PHEW! Finally! I got around to finishing chapter ten! Sorry it took so long, but you know how highschool is. I had almost zero time to do my writing and when I did have time, it was only enough to write a few paragraphs. BUT! I finally said enough, and buckled down Friday and finished this chapter. I also made it longer than my usual three thousand words.

I have to admit though, I don't think this is my best chapter but hey what do I know! XD Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, but I do own my imagination AND ideas! (I probably don't own those either XD, JK)

Recovery With Regret Part 2

Kyra's P.O.V

I opened my eyes finding myself surrounded by black wispy smoke. I didn't feel any pain from where I thought my wounds were as I slowly got up on my feet. Confused and scared I walked forward, unsure of where I was going. After the blow to my ribs I couldn't remember a thing that happened later, but what scared me the most was that I had no idea where I was. I saw nothing familiar about my surroundings; in fact I couldn't see a thing except for the black smoke.

Scanning the area around me, I looked for any living person, preferably my friends, "Ulric?" I yelled out in front of me.

"Aang, Sokka, Katara! Is there anybody here?" I continued.

My heart raced as I quickened my pace hoping to find someone. Suddenly, a shady figure appeared before me. I squinted and hesitantly neared the figure.

"Hello?" I asked.

The shadow became clearer and I was able to recognize this person.

My breath caught in my throat, and I struggled to speak, "D-dad?"

It was him, and he was wearing his battle armor from the day my village was attacked. He stood there looking at me with his deep brown short hair moving in the smoke, as if he were in water.

He had a worried look on his face when he stared at me, "Why didn't you help us?"

"I-I . . ." I didn't know what to think, at this point my brain stopped working and I couldn't form clear thoughts.

"Why did you kill all of those people?" he pleaded.

"What are you talking about? I didn't kill anyone!" I yelled.

Then my whole village materialized behind my father, along with Ulric who appeared next to my dad. Ulric looked angrier as he stared at me; he was wearing his standard dark grey vest with his grey-blue pants and shirt. Same as my father Ulric's jet black short hair wafted as he stood. All of them looked disappointed in me and my response.

"You killed them, you're a monster," spat Ulric, angrily.

Outraged, I turned to my father, "Dad . . ."

"You are not my daughter," my father added, with just as much anger.

Saddened, I stared at my father in disbelief. 'Did he just say that?'

The whole village began to chant "You're a monster" while angrily pointing at me.

I backed away, yelling, "I'm not a monster!"

Turning around I ran the opposite direction, trying as best I could to get away from my so-called father. While glancing behind me, I bumped right into Aang and the rest of the Gaang.

"Oh, thank the spirits you're here. You won't believe what-" I interrupted myself when I saw the dead pan look in Aang's eyes.

They all continued in the same chanting as my village. I took a few steps back in panic.

"No, no, no. NO!"

"No!" I yelled as I shot up in bed.

I put my hand on my forehead and attempted to calm my breathing. Beads of sweat rolled down my face as I surveyed my surroundings. I was inside some kind of old room. There was a bed, and a small desk in the room that had what looked like to be a bowl of food on top of it. Feeling some pressure around my torso I looked down at myself finding that I had bandages wrapped all around me, underneath my torn tunic.

I slowly slipped from under the many blankets covered on top of me. Moving off of the bed I winced at every twinge of pain from my sides; while I struggled to even get up on my feet I thought about what the hell happened to me, because truth be told I had no idea what occurred from the point that I passed out in that chamber. But what really bothered me was that dream I had, I'm pretty sure that I've never killed anyone.

I walked to the door in front of the room and entered a long hallway. Where the hell am I? I moved to the part of the hallway I saw light coming through all the while hugging the wall for support.

When I finally reached the end of the hallway I saw the people I've missed the whole time I was captured. Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Ulric where sitting around a burned out fire talking and eating. I've gotta say when I saw this sight it just made me feel at place again, safe.

Taking one step forward my knees buckled and my face was introduced to the ground . . . again. I still felt some pain around my sides but my ankle was what hurt the most at the moment.

"Ouch." I mumbled into the ground.

Toph lifted her head and grinned, "Hey, look who finally decided to wake up!" she announced excitedly.

Ulric got up on his feet faster than I could blink, hollering, "Kyra! You're awake!"

"Yeah, and now I finally know how the ground tastes like. Can you help me up?" I asked, whilst trying to retract my face from the floor.

Ulric quickly lifted me off the ground and helped me limp to a seat on a fallen pillar. Everyone looked happy I was awake although I still felt a small amount of tension in the air. As I took a better look around, I realized that Aang and Zuko weren't among our group.

"We're so glad you're ok," said Katara, giving me a hug.

Toph leaned back on her arms and added, "I thought you'd never wake up."

"Aang was real worried about you too, probably more so than any of us," interjected Ulric.

I leaned forward slightly holding my side, Aang was worried about me? I thought. I got wrapped up thinking about Aang until my mind finally clicked to the issue at hand, "Whoa, whoa! Why are you guys acting like I haven't been up in months?" I questioned, confused.

Sokka looked at me a bit worriedly, "Well, that's 'cause you were unconscious for about a week now. We thought that you weren't going to wake up after what happened."

Huh? I was asleep for a whole week? I felt like I was still in a dream. Turning to Ulric I stared at him trying to see if this was all just some kind of sick joke. No luck, he was dead serious; actually he even looked a little saddened.

Slouching back I heaved a big sigh of surprise and confusion, "A whole week?" I asked myself, "What exactly happened when you guys came for me?"

"You mean you don't remember?" asked Sokka in amazement.

I shook my head, "I remember seeing Ulric and Aang coming into the chamber, but after that . . . nothing." I answered.

Everyone was quiet as they seemed like they were thinking over what to tell me.

"You're gonna have to tell her sooner or later, Spunky," said Toph, sensing Ulric might not say what he had to.

Ulric leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees, while staring at the ground in thought, "Ok, but you're not going to like what we're about to tell you."

I nodded for him to continue as I leaned back into a comfortable position.

"A soldier named Kai helped us find the room they kept you in, he said he knew you or something, so we followed him." Kai helped? I thought, I should thank him next time I see him, "Some guard beat you unconscious when we got in the room," clenching his fists angrily, he continued, "I took care of him and then Aang and I brought you back outside to take you on Appa and escape. Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Zuko were already out fighting off the guards and soldiers. I put you on Appa and we were ready to go but then more soldiers came out of the fortress building along with Azula," He paused, taking a breath while I listened intently, "Then Azula gave an order to kill us all but Aang, and . . . you jumped out in front of us, in wolf form."

I changed? After all of the injuries I had? My eyebrows knitted together in confusion and I stared at Ulric not exactly eager to know what happened next.

Ulric turned to me and put his hands on my shoulders, "Listen, we were greatly outnumbered, you were trying to protect us. I believe that somehow that inner instincts you have, made you change to protect us." He finished looking straight into my eyes.

I looked at Katara then Sokka then Toph. Sokka and Katara both looked down with sad expressions on their faces, Toph still kept that hardened look on her face but I sensed she was a bit distraught.

Backing away from Ulric's grip, I stood up scared of what actually happened that day, "I killed them, and then I was going to attack you guys," I said in realization, putting a hand on my forehead, "No, no, no." I muttered to myself as all of the memories of what I did came flooding back, the screams of the soldiers, the death . . . and the blood. I was ruthless, merciless as I killed the soldiers effortlessly. And then a memory appeared of me in wolf form, growling at my friends.

Closing my eyes, I hoped to forget what I just saw. Stumbling back a wave of pain went through my sides, as Katara stood to catch me from falling.

"Easy, you're still badly hurt," she warned, while steadying me.

I slowly regained my balance, still trying to process what happened.

"Kyra," started Ulric.

"I'm supposed to be protecting people," I interrupted, "I'm a Guardian, the Avatar's Guardian no less, my job is to protect people and the Avatar. But here I am murdering people instead. And I was going to hurt you guys. . ."

"But you didn't," assured Katara.

That memory flashed in my head again: as I stood there in my wolf form I got this distinct feeling like I wanted to hurt my friends. That feeling scared me.

Ulric opened his mouth to speak, but I didn't want to hear anymore.

"I need some fresh air." I quickly said limping away from the group before anyone could argue.

From what it looked like, we were in the Western Air Temple. I remembered a painting of it in some books I read, and it was a lot more beautiful in person. The temples where all upside down hanging underneath a cliff side, completely hidden from view if you were to look down while high in the sky, although the view was quite amazing it was a shame that some of the temples were falling apart. Looking down there was just darkness. It was far too deep of a crevice to be able to see all the way to the bottom.

Hearing loud thumping of footsteps behind me, I turned facing Appa and Shadow. Momo poked his head out from Appa's head, inspecting me.

Shadow approached me cautiously with his ears and tail down, which made me feel saddened at the fact that he wouldn't come nearer than a few feet. The last thing I needed right now was for Shadow to be afraid of me.

Kneeling down I outstretched my arm, offering Shadow and Appa to sniff my hand.

"Come on guys, I'm not going to hurt you." I coaxed.

Minutes passed as Shadow mulled over whether to come closer or keep his distance, being scared of the monster he saw before.

Finally Shadow walked up to me and licked my face with joy, knowing that he didn't lose his master. I hugged him laughing as Appa came up to lick me, covering me once again in that wet stickiness of his huge tongue. I let go of Shadow when Momo flew down and landed on my shoulder.

"Hey there little guy," I said as I pet him, "at least you guys don't think I'm a monster." I added solemnly, feeling better now than before.

Out of jealousy Shadow chased Momo off my shoulder and ran after him back to the campsite. After a few moments I heard a loud crash along with an annoyed yell from Boomerang Boy, "SHADOW!"

Unable to hold it I broke out in laughter imagining just what exactly Shadow did. It's been awhile since I laughed so it was good to finally be able to let it all out although it hurt my sides like hell.

"I guess that's another one to add to the list of things taken from me." I muttered, clutching my stomach.

Appa nudged me with his nose, grunting. I reached up and lightly scratched the side of his head. I always wondered what flying bison were like, but now I knew that they were very wise and strong. They're like a huge fluffy best friend that would comfort you whenever you'd need it.

I slowly got up, trying not to strain my already hurting body. When I finally managed to stand, I noticed a person running at full speed straight at me. It didn't take me long to figure out that it was Aang cause who else can run that fast without manipulating the air around 'em, besides me of course.

He got closer and closer running, while smiling like he'd just won a million gold pieces. Then I realized he wasn't slowing down. Ooooh shi-, I thought bracing myself for the impact.

"Kyra!" he yelled, excitedly as he hug tackled me to the ground. Ouch.

"You're finally awake, I missed you," he said, as I tried to hide my pain.

But as soon as I looked at Aang's overjoyed face it was like all the pain melted away replaced with this feeling of fluttering butterflies in my stomach, "I've missed you too," I sighed returning the long awaited hug.

Helping me up Aang began to bombard me with questions, "Are you alright? Are you hungry, thirsty, or maybe your cold; I could get you-"

"Aang," I interrupted, "I'm ok but maybe just a bit hungry," I answered, when my stomach gave out a loud growl.

"I'll go get you some food," Aang quickly said and sprinted off to camp.

I was left there smiling and shaking my head at how protective Aang was being. I sat down and stared back out in front of me watching the sun slowly set. I was still angry at myself for killing those people and I was a little scared knowing there might be a possibility that my friends could be endangered because of me.

Why did I have to have such a complicated life? Couldn't I just be a normal person with normal problems? But that's just the case isn't it? I'm not normal, nor do I have any common problems a normal person would have. I'm half human trying to live with the fact that I lost my home, and my family, and I'm this thing that has a job of protecting the Avatar and other people. And yet, I can't even begin to control this animal that seems to be manipulating me instead of the other way around.

I sighed and threw myself backwards, lying down and completely forgetting that my ribs were still healing, "Ow," I said.

Closing my eyes, I tried to relax my sore muscles and just focus on the cool crisp afternoon air. I wished I could air bend, but because of my ribs I can't so much as make a small gust of air without passing out. I wanted to train with Aang and maybe even learn how to fly a glider, but not everything sorts out the way you want it too especially in my situation.

I opened my eyes and saw Aang standing over me with a bowl, "I brought you some vegetable soup," he said, smiling kindly.

Sitting up, he handed me the bowl and sat down next to me, "Thanks," I said; bringing the steaming liquid to my lips and taking a sip.

The soup was hotter than I thought and I managed to burn my tongue, "Ouch, hot," exclaimed, fanning my tongue.

Aang smiled and said, "Here let me help."

Bending a tiny tornado he moved it over the soup and quickly cooled it. I smiled thankfully and this time sipped without burning my tongue.

"What about you, aren't you hungry?" I asked.

He shook his head and patted his belly, "No, I already ate."

We sat in comfortable silence just sitting and staring out at the other temples around us. I liked this type of silence, sitting with a friend spending time together. I was happy I could spend this kind of time with Aang.

"So . . . how are you feeling?" Aang asked, attempting to start up a conversation.

Swallowing, I answered, "Fine. I mean, I'm kind of going through a tough time and I'm confused about some things. But as a whole, I'm ok."

He nodded then stared at the ground, deep in thought, "I know how you feel."

"What about you? I heard you weren't acting yourself during this week." I questioned, trying to see if he really was that worried about me.

He immediately looked up from the ground with rosy cheeks, "Oh, uh . . ." he stuttered, twiddling his thumbs, "I'm fine, happier than ever knowing you're ok."

All I could think was how lucky I was, despite all of the things that happened to me, to have such an amazing friend.

I put down the now empty bowl and turned to Aang, giving him the biggest hug I could ever give. Now I knew that no matter how many times I want to just give up, a good friend is really all you need to realize that things aren't that bad.

Aang returned the hug and we stayed like that for a few minutes. When I let go he stared at me quizzically.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"I really don't know what I did to deserve such a great friend like you Aang. I could thank you a million times and it still wouldn't suffice for how much I'm greatful." I replied.

Aang shook his head smiling kindly, "No, I should be thanking you. Kyra you sacrificed you're well being to save us when we were tied up back at Amak. You're the one who had to deal with all these wounds and all of that pain. You are a great friend," he finished.

"I was just trying to do my job as a Guardian, I'm nowhere near as important as you and the rest of the Gaang. That's why there are Guardians, we're expendable but the Avatar isn't."

He took my hands in his and looked into my eyes, "You're just as important as me or anyone else. Just because I'm the Avatar it doesn't make me any more significant a life to save as anyone else's. In my eyes, you're not expendable you are one of a kind and the world would be a horrible place if it lost you," he said with conviction.

Sometimes I forget how much wisdom this preteen holds. One minute he could be as immature and fun-loving as a seven year-old the next he could be as wise as an old Monk.

I nodded, getting misty eyed, "I understand, thank you Aang, again."

"No, thank you," he corrected smiling at me.

I sat back looking up at the sky, and noticed the sun had already set making the air grow colder. Glancing at the dancing shadows of the fire deeper in the temple it seemed more and more welcoming than sitting out in the chilly night.

I rubbed my arms shivering from the frigidness. Noticing my shaking, Aang stood offering me his hand, "Let's get to the fire, I'll help you walk."

Nodding I took his hand and stood up, hopping on one foot. He put my arm around his shoulder and his arm around my waist. My face began to heat up from the contact and upon glancing at Aang; he noticed our closeness as well judging by his bright pink cheeks.

As we entered camp, all faces turned to us and I silently hoped they didn't notice that mine and Aang's face was as red as tomatoes, because I didn't need that kind of attention at the moment.

Of course the universe didn't agree with having things go my way for once.

"Hey why are your faces so red, what happened?" asked, a very annoying Sokka.

As Aang sat down with me looking just as flustered as I was, "Nothing," he answered, a little too fast, "I mean, uh . . . its really cold out."

Sokka nodded, although not fully convinced. But then Toph decided to speak up.

"That's not what I'm feeling," she said, confidently.

I felt like limping over to her and strangling her. Instead, I glared at her hoping she'd get the message even though she's blind. She just always had to say something, didn't she?

"Anyway," said Zuko, when did he get here?

Turning to Aang he said, "We can start training tomorrow."

Aang nodded excitedly, yelling, "Yes!"

For the rest of the conversation they had I didn't pay attention to. I just stared at the fire; thinking about my talk with Aang and most of all I thought about different ways I could go about controlling this wolf in me. The only idea I came up with was meditation, when I was first told I was the Guardian, Lupis began to train me in deep meditation and ways of controlling my emotions but that's as far as I got with his lessons. Maybe Zuko or Aang could help me with this whole emotion control, I thought.

I continued thinking up some options until I was brought out of my revere by Katara.

" . . . right Kyra?" she asked.

I abruptly looked up at Katara, unsure of what she was referring to, "What?"

"While Zuko helps Aang with fire bending you could spar with Aang to keep his other skills up, right?" she explained.

"Oh, um . . . yeah, as soon as I heal; I could use the practice too." I answered.

Out of nowhere I got this sharp pain in my sides, making me wince and curse under my breath. This was the same damn thing as when I first had my ribs broken; they were shifting back in place like before. I straightened myself and refrained from clutching my sides so that no one would worry because, quite frankly, I was tired of people worrying about me so much.

Aang put a hand on my shoulder and looked at me, concerned, "You alright?" he asked, whispering.

I nodded and bit my lip from the pain; then as fast as it had come the pain subsided and I could take a deep breath again.

Damn it! I'm tired of this constant pain!

"Kyra can I talk to you for a minute, alone," said Ulric, more demanding than asking.

Great now he's going to be acting like the big brother, I thought as I slowly followed him outside. As we exited out Ulric abruptly turned around making me almost bump into him.

I hissed in pain from the force push on my ankle as I stopped, "Damn it Ulric!"

Completely ignoring me he said, "What's wrong Kyra, why are you acting this way?"

"What's wrong? What's wrong? My ankle hurts, that's what's wrong!" I said, infuriated.

"Kyra I'm serious, ever since you found out you were Guardian you've been acting like a whole different person. Especially now," he said, sternly.

"Well, I have a lot on my mind right now. Sorry if I'm not all daisies and freakin' sunshine ok." I replied turning away.

He reached over and turned me around, "Whatever it is that's bothering you, you need to talk about it. If you don't then you won't feel better."

I shrugged his hand away angrily, "What do you want Ulric? A teary confession about how hard things have been?" I yelled, "Because if it is then you've got it! I miss my dad, I miss Lupis, and I miss home! Ever since I found out about this whole Guardian thing, everything I knew and loved went straight down the gutter," I could feel all of my anger well up inside and being let out through tears.

"You're not the only one whose life has been hard! I never knew my parents and you don't hear me complaining about it," he hollered, releasing his frustrations "but what really hurts me is that I feel like I lost the real Kyra. The Kyra that always cracked corny jokes, and smiled and had fun! I feel like you've been replaced by this monster!" Ulric's anger turned to surprise at what he said.

My breath caught in my throat, as I processed what he said about me. A tear slowly rolled down my cheek while I stared Ulric dead in the eye, "Do you really think we're going through the same thing here? Do YOU know what it's like to be afraid of yourself, to be your own enemy? I was going to hurt you back at the fortress, if it weren't for Aang all of you probably wouldn't be here! It scares me to think that I could possibly have killed what little family I have left."

I turned away from Ulric as he reached forward saying, "Kyra, I'm so-"

"No matter how much I don't want to feel like this, no matter how many times I'm being told that 'I must make the right choice,' I know that I am what I am, so I guess your right Ulric," I said, limping to my room, "Maybe I have been replaced by a monster, but then again I've always been one."

As I slowly made my way to my room, I passed by the rest of the group who seemed puzzled about the tears in my eyes, "What's wrong?" I heard someone ask, but I just ignored them shutting the door to my room and sliding down to the floor covering my face. I wanted all of this to go away and as much as I regretted it, I knew that I just have to fess up and deal with whatever comes my way. Because one day I might not get the chance to enjoy what the little good things I've got.

I hadn't realized I was falling asleep until I was shocked to attention by people arguing from behind the door I was sitting by.

I put my ear against the door and strained to hear what the argument was about, "Katara, I'm not going in that room. She doesn't want to talk to me."

"You need to resolve this if you don't you will regret it," pressed, Katara.

"No, I refuse," said, who I assumed was, Ulric.

"Well too bad, cause you're going to talk to her one way or another," warned the bossy water bender.

"What are you-?"

Sensing trouble I quickly lay down on my bed and pretended like I was staring at the ceiling and not just recently eves dropping. Suddenly I heard a loud splash and Ulric came crashing through the door followed by a few sprays of water. Katara quickly reached in and closed the door before Ulric could recover. There was a soft click from the opposite side of the wooden door and the light echo of footsteps moving away becoming quieter and quieter.

Groaning Ulric pushed himself up off the floor dripping with water, "Sometimes, that water bender is so, ugh!" growled the peeved warrior.

"You got your butt kicked," I said, laughing.

He quickly turned around, looking as if surprised I was in the room, "Kyra listen-"

I raised my hand and slid off the bed, "Ulric, I know that you wanted to talk to me about my little problem but I really don't need to share this right now."

Ulric released the breath he was clearly holding and frowned at me, "I'm sorry I was such a jerk. You had every right to yell at me like you did; I should've been more understanding, because I'll never know what you're going through. You've had it tough lately and I don't know what I was thinking when I said the things I said," he rambled.

"Look, it's all behind us, so let's just try and forget. Forgive and forget; that's my motto." I announced proudly.

Chuckling, he grinned as he gave me a quick hug, "And I did not get my butt kicked."

I stepped back, "Yeah sure, I just imagined you being water bended, by a girl might I add, clear through that door," I teased, pointing towards the door.

"HEY!" he said, "That was a sneak attack those don't count."

"Ok, whatever you say." I replied, much to Ulric's annoyance.

Turning to the door Ulric sighed, "How are we going to get through the door? She locked it from the other side."

"Here," I said walking to it.

He outstretched his arm stopping me, "Wait, I'll do it."

Running at the thick wooden door he attempted to kick it open, but to no avail he only rebounded off of it like a rubber ball, falling to the ground onto his ass.

"Really and you consider yourself to be an all mighty warrior," I said, shaking my head in pity.

"I was trained in the arts of hand to hand combat, I AM A WARRIOR," he reprimanded, while pointing at me.

I approached the door, "Yeah, well I guess you weren't trained in the arts of 'common sense,'" reaching for the door knob I twisted the nozzle that unlocked the door (from the inside) and pulled it open while motioning to the doorway.

He quickly got up and stuttered, "Yeah, but . . . uh . . . I'm older!"

"Pft! You are so immature sometimes, you know that?" I joked, as we slowly headed down the hallway.

"Eh, I try," he replied.

I hugged Ulric saying, "Know what Ulric? You're like the brother I never had."

"And you're like the sister I've always wanted," he added, giving me an extra squeeze.

Putting his arm around my shoulder he led me down the hallway saying, "Now come on, let's go see how everyone else is doing."

"Yep, I'll bet you wanna hang out with Katara now don't you." I questioned, grinning. I knew that he was developing feelings for Katara, but he didn't acknowledge that yet. He's way too easy to figure out sometimes.

Ulric's eyes widened as he gave me a quick glance, "What! No, pft what's you talkin' about?" he said, in a panic.

"Thought so," I said, much to Ulric's frustration.

Ulric sighed, "Why do you have to be such a smart ass?"

"Eh, I try," I replied, hoping Ulric would catch the little joke.

He turned and glared at me unable to think of a decent come-back. I broke out in laughter as we entered camp awarding me a few confused stares from the rest of the group. Ulric only sat down and crossed his arms, pouting like a five year-old. Sometimes he reminded me a lot of Sokka, except he never hurt himself. But then again there's a first time for everything.

I'm thinking of rewriting this chap one day and adding a few more things, but right now I just wanted to finally update this story. It's not that bad is it? The chapter I mean.

Anyway, thanks for reading and I'll update the next chappy as soon as I can. I'me pretty sure I won't be updating as often, but when I do update the chapters will be fairly long.

Please review and tell me what you think! XP