The Waterbender and The Firebender

Chapter Four

It has been a couple of days since Avatar Aang and his friends arrived at the North Pole and boy has a lot happened. Both Aang and Katara were under the impression that Katara would be able to learn waterbending from Master Pakku. Unfortunately, because Katara is a girl she was forbidden to learn. That didn't stop her though. Katara fought Master Pakku (yup you heard right, fought Master Pakku) to show that she was capable of learning. The master gained the upper hand and beat Katara. However, it turned out that Katara's grandmother grew up in the Northern Tribe and was supposed to marry Master Pakku, but she fled. So Master Pakku gave in and let Katara come to his lessons. 

Even though Katara lost, Willow thought it was very brave of her to stand up to Master Pakku. Willow all her life wanted to become a master waterbender but her tribe's stupid traditions kept her from achieving that goal. She never had the courage to stand up to Master Pakku let alone fight him. So instead she became a master healer and did what she was told. 

Sokka's "friendliness" turned out to be a not-so-one-sided crush. Yue and Sokka went on a couple of walks and they seemed to be getting along swimmingly. Even going so far as to share a kiss. It made Willow so happy to see her best friend happy. However, the crushing weight of her engagement had made Willow sadder than normal. Now she was taking a little time off from her lady in waiting duties while Yue was out with Sokka, to hang out with Katara. 

"What's it like...to learn waterbending?" Willow had been meaning to ask Katara this question for a while. 

"It's honestly amazing. I've learned way more forms in a couple of days here than in my entire life! And Master Pakku is a great teacher," Katara responded. 

Willow smiled sadly at her.

"What's wrong? When we first met you were so happy and energetic but you've seemed a bit down lately," Katara questioned.  

Willow touched her betrothal necklace. "I'm to be married."

"Well that's fantastic," Katara paused when she saw the sad look on Willow's face. "Unless...you don't love him?"

"Don't get me wrong, this is a great honor. Wayhem is the son of noblemen and one of the strongest young waterbenders in our tribe. It's lucky he would even be interested in a girl like me."

"But do you love him?"

"No, not really. I mean sure he's good looking but we've only met once. How am I supposed to know if he's the right person for me? Does he truly want to be with me for the rest of our lives? Will he be a good partner?" 

Their conversation was interrupted by something black falling from the sky. 

"What is this?" Willow asked. 

A serious look crossed over Katara's features. 

"Katara, what's happening?" Willow asked again her voice trembling. 

"It's the Fire Nation, their coming." 

Willow grabbed Katara's hand and lead her back to the outside of the palace. There Arnook was standing, ready to address the people. 

"The day we have feared for so long has arrived. The Fire Nation is on our doorstep. It is with great sadness I call my family here before me, knowing well that some of these faces are about to vanish from our tribe. But they will never vanish from our hearts. Now, as we approach the battle for our existence, I call upon the great spirits. Spirit of the Ocean, Spirit of the Moon, be with us. I'm going to need volunteers for a dangerous mission."

"Count me in!" Sokka announced while standing up. 

"Be warned, many of you will not return. Come forward to receive my mark if you accept the task," Arnook stated grimly.