Before It Ends

                                           CHAPTER 3: Just In Case


SPOILERS FROM BOILING ROCK … and I guess you can also add there Sozin’s comet, but not much. Very, very mild violence. Kataang…  BEWARE.


        ‘It’s a beautiful morning’ Aang thought to himself as he woke up, holding a sad smile, recognizing the feeling of his longing knees to fall upon themselves, he was tore down inside, even so; he would put up the best fight he could. Today Sozin’s Comet returned to the Earth, today the battle of a lifetime would take place. Aang tried to cheer himself up, for today, the grief was ending thanks to him… Or at least that was what everyone expected. He didn’t know what to think now, his more powerful reason to fight in war was taken away from him rather painfully, he felt confused and overwhelmed. Aang casted away the invading memory, instead he fiercely attempted to focus on his duty; defeating the firelord.

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        ‘I wish this was just a bad dream’ Katara thought as she joined the rest of the Gaang for breakfast, she certainly wished this was only one of those horrible nightmares which would be scared away by Aang and his protecting words, but this was no nightmare Katara could wake up from; she felt sick to her stomach, in fact all of her felt bad. Katara hadn’t been eating in these days, or sleep, or waterbend, or nothing else. All she wanted was Aang, she didn’t know how to feel about him anymore; she hated him for being so stupid by thinking she would never love him back, but she still loved him so much for all the things they shared, for just about everything Aang could be described by. But even more, she hated herself passionately, for not telling Aang how she felt in first place, and for a change, this time she wasn’t even sure if she would see him ever again. This day waited eagerly for the final battle between good and evil to start.


       Katara felt her stomach shriek when she saw Aang entering the room, as she vainly tried to greet him. Apparently, neither of them looked good enough for war today, for everyone had noticed their behavior towards each other the last few days, nevertheless, Sokka and Toph, knowing their friends fairly well, considered it wasn’t the best idea to ask them what was going on, probably they were just nervous or afraid of being separated, or something of that nature, in either way, it was nothing to worry about. It was a rather gloomy day; a mournful essence could be sensed in the morning breeze. All was quiet and tranquil in the cruelest of means; nobody would talk; staring at how Katara and Aang didn’t even say good morning to each other apparently was more entertaining than starting a conversation of their own. Zuko noticed Katara and Aang being annoyed by this and rapidly volunteered to break the silence.

“So… um… nice day isn’t it?” Zuko said scratching the back of his neck, ashamed of not being able to come up with a better subject than the weather. Toph stared sharply in his direction; Sokka rolled his eyes and Suki just moved her head disapprovingly, on the other hand Katara didn’t seem to even notice she was there.

“It is a nice day…” Aang agreed dimly. Silence regained domain again.

“So, twinkletoes… You are sure punching the firelord for me, will ya?” Toph said attempting to relax the conversation, Aang smiled at her thankfully.

“Of course Toph, I’ll tell him you said hi.” Aang said playfully, recalling what once was his childish nature. She laughed, and the rest joined her. “Though I don’t know how the fight will play out…” Aang remembered.

“You’ll do just fine!” Suki joined, “You’re the Avatar, after all.” She said positively.

“That’s what I’ve heard.” Aang said.

“When the moment comes, you’ll see, you’ll do it just about great.” Suki tried to cheer the kid up. Katara heard these comforting words and it hurt her that they weren’t coming out of her mouth precisely, she lowered her head, trying to control her sadness.

“Suki’s right” Katara said almost in a whisper, Aang seemed surprised by the fact that Katara was actually addressing him, but at the same time, remembering the gigantic schism between them ached strongly in his heart, “You’ll do fine” Katara finished smiling falsely before going into quietness again. In all of the Gaang’s memory, pulling up a conversation was never this hard, though it was to be expected, this was probably one of their last times together as purely the group of good friends they were.

“You guys remember when we went to Aunt Wu’s?” Sokka brought up suddenly, this seemed a good enough topic to talk about, except for the uneasy looks Katara and Aang owned in that moment, everyone seemed quite amused by Sokka’s not a happy life prediction-story, all were laughing at Sokka’s complaining and bad luck, even Aang and Katara themselves seemed to loosen up a little about that anecdote. Everyone seemed to have a good time, laughing and sharing funny stories from their epic journey so far, this is when Aang decided to spend these last few moments with his friends having fun with them instead of being quiet and keep his stories for his selfish own memory.


        Breakfast time went faster than everyone expected, before they knew it was time to get ready for war. The essence of concentration and focus came to prepare everyone for battle. Once everyone was ready, they would meet up with Hakoda and the troops at one of the other islands nearby Ember Island, the very one that used as headquarters the last time. There, they would simultaneously depart to the fire nation to bring down the enemy together and hopefully before the comet was too strong for the firebending to be stopped. Aang was the first one in being ready, so he decided to meditate a few more moments before leaving, but seemingly, he wasn’t the only one waiting.

“What’s up between you both?” A familiar voice said behind Aang causing him to quiver.

“Sokka, I’m meditating, I’d like to finish before we leave.” He said without losing his posture.

“Don’t you try to fool me, I think I know both of you pretty well, or at least enough to know something’s up.” Sokka backfired skeptically, “What happened?”

“What do you mean?” Aang replied.

“You know, I’d leave you alone if you had tell me to do so, but since you won’t I’m pretty much staying here.”  Sokka said hoping for Aang to confess.

“Sokka, I told you; I’m meditating besides, what is that you’re talking about?” Aang said obviously knowing the reason why Sokka was there.

“Aang, I’m talking about Katara, yeah… Your best friend, you know; southern water tribe, blue eyes, bit taller than you, big temper, your waterbending teacher… Yes, no, maybe?”.

“What about her?” Aang said trying to evade the subject.

“Aang, I’m not as patient as Katara if you haven’t noticed yet… Plus don’t even try to fake you don’t have a clue on what I’m talking about, ‘cause you do know… Everyone knows you guys don’t talk to each other anymore, even Suki!” Sokka was indeed Katara’s brother, but Aang in need for a friend; hoped Sokka to be of some aid. He sighted hopelessly.

“Is it that obvious?” Aang said.

“Well, yeah, you guys make it too easy, Katara and you are ALWAYS together!” Sokka replied unpleasantly lacking tact. “What happened? I wouldn’t ask Katara because she has done nothing but ignore everyone and cry… What did you tell her?” Sokka said.

“It’s complicated” Aang started, “You’d hit me if I’d tell you, that’s for sure.” He continued.

“WHY?” Sokka exclaimed alarmed “WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?!”He said exasperated, “

Relax, we didn’t do anything… It’s just that…” Aang couldn’t do it; he wasn’t brave enough to confess he loved his sister. “I can’t tell you…” Aang sighted out with an effort, “I simply can’t, it was hard enough telling her…” Sokka slapped his forehead and pulled his face down in frustration.

“Look, would it be easier to you if I tell you I’ve know you guys like each other for a long time from now?” Sokka spitted out hopefully, Aang stared at him incredulously and perplexed. “Doesn’t matter, like I said it’s pretty obvious, both of you; Katara always pecking you on the cheek, being usually nicer to you than any other person, being her priority… You on the other hand made it even easier… Blushing all the way through.” Aang didn’t know what to say, Sokka knew… Sokka knew all this time!

‘How come he knew all this time?! I could swear to myself I was being the most careful I could! I thought no one would notice… Boy, that really brings me down…’ He thought.

“So are you telling me or what? Look it’s not that I wanna be nosy, but we’re talking about Katara, my sister.” Sokka looked at Aang awaiting.

“Fine,” Aang finally said, “But you promise you won’t get mad at me or hit me in the process?”  

“That depends…” Sokka said “Is it really bad?”,

“No, not really…” Aang said relieving Sokka’s anxiousness.

“Okay, I won’t, since you’re my friend, but still.” Sokka disposed himself to hear what Aang had to say.

“I tried to finally tell Katara the way I felt for her and… It didn’t go as well as I planned”.

“You mean she rejected you?” Sokka said half bewildered and half sorry.

“Yeah…” Aang said holding his cracked voice in,

“I’m sorry to hear that, buddy.” Sokka said ashamed,

“Tell ya the truth; I think that even though Katara rejected you, she still likes you.” Sokka said attempting a most weak comfort.

“I doubt it, Sokka.” Aang said mournfully “On the other hand, I’ll always love her even if she doesn’t love me back.” He continued, Sokka shrugged a little, he had never thought of someone speaking about his sister like that. This was too much for his ears, he still had to get used to that, but even so, if he would have anyone paired up with his little sis Sokka came up to the conclusion that he wouldn’t accept anyone but Aang, he had really proven himself with both his dad and him.

“Snoozles! Twinkletoes! I’m sure you guys are busy doing your love talk and everything but there’s kind of an important comet thing, so I’m guessing you should bring your butts over here now! WE’RE LEAVING!”  Toph shouted merciless.

“We’re going!” Sokka replied, “C’mon, time to go,” Sokka finalized helping Aang up. They hurried up to catch up with the others.


       All of them were on Appa ready to go when Aang and Sokka arrived, they helped themselves up on him, and with the signature “Yip, yip” Appa arouse into the blue cloudless skies.

“Dad will be waiting for us by now; we’re supposed to meet him at the same bay we used last time” Sokka installed, all the members nodded in a signal of understanding. It didn’t take much time to arrive to the uninhabited island.

“Is it me, or there’s more people than the last time?” Aang asked curiously as he landed Appa,

“There is more people, twinkletoes” Toph said perceiving the human vibrations. The troops were ready, and at bay; formed willing to give their lives if necessary in order to finish this horrible war.  The Gaang ran to Hakoda,

“Dad!” Sokka greeted energetically.

“Good, Sokka, you kids made it on time; I was wondering whether if you were going to be able to get here at the right moment.” The watertribe chief said.

“Did we delay the plan?” Zuko asked promptly, “Not at all, we’re about to part to Fire Nation; Bato and I just got the troops aligned, we’re all set”.

“Good, the faster; the better.” Sokka said.

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        As it was to be predicted, the journey to the Fire Nation wasn’t precisely calm; Fire Nation ships were waiting at the outskirts of the Gate of Azulon, but the Gaang was determined to win. This time, Sokka had come up with the idea of using Zuko’s war balloon alongside the submarines attributed to his cleverness. Even though getting rid of the blockade was relatively easy compared to what was waiting at the palace, it was a really tough ride; almost half a fleet was sunk, and some men were already injured. Aang worried about this, the comet hadn’t even neared the planet yet and still firebender were causing more damage than ever. As they arrived to the Fire Nation capital, more soldiers awaited, it seemed to the Gaang that almost the whole army was there, but still, that wouldn’t stop them.


Considering that the odds were completely against them, they were doing really good; today, a sense of patriotism and valor could be sensed among the earth and water armies.

“You kids head to the palace, we’ll be fine!” Hakoda told the Gaang.

“But, dad, you need as much support you can get in here, we won’t afford losing anyone!” Katara intervened bravely.

“NO, you go ahead with Aang, he needs you more!” Hakoda ordered his daughter.

“Your dad’s right, sugar queen! We have to go and back up twinkletoes, NOW COME OVER HERE, WE DON’T HAVE TIME TO ARGUE ABOUT THIS!” Toph scolded her sister-like friend as she knocked down a guard. Katara nodded and followed the rest of the Gaang, as odd as it seemed, Katara reflected on what her dad just had told her, ‘He needs you more’, in different circumstances this could mean her dad’s permission to be with Aang, but then again this was a war, she shook the delightful thought out of her head determined to bring concentration back...

“KATARA WATCH OUT!”Aang shouted horrified as he fiercely backfired a fire blast a guard aimed for Katara, she gasped turning her back in surprise to see the unconscious guard lying on the floor, “Hurry up!”Aang said helping her on Appa, Katara both shocked and glad gave her old friend that caring smile she hadn’t showed for a time which though small, felt like a century.

“Thank you, Aang” she greeted him, he nodded with a sign of relief in his stormy eyes.

“You have to be more careful.” The Avatar addressed his dear friend,

“I know, Aang; thanks again.” The rest of the Gaang looked puzzled at each other, for this was probably the longest conversation Aang and Katara might have held since quite a time ago, and they chose the middle of war to do it.

‘Sure it makes complete sense’ Zuko thought sarcastically to himself, ‘They’re being nice to each other again… You know, just in case they get killed or something… They are literally weirder than me’ Aang felt really happy having Katara speaking to him again, even though it didn’t mean anything but he still enjoyed having her voice all to himself; as well Katara, which on the other hand, felt more awake than ever thanks to that little bit of Aang’s attention. But suddenly, the gap of peace was broken.

“THE COMET!” Sokka yelled “It’s here!” the children stared at the comet being petrified by its light.

“Whoa, those are a lot of guards!” Toph gasped as she got down from Appa.

“Must be more than a hundred!”, “Not a hundred, but you’re close though.” Katara said afraid; the firelord saw this coming of course, nothing less could be expected from the most ruthless firebender in the world. About thirty guards surrounded the main gate to the palace.

“We can take ‘em” Suki said, mockingly, having started already fighting some.

“GO!” Sokka finally yelled drawing his sword out, strangely recovering that faithful feeling of braveness which simulated the one he felt back at the Day of Black Sun. “FOR THE WATER TRIBE!” he said as he agilely fought with his swords mastery “Take that, you low life!” He said grinning, as everyone shook their head smiling, almost laughing at Sokka’s permanent humor, “What?” the Water Tribe warrior stated, “I’ve always wanted to say that.” Everyone, inspired by the great leader Sokka has always been, joined in the war cry mentioning the other three remaining nations.

“Come on, we’ve got a war to win” Aang said smiling.


After entering to the palace successfully, Aang disposed himself to look for firelord Ozai right away, for he had no time to waste, the comet was already in its peek point, he knew this thanks to his own firebending; using it made him stronger, which scared him horribly.

“What now?” Sokka asked Aang, “Now, you stay here, I have to go.” Aang said abruptly.

“Said what now?” Toph asked astonished, “Twinkletoes have you gotten mad? There’s no way you’re going to confront that freak alone, not when you have friends to help you” She stated indignantly,

“This is not in discussion, you guys. I’m not letting anyone risk his life, besides, this I must do alone. Thanks for all your help, but you can’t come with me this time” Aang said firmly imposing his Avatar authority, Toph nodded defeated. Aang was right after all, this was his Avatar duty, all of them knew this was Aang’s moment of truth, he might succeed or not, he might return alive… or not.

“Is there anything else you are going to need?” Zuko asked promptly.

“No.” Aang said reluctantly.

“Very well then,” Zuko said, bowing as a sign of respect. #147;Good luck, Aang”.

“Thank you.” Aang said disposing to finally enter to the deepest part of the palace, getting a tight grip of his glider, recording a final memory of his teachers, his family, his lifelong friends. He smiled, but then his smile was erased by the sad look of the Gaang, “What’s wrong?” he said,

“We’re seeing you again, right?” Sokka asked hopefully,

“I don’t know” Aang said genuinely ignorant of the answer.

“You have to come back, the world will still need you” Zuko said,

“Zuko, this is what the world needed me for” Aang said calmly, all of his friends stared at him hurt. Katara lowered her head, hoping to hide her tears and pain from Aang’s sight, feeling at the same time, her heart being ripped apart slowly. “You guys, if I don’t come back, I just want you to know what a great group of friends you are. You have been my family for almost a year now; I owe you my life, at least that much. All of you were such great teachers to me, and if I was to pick a lifetime to reincarnate in, I wouldn’t have picked any other than this, despising the war and all the trouble, this is still the best lifetime I could have lived in, all of you are the best friends an Avatar could ever wish for, thanks.” Aang finalized, everyone looked sadly at him, agreeing to bow down at their friend, Avatar Aang, as he did the same thing, and there they were, the Avatar and all of his four sifos. Right after that, they pulled Aang into the tightest group hug he had ever been part of, all of them wishing him good luck, and saying good bye, just in case. Aang finally departed with a “Don’t worry, we’ll win.” Katara stared as her love of her life went away, she couldn’t take it anymore, she felt how her soul was sucked away from her, she felt like dying.

‘No don’t leave me! Come back, Aang! COME BACK! Please, I love you, at least let me go with you! COME BACK PLEASE, I LOVE YOU!’  This thought screamed so loud in Katara’s head she could swear everyone was able to listen; she finally decided this was it, running as fast as she could towards Aang.

“AANG; WAIT!” Katara yelled hysterically.

“Katara, what are you doing?!” She heard her brother shouting.

“Katara, what are you-, Aang could not finish his phrase, for Katara had already pulled him in a deep and passionate kiss, getting rid of her reasoning, she followed her impulse, Aang on the other hand, responded glad and eagerly, until both lacked for air.

“Please, please Aang, I’m sorry, don’t leave me, please forgive me!” Katara said sobbing desperately, gasping for air, Aang hugged her like never before, he held her so tight, her fast heartbeat would unite with his, he as well allowing himself to cry out the pain their separation caused him.

“Listen to me, Katara” he said holding her delicate head with both hands against his, trying to fight off Katara’s never ending tears,

“No, Aang, please listen, I’ve always loved you, but you got all wrong, you didn’t listen to me! Why?” she continued, in word-like sobs.

“I’m the one who should be sorry, I was so stupid and stubborn I shot my ears deaf, Katara, you don’t need to apologize, you’ve never got to!” Aang intervened attempting to dry her beautiful blue eyes, which now were puffy but relieved.

“I love you, Aang”  she said as Aang pulled her into another kiss, then she pulled apart, “Don’t leave me Aang, I can’t bear living without you!” She cried again.

“Katara, I can’t do that.” He said reasoning, “Yes you can!” Katara sobbed.

“Let me go with you!”.

“No, I anything happened to you, I wouldn’t forgive myself, Katara, you have to stay here.” Aang continued.

“Promise you’ll come back then!” Katara kept trying to convince Aang.

“I can’t promise you that, I don’t know whether I’m going to be able to keep it.”.

“DON’T SAY THAT! YOU’LL COME BACK, YOU WILL!” Katara said, coming to a wreck point, “Promise please, Aang, I can’t live without you!” Aang looked at her mournfully.

“I’ll try” he finally said, Katara kissed him again; now rather quick but persistently.

“You will, you must!”

“I have to go now, but here” Aang said hesitantly pulling a little wrapped package from one of his pockets.

“What is it?” Katara asked, “I’ve done it but I was going to give it to you when we’re older, don’t open it until I’m gone, though” Aang ordered the watertribe girl as he placed it in her palm then closing her hand with his own tightly, “It’s just in case” he said. Aang gave her one final kiss, as both recorded it in their memories clearly as the best kiss they’ve ever had.

“Go, now.” She said, Aang pulled away and disappeared into the large halls of the palace.  


“What in the name of Tui happened?” Sokka reprehended his little sister.

“Oh, come off it, Snoozles!” Toph said punching the warrior’s left arm, “Hey, I’m gonna need that!” Sokka complained.

“What’s that?” Suki asked curiously, Katara looked to the horizon, where Aang had headed to moments before; she opened the little package to reveal a gorgeous proposing necklace, which was formed by a wave and an air current that intertwined to shape a heart. Katara was jar-dropped; she couldn’t believe how beautiful the necklace was. She rapidly pulled her mother’s from her neck and tied around hers, she stared at the one that once belonged to her grandmother, hesitating on what she should do with it, then she solved her confusion by wrapping it around her right wrist. Happier than ever and ignoring her brother’s outbursts and complains she decided they would win today, for Aang didn’t have to do this just in case; he had stated Katara the promise she longed for. He was coming back.