Lying
By craziestanimefan
Summary: She knew he was lying. But she knew they would take care of them. Spoilers for Lake Laogai!
I always knew when people were lying. Bodies react certain ways when lying. I could feel the sensation in my bones. I used to think of this as funny when I would bust a maid who'd been sleeping, or when the boys around town would compliment me, only to have themselves flung into next Saturday. I never thought that having this feeling would be bad. But my heart began racing when I could feel what was happening.
I felt something hard hit the ground. The vibrations sent shivers up my spine, and I shuddered just thinking about it. Worry grew in my heart when I realized the thing was not moving much at all. The upper part was moving slightly, the light vibrations growing slower. My blood ran cold when I realized that this thing was a body. The breathing was shallow, the body motionless. I gestured for them to hurry, quickly making my way towards the source. With a mighty push, the door slid for us, and we encountered the worst.
Aang was sitting, hunched by the fallen teen. The air grew thick and hearts sped in those few moments. The rush of feet and the falling of tears seemed inevitable. The new ones in our group, Longshot and Smellerbee as they called themselves, rushed to their leader's side. I could hear their hitched breathing and nervous heartbeats, resounding through my ears. They knelt loyally by his side, comforting him in their unique ways. His lips twitched into a smile. Even though I could not see, I knew what was happening: he was dying.
Quick motion to my left drew my attention to Katara, whose hands were already covered thick with water. Running her hands lightly over his wounded chest, her report of 'This isn't good' only made it seem more real: he wasn't going to make it.
I was thankful for speech from Smellerbee for distracting me from the boy lying on the floor, although the topic of the bison that I failed to save did not make me feel much better. But I knew that the determination in both the Fighters hearts would not let them stand idly by. With the gentle prodding from the usually reserved Longshot, we decided to go after the Dai Li.
It had taken a lot for him to speak. His movements were likely causing him pain, and yet he spoke anyway, as if to assure the guilty heart of a broken healer.
"Don't worry Katara, I'll be fine."
That's what he said to her, and he smiled a little smirk to assure her. She looked teary-eyed at him, but stood up and started walking. Soon, we followed. Walking along the warrior, I let it slip.
"He's lying."
These jumbled feelings had begun to materialize as tears, and I hastily pushed them away. I was tempted to run back and help, but I didn't. I couldn't lose faith in the Fighters so easily. They would take care of Jet; they wouldn't let their leader die.