ATLA Little Bender

How Could You?

"You are more than welcome to stay with my family until you can return home," Elaria smiled at his words, "I'm afraid I'm not sure what that means to me anymore," She thought of her friends- "thank you but I made a promise to myself. I need them and I'd like to believe they need me.

When the time comes to let them go, I'll know, but now isn't it." She told him. 

For once she and her 'Tee' as she asked to be called- seemed to agree. She needs to stop running. It's an almost instinctive thought that came to mind. Like any problem only had one way to be dealt with- omitting it ever happened. 

She understands though. Running away now would only delay the inevitable. One day she and Aang will cross paths. Either alongside each other or fighting on opposing sides. 

The old traveler nodded at her words, he steadied his cane and took several steps forward; "Than this is our goodbye, I wish you the best milady may you be favored by our ancestors and Agni," he walked into the village and out of her life.

Elaria sighed as she felt her relief be taken with him. Now she had to return to the hideout, to Aang and Katara, and their infatuation with the Freedom Fighters. This will show them the truth though. Neither of them will support Jet after she tells them everything that happened; Sokka could help her push for them leaving. She hoped that he already told them and they are waiting for her to return so they can leave on Appa.

Walking through the woods was more tranquil than their flight out of it. Elaria felt more at ease when she noticed that the hideout was quiet. Rather than use the rope to pull her onto the platform she airbended, and nearly fell plenty of times, up to their hut. She landed on the bridge that led to it and walked inside. 

But the sight in front of her was not what she wanted.

Katara was in the midst of another argument with Sokka. Elaria could have sworn that she saw the veins in her neck grow from the amount she yelled. Sokka, opposing her, was waving his hands around as he tried to convince her to see reason. In the corner of the room, Aang jumped up as he noticed her, "Elaria," He called attention to where she stood. "It's not true is it?" Aang questioned her doubtfully.

"Of course it's not true!" Sokka argued with him, "Jet's lying to you guys," Elaria stepped up beside him. "What are you talking about?" She questioned Aang.

The boy looked at her, studying the staff that she had swung at the Freedom Fighters, he frowned. "Aang I'd like to know what I'm being accused of," Elaria's voice hardened. Katara harshly grabbed her. Her blue eyes glared cruelly at Elaria's grey. 

"I'll tell you! You attacked Jet! He told us everything after they came back!" Sokka groaned in frustration, "And I told you that they're lying!" He confronted her. 

Elaria was driven back but she didn't need Sokka to stand up for her, especially to his sister, "Katara you know that I wouldn't have done it without reason!" She insisted, Elaria turned to Aang, "What did they tell you?" Her eyes implored answers. 

 Aang watched her, his face indecisive; blank. "They told us you airbended at them, Elaria is that true?"

Airbenders are only supposed to use their bending as a last resort. 

"He attacked an elder villager. I defended him, that's all I did," Katara guffawed. She sneered in Elaria's face, "That old man was an assassin planning on killing Jet that your Fire Nation sent!" She poked her finger at Elaria's clavicle, nails scratching against the irritated skin from where Jet's swords pressed against earlier. 

"You have to be kidding, he is the wisest man I've met!" Elaria defended the kind man that invited her to his home. "There is no assassin, can't you see how ridiculous this story is?" Her voice raised in frustration, desperation leaking in her words. They wavered as tear flooded her eyes, "I'm with you remember?" She pleaded with Katara.