Wandering Firebender

Thirty Eight: Opposite Sides

"Just a little to the left...little more...stop! That's perfect." Sri smiled. Elio stepped away from the new dresser they had bought. He backed up next to Sri and looked it over; it was perfectly centered against the bedroom wall furthest away from Sri's bed.

"I never thought the day would come so soon where I would be buying furniture for a house." Elio laughed.

"You know, I was just thinking the same thing!" Sri agreed and laughed too. She looked at the new piece of furniture and smiled, "You know, I think next I'mma save up some money for Mom and Dad's room. I want them to be able to settle right in when they move." She decided.

"I think that would be nice. Let me know what you decide to get, I'll try to help you out." Elio offered. Sri nodded and leaned against him.

"Thanks, Elio. I appreciate how much you've helped me and my family. It really means so much." She thanked him.

"You're welcome," Elio replied, wrapping an arm around her. "You've been a big help for me too."

"Elio and Sri, the dynamic duo." She said lightly. Elio chuckled.

"Heheh, yeah... Hey, Sri?"

"Mhmm?"

"What are your plans for the future? Do you intend to always stay with your parents? Do you intend to always stay here in Ba Sing Se?" He asked curiously. Sri made a face and thought about it for a little bit.

"I don't know...I guess I haven't thought about it." She admitted.

"Yeah? Really? You seemed to me like someone who would have it all planned out."

"Haha, well I will take that as a compliment...but no. I mean, I obviously won't stay with my folks forever, but that seems like so far in the future, I just never thought about it. What about you?" Sri asked, looking up at him. Elio shrugged.

"I'm just trying to stay away from the Fire Nation and this messy war. Whatever form that takes, I'll just have to roll with it." He answered.

"Yeah, the quiet life, huh? Is that what you want?" She asked.

"Not really, but the life I wanted is out of the question; has been for a long time now." Elio answered honestly.

Before the conversation could continue any further, there was a knock on the door. Elio let go of Sri and they turned back towards it. They weren't expecting company. However, they didn't have to wait long to find out who was on the other side.

"Elio! It's Alger," He called through the door. "Come out! I have urgent news!" He knocked on the door again insistently.

"I'm coming!" Elio called back to him, glancing at Sri before making his way to the front door and opening it up for him, "What's up, Alger?" He asked.

"Rala is here in the city, Elio!" Alger informed him, stepping inside the house. Elio's eyes widened in surprise and he closed the door.

"Rala? As in Rala Rala? My master Rala?" Elio asked.

"Yes! One of my servants just informed me a little while ago. He's here in the Middle Ring giving lessons!"

"No way!" Elio exclaimed.

"Yeah, I was surprised too," Alger shared in Elio's shock. "We should go and see him!" Alger suggested. Elio hummed and nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, I think we should. Didn't you say that you never had the chance to learn from him?" Elio asked.

"No," Alger shook his head. "But this is the perfect opportunity to change that, isn't it? What do you say?"

"I say we should get going soon so we don't miss him! Sri, you wanna come?" Elio offered. Sri shook her head.

"Haha, no thanks. You two go right on ahead."

"Alright. We haven't anytime to lose then! Come on!" Alger said excitedly, stepping out the door. Elio smiled and waved to Sri.

"See you later!" He said to her, grabbing his staff on the way out.

"You boys have fun playing with your staffs!" Sri laughed.

Elio and Alger made their way down to Rala's last reported location: one of the sports fields of Ba Sing Se University. Since Alger was a student there, he was able to get Elio into the building without issue, so they cut through the main building to get to the open field on the other side.

"Why do you think Rala would come here?" Elio asked curiously.

"Well, it looks like he's taking on new students." Alger guessed, pointing ahead.

In the field, a number of university students were gathered around Rala. In the distance they were lined up and evenly spaced, carrying wooden sticks in their hands and following his instructions. Elio smiled a little to himself; it reminded him of his own training so long ago.

"I haven't seen him in a long time. I wonder if he has anything for me." Elio wondered aloud.

"I suppose we'll find out shortly." Alger said with a smile. They walked around the column of students and approached Rala together.

"Master Rala! It's so good to see you again!" Elio greeted him with a smile as they walked up to him. Rala glanced over and smiled at the two of them. He had on the same clothes from the last time Elio saw him in the swamp.

"I was wondering how long it'd take for you two to show up," Rala laughed, taking a step towards them and patting them on the shoulders. "It's good to see you too, Elio. You look older now, more experienced." He observed.

"I feel older." Elio managed a chuckle.

"Master Rala, I'm not sure if you remember me, but I'd really like the opportunity to-"

"Hold on," Rala interrupted Alger, pointing a finger at him. "I know you. You're that scholarly kid; you study all sorts of different self-defense methods! Your surname is San, yes?" Rala asked.

"Yes! Yes, Alger San!" Alger confirmed emphatically.

"Yes, I remember you! I declined you as my student before. You must be here for a second chance?" Rala presumed. Alger swallowed and nodded, lowering his head down meekly.

"Yes, master...I was wrong in my ways before, and I know that you saw that in me – anger, aggression, and bitterness. I've put those things behind me now, and I'm working to move on. If you'll have me, I ask again for you to teach me." Alger humbly requested.

Rala nodded, looking over Alger and thinking to himself. He looked at Elio. Elio simply took a step back and watched this scene unfold. Rala smiled and patted Alger on the shoulder.

"Mr. San, congratulations. You have already begun your first lesson. You are ready to become my student now. Elio, would you please let Alger borrow your staff? Fall in line with the others." Rala gently directed him.

"O-Of course! Thank you!" Alger happily exclaimed. Elio smiled and passed his staff over to Alger.

"You got this." He said encouragingly to Alger. Alger smiled appreciatively and took the staff from him.

"Thank you." He replied before falling into line with the other university students. Elio chuckled to himself as he watched Alger eagerly get into position, following along with Rala's instructional calls. Elio watched patiently for awhile, silently waiting for a chance to converse with Rala.

"I've never seen Alger so excited before," Elio said to him once the students started practice sparring with each other. "He's usually so...stoic." He commented.

"Haha, Alger's a kid who prides himself on knowledge. He has ambition and drive to be the best while also remaining disciplined. He'd make quite the firebender." Rala described. Elio hummed.

"Yeah...I suppose he would." Elio agreed slowly.

"Elio, I'm really glad you came to see me. I was hoping that you would be here. It's good to see you, kid," Rala patted him on the back. "How've you been?" He asked.

"Honestly...? I've been through a lot since I last saw you. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful now to have a break here in Ba Sing Se but...it's been hard."

"I can tell, believe it or not. I see it in your face. When we last spoke, you were conflicted and stressed. Now you look sad and somehow unsure." He observed. Elio sighed and nodded.

"Yes...I listened to what you told me, and I followed through with it. But...Cassian is dead. I killed him." He finally admitted, swallowing hard. Rala rubbed his back consolingly.

"Oh, Elio. I'm so sorry. That explains everything."

"Master Rala, I-I feel awful. You told me to be decisive and to do what's right, but it's caused me so much pain now. I didn't want to do it but I had no choice!" Elio stuttered a bit in his emotional outburst, his voice breaking towards the end.

"Elio, take a breath, son. Gather yourself," Rala said. Elio nodded and swallowed, breathing in and out through his mouth.

"I was afraid that things would turn out this way. I know that you've wished only to be neutral and be safe, but this war has a way of sucking people in even if they didn't want to get involved. That's you right now, Elio. Whether you've accepted it or not, you're a part of it now." Rala said.

"I don't want to be. I don't want to be in the war. That's the reason I left home in the first place!" Elio said, throwing a hand up. Rala sighed.

"I know, I know. But Elio, I know for a fact that you're not the only one who's had to endure this. Do you think every soldier that fights in this war really wants to be there? Do you think at least a few of them would rather be home with their families?" Rala asked.

"Well...yes, of course," Elio agreed. "But what does that have to do with me? I'm not a soldier."

"No, but you're not just a civilian either, are you?" Rala pointed out. "Simply because you don't want the role doesn't mean it hasn't already been thrust upon you. Your encounters thus far have already proven that." He argued.

Elio gave this statement pause. From the beginning, he had chosen to run from the war, leaving his home and his family behind. However, in spite of that, he had stumbled into situation after situation that had tested his morals, his desires, and his allegiances.

"So I'm just a soldier without a uniform then?" Elio asked.

"Not quite, Elio. There's more to it than that, and there's more to you than that. Take a little time to ponder your feelings while I continue my instruction. Afterwards, I will teach you and Alger further." Rala decided.

"Okay..."

Elio sat down in the grass observing Rala instructing the students. Rala would call out an attack and the students would follow, letting out an attack cry each time. Soon Elio noticed the militaristic elements behind this approach, and how it related back to his conversation with Rala.

It was a strong contrast to the one-on-one instruction Rala had given Elio.

Elio started to notice a bitter irony to his situation: despite his best efforts to be neutral, he'd fought in both sides of this war already; most notably against Cassian, but also in his altercations with Earth Kingdom soldiers and regular men. It was clear that he was being forced to choose to side with either his moral standing or his heritage.

In all honesty, he would rather just avoid the decision altogether.

As afternoon started to creep into evening, the students were dismissed from their lessons. Alger was the only one who remained behind at Rala's request. Seeing that his turn to be taught was coming up, Elio got to his feet and walked up next to Alger.

"Hey. You did well out there. You've got good form." Elio complimented, managing an encouraging smile.

"Haha, well I have studied some methods of using a staff on my own out of books. But nothing compares to Rala's teaching. Oh! Here's your staff. It has more weight to it than I was expecting." Alger handed it back to him. Elio took it back and in turn handed him one of the training staffs.

"You're right about that," Elio said in agreement with both of his statements: about the weight of the staff and about Rala's teaching. "It seems that he isn't done with us yet." He commented.

"I'll take as much as he's willing to give me." Alger determined.

"Alger, I admire your enthusiasm. You make a fine student after all," Rala smiled. "Fall in line, you two. It is time to begin." He said.

Elio and Alger took their positions, standing next to each other with about six feet of distance between them. They assumed ready stances, standing with their feet shoulder-width apart and holding their staffs out in front of them with both hands.

"You both have each come a long way since I first met you," Rala said, pacing in front of them. "You have struggled and overcome obstacles. You've fought and you've won, you've fought and you lost. You have both had to unlearn wrongful attitudes in order to keep your mind clear, and you've become better men for it.

"At its core, there aren't many differences between learning to use a weapon and learning to use your bending. Each require time, effort, focus, and research. You must dig down into who you are and come to terms with what you find.

"It is only with a clear mind that you can wield a staff correctly. It requires not just intelligence and quick thinking, but it requires balance. If you are not at peace in your mind, you cannot be focused, and you will no doubt be flawed in your fighting.

"You both have had to learn balance in your own ways. Alger, you had to learn to open your heart to people and view them as more than just whatever role they served. You also must learn to experience life to the full beyond your training.

"Elio, time and time again you have had to rely on your instincts and training to survive. You've done well, but you are still conflicted inside. You must learn to accept who you are and how you have been shaped by where you come from. Only then will you be able to learn where you belong.

"Begin your spin," Rala instructed. Elio and Alger began spinning their staffs in circles.

"Elio, when I gave you your staff, I told you that it needed to serve as a reminder to you that you needed to be balanced in all things. I know that you have tried your best, but you aren't there yet. You are still holding back, clinging to your desire to stay out of this world war.

"Both of you, whether you like it or not, are tied to this war. Both of your fathers dedicated themselves to bringing 100 years of fighting to an end. Whether right or wrong, they've both made sacrifices, sacrifices that you have not been willing to make yourselves.

"Face each other," Rala directed. Now Elio and Alger turned to face each other, still spinning their staffs.

"I hate to push you two this way, but unfortunately, conflict is knocking on the walls of Ba Sing Se. The time for hiding and running away from reality is coming to an end. I want you both to be prepared for when your moment comes.

"Prepare to spar." Rala instructed.

Alger and Elio got into fighting stances, staring each other down. However, neither of them were really ready to fight. Rala's words were hanging heavy in both of their minds. How could they focus on fighting when such personal, direct words were being spoken to them?

"Master Rala...if we aren't ready for what's coming then help us to prepare." Alger requested.

"It isn't my place to tell you what you should do. I don't know what lies ahead, kid. I can only teach you what it is you will need for whatever might come your way. But only you can take in that information and decide how you will apply it.

"Take a look at each other. War has a way of removing much of the humanity out of people, especially your opponents. When circumstances force you to fight, you must remember that the man standing across from you is just as human as you are.

"Alger, Elio; you both need to let go of your hatred, your preconceptions, and your differences with each other. Not just personally, but with your corresponding peoples. The Fire Nation has been cruel, and the Earth Kingdom has committed its own cruelties, but we are all still people living in one world." Rala said.

Elio and Alger looked at each other, listening to their master continue to teach them. It became clear that this wasn't a fighting lesson; it was a life lesson. Elio sighed and stood straight, putting his staff back into its sleeve. Alger followed suit, getting out of his stance and dropping his staff on the ground.

"Speak your mind, Alger." Rala requested, noticing his body language. Alger was shaking his head and looking down, seemingly caught up in something Rala had said.

"Master... How am I supposed to fight in a war and also hold a balanced view like that? It can't be done in such demanding circumstances."

"You determine for yourself whether it can be done, Alger. Look at Elio and compare him to other firebenders that you have seen. Would you say that his life is worth more than one of them?" Rala asked.

"I would." Alger answered.

"That is where you are mistaken, my student. It is not your place to determine whose life is sacred. All life has value. Despite whatever an individual decides to do with their lives, you must come to respect that life, even if you do not agree with what they stand for." Rala continued.

"He's right, Alger," Elio spoke up. "I...I was forced to take the life of my best friend. We disagreed about what the Fire Nation was fighting for, and in the end we were pitted against each other. But I still miss him, and I still wish that I could take it back." He said sadly.

"Answering cruelty with cruelty will only cause this conflict to continue. What you had to do was tragic, Elio, and I truly am sorry. Taking a life is a traumatic, painful thing. That is why you both should strive for better than that." He said.

"I don't ever want to do that again." Elio determined.

"I don't want to know what that feels like and I never want to find out," Alger agreed. "Elio, I'm sorry I misjudged you when we met. I'm proud to call you my friend." He said sincerely.

"You too." Elio replied.

"I think a proper handshake is in order." Rala said with a smile.

"I suppose." Alger shrugged, walking up to Elio. Elio met him in the middle and they respectfully shook hands.

"Those who have honor will meet their opponent on equal ground. Sometimes you don't need to fight to settle your differences, other times you may need to. The important thing is that you never lose sight of who you are. Otherwise you will become lost in a thirst for power and a desire to win." Rala said.

"I suppose that's something I still need to work on: learning peaceful ways to settle my differences." Alger thought aloud.

"Master Rala...I won't forget these things you've taught me. But is this all you have to teach us? Moral lessons?" Elio asked. Rala nodded.

"For now, Elio? Yes. Everything else that you need for what lies ahead, you already have. It is up to you now to make sure your skills are sharp enough." He answered with a nod. Elio's eyebrows furrowed.

"I feel like you know more than you're letting on. You always seem to know more than you're letting on." Elio said. Rala simply smiled at him.

"That's the beauty of making principles the basis of your teaching, Elio. You'll never stop finding ways to apply what you're learning." Rala chuckled. Elio didn't feel like this was addressing what he was saying, but he also couldn't think of any way to respond.

"So is that all?" Alger asked.

"I'm afraid so," Rala answered. "But before you go, I just wanted to express how proud I am in both of you. You've both come a long way, and I know that you will continue to grow into honorable, incredible men." He encouraged them.

"Thank you, Rala. For everything." Elio thanked him.

"You're welcome, Elio," Rala said, patting him on the shoulder. "Mind your abilities, Elio. All your abilities. You're gonna need everything you've learned going forward." He advised.

"That's...not possible right now. You know that." Elio pointed out.

"You're a smart kid, I know you'll find a way," Rala patted his arm. "And you look after yourself, Alger. You and Elio look after each other. You two will do well to watch each other's backs."

"Of course. What will you do now, Master Rala?" Alger asked.

"I'll be moving on now. Much as I've enjoyed being in Ba Sing Se again, it's time for me to leave and continue my travels." Rala nodded, looking around.

"You wanna leave Ba Sing Se? This is the safest place in the world!" Elio pointed out.

"Perhaps, but you know, I've never liked staying in one place too long. I've always been more of a free spirit, I guess." Rala expressed.

"I see." Elio nodded slowly, not really understanding why he would want to forego his safety like that.

"Well, enjoy your travels. Be safe out there." Alger said.

"Of course. And you two take care of yourselves," Rala shook hands with both of them. "It's been a pleasure having you as my students again. Until we meet again." He said his goodbyes and turned to the school, departing from them. Elio and Alger watched him leave.

"Well...that wasn't what I expected at all." Elio admitted.

"No, no. Me neither. What do you suppose all of that meant? You still think he knows something and didn't say?" Alger asked.

"Probably. But there's no point in trying to push it any further. Besides, I have a lot to consider regarding everything he said to me." Elio said.

"As do I," Alger agreed. "Are you hungry? How about we sit down and discuss it?" He offered.

"Uhh sure. Sounds good. You buying?" Elio asked.

"Haha, I don't mind. But I get to choose the place." Alger stipulated.

"Deal." Elio agreed with a smile...