Chapter 8: Hostile Takeover

BlueTiger321: So now that our heroes have come out of an impromptu fight, will they be able to keep it together and take back their city? If you've seen the title of this chapter, then you should know what's about to happen next. Enjoy!


The group stood in T.U.F.F. headquarters after escaping from Azula's forces. It was supposed to be a mission where they were to convince the citizens of Toon City to stop listening to Azula and finally accept the truth, but regrettably, it ended in failure. The words of the dictator still kept the people as her followers while she made the T.U.F.F. agents become branded as anti-government criminals.

The loss was truly crushing for them, not because they couldn't get anyone to listen to them, but also because it drew out hostility between them. Danny and June could no longer contain their anger from the fight they had before the mission began and it affected how well they worked together with their friends. Piper also showed her resentment for Aerrow since he ignored her advances; it was because she couldn't lie to herself anymore and all her restrained feelings suddenly burst like an erupting volcano.

Everyone kept to themselves while standing in random spots in the main room of T.U.F.F. headquarters. Nobody wanted to explain what happened during the mission to the Chief, so the flea decided to extract the information out of someone. The monitor on his platform turned to the right to pick the closest agent, which happened to be Kitty.

"So, what happened out there?" asked the Chief. "Did you guys do it or not?"

Kitty was reluctant to tell the truth, but the Chief directly asked her a question and she couldn't refuse. Sighing in sadness she said, "I'm sorry, Chief, but we failed the mission. No matter how hard we tried, nobody would listen to us. What's worse is that Azula has made us look like we're the bad guys in all of this. I don't know how we'll save the city now."

"Well, that's easy; we just keep trying even without the support of our fellow citizens! We're T.U.F.F. agents, and we've accomplished things in far worse situations than this!"

"Still, it would've helped if our message had reached someone," said Aang.

Sokka spoke up to add his own thoughts. "What I don't understand is why Azula held that rally in the first place. She's got the whole city under her belt and she wants them to gather to create a march? Something about it just doesn't add up."

"You're right," said Katara. "Do you think maybe it has something to do with that formula we seized last night?"

"Who knows?" replied Stork. "But why does it even matter when our fate has already been sealed?"

A long groan came from everyone's mouth upon hearing the Merb's pessimistic statement. They were all so tired from having to fight that none of them were even going to comment on what he said since it was obvious that nothing would change his mind anyway.

"You know what would've made the mission go a lot smoother?" said June. "If someoneactually came up with a decent strategy!"

The only one who responded was Danny, and he did not take too kindly to it. "Well, you were no help either!" he said.

"I wasn't talking to you. But now that you bring it up, you really could've contributed to our plan, but you were too busy being the pigheaded jerk you are!"

"I'm pigheaded? As I recall, you spent most of the time whining like a stuck-up brat!"

"Hey, it's not my fault that you tried to impose your misogynistic views on me!"

"I never thought they were; it was you who did!"

Aerrow stepped in to mediate, feeling that all the constant shouting and name-calling was starting to affect the others. "Guys, calm down! We can't be arguing in a time like this."

"I say let them duke it out," said Piper.

The Sky Knight was taken aback by the statement. "What?" he exclaimed. "How can you say something like that? I mean, I can expect it from Finn, but not you."

"That's true," added Finn.

"I've got this whole new perspective," said Piper. "If nobody cares about me, why should I care about them?"

Piper then coolly looked at her fingernails to show that she was now having no care whatsoever. The others didn't seem to take offense, but Aerrow already picked up that her concern about anything was slowly beginning to diminish, and he feared that the Piper he knew would be gone forever.

"But that's not true," said Aerrow. "We all care about you."

"Oh, Aerrow, you're once again so oblivious to what I'm saying. When are you ever going to get it through your thick head?"

The red-haired teen took it as an insult and he looked at the girl with the same feeling that Danny and June had for each other. "Okay, now that's going too far!"

"Enough!" shouted the Chief. It was so loud that it echoed in the room and made everyone stare at the screen to see the flea had a dissatisfying face for having to hear the arguments. "What the hell's the matter with you people? If you can't get your act together, then how can we ever hope to stop Azula?"

June calmed down somewhat but was still fuming through her nostrils. She knew that the Chief was right: it would be impossible to save the city if she kept fighting with Danny the whole time, but she was so angry that she couldn't control herself. June made a pact to herself right then and there that she would have to spend some time for herself if she would get to work efficiently with the others again.

"I need to step outside for a bit," said the Te Xuan Ze. While she made her way for the exit, she couldn't help but shout out another insult. "The idiocy in here is killing me."

Danny wasn't going to let her walk away smugly after hearing that. "Hey," he said, "and while you're outside, maybe you can go find the Wizard and ask him to give you a heart!"

"And I'll ask him to give you a brain!" June shouted back before exiting.

The halfa grunted in fury as he watched June leave through the main exit, and in his mind he felt that it was necessary in order to let their tempers cool down. The part of him that wanted to get back with June kept telling him that it would be a slow process that must be taken with great care, or else it would all be for nothing. Soon his anger was gone and he looked down at the floor in shame for all the things he said to the girl.

Kitty looked concerned for the well-being of the girl, so she turned to the others and said, "I should go after her. The streets could be crawling with Azula's men and she'd be in no condition to defend herself." And with that, the cat-woman left the room to go after June with the determination to be by her side through the difficult time.

Piper could see that people were leaving for their own sake, so she suddenly got the same idea. "I think I need to go clear my head, too," she said. "Don't ask me why." Like June and Kitty before her, Piper rushed out to the exit in order to give herself space.

But Aerrow already could tell that his friend looked distressed, and somehow, he thought, it was because of him. It was then he made up his mind of trying to find Piper and talk to her both as a duty of being a Sky Knight and being her friend, no matter what she said. Nodding to the others, he walked out towards the exit with Radarr following close behind him.

The group was now getting smaller as time passed. Danny paced back and forth in the room to get the bad thoughts out of his head, but everywhere he looked he could see June's angry face staring back at him since seeing his friends all around him reminded him of her. He held his head in his hands while trying to fight back the thoughts, sometimes closing his eyes and opening them to see if it was all just a dream, but the moment he opened them he saw that it was real.

"I gotta get out of here!" said Danny. He ran for the exit and still tried his best to get the images of June out of his head.

Dudley looked at the ghost boy leaving and suddenly took it upon himself to go after him. "Hey, Danny, wait up!" he said before running after the boy.

The ones who were left in the room all looked around oddly to find that their friends had left for their own reasons. It made them all feel left out for not getting involved; whether it was a good thing or a bad thing was still a mystery.

"Well, this is awkward," said Toph.

"Shouldn't we go after them?" said Katara.

"Let 'em go," said the Chief. "Whatever this is, they need to work it out by themselves."


Danny had made it to the room of the dilapidated house that served as the cover for T.U.F.F. headquarters. From where he stood in the darkness of the night he could see rain was falling and splashing against the broken windows and sometimes ending up inside to make small puddles, and he felt that it suited his mood perfectly since he was down about his behaviour towards June. After everything he had said to the girl he still loved, he wished that he could take it all back and go back to the way things were when he wasn't so worried about the future and enjoyed what he already had. Seeing it from that perspective made him realize that he never knew what he had until it was gone.

The secret entrance opened up behind him and out walked Dudley. The dog came up wagging his tail like he was expecting something to happen, but what he saw was Danny secluded in the darkness with a face that revealed he was being tormented from some unseen force.

"Hey, Danny," said Dudley, "what's happening between you and June? Everything Zen?"

Danny turned around while wiping away a tear from his eye and said, "I don't think so. The girl I love completely hates me because I took your advice."

"What?" Dudley said disbelievingly. "That can't be. I told you that every girl wants—"

"Shut up!" shouted Danny. "I'm sure that it works for Kitty, but I should've realized that June isn't like every other girl! She's one of a kind and I drove her away because of my selfish act!"

Dudley was left speechless by the outburst, knowing that Danny had to get whatever was off his chest for his own good. After taking in a few deep breaths, the halfa turned away from the dog and continued his rant.

"I was so focused on what I wanted that I completely ignored what she wanted. It's no wonder why she hates me. I should've just been myself instead of trying to be someone I'm not."

Seeing that Danny was silent afterwards, Dudley said, "Hey, c'mon now. I'm sure that she won't stay mad at you forever, and then you can make it up to her."

"But what if it's already too late? You saw what happened. We were practically at each other's throats. And even if I do get another chance with June, what would happen if I screw it up again?"

"You won't, because you learned from your mistakes."

Danny turned to look at the dog with sadness in his eyes. Although the words were comforting for him, he knew that it was already too late and he would have to live with the fact of knowing that he was the cause of the breakup. "Somehow," he said, "it doesn't feel that way."

Walking to the door, Danny opened it up and walked out into the street, not having a care from the rain soaking his clothes or his hair.

Dudley looked surprised by the act and ran out to chase after the boy who was already halfway down the street. "Danny!" he called.

The dog and the ghost boy had left the building as Kitty, June, Aerrow, Piper and Radarr had done before them. Not long after they left, a figure stepped out from the shadows while holding a device in his hands. The shadows concealed his form but the glow from the device was enough to illuminate his masked face with a steady green flash.

The figure turned his back to see his followers all clothed the same as he was, except for one in the back dressed in a red robe. "We've found it," he said.


Back inside T.U.F.F. headquarters, the rest of the group was still up to nothing because of seeing their friends leave for their own personal reasons. They were so distraught by the reactions of their friends that none of them knew where they would go next in order to restore Toon City.

Katara stared at the exit with her eyes showing deep concern. "I wonder when they'll get back," she said.

"I'm sure it'll be soon," said Keswick.

"Yeah," said Aang. "It's not like they've abandoned us or anything."

"And when they do get back," said Sokka, "everything will be all right."

No sooner had the teenage boy said those words when an explosion came from the exit that violently shook the entire headquarters. The result was smoke filling the hall and the alarms being activated with a constant buzzing sound and flashing red lights. When the shaking stopped, everyone was left aghast at the strange occurrence.

"What's going on?" Stork said in a panic.

"Our defenses have been breached," replied Keswick, "which can only mean that someone has f-f-f-found our hideout!"

"But that's impossible!" said the Chief.

"Oh, I beg to differ," said another voice.

The others were shocked to hear the familiar tone, and they heard it from behind the smoke. From within the cover of the smoke they could also hear the sound of several footsteps, and out ran an army of TYGER operatives all armed with assault rifles, stun batons and riot shields. Seeing them meant that only one person was responsible for their arrival and she came strutting out from behind her team in sheer arrogance.

"Azula!" Aang shouted angrily. "How'd you find us?"

Azula emitted a short chuckle and tossed her hair to the side like the question seemed unworthy of answering. "Well, it's because one of you lead me right to here." When she said it, her eyes were fixated on Katara.

The young Waterbender was perplexed by the stare until she looked down and saw a strange object attached to the underside of her water carrier. It was a small black dot that was so miniscule that it could only be seen from up close. Katara removed it from her carrier and revealed it to the others that left them all gasping.

"A tracking device? But how?" said Finn.

"Azula must've put it on me when we were fighting." Katara then crushed the tracking device between her fingers and broke it, even though it was already pointless.

"That's right," said Azula. "And now that I've found you, I'm going to put an end to your interference once and for all. If you comply with me, then I promise that you won't get hurt… much!"

The Chief gritted his teeth as he knew that his team was outnumbered against Azula's army, because most of the agents at T.U.F.F. were already out on other assignments while the new recruits were left by themselves, but he could never surrender to the likes of evildoers. "We'll never go quietly with you, Azula!" he said. "If you want us, then come and get us!"

Junko looked nervously at the army along with Stork. The sheer size was so nerve-wracking that they had no idea what to do.

"Uh, are you sure that's such a good idea?" said the Wallop. "I've got no problem with going with them."

"Me either," said the Merb.

"Why don't you two grow a pair and help us take them out?" Finn said angrily.

Azula chuckled at the Chief's reply, knowing that it was the way she wanted. "Very well, then," she said. "But, you know, it was futile to stand against me in the first place. When I take control, it should be clear that no one will ever be able to oppose me for I am supreme."

"Writing's on the Wall"

As Made Famous by The Tea Party

Azula ordered her troops to advance just as the T.U.F.F. agents also rushed in to commence the battle. It was then that the wicked girl showed her point through song.

When it bends you try to walk a straight line

Something more for less and in the meantime

It changes shape and shifts; it takes you over

It's just a warning sign

Finn managed to knock a rifle out of a TYGER operatives hands only to be shocked in the back by one who held a stun baton, causing the blonde marksmen to fall to the floor convulsing as his muscles suffered the electrical shock.

Because the writing's on the wall

The writing's on the wall

Stork was completely surrounded by TYGER operatives and they all pointed their rifles at him. Seeing that it was hopeless to fight his way out, the Merb held up his hands and said, "I surrender!"

One man then knocked Stork on the head with the end of his rifle, causing the Merb's eyes to roll in their sockets before he slipped into unconsciousness. The man laughed at his cruel act and didn't care if he caused pain since it was all part of his job.

You make a deal you swear that it's the last time

No sudden moves or else your soul will be mine

And when you dance you're dancing with the devil

It's just a warning sign...

You're running out of time

Toph brought up a section of the metal floor to act as a shield and to use for combat. Azula saw that it was happening, so she quickly used her Firebending to summon the most powerful and deadly form: lightning.

When Azula was done, she fired the bolt and struck Toph's makeshift shield, sending the lightning to be conducted through the metal while the blind girl's hands were still attached to it. The result of the attack was Toph screaming at the top of her lungs and falling into the arms of a TYGER operative who immediately seized her when she was knocked out cold.

You can't relate, you still escape

Because you think you've seen it all

You're right on time until you find

They've just been waiting for the fall

Junko used his mighty strength to punch away the operatives that came at him, and he was able to double his strength by using his Knuckle Busters. But no matter how many men he punched away, more of them kept coming until he was finally outmatched by their numbers. The Wallop then shouted as TYGER operatives piled on top of him to subdue him. He tried to break free when an assault rifle was pointed right at his face, and so he looked down in defeat as he knew that there was no way out.

Because the writing's on the wall

The writing's on the wall

The Chief looked on worriedly as one by one his agents were being defeated by Azula's army. His fear was soon replaced by anger for his desire to help them suddenly became clear.

"I've got to do something!" said the Chief.

Azula continued her song while the fighting resumed.

When it bends you try to walk a straight line

Something more for less and in the meantime

It changes shape and shifts; it takes you over

It's just a warning sign

Aang blasted away a wave of TYGER operatives with a strong gust of air that made them collide into the wall where they slouched in pain. He was about to finish them off when he heard a cry.

"Help!" said Sokka.

The Avatar turned around to see that his friend was terrified as he was held in place by one TYGER operative while another aimed his rifle at the boy's head. Aang was too far away to save him, and he knew that any attempt at Bending would be too late as the man would already shoot Sokka before anything could happen. Just then, Aang let out an agonizing scream as a stun baton struck him in the back by a man who snuck up on him. Before Aang's body went limp, he saw that the two men who captured Sokka placed handcuffs on him while they laughed at their victory.

You can't relate, you still escape

Because you think you've seen it all

You're right on time until you find

They've just been waiting for the fall

Keswick, like Stork, was also surrounded and shook from fear at what the TYGER operatives were going to do to him. Seeing that he was defenseless and out of options, he held up his hands and said, "I s-s-s-s-surrender!"

The TYGER operatives laughed at the creature's cowardice and immediately placed him in handcuffs.

The writing's on the wall

The writing's on the wall

It's seven-hundred stories tall

The writing's on the wall

The Chief finally had enough, so he came in shouting as he flew through the air with his foot extended to strike down someone, and his closest target happened to be Azula. He could see that he was getting close and could feel that victory was within his grasp, but then a TYGER operative came up with a riot shield to protect his master.

The Chief screamed as he headed straight for the shield where he face planted into it and fell to the floor. Feeling dizzy, he stood up and stumbled around until he saw that he was surrounded by plastic. Due to his size and limited strength, the Chief was unable to break through it or lift it up.

"Curses!" said the Chief. "How did you know that my greatest weakness was the plastic cup?"

Azula smirked at the flea for being so easily defeated. She saw that Katara was the only one who hadn't been captured and she was handling herself quite well against the TYGER operatives as most of them had been frozen or blasted by water. Azula's face was filled with delight as she was going to take down the last one standing just as her song was nearing its end.

Take your time; it's a state of mind

Take your time just until you find

Take your time; it's a state of mind

Katara slammed a TYGER operative into the floor with her Water Whip when she noticed that Azula was getting closer to her. It was now down to her to take care of the girl responsible for breaching T.U.F.F.'s defenses and taking out her friends. She was so full of rage that she immediately sent all the water she had left straight for Azula without even thinking.

Azula already knew that her opponent's state of mind was impaired, so she sent out a huge fireball from her fist that broke through the water and continued going.

Katara gasped and held up her hands as she was knocked back by the fireball and went straight into a wall where she fell unconscious like the others.

The writing's on the wall

The writing's on the wall

It's seven-hundred stories tall

The writing's on the wall

The song was over just as all the T.U.F.F. agents were defeated. Azula then let out a maniacal laugh as her plan succeeded.

"The area has been secured, Master," said a TYGER operative.

Azula silenced her laugh and faced her follower with a wicked smile. "Good," she said. "Now then, find the Titan formula and put these worms into prison! We must make haste if my plan is to be executed on time."

"Yes, ma'am!"

The TYGER operatives then rushed out to perform their duties, leaving Azula by herself with the captured T.U.F.F. agents. Now she knew that no one would stand in her way from achieving her ultimate goal.


BlueTiger321: Oh no! Most of our heroes have now been taken prisoner by Azula!

Azula: Yes, and now nobody can stand in my way!

Katara: Help us!

Azula: Quiet! *blasts fire into the air*

Katara: O_OU

BlueTiger321: Well folks, we know that it's not over, 'cause there's still hope for them, so stay tuned for the next exciting chapter. Until next time…

Katara: Read and review.

Azula: I said quiet! *blasts more fire into the air*

Katara: O_OU