After an uneasy night of sleep, Aang woke back up after only a few hours of rest. He couldn't stop thinking about what they were doing to Katara.. He wasn't even sure if it was real... But he knew he had to get her back, no matter what it took. Everyone else began waking up a little while after.
They spent the day gathering water, firewood and some snacks. Of course Zuko's fleet had brought some, but the more they had the better off they'd be.
The night seemed to take forever, but it eventually came around.
As twilight came over the land, the group of friends and the fleet built a massive brush pile.
"Zuko, will you do the honors?" Sokka asked in his goofy proper voice.
He rolled his eyes and threw a flame atop the pile and watched it set blaze to the whole thing.
They began cooking food and telling ghost stories around the camp fire.
For people that were discouraged from their defeat, they sure knew how to not show it. Except for Aang... He seemed to be zoned out.
"Aaaanggg, come on. Cheer up! Eat some fish! Relax! Have a good time! You won't get many days off after this until we get our girls back!" Sokka chuckled and swayed back and forth.
"Sokka, I don't eat meat. You should know that by now. Ugh.... Have you been in the cactus juice again?" Aang gave him a quizzical look.
He waved his hand as if swatting a fly to tell Aang no as he walked away, but he'd clearly gotten into something. He took an interest in the story telling, so at least he wouldn't do anything stupid.
Aang sighed. He excused himself from their bonfire party and walked through the woods, unsure of where he was going but he didn't care. All he wanted was his love back. To at least see her beautiful face and to feel her soft, tan skin. His heart yearned for her and to protect her.
His careless walking lead him to a river.
Pushing and pulling the water as he sat on the riverside, he couldn't help but wonder where she was and how she was doing..
Suddenly there was a rustle in the trees behind him. Jumping to his feet, Aang surrounded himself with water so he could fight the enemy... but that enemy turned out to be Zuko.
"Oh. Hey Zuko." Aang shrugged sheepishly & dropped the water.
"How're you holding up?"
"I'm not sure... It's been too long since I've seen her.. and I think they're.. mistreating her.." Aang sniffled as he fell to the ground purposely.
"It's gonna be alright. We'll save her. I know it.."
Silence appeared for a brief moment.
"So Aang.. do you have any strategy plans for getting Katara back?"
"Honestly, no. I don't know what to do or how to get her back. I just know I have to.. I can't live without her Zuko!" Aang blushed at his slip up and looked at the water.
"I just can't..."
"Wow.. That's rough buddy.. but I know what you mean... Back to the plan thing... I have a couple ideas on how we can get her and Suki back."
Aang's eyes widened. Grinning, he looked back at Zuko.
"Really?! That's great! Let's hear them!"
Soon enough, Aang and Zuko walked back to the dying bonfire. Everyone was already asleep. Bending water out of the air, Aang splashed the little flame that was left, putting it out.
Zuko decided he would go sleep like the others, but Aang stayed awake for a little longer. Staring up at the moon, a fire burned in his heart. He wasn't letting them get away this time.. In three days, he was determined to save his girl.
