by S R Edwards
“Republic city, there can you stay here now?” Aang smiles. “Please.”
“Sorry sweetie.” He kisses her fore head and leaves the hut.
Aang crosses the street and makes his way to Zuko’s hut. Inside Zuko and Sokka are arguing. “You know you’re still annoying!”
“Oh yeah? Dragon boy! How come you’re still here?”
“Your sister wants me here!” Aang takes a deep breath before entering.
“Guys please, if we could be civil for just a moment. We still haven’t named the capital city.”
“You’re the Avatar, you name it.” Zuko folds his arms over his chest.
“Could you two stop acting like children for one minute please, if we don’t name the Capital quickly it will as though we don’t care.” Aang sits down in between them. “Sorry Aang.” Sokka looks at Zuko.
“Yeah, sorry.” Aang smiles at them both.
“Now let’s start we need to name the city something easy, something the people will learn quickly and won’t forget.”
“Do you have any ideas Fire Lord Zuko?” Sokka smirks and gestures to Zuko. “No I don’t Sokka, do you?”
“What about City of Nations?”
“Good but not very catchy it is.”
“Catchy?” Aang rolls his eyes and raises his hands.
“Actually I think my fiancé has a perfect name for the city. Republic City.” Zuko and Sokka exchange glances. “Yeah sounds good to me.”
“Yeah sounds good.” Aang nods and stands.
“It’s decided then, I’ll let you two get back to what you were doing.” He walks out of the hut and back across the street to his and Katara’s hut. Katara is sat cross legged on the floor, she smiles as Aang walks in. “Hey sweetie, I made you something.” She stands up and steps towards him.
“Yeah?” She holds up a round pendant on a long cord, on one side is the air nomad symbol and on the other she had inscribed ‘Avatar Aang, Master of all four elements.’ He bows to her and takes it. “Thank you.” He places his new pendant round his neck, he leans down and kisses Katara. She drapes her arms around his shoulders as they share a passionate moment.
That night the two lovers fall asleep in each other’s arms. Aang watches Katara sleep as she lies peacefully beside him. “I love you sweetie.” He kisses her forehead gently and closes his eyes. Katara nuzzles into his neck as she sleeps, Aang slowly drifts back to sleep. He slips into a vivid dream, he’s sat on Appa with Toph and Katara when Katara starts to scream in pain. Toph attempts to comfort her but nothing works. She continues to scream until she passes out. Aang starts to panic as Appa loses altitude. “Katara!” He sits bolt upright, sweat drips off his nose and runs down his back. “Aang?”
“I’m ok. It’s alright Sweetie, you can go back to sleep it was just a dream.”
“Are you sure?” He nods and lies back down. He rolls over so his back is facing her. “You can tell me if you want, you know that.” She rubs his shoulder and rolls over. They both go back to sleep, Aang continues to have the same dream, he tosses and turns. He lies awake the rest of the night watching his sweetheart sleep.
The next morning Katara and Suki oversee the decorating for the wedding. The village hall is transformed to show a connection to all four elements. In the centre is an ice carving of Aang and Katara, underneath their feet is the air nomad symbol and the southern water tribe symbol. Katara Smiles and turns to Suki. “This is going to be the best day ever.” Suki smiles back and nods. “I can’t wait to Marry Aang.”
“Only 18 hours to go. Come on we better make sure Sokka hasn’t messed up the seating arrangements.” She takes Katara’s wrists and pulls her towards the dining hut. Sokka I stood at the top table tying an orange cloth around Aangs seat. He looks up and grins at Suki and Katara. “What do you think?” He opens his arms to showcase his handy work. “I’m going to put colour coded drapes on all the chairs, so people know where to sit.” He routes through a box on the floor and starts to pull out different coloured cloths. “I’ve got three shades of green for Toph and any other earth kingdom people, I’ve got red and maroon for fire nation with gold for Zuko and Mai, then I have Navy blue, sky blue and baby blue for north, south and the leaders of the water tribes.” He smiles to himself, Katara smiles and nods. “That’s a great idea Sokka.”
“I know it is.” Sokka nods and Suki smiles.
“Well done Sokka.” The two girls leave the hut and head across the street where Keira is finishing Katara’s wedding dress. Keira looks up and smiles as they enter. “There she is the Lady of the day.”
“Not until tomorrow Keira, is my dress ready?”
“Almost. You’re welcome to wait I won’t be long.” Katara and Suki sit in the front of the shop and watch people as they go about their day. Keira comes out of the back room. “Close your eyes bride to be.” Katara scrunches her nose up and closes her eyes, Suki gasps. “That’s gorgeous.”
“Can I open my eyes?” Keira chuckles and shakes her head. She hangs the dress on the rail. “Wait.” She ties a blindfold over Katara’s eyes. “Ok, now you can open them.” She smiles.
“I still can’t see.”
“That’s the idea.” Suki helps Keira change Katara into her dress. “Are you ready?” Katara nods and Keira takes away the blind fold. Katara puts her hands to her mouth as she lays eyes on her dress for the first time, the white and blue fabric glitters with the gold flecks sewn into it with a swirling pattern. The skirt puffs out just a little and the hem just kisses the floor, her bodice and sleeves are skin tight accentuating her figure. The small silver snowflakes stand out in the light but fade away in the shade. “A dress fit for a princess.” Katara hugs Keira. “Thank you, thank you so much. I love it, it’s perfect.” Keira and Suki help her out of the dress and the two friends take it back to Katara’s hut.
That night the boys and Toph sleep in Sokka’s hut while Katara, Suki and Mai sleep in hers. Katara sits up watching the sun rise, it shines through the window into the small hut filling the room with golden light. Suki stirs as the light warms her face. “Good morning.”
“Hey.” Katara smiles. “Let’s get ready for my big day.” Suki nods and wakes Mai, the girls start to get ready. Meanwhile Aang watches boats and ships of all sizes enter the southern water tribes main harbour. People from all over the world are arriving for his and Katara’s special day. “Whatcha thinking about?” Sokka’s voice makes him jump. “What?”
“What are you thinking about?” Sokka drags out every syllable and nods to Aang. “I was just thinking how your people, Zuko’s people even Toph’s people are here but I’m the only Air nomad left.”
“You have the Acolytes.”
“It’s not the same.”
“I know but it’s a start.” Sokka puts his hand on Aang’s shoulder. “We should think about getting ready. You don’t want to be late to your own wedding.” He smiles and Aang smiles back. “You’re right.” They all get ready and head to the village hall.
Aang, Sokka and Toph stand in front of the crowd waiting for Katara to arrive. Outside an ice-sled pulled by Polar bear-dogs pulls up to the main doors. “Ready?” Suki smiles, Katara smiles back and nods. Katara meets her father at the top of the steps. “You look beautiful my daughter, your mother would be proud.” He puts his hands on her shoulders and pulls her into a hug.
“Thanks dad, shall we?” She gestures to the door. Suki and Mai lead the way. Sokka elbows Aang and he turns to watch his bride walk down the aisle. The ceremony is short and sweet. The two exchange their vows and Hakoda says a blessing over the newlyweds. The procession leave the village hall and head down the white streets to the reception. The dining hut mesmerises everyone who walks in. Aang and Katara arrive hand in hand. “There they are, the newlyweds, aren’t they adorable!” Sokka hugs Aang and Katara. “My sister married?! Who’da thunk’d?!” Katara frowns at him.
“What have you been drinking?” He hands her a small glass.
“Try it sis, it’s call
ed a Prickle, it’s made with a special ingredient.” Katara looks at Aang and passes the glass back to Sokka. “I think I’ll pass, thanks.”
“Suit yourself, more for me.” He slurs his words and she shakes her head.
“Only just mid-day and he’s intoxicated already.” Aang shrugs and squeezes her hand. “Let him have some fun while it lasts.” She nods and smiles. “Ok?”
“Ok.” The couple make their way to the head table where everyone forms a queue to congratulate them. Everyone takes their seats and the hut falls silent as they all begin their meals.
The day of celebration goes on for hours. Katara steps outside, she bends an ice-block and sits on it. Puffs of vapour appear with every breath she takes. “Should I tell him now?” She sighs and looks up at the stars. “Mom, I wish you were here, you’d know what to do.” Aang drapes his shawl around her shoulders and walks round to squat in front of her. “You are stunning my wife.” He smiles, she doesn’t look up just stares up at the night sky. “Thank you.”
“Is there something wrong?”
“No nothing’s wrong.”
“Then what’s bothering you? Sweetie?” He smiles at her but his eyes show his concern. “I have to… I have something to tell you.” She looks at him her eyes dart across his face. She tries to find the right words, this is the moment this will be when she tell him. “Ok.” Hi smile turns to confusion. She takes his hands and places them on her stomach, his skin is warm against hers. “Aang sweetie, I’m pregnant.” He looks at her, his hands and then back to her face. He smiles and kisses her. They embrace each other in an infinite hold. Sokka and Suki watch them from inside. “They’re so in love.” Suki sighs and looks at Sokka who is now doubled over talking to a streamer, she smiles and puts her hand on his back.
Chapter 3: first born.
Nine months pass, Aang and a heavily pregnant Katara oversee the construction of their new home. Air Temple Island is the new home of the Air acolytes, the future of the air benders. As the couple walk down the steps towards the dock, Katara doubles up in pain. “Katara?”
“I’m fine.” Fluid cascades down the steps. “Aang the baby is coming.”
“What?”
“Don’t panic it’ll be fine.”
“Ok, let’s go back inside.” They turn and start walking back up the steps.
“Aang.” Katara stops and doubles over in pain. Aang scoops her up and carries her up the rest of the steps. He turns to one of the construction workers. “Go and find Chief Beifong and Sokka.” He nods and runs off, another worker helps Aang carry Katara into their small wooden hut. “It’s ok sweetie, I’m going to go and fetch a doctor.”
“No Aang please stay.”
“But I’m the fastest. Appa and I will go we won’t be long.”
“If you’re going I’m coming too, I won’t take no for an answer!” Aang sighs and they take her out to Appa. The pair goes off in search of a doctor. They glide over republic city. Toph is stood in the middle of a street when she hears Appa roar overhead. “Appa?” Aang lands in front of her. “What do you want twinkle toes?”
“Katara’s gone into labour. We need to find a doctor.”
“Oh, urm… My old family doctor has a place two blocks from here, he can help.” Aang nods and pulls her up into Appa’s saddle. “It’s right, second left and the third door on the right. Are you ok Katara?”
“Yeah just having a baby.” She takes Toph’s hand. “I’m glad we found you.” Toph squeezes her hand. “Me too.” Katara’s contractions become more intense and she starts to scream. Toph tries to comfort her but she’s in too much pain. Aang looks round at them. “Katara?” She screams again and her eyes roll back in her head as she passes out. Toph puts her hand on Katara’s fore head. “We need to hurry.” Aang nods and they land in the street just outside the family doctor’s. The two friends rush Katara into the doctor’s office.
The receptionist looks up at them. “Yes?”
“Yes?! Obviously it’s my unconscious wife that needs the doctor’s attention!” Aang yells and flaps about. “Are you blind or just stupid?!” Toph sighs and passes the receptionist her family seal. “Oh Miss Beifong. Yes, I apologise the doctor will see your friend now.” She helps them through the door into the back office. “Doctor Lee, Miss Beifong is in need of you.” The small middle aged man looks up from his desk, his small round glasses perched precariously on his slim, pointed nose. “Is that really little Toph Beifong?” He stands up and smiles. “How can I help you my dear?”
“Well my friend is in labour with her first child, on the way here she fell unconscious. I think she’s close.” Doctor Lee nods.
“Ok then, let’s have a look.” Aang lies Katara on the examination chair. Meanwhile outside, Sokka skids round the street corner. “Appa!” The flying Byson turns his head to look at him. “Where did they go?!” Appa looks at the doctor’s door and goes back to eating the contents of a cabbage cart. “Thanks buddy!” Sokka runs inside as the cabbage farmer comes out of a nearby tea shop. “My cabbages!” Appa stops chewing and spits the mushed up cabbage out onto the floor. He lowers his head and steps back, ears flat to his head and eyes bulging.
Aang holds a crying baby boy in his arms as Doctor Lee brings Katara round using smelling salts. “He’s perfect.” Aang stands next to Toph, she smiles.
“He looks like you.”
“Thanks Toph… Wait… Really? Must you do that all the time?” He frowns, Toph smirks and waves her hand in front of her face. “I’ll do it as long as you and Sokka fall for it. He sounds like you.”
“Not funny.” Katara sits up slowly and looks around for her child.
“What is it?”
“It’s a boy.”
“Katara you have a son.” Doctor Lee smiles. “What will you call him?” Katara looks at her husband who is hold their first born. “Aang what do you think?”
“I think we should name him Bumi Hakoda.” He smiles down at his son and passes him over to his mother. She rocks him gently and Bumi stops crying. “Perfect, our little Bumi.” Aang smiles and rubs the back of his head. Bumi squints in the sun light and tucks his head into his mother’s chest. “Thank you.” She smiles at Doctor Lee. “Thank you so much.” He nods to the new parents as Sokka bursts in. “Did I miss it?!” Bumi starts to cry once more, Katara frowns at Sokka and looks down at her son. “Yes uncle Sokka you did.” She smiles and Bumi settles again. “Come here and meet your nephew. Bumi Hakoda this is your uncle Sokka, don’t believe a word he says.”
“Hey!” Sokka takes Bumi from her and smiles down at him. “Hi there little guy.” He wiggles his finger in Bumi’s face, Bumi looks up at him and starts to cry. “Oh no, no please don’t cry.”
“That’s my boy.” Katara smiles and looks to Aang. “Where will we raise him?”
“We can go back to the southern water tribe if you want, he’ll be safe there and I’ll keep an eye on the construction of Air Temple Island.”
“Really?”
“Yes sweetie I just want you to be safe and happy. Plus Toph and Sokka can keep an eye on things here.” They kiss and Sokka passes Bumi to Toph.
“What do you want me to do with it?”
“Just hold him until his parents stop exchanging saliva.” Sokka shudders and leaves the room.
Four years pass and Bumi grows up quickly but shows no signs of bending abilities. Although Aang is disappointed he loves his son dearly. Construction finished on Air Temple Island and the Acolytes moved into their new home shortly after. The Avatar’s small family along with Sokka and Suki moved into the temple shortly after the Acolytes. Bumi sits in the temple court yard watching his father meditate. “Daddy, what you doing?” Aang takes a deep breath. “Huh?” He keeps his eyes shut while Bumi waves his hand in front of his face. “I’m trying to meditate son.” He takes another deep breath. “Go find your mother.”
“Ok!” Aang opens one eye to watch his son as he jumps up and runs back inside. He closes his eyes again and Yang Chen
materialises in front of him. “You are frustrated Aang, what bothers you?”
“I want to revive the Air nomads, bring them back from extinction ready for the next cycle. The only way I know is to raise more Air benders.”
“Yes.” She smiles, he looks down and sighs.
“Bumi is brilliant, he’s smart and resourceful like his mother and grandfather but...”
“But he cannot bend Air.”
“Yes, will our nation, our culture die with me?”
“No Aang either way our people will always be remembered whether it be in the history books or by memory, we will live on because of your actions.”
“Thank you Yang Chen, you are very wise.” She bows and fades away. Aang opens his eyes to find Bumi sat in his lap staring at him, a string of snot hanging from his right nostril. “I couldn’t find mom. You looked funny. Can I do that? How did you do that? I wanna do that.” With every question and statement he gets closer to Aang’s face. “Right… Thanks… No… it’s complicated. Let’s go find your mother or uncle Sokka.”
“Yay uncle Sokka!” Bumi throws his hands in the air, Aang stands up and lifts Bumi onto his shoulders.
They walk through the empty corridors, Sokka walks round the corner and nearly hits Aang. “Oh uncle Sokka, have you seen mom?” He glances down at Bumi who is stood by his side with his finger up his nose. “Urm yes, she was in the laundry room.”
“Thank you, come on Bumi.”
“But I want to hear a team Avatar story.”
“Sokka?” Aang looks at him and smiles, Sokka sighs and nods.
“Yeah I suppose I could tell you one.”
“Two! Two!”
“Ok, ok two.”
“Three! Three!” Bumi jumps up and down tugging on Sokka’s arm.
