Wandering Firebender

Three: The Fugitive (Part One)

"This looks like a good spot to land," Sokka pointed down to a clearing atop a hill, about a quarter mile walking distance away from a nearby town. Aang nodded in agreement, guiding Appa to land on the ground. He, Katara, and Sokka all hopped onto the ground.

"Okay, first order of business! How are we dividing up the tasks today?" Sokka declared.

"Who put you in charge again, Sokka?" Katara raised an eyebrow at her brother, folding her arms.

"I'm just making sure that we're proactive while we're here on the ground."

"Really? I thought we were just giving Appa a chance to rest." Aang said, turning around and sitting on the ground.

"Exactly! We're doing both! Okay, so Aang, it's your turn to get the camp together. I, of course, will do the hunting and gather the firewood. Katara, why don't you go into the market?" Sokka directed.

"Why don't we just all handle the tasks together? That way each task is easier?" Katara suggested.

"It's called 'divide and conquer', Katara. It's strategy stuff, I wouldn't expect you to get it. Just make sure you have your money pouch on ya, 'kay?" Sokka smiled.

"Uhuh. Alright, Mr. Proactive. At least it'll give me a break from your 'strategy'." Katara grumbled, turning away and walking towards town. Sokka sighed.

"I'm always being underappreciated." He groaned.

"I appreciate you, Sokka." Aang smiled.

"You're just saying that to make me feel better. It doesn't count."

Katara made her way down into the Earth Kingdom town. As she entered into town, she quickly realized that it was much bigger than what it looked from above. She wandered around and looked for the market, but she seemed to be a little lost.

Meanwhile, Elio, who had just entered into town himself a few minutes prior, was wandering around looking for a place to stay when he happened to notice a beautiful girl with tanned skin wearing blue clothes walking through town.

At first he was going to ignore her and continue on his own way, keeping to himself like he should have back in the previous town. But then he started to think to himself: "If I'm going to be travelling on my own, I might as well take the opportunity to meet some people and make a good impression. Who knows when it could benefit me later?"

Besides, she looked just as out of place as he did, so he decided to go up and introduce himself.

"Hey there! You lost?" Elio called to her as he approached her. She stopped walking and turned towards him. Her expression became a little sheepish as he approached.

"Yeah, uh, I am. I'm looking for the market." She said.

"Oh, hey, me too actually. You know where it is?" He asked.

"Um, no. I was hoping you would tell me." She admitted. Elio laughed.

"I have no idea! But I'll help you look." He offered with a smile. She smiled back and shrugged.

"Sure. Two pairs of eyes are better than one." She said before beginning to walk. He fell in step next to her, and they began searching for the market together.

"What's your name?" Elio asked.

"Katara. And yours?"

"I'm Elio. Nice to meet you, Katara. That's a very pretty name." He complimented.

"Oh. Thank you," She blushed just slightly and smiled. "Are you traveling too?" She asked curiously.

"I am. I'm out on my own just kind of wandering from town to town right now. What about you? You don't strike me as the type to be traveling out on your own." Elio presumed.