The Roads Traveled

     The week I was at sea made me miss Uncle and Zuko dearly. After being on a ship for almost half a year gets you adjusted to sea life it seems. Even then, it made me feel all the closer to them. The sea had become like a second home.

     I admit, I probably wasn't the best deck hand when it came to making sure the sails stayed raised or tying any knots, but I was a good cleaner. At the least, I was still able to provide enough help to pay my way for that boat ride.

     A young brunette rested beneath a tree on the side of the path. The wooded area provided much appreciated shade. It was peaceful and relaxing. After all that had occurred, she decided to start recording what happened since the start of her journey to find her parents. She felt as if she would appreciate herself all the more if she did it. Then she would be able to recount her story to her parents or even her future family.

     There was one night that I admit was so strange. The full moon turned red. Maybe it was just the shock, but it caused me to feel weak in the knees, ready to faint. There was even a period of time that it disappeared and the world looked like black and white. Thankfully, it was only for a short while. The moon returned and with it's return came my health. Strange how it was only that one night.

     After my time at sea, I went to visit June, the Bounty Hunter. She was a very beautiful woman. I admire her strength, beauty and no-nonsense attitude. She's witty and sarcastic. Her dry humor is admirable as well. She rode a shirshu name Nyla.

     You see, June liked to spend her free time in a tavern with drinks and arm wrestling with the strongest men. It was there I found her again. It was almost the same as the first time. The difference was that I was without my companions. My arm was healed too, so I guess that was a bonus.

     June, of course, continued with her match, even with my appearance. I didn't mind. She had offered her assistance. I wanted it. I wouldn't anger her or fall from her graces by demanding attention.

     "If it isn't, Fire Ferret!" She barely spared me a glance, "Where's Angry Boy and Uncle Lazy? Don't tell me you ran away."

     "Of course not." I crossed my arms patiently, "I had matters that needed my attention and your help."

     She slammed her opponent's hand on the table, "I suppose that's what I offered you. I'm amazed you came back so soon."

     We went to stand by Nyla so we could have some privacy. Of course, it was also technically business... Who knew? That woman, while a goddess in my eyes, was very unpredictable in a number of ways.

     "What can I do for ya?" She leaned against her pet casually, "Let me guess, Angry Boy proposed and you took my advice last minute to dump him?"

     I felt flustered by the proposition, "N-no! That's not the case at all!"

     "Awe! And here I was hoping that proposal necklace wasn't deceiving me!"

     "It was a gift from uncle."

     "He likes to spoil you, doesn't he?"

     "That's not the point." I directed the conversation back to why I was there, "Look, I'm looking for someone and-"

     June cut me off, "You need me to find them? You should've just asked the first time."

     "That's the problem! I..."

     It was very uncomfortable to tell her, but I told her my story of how I had lost most of my memories. I explained the fact that I could give an accurate description of what my parents looked like, just not what their names were. I couldn't recall where I lived. I remembered my siblings and a few family members, but they were all still faces with no names.

     It's so aggravating when you're living your life, but can't remember half of what you did as a child. I couldn't remember going to school. I couldn't remember who I used to be. Maybe it's just me overthinking what once was, but still...it's infuriating.

     I'll never forget the look she gave me. Out of the short time I had known her she, was not one to show much emotion. The look she gave me though... I don't think I could ever describe it. All I can really say is that I knew she was shocked.

     She regained her composure within seconds, "So that's the case, huh? Come with me, I have a little somethin' for ya."

     I followed her back into the tavern, allowing her to lead me to a messy room, filled with empty bottles. The stench of alcohol was strong. Clothes were strewn about. Everything was a mess. The only thing I could really see was her bed.

     She walked to a wardrobe and started throwing things out of it. There were lots of black clothes and other things I wanted to question. It was weird to see some colors suddenly land on the bed.

     "Found them." She collected the colorful bundle and handed it to me, "Change in to this and let me know when you're done."

     Hikari smiled as she looked down at her new outfit. She wore a light green tunic, that might as well have been a dress, fell to her knees. (At least there was a thin little belt she could tie it around her waist). Part of the excess fabric was tied in a knot on her left side, giving access to her kusarigama, neatly tucked into its rightful sheath. The sleeves went down to her elbows. Adding to her new outfit were a pair of tan trousers that she had tucked into her brown boots from her time with Iroh and Zuko.

     June had been great help. She had also given the younger girl a brown bag, just big enough for the essentials and something extra. Of course money was not left out either. Whatever she had done to gain the bounty hunter's favor had been a big advantage to getting a start to her new adventure.

     After getting some new clothes and money, I was sent on my way. So far, I haven't had any luck. Even if I've only been to a few villages and a small town, I won't give up hope. I know my mom and dad are out there. I'm hopeful that any stop I make will lead me to them.

I've been without most of my memory for nearly a year now. I want to find my family. I want to find out what happened... Luck may not be on my side, but I know I'll stumble upon something at some point. It's just a question of when. Until then, I'm just on a wild sparrowkeet chase.

     The girl rolled up the scroll and neatly placed in back into her bag along with the corked bottle of ink. She shouldered her bag and looked at the road. It would definitely be a long one to find her parents. Maybe even longer to find out what happened. In the end, the results would be worth it.

     With a grin and tune to half sing and half hum, Hikari began her walk again, ready to take on the trail. Trials would await, but deep down, everything would turn out for the better. She knew it.

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A/N: AND GUESS WHO'S BACK!!!

BOOK 2 IS HERE EVERYONE AND I'M SO EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO FINALLY GIVE IT A START! Sit back, relax and enjoy as the saga continues.

NEXT TIME! ON AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER!

P E A C E

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