Chapter Eight: Planning

Chapter Eight: Planning

One Day Later: Night: Zuko’s and Mai’s Home: Katara

Something was terribly wrong, and Katara was having a hard time hiding this fact as she and rest of her friends sat around the large round dining table, trying to figure out what to do about Azula and her evil minions. So far all they got was to flush her out like a flock of birds during hunting season. But Zuko had pointed out that she could smell a trap like a bloodhound. The Master Waterbender hardly paid attention because she got this funny feeling that they were wasting time debating. Something horrible had happened with their children, and Katara was more focused on them then finding Azula.

A light hand touched her hand under the table and she lightly jumped until she recognized her husband’s skin. She looked at him almost like in a daze. Aang had a look of concern on his face, and she heard his thoughts, which had a worried tone to it. ‘Katara, what’s wrong? You’re way out of it. Did you sense something?’

How he had that power to read her even when her face was blank still made Katara aware of the fact that he was her soul mate. But even before they knew they were meant to be, the Airbending Master knew her better than anyone, especially when they had first met. It was incredible to have someone know you so well even without asking more of you. Aang was the most wonderful thing in the world to her, besides her children. She reached up and squeezed his hand. ‘I just have this feeling that something awful has happened to the kids. I’m worried about them. I need to check on them. We’re still going to the mountains tomorrow to do so, right?’

Aang smiled slightly at her. ‘I promise we will. But if you want to keep them safe, you have to focus on finding and stopping Azula to ensure their safety.’ Katara sighed but nodded after a moment. He was right; if all the children were to be safe, they had to stop the cold blooded Firebender from harming anyone else. With some difficulty, she focused back to what her brother, Sokka, was saying.

“We don’t have any other options. Our best bet is to flush her out. She can’t remain in hiding forever, anyway. It’s our only shot.”

Zuko shook his head, a frown on his face. “I’m only saying this one more time: it won’t work. I know my sister. Azula will use every ounce of patience she has until the kids are found. Even if she does leave her hiding place, it’s not like we can spot her. She’s good at hiding in her surroundings. Plus, she doesn’t know the mountains. Azula wouldn’t go there at all.”

An image came to her mind. A fire was burning a piece of a cabin in the distance. She had had a dream about that last night. At first she wasn’t sure what it meant. They had never been to a cabin while camping. They did things more or less the old way. But then she heard Bumi’s voice, and the overwhelming feeling of panic had surged through her as if it were her own. “I think she already has,” Katara said quietly.

“What’s that, Sweetness?” Toph asked her eyes blind because they didn’t need any sneaky killers coming at them.

Katara started, unaware of the fact that she had spoken out loud. Aang looked confused. Everyone was watching her and the Waterbender swallowed. They had to know what she suspected already. She took a breath and said, “I had a dream last night. There was this feeling of panic that wasn’t my own. I heard a voice. It was Bumi. There was this cabin in the woods and some explosion hap-“

“What?!” Toph yelled. “An explosion? Did Bumi cause this?”

The blue eyed woman stared her friend, hurt beyond anything. Bumi was prone to pranks but nothing this dangerous. “No, Toph. Bumi had nothing to do with it. He was far from the cabin before anything happened.” Toph seemed to be testing her heartbeat; then her expression softened in finding the truth to what Katara said, and she nodded in apology before slumping in her chair. Katara looked around at the table. Every parent had a look of worry.

Aang looked at her. “Katara?” She looked at him with an upset frown. “How long have you been able to sense Bumi’s feelings? Can you now?”

She shook her head. “I-I can’t. It mainly happens when I’m asleep. I don’t know how I can at all.”

“I think I might know,” Zuko said, drawing everyone’s attention to him. “My mother had told us stories when we were younger about Energy Wielders. She said that thought and images are energies too that took on something more real. When you had that vision, Bumi must have thought about you while it was happening, and you got the image because he wanted you to see it. Either that or was unsure of what would happen when his mind thought of you. I don’t know why it didn’t show up in Aang’s dreams.”

The Airbender gave a little snort. “I know the reason. Momma’s boy, through and through.”

She elbowed him, trying to hide a smile. “Be serious, Aang.”

He grinned. “Sorry. It was getting a little too serious in here.” She shook her head at him. Even as an adult he was still fun loving. It was one of qualities that had attracted her to him in the first place.

Toph rolled her eyes. “Moving on. Katara, do you have an idea what had happened to the kids afterwards? We need you tell to tell us all you know.”

Katara frowned and closed her eyes, concentrating. There was something. Moving; the children had left where they were supposed to stay. Digging deeper, she felt a slight tingle, focused on it, and felt as if surrounded by trees. They were still in the forest; she knew they were. She opened her eyes with a small smile. “They’re still there in the mountains. But they went farther down it, I think. The trees are thicker at the base. They must have known what had happened.”

Sokka stood and said, “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go to the mountains to make sure they’re safe.”

Aang, his face somber, said, “I don’t think so, Sokka.”

His friend looked at him as if he had grown a second head. “Why not?!”

But Katara knew. “It’s a bad idea because if we go now, all of us, Azula could have a chance to strike us in one hit. If we all go, no one will be here to protect these people. Aang and I will go tomorrow morning. My feelings tell me that they’re safe for now. Besides, we still don’t know what to do when we face Azula. We still need to make a plan.”

“She’s right, Sokka,” Suki said, bringing him down to his chair. “It’s better to play it safe. Once we have an idea on what to do, and catch Azula, then all of us can go get the kids together.” Sokka was about to rebuke, but the tenderness in his wife’s gaze stopped the words, and he slumped in chair with a nod. She looked at her friends. “It’s getting late. We’ll talk tomorrow morning and think up a plan to stop this cold blooded villain. For now, though, we need to get some rest. Agreed?”

Everyone nodded and stood, save for Zuko and Mai. Before she left, Katara looked back, and saw silent tears tracing Mai’s pale face with her husband comforting as best he could. The hard core woman hardly ever cried, and Katara felt her eyes prick at the heart wrenching scene, and she left, more determined than ever to get their children back.

Early Morning: Aang

The sun was just rising when Aang woke up. Today they were going to see their kids after what felt like for so long. Not a day has gone by where he hadn’t thought of them. They were alone, nothing but rock and tree for miles around. Even the nearest village wasn’t so close. As he thought this, a light snore came from his right, causing him to look down. Katara, the love of his life, was asleep, her sweet face peaceful. She used his chest like a pillow, and Aang felt tenderness seep into him as he wrapped his arm around her before letting go. Being as quiet as possible, the Airbender got out of bed, and Katara moved closer to where his body had been and gave a content sigh, not waking up. He smiled and pushed some hair away from her face before grabbing a robe and padding down the stairs.

The house, as usual, was quiet, not a sound being made. No dog waking to greet him, no soft meow, no kids, nothing; just him and the empty house. He frowned as he made tea. The house shouldn’t be like this. It was too quiet, so quiet the air buzzed. They had to catch Azula and quick. Aang didn’t know if he could last with silence much longer. He never realized how much he enjoyed the kids’ bickering until it was gone. Sitting down with a warm mug, he looked out the kitchen window, which showed the side of house where those kittens had been found so long ago. He wondered where the little tykes are. As if conjured from his thoughts, an orange tabby jumped lightly on the table and stared at Aang in sadness. He gave a small smile and rubbed the young cat’s head, causing him to purr. “Hey, Monty. I was just wondering where you were.”

 “What did I tell you about having him on the table?” a playful voice said, and Aang and Monty looked around them to see Katara in the doorway. Her chocolate locks were in disarray, slight bags under her blue eyes, and she was wearing a blue robe. His heart flipped. She had never looked more beautiful in his eyes. His wife came over and sat next him, petting Monty to let him know there were hard feelings about him being on the table. She looked at him. “Are you okay, sweetie?”

He shrugged. “Yeah. I’m just anxious to see the kids.”

Katara nodded. “I know how you feel. It will be good to see them again. Where do you think they are?”

“I’m not sure,” he replied. “I was hoping you would. I guess the best place to start is the campsite. Maybe the kids left a message like we taught them.”

She pursed her lips in thought before nodding slowly. “That makes sense. When should we leave?”

Aang knew she was as anxious as he was, so after sipping his tea he said, “Let’s go in about two hours. It might be a good idea to pack some stuff and stay with them for a couple of days.”

The Waterbender nodded. “Sounds good. Do you mind making me some of that? Something tells me I’m going to need it.” He smiled and kissed her cheek before standing. The sooner they got everything packed and ready, the sooner they could leave.

Road To The Mountains

Despite the fact it had been only six or so days since the kids went into hiding, Aang felt like it had been a month since they left. On their way to the mountain had him feeling excited but nervous, like making a new friend. What had happened to them in the week? Were they older than they had been when they left? What had changed them? Were they still the kids they knew, or had they grown faster than was necessary? He didn’t want that to happen to them like it had to him and their mother. Aang and Katara were forced to grow up because their parents were taken from them. Aang was going to do everything in his power to make certain they remained as they had been before the danger had strike them.

Katara must have sensed his anxiety because she grabbed one his hands and gently pried it loose from the steering wheel to hold it. He squeezed it thankfully; glad to know that she will always be there when he needed her. Aang loved her with everything he had. Sometimes he still thought he didn’t deserve her, and knowing she gave herself to him without regret made his heart swell with so many emotions he couldn’t decipher them. Up ahead, he could see the mountains and he saw Katara lean forward with a look of worry and anticipation on her lovely face, and knew she felt the same as he.

 After what felt like hours, the couple made it to the mountains and parked at the base, where they got out and started toward camp they usually went to. When they got there, there was nothing, not even a fire pit. Silently they looked everywhere, and after a few minutes Aang called, “Katara, come look at this.” She went over to him. He was kneeling beside a fairly large rock. Behind it was a seemingly random pattern of leaves and twigs. The twigs made a rough triangular shape, and the patch of leaves was at the far right corner of the mountain. Katara knew immediately where they were. They were hiding in a cave Bumi and Kya had found when they were playing as kids. Tenzin had been too young to go on the trip.

Katara smiled and grabbed Aang’s hand as he stood up with her. “Let’s go find our kids.” He smiled back and kissed her cheek before they left the mountain top together, feeling more at ease.

Moss Covered Cave: Kya

The young Waterbender was lounging by the stream, playing with a ribbon of water. After breakfast, they had been practicing nonstop, and just recently break had ensued. Kya was enjoying her peaceful time while the others were out and about. It was rare for her to feel peaceful and she soaked it up like a dried plant in need of water. As she sat by the water, another sound had her ears pricking, and she frowned, wondering who or what it was. Standing, Kya heard the sound of a car coming closer, and an urge to protect came on.

The vehicle stopped and the engine was turned off, leaving the area quiet once more save for the bubbling stream. Two car doors opened, and Kya gathered a water whip and flung it into the trees. To her utter surprise, the water was thrown back at her and she yelped as she caught it. A very familiar voice called, “That’s no way to welcome someone!” It was a woman’s voice, someone who sounded like an older version of herself, and Katara, her dear mother, came into view. Her father, Aang, stepped out next, and when they smiled at her, the water fell back into the stream and her tears fell freely.

“Mom! Dad!” she cried as she ran over to her parents and hugged them both. Her parents laughed as they hugged her back, a bubble of peace surrounding them they became familiar with being together. Kya felt as if she were whole again, loved and at peace with everything. Her parents had a way of doing that to her, making her feel safe as they held her and whispered comforting words.

As they hugged, Kya’s friends came out of the trees. They had heard her cry, and was curious as to what made her done so. Bumi and Tenzin were the first to see their parents. “Mom, Dad!” Tenzin yelled as he Airbended himself into his parents waiting arms, and Bumi smiled as hurled after him to be hugged as well. They stayed that way she they remembered happier times of the past, their friends watching with grins. Tenzin looked up and asked, “How did you find us? Why are here so early? Did something happen?”

Katara laughed, ruffling his hair. “Everything’s fine. We just wanted to check on you. How is everyone?”

“As you can see,” Kya answered, pulling away, “everyone is here and accounted for. We did make some new friends though. Come on, we’ll introduce you to them.” Leading her parents over, the younger Waterbender led them to the twins. They looked nervous but determined to make acquaintance. “Mom, Dad, this is Melisa and Matt. Don’t let their colors fool you. They’re twins.”

Aang looked at them closely and smiled warmly with a hint of mischief. “Hello,” he said, shaking their hands in turn, Katara following suit with a warm motherly smile to the kids. They relaxed as they smiled tentatively back. Kya loved how her parents could make someone relax with their warm welcoming attitudes. They had the kind of power that could light up a dark world, and she knew they needed warmth right now.

As her parents greeted the other kids with familiarity, Kya brought the twins close to her and said quietly, “You should tell them who you are.” When they looked panicked, she smiled at them reassuringly. “Don’t worry, they won’t tattle on you. They’ll accept you, I know they will. Give them a chance. I can tell you like them already, and Mom and Dad seem to like you too. I promise they won’t hurt you.” They looked at one another before Melisa nodded for both of them, and they joined the others. Kya hoped her parents will understand. They had to accept Matt and Melisa. They just had to.

Matt: Cave

The Shadowbender thought telling Mr. and Mrs. Montauk about who they really were was going to be hard for him and his twin. But as it turned out, the loving parents didn’t shun them for their Bending abilities and understood what it was like to lose a family. Mrs. Montauk had lost her mother when she a child and Mr. Montauk lost both of his parents when he was almost a teenager. Matt wouldn’t have thought it was possible, but he already felt close to this family even more so than with his sister. Aang and Katara, as they insist they call them, told them they would love to have them in the family, and will do anything to ensure their safety when they returned home with them after this battle is over.

‘Home,’ he thought, liking the sound of that word. It gave a feeling of belonging, and Matt could tell that Melisa liked the word too. The question was, how long would they have to stay there in the mountains? He couldn’t wait to leave while at the same he was going to miss it. The cabin had been their home for as long as they could remember. The thought of leaving twisted his gut while at the same time his heart sung at the prospect of becoming part of Bumi’s family without having to work for their love. It was a strange sensation to have, as if what was happening to him was actually happening to someone else.

To add to the feeling of belonging, Katara grabbed his hand, hers smooth and warm like silk, and she looked into his eyes with compassion. It was all Matt could do to not cry at the affection. The last thing he needed was to be teased because if the tears. The nice woman looked at Melisa as well and said, “We will do everything we can to make sure you feel welcomed by the people. That’s my vow.” Aang nodded too, and Matt and his sister smiled at them.

Tenzin, who sat by Aang, then asked, “How long are you guys going to stay here?”

His father answered. “We’ll be here until tomorrow afternoon. We wanted to make sure you kids were safe.”

“How did you know we were in trouble, anyway?” Kya asked.

Aang and Katara looked at one another before she sighed. “I saw the cabin being burned through a dream.” She proceeded to explain the vision, which Bumi had unintentionally sent her, along with his emotions of worry and panic.

Bumi was stunned. “I did?” She nodded and he blinked into the fire. “That’s really weird. Although, come to think of it, I do remember thinking of you when it had happened. Ursa had told us that thoughts are energy, so I guess it makes sense that my feeling would go to you.”

Aang sighed. “Like I said, momma’s boy, through and through.” There was laughter as his wife nudged him playfully, and Matt could feel his spirits lift more and more the longer they got to know each other. In a strange way, this is his family, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

When everyone calmed, Bumi looked out from their hiding spot to see the sun going down, and said, “I think it’s time to get ready for bed. It’s going to get dark soon. Let’s have some dinner.” Everyone agreed, and the group got to work. By the time the sun was almost gone, the remaining light stretching orange fingers across to blend into the indigo portion of the sky, they were full and content, which made everyone sleepy. Matt couldn’t remember the last time he had felt such peace, and he could tell Melisa was relishing in it. He yawned, and then said, “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m going to sleep. I’ll see you guys in the morning.” He and Melisa moved over into their sleeping bags, falling asleep almost immediately, feeling contentment while everyone else got ready for bed.

Outside The Cave: Early Morning: Bumi

He took a deep breath, relishing the feel of his lungs filling with air. His brother and their father had left some time ago to go meditate, as the Airbenders were prone to do in the wee hours of the morning. Bumi’s friends and family were still asleep save for Melisa, who had accompanied Aang and Tenzin to join their meditation. The birds were singing a cheerful melody that made Bumi feel alive. But a shadow hung over him. He couldn’t shake the feeling that trouble was coming, and they all had to leave. If what his parents said was true, Azula would wait for a long time unless he himself and the others showed up on her doorstep. Last night he had had another dream, and it was even worse than the last time. He knew in his heart they couldn’t stay. The time for hiding had to stop, or else all will be lost.

As he thought this, Bumi sensed someone was walking right to him, and turned his head to see Matt sitting beside him on the grass. The boy looked haggard like he had had a nightmare as well, and Bumi suspected he did. There was a haunted look in his dark eyes as he turned to him. “You had a nightmare too.” It was a fact, not a question. The surprise must have shown on his face for Matt nodded. “Thought so. I did, too. I get the feeling we can’t hide anymore. Either we go to Azula, or have her minions gather us like sheep.”

Bumi nodded. “That’s what I was thinking. We can’t sit around like ducks waiting to be shot. It’s not safe in the woods anymore; they know we’re here.” He looks at the Shadowbender. “What’s bothering me though is, how can we track her? Mom and Dad and the others have tried, but nothing seems to be working. How can we convince them to let us leave?”

Matt shrugged. “Maybe we could wait until your parents leave and talk about it with the others. Everyone else is getting anxious. They want to do something to help, but the rules are stopping them.”

The Energy Bender thought for a few minutes. The thought of lying to his parents made his guts twist, but what could he do? It was obvious they wouldn’t let him and his friends leave, so that left the option of sneaking away. How can he convince the others to go along with it? The more he thought, an idea started to form. Azula couldn’t have gone too far from home. Unless she went back to San Francisco. The only way to find out was to go back, search for her energy or a clue as to where she might be, and hope things get better from there. “I’ve got an idea,” he said.

Matt raised his dark brows. “I’m all ears.” And Bumi told him, feeling more excited the more he spoke. When he finished, Matt looked pretty impressed. “You can do that?”

He nodded. “I’ve been sensing Benders all my life. Now that my powers are stronger, my sense of them has grown too. It’s our best shot at finding Azula before she does more harm to our town, maybe even other cities. More people are going to get hurt if we don’t do something. You in?”

He held out his hand, and Matt grinned while he shook it. “Let’s teach that cold Firebender a lesson!” Bumi grinned as well, felling some of the proverbial weight lift off his shoulders. As they released hands, Matt frowned. “One question: how are we going to convince the others? Tenzin seems like a goody two shoes and Kya is overprotective. The only ones who really strike as rebels are Lin and Alex.”

Bumi pursed his lips before shrugging. “Let’s just hope that they see reason.”

That Afternoon

Aang and Katara finished packing up the car, and Bumi felt a pang as he watched them. Although he was going to miss them, he was glad they were leaving. He couldn’t tell them what he and Matt planned to do later after they were gone, and he didn’t want them worrying more. Tenzin hugged them and asked, “Do you really have to go?”

Aang ruffled his hair. “Afraid so, buddy. We’ve got a job to do. We’ll be back for you know it.”

Katara crouched down and hugged him with a smile. “Don’t worry. It will be over soon, and we can be a family again.” They separated and Kya hugged them both.

“I love you guys,” she whispered, tears leaking out from under her closed lids.

Aang ran his fingers through her hair, holding his daughter and wife close. “We love you too, Penguin.” They released with smiles.

Bumi walked over to them before hugging his father, wondering secretly if this would be the last time he ever saw his parents. “Make it home okay,” he said as he switched over to Katara.

He felt wetness on his cheek and knew immediately that his mother was crying. She hugged him close and said, “Take care of everyone.” He nodded and backed away, and his parents got into the car, started it, and drove slowly away as if reluctant to leave. Kya and Tenzin stayed by his side as their parents disappeared, wondering when, or if in Bumi’s mind, they ever get see them again.

That Night: Dinner: Kya

“No! Absolutely not!” Kya said sternly. How could Bumi and Matt ask this? Leave the mountains? It can’t be done. This is the only safe place they have left. Why would he want to leave if coming to the mountains was his idea? Granted there was the explosion, but even hard trackers couldn’t find this place unless they knew what they were looking for. They were staying, and she had to make Bumi see that. “There’s nowhere for us to go. Even with your powers, I doubt finding Azula would be easy. She could come out and attack us, for all we know.”

Bumi shook his head. “Azula wouldn’t be so rash. She has patience. They only way to stop her is to face her. They know we’re hiding in the mountains and will come looking for us, no matter how long it takes. Besides, the explosion was a sign. They won’t stop until we come out of hiding. Azula wants to face us. It’s our only chance.”

Before Kya could say anything, Lin interjected. “He’s got a point. Azula would just flush us out. If it’s a fight she wants, who are we to deny her that?”

Tenzin came in to her rescue. “It’s too risky, Bumes. If we go out into the open, Azula could do anything to kill us. As much as I want to help, staying here is best until Mom and Dad catch her.”

Kya could tell Bumi was getting frustrated. “Or Azula would kill them before coming to us. She could change her targets as easily as we can talk.” When no one said anything, just stared at him, Bumi rolled his eyes. “Come on, guys! We’re practically like ducks here! Even with the moss covering here, there’s no guarantee that it will protect us. I know coming was my idea, but maybe we should have stayed in case our parents got in trouble. We have to help them, and sitting here isn’t going to work. Matt agrees with me, and so does Lin. We have to take a chance to save our home. That’s why we have these powers in the first place. We can’t just sit and wait while our families are risking themselves to save everyone. We have to do our part to protect the people we love, even if it does cost us our lives.”

Kya was impressed, albeit grudgingly. Bumi seemed to have thought this for some time, and she was moved by his reasons. Still, staying here is better. Or was it? Could Bumi be right about Azula wanting to flush them out, get them into the open? What would happen if they did? Would the Cold Firebender, as Matt started calling her, kill them as soon as they left this haven?

As her resolve started slipping, Lily quietly said, “I have to take Bumi’s side on this.”

Looking around, Kya could tell her little brother had persuaded almost everyone, even Luten. She tried one more time to make them see her side of the situation. “Our families can take care of themselves. If we leave, they’ll get worried and will think something had happened to us. We have to stay; we don’t have to any other choice.” She sounded unconvincing, even to her own ears.

Luten grabbed her hand, and warmth coursed through her, melting the rest of her fragile resolve into a puddle. “Bumi’s right, Ky. We can’t stay here. Azula will flush us out, and that won’t help our parents. The only way to end this is to face her and win. As long as we stick together, she won’t win. We can do this; I know we can. We need you with us if we’re going to win.”

Now everyone’s eyes were on her and Luten, determined and curious and grim. They knew the cost of leaving, but now that she thought about it, it did make sense. The Cold Firebender would change targets, and if she did that, they would have no choice but to come out in the open and fight. Kya didn’t want anything to happen to her family. The guilt would eat at her like a disease. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. “Alright. If you guys think it’s for the best, then I’m all for it.” Everyone seemed to release their breaths at this, and Kya knew they were hoping for her agreement. That made her feel warmth, knowing they craved for her approval as much as her brother did.

Bumi looked relieved. “Thanks sis. I say we leave first thing in the morning. The best place to start is school. Azula’s presence was very strong, and maybe it had left a trail for us to follow. Jade and I will be able to sense it most, since our powers are stronger than normal Bending. If there is a trail, it should be easy to find with the two of us. We’ll see what happens afterwards.”

The young Waterbender was impressed by how determined her little brother was, and his determination spread throughout the room, filling everyone with a fire of their own. Her own heart felt like it could burst from her breast, and was wondering if Bumi’s powers had made everyone feel like this, until she remembered what had happened back at Ursa’s house, how he had made her calm with a simple touch. Bumi can influence just about anyone, it seems. She wondered if he could do that to Azula, but doubted. She was cold, ruthless killer. Nothing, not even her father’s calm demeanor, can persuade someone like her to the good side.

It was sometime later before everyone went to sleep, since they had decided to practice their abilities for the upcoming fight. She can see how everyone was somehow stronger, even herself, and was also amazed by Bumi’s power over energy. He made the plants shrivel when energy was taken away, made pale colors dance and slash through bark and knick the rocks. She wondered what made him so powerful. Was it the fight inside him? The late night hour? The training? Revenge? Hatred? Anger? Whatever the reason, Kya was proud of her little brother, and was also proud of everyone else’s ability.

As the fire died slowly, listening to everyone’s breathing slow and the slight sounds of nature playing its cords, Kya thought about the morning they would leave, and felt a rightness of it that meant she had made the right decision. They couldn’t hide forever, and Bumi had a point when he said they didn’t have a choice, that Azula would attack their home and everyone they loved to get at them. She would never let that happen; then why had she objected to the plan in the first place?

She looked over at Bumi, Jade under his arm, both sound asleep, and knew her answer. It was to protect them, to make absolutely sure nothing dangerous to anyone; especially to the younger ones in their group. Kya looked at Tenzin, sleeping with Pema. They looked so much younger when asleep, just like Bumi and Jade. When have they grown up so quickly? She tried to recall the boys who had made her look like a bird the morning of their trip, and tears flooded her eyes and they spilled over her lower lids. That seemed like such long time ago, and it left a hole in her heart for her goofy little brothers. She would give anything to have them back.

A sigh on the right of her had Kya looking up. Luten was staring the fire again, and looked too tense to sleep. Being quiet, she made her way over to him, and he looked up, catching her eye before opening his arms to her. She went into them without comment, needing to be close to him as well. They didn’t talk; just stayed in their embrace as the fire lowered. Kya wondered if they could find Azula and her minions, and hopefully put an end to this fight once and for all.

By the time the fire was nothing more than embers glowing softly in the dark of the cave, Kya and Luten fell asleep, her head on his chest, huddled together as they moon slowly left the sky, ending its shift in their part of the world, while the sun made its way to warm the earth. Soon it would be time to wake up, face reality and hope for the best. But for now, with Luten holding her so securely in his strong arms, she couldn’t think of anywhere but right where she was, protected from the creatures of the night, and have a temporary relief from a blurry future surely filled with unsuspecting horrors.