Chapter 9: An Old Man - 96 AG

In the early part of the year, as spring was drawing to a close, the temperature had warmed considerably. Many travelers took to the roads, whether to sell goods like seeds for planting or other marketable items they could carry on their journey. They ventured forth, hoping to turn a profit by peddling their wares in distant villages and towns. Yet, this particular road appeared strangely deserted in the eyes of General Iroh, who was meandering along it.

As evening descended, the moon cast a brilliant glow upon the land, and all that surrounded the road was a dense forest, shrouded in darkness. Iroh found himself in need of a place to rest, contemplating the idea of setting up camp amidst the towering trees.

However, that thought quickly dissipated when he caught sight of a distant fire. This ignited the old man's curiosity, prompting him to approach cautiously. He made his way through the forest, stopping discreetly behind a tree when he realized that the fire belonged to a lone individual—a young boy. At that moment, the boy was engrossed in practicing a unique form of martial arts, and Iroh couldn't help but watch with fascination.

The form was familiar to Iroh, resembling the martial arts employed by firebenders. Yet, he soon discerned marked distinctions between the boy's technique and the traditional one. The boy's movements possessed an unusual fluidity and softness, emphasizing control rather than brute force. It was a control that differed from the waterbenders' and leaned more towards an offensive, almost puppeteer-like mastery.

Iroh's brow furrowed in contemplation, and his curiosity grew.

Suddenly, the boy halted, his scowl deepening. "Who's there?" he called out, startling Iroh with the sharpness of the boy's senses. He had believed himself well-hidden.

In response to the boy's voice, Iroh chose to step out of the shadows, offering a warm smile. "Forgive me for hiding so long. I had intended to announce myself but found your practice quite mesmerizing."

The boy's eyes widened in surprise mingled with confusion. "No worries," he replied. "It's rather dark out here, old man. Why are you wandering through this forest?"

"I wasn't," Iroh replied. "I came here to see if I could share your campfire until morning."

"Oh," the boy hesitated briefly but then nodded. "Sure."

"Thank you, boy," Iroh said with a bright smile as he moved toward the campfire, arranging his few belongings and preparing for the night. "I couldn't help but wonder why a boy as young as you is camping alone in the middle of the forest. Do you not have parents?"

"I don't know my parents," the boy replied, joining the old man with his sweaty body. "But, old man, these are wartime conditions. It shouldn't surprise you to see children traveling alone."

Iroh closed his eyes, his expression shifting to one of sadness. "You're right. My question was poorly chosen. In times like these, where are you headed?"

The boy gazed into the fire before him. "To be honest, I don't know. I'm simply following the advice of a fortune teller. Although I've heard there's a Fire Nation colony village nearby. Maybe I'll make my way there."

"I see. It just so happens that I'm also headed in that direction," the old man nodded. "I've heard it's a beautiful place."

"Why are you going there?" the boy inquired. "Or are you just visiting to admire the scenery?"

"And what would be wrong with that?" Iroh chuckled. "One can hardly be blamed for wanting to appreciate the beauty of places."

"Well, not many people in the Earth Kingdom can do that," the boy shrugged. "Are you from one of the colonies or from the Fire Nation itself?"

Iroh hummed thoughtfully, retrieving his tea tools and beginning to prepare a pot. "You could say that."

The boy watched as Iroh brewed the tea leaves over the fire, pouring it into cups—one for himself and another for the boy. "Would you like some tea?"

The boy nodded, accepting the offered cup. "Thank you," he said, taking a sip and widening his eyes. "This is really good."

Iroh chuckled. "I'm pleased to see that a young boy like you appreciates the charm of a good cup of tea," he remarked before taking a sip and letting out a contented sigh.

He placed his cup down, fixing his gaze on the fire. "It looks like you harbor no hostility toward the Fire Nation."

"I came from there," the boy replied. "Well, to be precise, my life started anew there."

"It seems you have an interesting tale, my friend. I too am from the Fire Nation," Iroh revealed, arching an eyebrow. "Would you be willing to share your story with this old man?"

"It's really not that intriguing," the boy shrugged. "I... lost my memories, wound up stranded on Ember Island, was taken in by a pair of elderly women, and some other events happened, leading me to where I am now."

"Ember Island? It's a place both beautiful and mysterious. Its black sands often reveal one's inner truths," Iroh reflected. "I had hoped to visit that place once more. However, returning home would only stir painful memories for me."

"Painful memories?" the boy inquired with curiosity.

Iroh took another sip of tea, his face revealing a touch of sadness. "My... son recently passed away. Returning home would only bring back memories of my time with him."

"But why would that be a bad thing?" the boy wondered. "Shouldn't you cherish those memories instead of trying to forget them?"

"They remind me of my... inability to help him," Iroh sighed.

"That doesn't sound good," the boy remarked. "If you want to forget those memories, who will remember him?"

Iroh turned to the boy, a thin smile forming on his lips. "What's your name, young man?"

"Me? I'm... Sozim," the boy answered.

"Sozim? It sounds familiar, although I can't quite place where I've heard it before," Iroh nodded. "Your words carry wisdom beyond your years."

The boy rolled his eyes. "I'm not that young—eleven, maybe twelve. I can't tell. And you, old man, what's your name?"

"I'm Iroh," Iroh replied.

"Oh, I suppose it is you," Sozim mused. "General Iroh, the Dragon of the West, right?"

"You recognize me?" Iroh chuckled.

"You were the crown prince once," Sozim shrugged. "Your face and the previous Fire Lord's were all over Ember Island when I was there."

"I suppose I am famous," Iroh laughed heartily. "But you, a young boy, possess quite an impressive knowledge."

"As I mentioned, I'm not that young," Sozim sighed. "It's just strange to see you here. Shouldn't you be tending to your princely duties or something?"

"What's wrong with a little travel?" Iroh replied. "Besides, my brother doesn't seem to want my company at the moment. Our family dynamics are... complicated."

Sozim hummed in understanding. "Yes, I can see that."

Iroh chuckled again, sipping his tea until the cup was empty. He poured another cup, steam rising from it. "I noticed you practicing firebending martial arts. Are you a bender, young Sozim?"

Sozim fell silent for a moment before responding in a hushed tone, "It's... complicated."

"Really?" Iroh raised an eyebrow. "That's an unusual answer. Usually, people know if they're benders or not. It's pretty obvious."

"Yeah... I'd rather not talk about it," Sozim said, hugging his knees and pushing the teacup aside.

Iroh smiled kindly. "That's perfectly fine. You've already shared quite a bit with a stranger like me."

Setting his empty cup aside, Iroh began packing up for the night. "You should get some rest, young Sozim. A good night's sleep can do wonders for your day ahead."

"You go ahead," Sozim muttered. "I'll keep watch."

"Hmm... that won't do," Iroh shook his head. "I'll stay and keep watch while you sleep."

"I—No," Sozim sighed. "I'll be fine, really."

"Often when people claim they're fine, they're not," Iroh pointed out.

"Isn't that a bit counterproductive?" Sozim joked. "Why say it if you'll just be accused of the opposite?"

"Exactly," Iroh chuckled. "If you truly are fine, there's no need to proclaim it, especially when not asked."

Sozim shook his head in amusement. "Alright, I'll sleep a bit farther from the camp, then."