Chapter 10: On the Road - 96 AG

As the sun rose, Sozim awoke gently, his eyes opening to the dim sunlight filtering through the leaves above, casting a subtle shadow upon the grass below. Sitting up, he surveyed his surroundings to ensure that all was well. 

Fortunately, it appeared that nothing had gone awry. The fire he had kindled earlier had already burned out, and his companion, the elderly man named Iroh, was presently engrossed in the simple act of sipping tea.

"Ah, you're awake, young Sozim," Iroh remarked, his lips curling around the rim of his teacup. "It seems you had a troubled dream last night."

Sozim furrowed his brow. "A troubled dream?"

"Yes," Iroh confirmed, his gaze fixed on Sozim. "You were tossing and turning as if possessed by some restless spirit. It gave me quite a start."

"Oh," Sozim mumbled, lowering his gaze to the grass. "It's... a daily occurrence." He then folded his sleeping bag and stowed it in his backpack before joining Iroh, settling down in front of him.

"A daily occurrence? That's concerning," Iroh shook his head, pouring another cup of tea and offering it to Sozim. "Here, it may bring some peace to your mind."

"Thank you," Sozim accepted the cup, taking a sip and feeling the warmth spread through his body.

"Usually, it's soldiers who suffer from such dreams," Iroh noted. "Soldiers burdened with trauma, guilt, shame, and grief—not a young boy like you."

"Well, a boy can carry those burdens too," Sozim murmured.

"That's not ideal at all," Iroh sighed. "Continuing like this will harm your chi."

"I'm trying to change, old man," Sozim asserted. "That's why I'm on this journey."

"I understand," Iroh nodded, closing his eyes. "Sometimes, the path of a journey can also be the path to healing. Perhaps we're more alike than you think."

"Yeah," Sozim mumbled.

"We share the same destination, and I've enjoyed your company so far, young Sozim," Iroh continued. "Would you like to travel together to the village?"

"Sure," Sozim agreed. "Even if I declined, I have a feeling you'd be right behind me."

Iroh chuckled. "I suppose so."

—

Now, Sozim and Iroh walked side by side along the road, both donning conical bamboo hats to shield themselves from the sun's scorching rays. They also wore cloaks, with Sozim's in green and Iroh's in red. As they continued their journey, Iroh glanced up at the clear sky, its vast blue expanse stretching endlessly.

"There's nothing quite like traveling beneath a clear sky," he remarked.

As they neared a town, their attention was drawn to a pagoda situated in the middle of the road, adorned with various posters on its walls. Iroh and Sozim halted to examine the display.

The posters mostly featured wanted individuals, including one with a man bearing a scar beside his eyes, white hair, and an appearance that spoke of age. Observing this poster, Iroh sighed, his eyes filled with memories.

"Do you know him?" Sozim inquired, curiosity piqued.

"Yes, he deserted the army," Iroh replied. "He used to be an old friend."

"Jeong Jeong the Deserter," Sozim whistled, studying the name on the poster. "Do you know where he is?"

"Why would I share that information?" Iroh chuckled. "Besides, I don't even know."

"Fair enough," Sozim rolled his eyes. His gaze then shifted to another poster, one without an illustration, just a description.

"Sozim," Iroh read the name aloud. "Capable of controlling the bodies of other people, black hair, tanned skin. High reward, wanted information only, contact Princess Azula of the Fire Nation in Yu Dao. Ah... now I understand why your name sounded familiar."

"You want to turn me in to your niece?" Sozim asked bluntly.

Iroh burst into laughter, his laughter echoing through the air. "And why on earth would I do that? Yu Dao lies in the opposite direction of my journey. Besides, you've agreed to accompany me to the next town; you're my travel companion for now."

"Thanks, I guess," Sozim mumbled.

"But I am quite intrigued by the ability described here," Iroh mused. "It's a unique power. Controlling bodies? In all my years of travel, I've never heard of such a skill."

"It's not exactly commonplace," Sozim sighed. "You either have to be in a desperate situation to learn such techniques... or you're like me."

Iroh arched an eyebrow. "Oh? And what makes you different? Why aren't you in the same predicament as those desperate individuals?"

"I don't know," Sozim admitted with a shake of his head. "Perhaps one day, I'll find out. Right now, it's a mystery."

"I see. A journey of self-discovery," Iroh reflected, rubbing his beard. "I embarked on that path twice in my youth, and I find myself on it once again."

"What have you learned so far?" Sozim asked.

"I've learned many things," Iroh hummed. "Most importantly, to cherish life more and not be consumed by trivial concerns. At the end of the day, those concerns often prove insignificant. But... I learned that lesson rather late."

"Well, regret often comes after the fact," Sozim remarked.

Iroh chuckled. "You're absolutely right, young Sozim. And what about you? In your journey thus far, what have you discovered about yourself?"

"Not much," Sozim admitted. "But one thing is clear—I must gain control over my emotions; otherwise, I risk losing myself forever."

"Losing oneself..." Iroh nodded in understanding. "Many are unaware that, to become a true firebender, one must not let rage and fury consume the mind. Instead, one must master inner calm and emotional stability. Perhaps that technique could benefit you."

"How does one achieve that?" Sozim inquired.

Iroh simply smiled. "By breathing properly." The old man then walked away from the Pagoda, continuing along the path towards the village. "Come on, young Sozim, by this rate, we'll arrive at the town in the evening."

Sozim hummed. "Right…"