guilty for doubting Aang and giving him a hard time. "I'm sorry, Aang. I
know you do your best, and I don't know I let Kori get to me. It's just...seeing them have their home threatened
and trying to keep their family together..."
Aang stepped closer, wrapping a comforting arm around her. "It reminded you of your own home, didn't it? Of your
own family. You told me how much it hurt to watch your father leave..."
Tears welled in Katara's eyes, nodding at the truth. "Yes...I guess I was connecting Kori's situation to mine. I
guess I had a selfish motivation too."
Aang cupped her cheek, gently wiping away the tears with a finger. "Don't worry so much about motivations. You do
so much for everyone, no one will begrudge you a little selfishness." He grinned. "And if they do I'll give them an
avatar beat down."
That drew a chuckle out of the waterbender, and she settled into his embrace. "Thank you, Aang. I'm sorry about
getting on your case. I know you do the best you can."
"I forgive you." Aang ran a hand through her soft hair, and then broke away. "We should get going to the Inn. It's
getting dark and Appa's getting hungry."
"Agreed." Katara breathed deeply, pulling herself together before following the shorter airbender.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next few days went by quickly and peacefully. Katara, Aang and Sokka visited Toph's school, meeting the three
progressing students. During their stay more residents of the nearby Yu Dao stopped by, interested in enrolling
their children. Toph's school went from three students, to ten in the course of two days, and the gaang celebrated
her success.
Word from Zuko came shortly after, requesting their presence at the palace. Toph, being too busy with her new
students remained, but sent her good wishes. Aang, Sokka and Katara prepared for the journey.
It was several days later that they arrived, meeting with Iroh first before the elder firebender called out his
nephew.
Zuko emerged from behind a curtain, making sure to keep it closed after himself. Aang was the first to greet him,
with an excited bow. "Thank you for inviting us to your home, your fieriness! We've been out of touch much too
long!" Despite their butting heads at Yu Dao, or maybe because of it, Aang found himself even more fond of Zuko. He
hated to think would what have happened if he gave in to pressure, and ended the young firelord.
Zuko, however, fixed with him a confused stare. "It's only been a week." The firebender glanced around his friends,
and noticed one missing. "Where's Toph?"
"She had to stay at the academy." Sokka answered, also glancing around. "Now that folks have seen the lily livers-"
Sokka noticed his mistake, and corrected it quickly before Katara water whipped him for being mean. "I mean, her
students in action, everyone and their mother wants to be a metalbender. Even the Yu Dao police chief went to visit
her!"
Katara took her turn as Sokka finished. "We came as soon as we received your message. What is this about?" Katara
wondered if it couldn't have waited a little longer. After all, as Zuko had just pointed out, they saw each other a
week before.
Zuko took a deep breath, knowing the three before him might oppose his plan. "I recently obtained some new
information about-"
"Zuko!" Suki rushed through the curtain, interrupting Zuko's explanation. She wore a frantic expression, grabbing
at Zuko's arm while barely noticing Sokka's presence. "I'm sorry, but your sister just collapsed!"
A chorus of confusion erupted. Aang and Katara were left guessing, wondering if Azula was what Zuko wanted to talk
about, and what had happened just now. Sokka grumbled out loud about Suki's closeness to Zuko, which in turn cased
her confusion, only now seeing her boyfriend. Suki rushed over to hug the warrior, which left ZUko sputtering for
answers. "Wait, what? She collapsed? From what?"
Suki frowned, craning her neck to glance at Zuko. "I don't know! She seemed fine a few minutes ago, but then she
just fell over! Katara, can you check her over?"
Katara gaped. "Um, I guess, but where-"
"Here!" Zuko answered, pulling the curtain back and gesturing for Katara to follow. "She's in the back room."
Katara bit back even more questions, merely following to find the rest of the Kyoshi warriors hovering around the
fallen princess. She kneeled, bending the water out of her waterskin and tried to heal the unconscious girl.
Aang drifted closer to Zuko, speaking up now that the matter was being tended to. "...Isn't she supposed to be
locked up?"
"Yeah." Sokka echoed. "Did she escape or something?"
"She didn't escape." Suki stated, but left the explaining for Zuko while she savored Sokka's touch.
Zuko sighed heavily, stressed and concerned for his sister. "I, well, I let her out."
Sokka rose an eyebrow. "Really. You let your crazy, lightning throwing sister out of the psych ward for...what now?
Maybe we should call you 'Bad Decision Lord!'"
Suki smacked Sokka lightly on the head. "Be nice."
Zuko became flustered, sputtering an answer. "Well, I had an reason, which I was going to tell you but-"
"Enough!" Katara snarled at the bickering teens, not moving from Azula's side. "We other things to worry about. I
don't know why, but Azula's running a high fever. We need to move her to a bed. Aang, I need you to get me a lot
more water. Suki, I'm to need your fans. Come on, everyone!" Katara's orders left little room for protest, and
everyone snapped to their tasks.
Azula was placed in her familiar bedroom, with Katara tending to her. It took several hours, but the waterbender
managed to calm the fever. Azula remained unconscious, leaving everyone to hover either inside or near the doorway.
What had began as a joyous and fun filled reunion had turned for the worst.