95 years after the genocide of the Air Nomads
Shi Wong Desert. Wan Shi Tong's Library
"I haven't slept this well in a long time," I thought as I woke up.
Opening my eyes, I was confused for a moment. My vision was coming from three different perspectives at once. I didn't understand…
Ignoring Wan Shi Tong and Driya, who were staring at me and whispering, I started turning my head, only to get even more disoriented.
"Calm down, Yuki. Let the bodies adjust to their new… well, bodies," the Spirit of Knowledge said in a calm, measured tone, like a doctor diagnosing a terminal patient.
"Bodies?!" we shouted—all three of us at once. Shocked, I looked to my left and saw the other two versions of me doing the same. It reminded me of a clone movie where the original was already dead, and I was stuck in some matrix. I couldn't help but scream again.
"Pssst, Wan Shi Tong, could his chi have split into four parts?" Driya whispered.
"No, I've checked everything. All physical traits, organs, and memories should be identical across all bodies."
After a while, I calmed down and tried controlling each body separately. To my surprise, it was easy, as if I'd always had three bodies.
They then explained what I'd missed while unconscious. Apparently, there's a fourth version of me still asleep. The element had mutated, so no more copying like the original "Mimic." Time to figure out what's changed.
The first thing I noticed was the absence of the source of my intellect and the Mimic's source. The elements had shifted far from the neutral center, and the distance between them had grown too.
"Let's test a theory," I muttered, trying to waterbend with one body. As the droplets floated, I attempted to firebend with the same body—no luck. "Proved it," I nodded to myself.
Each body now controls one bending art. We can only command our own, which explains why the chi channels in each body now correspond to just one element instead of all four. There's still one neutral source we can all draw from, but if all four of us need it, we'll have to split it evenly—about 25% each. Not ideal. So far, I only see downsides…
It's clear why the Mimic's source is gone—its ability mutated and was absorbed by my soul or body. The intellect element "sacrificed" itself so I could exist in all four bodies, I think.
Wan Shi Tong agreed with my reasoning, lamenting that we'll never know the exact cause. The mutation happened during his intense battle, and he was already injured, rushing to return to the library. He feared another ancient spirit nearby might sense the fight.
But every cloud has a silver lining. There are upsides, and significant ones if you dig deeper. First, we can merge into one Yuki. We've tested it with three bodies, and I doubt the fourth will be different. When united, all our bending arts return.
Second, we can reunite regardless of distance. For an experiment, Wan Shi Tong sent one of us to the far end of the Earth Kingdom, and it still worked. It's all mental—I just choose which body stays and which one "jumps" into the other. Here's one of Wan Shi Tong's comments on this ability:
"This completely breaks the logic of everything I've learned about our reality," he said, clutching his head, blaming the unpredictable Mimic, which he also considered a cosmic mistake. So, even our world has glitches. Though, as he admitted, he might just be missing something.
Most importantly, our mental and spiritual defenses are now four times stronger—specifically when all four of us unite. It feels like upgrading a computer with more RAM and a powerful GPU. This allows us to briefly enter a mode I call "biorobot"—emotions are cut off, and we focus solely on the task, executing it with maximum efficiency and no wasted movements.
Honestly, it's a bit terrifying. I'll save it for emergencies. Who knows if it'll do more harm than good? I'll practice cautiously, or I'll end up like a monkey with a grenade—powerful but more likely to hurt myself.
Each body has the same life energy as the original, which is a small plus. If we face an enemy immune to bending, we can split up and beat them down together. Sadly, when united, our life energy doesn't multiply—it stays the same.
According to Wan Shi Tong, no new bending arts will appear when reaching the Ancient level; the changes are entirely different. So, I'll focus on mastering the ones I have. Asking for more would be greedy, so I'll have to level up all four…
I forgot to mention the most important part: they are all me, and I am them. The intellect source could've added new streams of consciousness as it developed, which I've already tested when it was still with me. Back then, I could think in parallel.
The Spirit of Knowledge advised against waking the body currently on the Fire Nation islands. Metamorphoses might still be happening there, and it's best not to interfere. The main thing is, I feel alive and safe.
Overall, I've figured out my changes. Now, I'll think about using them effectively. One thing's clear: we'll definitely unite during the solstice days. I need to level up all bending arts quickly. The power of the dark ancient spirit we encountered terrified me, and I don't want to feel that fear again. Wan Shi Tong's virtual recreation didn't capture even half of the dread ancient spirits bring in reality.
What about the human world?
All four personalities will act as separate individuals, each taking control of one nation. We'll stage internal power grabs, making locals believe I'm one of them, reducing tension. In my past world's history, political instability often arose when leaders weren't from the dominant nation—every mistake was blamed on their background. It seems the same here.
The Water Tribe is already mine. With my division, I can officially take my father's role, finally giving him more personal time.
In the Earth Kingdom and most Fire Nation colonies, there's already the well-known Roku. Dark hair tied in a ponytail and unusual purple eyes. Back then, all I could do was find black hair dye and expensive makeup to give myself a more "determined" look.
Now, as an advanced spirit, I've gained some pure spirit abilities—like altering my form and appearance. For example, Driya can transform into any plant and even create a "Frankenstein" by combining her abilities. My powers are limited; I can only make minor adjustments to my face and body, but these small details can make me unrecognizable. Unfortunately, those who know me might still connect Yuki and Roku—purple eyes aren't common here. But it's too late to change; everyone knows me with these eyes.
My third self, currently on the Fire Nation islands, will gradually rise in the leadership while keeping an eye on the Fire Sages. I need a backstory for this new identity. If there's already Roku, why not name the fire one Wan? I know, I've always been bad at naming things…
I'll also plan his appearance, based on Fire Nation traits. Fair skin, long black hair, and golden eyes—screaming pure Fire Nation blood. Sharper facial features, a hint of aggression, and voilà—a true fire conqueror is ready!
For the airbender, I'll go with softer, rounder features, making him look as kind as possible. This version will operate covertly for a while; no need to stir up the people with a new airbender yet. I won't dress like Air Nomad teens—no stupid Naruto jumpsuits or Aang's outfit, which I also disliked. I'll stick to their standard colors: orange, yellow, and brown.
Air Nomads are typically fair-skinned with gray eyes. I'll keep that, adding medium-length brown hair.
In my free time, I'll master airbending and stay on standby in case anyone needs help. Also, it's time to read at least a fraction of Wan Shi Tong's library.
The plan is set. Now, to execute it. Oh, the last one's waking up.
Gasa Island. Fire Nation Archipelago.
"Strange, I just woke up, but I already know the others' thoughts," I lazily thought, still feeling the sweet grass tickling my body like a giant pillow. A slight breeze blew, but the sun on the horizon warmed me, easing any discomfort.
Cracking one eye open, I saw a group of young girls and attractive women staring at my… well, my manhood. Their intense gaze started to stir things, and I wondered how they'd react.
"What kind of monster is that?!"
"Bigger than my forearm," one compared her arm to my size.
"Oh!" another fainted from shock.
Alright, enough flashing. Time to play the innocent victim.
"Good morning, ladies," I said. Some ran back down the path, others turned away, pretending to look elsewhere, while a few kept staring boldly.
Once everyone calmed down, we introduced ourselves. I claimed to be from the colonies, with a Water Tribe mother. As an adult, I became a trader's assistant for money. But pirates attacked mid-journey. I escaped on a boat, and after two days at sea, I ended up here—no idea how.
Among the girls were two female benders, clearly trained. They barely bought my story; I could "see" them brushing off my lies.
No matter; I'll change my appearance anyway. For now, I just need to reach a settlement with them.
One woman, blushing, handed me her cloak, which I thanked her for. With my build, it became shorts.
"Ugh, he's using my cloak so inappropriately," she muttered, "It'll absorb his manliness," she continued, clutching her red cheeks.
I'll just pretend I didn't hear that…