A/N: if you didn't read the Mysterious Old Man from the last chapter in Iroh's voice, go back and try again! JK. I read it in John Hurt's voice so do what you want. He may be making a comeback though, so remember that for next time.

Mako reached the docks at the dead of the night. It would be a miracle if anyone even awake, let alone willing to give him a ride, but Mako refused to turn around. He could feel electricity buzzing in his body, a relentless energy driving him forward. He was leaving tonight, even if he had to steal a boat and paddle himself across the ocean.

Mako walked up and down the dock, searching for a life form when he heard a crashing noise. Mako ran towards the commotion and found an old fisherman surrounded by a bunch of fallen crates, scooping up their contents and muttering under his breath.

"…Darn street kids…can't wait to get out of this Spirit forsaken city…what?" he noticed Mako standing over him.

"Do you need some help sir?" Mako was half stooped over, prepared to help the man, but he shooed him off.

"I don't need any help from the likes of you," the old man grouched. He turned his back but Mako stood his ground. The old man noticed Mako hadn't moved.

"What do you want?"

"I heard you talking about leaving the city. I want a ride."

"I don't run a tourist cruise line kid," the old man huffed, sidestepping Mako. Mako blocked his path.

"I'll pay you," he produced a wad of Yuans and held it out to the man. He sneered at the money.

"I don't want your money kid. I don't need charity and I don't do charity. Now get out of my way!" He shoved past Mako. Mako reached out and put his hand on the man's shoulder, ready to plead but prepared to knock him out if need be. The elder whipped around and grabbed Mako's arm, poised to snap the limb in half and tell this pest off once and for all, when he noticed something about the skin of the arm. The flesh was marred with 3rd degree burns, all the way up to the bicep. His eyes continued up to search the face of the young man. He seemed vaguely familiar.

"Hey, wait. I know you," he stared at Mako intensely for a moment. "Yes, I saw your picture in the paper. You were one of the kids who stopped Kuvira. You're a hero!" The man let go of Mako's arm and backed several paces away, bowing deeply. "Please forgive my rude behaviour. I would be honored to take you where ever you wish. Me and my boat are at your disposal."

Mako was uncomfortable with the praise the man was giving him. He rolled down his sleeve to cover his arm. "Where were you headed?"

"The Fire Nation."

"Has the news of Kuvira's defeat reached there yet?"

"I'm sure the whole world knows by now."

"Any specific details? Names, faces?"

"Just the Avatar's." The old man looked questioningly at Mako. "Why? Running from the past?"

"More like trying to find a future."

"In the Fire Nation? What awaits you there?"

Mako smiled slightly and looked into the horizon. He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know."

The old man looked at Mako. He didn't know why a kid with such a heroic past would want to start over anonymously in a different country, but he didn't question it further. He clapped Mako on the shoulder. "Well come on then kid. It's about a weeks journey if the weather is good." Mako couldn't believe the shift in the mans' demeanor. Maybe his luck was changing. He reached for his money again but the old man shook his head.

"Keep it. You'll need it if you're going to land on your feet."

Mako helped the man deposit the rest of his crates on the tiny charter boat. They untied the boat and pushed off the docks. The man turned the boat to face west and they set sail towards the Fire Nation.

Mako stood on the deck and watched as the statue of Avatar Aang and Air Temple Island become tiny specs in the distance. The massive skyscrapers and buildings of Republic City shrank against the night sky. Finally, the glow of the Spirit Portal disappeared as well. The city was gone, the past officially behind him. Mako closed his eyes and sighed. It felt so real now. He was really going to do this.

He didn't know what he would do once he reached the Fire Nation, when he would return, or what his friends would think. But he couldn't focus on that now. All Mako could think about was the chill in the salty ocean air, and the taste of freedom.

Second instalment. Kind of short and doesn't build much, but I just wanted to get the ball rolling. I have big plans for this story, and I couldn't wait for Mako to leave RC. (He sure took his sweet time)

I hope you keep following this journey.

P.S. I love reading your reviews. They're like verbal high-fives. Keep 'em coming! :)

Emmy