A Prisoner

Book 1; Chapter 3

The Sun Warriors

Iroh and you exchanged letters for months as you planned, until one day the letters just stopped, and somehow, you knew it was time to make your move. Due to the old man's influence, you were being fed almost everyday, and had nearly regained your full strength, so you started a prison riot in the middle of yard time. Guards tried to break through the sea of brawling men and women to get to you, but as soon as they saw that devious smirk on your face that you always gave them when you were up to no good, they realized this riot was one that would not be stopped with mere threats and beatings. 

They would have to firebend... against you; the thought alone was a horrifying notion that not a single one of them wanted to face, but they all knew that they had to. The first to rise against you was a thin, young looking guard that probably felt that he had something to prove, which of course: he had to prove how easy it was for you to kick all of their asses ten ways to Sunday, and eleven to Monday. Once, that guard was easily rendered useless, another stepped forward, and another, and another, until you were completely surrounded.

It reminded you of when you enjoyed being a general for the psycho lord, the thrill of a battle, the feeling of heat flowing freely from your body. Too bad for the guards, though, you had a lot of pent up energy after being locked up for so long. Soon, the guards were no longer and obstacle, and then you turned to face the riot, knowing that getting through the wall of people to blast over the prison walls was going to prove difficult. You heard the warden's panicked voice approaching, it was now or never. You shoved your way through the fighting and started scaling the wall with ease.

It had almost felt too easy, but, you didn't have to focus on that, you just wanted to get out of there.

...

"Alright, bitch," you heard a man growl behind you as you sat at the bar, "we know who you are."

"Oh you do?" You asked, "Are you sure? I don't think you or your friends could handle getting your asses kicked again."

"You're that bounty hunter." He growled, "June."

You made a buzzer sound with your mouth and rose to your feet, finishing your pint and turning to face him, "Wrong again."

"Damn," he huffed, then he threw money onto the table, "take it."

You laughed and put the gold and copper pieces in your pocket "It was a pleasure doing business with you gentleman, maybe we'll meet again."

You pocketed the rest of the money, save for what it took to pay for the drink, and left the pub. You had been free for almost three months now, and you had been on foot for the entire journey to the Sun Warriors civilization. You weren't exactly sure how close you were to the old city, just that you were heading in the right direction, but you were still confused as to why Iroh had sent you on this journey. He gave you no context, no proper direction, just go. In the last few months, you had come to the conclusion that it was a rendezvous point, but knowing him you shouldn't expect anything too logical.  The old man never ceased to piss you off, even when he wasn't there, and the only thing about him you could honestly say you missed at the moment was his tea.

Iroh could make some damn good tea.

"Finally," you breathed, smiling as your eyes scanned over your destination, "Iroh?"

You called out, looking around as you took careful steps against the old stone, you felt so comfortable there, so... safe. As you looked at all of the old carvings and paintings in the stone, you had the overwhelming desire to learn from them; then, you ventured up the stairs of what you assumed was the temple, "Wow..."

You mused softly, running your hands over the door, then you narrowed your eyes at the red gemstone over it. You hummed thoughtfully as you stared at it, then dug in your pocket for a silver coin. It was just like the temples in the Fire Nation and you assumed the old Clerics had to have gotten the idea from somewhere, it really was beautiful architecture. Once the doors had opened you took a hesitant step inside, then gasped, "Wow..."

You said again, smiling in awe at the sight of the statues; you stepped inside the circle and looked at the movements they were meant to be demonstrating, then decided to give them a try. 

"Halt!" A booming voice yelled when you were finished, "Who dares trespass-"

"It's someone from the fire nation!"

"Wait, wait!" You yelled, "I'm not here to harm any of you, I didn't even know this civilization had survived this long! An old friend of mine told me to find my way here!"

"Well, where is he?"

"I'm not sure." You stammered, looking at the ground, "But, since I'm here I thought I'd try to learn about the right way to bend fire."