8 Chapter 8: Fortunes, Destinies, Fates - 96 AG

As the moon cast its shimmering glow overhead, Sozim walked along the path leading back to the village. He had taken care to change into fresh clothing before his return, though his gaze remained fixed on the ground, his eyes heavy with exhaustion, his expression devoid of life. Approaching the village gate, he couldn't help but notice a gathering of people there, perhaps assembled in preparation for some potential event or to extend a welcome back to him.

As Sozim drew nearer, the crowd erupted in cheers, their joy evident, even though he hadn't yet conveyed the outcome of his mission. Stepping closer, the village elder immediately grasped his hand and shook it vigorously. "Thank you! Thank you, traveler!"

"I haven't even had a chance to—"

"No need! No need!" the elder interjected. "Aunt Wu has informed us of your success, and we have every reason to trust her."

"Aunt Wu again…" Sozim muttered, recollecting the fortune teller who annually predicted the likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the region. "You shouldn't place too much reliance on predictions, Village Elder."

"Nonsense, she's never been wrong!" The elder dismissed his concerns. "Traveler, you are welcome in our village at any time, and now, you can stay here for free!"

Sozim raised an eyebrow. "And the payment?"

"Of course, of course." The elder motioned to his assistant, who promptly presented Sozim with a box. Upon opening it, Sozim discovered three pouches of coins.

"Three pouches?" Sozim inquired.

"Your hunting spoils, and a little extra from us," the elder replied with a smile.

"Right…" Sozim murmured, placing the pouches in his bag and returning the box. He pondered for a moment before turning back to the elder. "May I speak with Aunt Wu?"

"Absolutely!" the elder exclaimed. "We'll lead you to her."

"Wait." Sozim suddenly halted, noticing a group of villagers gathering in a corner, causing his brow to furrow. "What are they doing?"

"Oh, them? They're heading to the bandit camp to recover our stolen goods," the elder explained.

"I wouldn't recommend that if I were you," Sozim advised.

The elder looked puzzled. "Didn't you clear out the bandits?"

Sozim nodded. "I did, but... the scene there is quite unsettling. It might be best to simply avoid the place."

The elder acquiesced with a nod. "Then we shall consult Aunt Wu first."

Sozim sighed. "Whatever, just lead me to her."

—

Entering a particular building in the village, Sozim found himself warmly greeted by a young girl, approximately seven years of age, donning a simple dress. Her hair bore the delightful chaos of youth, and her teeth exhibited charming unevenness.

"Hello. Thanks again for helping our village," she beamed. "Aunt Wu has been expecting you."

"Of course she has," Sozim sighed. "Everyone in this village has."

"This way," she urged, gently tugging at Sozim's sleeve, guiding him toward the door. As he entered, a soothing scent of incense filled his senses, and his eyes fell upon an elderly woman seated serenely in the center of the room, with an array of bones at her side.

With a soft push, the girl closed the door behind Sozim, leaving him alone with the woman.

"Welcome," the old woman greeted, sipping her tea with deliberate tranquility. "Please, take a seat."

Sozim approached cautiously, settling beside the woman while surveying the room.

"You know, they're quite fixated on you, the villagers," Sozim commented. "Your words seem to hold more weight than mere predictions in their ears."

"I guide them with my unique talents," the woman replied. "It's my role here."

"But every saying you make becomes an absolute truth for them, not just predictions," Sozim pressed. "It's a dangerous situation."

"You possess wisdom beyond your years," the woman acknowledged with a smile. "But I confess, that dilemma will find resolution in due time; everything has its time and place."

"Yeah," Sozim sighed. "So, how does this work?"

The woman shifted the bowl filled with bones closer to Sozim. "Bones provide one of the most effective methods of peering into the future. Choose one, dear child."

Sozim hesitated briefly, selected a bone at random, and displayed it to the woman.

"Excellent," she nodded. "Now, toss it into the fire. As it crackles in the flames, I shall glimpse your future within."

"Alright," Sozim complied, tossing the bone fragment into the fire in front of them. Slowly, the bone began to crack.

"I see," the woman intently examined the bones. "I can discern... a multitude of things. What would you like to know?"

"Just tell me everything."

"Very well," the woman turned to Sozim. "Your journey... will be marked by bloodshed."

Sozim scoffed. "Yes, I could have deduced that much."

"However," she continued, "it will also be characterized by knowledge, revelations, connections, and ultimately, a sense of tranquility."

Sozim fell silent for a moment, then turned his gaze back to the fire, watching the bones.

"That seems rather vague," he remarked. "Could you offer guidance on what steps to take next? I have a lot to do ahead—finding someone, resolving my issues, and—"

"Patience, my child," the woman interjected. "You need not fret over your duties excessively. At times, many matters tend to resolve themselves, if only you possess the patience to allow it."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Sozim raised an eyebrow.

"However, in your case, certain predicaments demand swift action," the woman said. "Head north, and along your path, you will encounter answers, questions, and a newfound purpose."

"North, huh," Sozim mused. "Is that north as in the North Pole, or—"

"North from this location," the woman clarified. "Remember, my child, aid is granted to those who require it and deserve it."

"Alright... though I'm not entirely sure what that means," Sozim sighed. "Is there anything else?"

The woman clapped her hands, her smile brightening. "How about a glimpse into your love life?"

"I'm not sure that's particularly important right now—"

"It will be a journey filled with obsession and madness," the woman interrupted. "Death will always loom when you cross paths, be it her life or yours, a perpetual threat wherever your destinies intertwine. This will persist... unless both of you can accept who you are."

"That's... not a comforting revelation," Sozim murmured. "Who is she?"

"That is not how it works." the woman chuckled. "It's for you to find."

Sozim just hummed, and he stared at the crackling fire in front of him.

Suddenly, the woman touched his shoulder, and offered a comforting smile. "You are a lost child. It is… natural for you to have so many questions, and little patience to answer them. Focus on the most important first, then deal with the rest. I know that your path isn't smooth. But trust me on this, even if you don't believe anything that I have predicted. At the end of your road, your peace that you seek awaits."

Sozim widened his eyes. "How do you—" he stopped, before sighing deeply. "You know what? Never mind. Thank you for the time, Aunt Wu."

"No problem, child." she said. "You've saved this village, I am only repaying the kindness to you."

—

Inside Sozim's room at the local inn, in the middle of the darkness, the boy couldn't sleep. On the floor, he could only stare at the ceiling, afraid of falling into a deep sleep. It was like this ever since he decided to just train his bloodbending further, a mistake in his eyes. Though a mistake, he can't help but admit, he'd become addicted to it, to use it. The ecstasy, the feeling of domination… it's… haunting.

But that's precisely why he thinks that it's a mistake. Now, he can't even trust himself. He'd lose himself in the bloodshed, dark thoughts always popping up, and he was always afraid to sleep in the middle of a village like this, afraid that… another will take over once he fell asleep.

It's a fear that was fueled by paranoia, but it was not an unfounded one.

Yet now, Sozim suddenly sat up, and he took on a meditative state. These months, usually it doesn't work anymore, the dark thoughts won't disappear, but he kept trying, so hopefully it will be back like before.

He tried, and it didn't work. But, he stayed in the position, and his mind wandered. It has been some years since he suddenly arrived in this world. The peace that he seeks… the house near the beach… That dream seems so far away now compared to a few years ago.

But thinking back to Aunt Wu's words, there might be some hope to achieve a good life that he wanted. Though he couldn't trust her one hundred percent, it's still nice to hear some comforting words, after he'd been alone these two years.

Sozim just smiled, waiting for the sun to rise again tomorrow.

—

Meanwhile, not far from Sozim's location, three individuals find themselves in Wulong Forest, an area near Yu Dao, a Fire Nation colony. Among them is a young girl, approximately ten years old. She stands atop a rocky outcrop within the forest, while two elderly women, identical twins, observe her closely. The child is engaged in a mesmerizing fire dance on the surface of the column. With each graceful movement of her limbs, brilliant blue flames burst forth, illuminating the surrounding darkness and slowly melting the nearby rocks.

Her practice continues, and her flames resemble a deadly blue rose blossoming amidst the nocturnal stillness. Abruptly, she halts, assuming an upright posture atop the column and taking a deep breath to release built-up tension. Her subsequent movements are more fluid than before, with fingers clenched, except for her index and middle fingers.

Now, she dances as though she were the very essence of a wave, following an unseen current. Swiftly, lightning begins to flicker around her, but she maintains her graceful motion, directing the lightning as if it were an extension of herself.

Finally, with a decisive gesture, she releases all the gathered lightning toward a nearby rock column, shattering it into fragments that scatter in every direction. Once more, she stands, inhales deeply, and exhales rapidly. Then, she executes a graceful flip and lands before the twins with impeccable poise, earning a respectful bow from them.

"Congratulations, princess," one of them, Lo, declares.

The other, Li, adds, "You are now a master of lightning bending."

For a moment, the girl, known as Princess Azula, remains silent. She clenches her fist, frustration etching her face. "It's not enough. I need... I need to become stronger. He could easily stop me with a few moves, and by then, I'd be defeated."

"Do not despair, princess," Lo reassures, her eyes closed. "In some instances, overpowering your enemy isn't necessary."

Li nods in agreement. "Sometimes, it's strategy and battlefield mastery that lead to victory."

"Strategy?" Azula scowls. "I have to defeat him with sheer power. Strategy won't matter."

"Princess, consider this," Lo begins, "if your foe can manipulate your every move, what choice do you have but to watch as he defeats you effortlessly? The answer lies in allies who can distract him, allowing you to seize victory while he's occupied elsewhere."

"Allies?" Azula gazes downward. "No, I'll defeat him alone. Teach me more, there must be deeper knowledge."

"You're treading a perilous path, princess," Li cautions. "Remember, a clouded mind leads to defeat. You seek revenge, undoubtedly. However, you cannot allow it to consume you. Remember the essence of light—"

"I don't care!" Azula steps back, anger erupting as she shouts at the twins. "I— I must prove myself to my father once more!"

"Is that truly what you desire, princess?" Lo questions. "To have your entire life dictated by your father's approval?"

"Silence!" Azula's anger intensifies. "My father is the Fire Lord! You dare not speak of him lightly."

"We beg your forgiveness, princess," Li and Lo bow in deference. "We only seek what's best for you."

Azula clenches her fist tightly. "Then teach me. Teach me everything."

Li and Lo exchange a knowing look, and a subtle understanding passes between them. "Very well, princess."