Chapter Two –

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"And welcome back!" the interviewer says, looking at the remaining members of the cast around the table. "We are here with the Earth King, Master Yu, and Xin Fu. Gentlemen, thank you for coming."

"You are most welcome," the Earth King replies, as Master Yu and Xin Fu mutter a hasty reply.

"Let's start with you, Your Majesty. You mentioned that your Kingdom had fallen. Could you elaborate on that comment?"

"Well, I have a Fire Nation princess sitting on my throne and Boscoe is shedding from stress."

"Some view you as a 'puppet' of the Dai Li. Would you care to respond to that?"

Picking up a cup of tea, he takes a sip and sets it down. "It has been difficult…finding out that my most loyal advisor misled me for so long. Throughout my life, I have endeavored to provide a safe and peaceful environment for my people."

He takes his glasses off. "It's almost ironic. Until I flew on the Avatar's bison, I barely saw past my own nose. I had no idea the city was so vast. Yes, I had seen the maps of my kingdom. But the maps do not do the city of my kingdom justice."

"Was it a shock to you when you realized your kingdom was at war?"

"Yes," the King answers, his voice a trembling whisper.

"What do you hope to see happen next season? What do you hope happens? What of your kingdom?"

"I haven't reviewed the script yet, so I don't know what the writers have planned. I can tell you what I hope though. I hope the Avatar stops the comet. I hope he restores the balance."

"What about your character? What role do you think he will play in the upcoming season?"

"I have received a proper education and am familiar with military strategies and tactics. I am hoping to utilize that and reclaim my throne. The Fire Nation may have the upper hand right now, but they still have a solar eclipse to deal with."

"I wish you luck, Your Majesty."

"Thank you," the Earth King replies, as the interviewer turns to Xin Fu and Master Yu.

"Some fans are saying that your storyline is basically over," the interviewer states, motioning toward both bounty hunters. "How do you respond to that observation?"

"They are incorrect," Master Yu disagrees haughtily. "Yes, we have lost the element of surprise, but we will continue to pursue Toph. It is what her father wants."

"That and the annoying brat is going to pay for what she did to us!" Xin Fu grumbles, cracking his knuckles.

"How did you two get out of the box? Are either of your claustrophobic?"

"Luckily, we were on the main road and somebody with the right tools came along and let us out. I am not claustrophobic."

"That loudmouth brat is going to pay for what she did to us!"

"That's Miss Loudmouth Brat to you!" Toph shouts from off camera.

Snickers and jeers can be heard in the distance and the interviewer clears his throat to get everybody's attention.

"Master Yu, what do you think of your former student? What do you think of her abilities to bend metal?"

A small smile crosses his lips. "I always felt like Toph was holding back in class…"

"I'm sorry, but we need to go to break," the interviewer announces. "Gentlemen, thank you for your time and insight."

Looking in to the camera, the interviewer smiles. "Next up…an interview with Ozai's Angels."

Fade to commercial…

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TBC

A/N – Thanks to all who have reviewed. This is a therapeutic exercise in an effort to make sense of the season finale. Smooches to Moncapitan for egging me on!