The sun was once again setting over the Southern Water Tribe as Roku trudged his way up the steps to the palace. After a morning filled with frantic packing and planning for his trip, the young firebender had spent the remainder of the afternoon in training. This involved hours spent exercising, practising firebending forms, and sparring with the water benders, and he was now exhausted. It had been several weeks since he had trained at all, let alone fought or sparred, and this was now painfully apparent in Roku's many aches and bruises.

If I'm lucky, that won't matter. Roku sighed as he reached the top of the stairs, turning down the hallway towards the tea room. But I probably won't be, knowing me.

Roku considered this last thought for a brief moment, his anxiety over the coming journey continuing to build, before rounding the corner into the tea room he shared with the Avatar. He was surprised to see Korra already there, sitting before a low table with the ever-present teapot. She turned her attention away from the sunset, giving him a small, sad smile as the storyteller took his seat.

"How are you feeling?" She asked, concern apparent in her quiet voice.

"Nervous." Roku shrugged. "Not sure how else I should feel."

Korra nodded sympathetically. "I know how you feel. The waiting is the worst part, isn't it?"

"Yeah." He sighed as he poured himself a cup of tea. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be, but I don't like not knowing what I'm getting into."

"No one does." Replied the Avatar. "But obsessing over it won't help either. You should try to focus on something else, to take your mind off it."

"You're right." Roku nodded in reply, before taking a sip of his tea and settling back into the chair. "I suppose, in that case, it'd be best that I return to telling my grandfather's story. Now, where was I…"

Solus woke to the sound of waves breaking on the shore and the gritty sensation of sand pressed up against his face. His arms and legs ached, sore from the strain of swimming the long distance, and for a while Solus did not move. He laid there, face-down in the sand,

contemplating the decisions he had made that brought him to his current position. After coming to the conclusion that it didn't really matter whether the choices were correct or not, seeing as they were already made, the young escapee finally decided to move on. Slowly and carefully, Solus lifted his arms from the sand and pulled himself up into a sitting position. Then, after wiping the sand from his eyes, he took stock of his surroundings.

He was sitting on a black, sandy beach. It was early in the morning,and the sun was just now beginning to creep above the horizon. The wispy strands of cloud shone pink, orange, and yellow in the light, and this reflected on the dancing waves to create a beautiful display of moving colors. Solus felt himself at once both enthralled and invigorated as the fiery orb continued its slow climb into the early morning sky.

It was his first time seeing sunlight in several days, and the sight had an energizing, motivating effect on the young firebender. He stood slowly, still facing the sun and ignoring the protestations of his muscles as he began a series of stretches and poses. These were part of a basic firebending exercise set, taught to him by Iroh as a method of steadying and balancing himself at the start of a new day.

The stretches had their desired effect; Solus soon felt energized and awake, his passion and desire to accomplish his goals fueled by the warm heat of the sun on his face. He felt the fire within him grow, fed by his anger at the injustices at the Fire Nation, and the conviction that his path was truly a just one. The world has been thrown out of balance. He stood on one leg, drawing the other heel up and pressing his palms together as he inhaled deeply. I must do my part to restore it.

He felt the energy in his chest grow, burning ever hotter even as the slow, calculated moves of the set balanced, tempered, and shaped it. This continued to build with the restrained movements of the exercise until Solus reached the final position. Facing the rising sun, his two feet planted evenly and firmly on the ground, the younger firebender let loose the breath that he had been holding in his chest. The air rushed out of his lungs, and with it came a great torrent of heat and flame that stretched over the ocean.

The intensity of his bending surprised even Solus, and the young bender worried for a moment that he might have been seen when a different sound broke through his thoughts. Immediately on guard, he whipped around, searching for the source of the noise and finding a welcome sight.

There, perched on a small rocky outcropping, was Kuzon. The messenger falcon had evidently been sleeping as well, and woke to the sound of firebending. Kuzon chirped again, flapping his wings and shifting on his perch, before bobbing his head down at the ground in front of him. It was then that Solus noticed the bundle in the sand; evidently carried by the bird, it was a long, cloth-wrapped object, with two simple wooden shoes tied to the outside.

Ty Lee must have given it to him to bring to me. Realized Solus, and he approached the object, kneeling on the ground to unwrap it. He found there his trusty longsword wrapped in light, cheap, traveling clothes of the sort a poor merchant might wear. He wondered for a moment where she might have acquired them, before quickly banishing the thought. Probably better not to know. These definitely belonged to someone.

Shrugging off the question, Solus shed his worn, damp prisoner's robes and donned the travel clothing. He decided to keep the robes, and used his sword to cut a makeshift sash from the cheap fabric. He then cut another strip of fabric from the robe before folding the remainder into a small bundle, using the second strip to tie it together. Finally, Solus tied the sash around his waist, tucking the sword into it for safekeeping and attaching his meager bundle of spare clothes.

It was then that he first noticed a small lump in one of his pockets, and after fishing it out found that it was a small leather pouch. Inside, there were several Fire Nation coins, a small folding knife, some bandages and similar first aid devices, and finally...

A Pai Sho piece? He pulled it from the pouch, turning the small wooden disc over in his hands. A White Lotus tile… I wonder if she took it from Iroh?

He examined the artfully crafted game piece, running his fingers over the inlaid flower. He noticed then that there was something carved into the tile; someone had carved figures into the wood finish of the game piece, obviously with an implement far more crude than that which had originally carved the white lotus. He squinted at the figures, holding the piece into the sunlight and trying his best to read the very small etching.

Sword… Master… One on each side of the Lotus…

Solus sat there for a moment, pondering the small wooden disk, before cramming it back into the small pouch that was now tied to his sash. He then put on the simple wooden sandals, grateful that Ty Lee had remembered to send something that might make the trek more bearable. If only she sent a map. He then stood, whistled to Kuzon, and began to walk west.

A plan was slowly beginning to form in his mind, but first he needed to find high ground to survey the land. He turned away from the sun and scrambled up the rocky, sandy embankment now facing him, using small tufts of grass to pull himself up to the ledge. Once at the top, he stood slowly and surveyed the surrounding landscape.

Solus found himself standing at the base of a great sloped plateau, which rose out of the surrounding ocean like a giant green the distance, at the peak of the wave, he saw the plateau curve to the west and come to a narrow, jagged point. There were sheer cliffs there, and far beneath them a natural harbor created by the curve of the plateau. He could see what looked to be a town as well, nestled in the hills at the base of the cliff.

Perfect, Solus thought to himself. With any luck, that town will have a harbor, and a way off this island. But where to…

Briefly, he removed the pai sho piece from the pouch and ran his thumb over its surface, feeling the texture of the figures carved upon it. Sword Master… perhaps that's who I should look for…

He stashed the game piece back in the pouch and nodded to himself, resolute. He then whistled for Kuzon, who swooped from his previous perch to Solus' shoulder with hardly a sound. Satisfied that he was at least mostly prepared for the journey ahead, the young firebender set out across the grassy plateau, making his way towards the small Fire Nation town in the distance.

Solus plodded across the soft ground, his flimsy shoes sinking into the dark, rich soil that covered so much of the island. His feet were sore, already aching from the few hours he had spent walking through the waist-high grass. He thought wistfully of the traveling boots he had in the Earth Kingdom, as well as the calluses; after weeks in Ba Sing Se and several more days in captivity his feet were soft, and he dreaded the blisters that would soon cover them.

Nothing I can do about it now. He sighed, even as his simple wooden shoe sunk deeper into a particularly muddy section of ground. He grunted, pulling it free with a wet slopping sound. Maybe I can get better boots in that town… He sighed, thinking about the disappointingly light pouch tied to his belt. Or maybe it'd be better to save for transportation.

He came to a small ledge and stopped a moment to survey the area. To the north, a small river cut across the island, carving a small river valley into the face of the otherwise smooth slope. To the south and west of the winding river was the town, which Solus was now realizing to be much larger than he initially anticipated. The natural harbor provided by the curve of the island had created the perfect conditions for a fishing village, which had apparently grown a great deal from humble origins. He could see a wide variety of ships in the harbor, both fishing and coming and going to the busy docks. Hopefully, one of those will be an affordable way off of this island. If I'm lucky, I'll make it before nightfall and secure passage perhaps for tonight or the next day.

Solus sighed as he sat, taking the moment to relax and dangle his legs over the ledge even as his gaze wandered across the landscape. He watched as a small flock of koala-sheep approached the river to drink. They were like a tiny, distant clump of clouds that had come down to replenish their water stores at the banks of the river. The river looked cool and relaxing, and Solus yearned to stray from his path to relax and cool his aching feet in the water.

No time. The young traveler sighed again. He could see storm clouds on the distant horizon, a dark omen of travels to come. He wondered about the people in the bustling town in the distance, with it's visible guard towers and gates. I hope they aren't already looking for me. That will make things much more difficult.

Solus thought for a moment longer, pondering his chances. No matter. I'll just have to check to see if they have any wanted posters up. In the meantime… He pushed himself off the ledge, falling a short distance to the dry dirt beneath the overhang and wincing as his stiff joints flexed under the impact. Might as well start walking now. The earlier I arrive, the more likely I am to beat any messenger hawks with wanted posters.

Solus sighed, realizing then that it was unlikely that his escape had not been reported, and there may very well already be soldiers searching the island for him. All the more reasons to try and get on a ship out of here, whether I pay or not. The young escapee resumed his slow, even plod in the direction of the town.

As he walked, Solus thought about the Sun Warriors, and tried to recall all that he knew about them. He knew they were precursors to the Fire Nation, and the first firebenders- the ancestors of his own culture, bending, and way of life. He also knew that they lived on an island, far to the north of the main Fire Nation archipelago. Yet another difficulty. Maybe that's something the Sword Master can help with…

He plodded on, bolstered by this thought. The Sword Master can help me get to the land of the Sun Warriors. And then…

And then what? He knew nothing of the so-called Way of the Dragon, except that it somehow involved the Sun Warriors. Did the Sun Warriors have some sort of connection to the dragons?

He thought back to his history lessons. He knew that they were the first human firebenders, and learned from the dragons. Perhaps that was it- learning from the great masters themselves?

But the dragons are all dead. The last one was killed by…

Solus stopped in his tracks, struck by the realization. Would Iroh really lie about that? To protect the last of the original firebending masters… it would certainly fit.

Solus wondered at the implications of this. Iroh had gained the title Dragon of the West after he slew the last of the mighty creatures, but if he did not actually kill the dragon, were there still more out there? Did the Way of the Dragon involve finding a dragon to learn firebending from?

Solus took a deep breath as he resumed his walking. One step at a time. First, I need to find a boat, and a way to get to the Sword Master. Then I can worry about dragons. The young firebender nodded to himself, before turning his attention back to the long path ahead of him.

Much to his dismay, the storm reached the town only minutes before he did. He was walking up the beach towards the town's gates when the first gust of wind hit him, sending sand and stinging salty sea spray into his face, burning his eyes and causing him to stumble backwards. The torrential rain soon followed, buffering and soaking him even as Solus continued to fight against the driving wind.

It's as if the spirits themselves are angry. He thought to himself. Punishing us for killing the Avatar, perhaps.

He pulled himself up the sloped side of the raised, paved path before starting down the last stretch of his journey. It could not have been more than 100 or so meters, but the force of the wind and rain made the relatively short distance feel like a marathon. It was only when he reached the shelter of the tall gate that the exhausted, soaked bender could breathe.

He stood there for a moment, leaning against the stone wall, for a moment oblivious to the world around him. As his surroundings came into focus, Solus breathed a sigh of relief. The gate that he was now sheltering behind was only partially closed; a half open door revealed a glimpse of a mostly abandoned street, swept clear of most people by the torrential rain. Perhaps it's for the best that I arrived during the storm. Realized the bedraggled traveler.

Even the gatehouse, its windows looking out from the opposite side of the gate from Solus, seemed unoccupied. This was slightly surprising but he decided not to question it, instead taking the opportunity to slip through the open gate and into the town.

A little less than an hour later the storm was beginning to abate, swept away by the same strong winds that had carried it in. Solus was down by the docks, watching as the clouds gradually cleared away. He was reassured by the presence of Kuzon, who he could now see gently circling overhead. The bird had sought shelter in the face of the downpour, but reappeared once the storm had abated.

Solus, on the other hand, spent the duration of the storm seeking a warm meal and enough dried food to get him through the next day. It had cost him nearly half of the money in the pouch; there remained only 27 pieces of silver, and he could only hope that this would be enough to pay for passage.

Now, to find a ship…

He surveyed the assembled vessels and their crew, who were now busy checking the boats for any damage incurred during the storm. Grateful for the remaining light of the now-setting sun, the young traveller scanned the docks, seeking someone to approach. He eventually chose a tall, serious man who was standing on the dock and surveying a small fishing boat. He had apparently finished securing the vessel alongside his two crewmembers, and was looking for anything they had missed when Solus approached.

"Pardon me, sir." He was grateful for the noise of the dock, allowing him to speak in a normal voice. "Do you know if any of these vessels are traveling to Jang Hui village?"

The man turned slowly, looking Solus up and down. His face was weathered, and though it was clear he was not extremely old, it was clear the man had spent the majority of his life working on the water. Solus saw the seafarer's eyebrow raise when he saw his sword, and he immediately regretted not taking the time to conceal it.

"What's your business 'n Jang Hui, traveller?" The man's response was gruff, and he clearly regarded the newcomer with suspicion.

"I'm visiting my master, the uh, the swordsman who taught me." He swallowed nervously, hoping that the man hadn't noticed. "It has been many years, and I wish to pay him a visit."

The fisherman was silent for a moment as he looked Solus up and down once more before relaxing visibly.

"Aye, very well. I believe you. Master Akori is well known, but his dojo has certainly seen better days." He sighed, looking sadly out over the water at the last remnants of the sunset. "All of Jang Hui has. Still, you've come to the right ship."

Solus nodded, resisting the urge to rock back and forth on the balls of his feet and potentially give away his nerves. Only now did he realize that he had failed to check the town's notice board for any wanted posters of himself, or any indicator that the greater Fire Nation was aware of his fugitive status. This man had not yet given any indicator of knowing that this was the case, but it was entirely possible that any of the sailors nearby did, and this made him want to vanish, or at least hide.

Much to the young escapee's relief, the fisherman did not seem to notice his anxiety. Instead, he stepped back and made a broad, sweeping gesture at his modest fishing ship. "This fine vessel will take you to Jang Hui alright, and it'll do it soon'er 'n any ferry will. We leave tonight, soon as we finish loading the fish."

"That's wonderful. I don't have anything more than what I have here, so there's no loading to be done for me." He paused a moment, before realizing this might incur questions about his mode of travel or other unwanted prying and beginning to speak once more. "So, how much will it be?"

"Well… Hmm…" The Sailor examined him once more, before turning and gesturing to a stack of open crates on the dock piled high with fish. "If y'can help the lads load these fish, and help'm unload when we get to Jang Hui, I reck'n that'll pay your fee. I'll warn ya though, it's the leftovers from this morning- old fish, mighty ripe. We bring it to Jang Hui 'cause it's all they can get, when we can."

Solus grimaced but did not turn away. The chance to depart so soon, and at no cost, was an opportunity he knew would repeat himself. It was almost too lucky, in fact, but he quickly pushed those doubts away.

The young firebender nodded resolutely. "Sounds good. Tell me where to put my things, and I'll start helping."

Over the next hour or so, Solus worked with the other two crew members to load the boat. Moving and stacking the large crates of fish was backbreaking work, and the smell certainly didn't make it any easier, but he learned a great deal during this time. First, he learned the names of the crew- the Captain's name was Shozin,and the two deckhands were his sons Lee and Oka. The two young men seemed to be slightly older than Solus, though he was not sure they realized it, and they greeted him with friendly smiles and customary bows, which Solus returned. He also learned that the journey to Jang Hui would take about 10 hours, so long as the winds continued to be favorable. This would allow them to deliver their cargo to the town before it went bad.

Said cargo was fish from the market in town, unwanted leftovers of the morning's catch purchased by the Captain at a low price. Upon further questioning this, Shozin told him that Jang Hui had gone downhill quite a bit in the days since Solus had studied there; some kind of smelter had been established upstream, and its toxic runoff had polluted the river and killed its inhabitants. The town now lacked its main source of food, and Shozin and his sons sought to remedy this by delivering their own town's unwanted product.

"I reck'n old fish 's better 'n no fish" was the seasoned fisherman's comment on the matter.

Eventually, after about an hour of hard work and the disappearance of any sunlight, the three young men finished their work. Once the last crate was loaded and secured, Shozin untied the ship from the dock and took command of the ship, ordering his sons about at their tasks. They set about the work with a vigor that amazed the thoroughly exhausted Solus, and the small fishing ship's sail was soon aloft, catching the wind and propelling them directly towards their destination. Kuzon, meanwhile, had perched upon the top of the main mast, and had already fallen asleep by the time of their departure.

After deciding that it may be a good idea to follow his bird's example, the ship's lone passenger decided to seek somewhere to sleep, and was directed to an unused bunk belowdecks. It had been several days since he had last slept in a real bed, and between this and the strain of the day's activities, the young firebender was soon asleep. Outside, the waves gently lapped at the sides of the ship as it's late-night crew continued to pilot it towards the river-town of Hang Hui.

Author's Note: This took longer than anticipated to write, and it's a bit long. I considered making it longer to include more action, but ultimately decided against it in the interest of having more to write for the next chapter. Either way, hopefully you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading!