Walk The Path

Chapter Twelve

The frost on the trees melted away, acquiescing to spring finally blooming. Flowers and leaves being reborn in vibrant colors as April approached rapidly. The near end of the school year was similar but different in many ways. Aang and Katara had continued their level of intimacy, with Aang feeling more confident and close to Katara than he ever thought was possible. Suki and Sokka even went on double dates with them sometimes at the bowling alley, the movies, or at restaurants. Aang couldn't have imagined that this time last year he would be accept his role as the Avatar, let alone have a girlfriend and finding fun again in a new city.

There was a sour side to this happiness, however. Things had not improved in the same way for Zuko. While the firebender was free from his dad, he still was living in the Order of the White Lotus hideout with Azula and his mom. He still talks to Zuko on the phone and at meetings with the Order of the White Lotus, but it wasn't the same. Aang couldn't just invite Zuko over to play video games and Zuko certainly couldn't go hang out in public with everyone in the gang. He was close to Zuko but still felt distanced by circumstance. Zuko was two months out from graduating so Principal Joo Dee allowed him to receive his diploma earlier than expected. Azula was already a master firebending prodigy with straight A's so she got a pass for the year and stayed at the hideout during the day with Zuko. Aang sometimes gets the feeling of resentment in Zuko's eyes, but Aang tells himself that he's imagining things. At least that is what he wanted to believe.

Today in History of the Earth Kingdom class, Aang kissed Katara goodbye as he entered the classroom. He and other students groaned at Mr. Zei randomly picking pairs for an assignment. Aang was surprised to see a glare on Mai's face when the teacher announced they would be working together. Aang gulped as he walked over to the empty seat next to Mai. They were cordial with each other but not as close as he was with everyone else in the gang. He would even consider Ty Lee a friend before Mai. This wasn't for any lack of trying on Aang's part. Mai usually rolled her eyes or scoffed at Aang's jokes and pranks.

"Hey, Mai, how's it going?", he asked with a crooked smile. Mai sighed deeply, "Fine, Aang. I need a good grade on this so can you not goof off?" He nodded and took out the worksheet for them to complete together. Aang's curiosity got the better of him while he was writing out the origins of badgermoles. "So, Mai, how's Zuko been?" Mai responded without looking up from her paper, "He's the same, moody. He'd be better if his father was gone once and for all." Aang noticed the sharp emphasis on the end of her sentence. He wondered if she was blaming him for Zuko's current situation. "Hey, I'm doing everything I can," he lowered his voice to a whisper, "I'm sorry Zuko has to be in the middle of it, but I will get Ozai, I promise you that."

Mai raised her head up and narrowed her eyes at Aang, "Look, I don't need your promise but I do care about Zuko. Maybe you should tell him that. Do you even have a plan?" Aang felt a pang in his heart at Mai's question. He furrowed his brow in thought, a wave of sadness coming over him. Aang still didn't have a plan for defeating Ozai that didn't involve killing him. He tried to smile without giving away what he had just remembered. "Yeah, I do. The eclipse will be happening soon and they will attack before that. I'll be ready." Mai lowered her head down and resumed writing, "Okay, can we finish this? I'm going to die of boredom if we spend the whole class on this." Aang quietly chuckled to himself, knowing Mai was now being "friendly" with him again.

As the bell rang at the end of the school day, Aang informed Katara as he drove that he had to go see the Order of the White Lotus after he dropped her off at home. She was frowning at him as her long, chocolate hair flowed with the wind in her hair. "Really? Is it just for you? I didn't get any message." Aang wanted to lie but remembered that he told himself he wouldn't lie to her anymore. "Yes, it's just me but...it's not actually a meeting. I want to go to see Zuko. I don't think he's doing too well and I think it's my fault. Ozai's not around but that doesn't mean he's safe. None of us are actually safe. I need to talk to Zuko, he would do the same for me." Katara sighed, "Aang..." He cut her off, "I know, it's stupid." She gently squeezed his hand with a smile, "No, I think it's what friends do. I can come if you want." Aang shook his head, "Thanks, but I'll be alright." He returned her smile, "Did I ever tell you that you're the best thing to ever happen to me?" She kissed him on the cheek, sending shivers down his spine. "Yes, but it doesn't hurt to say it more often."