((You're hoping for less heartbreak and happy Avatar fun? Then you've come to the wrong chapter, my friend.))

Different Paths:

"This ship sucks. Can't we go back to the sun and the waves?"

"There are waves everywhere Anik."

"That's not what I meant. These waves aren't the right kind."

"The waterbender being picky about water? Now I've heard everything."

"Yeah, thanks Jahn. We could've flown but nope, the Avatar wanted to sail."

That wasn't entirely true, but Jahn knew Anik was still upset about leaving his holiday resort. They'd barely been there a week before Jahn had arrived and he'd immediately made arrangements to head to Taku upon hearing Jinora's news.

The ship they had acquired was a small vessel with quaint cabins. It could have been a fishing ship in another time but was now used as a ferry from the Fire Nation to mainland Earth Kingdom. The captain was a lovely elderly woman who was as thin as a stick and a stern face. Despite her demeanour, she was kind and more than pleased to help such esteemed guests.

It had been two days since they had left Ember Island. It wouldn't be long before they reached the mainland and then their trek to the town would begin. He hoped they would be in time to ensure no harm came to any of the people he'd grown up with.

Despite Taku's close proximity to Republic City, they had not wished to enter the City and travel from there. If the Red Lotus really were in Taku, news would spread quick of the Avatar's arrival. They needed to be fast and silent.

Auri had caught up with them that morning. She'd landed on the deck and secured her flightsuit as Jinora welcomed her. "Avatar Jahn," she'd said respectfully as she'd bowed. Auri really wasn't the best looking girl in the world but Jahn liked her; she was quite fun and still managed to take her job seriously. Sometimes he wished Jinora would be more like her.

"Auri. It's a pleasure to see you again," he replied with a smile.

"Of course it is," Auri had joked with a wink.

They all stood in the main cabin now. There was little room but they didn't need much. Tenzin, Bumi and Aana had taken Oogi, who was already far ahead of them. The bison needed frequent rest in his old age and yet they'd still rapidly outpaced the boat. Jahn sat with his knees to his chest beside Anik, who quietly sat banging his head against the wall in boredom. Jinora was in deep conversation with Auri about the goings-on in the world, whilst Kai stood Airbending a leaf around the room.

"Avatar?" asked a crewmember around the door. "We'll be arriving at the coast soon."

"Thanks," Jahn said with a nod. Looking at his friend, he raised an eyebrow. "Ready for a little trek across some mountains?"

Anik stretched with a groan and clicked his neck from side to side. "Anything to be off this thing. IT'S SO BORING!"

The coast was silent. The ship had dropped them off in an inconspicuous part of the beach and had sailed off towards Republic City.

Jahn, Anik, Jinora, Kai and Auri stood around, huddling close to Jahn for warmth. He'd created two flames in his hands to provide some heat as the sun had set not long ago.

"If it's all the same to you, I'm not going to stand around here and freeze. I've got my new mission so I'm heading back to Air Temple Island. It was nice to see you all again," Auri chuckled as she unclasped her wingsuit. Whatever she'd discussed with Jinora had clearly been urgent and Jahn could see through the bravado.

Once the Airbender was out of sight in the murky sky, the remaining four grabbed their bags and made their way up the beach. For Jahn, it was a surreal experience; the last time he'd been home, he'd been kidnapped by the White Lotus. Walking back as the Avatar just seemed…impossible.

"It won't be long until we reach Taku. Have you got any plans in mind?" Jinora said after a while to Jahn. They'd walked in relative silence for some time, brooding over the possible problems in the town.

Jahn shook his head. "No. I—uh, guess I'll just scout the place out and make sure there's nothing up. If I can find someone I know, the better."

Anik sniffed. "That's rather optimistic. What if the Red Lotus are waiting?"

"Hey, he's the Avatar," said Kai nonchalantly, "so he'll be fine. Right Jahn? You've got this."

Jahn rolled his eyes. Easy for Kai to say. That breezy confidence was enviable about now. Jahn was nervous; he wasn't sure how he'd be received when he returned home. Was it really even home without his mother? No point mentioning all this though; everyone would only think he was whining again. Earth Kingdom citizens didn't whine. They toughened up and got on with things.

"Anyway, Auri said there weren't any obvious signs of Red Lotus anymore so sounds like you won't be stopping long!" Kai said cheerfully.

"Unless there's a certain someone back home that he wants to visit?" Anik said, nudging Jahn's side with a wink.

It was Jinora's turn to roll her eyes. "Gentlemen, please. Jahn's private life is none of our concern."

The Avatar flashed her a quick smile as gratitude and carried on walking. He knew they were only teasing but Anik wasn't far off the mark. Kuvu was back home.

He turned around as he walked, facing the wrong way but continuing nonetheless. "Moving swiftly onwards, how's Republic City doing? Heard anything about the President situation or plans to fix all the damage?"

Jinora and Kai glanced at each other quickly. "Not much. Without a President, everyone's kinda just doing their own thing," Kai explained. His wife nodded with a peeved expression. "It's been a nightmare. Currently, the spirits have a far better system of governance than the humans do," she added.

"Is anyone attempting to take control? Or are you all casting votes for people?" Anik asked curiously.

"The latter," Jinora said. "I haven't heard of most of them so we'll keep an eye on it. The Air Nation are to help all people of all nations but we need to know what's going on in the world."

"Makes sense," Anik considered.

Jahn frowned. "Most of them?"

"Sorry?"

"You said 'most' which suggests you know some?" Jahn continued.

Kai nodded. "Yeah. Basically people can nominate a key figure in Republic City if they feel as though they'd represent their best interests. Raiko always did a good job and Cho was pretty useless. The people believe that someone a bit less…pompous might do well."

"And who better than the CEO of Future Industries?" Jinora said sarcastically.

Jahn sighed internally. Meeting the Airbenders was hard enough, given their fondness for Korra. Her last partner might be even more hostile towards him.

"She DOES have good people skills and her head screwed on. If she's voted in, she has no choice," Kai shrugged.

Jinora looked daggers at him. "But Asami doesn't want it. She'd rather continue with her company, to carry on her father's legacy."

The bickering continued for a while. Jahn regretted even asking the question and was sorely tempted to break the debate apart when he crested the edge of the mountain cliff and spotted a familiar sight.

"That badgermole statue! I recognise it! We're not far now!" he shouted excitedly. The sun was beginning to rise over the mountains, making the sky sizzle in bright orange hues.

"He recognises where we are from one little statue?" Anik said with a raised eyebrow as he watched Jahn jog off.

Kai laughed. "Apparently! Come on, we'd better catch up in case there's danger ahead. Remember, if it all kicks off, run as fast as you can in the other direction. Not that I ever do."

"Oh no, you're the epitome of courage," Jinora whispered sarcastically.

Home was different.

He knew it would be, but being here…

The town looked the same. It wasn't destroyed or occupied by hostile forces. It wasn't under siege or even had any changes to the infrastructure. The town, covering the mountainside and the surrounding areas, was the same as it had been.

It just…felt different.

It was quiet, for a start. They'd entered the town from the river which flowed down from the mountains. Jahn was quiet as he passed the spot where charred grass and broken ground showed the results of his first Avatar State. Even now, the area hadn't fully healed.

Even though it was still early morning, Taku was usually thriving. The market would start to bustle with activity and all up the hill, people would emerge and begin their day. The town had quickly become an economic hub to rival most towns across the Kingdom, with only Republic City being dominant.

So why was it so quiet?

They'd encountered a few people going about their business. Jahn didn't really recognise them but that didn't surprise him; nobody knew everybody. Jinora and Kai drew some glances, dressed in their Airbender garb, but beyond mild interest in those two, nobody recognised the party.

"If the Red Lotus were here, wouldn't those people be looking pretty damn scared?" Anik asked, pointing out the obvious.

"Although maybe they've set a trap and don't want us to know?" Kai suggested. It seemed the most plausible option.

"Jinora, can you sense any spiritual activity around? The Red Lotus may be throwing the town out of balance so if—" Jahn began, before he noticed Jinora was not paying attention. Her eyes were closed and she seemed almost to be asleep.

When Jahn frowned, Kai walked up and swung his arm over Jahn's shoulder. "Yeah, I get that too. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. She's so impatient these days…" he murmured.

Jinora opened her eyes. "Nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe we should split up? A bit of mystery solving might help somebody get his head from out of his a—" she said, staring at her husband.

"I choose the market!" Anik shouted, bursting into life as he jumped on the spot with his hand in the air. "I need a new bag and maybe some clothes. Ooh, I promised mother I'd get her some souvenirs so maybe also…"

Jahn had heard enough. "Back here in an hour. If anyone finds anything, make as much noise as you can."

Kai winked again. "Yes sir, Mr Bossy. Cya in a bit, kid."

Jahn looked quietly at his old home. He was sat in the grass opposite as he used to do, once considering a life beyond the town. He wasn't sure if he liked the change or not. Change wasn't good or bad; it was just a weird kind of different.

The house itself hadn't changed much. He guessed people had maintained the outwards appearance. Maybe tourism might pick up if the house of the Avatar was still standing. He was kind of pleased by that; Taku had been his home for a very long time and he wished it well. But it was time to move on.

He could hear whispers around him as some of the townsfolk recognised him and chattered in hushed voices. Jahn didn't mind. A few of them he even recognised; shopkeepers, friendly strangers in the street and even old friends. As long as they didn't have a problem with him returning, he wouldn't have a problem with them.

Jahn stood up slowly and took one last look at his old home. There was nothing inside he would need or want and it was probably best as the doors were locked. He wasn't sure who had the key. When he turned to leave, he spotted a figure walking past another house nearby.

"Hey!" he called out, recognising the person as they disappeared from view. Jahn jogged over and turned into the street but the person was already far ahead. He followed quickly, hoping to catch up with them and get some information.

Jahn recognised the route as he'd often taken it himself when visiting his closest friend. An idea formed in his mind but he willed it away. Please, please say he was wrong.

"Saall, stop!" Jahn called again when close enough. The young man turned and his eyes widened as he finally noticed the Avatar.

"Jahn! I mean, uh-Avatar Jahn. I, um, I'm honoured you'd talk with me," Saall said hurriedly, bowing awkwardly.

Waving a hand, Jahn dismissed the formality. "You don't have to act silly with me. It's actually good to see you Saall," he said with a genuine smile. He hadn't realised how much he actually missed some familiar faces.

Saall blushed and stared at the floor resolutely. "With respect Avatar, I've seen your strength and I don't wish to anger you again. I apologise so much for what happened last time we met. Please forgive me."

Jahn frowned. What was going on here? "Are you alright? Last time was my fault so I'm sorry for that. It was an accident and I never really got chance to apologise before…y'know."

Saall looked up finally and caught Jahn's eyes for a second. "I'm sorry about your mother," he said sincerely. All the cockiness had vanished from Saall, making him rather more likeable, truthfully.

"So am I," came a voice behind Jahn. He turned and his heart plummeted as he looked at Kuvu.

"We all heard. I'm so sorry Jahn," Kuvu whispered. She looked stunning, clearly dressed up for some reason. Jahn could guess what; Saall had clearly been making his way towards her house.

"Yeah," Jahn said awkwardly. "It's good to see you."

There was silence for a moment. "Saall, could we postpone? I don't mean to—"

Saall nodded quickly. "It's fine. I'll see you later?" he said with a quick forced smile. He bowed slightly to Jahn and backed away.

Kuvu watched him go before turning her eyes to her old friend. "We didn't think you were coming back. Not after what happened. And then everything in Republic City."

Jahn looked at the sky, refusing to meet her eyes. "It's not exactly far. I could swing by anytime really."

Kuvu sighed. "But you didn't. Not once."

"That's why I'm here now."

"For me?"

Jahn closed his eyes. "Listen. Back at the river, when I…lost it. I'm so sorry you saw that. I couldn't control it and I'm so sorry you were in danger because of me."

Kuvu smiled sadly. "It's ok. I understand. You couldn't stop yourself. But I heard what you did in Republic City, Jahn. How you stopped the Red Lotus."

The Avatar looked at her quickly. "Are they here!?" he asked intensely, remembering the reason they were there.

"No. They were originally but some benders turned up and forced them out. They called themselves…I don't know, the Spirit Eaters or something. Jahn, they killed the Wise Seer."

Jahn's eyes narrowed. "They what? They killed the spirit?"

"Yes. They used some form of waterbending on it and trapped it. The Wise Seer just…disintegrated and turned into some form of energy. They used that to power up their bending or something. I didn't see it happen but we all heard the stories," Kuvu said quietly.

"But the Red Lotus are all gone? And you're all safe?" he replied.

"Safe from them maybe."

Jahn frowned once more. "Who else is a risk to you?"

Kuvu raised her chin and inhaled deeply. "You are."

Jahn was stunned. His best friend, his closest confident and his first ever love. Telling him that he was a threat to not just her, but the entire town. What!?

The earthbending girl didn't give him a chance to ask what she meant. She clearly expected his reaction and it seemed as though she'd been planning her next words for some time.

"We heard what you did. You killed that woman when you could have captured her."

"She was a threat to everyone! She needed stopping!" Jahn exclaimed in his own defence.

Kuvu shook her head. "Not good enough. The Jahn I knew wouldn't go wiping out people he didn't like. He'd care about who they were and try and find a way around the impossible."

Jahn took a step towards her but Kuvu backed away in surprise. "Kuvu, she killed my mother and was about to kill me too. I couldn't risk my friends' lives just to ensure her capture."

"You killed someone Jahn. It's like you're not even the same person. You've always been the Avatar but you were never…this. Never a killer."

Tears began to well in Jahn's eyes as he felt her pulling away. "Please Kuvu, I didn't have a choice. I'm not a threat, please don't-"

Kuvu began to walk backwards slowly. "I'm with Saall now, Jahn. You should know. Underneath all the bravado, he's a decent human being. But maybe you're the opposite. All the good things you've done doesn't make up for this."

Jahn couldn't understand. He'd known her all her life but one mistake ruined everything? He refused to believe that this was goodbye. The last time he'd seen her had been a bad way to say goodbye but this was even worse.

"Goodbye Jahn. I really am sorry," Kuvu said, before she turned the corner and disappeared from view.

Jahn fell to his knees, tears trickling down his face slowly as he stared at the grass. There really was nothing left for him here but he'd hoped…

Anik found him there in the grass half an hour later. Jahn was still staring at the nearest wall, clenching his hands tightly. Every so often, his eyes would splutter white before dimming rapidly. They flickered up to where Anik approached and Anik could see that Jahn was clearly more than upset.

The waterbender sat in the grass next to his friend silently and put a hand on his shoulder. They sat there for a few minutes without saying a word, before Jahn seemed to relax and his eyes focused once more, the bright blue irises finally dry.

"Come on buddy. Looks like there's no threat here. It's probably best if we get going," Anik said quietly.

Jahn sniffed and wiped his eyes with his sleeve. "Yeah, you're right. I've got something I need to find out," he said, surprising Anik. "We need to go to the Northern Water Tribe."