ATLA Little Bender

Bato of The Water Tribe

Agni seems to have something against Elaria.

"There's something I should tell you kids. I'm expecting a message from your father." Bato told Sokka and Katara. The four are huddled inside Bato's room, an old friend of their father's.

Hakoda.

Elaria couldn't understand how the two would be so excited to reunite with the man that left them behind with nothing.

She shifted uncomfortably on dead animal skins. Not even bothering to try the stewed sea prunes in the bowl in front of her. Elaria was less than thrilled when out of nowhere they stumbled upon Bato, who had very vocal opinions over the Fire Nation during their walk to the abbey where he resided. Katara and Sokka were more than eager to relay every detail about their journey, except for her of course, in turn for more information about their father and what had happened to them.

Her opinion of the man lessened when she noticed how negligent he was being towards her or Aang. She'd never been ignored before, Despised? Respected? Glorified? Yes but those people still acknowledged her. Yet here she was, besides a silent and crestfallen Aang; as Bato continued to ignore their existence.

This is no way to treat guests.

"Really?" Katara inquired to Bato's statement, beside her Sokka demanded to know, "When?"

Bato smiled at their eagerness. Elaria peeked at Aang's worried face, she resisted the urge to comfort him. Pinching her nails into her skin.

"Any day now. Your father said he'd send a message when they found a rendevous point. If you wait until the message arrives, you can come with me, and see your father again,"

Why would they want to see the man who abandoned them? Regardless of what happened in the ship with her own father she couldn't let go of the fact that he left her. That he chose Zuko over her. Again and again.

"It's been over two years since we've seen Dad. That would be so incredible! Katara!" Sokka exclaimed towards his sister. Katara smiled back at her brother, feeling elated from giddiness as he did.

"I do really miss him, it would be great to see Dad," Katara says to him. At those words, Elaria felt bitterness grip her heart. Another person that would choose someone else.

Katara had done so with Jet. She seemed more inclined to do this again.

Elaria couldn't figure out how she felt.

Looking to Aang she wearily watched as he left Bato's hut. Numb to her motions she followed him as the trio of the Southern Water Tribe continued their conversation.

About leaving. Them.

Elaria found herself walking along the beach. Taking a deep breath she inhaled the mist of the sea as it sprayed towards her. The beach was a far cry from the one in her dreams. A poor mimicry. The sand was cold, grains clinging to her skin as the wind picked up, in the moonlight, she could see Aang's trail ahead of her. She hesitated. Walking along the shore allowed her to pretend that she was dreaming.

Just simple dreams. Where she would wake to find Azula's mutterings beside her.

The thought of the dreams made her wonder about her 'Mentor.' This spirit is meant to help her, or at least provide something for them, and yet nothing became of her dreams, besides more restlessness.

A cool breeze caressed her cheek.

"Did you abandon me too?" She asks aloud. Her voice is drowned by the crashing waves.

Agni must have something against her.

Elaria hadn't noticed that her feet had dragged her to Aang. Positioned over the boat that lead them to Bato. Even after everything - seeing Aang's face made her realize how worthwhile the struggles are.