Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Katara hated being alone.

One moment she was at Hama's Inn trying to catch up with her brother, the next moment she was in this strange room that seemed to have no end. When Katara turned around to go the way she came, there was nothing but another long hallway filled with unfinished rooms. Everything was a faded molded yellow from the soaked carpet to the peeling wallpaper.

"Sokka!" Katara yelled. "Anyone?! Hello!!!"

Her throat was sore. She's been walking for hours. How long has she been stuck in this place? Katara wondered if it was the spirit world since her bending didn't work anymore. But her stomach rumbled with hunger and feet ached so she wasn't dead yet. Besides, if she was dead, Kya would had been by her side immediately to greet her.

Katara swallowed the lump in her throat and clutched her mother's necklace as she trekked down the never-ending path of twists and turns. The strange liquid steeped into her shoes, soaking her socks, as the mildewy smell of rotten paper stung her nose. The consent buzz from fluorescent lights filled her head and drowned her thoughts. Katara fought long and hard the urge to panic. After hitting another dead end, she broke down.

"LET ME OUT!!!" She clawed at the wall, screaming and crying and swearing. "LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT NOW!!!"

The wallpaper fell like yellowed snow. Despite looking it would turn to dust at touch, it remained glued to the wall. No matter how much Katara ripped off, more replaced it. Katara tore and punched the wall until her hands were bruised and batter. She sunk to the floor, soiling her dress in the carpet liquid. Katara was ready to curl up and wait for her slow death when she heard it.

A whirling clinking sound.

It was... wrong.

Katara couldn't put her finger on it, but everything about the sound was off. Renewed by burning curiosity, she rose from her spot and cautiously peaked around the corner.

A creature made up entirely of black substance and nearly reached the ceiling crept through the halls. It walked on two stilts with two more scraping the floor like arms. Katara's stomach dropped at the mere sight. Without warning, the creature snapped its rectangular head towards her and let out a horrible screech, revealing rows and rows of sharp teeth.

Katara ran.

She ran and ran, faster than she ever thought she could. The yellow walls blurred together even more as she took turns at will, trying to shake the monster. No matter how many corners she rounded or doorways she ducked through, it was right on her tail. Clanking and scraping along the rough fabric, unleashing terrible howls that rose goosebumps on her skin. Katara knew it was only a matter of time before the thing caught her. In her horror, she took a wrong turn and ran into another dead end.

"No! No! No!" She banged on the wall to no avail.

The yellow paper laughed mockingly at her, eager to up soak her spilled blood. The monster's screeches morphed into cackles as it slowly approached. It seemed to smile at her, sharp teeth in the black rectangle shape turning slightly upward. The look a predator who hunts not for food, but for sport.

For fun.

Katara's fear melted into anger. She gritted her teeth, refusing to die in such a mocking way.

The monster raised a lanky arm, prepared to strike her heart, when Katara let out a blood-curling scream. The creature flinched at the unexpected sound. Seizing the moment, Katara threw her jacket into the creature's mouth and slid under its legs, cutting her leg in the process. The monster made a gagging shrieking noise as Katara bolted down the hall. She ducked behind a wall just as the monster stormed past her, enraged and more terrifying than ever.

Katara waited for five seconds before running the opposite direction. After a while of running, Katara stopped to catch her breath. The room was quiet again except for the buzzing lights. Despite her burning legs, Katara forced herself to keep going. Now that she knew there was something out there, she couldn't stop and rest.

Maybe not ever again.

~*~

Exit.

Zuko could scarcely believe the red illuminated sign over the door. He burst through, ready for the nightmare to finally be over. Instead of open air, Zuko found himself in a school. The windows were shattered, and desks overturned in the classrooms. Zuko swore loudly.

When will it end?!

Zuko glanced behind him at the yellowed room then shut the door. He didn't know what horrors awaited him in this place but at least the lights didn't buzz directly into his skull here. Curiously, he reopened the door to see if the room was still there. It was, lights flickering and walls calling him to return. Zuko slammed the door and ripped off a desk leg.

In the yellowed room, when he didn't hear the buzzing lights, screams bounced off the walls from every direction. A girl's scream mixed with something definitely not human. Zuko wanted to help. Do something. But he couldn't find the source. Moments later, the girl's scream ended, creatures faded, and buzzing returned.

Agni. He hoped it was quick.

Zuko tightened his delivery bag before carefully trekking through the hall on high alert. The broken glass crunched under his shoes, echoing in the eerie hallway. Suddenly, he heard voices approaching. Acting fast, Zuko ducked into a classroom and hid behind a desk. Just in time.

Figures dressed in white hazmat suits marched by. On the back was a red flower under the words Operation: Red Lotus, Extraction Unit. Were they real people? The military here to recuse people trapped in this nightmarish maze like him? Zuko almost jumped out of his hiding spot but stopped short when he caught their conversation.

"What do you mean the girl escaped? How?!"

"I don't know. But if Entity 001 doesn't get fed, higher command will have our head. We'll have to extract her to feed the entity ourselves."

"That thing doesn't eat. Spirits, remember what it did to the last guy?"

"Hence the suits. Now hurry up."

Zuko blanched.

The girl was alive? He had to find her and warn her of these people least she makes the same mistake he almost did. After the strangers left, Zuko crept out of his hiding spot and went the way he came. Except it was different now.

Despite walking in a straight line, the hall had somehow shifted. The classroom numbers were in a different number order, some in languages he didn't recognize. Shadowy figures sat in the rooms without broken glass listening closely to the teacher who faced the board at all times. The shadows turned to stare at him as he passed.

Zuko walked faster.

After an hour, he broke into one of his precious rations, a delivery order that never arrived to its destination. Before Zuko could dig in, he heard footsteps behind him. Zuko hastily shoved the muffin into his bag and ducked into a classroom without shadows. He peaked through the window, gripping the desk leg tightly.

A girl staggered through the hall. She looked completely worn, hair clinging to her face from sweat and light blue dress stained and ripped. What's more was a nasty cut on her leg covered in dried blood.

Was this the girl those hazmat people were talking about? The one that escaped the yellowed room monster? Zuko hesitated. She could be another monster disguised as a human to fool him. But if she was a monster, she wouldn't be bleeding. Zuko decided to trail her, just in case.

She was cautious. On edge was a better word. She turned around every few minutes forcing Zuko to hide behind lockers or desks. After a while, Zuko decided to screw it and make his presence known. If the girl really was a monster, he had his trusty desk leg and 8 years of martial art classes to rely on. Right as Zuko opened his mouth, the girl gasped. Up ahead was a group of hazmat people gathered around something with their backs facing them.

Oh no.

Zuko opened his mouth to warn her, but it was too late.

"Hello? Can you help...."

The girl stopped short when the hazmat people spun around and pointed guns at her. Acting quickly, Zuko threw his desk leg over the unit's heads. They fired at will, hitting a light fixture and bathing a section of the hallway in darkness. Zuko grabbed the girl's hand and ducked into a classroom. The shadows glared at them. Zuko's heart dropped. It was the wrong class! Before they could run out the room, the teacher's head turned 180 degrees like an owl-cat. Her smile that was too wide for her face melted into a snarl.

You're late.

The teacher's neck extended as her head was catapulted towards them at alarming speed. Her jaw unhinged like a serpent-fowl, teeth morphing into fangs and eyes rolling back into black voids.

A hazmat person appeared behind them, brandishing his gun. The girl yanked Zuko to the ground as the squad member fired. The bullets had no effect on the monster. It wrapped its mouth around the person's head and yanked him back into the classroom, kicking and screaming. Seizing the moment, the teens bolted out and slammed the door just as the shadow figures descended onto the man, screeching and ripping off his suit. Before either of them could process what happened or catch their breath, guns were pointed directly at them as the rest of the squad cornered them.

"You're coming with-"

A long black stilt struck a hazmat person in the shoulder and dragged her into the darken section of the hall. The squad returned fire to aid their comrade. Zuko and the girl tried to make another break for it when a member was thrown against the wall, suit torn and bleeding heavily. Zuko kept running but stopped when he noticed the girl was not with him. She was kneeling beside the man.

"Come on!" Zuko yelled while he rushed over.

"Help me carry him!"

Unnatural howls drew closer. Zuko swore. They didn't have time to waste on auguring!

He threw the guy's arm around his shoulder and pushed further down the never-ending hall away from the massacre. They didn't get far before the man wiggled out of their grasp and fell hard to the ground.

"Give it up kids." he rasped. "We're done for."

Zuko grabbed him by the collar. "Not until you explain who you are and what in Koh lair's is going on!!!"

"And how we get out of here!" the girl added.

The man let out a strained laugh. "Isn't it obvious. There is no exit! Not for the first hundred levels. You'll die before you reach it."

"Levels? What are you talking about?" Zuko demanded.

The man's eyes grew somber. "Do yourselves a favor and end it now before the entities gets you."

He clamped down on something hard. White foam filled his mouth causing Zuko to drop him in surprise. He was dead in seconds.

The two shared a brief horrified expression. Agonized screams drew closer, reminding them of the very present danger and the only thing they could do at the moment.

Run.

~*~

The storage closet was cramped.

Barely enough room for both of them to sit down. After finding shadow classroom after classroom with that monster still following them, the tiny closet was their only option. They couldn't run forever.

Katara took a deep breath in attempts to soothe her burning lungs. She studied her new companion in the dim light. He looked around her age and Fire Nation despite the green Earth Kingdom shirt he wore. There was a deep burn scare covering nearly half of the left side of his face. Katara wondered if he got it from this nightmare place.

"I don't hear anything." the boy whispered. "I think it's gone."

"We should wait a bit. Just in case." Katara said. "Thank you. For saving me back there."

"Thanks for pulling me out of the way of that...teacher thing." He turned to look at her, shaggy black hair falling into his golden eyes. "I guess we're even now."

Katara's cheeks heated up. "Guess so."

"I'm Zuko, by the way."

"Katara."

There was a low rumble and Katara hugged her stomach, slightly embarrassed. Now that things had calmed some, hunger pains shot through her. Zuko pulled out the muffin he was saving, broke it in half, and handed it to her.

"Oh spirits-" Katara gobbled it down in three bites, not caring about manners. "Where did you find it?"

"I was making a delivery for my uncle's tea shop when I ended up here." Zuko explained.

"How did you get here exactly?"

"I don't know. I went to this seedy apartment and hit two elevator buttons by mistake. When the doors opened, I ended up in the yellowed room. You?"

"Exploring a speedy motel with my brother. Opened a door and bam, yellowed room."

"What is it with this place and crappy buildings?"

Katara snorted. "Tell me about it. Sokka was convinced there was treasured hidden somewhere in the old motel. I told him we wouldn't find anything but roach-crabs."

"Do you think there's really no way out like that hazmat guy said?" Zuko asked quietly.

"I don't know but we have to try. If there's even a slim chance of escaping, I'm not going to give up."

Zuko had a faraway look. "Never give up without a fight..."

"Exactly." Katara leaned her head against his shoulder as sleep pulled her under. "I'm glad you're here, Zuko. I'm glad we don't have to do it alone anymore."

Zuko shifted so she was more comfortable and rested his head against hers.

"Me too."

~*~

The book was not there before.

Sitting at the foot of the door, was a worn leathered bound notebook that appeared overnight. Zuko and Katara stared at it like a ticking bomb. After several moments of inactivity, Zuko nudged it with the tip of his shoe earning a sharp look from Katara. Still nothing happened. Zuko thumbed it open while Katara told him to be careful. The book had a strong scent from age and use. It was very clear whatever the words were written in was not ink.

I decided to start keeping notes of the things I've learn here. Who knows, it might help the next poor soul who ends up in this cursed place.

"There are more people here?" Katara asked. "What happened to this person?"

"Let's find out." Zuko said and kept reading.

There's an official name for this realm, but I call it the Backrooms.

The place that was never supposed to be. A place where spirits not fit for Earth or the Spirit realm dwell. It works on a different time scale. Sometimes you see things that haven't happened yet or things that might in another life.

But whatever happens, whatever you do, never make contact with the Red Lotus military group in hazmat suits. From what I've gathered, they're the reason we're all in this mess and won't hesitate to sacrifice you to these creatures to further their goals. What those goals are, I don't know. Nothing good.

"That explain things somewhat." Katara said.

Zuko flipped to the back of the journal.

"What are you doing?"

"The hazmat guy said something about levels. Maybe this person found an exit and escaped."

Zuko stopped on the last page with writing on it. The page was crinkled with dried blood and tears.

I don't have much time left. This is my last entry.

The final floor. Level 3999. It's real. I've seen it with my own eyes. An arcade.

I... I was foolish. Rash. I'm being sent back to another level. I don't have enough strength to make it back.

To whoever finds this journal, know there's a safe way out. If not Level 3999, there are others hidden in plain sight. So please...

Don't lose hope.

The last brush stroke trailed off the page. A heavy silence settled over them as Zuko carefully closed the book.

"3999 levels..." he whispered.

"We have to try." Katara said firmly.

Her cerulean eyes burned with determination. Zuko nodded, feeling his own resolve growing within him. With the journal's help, they'll know what to expect now. Zuko stood and helped Katara up. He placed a hand on the doorknob. It was time to leave their hiding spot. Time to fight and survive.

"Ready?"

Katara gave him a tight nod.

Zuko opened the door, revealing another long hallway filled with heavy machine on each side. On the side of the wall was the number 3 in faded paint. Katara took a deep breath.

"3996 levels to go."

Chapter Text

It's amazing how much a person can change in two years.

Katara stared at herself in the full-length mirror. Her eyes carried dark bags and now short hair was wild and free. Scars covered her whole body. Feet raw from the constant movement. Cuts on her arms and legs that never fully healed. Faded pink burn scars on her hands from a partially nasty phoenix entity. A long gash across her face from escaping a tribe of other trapped people. The leader claimed young women were hard to find in the backrooms and demanded Katara's 'services' in exchange for protection. She shuddered at the memory.

Not all monsters in the backrooms looked like monsters.

Katara flipped her hood up and secured her knives before looking at her reflection again. Her mother's necklace, triple knotted in place, was the only thing that remained the same. If Katara returned home this second, no one would recognize her.

"Hey." Zuko called from across the room. "You ready?"

"Yeah."

She grabbed the journal and her bag stuffed with supplies. The Abandoned Mall level was a real treat. Dozens of weapons, clothes, and food rations left everywhere. There was no doubt it will attract more tribes and free-range entities. They better get a move on. Besides, it wasn't wise to stay in one place too long.

Katara crossed the room, stepping over scattered clothes and old mannequins to where Zuko was changing. She caught a glimpse of his equally scared bare chest, well defined from the constant exercise. Katara's stomach fluttered as she traced his outline.

"My eyes are up here." Zuko teased.

Katara crossed her arms and huffed. "Not my fault you take forever to change."

Zuko chuckled as he tied his long hair up into a topknot. He grabbed the worn Jasmine Dragon delivery bag that miraculously held up this long and planted a kiss on her forehead. Warmth filled Katara's chest. Another change.

She wasn't sure what they were.

Partners of course. Trusted friends without doubt.

But what friend gives the most tender looks when they think you're not looking? What friend knows your deepest regrets and secrets but chooses to stay anyway? What friend holds you close as unimageable pain courses through your body? What friend kisses you after practically bringing them back to life?

Somewhere between being hunted for sport, fighting nightmares incarnated, and struggling just to make it to another day, they became something more. Something deeper than friends and even the typical boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. There was no word for what they shared.

As she reached up to brush Zuko's stray strands from his face while he smiled gently at her, Katara decided she didn't care. She was beyond grateful that they existed. Whatever they were.

Zuko gave her another kiss, on her scarred hand this time, before growing serious. "How much time left?"

Katara clutched her abdomen and winced. "A day at the most."

Her menstrual cycles were their only means of tracking time in this realm. As a waterbender, they were always unpleasant at best because of her connection to the moon. But they were even worse in the backrooms, leaving her writhing in pain and too weak to walk. The one bright side was they only lasted a day here.

A long miserable 24 hours exactly.

Zuko nodded grimly, knowing time was not on their side. They had to find shelter. Fast.

"Let's get going."

~*~

Zuko smelled the chlorine water before even opening the door.

Everywhere he looked were white tiled structures emerging from pools. Arches. Hot tubs. Handrails. Walled off tube slides. Stairs started at the ceiling and expanded far into the inky depts. And of course, hallways. This would not be the place to set up shelter.

“We should go back to the mall.” Katara said, reading his mind.

Zuko nodded and closed the door.

They did not get far when a familiar voice got their attention.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t my old pal Zuko.” Hahn grinned while the rest of his guys backed him up. “And his little whore.”

Zuko glowered at him. “What do cowards want?”

“Besides another beating?” Katara ready her knife and array of colorful explosive mushrooms.

“You got lucky.” Hahn jerked his head to the side. More guys have joined. Rough looking men baring guns and wearing the remains of jumper uniforms with red flowers on them.

“The Red Lotus?!” Katara said in surprised.

“Ex-Red Lotus. Dudes so tough even the military couldn’t handle them.” Hahn bragged like recruiting them was the greatest achievement in his life. “The Mall is our territory now. If you freaks come around here again, we’ll throw you to the Skin-Stealers.”

Both Zuko and Katara gave him the dirtiest look imaginable. Hahn smirked.

“But of course, my original offer still stands.”

“Eat ash you little-" Zuko lunged for him but Katara placed her hands against his chest.

“Zuko no! We don’t have much time. Besides, he’s not worth it.”

Zuko scowled but calmed down.

“That’s right, Zuzu.” Hahn jeered as the two walked away. “Go help your slut bleed.”

Zuko whipped around, knife already in hand, when Katara caught his arm again.

“He needs to pay!”

“He will.” Katara held up an explosive mushroom and smirked.

Zuko blinked before a smile grew on his face. “I love you.”

"I know." Katara laughed. “Three seconds is plenty of time.”

She pressed the mushroom cap then threw it behind. Zuko quickly shut the pool level door. They took off running down the flooded hall as screaming and swearing came from the other side.

~*~

They’ve been walking for hours.

Katara’s feet were water logged and aching. Still no sign of dry ground let alone an exit. How she longed to control her element again and simply create the shelter they needed! Her insides twisted as Katara bit back a whimper. Zuko shot her a concerned glance.

“I’m fine.”

“Katara.”

“Really, I’m- “

A massive shadow passed over them. They both spun around in time to see something disappear into a deeper pool.

Zuko pulled out his spear, a metal pole with several knifes tied to the end, and crept forward. Katara brought up the rear with her knife and bag of mushrooms in hand. Her heart thudded wildly. They kept going, carefully and on high alert. At the end of the hall was a huge pool with many white tile walkways across it. The water itself was dark and dirty. Debris floated everywhere. On the other side was a small tunnel that looked like a waterslide opening. EXIT was written over it in huge colorful letters.

Zuko placed a foot on one of the paths. It immediately crumpled into the black depths.

“We’re going to have to make a run for it.”

Katara winced. Her sides were already starting to cramp up.

Zuko noticed and handed her the bag. “I’ll carry you.”

Katara only nodded. She could not take her eyes off the water. Deep dread filled her. Not because of the entity lurking but because of something she could not place.

“Katara?” Zuko looked at the spot she was staring at.

Air bubbles emerged. A few at first then many in rapid succession. Suddenly, a small girl burst through the water, coughing and gasping for air. She caught sight of them as she flared around.

“Help- “

A large slimy tenacle wrapped around her tiny body and pulled her back under. Zuko immediately dove in after her.

“ZUKO!” Katara screamed.

More air bubbles shot up and waves spread across the pool. Katara slit her hand and ran across one of the paths, letting the blood drip behind her. The waves followed her as the path crumpled after each step. Katara ran to the corner and bandaged her hand. At the last second, she jumped onto the next platform and kept running. A tenacle shot up feeling around for her. Katara activated one of the mushrooms and threw it back into the bag along with her bloodied bandage. She threw the bag at the entity. The monster dragged it under. Seconds later, a huge explosion went off, sending water and monster chunks everywhere.

Katara made it to the exit and scanned the water for Zuko and the girl. Spirits, did the explosion get them too? Katara clutched her side as the pain increased.

“ZUKO!!!”

No. Please, Tui. Not him!

“ZU- “

Spluttering caught Katara’s attention. Zuko hauled himself onto the platform. In his arms was the small shivering girl holding on for dear life. Katara ran over and hugged him, crying out of relief.

“We’re okay." he breathed. "We’re okay.”

Zuko rubbed the back of the girl to help her spit out the water. After she was done, Zuko gently removed her arms from around his neck.

The child looked like she was 5 or 6 years old. She was covered in dirt and slime, sticking to her wavy black hair and one-piece swimsuit. A bruise on her forehead had some blood on it. She was definitely human. Katara’s heart ached for the poor child thrusted into this nightmare. There was no telling what horrors she'd already faced.

“It’s alright, sweetie. You're not alone anymore.” Katara said tenderly. “Here, let me get those.”

She carefully pulled off the purple goggles and gasped. They had exact same shade of blue eyes. The girl scrunched up her face, equally confused.

“What’s your name?” Zuko asked.

She turned to him and whimpered when she saw his scar; eyes growing big and watery. Zuko cringed. He probably looked like another monster too. Much to his surprise, the girl wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug and sobbed.

“Daddy!”

Chapter Text

Zuko was utterly speechless.

The backrooms did many things to his mind, twisting and distorting reality to its sick desire. But one thing he was sure of was not having a child. Considering how his own father abused him, Zuko never even entertained the idea of having children least he’d treated them in a similar fashion. After all, people did often compare him to Ozai. Yet, the small girl clinging to him had other ideas.

“I’m so sorry!” she cried. “I’ll listen from now on! I promise!”

Zuko swallowed. Best to go ahead and rip off the bandage.

“I think you’re confused. I’m not your f-father.”

“You’re not?” the child asked in a small voice.

She looked at him with a wavering lip that broke Zuko’s heart. He suddenly had the urge to say yes and wipe her tears away. Katara’s pained cry snapped him out of his thoughts.

“I-It’s happening…” She said through gritted her teeth.

Zuko swore under his breath. They couldn’t stay here. Even with the entity dead, it’s remains could attach something much larger and fiercer. The murky waters were already starting to stir.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” the girl asked worriedly as she climbed off Zuko’s lap.

“Don’t worry about me, sweetie.” Katara forced out a smile. “It’s… normal…”

Zuko gently picked Katara up. She wrapped her arms around Zuko’s neck and tried to keep her moans to herself as Zuko motioned to his back.

“Climb on. We’ll take the exit together.”

The girl hesitated. “Mommy said never leave with strangers.”

“We’re not strangers.” Zuko said quickly. The water became more agitated. They needed to leave now! “I’m Mr. Zuko and this is Ms. Katara. What’s your name?”

“I-Izumi.”

She let out a low whimper when she noticed the water movement.

“That’s such a pretty name.” Zuko said encouragingly. “Especially for a brave girl like you.”

“You can do it, Izumi.” Katara rasped. “We believe in you.”

Izumi swallowed thickly. She put goggles back on then climbed onto Zuko’s back.

“Good job.” Zuko praised. “Hold on tight.”

Thankfully the exit tunnel was a lot bigger up close, allowing for all three of them to squeeze through at once. There was a sharp drop as Zuko’s feet slid from under him. The tube that lit up like a carnival ride as they went flying down at top speed before falling onto a velvety oversized leaf. It gave way under their weight, causing them to fall onto leaf after leaf before landing hard on the ground. Zuko hissed. He could only imagine how Katara was feeling from the bumpy ride.

“Everyone okay?”

“We’re really tiny!” Izumi exclaimed.

Zuko looked up and saw massive plants and vines towering over them resembling some sort of rainforest. A forest meant wood and game.

He could work with this.

~*~

They found a hollowed-out stump not long before a rain shower. How fortunate. Rain in the backrooms was acidic at worse and undrinkable at best. Zuko tended to the fire as he kept an eye on Katara. She fell asleep as soon as they arrived and would hopefully sleep through the remaining hours. On really rough cycles, her body shut down to the point not even a firebombing could wake her. Izumi sat by her side, buried in one of Zuko’s shirts as her swimsuit dried over the fire.

“I-Is Ms. Katara dying?”

“No. She just needs rest.”

Zuko patted the ground beside him. Izumi crawled over and nestled against him.

“I wish I could water-heal, like Mommy. Then I could help Ms. Katara.”

“Bending doesn’t work here.” Zuko stared at his hands. It’s been so long since he summoned a spark or felt Agni’s warmth deep inside.

“Auntie said you don’t need bending to know how to fight. She taught me how to kick real hard. That’s how I got the monster off with it first grabbed me. I kicked its stupid eye and told him to leave me alone.”

“That’s really brave.”

“He didn’t listen though.” Izumi pouted. “Are you sure you’re not Daddy?”

Zuko got a good look at her now that she wasn’t covered in pool slime. Izumi had the same black hair and pale skin as he did, with Katara’s eyes and round cheeks. To be honest, he wasn’t entirely sure.

“What’s your Daddy and Mommy’s names?”

“Daddy and Mommy.”

“Okay… what do they call each other?”

“Love and Darling!” Izumi said proudly. “Uncle says it’s super oogie but him and Auntie do the same thing.”

Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose. This wasn’t helping.

“I think it’s time for bed.”

“But I’m not tired.” Izumi whined as she bit back a yawn. “I wanna stay up with you!”

Zuko wrapped a blanket around her. “No buts. You promised you’d listen, didn’t you? You have to honor your promises.”

“Okay.” She said disappointedly.

Zuko’s heart swelled when Izumi snuggled closer and rested her head on his leg. He was suddenly overwhelmed by a strong sense of dejavu.

“What about the monsters?” Izumi whimpered.

“I’ll protect you. So will Ms. Katara when she wakes up. Promise.”

Izumi was quiet for a moment. Her little face was etched with worry and fear as she watched the rain.

“Can you sing, Dad- uh, Mr. Zuko?”

Zuko turned his head. “I’m not much of a singer.”

“Please?” Izumi stared at him with huge pleading eyes. “I-I’m scared.”

Zuko teared up. There was no way could say no now. He cleared his throat and began the only lullaby he knew.

Leaves from the vine
Falling so slow

Like fragile tiny shells
Drifting in the foam

Zuko smiled softly as Izumi’s eyes drooped close and breathing evened out. He gently pulled the blanket closer around her and stroked her hair. It was right then and there, Zuko swore he’d do everything in his power to get this child home. No matter the cost.

Little soldier boy
Come marching home

Brave soldier boy
Comes marching home

~*~

Traveling with a small child was a whole new challenge. More rations were required, and they couldn’t move as fast as before. But Katara would be damned if she left Izumi to fend for herself. The extra work and precautions were worth it. Besides, the little girl helped where ever she could.

“Here it is.” Zuko sighed as they approached a crossroads with two marked exits.

“What do we do when we find the exit door?” Katara asked Izumi.

The little girl tightened her grip on the knife Katara gave her as she got into position.

“Be the lookout.”

The higher they went, the more intelligent the entities became. Some figured out where the exit doors were and camped out, attacking whenever the door was opened. A lesson the small group of travelers found out the hard way.

“That’s right.” Katara stood between her and Zuko, also alert and readying her weapon. “Which one should we try?”

Zuko flipped through the journal but it held no suggestions. “We’ll have to wing it.”

Katara rubbed her necklace, praying for something nice for a change. “The one on the right.”

“Okay then.” Zuko gave her a firm nod. “Ready Zumi?”

“Uh-huh.”

Zuko took a deep breath, bracing himself, then yanked open the door. A strong freezing wind hit them, carrying snowflakes and icy rain. Zuko carefully took a couple of steps in the scope the area. Katara hovered close by ready to pull him out if trouble presented itself.

“All clear!”

The group put on extra layers before heading out. The door automatically closed behind them and disappeared. No going back that way. The level was beautiful though with its towering frosted covered trees and gentle snow. A real winter wonderland.

Izumi ran ahead of Katara to hold Zuko’s hand. Katara felt a mixture of fondness and slight jealously. Zuko saved Izumi’s life. It’s natural for her to favor him more. Still, it was sweet to watch Zuko become flustered each time she attached herself to him.

“Miss Tara.”

“Yes Izumi?”

“Hold hands so we don’t get lost.”

“Good thinking.” She gladly took Izumi’s hand. “But we still gotta be on lookout, okay?”

“Okay.”

Was it strange to be happy in such a situation? They all were still in danger. But Katara so desperately wanted a semblance of normal life. Even if it was for a moment.

The group continued to trek through the snow. After a while, Izumi grew too tired so Zuko carried her on his back. Snow began to fall harder as night approached. They had to find shelter quickly. Surely exposure alone will be enough to kill them.

“I’ll get started on a lean-to.” Zuko said.

“Look!” Katara pointed towards the sky “It’s smoke. Let’s check it out first. It’s not too far.”

Zuko hesitated. “Could be a trap.”

“Or shelter.” Katara countered firmly.

He glanced at the shivering Izumi and sighed. “Alright. One quick look.”

Katara led Zuko while keeping a close eye out. So far, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. They soon found the source of the smoke. A chimney neatly resting on top of a log cabin. The two hid behind the trees for a bit, waiting and watching for any movement before carefully approaching. Zuko gave Izumi to Katara then knocked on the door.

“Hello? Anyone home?”

He turned the knob and was surprised to find it unlock. Inside was even more surprising. The log cabin was fully furnished and clean. In the living room was a warm toasty fire. The two eased inside while marveling at the place. It was like something straight out of a story book.

Katara laid Izumi down on the plush rug beside the fire as Zuko cleared the house. She pulled out the journal in hopes it could give an explanation.

“All clear.” Zuko sat down beside her. “There's even hot running water. It seems so normal it’s scary.”

Katara hummed as she continued her search. “Maybe it’s one of those rest levels like the Cloud Meditation level.” She sighed dreamily. “That was so nice.”

“Too bad it was only thirty minutes.” Zuko muttered. “If this is a rest level, then it must be timed too.”

“Then we better get some sleep. I’ll take first shift.”

“Katara-“

“You were carrying Izumi through snow for at least an hour. Besides, it’s my turn for first shift anyway. Get some rest.”

Zuko sighed as he gave in and kissed her cheek. “Don’t let me sleep all night. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

She watched Zuko gently brush Izumi’s hair out of her face before settling down beside her. Katara’s stomach fluttered as she smiled softly. She loved both of them so much.

Katara forced herself to continue reading but her vision became blurry. The combination of exhaustion, fire crackling, and light snoring was hypnotic. Before Katara knew it, the book slipped from her hands as she fell into a deep sleep.

~*~

Her nose woke her up, followed by her growling stomach.

Something smelt delicious.

Katara groggily opened her eyes and discovered she was in a bed. Zuko must have woken and carried her there. She sat up and saw Zuko already up sitting beside her.

“Good morning, Sleepy Beauty.”

Katara smiled and stretched. “Mornin’.”

“Not that I’m not grateful for the extra sleep, but I thought I asked you to wake me earlier for...” Zuko trailed off. “I can’t remember what. Something important I think.”

“What?” Katara asked confused. “You didn’t carry me to bed?”

Zuko frowned. “Didn’t we sleep here to start?”

“Um…”

Did they? Last night was a blur.

A loud crash sent them flying to their feet and running downstairs. A bashful Izumi and shattered bowl of fruit greeted them.

“I’m sorry.” Izumi cringed.

Zuko and Katara paid no mind to the mess. They were too busy gawking at the freshly cooked breakfast large enough to feed an army.

“Izumi, did you cook this?” Katara asked.

She shook her head. “I thought you did.”

“What’s going on here?” Zuko asked out loud. “If none of us cooked this, then who did?”

Despite her better judgement, Katara took a bite of a biscuit. “Oh!” she sighed, letting the warm butter melt on her tongue. “Zuko, you have to try this!”

She shoved the biscuit into Zuko’s mouth then returned for more. His eyes lit up.

“This is incredible!”

“C’mon.” Katara pulled up a chair. “It’s been forever since we had a homecooked meal.”

“Yay!” Izumi cheered as she went straight for the dipping bowl filled with melted chocolate.

Zuko quickly polished the rest of the biscuit. He supposed a few more bites wouldn’t hurt. Besides, it would be a shame to let all of this delicious food go to waste.

~*~

They found more and more reasons to stay at the cabin longer.

First to wait out a blizzard that sprang out of nowhere. Then they stayed up watching Northern Lights streak through the sky after the storm let up. Then they celebrated the Winter Solstice holiday, per Izumi’s request. Of course, decorations had to be made and gifts exchanged. Soon after, Katara discovered a hot tub out back so she and Zuko waited until Izumi was asleep to use for some alone time.

Eventually, no one could remember why they wanted to leave in the first place. Their little log cabin in the winter woods was paradise.

It wasn’t until Zuko found the old book did everything change. Izumi had lost one of the handmade hair beads she and Katara crafted. Zuko checked under the rug when he noticed one of the floorboards loose. Assuming the bead fell through the crack, he pried it open and found an old journal that looked vaguely familiar.

“Did you find it, darling?” Katara asked from the kitchen.

“No, just this weird book. Is it yours?”

Katara walked in and scrunched up her nose. “Ugh it reeks!”

Zuko took a sniff and recoiled. It did smell gross. Old and metallic.

“Just throw it in the fire. Dinner’s almost ready.”

Zuko held it over the flames but hesitated. He couldn’t get rid of it. Not yet. He hid it behind the woodpile as Izumi burst in from playing outside. The book remained forgotten until late that night when Zuko woke with a parched throat. After getting some water, he saw the wood pile neatly stacked together. Not like how he dumped it inside the box earlier. Normally Zuko would ignore it, knowing how Katara likes to keep the house tidy, but it reminded him of the book.

He checked the wood pile but it wasn’t there. Or under the flood board. He did find a ragged bag. How strange. What else was hidden in this cabin?

After searching the floorboards more, Zuko grabbed the fire poker and searched the embers. He soon fished out the book and stomped out the flames. How did it end up in the fire place? Katara must have thrown it in when she straightened the wood pile. On closer inspection, he realized it was a journal. Zuko lit a candle and began reading.

It went on and on about portals, monsters, and some place called the Backrooms. Zuko felt sick. This was ridiculous. Clearly the ramblings of a madman. Zuko glanced at the bag as his stomach knotted. Setting the book aside, he brushed off the bag and held it towards the light.

The Jasmine Dragon

Zuko felt like cold water was dumped all over him.

He remembered everything.

~*~

Katara was in a peaceful sleep when Zuko burst in raving about memories and journals.

“Darling, what are you going on about?” she moaned while half asleep. “Did you have a nightmare?”

“The cabin made us forget that we’re trapped in the Backrooms! We have to get out of here!”

“Backrooms?”

“It’s all right here! See?” Zuko opened the journal. “We found this in the janitor’s closet when we first got trapped here!”

Katara made a disgusted face. “Why do you still have that thing? Get rid of it and come back to bed.”

“We have to go home!”

“We are home Zuko.”

“No. Our actual home! This isn’t real!”

“What are you talking about?” Katara frowned. “Aren’t you happy here?”

“I can’t live a lie!”

Katara bristled. “You don’t mean that.”

“Yes I do.” Zuko started throwing clothes into the Jasmine Dragon bag. “We gotta leave before our memories wiped again!”

“Zuko-“

“That first night all makes sense now. I knew none of us cooked that meal. An entity must have made it. And all the others!”

“Zuko-“

“I bet they’re feeding off our life force at night!”

“ZUKO!” Katara grabbed his arm. “STOP IT!”

“Daddy? Mommy?” Zuko and Katara froze when they saw Izumi stood in the doorway crying. “Why are you fighting?”

“Oh sweetie.” Katara picked her up and held her close. “Did we wake you?”

She shook her head before burying it against Katara’s chest.

“C-Can I sleep here please? I don’t want the monsters to get me.”

Zuko’s eyes widened. “Monsters?”

“The big slimy one who dragged me underwater.”

“It was just a nightmare baby.” Katara rubbed her back.

Izumi fidgeted with a set of purple goggles. “It’s real. I remembered after I found my goggles.”

“That’s how he does it.” Zuko muttered. “Takes something from outside the level so you’d have a harder time remembering.”

“It was a nightmare.” Katara said firmly. “Don’t scare her more.”

“Your necklace.” Zuko pointed to the blue necklace Katara never took off. “What do you remember about your mother?”

“Zuko, I don’t want to talk about this.” Katara crossed the room and laid Izumi down.

“You told me it reminds you of her.”

“Yes because she gave it to me.” Katara said shortly. “Are you coming to bed or not?”

Zuko stood there in complete shock.

“Katara…” he started grimly. “Your mother didn’t give you the necklace. You took it.”

A headache bombarded Katara’s mind. She winced and placed a hand against her forehead.

“The cabin made you forget.”

“Enough!” Katara turned her back with burning eyes. “There are blankets on the couch downstairs. You can finish your book there.”

Zuko tightened his fists. “I’m getting us out of here. One way or another.”

Katara hugged herself as Zuko stormed out. She stiffened when she saw Izumi staring at her with a worried expression.

“I’m fine, sweetie.” She lied. “Everything’s fine.”

~*~

Katara woke up alone the next morning.

She trudged downstairs and saw Izumi watching the fire while clutching the goggles. She did not touch the homemade breakfast feast despite it displaying all of her favorites.

“Izumi? Are you okay?”

The girl continued to stare at the fire with a grim expression. “Where did the sea prunes come from? We’re in the middle of a forest.”

Katara faltered. “…I don’t know, baby.” She looked around and asked where Zuko was.

“I dunno.”

Katara swallowed the growing lump in her throat.

“He just needs some space. That’s all.” Katara tightened her robe as she walked to the kitchen. “Have you eaten yet?”

“No.”

“I can make you something else if you don’t want sea prunes-“

“I don’t want food!” Izumi yelled, surprising Katara. “I wanna see my baby sister and my friends and family again! I want to stop pretending everything’s fine when it’s not! I WANNA GO HOME!!!”

She ran upstairs and slammed the door. Katara stood there in stunned silence. After taking a second to recover, she knocked on Izumi’s door.

“Go away!”

“Izumi open the door. I just want to talk.”

“I said go away!”

“Don’t use that tone of voice with me!”

“You’re not my mom!!!”

Katara physically recoiled. “Izumi-”

“You’re not and you know it! Stop pretending!”

“I’m not pretending…” she trailed off as hot tears streamed down.

Katara returned to her room in a daze. What was going on? Why was her family acting so strange suddenly? The log cabin was their home. So what if she couldn’t recall when they first moved in or where they lived before? Or where the rest of her family lived. Or how she met Zuko. Or when Izumi was born.

Katara clutched her necklace.

Your mother didn’t give you the necklace. You took it.

No. It was a gift. Mom promised she would give it to her as an heirloom. Katara rubbed the stone. She said it was special. A gift from Dad. It belonged to Gran-Gran. And Mom said she would give it to her someday. Katara’s head felt like it was going to burst. She took off the necklace to study it closely. Her stomach dropped when she noticed the old dark stains. Mom said it was a gift. She said… She…

She told Katara to run.

Katara slid to the ground as the memories came flooding back like a broken dam. A Fire Supremist from the most extreme hate group, the Southern Raiders, broke into their house. Mom lied to him about being a bender. Then he…

Katara let out a strangled choke. She did take the necklace.

From her mother’s corpse.

~*~

Zuko didn’t sleep a wink that night. It took all of his self-control to stay awake. All the while, he could sense something watching him. When he couldn’t take it anymore, he set out into the night. He had to find the exit door so he could get Katara and Izumi out as soon as possible.

He soon made it back to the cabin. That wasn’t right. How did he get turned around? Zuko walked back the other way but saw the cabin up ahead again from the same angle.

How?

Zuko tried a couple more times, resulting in the same result. Even when he marked his path. His heart raced as the gravity quickly set in. Zuko ran inside and finished packing. He grabbed all the knifes he could and strapped them on. Izumi came out her room and stared at him with an unreadable expression.

“Are we leaving?”

“Yes. We are.”

Izumi nodded. “I’ll get my bag.”

“Where’s Katara?”

“Mom-… Ms. Tara’s in her room.”

Zuko swallowed thickly. He did not like seeing Izumi so… not herself. He supposed that’s what the Backrooms did to people. Spirits know he wasn’t the same anymore. Izumi returned and automatically got into lookout position as Zuko opened the door. He found Katara curled up on the floor crying.

“Katara?”

Zuko knelt down and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“You were right.” She whispered. Katara uncurled her fist revealing her mother’s blue necklace. Zuko’s heart sank for her. “I can’t believe I forgot…”

Zuko wrapped his arms around her. “We all did.”

“No. I purposely forgot. I ignored the signs.” Katara sobbed. “I-I just wanted a normal happy life. How could I do that to her? To you and Izumi?”

“Katara…”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Katara look at me. I don’t fault you for wanting a safe life.”

She turned her head, disgusted with herself. “Let’s just go already.”

“Alright.” Zuko said quietly as he handed her a bag.

They joined Izumi waiting in the hall and made their way to the door.

Don’t go.

Izumi screamed.

“Who said that?!” Zuko demanded. “Show yourself!”

Haven’t I been good to you? Given you everything you could ever want?

The voice boomed from every direction. Katara’s eyes widened.

“The entity isn’t in the house. It is the house!”

You’ll die out there. Stay. Rest. Let me take care of you.

“Please let us go home!” Izumi cried.

You are home, little one. The wall flipped, revealing a stool with a cup of steaming hot chocolate on it. Here. Don’t cry.

“You erased memories of our loved ones!” Zuko yelled. “How could you possibility justify that?!”

To spare the pain. I’m the one who loves you. Shelter you. Protected you. Bars covered the windows and doors. Even if it’s from yourself.

“LET US GO!” Izumi screamed as she kicked the door. Zuko tried prying the windows without much luck. Katara slump to the ground as the others frantically searched for an exit.

“Keeping us here prisoner is not love.”

But sending you to your death is? I am a dream come true. Stay. Please.

“There’s a way out of the Backrooms. But we won’t find it if we stay here.”

It’s too dangerous. I don’t care if you think it’s right. Staying were its safe is best.

“Sometimes love is doing the right thing even when it hurts.” Katara clutched her necklace. “Or cost you everything.”

You won’t be able to return.

“When you wake up from a dream, you can’t go back no matter how badly you want to. But if you don’t wake up at all, then you’ll life will slip away. Thank you for the rest but we have to go.”

Zuko and Izumi joined her side and waited with bated breath. A deep sigh shook the cabin.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

The bars rose from the door.

“Thank you.” Katara said sincerely.

Just go before I change my mind.

Zuko grabbed the knob. Katara placed her hand over his as did Izumi.

“Together.”

Zuko nodded.

They opened the door and were back at the crossroads. The other door had disappeared, leaving the one on the left. But that wasn’t the only thing that changed.

Izumi was much taller now, resembling a pre-teen while Katara and Zuko looked like they were in their mid-twenties. They stared at each other in horror.

“How long were we in there?” Zuko lowly.

Katara blinked back the tears. The dream was over. Time to face reality.

“Long enough.”

Chapter Text

Izumi squinted at the bright blurry neon lights in the distance. Her eyesight was steadily growing worse, and the scar over her left eye certainly didn’t help.

“A carnival?” Zuko asked.

“It could be fun. We’re due for a safe level soon.” Katara smiled at Izumi. “Maybe there’ll be rides and yummy food.”

Izumi scoffed. “Let’s just get this over with.”

She pushed past Katara and marched inside. Katara dropped her head and rubbed her necklace as Zuko placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“She’s not a little girl anymore, remember?”

“I know. It’s just…” Katara sighed.

It’s only been a month since leaving the cabin. Izumi had grown quieter and more distant. Katara couldn’t help but feel guilty. She often wondered if they should have stayed in the log cabin where it was safe. A perfect snow globe hidden from this twisted nightmare. Zuko rubbed her back.

“C’mon.” he said gently.

They caught up with Izumi who was standing at a large gate. Colorful blinking lights covered it. Suddenly, the wide door opened causing the trio to ready their weapons. Instead they were greeted by a figure dressed in a fancy over the top suit and painted mask.

“Welcome! Welcome! The Casino level awaits you lucky travelers!”

“Casino?” Izumi asked.

“Try your fortune, little lady?” He flipped a large deck of cards.

“She’s too young for that.” Katara said quickly and stood protectively in front of Izumi.

“Ms. Tara!” Izumi said annoyed. "Quit it!"

“Nonsense! The Casino is for everyone!”

“Where’s the exit door?” Zuko asked.

“Why right through here.” He gestured to the wide expanse behind him. “You’ll have to play for it.”

“Of course.” Zuko sighed. “Okay, we’ll need chips and-“

The figure laughed obnoxiously. “Oh sir, we don’t deal in common things like money. Here, you bargain with your most valuables!”

“What do you mean?” Katara asked carefully.

“You know, memories, years off your life, pieces of your soul. We also accept physical items. Heirlooms. Limbs. Organs.” He looked right at Izumi between them. “Even other people entirely. Good thing you travel in groups!”

Izumi’s eyes widen. Both Katara and Zuko glared harshly at the figure. He merely bowed and extended his arm.

“Enjoy your stay.”

The trio cautiously entered; ever weary of their host.

“One more thing lucky travelers.” He called out as the doors closed. “All bets are final.”

~*~

The Casino was massive. Booths upon booths crammed into an enormous room. According to the towering map, there was 10 floors in total, only accessible through winning gambles. The first floor they resided on was the lowest tier and only had basic food and almond milk as prizes.

“I guess we should get started. The exit is most likely at the 10th level.” Katara said. “Besides, we need more supplies anyway.”

“Right.” Zuko looked around. “How about that one?”

He pointed to a booth lined with creamy white jugs. The entity, a faceless figure, greeted them pleasantly.

“Who’s wants to try their luck?”

“Wait, what do you trade?”

“Memories of course.”

The trio cringed. “Anything lower?” Katara asked.

“Memories are the lowest trade, darling. We also accept treasured items.”

Katara clutched her necklace.

Zuko pulled out his dagger before Izumi placed a wooden bead on the table.

“Use this.”

Katara’s heart lurched. It was one of the beads she and Izumi carved in the cabin.

“Fair trade, little lady. Both memories and heirloom.” The entity placed three cups on the table. “And since it’s your first time and you’re such a cutie, I’ll go easy on ya.”

“Don’t flatter me.”

The figure laughed as Zuko and Katara shared a nervous look.

“Oh, I like you.”

She placed the bead under a cup then shuffled it at lightning speed. Izumi tapped her chin before picking a cup.

“Ding ding! We have a winner!”

She handed Izumi a jug and token.

“Been a pleasure. Good luck!”

The group gathered the supplies and quickly left.

“Good work Zumi.” Zuko said. “How did you guess it?”

“I didn’t.”

“You could keep up with those cups?” Katara asked doubtfully.

“Of course not. I can barely see.” Izumi said matter-of-factly. “I tied a piece of hair to the bead. Did you really think this place plays fair? Not even the real world does that. I thought you of all people would know.”

“Izumi!” Zuko chided.

She angerly turned her head.

“No, she’s right. There is no fair way out of this level.” Katara leaned forward towards the young girl. “Know any more tricks?”

Izumi studied her for a bit before smirking some.

~*~

It was hard to tell how long they were in the casino. Maybe days. Maybe weeks.

A system was developed for the lower level games. Higher levels were a lot riskier. Some memories were bartered and lost. Thankfully, no one lost any limbs or heirlooms, though Katara did come dangerously close to losing her necklace when the seventh level accepted nothing else.

"That could have gone smoother." Zuko sighed as they entered the elevator to the next level.

Katara held her necklace closer; still shaken from the costly gamble. She was so close to losing it forever. Zuko comfortingly put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.

"It's over now." he whispered.

Izumi turned her head in disgust. "Would have been sooner if you'd didn't drag it out so long."

Katara frowned. "What did you just say?"

"Nothing."

"No, it wasn't nothing." Katara pushed.

"Katara-" Zuko warned but she kept going.

"I know you're scared and upset but getting snippy with each other is not going to help. We have to talk things out or-"

'Or what? You'll send me to my room?" Izumi gestured around them. "Kinda hard to do that now, huh?"

Katara crossed her arms. "Izumi-"

"The least you could do is not get us stuck in another level again because you couldn't give something up!"

"Izumi! That's enough." Zuko chided.

"Stop defending her! You know I'm right!" Izumi yelled. "I gave up all my beads and goggles! Everything from home! Why can't you do the same with that stupid necklace?!"

Katara's face twisted in hurt and anger. "How dare you?! It was my mother's!"

"Oh here we go again. It's the only thing you have of hers'. Blah. Blah."

"Izumi!"

"I don't even remember what my real mother looks like!" Angry tears poured down. "But you don't hear me complaining about it now do you?"

A tensed silence filled the room; only interrupted by the elevator's ding. Izumi stormed out and ran down the hall. Zuko called her name and followed but stopped short when he realized Katara wasn't coming as well. She stood by the door, hugging herself and face downcast.

"She didn't mean any of it."

"Just go get her before she gets hurt."

Zuko swallowed. He didn't want to leave her behind, but knew Katara was more than capable of taking care of herself. He also knew she really needed time alone.

"We'll be right back. I promise."

Katara nodded. As soon as Zuko disappeared into the crowd, she slid to the ground and let the tears fall.

~*~

Izumi didn't know where she was going.

She blindly weaved through the crowd of players; barely noticing how less and less human they were becoming. She didn't care. What was the point? They were never getting out of the Backrooms. She was never going to see her family or friends again. It was hopeless!

Izumi crashed into something. A large hand caught her arm to keep her from falling back.

"Whoa there. Where's the fire?" a voice slurred.

The sharp scent of alcohol hit Izumi's nose first. She looked up and saw a tall man in a white uniform with red flowers on it. Her heart quickened. It was one of the Red Lotus people Zuko and Katara warned her about. She tried to yank her arm back, but his grip tightened as he grinned down at her.

"You lost, babygirl?"

Izumi snarled. She reared back and kicked him hard on the groin. The man let go as he doubled down in pain. Izumi stole the bottle out of his hand then brought it down on his head. The man collapsed, surprised and disoriented for the moment but the pre-teen wasn't done yet. She kicked him over and over while screaming. The man suddenly grabbed her leg with one hand and roughly shoved her to the ground. He loomed over her, furious and bleeding from the head. Izumi scrambled back as he raged.

"DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAD TO DO TO GET THAT BEER YOU LITTLE BI-"

A fist connected with his face, sending him crashing back.

"STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER YOU FREAKING CREEP!" Zuko yelled.

The man spat then sized up Zuko, wondering if it would be worth another fight. Zuko's fit frame and enraged scowl told him otherwise. He spat again at Zuko's feet then stumbled off cursing his luck.

Zuko let out an breath then returned his attention to the shaken Izumi. The girl cringed, expecting a scolding for her recklessness. Instead, Zuko's face softened and merely opened his arms. Izumi stared at him for a second before running into them and crying.

"I'm sorry."

Zuko gently rubbed her back. "It's alright, Zumi. It's alright."

~*~

They took their time returning to the elevator to meet Katara. Zuko knew both of the girls needed time. As predicted, things were not the same once reunited but he knew better than to pry. Not yet anyway. Zuko certainly knew from his own fights with loved ones. It was still hard though, and he desperately wanted things to go back to normal.

But normal didn't exist here.

A bit of luck did strike them though. After winning a partially hard game that was eerily similar to Pai Sho, the whole group was awarded tickets straight to the 10th level, skipping the others. Once there, they were presented a rare and all too tempting find. A wheel of fortune with an exit slot as one of the prizes. But not just any exit slot.

The exit from the Backrooms.

“Is this real?” Izumi asked shakily.

Zuko flipped through the journal. “It mentions other exits, so it could be.”

“What’s the bargain for the exit slot?” Katara asked the teller.

“The highest one of course.” It said in a cheery fake voice. “A life.”

The others looked at each other in horror.

“I’ll do it.” Zuko volunteered.

“No. I will.” Katara said. “You have to stay here for Izumi.”

“I can handle myself.” Izumi shot back. “So I’ll do it.”

“NO!” the couple shouted at the same time.

“If I may,” the teller interrupted. “We have a rule here for those traveling in groups. Those who inquire life wages are presented as the bargain for the other.”

Katara’s expression harden. “Okay then.”

“Katara no!”

“It’ll be fine.” She kissed his cheek. “Go on and spin it.”

Zuko steeled himself, praying to Agni and every spirit he knew, then pulled the level. Even if it didn't land on the exit slot, he hoped it didn't land on any of the undesirable ones like 'Eternal servitude' or 'Skin-Stealer domain'. The wheel whirled around and around as sickeningly sweet music played. After what felt like forever, it landed on a slot.

The real EXIT

Confetti shot out from the top. A door with a red exit sign appeared out of nowhere and opened. Real sunlight pour through.

“You did it!” Katara cheered with teary eyes.

She and Izumi embraced a shell-shocked Zuko. Is this really it? The end of the nightmare?

“We can go home…”

“We?” the teller asked. “A life for a life. Only one can leave per spin.”

Like that, the glass shattered. Zuko and Katara gave Izumi a sad knowing look; having silently come to an agreement. Izumi took a step back.

“No. I’m not leaving you.”

“Izumi-”

“No! You have to come to! You have to!!!” Tears flowed down her cheeks. “I can’t leave you here!”

“You’re not. You’re just going ahead of us.” Katara said as she comforted the girl.

“The door won’t stay open forever.” The teller said.

Zuko shot them a dirty look of annoyance.

“Please…” Izumi begged.

“I’m sorry Zumi. But it’s for the best.”

They held each of the hands and walked her to the door. Izumi still hesitated as she thought about their time together. This couldn't be goodbye. She had so much to tell them. So much to say.

Katara knelt down and brushed away a tear. Izumi didn't pull away this time.

"I'm sorry..." she whispered hoarsely.

"I'm sorry too. You've grown up so much and... I didn't want to let you go..." Katara untied her necklace and fastened it to Izumi's neck. Izumi looked at her completely shocked. “Keep this safe for me, okay?”

Izumi threw her arms around Katara and sobbed.

"I promise.”

Katara kissed her head as tears escaped her own eyes. Zuko joined the hug; enwrapping his arms around both of them.

They painstakingly broke apart. Izumi walked up to the door with a heavy heart. She wanted to leave so badly but not like this. Never like this. She paused to turn back with a heartbreaking smile.

“I love you.”

With that, Izumi disappeared into the light. The door closed behind her then vanished.

Chapter Text

The two continued to stare at the empty spot where the door once stood. Was it truly the exit? Or did they send Izumi to an unknown fate alone. There was no real way to confirm, which was the most horrifying part.

“My, how exciting!” the teller clapped. “What mighty fine people you are, letting your daughter return to the Front Room first.”

“Front rooms?” Katara asked shakily. “You mean the real world? That was actually the exit?”

“My good lady, there is no deception on the 10th floor. No no! Not here!”

“She escaped.” Zuko said. He pulled Katara into a hug. “Katara she escaped!”

Katara cried into his chest. It seemed too good to be true.

“Such lovely folks. For that, I’ll give you one more spin. On the house!”

Zuko and Katara glanced at each other. They’ve been exceptionally lucky so far. But even that would run out eventually. Besides, there were slots on the machine that looked less than desirable. The two came to a silent agreement.

“We’ll just take the floor exit, thank you.” Katara said.

All the machines and chattering in the casino stopped at once; blanketing the room in a dense silence. The denizens stared daggers at the couple.

“Are you refusing to play?” the teller asked slowly.

“No!” Zuko said quickly. “No. We’ll play.”

Katara squeezed his arm with alarm in her eyes. Zuko squeezed back.

“Just play along.”

He reached for the lever when the teller stopped him.

“Not you.” They pointed a boney finger at Katara. “You.”

Katara shakily gripped the lever. Deep in her heart, she knew they were in grave danger.

“Whatever happens, it’s not your fault.” Zuko said encouragingly, though he look just as shaken.

Katara couldn’t respond. She closed her eyes and yanked down on the lever. The wheel spined and spined like her racing mind. Finally it landed on a slot.

Level 456: Your Murky Demise

Katara’s heart stopped.

There was no magical door and sunlight this time.

A beam shot down, entrapping Zuko. His wild golden eyes met hers.

“Katar-“

He was gone.

The light was gone.

Someone was screaming.

Everything blurred together before fading to black.

~*~

Katara hated being alone.

But it’s all she known for so long. She remembered having a family.

Friends.

A lover.

A daughter.

They’ll all gone now.

Her mind often wandered back to the log cabin where they were all together and happy. The entity there tried to warn them. How she wished she listen. She’d give anything to go back to that frozen time where there were no problems and the world was perfect.

Of course she’d mess that up. Like everything else.

Katara pulled her coat tighter as she ducked under a canopy as acid rain started to fall. She pulled out a canteen and numbly sipped the almond milk.

“It’s really coming down out there, isn’t it?”

Katara didn’t respond.

“It’s okay. I’m from the Bear colony here in the Walled City level. My name’s Kiyo. What’s yours?”

“Nobody.”

Kiyo sighed. “I know it’s hard being stuck in the backrooms. Terrible actually. But the people at Bear colony can help you like they did me. If we stick together-“

Katara pulled her bag over her head then stepped out into the rain.

“Wait!! Don’t lose hope!”

Katara scoffed.

It was far too late for that.

~*~

Level 150.

Katara went through the motions of checking for entities before opening the door. A fragrant breeze hit her face. Inside was an abandoned office filled with flowers. They covered the floor and crept up the sides of the wall. Katara stabbed one with her spear.

Nothing.

She then poured a drop of almond milk into the center of a flower. After some time where nothing happened, Katara deemed it safe enough to enter. The door closed gently behind her

Katara trudged through the flowers into the opened hall. The windows were broken revealing a vast cityscape covered in foliage. It was beautiful Katara paused to admire the view. Maybe she could stay here. If there was food, what was stopping her?

No. Don’t think like that.

Katara kept going. She soon found a staircase. The stairs leading up was blocked with debris, leaving only one other option. Katara descended carefully; becoming more on edge the darker it grew. Katara braced herself as she opened the door.

Soft green light poured in. On the ceiling were glowing crystals forming a path through the carven. Katara carefully followed it. The ground below her was still lushed with foliage; strange looking flowers that glowed in the dark. The crystals grew in size; sprouting up from every direction. It felt so familiar. Like she’s been here before.

Katara caught her reflection in one of the crystals. Except it wasn’t her. A woman dressed in red robes with ivory skin and black hair stared back. Katara automatically pulled out her weapon and dropped into a defensive position. The woman flinched violently. Katara blinked. She wasn’t a threat.

“I’m sorry for scaring you.” Katara relaxed her posture but still clung to her spear. “Who are you?”

Oma of the Gao tribe.

“I’m no-… Katara. My name is Katara.”

The woman studied her carefully. Have we met before?

Katara shook her head. “Not that I remember.”

Are you the spirit of this cavern?

“No I’m human. I’m trapped in an in-between realm and trying to find a way out. It’s been years.” Katara said the last part lowly.

Oh no! That’s terrible! Oma gasped. Don’t move. I’m going to try a new technique I just invented. It might get you out.

Katara lifted her head in anticipation. Oma extended her hands. It took a second for Katara to realize she was earthbending. Oma dropped her hands when nothing happened.

Any cracks or crevices?

Katara shook her head. The familiar sharp pain of disappointed settled in her stomach.

“Earthbending doesn’t work here.”

How did you…? Oma paused to collect herself. I’m sorry Katara.

“Thank you for trying.”

Maybe if you follow the glowing lights, it’ll lead you out.

“Worth a shot.”

The two began walking and kept close to the crystals so they could talk. Oma told her about the reason for her outing. Meeting her secret lover from an enemy tribe. They used to fight bitterly until ending up trapped in this very cavern. After working together to survive and find a way out by copying badger-moles bending, they grew fond of each other. Fondness soon blossomed into love and once a month, they’d met in the cavern under the cover of night.

“Sounds like a spirit tale I grew up with. I can’t remember the title though.”

I hoped it had a happy ending. Oma sighed. What about you? How did you end up trapped?

Katara told her about the motel and Backroom levels. Without realizing it, she shifted to her partner and daughter. Katara expressed her sadness and joy of her daughter escaping but her partner, her only friend… Katara stopped walking as her chest tightened and tears rolled down her face.

Oh you poor thing! I’m so sorry.

“I don’t even know if he’s still alive…”

You will be reunited with Zuko someday. I promise. Oma placed her hand against the crystal. Don’t give up. Love shines brightest in the dark.

Oma turned her head like someone was calling her. She looked back at Katara with confliction etched all over her.

“Go.”

I can’t just leave you here. There has to be something I can do to help!

“You already have. It’s been so long since I’ve talked to a friend.” Katara rested her hand against hers. “Thank you Oma.”

Katara backed away from the crystal before she could change her mind. Last thing she wanted was to ruin someone else’s life. With a heavy heart, Katara continued down the path. A sudden thought cross her mind. She never spoke Zuko’s name.

How did Oma know what he was called?

~*~

Katara heard it before she saw it. Rushing water.

She rounded the corner and saw a mighty waterfall coming down from the ceiling. Huge crystals stood at the bottom. But that wasn’t the only thing she saw. Coming out another cave was a figure. They were a dark cloak and bore a blue snarled face.

The level’s entity.

Katara attacked immediately. It countered her spear with twin swords then pushed her back. The fight continued; growing more and more intense. Katara determined it wasn’t an entity but another lost person. But no one was to be trusted in the Backrooms. Lone people were just as, if not more, dangerous than whole tribes.

Both struck at the same time. Katara stumbled back as her hood fell off. She looked up in time to see the person’s face fall off.

No. Not their face. A mask.

The person automatically covered their face with their arm. Katara pulled out her remaining knife.

“Who are you?!” She demanded. “Show yourself!”

They let out a sharp gasp then removed their arm.

“K-Katara?”

The knife fell with a loud clank. Tears streamed down her cheek.

“Zuko…”

Chapter Text

Zuko was sure of one thing.

He was going to find Katara. Even if he found the real Exit, he wouldn’t leave without her.

The Murky Demise level did not exaggerate. Zuko was thrown in the middle of a dark swamp with no dry land in sight. He immediately started moving; all the while something large stalked him under the water ever only a step away. Zuko didn’t know how long he wandered that terrible level looking for an exit. His feet were sore and water logged, stomach racked with hunger pains. Still, Zuko kept moving.

He had no other choice.

Some time later, he found something pinned to one of the mossy trees. A human nose with dried blood on it. Zuko investigated closer but jerked back when he discovered it was still breathing.

So entity stalking him was one of those.

Following a hunch, Zuko cut the nose free then placed it into his bag. Soon, he found more face parts that looked similar to the nose. Two ears and a mouth. But no eyes.

Traveler. whispering came from his bag. Zuko stopped to pull out the face parts but it urged him to keep walking.

“What do you want? Your eyes? I can’t find them.”

You won’t. He keeps them as a prize.

Zuko swallowed. “The entity who did this to you?”

No entity. The Facestealer.

Zuko’s breath hitched. Every child from all Four Nations grew up hearing scary tales of the evil spirit who dragged innocent souls into his nest and consumed their faces.

“But this isn’t the Spirit World.”

No matter. Scatter my pieces and hide your face. Quickly.

“What about you?”

My lover will find me. He hasn’t given up on me and I won’t either.

“I understand.”

You are kind, traveler. When the Facestealer comes, hide your face and don’t look into his eyes.

Zuko nodded and took out the face parts. “Do you have a name?”

She was silent for a moment before answering. Ummi.

“Thank you, Ummi.” Zuko said sincerely.

He then tossed the face parts in different directions, letting them disappear under the inky depths. Zuko ripped off a large chunk of tree bark and placed it onto his face before pulling up his hood. Not a moment later, something large loomed over him. It was quiet save for the creaking sound that reminded him of insects for some reason.

Something tapped his mask. Zuko squeezed his eyes shut and forced himself to be still. A long sigh sounded.

It seems I’ve already collected this one.

Zuko’s blood went cold. After another eternality of waiting, the Facestealer slinked back into the darkness. Zuko made himself wait longer before hesitantly lifting the mask. A door in the middle of the swamp greeted him with faintly glowing red EXIT sign over it. Zuko put the mask back on and went through it.

Level 503.

How did he skip levels? Maybe he took a shortcut by mistake. Zuko’s resolved strengthened. If he could up, then he could find shortcuts that would take him down.

~*~

It had been years. Lifetimes.

After battle after battle, solving insane puzzles and trying to make sense of things, Zuko finally found her again.

The two collided, crying and clinging to each other for dear life. Zuko was so worried it was another dream but she was there. Actually there.

“I knew I’d find you again, my love.” Zuko whispered in Katara’s ear.

“You did?” Katara croaked.

The earnest look in his eyes confirmed his every word. He pulled out the journal and gave it to her. Confused, Katara looked through. At towards the back were entries in Zuko’s handwriting all addressed to her. Tears streamed down Katara’s face to the point she couldn’t finish reading them. Katara shut the book then hugged Zuko even tighter.

“I missed you so much.”

The two settled down in a small crevice of crystals and fell into a deep sleep wrapped in each other’s arms. For the first time in years, they were not plagued by nightmares or terrors.

~*~

Things were normal again.

As normal as it could be trapped in an in between realm. The higher levels were even more confusing, sending one to a random level instead of going in chronological order. Fiercer entities. Harder puzzles. Longer and larger plains to cross. All the while they wrote down what they learned in the journal.

Zuko and Katara came to an agreement. Three more months of searching. If no exit was found by then, they were going to settle down in a peace level and live out the rest of their days. They were getting older, reaction time slower and bones heavier. But as long as they were together, that’s all that really mattered.

One day, by divine intervention or seer luck, they found it.

Level 3999.

Katara and Zuko glanced at each other overcome with emotion then entered. Inside was an abandoned arcade. Faint pop music played on the speakers as the scent of fast food and sweat wafted through the air. The two wandered around, surprised by the simplicity before coming across the main game room. In the center was a single arcade game.

“The true ending.” Katara read the colorful letters overtop.

“Think this is it? Like actually?” Zuko asked.

Katara touched her neck and flashed back to the casino spin the wheel game. It was written in the same font and style as the game before them.

“Yes. I do.”

Zuko nodded. “Okay. Let’s play.”

After searching the arcade level for some tokens, they found enough and fired up the game. It was some old school pixel game where you mastered each element as some sort of Avatar. Water and fire were easy enough, being their respective bending. Earth took some work. Air was the hardest though, since neither Katara nor Zuko ever met an Airbender before. After some close calls, they finally mastered it. The game powered down and a door opened behind them. Just like the one Izumi went through.

The real EXIT.

Zuko and Katara stared in disbelief. After all this time…

Katara took the journal then looked around for something.

“What are you doing?” Zuko asked.

His question was answered when she stopped in front of a janitor’s closet. Katara placed the journal inside then closed the door. When she opened it again, the journal was gone. Hopefully, it would help some other lost soul.

Zuko extended his hand towards her. Katara accepted and they walked up to the door hand in hand.

“This is it. We’re finally leaving.” Katara said shakingly.

“Yeah…” Zuko looked at her with glassy eyes. “Katara, when we reach the Front Rooms, the real world, will you… do you want to…”

“Marry you?” Katara finished for him.

“Yes.” He breathed. “Will you marry me?”

Katara kissed him. “Yes, darling. I will.”

Zuko beamed. They kissed again, more passionately then faced the door.

Time to go home.

Chapter Text

Bright light surrounded them on all sides. Katara felt like she was floating. Her entire body was warm and numb as her mind glazed over. Katara briefly wondered if she had died until the light faded and feeling returned to her body. Old wallpaper greeted her. Not yellow, thankfully. A familiar faded cream cover covered in stains. It suddenly hit her.

Hama’s Inn.

She glanced down at herself, discovering her original blue dress and jacket before it was covered in tears and blood stains. Her hair was long again in its usual braid and her various scars had vanished. Everything was the same except mom’s necklace was missing. Tears welled up.

“It worked… It actually worked! Zuko we-“ Katara whirled around only to find herself alone in the hall. “Zuko?”

He was right beside her when they left. Was he sent somewhere else? His home? Katara couldn’t remember where it was. A memory she gave up in the Casino level in efforts to preserve the important ones. Zuko chose to forget her home also. Now it was coming back to bite them.

Katara’s breathing picked up and thoughts started to spiral. What if Zuko didn’t make it? What if he forgot about her entirely? What if she was still in the Backrooms and this was all an illusion from cruel entity?

She froze when a worn down door caught her eye. Katara recognized it anywhere. The same door she went through lifetimes ago that got her trapped in the Backrooms. Katara had half the mind to stab it with her knife over and over until she noticed a folded over piece of paper taped on. Katara reached for her knife only to discover it was gone.

Right.

Still, she hesitantly adjusted the paper. It was a warning sign with a Red Lotus flower sketch on.

Danger! Do not enter!

She let out a breathless panicked laugh.

“Katara!”

Her heart stopped. That voice. La it’s been years and years. Could it truly be…

“There you are!” Sokka rounded the corner, looking just as she remembered. “So no treasure. Yet. And before you say I told you so, I found this vending machine that has seal jerky! If that’s not treasure then I don’t know what…”

He trailed off when he saw Katara’s emotional expression and tears.

“Hey what’s wrong?” He swore when he saw Katara’s bare neck. “Did you lose mom’s necklace? Don’t worry we’ll find it. You had it this morning so I’m sure it’s not far-“

He was cut off by Katara throwing her arms around him.

“SOKKA!!!”

“Whoa Katara-“

“I never thought I’d see you again!!!” she sobbed. “You’re real! You’re actually real!!!”

Sokka was at a lost for words. He tried his best to comfort Katara, but she was unconsolable. The decade of trauma came pouring out. Unsure of what to do, Sokka brought Katara to their father, which made her cry even harder. Katara remembered being so angry with Hakoda for dating another woman after mom died but the years apart washed the resentment away. She was just glad to finally with her family again.

Their trip was cut short when Hakoda decided it would be best to return to the South Pole for Katara’s health. She was beyond relieved. The further they got away from Hama’s Inn, and more importantly the Backrooms, the better.

~*~

Days passed by like a dream. Katara’s family thought she had a nervous breakdown, and in some ways they were not wrong. Nothing she could say would explain what she endured. Soon, Katara began to wonder if any of her experiences in the Backrooms actually happened or only just some sort of nightmare or hallucination. Kya’s necklace absent was the only indicator the experience was real.

Her family searched everywhere but it was as the necklace had vanished. And Katara’s numb acceptance only made them worry more. Melancholy days turned into long aimless weeks. Katara thought she would be glad to be home, that the joy she felt in the hallway would remain, but instead she just felt lost and empty. No one else could understand what she went through. The low feelings and years of disuse effected Katara’s waterbending negatively, which worsened her mood.

Finally, Hakoda and Gran-Gran broke into emergency savings to get Katara proper treatment. She didn’t want to speak to a therapist and risked being sent away. It wasn’t until she could no longer sleep due to nightmares did she open up about the Backrooms.

Katara described them as dreams which wasn’t entirely wrong. The memories did replay in her sleep. Dr. Siku listened to every word. Soon she diagnosed Katara with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Despite the guilt welling up, Katara was not surprised. However, Dr. Siku question during their latest session certainly was.

“Katara, do you have a name for the places you dream about?”

She blinked. “What?”

“Your dreams all seemed to be connected considering the different levels you had to pass through. Is there a name for that place, like Wonderland or Neverland or-“

“The Backrooms.” Katara said hoarsely. “T-They’re called the Backrooms.”

“I see. I’ve heard of this phenomenon before.”

Katara sat up. “You have? Why didn’t you say something earlier?”

“I needed confirmation, but yes. People claimed to experience similar nightmares after passing through some sort of portal. The official report states these people also have underlying conditions that could trigger such a response. But personally, I think they’re onto something.”

“Do you know them? Can I talk to them?!”

“There are some groups online. Perhaps connecting with others will help you process your trauma more.” The doctor scribbled down a note. “Not very traditional, but this is the digital age, so I say it’s worth a shot.”

Katara gathered up the note. “Thank you doctor.”

~*~

The Backrooms Subreddit form

Zuko swallowed then glanced behind the laptop. Iroh flashed him an encouraging smile as he prepped tea.

“I’m here, Nephew.”

Zuko nodded. It had been months, but the flashbacks and dreams were still so vivid he was too nervous to be alone anymore. Iroh was just as patient and understanding as he was the day Zuko came sprinting into his tea shop and collapsed into his arms sobbing.

Uncle’s fortuneteller friend Aunt Wu suggested reaching out to others with similar experiences. Zuko had vague memories of scoffing at the old woman’s advice, but now he was willing to try anything. He took a deep breath then clicked.

Zuko flinched slightly, expecting the room to shift or entity to appear, but the website merely loaded.

Portals that lead to the Backrooms and how to avoid them.

Zuko read it over. It was just as he expected. Never enter unfamiliar places alone with no other human in line of sight. Avoid something called “The Buzz”, watch out for red lotus warning signs; their job was to keep the realm contained and population in the Backrooms low. But most importantly, never ever give into hopelessness.

After re-reading a few more times, Zuko searched the rest of the site. There were posts after posts about the Backrooms. Most were sharing their experiences, asking questions, and some even gave tips about surviving the levels. Zuko read through each one. He did start to feel a little better but it wasn’t what he was looking for. Zuko wasn’t sure what it was exactly until he read the latest entry.

:FireFerrets: I returned to the Front Rooms a few weeks ago thanks to this old journal that appeared in a cleaning closet. It was full of advice and clearly written by different people. The last person wrote a bunch of love poems to their lost partner. Those were the only thing that kept me going. I really hope they’re both okay.

Thanks whoever you are. You saved my life.

Zuko’s breath hitched. Could it be…?

After much internal debate, pacing, and a cup of Uncle’s calming tea, Zuko decided to reply anonymously.

Hello. Anon here. Was this one of the poems?

You rise with the moon.
I rise with the sun.
Though we are apart;
Our hearts are two halves of one.

:FireFerrets: Dude! That’s it! Was this your journal?!

Yeah it was mine for a bit. I left it behind hoping it would help someone out.

No way! Thank you so much! I’m glad you escaped!

You too.

Have you found your partner yet?

A lump formed in Zuko’s throat as he typed the response.

No.

Zuko closed the laptop and gripped his head. It’s been months and all he had of Katara were memories and her first name. He already did the impossible of finding her once in the Backrooms. Twice in a row?

Zuko wiped his eyes. He mustn’t give into despair, but it was hard. Noticing his nephew’s down mood, Iroh invited Zuko to help him prepared dinner. Zuko readily did so. The conversation was pushed aside for almost a full week until Zuko checked the replies on a whim. He nearly fell out of his seat.

Zuko? Is that really you? This is Katara.

~*~

Whenever anyone asked how they met, they said over the internet. It was only fitting Katara was the one to find him this time. That’s just how they were; push and pull, balancing each other out. It was touch and go for a while. Long distance relationships were hard and both Zuko and Katara had so much to heal from. But they were willing to put in the work.

Finally, they met in person for the first time in the real world at The Jasmine Dragon. The same place Zuko proposed again about a year later. It was a joyous celebration.

There were still hardships and lingering mental issues, but overtime the horrors of the Backrooms faded into distant nightmares as they healed together. Two years into their marriage, Zuko and Katara welcomed a daughter they named after the beloved little girl they found in the Backrooms. It only felt right. Hopefully, the first Izumi was living well wherever she was.

~*~

“Daddy lets’ go there!” Izumi pointed at a colorful waterslide attraction.

Zuko frowned. Despite the bright colors and playful appearance, it looked very unstable with leaf debris floating in the water.

“No turtleduck. It’s not safe.”

“Please Daddy? I’ll be careful.”

“I said no Izumi. C’mon. We’ll have plenty of fun at the shore.”

Zuko lead his disappointed daughter to the beach spot where he dropped off Katara and Kya. Ember Island was always so crowded this time of year. Things will go a lot smoother once the beach house Ursa left him and Azula in her will was finalized.

It was heartbreaking to finally discovered what happened to his mother who disappeared so long ago, but it would be good to get a such an important piece of his childhood back. Until then, they had to stick with beach hunting. Zuko found his wife fanning herself and their baby daughter on the beach towel. Zuko snapped his figures.

“The cooler! I’ll be right back.”

“Alright, darling.” Katara smiled then adjusted Izumi’s goggles. “What’s got you so down, sweetie?”

“Nothing.” She pouted. “I’m gonna go with Daddy!”

Katara only half listened as she comforted Kya who started to cry for milk.

“Be careful!”

Zuko didn’t go far. It was fine. Moments later, he returned with the cooler and handed Katara a water bottle which she gratefully accepted.

“Thanks. I swear our little turtleduck is trying to suck me dry.” She laughed while patting the nursing baby. Kya scrunched up her face, seemingly offended, before returning to feeding.

Zuko chuckled. “She definitely has Sokka’s appetite.” He looked around, noticing his other little turtleduck was missing. “Where’s Zumi?”

“She said she was going with you.”

Realization hit the parents like a ton of bricks. Even Kya stopped eating as she sensed her parents worry. They immediately took off to look for their missing daughter. Ember Island was large. She could be anywhere!

While passing the waterslide attraction, the one Izumi was interested in earlier, Zuko heard coughing and wheezing. He quickly ran over and saw a small girl shivering on the side of the pool.

“Izumi!” he gasped, drawing Katara’s attention.

“Izumi!!!”

She looked up with shock written all over her face. “D-Daddy? Mommy?”

The two rushed over and hugged their crying daughter. She clung to them for dear life, apologizing over and over while exclaiming how much she missed them.

“It’s okay Zumi. We’re just glad you’re alright.” Zuko said gently.

Katara shifted Kya to one arm then coated her hand in water and checked over her daughter for injuries. A strangled gasp escaped her mouth as she lifted up the blue center stone that hung around Izumi’s neck.

Kya’s necklace.

Zuko blanched at the sight. The both of them glanced at the eerily still pool. On the chain linked fence behind it held an old faded sign with a Red Lotus flower on it.

Danger! Do not enter!