A Search within the Force and Flame

XIII

 The next morning, the group disembarked from Appa. Sokka, Aang, and Katara were back in their usual clothes. Aang gave a small wave to Appa as they moved deeper into the valley. Momo skittered between rocks and branches, darting across shoulders and heads with wild enthusiasm.

The six travelers soon reached the edge of the forest. The trees grew thick and twisted, their roots clawing across the ground like talons. Shadows stretched long beneath their tangled canopies. A large, ancient stone face—cracked and worn—loomed above the entrance to the path, watching in silence.

Logan took a step forward—then staggered. He clutched his head as the world spun. A hand caught his arm. For a second, he saw her—Lyra—and his heart seized.

But it wasn't her. His vision focused.

Azula.

She looked genuinely concerned.

"Jedi," she said sharply. "What's going on? You've been... off since the village."

Logan grimaced. "It's this place," he said through clenched teeth. "The Force is strong here. Light and dark... but unbalanced. Chaotic. It feels like a nexus—wild, untamed."

He winced again as a chorus of voices filled his head—too many, too loud.

Azula looked to the others, her usual steel melting into something fragile beneath her eyes. "Help him," she said.

Katara sighed but stepped forward, pulling a small pouch from her belt.

"Here," she said, unscrewing the cap. "Take a sip."

Logan accepted it with a shaky hand, took a quick swig, and handed it back.

"Water from the Southern Tribe," Katara explained. "It won't fix it, but it should help... for now."

Logan gave a grateful nod, already feeling some relief. "Whatever it is... it works."

Katara offered a gentle pat to his shoulder.

"You sure you want to keep going?" she asked. "Zuko won't hold it against you. You've already done more than your share, Logan." She flicked her eyes subtly toward Azula.

"With all due respect, Kat, I made a promise," Logan said, squaring his shoulders. "I can tough it out a bit longer."

Katara crossed her arms, full big-sister mode.

"Katara," Logan said more softly, meeting her eyes. "I'm alright. If I need to stop, I will."

She held his gaze a second longer, then sighed. "Alright... but be careful."

"Aren't I always?" he smirked.

"Do you want me to answer that?" she deadpanned.

Logan looked down, sheepish.

"Didn't think so." Katara walked past him.

As she passed Azula, the princess offered a rare, subdued: "Thank you."

Katara's reply came sharp. "I didn't do it for you." Then she rejoined the front.

Aang frowned slightly, glancing at Logan and then at the looming trees.

"If this place is messing with Logan, it has to be the Forgetful Valley," he said.

"All because Logan's short-circuiting?" Sokka asked.

"That... and also because it says so on the sign behind you." Aang pointed flatly.

Sokka turned, saw the mossy wooden sign, and frowned in defeat. "Oh."