The Second Avatar

Chapter 3: Journey South

The morning sun hung in the sky, a golden ball of light beginning its slow march toward noon. The warmth of its rays stretched across the open, uneven landscape of the southern routes of the Great Continent. The terrain was a mixture of rolling green hills and swaths of dry, brown grass, with the occasional stunted tree scattered about, their gnarled and twisted forms shaped by winds that had swept across the land for millennia. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the faint scent of dew-soaked earth and the distant sound of birdsong.

The path they walked was a well-trodden dirt road, winding through the wilderness like a vein connecting this remote place to the greater world. The faint crunch of grass beneath boots was accompanied by the rhythmic sound of steady breathing, marking the journey of two figures making their way along this route.

One of the travelers was a striking woman, moving with the poise of someone both disciplined and confident. She appeared to be in her early twenties, though the grace and strength with which she carried herself hinted at much more experience than her youthful appearance might suggest. Her beauty was breathtaking—a perfect harmony of elegance and strength. Long, flowing silver hair cascaded down her back, shining brilliantly under the morning sun. It shimmered with every step, and though her hair framed her face, there were hints of tattoos barely visible on the back of her hands and her forehead, symbols of mastery and strength as they caught the sunlight.

Her figure was slender but well-formed, the kind of figure that seemed as if it were made for the wind itself. The air nomad robes she wore flowed with her movements, worn yet pristine. The robes were a rich tan and orange, traditional of the Air Nomads, adorned with their characteristic symbols—a blend of practicality and tradition. The fabric swayed with the breeze, a visual dance that symbolized their spiritual connection to the elements. Despite their simplicity, they carried an air of command, a reminder of the woman's position as both elder and master airbender. Her presence was regal, serene, and imposing.

Her companion, by contrast, was less remarkable at first glance. A young man walked beside her, his face a simple and average reflection of youth. His black hair was short, slightly windswept, and fell in uneven waves across his forehead. His features were unassuming—a sharp nose, full lips, and dark eyes, though his scowled expression gave him an edge of intensity that set him apart. His robes were similar in design and color to Nara's, but they were simpler—junior Air Nomad robes, indicative of his inexperience and his position in the journey toward mastery.

He was nineteen years old, carrying himself with a mix of confidence and uncertainty. His pack rested against his shoulders, slung securely with careful attention, while his hand lightly adjusted the straps every now and then as they traveled. His eyes occasionally drifted toward Nara as they walked, and every time he looked at her, there was a moment of distraction, a moment of quiet admiration. Her beauty was stunning, and he couldn't help but remember their first night together just two days ago, vivid memories of passion and intimacy creeping into his thoughts.

Yogan's cheeks flushed as these memories swam in his mind. His gaze lingered on her graceful movements, her silver hair catching the wind like a streak of moonlight in the morning. The heat in his chest grew as the memories became more vivid—the sensation of her hands, the sound of her laughter, the shared warmth of that shared moment.

"I know that look, Yogan," Nara said, breaking the silence in her soft, melodic voice as she glanced over her shoulder at him. Her piercing gray eyes caught his own, and she gave him a sly smirk, an unmistakable teasing glint in her expression.

Yogan's eyes widened in embarrassment, his face flushing red as he quickly looked away, stumbling slightly over his own boots. "Wait, what—no, I wasn't—" he stammered, his voice rising defensively, his words stumbling over one another as his face burned.

Nara laughed, a rich and seductive sound that lingered in the air for a few moments as they continued walking. Her smirk turned into a full, confident smile. "Oh, you were thinking naughty things again, weren't you?" she teased, her tone light but unmistakably knowing.

Yogan tried to maintain his composure but felt himself losing the battle. He adjusted the straps on his pack again, attempting to hide the clear signs of his distraction. "That's not—no—uh, I mean… I wasn't—" he tried again, his voice shaky.

Nara's teasing smile deepened as she turned fully toward him for a moment, the wind catching her robes in a mesmerizing display. She leaned in just a bit closer. "You really are so easy to read," she whispered, her voice a low purr. She glanced back ahead, stepping with confident grace as she continued, "You know if you wanted, we could do something about that right now."

Yogan's mouth opened slightly, his words caught in his throat as his face flushed deeper, the sound of her words sinking into his mind like embers into dry leaves. "Wait, are you serious?" he managed to ask, voice barely audible.

Nara turned back toward him with that same teasing smile, her voice steady and playful. "Oh, I knew we'd have this discussion eventually. It surprises me you still haven't expected this."

Yogan exhaled, trying to regain some of his composure. "It's… uh, weird for me," he admitted. His eyes fell to the ground, his voice quiet and uncertain. "You're still… you're still an elder to me, and a mentor. It just feels strange."

"I understand," Nara said smoothly, her expression softening for just a moment as she looked at him. She paused, her voice thoughtful but confident. "For now, we'll get closer. That feeling will pass. Trust me."

Yogan exhaled again, uncertain if he believed her words or his own uncertainty. His shoulders relaxed a little, but the heat in his chest lingered.

The journey continued, stretching for a few more hours under the bright glow of the midday sun. The landscape shifted subtly as they made their way closer to the river. The rolling hills gave way to flatter plains, the scent of water growing stronger with each step. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue, the sun casting long shadows over the uneven dirt path. The occasional breeze swept through the grass, the sound of it brushing against itself soothing, rhythmic.

After several hours of steady walking, the sound of rushing water broke through the silence. The travelers came upon a wide river, its surface sparkling with reflected sunlight. The water was calm but purposeful, meandering around stones and small tufts of reeds that grew along the banks. The sound of the river provided a natural soundscape to accompany their journey.

Ahead, the silhouette of a small town began to take shape. It appeared bustling and active, its rooftops and walls a mix of wood and stone, reminding Yogan of ancient, rustic villages he'd seen depicted in old books and historical records. It was much larger than the young man had anticipated. His eyes widened as they approached, a mix of awe and curiosity filling him. The town had a natural charm to it—its layout was organic, streets that seemed to shift and turn in irregular patterns, but the movement of people and merchants made it feel alive.

The architecture was unmistakably East Asian in design—similar to ancient Chinese towns Yogan could remember from his own studies. Wooden buildings with tile roofs sat next to homes with brick foundations. Smoke rose from a few chimneys here and there as fires were kept for warmth and cooking. The streets themselves were muddy in places, grass tripping over cobblestones, while wooden market stalls offered everything from food to simple tools.

The town was alive with motion. Children dashed down the streets, laughing as they played with simple wooden toys. Merchants called out from their stalls, extolling the quality of their wares—silks, vegetables, pottery, and fish. The smell of food lingered in the air, mingling with the scents of earth, wood smoke, and river water. The people appeared to belong to all walks of life, from farmers to craftsmen, their attire humble but vibrant in their own ways.

As Nara and Yogan entered the outskirts of the town, the activity and noise grew louder. Nara paused, glancing around for a moment. She looked at Yogan, her voice calm but purposeful as they took in the sights and sounds of the bustling community.

"Let's find a tavern with an inn," she said, her voice cutting through the sounds of life around them. She approached a local man nearby, who was working at a wooden cart, unloading boxes of goods. His face was tan from years of exposure to the sun, his hair tied back in a simple ponytail. His features were sharp but friendly as he looked at her, squinting slightly against the light.

Nara gave him a polite nod, her Air Nomad robes flowing elegantly as she spoke. "Excuse me. Could you direct us to the best tavern with an inn in this town?"

The man looked at her, his brow furrowing slightly. He gestured toward the center of the town with his hand. "Ah, yes. You'll want the Golden Lotus Tavern," he said in a slightly weathered voice. "It's the best in town and has an inn upstairs. Travelers tend to stay there all the time."

Nara offered the man a small, appreciative smile before motioning toward the center of town. She and Yogan began walking toward the streets that led to the Golden Lotus Tavern, their boots crunching lightly in the mixed dirt and grass. The air was bustling with the sounds of voices and movement. Every few moments, a passing merchant or villager would glance at the pair curiously, taking note of their unusual garb.

The Golden Lotus Tavern came into view. It was a wooden building with a wide, welcoming front porch, its structure supported by large wooden beams. The sign swinging gently from a post above the entrance bore the name "Golden Lotus Tavern" in bold, painted characters, the wood weathered from years of exposure but well-kept. The establishment appeared warm and inviting, with smoke curling lazily from a chimney. The roof was shingled, the walls made of sturdy wood and stone. The architecture gave it a sturdy, reliable presence in the center of the community.

The pair approached the entrance, the scent of spiced meat and fresh bread greeting them as they stepped through the wooden door. Inside, the air was warmer and smelled faintly of smoke and food. The tavern had a rustic charm to it—a combination of worn wooden beams, low tables, and small candle lanterns that lit the space with their golden glow. Patrons sat in booths, drinking, eating, and sharing stories. The atmosphere was lively, the sound of laughter and conversation filling the space.

Nara led Yogan toward the bar, her footsteps confident. She caught the attention of a middle-aged man behind the bar who was cleaning a mug. His face was broad and friendly, with an easy smile and a sturdy build. His hair was a soft black, streaked with silver, and his smile deepened as they approached.

"Welcome to the Golden Lotus Tavern!" he said cheerfully, setting the mug down. His voice was hearty and welcoming. "I don't recognize you two. You must be new in town. My name is Juan Li, owner of this fine establishment. How may I help you today?"

Nara placed her hand on the polished bar, her voice calm and practiced as she introduced herself. "We'll need food and a room for the next two nights. Could you help us with that?"

Juan Li nodded readily, pulling a scrap of paper and a pen toward him. "Two nights' accommodation upstairs will cost five silver pieces per night. I can have food brought to you shortly." He glanced at them briefly before reaching beneath the bar and producing a heavy brass key, which he placed onto the table. "Here is your key. The rooms are upstairs."

Nara took the key with a simple nod, reaching into her coin pouch and pulling out the necessary payment. "Thank you," she said smoothly.

She paused for a moment before continuing, her eyes sharp but calm. "Do you know most everyone in town?"

Juan Li gave a knowing chuckle, "Well, as a bartender, I know most of the folks that pass through here. Travelers always bring stories, and you never know what a stranger might share."

Nara leaned in slightly closer to the bar, her tone steady, her piercing gaze locked onto Juan Li as she spoke. "We're looking for a pair of men. One looks similar to the man standing next to me—young, a bit taller, bald with airbender tattoos. He may be traveling with a young woman wearing Water Tribe clothing."

Juan Li furrowed his brow as he considered her words, his hand poised midair as if ready to set down another glass. His expression was contemplative, his voice calm but firm as he answered, "Hmm… I don't recall seeing anyone like that. But I do remember a young woman in Water Tribe clothing passing through here yesterday with a man. They might have been headed out toward the river or beyond." His voice was deliberate, careful. He looked at them both, noting their focused expressions.

Nara's gaze sharpened slightly. "You're sure about that?" she pressed.

Juan Li shrugged lightly, leaning back against the bar. "Travelers come and go all the time. It's not uncommon for people to pass through here. The woman you described might have been a Water Tribe traveler. She looked like she belonged to their clan. Can't say for certain about the man, though."

Before Nara could press further, her voice dropped a little as she shifted in her stance. "And what about Kezin?" she asked, her tone colder now, carrying an air of calculation. Her eyes didn't leave him as she added, "He is tall, has long black hair, carries himself highly, and has a stern, calculating expression. You might have seen him."

Juan Li scratched his head, looking between the two of them again as he leaned on the counter. His lips pressed into a thoughtful line as he answered, "Ah. Yes… he was here just the other night. Didn't stay long, though. Had a drink with some patrons, caused a bit of trouble, too. Fast, though. The man could fight—agile, skilled, that sort. He got into a scuffle with a few locals before he disappeared. I didn't see exactly where he went after that, though."

Yogan's jaw tightened at the mention of trouble, his hand clenching slightly against the bar as he listened. His gaze grew more serious, his voice low as he said, "Did you see anyone with him? Perhaps the young woman he may have been traveling with?"

Juan Li shook his head again, his voice steady but uncertain. "I can't recall anyone with him at the time. He came in, had his drink, stirred up a fight, and was gone before the evening grew late. Most travelers just pass through the Golden Lotus, but the lad stood out. He was a skilled man, dangerous even."

Yogan looked visibly angry now, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information. His hand gripped the bar harder, the muscles in his arms flexing slightly. Nara, sensing his emotions building, placed her hand over his, her touch firm but reassuring.

"I appreciate the information," Yogan muttered, his voice tight. His anger wasn't directed at Juan Li but at the circumstances, the mystery surrounding Kezin and his elusive movements. His jaw ground for a moment as he maintained his composure.

Juan Li's brow furrowed slightly as Yogan's voice dropped, and he looked at them with a careful eye. "I'm afraid that's all I can give you, travelers. Some information comes with price, and as much as I try to stay informed, there are always stories that elude even me. You may want to ask the townsfolk or head to other taverns if you think Kezin may still be hiding nearby."

Nara, with her usual sharp intuition, reached into her coin pouch. She handed Juan Li a handful of silver coins—more than enough for the information. She laid them on the bar, speaking in her calm, collected voice, "I think this will be enough to ensure your memory serves well, Juan Li. Don't hesitate to share any other scraps of information if anything else comes up."

Juan Li looked at the silver coins for a moment before picking them up with practiced ease. His smile returned, his easy demeanor now back in full force. "You're welcome anytime. Travelers always need a bit of luck, and information can travel far."

Nara and Yogan exchanged a glance, Yogan's frustration still simmering as they turned toward the stairs in the back of the tavern. Nara's hand stayed in his for a moment as they began walking toward their room.

Yogan's thoughts remained dark and focused as they climbed the creaking stairs. His mind churned with the images of Kezin—the man and his fight, the fight he had danced through so skillfully. His focus was sharp but frustrated. It burned in his chest like embers, reminding him of just how personal this mission felt.

At the top of the stairs, they found themselves standing in front of a door that matched the modest charm of the Golden Lotus itself. Nara used the key she'd been given to unlock it. The door swung open, revealing their room.

The Inside was modest but comfortable, with wooden beams and simple furniture. A low, firm bed sat in the center of the room, its frame constructed of oak and polished in a warm finish. The linens were simple but clean, likely well-maintained by the staff of the Golden Lotus. A small wooden table and two chairs sat in the corner of the room, a basin for washing next to the window. The room had a rustic simplicity to it—quaint but sufficient for travelers. It felt safe and cozy, a roof over their heads away from the open plains and rivers.

Yogan took a deep breath as they stepped in, dropping his pack onto the wooden floor with a dull thud. His shoulders relaxed just a bit as he looked at the bed, stretching his arms and briefly allowing himself a moment of relief.

"I can't believe how good it feels to sleep in a place with a roof," he muttered, letting his shoulders drop as he set his pack down.

Nara chuckled softly, setting her own pack onto a nearby chair. She turned to him with her usual confident glint in her eye. "Don't get too comfortable just yet. We've still got work to do."

Yogan felt his mind wander as the familiar tension returned, images from the previous days coming to him. His thoughts grew heated again, and he found himself turning toward her, his mouth opening before he could stop himself.

"So, I was thinking—"

Her voice cut him off immediately, firm yet playful. "Not now, Yogan," she said, her tone soft but resolute. "We'll have the night to ourselves. For now, we need to stay focused. We'll track Kezin further tomorrow."

Yogan's face fell slightly as the weight of his distraction pressed back down on him. He offered an awkward, apologetic smile, ashamed at how easily his mind strayed. His expression darkened as he murmured, "Sorry. My mind just keeps wandering."

Nara leaned toward him slightly, her smile slow and teasing as she looked at him. "Don't worry about it, Yogan. Patience, just like in our training," she whispered as she gave him a sly smirk.

The air between them was tense as Yogan forced himself to focus, his attention pulling back toward their goal. But the tension lingered as they prepared themselves for the journey ahead.

---

[A few minutes ago]

A young man sat quietly at the back of the Golden Lotus Tavern, his sharp, dark eyes fixed on Nara and Yogan as they spoke with Juan Li. His posture was relaxed yet deliberate, his lean frame coiled like a serpent waiting to strike. His black hair fell around his face, slightly damp from the smoke and heat of the fire-lit tavern. His expression was unreadable but sharp—keen, suspicious, and calculating. There was something about their conversation, about their demeanor, that gnawed at him. He could feel that they were important.

He watched as Nara leaned closer to the bartender, her voice soft but firm, her hand resting lightly on the counter. Yogan stood beside her, his brow furrowed, his hand clenched at his side. There was an undercurrent of tension about them, a kind of urgency in their movements and words, and he didn't like it. His gaze lingered on their interaction for a moment longer, observing every detail, every flicker of their movements.

When they turned toward the stairs in the back of the tavern, his heart gave a small lurch. His hand tightened on the glass in front of him. They're staying here.

His face darkened as he saw them ascend the stairs. A clear, immediate conclusion formed in his mind: they were here to hunt. His focus narrowed even further. He knew there would be consequences if they discovered what they sought. This was no random chance—these two were connected to Kezin, and Kezin was already a loose thread pulling attention. His thoughts grew colder as his mind swam with implications.

The young man sat for a moment longer, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. His hand moved in calculated movements, and with a sudden motion, he placed the glass down, standing with practiced ease. His movements were smooth, purposeful, and silent as he began gathering his cloak and preparing to leave the tavern.

There wasn't time to linger.

He slipped out through the back door, his steps light, his presence invisible as he made his way down the narrow, dirty paths behind the tavern. The cool air of the early morning hit his skin as he stepped into the shadows of the trees. His journey into the forest began without hesitation. His path was direct, and his steps were deliberate as he moved through the undergrowth, his breathing controlled and steady.

He could feel the weight of his mission as he walked, his thoughts locking into place. His mind was sharp, every step purposeful, and soon he found himself standing at the river's edge. The sunlight streamed through the canopy above, dappling the surface of the gently flowing water as it danced and shimmered. A mountain loomed in the distance—dark, jagged, and imposing. At the base of that mountain lay the mouth of a cave, its dark opening yawning like the maw of some ancient beast.

His heart quickened as he approached the cave. His boots crunched softly against the damp forest earth as he walked. His hands pulled his hood higher against his head, the shadows falling over his sharp cheekbones and the lean features of his face. His eyes glinted as he surveyed the cave entrance, noting the low glow of lanterns and flickering candlelight deep inside.

The young man didn't hesitate. His breaths were even as he stepped into the cave.

The interior was cool, the air damp and musty as it drifted on the cave breeze. His steps were steady as he walked deeper, his presence blending into the shadows that danced on the rocky walls. The light from the lanterns illuminated the path ahead, flickering orange and gold against the uneven stone. His senses were sharp—the sound of dripping water, the faint creak of stone, the distant muttering of figures ahead. His every step was deliberate as he crept closer to the source of the dim illumination.

His surroundings grew darker, and his heart remained steady as he broke into a larger chamber—a massive natural cavern. The space was lit with a scattering of lanterns and candles, their glow giving the figures seated there an eerie, flickering light. Their voices were low, incomprehensible murmurs, their expressions intent and shadowy.

He paused at the threshold of the chamber, his eyes scanning the figures. They were seated casually, unconcerned, likely a patrol or gathering of mercenaries. The most imposing figure stepped into view—a large, muscular man with a bald head, a thick beard, and a body that could rival the strongest warriors of their age. His voice, deep and rumbling, cut through the dimness as he spoke.

"Why are you back from the town?" the man asked, his voice sharp and direct, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the young man who had emerged from the shadows.

The young man drew a steadying breath, his voice equally calm as he spoke. His words were deliberate and exact. "The elder from the Air Temple and her disciple were searching for Kezin," he said, his words cutting through the cavern air. His face remained composed despite the weight of his words. His posture was perfect, controlled, and unyielding.

The large man's brow furrowed, and his gaze remained fixed on him. His words came like a slow rumble. "Oh, really?" he said, his voice gravelly. His face was hard, his tone unreadable.

From the shadows, another figure stepped forward—lean, sharp, and quick. His hair framed his face, and his lean body seemed to radiate confidence and danger. His features were sharp and well-formed, and his expression was cold but calculating. His name was Daiko, and his voice carried through the chamber. His words cut through the air, a sharp edge of certainty.

"So that bastard Kezin led the most powerful airbender alive to our score," Daiko said, his voice steady, contemplative. "We were about to take that village for ourselves. Kiya will not be happy about this."

Another voice chimed in—a woman's, strong and commanding. She stepped into the light, revealing herself as a tall and muscular figure, her armor worn and scarred, her face a map of battles fought. Her voice cut through the air like a blade.

"It doesn't matter that she's here," she said coldly, her voice laced with disdain. "Kezin used us to get what he wanted, but now he's trying to keep us away from the score. We will deal with her this time."

The tension in the chamber grew thick, and all eyes turned toward the figures gathered. The air crackled with unspoken intentions and plans, shadows twisting across their expressions as they spoke. The young man looked at them all, his expression cold, his own resolve hardening as he prepared for what came next.

The hunt was about to grow even more dangerous as old enemies came around the shadows.

[A/N: Can't wait to see what happens next? Get exclusive early access on patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels. If you enjoyed this chapter and want to see more, don't forget to drop a power stone! Your support helps this story reach more readers!]