A Freedom Fighter's Story

by RomanticCreator

"It was a very, very rainy night, the water coming in large, heavy drops. I didn't mind. I grew to love the rain and the water, even if I wasn't affiliated with a Water Tribe in any way. I sat on the edge of a small stream and let my feet dangle in the water, letting the coolness wash all over me. And that's when I felt him approaching. Jet."

10. A Father's Mistake

Longshot

I watched Raina's expression change from despairing, to thoughtful, to horrified. I sat up and put my hand on her shoulder. I stared straight at her. You okay?

"Yeah..." she said slowly. She pushed her hair behind her ear. "I...I just..."

What?

"Nothing," she said. She glanced up and smiled at me. I realized, once again, that she was actually very pretty, despite how worn out she looked. I smiled back at her. "Actually..." She sighed and rubbed her shoulder. "I...I...Longshot, I think...I think it was...I think it was my father's raid that burned down your village..."

I felt my eyes widen as I clearly remembered that day. My mother's scream, my father's voice rising above all the others, telling me to run into the forest. I did as I was told, of course. I grabbed my bow and arrows and ran, but not before my mother told me she loved me.

I was jerked back into the present by the sound of Raina standing up and preparing to leap back into her hammock. I grabbed her arm before she could. Usually, I was the one to talk with my eyes, but this time, I could clearly see the sadness in her green eyes. I'm so sorry, they spoke.

I let my own gaze burn into hers. It's alright. I'm here now. This is my home now.

"You're not mad at me at all?" she asked quietly.

Why would I be?

"Because it was my father who burned down your village."

But you weren't the one who did it.

"I know, but..." She sighed and sat back down in front of me. "It was your home."

"Raina," I said. "My home is here now." My words, plus my expression must have had a big effect, because she stayed silent. "It's alright."

She smiled slightly. I laid my hand on her shoulder. "Thanks, Longshot," she whispered. I smiled back at her. Right then, I wanted so badly take her I my arms and hold her until she was asleep. But I couldn't find the courage to.

She smiled one last time, stood up and leapt back into her hammock. She was asleep in just a few minutes, and I found myself being lulled into my own sleep by the sound of her breathing. I hoped that knowing that I forgave her for the task that wasn't even hers would put her mind at ease. But I knew, no matter what I said to her, she was going to have a hard time forgiving herself for her father's mistake.