Chapter 29: Eastward - 98 AG

As Winter's grip relinquished its hold, Spring's tender embrace unfurled across the world. The early morning rays found the water tribe warriors already stirring, feverishly loading supplies and weaponry onto their boats and ships in readiness for their voyage. Amid this bustling scene, Sozim pursued an altogether different task. He stood within one of the abbey's chambers, accompanied only by Bato, sifting through pouches of dried herbs.

"You ought to grind these into a fine powder, mix it with warm water, and soak your bandages in it before wrapping them around your wounds. It should speed up the healing process," Sozim advised, his gaze briefly flitting to Bato. "The sisters in the abbey can assist you with this. If you run low, my teacher is only a couple of days away; resupplying won't be a hassle."

Bato let out a weary sigh. "Powder burns, you know?"

"Do you wish to heal or not?" Sozim shook his head, placing the pouch on the table. "In my absence, you should learn to clear your mind and meditate. Who knows? You might even find your way into the spirit world without my guidance. Although, I can't guarantee your safety."

Bato chuckled, patting Sozim's shoulder. "Alright, I'll give it a shot. Just take care out there. And if, by chance, you cross paths with my... son again, please convey my message."

"I will," Sozim nodded.

Suddenly, the room's door slid open, revealing Hakoda, fully prepared for their upcoming voyage. "Young Sozim," he addressed Sozim. "Let's go." He then turned to his old friend and offered a faint smile. "Bato, I'll see you later."

"Stay safe, Hakoda," Bato simply replied. "For the sake of our tribes."

—

A while later, Bato stood on the beach, the cold sea breeze rustling through his hair. The sisters who had cared for their tribes joined him, gazing out at the horizon. Before Bato's eyes stretched the entire southern water tribe fleet, a multitude of ships and boats forming a line that nearly spanned the horizon. His attention, however, was fixed on one particular vessel—the one carrying Sozim.

Though he recognized that Sozim wasn't his son, the sight of him still stirred memories of what might have been. If only he hadn't made so many mistakes in his life, if only he hadn't sent his son away that day…

Bato closed his eyes and turned away from the beach, the wind caressing his long hair.

—

Darkness enveloped Sozim once more, a profound blackness that consumed everything. However, he noticed a difference – he could dispel it by simply opening his eyes. Light seeped in, revealing his surroundings.

Chains bound him to the ground, not made of metal but rather crimson, liquid tendrils that emerged from the earth, ensnaring his wrists and ankles, rendering him immobile. As he took in his predicament, an eerie calm settled over him, as if this was a daily routine, something not worth fretting over. But cracks began to form in his self-assurance as he attempted, unsuccessfully, to break free.

A creature approached, its presence marked by trembling ground and an intimidating aura. Mist enveloped Sozim, obscuring his vision as the silhouette drew closer. Despite the menace, fear eluded him, as if he'd known this creature for a lifetime.

Soon, the scent of blood reached him, and the creature emerged from the mist. It was a bat-like monstrosity with crimson eyes, bloodied wings, and protruding ribs, a creature worn by malnutrition or other forms of struggle.

"Thief. We meet again," it hissed, its forked tongue flickering like a serpent's. "This... confinement is growing tiresome. You should surrender. This body is mine, and I tire of our constant struggle."

"Surrender?" Sozim murmured. "Chio, I think you're misunderstanding something. This body was never yours to begin with, nor is it mine."

"Oh, but it is," the creature chuckled, circling Sozim. "I took it from that boy—a fair trade."

"It's hardly fair when you manipulated a desperate boy," Sozim countered.

"Manipulate? I did no such thing," the creature chuckled further. "He willingly offered his body, willing to do anything to exact revenge on his fellow humans."

Sozim couldn't argue, for it was technically true.

"Get out!" The creature lunged at Sozim, hissing menacingly. "I... am—"

Abruptly, it began coughing violently, blood spilling from its mouth. Sozim heard its labored breathing, a sign of pain.

"Look at you," Sozim sneered. "So... feeble."

"This is your... fault!" the creature hissed again, its broken wings flapping in a futile attempt to intimidate Sozim. "Bloodlust... Death... Despair... I crave it!"

"Your temptations hardly work anymore, Chio," Sozim chuckled. "I now reside in a rather... peaceful environment. You can't sway me."

"We'll see," the creature spat, retreating slowly. "I will make you use my power until I gather enough strength to overpower you in this body. You must look forward to it."

As the creature vanished into the mist, its form dissipated, leaving Sozim's body trembling. When his eyes opened again, seawater greeted him, and he saw Hakoda standing nearby.

"Sozim, wake up!" Hakoda shouted, relieved to see the boy awake. "Come, a storm is approaching. Help us with the sails."

Sozim swiftly rose to his feet, noticing it was still night. The moon was hidden behind thick clouds, and the sea roiled with rough waves, as if the ocean itself were enraged. Water splashed onto the ship's deck as towering waves loomed.

In the distance, lightning illuminated the dark skies, followed by rumbling thunder that echoed across the vast sea. Without hesitation, Sozim grabbed the ropes, ready to assist with the sails.

—

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Azula and her associates had successfully procured a small boat to escape the Fire Nation. They had landed at a seedy merchant's pier and now found refuge in a hidden town. Currently, they were inside an inn, either lounging on the beds or gathering around.

"So... you have no clue where this 'target' is?" Mai asked bluntly.

"Not yet, but I know someone who can track him," Azula replied.

Ty Lee, who had been hanging upside down in a corner, chimed in, "Is it a fortune teller? Or a seer?"

"No," Azula rolled her eyes. "It's a bounty hunter with a Shirshu."

"But doesn't a Shirshu need an item with a scent to track?" Mai inquired. "Do we have one?"

"Of course not. That's why we'll make a detour," Azula said, smiling. "But for now, Ty Lee, I heard you learned something interesting while I was... away."

"I learned a lot!" Ty Lee said, returning to an upright position. "Could you be more specific?"

Azula smirked. "Chi-blocking."

"Oh, that," Ty Lee hummed. "Do you want me to teach you?"

"I might be interested," Azula mused. "But I have a better idea. I want you to spar with me."

Ty Lee's eyes widened. "What?"

"Of course, I won't use my bending, and I'll go easy on you. I just want to study the movements of a chi-blocker," Azula explained. "Don't worry, Ty Lee, you don't have to be scared."

"Right..." Ty Lee coughed in embarrassment. "So, our target is a chi-blocker too? I've never met one like me, except for my teacher, of course."

"Really?" Mai frowned. "Does that mean I have to learn how to fight a chi-blocker too?"

"You're welcome to join, Mai," Azula shrugged. Her expression then turned serious. "But while he is a chi-blocker, that's not his most dangerous trait. If it were that simple, I wouldn't need both of you to face him."

"Must be quite formidable," Mai responded with disinterest. "But if he even scares you, he must be truly dangerous."

"You'll soon understand what we're up against," Azula said, clenching her fist, her face a mix of anxiety and rage.