Avatar the Last Airbender: Final Destination

Chapter 8: I'm Leaving

"Zuko, wake up," Katara said, entering his tent with no warning.

"Are we being attacked?" Zuko shot up looking for his shirt.

"No, we need to talk," she said grimly.

"Oh, okay. What's up, Katara?"

"It's Aang." she said.

Zuko looked confused. He knew of Katara's feelings towards Maya but she was never this cold at the mention of Aang's name. Something was wrong. Really wrong.

"What happened?" Zuko asked concerned.

"Maya. I was collecting wood for camp and she attacked me out of nowhere. I didn't see it coming. I knew she had a problem with me but the girl is completely insane. She's just using Aang and he's too sweet to see it!" she ranted on.

"What did Aang say? Have you told him? I'm sure he would..."

"Oh, trust me, he knows," Katara cut him off. "He walked up on me putting the brat in her place. He saw me throw her into a tree but completely missed the fact that she had tried to kill me not even five minutes beforehand. She told him she was trying to help me and I just attacked her!"

"Did he believe her?" Zuko asked astounded.

"Of course he did! I tried to tell him my side and he didn't believe me. Told me I was jealous because I didn't have his attention anymore. How absurd is that?" Katara said.

Zuko stared at her in disbelief. That didn't sound like his friend. He felt bad for Katara. He knew that she and Aang were close for so long and this girl was driving a wedge between them.

"Katara, I'm glad you came to me. I'll be more than happy to go to Aang..."

"No."

"What? Katara, why not?"

"If Aang can't believe what I tell him then I'm not interested in defending myself to him. I want to go back to the Fire Nation with you."

He sat there in shock. He didn't want to take Katara away from Aang. He would feel guilty. He knew Aang would miss Katara even if he was mad at her.

"It's my choice. He'll be okay," she said. He looked up. They had definitely grown closer. Their minds worked the same and she could usually tell what he was thinking about. A grin spread across his face. Katara wanted to go back to the Fire Nation with him. He would have his best friend there to help him guide his country.

"Let's tell Aang," he said.

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Katara wasted no time the next morning addressing the group. She felt even more confident about her decision after hearing Aang tell everyone that Maya would be joining them in their travels. Maya was currently with her father in his tent. She rolled her eyes at the news and Zuko took her hand. He gave it a squeeze of reassurance. She stood up and the words came out, "I've decided that I'm going back to the Fire Nation with Zuko."

Everyone's mouth dropped.

"Katara, you can't do that," Sokka spoke up.

"That's my decision," she said.

"But, Katara," Aang started.

"It's her decision. She's a big girl and can decide what she wants to do when she's obviously not wanted with certain people around," Zuko said raising his voice with every word.

Everyone stared at Zuko. "There are small areas left in the Fire Nation that still need help adjusting to not being at war. Katara is helping me with reconstruction in my homeland."

"This is enough for me," Sokka said standing up with Suki. The two walked towards the center of what was becoming a town.

Toph and Haru sat still, waiting for the next move.

"Katara, I get that you're upset, but this isn't the way to handle it. When we start traveling you and Maya will be really good friends," Aang said.

"I don't think she's interested in becoming friends with the freak who attacked her," Zuko said.

"Don't tell me she's trying to put that on you too, Zuko." Aang said.

"She's telling the truth, airhead, and the fact that you believe that little girl over the person that's been here for you says a lot about what kind of friend you are," Zuko said.

"Look, Aang, I told you what happened. She attacked me first and I was just defending myself. If you can't believe me then I have no interest in trying to stay," Katara said calmly.

Aang looked at her. He hated what jealousy had turned her into. Katara was never a liar before but now she had become what she despised.

"Then go," Aang said.

Katara nodded her head and Zuko put his hand on her shoulder. The two turned and walked away. Aang watched them walk to Zuko's tent.

"Can you believe those two? Katara obviously hates Maya but I never thought she would go crazy! And the fact that she keeps lying about it! Maya would never try to hurt anyone," Aang ranted to Toph and Haru.

The two looked at each other and Haru nodded to Toph.

"Aang, we could understand why you would be upset if Katara had attacked Maya. It would've upset us too," Haru said.

"But here's the thing, Twinkle Toes, she wasn't lying."
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