Chapter 28: By the Sea - 98 AG

As the morning sun rose, signaling the arrival of a new year, Sozim found himself floating above the sea within a small southern water tribe raiding boat. This vessel was quite compact, and could accommodate only about five to ten men, equipped with a single sail and a rear stirring mechanism. However, he was not alone; Hakoda, a seasoned sailor, sat at the front of the boat.

Perplexed, Sozim inquired, "So... how do we navigate this vessel? How can I operate a boat all by myself? I'm not even sure how to do it with others, let alone solo..."

Hakoda offered a reassuring smile. "Normally, you'd have two others with you, but in this case, you're the only one who hasn't passed the rite yet. So, you'll be navigating this boat through a single rocky stretch alone. The operation is simple: the stirring mechanism is at the back, and the sail controls the wind. Be cautious; uncontrolled wind can be perilous, so handle the sail carefully."

Sozim sighed. "Again... how am I supposed to manage this alone?"

Hakoda chuckled. "That's a challenge for you to overcome. Remember, just one rock, and then you can stop."

The young man shook his head, his frustration evident. "No wonder our tribe is nearly extinct... sending kids into the sea to face such trials..."

Hakoda reassured him, "If it becomes too dangerous, I will intervene. Get ready; we're approaching it."

As the rocky shore drew nearer, Sozim clicked his tongue. The waves grew rough, the winds fierce, and he sprang into action. Rushing to the sail, he secured two ropes: one closer to the stirring mechanism he fastened to his body to prevent it from slipping, while the other, farther away, he tied to the boat's left side, causing it to permanently veer to the right.

Heading back to the stirring mechanism, he adjusted it, causing the sail's rear to swing leftward. The boat was now propelled fully to the right by the wind. With the increasing intensity of the gusts, the vessel approached dangerously close to one of the rocks. It was a nerve-wracking moment, with waves crashing against the rock serving as a stark reminder that failure could result in the boat's destruction.

As the boat neared the rocks, Sozim manipulated the vessel to the right, counteracting its movement by shifting his weight in the opposite direction. This maneuver steered the sail further to the right, barely allowing the boat to evade the rock as it battled the waves. Just as the boat cleared the rock, a wave threatened to collide with its rear but narrowly missed, prompting a sigh of relief from Sozim.

Seeing the boy's success, Hakoda smiled and rose from his seat. He grabbed the rope tied to the boat's left side and further stabilized its course, propelling it forward. Sozim followed suit, releasing the rope secured to his body.

"Good job," Hakoda commended.

Sozim scoffed, "We nearly died."

Hakoda laughed, "But we didn't. Now, let's make land on the beach, and we'll bestow a mark worthy of your achievement."

Later, as Sozim stood on the shore, he was encircled by members of the water tribe, who appeared mildly excited about the event. He stood before Hakoda, with Bato at the southern water tribe leader's side. In Bato's hand, there was a bowl filled with an unfamiliar liquid, likely ink, judging by its scent. Sozim wondered where they had acquired it.

Hakoda announced solemnly, "Let the water spirits bear witness to your accomplishments." He dipped his finger into the ink and inscribed symbols on Sozim's forehead: the moon and another symbol that resembled a dot with a curve above it. "Sozim, you now bear the mark of the brave and the wise. It symbolizes your courage to undertake this rite alone and your quick thinking in dire situations. From this day forward, you are officially a member of our tribe."

As cheers echoed along the beach, Hakoda patted Sozim's shoulder, a smile gracing his face.

—

In the evening, during a small celebration to commemorate the coming-of-age rite, Sozim sat with Hakoda and Bato, enjoying a special soup prepared for the occasion. Other tribe members chatted and laughed, occasionally congratulating Sozim with a friendly pat on the back. It was a serene, peaceful night in the midst of winter.

Sozim slurped his soup and asked, "So, when are you planning to sail again? Or do you intend to stay here indefinitely?"

Hakoda chuckled, "Certainly not. We're waiting for spring. The high seas are treacherous in winter, but once spring arrives, we'll set sail eastward."

Sozim paused, looking intrigued. "Eastward?"

"We're allies with the Earth Kingdom," Hakoda explained. "Our task is to guard the eastern part of the sea against any Fire Nation raids and protect the area around Chameleon Bay, a crucial water passage for the kingdom."

Sozim sighed, "So, the Southern Water Tribe has essentially become a band of mercenaries?"

Hakoda shook his head, "While I may not like the way you put it, it's somewhat true. We're on the brink of extinction and simply want this war to end. Promised resources to rebuild our tribes after fighting the Fire Nation doesn't sound like a bad deal."

"I suppose," Sozim murmured, gazing into the fire. "And what about you, Bato? With your injuries, can you sail next spring?"

Bato retorted, "I can still fight in my condition."

Hakoda intervened, "He's right, my friend. You'll stay here until you recover, and then you can join us. I wanted to tell you this, but our young Sozim seems to have beaten me to it."

Bato clicked his tongue, grumbling, "What a troublesome wound. Fine."

"Good," Hakoda said, looking at Sozim. "And you?"

Sozim raised an eyebrow, "Me? What about me?"

Hakoda inquired, "Will you come with us? You're an adult now. I understand you have other matters to attend to, but I'm offering you a place in our fleet."

Sozim thought for a moment, looking at the fire. "I'll come with you, but I won't stay."

Hakoda arched an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

"I'm headed for a place near Chameleon Bay," Sozim disclosed. "The Eastern Air Temple. I've heard it's a spiritually enriching place."

"I see," Hakoda sighed. "Very well, we'll assist you in getting there when the time comes."

"Thanks," Sozim replied. He then retrieved a scroll from his pocket, a chi-blocking scroll. "Also, would you like me to teach our warriors this technique?"

Hakoda accepted the scroll and examined it. "Hmm, it could be useful. Although I doubt everyone can learn it in half a season."

Sozim shrugged, "They can learn what they can. I'll set it up."

Hakoda nodded, "True. Alright, we'll make arrangements."

—

In the middle of the night, right in the fire nation capital, Ty Lee was quietly packing her things to a bag. She had planned this for a long time, to run away from her home, away from her parents and her twins, towards somewhere that she could be happy with, and a place that she could feel that she was herself.

Being born with six identical sisters, even her parents had a hard time distinguishing them apart, and also because of that, the seven sisters had to compete for attention from their parents, while Ty Lee herself that she is always a part of a 'match set' in the circle of nobility that she belonged in.

Because of that, she decided that she didn't want any more of it, and planned to run.

As she exited her room, and eventually the home she grew up in, she landed gracefully on the street near it, slowly getting away from it. But then, two cloaked individuals blocked her path, and it made her extremely nervous.

She was about to run away, but then, the two individuals opened their cloaks, prompting Ty Lee's eyes to widen.

"Azula?" she murmured. "Mai?"

One of the girls, Azula, smirked. "Hi, long time no see."