Ch.10 Disguise is necessary

As the Gaang flew, Katara was understandably silent. She sat silently next to Aang, unmoving as he steered. As she stared at the night sky, it was obvious that something weighed heavily on her mind. Aang glanced at her, and noticed she was visibly tired. "You need to get some sleep," he said softly. Katara shook her head. "I know. I tried," she replied. "Every time I close my eyes I'm chained to that wall." Aang pulled her close before she could say anything further. He couldn't imagine what she was feeling.

Katara took a deep breath before continuing. "Are you sure going back to Ba Sing Se is a good idea?" she asked. Aang shook his head. "It's the best way I can think of to find Long Feng," he replied. Katara nodded. It made sense. As she remembered it, the bulk of the city's underground was used as Long Feng's personal stronghold. Few outside the Dai Li even knew of it's existence. Katara had a more pressing concern, however.

The council, the very same council that forced her and her friends into marriage operated in Ba Sing Se. Zuko told her about the fight between Toph and Fong at his palace, and she was sure the council knew that at least Toph had resisted. Add that worry to the council threatening to take Aang's status as the Avatar, and she realized how dangerous it could be to go there. But as far as she was concerned, Suki was family, and no force in Earth or Heaven would stop Katara from defending her sister.

Finally a little before dawn, Katara managed to close her eyes and fall into a brief, but restful sleep. Aang knew she needed it, and so did he, so he landed Appa and got some rest himself. He got a good three hours before he was awakened by Toph's voice. "Twinkle-Toes, wake up!" she yelled. He struggled to shake the sleep from his eyes as he rose to his feet. "What is it Toph?" he asked wearily. She had a serious look on her face. "I thought we were going to Ba Sing Se," she replied. Before Aang could answer, she looked around. "Where are we?" she questioned.

Katara began to stir as Aang looked around. "We're almost there," he replied. Zuko was already awake, sharpening his broad swords. Aang noticed a familiar blue mask on his head. "You're using your Blue Spirit mask?" he asked. Zuko nodded. "If the other nations discover the Fire Lord is involved in a rebellion against the council, it could start another war," he explained. Aang saw the wisdom in Zuko's plan. He didn't want this to end right back where they started, when Ozai was in charge.

Katara rose from her sleep, embracing Aang as she stood. As she broke the hug, Zuko looked at her. It was as though he had an idea. "Do you still have the face paint you used when you were the Painted Lady?" he asked. Katara nodded. "You should put it on before we get there," he said. It made sense. Apart from Aang, Katara and Toph were risking the most if the council happened to capture them. The harder they were to identify, the better. She glanced at Sokka, and noticed he had his Water Tribe war paint already on. The look on his face said he would do whatever was necessary to rescue his fiance from Long Feng.

"I don't see what the big deal is," Toph said with a laugh as she got on Appa's saddle. "I want the council to know what happens when they cross the Blind Bandit!" she exclaimed. At this, Katara, Sokka and Aang smiled. It brought back the memory of their first meeting with Toph, when she was Earth Rumble champion. Zuko found himself smiling as well. Toph had quite the personality. Just when he thought he knew all the answers, she would change the questions.

With that, Appa took off. "We still have about ten miles before we reach Ba Sing Se," Aang reported. Toph laughed. "Helmsman, full speed ahead," she commanded, as though she were the Earth King himself. Aang laughed and replied, "As you wish, Sifu Toph!" She lightly punched his arm. "And don't you forget it," she said.

Two more hours passed before the wall of Ba Sing Se was finally in sight. "We're here," Aang reported. "I think we should have Appa circle the city," Sokka suggested. "We can get a look from the air while we come up with a plan. Aang nodded. The city didn't appear to be on alert. Katara looked down and gulped. "There's a train that has a hole in one of the cars down there," she observed. Toph's face wore a look of determination. "That would be my "husband," General Fong's train," she replied angrily.

Aang looked at Sokka, and could almost see the wheels spinning in his head. "I have a plan," he said. "But we'll have to move fast."