Chapter 36: A New Start - 98 AG

A/N: laptop's beyond repair, gotta need to buy a new one and i'm broke, in the meantime, upload schedule's going to slow down as i'm writing on phone and fix grammar/paraphrase on chatgpt and upload on someone else's pc.

---

It was a tranquil day in the spirit world when Kavir brought a handful of odds and ends to his dwelling. After a full day of scavenging, he'd amassed a peculiar assortment, including pieces of wood and dried leaves, perfect for kindling a campfire. Now, at the heart of his encampment, he arranged his finds into a neatly formed triangle, attempting to ignite a spark.

Living as a spirit these days had become his new normal, not much different from his human existence, save for the occasional oddities. His neighbors took on all manner of forms - rabbits, tigers, even monkeys clad in monk's robes. Encounters during his daily scavenging were brief, marked by simple greetings and occasional trades, usually involving food.

While Kavir struggled to light the campfire, the sound of approaching footsteps jolted him. He turned to face the visitor, and to his astonishment, it was the same face he'd encountered only once - the one currently "occupying" his body, a presence known as Sozim.

Sozim whistled as he glanced around the vibrant surroundings. "This place seems... livelier since my last visit. You've adapted quite well."

Kavir arched an eyebrow. "What brings you here?"

Sozim shrugged. "Can't I pay a visit? I have news for you."

"News?" Kavir asked, taking a deep breath, realizing he could no longer detect the scent of blood from Sozim. "Did you...?"

Sozim hummed. "He's not dead, of course. Spirits can hardly die. But I've severed my connection with him, at least for now. I even brought back a little souvenir."

"A souvenir?" Kavir inquired.

Sozim chuckled, shaking his head. "Let me help you with that campfire."

—

As the campfire crackled, casting dancing shadows, Sozim observed their surroundings with curiosity, his gaze fixed on the shifting sky.

"Is the spirit world much like the physical world?" Sozim pondered. "Day and night cycles, spirits needing sustenance, and all that?"

"It varies," Kavir replied. "Some parts have cycles, others are eternally day or night. As for spirits, some require sustenance, while others don't."

"And you? Do you need to eat?" Sozim asked.

"Not very often," Kavir said. "An occasional fruit or mushroom, that's about it."

Sozim nodded. "Good, I suppose."

Kavir turned to Sozim, raising an eyebrow. "So, you really did it, huh?"

"I had to consult a guru, but yes," Sozim affirmed. "We won't be hearing from him for a while. I've absorbed some of his essence, so he'll heal slowly, and I've grown stronger."

"What?" Kavir frowned. "Taking his essence – that's dangerous, you know?"

Sozim reassured him, "Relax, I know it won't overtake my mind. It's just a precaution to keep him at bay. Plus, I can bloodbend again without the risk of him taking control."

Kavir's frown deepened, but he chose not to press further. Instead, his gaze returned to the fire as he sighed. "What about the other thing I asked you to do?"

Sozim's expression turned serious, and he nodded. "I did as you told me at first."

Kavir raised an eyebrow. "But?"

"He caught on, and I confessed the truth," Sozim admitted.

"What?" Kavir clenched his fist. "So he knows that you..."

Sozim simply nodded.

"Seriously?" Kavir muttered, his irritation palpable. "I..."

Sozim interrupted him, saying, "He wants me to relay a message. He's sorry, deeply sorry. He feels he didn't help you enough during that raid. He should've been there with you that day."

"Stop," Kavir muttered. "Just stop."

The area was shrouded in silence, broken only by the crackling of the fire. Sozim finally spoke, breaking the stillness. "Look," he began, "I think it's the right thing to do. At least your dad knows the truth now."

Kavir shook his head, his tone filled with frustration. "It's a messed-up thing, man. Every time he looks at you, he's going to see me, even though it's not me. He's my dad, not yours."

Sozim let out a weary sigh, his muscles relaxing. "I'm sorry. I... I told him I'd show him how to journey to the spirit world. He wants to see you."

Kavir clenched his fist. "You're seriously dense. The spirit world is a dangerous place. He might not make it back if he doesn't know what he's doing."

"It's his wish," Sozim argued. "Plus, you want to see him again, don't you?"

Kavir gritted his teeth but then relaxed as he gazed into the fire. "Fine, teach him, and make sure you do it right. But there's one more thing I need you to do."

Sozim looked at the young boy curiously. "And what's that?"

"Change your face," Kavir stated. "You're torturing my father if you keep using my face."

Sozim frowned. "How am I supposed to do that?"

Kavir shrugged. "I don't know. The spirit world is vast and full of ancient mysteries. There's got to be a way."

"Seriously?" Sozim raised an eyebrow. "That's pretty vague. I wouldn't even know where to start."

Kavir hummed, gazing up at the skies above. "You should seek out the old spirits. They might have some answers. Like... Koh."

"Koh? That sounds familiar," Sozim mused. "Wait... The Facestealer?"

"You know about him," Kavir said, mildly surprised. "You could visit him; he's one of the oldest spirits. Perhaps he might offer one of his faces to you."

"I'm not so sure about that," Sozim muttered. "Okay, I'll give it a shot. Using your face sometimes gives me a bit of an identity crisis. Changing my face might actually make me feel more comfortable."

"Be cautious when dealing with Koh," Kavir warned. "Don't show any emotions when you're talking to him."

"I'll remember that," Sozim nodded. "So, will you be alright?"

Kavir chuckled softly. "You should be asking yourself that. I'll just be here, doing nothing."

"Right," Sozim sighed. "The next time I see you, I'll probably be with your dad. Look forward to it."

Kavir hummed. "I will."

"Then... I'll see you later." With that, Sozim's spirit slowly dissipated into particles, leaving Kavir alone by the campfire.

The boy sighed deeply, and the place fell into solitary silence once again, with only the crackling fire for company on this dark day in the Spirit World.

—

As Sozim's spirit returned to his physical form, his eyes flickered open to a scene of furs and scattered leather. He found himself in one of the Southern Water Tribe tents, having left the Air Temple a week prior. Here, he rested, observing the tribespeople as they diligently went about their tasks, whether it was ship repairs, planning, scouting, or other chores.

In this environment, he had successfully entered the spirit world, a feat made smoother and easier due to his open chakras, unlike his previous attempts. Currently, Sozim sat on a bedroll, with the others' already tidied up. The occupants of this tent had all risen and begun their day, leaving him in solitude.

Sozim rose to his feet, quickly tidying the bedroll before stepping outside the tent. He stood at the entrance, feeling the sand beneath his feet and the warm touch of the mid-spring sun on his skin. Inhaling deeply, the scent of the sea and smoked fish wafted into his nostrils, while he observed the bustling activity throughout the camp.

It appeared to be busier than usual, with people busy ferrying weapons and supplies to the ships. Sozim sensed that something was afoot, perhaps a looming raid.

"You're awake," a familiar voice sounded from his left, and as he turned, he spotted Hakoda donned in his wolf armor. "Seems like it went well. Did you meet him?"

Sozim simply nodded. "He remains as he was when I last encountered him. Alone."

Hakoda let out a sigh as he walked toward Sozim, patting his shoulder. "At least you can visit him again. By the way, get ready; we've sighted a Fire Nation ship patrolling near the eastern sea."

Sozim made a thoughtful sound. "Am I joining in?"

Hakoda studied Sozim up and down. "You're an adult. I won't force you, but..."

"It's all right," Sozim interjected. "I'll join."

"Good," Hakoda said with a smile. "You'll need some armor. Speak to the quartermaster; he'll find one for you. I'll see you on my ship. We set sail at dusk."

"Very well," Sozim replied, walking away from Hakoda. "I'll catch up with you later, Chief."

As Sozim turned his back on Hakoda, the chief wore a knowing smile, shaking his head before tending to other matters.