Prologue

Dear Brother,

By the time you read this, I will already be gone.

But not in a suicidal manner, strictly speaking. I still have a long way to go. No worries.

Which is exactly my point. I realized I need to find something . . . new and different in this life.

But I'm not complaining or anything. Don't get me wrong; I love Air Temple Island. I love the hospitality, the warm atmosphere, the fresh air, the greenery, Pema's cooking, Tenzin's continuous pensiveness, Jinora, Ikki and Meelo's constant babbling, Rohan's adorableness, everything.

Maybe I should break it down a little simpler for you, brother, or just get straight to the point; I don't want to come second anymore.

For ten years and more, you've been a pillar of strength of what's left our family. You worked yourself to the bone to provide us with little money and food and a home. You even went as far conspiring with the Triple Threat Triads for us. I've always admired you all my life. I've always wanted to be as strong and courageous and smart as you are.

You're the bestest big brother I could ever ask for. And Team Avatar is the bestest thing that has ever happened to me. I love you guys more than anything else. I just need some time to figure things out. Was I just meant to be an average earth bender? Or could I really be something more?

I need to grow. Spread my roots, my wings, however the saying goes. I need to experience and brave reality firsthand. Who knows, maybe I'll find another side to me. A dark side, hidden deep within my skin, flesh and bones. Maybe it just needs a strong trigger to evoke it.

And who knows, I might even get a girlfriend.

Don't bother looking for me. I won't be heading for Republic City or Aang's Memorial Island. I've taken a boat and I'm venturing to . . . who knows where the waves will take me. It seems ideal. I can accept whatever life hands over to me, but I also need to learn to build and take my own path.

You probably thinking right now, "Bolin, that's crazy talk!" But no, I'm actually quite serious about this. But I promise I'll be back as soon as I'm done searching for whatever it is I'm searching for. Tell Korra, Asami, Tenzin and the rest not to fret or send out a search party.

I'll be fine.

Oh, I almost forgot. I'm also taking Pabu with me, so you won't have to worry about me lacking company. I also raided the kitchen for some snacks in case I got hungry (please don't tell Pema).

Please don't come looking for me. If I haven't the foggiest idea where I'm heading, then you probably won't either. I promise I'll be safe and sound. Believe in me like I've always believed in you. That's all I'm asking for.

So I suppose my goodbye letter's come to an end. So . . . I'll be on my way now. Don't miss me too much. I'll return to Air Temple Island faster than you can say "Narook's Seaweed Noodlery."

Damn, I'm going to miss their noodles so much.

Love your loving little brother,

Bolin