Tai Lung sat in the warm familiarity of his family's home, the subtle scent of incense from a nearby brazier filling the quiet room. He looked across the table at his parents. Both wore serious expressions. The initial happiness of seeing their son return unharmed from his confrontation with the Fire Lord had faded, and as they calmed down, the reality of their situation had settled in.
Admiral Lung spoke first, his voice firm but fatherly. "After your Agni Kai, it's clear to everyone, you're no longer a boy. You've stepped into manhood. Which means it's time you set a goal for yourself, a path. You've proven your strength and skill. Now, you must decide what you'll do with it."
At the word goal, Tai Lung's mind drifted.
In his past life, everything had been about bringing his father pride by becoming the Dragon Warrior. That singular objective had driven his every decision, training, fighting, defying Oogway's decision, even attacking innocents. It had been a blind pursuit, but it was a purpose. It gave him direction.
Now… he had nothing.
He trained because it was all he knew, fought because it was what he was made for. He told himself it was to regain strength, to master bending and learn new techniques, to stand at the top of this world, but deep down, he knew it was just motion. There was no true destination, no final goal calling to him. And now, he knew he probably already reached or close to the top.
He blinked slowly, returning his gaze to the brazier's flame. A faint frustration stirred inside him.
Seeing his son silent, Admiral Lung spoke again "For someone who studied at the Royal Academy and demonstrated such advanced combat skill, it's expected you'll join the army. Of course…" He glanced at his wife, then back at his son. "If you don't feel ready for war, you can stay here a little longer."
Tai Lung stared silently at his parents as he thought deeply about what he should be doing next. When he finally spoke, it was with calm, at least in tone, not in heart. "I don't wish to participate in war, war and the honor that comes from it is not my calling" he said plainly. "I don't know what is my purpose or what is my future, but for the time being, I would like to travel the world. Explore it. Challenge benders and masters across it."
He decided to follow the path of masters in his past life, to travel the world and search for answers, it was the only path he knew and approved of.
There was no surprise in his parents' faces. They believed they knew their son better than he knew himself, his obsession with training, his hunger to improve. It was only natural that he would desire to test himself against worthy opponents across the world.
His mother gave a small smile of understanding, while the admiral chuckled, shaking his head.
"I expected a response like that," Admiral Lung said. "So how about this: you join the army under my fleet. You'll start as a captain, with a ship under your command. That way, you can travel freely. Explore. Move wherever you want."
Tai Lung raised a brow. "Is that even allowed? That's a clear abuse of your position."
The admiral smirked knowingly. "All the children of nobles start as Lieutenants or Captains. And no one of them have one tenth of your skill, let alone your accomplishment of defeating the Fire Lord." His tone grew sharper, tempered with pride. "You earned more than any title I could give."
Tai Lung gave a light nod of acknowledgment. He didn't care for ranks, but he understood their function in the world. The admiral continued, his voice growing heavier with responsibility.
"Of course, you'll still need to participate in skirmishes and large-scale battles near you. It would be a great dishonor to ignore the war effort entirely." He looked at his son seriously. "Our nation... it's not kind to power without duty. And most importantly, I don't want to hear that you are abusing your power in oppressing others."
Tai Lung nodded again, this time more slowly. He didn't like the thought of war, of fighting for reasons beyond personal growth, but he understood. In the Fire Nation, power and obligation were inseparable. All capable combatants served. To refuse was to dishonor not only oneself, but one's lineage. As for oppressing others, he doesn't wish to repeat the past, to harm innocents and the helpless like he did in the valley of the peace.
A small, bittersweet smile appeared on Admiral Lung's face. "You'll have a ship waiting for you in three days."
After Tai Lung left the room, Tai Lung's mother, who remained silent the whole time, finally spoke to her husband, concern etching her voice. "Isn't that too fast?"
Admiral Lung let out a soft sigh. "The faster the better. Tai's performance may have deterred most, but some fools will still try to test him. That day, I saw a side of Tai I have never known, a side full of pride, brutality and malice. I have no doubt that Tai intended to execute Ozai publicly and my request is the only thing that stopped him. That malevolent side could come out at any moment if he is antagonized againt…. I don't want to see my son bearing the blood of our own people on his hands. I hope as he grows up, he will learn how to restrain himself."
It wasn't just concern for Tai Lung's safety. The admiral had seen enough to know that if anyone did try to provoke his son, they wouldn't survive the outcome. Not when even the Fire Lord had been crushed under Tai Lung's flame.
In his eyes, it wasn't Tai Lung who needed protecting from the Fire Lord's supporters. It was the Fire Lord's supporters that needed protection from him.
In truth, the admiral didn't mind his son killing enemies, it was part of the process of becoming a great man, but killing their own people for internal conflict, something the admiral didn't approve of.
___________
Three days later, the harbor was humming with life as ships bobbed gently along the Fire Nation docks. Standing at the edge of the stone pier, Tai Lung stared silently at the ship before him, a sleek vessel marked with the fire nation flags, befitting a captain under Admiral Lung's fleet. True to his word, his father had prepared everything: a ship, a capable crew, and a future set adrift on open seas.
Behind him stood his parents. His father's posture was steady as ever, arms folded behind his back. His mother, however, struggled to maintain her composure, eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she gazed at her son's back.
Tai Lung turned toward her, his expression gentle. "Don't worry, Mom. You've seen how strong I am. I'll be fine."
A soft sob escaped her lips as she stepped forward. "I know," she whispered, wiping at her eyes. "I'm just... sad to see you go. This is the first time you're leaving like this."
Tai's lips lifted into a soft smile. "I'll come back to visit. And I'll always write to you."
His mother gave a small, teary nod while Admiral Lung placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "If only I could take you under my wing and travel with you," the admiral said with a deep sigh. "But I have to stay here in the Fire Nation."
Tai Lung looked at him, puzzled. "Why not come with me? The three of us, together."
The admiral shook his head. "You're officially an enemy of the Fire Lord now. I have to remain on his council, keep watch. If he tries something... I need to be there."
Tai Lung nodded slowly, the reality sinking in. "Thank you, Father."
The admiral laughed, warm and proud. "It's a father's duty to stand by his children, to help them chase their dreams and fulfill their destiny. Besides, he went after you because of me. The least I can do is stand against the fire."
Tai Lung smiled, truly smiled. "Father. Mother. Thank you. Truly."
Both parents returned the smile, their expressions a mix of pride and sorrow.
Just as Tai Lung turned to ascend the gangplank, a voice rang out, calling his name. He stopped, glancing over his shoulder to see two familiar figures approaching: Ty Lee, waving frantically, and Mai trailing behind, arms crossed and eyes half-lidded as always.
"Tai!" Ty Lee cried. "We came by and your servants said you're leaving to join the war. How could you leave without telling us?"
Mai added dryly, "I'm fine with that."
Tai Lung tilted his head. "It was abrupt. And it's not that big of a deal."
"Not that big of a deal?!" Ty Lee's voice cracked. "We're your friends! We should know when you're leaving our nation!"
Mai offered another unbothered shrug. "Not really. I don't care."
Tai Lung chuckled faintly. "Well, now you know. Keep up your training. You've got great talent."
Ty Lee was quiet for a moment, then suddenly pulled Tai Lung into a tight hug. "Stay safe," she said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "We'll miss you."
"I won't," Mai said instantly.
As Ty Lee let go, Tai Lung offered one final smile. "Bye, Ty Lee. And you too, Mai."
Ty Lee's face was downcast as she watched him board the ship. Mai, as usual, appeared uninterested, but after a pause, she turned to her friend and said, "He'll be fine. Even the Fire Lord couldn't beat him."
Ty Lee nodded, though her eyes lingered on the departing ship, sadness still written across her face. Tai Lung had been the only one who shared her love for acrobatics, the only one who could match her spirit in motion. Now, that connection was sailing away.
Behind the girls, Tai Lung's mother stood silently, wearing the same look of sadness. A mother's ache. But beside her, Admiral Lung stood tall and proud, watching his son embark on the next chapter of his journey, with the pride of a father whose child had already surpassed every expectation.
___________
The waves lapped steadily against the hull as the ship cut through the water, leaving the Fire Nation behind in its wake. Tai Lung stood at the bow, arms folded, watching the coastline slowly shrink into the horizon. It was a strange feeling, he didn't belong there, but now that he is leaving and for the first time he felt some lingering emotion toward that land.
He breathed in the salty air and turned around to observe the ship and its crew. Some sailors were cleaning, others chatting and some shouting commands across the deck. Among them stood a middle-aged man with weathered skin, sharp eyes, and a solid build, an unmistakable air of experience about him. The man approached Tai Lung with a confident stride and offered a respectful nod.
"Captain Tai Lung," the man said, voice steady. "I'm Vice-Captain Han. Admiral Lung assigned me as your second-in-command and advisor. I'll be at your side on this journey."
Tai Lung returned the nod. "Thank you for coming with me."
Han let out a hearty chuckle. "I'm honored to follow the Admiral's orders. Besides, from everything I've heard and seen a few days ago, you're meant for greatness."
He gave a sideways grin before adding, "And, truthfully, I wouldn't mind a little break from war myself."
Tai Lung allowed himself a small smile. There was something grounding about Han's presence, a steady flame that didn't seek to overwhelm or test him, just to guide.
"So, Captain," Han said as he folded his arms and looked out toward the open sea, "where do we go now? Any destination in mind?"
Tai Lung shook his head slowly. "I don't know much about the world outside the Fire Nation," he admitted. "I'll follow your lead."
Han smirked, a glint of mischief and pride in his eyes. "The Admiral already told me plenty about you. Trust me, Captain, you won't regret following my lead."
The wind caught the sails, and the ship surged forward with purpose. For the first time in his life, Tai Lung wasn't moving toward a certain goal or an expectation, he was moving into the unknown, seeking to find his goal and purpose in this world.