It's morning again and the days went by quickly, it's already one month from the day that messenger Hawk arrived. The tourist season have ended early this time, and there are very few people on the streets, mostly just locals tending to their shops.

Satchiko and Mayumi already packed their backpacks, which contained all the needs of their journey. A few spare clothes and some necessities, but not too much. They both donned their complete Kyoshi warrior outfit, completed with their face paint.

Mayumi packed a few metal projectiles, such as throwing kunai and shuriken in case she needed to use them. The katana is also placed on her sides like usual. Satchiko's only weapon is her trusty war fan, which was strapped on her armor.

"You got everything sister?" Mayumi asked, she looked towards Satchiko, who is only staring at her bag.

Mayumi placed her hand on Satchiko's shoulder to assure her. "Cheer up! It's not like you won't come back to the island. After you learnt Earth Bending, everything will be much better for you!"

"Yeah," Satchiko replied with zero enthusiasm, even though she is still in their room, the feeling of homesick is already taking a small toll on her.

Satchiko fastened her backpack, and wore it on her back. Mayumi did the same, right before she noticed a small doll of Avatar Kyoshi sitting on the closet.

"Don't you want to bring this along?" Mayumi asked her younger sister.

This doll was handwoven by Akahana herself when she pregnant with Satchiko. It remained to be her most valuable toy from the first day of her birth. The doll's sewing is a little flimsy unfortunately. Akahana isn't a tailor after all.

Satchiko looked at the doll for a moment, reminding herself the good times she had on this island. It was difficult to stop herself from grabbing it and stuff it in her backpack, as it can provide a sense of home on this long journey. She refrained herself from doing so, knowing it may not be the best idea.

"It's alright, I don't want to lose it, the doll is safer here." Satchiko said.

The sound of footstep diverted their attention from the doll, Akahana and Hakaru walked into the room with a small wooden chest.

"That's very thoughtful daughter, but there is something I wanted you to have on this journey," said the older women.

"What is it?" Satchiko observed the chest with interest. Akahana slowly opened the container, revealing a headdress similar to the one Mayumi is currently wearing right now.

"Mother, does this mean?" Mayumi asked, knowing what this might imply.

"Yes, it is time your sister have her own headdress, she has proven to be more than capable."

This put a smile on Mayumi's face, but Satchiko's reaction wasn't one of joy. Is this very the right moment?

"But mum, I don't think I deserve it, after all, I don't think I am competent enough." Satchiko is obviously referring to the 'Unagi' event she got herself into. It's pretty much an open secret on the entire island now, how a teenager girl becoming the reckless and luckiest person to survive a rare Unagi encounter. Even the fishermen, who have not encounter the Unagi for decades, decided to scale down their activities for safety.

Knowing that Satchiko still hold regret on that incident, Akahana still insist that she is ready. "You are correct, but I also can't keep you from taking your next step either. Akahana pulls the headdress out of the box. "This headdress once belonged to me, but today it's yours. I felt I had hold you back long enough. From now on, you are officially a Kyoshi warrior."

She have waited this moment her whole lives. To receive the golden headdress to complete an important milestone in your training.

Accepting her mother's judgement, Satchiko removed her headband. She closed her eyes as her mother puts the golden headdress on her head. The design of the headdress remains true to the family lineage of Satchiko and Mayumi. The headdress is just like the one that belonged to Suki, a small square with a cross, attached to the larger triangle. If having the brown hair makes Satchiko look similar to her great grandmother, than this headdress would make them almost indistinguishable.

When Satchiko opened her eyes, she felt the sense of accomplishment. She always wanted her own headdress, but she felt she still need to prove that she is worthy enough to wear it.

"Here take this," Hakaru said, handing the letter's golden coin to Mayumi. "This coin allows them to identify you when you reach Ba Sing Se, it will be very useful."

"Thank you father," Mayumi slipped the coin down her pocket. "Is the messenger Hawk doing ok?"

"Yes, I made sure he is good condition, he will be flying back to Ba Sing Se today." Hakaru assured. He went to the living room to check on the bird as well as the letter he written in response to Satchiko's decision to study Earth bending. The Hawk is still resting in a temporary nest made of various sticks and hay, Hakaru gently attached the letter on the bird's feet in order to not disturb its rest.

Despite his good intentions, his attempt to not wake up the bird ultimately failed. While the bird did not react in a volatile manner, Hakaru still apologized as if the bird can understand his language. He gently comforted the bird's head by patting it, to which the bird's body language responded to approve his action.

"We should get going, the boat has arrived at the dock." Akahana announced. She didn't sound as though she is concerned that they would miss it, she certainly wouldn't mind prolonging her daughter's time on this island.

The four of them walked out of the house, and Hakaru released the messenger Hawk. It expanded its wings and ascended into the air, soon it disappeared across the horizon.

A group of people were waiting near the steam ship, the size of which made it looked a bit out of place compared to the island's natural environment. Amongst the group waiting was Kazuki and a large fisherman, both being here for the send off. When the four finally reached the group, many people sent their best wishes of a safe journey, as well as hoping they would be home sooner.

"We will all be waiting for you Satchiko! When you get back, make sure to give us a show of your Earth bending!" Kazuki exclaimed in an excited tone. The other Kyoshi warriors were also just as anticipated, but they were mainly focused on the fact that they weren't be seeing two of their friends for a while.

The middle aged fisherman, who is a close family friend, patted Satchiko on the shoulder. "Get back soon! When you do, you can join the fishing team and hunt Elephant Koi with us! Who knows, maybe you can even kill that blasted eel. Hahahahaha!" His expression was loud and booming, which only highlighted his friendliness with the young girl. The other fishermen around him also snicked loudly along with Satchiko, who is aware that her elephant koi 'hunt' has earned the unconventional respect among the fishermen. She is most of all grateful that this fisherman also came to sent her off.

"Thanks you two," Satchiko softly replied.

While they were at it, a Kyoshi warrior, similar to Mayumi's age assured that she will take her place to train the younger trainees.

"I can't thank you enough Orihime, I promise I will make it up for you when we get back!" Mayumi thanked in deep gratitude.

"You don't own me anything, it's not like we haven't been friends since we were just toddlers!" Orihime said jokingly. "Besides I even got Akunin to help me!"

Orihime looked towards Satchiko, who is now wearing the golden headdress, it reminded her own conversation with Mayumi right before the Unagi incident. While Satchiko is still conversing with her friends, Orihime gave Mayumi a small hug before a journey.

"Your sister got a headdress and is going to bring Earth bending back, what about you?" Orihime asked Mayumi with a suggestive smirk. "Don't you wanna bring something back too? The ladies and I do want to confirm our gossips." She hinted in a very subtle manner. That gleeful smile is suspicious, and Mayumi knows. She felt she missed something in Orihime's question, but shrugged it off for now. Her main focus right now is only on the journey.

They still have to talk with many other people. After what might be the longest periods of socializing with others, Satchiko and Mayumi finally boarded the giant steam ship along with some tourist heading home. But no before receiving a very tight hug from their mother, who kissed them both on the forehead. The group of friends waved at the two, expressing their hope that they will be back very soon.

It was difficult for the family of four to suddenly be split by this, but the parents knew that a child's development must not be hindered, especially if it's bending.

While the crowd watched as the steam boat slowly becoming more and more like a dot. Akahana felt a sense of regret sending the two off.

"I only wanted Satchiko to reach her full potential, but now I won't be seeing both of them for now." Akahana asked Hakaru, her tone sounded tired and sad. It was relieved by Hakaru, who embraced his wife with a hug.

"They will be fine Hana," was all he said. He has been married to Akahana for many years and they have been through many things together. Rarely, has this strong women displayed any hint of vulnerability and weakness. Despite her being a seasoned warrior and master of stealth, she is still a women after all. The burden of being a parent definitely softened her personality and changed her priorities, which were completely different during her youth. Regardless of the situation, they both knew that as parents, giving their child the best is the most simplest and important task.

"Thank you," Akahana said.

On a tall hill that overseas the town and harbor, two figure stood there, watching all of this unfold.

Tomoe observed sharply through her mask, looking at the group of people and the steam ship sailing off the coast. Her thought process were suddenly disrupted by Oiwa's remarks.

"Look at them both Tomoe, compared to when we were younger, we always get yelled by the Red Rose." Oiwa sighed. "I guess being a mother is all it takes to tame even the most violent people."

"She is our friend, and I agree, motherhood changed all of us, you and I included." Tomoe responded in a gentle tone.

"Well, back then you were always the most serious of the us three." Oiwa said." It's not like you can get anymore serious, even after you became a mother!"

"Thank you," Tomeo responded blankly.

"It wasn't a compliment anyway." Oiwa muttered. She tuned her attention to the steam ship, which she knew carries the children of her friend.

Both women knew that their upcoming responsibility will be more challenging. With Akahana rejoining the search for the Avatar, they themselves also need to do more to reinforce the island's defense.

"That girl has certainly grew up fast," Tomoe said under the mask quietly. It's not everyday that a bender would becomes a full fledged Kyoshi warrior, let along inheriting Akahana's previous headdress. The birth of Satchiko was one of the few good things right after Korra's death, and it only created a sense of commonality among the community itself.

...

A teenager girl and a group of others kneeled before a great figure sitting on the throne. His seat was made completely out of obsidian, which only cemented the dark atmosphere of this giant room.

The torches burned very dimly, just like the people kneeling, they too knew their place here. The oppression of one's emotions and personality is enough to make anyone submit to the dominant entity sitting in this room.

"Your excellency, our spy has informed us that the daughters of one of Akahana the Red Rose are heading out of the island." The girl said without any hint of individuality. "A steam ship will carry them directly to Ba Sing Se, it would be a prime opportunity to capture them while they are separated with the others. I suggest we strike while they are still on the boat."

The person on the throne thought about this, but his hands motioned to dismissed her plan.

His voice was somber, clearly masking his annoyance and irritation.

"Very impatient as always." He said with great authority. He raised himself from his sitting position, and the displayed a strong posture. Even the shadow in this room cannot hide his muscle, which are only covered with a thin piece of clean clothes.

The girl lowered her head in response to his action. While she does fear the man before her, she also deeply respects his decision to not go along with her own proposal.

"I applaud your attempt to devise a plan my child, but this solution would only attract unwanted attention from the remaining few entities that can bring us down. While certain groups are generous enough to supply our arsenals, they are still those who are wary of our presence." The man said, referring to the raids and discord instigated by pirates and bandits. "Instead of ramming straight into that steam ship and capture the daughters with brute force, you will instead initiate sabotage, and force them to change a route. When the right opportunity comes, you will capture them. Be patient, be the philosophy of neutral Jing."

"Yes master," the girl said in a lowered tone. "Your wisdom will be unquestioned." The others behind her remained motionless. Unlike the girl who at least has some decent outfit, others were in more rugged clothing. People like them don't usually associate themselves with clothes worn by harmless civilians. They don't need it. The devotion to the master alone gives them strength.

"I will allow you to take a small group of individuals to assist you in their capture." The man reminded the girl with a stern tone. "I will grant you the freedom in however way you capture them, but do not interfere my final plans!"

"Yes master," the girl said, but this time her voice trembled a little.

"Good, good, your conviction and loyalty will only bring you to greater endeavors." The man said with a now softened tone. It's easy to tell that he is constantly manipulating the teenager. When they are young, the brain of a child is always as tangible as clay itself. "Now go, and capture them, your success will be another stepping stone to my grand vision."

"Thank you master, I shall take my leave then." The girl backed away slowly in a show of respect. Together with the others, she left the throne room and closed the door as quietly as possible.

The man once again sat comfortably on the throne. Despite the hardness of his seat, he still smiled deviously to the progress he has made ever since the Earth Kingdom's division. For him, the only good loyalty are ones devoted to him.

...

A wall, a defense structure built by nations to counter invasions. It is useful to form a solid barrier between the people and the enemy.

The walls of Ba Sing Se is special, it has guarded the world's oldest settlement for its entire existence. As the largest and most prominent structure of the world, few is able to successfully breach it. Even the likes of the Dragon of the West, is only able to temporarily break through the outer wall. This only further solidify the enduring nature of the Earth Kingdom and it's people. When combined their strengths and mastery together, it is no wonder that Earth Benders can create such a significant wall.

On the wall of the outer ring itself, a lone Dai Li agent stood there like a statue. He watched as the sun slowly revealed itself behind the giant mountain. The rays pierce through his eye lens, but he doesn't concern himself at all. He faced towards the countless fields of agriculture, how the farmer slowly began their days by attending to their precious crops.

Sometimes, he wondered if the people who have been living in Ba Sing Se for their entire lives can even grasp the true reality that is outside the walls. While the Dai li currently allowed the refugees to share stories and accounts of the horrors outside, he knew their depictions only paints a fraction of the entire picture.

But that's fine. Why waste your time trying to fool the people when they already knew what is happening outside these walls? Why conceal the truth, when the wrath of war would only serve to makes this place the real safe haven?

He waited patiently, and it finally arrived. He held his rocky hand out as the messenger Hawk arrived near the top of the wall, and provide a platform for it to land.

After the bird rested itself on the man's arm, the agent opened the letter's it has delivered. Confirming the letter's content, he secured the letter and decided to bring the Hawk to the nearby turret and return the bird.

Even though the agent is still in his early twenties, he is already good enough to take on the many challenges of what it means to be a secret police. Times are not good now, he knew one day his goal will all be fulfilled.

Soon after he returned the Hawk, he plans to reliever the letter to the intended recipient.

Right before he used Earth Bending to descend down the walls, he took another look at the city itself. It was a beautiful city, despite everything that has happened in the past, there is physical changes on the people and buildings within these walls.

The agent's face didn't respond to this scenery, and his hat casted a shadow on his face when he watched the people began to leave their homes to start their day.

From the top of these great walls, it's extremely difficult to see the people moving in the streets. However, that didn't stop him from noticing a mother and a small child walking side by side on a small foot path, and holding their hands. They were both happy, despite them possibly being refugees who just migrated here, they still have one another despite losing everything outside the walls.

This scene didn't bring the agent any delight to his current mood. His face remained stoic and expressionless. He soon resumed his task, and used his stone glove to scale down the giant wall.

He got distracted there, but that will not stop him from his eventual goal.

Author's notes:

-The name Orihime is from Japan's Tanabata festival, which is similar to the Qixi festival in China in terms of the story. The festival celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, who have became separated lovers and can only meet once a year. This new side character is always that same Kyoshi warrior talking with Mayumi right before Satchiko went to hunt the elephant koi.

-I would like to clarify that the 'large' fisherman in this chapter is the same person who have called Hakaru to meet that Republic city businessman, he is also that angry representative of the fishing community in previous chapters. Just letting you know just in case. :)