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Chapter Text

Avatar Aang felt like he was on top of the world. Ozai had fallen, the Hundred Year War was finally over, and best feeling of all – he did it on his own terms.

He couldn't remember the last time he felt as content as he did now.

He was inside the airship his friends had captured, in the control room, sitting on the bench against the wall.

"Aang!" Sokka's excited shriek interrupted his musings. Aang looked up at the older boy, a wide grin spreading across his face. "You did it, man! You looked so cool with your glowing arrows!" Sokka gushed. "You were all like – woosh, airbending slice!" He shouted, slashing his hand down in a failed attempt to reenact the scene.

Suki was behind the wheel, rolling her eyes in faux exasperation at her boyfriend's antics.

Toph stood behind Sokka with her arms crossed. A smirk was plastered on her face.

"Then you chased him down, grabbed him with a water tentacle, and he was done! Trapped! He stood no chance!"

Aang laughed. "And what about you guys?" He stood up, his grin widening. "You three took down the entire fleet all on your own!"

"Three kids versus an entire Fire Nation fleet. You'd never guess who came out on top." he continued with a smirk.

Toph cackled, cracking her knuckles. "You know me, Twinkle toes."

Sokka's proud smile vanished and he sulked. "Don't take all the credit, Toph. I was kicking ass too!"

"Your own does not count, Snoozles." she retorted, her grin widening.

Suki couldn't help but laugh. The energy inside the ship felt electrifying.

They had really won.

Aang shook his head, stifling a laugh. His grin slowly faded, replaced with a softer smile. "I'm proud of you guys," he began, face earnest. "Even if I didn't see most of it, I saw enough. You three were amazing out there."

Sokka and Suki exchanged proud grins.

Toph looked away like it was no big deal, but the reddening of her cheeks betrayed her.

"Ooh, is the great Toph Beifong blushing?" Sokka teased, making the others laugh. "This day is full of surprises, it seems!"

"Shut it, Meathead, or we'll have one less person occupying this airship." she threatened, trying to sound serious, but she couldn't wipe the smile off her face.

Sokka gasped dramatically. "You wouldn't dare attack a crippled man." he pointed at his sword that he was using as a crutch.

"Try me!" She smirked. "It's conveniently made of metal, too."

Sokka's eyes widened at the implication. His panicked gaze darted from the sword to the evil grin on Toph's face. "I'm sorry!" he blurted out, a drop of sweat running down his forehead.

Aang snorted, shaking his head. "Toph, I have to say," he began, grabbing everyone's attention. They all turned to face him. "If it wasn't for that awesome seismic technique you taught me, I'm not sure I'd be standing here."

Her eyes widened in wonder. "You used my technique to take down the Loser Lord?" she asked. When he nodded, she cackled. "No way!"

"Yes way!" Aang nodded enthusiastically. "You should've seen his face. He couldn't believe that I saw his attack coming with my back turned."

Sokka laughed with him, nodding fervently. "I can confirm – the look on his face was priceless!"

Suki turned her head slightly, a serene smile playing on her lips as she watched all three of them cracking up together. She had never seen them look so happy and carefree. They had all done their part in ending the war, and now they were reaping the benefits.

She laughed as Sokka went on to ramble about Ozai's defeat.

"I'll never forget the state of the 'almighty firelord'" he taunted, gesturing with his hands. "You turned him into a pathetic boneless heap! He looked so ridiculous. It was pitiful!" he wiped an imaginary tear from his eye.

Aang couldn't help but smirk a little.

"Katara and Zuko will be so happy to see us, I already know it!" Suki chimed in with a wide smile.

Aang's face lit up at the mention of the waterbender. "I hope she's alright."

Toph snorted. "Come on, Twinkle toes. This is Sugar Queen we're talking about. You think she'd go down so easily?"

He smiled. "You're right, Toph."

Sokka's smirk widened as he sat down on the bench. "You might wanna brace yourself for the biggest hug of your life, Aang." he turned to Toph, holding out his palm. "Ten gold coins she topples him over with her hug."

Her eyes lit up. "Make it fifty gold coins!" Toph grinned, smacking his hand – really hard. Sokka yelped.

His eyes widened, as he rubbed his red palm. "Fifty? I don't have that kind of money, Toph!"

"Tough! We already shook on it."

Aang chuckled. He turned to stare out of the window, a peaceful smile on his lips. He exhaled slowly, pressing his forehead against the thick glass.

He was nervous to see Katara again. The last time they talked, they had gotten into a disagreement. The smile disappeared from his lips. He hated fighting with her.

But now, he had time to make it up to her. There was no war looming over them, no deadlines. They didn't need to run away anymore.

He smiled again.

It was over.

"You should probably get some rest, Aang." He heard Suki say. Turning around, he saw all three of them watching him carefully. "You look exhausted."

He blinked, only now realizing how tired he truly felt. The adrenaline from the fight was slowly fading, and he was beginning to feel the exhaustion creeping in. He yawned. "Oh yeah, sure."

"Go on, you've earned it."

He nodded appreciatively, walking past them with one last grin. "If we get there before I wake up-"

"We'll wake you up, yeah, yeah." Sokka cut him off with a knowing grin. "Though, I'm sure my sister will do it herself when she comes barging in."

Aang rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks reddening.

As soon as he walked into one of the rooms, he practically collapsed onto the empty bed. He sank into the soft mattress, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. Sleep enveloped him instantly.

He lay there, completely unaware of what awaited him.

As soon as Aang woke up, he knew something was wrong.

He was completely alone. It was silent.

Slowly, he got up on his feet and started making his way out of the airship.

Where was everyone? Weren't they supposed to wake him up?

He rubbed his forearm absentmindedly as he walked, feeling uneasy.

Something had definitely gone wrong.

When Aang made it to the others, he froze at the sight before him.

Sokka was sobbing and punching at the ground, his fists bloody. Suki was by his side, trying to stop him from hurting himself.

He flinched at the gruesome scene, eyes widening in a mix of confusion and fear. His head snapped up to glance at all the others, and noticed they all had frozen, faces drained of all color.

"W-What's going on?" he asked, though he had a feeling he already knew, judging by Sokka's reaction.

No... It isn't that... she's fine. He told himself, if only to keep himself sane.

Zuko had his hands tangled in his hair, grabbing at them like he wanted to rip them out.

Aang's heart lurched painfully in his throat. He had never seen Zuko like this - pale, trembling, his eyes wet with tears.

He looked guilty, angry, ashamed.

A sickening cold began to seep through Aang's chest, wrapping around his heart with icy fingers that squeezed tighter and tighter with each passing second.

"What is going on?" he asked again, voice cracking slightly as fear consumed him from the inside out. "Someone needs to explain, now." he demanded, sounding way stronger than he felt at the moment.

Zuko wouldn't meet his eyes. The silence pressed in, heavy and suffocating. And then Sokka spoke.

"Katara didn't make it." he gasped out through his sobs, shocking Aang into silence. "Azula killed her." his words weren't clear, and Aang barely heard them, but he might as well have shouted them out, as he flinched.

Aang stared at Sokka, disbelief flooding through him. "W-What...?" he stammered, his stormy eyes widening with fear. He tried to swallow but his mouth was dry. His hands were trembling by his sides. He couldn't believe it. It couldn't be true.

Katara didn't make it?

He shook his head.

She didn't make it?

What did he mean by that?

Azula killed her.

Killed who? Katara?

His gaze fell to the ground, unblinking, a loud ringing in his ears, as Sokka's voice echoed in his head like a mantra. Taunting, definitive.

"Zuko, w-what happened?" Toph was the one to ask. Her voice was trembling, her face wet with tears. "How could this happen? Katara's the strongest waterbender I know!" she heaved out, disbelief lacing her voice.

Toph's voice came out loud, and crystal clear, but none of it was comprehensive for Aang. Her words didn't reach him.

Katara. Gone?

Zuko wiped his tears away with a grimace. "You know how dangerous Azula is..." he started, voice raspy and pained. "She shot her with a quick and precise lightning bolt, I tried to jump in the way, take the blow, but I wasn't fast enough." he turned to look at Aang and Sokka. "I'm so, so sorry. I-I... I tried, I promise." his voice cracked. "I would've gladly died in her place, you have to believe me."

"She's really dead?" Suki echoed, her voice hollow. "I can't believe this..."

Sokka was glaring at the distance, gritting his teeth so hard, he felt them almost crack in his mouth.

Aang seemed to finally get his bearings back, enough to look up at them, and acknowledge them. "Where is she...?" the words spilled past his numb lips. He wasn't entirely sure he had even spoken. He felt detached from his body, like he was watching someone else utter the words for him.

He was expecting Katara to walk out, tell them it was all some sick joke, then they would all laugh. He'd hug her tightly, tell her that he had been so worried, that he was sorry, for everything.

Zuko swallowed hard. He had never heard Aang sound so lifeless. That voice would haunt the firebender for the rest of his days. "Follow me." he whispered. Turning away, he began walking. Aang followed him wordlessly.

The others followed behind them in silence. Each step felt heavy and loud in their silence.

Aang didn't even realize he was still walking, lost in his head, until Zuko suddenly stopped.

They were on the courtyard, in front of a closed coffin.

The coffin was like a slap to Aang's face and he recoiled, nausea rising in his throat. His stormy eyes widened, unable to look away.

"Why is she in a coffin?" Sokka demanded, voice coming out in a heated breath. He glared at the firebender, hatred in his eyes. "Get her out of there, now!"

Zuko glanced at him, then at Suki, unsurely. She wiped her tears away, before placing a hand on Sokka's shoulder. "Calm down, Sokka. It's too late now." she whispered, but she might as well have struck him, as he jerked away from her.

"Open the coffin." Aang's demand silenced everyone. His words hung in the air, heavy, resolute.

"Are you sure-" Zuko tried to argue, but Aang shot him a deathly glare, cutting him off.

"Open it."

Sokka stood still, holding in his breath, as Zuko bent down and unlocked the latch. Their reactions were instantaneous. Aang shut his eyes tightly, jaw clenching. Sokka's hand came up to clutch his face in a tight, painful grip, shielding his eyes from the sight.

Toph had already felt the lack of life from inside the coffin, but her friends reactions only confirmed what she felt, causing her to fall down, her knees buckling under her weight. Tears were streaming down her face, her sightless eyes wide.

Suki had clapped her hand over her mouth, stifling her loud gasp.

Inside lay Katara, a bloody hole in her chest.

Aang was the first to move, willing his body to walk closer to Katara's dead body. He ignored the stares of his friends, and crouched down beside her. He gazed at her for a moment, before his fingers moved toward her neck.

His hand was trembling so much that his two fingers almost missed her neck, before finally making contact with it.

He took in a deep breath, looking for a pulse, hoping, searching.

There was none.

His head dropped, chin touching his chest, as he began crying. His frame wracked with painful sobs, his hands clutching the coffin's edge to keep himself from falling over.

Behind him, Sokka cried into his hands. Suki sobbed quietly. Toph wept on the floor. Zuko cried silent tears.

Katara was dead.

Team Avatar was in ruins, and as if the world was playing some evil joke on them, rain started falling down, mixing with their tears.

Elsewhere, the world cheered the end of the war, ignorant to their grief, their loss.

"I'm worried about you, Aang." He heard Suki say from behind him. "You've been cooped up in this room for two days now. You have to at least eat something."

Aang was sitting on the floor of the room Zuko had given him, staring blankly at the dark wall in front of him. He had no energy to move, talk to anyone, or eat. He felt numb. Dead inside.

He wished more than anything that this was one of his nightmares, that he would wake up from it with Katara by his side. She would hold him, tell him everything was okay. She would distract him from his thoughts and make him laugh.

"Aang." The older girl repeated, bringing him back to reality. Suki had knocked on his door earlier, but when he hadn't opened it, she asked Zuko for a spare key. Zuko had given it to her, albeit a little reluctantly.

Suki inserted the key, and when she heard the lock click open, she walked inside. She was immediately saddened by the scene before her.

The room was dimly lit, its walls painted a deep crimson with gold trimming, like most Fire Nation architecture. Heavy red curtains were drawn over the tall windows, blocking out the evening sun almost entirely, casting the space in shadows. The only source of light came from a single candle flickering on the bedside table, its weak flame dancing, stretching long shadows across the stone floor and carved wooden walls.

The room felt cold and empty, reflecting Aang's own feelings.

"It's hard, I know." she whispered, voice soft, hesitant. "But, she would want you to move on, to keep going. You can't let this destroy you like this..."

Aang looked down at his lap, emotion flickering across his face as he recognized the truth in her words. Katara wouldn't want to see him like this. Yet, he couldn't do as she wished. How could he just keep living as before, pretend everything was okay, like his heart hadn't been ripped apart. The idea of going out there, playing the Avatar after he failed to save the person most important to him made him feel nauseous.

Besides, the pain in his chest was unbearable. He could barely breathe, let alone stand or walk.

How could he explain that to Suki?

Suki waited for some sort of reaction from him, but he didn't move, not even a muscle. She bit her lip as her eyes fell to his back, still littered with scars, burns, and bruises from his fight against the Firelord.

"You need to be healed... maybe I can ask a healer to come take care of your wounds."

Silence.

Suki sighed in defeat, and was about to leave when his voice, small and rough, stopped her.

"How is Sokka?"

Her momentary happiness at hearing him talk was gone just as quick as it came at the mention of her boyfriend. "He is... he is managing." she finished lamely. The truth was, Sokka was just as bad as Aang. But where Aang kept to himself, dealing with his pain in silence, Sokka was the exact opposite - lashing out, shouting, punching walls in bursts of anger.

Suki didn't think it wise to tell Aang about his behaviour. He was dealing with too much already.

"Tell him, I'm sorry." Aang continued, sitting still. "For not being there for her... for failing her." he whispered the last part of his sentence quietly.

"Aang, It's not your fault-"

"Suki, please." he interrupted her, his voice quiet and pleading. "Just tell him. Tell him I'm sorry. Please."

"Okay." She nodded. "I can do that." She turned around and put her hand on the doorknob, hesitating. "You will be okay though, right?"

"I don't know." he replied honestly. "I need time."

"Of course."

When she left, Aang was once again alone with his dark thoughts. Sitting in silence, he closed his eyes, images of Katara smiling and laughing flashing across his mind.

Angry tears stung his eyes. "I don't understand, why...?" he clenched his fists. "Why?" he repeated under his breath. "It's not fair..." he whispered. "Haven't I lost enough already?"

He spent the rest of the day in his room, in that same position, grieving with his head bowed, silent.

Multiple days passed in a similar fashion. Suki would bring Aang food every day to make sure he didn't starve himself, but other than that, she didn't see the young airbender often.

After they had their small chat the other day, she had gone straight to a healer and sent her to check on his wounds. The next day when she visited him, she was glad to see his injuries were treated. A bandage was wrapped around his left wrist, though, which confused Suki, as she didn't recall him having any injuries there – but maybe she had missed it.

With everything going on, it wouldn't be surprising.

Back in the present day, she brought him some water and warm food. She stayed a little longer, a steady presence, wanting to let him know he had friends looking out for him. She even smiled when Aang silently took a bite of his food.

It was progress.

After saying goodbye to the airbender with a promise to check up on him again later, Suki went to get some food for herself.

She was walking down the hallway from Aang's room when she ran into Zuko.

"Zuko!" she exclaimed, happy to see a familiar face.

The firebender shot her a small smile back. "Suki, I'm glad I ran into you. I wanted to let you know that Toph and I are having dinner in the dining hall today. I would love for you and Sokka to join us." He hesitated, glancing at Aang's room. "I would love for him to join as well, but…" he trailed off.

Suki smiled in understanding. "You don't think he would, since he's still grieving."

"Has he eaten any of the food the cooks have prepared for him?" Zuko asked, sounding concerned. Suki had to hold back another smile at his obvious worry for the airbender.

"Yeah, I saw him take a few bites. He's making progress, Zuko. I believe he'll be fine."

This time, a wider smile appeared on the firebender's face and he nodded. "That's good to hear. I've been worried."

A heavy sigh escaped Suki's lips, her smile disappearing. "We all have." Her face then hardened with determination. "But Aang is strong. He's dealt with worse. He'll come back from this, I'm sure of it."

Zuko didn't look so sure but nodded nonetheless. "And Sokka? How is he doing?"

Suki crossed her arms with a frown. "Not good, I'm afraid. He's angry, bitter, hurt. I don't remember the last time we talked without him snapping at me at some point."

Zuko's face fell and he sighed, looking at the girl in front of him with a sympathetic expression. "I know this must be hard for you, seeing someone you care about so much going through something like this."

Suki bit her lip. "It is... I wasn't as close to Katara as Sokka or Aang, but it still hurts. I can't imagine what they're going through."

Zuko nodded, running a hand through his messy hair. "I know what you mean."

They fell into a brief silence, both lost in their thoughts, before Zuko broke it. "Will you at least come eat with me and Toph?"

"Of course!" She let her arms fall and smiled at him. "I'll ask Sokka as well, but don't get your hopes up."

"Right. Let me know how it goes. I'll see you soon, Suki." He shot her one more smile before turning away.

"Later, Zuko." She watched him go, her smile slowly leaving her face.

With a sigh, she started making her way to Sokka's room.

Suki heard crying inside and quickly walked in. The sight before her rendered her speechless. Sokka was sitting on the bed, clutching one of Katara's waterskins, sobbing as he held it tightly.

"Little sis," he cried, his body shaking with sobs. "I... I couldn't p-protect you. I'm sorry."

Seeing Sokka like this shook Suki to her core. She had never seen him break down like this before. She stood in the doorway, unsure how to proceed. Sokka hadn't even noticed her presence.

She swallowed hard before knocking loudly on the door to announce herself.

Sokka looked up, eyes bloodshot and face stained with tears. "S-Suki?"

"Hey, Sokka..." she whispered softly. "I'm not interrupting, am I? I can come by later," she suggested hesitantly, but to her surprise, he shook his head.

"No, please. I want you to stay. I don't know how much longer I can be alone with my thoughts before I lose my mind."

He knew he hadn't shown it, but he truly appreciated her presence.

"I'm sorry for treating you so badly lately, Suki." Sokka averted his eyes, feeling ashamed. "It's just... so hard. I never imagined I'd have to live in a world where my sister is dead." The last part came out in a whisper. "It's like one of those really horrible nightmares I had when I was younger, except now it's my reality."

Suki, once again, was speechless. She didn't know how she should respond, how she could comfort him.

"Don't be silly. You haven't treated me badly. You're grieving."

He shook his head bitterly. "That's no excuse. You're my girlfriend. I can't take it out on you." He then smiled faintly. "Thank you, Suki, for staying with me and helping me."

A wide smile appeared on the girl's lips as she walked up to the bed and sat down next to her boyfriend. "Of course. I'm here for you. Always."

His smile widened slightly before it dimmed again. "Is Aang alright?"

"He's doing better, but..." She bit her lip before continuing. "He's taking this hard, Sokka. Katara really meant a lot to him."

He nodded in understanding, eyes dropping back down to the waterskin in his grip. "Yeah, she did. Those two... they always had something special going on, I could tell." A nostalgic smile played on his lips.

His face then darkened. "He shouldn't blame himself though. He needs to know it wasn't his fault."

"It wasn't yours either, you know that, right?" Suki reminded him gently.

Sokka almost scoffed. "It wasn't my fault? Come on, Suki. I was her big brother. I swore to protect her."

"You weren't there," she countered softly.

"That's just it though. I wasn't. But I should've been," he stressed. "I don't know what I was thinking, letting her go on such a dangerous battle on her own."

He went on before she could say anything. "Aang had his duty as the Avatar to fight the Firelord and end the war once and for all. His sole focus was on that, as it should've been. I, on the other hand, had a duty to look out for my sister. It's what my dad always expected of me, and what I needed to do, as her big brother."

"I should've stuck by her side." A fresh wave of tears came running down Sokka's face. He smacked his clenched fist against his leg and bit his lip hard enough to almost make it bleed.

"I let her down. I've let Dad down. And now, Katara is gone. Dead. Permanently."

Suki couldn't take it anymore. She sprang up from the bed and tackled him in a hug, making him gasp in shock.

"S-Suki...?" he exclaimed, his blue eyes wide. She didn't pull back.

Eventually, Sokka's shock wore off, and he melted into the hug.

He felt Suki shake with her own sobs. "You miss her too, don't you?" he asked, feeling her nod against his shoulder.

"Every day."

He buried his face in her neck, silent tears streaming down his cheeks.

Outside, thunder split the sky before rain began pouring with abandon, as if the sky itself was weeping with them.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

The golden light of sunset streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the ornate dining table where Zuko, Suki, and Toph sat in heavy silence.

"I have a few things I needed to discuss with you two." Zuko began with a serious voice.

"Alright, what's up?" Toph asked, kicking her feet up on the long, fancy table.

Suki's face twisted in disgust. "Toph, where are your manners."

"Screw manners. I'll sit however I damned please, fan-girl." She wiggled her toes for good measure.

Zuko watched them, an amused smile twitching at his lips. "Guys, please." He took a sip from his wine. "Toph can sit however she likes, she's deserved it."

Toph stuck her tongue out at Suki victoriously, before Zuko could finish his sentence.

"-And Toph, no swearing at the dinner table."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, fancy pants."

Zuko and Suki exchanged an amused glance.

"The reason I brought you here." Zuko decided to finally change the subject, shifting in his seat. All traces of amusement was gone from his face. "It's about Aang. He has been cooped up in his room for some time now. I know he is still grieving, rightfully so, but he has to step out sooner or later. The world needs to hear from The Avatar again, they need to see him."

Suki nodded in understanding. "Like I said earlier, Aang is slowly getting better. I'm sure he'll be ready to step out sooner or later." She finished with a smile, though deep down, she wasn't as optimistic.

Zuko nodded, before turning his head to look at the younger girl. "What do you think, Toph?"

"You really want to know what I think, Sparky?" Toph crossed her arms. "I think that the world can shove it." She scoffed. "You said it yourself, Aang has earned his time off, so let him rest and grieve at his own pace. Who cares what anyone else thinks."

Zuko nodded again, holding back a small smirk at her bluntness.

"Good point."

Suki shook her head good-naturedly.

They fell into a lighter conversation after that, and it wasn't until after they finished their food, that Suki brought the topic back up.

"What was the other thing you wanted to talk about?"

Zuko's face fell and a shadow fell over his features. "Katara's funeral." he began hesitantly, making their faces darken. "I know that Sokka and Aang are still reeling from her death, but it's been a week already. I don't know much about funerals, but isn't it a little disrespectful to prolong it for much longer?"

Toph had her arms crossed, face tight.

"I'll bring it up to Sokka and Aang." Suki began after a beat of silence. "In the meanwhile, you should start setting the funeral up."

Zuko shook his head. "No, that's not my place, nor my job. I'll pay for the expenses, but everything else regarding the funeral is up to her family. That is why, I sent a letter to the Southern Water tribe to inform her family of the... circumstances."

"Just say how it is, will you?" Toph cut in, sounding annoyed. "You told them of her death."

Suki glared at her.

"What? All three of us have already accepted that Katara is dead, have we not?" Zuko was the first one to nod. Suki took a little longer but also nodded, albeit hesitantly.

"Exactly, so there's no point in dancing around the subject here. You can do that with Twinkle toes and Snoozles."

"Still, it is a touchy subject." Suki frowned.

"It's resolute, Katara is dead." her bottom lip quivered slightly, despite herself. "Nothing is going to change that, so what's the point in evading the subject."

Suki sighed. She seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "Are you sure sending a letter to Sokka's family without him knowing was a good idea?" she asked Zuko.

Zuko tapped his fingers on the table, a little nervously. "No. I did think that maybe Sokka wanted to be the one to break the news to his family, but with the way things are going, and for the sake of Katara's funeral, I took the initiative. I just hope he doesn't hate me for it."

Suki leaned back on her chair. "It was the right thing to do, I'm sure Sokka will appreciate it."

"I hope so."

They talked a little more, before leaving and going back to their respective rooms.

As soon as Suki woke up the next day, she knew the first thing she had to do was tell Sokka about what Zuko had done. Suki would be lying if she said she wasn't feeling hesitant and nervous.

But, it had to be done.

When she opened his door, the first thing she saw was Sokka packing clothes and other belongings into a large bag.

She blinked in surprise, before realization dawned on her. "Katara's stuff?" she inquired gently.

If Sokka was surprised by her visit, he didn't show it. Instead he nodded slowly, glancing her way. "I thought I'd pack them into one bag and store them somewhere. Nobody's going to be using them, so..." he trailed off.

Suki nodded. "Makes sense."

He crouched down in front of the bag and started placing Katara's clothes inside it. He looked exhausted, Suki noticed. He had bags under his eyes, and his eyelids looked heavy, like they were fighting a constant battle to stay open.

She swallowed.

"I still can't believe that she's no longer here with us." Sokka's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Suki nodded, understanding exactly what he meant. "I feel that way too. It doesn't feel real, does it?"

He bit down on his lower lip. "I just- why?" his voice cracked. "Why her, Suki?"

"Sokka..."

His head dropped. "She was a constant presence in my life. Every time I had a problem or needed help with something, she was right there, solving all my problems. Now she's gone, just like that." He hesitated, then. "I'm not sure I can go on without her." he whispered so quietly, Suki thought she misheard him.

She frowned. "Don't say that, Sokka. You still have the others. You have Aang, you have Toph, Zuko... you have me."

He said nothing.

A heavy sigh escaped her lips. She wasn't sure this was the right time to tell him about the letter, but when would it ever be?

"Sokka, you need to know something." she started with a soft voice, feeling her heartbeat quicken in her chest.

He shot her a tired glance before resuming packing Katara's clothes.

"What is it?"

She took a deep breath to brace herself, and then said, "Zuko sent a letter to your family, telling them about Katara's passing."

Sokka froze.

"You know, because he wanted them here for the funeral." she finished, shifting in place nervously.

Sokka stayed still for a little longer. He swallowed, before slowly placing the last shirt inside the bag.

"Oh." he exhaled slowly. "That makes sense, I suppose."

Suki's mouth fell open. She had not expected that.

"You're not mad?"

He shrugged, like he wasn't interested in the topic of this conversation in the slightest. "They have to know at some point, right? So why delay it?"

"But, they are your family. Are you not-?"

"Suki." He snapped, shooting her an annoyed look. "I said it was okay, will you drop it already? Do you want me to be angry about it or something?"

Suki folded her arms defensively, averting her eyes. He was right. She didn't know why she wasn't just accepting his answer. But something about his reaction bothered her. It was so unlike him to act so calmly about this.

"Fine. We're having dinner today in the dining hall, you should join us." she bit her lip. "It's been a while since we've sat together as a group. We need to talk about the funeral... about the details."

Sokka froze again for a moment, but recovered quicker than before. He let out a breath, before nodding.

"Sure, I'll be there."

A smile twitched at her lips. "Cool, I'll see you there then?"

"Yeah..." His eyes dropped to the last shirt he was holding. His hand clenched around it, before he sighed and placed it in the bag with the rest.

Suki heard the lock click and walked in as usual. She looked around. He wasn't sitting on the floor like usual. The curtains remained drawn, leaving the room dark, aside from the lit candle.

Suki's throat tightened when she finally saw him.

Aang was sitting on his bed, back against the wall. His bandaged hand was resting on his propped up knee, the other clenched by his side.

He had his head bowed, hiding his face from her.

"Aang." She whispered, as if she was afraid she spoke any louder would disturb him. With Sokka, Suki could somewhat get a read on him. She knew him, he was her boyfriend.

Aang was an entirely different matter. She had never known him that well. They simply hadn't had the time to ever interact as they were busy with their own roles in ending the war.

Not only was she unfamiliar with the version of Aang that was friendly, bright, and approachable. This darker and broodier version of him was completely new to her. The only other time she could recall of seeing him like this was that time when they were crossing The Serpents Pass. He had been distant and broody then, but Katara managed to pull him out of it.

Suki smiled sadly. She wasn't Katara, and this wasn't the same Aang as then. But none of that mattered. She would still try, because Aang was her friend. Because she owed him that much.

He lifted his head, as if he noticed her presence only now.

Suki had to hold back a gasp when she saw his face. Not only did he look exhausted, his eyes were bloodshot and there were tear stains on his cheeks. His dark hair was starting to grow as well, showing that he hadn't shaved.

Her heart clenched painfully.

He looked like a broken shell of his former self.

"Suki." he rasped out in acknowledgment, voice rough from the lack of use.

"Brought you food." She placed the plate down on his bedside table with a small smile.

His gaze flickered to her, before dropping back to his lap.

"Thanks."

Usually, this was when she would sit with him in silence for a few minutes, but not this time. "Hey, Aang." she began, grabbing his attention. "We're having dinner in the dining hall as a group, we'd love to have you join us." she finished her sentence, looking at him hopefully.

He stilled, before meeting her eyes. "Oh." he breathed. His fist clenched, then quickly unclenched. "Sure." A pause. Then, "Will Sokka be there?"

A smile tugged at her lips. "Yeah. Sokka will be there too."

She saw him flinch at that. Her smile faltered, replaced by confusion and a prickling worry. Was he scared of how Sokka would react to seeing him? Or was it his guilt making him dread facing Katara's brother?

Her face softened. "Aang-"

"I'll be there."

Suki got the hint. He wanted to be left alone. She sighed. At least he agreed to eat with them. "I'll come get you later?"

He hesitated, before speaking. "Yeah."

Suki got up, satisfied with the results. She was making her way to the door, when she stopped again.

"Oh and, Aang?" He lifted his head to look at her. "Sokka told me to tell you that it wasn't your fault. He doesn't blame you for it." she said, holding eye contact to send her point through.

His stormy eyes widened for a brief moment, the slight tremble of his lips not going unnoticed by her. He swallowed and looked away from her.

Aang said nothing after that, but he didn't need to. She could see it in the way his shoulders slackened. It meant a lot to him, and it was something he had needed to hear.

Suki smiled.

Sokka closed his room door and began walking down the hall, toward the dining hall. His steps were hesitant, almost as if he wanted to turn back around and walk the other way. He didn't know if he was ready to meet the others. He was scared one word about his sister would be enough to bring him to tears, and the last thing he wanted to do right now was cry in front of the others.

A heavy sigh escaped his lips.

It was also the first time they got together after Katara's passing. It was too soon, if you asked him. But he couldn't refuse Suki. He knew how hard she's been trying to get them back on their feet.

He admired her for it, but a part of him couldn't help but be a little annoyed. He wished he could grieve his sister's death at his own pace, without anyone else meddling. He briefly had even thought about leaving the Fire Nation, going somewhere to be alone, but had dismissed the idea almost immediately.

Sokka couldn't leave his friends. They were hurting too, besides, as much as he hated to admit it, he needed them. He didn't know what would happen to him if he was left to his own thoughts forever.

The pain of losing his sister was unbearable. She had been by his side since he could walk - his little sister, his sun. Everyday started with her nagging and his complaining, it had become a routine.

Then there was Aang. He knew the kid was suffering too. He also knew how close the two had been. With how they were acting around each other, he was almost certain they'd end up together, and weirdly, he didn't mind it. In fact, he wanted it to happen. He wanted Aang to be by her side when he himself couldn't.

Aang cared about her. She cared about him. They were a perfect team.

So yeah, he knew this was hurting him too. At least Sokka had Suki. She was able to pull him out of that dark place he went to whenever he thought about Katara.

Did Aang have anyone like that? Could he be there for Aang in that way? To support him, reassure him, to bring him out of that dark place?

He didn't know. Though, he wasn't totally opposed to it. Just like how Katara was his little sister, he had grown to consider Aang a little brother of his. Just like Katara, Aang was a pain sometimes, but some of Sokka's greatest memories were with him.

He had brought him and Katara out of their little gloomy home and introduced them to a whole new world, filled with adventures and laughter. He still remembered those bleak times at the Southern water tribe. He had been so absorbed in his duty to protect the tribe and his sister, that he had forgotten how to live, how to act his age.

Then Aang had come swooping in with a flying bison and had shown them how to truly live. He showed them to not take life so seriously, to laugh, to have fun. He found him weird at first, but now he couldn't imagine not having a friend like him.

A sudden memory of Aang riding the Elephant koi came to his mind and he chuckled to himself. Who else could do that? Who else could make riding Elephant koi fish look fun?

Although Sokka didn't often show it, The Airbender was important to him. He always reminded him how to have fun. Maybe they could do something together to ease the pain of losing Katara-

Sokka heard plates clatter in the distance, bringing him crashing back down to reality. His face fell, the grin that had been forming subconsciously on his face, fading.

He scoffed. Who was he kidding? Even Aang couldn't make the pain in his chest go away. And he doubted Aang was in the mood for any jokes either.

Shaking his head with a deep sigh, he made a turn and entered the dining hall.

He was immediately met with the sight of Zuko and Toph. They were sitting on the long decorated table, chattering freely. When the duo noticed him, they froze in their seats.

Sokka shifted a little, before hardening his resolve and walking to the chair next to Zuko, and sitting down on it. Toph was facing him on the other side of the firebender.

His and Zuko's eyes met, before the older boy looked away sheepishly. "Erm, how are you, Sokka?"

Sokka snorted, surprising them both. "Were you always this awkward, Zuko?" he joked.

Zuko's face fell. Toph burst out in laughter, making Sokka smile faintly.

"Really?" Zuko deadpanned. Though really, he didn't mind. It was good to hear Sokka joking again.

"Where are Suki and Aang?" he asked, as a waitress walked around him and poured him a glass of wine. His eyes followed her in disbelief.

"They're on their way here." Zuko answered then looked at Sokka weirdly. "Why are you staring at the waitress?"

Sokka looked at him like he was the one who was acting weird. "Waitress? Since when?"

"Since he became the Firelord." Toph answered for Zuko. "Or did you already forget, Snoozles? Jeez, you're slow."

Sokka shot her a glare. "I'm sorry, but my mind's been pretty occupied, if you didn't notice."

Toph would've rolled her eyes if she could. "That gives you the excuse to forget about your friend becoming the Firelord?" she questioned dryly.

Sokka's glare sharpened. Why was she putting him on the spot?

Zuko chuckled nervously, holding his hands up to calm them down. "It's alright, guys. No big deal."

Toph blew her bangs away with a huff and sat back on her chair with her arms crossed.

Fortunately, the awkward silence was broken by the arrival of Suki and Aang.

Zuko breathed a sigh of relief.

The older girl walked in, The Avatar following behind her.

The air shifted with their entrance, all eyes were on Aang.

Suki unaware of the tension, walked toward Sokka, a big smile on her face. She expected Sokka to greet her happily, or at the very least, acknowledge her, but it seemed his attention was completely elsewhere.

She looked behind her to see where he was staring - or more like - who he was staring at.

Aang looked up, seeing all eyes on him. He heard a utensil drop against a plate, making a loud clattering sound.

"What?"

"You look like shit." Toph blurted out.

He glared at her. "What are you on about? You can't even see."

She shrugged, kicking her feet up on the table. "I can tell, by their reactions." she motioned toward Zuko and Sokka.

It was Zuko's turn to glare at her.

It was true, Aang looked... distraught. He had dark bags under his eyes. His gray eyes which used to sparkle with excitement, looked empty of life. His unshaven hair. It all made him look years older.

He looked drained.

Aang's head dropped with a sigh. He made his way to Suki and sat down next to her with a grunt.

Toph couldn't help but smirk a little. "Finally feeling your age, Twinkle toes?" she teased.

"Funny." he commented dryly.

Zuko cleared his throat. "Alright guys, let's eat, shall we?"

Toph snorted. "What else would we be doing in the dining hall, fancy pants?"

A sudden laugh made all their heads turn toward the sound.

Sokka.

He cleared his throat and suddenly found his plate very interesting.

Suki and Zuko grinned.

Toph smirked.

Aang stared at his food blankly.

"Right, so." Zuko began, sounding a little more enthused now. "Aang, the cooks prepared a delicious vegetarian meal for you. Sokka, they made you your favorite meat. Toph and Suki, you're having the same meal as me, a Fire Nation classic."

Sokka looked down at his plate. He should have been scarfing his food down already, but he didn't know if he could keep it down.

Hesitantly, he took a bite. His eyes widened as his taste buds experienced heaven. Licking his lips, he took another bite. Soon, he was smacking his lips loudly as he ate with vigor. He hadn't realized how hungry he had been.

Suki grinned again, before digging into her own food.

Zuko and Toph began eating as well.

Aang stared at his food a moment longer, before he picked up his fork with a sigh. He took a bite and chewed slowly.

"So, how's being the Firelord?" Suki was the one to start a conversation.

Aang looked up at that and stared at Zuko, eyebrows furrowing just slightly. "Firelord?"

Zuko shrank under his gaze. With everything that had been going on, they hadn't had the chance to tell him about Uncle Iroh's decision to have him as the new Firelord. He hadn't given it much thought, but could it be that Aang wouldn't be okay with it?

Somehow, Aang's opinion mattered to him the most - not only because he was The Avatar, but also because he was the first person to ever accept him, Uncle Iroh excluded. He had always seen him as more than just an angry prince or a lost cause.

Zuko smiled nervously, meeting his eyes. "Yeah, I'm the new Firelord."

Aang was silent for a moment, his face showing emotion for the first time in days, as he looked at him apologetically.

"I'm sorry, Zuko." he said, shocking everyone. "I should've known."

Zuko quickly recovered from his shock and shook his head. "Please, Aang. You, if anyone, had a good reason to miss it. You've been through so much since I found out."

Aang shook his head, face softening. "That's no excuse. You're my friend, I should've known." he shook his head, and before Zuko could say anything else, he asked another question. "How is it, being the Firelord?"

Zuko sighed deeply, leaning back on his chair. "It's stressful already. There's so many different things I have to take care of. My father has influenced everyone and everything with his evil ways." he bit the inside of his cheek. "I have a lot to correct. Not to mention the constant pressure on my shoulders, there's a lot of people I have to please. Some think I'm not fit to be the new leader of this nation. So, I have to show them and convince them. First, I'll address all my nation's wrongdoings, then I'll start the rebuilding. It's time Fire Nation changed, for the better."

Aang's mouth had dropped open. He had been listening to every word attentively, and swallowed at the end. "Wow, Zuko... That's a lot."

Zuko nodded gravely. "It is, but it has to be done." he then smiled a little. "And with you by my side, I feel a lot more confident. That is, if you'll stand by my side, Aang?" he asked, staring at him hopefully.

Aang was silent for a moment, before shooting him a genuine smile, shocking everyone in the room for the second time. "Zuko, I'm proud of you. In just a few weeks, you've changed so much. You went from a lost prince to a true embodiment of a leader. I aspire to be like you one day."

Zuko's mouth fell open at such high praise. "Aang..."

He then smirked faintly. "It would be an honor to stand by your side one day. But right now, I-" he paused, the smirk disappearing as quick as it came while he swallowed hard. "I just need some time to collect my thoughts and come to terms with... everything."

"Of course." Zuko nodded, bowing his head slightly. "I understand."

Suki and Sokka exchanged a look.

Toph was grinning.

This was a big moment, they all knew that. It was the beginning of a partnership between The Avatar and The Firelord. The fact that they had a strong bond outside of their titles was a huge deal.

And despite everything - despite their loss, they couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope inside of them.

It was time for a new era.

After that, the topic changed into something lighter with Suki and Zuko doing most of the talking and Toph chiming in every now and then.

Aang had gone back to brooding and staring at his food.

Sokka was taking small bites of his food, ignoring the conversation all together.

Eventually, he couldn't take it anymore.

"When's the funeral?" Sokka asked suddenly, cutting the conversation off abruptly. He looked up. "We're here to discuss the details, right? So, let's do it."

He wanted to get it over with.

"Right." Zuko cleared his throat. "Your family should be here soon. We'll discuss the important details with them here, but we can already come to one decision. An important one."

"What's that?" Suki was the one to ask.

"The burial, how do you want to do it?" He directed his question to Sokka.

They all turned to look at Sokka, but he shut his eyes, teeth grit.

"A sea burial." Aang stated suddenly, surprising everyone. "That's how they do it in the tribes." he clarified.

"She died in the Fire Nation." Zuko pointed out.

"And?" Aang raised an eyebrow.

Zuko shrugged, looking less sure of himself now. "Wouldn't a mix of traditions make more sense if we hold the funeral here? Like a burning boat funeral."

Aang's face darkened. "Her family decides how she's buried, regardless of where or how she died."

Zuko raised his hands. "I'm not saying that's how we have to do it. It's just one option to consider."

"We're doing a sea burial." Sokka cut in, voice hard and decisive, leaving no room to argue. "That's how my family have always done it, and that's how we'll do it."

Zuko nodded. "Okay."

Aang stared down at his plate, fighting the rising nausea in his throat. He hadn't given it much thought, but Katara's family would also be coming. He imagined the looks on their faces. Her poor grandmother, he remembered how protective she had been of her granddaughter. She had been reluctant to let her go.

And now-

He tightened his hold on the fork, the metal digging into his palm painfully.

Now, her worst fear had come true.

Katara was dead.

Before Aang knew what he was doing, he stood up, pushing his chair back with a loud creak. His body moved on its own, driven by something cold and hollow inside. He heard Suki gasp, felt Zuko stare at him with wide eyes.

"I have to go."

He turned around, and without another word, stormed out of the dining hall with his head bowed.

Sokka's eyes followed him until he disappeared around the corner. He sighed, pushing his plate back, having lost his appetite a while ago.

"Progress, you said?" Toph teased Suki, making the older girl huff. "You didn't see him a week ago. That is progress."

"Right, right." she didn't sound convinced.

Her carefree tone was the final straw for Sokka, before he, too, stood up abruptly. "I'm done with this. I don't have the patience to hear her talk." he snapped, glaring at Toph.

Toph glared down at the floor. "You think I have the patience to hear you sulk?"

"My sister died!" he shouted, loud enough to make Suki and Zuko flinch. "Newsflash, Toph! This is how people usually act when they lose a sibling!"

A heavy silence followed his outburst.

Sokka stormed away, his fists clenched so tight his nails dug into his palms, before he said or did something he'd regret.

Zuko's head dropped on the table with an audible thud.

It was just the three of them now, just like yesterday.

Suki groaned. "Great job, Toph."

"Don't judge me, fan-girl. I'm not in the mood."

"But you get to judge us all the time?" Suki's nostrils flared. "Do you even care that Katara died, or is this all a big joke to you?"

Toph slammed the table with both her fists, making Zuko jump in his chair. She glared at Suki. "You have no idea how I feel, so don't just assume! You got that?"

She gave her no time to answer as she stomped away, leaving only Suki and Zuko sitting at the table.

Suki threw her napkin away and stood up. "I think It's time we ended this dinner. Good night, Zuko." she mumbled, before walking out.

The Firelord was left sitting alone. He blinked once, then twice, before smacking himself in the face.

He knew things were bad, but he hadn't expected them to be that bad.

Who knew Katara's absence would affect the group this badly. It was like her lack of presence left a gaping hole in their group dynamic.

He sighed.

What a mess.

Chapter Text

It was the day of the funeral.

Katara's family had arrived the day before. Zuko had arranged rooms for them in the palace, pretending not to notice their lingering distaste for his nation. He sighed. Old wounds, he knew, would need more time to heal.

Hakoda already knew him, so it was easier to converse with him. But Zuko could tell Katara's death weighed heavily on the man as he didn't talk much, only spoke when necessary, his grief palpable in every word.

Zuko couldn't help but swallow, knowing he was partly the reason for her death.

Toph and Suki came outside to greet Katara's family but swiftly left when Sokka appeared, wanting to give the grieving family some private time.

Zuko followed them after excusing himself politely. "Where's Aang?" he asked as they walked.

"In his room." Suki sighed. "I don't think he'll be coming out until the funeral starts."

"Should we check on him?"

Surprisingly, Toph was the one to nod. "I'll go see how he's doing."

Zuko blinked and exchanged a look with Suki, before shrugging. "Fine."

Toph jammed the key Suki had given her into the lock. It took a bit of struggling, but it finally clicked open. Walking in, she immediately frowned, not sensing the airbender anywhere.

"Aang? Where are you?" She crossed her arms, blowing her bangs away with a huff.

Her face flickered with concern when she didn't find him anywhere.

It wasn't until she noticed that the window was left open that realization dawned on her.

"Great." Toph huffed, stomping out.

She needed to find him.

The first place she decided to check was Appa's stables. As soon as Toph opened the doors, she felt Momo rush at her. The lemur flew around her in circles, chirping in excitement, before settling on her right shoulder.

Toph giggled softly, reaching up to tickle Momo behind the ear. "I missed you, Momo." she said, then heard Appa grumble loudly, making her grin widen. "I missed both of you." she added.

The earthbender stepped closer to the sky bison, patting him gently with her other hand.

"Aang hasn't visited you two at all since last week, huh?"

Appa grumbled quietly, and Momo visibly slumped on her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm sure he will soon..." Toph bit her lip. "If it makes you feel any better, he hasn't talked to me either. He's grieving Katara's death. It hit him pretty hard, but I think you guys already understand."

Appa exhaled softly.

"Well, It was nice seeing you two. I gotta go find Aang before the funeral starts." Toph said before gently setting Momo down. "I promise to come visit more. Who knows, maybe I'll bring Aang with me."

Momo chirped loudly.

Toph smiled at them one more time before closing the stable doors. "So, he's not there... Where could he be then?" she mumbled to herself, before groaning. The fact that he could fly while she was blind didn't make this easy.

But Toph refused to give up.

She went into the woods outside the palace next, knowing the airbender loved spending time in nature.

As she walked deeper into the forest, swatting flies away, she was starting to seriously get annoyed and considered giving up, when she felt it. A grin broke across her face when she sensed him.

"There you are." she muttered, picking up her pace.

Toph stepped into the clearing where Aang sat and stopped in front of him, arms crossed over her chest.

Aang was sitting against a tree with his eyes closed, when Toph's voice jerked him out of his thoughts.

He blinked in surprise.

"Toph?"

The last person he expected to see here.

"So did you decide to just skip the funeral?" She raised an eyebrow.

Aang sighed, leaning his head back on the tree trunk. "What's it to you?"

"I'm your friend." Toph stated simply. "Katara was my friend. And I'm not letting you skip it, if that's what you're planning to do."

Aang frowned. "I'm not. I just need some time alone before it starts."

She crossed her arms, looking for any lies, but nodded when she couldn't sense any. "Okay then. Good."

He closed his eyes, but opened them again when he didn't hear her leave.

"What?" Toph said when he stared at her.

Aang shook his head, a small smile twitching at his lips. "Nothing. You wanna stay here with me for a little bit?"

She was about to deny him, but stopped. There was still some time until the funeral started, and she had been missing his company, not that she'd ever admit it.

It wouldn't hurt to sit with him for a moment. "Fine, if I really have to." she joked, making him smile faintly.

Toph plopped down on his right, her back resting against the same tree.

They sat there in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the peace and quiet. Eventually, Toph broke it, when she felt his heartbeat jump.

"What are you thinking about?" she whispered.

Aang glanced at her, and for a second thought about lying, but it would be pointless. She would know.

His shoulders slumped.

"Does this feel real to you?" he asked quietly.

Toph was silent for a moment, her head dropping slightly. "No. It doesn't."

Aang looked at her.

"It feels like only yesterday me, you, Sokka, and Katara were on the run from the Fire Nation, running in our disguises, playing pranks, dancing."

Aang smirked slightly, bumping her shoulder. "You remember when Katara scolded you for gambling?"

Toph grinned. "And then she came up with the biggest gambling fraud scheme on her own. Can you believe her?"

Aang laughed, the warm sound making Toph smile.

She had missed that sound.

"I almost got my head blown off that day, had she not saved me."

Toph snorted. "The amount of times she's saved you from near-death situations. It's a miracle you're standing here alive, Twinkle toes."

Apparently it was the wrong thing to say, as his mood suddenly soured. His eyes dropped, smile fading.

"Yeah, I shouldn't be." he mumbled so quietly Toph barely heard him. "I should be in that coffin instead of her. She didn't deserve to die."

"And you do?" Toph asked, tone sharp. "Don't do this, Aang. Not with me around."

"Do what?"

"This." she emphasized. "Acting like you would be better off dead."

"I've lost everyone, Toph." he pointed out, voice pained. "When I found out about the genocide of my people, Katara was my comfort, my escape. And now she's gone too. I keep losing the people closest to me. How is that fair?" he mumbled.

"But you still have me." she whispered in a voice so small, Aang almost didn't hear her. "Does that not mean anything?"

His eyes widened. "Of course it does." he turned to look at her and placed his hand on her shoulder, making her tense from the unexpected touch, before relaxing. "Toph, you, Suki, Sokka and Zuko still being here is the only thing keeping me sane." he stressed, sounding serious. "These moments, when you and Suki check on me, are the only times I feel like I'm not drowning in my thoughts."

Toph smiled, subconsciously leaning into his touch. "I miss her too, Aang." she said, making his eyes widen slightly before he smiled.

"I know you do."

"She was so annoying." Toph went on. "But also the best person to confide in. Anytime I had a problem or something I wanted to get off my chest, my first thought was, 'Where's Katara?'"

"She always knew what to say, she always knew how to comfort me, she genuinely cared." Toph's eyes stung with hot tears but she blinked them back. "She was the glue to our group. And without her, everything seems like its falling apart."

Aang nodded, letting go of her shoulder and sitting back against the tree again. "Yeah..."

They sat there for a few more minutes in complete silence, the only sounds around them the chirping birds and the running river next to them.

Toph eventually stood up with a groan and patted the grass off her clothes. "Well, I'm out of here. The funeral starts at any moment." She turned to him. "You coming with?"

It took a moment for the words to register in Aang's exhausted brain. He looked up and shot her a faint smile. "I'll just... stay here for a moment longer. If that's okay."

Toph nodded. "Totally fine." She then crossed her arms. "But you better not miss it."

"Never." he whispered.

"Good." Feeling satisfied with their little talk, she walked away, leaving Aang to his own thoughts.

His head dropped, expression darkening.

"I'm here now, aren't I?" Aang said as he landed, arriving late to the funeral. The ceremony had already started, when he jumped down on his glider. Sokka had immediately rounded on him, glaring sharply.

"What's the big deal?"

Sokka's lip curled. He had never wanted to punch the airbender more than he did in that moment. He took a deep breath and turned away. "You think Katara would've shown up late to your funeral?" The words hit Aang harder than he expected. He inhaled shakily.

He had nothing to say to that, so he simply walked past him.

Aang stood behind everyone, arms crossed tightly over his chest. He gazed blankly at the coffin.

He zoned out as the ceremony went on, his glassy eyes fixed on the coffin.

Katara's coffin.

Aang swallowed, forcing down the sob that was threatening to burst out of him.

He couldn't do this. He wasn't ready.

It was too soon.

"Open it, I need to see my granddaughter one more time." he heard Kanna say, making his heart drop.

He froze.

What?

They were going to open it?

Hakoda was the one who opened the coffin, revealing his daughter.

It wasn't Aang's first time seeing her, but it hit just as hard as then. His heart lurched violently in his chest and he felt like he was going to fall over at any moment. He wanted to look away, but he couldn't. The sight of Katara's lifeless body - her matted hair, the blood under her fingernails - was too much for him to bear. Something inside him broke, and his legs gave out from under him.

He fell down, a painful, muffled sob escaping his lips.

His friends hadn't noticed him sobbing as they were standing at the front, too far away.

A few mourners turned at the sound, but respectfully looked away. It was a funeral, after all.

Kanna had broken down into tears herself, as Pakku held her.

Suki was by Sokka's side, holding his arm tightly, as he sobbed into her shoulder.

Toph had her arm linked with Zuko, silent tears streaming down their faces.

Aang was alone.

It was time for the burial.

Hakoda stepped forward, looking down at the closed casket.

"Katara... I miss you." He spoke, tears burning his eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you..." He shook his head. "You were kind, brave, strong. The best daughter a father could ask for."

He paused, struggling to collect himself. "You took a part in ending the Hundred Year War. Something I spent years fighting for but could never achieve. You've made your family proud, Katara."

Aang listened to Hakoda's speech, tears streaming freely down his face, heart aching with every word, when all of a sudden, he felt a sharp pull in his chest. He only had the time to gasp, before his vision went black and he lost consciousness.

A loud collective gasp interrupted Hakoda. The man turned, his blue eyes widening at what he saw.

The Avatar knelt motionless, hands resting in his lap. His eyes and tattoos glowed with an eerie light.

He had entered the Avatar State.

"Is he...?" Kanna whispered, shrinking back slightly at the sight. Fear flickered in her eyes, as if expecting the Avatar to suddenly lash out.

"Don't worry, Gran-Gran. He's okay." Sokka muttered beside her, his blue eyes fixed on Aang's still, glowing form.

"What is he doing?" Hakoda asked, watching him closely.

Sokka's eyebrows furrowed as he wasn't quite sure himself. In the end, he just shrugged. "Spiritual mumbo jumbo." Quite frankly, he could not bring himself to care right now

His sister's death was a more pressing matter, if you asked him.

Katara was more important than this.

"Sokka's right." Zuko said quietly, looking at Aang's still form warily. It reminded Zuko of the time he captured the Avatar at the North Pole. "He must be in the spirit world." he thought out loud.

"At a time like this?" Pakku muttered, his jaw tight, eyes hard with disbelief.

Sokka couldn't help but agree. What could be so important for him to slip into the Avatar State during Katara's funeral? It was plain disrespectful.

Yet he knew not to doubt Aang and his Avatar instincts.

Something was wrong.

Aang stood in a murky spirit world swamp, surrounded by trees. "Where am I?" he looked at his hands.

A figure materialized before him, making Aang gasp when he saw the familiar face.

Avatar Roku.

"Roku!" It hadn't been too long since he last saw the man, but it felt like ages.

"Hello, Aang," Avatar Roku said, bowing respectfully. "You did it. You ended the Hundred Year War and corrected my mistakes. I don't know how to repay you."

Aang nodded blankly. As much as he appreciated Roku's words, this didn't seem like the right time to be telling him this.

He was glad to see the man, yet he couldn't understand why.

Why now?

"Why are you here?" he asked warily. "It's not that I'm not glad to see you, but what could be so important for you to pull me here during Katara's funeral?"

"It has to do with her." Roku's expression turned grave. "There's no easy way to say this... but we are running out of time."

Aang's stomach sank. Last time Roku talked like this, he had told Aang he needed to end the war in less than a year. What was it this time?

And how was Katara involved in it?

"What is it?"

His eyes widened when he saw another figure suddenly materialize next to Roku. It took him a little longer to recognize the man, but when he did, he gasped.

"Avatar Kuruk?" he mumbled, confused.

Kuruk bowed his head slightly in respect, a small smile pulling at his lips. "It's an honor to meet you, Avatar Aang. We all heard of what you did. Ending the war like that, in such a short amount of time. Seriously impressive stuff."

Aang nodded, bowing back. "Thank you, but I couldn't have done it without my friends." his voice then lowered, the small smile that had been on his lips vanishing. "And not without losing someone important to me." he whispered.

Kuruk nodded, a grave look on his face. "Speaking of her." he began, shifting in place. "Your friend can still be saved, Aang."

It took a moment for the words to process. His eyes widened and he jerked back violently. He shook his head, eyes narrowing at the two men. "What are you talking about?" he demanded. "She's dead."

Roku shook his head. "She isn't-"

"I saw it with my own eyes, Roku!" He cut the man off, losing his temper. "She had a hole in her chest, and I-" he stopped for a moment, eyes squeezing shut. "-I even checked her pulse, okay? She is gone."

Roku and Kuruk exchanged a look, before Kuruk stepped forward. "We feel her energy here in the spirit world." he revealed. Aang's eyes flew wide open. "Someone extremely powerful has trapped her soul in here. They most likely did it seconds before she got killed, when she was the most vulnerable."

"Physically in your world, she's dead, but not here." Roku clarified.

"I-I don't get it." Aang shook his head, though they could hear hope seeping into his voice. "She is alive?" he breathed, looking at his predecessors with pure unfiltered hope. "Can she still be saved?"

"There is a way." Kuruk nodded. "If you go into the spirit world and free her soul, it'll return to her body on its own, and Katara will come back to life."

Aang's eyes widened, his knees almost buckling from the sheer relief those words brought in him.

Hope rose in his chest. It all sounded too good to be true. His gray eyes, once void of life, now burned with renewed purpose, a fire that hadn't been there since he faced Ozai.

Katara could be saved.

Aang shook his head to keep himself on track. He needed to know more. "Who could've done this? Who is powerful enough to pull something like this off? And why her - why Katara?"

"Koh." Avatar Kuruk answered quietly, the name sending a cold chill down Aang's spine. "He is behind this." Kuruk looked down. "He did the same to my wife, except he stole her face."

Aang remembered Koh, his voice, his cold smile, that eerie crawling presence.

He almost shuddered.

Kuruk continued, before Aang could say anything, "As for his reason, I don't know." He frowned. "But knowing him, it won't be good."

Roku stepped forward. "To save your friend, you need to confront Koh. And worst comes to worst, he refuses to cooperate, you end him. That is the only way to assure your friend's revival."

Aang found himself nodding almost immediately. The thought of killing should have elicited a stronger reaction from him, but he couldn't bring himself to care. Not when Katara's life was on the line. Not when she could still be saved.

If it truly was the only way to save her, he wouldn't hesitate.

His face hardened with determination. "I will save her."

Avatar Roku smiled. "I know you will."

Avatar Kuruk folded his arms. "You need to stop the burial, Aang. Her body can't be under water if you want her to come back."

His eyes widened. The burial.

"I need to go."

Roku and Kuruk nodded. "Good luck, Avatar Aang." their synchronized voices echoed in his head, as his vision once again, went blank.

I have a sick idea in mind that'll make this story ten times better than it already is. It has to do with Aang and Koh's upcoming interaction.

Bear with me guys.