Wandering Firebender
Seventy Eight: Great Friends
It was morning when Elio's airship touched down in the Fire Nation once again. The doors were opened and Elio's crew started making their way out. Elio's friends, including Toph, were among the last to exit the airship. They waited for a few minutes on Elio, who hadn't shown himself since last night.
"Man, I hate flying in these airships. Can someone tell Zuko that the Fire Nation needs to come up with a faster way to land travel?" Toph requested.
"Sure, I'll let him know so he can get right on that." Sri joked.
"Thank you." Toph smiled.
"It's kinda weird, having the Fire Nation be like our headquarters," Cindra commented to Alger. "It's almost becoming like a second home for us now."
"I have yet to feel that way, but I'm glad you're adjusting well." Alger said in reply.
"Are you all waiting on me again?" Elio asked as he came out dressed in full uniform, "You don't have to do that, you know." He commented.
"Yeah we know, but we just wanted to make sure everything's alright with you." Sri said.
"You sure do like to take your time, don't you, hotfoot?" Toph said.
"Fire Lord Zuko likes for me to have a written report of every mission delivered to him when we land. Plus, I do a walkthrough of the ship before I leave." He explained, tapping his hand against a scroll in his other hand.
"Oh, okay. Is everything good?" Cindra asked.
"Looks like it. As far as I know, we have another break period before our next mission, so feel free to get comfortable in your rooms. I'm heading straight to the throne room. I'll see you all later." Elio said, making his way past the group towards the palace.
"Hey, hotfoot." Toph called to him, hurrying to fall in step next to him.
"What's up, Toph?" Elio looked at her, slowing his pace slightly so that she could catch up.
"I heard about what happened before we left...sorry I gave you such a hard time." She quietly apologized to him.
"You didn't," Elio shook his head. "You were actually a major help. I'm sorry for letting my feelings get in the way of the mission. I appreciate you coming along and teaching Alger. We definitely need all the help we can get." He said.
"Oh," Toph sounded surprised by Elio switching stances like that. "Well...you're welcome. You ever need anything, let me know. Or, you know, let someone know."
"Heh, sure. Thanks. It was nice seeing you again. Next time will be better, I promise."
"I'll hold you to that." Toph said, punching him in the arm before the two of them parted ways, going down different hallways in the palace...
While Elio was meeting with Fire Lord Zuko, the others went to their rooms to unpack their belongings. While Cindra was returning to her room, she passed by Aang and Katara in the hallway. She was surprised to see them, of course, so she stopped them.
"Oh, hey guys! Where've you been?" She asked, trotting up to the two of them.
"Hey, Cindra!" Aang smiled and waved.
"We had a little spirit world problem to deal with on a small island just north of here, so Aang, Sokka and I went to check it out." Katara answered.
"Oh wow!" Cindra exclaimed.
"Yeah, being the bridge between two worlds is hard sometimes," Aang chuckled. "What about you? How'd your mission with Toph go?" He asked.
"It went well. It would've been a lot harder if she hadn't been there." She answered.
"We'll have to ask her about it. And how're you doing?" Katara asked.
"I'm good. Just gonna unpack my stuff here," Cindra gestured to her pack that she was carrying. "I'm hoping to catch up with Elio afterwards. He hasn't been doing too well lately." She said.
"What do you mean?" Aang asked.
"You didn't hear? He and Sri were attacked just before we left! The dad of one of his old friends snuck onto the palace grounds and ambushed them. He's been really messed up since it happened." Cindra explained.
"Oh no! The two of them are okay though, right?" Katara asked.
"Yeah. Sri has a scar on her arm now. Thankfully that was the worst of it." She said, tracing a circle around her forearm to show where Sri had been burned.
"That's terrible. We must've already left when it happened." Aang guessed.
"I'm gonna pay a visit to Sri and see how she's doing." Katara decided.
"I'm sure she'd appreciate that." Cindra said with a soft smile.
"I think I'll do the same for Elio. Maybe I can help." Aang offered.
"Please." Cindra nodded.
"I'll go find him right now!" Aang volunteered before hurrying off...
After meeting with Fire Lord Zuko, Elio made his way towards the soldiers' commons area to speak with a few of his men. On his way there, he was intercepted by Avatar Aang, who had decided to save time navigating through the halls of the palace by traveling via air scooter.
"Hey!" Elio exclaimed in surprise as Aang zipped right by him. He pulled his staff out and spun it around, pointing it towards Aang before realizing who it was. Aang jumped and spun in the air before landing gracefully with both feet on the ground.
"Whoops, sorry! Almost missed ya," Aang chuckled. "The palace is like a maze. Even with how many times I've been here, I still get lost." He said with a laugh.
"Yeah, me too," Elio relaxed and put his staff back into its sleeve. "It's good to see you, Avatar Aang. How have you been?" He asked after bowing respectfully to him.
"I'm good. It's good to see you too, Elio," Aang bowed in return. "Hey, you wanna hang out?" He asked suddenly.
"Uh...what?"
"Well you just got back and I just got back. Let's talk for a bit! Get some lunch." He suggested.
"I..." Elio hesitated. He had some things that he needed to take care of, but he didn't exactly feel comfortable saying no to the Avatar, especially when it was obvious that Aang had been looking for him.
"Okay, sure." He agreed with a nod.
"Great! Let's go!" Aang gestured for him to follow.
"Go? Where are we going?" Elio quickly asked.
"Out! I know this little restaurant that you'll love!" Aang called back to him. Elio let out an exhale before pushing himself into a jog to catch up with him...
"So you don't eat any meat?" Elio asked as the two of them walked into the Fire Nation capitol city, "Is that like an Avatar requirement?"
"Haha, no. It's actually an air nomad requirement. I was raised by monks, and we had very strict rules about how all life is sacred." He explained.
"I see...but no meat? I can't even imagine." Elio shook his head and chuckled a little.
"You sound just like Sokka," Aang laughed. "There's plenty of good foods out there to substitute. And it's good for your body!" He pointed out.
"Well, I guess you would know better than me." Elio said with a shrug.
"Ooh hey, check that out," Aang pointed out a small shop that they were passing by; one that was dedicated to buying hats. "I wonder what's in there."
"Looks like hats, Aang."
"I like hats!" Aang laughed and crossed the street, approaching the shop. Elio flinched and turned suddenly to follow him.
"What about lunch?" Elio reminded him.
"The restaurant's not going anywhere! I thought you said you weren't that hungry yet!" Aang laughed again before going inside the shop. With nothing to say in response, Elio went in too.
"Welcome! What can I do for you kids? Oh, excuse me. What can I do for you young men?" The shopkeeper corrected himself after noticing the uniforms that Aang and Elio were wearing.
"Just looking around." Aang answered with a smile.
"Well it's the perfect time! Colder weather is right around the corner." The shop owner pointed out.
"Oh yeah! What kind of hat is best for cold weather?" Aang asked curiously.
"Well since you asked, let me show you these special knitted caps I've been working on," The shop owner excitedly reached over and held up several hats made of fabric with Fire Nation insignias patched on them. "You wear them on your head like this and it keeps you warm." He explained, putting one on to demonstrate.
"Looks a little funny. How does that work?" Elio wondered.
"We'll take two of the black ones, please!" Aang decided.
"Coming right up!"
"You don't have to get me one, Aang. I can regulate my body temperature with my firebending...plus it'll mess up my hair." Elio added.
"Think so? I never have that problem," Aang joked before buying the hats and handing one to Elio. "Come on, just try it on." He insisted. Elio surrendered and the two of them put the hats on.
"Looking good, gentlemen!" The shopkeeper chuckled and smiled proudly.
"We feel warmer already! Thanks!" Aang waved to him and the two left.
"Come back soon!"
"Well, thanks for this." Elio said, taking the hat off and stuffing it into the back of his pants.
"I guess you were right about the hair," Aang looked at him and chuckled. "It's all frizzy now."
"Great. Awesome," Elio said dryly. "Let's go get some food."
The two of them entered the restaurant Aang had been talking about. They were promptly seated in a booth where they placed their orders and had glasses of water served to them. Once they were feeling more relaxed, their conversation resumed.
"So I heard you just got back from a mission," Aang started. "How did it go?" He asked.
"It went fine. I'm glad that Zuko sent Toph with us; it made the whole process easier. Sorry to steal her from ya." Elio said.
"It's fine! I'm glad. How do you feel about serving Zuko and the Fire Nation now? You've been doing a lot of good." Aang complimented him.
"Thank you. It's been good, just a lot of responsibility. I haven't screwed up majorly yet, so at least there's that." Elio said.
"I'm happy for you. You've come a long way since when we first met." He commented.
"It's been a long year for both of us," Elio acknowledged with a tired chuckle. "But thank you. So have you."
"Heheh," Aang chuckled before growing more serious. "Elio, I heard about what happened when you and your friend were attacked. Are you doing okay?"
"Ah," Elio nodded. "That's why you were looking for me, huh?" He realized.
"I'm your friend, aren't I, Elio? We all are. If you don't wanna talk to the others about it, you can talk to me. I only know what happened. I don't know anything else about it." Aang clarified.
"I see..." Elio paused before speaking, "He was the father of my best friend. There was...a fight at Full Moon Bay months ago, me against my friend. I made a choice that day to kill him to keep him from invading there." He explained.
"Oh...oh..." Aang's eyes widened as everything started to hit him all at once.
"Yeah, exactly," Elio nodded then looked to the side. "It's been almost a year now since his death. I'm still coming to terms with it, but after what happened...I lost a lot by running away, and I guess I'm only now feeling the true extent of it." He explained.
"I understand exactly what you're feeling," Aang said. "I ran away once too and I ended up losing everything..." He said.
"What do you mean?" Elio asked.
"I'm the only airbender left in the world. When they told me I was going to be the Avatar, I ran away, and while I was gone, the Fire Nation wiped them all out." Aang explained. Elio's eyes widened at this.
"I'm sorry, Aang. You've had it a lot worse and a lot harder." He said solemnly.
"Well, I'm not bringing it up to compare. But I can relate, definitely. I know what it's like to feel lost. And I know all about the pressure of that impossible choice where it feels like something wrong is something right – where taking a life seems like the right thing to do." He added.
"Did you do it?" Elio asked.
"No," Aang shook his head. "I was lucky enough to find an alternate solution where I didn't have to compromise."
"Hmm," Elio hummed and thought about this. "I've run that fight in my head over and over again and I thought maybe if I had just chi-blocked him, that would've been enough. But then he still knew about Full Moon Bay. He would've attacked it anyways...
"I don't know. I still regret what happened, both with Cassian and at the North Pole. Either way, I've got blood on my hands that'll never come off." He said. There was silence between them for a bit as their food was served and they began to eat.
"I'm sorry you had to go through all that, Elio. I know it wasn't easy. I think you and I both agree that life is sacred. I hope that one day you can learn to forgive yourself, even if others don't. Just keep trying to do what's right." Aang said to encourage him.
"I will. Of course I will." Elio said in response...
After lunch, Elio and Aang began making their way back to the palace. On their way through town, they noticed a show for children being held in a plaza: a puppet theatre show. Aang stopped to observe. The two of them stood at the back.
"Taiga used to love these when she was younger." Elio recalled with a chuckle.
"Taiga?"
"My sister," Elio said. "We used to take her like every other week." He smiled sadly as those old memories came to mind. Aang observed his expression.
"Sounds like it was nice."
"Yeah...do you ever miss the way things were before? With the monks?" Elio asked curiously, looking at Aang.
"Mhmm. All the time." Aang confirmed with a nod.
"How do you deal with it? Everything must be so different now."
"It is. But you know, I have great friends, a purpose, and a girl that I love. I may be all that's left of my culture, but as long as I'm alive, I get to carry it on." He expressed his feelings.
"I guess I'm lucky," Elio said, looking forward again. "I have my family as well as great friends of my own. This has always been my home, and I get to be here helping people and making a difference." He thought out loud.
"Hold on to those things. They'll keep you going." Aang said with a smile...
Aang and Elio returned to the Fire Nation palace. As they made their way inside, Elio started to say his goodbyes, not knowing that Aang still had one thing left to address.
"Thank you for today, Aang. I think I really needed it. And I appreciate you making yourself available." He said appreciatively.
"Anytime! Hey, Elio? Can I ask you one more question?" Aang requested.
"Sure. What is it?" Elio asked, stopping and turning to look back at him.
"Can I try out your staff?" Aang pointed to it.
"My staff?"
"Yeah. Your staff looks a lot different than mine. I'm just curious."
"Uh, haha, okay. Sure. But if you're gonna start swinging it around, you'll have to do it in the training grounds." Elio stipulated.
"Deal! Let's go!" Aang said, starting to go ahead of him.
"Do you even know where the training grounds are?" Elio asked with an amused chuckle.
Uh...kinda." Aang shrugged before stopping to let Elio show him the way...
"Aang? Elio?" Zuko noticed them as they came around the corner, "Where have you two been all day?" He asked.
"Out. Elio's gonna let me try out his staff. You wanna come?" Aang offered.
"Um...sorry, Aang. I have some things to tend to."
"Come on. Just for a little bit." He insisted. Zuko took a moment to think about it.
"Fine." He agreed, joining the group. The three of them stepped out onto the training grounds, where they found Katara and Suki training with Cindra, Sri, and Alger. Meanwhile, Sokka and Toph were hanging out to the side.
"Oh wow. Everybody's here." Elio said in surprise.
"It's like it's meant to be," Aang laughed, going over to them. "Hey, guys!" He waved.
"Huh? Oh hey, Aang. Whatcha been up to?" Sokka asked upon noticing him.
"Oh you know, just hanging out. You remember Elio, right?" Aang pointed to him as he walked over.
"Hey. You're...Katara's brother, right?" Elio remembered.
"Unfortunately," Sokka replied with a smile, getting up and shaking hands with him. "Man, it's been a long time. I see you're trying new things out with your hair. That's neat." He said, gesturing to Elio's white streak of hair.
"Thanks. I see you're still carrying around that boomerang." Elio pointed to it.
"Duh! Boomerang's got me out of more life or death situations than I can count!" Sokka said proudly.
"No one cares about your dusty old boomerang, Sokka." Toph said just to tease him.
"He brought it up!" Sokka pointed out.
"Hey, Elio! Katara's teaching me some new moves!" Cindra waved to him. Elio gave her a thumbs up.
"That's awesome, ladies! Mind if we use part of the grounds for a few minutes?" Aang asked.
"We can take a break if you wanna train." Suki offered.
"Nah, that's okay! I just wanted to try out Elio's staff." Aang said.
"Ha, you're such a kid, twinkle toes. Playing with sticks." Toph teased him too.
"Aren't you two...the same age?" Zuko asked slowly.
"Ooh, actually, I'll be right back!" Aang said before hurrying back into the palace. Meanwhile, the girls broke off. Cindra, Sri, and Alger all walked over to Elio.
"Hey, Elio. Everything okay? You were with the Avatar and the Fire Lord?" Sri asked.
"Yeah, uh, I was hanging out with Aang. Zuko just showed up a couple minutes ago." Elio answered.
"Without inviting us?" Alger asked with a chuckle.
"Sorry, it was kind of a spur of the moment thing." Elio apologized.
"It's okay. I guess we're all here now anyways," Cindra giggled. "You doing any better?" She asked, patting his arm.
"I'm feeling a little better, thank you. I appreciate you all being so concerned for me." Elio smiled appreciatively.
"That's what we're here for, buddy." Sri said.
"I'm back!" Aang exclaimed, riding his air scooter over to them, "I brought my staff so we can trade." He said, holding up his wooden staff.
"Heh, okay. I guess let's give it a try then." Elio said.
The two of them walked out onto the training grounds and traded staffs. Elio handed his to Aang while Aang lightly tossed his to Elio.
"Ooh wow. This is light." Elio said, holding it up and feeling the weight.
"This is heavy!" Aang exclaimed, holding it up parallel to the ground with both hands, "What is this made of? Metal?" He guessed.
"Yeah. Wood doesn't really mix well with my firebending. I use it for arcing shots." He explained.
"Oh really? Let me try," Aang hummed curiously. He held it with both hands and took a step back before swinging it. He sent an airbending slice up into the air, and it cut off a piece of the metal awning above the nearby walkway.
"Wow!" He exclaimed.
"Aang." Zuko glared at him.
"Heheh, sorry."
"Oops. We'll get that replaced, no worries. I'm assuming you use this staff to enhance your airbending too, right?" Elio guessed as he inspected Aang's wooden staff.
"Yep! I usually use my airbending for attacks, but it's also a glider." He said.
"A glider?" Elio raised his eyebrow at him. As he asked the question, he tapped the staff against the ground. This caused the wings of the glider to pop out, and one of them hit Elio in the face.
"Ooh, you okay?!"
"Ah, yeah," Elio rubbed his cheek and turned his face away. "I see what you mean now." He chuckled.
"Hey, you know what you two should do?" Sokka asked as he walked over to them.
"What?" Aang asked.
"Remember when Zuko and I had that sword fight? You two should do the same with your staffs." He suggested.
"Oh yeah. I mean, I guess we can." Aang shrugged.
"Our staffs are made of different materials though. I don't wanna break yours." Elio said to Aang.
"Hmm...Toph! Can you make two identical staffs out of earth?" Sokka called back to her.
"Obviously. Why would I do that though?" She asked.
"Aang and Elio are gonna fight!" Sokka said.
"Ooh alright! In that case!" Toph got to her feet and pulled out two small slabs of stone, carving them into staffs.
"We're not gonna fight." Elio shook his head.
"Sparring match! One round, no bending. Staffs only!" Sokka insisted.
"Huh, I don't usually use my staff without bending. I'll try though." Aang agreed.
"Ooh wow, Elio versus the Avatar? This I wanna see." Sri said, sitting down.
"Here ya go!" Toph walked over with the two staffs, handing them to Aang and Elio.
"Fine. One round," Elio agreed. He removed part of his uniform and walked over to Cindra. "Can you hold these for me?"
"Sure." Cindra took the garments and folded them over her arm.
"How experienced are you with a staff, Elio?" Aang asked curiously.
"I never get in a fight without it. I'm not used to a rock staff though. It's a little thin." Elio said, spinning it around once with one hand.
"Heheh, I'll try not to use any bending." Aang promised.
"Good, because I'm pretty sure that would be cheating." Elio said, a smile creeping onto his face as he got into a fighting stance.
"Zuko, you're the Fire Lord. You start off the round." Sokka said.
"Sokka...alright. Ready...set...begin!" Zuko sounded off.
Aang charged forward first, letting out a battle yell as he approached. Elio moved forward before getting back in his stance, blocking Aang's first overhead strike. Aang lifted the other end of the staff to try and hit Elio's chin. Elio moved to the side and swung the staff out wide to hit Aang in the back.
Aang grunted in surprise as he moved away, blocking Elio's back strike. He spun the staff in front of him to force Elio to step back. Then he went for several quick attacks to Elio's sides. Elio moved back and deflected the attacks before jabbing Aang in the chest, making him stumble back.
"Whoa! You're good!" Aang said.
"You're struggling not to airbend, aren't you?" Elio guessed.
"Only a little." Aang chuckled before swinging the staff again. He proceeded with several more quick attacks before jumping into the air, spinning sideways once before attempting a powerful downwards strike.
Elio sidestepped the attack completely, turning and swinging at Aang's head. Aang yelped and ducked down under it before rolling forward and getting back to his feet. Elio spun his staff and went for another jab. Aang turned to block it before striking Elio in the shin.
Elio hissed in pain, stepping back. Aang moved forward and swung for Elio's leg again. Elio lifted his foot to dodge it. Aang swung for Elio's head. Elio ducked underneath it. Aang jumped up, flipping over Elio. Elio swung for his feet as he was coming down but attempted it too early so he missed.
Aang swung right at Elio's chest. Elio blocked it then turned and swung at Aang's back again. Aang quickly maneuvered the staff behind his back to block it. Elio quickly turned and hit Aang in the stomach, making him double over. He held onto Elio's staff and spun it with his other hand, swiping Elio across the face with it.
"Would it be inappropriate to start cheering?" Cindra asked aside to Suki.
"Probably, yeah."
"Go, Aang! You got this, buddy!" Sokka cheered.
Elio stumbled back a little from the hit, feeling his face. Aang changed his stance before going for a jab. Elio deflected it before grabbing the staff with both hands and swinging it as hard as he could. Aang yelped and held the staff up to block it.
Elio's staff struck the middle of Aang's staff, and both of them broke in half. The pieces crumbled to the ground. Elio grunted and rubbed his hands together, the vibrations of the impact making his hands sore. Aang had a similar reaction.
"Ahh. Aw man, our staffs broke."
"Yeah. Sorry, that was kinda hard." Elio said, resting his hands on his knees.
"Sooo is that a tie?" Toph asked.
"Let's call it a tie. I'm good with that." Elio nodded.
"A tie it is then." Aang chuckled and patted Elio on the back...