Wandering Firebender

Six: Art of the Staff

Elio quietly made his way down the trail as it snaked through a tall, thick forest. Birds were chirping above him and bugs were buzzing around him. There were no settlements in sight through the trees. He felt completely immersed in the natural atmosphere.

It was quite literally the opposite of the surroundings he was used to back home.

As Elio made his way around a bend in the trail, he heard the sounds of rustling leaves. He quickly turned around and raised his fists up, but he saw no one. He looked towards some nearby bushes and cautiously began to approach them.

However, he was quickly blindsided by getting hit in the face by someone unseen. He was quickly pushed to the ground in a blinded daze. He tried to use his firebending to defend himself, but he heard nothing else. His assailant must have already run off.

"Agh great!" Elio yelled, turning onto his side and rubbing the water out of his eyes that had come from the blunt hit to the nose he had received. He began feeling around for his things...

His bag and money pouch had been taken.

"Great!" Elio yelled louder, slamming his fist on the dirt. As he regained his senses, he got up to his feet. Words couldn't accurately express how angry he was; how brutally he was chastising himself for allowing this to happen.

"Looks like you got caught with your guard down, kid." An unfamiliar voice chuckled ironically. Elio rubbed his eyes with his arm and turned towards the voice.

Just a few strides down the trail stood an older man with dark skin and his long hair braided and tied back. His clothes were well taken care of but modest. He carried a long staff-like walking stick in his right hand. As he walked forward, he walked with a limp and used it to support his weight.

"Did you see that happen?" Elio asked.

"I didn't, but I saw a man with a mask run past. Then I saw you writhing on the ground and put two and two together." He explained with a cackle. Elio growled and shook his head, brushing his hair back.

"Yeah, well, now I need to find that creep. So if you'll excuse me." Elio said dismissively, getting ready to walk past him. However, the old man protested.

"And how do you expect to find him? The only thing you saw was the inside of your own eyelids." He pointed out in the same humorous tone.

"I'll figure it out!" Elio shouted impatiently. The old man smiled and shook his head, turning and walking in step just behind him.

"Come with me, son. I'll fix you a meal and give you some assistance." He invited.

"I appreciate your offer, but I can't allow the man to get away with my stuff! All of my money and personal belongings were in that bag he took." Elio pointed out, gesturing forward. The old man nodded.

"A fair point. But you still have your pack. There's, what, camping gear and some food in there? You'll manage for a little while with those. At least for now. Please, let me help you." He insisted. Elio sighed unhappily and agreed reluctantly.

"Fine. Lead the way."

"Please excuse my mess. I wasn't expecting to be taking anyone in today." The man apologized as they entered into a small shack of a home not far from the rest of town. It was indeed messy inside, but it also seemed barren, lacking a lot of decorations and other homey touches.

"It's alright... This is the nearest town from the spot where I was attacked?" Elio asked.

"It is. Do you think you'll find the perpetrator somewhere in the city?" The man wondered.