A/N:

TayBone2305 (Heartbreaks, And What Not): Hey! I'm glad you're enjoying my stories so far, and thank for leaving a review, it means a lot to me and gives me motivation to keep writing :) Yep, my own Avatarverse is what I'm going for... and I like TLS-Universe, its neat. I'm please to know you liked what I did with SYTFAD and the whole universe blending thing. I will definitely continue writing, though, i don't know how often because I do have University work and assignments to complete plus I;m working on music on the side too. I'll try to update weekly though :) Yeah, most people said there were somewhat confused, but I'm glad you caught on earlier. But yeah, i will be continuing Chapter 2 and 3, the Ursaang fic I'm unsure about now because writing it would be somewhat weird. She'll basically be a milf for Aang hahahahaha, and I dont' want to write her like that. But we'll see, hope you enjoy this chapter.

Ashley Barbosa (SYTFAD): I only watched Loki after you mentioned it btw. I used to be a marvel fanboy, but after endgame, I completely lost my interest. I was interested in Loki though, but I wanted to binge watch it when it was complete. Yet, I completely forgot but you reminded me of it so thanks! :) Yeah, I thought you and the others deserved a happy ending, so I'm glad you liked it.

Ashley Barbosa (UIBYO): The chapter isn't even that emotional lol hahahahah. Oh yeah, Suki and Sokka 'talked' for sure ;)

TheQuietReader23 (SYTFAD): Oh, I'm intertwining more than just three stories... this chapter will BLOW your MIND! Yeah, i wanted to do an arc for Katara and Zuko, so I'm glad you liked it. You were mostly right about the UIBYO predicition, there's way more to it. And I'm pleased to know you liked the addition of Speed Dating, hopefully you'll see that I added another fic here, though, its an old one.

TheQuietReader23 (UIBYO): I might write Aang pummeling Zuko still, we'll see how it goes. But, remember what Mai said. The beginning was the poem mixed in with moments from the show and the book. But the poem is still incomplete. It will be complete later on. Well, we already discussed Katara and Aang moving quick on discord, but I'll just say that there are still a couple chapters left till they talk. Aang will try to resist her still, but he can't deny her forever. We dicussed the Sokka thing so you basically already know whats up with that hahahaha. Yeah, I'm glad you saw the parallel there with Aang wanting Katara to hurt him.

Bay45220 (SYTFAD): Yep, you saw my intentions clear as day. I like the alternate ending to, personally, its the official ending but i just thought the OG hurt more so i chose to name it differently.

Bay45220 (UIBYO): Sokka and his jealousy will be explained in the next chapter. yep, I'm trying to have them start out as friends instead of time skipping and having them rush into a relationship.

Guest: Yep, crossover, and there's more here! I'm glad you're enjoying everything so far and don't worry, there definitely will be a happy ending her for the both of them. Just you wait.

KwikEMarty: Its how I talk to myself in my head so it feels realistic to me ahahahaha - Read Save Your Tears For Another Day if you want to understand what I'm trying to do.

Hatred bear it Fangs: I mean, I get what you're saying, and I've done what you're suggesting in my other fics, but here I feel its unecessary. Like, everyone eserves a second chance. Now, unless if Katara cheated on him or something, then i'd say she's lost him forever. But she didn't. Plus, we see Aang try to loosen her grip on him, but he just cant'. So what else is there for him. When she realises she loves him too, and he realises she was always the one for him and that would never change, is there really a point in them denying themselves?

CoyoteLemon: I'm glad you like it. Though, I can't get ride of the conscious now, its become central to the story and others like it. Sorry.

Sporkofdoom23: Read SYTFAD, you'll understand.

Storm-over-the-Sea67: I might do a Zuko vs Aang scene, not sure yet, we'll have to see. But the angst won't last for long. DW.

XOXOXOXOXOX

IMPORTANT NOTE: Okay, now, unless if you guys have read Save Your Tears For Another Day then this story will probably confuse you. This story is directly linked to SYTFAD, and after reading this chapter, you'll understand completely what I'm trying to create here. So, I suggest you guys read my other stories to fully understand this if you want to, though, you don't have to. You can still enjoy this without them. But, if you don't want to, here's a quick recap of what happened in SYTFAD:

- The story is the exact same as here except its told from Katara's POV

- Katara and Aang decide to be friends again and after a year, Aang is ready to make a betrothal necklace for her

- But, he dies, and Katara comitts suicide to see him once again, but Aang sends her back to the Mortal World

- After years of being without him, when Katara dies as an old women and returns to Aang in the spirit world, they both move on into a new world, a new reality and a new life

- Aang from UIBYO watches all this unfold because Roku shows him, and now he's here

Chapter 11: Distorted Realities (Part 2)

When I opened my eyes, Roku and I were surrounded by that mist once again. However, among the haze, were… I don't know what to call them… moving images? Memories? They can't have been my memories as I don't recall them, nor do I recognise myself in them. I mean, yes, some of them included me… but it wasn't me. Maybe it was the 'me' in these other realities… so would that make them other me's?

Roku must've noticed my growing confusion as he placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled in understanding, nodding to convey that it was okay for me to attack him with questions – or at least that's what I thought he was trying to say.

"What just happened? Why didn't we rescue Katara? Why did we see her as a young woman and then seconds later as an old lady? And what happened in the Spirit World? What was the 'other me' talking about? And what on earth were you talking about Avatar Roku? Other realities? Other worlds? Just what is going on here?"

Roku chuckled good-naturedly at my barrage of questions, probably expecting them to arrive sooner or later but still being surprised either way.

"You sure have many questions, young Avatar," he observed.

I simply shrugged, "I mean… like… duh. Of course, I do."

"Well, how about we take a seat," he suggested, raising his hand and as a result, two earth boulders arose from the mist below us. "I have a lot to tell you and you certainly have an abundance of questions to ask. So, let's relax."

"I don't think I can relax until I get some answers, but… okay." I relented as I sat down in a meditative lotus position, just as Avatar Roku had. For some reason, through that whole ordeal, I had felt myself shivering slightly, as if my body in the real world was laying in the middle of a tundra and the effects were transferring over to the spirit world. But just as I sat down, I felt a warmth cascade over me – as if someone's arms had wrapped around me and they were as warm as a gentle summer breeze. So, I relaxed.

"Now, I guess I'll start from the beginning," Roku suggested, but I cut him off before he could start.

"Avatar Roku – no riddles, please. Just tell me everything as it is and try not to mystify anything behind metaphors."

Roku once again chuckled good-naturedly as he dipped his head, his body shaking with mirth before he nodded in agreement and began, "I'll try, Avatar Aang. Now," he clasped his hands together and sat straight, so did I – we were in Avatar Mode now.

Okay, that was cringey.

"First off, the world, and spirit world as you know them, are not what they seem. You see, there is a mortal world, and a spirit world for each reality, as there is an Avatar for each reality that requires it."

I blinked twice, "I'm still confused."

"For example, there's the world you know, the one you have lived, and this world – this reality, the one you reside in, it has its own spirit world." I nodded in understanding, gesturing for him to continue with my hands, "Now, just like you reside in this reality, there is another 'you' who resides in another reality, one with its own Avatar and its own spirit world."

"Okay, I think I'm starting to get it… so there are other me's?"

"Yes," Roku nodded, "think of it this way: in another reality, there is a 'you' who saves the world in two years rather than one. Or, there is a reality in which Sozin delays his attack, which allows you a few more years to mature and grow older before you get stuck in an iceberg. Or, there is a reality in which technology has advanced, and you and your friends reside peacefully in it – in fact, as we speak, you are likely on an outing with Miss Katara which the millennials refer to as a speed dat – "

"How could there be a world with no benders? Or no Avatar?" I asked, cutting him off.

"Because it doesn't need one," he shrugged, "the reality doesn't face a threat that endangers the world or other living beings, so there is no need for the Avatar to be reincarnated into that universe."

"Okay, I think I get that… but, what does any of this have to do with me? And Katara?"

"Listen carefully now Avatar Aang, because this is important," Roku stated sternly yet understandingly – he probably recognised how crazy this sounded to me and was trying to remain as patient as he could. "In the beginning, there was only one reality – one timeline. One where the war was won, you and your friends rebuilt the world, you married your Miss Katara, and the airbenders were reborn. That universe is what us spirits classify as: World-Zero… the original. However, along the way, some freak accident – one which we are not yet aware of – caused multiple other universes to birth. Now, your reality, and the course you have set for it, is worrying; the world you and I visited just now, where you experience an early death and Katara is forced to live the rest of her life without you - it is extremely similar to the reality you're residing in now."

My eyebrows furrowed as I drew back somewhat, visibly confused as none of this seemed to be crucial, world-ending, Avatar business, "Again, what does Katara and I's relationship have to do with the rest of the world? I mean, in the reality you sent me to, everything turned out fine, didn't it?"

Roku nodded in agreement, "Indeed, it did. But…" he sighed, dipping his head as he visibly grew anxious and worrisome. "In that reality, 'you' maintained your sense of self." Roku must've noticed my offended expression as he immediately tried to reassure me. "Don't take it the wrong way, young Avatar. I know how hard life has been for you: losing your entire race, having the world depend on you, and having your heartbroken at such a young age would be taxing on anyone… and you have certainly composed yourself well for the most part. However," he raised his head, gazing into my eyes head on as he spoke sternly once again, "I fear that you are trailing too close towards a path that could cause civil unrest and harm many others, both innocent and guilty."

"How so?"

"There's a universe – or, well, a couple actually – where the pain you are dealt becomes too much for you to bear. In these realities, you have no one to share that pain with, no one to help you, and thus, you go down a path that leads to war, unrest or bloodshed. And we must avoid that at all costs now."

Just by the look on his face, I knew I was visibly taken back, yet I instantly shot forward, my fists clenching and teeth gritting as I growled, "I am an Air Nomad! I would never take the life of another! Whether they deserve it or not, its out of the question!"

Roku sighed as he glanced away, "You believe that now," he met my eyes again, determined, "but the impossible always seems impossible, until the winds of fate rear their ugly heads and push forth a dilemma and suffering so strong, that the impossible seems less like a figment of one's imagination, and more like an unyielding reality."

I growled further; he just had to confuse me with riddles again – he and Iroh were alike in that regard, I guess. However, the more I analysed it, the more I began to understand what he was trying to convey. Yet, I still wasn't convinced – he'd noticed.

"If you don't believe me, then see for yourself," he stated, before bending the mist right into my mouth where it travelled upwards and clouded my eyes.

"L-L-L-Look Aang, I-I-I – "

I saw Zuko pleading, when suddenly he couldn't. He couldn't move, he couldn't talk. Panning my head, I noticed that Roku had sent me to a reality where Zuko and the other 'me' were stationed at a campsite by the hillside; Ba Sing Se was in view, and it was a cloudy night.

When my eyes landed on the other 'me', I felt my entire body freeze. The other 'me' was holding his hand out towards Zuko – he seemed to be almost the same age as me, maybe a year or two older than 17 with extra blue dragon tattoos hugging his abdomen. I had seen that posture before, it reminded me of the one time I had witnessed bloodbending.

Just when I was about to tell 'myself' to stop, 'he' shifted his movements and caused Zuko to smash against a tree. I noticed that a small branch had penetrated Zuko's midsection, but the other 'me' didn't seem to care as he swung Zuko into another tree using his bloodbending – how the hell did 'I' even learn bloodbending and from who? Katara? Would she actually teach me?

I tried protesting, yelling at 'him' to stop, but he couldn't hear me, no one could. So, the other enraged 'me' slammed Zuko against the ground before shooting him backwards, thus causing him to collide against the rocky mountain behind him. When he regained his bearings, Zuko tried to fight back, but the other 'me' had already entrapped the Firelord's hands and feet in earth as well as encasing his mouth with a thick layer of ice. This version of 'me' seemed levels ahead of me in terms of bending, skill and power, and to be honest, 'he' somewhat frightened me too.

I watched on as the other 'me' walked up to Zuko and grabbed his face, 'his' eyes glowing white while he lit a… wait... what the fuck! Is that – is that a blue flame?! How the fuck?! Only Azula was able to conjure powerful blue flames! How am 'I' capable of the same feat?!

"So, Firelord Zuko," the other 'me' spoke, thousands of other Avatar voices layered beneath 'his' own. "How about as punishment for hurting Avatar Aang, we award you with a matching scar?"

Wait – hurting me? When did Zuko hurt me? How did he hurt me?

I ran towards them, attempting to stop 'myself' from making a huge mistake while knowing I had no chance. Just as I was about to reach 'him' however, I felt the mist leaving my mind and I came back to Roku.

"Do you believe me now, Avatar Aang?" He asked, waiting patiently for me to answer as I gasped for breath and tried to shake off my shock.

"Wh – what was that? Why was I about to burn Zuko's face off?" I asked, bewildered, "And in what way did he hurt me to bring me to the point of wanting to do that in the first place?"

Roku shook his head in refute, "That is not important; the reality you visited was in no way similar to yours. However, it is an example of what could happen if you continue acting the way you have been lately."

"What do you mean? How have I been acting?" I asked, offended and defensive.

"Impulsively," Roku answered sternly, his voice laced with conviction, "You lash out at anyone who doesn't agree with you or forces you to face your own faults or feelings. You assume they're trying to hurt you, or trying to mislead you, when in reality, they're only looking out for your wellbeing. I don't blame you – " Roku added immediately when he saw I was about to refute his claims. "After everything you've been through, I certainly can't fault you. But, you need to realise that you are the problem, and you need to allow others to help you." I dipped my head in shame, knowing full well that he was correct while still wanting to defend myself, "Your friends only want what's best for you, and you pushing them away, or telling them lies will do you, nor them, any good. It will only make things worse."

I knew he was referring to how I mistreated Katara – who else would he be talking about? And I knew he was right, but I still wasn't sure what all this had to do with me.

"I understand what you're trying to say Avatar Roku," I began carefully, "and I appreciate the advice, but I still don't see what these other realities have to do with me. I mean, its not like I'm going to go crazy and start throwing Zuko around."

Roku shook his head as he gazed into my eyes, challenging me, "How did you feel when Miss Katara told you that Zuko had cheated her? What did you want to do in that moment?"

I groaned as I glanced away – he had me beat; I wanted to pummel him. But, to be fair, if I hadn't then Sokka certainly would have had he learned the truth regarding their breakup.

"But I still don't believe that I could ever bring myself to take a life," I argued stupidly, stubbornly.

"I didn't think it to be true either," Roku began tentatively, the anxiousness and worry returning in his expression as he continued, "but when 'you' suffered a tragedy, I - I tried to help 'you'. I tried to stop 'you', but I couldn't."

"What are you talking about Roku?"

"I didn't want you to see this, and I won't show you confirmation of what you claim to be untrue, but… look into 'his eyes', Aang," he sighed as he dipped his head, but soon, he began bending the mist and it clouded my eyes once again while he stated, "and you'll see that I'm telling the truth."

I searched my surroundings as the mist cleared. We were in the Fire Nation, there were a few vehicles damaged and wrecked, littered around the road. There was shattered glass glittered everywhere, and when I heard groaning behind me, I was met with a sight that horrified me.

There laid Zuko, the lower half of his body stuck as an unconscious dragon crushed him as it laid atop him. A side of his face, the side that was scarred, was soaked with a liquid like substance that I couldn't identify. He was groaning in pain, and as I panned my head somewhat more, I was met with another truly horrific and nightmare-fuel sight. There stood, hovering above Zuko, a man dressed in a black-hooded, warrior-assassin-like outfit, a katana by his side, some sort of handheld object tied to his belt, and a dagger in his hand. When I searched his face, I was met with lava-like red hair, blackhole-like eye patches, a bleached-white face, and a crimson, sinister smile.

My eyes widened when I noticed that it was all face paint, and that some of it was damaged and had faded. My hand began trembling, my mouth agape, my breathing irregular when the clown-like phantom turned around to wink and smile at me before turning back around to Zuko. I saw his eyes – they were grey, and so broken. I just stood there, unable to do anything while one thought kept on resurrecting itself in my mind whenever I killed it:

''He' looks like me.'

"You disappoint me Zuko," 'he' spoke, 'his' voice high-pitched and dreadfully sinister, "you could've stopped me. This all could've been over tonight, but you just had to play the hero…"

"I made a promise," Zuko stated, determination evident in his eyes when the clown-like phantom lit a flame in his palm and held it just above Zuko's face.

"And that promise… hehe ha ha – excuse me – HA HA HA HA HA AH HA…" the clown began laughing hysterically – even his laugh… I don't know, it sounded like my own. Deranged, unfamiliar, but close to home either way. "That promise will cost you dearly, my precious Firelord."

"Arggh!"

"HA HA HAHA HA HA HA HAHA HA HAHA HA…"

As soon as I blinked, the other 'me' had shot a small flame towards Zuko's face. However, the side that was soaked in that weird substance had caught onto the flame and was now burning him, searing the skin right off the left side of his face and neck while he screamed in pure agony. And the clown… he was just laughing.

When the mist cleared, all that could be heard was my heavy breathing. Roku waited patiently while I tried to rearrange my thoughts and tried to comprehend exactly what I had just seen.

"What you just saw," Avatar Roku began, "that was a rather extreme case. A universe where every worst possible scenario after the war took birth and we couldn't do anything to reverse it. The reason I wanted you to see it was so you could understand the magnitude of consequences your actions have. The person you saw in that reality, was indeed 'Aang' – another you who suffered a great deal. His intentions are – "

"How could that be me?" I asked, still completely baffled. "I mean, how could I – how could I do that to Zuko?! I – I burnt half his face off! What… what happened – why did I do that?"

"None of that is important Aang; we can't fix what happened in that reality, but we can manage yours."

"Y-you mean… you mean that I – I turn into… that?" I asked, fearful and completely dreading Roku's answer.

"In your reality, it is highly unlikely you will – but…" he sighed, "the possibility, no matter how small, is there. And we have to eliminate any chance of it breathing life." Roku continued talking, but I could barely hear him; I recalled how that clown-like phantom winked and smiled at me, and the scene replayed in my mind. "Like I said, you need to allow your friends to help you. They are the key, especially Miss. Katara, she can help you immensely and she will… but only if you allow her. And pushing her away, or telling her lies that will only hurt her will only hinder your progress and will bring the possibility of you becoming – "

"He winked at me," I cut Roku off, completely confused yet dreadful as I stared into the distance. "When I visited that reality, the clown he… the other 'me'… he turned around – he winked and smiled at me. He knew I was there." My head shot up as I stared into Roku's wide and worried eyes, "how is that possible?"

"Wait," Roku seemed taken back, "'he' couldn't have seen you. He should be unable to. The only reason Miss. Katara in the other reality could see you was because your realities were basically identical, thus your spiritual connection was as strong as it could be. However, the one I sent you to was a completely different universe in its own sector, I mean – there's no way… he couldn't have – "

"He smiled at me Roku! He winked at me!" I shouted, standing up on my feet as I paced around, the mist mystifying my feet as they were now lost in the haze. "He could see me! He knew I was there! The other 'me' – the one with the dragon tattoos and blue flames couldn't see me. So, how could 'the clown'?"

Roku remained quiet for a moment, seemingly lost in his own thoughts as he looked like he was analysing the situation closely. "It seems like 'Aang' has grown far more powerful and knowledgeable than we anticipated," Roku stated, still gazing at his lap as he spoke, "If this keeps up, he will be able to contact and possibly defeat the Timebender himself."

My heart skipped a beat – several actually.

"Hold on, TIMEBENDER?!" I shouted, completely baffled. "What the fuck is a timebender?!"

"I have no choice," Roku stated, probably ignoring me as he seemed like he was still lost in his own mind, "I have to intervene. If this keeps up, he'll be unstoppable. And I can't allow that. I have to change something… something in his past maybe…"

"Roku!" I yelled, relieved when his head shot up as I finally gained his attention, "What is going on here?!"

"Its too complex to explain now, Aang," Roku stated as he too stood up, "I will deal with the 'other Aang', all you need to concern yourself with is fixing your relationship with Miss. Katara."

"What has this got to do with Katara? Are you saying she was responsible for me going crazy?!"

"Believe it or not, but she is the focal point of all your stories," Roku stated sternly, walking up to me as I gazed up at the almost 7-foot-tall man. "She filled the place in your heart that held your love for the Air Nomads, and she is the only one who can repair the damage your heart and your psyche has endured." Once he reached me, he placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed gently and reassuringly. "You love her, no matter how many lies you tell yourself, that one simple fact will never change. She has made mistakes, yes, but so have you. Everyone has. And its isn't fair or right of you to hold her hostage for hers when you don't even hold yourself accountable for your own."

I sighed deeply recognising he was correct, but there was still something holding me back: "How do I know I can trust her again, Roku?" I asked, sounding as broken as I was when Katara and I argued earlier tonight.

Roku smiled sadly as he took a few steps back. The mist began surrounding him, creating a small vortex as his eyes glowed bright. "The next few weeks will be difficult for you Aang. Don't push them away, don't push her away, and see for yourself. Your question will be answered, and you will know what to do."

And just like that, he was gone. After a few moments, I felt myself falling as well; my head growing light as my eyes weighed me down and I fell through the mist, only to return to my own body.

As I awoke by the pond, I recognised that the night had passed as the sun was offending my eyes by violently attacking them with its rays. I was still leaning back against the tree, but there were also a few things there that weren't present last night: a blue and warm blanket wrapped around me, and… a somewhat shivering WaterTribe girl sleeping beside me with her head resting on my shoulder.

I blushed at our closeness and tried shifting so I could wrap the blanket around her since she was sleeping without one, but my smallest of movements pulled her from her sleep as she shifted beside me and rubbed her eyes.

"A-Aang?" she asked, her morning voice hoarse and deeper than usual.

"Katara?" I asked, equally as confused as I wondered what she was doing here.

Suddenly, before I could do anything, her hands had cupped my face and her eyes, now wide open, were gazing into mine intently as she straddled my lap, her knees on either side of my own.

"Aang! You're okay!" She exclaimed, pulling me into an embrace as she sighed into my shoulder. I melted into after a brief moment of shock, but she seemed to have remembered something as she abruptly pulled away and blushed in embarrassment with an apology written in her expression. "I – I'm sorry," she said, glancing away, the crimson colour of her cheeks now deepening, "You said you wanted some space and I said I would give you some… so I'm sorry for jumping on you like that."

With that said, she got off my lap and sat beside me on her knees while I sighed, for some odd reason missing her comfort and the warmth that reminded me of the closeness we shared during the war.

"Are you alright, though?" she asked, gazing into my eyes, concerned.

I raised and eyebrow questioningly, "Umm yeah, I feel fine." She seemed relieved, but I was still somewhat confused, "Why were you out here in the cold?"

"Oh, well, I couldn't sleep last night so I stayed awake. Later on around midnight, I heard some noises outside, so I came here to check it out and that's when I found you. Your tattoos were glowing, so I knew you were in the spirit world." She shifted slightly, hugging herself as she rubbed her arms when the cold, harsh wind flowed through us. "But, you were shivering and groaning – it seemed like you were in pain or were uncomfortable… so, I brought my blanket over here draped it over you so you could stay warm. But, then I noticed that you were still shivering. So, I sat down beside you and well…" she trailed off as she blushed. She probably cuddled up with me but was either too shy or too afraid to say so as I had told her I wanted space – which I did, but now, I don't know. "Anyways, you stopped shivering then… and… I know you said you wanted space and I was going to get up, but I closed my eyes for just a second and the next thing I knew was that I wasn't conscious until you woke me up just now."

I stared at her for a while – she shifted again, this time seeming unsure of the intent behind my gaze. Though, her expression grew fearful when I frowned.

"You – you stayed here all night? In the cold? With me?"

She nodded shyly as she glanced away. I just simply sat there, staring at the bags under her eyes, feeling guiltier than ever. I was wondering why she had done it after how badly I had treated her the night prior. All the things I said, all the lies I pierced her heart with, and yet, she remained by my side.

"I – you – why did you…" I sighed, I couldn't form a cohesive thought, much less a sentence. After a short while, I just said, "You didn't have to do that for me, Katara."

She raised an eyebrow as she kept on rubbing her arms to gain some warmth, "Would you have left me in the cold if you found me like that?"

I shrugged as I answered, "I probably would've carried you back to your room, actually."

Katara simply rolled her eyes, though, a small smile was tugging her lips – after her comment, a teasing smile was forming on my lips as well. "Yeah, well, I can't do that; you're heavier than me."

I raised an eyebrow teasingly as I smirked playfully, "Are you trying to call me fat?"

"Aang, you literally have a six-pack!" Katara exclaimed, giggling until I responded.

"I can see someone has kept themselves well acquainted with my physique."

Her giggling immediately halted as she blushed and groaned, glancing away to hide her embarrassment while I chuckled – completely oblivious to the fact that I hadn't thought of the other 'me' as soon as I woke up beside her.

"Thank you, though," I stated gratefully, smiling at her endearingly while I removed the blanket from my chest and wrapped it around her shoulders as I helped her to her feet. "I'm grateful."

She simply smiled up at me while I lead her inside, opening the door for her as she spoke softly, "Its really no problem, Aang." Just then, as she was about to continue, Katara yawned and shook her head while doing so. "I guess I'm a little tired."

I felt guilty once again, realising that she had already stayed up all night like me but probably stayed awake much longer because she was trying to comfort me while I was in the spirit world.

"Get some rest, Katara," I suggested as I led her to her room. "I still have some business here with the Earth King, so we won't be leaving for the South tonight."

"When will we leave then?" she asked, while yawning again.

"We'll leave tomorrow," I answered, stopping when we arrived at her bedroom door. "So, take the day to rest up and sleep – I'll tell Suki not to bother you." Just then, as she opened the door and I was about to leave, something compelled me to stop and turn back around, "And… thanks again," I added, shyly smiling at her while she peered through the small opening between her door and the door frame. "Thanks for staying with me during the night," I rubbed the back of my head, "I think you helped me relax a little, in the spirit world I mean."

"Well, you're welcome," she replied while smiling sweetly before she gazed at me intently, "what were you doing in the spirit world by the way?" She asked, and I stiffened, wondering whether I should open up to her. Roku did tell me that I needed to stop pushing her away, and I know that soon enough I'd have to stop keeping her at arm's length as we'd have to talk… but not telling her about something isn't pushing her away… is it?

'Well, not technically, no.'

Oh… you're back. Where were you?

'Watching Netflix bud. I smashed all 6 seasons of Bojack Horseman in one sitting. Great show btw.'

Netflix? What the fuck are you on about? Are you on cactus juice again? And who's Bojack?

'I thought the author allowed you to break the fourth wall too, well, nothing I can do about it now.'

Author? What are you on about?

'Don't worry, just focus on the situation at hand for now.'

"Aang, are you there?" Katara asked, waving her hand in front of my face as I had zoned out for a bit. "Are you okay? Did something happen in the spirit world?"

I shook my head as I lied, "No, everything's fine, Katara. Roku just had to talk to me about some things. Nothing serious – " I added when I noticed she was about to inquire further, "just a bunch of spiritual mumbo jumbo but nothing to be concerned about. Trust me, just rest for now."

I lied to the best of my ability; it was so easy before, lying, especially to her. But now, it's becoming more and more difficult as every day passes by. Why is that?

'Maybe it's a sign?'

Could be.

"Are you sure you're okay, Aang?" Katara asked, still concerned – she must've noticed the fearful look in my eyes when the image of that sinister crimson smile smiling at me flashed before my eyes for a moment there. "You seem… I don't know… scared, preoccupied."

I shook my head and smiled in denial to the best of my ability – she couldn't see through it this time. "I'm fine, Kat. Trust me," when I realised what I had said, I blushed in embarrassment – she must've noticed as well as she was blushing now too.

Before things could get more awkward by me slipping up again, I cleared my throat and decided to take my leave. "So, uh… I'll let you rest now."

"Okay," she replied sweetly, smiling at me softly while I lingered by her doorway, seemingly stuck in place – gazing into her eyes despite announcing my leave a few seconds ago.

Those eyes… I forgot just how wonderful they were. Not many years ago, those eyes, that smile, that laugh… they were my world. They were what I lived for, what I fought for… which speaks volumes as a pacifist monk like myself wouldn't have fought as fiercely as I did when battling Ozai. But, the value of those eyes, that smile, that laugh… they were lost to me when my world shattered before my eyes. For years, every time she got a little to close to me for my liking, I reminded myself of how she shattered my heart, almost uncaringly. Now, however, I had done the same… and she still hadn't given up on me.

What am I to do?

'Well, I don't know about that, but you should probably stop standing there like an idiot and let her catch up on the sleep that you denied her by shivering and crying like a baby while you fucked around in the spirit world.'

Oh right.

I rubbed my head in embarrassment once again as I cleared my throat. "Uhh, I'll… umm… I'll go now." I said, half turning away while she smiled wider and giggled.

"Okay," there it was again, that smile, that laugh and… spirits… those eyes.

"Ummm goodnight?" I asked, sort of – I mean, it was morning, but she hadn't slept properly so… oh whatever.

She giggled again and spoke softly before closing the door, "Goodnight, Aang."

Through my seismic sense, I noticed that when she closed the door, she leaned back against it and let out a deep breath. I imagined her smiling widely against that door, mirth and joy gliding across her oceanic depths as she danced her way back into bed.

The thought made me smile, and for the second time since I woke up, I unshackled myself from the images of what Roku showed me in the spirit world.

XOXOXOXOXOX

I laid in my bed that night. My business with the Earth King had been dealt with quite quickly and easily, to my surprise, and tomorrow Katara, Suki, Sokka and I would be leaving for the Southern Water Tribe – making a pit stop at Kyoshi Island on the way for Suki to meet her warriors and friends again.

That whole night, I couldn't get what Roku had suggested off my mind. It was baseless to refuse the fact that I still had feelings for Katara now.

'Oh finally! Thank the spirits! It only took you 11 fucking chapters!'

I'm just going to ignore you unless you have something of value to say.

'Hey, I'm glad you're finally coming around. You need her just as much as she needs –'

I wouldn't say I need her.

'You're miserable without her.'

I don't know about –

'The one moment during which she was by your side, you relaxed and found comfort in her. You said it yourself, she helps you become a better version of yourself – '

Yeah, after she caused me to become a lesser version of myself in the first place.

'Oh, so now you're gonna blame her for that too?'

Am I wrong?

'Well, it is true that she was a catalyst for your transformation… but putting all the blame on her is unfair and you're just shying away from your responsibilities.'

How so?

'You were the one who chose to start acting like an asshole; she didn't force you. You need to own up to your mistakes and actions and hold yourself accountable – like Roku suggested you should.'

Its not that I blame her completely, its just that… she's the very reason I fell into a pit of self-despair in the first place –

'And she's the only one who can bring you out of it.'

That's not true. I can do it myself. I don't need her –

'Your version of 'fixing yourself' is sleeping with other girls or trying to avoid her and your own feelings at all costs. And you've been doing that for years now. Yet, as soon as she comes along, you're suddenly acting like yourself again. Now, is that just a coincidence or is there a reason behind it?'

Okay, I admit that I did fuck myself over throughout the years by avoiding the conflict… but… what choice did I have? The alternative would've been either getting myself hurt again as she still didn't think she felt the same for me, until now… or it would've been me having to hurt her as even back then I wasn't ready to be with her. Actually, I resented the idea.

'You idiot. I'm not telling you to date her or sleep with her, I'm telling you to allow her to be your friend again, to let her help you… everything else will come naturally.'

How can she help me though? I mean, I admit that I liked her comfort tonight… but that doesn't mean that she can fix the puncture in my heart that she caused.

'Don't you remember what Mai said?'

I thought for a second, until it hit me: 'From what I've been told and have seen myself… usually, the person who causes the damage also repairs it.' She had said that to me last night. Was she right? Can Katara really do that for me? I mean, it only makes sense; I've tried everything else. I've tried dating another girl to help get over her. I've tried sleeping around to avoid her and my own feelings. I've tried lashing out impulsively and calculatedly to see if it would bring me any satisfaction to see that same hurt that lingered in my eyes, in her own. It didn't. Nothing worked.

Except… when I woke up beside her. When she cupped my face. When she leaned in to hug me… none of it stung like it used to. Years ago, when I still held masked disdain for her, her touch, her words, they all had stung. She seemed like poison. Now, she seemed more like the remedy.

But I can't come to that conclusion so quickly. Even if it is true, I can't allow myself to trust to easily again. I need to take this slow. I need to observe her. I need to see if she'll falter. If there are any cracks in her so called 'love', then I need to be prepared if she turns her back on me.

'You told her you hated her. You took her insecurities, weaponised them and used them against her. You lashed out at her after she had confessed her love for you… and she still didn't blame you, or lash out at you unprovoked, or held a grudge. She had every right to, you wanted her to, in fact. Yet, her love for you persevered. Spirits, she spent the entire night in the cold with you, wrapping her own blanket around you and allowed herself to lay there in the cold so you could stay warm. Yet, you still doubt her? What will convince you?'

Why are you on her side now? Like, when this whole thing began, you specifically told me to deny her if she ever came back. I tried to tell you that maybe I should give her another chance, but you convinced me otherwise. What happened to all that?

'When you stumbled and danced around your feelings and made yourself miserable by lying to yourself, I realised that I was wrong. I admit I was wrong. You can't just get over her. You can't just bleed her out. You can't. You'll never be able to. Your every attempt has caused nothing but pain to either you or the people surrounding you; namely Jin, Ty Lee and Katara herself. You hurt Jin… you hurt Ty Lee and you hurt Katara. It's ironic: you asked Katara if there was a boy she'd been with whom she hadn't hurt… but you never once considered to look in the mirror to ask yourself: is there a girl who you've been with who wasn't already broken or had been left broken after you were done with them? Think about that for a minute… you berate and criticise Katara for 'not being honest with you', but when have you ever been truly honest with her? Really? You say you don't love her, you say you're over her… but we all know that's a lie. In reality, you're just afraid. So, I ask you again… what will it take for you to trust her again? To believe her when she tells you she loves you? What will it take?'

I sighed as I glanced outside, the moonlight shining through, cascading me – it almost seemed like it was highlighting all my faults for me to recognise and analyse clearly. I accused Katara of being selfish, and she admitted that she had been, but now, so was I. I was being selfish… yet, I feel like I have a right to. After all I've been through, I should at least be selfish about when I'd be ready to talk to her. And, to be fair, she herself told me she would wait.

'You haven't answered my question.'

Time. It's just gonna take some time for me to come through, I reckon.