Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Duty Versus Love ❯ The Greatest First ( Chapter 12 )

Chapter XII: The Greatest First

 

It had been a month since Aang had discovered the Ultimate Airbending move, but the rest were still having doubts about Aang's new power. Aang refused to prove his power by practicing the move on them. He didn't even practice on himself any more. He practiced on a small scale by putting out candles, or on a large scale by removing the air from a room while carefully holding his breath.

But, even better than that, in the last month, they had sent official news to the leaders of the other nations and their friends in the other nations about Katara's pregnancy, and the news spread like wildfire. Hardly a day went by without some correspondence congratulating them on their first child, wishing them well, or getting some gifts from their friends.

In fact, that's what Katara and Aang were doing at that very moment, opening their correspondence.

“Oh, look, here's one from Toph's parents. Oh… oh…” Katara trailed off. “Nevermind.”

“What is it?”

“Nothing.” Katara said, skimming over the parchment. “Just a long letter about why Toph would be a better mother for your children than me.”

Aang laughed. “I don't think I'm brave enough to handle Toph. She needs someone who can handle her. Besides, I don't see Toph settling down with just anyone. If she doesn't marry the right man, she'll drive him crazy for the rest of his life.”

Katara tossed the letter aside, and Aang reached for the next one, which was a package with a letter attached. “Who is it from?” Katara asked.

“It's from Bumi!” Aang said excitedly. Katara could understand her husband's excitement. Bumi, or King Bumi of Omashu, was the only person left that Aang had known in his childhood. One hundred years ago, Aang and Bumi had been the same age. Now, while Aang was still youthful at eighteen years old, Bumi was closer to one hundred and twenty. And rumors were that his health was failing. It was possible that Bumi wouldn't be around much longer. One of Bumi's advisors was keeping Aang updated on the King's condition so that Aang could go to Omashu when the time came.

Aang never had a chance to say good-bye to any of his old friends, though he had tracked down what happened to them. Aang had been heartbroken when Zuko told him that his old friend Kuzon had only died five years before he was released from the iceberg, after attaining a high rank in the Fire Nation army during the war. Zuko also told him that Kuzon had been the one assigned to the Avatar hunt before him, which he had done faithfully until he was killed in an Earth Kingdom ambush. Though Aang secretly liked to believe that Kuzon wasn't searching for him because he was the Avatar, but because he was an old friend. After all, Kuzon had been one of the few people that he confided his true identity to outside the Air Nomads.

It seemed that if Aang was able to say good-bye to Bumi, it would make him feel a little better about all the other funerals he had missed.

Aang carefully opened up the parchment and read it out loud. “To my dear friend, Aang, do you remember these? I give them back to you in the hope that your children will find them just as entertaining.”

As Aang read, Katara took the package and began to open it.

“They are also given in the hope that they will not need to see their true purpose for a long time.” Aang finished reading and looked at his wife. “What is it?”

“I don't know. Toys?” Katara lifted one of the toys out of the package.

Aang gasped out loud and dropped the parchment from nerveless hands. Shocked by Aang's reaction, Katara glanced down at the toy in her hand. It seemed to her to be just an ordinary turtle doll. “Aang, what is it?”

“I know that toy…” Aang said, taking it from her. “Are there three other toys in the package?”

Katara glanced into the package. “Yes. What are these toys, Aang?”

“They are sacred Air Nomad treasures.” Aang said. “They are the sacred Avatar relics. These toys all belonged to past Air Nomad Avatars. These are the toys that the monks tested me with. These four toys changed my life forever.” Aang took a small pinwheel-like toy from the package and pulled the string, causing the pinwheel to take off. “I just picked them because they seemed like fun.”

Katara remained quiet, content to let him have his nostalgic moment. He used Airbending to return the still airborne pinwheel to his hand.

The door opened and Toph entered the room, followed by Sokka, carrying more mail. “Knock knock! We've got more mail for the happy…” Toph began happily.

But she was cut off when Katara let out a sudden gasp, her hands suddenly clutching her stomach.

The room instantly erupted into an uproar.

“Katara! What's going on?” Aang jumped to his feet.

“What's going on?” Sokka panicked. “It's only been five months! You can't be having the baby now!!!”

Toph punched Sokka, knocking him off his feet. “Calm down, Snoozles! She's not having the baby now.”

“Aang! Quick! Come here!” Katara said urgently.

“What? What?” Aang rushed over to her.

As soon as Aang was within arm's reach, she grabbed his hands and pressed them to her stomach.

A few quiet seconds passed, and then Aang gasped. “Oh, Katara… I… wow!” Sokka and Toph had heard Aang sound awed and humbled before, but this was a whole new level! This was awed and humbled times ten!

“What is it?” Sokka asked, getting up off the floor, and still concerned for his little sister.

“Our…” Aang began, but he trailed off, apparently too emotional to speak.

“I can feel our child moving.” Katara sounded just as awed as Aang did. “Oh wow…”

“This is amazing!” Aang said joyfully.

“It means our baby is growing healthy and strong.” Katara said, pulling Aang into a kiss.

“Oh, Katara, can I feel?” Toph asked suddenly. “It's just… I've never had a chance to feel something like this before.”

Katara was a little shocked. She knew that Toph was an only child, but surely she had come into contact with other pregnant women before. “You've never…?”
“Nope. The only pregnant women I've met are society women who thought that letting a blind girl touch their stomach would make the baby blind too.”

Katara was horrified. She knew that Toph was born blind, but it wasn't from some disease that could be caught, just an unexplainable birth defect. “Of course you can, Toph.”

Aang had been just as outraged by Toph's words as Katara, so he vacated his spot in front of Katara without complaint and moved behind his wife.

Toph approached Katara and, with a slight hesitation, pressed her hands to Katara's stomach. It took a few seconds, but she giggled. “Wow! It really is moving! Doesn't it feel weird?”

“A little.” Katara admitted. “But, mostly, it feels amazing to finally feel my child moving.”

Sokka glanced at Aang. It was easy to see that the young Avatar was very happy. His ear-to-ear grin certainly conveyed that message. But there was something else in his expression that Sokka had rarely seen there before: pride.

Even when he had defeated the Firelord, which most agreed was the greatest thing he ever did, or possibly would ever do as the Avatar; he didn't wear a look of pride like he did now.

Others might say many years from now when Aang was gone that defeating the Firelord was the greatest thing Avatar Aang ever did. But Sokka was willing to bet that Aang would look back on his own life differently, and say that this was the greatest thing he ever did.

“Hey, Aang, could I talk to you for a second?” Sokka called. Aang hesitated, and then followed Sokka out of the room. Once they were some distance away, Sokka turned to Aang. “So, how does it feel?”

“How does what feel?”

“This whole fatherhood thing.”

“It feels great! I mean… it's also a little nerve-wracking. There are some nights when I can't sleep at all, because I'm so worried about what sort of father I'll be. But Katara keeps telling me I'll be great. And speaking of Katara, I'm more proud of her than I can say. I know I would never be able to do what she's doing. Women are amazing, aren't they?”

“Yeah, amazing.” Sokka echoed with disinterest.” Listen, Aang, there's a reason I wanted to talk to you. See, the thing is, Suki is…” Sokka trailed off.

“Suki's what?” Aang asked, but Sokka didn't answer. “Sokka, is Suki pregnant?”

Several tense moments passed, and then Sokka nodded.

“Wow, Sokka! Congratulations!” Aang said happily. “Looks like you're going to make me an uncle soon after I make you one. If you don't mind me saying, it's about time!”

Sokka returned Aang's grin, but his was a little more reserved. “Not everyone gets their wife pregnant on the wedding night.”

“Point taken.” Aang conceded. “So, how far along is she?”

“About two months.”

“Oh, that's about the time Katara started getting morning sick.”

“Yeah, Suki's started getting sick.” Sokka said. “How do you handle it?”

“Huh?”

“Well, you're a full four years younger than me, but you all ready seem so prepared.”

“It's an act, believe me.” Aang said. “I never knew my parents, their names, faces, or what they were like. Monk Gyatso was the closest thing I had to a father. I know he loved me, but most of the time, he maintained a respectful distance between us. And… do you remember how Katara used to mother us?”

“Oh yeah. She really whipped you into shape, didn't she?” Sokka imitated Katara fairly well. “Sit up straight when you're talking, Aang! Don't talk with your mouth full!”

“Yeah.” Aang said fondly. “That was the closest I've ever felt to having a mother.”

“Geez, Aang, and you married her?” Sokka groaned.

“What? I liked it when she treated me that way. It showed she really cared about me.”

Sokka rolled his eyes. “Avatar or not, you are one weird guy, Aang.”

“So… anyway, Monk Gyatso really was the closest thing I ever had to a father-figure. He taught me a lot of stuff, but taking care of a child wasn't one of those things.”

“That sounds like one of those things you wouldn't have learned until you came of age.” Sokka said.

“Yeah. I'm not sure about this fatherhood thing yet.” Aang confessed.

“Hmm… I've got an idea. Let's take a guy-only trip to the South Pole. We can talk to my Dad. I'm sure he'll be just as willing to talk to you as me.”

Aang considered Sokka's suggestion. It made a lot of sense, and the South Pole was only a few days away on Appa. Aang felt that he desperately needed a teacher.

“Okay. Let's do it.”

~~~~~~~~~~

(The Royal City's Institute for the Criminally Insane, The Fire Nation Capital)

The Royal City's Institute for the Criminally Insane was second only to the Boiling Rock as a high-quality Fire Nation Prison. However, unlike the Boiling Rock where the inmates were trusted enough to gain access to the exercise yard on a daily basis; the Institute housed people who simply could not interact with society.

The patients were not let out of their rooms unless they were visiting a doctor. At any other time, they were kept locked in their rooms at all times.

A young, beautiful Fire Nation noblewoman strolled past the guards as they bowed deeply to her. The guards recognized her instantly, not only because she was a regular visitor, but because she was a part of the Royal Family.

Lady Nera was the Firelord's cousin on his mother's side. So she wasn't directly related to the Royal line, but once her aunt married Zuko's father, her family got an even greater boost of status than when they were simply the direct descendants of Avatar Roku.

Her status was really the only reason she was allowed to visit such an unfriendly place.

She had been there numerous times so she knew her way around the complex well. And she could recognize each prisoner simply by the lewd comments they would throw her way. Ever the dignified noblewoman, she ignored them.

She eventually found the Cell she wanted and bowed before it. “Cousin Azula.”

Indeed, this very cell was where Princess Azula, sister of the Firelord had been kept since the return of Sozin's comet.

It was true that, many years ago, Avatar Aang had tried to use Soulbending at Zuko's request to heal Azula of her madness. And while she was no longer prone to bursts of enraged insanity, Aang had been unable to heal the deeper scars of her childhood.

So Aang had actually done the worst possible thing in healing her. Her insanity made her harmless, but she had a clear mind again. She was cunning and dangerous, just like before.

Azula didn't even bother glancing at her cousin. Lady Nera was very different from Azula in that she was content with her lot in life as a woman. Lady Nera had married young to the first man of standing who asked for her hand, a nobleman old enough to be her father. Since then, the great-granddaughter of Avatar Roku had become a boring and vapid woman, content to play the housewife, spread her legs, and produce her elderly husband lots of squalling infants.

“Nera, I didn't expect you here today.” Azula said calmly. They may have taken away her freedom, but they hadn't taken away her royal pride.

“I know, but I've gotten my hands on some rather interesting news, straight from Cousin Zuko.”

“Oh? And how is little Zuzu doing? Has he cracked under the pressure yet?” Azula asked.

“No… In fact, the people of the Fire Nation and the other nations have great respect for him.” Nera said. “You said you wanted to hear news of the Avatar?”

“Aw, yes. And how is the little pipsqueak doing?”

“He's not a pipsqueak anymore. He's eighteen years old now, and a very fine looking young man, they say.”

“Please, Nera, spare me your hormonal rants.” Azula cut her off harshly. If you wanted a young man, you should have married one. “What news do you have of the Avatar?”

“I have three pieces of information.” Nera said. “The Avatar has taken a wife.”

“Really? How wonderful.” Nera completely missed Azula's sarcasm. “Who?”

“According to Zuko, she was the Avatar's Waterbending teacher, the Water Tribe girl he always travelled with.”

Suddenly, Azula's cell erupted into flames, but thankfully, the special metal easily contained her fury. “That filthy Water Tribe peasant!?!” Azula raged.

Azula remembered Katara very well. After all, it was that filthy peasant's trick that led to her defeat. The former Princess had not forgotten, and she had not forgiven.

“Yes, and there's more.” She's pregnant with the Avatar's first child.”

Azula could barely contain her rage. How dare that peasant girl find happiness?!? But she managed to keep it inside this time. “And what's the third piece of information?”

“Well, the three nations are joining forces to help the Avatar restore the Air Nomads.” Nera quickly explained the Earth King's pan for Azula. She failed to notice Azula starting to smile. It wasn't a happy smile, but a smile preceding a hated enemy's death.

“Interesting. And Zuzu is finalizing the candidates from the Fire Nation now?”

“Yes. I'm actually on the list to be sent to the Avatar, but I think I'll turn it down…”

“Nera, accept the offer.” Azula ordered.

“What?”

“If Zuzu asks you to become the Avatar's bedmate, do it.” Azula repeated.

“But…”

“Oh please, Nera, we both know that you've got no problem lying with a man you don't love. The Avatar won't be any different. Besides, think about the boost of status your family will receive. It's a win-win.”

“I… I suppose you're right. After all, it is only for one night and one child.” Nera agreed. After all, status was everything. She started to walk away. “Thank you, Cousin Azula!”

Princess Azula sighed and sat back against the wall. “So, the fool is finally of use.” Azula laughed. “The Avatar is a fool too!”

He should never have agreed to such a foolish plan. Doesn't he realize that family is just dead weight? The more people you let into your heart, the larger the opportunity is for someone to tear it out. A scheme began to take shape in Azula's mind. I'll destroy the Avatar and his whore of a wife from within their own family!

Azula knew that it would be many years before her plan would bear fruit. But she didn't care. She had time.

She had all the time in the world.

 

LES: So, a glimpse at the larger plot finally? Yeah, I couldn't ignore Azula. She's too much fun!