Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Duty Versus Love ❯ The Avatar's Children ( Chapter 27 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Light-Eco-Sage 
Avatar is owned by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, not me!
Non Anime: Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Fantasy / Martial Arts / Romance / Supernatural / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 02.02.2013 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 711 | Status: Work In Progress
Avatar is owned by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, not me!
Non Anime: Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Fantasy / Martial Arts / Romance / Supernatural / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 02.02.2013 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 711 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter XXVII: The Avatar's Children
It had been such a long time since the sounds of a child's laughter filled the hallways of the Earth King's Palace. The Guards almost didn't know what to make of it. Needless to say they were even more shocked when a small child ran down the hallway past them, propelled by a small gust of wind that increased his speed.
They were all familiar with the Avatar's oldest son, Anil. By the Earth King's orders, all the Avatar's children were treated like nobility in the Earth Kingdom. Anil was treated like a Prince everywhere he went, and the guards were well-used to the mischievous boy. What they were not used to was the boy's antics enhanced by Airbending.
"Young lord!" They gasped in shock, moving to intercept the boy who had probably gotten away from his parents once again. But it was too late; Anil shot past them with a laugh and was gone.
But the boy didn't get far. He turned a corner and almost failed to stop in time before he ran into a pair of legs that was waiting for him there.
Anil froze and he raised his eyes slowly until he met the stern gaze of his father.
Avatar Aang stood in the center of the hallway, glaring sternly at his son with his arms folded across his chest.
"Uh oh." Anil said as he turned and tried to Air-Run down the other hallway away from his father.
But before the young and inexperienced Airbender could seize control of the air, Aang had mastered the air. With a sweeping movement, he created a gust of wind that lifted the surprised boy up and deposited him in his arms.
"No, Daddy!" Anil cried as he struggled to break from Aang's arms.
Aang suddenly grinned and tapped the boy on the nose. "Tag." He said simply.
"No, Daddy, you cheated!" Anil yelled.
"Cheat? Your Daddy never cheats." Aang said. "Your Daddy's just the best at games!"
"You cheated!" Anil repeated firmly. "I can't make wind like that!"
"But you will someday." Aang said, his face filled with pride. When he was an infant, the Gaang had predicted that Anil was an Airbending prodigy, and he was living up to that genius. He had taught himself some of the basics of beginning Airbending from watching his father. Once Aang found out, he began teaching him Airbending a full two years early.
Anil was still at the lowest form of Airbending, only able to use his powers to enhance his own movements.
The young boy yawned suddenly, which caught Aang's attention. He realized that it was almost time for Anil's nap. "Are you sleepy?"
Anil shook his head in denial, even as he yawned again. "Nuh-uh, Daddy. Not sleepy."
"Sure, you're not sleepy at all." Aang said disbelievingly as he pressed the tired boy to his shoulder.
"Daddy? How come I can never stay up like you and Mommy?" Anil asked.
"Mommy and Daddy take naps too, you know." Aang said, but he wasn't going to tell his four year old son that they didn't sleep during those 'naps'. That was a conversation that Aang wanted to save until Anil was much older… like in fifty years or so. "Come on. All this playing has worn you out."
"But I'm not…" Anil trailed off with another big yawn.
Aang smiled and carried Anil with him as he left the Palace grounds and began the slow walk through the upper ring back to his house. Many people greeted him warmly as he walked down the street, and he returned their greetings.
Anil fell asleep against his shoulder as he walked. Aang smiled and patted the boy's hair. The four years that he had his son in his life had been incredible. Ever since the moment of his birth, Anil had dominated the young Avatar's thoughts in a way that he thought no one except Katara was capable of. Anil and his family were, quite literally, his whole world.
And speaking of his family… Aang walked into the house and found his wife carrying three year old Ammy to bed.
Anil had taken his first steps just before his first birthday, but Ammy still wasn't able to move on her own. She was too weak. She also got sick much more often, and her illness were always more severe than when Anil got sick. But the girl was strong in her own way and pulled through every time.
She had recently been sick, but she was starting to recover.
Anil stirred when Aang carried him inside the house. "Mommy?" He called.
Katara finished putting Ammy down for her nap and walked over to her husband, giving him a brief kiss before she turned her attention to her son. "I'm here, Anil."
"Mommy? Is Ammy gonna be all right? I don't want my little sister to go away." Anil said.
Anil had been much too young to remember when Ammy joined the family, so he didn't know that Ammy was only his half-sister.
Katara took Anil into her arms and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "You are such a good big brother. Ammy's going to be fine. She's all ready getting better."
"Can she play with me soon?" Anil asked. "Daddy and I play all the time, but Ammy never does."
Aang and Katara glanced at each other, and then Katara answered. "Sweetie, Ammy can't play like you and Daddy can. She's not strong enough to rough-house with you and Daddy."
"I wouldn't hurt her, Mommy." Anil said.
"We know you wouldn't." Aang said. "But Ammy is too weak to even get out of bed. If you want to play with her, you have to play something that lets her stay in bed."
"I can do that." Anil said with a yawn.
Katara began to carry him to the room he shared with Ammy. "All right, big guy, it's time for your nap."
Aang followed Katara into the room as she lay the boy down on his bed, covering him up.
Anil yawned again, and grinned up at his parents. "I love you, Mommy. I love you, Daddy."
"We love you too." Katara said, leaning down and kissing his forehead.
After giving a departing kiss on Ammy's all ready sleeping form, Aang extinguished all the candles and lanterns at once with Firebending and followed his wife out of the room. Katara shut the door behind them.
Katara turned on Aang and gave him a deeply passionate kiss. When she pulled away she asked: "What took you so long to bring Anil back home? He almost missed his nap and we are running late for the meeting."
"I know. I'm sorry, Katara. We were playing tag and somehow ended up at the Earth King's palace."
Katara sighed. She should have known. Ever since Anil began learning the basics of Airbending, the whole City had become his playground. "I've called Sokka. He's coming to keep an eye on Anil and Ammy. I've also laid out your good robes. Go get changed, and we'll be on our way."
Aang would have had to be an idiot to miss that something was wrong with Katara. The flat tone of her voice said everything. "Katara, is something wrong?"
Katara sighed heavily and leaned against the wall. "Aang… today is the day that we'll find out if your other children have Airbending abilities and if they will come to live with us at the Southern Air Temple."
"I know." Aang said, noticing the distressed look on Katara's face. "What's bothering you, Katara?"
"I'm worried, Aang." Katara said. "What if only a few of the children have Airbending abilities and the Council decides you need to have more children? I was pregnant last time, and having to let you go was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I don't want to go through that situation again. I just can't."
"Katara…" Aang gasped in shock. "Why—why haven't you told me about this before?"
"Because… it was your duty to the world and I knew you were hurting as much as I was." Katara said. "But… isn't your duty over now?"
Aang mentally counted his children. Four born to Water Tribe mothers, including Anil and one set of twins, two to the Fire Nation, and one non-Bender from the Earth Kingdom. Best case scenario was six Airbenders. "It will be difficult to rebuild the Air Nomads with only six possible Airbenders, but it's not impossible." Aang glanced sadly at his wife and fell to his knees in front of her. "My love… my wife… forgive me."
Katara got on her knees with him, and fell into his embrace. "I wasn't angry with you, Aang. I was sad."
"It doesn't matter. You are my wife and I love you. If you want me to stop this plan, then I will. I swear on everything that makes me the Avatar that from this moment, you are the only one who shall know my touch as a husband." Aang said, kissing her.
Katara embraced him. "Thank you, Aang. I couldn't go through that again."
After a few moments, Aang realized that there was more strangeness in Katara's behavior. She kept referring to how she was pregnant when he spent those nights with the other women, and saying how she couldn't experience that again.
It's almost like she's trying to tell me… Aang trailed off. He stiffened and pulled away from Katara, staring at her.
"Katara, you keep saying you can't experience me leaving you pregnant again." Aang said. "Are you pregnant?"
Katara didn't answer right away. "I… I wasn't sure at first, but I am now." Katara said, her eyes meeting his. "Aang, I'm pregnant."
"But… when?" Aang asked, shocked. "When Anil was conceived, I had a vision about it! I haven't had a vision of another child."
"You're visions have never been regular." Katara said. "I'm sure about this. We're going to have another baby."
"How long have you known?" Aang asked.
"A few days, but I'm probably at least one month pregnant by now." Katara said, her hands drifting down to her stomach. "Conceived in winter… this baby will also be an autumn baby."
"Another possible Airbender." Aang said, embracing Katara. "Oh, Katara, this is the best news I've had in a long time!"
The couple embraced for several more minutes, reveling in their joy before Sokka arrived and it was time to go to the important Spring Equinox meeting.
It was very hard for Aang to put aside his excitement for the meeting.
As it was, people were wondering why Aang had a huge silly grin on his face.
Zuko, however, was the first to approach Aang about his giddy expression. "What are you grinning about?" Zuko asked.
Aang made a motion for Zuko to follow him. Zuko followed Aang away from the rest of the delegates. When they were finally alone, Aang turned to face Zuko with that big grin on his face. "Can you keep something quiet for a few months?"
"Sure." Zuko said.
"Katara just told me this morning… we're going to have another baby!" Aang said, his grin getting wider.
Zuko didn't respond for several seconds, and then clapped Aang on the back. "Congratulations!" The Firelord said heartedly. "So, with the children you may be getting today, that will be about seven children, five of which aren't far past the terrible twos."
"Katara and I will be fine." Aang said. "Anil is a great son, and he's a great brother to Ammy."
"Even though they are only half-siblings?" Zuko asked.
"They don't know about that." Aang said. "It's easier this way."
"Of course." Zuko said. "So, I guess since you've told me one of your secrets, I'll tell you mine. Mai is also pregnant… nearly five months."
Aang's jaw dropped. "And you haven't told me? Why?"
"Hardly anyone knows." Zuko said. "There was trouble in the Fire Nation recently… a bunch of extremists loyal to my father… They wanted to force my hand into another war by kidnapping the children of high ranking officials and holding them hostage. Thankfully, the kidnapping attempts were adverted and all the children are safe. But I had to increase the security around all the children…" Zuko hesitated. "Including Sho…"
"Aang froze in shock. "My son?"
"His name was at the top of a short list." Zuko said. "Through Sho, they could have gained control over both me and you. Sho would have been a massive bargaining chip."
"My son… is he all right?" Aang asked desperately.
"Sho is fine. He is here." Zuko said. "That's why I've kept quiet about Mai's pregnancy. If the rebels knew that she was carrying my child, they would attempt to kidnap her too."
"I'd like to see someone try to kidnap Mai." Aang commented.
"I had to take away her weapons." Zuko said. "She's hormonal, and she's gotten a bit trigger-happy."
Aang nodded in understanding. But before they could continue their conversation, they were interrupted by one of the Earth Kingdom delegates. "Excuse me, Lord Avatar, but we cannot start without your presence."
"Oh, okay, I'll be right there." Aang said as he and Zuko followed the man into the Council chamber.
Aang took his place next to his wife and took her hand in his. She smiled at him briefly.
"We're glad you could join us for the meeting, Avatar Aang." The head Councilman said with a twinkle in his eyes. The entire Council was more than familiar with Aang and Katara's behavior and the fact that they still acted like newlyweds.
There was an incident last year in the Fire Nation the year before that was famous among the Council members. Aang and Katara had disappeared during the intermission of the meeting.
The Council had searched for them all over the Palace and eventually found them putting an unused closet to good use and in a compromising position.
When they had been caught making love, Aang just glared at his interrupter and calmly told him that he was almost done and he would be back at the meeting soon.
Within days, the event was pretty much legendary.
Aang simply smiled. "I'm glad to be here again."
The Head Councilman smiled in amusement. "On behalf of the Earth King and the provinces of the Earth Kingdom, I call this meeting of the Council of the Four Nations to order. As we all know, it has been four years since the decision was made to help the Air Nomads come back. And it has been three years since the women involved with this plan has given birth. As it was agreed upon, it is time for the mothers to report on their child's Bending abilities." He nodded to one of guards, and the women were escorted in. Two from the Fire Nation and two from the Water Tribe.
They carried the children in question. Aang recalled the names of each child.
The first woman was Nera, and she carried her son Sho. Sho had, perhaps, the least resemblance to Aang. He looked like he was completely Fire Nation.
The next woman was also Fire Nation. She also had a son that she had named Toshi. Toshi had Aang's skin and his hair color, but he had golden Fire Nation eyes.
The next woman was Water Tribe, the only woman to give Aang a set of twins. The boy was Sora and the girl was Hitomi. They both had strong Water Tribe features, except Hitomi had Aang's gray eyes, hence her name.
The final woman had also given Aang a daughter, a little female version of Aang named Megumi.
"Welcome. Are you prepared to give your reports?" The women nodded. "Lady Nera, what is the Bending status of your son, Sho?"
"My son has demonstrated all the signs of Airbending that Avatar Aang instructed us to look for. Sho is an Airbender."
There was applause upon the announcement. Now there was one Master Airbender and two young Airbenders to learn from him. And there were still more children to confirm.
Soon Toshi, Sora, and Megumi were all confirmed as Airbenders. The Council had groaned with disappointment when they learned that Sora's twin, Hitomi, was a Waterbender instead.
So the final count was seven children in all: five Airbenders, one Waterbender, and one non-Bender.
"As per our agreement: Sho, Toshi, Sora and Megumi will now live with their father at the Southern Air Temple with the understanding that the biological mother may visit at any time she desires. As for Hitomi, she may continue to live with her mother, or be given to her father by the mother's will."
The woman spoke firmly. "I could never allow Sora and Hitomi to be separated. They'll both go to Avatar Aang."
The Councilman nodded. "Seven children and five Airbenders was better numbers then we could have ever hoped for. And now that we know that it is dangerous to breed opposing elements together, we'll get much better results next time…"
"Councilor, I hate to interrupt…" Aang said, standing up. "But there will not be a 'next time'. Five is an important number in the Air Nomad culture. I can rebuild my nation with these children."
"With all due respect, Avatar Aang…"
"My wife and I plan on having more children. But this should be enough." Aang said firmly.
"Very well." The Councilman said with a sigh. "As of right now, this plan is terminated."
Once the Councilman pronounced the re-population plan terminated, Katara leaned over and kissed her husband. "Thank you." She whispered against his lips.
"Anything for you."
It had been such a long time since the sounds of a child's laughter filled the hallways of the Earth King's Palace. The Guards almost didn't know what to make of it. Needless to say they were even more shocked when a small child ran down the hallway past them, propelled by a small gust of wind that increased his speed.
They were all familiar with the Avatar's oldest son, Anil. By the Earth King's orders, all the Avatar's children were treated like nobility in the Earth Kingdom. Anil was treated like a Prince everywhere he went, and the guards were well-used to the mischievous boy. What they were not used to was the boy's antics enhanced by Airbending.
"Young lord!" They gasped in shock, moving to intercept the boy who had probably gotten away from his parents once again. But it was too late; Anil shot past them with a laugh and was gone.
But the boy didn't get far. He turned a corner and almost failed to stop in time before he ran into a pair of legs that was waiting for him there.
Anil froze and he raised his eyes slowly until he met the stern gaze of his father.
Avatar Aang stood in the center of the hallway, glaring sternly at his son with his arms folded across his chest.
"Uh oh." Anil said as he turned and tried to Air-Run down the other hallway away from his father.
But before the young and inexperienced Airbender could seize control of the air, Aang had mastered the air. With a sweeping movement, he created a gust of wind that lifted the surprised boy up and deposited him in his arms.
"No, Daddy!" Anil cried as he struggled to break from Aang's arms.
Aang suddenly grinned and tapped the boy on the nose. "Tag." He said simply.
"No, Daddy, you cheated!" Anil yelled.
"Cheat? Your Daddy never cheats." Aang said. "Your Daddy's just the best at games!"
"You cheated!" Anil repeated firmly. "I can't make wind like that!"
"But you will someday." Aang said, his face filled with pride. When he was an infant, the Gaang had predicted that Anil was an Airbending prodigy, and he was living up to that genius. He had taught himself some of the basics of beginning Airbending from watching his father. Once Aang found out, he began teaching him Airbending a full two years early.
Anil was still at the lowest form of Airbending, only able to use his powers to enhance his own movements.
The young boy yawned suddenly, which caught Aang's attention. He realized that it was almost time for Anil's nap. "Are you sleepy?"
Anil shook his head in denial, even as he yawned again. "Nuh-uh, Daddy. Not sleepy."
"Sure, you're not sleepy at all." Aang said disbelievingly as he pressed the tired boy to his shoulder.
"Daddy? How come I can never stay up like you and Mommy?" Anil asked.
"Mommy and Daddy take naps too, you know." Aang said, but he wasn't going to tell his four year old son that they didn't sleep during those 'naps'. That was a conversation that Aang wanted to save until Anil was much older… like in fifty years or so. "Come on. All this playing has worn you out."
"But I'm not…" Anil trailed off with another big yawn.
Aang smiled and carried Anil with him as he left the Palace grounds and began the slow walk through the upper ring back to his house. Many people greeted him warmly as he walked down the street, and he returned their greetings.
Anil fell asleep against his shoulder as he walked. Aang smiled and patted the boy's hair. The four years that he had his son in his life had been incredible. Ever since the moment of his birth, Anil had dominated the young Avatar's thoughts in a way that he thought no one except Katara was capable of. Anil and his family were, quite literally, his whole world.
And speaking of his family… Aang walked into the house and found his wife carrying three year old Ammy to bed.
Anil had taken his first steps just before his first birthday, but Ammy still wasn't able to move on her own. She was too weak. She also got sick much more often, and her illness were always more severe than when Anil got sick. But the girl was strong in her own way and pulled through every time.
She had recently been sick, but she was starting to recover.
Anil stirred when Aang carried him inside the house. "Mommy?" He called.
Katara finished putting Ammy down for her nap and walked over to her husband, giving him a brief kiss before she turned her attention to her son. "I'm here, Anil."
"Mommy? Is Ammy gonna be all right? I don't want my little sister to go away." Anil said.
Anil had been much too young to remember when Ammy joined the family, so he didn't know that Ammy was only his half-sister.
Katara took Anil into her arms and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "You are such a good big brother. Ammy's going to be fine. She's all ready getting better."
"Can she play with me soon?" Anil asked. "Daddy and I play all the time, but Ammy never does."
Aang and Katara glanced at each other, and then Katara answered. "Sweetie, Ammy can't play like you and Daddy can. She's not strong enough to rough-house with you and Daddy."
"I wouldn't hurt her, Mommy." Anil said.
"We know you wouldn't." Aang said. "But Ammy is too weak to even get out of bed. If you want to play with her, you have to play something that lets her stay in bed."
"I can do that." Anil said with a yawn.
Katara began to carry him to the room he shared with Ammy. "All right, big guy, it's time for your nap."
Aang followed Katara into the room as she lay the boy down on his bed, covering him up.
Anil yawned again, and grinned up at his parents. "I love you, Mommy. I love you, Daddy."
"We love you too." Katara said, leaning down and kissing his forehead.
After giving a departing kiss on Ammy's all ready sleeping form, Aang extinguished all the candles and lanterns at once with Firebending and followed his wife out of the room. Katara shut the door behind them.
Katara turned on Aang and gave him a deeply passionate kiss. When she pulled away she asked: "What took you so long to bring Anil back home? He almost missed his nap and we are running late for the meeting."
"I know. I'm sorry, Katara. We were playing tag and somehow ended up at the Earth King's palace."
Katara sighed. She should have known. Ever since Anil began learning the basics of Airbending, the whole City had become his playground. "I've called Sokka. He's coming to keep an eye on Anil and Ammy. I've also laid out your good robes. Go get changed, and we'll be on our way."
Aang would have had to be an idiot to miss that something was wrong with Katara. The flat tone of her voice said everything. "Katara, is something wrong?"
Katara sighed heavily and leaned against the wall. "Aang… today is the day that we'll find out if your other children have Airbending abilities and if they will come to live with us at the Southern Air Temple."
"I know." Aang said, noticing the distressed look on Katara's face. "What's bothering you, Katara?"
"I'm worried, Aang." Katara said. "What if only a few of the children have Airbending abilities and the Council decides you need to have more children? I was pregnant last time, and having to let you go was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I don't want to go through that situation again. I just can't."
"Katara…" Aang gasped in shock. "Why—why haven't you told me about this before?"
"Because… it was your duty to the world and I knew you were hurting as much as I was." Katara said. "But… isn't your duty over now?"
Aang mentally counted his children. Four born to Water Tribe mothers, including Anil and one set of twins, two to the Fire Nation, and one non-Bender from the Earth Kingdom. Best case scenario was six Airbenders. "It will be difficult to rebuild the Air Nomads with only six possible Airbenders, but it's not impossible." Aang glanced sadly at his wife and fell to his knees in front of her. "My love… my wife… forgive me."
Katara got on her knees with him, and fell into his embrace. "I wasn't angry with you, Aang. I was sad."
"It doesn't matter. You are my wife and I love you. If you want me to stop this plan, then I will. I swear on everything that makes me the Avatar that from this moment, you are the only one who shall know my touch as a husband." Aang said, kissing her.
Katara embraced him. "Thank you, Aang. I couldn't go through that again."
After a few moments, Aang realized that there was more strangeness in Katara's behavior. She kept referring to how she was pregnant when he spent those nights with the other women, and saying how she couldn't experience that again.
It's almost like she's trying to tell me… Aang trailed off. He stiffened and pulled away from Katara, staring at her.
"Katara, you keep saying you can't experience me leaving you pregnant again." Aang said. "Are you pregnant?"
Katara didn't answer right away. "I… I wasn't sure at first, but I am now." Katara said, her eyes meeting his. "Aang, I'm pregnant."
"But… when?" Aang asked, shocked. "When Anil was conceived, I had a vision about it! I haven't had a vision of another child."
"You're visions have never been regular." Katara said. "I'm sure about this. We're going to have another baby."
"How long have you known?" Aang asked.
"A few days, but I'm probably at least one month pregnant by now." Katara said, her hands drifting down to her stomach. "Conceived in winter… this baby will also be an autumn baby."
"Another possible Airbender." Aang said, embracing Katara. "Oh, Katara, this is the best news I've had in a long time!"
The couple embraced for several more minutes, reveling in their joy before Sokka arrived and it was time to go to the important Spring Equinox meeting.
It was very hard for Aang to put aside his excitement for the meeting.
As it was, people were wondering why Aang had a huge silly grin on his face.
Zuko, however, was the first to approach Aang about his giddy expression. "What are you grinning about?" Zuko asked.
Aang made a motion for Zuko to follow him. Zuko followed Aang away from the rest of the delegates. When they were finally alone, Aang turned to face Zuko with that big grin on his face. "Can you keep something quiet for a few months?"
"Sure." Zuko said.
"Katara just told me this morning… we're going to have another baby!" Aang said, his grin getting wider.
Zuko didn't respond for several seconds, and then clapped Aang on the back. "Congratulations!" The Firelord said heartedly. "So, with the children you may be getting today, that will be about seven children, five of which aren't far past the terrible twos."
"Katara and I will be fine." Aang said. "Anil is a great son, and he's a great brother to Ammy."
"Even though they are only half-siblings?" Zuko asked.
"They don't know about that." Aang said. "It's easier this way."
"Of course." Zuko said. "So, I guess since you've told me one of your secrets, I'll tell you mine. Mai is also pregnant… nearly five months."
Aang's jaw dropped. "And you haven't told me? Why?"
"Hardly anyone knows." Zuko said. "There was trouble in the Fire Nation recently… a bunch of extremists loyal to my father… They wanted to force my hand into another war by kidnapping the children of high ranking officials and holding them hostage. Thankfully, the kidnapping attempts were adverted and all the children are safe. But I had to increase the security around all the children…" Zuko hesitated. "Including Sho…"
"Aang froze in shock. "My son?"
"His name was at the top of a short list." Zuko said. "Through Sho, they could have gained control over both me and you. Sho would have been a massive bargaining chip."
"My son… is he all right?" Aang asked desperately.
"Sho is fine. He is here." Zuko said. "That's why I've kept quiet about Mai's pregnancy. If the rebels knew that she was carrying my child, they would attempt to kidnap her too."
"I'd like to see someone try to kidnap Mai." Aang commented.
"I had to take away her weapons." Zuko said. "She's hormonal, and she's gotten a bit trigger-happy."
Aang nodded in understanding. But before they could continue their conversation, they were interrupted by one of the Earth Kingdom delegates. "Excuse me, Lord Avatar, but we cannot start without your presence."
"Oh, okay, I'll be right there." Aang said as he and Zuko followed the man into the Council chamber.
Aang took his place next to his wife and took her hand in his. She smiled at him briefly.
"We're glad you could join us for the meeting, Avatar Aang." The head Councilman said with a twinkle in his eyes. The entire Council was more than familiar with Aang and Katara's behavior and the fact that they still acted like newlyweds.
There was an incident last year in the Fire Nation the year before that was famous among the Council members. Aang and Katara had disappeared during the intermission of the meeting.
The Council had searched for them all over the Palace and eventually found them putting an unused closet to good use and in a compromising position.
When they had been caught making love, Aang just glared at his interrupter and calmly told him that he was almost done and he would be back at the meeting soon.
Within days, the event was pretty much legendary.
Aang simply smiled. "I'm glad to be here again."
The Head Councilman smiled in amusement. "On behalf of the Earth King and the provinces of the Earth Kingdom, I call this meeting of the Council of the Four Nations to order. As we all know, it has been four years since the decision was made to help the Air Nomads come back. And it has been three years since the women involved with this plan has given birth. As it was agreed upon, it is time for the mothers to report on their child's Bending abilities." He nodded to one of guards, and the women were escorted in. Two from the Fire Nation and two from the Water Tribe.
They carried the children in question. Aang recalled the names of each child.
The first woman was Nera, and she carried her son Sho. Sho had, perhaps, the least resemblance to Aang. He looked like he was completely Fire Nation.
The next woman was also Fire Nation. She also had a son that she had named Toshi. Toshi had Aang's skin and his hair color, but he had golden Fire Nation eyes.
The next woman was Water Tribe, the only woman to give Aang a set of twins. The boy was Sora and the girl was Hitomi. They both had strong Water Tribe features, except Hitomi had Aang's gray eyes, hence her name.
The final woman had also given Aang a daughter, a little female version of Aang named Megumi.
"Welcome. Are you prepared to give your reports?" The women nodded. "Lady Nera, what is the Bending status of your son, Sho?"
"My son has demonstrated all the signs of Airbending that Avatar Aang instructed us to look for. Sho is an Airbender."
There was applause upon the announcement. Now there was one Master Airbender and two young Airbenders to learn from him. And there were still more children to confirm.
Soon Toshi, Sora, and Megumi were all confirmed as Airbenders. The Council had groaned with disappointment when they learned that Sora's twin, Hitomi, was a Waterbender instead.
So the final count was seven children in all: five Airbenders, one Waterbender, and one non-Bender.
"As per our agreement: Sho, Toshi, Sora and Megumi will now live with their father at the Southern Air Temple with the understanding that the biological mother may visit at any time she desires. As for Hitomi, she may continue to live with her mother, or be given to her father by the mother's will."
The woman spoke firmly. "I could never allow Sora and Hitomi to be separated. They'll both go to Avatar Aang."
The Councilman nodded. "Seven children and five Airbenders was better numbers then we could have ever hoped for. And now that we know that it is dangerous to breed opposing elements together, we'll get much better results next time…"
"Councilor, I hate to interrupt…" Aang said, standing up. "But there will not be a 'next time'. Five is an important number in the Air Nomad culture. I can rebuild my nation with these children."
"With all due respect, Avatar Aang…"
"My wife and I plan on having more children. But this should be enough." Aang said firmly.
"Very well." The Councilman said with a sigh. "As of right now, this plan is terminated."
Once the Councilman pronounced the re-population plan terminated, Katara leaned over and kissed her husband. "Thank you." She whispered against his lips.
"Anything for you."