Avatar: Tower Master

POV Haru

"Sorry kid this is where we let you off, can't take you all the way" The karavan leader said. 

"That's fine, I appreciate the ride though" I replied. 

"No problem here" he said throwing me a small bag of coins "A little something for defending the carriage" 

"Thanks" I said, stepping back. 

Walking through the bustling people I looked left and right as they unloaded the large amount of goods from the several carts. 

"Kid, come here for a second" A familiar voice called. 

Heading over to the last wagon I saw the guard leader; Godwin, sitting atop a barrel while his guards did the work. 

"Hey Godwin" I waved as I approached him. 

"Sup Haru"

Clenching my fists nervously I said "Thanks for everything" 

"No problem" he replied "Where are you going now? Still home?"

"That's the plan" I answered. 

"Be careful kid, that area is occupied by more fire nation soldiers then we see here. I've' heard they even have a prison specifically for earthbenders"

"I know but my mom left some important stuff there and I said I would retrieve it", lying was getting more and more difficult as I got to know him. 

"Well, if you change your mind, you are always welcome to join us on a more permanent basis"

"Haha, who knows I may just do that someday" 

Getting a more serious face Godwin asked, "How have your nights been?"

Dropping the smile I answered honestly "A bit restless, I still see that face when I close my eyes" 

"Just remember that it was their choice, if you are planning to kill you have to expect you will be killed" 

"Thanks again Godwin" 

"Go help your mother" 

Giving him a nod I made I picked up a sack of supplies I had bought off the caravan and started walking down the dirt road past the small town we stopped at. My hometown was only a few days from here and as soon as I got there I would find my father and resume him. 

A few hours later the sun was going down and I stepped off the road and into the surrounding treeline. Using my earthbending I made a tent and a fire ring, collecting a good amount of firewood I placed it all into the ring. Fortunately I didn't need much kindling, punching my hand in the wood. A small burst of fire lit the wood. Pulling out a few potatoes I set them near the fire then I stood up and walked a bit away from the camp. 

For the next hour or so I practiced my various bending forms, switching from air to fire to water then to earth. After building up a slight sweat I sat down to eat then went to bed waking early in the morning. 

The next day was much the same, walking, stopping, eating, sleeping. Due to the fire nation occupation not many traders come out this way to my home so I don't really expect anyone to be on the road. 

"Hopefully master Pakku and Jeong Jeong aren't chasing me down right now" I said to myself. 

Finally on the third day I saw the outskirts of the village, it looked even worse than before, barely anybody was out, and I could see the fire nation patrols walking through the village. 

On approach I got stopped by a ten-man patrol all surrounding me "What business do you have here?"

"Me and my mother used to live here, when we moved she lost some personal items. I'm just here to check if they got left in the store" I answered. 

"Oh, well we might need to help you find them," one soldier said with a wicked smile. 

I could feel the anger rising in me. The urge to launch fire, earth, water, or air at them was strong. So much so that it was difficult to resist. 

"I appreciate the offer but it's just some necklaces and bracelets made by my father nothing actually worth anything if I don't find it i'll soon be on my way" 

"Earth kingdom filth" I heard a guard whisper. 

That sentence almost broke me, I was fully ready to attack but my singular goal of rescuing my father kept me grounded and it kept me focused. 

"If you don't mind, I will be on my way" I said starting to walk away. 

"Stop, I have one more question for you" The lead guard called. 

Turning back to face them I asked "What is it?"

"Are you an earthbender?"

"No, nobody besides my great grandfather was an earthbender in my family" I answered a bit too quickly. 

"Then move along, we will be keeping our eyes on you" 

Giving them a nod I walked off deeper into the village. I could see my neighbors cowering in their homes or working a nearby field. It seems the fire nation's tax has only gotten worse since I left. Nearing my moms old store I pushed the door open. Letting out a cough I breathed in some of the dust covering the store. 

"Home sweet home" I said to myself. 

Stepping inside I closed the door behind me, using my airbending I quickly dusted off the place. Despite my lie it was quite possible my mom left something here in her rush to catch up with me when I left for the tower. Looking around I pulled drawers open and looked under furniture. 

"Creak" 

The floorboard I stepped on made a noise, leaning down I pulled it up to reveal the lock box mom used for cash. Pulling it up I opened only to find a few small coins left, I quickly threw them in with my own coins. 

Standing up I left the shop and made my way to the shoreline, looking out onto the vast waters I could barely see it but in the distance, I saw a black dot. I knew it immediately, that is where my father was, that was the prison they kept my people in. I could've stopped, I could've turned back, I could've given up but that wasn't my destiny. Whether I liked it or not I was an Avatar and I was here to free my home.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry for the shorter chapter, there just wasn't much to say during this time. I know that it wasn't a very eventful chapter, but I felt that his journey was important to cover.