Freedom [ATLA Katara x Male Reader]

Chapter 3: [Avatar Roku]

It was early hours in Senlin Village, a full moon still present in the sky. Amongst the houses, Aang was trying to get Appa to move by yanking on the reins, but the bison continually refused and sat down. 

"Let's go, Appa! Come on, boy!" Aang said in a strained voice. Appa roared in protest and sat down. The airbender sadly addressed his pet. "Look I'm sorry, but Sokka, Katara and Y/n aren't coming to the Fire Nation with us. If they got hurt, I'd never forgive myself. So get your big butt off the ground and let's go!"

He jerked at the reins, stretching them out, but was flung to the ground when the ropes pulled him back as Appa didn't move a muscle. Aang sat spread-legged on the ground, dejected. 

"I think his big butt is trying to tell you something," Sokka said as you approached. Aang gasped in surprise at the sound of his voice, turning in search for the origins of the sound. 

He looked over to see you, Sokka and Katara stood in front of a handful of Senlin villagers. 

"Please don't go, Aang," Katara pleaded desperately. "The world can't afford to lose you to the Fire Nation. And neither can we."

"But I have to talk to Avatar Roku to find out what my vision means!" Aang argued. "I need to get to the Fire Temple before the sun sets on the solstice. That's today!"

The Avatar airbended himself atop Appa's head. He looked back at your group with a sad expression as he prepared to leave. As Appa stood up, the three of you ran to stand in front of the bison, preventing him from moving any further. 

"We're not letting you go into the Fire Nation, Aang," Katara said.

"At least, not without your friends," Sokka added. "We got your back."

"You're not the only one who wants to defeat the Fire Nation, Avatar," you stated, crossing your arms over your chest. "We want to help you. Let us help you."

Momo soared up and perched on Aang's shoulder. Appa growled softly and licked your face, covering you in saliva. Sokka laughed at you, only for Appa to lick him too. You cracked an amused smile as Sokka freaked out, disgusted. 

"It's a long journey to the Crescent Island," the Senlin Village Leader said, handing Aang a small bundle of supplies. "You'll have to fly fast to have any chance of making it before sundown. Good luck."

Aang started to thank him. "Thank you for your-"

The village leader interrupted him sharply, pointing a finger towards the ocean. "Go!"

Aang didn't need to be told twice, scrambling to take off with you, Sokka, and Katara riding in Appa's saddle. 

. . .

Much later, when day had finally come, Appa was soaring over the ocean. Aang, Sokka and Katara all watched the ocean fearfully. You sharpened your sword with a whetstone. If you were going into the Fire Nation, you expected a fight. 

"Come on boy, we've got a long way to go," Aang said, flicking Appa's reins. "Faster!"

"Aang. We've got trouble!" Katara exclaimed. You looked over the side of the saddle to see a Fire Nation ship tracking you from down below. 

"Yeah, and it's gaining fast!" Sokka added, panicked. 

You grit your teeth, wiping your sword down with a rag before giving it a few practice swings, hearing a satisfying whishing sound. You were ready. 

You stood up, just as the Fire Nation ship lit a flaming projectile and launched it towards you via a catapult. The fireball soared towards Appa.

"Fireball!" Katara yelled.