Wandering Firebender

Fifty: Ideals

"Those firebenders have all been taken away. Apparently there was a division of earthbending soldiers nearby, but that squad diverted their attention before coming to attack us. They arrested the kill squad, so they're not gonna come after you again." Elio reassured Alger.

"That's good...and what of the market?" Alger asked.

"There's...not a lot of people here, but they're already working on getting everything repaired."

"Good. And what about you? Shouldn't you be leaving already?" Alger asked.

"I will be shortly...Alger, are you sure you'll be able to manage on your own with that injury?" Elio asked. He was seriously concerned for him.

"I'll be okay. The innkeeper will tend to my injuries. I still intend to ride out to meet Koda and the others. I may be weaker, but I can still help." He said.

"You should rest." Elio argued with a shake of his head.

"You should hurry," Alger replied, managing a smile. "I won't overdo it, I promise."

"You better not...did you know about the knife, Alger?"

"I didn't," Alger clicked his tongue. "But I would've done it either way."

"Why?" Elio asked, looking at him.

"Because, Elio, I promised that I would get you safely to the North Pole. You need all of your strength to help the people of the Northern Water Tribe." Alger pointed out.

"But Alger, now you may not be able to fight." Elio brought up.

"I know," Alger struggled to sit up a little more. "This is bigger than our wants and desires, Elio. At the end of the day, I'm willing to make these sacrifices for the greater good...this is it, Elio. If we don't give our all now then what's the point?" He said.

Elio swallowed hard, looking down at the floor. He had heard this sentiment numerous times in the past, but now that he was seeing the true implications of it, he suddenly felt very uncertain.

"Hey, Elio. Try and get some rest on your journey," Alger said, linking hands with him and giving his hand a tight squeeze. "And say hello to Cindra for me." He added, smiling again.

"I will. Take it easy...and thank you." Elio said, squeezing his hand back. He lingered just a little longer before letting go and leaving Alger to rest.

Elio walked down the beach as the sun was just coming up over the horizon. He made his way to where the boat he'd be hitching a ride on was docked. He boarded the ship and went below deck to lay down. He tried to rest, but his mind was still racing...

War demands sacrifice.

He knew that. He's always known that. But the idea of putting his life on the line really scared him. He hated it every time he had to get involved this way. Everyone he cared about seemed to have this selfless motivation ingrained in them.

Everyone he cared about was willing to risk their lives for their cause. It reminded him of certain memories of his father...

Back when Elio was a much younger boy, his father was away on deployment, as he had been several times throughout Elio's life. He and Taiga both approached their mother while she was cooking. They started to ask about him:

"Hey, mom? When is father coming home?" Taiga asked. Their mother, Rue, eyed both of them.

"I'm sorry, kids. I don't know. But you know, your father is doing very important work. He'll be gone as long as the Fire Nation needs him to be." She answered.