Walk The Path

Chapter Fifteen

With a shaky breath, Aang ran and held his glider tight as he took flight. Feeling the warm August air whip around him as he soared into the sky, he felt a release and freedom he hadn't felt in four months. The sun invigorated him as he flipped and turned in the sky, defying gravity. After an hour of gliding, he made his way back to the green grass behind the mansion. Aang felt grateful that Iroh allowed him to go out on his glider, mostly because no one in Ozai's rebels were airbenders. He didn't land as gracious as he used to, shooting a pain up his leg and hip. "Ugh," he groaned for a few moments. The reality of his still ongoing recovery left a sour taste in his mouth after an exhilarating afternoon.

Aang had landed a few feet from the mansion of the White Lotus. He waited with impatience and a frown as Iroh let him inside after the series of security measures. "What's wrong, Aang?" The airbender looked away at Iroh in shame, "I don't really want to talk about it." They walked further into the basement as Iroh raised an eyebrow at the slender, young man, "You know, sometimes the best way to problem solve is to talk it through with another person."

Aang sighed and stopped walking, "I'm just feeling like a failure. I went out on my glider, which was amazing, but then I had all this pain when I landed. I guess I just thought I would be ready, but it turns out that I'm not." Iroh smiled warmly at him, "Ah, I see. You say 'failure' but all I see is progress. A month ago it was a struggle for you to walk. Look at you now. You have to be patient, it will come." Aang smiled weakly at Iroh. He felt a little better but still sad. He said goodbye to Iroh and began to walk upstairs to his room.

Aang's head hit his pillow when the buzz of his phone vibrated in his pants pocket. He opened the many texts from a group chat that he wasn't aware of because he was in the air.

Sokka: Happy birthday, Zuko! You allowed to have people over tonight?

Katara: Sokka, I'm sure his mom and uncle don't want a bunch of kids there getting drunk

Sokka: We'll be so quiet, he won't even know we're here. Right, Zuko?

Mai: Sounds boring if we have to be quiet

Suki: A quiet party is better than nothing

Zuko: That should be fine.

Sokka: YEAAAHHH SEE YOU SOON

Katara: Aang, are you there?

A genuine smile came across Aang's face for the first time since he was on his glider. He liked the idea of a party, even if it had to be small. He hoped the distraction could keep his mood up. Plus, he would be able to see Katara.

Aang: Hey, Katara, yeah sorry I was on my glider. This sounds great, can't wait to see you! I miss you!

A few moments later, a bunch of texts back to back.

Sokka: Ugh the group chat isn't for flirting get out

Katara: I LOVE YOU AANG CAN"T WAIT TO SEE YOU MWAH

Sokka: GROSS

Suki: Sokka leave them alone!

Aang shook his head and laughed at his girlfriend still getting under her brother's skin, even through text. Before he could respond, a knock on his bedroom door prompted him to get up. He opened the door and saw Zuko and Mai standing in the doorway, snuggled up to each other smiling. "Happy Birthday, hotman!" the airbender said as he bowed. Zuko rolled his eyes and Mai smirked as they entered Aang's room. "Thanks, Aang, we were wondering if we could have everyone in your room? You're the farthest away from all of the adults, which is practically in an attic." Aang nodded as his eyes widened as his friends pulled out plastic bottles of low quality liquor. "How'd you even get that past your mom, Zuko?" Mai answered dryly, "She and Iroh decided to give him a 'birthday pass' from being pat down."