Hey guys, I'm back with the long awaited sequel for Ageless. Ryou's adventure continues throughout a very highly altered Book Three and Four, so without any further delay, let us finally get this show on the road.

As usual, I do not in any way, shape, or form own Legend of Korra.

I lay on the sand, staring up at the burnt orange sky overhead. Green and steel colored airships passed by, but I couldn't bring myself to focus on any one of them. A pair of biplanes in the same colors buzzed passed, gone before I could even fully process that they had been there. My whole form was contorted in pain, extending outward from the center of my chest, between my heart and my stomach.

My lungs screamed for air, causing me to cough and gasp. Blood belched from my lips and spilled down my cheeks and side of my face. I forced my head up a little, partly to keep myself from drowning in my own fluids, and partly to see the source of the pain I was feeling. Sticking straight up out of me was a single blade. The end opposite of me was twisted and jagged, as if someone had torn off the hilt of the weapon.

I reached up and grasped the blade with my left hand and pulled a little. Instantly the pain flared up even worse than before, forcing me to stop before I blacked out. Lowering my hand again, I tried gathering my strength to make another attempt at it. If I thought being run through was painful, pulling it back out was going to be even worse.

"Do you see now, the futility of it all?" a black haired woman wearing a dark green uniform with metal attachments asked as she stepped over me. Her fierce green eyes fell upon me, looking down with a steely hate. I don't think I could have answered her even if I wanted to. At this point, I was probably going to drown in my own blood before I fully bled out.

"Did you honestly think you'd be safe here, on your little island? I will reestablish order, by any means necessary," she said. I responded the only way that I could, by spitting a mouth full of blood at her. It came out as more of a spray than anything, and several red droplets landed on her face as well as her uniform. She simply wiped away the drops with only a mild hint of disgust.

"Hm. Defiant as always. The last stand of the Warriors of Kyoshi, I expected more," she said before twisting her hand, causing the blade in my midsection to turn, and me to scream in agony.

One Year Earlier.

"Let me out."

There it was again, that annoying little voice whispering at me from the edges of my mind. My eyebrow twitched slightly as I ignored it and focused on trying to hold a set of chopsticks with only two fingers on my right hand. One of the sticks slipped out of my grasp and clattered down into the small bowl of rice I was eating. I watched as my hand, and by extension the remaining stick trembled.

With an annoyed huff, I sat the pair of chopsticks to the side and began to scoop rice out of the bowl with my good hand. It wasn't the thing to do in polite company, but then again the patrons at the small tavern I was in were anything but polite. The place was small, basically a way station for travelers to stop at for the night. It didn't even have proper electrical lighting, just a couple of candles in a small bowl for every table top.

"You can't hold me forever. Let me out."

"More mead, dear?" a young brown haired woman asked. She, like the rest of the place, looked run down. But there was still that spark of youth in her eyes, a hope that she would one day get out of here.

"Please," I said through a mouthful of rice, sliding a simple ceramic cup toward her. She filled it with a cool, golden liquid from a pitcher that was the same color and make as the cup. I gave her a quick smile and said my thanks before taking a large swig of the drink. The sweet elixir was a relief on my throat, and it did wonders for suppressing that irritating voice in my head.

How long had it been since I had left Republic City? Weeks? Months? I wasn't sure. Time tended to blend out here on the road. It all seemed the same to me anymore. A smoke filled barroom, a goal I could never seem to reach, a loved one always kept at bay. That's the gist of my story. No matter how much I want to stop, no matter how far I've come, one thing remains the same.

I go on.

"Spirits, I should have known you'd wind up in a place like this," a gruff, feminine voice said. I looked up, just in time to watch a gray haired woman slide into the chair across the table from me. I regarded her just long enough to get the details before I went back to my bowl. She had fair skin with a pair of scars on her cheek, green eyes, and her gray hair hung down to her shoulders. Although she was wearing a trench coat, you could still easily see the black metalbender armor she was wearing underneath of it.

"Lin. How'd you find me?" I asked before stuffing some more rice in my mouth. Lin Beifong gave me an annoyed glare.

"Give me some credit, Ryou, I am a detective, after all," she said.

"Earth Kingdom doesn't exactly fall under Republic City jurisdiction," I pointed out.

"This is a special case," she replied. I cocked an eyebrow at her, somewhat curious now. Although we had made amends, things were still a little cool between Lin and I. It wasn't usual that she'd come looking for me.

"Must be important for you to come all the way out here for me," I said, voicing my thoughts out loud as I reached for a roll.

"Zaheer has escaped," she said. I froze and looked up at her fully to make sure she wasn't joking. It wasn't surprising in the slightest to find that she clearly wasn't.

"How?"

"He's an airbender now. And he had help," Lin said. Yusei, that could be the only answer.

"What do you mean he's an airbender now? Zaheer was never a bender," I said, confused. Lin reached forward and picked up my cup. She held it up to her nose and took a quick sniff before sitting it back down on the table with a mild look of disgust on her face.

"How deeply have you been drowning yourself into that stuff that you haven't heard what's been going on?" she asked. I gave her a look of my own.

"Not the time, Lin."

"There's been reports of people airbending out of no where all over the world for the past couple of weeks. Apparently Zaheer is one of these new airbenders," Lin explained.

"How long ago did he get out?"

"About a week now. He's been moving about, freeing his old team." This wasn't good. Zaheer and his little band had been the ones who had attempted to kidnap Korra fourteen years ago. In all that time, not a single one of them had broken during interrogation and given up their motives for taking Korra. Each one of them was a highly specialized fighter and incredibly dangerous in their own right. Together, they were truly a force to be reckoned with.

"We need to move, now," I said before standing and downing what was left in my cup in one go. Reaching into my pocket, I fished out a few coins and dropped them onto the table before motioning for Lin to follow me outside into the evening gloom. The metalbender did so while looking rather pleased that we were leaving.

"Lord Zuko is already heading to the last prison to try and head off Zaheer," she said as we walked.

"What about Korra?" I asked.

"The White Lotus are posting guards around her in the South Pole."

"That won't be enough to stop Zaheer and his team, Lin, you know that," I said.

"I know. That's why I want to take her back to Republic City. I can protect her there," Lin said with confidence in her voice. I, on the other hand, wasn't convinced.

"That won't be good enough," I said.

"You don't think I can do it?" she asked, sounding offended.

"I have no doubt of your abilities, Lin. But this is Zaheer we're talking about. When it comes to him, pulling out all the stops is our first step."

"So what do you suggest?" she asked, warily.

"Zaofu," I said. The look on Lin's face turned to one of anger.

"No, no. We are not going there," she stated firmly.

"I'm sorry, I don't remember asking your opinion on the matter."

"We don't need their help. I can handle everything back in Republic City," she insisted.

"Oh, just stop!" I snapped, whirling to face her, "Zaofu is a fortress, and Su is someone we can trust. The situation is much more easily controlled there than it is in Republic City and you know it. Swallow your pride and ask your sister for help." Lin pursed her lips, and it was clear she wanted to continue the argument. I didn't give her the chance as I pressed my teeth into my bottom lip and blew a clear, loud whistle.

A low, loud groan answered, and a few moments later the black form of Ashe touched down next to us. I patted the dragon on the side of her snout fondly before scratching her where her jaw met her neck. Like a massive cat, the dragon leaned her head to the side and gave off a loud rumbling purr.

"You ready to go see mama?" I asked. Ashe answered by slamming her tail into the ground a few times, still happily leaning into the scratching that I was doing. Patting her snout again, I walked back and swung up into the saddle.

"We'll meet in Zaofu in five days. If you're not there by sunset on day six, I take Korra and head off on my own," I said, pointing at Lin to drive home my point. There was no way I was playing around, not when Zaheer was involved.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be there," she replied grudgingly, waving me off. With that, Ashe gave a powerful downward thrust with her wings, forcing us into the air before she climbed skyward with the speed and grace that only a dragon possess.

It was mid to late morning when I arrived over the White Lotus compound. Ashe circled once before landing in the middle of the training yard. None of the guards attacked us or even tried to stop us. I guess the sight of a black dragon was enough to turn our little band of elite fighters into slack jawed, drooling idiots.

Without waiting for conformation or anything, I slid off of Ashe's back and started toward the buildings. It wasn't that hard to figure out which one Korra was in. She was in the final stages of rehabilitation, so the medical hut was the logical choice. Sure enough, I found her and Katara standing next to a set of raised bars.

The young woman was using the bars as a means of support as she attempted to walk under her own power. Although she wasn't having that much difficulty doing so, you could still see her arms shaking as she went, making it clear that she was still getting her strength back. She was moving with her head looking down, her eyes focused on her feet and the floor below her as she went.

As I approached them, Katara took notice of me. Her eyes lit up with surprise and delight at the sight of me. I quickly tapped my finger to my lips, silently telling her to be quiet. My old friend continued to smile brightly, but otherwise honored my silent request and made no indication that I was there. Walking around to the end of the bars where Korra was headed, I stood there with my hands stuffed into my pockets.

"How much longer do I have to keep doing this?" the young Avatar asked, aggravation clear in her voice.

"Only a few more steps," I answered. Korra's head snapped up so fast, I was surprised she didn't accidentally snap it or give herself whiplash. With sudden, renewed vigor, she surged forward and threw her arms around my neck. I happily wrapped my arms around her, savoring the feeling of warmth that came from holding her again.

"I missed you," she said, her voice muffled as her face was buried in my chest.

"I missed you too," I replied before kissing her forehead.

"Ryou, to what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?" Katara asked warmly. My face fell as I took a couple of steps back from Korra.

"Zaheer has escaped, along with others from his group," I said. Korra looked confused, but Katara's face was instantly filled with concern and worry.

"That's not good news," she said.

"No. It's not. I'm here to move Korra to a safer location."

"Um, who's Zaheer?" Korra asked. I frowned as I regarded the young Avatar.

"You mean, you don't remember?"

"If I did I wouldn't be asking about him," Korra deadpanned. I shared a look with Katara.

"Zaheer and his companions are a group of elite fighters, dedicated to bringing down the world's governments. Fourteen years ago they were captured, and have been imprisoned ever since," Katara explained.

"Until now," I added.

"And what does this have to do with me? I'm not a world leader," Korra pointed out.

"But you are the Avatar. They were captured because they tried to kidnap you. Chances are, now that they're free, they're going to try again."

"So then why run? I'm not a little girl anymore, I can fend for myself," she said.

"No, Korra. Zaheer is not someone you want to fight," I said. Korra looked confused. This was the first time I had actively discouraged her from fighting an opponent that wasn't some kind of giant monster. I hoped she realized just how big of a threat I considered him to be from that aspect alone.

Katara came forward and put her hand on Korra's upper arm. The young woman looked at her teacher and mentor, her eyes silently pleading with her to make all of this make sense.

"Zaheer was once a…student of Ryou's. But the two of them had a falling out long ago," she said. I didn't look at either one of them. Zaheer was a sore topic I didn't like thinking about, much less discussing.

"He's one of the most skilled and deadliest warriors I've ever seen. And now he has airbending on top of all that. Neither one of us is getting within the same providence as him, much less fighting him if I can help it," I said, my tone making it clear that the subject wasn't up for debate. Although she looked like she wanted to continue the argument, Korra decided to let it drop. The glare in her eye made it clear, however, that we would be discussing this again.

"So what's the plan?" she asked.

"We are headed to city of Zaofu. We'll hold up there and wait for reinforcements to arrive before planning out our next step," I answered.

"Why not Kyoshi Island? It's closer," she pointed out.

"Zaofu is a fortress, while Zaheer and his little band wouldn't have the slightest bit of trouble getting onto Kyoshi," I explained. Korra looked conflicted, but after a moment she nodded.

"Okay, I trust you. We'll go to Zaofu," she said.

Elsewhere.

Zaheer knelt before the white haired man before him. He was meditating on a small raised platform, surrounded by a ring of lit candles with a large Red Lotus banner adorning the wall behind him.

"What are your orders, Master?" Zaheer asked. There were few in the world that the anarchist would listen to, much less obey. The man before him was one of those rare few.

"I have a task for you," he answered without opening his eyes or adjusting his posture. Zaheer perked up slightly, ready for whatever task was presented to him.

"Xian's Tome is being held on Air Temple Island in Republic City. I want you to go there and recover it by any means," he said. Zaheer hid his disappointment behind a stoic mask. They had been heading north, to the prison that held the love of his life. He had been separated from her for fourteen years, and now to be sent away when they were so close to being reunited, he would be lying if he said it didn't effect him.

"I will not fail you, Master," he said before standing and turning away.

"Zaheer." The voice caused him to freeze in his tracks, yet he didn't turn to face him again.

"You are aware that HE has taken it upon himself to protect the Tome and those that house it," he said.

"He means nothing to me," Zaheer said without turning around, his voice containing a hint of bitterness. The deep chuckle that came from behind him sent a chill up his spine.

"You cannot fool me, young one. Familial ties are amongst the hardest to sever. Do you think you can face your father again, if you are confronted with him?"

"I have dedicated myself to you and your teachings, Master Xai Bau. I will not fail," he said, turning to face the white haired man. He leaned forward, eyeing his protégé closely. The intense look he gave him caused goosebumps to stand on Zaheer's arms.

"For all of our sakes, you had best not," he said.

And that's a wrap. Something of a quick note that you, dear reader, might find interesting. When I first started this series, I intended for Ryou to be around the same age as Kyoshi. Well if you do the math with the dates given, you'll realize that if Ryou is the age he actually claims to be, that means he was born in the year 330 BC. Kyoshi's given birth year is 312 BC, which means that Ryou is eighteen years older than Kyoshi. Now this wouldn't be a problem, except that Ryou claims that he met Kyoshi the day after his twentieth birthday. Those of you with basic math skills will be quick to realize that if this was the case and Ryou is as old as he claims to be, Kyoshi would have been two years old.

So does this mean that Ryou has been a liar this whole time? Well, yes and no. In the real world, it means that I suck at math and didn't realize my mistake until much, much later. In the story, it means one of two things. One: Ryou is actually four hundred and eighty two years old, and simply rounds up to save time. Or two: being ageless for so long has made him care so little for how old he actually is that he simply doesn't keep that close of track anymore. In all actuality, it's probably both. But yeah, that's a little tid bit I thought you guys might find enjoyable.

You all know the drill, drop a review, leave a PM, let me know what you liked or didn't like, and I'll see you all next time.