Wandering Firebender

Seven: Longings & Regrets

Elio quietly made his way up a steep plain, his things in his pack and his staff in his hand. As he approached the top, he found a nice open space between the trees to make camp. From the top of the plain, he could see the next town he would be passing through tomorrow.

However, today was to be dedicated to training.

After setting up his camp, he removed his upper layers of clothing so that nothing would get caught on the moved the staff around to feel its weight again. He began to slowly spin it around, passing it back and forth between his hands.

Because it was made of metal, it was a bit heavier than a traditional wooden staff. Therefore, Rala informed him that he would have to put even more concentration and dedication into his training exercises.

As he begun to spin it faster and from side to side, his mind went back to Rala's words about the staff; how it was meant to serve as his reminder about the importance of maintaining balance within himself.

In this uncertain time in his life, that was going to be a challenge. He wasn't even sure it was possible...

Back in the Fire Nation, emphasis was placed on willpower and strength, not inner balance. Elio figured that was likely because every firebender was taught to have the same purpose: serving the Fire Lord and winning the war.

It reminded Elio of his days in firebending basic training.

"Good, Elio! Keep control of your breathing! Strike with conviction! Visualize your target and attack!" His teacher would instruct him. Yes, even before puberty, he was learning how to fight with the intent to win...with the intent to kill.

"Come on, Elio, you're one of the most naturally gifted firebenders in the class. You should be showing off and working your way up the ranks faster!" Cassian, his best friend at the time, told him once.

"Yeah, maybe...but I just like being here with my friends. Besides, if I work up the ranks, then I'll have to train with the bigger kids." Elio pointed out to him.

"Oh yeah. Nevermind." Cassian laughed.

Cassian was Elio's best friend back in the Fire Nation. Their fathers were friends who happened to be close in rank. As a result, the two children saw a lot of each other in school, in training, and at each other's homes.

"Yeah. You wanna see a cool trick?" Elio offered. Elio and Cassian made their way towards the open area right next to Elio's home where they would often play and practice their firebending together.

"Sure! Whatchu got for me?" Cassian asked. Elio motioned for him to stay in place. He then took a couple steps back.

"Watch this." Elio said with a faint smirk, taking a breath and getting into a wide stance.

Elio created a stream of fire with just two fingers. It stretched out like a string and began to expand at the end. Elio tensed his body as he tried to control the shape of the fire. However, it ended up just flaring up and creating a big burst at the end of the string.

"Woah! That was cool!" Cassian laughed. Elio growled a bit.

"That wasn't what I wanted to do. I was trying to do the Taming The Dragon trick! I nearly had it before!" Elio whined a bit. Cassian chuckled and shook his head.

"You'll get it, Elio. Besides, if you ask me, what you just did there was way cooler. That would be an awesome trick to use in a battle!" Cassian exclaimed.

"Yeah, I guess." Elio shrugged and smiled.

"Hey, Elio," Taiga, Elio's younger sister, waved as she hurried over to join them. "Did you fail the Dragon trick again?"