When Hatred turned to Love (ATLA Zuko x OC)

Chapter Sixty-Seven - BONUS Pt. 4

"Where is she?!" Aang demanded and he tried to enter the room, one of the many in the halls of the Palace. Only to be shoved away from one of the servants.

"Avatar Aang, Master Katara asked us not to let anyone enter and interrupt the healing sessions," The servant said.

"I'm her brother, damn it-!" Aang shouted angrily but he stopped when Sokka placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Aang! Calm down, Katara knows what she's doing," Sokka said. He was worried as well, but he was doing a better job in controlling it.

Aang took a deep breath trying to calm himself down and he nodded, knowing that his friend was right. They both sat back on the benches outside the room, waiting anxiously.

Toph had crossed her arms, she was worried too. Everyone was worried but Aang was the most. "So we came all this way, flying as quickly as we could only to stand in front of a door," She said irritated.

"I hope Iris is okay," Sokka said.

"Let's break the doors and find out," Toph said and she tried to wake up.

"Count me in!" Aang said but they were both shoved down by Sokka and Suki.

"Guys, calm down, I'm sure Katara can take care of her just fine," Suki said.

"Hey, where's Zuko?" Toph asked realizing that they hadn't seen him since they arrived.

"Oh, you're right," Sokka said waking up with the help of the crutch and looking around the halls. But he stopped when he saw the door of the room opening, and Katara walked out.

Everyone woke up in worry to hear what she had to say and they gathered around her. She had the serious, cold expression of a healer on her face, and she looked seriously at them for a moment.

"Iris..." Katara tried to say but she hesitated "...she's alive,"

Aang, Toph and Sokka let out sighs of relief and they immediately calmed down. "Thank goodness," Aang said immediately burying his face in his hands.

"Can we go in to see her now?" Sokka asked immediately and he tried to walk in the room only for Katara to close the door blocking their way in.

"She needs a moment alone," Katara said darkly.

Everyone stared at her confusedly for a long moment, trying to figure out why Katara would say that.

"Why...?" Aang asked confusedly. He had never seen Katara so serious about something "...what's going on?" he asked worriedly and confusedly.

"It's..." Katara tried to say and she took a deep breath to continue "...the situation is sensitive," she said trying to collect her words carefully.

"No! You let me in that room right now, Katara!" Aang shouted losing his patience.

Katara took another deep breath, trying desperately to keep herself calm. "Only Aang," She said.

"But-" Sokka tried to say but she cut him.

"Only,"

Sokka retreated. Aang walked immediately in the room pushing the door and Katara rudely away. He didn't care about being his usual kind self anymore, when it had to do about his sister, he didn't care about these things.

Iris was lying on a bed in the middle of the room. The bed sheets were red just like in every other room in the Fire Nation. She had her face turned away from the door so he couldn't clearly make out her face. But the expression on Aang's face immediately softened and he walked towards her.