*Bee*
I dipped my fingers in the jar and smeared another layer of paint on my cheek, leaning over the edge of one of the docks so I could see my reflection. If I was going to be a warrior, I was going to look the part.
I felt a hand on my shoulder. I didn't have to read his mind to know what he was thinking.
"I can't tell them, Longshot," I whispered. "I just… can't. I'll fall to pieces."
I turned to him. He nodded. (I know it's hard, but Katara and the others just don't get it. They didn't see the whole thing. They probably think he just went crazy.)
I turned back to the water. "He did go crazy," I said sadly. "I mean, I know he hates the Fire Nation, I do, too. We all do. But… he was just… obsessed. He wouldn't let it go. And he paid for it. And so did we."
(I know. But there's no one else who can really tell them everything that happened. Aang and everyone didn't see anything before Jet was brainwashed. Or after he…)
"Don't say it," I said, even though I knew he wasn't going to. "Please, just don't."
He nodded. (But you will have to tell them. Eventually.)
"Longshot, if you're gonna go on about this, just leave. Please." I wouldn't cry. Warriors don't cry.
He nodded again and got up. And then he left.
I honestly wasn't sure if I was relieved or even more depressed.
I started at my reflection again. Short, scruffy hair, big, sunken eyes, a full upper lip, a small, pointed chin.
I wasn't going to be mistaken for a boy today.
I took off my headband, cut it into a ribbon, and tied my hair up in a messy ponytail. The Fire Nation was in for a surprise.
A girl was gonna kick all of their butts.