Forward In Time

Chapter Twenty-Six

Team Avatar stood in the radio room with Lin and Suyin. Aang paced the room as the radio operator adjusted the controls.

"We have a strong signal, but no one's answering." The operator said.

"I can't sit around here while Zaheer is on his way to the Northern Air Temple. We have to do something." Aang said, still pacing.

"I'll ready my airship." Suyin says, "With a full force of the Metal Clan security backing us, we can take them." She leaves the room.

"We'll never make it up there before Zaheer." Mako says.

"We have to try!" Aang snaps as he stops pacing.

Sokka places a hand on Aang's shoulder to calm him down, "Aang, maybe you should go meditate. Maybe you can get advice from a past Avatar."

Aang nods and leaves the room, the others watching him as he goes.

"I don't think I've ever seen him so anxious before." Lin said

"He's always anxious about something." Sokka replies, "He just hides it real well."

"I'm going to go watch over him as he meditates." Zuko says before exiting the room.

Zuko catches up with Aang and the two walk in silence to the garden. When they arrive, Aang sits down in his meditative stance and begins meditating as Zuko stays alert to their surroundings.

Aang crosses over to the empty Xai Bau's Grove, "Hello!"

Aang looks around and notices a figure approaching him. His eyes widen when he sees that it's Iroh.

"Iroh?"

"Hello Aang, it's good to see you again. At this age I mean." Iroh chuckles a bit, "Your future self visits me plenty of times."

"What are you doing here?"

"I was just out searching for a new teapot to add to my collection. But instead, I found you. In the Spirit World, you always seem to find something you don't know you were looking for." He notices Aang's troubled expression, "You look troubled."

Aang chuckles a bit, "When am I not?"

"Sit." Aang sits down with Iroh, "What is on your mind?"

"A lot of things. One of them being that my people are in danger again... including Katara." Aang hangs his head, "I just feel so lost right now. I can't access the Avatar State right now and I don't know why. It's like living through one of my nightmares."

"Aang, you have put the entire weight of the world on your shoulders. Don't let the weight crush you. The friends you have surrounded yourself with are here to help release the pressure. They have volunteered themselves to hold up the weight with you."

Aang looks back up, "I know. My friends have helped me be a better Avatar, but I still sent Katara into danger."

"There's nothing wrong with worrying about the one you love, but don't blame yourself if danger is heading her way. You have no control over that."

Aang glanced to the side, "What about my problems with the Avatar State?"

"The nightmares you've been having has made you lose faith in yourself. You're stronger than you think Aang, don't let your fear control you."

Aang looks at Iroh and smiles. He stands up, as does Iroh.

"Thank you, Iroh. You're right about the Spirit World. I came here looking for one of the past Avatars, but I'm glad I found you."

"And I'm glad I found you as well." Iroh places a hand on Aang's shoulder, "I've always thought of you and Zuko as my sons."

Aang's smile widen, "I've thought of you as a father as well, and I think of Zuko as my brother."