Forgetting the past and starting a new life — it sounded like either a baseless rumor or some hidden technique even Iroh didn't know.
But beyond all that, there was one possibility far more likely:
A Spirit.
As the oldest and most powerful beings in the world, Spirits possessed countless strange abilities — far beyond anything humans could achieve with the Five Disciplines of Bending.
Ancient records even stated that, besides Spiritbending, the Four Bending Arts themselves had been bestowed upon humanity by ancient Spirits who once protected the world.
Back to the main issue.
The involvement of a Spirit introduced variables Kahn couldn't ignore.
With his current strength, he could confidently face wild beasts, magical creatures, or even Firebenders… but showing arrogance in front of a Spirit was just asking to die.
He still remembered reading The Avatar Chronicles — a thick, fascinating historical record of past Avatars.
In one entry, an Avatar's wife had her face stolen by a Spirit, while the Avatar himself escaped unharmed.
He spent the rest of his life searching for that Spirit, desperately trying to retrieve her face, but ultimately failed.
A tragic tale — and an unforgettable warning.
Even the strongest among humans could be rendered helpless before a Spirit.
Kahn certainly had no intention of being reckless. Not all Spirits were benevolent, and the dangerous ones were terrifying beyond reason.
With these thoughts in mind, Kahn didn't rush to Forget-Sorrow Valley the next morning.
Instead, he asked Noren's family again about the valley's legends, hoping for new clues.
Thankfully, the town — being so close to Forget-Sorrow Valley — did have a legend.
According to the stories, a Spirit dwelled within the valley. This Spirit had the ability to transform people and make them forget everything.
Every once in a while, the Spirit would wander through the forest, and those fortunate enough to meet Them could request help in forgetting their sorrows and beginning again.
That was why the place was called Forget-Sorrow Valley.
But the valley was also said to be extremely dangerous.
Fierce animals, insects, and plants filled the area, and some even actively attacked humans, as if they had thoughts of their own.
Animals, plants, and insects with intent?
Kahn frowned. That sounded… extremely similar to parts of the Spirit World.
But more importantly — this meant a Spirit was very likely involved.
And combining everything he had learned so far, Kahn suspected that Ursa might have undergone some kind of transformation with the Spirit's help… and perhaps even started a new life with Ikem.
Oh, Spirits help him…
A stabbing pain hit his stomach. The gossip from the past two days had already pushed him to his limit.
Worse, the subjects of the gossip were the mothers of two of his good friends. Every time he thought about it, he died inside a little more.
If he really did find Ursa… then how was he supposed to look the others in the eye later?
He refused to think about it. His fragile worldview couldn't take more stress.
He forced himself to calm down. It was far too early to worry about future awkwardness when he hadn't even begun.
Worst case, he'd keep a respectful distance. Simple.
Returning to the legend — if the locals were correct, the Spirit in Forget-Sorrow Valley should be a benevolent one.
That reassured him a little.
As long as the Spirit wasn't some unreasonable, face-stealing nightmare like the one in The Avatar Chronicles, then his identity as a Spiritbender might actually help.
This is what it means to be a bridge between Spirits and humans!
(Tactical lean back.)
With his resolve set, Kahn bid farewell to Noren's family and headed to Forget-Sorrow Valley.
Although the town was supposedly "not far," Kahn still spent half a day traveling on his Bird-Camel Beast before finally arriving in the afternoon.
A valley forest stretched before him. Hanging crookedly on a tree was a wooden sign with the words:
"Forget-Sorrow Valley."
"This is it," Kahn murmured.
The Spirit aura in the forest was noticeably stronger than elsewhere. Nowhere near the Spirit World, of course, but distinct enough for him to sense easily.
He tied his Bird-Camel Beast to a tree, took a steadying breath, and stepped into the valley alone.
While his Spiritbending was still in its early stages — and while Iroh wasn't exactly a master of the art — the older man had plenty of experience interacting with Spirits, and he had taught all of it to Kahn.
Spirits are mirrors of the mind. The best approach is sincerity and kindness.
Kahn walked cautiously, remembering the legends of beasts and plants that attacked travelers.
But after quite some time, nothing happened.
No strange animals.
No aggressive plants.
Not even a wandering wild beast.
It looked… like a normal forest.
Kahn started to doubt the sign.
Was that really "Forget-Sorrow Valley"?
Or was it "Worryless Valley"?
Or "Forget-You Valley"?
Still, he pressed on, speeding up. If he found nothing soon, he'd just turn back.
But then — the forest suddenly brightened.
A few steps later, the trees opened into a beautiful clearing, revealing a lake surrounded by greenery.
Kahn froze.
He had never seen such a clear, perfectly still lake. It reflected the clouds as though the sky had sunk into the water.
More importantly, the lake radiated an incredibly dense Spirit aura — so strong that it felt almost like standing in the Spirit World itself.
So this must be the dwelling of the Spirit.
That raised one question:
Where was the Spirit?
He scanned the lake but saw no one. No shimmering presence. No strange glow. Nothing.
Maybe the Spirit hadn't arrived yet.
And honestly, if it were easy to meet a Spirit and request their help, this place would've been mobbed centuries ago.
Ancient legend or not, humans would've swarmed it.
Which meant…
This trip might have been wasted.
Kahn sighed.
Rustle.
A sound came from the trees near the lake.
Kahn tensed and turned.
Two silhouettes — a man and a woman — stepped into view.
And their clothing—
His eyes widened.
"Waterbenders?!"
...
Author's Note:
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Part 2 Coming Soon...