Chapter 1: Shattered Dreams
BlueTiger321: Okay, so we're on with the first chapter. With Toon City being taken over, it looks like all is lost… but that's what Azula thinks. Here comes the first bunch of characters!
Elsewhere in Toon City just as it reached midday, a group of four walked through the streets while paying no attention to what was around them except for their own interests. Their types of clothing made them look similar to each other although they still each possessed their own unique features. They were all doing their best to avoid any kind of contact with the thugs patrolling the streets as well for any TYGER operatives, and so far their strategy seemed to work in their favour, but they knew that their luck would only take them so far and it would only be a matter of time until they, too, would fall victim to the terrible things that happened to everybody else.
The fact that their home had been taken over dampened their spirits, and yet they strode through the streets while trying to make the most of it just like they saw their fellow civilians try, for if they were to give in to the compliance of Azula then she would finally have them bowing to her will. But they all knew that they could never let that happen, especially from knowing full well just what she was capable of doing.
Each member of the group had just passed by the shadow of a building and entered the daylight. The incandescent glow shone directly into their eyes and forced them to squint while still making no effort to slow their pace. But the light revealed that the group consisted of two boys and two girls.
The first boy appeared to be twelve years old, but his friends knew that looks were deceiving as he was much older than he appeared to be. Dressed in a yellow and orange robe with black pants and boots, he walked with a long staff like a walking stick. His grey eyes stared forward while the wind blew over his bald head, but the most distinguishing feature were the blue arrows tattooed on his arms and head to make everyone aware that he was part of the sacred order of the Air Nomads.
Walking next to the boy was a fourteen-year-old girl with tanned skin. Her blue eyes shined brilliantly as sapphires in the sunlight while her long brown hair reached down her back and fluttered lightly against the cool breeze. Wearing a flowing blue dress with blue gloves, brown boots and a blue necklace that had a water carving in the pendant, she walked calmly while still keeping a wary eye out for danger.
A few feet away from the first girl was her fifteen-year-old brother who also had tanned skin, blue eyes and short brown hair shaped into a ponytail behind his head. He was clothed in a blue long-sleeved shirt and pants with blue gloves and brown boots, and he seemed the most unsatisfied about what he and the others were going through, but he decided to go along with the crowd and accept everything—at least for now.
The last member was a blind twelve-year-old girl. Despite her disability, she was able to see because of her ability to sense vibrations in the ground through her bare feet. Her clothing was a green and yellow dress while her black hair was tied into a large bun. All the constrained fury she felt for the city's new ruler made her feel like taking it out on the next person who crossed her the wrong way, no matter what the consequences would be. But still, she knew that she would eventually get her chance.
Everyone in Toon City knew this group was famous for their heroic deeds and they were led by the first boy, Aang, the Avatar.
Aang stared at the sidewalk as he walked with his friends. Never before had he felt so helpless against such an evil influence, and it made him feel like all his training and his duties were being put to waste. "I can't believe that it's actually come to this. Our own home isn't safe anymore, and it's all because of Azula."
The first girl named Katara walked close to Aang and said, "I know how you feel. This city is supposed to be where we have the right to live our lives the way we want them to be. But now it feels like we're all inside a prison."
Sokka, Katara's brother, decided to speak his own mind. "No, I'll bet prisons would allow even more freedom than this. I'd rather compare Toon City to an apocalyptic wasteland where it's survival of the fittest."
"That's a little bit morbid, don't you think?" said the blind girl, Toph. "But yeah, I'd go with that. Azula does make it seem like even the word freedom has no meaning here. What I can't understand is how far that bug had to crawl up her butt in order for her to be this nasty; it must feel so lonely right now."
The others gave a short chuckle at Toph's remark, but it did little to lift their spirits. They resumed their walking with quiet demeanor while contemplating about how they were going to have the will to carry on through such depressing times. The only thing that offered them the slightest bit of comfort was the knowledge that they had each other for support as well as the support of their other friends.
"Hey, guys?" said Katara. "I wonder how the others are doing."
"Who knows?" replied Aang. "We haven't been able to make contact with them since Azula took over. But knowing them, I'm sure they're all right. It's too bad that Zuko isn't with us right now; he'd probably tell us what he'd do about his psycho sister."
"Yeah, that'd be for a good laugh or two," said Toph, "if only for a moment."
Just then, the group paused when they heard screaming coming from their left. They were horrified when they saw one of Penguin's former henchmen snatch the purse of a woman named Chi-Chi. The woman tried to fight back but was outmatched by the thug and was knocked to the ground. Seeing that his prize was easily won, the thief took off into an alley and disappeared from sight. Chi-Chi stood up, dusted herself off and was then reduced to tears after having been mugged.
Aang shook his head in disbelief, knowing that there was nothing he could do to help the poor woman without having been made by the man who attacked her. "Unbelievable," he said with slight anger. "Because of Azula's stupid law, I can't even protect people like I'm supposed to. I feel so mad right now that I just want to blow her into outer space!" The boy Avatar then got his chance when he saw a poster of Azula pasted onto the wall of a nearby building, and so he used his Airbending to create a small tornado in front of the poster to rip it off the wall and hurl it skyward.
Katara, feeling sympathy for her friend, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Aang, don't beat yourself up over it. If you would've interfered, that man would've reported it to Azula and then you and that woman would be in even worse trouble."
"It still doesn't make it any better. What good are we if we're not permitted to help those in need?"
"I know things seem terrible, but we've just got to go along with it. All we can do right now is hope for a better tomorrow."
Sokka took the words of his sister and thought hard. Nobody, whether they were the ruler of his home or not, could ever take away his freedom. "You know something, Katara? You're right. Azula may have control over the city, but she can never truly have control over us as long as we never lose faith in ourselves."
"It's My Life"
As Made Famous by Bon Jovi
The boy then walked ahead of his friends and went to the middle of an empty intersection when he immediately felt like singing out his true feelings:
This ain't a song for the broken-hearted
No silent prayer for the faith-departed
Sokka's friends watched him stand out and sing and suddenly felt inspired by his courage like he was doing something that they also should be doing. They smiled at him while he continued.
I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd
You're gonna hear my voice
When I shout it out loud
Balling his hands into fists, Sokka shot them into the air like he was trying to break free of Azula's rule—and in his mind he told himself that it worked.
It's my life
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just wanna live while I'm alive
It's my life
Aang gave a weird glance to Sokka after hearing what he thought he heard. "Who's Frankie?" he said.
"It's part of the song; just go with it," replied Sokka.
Feeling that there was no other explanation, Aang shrugged his shoulders and followed his friends down the street. The song was then being heard by other civilians who stared at the group oddly at first but then realized that they were singing so as not to be bogged down by Azula's rule.
This is for the ones who stood their ground
For Tommy and Gina who never backed down
"Tommy and Gina?" Katara asked quizzically.
"Again, part of the song, so don't ask," Sokka replied before resuming his melody.
Tomorrow's getting harder make no mistake
Luck ain't even lucky
Got to make your own breaks
At the pause, Sokka once again used his fists to show he was breaking through the walls that contained his freedom, but this time his friends joined with him.
It's my life
And it's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive
'Cause it's my life
The civilians cheered along with Sokka for his bravery: it was truly wondrous for everyone to see someone was finally willing to stand up for their rights and not have to tolerate the regime any further. They all then marched along with the Water Tribe boy to support what he was expressing.
"Sounds like Sokka's already building quite a fandom," said Toph.
Katara chuckled and was proud for what her brother was doing. "I can't believe it, either. We should get everyone's support in no time."
Sokka continued his singing just as he paused in the street.
Better stand tall when they're calling you out
Don't bend, don't break, baby, don't back down
The pause occurred again, and this time everyone punched out into empty space to signify they were breaking free.
It's my life
And it's now or never
'Cause I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive
Sokka took the time to look around and see that he was able to bring so many people together all because he showed his true feelings. It made him feel good about himself to see that he had such a positive effect on the people, and so he finished off his song with fervor.
It's my life
And it's now or never
'Cause I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive
'Cause it's my life!
The streets were filled with cheers when the song was over. Everyone gathered around Aang and his friends praised them for speaking out, and it showed just what they thought about the new ruling that was forcefully placed on them. It soon quieted down when Katara got up front to address the crowd.
"I think that my brother said it best," said the girl. "There's no way that we should let Azula bully us like this. If we stand together and show her that we're united in attaining our freedom, we will have a brighter future!"
Another cheer erupted from everyone who was convinced that that was what they intended to do. Seeing the enthusiasm from the citizens had finally lightened Aang's mood, and he felt confident that he was now going to perform his duties as the Avatar to protect the innocent and keep balance. His happiness soon spread on to his friends as they all embraced each other in a big hug.
"We can do this, guys," said Aang, "as long as we're all together."
Sokka then pointed out another fact. "Well, we're not all together, but this is good enough."
"I'm too happy to even knock you on your butt for that stupid comment," said Toph. A few seconds later she shrugged her shoulders. "Oh, what the heck." Toph swiftly punched Sokka in the chest and knocked him to the ground like she said she would.
Getting back up, Sokka looked around and paused when he saw something approaching from the sky. His face showed absolute terror as its sight and it made his friends look at him with deep concern.
"Sokka, what's wrong?" asked Katara.
Holding up a shaking finger, the boy pointed in the direction where he was staring, but by then a large shadow engulfed the crowd. One by one the citizens stared in suspense to see that a large black helicopter fly down to the street, which caused everyone to step back in panic as it touched down and land right in the middle of the road. The rotors kept blowing air down on the crowd until they were shut off by the pilot. All the people watching stared in wonder at who was going to exit from the helicopter, but Aang and his friends already had scowls on their face as they deduced who would make such an ostentatious entrance.
The doors to the helicopter opened and out walked what looked to be a sixteen-year-old boy clothed in a red shirt and pants along with black boots. His yellow eyes were barely visible through his messy black hair as it hung over his face, but even that could not cover the large scar that stretched from his left eye over to his ear.
Aang, Katara, Sokka and Toph gasped at the sight of this person as they knew who it was. But being so far back in the crowd, they doubted that the boy could see them.
"Zuko?" said Aang. "Why was he in the helicopter?"
"I don't know," said Sokka, "but I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for it."
Zuko looked out at the crowd of people who stood before him. Taking in a deep breath through his nostrils, he relaxed himself as he was preparing for what he was going to say. "People of Toon City, I present to you your new ruler, Azula!"
Another gasp exited from Aang and his friends. None of them could believe that their friend would ever say such words about the person they knew he despised the most.
"That doesn't sound like a reasonable explanation to me," said Toph.
Zuko was not done; he then worked up his body to make another introduction into a melody.
"Killer Queen"
As Made Famous by Queen
She keeps Moet et Chandon
In her pretty cabinet
'Let them eat cake' she says
Just like Marie Antoinette
A built-in remedy
For Khrushchev and Kennedy
At any time an invitation
You can't decline
Aang and the others were left speechless at what they saw. Zuko was supposed to be their friend and now they saw him working for his sister like he was some lapdog.
Caviar and cigarettes
Well versed in etiquette
Extraordinarily nice
It was during that time that someone else exited the helicopter while Zuko continued to sing. Everyone gasped when they saw that it was Azula wearing her dress that was a mix of light and dark red. Waving out to the people, she could see that they all gave her less than happy stares—but she knew that it was all going to change in an instant when she was going to address them.
She's a Killer Queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Anytime
The pity that Aang and the others felt for Zuko was switched with rage. For so long they saw their friend trying to change what he used to be and now here he was serving under Azula like all his efforts meant nothing to him.
Recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite
Wanna try?
Azula walked out and spread out her arms with a charming smile on her face. "Greetings, my good people," she said. "It is I, Azula, your dedicated ruler. I see that you have also met my dear brother, Zuko, who is such a good presenter. Now, I come before you on a matter of grave importance that must be spoken without further delay."
A few mumbles from the crowd could be heard as they were getting even more aggravated by the girl's arrogance. But still, they dared not to attack her for fear of having any of her guards try to rush in to stop them and knowing that Azula was also a Firebending prodigy who would reduce them to cinders before they could even make the first move.
With a slight smirk, Azula decided to extend her entrance. Turning to her brother she said, "Zuzu, if you would be so kind as to keep singing for me?"
"Yes, sister," replied Zuko, and resumed his introduction.
To avoid complications
She never kept the same address
In conversation
She spoke just like a baroness
Met a man from China
Went down to Geisha Minah
Then again incidentally
If you're that way inclined
Aang's group was now getting extremely infuriated by the display but kept silent for seeing where this was all going.
Perfume came naturally from Paris
For cars she couldn't care less
Fastidious and precise
She's a Killer Queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Anytime
Azula strode down the street with Zuko following close behind her, and everyone watched as the girl was performing acts of kindness in front of them. She started off by bowing to an elderly woman named Agnes Skinner, then moved on to help an elderly man named Professor Farnsworth by straightening his posture, and then went over to two children named Stan Marsh and Kyle Broflovski where she hugged the two boys and gave each of them a kiss on the cheek. When she walked away, she did not see the boys made gagging sounds by sticking their fingers in their mouths to show they felt like vomiting.
Meanwhile, the Avatar's group shook their heads in both disgust and anger at what they were witnessing.
"Who does Azula think she's fooling?" said Katara. "This is nothing but a cheap, theatrical façade just to gain everyone's trust."
"Well, at least we're smart enough not to fall for it," said Aang. "But who in their right minds would be so dumb to believe this garbage?"
Just then, Aang, Katara and Toph saw Sokka snapping his fingers to the beat which made them give a disappointed stare at him after he won over the crowd before.
Sokka saw that his friends look at him like he was crazy. "What? You gotta admit that the introduction is pretty catchy."
The others said nothing while Zuko continued with his song.
Drop of a hat she's as willing as
Playful as a pussy cat
Then momentarily out of action
Temporarily out of gas
To absolutely drive you wild, wild...
She's all out to get you
She's a Killer Queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Anytime
Azula and Zuko then walked side-by-side down the street where they stood in front of the crowd just as the song was coming to an end.
Recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite
Wanna try?
You wanna try...
The girl saw that she had gotten the attention of the civilians, so now she could finally execute her plan. She knew that with her charisma, she could easily get them on her side. "People of Toon City, I thank you all for listening to what I have to say. It is with great pride that I speak to you not as your leader, but as your equal."
A man named Soichiro Yagami then spoke out by saying, "If you really are our equal, then you wouldn't be treating us like this!"
The crowd joined in what was said by giving shouts of support. They were finally going to show Azula that they weren't going to be her slaves any longer.
Raising her hands to stifle their shouts, Azula continued her speech. "I know that you must feel like you're all being trapped in here, but I can assure you that I have your best interests at heart."
"Then why did you put up the wall around the city and let those horrible men run rampant?" said a woman named Sheva Alomar.
"Ah, yes, the wall. For that I must ask: Have any of you ever wondered what lies beyond our world?"
The crowd was silent as they pondered what was indeed outside of Toon City. None of them had ever considered what was really on the outskirts and it made them question if what was there was truly safe or not.
"Well, I do," said Azula. "I have witnessed unspeakable things that no one should ever have to see, things that even I would not wish on my worst enemy. The wall around the city is for your protection because it is the only way for our home, and all of us, to be safe from harm.
"As for the former inmates of Arkham City, I have let them free because I feel that everyone deserves a second chance at life. By letting them roam freely among us again, we will be giving those men the second chance they deserve when they see us acting like good civilians do. Now I understand that it will take some time for some of them to adjust back to normal than others, but you have my word that they will become the outstanding people I know they are."
The explanation from Azula seemed to be getting through to the crowd as their expressions changed from rage to pleasantness. The way that she said everything to them had made much sense and now they understood why they needed to be done. But Aang and his friends, on the other hand, were still not convinced by her theatrics.
"No! Don't listen to her!" said Aang. "She's just trying to get you on her side!" Unfortunately, the boy's cries of warning had fallen on deaf ears.
"I know that we had gotten off to a rocky start," said Azula, "but I intend to show you all just what kind of leader I can be. I will do everything in my power to ensure that Toon City is a wonderful place to live. If you will allow me, then you will have a bright future!"
A few seconds had gone by, and the crowd erupted in cheers, but this time it was for Azula. The girl smiled as she saw that she had finally earned the trust of the people, which made her feel that she could now do anything to keep them satisfied. With her business concluded, Azula walked back to the helicopter with Zuko. The door was closed shut behind them and the aircraft spun its rotors to rise from the street where it vanished from sight in the sky.
Each citizen left the street and resumed their daily lives when they discovered that there was nothing to worry about, but Aang and the others stood where they were left in shock and awe.
Katara slapped a hand to her forehead and grumbled angrily. "Typical! Azula manipulates people just to get them to see things her way."
"Never mind that! What about Zuko?" said Toph.
"Yeah," agreed Sokka. "I still can't believe that he would switch sides like that. What the hell is this world coming to?"
"I don't know," said Aang, "but now I feel even more helpless than before."
The others all shared their friend's sorrow. After seeing that someone they thought was a good person change so easily, they felt that there was now nothing that could keep their hope alive. They walked down the street in silence, feeling they should all accept this new regime and not try to stand against it.
BlueTiger321: Wow! I'll bet none of you were expecting this.
Aang: How could Zuko do this to us?
Katara: I always knew he was no good!
Sokka: I knew it before you did!
Toph: If I ever run into him, he's gonna be so sorry!
BlueTiger321: Whoa, guys! You shouldn't make assumptions so quickly. Anyway, folks, the next chapter will have the rest of the crew all up to different situations and with more awesome music on the way. So, until next time…
Everyone: Read and review!