"You are leaving?" the Fire Sage stepped into Hayden's cabin.
"I can't stay any longer," Hayden said turning to their mentor.
"I know, Hayden. I know you've been waiting for this day for a very long time."
"I can't thank you enough for what you and all the other Fire Sages have done for me," Hayden hugged the elderly Fire Sage.
"I'm so proud of you. You will do great things. Please Hayden, be very careful out there. The world is troubled. You must keep control of yourself," her voice becoming serious as she held the Firebender in her arms.
The young firebender stepped back; looking down. Sadness in their eyes.
"What is wrong my little one?"
"What if..what if I can't control it?" Hayden looked down at their hands, "Last time..."
"That is in the past," the Fire Sage took Hayden's face in her hands, "You can't change the past, Hayden. But you can change your future. Remember your training."
"I will," Hayden smiled. Hayden hugged the Fire Sage tightly, "I will miss you and the others so much."
"Please don't hesitate to come back and visit."
"Avatar Korra…" Korra felt a gentle touch on her shoulder.
Korra turned around to find the elderly female Fire Sage standing behind her. She had a smile on her face.
"Yes?" Korra finished attaching a satchel of provisions to the flying bison and turned to face the Fire Sage.
"I want to wish you a safe journey and may the spirits be with you in your fight for your home land."
"How did you know?"
"We may be isolated, but we know much of what goes on in the outside world."
"May I ask you something?"
"Anything Avatar Korra."
"Hayden isn't a Fire Sage."
"You are correct."
"Then…"
The Fire Sage held up a hand to silence the Avatar, "That is not for me to disclose, Korra."
"But you have raised Hayden correct?"
"Like they were my own child. I was the one who found Hayden adrift on our shores badly injured. I am very protective of Hayden."
"Do you know anything of their past?"
"Yes. Very much of it." The elderly Fire Sage looked down and seemed to be pondering something when she looked to Korra with a smile, "Hayden is very powerful, but I must warn you."
"What is it?"
"You must keep Hayden calm. The meditation is important and above all do not let Kasai and Hayden be separated."
"I don't understand."
"Remember those things, Korra. Please do not forget."
"I will," Korra nodded before climbing on top of the flying bison.
Hayden put their hand down for Kasai who perched himself atop the Firebender's shoulders. Hayden picked up a small bag near the entrance to the cabin. They turned one last time giving a smile and wave before exiting the cabin.
"So where are we going?"
"To see Tenzin at the Eastern Air Temple."
"I've read about him. He's one of Avatar Aang's children."
"He's my teacher."
Korra turned around to find Hayden with their eyes closed, head back and fingers moving with the air. Kasai caught Korra's eye and came over and sat down next to her.
They had been flying over open ocean for a few hours when the flying bison jerked to the right making a distressing noise. Korra pulled on the reigns to steady the creature, but it continued to swerve around something.
Hayden was on their feet in seconds and reassured Korra with a touch to her shoulder, "Keep her steady. It's a dark spirit."
"I'm trying."
Hayden closed their eyes and began to calm the dark spirit that was disrupting their travel. Korra was doing her best to keep the flying bison steady. In a few moments Hayden had the spirit under control.
"Go in peace," the FireBender bowed and the spirit was gone. Hayden sat back down and closed their eyes for a few moments. Korra didn't say anything while Hayden took this moment. Hayden finally opened their eyes and smiled.
"I guess living with Fire Sages most of your life helps."
Hayden chuckled, "They know a thing or two."