now or never || an atla fanfic

𝔱𝔯𝔲𝔰𝔱 𝔪𝔢

here's a chapter bc today's the first time i went to school irl in over a year

enjoy ✌️

- ♚ -

"You want the crown princess of the Southern Water Tribe to join us?" Zuko asked.

"That's exactly what I just said," Aang said, propping his feet up on the table.

They were in one of their secret hideouts, located on the outskirts of the Southern Water Tribe.

"But...why?" Zuko asked.

"We have one final mission to undertake to ensure that this war officially ends," Aang said. "I don't think that just the four of us will be able to take on that by ourselves."

"No way," Suki said. "I met her brother last night, and he's a total pain in the ass. Not to mention very sexist."

"Weren't you the one who provoked him?" Toph asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I mean, I may have accidentally stepped on his shoe," Suki said. "But he's lucky I didn't step on something else."

"Won't recruiting new people throw us off schedule?" Zuko asked. "We'll have to help her get accustomed to our procedures and such."

"Yes, but think, Zuko," Aang leaned forward in his chair. "When was the last time you slept?"

"Uh, two minutes ago. Before Toph stormed in."

"I mean a proper night's rest."

Silence.

"You see what I mean?" Aang asked, breaking the silence. He stood up, slipping on his coat. "It's absolutely imperative that we find another person. She's a waterbender  for Yangchen's sake. And a healer."

"Uh, hello? Twinkle Toes, you're a waterbender too."

"Have you even thought this out?" Suki asked. "She's Hahn's fiancee and crown princess of the water tribe. People will notice if she's missing."

"Since when have I ever not  thought things out?" Aang asked, throwing his hood over his head.

Suki slowly turned her head to Zuko, who smiled knowingly.

"I should be back soon. If I'm not back by dawn, you know what to do," Aang said, sliding on a pair of gloves. He spared a glance at the trio before leaving the place, heading straight to the palace.

He lied to them. 

I have absolutely no clue what I'm going to do.

- ♚ -

Katara collapsed against her bedroom door, exhausted from the night. She immediately kicked off her shoes and changed into a more comfotable outfit before lighting up the candles in the room.

She held the match above the wick of the candle, an apprehensive feeling overtaking her. Her eyes drifted to the balcony, where she had sworn she saw a shadow flicker in the corner of her eye. She quickly checked the balcony door, to find it sealed shut.

Katara resumed her seat at her vanity, gently undoing her hair out of the tight bun when there was a knock at her door.

The princess set down the comb and walked to the door, cautiously opening it.

She held back a look of surprise. "Hahn? What are you doing here in the dead of night?"

He walked inside her room, not waiting for permission. "I can't visit my wife?"