(Note: This is for missing yesterday's post)
So, after spending an additional hour explaining the multiverse theory to Korra, Kyoshi, and Roku with Jathr helping, we finally succeeded in getting the main idea through, though now came the problem with them coming to terms with the multiverse theory. "My mind has been officially boggled." "Yes, mine as well, Korra." Seeing Korra and Roku sit down with a blank expression, I wryly smiled before shifting my gaze to Kyoshi, who, although she remained primarily silent, was also just as confused as the former two. "I don't mind further explaining things in greater detail, but could we perhaps do that a bit later? I'm more concerned with actually learning why Jathr had Fan request our help."
At my words, the Kyoshi and Roku both nodded before shifting our gaze to Jathr, who had been patiently waiting for us, as for Korra, well, she seemed quite preoccupied. "So, does that mean there is a world where I was born a man? I wonder if I'm a handsome man?" Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I ignored Korra, letting her descend deeper into her imagination while the three of us adults paid attention. "Could you please explain, Jathr?" With a nod, Jathr cleared her throat and started from the beginning. "Father Glowworm is an ancient spirit born from a fruit of Jathr; he was my predecessor, the Keeper of Jathr before me." Said Jathr softly as the small tree roots moved in conjunction with her words and emotions.
"So you haven't always been the keeper of Jathr?" Asked Roku with a raised eyebrow while Jathr shook her head. "No. Being the Keeper is incredibly taxing upon us spirits; a spirit can only be a Keeper for so long before we exhaust our essence." Said Jathr softly while we nodded, though I couldn't help but frown at the implications of such things. "If that's so, then that means they'll eventually die once a spirit becomes the Keeper of Jathr? Why would any spirit take upon such a role?" Kyoshi asked with furrowed brows as she eyed Jathr, who smiled. "That's true; however, without a spirit acting as the Keeper of Jathr, life as we know it will spiral immensely out of control. All the numerous worlds will collide into one; such a thing happened nearly 100,000 years ago, creating two powerful entities of opposites that now inhabit every world." Remarked Jathr solemnly as she eyed us, causing me to narrow my eyes.
'Kovaa and Vaatu… So that's how they came to be.' Humming to myself, I remained silent and continued to listen to Jathr. "However, when his time came to become one with Jathr, he fled; though such a thing happened very long ago." Said Jathr with a slight frown while I tapped my chin. "Was he frightened of death? It is a common thing to be scared of." Asked Roku with a raised eyebrow, though I shook my head. "Doubtful, Roku. Father Glowworm must've known of his inevitable end if he accepted the role of Keeper." "Spirits live a long life, Aang; it wouldn't be surprising for his ideals to change." Said Kyoshi lightly as she glanced at me, and while I nodded in agreement, I still found it doubtful that was the reason why.
"Well, we can discuss why his ideals changed later. What we desire to know the most is: what is Father Glowworm doing?" Folding my arms, I glanced between Roku, Kyoshi, and Korra before settling my gaze on Jathr, who offered us a wry smile while slightly lowering her head. "I, too, do not know the answer to that question, but from my assumptions, I believe he wishes for the destruction of Jathr." "Destruction of Jathr? If simply leaving Jathr unattended could result in a cataclysmic event for all of reality, what would its destruction entail?" With a deep voice and a solemn gaze, Roku stroked his beard while narrowing his eyes at Jathr, causing us to slightly widen our eyes.
"The destruction of all reality?" Korra's hesitant voice echoed within the room, though none of us refuted her logical claim. "Even if that's true, I find it hard to believe he, or anyone for that matter, would want that. Is he not also a part of reality?" "Kyoshi makes a valid point." "Ah, well, I do apologize, Avatars, that is the only thing I've gleaned from his actions." Shaking my head, I disregarded Jathr's words while Korra comforted her. "We're not blaming you, Jathr; I'm sure you've come to the same conclusion as us, so the fact you still insist he wishes to destroy Jathr must mean something." While Korra comforted Jathr, Kyoshi took the initiative to speak. "Korra is correct. While I doubt Fatherglowworm wishes to destroy Jathr, there is a chance his plan deeply involves Jathr. "
"Does he want to control Jathr?" "He would need to kill me and take my spot; though if that was his plan, he would've long-since succeeded." We continued to think of Fatherglowworm's true goal, but with so little information, none of our ideas stuck around long; I'm sure we would've continued for longer, but Korra ended up yawning, breaking us out of conversation. "Ah, I forgot, you four helped us greatly in fending off Father Glowworm's horde. I'm sure you four must be tired, please, rest. Fan." With a charming smile, Jathr lightly bowed before Fan, who gestured for us to follow; leaving the room, we followed Fan, who led us through Jathr's interior before we arrived within an isolated hallway.
"These will serve as your rooms for your time here, Avatars. If you have any complaints, please let us know." Slightly bowing, Fan stood in the middle of the hallway while gesturing to two doors on either side, causing us to nod lightly. "I'm going to take a nap, I'm tired." Watching Korra enter the closest room, I shifted my gaze back to Fan. "Are there any bathrooms?" I felt my heart drop when I saw Fan furrow his brows in confusion. "Bathrooms? What are those?" "Oh, this isn't good."
___
___
Exiting a pond, I grabbed a towel and wrapped it around my waist, though to call what I had just cleaned myself in a pond was a bit of a stretch; it was merely a cupped-shaped leaf the size of a house with a lot of water inside of it. "I suppose I should be thankful it rained recently?" Raising my head, I looked up at the sky, though all I saw was endless branches and leaves. Shaking my head, I summoned a gust of wind while returning the Jathr's trunk, though along the way, I encountered Kyoshi.
"Be cautious of perverts, Kyoshi." Although I didn't intend to completely snitch on Roku, I would at least give her a heads-up, though, considering how she didn't seem surprised at my words, she must've already known. "I appreciate the warning, Aang." With a nod, Kyoshi continued across the branch, heading to the 'pond' I had just left, while I resumed walking to the Trunk; however, just as I arrived at the trunk, I sensed someone in the distance. Looking at another branch, I narrowed my eyes, spotting Roku, who stealthily followed Kyoshi.
'Ha, well, this Roku differs from the one I know.' Although it was more than weird for an old man in his fifties to be sneaking after a woman, especially one who's the Avatar, I just sighed and let him be. Entering the trunk, I walked down the hall and stepped into my room, where I put my clothes on, though just as I did so, someone knocked on my door, prompting me to open it. "Yes, Korra?" "Is right now a good time? I would like to ask you something." It was rare for the usually confident Korra to seem nervous, so I figured it must've been rather serious. Opening my door, I allowed her to enter my room, prompting her to sit in one of the chairs while I sat beside her. "What can I do for you, Korra?"
I was barely able to finish speaking before Korra tightly grabbed my arm while leaning closer, causing me to awkwardly lean backwards. "Please teach me how to air bend!" "T-That's it?" Rapidly nodding her head, I sighed in relief and nodded to her request, causing her to clench her fists in victory, though my following words deflated her excitement. "However, I can only teach you theoretical knowledge." "What!? Why?" "Because we're only able to use our innate bending." "O-Oh yeah, I forgot about that." With a twitching expression, I calmed my heart and stood up while gesturing for Korra to do the same. "Let us begin right now, then. I shall teach you the 36 forms of Baguazhang."
"Alright! I'm ready!" Seeing Korra so pumped and energetic, I faintly smiled to myself, and although I knew she would be challenging to teach, I felt it would be fun. Unfortunately, I hadn't brought my satchel with me, otherwise I would've given Korra a pair of my clothes to change into so she could fully embody an air-nomad, but she should be just fine without it. 'Hopefully at least.'