Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Duty Versus Love ❯ Spring Equinox Meeting ( Chapter 15 )

LES: Let's get something straight. I'm not good at writing romances involving one person of my favorite pairing with anyone other than their partner. So, fellow Kataangers, rejoice! Aang will not get emotionally involved with the women in this plan, and will only give them a one-night stand. For the same reason, there will be NO Lemons! NONE! I can't write loveless, straight porn Lemons.

 

Chapter XV: Autumn Equinox Meeting

 

Ever since Aang became a Fully Realized Avatar, he had always been able to feel the turning of the seasons. As an Equinox or Solstice approached, his Bending with the upcoming element of power always grew slightly stronger, while his Bending with the current element of power got slightly weaker.

The seasons were starting to turn once again. Aang's Firebending got weaker by the day as a new element started to take its place.

Aang was the Avatar, which meant that he was an Airbender, Waterbender, Earthbender, and Firebender. But Avatars were always most deeply connected to their native element, which is why they always struggled with their native elements opposite. Aang was first and foremost an Airbender, so he felt the most at home during autumn, the Season of Air.

But not even the Season of Air could begin to cheer him up. Aang just felt unbelievably stressed.

The birth of his first born was less than three months away. Even with his talk with Hakoda, he felt ill-prepared. Though Hakoda promised that, when Aang saw his child for the first time, he would know what to do.

They switched sex drives once again. Katara seemed to ache constantly, so sex was now started to be out of the question. Though Aang still wanted her, he never pressured her.

But a hundred times worse than that was the knowledge that soon he would have to implement the Earth King's plan.

Aang was reminded of it when the first delegation arrived for the Autumn Equinox meeting. The Southern Water Tribe was close to the Southern Air Temple, so they arrived first. They brought a woman with them: their contribution to the repopulation of the Air Nomads.

Aang was curious about her at first because she shared his wife's ethnicity. The woman seemed to be several years older than him, perhaps in her mid-twenties. But while she shared Katara's crystal blue eyes, chocolate hair, and dark complexion, she wasn't as beautiful or striking as Katara was. All and all, she was rather plain, which suited Aang just fine.

He was polite and kind to her and the delegates, bowing to them and welcoming them to the Southern Air Temple. Then he, Sokka, and Toph escorted them to empty rooms that they could use for the course of the meeting. Aang was secretly glad when Toph choose to escort the woman herself.

Zuko and the Earth Kingdom delegates arrived at the Air Temple on the same day. The Earth Kingdom delegates brought with them two beautiful Earth Kingdom women.

It seemed that as soon as the Earth Kingdom delegates were settled, Zuko and his wife arrived, followed by two Fire Nation women.

“Zuko!” Aang smiled happily, embracing his friend. “Welcome back to the Southern Air Temple.”

“It's good to be back here again.” Zuko said. The Firelord noticed that Aang had what could very well be his final growth spurt. They were eye-to-eye now. Zuko sighed. He missed the good old days when Aang was still a child and barely reached his shoulders.

Sokka moved over to the women. “Would you like me to take you to your rooms?”

One of the girls followed Sokka, but the other remained.

Aang was a little shocked that this woman's appearance. All the other women picked seemed to come from middle to low-upper class families. Aang could tell this woman was nobility, maybe even a member of the Royal family.

“Aang, this is my cousin Nera, on my mother's side.” Zuko introduced.

“So… she's descended from Avatar Roku too?” Aang asked.

“Yes.” Nera said. “Avatar Roku was my great-grandfather.” She bowed. “I would be honored to serve you, Avatar Aang.”

“Oh? Thank you. But I am the one who is honored that someone on noble birth like yourself would answer the calls of my people.”

“While I've never met my great-grandfather, I know of him. He lived to see the world at peace. I've lived in a war torn world for so long, I would love to see the world at peace once more.”

“I will do my best to make your wish a reality.” Aang said. “Toph, could you escort Zuko, Mai, and the Lady to their rooms?”

“No problem, Twinkletoes. Going to go check on Katara?”

“Yeah.” Aang said, sounding contrite. Zuko could tell from his tone of voice that Toph had caught him doing something stupid, and had been caught before. Zuko just didn't know what Aang had done.

“Twinkletoes, I've told you a thousand times, Sugar Queen is fine! She doesn't need you hovering over her twenty-four seven and having panic attacks every time she sneezes!” Toph lectured him.

Now Zuko understood. Aang was the nervous, hovering, overprotective new father. And, seeing how independent Katara was, he was probably getting on her nerves a lot lately.

Aang blushed. “But I can't help but worry. We're talking about the safety of my unborn child here.”

“Aang, Aang, I'm sure Katara's gonna be fine. She's not exactly helpless.” Zuko said. “Now I suggest you calm down. It's gonna be a lot harder for you to hover when you've got up to six women in three different nations to hover over.” Zuko saw Aang's smile fade. “Oh. Nera, you go with Toph. You too, Mai. I need to talk to Aang a little longer.” Mai and Nera nodded and followed Toph away. “I can understand why you're not pleased with this arrangement.” Zuko said. “I could only imagine how I would feel if I were being forced to bed someone other than my wife.”

Aang shrugged, still frowning. “It's for the good of the entire world. If I don't put the good of the world first at all times, I'll forfeit my control over the Avatar State. Some days, it seems like the Avatar State would be a small price to pay.”

“That would be a bad idea.” Zuko said seriously. “You need the Avatar State in case something big ever happens again.”

“I know.” Aang said. “When I couldn't go into the Avatar State after your sister shot me with lightning, that's when I realized how important it was. I never could have defeated Ozai if I hadn't regained my ability to go into the Avatar State. I would have been killed. Believe me; I understand how important the Avatar State is more than anyone else.”

“You could always close your eyes and pretend it's your wife.” Zuko suggested.

“Thank you for your concern, Zuko.” Aang said. “But you don't have to worry about me. I'll fulfill my duty, no matter how distasteful it is.”

Zuko sighed heavily. “If you say so.” He began to walk away. “I'll find my own way.”

Two days later, the delegates from the Northern Water Tribe arrived with a single women in tow. All six women had gathered the day before the Autumn Equinox.

That day also marked the arrival of another surprise. The Grand Masters of the Order of the White Lotus arrived at the Southern Air Temple, with only Bumi missing.

Iroh, Master Pakku, Master Pinado, and Master Jeong-Jeong turned up unexpectedly.

“The Order of the White Lotus?” Aang bowed to them. “What brings you here?”

Iroh bowed back. “We are here to help mediate the meeting.” He said. “Normally, you would be the mediator of the meeting since you are the only one able to represent the interests of the Air Nomad nation. But since you are so deeply involved in this particular manner, we will mediate in your place.”

“Do you find this acceptable, Avatar Aang?” Master Pinado asked.

“Of course.” Aang said. “You know the White Lotus has my support.”

“Don't worry; we know that you are not too enthusiastic about this plan.” Master Jeong-Jeong said. “We hope we've come up with some compromises that will make everyone happy.”

“I'm sure it will.” Aang said.

~~~~~~~~~

Unlike the other nations, the Air Temples had no massive council chamber. Each Temple was ran by an order of five monks or nuns which in turn were lead the by the eldest among them, the Head of the Order. These four Head monks and nuns then represented their entire culture. So the Sanctuary was big enough to house the Air Nomad leaders. Therefore the Air Nomads had never built a large chamber for the purpose. So Aang used the next best thing. The library was the largest and most impressive room in the Temple, so they could meet there.

Plus, Aang enjoyed seeing the looks of amazement on the delegate's faces everything they saw the vast collection of literature gathered over a millennia by the Air Nomads. The Air Nomad's collection of literature was unrivalled by the other cultures. Only Wan Se Tong's library surpassed it, and the library left the physical realm and returned to the Spirit World years ago.

Zuko walked close to Aang. “This room always gets to me. It's like seeing the Air Nomad's entire culture in a single room.”

“Oh, it's not our entire culture by a long shot.” Aang said. “This isn't even a quarter of our collected works.”

“What?”

“The library at the Eastern Air Temple is twice as big.” Aang said. “Maybe I'll take you and show you some day.” Aang left Zuko, looking shocked.

Aang glanced around and saw his wife speaking with the Southern Water Tribe delegates, her delicate hands resting on her stomach.

Aang moved over to her quickly. “Katara, what are you doing here?” He asked quietly as to not cause a scene. “Shouldn't you be resting?”

“I'm fine, Aang.” Katara said stiffly. “Grandpa Pakku asked me to come to the meeting today, so here I am.”

“Here, at least let me get you a seat.” Aang grabbed a chair and set it next to his own. “Do you need anything else?” The young Avatar asked anxiously as she sat down.

“I'm fine, Aang. Don't worry so much.” Aang could have sworn he heard the other delegates laughing at him.

Once the Avatar was done entertaining everyone with his over-protectiveness, everyone took their seats, and Aang called order.

“As the Avatar, I turn over my right of mediation to Iroh of the Fire Nation, Jeong-Jeong of the Fire Nation, and Pakku of the Water Tribe.” Aang sat down.

His statement caused some shock, but the Council quickly settled down.

The White Lotus quickly got down to business. “It is our understanding that this is the final meeting to discuss the Air Nomad repopulation plan which involves Avatar Aang, the last living Airbender, fathering children with volunteer non-bending women from the other nations. The nations have agreed to answer the plight of the Air Nomads?”

Firelord Zuko stood. “The plight of the Air Nomads is the Fire Nation's ultimate shame. We will support the Avatar.”

“As does the Earth Kingdom.”

“And the Water Tribes.”

“Very good. Avatar Aang, if you will?” Iroh gestured, and Aang stood. “Do you agree to complete the duty given to you?”

Aang glanced briefly at his wife, and she gave him a look of encouragement. “I will.” Aang said.

“Though love is not required of you, do you swear to treat all the women involved with the proper respect due to their sacrifice?”

“I will.”

“Do you agree to let the mother have custody of your children until they are three years old and they can be tested for Airbending powers, with the knowledge that you will always be allowed to visit your children?”

“I agree.”

“At three years, the children will be officially examined for Airbending powers. If they are found to have Airbending powers, custody will transfer to you and they will be moved to the Southern Air Temple where they will commence their Airbending training under you. You will allow their biological mothers to see their children at any time. Do you agree?”

“I agree.”

“If the children are found to not have Airbending powers, they will remain with their mothers unless she freely gives up the child to you. You will always be allowed to see these children. Do you agree?”

“I agree.”

“Do you swear to treat all your children as equals, and not differentiate between the children born to you by your wife and those children born to you by other women?”

“I will.”

“And, just as the women involved will be expected to respect the boundaries of your marriage, do you agree to respect the boundaries of their marriages?”

“I agree.”

“Are the nations pleased with the Avatar's vows?” The leaders nodded. Aang sat down, letting out a long breath.

“Will Lady Katara, wife of the Avatar, now stand?” Pakku asked gently.

“Actually, if it is all right with the Council, I'd rather stay sitting.” Katara rubbed her expanded stomach for emphasis.

“It's all right.” Pakku said. “Lady Katara, are you aware of exactly what your husband is expected to do?”

“Yes.”

“And you freely support this plan?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Do you promise to support your husband and to help him raise his children though they will not be yours?”

“I will.”

“Will you treat the women involved with respect and not with jealousy?”

“I will.”

“Will you assist in helping your husband pass on the Air Nomad culture? To learn from him and, in turn, teach the Air Nomad's culture to his children?”

“I will.”

“Very good. And, Katara, if I may add as your Grandfather, I'm very happy for you.” Pakku finished.

“Thank you.” Katara responded.

“Now, will all the women involved please step forward?” Iroh spoke. The women did so, after exchanging glances. “Are you satisfied with the vows made by Avatar Aang and his wife?”

“Yes.” The women answered.

“No one has forced you to take part in this plan? Do you stand before me of your own free will?”

“Yes.”

“Do you agree to respect the boundaries of the Avatar's marriage as he agreed to respect the boundaries of your marriages?”

“We will.”

“Will you treat the Avatar and his wife, Lady Katara, with due respect?”

“We will.”

“Do you understand the terms of custody as we outlined them for Avatar Aang?”

“We understand.”

“The Avatar will instruct you all in what signs of Airbending to look for in the child. In the three years the child is yours, you will watch for signs of Airbending. Do you understand that if you lie about the child's abilities, you will lose your rights to your compensation and the Avatar will gain sole custody of the child?”

“We understand.”

“Does the Council agree with the vows made by those involved?”

The delegates nodded.

“Then the plan to repopulate the Air Nomads shall begin at the Avatar's digression.” Iroh said.

Aang sighed and slumped slightly in his seat. It was done.

~~~~~~~~~

The meeting took the rest of the afternoon, but Aang sort of wished that it would last longer.

He could feel Lady Nera's eyes on him through the rest of the meeting, and it made him nervous. Of course, he'd had more than his share of fangirls, and he knew how to deal with them. But this time was different. He wasn't going to ever have sex with his random fangirls. Also, he knew that she would probably demand the first night, and as the highest ranking woman there, it was within her rights to demand it.

He had asked Zuko about her during the last few days, and found out that she was married to a nobleman old enough to be her father, and all ready had two children with him. They had gotten married during Zuko's banishment, so he did not know a lot about their relationship.

As soon as the meeting was over, Aang focused his attention on his wife, hoping that it would deter the other women under the terms of the vows they had taken.

“Katara?”

Katara gazed at him. “I know what's going through your mind.” She said. Aang offered her an arm for support as they left the library and walked a short distance down the hallway. “Are you all right?”

“To be honest, I'm more worried about you.” Aang confessed. “This is a duty to me, so I will do it. But I want you to understand that I love you.” He kissed her tenderly. “These women cannot change that because I love you too much, with all my heart and soul.” He kissed her again. “I guess what I really want is your forgiveness. Forgive me, my love.”

Katara embraced his as tightly as she could with her pregnancy. “I forgive you, Aang.”

Aang returned her embrace, and whispered in her ear. “I'll always return to you. I'll come back to you tonight.” He slowly pulled out of her embrace, and walked purposefully back towards the library where the rest of the delegates were emerging. She watched at Aang approached Zuko's cousin and exchanged a few words with her. After a few moments, she bowed to him and followed him away from the library.

Katara sighed. So it began. She did forgive her husband. She knew that Aang despised the situation as much as she did. It was the Earth King that Katara felt unwilling to forgive.

~~~~~~~~~

Katara was nearly asleep when Aang returned to their room. She sat up. “Aang?”

Without a word, the young Avatar walked across the room and slipped into bed with her. He pulled her into an embrace. His skin was wet under her fingers but not with sweat. Katara realized that he must've stopped by the hot spring on his way backs. She could understand why.

So she simply held him. “I love you, Aang. I love you.” She repeated, kissing him.

Aang pulled away from her slightly, gazing at her with sad grey eyes. “You've always been stronger than me, Katara.”

Neither one slept or said another word throughout the entire night. Katara could only hold her husband and give him what emotional support she could.

~~~~~~~~~~

It took less than a week, and Aang had completed his duty for the moment. The women all went back to their native nations.

They had all given their word that they would contact the Avatar within three months to let him know if they were pregnant.

Aang tallied up the months mentally. That meant he would be finding out if these women became pregnant around the time Katara would give birth to his firstborn.