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"Well, I'm sorry no one has seen your bison. Why don't you go get some rest. Someone will be over with dinner later." Joo Dee states, being carried off in the carriage to places unknown.
Once the carriage moved Team Avatar noticed their neighbor across the road peeking through the window. They all approach and Sokka knocks on the door.
The neighbor opens the door with a smile.
"You're the avatar. I heard you were in town. I'm Pong."
"Nice to meet you Pong." Aang greets.
"So Pong. What's going on in this city?" Sokka asks, "Why is everyone here so scared to talk about the war?"
"War? Scared? What do you mean?"
"I can feel you shaking." Toph comments.
"Look, I'm just a minor government official. I've waited three years to get this house. I don't want to get into trouble."
"Get in trouble with who?" Katara asks.
"Sh sh sh. Listen. You can't mention the war here, and whatever you do, stay away from the Dai Li."
Pong then shut the door, and Team Avatar returned to their home. Toph's face quickly freezes in surprise before is turns into a blush.
The four enter and lounge about the living room. They all sat on some lime green pillows littered around and discussed their plans.
"Should we get Jun and Kensho?" Aang asks.
"I saw them go into that room before we left." Katara says, walking over.
Toph quickly speaks up, "Ah, might want to knock Sugar Queen."
"Why?" Katara asks, opening the door before quickly shutting it with a blush on her face.
"I tried to warn you."
Katara quickly returns to the group, getting inquisitive looks.
Jun steps out of the room in a green robe with a blush on her face and a smile.
"You guys are back. How was the search?"
"Terrible. We didn't learn anything." Sokka comments.
"So, have fun while we were away?" Toph asks, causing Katara to blush again.
"Oh yeah. Definitely." Jun says with a fond smile on her face.
Kensho steps out of the room with a similar green robe on and walks over to Jun, wrapping his arms around her waist.
The members of Team Avatar that didn't catch on yet finally realized what was between the two.
"Oooh, you two are together." Sokka states.
Toph flicks Sokka on the forehead.
"Yeah, we are." Jun states, covering Kensho's hands, trapping herself in his embrace.
Aang lets out an, "Aww."
"We chose our room already. There are still enough for one in each though, so everything should be fine." Kensho states.
With everyone choosing their room, they all retired for the night. Inside Kensho and Jun's Room, the two cuddled up together under a blanket.
"I like this place. Maybe while we're here we can look for places to work. If we need to wait for a month then we might as well make it productive." Jun says.
"Maybe. We should also keep our heads down. I don't like how Joo Dee knew who we were."
Kensho narrows his eyebrows in thought until he gets a kiss from Jun.
"You need to stop worrying. You'll gain wrinkles."
Kensho grunts.
Jun wraps her arms around him and lets out a laugh.
"Come on now. Let's get some rest. I'm pretty tired out from our fun."
Kensho nods, wrapping an arm around Jun. Closing their eyes, the two gain a well-earned rest.
In the morning, Katara checked the front porch and found some papers in their mail nook. She quickly runs inside brandishing the papers.
"I've got it. I know how we're gonna see the Earth King."
"How are we supposed to do that?" Toph inquires, "One doesn't just 'pop-in on the Earth King'."
"The king is having a party at the palace tonight for his pet bear."
"You mean, Platypus Bear?" Aang asks.
"No. It just says, Bear."
"Certainly, you mean his pet, Skunk Bear." Sokka adds.
"Or his Armadillo Bear." Toph suggests.
"Gopher Bear?" Aang asks.
"Just, Bear."
"This place is weird." Toph states.
Katara continues on saying, "The Palace will be packed. We can sneak in with the crowd."
"Won't work." Toph declares with confidence.
"Why not?"
"Well no offense to you simple country folk, but a real society crowd would spot you a mile away. You've got no manners."
Jun raises her hand from her position on Kensho's lap.
"Kensho and I are from High Ranking Fire Nation Families. We know a thing or two about high society."
Kensho lowers Jun's hand.
"Yes, but I doubt they'll let me in. You, Toph, and Katara on the other hand stand a good chance."
Aang and Sokka garb themselves in the curtains and start bowing, acting very fancy.
"Katara and Jun will be able to pull it off, but you two would be lucky to pass as Buss Boys."
"But I feel so fancy."
While Jun, Katara, and Toph got dressed, Kensho played a little bit with some fire on his hand while Aang and Sokka played a game.
When the girls came out they looked amazing, and the hand fans were a nice touch. Kensho sat in shock and quickly stood up when Jun approached him.
"Well? How do I look?"
"Incredibly beautiful."
"Charmer." Jun states, rewarding Kensho with a kiss.
In the background Toph slaps the fan to Katara's mouth with the advice, "Don't talk to the Commoners Katara. First Rule of Society."
"We'll get into the party then find a way to let you in through the side."
The three ladies were brought to the front of the palace, where a long line was waiting. When they reached the front Toph tried to use her prestige as a Beifong to get in. That attempt failed, but luckily the girls managed to piggy back in through a high-ranking government official.
Once inside the first thing Jun noticed was how…big the room was.
"It's beautiful isn't it. By the way, I'm Long Feng. I'm the Cultural Ambassador to the king."
"I'm Fua Mei. This is…Dumm."
"I'm Cassandra." Jun says, watching as Toph pulls at Katara's head ornament.
"Now, where is your family? I'd love to meet them."
"Uh, I don't see them right now. But I'm sure we'll find them soon. Thanks for all your help."
The three walk away, only to see Long Feng appear in front of them.
"Don't worry. As your escort it would be dishonorable to abandon you ladies without finding your family first. We'll keep looking."
As the small group continue walking around, Jun accidentally bumps into a woman.
"Oh, my apologies ma'am." Jun apologizes.
"No worries. Ah, Long Feng. Enjoying your night?"
"Ms. Tsuyoi. I'm having a lovely evening thank you. I was just helping these young ladies find their family."
Jun and Tsuyoi looked at each other. Something about the woman seemed familiar. It seemed Tsuyoi figured it out as she gave Long Feng a smile.
"You're in luck. I'm a member of their family. I can take them off your hands."
"Really? Well, enjoy the night ladies." Long Feng says, vanishing into the crowd.
"Well, thanks for the help." Jun says.
"Not a problem. Would you mind joining me for some punch?"
Certain memories resurface as Jun's face scrunches.
"Uh, I don't mind the company, but I'll skip on the punch."
Tsuyoi nods in acceptance before asking Katara and Toph if they wanted to come along.
"We have to find two of our friends," Toph says, pulling Katara's sleeve.
"Right. We'll find you later, Cassandra."
Jun nods and follows Tsuyoi to the table.
"Had a bad experience with drinks?" Tsuyoi asks.
"Yeah. Bad party. Didn't end well."
"I'm sorry to hear that. This is the Royal Palace though. Try a sip, I promise nothing will happen."
Tsuyoi holds out a cup filled with the drink. Jun slowly takes the cup and takes a small sip.
"Mmm, that is pretty good." Jun says, taking another sip. She sees Tsuyoi take a drink from her cup as well.
"I've been to many grand parties. No one dares mess with the drinks with such important people around."
"So, why did you help us with Long Feng earlier?"
Tsuyoi plants a gentle smile on her face and rests a hand on Jun's shoulder.
"You've grown into a beautiful young woman. I only wish I was there to watch you grow."
Jun gives her a questioning look.
"I'm…your mother, Jun."
Jun's so shocked she almost drops the cup.
"M-My mother? But…how?"
"Here isn't the place to talk about it. Tomorrow come visit me at my home."
Jun feels someone's hand on her shoulder and looks behind to see Kensho wearing a guard uniform.
"Jun. You good?" Kensho asks, glancing at Tsuyoi.
"Yes. Everything's fine. I'd like you to meet Tsuyoi. Tsuyoi, this is Kensho."
Tsuyoi runs her eyes along Kensho's body, which fit the uniform well.
"Kensho, was it? Nice to meet you."
"Now I know where I get my perverted proclivities." Jun thinks.
Kensho nods his head with grunt. The three notice Aang reveal his identity with an air blast.
"Damn it Aang. We're supposed to be covert."
Luckily Aang provided a distraction while Sokka, Katara, and Toph searched for the Earth King. With luck the Earth King's Palanquin could be seen.
Kensho turned to speak to Jun, only to find her missing. Tsuyoi looked just as perplexed. Kensho suddenly feels himself being pulled away. Using his military training and reflexes he grabs someone by the neck and breaks it. Two more pairs of hands knock him out.
Kensho awakes to see Jun standing over him, and Team Avatar standing nearby.
"Apologies for the Dai Li's actions. They should have known better than to try and allow one person to bring a Fire Nation Specialist." Long Feng states.
"Why won't you let us talk to the king?" Sokka asks, seeing Kensho awaken, "We have information that could defeat the Fire Nation."
"The Earth King has no time to get involved in political squabbles and the day to day minutia of military activity."
"This could be the most important thing he's ever heard."
"What's most important to his royal majesty is maintaining the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se. All his duties relate to issuing decrees on such matters. It's my job to oversee the rest of the city's resources. Including the military."
"So the king is just a figure head."
"He's your puppet."
"Oh no no, his majesty is an icon. A god to his people. He can't sully his hands with the hourly changes of an endless war."
Sokka takes a step forwards and says, "But we found out about a solar eclipse that will leave the Fire Nation defenseless. You could lead an invasion..."
Long Feng quickly cuts Sokka off and stands up, causing Sokka to return to his position.
"Enough, I don't want to hear your ridiculous plan! It is the strict policy of Ba Sing Se that the war not be mentioned within the walls. Constant news of an escalating war will throw the citizens of Ba Sing Se into a state of panic. Our economy would be ruined. Our peaceful way of life, our traditions would disappear. In silencing talk of conflict, Ba Sing Se remains a peaceful, orderly utopia. The last one on Earth."
Katara speaks up, saying, "You can't keep the truth from all these people. They have to know."
"I'll tell them. I'll make sure everyone knows."
Kensho moves away from Jun and walks towards Aang, who leaves her arm hanging for a second before letting it drop.
"Aang. I understand you're upset, but please. Let me speak for a moment."
Kensho turns around to face Long Feng.
"We do not wish to dismantle Ba Sing Se. We are in your walls, so we will obey your customs and traditions. The avatar and his companions will not spread word of the war or intentionally cause a panic. In return you will not hinder the search for their bison. I assume you already know."
Long Feng narrows his eyes, asking, "What assurances do I have that they won't cause trouble?"
Kensho glances at Jun before answering.
"I'll allow myself to be taken into custody by the Dai Li. With my life on the line they won't dare make a move against you."
Long Feng seemed to be considering the option. It was a bold move for sure.
While Long Feng stood I thought Jun marched over to Kensho.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"I'm turning myself into a bargaining chip."
"No, you are not going to do that."
"If I can guarantee the avatar's safety then I will." Kensho states, looking over to Aang. The young avatar returns the look with a sad one. Before Aang can say anything, Jun speaks up.
"No. I won't let you be taken away. I'll beg if I have to-"
"No you won't!" Kensho says, raising his voice.
He softly grabs the sides of Jun's face and gives her a loving look.
"I will be fine. I promise."
Jun feels tears building up in her eyes. She quickly wraps Kensho in a hug, which is broken too fast for her liking. He pushes Jun away before addressing Long Feng.
"Do we have an accord?" Kensho asks, holding his hand out.
Long Feng looks at the hand for a few seconds before nodding his head and shaking Kensho's hand. A hole suddenly opens below Kensho, swallowing him up.
Jun shrieks and jumps towards the hole, which is quickly closed.
"I hope you enjoy the rest of your night. Joo Dee will escort you home." Long Feng remarks with a smirk before exiting the library. Leaving the group to comfort the panicking Jun.
A woman enters as Long Feng leave, and they notice something immediately.
"Come with me, please."
"What happened to Joo Dee?" Katara asks.
"I'm Joo Dee. I'll be your host as long as you're in our wonderful city."
And that's it for this chapter. I hope you all enjoyed
Reviews would be appreciated
Anyways stay awesome guys and gals of the world, and I'll see you next chapter.