Lucid Dreams

By Gomp

Chapter One: The Betrayed

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Hidden in the depths of the temple Monks sat in meditation, however there was one Monk who had no interest in joining them. The dark circles under his eyes hinted at the sleepless nights he had been having. The haunting dreams had forced him awake for most of the nights. It had been a month now since the dreams had begun. In every dream there was always black smoke that clouded everything. He now spent much of his time trying to discern the meaning of these dreams.

As the young man walked through the ancient halls, he allowed his long hair to fall over his face. As he made his way through the various tunnels he paid no mind to the various paintings nor the beautiful scenery surrounding him. He was simply silent as he walked barefoot towards his quarters.

As he entered his room he walked over the mess that was scattered all over the floor. A polished copper mirror hung on the wall and as he looked over he glanced at himself briefly. Five years had past since his defeating of the Fire Lord and as with time he had grown with age. He wasn't that lively lanky little boy anymore. He was taller and his body had matured much more into a young mans. However, what changed most was that once joyful glittering look in his gray eyes now turned to what seemed as a bit of sorrow.

His long bangs covered most of his eyes as his dark hair hung in a mass down his neck. He leaned forward and picked up the long sleeved shirt he had recently sewed together and pulled it over his body, covering his tattoos as it slipped over his form.

He looked at the maps that littered the floor and the dried up ink that was blotched over various papers. A sigh left his throat as he tiptoed over the papers then finally sat onto his bed. As he pulled up his feet to his chest, his fingers traced carefully over the etched arrows deeply imbedded in his skin.

He had spent so much time searching for Airbenders- he was beginning to think he truly was the last one. How could there not be a single Airbender left? It seemed not even a single Monk or person from the Air Nation even remained. Simple Monks who wanted to help preserver the Southern Air Temple now occupied it, but none were like the ones he so fondly remembered. He opened the palm of his hand and watched as a gust of air twisted between his fingers. It was such a natural feeling, it sadden him to know he would be the last one to ever know what it felt like to move air between their fingertips.

He clasped his hand on the twist of air as a sudden chirping from Momo forced him to look up. Momo sat on the window sill staring at him with his wide green eyes and a tilted head. The young man smiled at his friend with a half smile and spoke to the creature. "What's going on Momo?"

The winged lemur turned its head to look outside the window. The young mans gray eyes followed to where the lemur was looking. There, in the far distance, Appa flew towards the temple. A toothy grin crept onto the young mans face. His flying bison had been gone for over a week and to see Appa again was a joyful occasion. He was accustomed to Appa's ventures due to the fact he had provided various friends with bison whistles, but he couldn't help but always feel a piece of him was missing when Appa was gone.

Stepping carelessly on the maps and even kicking a bottle of ink across the floor, the young man ran quickly from the room and out towards the landing platform his bison always met him at. "Appa!" He called out as his bison approached.

Appa roared with life as he slowly descended to the platform. However, the homecoming was short lived when the young man realized Appa was not alone. Two ocean blue eyes peaked over Appa's saddle. That unmistakable voice left the rosy lips of the woman sitting on the bison. "Aang."

Aang stared with wide eyes up at the long haired woman. It had been a long time since they last saw each other. "Katara?"

Katara had grown up herself, more so then Aang could believe. She had become quite the beautiful young woman as she was now nineteen- almost twenty. She wore a simple white dress with her mother's necklace tied around her neck. Her rich dark brown hair reached below her hips in a long wavy mass. She now had curves in places he didn't recall her ever having. As she slowly slide down the bison's tale, it was apparent that Aang now stood much taller then her.

Aang could feel his heart sink in his chest. "How-how could you come here?" His voice was so quiet.

Katara placed her hand over her chest. She knew she was stepping over unseen boundaries in coming to see him. She couldn't help however but notice how much Aang had grown. She couldn't believe he wasn't just a little boy anymore; he had truly grown into a man. With his tattoos hidden and with the mass of his dark hair covering his head it was hard to even recognize him. She also took note of how tired he looked. "I knew I wasn't supposed to use Appa to find you. I am sorry for doing that."

Aang suddenly grabbed the reigns of his bison. He led Appa away from Katara and took Appa to his stall. As he walked with the bison he could feel Katara's feet gently walk behind him. He did not want to even look at her- he could feel his heart simply breaking.

"Aang, please look at me." Katara pleaded. It had been so long yet she couldn't believe how much seeing Aang was truly affecting her. She had prepared herself for a long time for this but now knew would have never been truly ready to face him again.

Aang did not look up as he spoke. "Katara, I never questioned if you wanted to visit with Appa or if you needed him to take you anywhere in the world, but you knew there was only ever one place he was never allowed to take you- and that was to me."

Katara took a deep breath. "Aang we need to talk."

Aang couldn't help it. He suddenly turned and with the twist of his hand a small portion of earth cracked beneath Katara's feet causing her to fall back onto her behind. Suddenly a rush of anger filled Aangs entire bean. "We talked enough. I think we are past talking."

Katara shook her head. "Aang, this is not about us! Please!"

Feeling sudden regret over his outburst Aang took a few steps forward towards Katara. He was careful as he stretched his hand out to help her stand. As she slipped her hand into his, the painful memories he spent so long trying to forget resurfaced. He took a harsh breath as he easily pulled her up. Shaking his head he caused his hair to fall over his face as he turned briskly away from Katara. "Sorry." He said softly as he began to walk away. "Come."

Katara was silent as she followed the young man that she had betrayed. She felt so wrong coming to this place, but knew that there were times she needed to push their differences aside and think of others.

Aang led her to the gardens of the temples. In the center of the garden there was a magnificent water fountain that was surrounded by blue flowers and covered in twisted vines- a place years ago Katara and Aang enjoyed to sit by. The gardens took up the entire flat of the mountain side. Aang walked over to one of the fruit trees and handed Katara a Berrybeapple. "I am sure you are hungry, so please eat."

Without looking up at Katara, Aang crossed his legs and sat down on the ground. Katara slowly sat herself down across from him.

"Aang." She started slowly. "I'm sorry-"

Aang cut her off. "I want you gone before dusk."

Katara picked at the stem of the Berrybeapple as she nodded slowly. "I can do that. However, I was hoping you would go to the Fire Nation with me."

Aang suddenly stared up at Katara with shock filled eyes. He hadn't gone near the Fire Nation since- "Is this some sick joke?"

Katara suddenly leaned forward and gently covered Aang's mouth with her hand. Unable to contain herself any longer a single tear slid down her face. "Please Aang, we were all just kids. I don't want you to be thinking such things. This is much more serious then the past. Zuko-" Katara wiped away her stay tear, "Mai died during childbirth."

There was a moment of an awkward silence as Aang tried to comprehend what had been said. He had been there when Zuko had proposed to Mai and along his travels had heard of their marriage- but not once had he heard of Mai bearing a child. Even though his relationship with Zuko had become a tad strained, that did not mean he didn't care. "That's horrible."

"I know."

Once more an odd silence stretched between them. Katara finally took a bite from her Berrybeapple. The juice drenched down her fingers as she munched on its sweet taste. She had forgotten how good the fruits of the Southern Air Temple were. Her eyes looked up at Aang to find he was looking at her. Katara cleared her throat before she spoke. "I was going to go to the Fire Nation for the memorials. I know it is not right for me to even ask, but I was hoping you would join me."

Aang took in a sharp breath. How was he to respond to such a thing as that? "I-I don't know." He looked down at his bare feet, his hands covering his arrows. "I have so much work here. Between the Monks and- well just other things I have been doing."

"Aang, Zuko needs us."

Aang closed his eyes tightly. To hear Katara say Zuko's name so easily it hurt. He suddenly felt Katara's hand fall over his own.

"It has been over three years Aang. Has time healed nothing? As much as I regret what had happened we were all still just kids."

As Aang slowly opened his eyes, he gently pushed Katara's hand off his own. He knew she was right, but there were some things that were so hard to forgive- especially things that dealt with the heart. He took in a deep breath. "We will leave at dawn."

Katara couldn't help but smile feeling a bit relieved.

Aang suddenly stood up and began to walk away. He stopped for a moment. "Katara- I don't forgive you, but I will try and put things aside for the sake of Zuko." He turned with flat eyes. "Zuko was the one, after all, who knew the difference between what was right and wrong in the very end."


Gray eyes opened wide as Aang suddenly sat up, sweat covering his form. He tried to relax his racing heart as he thought about the nightmare he had just had. Once more there was a cloud of smoke, but this time his old group of friends consisting of Katara, Sokka, and Toph all got lost in it. As he desperately tried to find them he found he had gotten lost in the smoke himself. And then all of the sudden his body was consumed by a burning sensation, as if it was being torn apart. It was then that he had awakened.

Turning his eyes to the window he saw the half moon consuming the night sky. Being so high up in altitude the stars and moon always seemed so much closer then when he was down below. Momo was curled up sound asleep on the makeshift bed Aang had made for him on one of the shelves in the room. Aang was quiet as he made his way towards the window. The cool night air seeped over him as he laid his chin on his crossed arms. His tattoos seemed to almost glow in the moonlight.

It was odd knowing Katara was in the next room over. He ran his fingers through his hair while thinking about the peaceful days the two used to spend together many years ago. They traveled the world after the war helping those who were in need. At night when the moon was at its highest they would sneak off to where there was water and spend hours doing silent dances of water bending. Every so often he would steal a gentle kiss if the time seemed right. It was always so innocent but he knew since the day he left the iceberg his heart had beaten for Katara. He supposed in his childlike ways he always had hoped the same went for her. Yet when they had gone to Ba Sing Se, that all changed.

Aang sighed as he recalled what had happened, memories he had tried to forget for so long. Iroh had grown very sick. Zuko had tracked them down and begged Katara to come help Iroh with her healing abilities. They had followed Zuko to Ba Sing Se. While Katara had spent all her time with Zuko and his Uncle for almost two months, Aang had gone to help the villagers with their rebuilding efforts. Zuko had become a dear friend to all of them since the war, so he felt no concern with him and Katara spending so much time together.

When word spread that Iroh had succumbed to his illness, Aang had rushed to Iroh's house. Searching for Zuko he found Katara and Zuko standing on the back balcony alone. He did not make a sound as his eyes captured Katara and Zuko entwined in a passionate kiss. He touched his own lips in disbelief-he couldn't help but think of how simple his and Katara's kisses had always been, they were nothing compared to that. All the promises he and Katara had together seemed to fade away the moment he saw the two of them.

Zuko was the one who had pulled away. "Katara I am engaged to Mai and you- you and Aang."

"I know, but after spending so much time with you- I'm so confused."

He held her hand. "You were so good to my Uncle and I appreciate it." A few stray tears had fallen from Zuko's eyes. "He was my mentor and to know he's now gone… But I will not betray Aang nor Mai in such a way. I love Mai and Aang is too good of a person- he does not deserve this. Katara, you are mistaking our friendship with something else, and I am sorry for that."

"Zuko please…."

A gust of wind came from the direction Aang had been standing. It was then that Katara had finally turned and met Aang with her eyes. "Oh no- Aang."

In such anguish there were so many hurtful words said. With air bending the side of the balcony had been blown out before Aang stormed away. He left the next morning- it had been the last time he had seen Katara and Zuko.

As Aang watched the stars twinkle in the night sky, he remembered something Toph had said to him many months after he had caught Katara and Zuko. Toph had said, "Twinkle toes- isn't love just one big fat mystery? As a bender we are forced to learn about control. When we do a motion we know that it will create a certain event. There are no uncertainties if everything is done correctly. However, it seems everything else in life is totally opposite. You can do everything perfectly, yet you will never know what to expect as a result. My point? You might have thought everything with Katara was perfect and you had done things just right and maybe you did. But look at you! You are standing here in my bender school still pathetically living on the 'what ifs'! Life is not going to be how you plan or want it- it will simply just be what it is. Focus on things that matter now instead of dwelling on the crap that happened in the past. Besides, if you keep being all mushy and depressed you're going to become a horrible bender and then I won't be able to let you near my school! Come on Aang, I am blind yet I can see these things perfectly clear!"

Somehow what Toph had said helped Aang to stop dwelling on everything. Instead he began focusing on restoring his home and finding other Airbenders.

Aang took in a deep breath. As much as he had hoped to never have to face Katara again- well, she was now there and he couldn't hide from her anymore. He knew he had to face Katara and try and put things aside for the sake of Zuko. Considering all the things Zuko had done for him in the past- good and bad, he knew it was only right he tried to be there for his friend.

Aang shook his head knowing he was not going to find any sleep that night. There was simply too much on his mind. He easily pushed himself up and jumped out the window. In front of his room was an open court yard. Since the nightmares began, he often was up all night as it was. Standing in the middle of the court yard Aang began to practice his bender forms. His body easily curved and bended in the angles they needed to. He closed his eyes as earth, wind, water, and fire were easily controlled by him. It was as if he was dancing to a music-less dance silently in the dark.

Unknown to Aang, a sad set of ocean blue eyes silently watched from their own window.


When the sun peaked over the horizon Aang was still awake. His eyes remained closed as he sat in a meditating position. He was totally relaxed with his mind cleared as he breathed in the morning air. The Monks had always told him that meditating was the best way to see things with a clear mind.

Katara was quiet as she silently watched from behind. Her eyes traced over Aang's back. The large ugly scare was still there from when Azula had sent a bolt of lightening at him. It disrupted the line of Aangs Air Tribe tattoo.

Appa suddenly roared which caused Aang's eyes to pop open. He turned to find his large friend fully saddled and packed. Katara couldn't help but blush at being caught. Momo flew to her shoulder and began to chirp loudly in her ear. "Hey Momo." She hugged the creature then turned back to Aang. She pointed at the bison. "I saw your bags by the door so figured I would just get things ready."

Aang formed a half smile. Katara had always been on top of everything since the day he met her. "Thanks."

There was a long stretch of silence as they both looked at one another. They both knew the awkwardness was going to haunt them on this entire trip. Finally Katara cleared her throat. "I really appreciate you coming. I know- well- I-um."

Aang stood, grabbing the shirt he had been sitting on. He pulled it over his body and had his tattoos fully hidden once more. He walked over to Appa and grabbed the large bison's reigns. "Katara." He bit his lip, not really wanting to say what he was about to say. "Let's try to simply focus on the task at hand. I want us to put the past behind us."

Katara nodded as a smile consumed her lips. "Ok."

Momo joined them as they all climbed onto the bison and set off into the direction of the Fire Nation.


It was decided that they would follow the coast of the Earth Kingdom so they would have land to take breaks on. They were going to cross over at the Crescent Moon Island and follow the Fire Nation land till they reached Zuko at the Fire Nation Capital. If they were strict about their travels they estimated they would make it there in three weeks.

Even though things were awkward, Katara and Aang formed a daily routine. Aang flew Appa and guided him towards their destination while Katara took care of the food. Aang used earth bending to create camp every night while Katara would collect the wood for the fire and cleaned the water. They were both very silent with one another except for the few exchanged words here and there. Both would steal glances of the other, watching to see how much the other had changed.

Aang was shocked to find his nightmares had subsided for the most part. During the nights for once he had been able to sleep, it was quite the relief for the time it lasted.

It would be during the second week of their trip while they were still in the Earth Kingdom that their routine was broken. Once more Aang awoke with a start after having another nightmare. He breathed heavily and wiped the sweat away from his face. As always in his nightmares there was a cloud of smoke. The smoke had taken Katara and as he had begun to try and save her, a laugh erupted from the smoke. It was a laugh that was recognizable and after all these years he still hadn't forgotten. It was Azula's laugh.

As Aang took in deep breaths he couldn't help but shake his head and give off a small chuckle at his own fears. Azula and Katara- really it was like a blast from the past. Azula had been locked away in a prison for many years now. Zuko still visited her regularly and her prison was more like a pampered cell. Zuko wanted to make sure his sister was well cared for- even if she had totally lost her mind. He had never forgotten the fact that Azula had helped him restore his honor. Zuko still hoped maybe there was a trace of sanity and goodness left in his sister. Aang was certain Azula was well locked away and had no idea why she would plague his dreams.

Aang stretched as he laid back down and began to relax again. As he closed his eyes he turned to his side and prepared to go back to sleep. However, his eyes suddenly shot open as he listened to the earth. There were footsteps, he could hear them clearly. He could tell there was a large amount of people walking by his camp.

Aang pushed himself out of his earth made tent and yanked on a cloak- pulling the hood over his head. He was as quiet as a feather as he floated with each step towards the group of people. He could hear their hushed whispers in the forest. As he hid behind a large bush he could see a large group of people following an older man who was holding a yellow lantern.

A sudden hand on his shoulder made him jump. He turned to find Katara standing behind him. "Aang." She whispered in his ear. "What's going on?"

Aang held a finger over his lips and pointed to the group of people. However, as they looked over they found the man who had been holding the yellow lantern was staring directly at them.

"Why are you two hiding in the bushes?" Said the fat older man, his snow white beard dangling down to his chest. He ran his stubby fingers through his beard. "I don't recognize either of you, are you from the village of the south?"

Technically both Aang and Katara were from the south, so neither was lying as they nodded their heads. Aang scratched the back of his head as he smiled at the man. "Yup- probably why you don't know either of us, right?" He prayed the man would not become suspicious.

The older man nodded. "Yes, yes, it is so good to see the southern villages have heard word of our cause! Come, come, please! Don't be hiding in the bushes like that. You are welcome to join us!"

Both Katara and Aang gave a sigh of relief. They followed behind the mass of people as they were led by the older man. Katara and Aang looked at each other and both shrugged, unsure what they had just gotten themselves into. They walked for a good while longer till they came to a clearing deep in the forest.

Aang and Katara were in shock to find the clearing full of a mass of people. All of the people had been led by older men who were also carrying yellow lanterns. There was a wooden stage in the center of everyone with a young man standing in the middle of it- a man neither Aang nor Katara recognized.

The man wore clothing that looked to be from the Earth Kingdom. He was a shorter man with a long nose that stuck out from his thin face. He had very thin eyebrows with bright green eyes. He wore his long dark hair in a high pony tale.

The crowd of people became silent at the man on the stage began to clap his hands. "Welcome, welcome!"

Everyone in the crowd bowed, Aang and Katara followed. Katara whispered into Aang's ear. "What is going on?"

Aang looked at the man on the stage. "I have no idea."

The young man began to skip along the stage. "I am so excited to see so many of you interested in our cause! We have been searching the world for people just like you to join up with us! While we may be a small group, we take our ideals very seriously." The man started to randomly point around the crowd. "It is people like you who make us care so much and to continue on with our efforts!"

Aang had to admit, the man on stage was a good public speaker. It felt like he was talking directly to him.

The man on stage suddenly did a hand stand then rolled into a sitting position. "I know we have some new people here tonight, so I welcome especially all of you! So, what makes us all here so special?"

The man looked around the room dramatically. "Nothing you say? What do you mean nothing, we are all very special!"

Katara snorted as she whispered to Aang. "Is this some type of inspirational speaker?"

Aang smiled at Katara. "I have no clue what this is."

Suddenly the man on the stage began to roll around. His antics were defiantly keeping everyone's attention. "The benders you say, now they are the really special ones. I mean look at us all, it's not like we can move" the man pointed to the ground, "the earth," he pointed to the sky, "the air," he suddenly picked up and threw a cup of water, "water", he then threw an orange ribbon from between his hands, "or even deadly fire."

The man on stage folded his arms and shook his head. "We are just normal people who farm, herd, and create…" He sighed very heavily, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Why is it the benders have all the power?" He suddenly fell to the ground, crawling on the stage. His brilliant green eyes seemed to darken. "They create war- threaten us with their unnatural powers. We are the ones who suffer!"

Aang and Katara's mouths fell open, but they dared not make a sound. The crowed was totally focused on the man on the stage.

"I am here to assure you our time is coming. We will finally rise past the benders and take charge of our rightful place in this world. I have heard word of a weapon being built high in the mountains which can finally destroy the benders. We will prevail!"

As the crowed cheered Aang and Katara stared at each other in utter shock.


Author Notes:

I personally just finished the Avatar series only a short time ago (I know, I was very late to find out about it) and wanted to give my twist of how I thought the story would truly end. When I first began writing and drawing up the concept of this story I hadn't known there was going to be a sequel to the series. When I was doing research I found out that yes, in fact there is a sequel in the making and the idea of a bender revolt I guess will take place in that series. I do apologize for the recurrence of themes, however since this is my take of what had happened to Aang after the Avatar series ended- I will be sticking with my plot line. I will probably attempt to make it more like a prelude to the new series. :)

Also I am an older person, so I will be having the characters a tad more serious with more adult topics. They grew up- it happens.