when it rains, it pours | zuko

eight ; far from home

Aboard a small ship, Raiu and the gaang were preparing for their departure.

"Some waterbenders and I are bound for the Southern Water Tribe, we plan to aid our sister tribe that has been separated from us for far too long," Master Paku conveyed.

Turning to Katara, he handed her a necklace, "Katara, I want you to have this. This amulet contains water from the Spirit Oasis. The water has unique properties, don't lose it."

Next up was Aang, who received his water bending scrolls. And after that was Sokka, who received a pat on his back — earning him a snicker from Raiu.

"And as for you, Raiu," Master Paku unclasped a necklace from his neck — the necklace that never left his body. He slipped it around Raiu's tan neck, letting the teardrop shaped crystal fall against his collarbone. While it was different from Katara's own pendant, the carvings inlaid into it seemed to hint at a matching pair, and Raiu instantly knew what it alluded to. Or more so, who — and just how important this relic was to his guardian.

"When things get tough, run away. Your life is dearer to me than any battle won."

Master Paku hugged Raiu, instilling in him a warmth that made him never want to let go. He had always dreamt of this day, of venturing into the vast world, seeing new sights that varied from the glaciers and snow. But when the time came for goodbyes, the moment had him vacillating between staying within the circle of comfort and diving headfirst into unchartered waters.

"I remember when I first found you straggling in the water, you were just a tiny thing at twelve," Master Paku stroked Raiu's hair, recalling distant memories in a low voice. "But you've grown into a strong, young man. It may not be my place, but I could never be prouder."

He was wrong. But it wasn't Master Paku's fault, he couldn't have known just how tainted Raiu was. And Raiu would rather die than let anyone find out.

"Follow your heart, never doubt it," they gradually separated Master Paku settled his hands atop Raiu's shoulders abruptly with a skeptical expression. "Unless it's about a certain boy Sokka has been telling me about. Then I highly recommend you question your heart — thoroughly."

Raiu gave the Southern watertribe boy a dirty glare at that, who then responded with triumphant laughter. Fine if that's how he wants to play.

"Haha- You're so funny Master. You worry too much about negligible things, your white hairs are going to go out of hand at this rate," Raiu assured Paku as he grabbed the hands on his shoulders and swayed them for emphasis. His palms were dry and coarse with age, but these were the hands that lovingly raised him, settling the nauseating feeling overcoming hime, "I'll miss you Master."

The members boarded Appa with a final instruction from Master Paku. And as they took off for the skies, Raiu shouted gleefully, "Take care Master!"

Paku gazed at the fast disappearing blob with a heavy heart and a sad smile, "I'll miss you too, Raiu."

★

"Are you done crying?" Sokka teased.

"One more word out of you and I'll waterbend you off this bison with my tears."

Katara sat up in excitement, "Wow, I've never thought of that kind of technique, have you tried it before?"

"No, but I'm tempted now."

"I get it. I've been dealing with his whiny ass for fourteen years," Katara looked at Sokka and sighed.

"You're only fourteen? You seem way more mature."