Book 2, Episode 18...Enjoy!
"I missed you more than you'll ever know, buddy," Aang cooed while hugging Appa's head.
Momo mimicked Aang. Appa happily licked Aang's face, causing him to laugh. Sokka stood from his place on a rock and walked toward his sister and Toph.
"Look, we escaped from the Dai Li. We got Appa back. I'm telling you, we should go to the Earth King now and tell him our plan. We're on a roll."
Katara arched a brow, hands on her hips.
"One good hour after weeks of trouble isn't much of a roll," she rebutted.
"We can build on it. If we want to invade the Fire Nation when the eclipse happens, we need the Earth King's support."
"What makes you think we'll get it?" Toph asked, "I don't know if you've noticed, but things don't go that smoothly for our little gang."
"I know," Sokka conceded, "but I've got a good feeling about this. This time will be different."
"Sokka, Long Feng is in control of the city," Katara reminded him, "His conspiracy with the Dai Li is too powerful. I think we should keep flying and leave this horrible place behind us."
"I'm with Sweetness," Toph agreed, "I've seen enough of Ba Sing Se and I can't even see!"
Aang flew down by the others. "But, now that we have Appa back, there's nothing stopping us from telling the Earth King the truth about the conspiracy and the war."
"See, Aang's with me," Sokka cheered hugging the boy.
"And maybe we'll run into Nahla after we've seen the Earth King," Aang added.
"It's the whole reason we came here in the first place. We have to try."
Katara thought out loud, "Well, I guess if the Earth King knew the truth, things could change."
Toph stood up. "I don't trust the new positive Sokka. Long Feng brainwashed you, didn't he?!"
Aang's head popped up as heard something nearby. He ran from his spot to the edge of the little coven. He saw three ships sailing across the water. The siblings noticed them as well and ran to his side.
"That's probably the Dai Li searching for us," Sokka suggested, "So?"
Katara thought a moment. "Let's fly."
Appa groaned loudly in defiance as he flew the group over the city. The four teens gripped at his fur from the back.
"Can we please buy a new saddle?" Toph yelled, "Riding bareback is terrifying!"
She shoved her face into his fur. Appa continued to fly toward the center of the city. Soon, a large structure was visible to the group. Sokka knit his brows and pointed.
"There it is. That whole thing is the palace. The Earth King's chamber should be in the center."
"We have to be careful," Katara warned, "Long Feng's probably warned the king that we're coming."
"Why would you assume that?" asked her brother, "If you ask me, I think we're just going to sail right in-ah!"
Sokka let out a loud scream as Appa flew to the side in order to avoid a boulder. He groaned while flying through the dust trail.
"What was that?" Toph screamed.
"Surface-to-air rocks!" Sokka replied, "More incoming!"
Aang steered Appa to dodge two more, Sokka screaming all the while. The earth benders on the ground continued to throw more and more boulders. One flew straight toward Appa from Aang's right side. Without shifting his gaze, he threw out his bent hand, breaking the airborne object. Momo chittered as the dust settled around them. Appa dipped further down as more boulders headed their way. Aang stood, holding his staff. Using it, he split another boulder in two.
On the ground, a palace general on top an ostrich horse raised his fist and opened his palm. His troops stood by.
Aang launched himself from Appa's horn and barreled toward the earth. Jabbing his staff inward, several blocks of rocks shuffled toward the troops. The men yelled as they were thrown backwards. Appa landed in front of their general and growled. The man fell off, the animal running away.
Aang straightened his posture as the other hopped off Appa. They sprinted toward the palace steps. As they came down the stretch, soldiers flooded the sides. Simultaneously, they smacked the ground with their lead foot, raising a block for each man. Jabbing their fists forward, they sent their flying piece of earth.
Aang utilized his staff to break the blocks in half. Toph raised several moving barriers as she sensed the objects. Aang and Toph circled each other, due to their momentum. Behind them, Katara pulled out a long whip of water. She flung it side to side, throwing the men away. They groaned and yelled in pain. Katara cringed after hitting a few.
"Sorry," she yelled sincerely.
She cringed again as she lashed at the other side. In front of them, more soldiers made their way to the little group.
Toph threw herself back, crossing her arms in the process. With open palms next to her hips, she pushed forward, the earth following her command. The part of the strip the men were running on lifted and flipped them over, falling like dominos. As they ran by the soldiers, Katara felt compelled to apologize.
"Sorry! We just need to get through to see the Earth King!"
The group continued to head for the main doors, nearing a stream with bridges. Some men on a higher tier, lifted two badgermole statues into the air. With their accumulated strength, they threw the objects at the group.
Sokka looked up in horror. Aang and Toph quickly mirrored each other before pulling up a form-fitted barrier. This managed to protect Appa as well. The two statues broke against the barrier.
As the dust settled, Katara sprinted from the area, pulling out some water. She formed a quick ice bridge, sliding toward the sky. As she did, she grabbed some water from the stream below. Mid-air, Katara twirled, the water following. The whip pushed the awaiting soldiers into the water. Katara landed, rolling through a somersault before standing, water hovering over her arms. She spun forward, lashing at more soldiers. With the water, she pulled them down and into the water.
Aang flew over them, icing them in place as the others crossed the bridge. Just as the group reached Katara, more boulders fell from above as more soldiers climbed down the stairs.
Toph stepped forward, raising her palms upwards. Twisting her wrists so her palms faced down, she raised her hands in front of the massive staircase. The earth beneath them shook. Just as another boulder slammed next to her, Toph drew her arms in as she crouched. The stairs rapidly and in succession, flattened. The men began to slide down toward the group.
Carving out a square, Aang and Toph began to raise the group up the stairs. The soldiers slid past them. Sokka watched on in exasperation.
"Seriously, we're actually on your guy's side!" After another moment, his shoulders slumped. "Sorry."
When they reached the top, the rock stopped, allowing them to run forward. Soldiers flanked them from both sides. Aang and Toph stood side by side. Using the same move, they pushed the soldiers away. The group and Appa continued to run.
"In there," Sokka shouted.
Soon they entered a four way area. More soldiers came from the remaining three hallways. Reacting quickly, Toph slammed the ground and crossed her fists over her knee. The soldiers were raised and pinned to the ceiling. Sokka looked around frantically.
"Toph! Which way to the Earth King?"
"How should I know?" she asked in annoyance while raising her hands, "I'm still voting we leave Ba Sing Se."
She pushed her hands forward, sending a rolling dome toward the farthest soldiers. They were pushed back and away from the group. She proceeded to raise to diagonal shields, blocking remaining attacks. Katara and Aang soon began helping as Sokka went to search the rooms.
He opened one door before quickly closing it. He hurried to another and opened it wide. Seeing nothing, he closed it. He opened a third door, revealing a woman.
The woman threw hers hands in the air. "Burglar!"
Tripping on her dress, she fell face forward. Sokka cringed as he went to close the door.
"Sorry! Wrong door!"
ELSEWHERE...
I stood in the kitchen, having made it back a few hours ago, making some food. I glanced up as I heard the door opening. I quirked a brow at Zuko and Iroh. I watched the two as the aged man began to close the door.
"You did the right thing, nephew," he commented, "letting the Avatar's bison go free."
My eyes widened at his words.
*They knew?!* I screamed in my head, *Does that mean...did they?*
"I don't feel right," Zuko murmured, pulling me from my thoughts.
He reached out a dizzy hand. His vision blurred as he attempted to remain standing. He let out a pained groan as his eyes rolled to the back of his head. He dropped to his knees, knocking down a vase, and dropped his swords.
With a sudden wave of concern, I ran from my spot and slid to his side. He had fallen to the ground fully. I shifted his head into my lap. Iroh's eyes were filled with fear.
"Zuko!"
Iroh hurried over to our side. I instinctively looked around for my pouch, only to remember it was in my room. I glanced down at the prince and brushed his bangs aside before grabbing Iroh's hand in comfort.
BACK IN THE PALACE...
Sokka glanced around the large atrium that was now vacated of soldiers. His sister, Aang, and Toph stood next to him. He turned to face the pile of rubble with a smirk. He began to climb the pile. When he reached the top, he grinned. There was a massive green and gilded double door. It was at the far end of the corridor.
"Now that is an impressive door," he admired, climbing down the rubble toward the door, "It's got to go somewhere."
Sokka plopped onto the ground. In a sprint, he bolted for the door. He let out a scream, extending his foot in the air. His foot landed against the door, but didn't affect it. Sokka fell onto the floor in a huff. Sokka shot up and pushed against the door, attempting to move it.
Aang and Toph sprinted from behind him. Aang swung his staff, sending a blast of air, and knocked down the door. Unfortunately, Sokka was taken with it. The Water Tribe Warrior slid across the floor by his cheek. He groaned while sitting up. He rubbed his cheek. He glanced back at his friends.
"A little warning next time."
"Sorry."
The group sprinted further into the throne room. They halted a few feet away as the Dai Li and Long Feng intercepted them. The Earth King had one last obstacle in the way. Toph held up a boulder: Sokka had his club raised: Katara held water: and Aang held up his staff.
"We need to talk to you," Aang directed toward the king.
Long Feng narrowed his eyes. "They're here to overthrow you."
"No," Sokka interrupted, "We're on your side. We're here to help."
"You have to trust us," added Katara with a slightly softer tone.
The Earth King furrowed his brows. "You invade my palace, lay waste to all my guards, break down my fancy door, and you expect me to trust you?"
"He has a point," Toph muttered to her friends.
"If you are on my side, then drop your weapons and stand down," the monarch declared.
After glancing at the others, Aang dropped his staff. The others followed suit and let go of their elements and weapons. Aang beamed at the king.
"See? We're your friends, your Earthiness," he attempted with a lighter tone.
The king's hardened gaze remained as Long Feng signaled the Dai Li. The skilled benders shot their rock cuffs at the four, cuffing their hands behind their backs. The royal attendant smirked in silent victory.
"Detain the assailants!"
The Dai Li hurried behind the kids. They kept their faces covered.
"But we dropped our weapons," Sokka stated in confusion, "We're your allies."
"Make sure the Avatar and his friends never see daylight again."
The king perked up, keeping his eyes on Sokka.
"The Avatar? You're the Avatar?"
"Uh, no," the warrior stated flatly, "He is."
Aang beamed again, momentarily breaking from the handcuffs to raise his hands. He waved at the man.
"Over here."
Aang returned the rock cuffs back to his wrist. Long Feng moved closer to the king.
"What does it matter, your Highness? They're enemies of the state."
"Perhaps you're right," he replied, excitement slightly dying.
The pair looked up to see the bear sniffing Aang. The animal licked his cheek, causing him to laugh. The king smiled fondly.
"Though, Bosco seems to like him," he paused, "I'll hear what he has to say."
The adviser glowered at the group as he moved slightly forward. His expression became nonexistent to the king. Aang moved forward, still cuffed.
"Well, sir, there's a war going on right now. For the past hundred years, in fact. The Dai Li's kept it secret from you. It's a conspiracy to control the city...and to control you."
"A secret war? That's crazy," the king scoffed.
"Completely," Long Feng stated harshly.
"Long Feng didn't want us to tell you, so he stole our sky bison to blackmail us." Aang nearly growled at the adviser. "And blackmail is the least of his crimes. He brainwashed our friend!"
Long Feng faced the king. "All lies. I've never even seen a sky bison, your Majesty. Frankly, I thought they were extinct."
The king sat back. "Your claim is difficult to believe, even from an Avatar."
Long Feng leaned into the king's ear. "These hooligans are part of an anarchist cell that my agents have been tracking for weeks. If you listen to them, you're playing right into your own destruction."
The monarch thought a moment. "I have to trust my adviser."
The Dai Li immediately began to pull the group out of the room. With a sudden thought, Sokka whirled to face the king. This caused the other agents to stop as well.
"Wait! I can prove he's lying," he called, "Long Feng said he's never seen a sky bison before. Ask him to lift his robe."
"What? I am not disrobing," Long Feng replied with disgust.
The king narrowed his eyes in slight suspicion. Aang and Sokka shared a sly look, the warrior nodding. The bald boy sucked in a deep breath before blowing it across the room. The gust lifted Long Feng's robes, showing off the fresh bite mark covering his calf and shin.
"Right there," Aang yelled, "Appa bit him!"
"Never met a sky bison, huh?" Sokka quipped.
Long Feng patted down his robes. "That happens to be a large birthmark. Thanks for showing everyone."
"Well," the king mused, "I suppose there's no way to prove where those marks came from."
"Of course there is!"
Within minutes, Appa was in the room. The teens were unshackled as they had the sky bison open his mouth. Long Feng reluctantly held up his robe slightly. The king examines both the teeth and the mark as Aang pointed to them with a smile.
"Yep. That pretty much proves it," the monarch stated.
The four cheered happily.
"But that doesn't prove this crazy conspiracy theory," he added quickly.
The four groaned in disappointment.
"Though, I suppose the matter is worth looking in to," the Earth King finished.
The group gave partial cheers.
"O-Okay."
"We'll take it."
The Dai Li leader glared at the group before he and his agents left the room.
IN AN APARTMENT...
Zuko groaned before rolling on to his back. Nahla knelt at his side, sapphire water moving back and forth over his stomach and arms. Iroh reached next to him to grab a damp towel. He rang it out before placing it on his forehead.
"You're burning up. You have an intense fever," Iroh explained, "This will help cool you down."
"So thirsty," Zuko rasped.
The young prince tried to sit up. Nahla paused her healing momentarily to help Iroh push him back down. She frowned when she realized he didn't put up much of a fight. She continued to heal his side of muscle pain. Iroh reached for the ladle and bucket next to him.
"Here is some clean water to drink." The man held the ladle in front of Zuko. "Stay under the blanket and sweat this out."
Nahla moved to heal his back muscles as Iroh cradled his nephew's head. He brought the water to his mouth. Zuko shoved the water down his throat. Nahla ducked as he threw the ladle in her direction. Zuko reached over and picked up the bucket. He attempted to drink it, only to have half of it spill onto Nahla's nearby lap. He threw the bucket at the opposing wall.
Sighing, the water bender paused to wipe her forehead of sweat. This allowed Zuko to roll back onto his side and curl into a ball. He coughed a few more times before Iroh brought the blanket over his nephew's shoulder. Zuko slipped back into unconsciousness.
Iroh glanced over just as Nahla bent the water out of her clothing. She stood up and walked over to the bucket, setting the water inside of it.
"I'll get some more," she muttered, wiping her forehead again.
She took a stance, facing the kitchen. She drew out some water and began to cleanse it just above the bucket. When it was filled with clean water, she brought the bucket back over to Iroh and knelt at Zuko's head. Streaming more water, she resumed healing the ill boy around the temples, attempting to bring the fever down.
"You should take a break and rest, Lady Nahla," Iroh suggested, "You don't want to over exert yourself."
She chuckled cynically. "Someone has to help him fight the fever."
Nahla pursed her lips in annoyance. After a few more minutes, she stopped her healing and stood up. She began to pace. She crossed her arms.
"Is something bothering you?" Iroh inquired skeptically.
She huffed. "I don't owe him anything, but I'm treating him as if I do," she raised her voice in frustration, "If anything, hothead owes me an explanation! I mean, I heard what you said when you first got back, Iroh. Did Grumpy over here have Appa the whole time and just decide to let him go? Where did he even keep him? Why am I helping him if that's the case?"
She threw her arms out for emphasis. Iroh quirked a brow.
"He found your friend's bison and freed him."
Nahla's eyes widened as her rage dwindled.
"Oh..." She glanced at the sick boy. "Maybe it's because he's your nephew and you're my friend," she reasoned, "I help my friends."
Nahla knelt back on the ground, drawing water to her hands. The aged man smirked in amusement.
"Are you sure I am the friend you are trying to help?"
Iroh detected a faint blush bloom across her cheeks.
"What? Why wouldn't it be? We've only ever fought each other," she sputtered out, keeping her attention on healing.
"I do not believe that to be the case."
He waited for an answer that didn't come. He saw in her eyes that she was contemplating more than the healing she was doing. Iroh knew it must be confusing for the water bender. After all, they had met after he had taken her prisoner. The only reason they were this close together now was because she decided to help heal Iroh. The aged man sighed. He was certainly glad he had the outside perspective here.
Iroh watched her carefully. Sweat began to congregate on her forehead and arms once again. Despite this, she continued healing.
"Please rest, my friend."
One of the trains headed away from the Upper Ring. Several, if not all, passengers were staring in complete shock. Their king, Kuei, was standing in the middle surrounded by his guards.
"So this is what a train is like," he commented at Sokka, Katara, and Toph, "I didn't realize it would be this...public."
"So you've never been outside the Upper Ring before?" the water bender asked curiously.
"I've never been outside the palace," he affirmed.
The siblings shared a concerned look. The King hardly noticed as he was staring outside.
"Now that's the way to travel!"
Katara and Sokka looked outside to see Aang flying with Appa. The King was smirking. He turned to the others.
"So, may I ask where we're going?"
"Underneath Lake Laogai, Your Kingliness," Sokka responded a bit sadly, "to the Dai Li's secret headquarters. You're about to see where all the brainwashing and conspiring took place."
King Kuei set his jaw as he looked forward.
Toph walked ahead of the group. She stopped on the shoreline, just as before. With a breath, she jumped into the air before slamming back into the earth. The bridge from before rose up, but shattered and turned into rubble.
"It's gone!" Toph exclaimed.
"Oh don't tell me," Sokka began to whine.
He paused, taking a deep breath. He straightened himself while faking a smile. He gave a thumbs up.
"That's okay," he told them, "Still got my positive attitude."
"The Dai Li must've known we were coming and destroyed the evidence," surmised Katara.
King Kuei arched a brow. "Hmm...That seem awfully convenient."
"Hey, if anything this proves the conspiracy exists even more."
"Long Feng was right. This was a waste of time," the king spoke while turning, "If you'll excuse me, I'm going back to the palace."
The group frowned as they began to walk away. Katara's eyes lit up with an idea. She turned to the others.
"The wall! They'll never be able to cover that up in time."
"Oh yeah!" Aang replied.
The Avatar jumped from his spot, landing nimbly in front of the royal man.
"If you come with us to the Outer Wall, we can prove to you that the secret war is real," Aang told him.
"No Earth King has ever been to the Outer Wall," Kuei replied harshly. He pushed past Aang. "I don't have any more time for this nonsense."
Aang sagged his shoulders just as Sokka ran after the king. He waved with a smile.
"If you come with us, this time you get to ride on Appa."
Appa groaned in agreement as the king smirked.
King Kuei screamed from on top of Appa. His hands clutched tightly to the sky bison's fur. Toph, lying on her stomach next to him, turned to face him.
"First time flying?" she asked.
"It's both thrilling and terrifying," he answered truthfully.
"Yeah. I hate it too."
The king became sullen. "I have to be honest with you. Part of me really hopes that what you're telling me about this war isn't true."
The man looked at his hands. Aang craned his neck toward him with empathy.
"I wish it wasn't."
Zuko groaned in his sleep while turning on to his side. Iroh constantly dabbed his nephew's forehead with the wet cloth. Nahla's breathing was becoming heavy as she focused on healing him. Other than the sweat and ragged breaths, she looked as if she were meditating. Iroh knew that she was only concentrating on her glowing hands on Zuko's temples.
Zuko coughed, consumed by his delusions of fever.
A scarless Zuko sat on the Fire Nation throne. Four columns boxed him in the seat. He faced a massive audience of soldiers. The wall of flames blazed but a few feet away from his seat.
Two dragons coiled around two of the columns. One was red, the other blue. The blue one began to circle the Firelord while speaking.
"It's getting late. Are you planning to retire soon, my lord?" the dragon, sounding like Azula, inquired calmly.
"I'm not tired," Zuko replied.
The blue dragon craned its neck to face Zuko's right side.
"Relax, Firelord Zuko," it encouraged, "Just let go. Give in to it. Shut your eyes for awhile."
The young man's eyes began to weigh on him. They drooped ever so slightly.
"No, Firelord Zuko!" the red dragon, having Iroh's voice, yelled from his left, "Do not listen to the Blue Dragon. You should get out of here, right now! Go! Before it's too late," the red one urged.
"Sleep now, Firelord Zuko," the blue continued.
The throne itself began to disappear into the blackness below him. The four columns broke and fell the way of the throne. The soldiers in front of Zuko began to melt away into the ebony canvas. Zuko looked around frantically. He turned to see the glowing yellow eyes of the Blue Dragon.
"Sleep," it coped, inching forward and opening its jaws, "Just like mother!"
Though he could not see his own body, Zuko sped toward the obsidian. He saw his mother turn to face him, dropping her hood.
"Zuko!" she cried, "Help me!"
Seeing his reflection in her eyes, he was back on the little carpet of the throne. He began to sink toward the center. He let out a gasp before being consumed entirely.
Outwardly, Zuko just pulled into himself some more. The aged man's eyes flicked to the water bender. He had noticed she began to hunch over him slightly. Iroh watched both teens with concern.
Appa neared the Outer Wall of Ba Sing Se. Aang's eyes lit up.
"It's still there!"
The king's mouth open in shock as he saw the massive drill.
"What is that?" he asked.
"It's a drill," Sokka informed with a grimace, "A giant drill made by the Fire Nation to break through your walls."
The royal man watched with horror as Appa continued to lower. His heart was breaking from the sight of it. The group walked closer to the edge of the wall.
"I can't believe I never knew," he stated regretfully.
A noise brought the group to look to their collective right. Long Feng, along with two Dai Li agents, rose to the top of the wall. The attendant took a few steps toward the king.
"I can explain this, Your Majesty. This is nothing more than a construction project."
"Really?" Katara quipped, hands on her hips, "Then perhaps you could explain why there's a Fire Nation insignia on your 'construction project'."
King Kuei narrowed his eyes realizing the validity of her question. The head of the Dai Li was quick on his feet.
"Well, it's imported of course," he reasoned weakly, "You know you can't trust domestic machinery."
Seeing that the king wasn't seeming to buy it, Long Feng took a different approach. He knit his brows.
"Surely you don't believe these children instead of your most loyal attendant," he countered.
The king turned his face to look at the young group. They gave his sorrowful looks that held a plea of hope. His gaze swept to Long Feng. After a moment, he set his jaw with a decision.
"Dai Li, arrest Long Feng! I want him to stand trial for crimes against the Earth Kingdom."
Those surrounding the man watched in shock. The two agents shared a subtle side glance. A moment later, they launched metal cuffs from their robes and onto Long Feng's wrists. They yanked him into their grasp. The former attendant began to yell while being taken away.
"You can't arrest me! You all need me more than you know!"
"Looks like Long Feng is long gone," Sokka jeered with a laugh. He wiped his face as though a tear fell. "Ah yeah. I've been waiting to use that one."
Katara rolled her eyes at her brother.
"I want to thank you, young heroes, for opening my eyes," the king told them, "All this time, what I thought was a great metropolis was merely a city of fools. That makes me the King Fool," he paused, head falling into his hand, "We're at war, with the Fire Nation!"
Sokka stepped forward.
"That's why we came to Ba Sing Se, Your Highness. Because we think you can help us win the war."
"We don't have much time," Aang urged, "There's a comet coming this summer. Its energy will give fire benders unbelievable strength. They'll be unstoppable."
"But there is hope," Sokka jumped in, "Before the comet comes, we have a window of opportunity. A solar eclipse is coming. The sun will be completely blocked by the moon, and the fire benders will be helpless."
Momo rubbed his face from the king's shoulder. The royal man arched a browX
"What are you suggesting, Sokka?"
"That's the day we need to invade the Fire Nation: the Day of Black Sun."
King Kuei thought aloud, "I don't know. That would require moving troops out of Ba Sing Se. We'd be completely vulnerable!"
"You're already vulnerable," Sokka countered, "The Fire Nation won't stop until Ba Sing Se falls. You can either sit back and wait for that to happen. Or...take the offensive and give yourself a fighting chance."
The king sat in silent thought. Moments later, he nodded.
"Very well. You have my support."
The group of four cheered happily at the victory. Aang hopped onto an air scooter as they celebrated. He hopped off when he saw a military man walk in. The man knelt.
"Your Majesty. I apologize for the interruption."
"This is General How. He's the leader of the Council of Five, my highest ranking generals," King Kuei explained.
How lifted his head. "We've searched Long Feng's office. I think we have something that will interest everybody."
General How walked over to the desk with a box. He set it in front of the king, who opened it.
"There are secret files on everyone in Ba Sing Se, including you kids."
"Secret files?" Aang queried.
The king pulled a scroll from the chest and read the inscription.
"Toph Beifong."
The king handed it to the General. The man handed it to Toph who then handed it to Katara. The water bender opened the scroll.
"It's a letter from your mom," she explained. Toph's eyes widened in shock. "Your mom's here in the city and she wants to see you."
"Long Feng intercepted our letters from home?" she asked loudly, "That's just sad."
"Aang."
"This scroll was attached to the horn of your bison when the Dai Li captured it," the general explained.
"It's from the Eastern Air Temple," Aang declared while reading it.
Katara leaned forward with an expression of hope.
"Is there a letter for me and Sokka by any chance?"
The siblings looked at the man hopefully. The king looked in the box before shaking his head.
"I'm afraid not."
"Oh," muttered Sokka.
"But," General How spoke, "there is an intelligence report that might interest you."
Katara opened the scroll, eyes reading the words.
"A small fleet of Water Tribe ships."
Sokka's eyes lit up. "What? That could be dad!"
"Protecting the mouth of Chameleon Bay. Led by Hakoda-It is dad!"
The two grinned broadly at the parchment. Toph faced the general.
"Do you have anything on someone named Nahla or Leilani?" she asked, "She's my sister and we think she would've come in as a refugee."
General How nodded. "Not that I am aware, but I will look into the matter."
Toph smirked slightly. "Thank you."
Nahla slept diagonally behind Iroh in a half open doorway. Her feet were pressed against the opposing doorframe, her body only partially upright. Her arms were coiled tightly around her stomach as her head leaned against the door. She had decided to sleep there after Iroh perisisted she rest. He made tea, thinking it would help her sleep, but she was out before he had finished.
Around the same time, Zuko began to come back into consciousness. Iroh poured tea into one of the two cups near him. He held it to his nephew.
"You should know, this is not a natural sickness," the aged man explained, "But that shouldn't stop you from enjoying tea."
Iroh held up Zuko's head while bringing the cup to his mouth. The boy looked at his uncle in confusion.
"Wh-What's happening?"
"Your critical decision," he answered sagely, "What you did beneath that lake, it was in such conflict with your image of yourself that you are now at war within your own mind and body."
Iroh helped him take another sip. Out of the corner of his weary eye, he noticed the sleeping water bender. He returned his attention to his uncle.
"What's that mean?"
Zuko coughed. Iroh helped him lay back down.
"You are going through a metamorphosis, my nephew. It will not be a pleasant experience. But when you come out of it, you will be the beautiful prince you were always meant to be."
Iroh continued to dab the boy's forehead. Zuko rolled, facing Nahla's direction. He hazily noticed the slight sheen of sweat her skin had taken. Zuko weakly pointed at her.
"Is she going through it too?"
Iroh smirked just slightly, but shook his head.
"No. She has been healing your fever," he explained, "She is a strong healer, but because your sickness originates from the inside, it is proving to be difficult for her. This is the first time she has rested," he paused, "Now, rest my nephew."
Zuko rolled onto his other side coughing. Iroh continued to pat the boy's head with the soaked towel. The ill teen felt as though he had seen her healing him in between his bouts. Another coughing fit forced his thoughts away as he drifted out of consciousness.
AT THE PALACE...
"I can't believe it," Aang exclaimed, "There's a man living at the Eastern Air Temple. He says he's a guru."
"What's a guru?" Sokka asked, "Some kind of poisonous blowfish?"
Aang smirked and shook his head.
"No. A spiritual expert. He wants to help me take the next step in the Avatar journey. He says he can teach me to control the Avatar State."
Katara nodded in agreement. "And I can't believe we know where our dad is now."
"I know what you mean," Toph joined in, "My mom's in the city, and from her letter it sounds like she finally understands me."
"This is all such big news," Sokka expressed, "Where do we start?"
"I hate to say it, but we have to split up."
"Split up?" Aang asked her worried, "We just found Appa and nearby got the family back together! Now you want us to separate?"
"You have to meet this guru, Aang. If we're going to invade the Fire Nation, you need to be ready," Katara replied firmly.
He sighed and nodded.
"Well, if I'm going to the Eastern Air Temple, Appa and I can drop you off at Chameleon Bay to see your dad."
"Someone has to stay here with the Earth King and help him plan the invasion," Sokka paused to stand up, "I guess that's me."
"No Sokka," his sister told him, "I know how badly you want to help Dad. You go to Chameleom Bay. I'll stay here with the king."
Sokka teared up, excitement bubbling through him. He began to jump and dance in place.
"You are the nicest...sister...ever!"
Sokka threw his arms around Katara and kissed her cheek. She smirked while pushing him away.
"Easy there, big brother. Though you're right, I am."
Toph raised her head slightly.
"Katara?" she muttered.
The older girl gave a soft smile in understanding.
"I'll keep a lookout for Nahla. She can't be too far."
"Thanks."
The following day, the small group stood just outside the palace. Aang and Sokka continued to prepare to leave with Appa. Katara was smiling softly while petting Appa's side. Aang walked toward her nervously.
"Katara? I need to tell you something," he said, blushing slightly, "I've been wanting to say it for a long time."
"What is it Aang?"
"Katara, I-"
The bald boy was cut off as Sokka threw his arm over Aang's neck.
"Alright," he cheered, "Who's ready to get going on our little men only man trip?"
Katara quirked an unimpressed brow at the pair. Aang shrunk slightly. The boy's spun around when they heard their names.
"Aang and Sokka," the king said, "I wish you a good journey. Ba Sing Se owes you its thanks. We look forward to your safe return."
The two boys bowed to the king in respect. Once straightened, Sokka began to climb the side of Appa. A general walked over.
"Your Majesty, there are three female warriors here to see you. They're from the island of Kyoshi."
"That's Suki!" exclaimed Sokka.
In his shock, he let go of Appa and fell onto the ground. He groaned and began to rub his lower back and backside.
"You know these warriors?" King Kuei inquired.
Sokka nodded and stood. "Oh yeah. The Kyoshi Warriors are a skilled group of fighters. Trustworthy too. They're good friends of ours."
The king smiled at the group.
"Then we shall welcome them as honoured guests."
Aang started heading toward Appa. Before he could latch on, Katara grabbed his arm.
"Wait, Aang!"
She pulled him into a hug before kissing him cheek. Aang blushed as she let go. The pair turned to Toph.
"I'm really gonna miss you guys."
Katara pulled her and Aang into a hug.
"Me too."
"Yeah."
The three turned to see Sokka standing off to the side. They smirked before tackling the boy with a group hug. He grinned. Momo circled from Aang's shoulder to behind Sokka's head.
"Great. That's enough," he said after a moment, "Okay, we love each other."
He patted their heads after a few more seconds.
"Seriously."
Zuko groaned as he opened his eyes. He stretched out his sore hand before going to sit up. He noticed his uncle sitting next to the makeshift bed asleep. On his knee was Nahla's head.
The boy got to his feet and headed in the direction of the bathroom. He slid open the door and walked to the filled basin. He washed his face with the cool water while glancing up.
Zuko let out a yell when he realized his own face wasn't in the reflection. Rather, it was the Avatar's head, but his body.
Zuko lurched forward with a yell, sweat flying from his forehead. He tried to ease his breathing while getting his bearings. A hand reached up to touch his scar, reassuring that he wasn't dreaming.
"Zuko?" a quiet, tired voice called, "Are you alright?"
The scarred teen turned to see Nahla stretching out her arms while sitting up. Instead of answering verbally, he decided to nod in response. She watched him quizzically. She scooted back behind his head. She reached forward and pulled him back against the mat. She pulled the blanket up his torso. He knit his brows at her as she streamed some water.
"Did you want me to heal you some more?"
His eyes widened in slight shock. Nahla blushed lightly.
"What?"
Without waiting for a response, she placed her healing water against his temples. Zuko closed his eyes as it soothed him.
"I couldn't just let you alone with the fever," she whispered.
The fire bender reached behind his head and gently grabbed her wrist. Her pupils dilated ever so slightly.
"Thank you," he murmured.
Nahla nodded before refocusing on the healing.
"You see Aang?" Sokka mused from Appa's back, "A little positive thinking works wonders. We've got the king on our side, we got Long Feng arrested, and when we get back, Suki's waiting for me."
Aang sighed dreamily. "Yeah, girls are waiting for us. Thanks positive attitude."
"Everything is going to work out perfectly. From now on and forever," Sokka finished cheerily.
The two shared a relieved glance that was filled with hope. Appa continued to fly the pair around.
A Dai Li agent paced down a small metal hall. He past the majority of the prison cells before stopping at the last one.
"Dinner," he called gruffly.
He pushed the plate under the cell door and in front of Long Feng.
"The Council of Five and the military are loyal to the Earth King, but the Dai Li remains loyal to you, Long Feng, sir," the agent whispered.
Long Feng's expression turned deviant as the agent strolled from the cell. Victoriously, Long Feng took a bite out of a roll.
Toph slowly walked up the steps to an Upper Ring house. She took a deep breath as she stood at the door. After another moment, she knocked. To her surprise, it opened on its own. She walked in anyway.
"Hello?" she called, "Mom? Anyone home?"
Toph walked further into the room with knitted brows. Sensing something, her head jerked in a panic. Before she could do anything, a metal cage dropped from the ceiling and locked her inside it. Slight fear slipped through her voice.
"Hey! Who do you think you're dealing with?"
She pounded against the metal as Xin Fu and Master Yu dropped to the ground. The grimacing wrestler stalked closer to the cage.
"One loud mouthed little brat who strayed too far from home."
King Kuei stood at the base of the large staircase as his procession laid out before him. Three female warriors walked in the middle of the procession, being the honored guests.
"In our hour of need, it is with the highest honor that I welcome our esteemed allies, the Kyoshi Warriors!" Kuei declared.
The three knelt and bowed their heads. They raised their gazes, a golden eye glinting. Mai and Ty Led watched from behind Azula. All three dressed as the Kyoshi Warriors.
"We are the Earth King's humble servants."
I have no excuses. Thank you to all you have continued to R&R. Thank you to everyone who has the most amount of patience I've ever seen. I hope to get back into this, but I (obviously) don't know how that'll end up.
Despite this absence, please continue to R&R because I still LOVE feedback! It's amazing and it helps me see things from your point of view! So, whatever you got, send it my way. Thank you all for your patience! Stay terrific you lovely and patient people!
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