Wandering Firebender

Fifty Five: Destinies Converging

Three young men. One young lady. A group of four traveling through the Earth Kingdom, making their way towards the outer wall of Ba Sing Se. Three firebenders. The leader of the group, an earthbender, who was walking in front of the others, clutched his side, grunting in pain and discomfort. At the insistence of the lady, they stopped to take a break.

"Sit here on this rock, Alger." Marx said, taking him by the arm and helping him sit. Alger gently brushed his hand away as he sat down.

"I'm fine, honestly. I just need a moment is all." He said.

"I appreciate you keeping your word and coming all the way back here," Koda said as she stood by him. "But if I'm being honest, you don't seem to be in any condition to fight." She said, shaking her head. Alger sighed and looked down.

"I apologize for slowing us down. I know that I am being stubborn, but I must continue. With the comet arriving in three days, this is the fight that matters most. I refuse to sit on the sidelines." Alger said.

"A man of principle! I respect that!" Nezu said approvingly, "We got your back, Alger, don't you worry!" He promised. Alger smiled appreciatively.

"Thank you, Nezu. Never would I have imagined I'd have so many friends from the Fire Nation." Alger chuckled at how ironic this was.

"We're happy to help. Still, take it easy. Just because the war is ending doesn't mean your life needs to end too." Marx said.

"Very well spoken, my young firebending friend!" Another older voice spoke up. Koda got into her fighting stance, and all of them turned to see an old man with dark skin approaching them.

"Who are you?! State your business!" Koda demanded. However, Alger stood and held his arm up in front of her.

"It's alright! He's an ally. Master Rala! What are you doing here?!" Alger asked in shock. Rala chuckled.

"I heard there were some rogue firebenders and an earthbender traveling this way, liberating small towns and such. And I said to myself, 'Hey, that sounds like something one of my students would do!'" Rala answered with a laugh.

"This is your master, Alger? I didn't know you were a servant!" Nezu said.

"It's not that kind of master, idiot. He's a teacher." Koda corrected him.

"Haha, yes. So, despite your injuries, Alger, you still wish to fight?" Rala presumed. Alger nodded.

"Yes. Please, Rala, can you assist us?" He pleaded. Rala smiled and nodded.

"Of course. I will take you west, away from here." Rala said, starting to walk away from Ba Sing Se. The others stood up, but only Alger began following him right away.

"Wait, what about the city?! It's still under Fire Nation control!" Koda pointed out.

"Oh that? Don't worry, there's already masters here that will take care of that! You're needed west!" Rala said.

"For what?" Marx asked as the others started to fall in line.

"The Earth Kingdom army is preparing to intercept a fleet of Fire Nation foot soldiers out that way. I will take you to meet up with them. That is where your fight awaits." Rala answered.

"Oh man! A huge battle like that?!" Nezu exclaimed.

"The Earth Kingdom army wouldn't accept us to fight alongside them, would they?" Koda asked.

"I'll help smooth things over. I just so happen to have a few connections." Rala reassured her with a smile.

"Thank you, Master Rala. Will you be fighting alongside us?" Alger asked. Rala shook his head.