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As the others began to leave, Jae lingered behind for a moment, his gaze settling on the painting hanging on the wall. He studied it in silence, his expression growing solemn as he regarded the figure immortalized within its frame.
“I’m glad you’re gone,” he murmured at last, his voice quiet but firm. “You can’t hurt us anymore.”
The words carried a weight that went beyond simple resentment. After all, with them gone, the world no longer had to fear someone who possessed both multiple bending abilities and extraordinary spiritual powers—a single person capable of unleashing another apocalyptic catastrophe, one that could shatter the boundaries between the physical and Spirit Worlds all over again.
And yet, despite everything history had taught them, Jae had sometimes found himself wondering whether there had been another reason behind their actions. A hidden truth. Some desperate, last-resort decision that might have made their choices seem less monstrous, even if it could never excuse the devastation that had been caused.
Perhaps there had been more to the story than anyone knew. Maybe even, under different circumstances, things could have turned out differently.
But those were dangerous questions to entertain, and Jae knew better than to let them cloud his judgment. Whatever the truth might have been, history had already passed its verdict. The world was for the better without them, and that was what mattered.
Not to mention, Jae was an Airbender. More importantly, he was one of Allora’s protectors, and that responsibility came before any lingering doubts or unanswered questions. He couldn't afford to let secret suspicion or hesitation about the past undermine his duty to the present.
So, after one final glance at the painting, he drew a quiet breath and turned away.
Because, there was nothing more to say or gain while just standing there.
…
A week later…
…
Outside, Jae was having what he could only describe as the worst day of his life.
Well, perhaps not the worst day. That was a rather high bar, considering everything he’d been through lately. But it was certainly shaping up to be one of the most irritating.
“NISHA! GIVE THAT BACK!”
His shouts echoed across the outdoor area as he sprinted after his long-suffering patience's newest enemy: his own hoverboard, which was currently being ridden by his decidedly unrepentant companion.
Nisha, for her part, seemed to be having the time of her life.
She cackled gleefully as she zipped across the open space, expertly maneuvering the stolen hoverboard while throwing increasingly ridiculous, teasing remarks over her shoulder. Every time Jae thought he was getting close enough to catch her, she sped off again, laughing even harder.
“YOU'RE NOT EVEN USING IT!” she shouted back.
“THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN STEAL IT!”
“IT DOES IF YOU CAN'T CATCH ME!”
Jae made a noise somewhere between a groan and an outright scream of frustration.
He was going to throw her into the nearest body of water.
Respectfully, of course.
Back inside Jae's apartment, however, peace reigned supreme.
Geet and Ruhi were fast asleep on a nearby blanket, blissfully undisturbed by the chaos unfolding just outside. Whatever arguments, thefts, or potential acts of fratricide were taking place beyond the apartment's walls, neither seemed particularly interested in participating. They were comfortable, warm, and entirely content to let the world sort itself out without them.
Pavi, meanwhile, had decided to explore.
It wasn't every day she got to see where Jae actually lived. His apartment was the place he returned to when he wasn't off on some adventure with her, Nisha, Geet, and Ruhi, or spending time with his boyfriend. It was, in other words, a rare glimpse into the life he led when he wasn't busy saving the world—or being dragged into whatever trouble the rest of them had managed to find.
And Pavi was curious.
Very curious.
She started with the pantry.
Opening the cupboard, she peered inside with the quiet seriousness of someone evaluating a matter of great importance. There were egg custard tarts, kachoris, sizzle-crisps, sweet rice, and various other snacks and ingredients tucked away on the shelves. Pavi examined the selection, silently approving of what she found before helping herself to a closer look.
Jae, she decided, had acceptable taste in food.
A promising start.
After finishing her pantry inspection, she wandered into the living room, taking in the little details that made the apartment feel like his. It was a small, lived-in space, unremarkable in some ways but unmistakably personal. She could almost imagine Jae relaxing here after a long day, finally allowing himself to breathe without worrying about the next crisis waiting around the corner.
The thought made her smile.
Then her curiosity led her farther down the hall.
Eventually, Pavi found herself standing outside Jae's tiny bedroom.
She stepped inside, looking around with the same open interest she'd shown throughout the rest of the apartment. Her gaze eventually settled on the nearby desk, where an open journal lay waiting to be discovered.
Pavi paused.
Then she approached it.
She hadn't intended to snoop. Not exactly. But the journal was already open, and the writing on the first page was right there, practically inviting her to read it.
Her eyes widened as she took in the title.
A second later, a bright grin spread across her face as she continued reading the first page.
Jae’s Diary/Guide for Companions of Future Avatars:
Introduction:
Fire.
Air.
Water.
Earth.
Long ago, the Avatar, master of all four elements, brought forth the Cataclysm.
Out of the devastation, the world built The Seven Havens.
Now the Avatar has returned, but for the first time, there are two.
Most fear they’ll destroy the world again, but I believe they will save it.