ATLA Little Bender

Zuko

A/N SORRY FOR THE LATE  UPDATE-

Family obligations have been pulling me away but I'm not giving up on this story! If I don't update on my typical day of Friday expect an update Saturday or Sunday, I might even make them double updates if I get the time, Hope you enjoy the story! I'll be catching up on an comments and messages. ON WITH THE STORY! Jokes_onmi

"Is that how you knew I was coming?" Aang entered the conversation between Elaria and Shyu. She was happy to find that Aang no longer seemed wary of them. Shyu began to show his thrill at Aang's appearance. "A few weeks ago, an amazing thing occurred. The statue of Avatar Roku; its eyes began to glow!" 

At his words, a frown appeared on her face. A few weeks ago she had that strange dream or vision? Where she heard Aang's voice while she lazed away from society in that meadow. She had followed it trying to see if he was nearby when she was lead to nowhere. Elaria paused with the thought of Mako and Uru. She had completely forgotten about her self-proclaimed guards... she could only hope that her father had given them mercy from Zuko's fury. 

Her mentor had told her to let the dreams come to her naturally, but since then Elaria has barely slept. 

"That's when we were at the Air Temple. Avatar Roku's eyes were glowing there, too!" Elaria stopped walking, slowing everyone with her. She turned to Katara; confusion on her face. "Did you just say that you were at the Air Temple?" 

"Yes? Why?" Katara asks her before she could ask her about what happened at the Air Temple. Or more specifically ask if Aang said those exact words she heard, Shyu called their attention back to him. He said, "Yes! At that moment, we knew you had returned to the world."

They approached a spiraling flight of stairs, "We'll follow these stairs to the sanctuary." Shyu continued to say. He silently reminded her to keep focused, even though her mind wandered on loose ends. 

Aang pulled her to follow him; her situation wasn't important right now. Bumi and her mentor both said that she would find out. Have faith Elaria. She reminded herself. The air nomad continued his questions, this one had caught her attention, "If this is the Avatar's temple, why did the sages attack me?" 

"Yes, why did they attack the Avatar? The temple is meant to be loyal to him," 

The system worked in that the Royal Family and the Fire Sages were partners, the first royal family was supported by them. As the Sages became more revered for their relationship to the Avatar's temple the royal family supported them but kept out of their business; Sages were seen higher than them, though they are bound to Crescent Island. Shyu looked pained before he answered her shamefully.

 As though it were his own fault and not hers. 

"Things have changed. In the past, the sages were loyal only to the Avatar. When Roku died, the sages eagerly awaited for the next Avatar to return. But he never came." He told them, 

"Then how did their allegiance change? They should have remained faithful, like you," She pointed to him. Aang looked guiltily at his feet. "They were waiting for me..." She squeezed his hand. 

Sokka mocked him; earning a heavy scowl from Aang, "Hey don't feel bad. You're only a hundred years late!" 

Shyu answered her question, "They lost hope the Avatar would ever return. When Fire Lord Sozin began the War, my grandfather and the other sages were forced to follow him." He sadly shakes his head, "I never wanted to serve the Fire Lord. When I learned you were coming, I knew I would have to betray the other sages."

"What? Forced to follow my Great Grandfather?" She could feel the hard stares from the group, but Elaria felt too confused to question what they were thinking. Shyu sighed heavily as though he dreaded this conversation for a long time. "Shyu, please tell me that it's not true..." her voice cracked at her vulnerability. Aang squeezed her hand. She didn't squeeze back.