Book 2, Episode 19...Enjoy!
Iroh stood in the new apartment making food on the stove. Nahla was currently swinging her feet while sitting on a windowsill. She happily slurped at the bowl in her hands, hardly paying attention. A tired Zuko walked into the kitchen, stretching out his limbs and yawned.
"What's that smell?" he asked.
"It's jook," Iroh explained, "I'm sure you wouldn't like it."
Iroh stepped away in order to let Zuko smell it. The scarred teen smiled.
"Actually, it smells delicious," he complimented while picking up a bowl, "I'd love a bowl, Uncle."
Zuko smiled as Iroh watched his nephew in curiosity. Iroh gripped the ladle once more.
"Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow."
Iroh placed the jook in the bowl.
"It's a new day," Zuko rebutted, "We've got a new apartment, new furniture. And today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up, Uncle."
Zuko stared out a window before slurping up some jook. Iroh smiled softly as his heart warmed at his nephew's words. The prince shifted his gaze to Nahla as she hopped down. The water bender went to grab seconds. Iroh chuckled as he happily served her more.
Before she could return to the windowsill, Zuko gently gripped her wrist. She quirked a brow at him, pausing slightly to look back at Iroh who shrugged. Zuko gave her a hopeful expression.
"Sit next to me?"
"Okay..." she drawled while taking the spot next to him.
After a moment of quiet, Nahla lifted the bowl to her mouth. She slowly slurped as Zuko stared at her. After a particularly long slurp, she set down her bowl.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Zuko set down his own bowl. He switched his grip to hold her hand, smoothing his thumb over her knuckles. A light pink tinted her cheeks as she tried to understand what was happening.
"How are you feeling?" he asked calmly.
She quirked a brow. "Not going to lie, a little weirded out."
Zuko chuckled. "No, I meant physically. Have you gotten your strength back?"
"...From what exactly?"
"From healing me. Uncle said you hardly stopped."
Nahla shot her hands to the boy's face. She placed the back of her hand on his forehead while the other dabbed at his skin. She opened one of Zuko's eyes a bit further. Her hands continued to triple check her assumptions.
"Uh...what are you doing?"
"Checking for any remnants of a fever."
"Why?"
Her blush darkened slightly. "I just want to make sure you're, well, you."
Zuko softly smiled, pulling her hands from his face.
"I'm fine. I think you did pretty well the first time around."
"I told you she is a strong healer," Iroh added.
Nahla shot him a pointed look before she settled back into her position. This new Zuko was entirely confusing.
ELSEWHERE...
Appa groaned before landing on a cliff side. Aang beamed at the Water Tribe camp below.
"You haven't seen your dad in over two years," he chittered, "You must be so excited!"
Aang looked over to see a nauseous Sokka. His one hand covered his mouth while the other clutched his stomach. He gagged.
"I know I should be, but I just feel sick to my stomach."
"Don't be nervous," Aang encouraged, placing a hand on Sokka's back, "He's gonna be so happy to see you."
The boy smiled in appreciation at his best friend.
"So, what about you?" Sokka queried, "Are you nervous to meet this guru?"
"Not at all," he replied, "I'm ready to master the Avatar State. I'll do whatever it takes."
The two nodded before Sokka hopped off. Aang smiled down at his friend.
"See you in a week!" Aang whipped the reins. "Yip! Yip!"
Sokka glanced away as Appa took to the air. He turned to the camp and sighed. Eventually, he found a path that led into their camp.
Rubbing his elbow, Sokka started walking through the middle of camp. The other soldiers began to stand, recognizing the son of their chief. Sokka stopped when someone stepped in front of him. The man extended an arm. Sokka took it gleefully as the other soldiers ran toward the pair.
"Sokka! Good to see you," another man said, giving the kid's head a rub.
Sokka grinned as he pushed up against the hand. He smirked as the soldier brushed him off. Sokka turned toward the others. They moved out of the way to reveal a Water Tribe tent at the end. Sokka walked down and gripped the opening.
He pulled back the curtains and entered. He immediately saw Bato at his father's side. Bato sent a smile that Sokka returned. Bato proceeded to nudge Hakoda's side. The chief looked to his friend before turning to the entrance. A brief look of shock crossed his features before being replaced by joy and love.
"Sokka," he greeted warmly.
"Hi dad."
Hakoda rose to his feet and beelined to his son. The pair embraced inside the tent. Sokka turned his face into his father's chest.
IN BA SING SE...
"Look Bosco," King Kuei announced, "The Kyoshi Warriors are here to protect us."
Azula smirked smugly from her spot on the floor. The king played with his bear's face adoringly.
"Aren't you excited?" he cooed. Bosco groaned. "It's been a difficult week for me. My most trusted advisor, Long Feng, and his Dai Li agents tried to take control of Ba Sing Se from me."
"It's terrible when you can't trust the people closest to you," Azula acted.
"But there is good news," he added, petting his bear, "As we speak, the Council of Five is meeting to plan an invasion of the Fire Nation this summer on the day of a solar eclipse."
Azula's eyes momentarily widened. She knew exactly what that meant. Mai and Ty Lee shared a look.
"Really? Now that sounds like a fascinating and brilliant plan."
In the war room, the Council of Five and Katara sat around a large map.
"General Fong's base will serve as the launching point for the attack," a general explained. He bent some pieces across the board. "In exactly two months, the army and navy will invade the Fire Nation on the day of Black Sun."
Momo hopped onto the board and snatched the piece resembling the Fire Nation. He knocked over the green ones as well. Katara burst into giggles.
"Or we could send in Momo to do some damage." Her laughter died down. "'Cause...the...sorry."
The general curled his fists, bringing the pieces to stand once again. Momo shrieked and returned to the girl's shoulder.
"All we need is the Earth King's seal in order to execute the plan."
The man placed the scroll on a block before bending it to Katara. She picked it up and stood.
"I'll get these scrolls to him right away." She bowed. "Thank you General How."
Appa groaned as he continued to fly. Aang smiled as he caught sight of one of the Air Temples. Appa flew toward where the Guru was sitting, just slightly lower. Aang looked up at him.
"Um...hello?" Aang hopped off, heading to the stairs. "You're Guru Pathik right? The person who attached the note to Appa's horn?"
The meditating man spoke, "Indeed. I was a spiritual brother of your people. And a personal friend of Monk Gyatso."
Aang's eyes widened at the mention of his former father figure.
"In your note," he replied while sitting down, "you said you could teach me to gain control of the Avatar State. How?"
"You must gain balance within yourself before you can bring balance to the world. And the first step to gaining balance begins with this. Drink up."
Pathik pulled a bowl out from behind him. He held it out to Aang. The bald boy took it and took a sip. Not but a moment later, he spit it out, disgusted.
"It tastes like onion and banana juice," he whined.
"That's because it is!"
Guru Pathik grinned before sipping from a bowl of his own. He drank it all and held the empty bowl, upside down, above his head.
"Yum, yum!"
Aang watched him in slight shock.
SOMEWHERE ELSE...
"I believe we need to go right," Master Yu argued.
Xin Fu halted the carriage.
"What are you talking about? The Beifong estate is this way."
"I'm quite certain, you're mistaken."
Toph banged on her metal cage loudly.
"Hey! Can you two old ladies quit your bickering for a second?" she insulted, "I gotta go to the bathroom."
"Oh," Master Yu muttered before strengthening his voice, "Okay, but make it quick!"
Xin Fu grabbed the man roughly.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Oh," Yu exclaimed, catching on. "Very sneaky Toph! Nice try, but you can't trick me!"
Toph continued to bash the metal.
"Let me out of here so I can kick both your butts!"
Xin Fu smacked the crate. "Quit your banging! You might think you're the greatest earth bender in the world, but even you can't bend metal."
Inside the cage, Toph gently placed her hand on the metal.
Ty Lee and Mai brushed off their makeup as Azula paced behind them.
"We've been presented with an extraordinary opportunity girls."
"Mai finally gets to wear makeup that isn't totally depressing?" Ty Lee teased.
Mai looked at her with smudged makeup. "Ha ha."
"I'm talking about conquering the whole Earth Kingdom."
Mai and Ty Lee shot their gazes to Azula's back.
"For a hundred years, the Fire Nation has hammered away at Ba Sing Se from the outside. But now we're on the inside, and we can take it by ourselves."
"Gosh," Ty Lee admired, "You're so confident. I really admire that about you."
"From the inside, we're in perfect position to organize a coup and overthrow the Earth King. The key is the Dai Li. Whoever controls the Dai Li controls Ba Sing Se."
Azula turned to look at the other two with a devious smirk.
Nahla bustled about in the kitchen in preparation for the grand opening. She was organizing everything and double checking that everything was in the right spot. While turning, she bent some water into three nearby kettles. She turned on the stove without half a glance.
"You're getting good at this."
Nahla jumped slightly before turning to see Zuko. She rolled her eyes.
"I'm a fast learner," she muttered, "and it's our job, hothead."
Zuko smirked before walking in front of her. She eyed him curiously. She quirked a brow.
"Yes?"
He sent a shy smile while grabbing her hands in his. She felt her cheeks heat up slightly. She clenched her jaw and swallowed. He shrugged.
"I...uh," he paused to chuckle, "I was wondering if you still had that kazoo I bought you."
The water bender was taken back slightly. She was surprised he even bothered to remember that parade. She remembered because she loved parades. He had seemed uninterested for the most part.
"Yeah," she replied slowly, "Why?"
Zuko dorkily beamed. "No reason."
"We...We should probably be getting the shop ready."
Nahla slowly pulled her hands out of his. She ducked her head and started heading out of the room.
"Nahla?" Zuko called.
"Yeah?" she asked a bit too quickly.
"I'll watch the tea."
Her cheeks darkened in embarrassment. "Oh, right. Thanks."
Hastily, she left the room. Zuko smiled softly before turning to the pots.
I let out a huff as I exited the kitchen. I let out an 'oof' as I ran into my aged friend. I shook my head and sheepishly looked at Iroh.
"Sorry. I wasn't paying attention," I admitted.
He smiled. "It is quite alright."
There was something about his smile that made me even more embarrassed. It was like he had been listening.
"I'm...I'm going to organize a few more things."
He nodded in compliance before I headed toward the opposite end of the shop. My hand thread through my hair.
*What is going on?* I thought to myself, *Why am I getting so embarrassed? All I did was have a conversation with Zuko.*
I let out a huff as I set about arranging the furniture. My brows were knit in confusion as I tried to think it out.
*What is with hothead, anyway? I didn't realize fevers brought out the-the...the something out of people.*
A sudden thought struck me that caused me to halt nearly all function. My eyes widened as my heart rate picked up and my cheeks heated up.
I had a crush on him.
"Nope," I declared aloud, "Not happening!"
I placed a hand on my hip as the other hand laid against my forehead.
*I can't. There's no way!* I thought loudly, *I mean, he hunted me and my friends. I was his prisoner.*
I let out a massive groan before banging my head on the closest table. This was too much at once.
"In order to master the Avatar State," Pathik explained to Aang under the stars, "you must open all the chakras."
Aang picked at his ear while watching the pools of water around him.
"Aang, tell me everything you know about chakras."
"What are chakras?" he asked while rubbing his eye.
Pathik deadpanned. "Oh, I see. I guess we'll start with the basics."
The guru bent down in front of a pool. He held a stick in his hand, poking it into the water.
"The water flows through this creek much like the energy flows through your body. As you see, there are several pools where water swirls around before flowing on. These pools are like our chakras."
"So chakras are pools of spiraling energy in our bodies?" Aang asked.
"Exactly. If nothing else were around, this creek would flow pure and clear. However, life is messy and things tend to fall in the creek. Then what happens?"
"The creek can't flow?"
"Yes. But, if we open the paths between the pools," Pathik paused to pick up some algae, letting the creek turn bright and flow.
"The energy flows!" exclaimed Aang.
Pathik smiled at the boy.
Aang and Pathik sat on a plateau in a dark cave. They sat across from each other in a meditative sitting position.
"There are several chakras that go up the body," the guru explained, "Each pool of energy has a purpose, and can be blocked by a specific kind of emotional muck. Be warned: opening the chakras is an intense experience. And once you begin this process, you cannot stop until all seven are open. Are you ready?"
Aang paused for a moment. He glanced off to the side, contemplating. He returned his gaze to Pathik.
"I'll do whatever it takes."
He closed his eyes as his mentor spoke once again.
"First, we will open the Earth chakra, located at the base of the spine. It deals with survival and is blocked by fear."
Aang suddenly saw a multitude of visions as Pathik continued. He saw the Blue Spirit, Katara sinking into the ground.
"What are you most afraid of?"
He saw himself angered and in the Avatar State. Suddenly it switched to Ozai and a burning comet.
"Let your fears become clear to you."
Aang saw himself in the Avatar State once again. This time, he watched as he sliced his hands forward. The form he had taken at the North Pole mimicked his actions against the Fire Nation Navy. He saw another flash of Ozai before opening his eyes. He was surrounded by a red fire until his frightened gaze landed on Ozai right in front of him. Aang let out a scream, heading into a defensive position.
"Aang," Pathik's voice rang, "your vision is not real. You are concerned for your survival, but you must surrender those fears. Let your fears flow down the creek."
Aang slowly righted himself. He watched as the vision of Ozai fizzled out until he only saw the guru. Pathik smiled.
"You have opened your Earth chakra," he congratulated.
Aang wiped the sweat of his forehead, relieved he had made it past those visions. He smirked.
Just behind another plateau was a rushing waterfall. Aang and Pathik were, again, facing each other.
"Next is the-"
"Water chakra?" Aang guessed.
Pathik leaned forward and held out his arms for a moment.
"Brilliant! Maybe one day you'll be a guru too!"
Aang sideglanced momentarily before the man spoke again.
"This chakra deals with pleasure and is blocked by guilt. Now, look at all the guilt that burdens you so."
Aang closed his eyes and folded his hands.
"What do you blame yourself for?"
Aang saw himself leave a note on his bed. A beat of thunder clapped as he saw his own face covered in tears. He watched himself go to the window.
"I ran away," Aang told Pathik.
The bald boy watched as his vision switched to himself using the Avatar State. He watched as he slammed into the ground, harming the earth bending soldiers around him. He grit his teeth with regret.
"I hurt all of those people."
"Accept the reality that these things happened. But do not let them cloud and poison your energy," Pathik advised, "If you are to be a positive influence on the world, you need to forgive yourself."
Aang inhaled deeply as he focused. As he exhaled, his chakra opened.
"This bay leads directly to the outskirts of Ba Sing Se," Hakoda informed, "We've been using these tangle mines to stop the Fire Nations ships from getting through."
Sokka's gaze switched from his father's to Bato's. The pseudo-uncle was pouring the needed materials into the buoy-like mine.
"Your father invented tangle mines himself," Bato reported happily.
The man walked to the next one as Sokka examined the invention.
"Destructive. Buoyant. And," Sokka paused to sniff. He nearly gagged. "Terrible smelling."
"Very perceptive," Hakodate replied with a fatherly smirk. He shoved the cork into the top. "The mines are filled with skunkfish and seaweed." The chief tightened the top. "When a ship detonates the mine, the seaweed tangles up the propeller. The foul smell forces people to abandon the ship. I call it the 'Stink and Sink'."
Sokka held his stomach is loud laughter.
"Good one dad!"
Bato rolled his eyes.
"You're definitely your father's son."
Another man ran up to the father and son.
"Hakoda! Our scouts have spotted four Fire Nation ships."
Hakoda stood. "Bato, get these mines loaded up. The rest of you men, prepare for battle."
All but Sokka sprinted from the beach, heading to their positions. Sokka watched with slight sadness before rubbing his elbow.
"Uh, what should I do, dad?"
"Weren't you listening? I said the rest of you men get ready for battle."
Sokka grinned as he stood. He gave his father a small bow before rubbing after the others. Hakoda watched on with pride for his son.
AT THE JASMINE DRAGON...
Iroh, Zuko, and Nahla stood at the front of the restaurant. The place was already brimming with people. Nahla smiled softly at the incoming customers. Seeing a struggling waitress, she quickly gave Iroh's arm a squeeze and left to help the employee.
"Who thought that when we came to this city as refugees that'd I'd end up owning my own tea shop. Follow your passions, Zuko, and life will reward you," Iroh advised.
Zuko looked in front of him to see Nahla bustling about with a genuine smile. He returned his focus to his uncle.
"Congratulations Uncle," he applauded.
"I'm very thankful," he replied.
"You deserve it. The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city," the nephew encouraged.
"No, I'm thankful because you decided to share this special day with me." He placed a hand on his nephew's arm. "It means more than you know."
Zuko pulled his uncle into a hug. Iroh easily returned it.
"Now, let's make these people some tea."
Zuko steadily made his way toward the kitchen. Iroh watched a moment before becoming excited.
"Yes! Let's make some tea."
Iroh sprinted toward the kitchen, passing his nephew. Zuko smiled, happy to watch his uncle's bubbling excitement.
The sun began to rise above the clouds. Pathik and Aang sat on a path carved into a sheer cliff.
"Third is the Fire chakra, located in the stomach."
Aang gripped his stomach. "My Fire chakra would like to eat something other than onion and banana juice."
Pathik chuckled.
"Good one! Moving on."
The pair resumed their meditative positions.
"This chakra deals with willpower and is blocked by shame. What are you ashamed of?"
Aang's mind sent him back to Jeong Jeong'a camp. He saw himself smiling while trying fire bending for the first time.
"What are your biggest disappointments in yourself?"
He watched as his vision showed him hurting Katara with the fire.
"I'm never gonna fire bend again," Aang muttered, "I can't."
"You will never find balance if you deny this part of your life," Pathik advised warily, "You are the Avatar, and therefore, you are a fire bender."
Aang took a deep breath. On the exhale, he opened his Fire chakra.
"Hmm. That chakra opened less like a flowing creek and more like a burping bison."
Just a second later, Aang let out a large burp. He knit his brows.
"It tastes like onions and bananas, but strangely something else...pickles?"
Pathik just shrugged his shoulders.
AT THE PALACE...
Two Dai Li agents slid down separate columns while Mai and Ty Lee relax on the palace steps. Mai was sitting on a step while Ty Lee was practicing her acrobatics.
Mai sighed. "I'm tired of wearing this girly disguise. I don't know how anyone can fight in this."
"Maybe that's why it was so easy to beat the Kyoshi Warriors and take their clothes," Ty Lee suggested.
"How much longer do we have to serve the Earth King?" Mai complained, "If I have to clean up one more pile of bear poop, I'm gonna throw up."
"Princess Azula promised we would go back to the Fire Nation as soon as we capture the Avatar. We just have to be patient."
Mai got to her feet. "Shush up! Do you want the whole palace to know we're Fire Nation?"
"Sorry," Ty Lee muttered.
The Dai Li agents smirked before stealthily climbing up the columns. After a moment, Azula stepped out from a farther column and headed toward the other two. They faced her.
"Good work girls. I'm sure the Dai Li will deliver the message."
Aang and Pathik sat in a courtyard of sorts at the top of a stone staircase. Aang turned to stare at a statue of Yangchen, the last Avatar born to the air benders.
"The fourth chakra is located in the heart. It deals with love and is blocked by grief."
Aang frowned as he felt the loss. He closed his eyes, placing the tips of his fingers to his chest.
"Lay all your grief out in front of you."
Aang quickly saw himself seated in the clouds. Gyatso rose from the clouds, seemingly meditating, followed by the rest of the Air Nomads. Aang smiled as he saw those he had dearly missed.
All too soon, his family began to disappear in individual puffs of smoke. Aang felt himself pulled away from his people. He sadly reached his hand toward them. Their bodies rose away from him.
"You have indeed felt a great loss. But love is a form of energy and it swirls all around us."
The billowing clouds rolled to Aang and lifted him up, suspending him in the air.
"The Air Nomads' love for you has not left this world. It is still inside of your heart and is reborn of new love."
The clouds in front of Aang pulled back to form a hooded figure. In a split second, Aang could see Katara's face as it was when he opened his eyes from the iceberg.
"Let the pain flow away."
Aang smiled as tears ran down his cheek, opening that chakra. The twelve year old wiped away his tears.
"Very good," Pathik cooed.
"Can I have some onion banana juice please?" Aang asked quietly.
Aang and Pathik now sat in front of an even larger statue of Yangchen.
"The fifth in the chain is the sound chakra. It is located in the throat. It deals with truth and is blocked by lies. The ones we tell ourselves."
Aang was brought back to Appa's saddle. Sokka had leaned against the back while Katara was closer.
"Why didn't you tell us you were the Avatar?"
"Because I never wanted to be."
"You cannot lie about your own nature. You must accept that you are the Avatar."
Aang took a deep breath. His viewpoint shifted to himself on a high cliff. He swept over himself only to see his own face.
Once the chakra had opened, Aang opened his eyes.
"Very good Aang. You have opened the chakra of truth."
"The sixth pool of energy is the light chakra, located in the center of the forehead. It deals with insight and is blocked by illusion. The greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation. Things you think are separate and different are actually one and the same."
Aang closed his eyes and meditated.
"Like the four nations."
"Yes. We are all one people, but we live as if divided."
"We're all connected," Aang repeated, "Everything is connected."
"That's right! Even the separation of the four elements is an illusion."
Unbeknownst to the pair, at Pathik spoke, Toph was at work in her cell.
"If you open your mind, you will see that all the elements are one. Four parts of the same whole."
Toph stomped and pushed against her cage. She sensed the metal around her.
"Even metal is just a part of earth that has been purified and refined."
Toph continued to hit until her knuckles were against the metal directly in front of her. She smirked as she sensed bits of earth scattered through the box.
She took a deep breath in preparation. She stomped the ground and forced her hands against the cool metal.
"Come on," she groaned, "metal, budge!"
She pulled back her hands before lurching them forward. The cage made a large dent. Inside, Toph shook her hands.
"Woo! Toph, you rule."
The earth bender continued to punch.
Katara slowed her pace as she walked closer to the new tea shop. She glanced up to the lemur.
"What do you say, Momo? A cup of tea before we get back to the king?"
Momo chittered in agreement, prompting the water bender to continue on. She stopped at the door. She smiled at the greeters.
"Table for two please."
A familiar voice ran a chill up the girl's spine.
"Uncle! I need two jasmine, one green, and one leechi!
Katara turned to see Zuko walking a tray over to Iroh. The man looked over his shoulder and smiled.
"I'm brewing as fast as I can!"
Shocked and terrified, Katara sprinted from the shop. Unfortunately, she hadn't seen Nahla in the middle of the shop. Her fellow water bender had glanced at the door. She caught a glimpse of the color blue. Her pupils dilated.
Excusing herself, and setting down the tea, Nahla sprinted toward the front. She galloped down the steps, past the greeters, and toward the pond. She stopped to look around. Her eyes shifted fervently from one area to the next.
"Katara," she muttered. She let out a breath and yelled, "Katara!"
Nahla continued to spin for a moment. There was no response. Slowly, and unsurely, she headed back up the steps. Still glancing over her shoulder, she nearly ran into Zuko.
"Sorry," she murmured.
"Is everything alright?" he asked.
Nahla knit her brows, noticing his worry. The water bender looked over her shoulder once more before gradually returning her gaze to the fire bender.
"I thought I saw..." she trailed off and shook her head, "Nevermind."
Zuko gently placed a hand on her bicep. He smoothed his thumb over the bracelet her sister had given her. With her confused gaze remaining, she looked into his eyes.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
Gulping, she nodded. Nahla pushed past the boy to continue helping the shop. Zuko watched her with concern for a moment. Seconds later, he returned to his duties as well.
"This is the last chakra, isn't it?" inquired Aang.
"Yes. Once you open this chakra, you will be able to go in and out of the Avatar State at will," Pathik confirmed, "And when you are in the Avatar State, you will have complete control and awareness of all your actions."
The young Avatar smirked.
"Let's do this."
"The thought chakra is located at the crown of the head. It deals with pure cosmic energy and is blocked by earthly attachment. Meditate on what attaches you to this world."
Aang focused as he felt the wind breeze by. He saw Katara water bending in the sky before it switched to her wearing the necklace he had made her. The final vision was just of her face closing in on Aang's face while they were in the Cave of Two Lovers.
"Now, let all of those attachments go. Let them flow down the river, forgotten."
Aang's eyes snapped open. "What? Why would I let go of Katara? I-I love her!"
"Learn to let her go or you cannot let the pure cosmic energy flow in from the universe."
Aang's eyebrows were furrowed. "Why would I choose cosmic energy over Katara? How can it be a bad thing that I feel an attachment to her? Three chakras ago, that was a good thing."
"You must learn to let go," Pathik rebuked.
Katara sprinted into the king's throne room. She immediately recognized the Kyoshi Warrior uniforms.
"Thank goodness you're here, Suki," Katara stated while stopping, "Something terrible is going on. The Fire Nation has infiltrated the city. I just saw Prince Zuko and his uncle!"
Azula's eyes widened before she deviously smirked.
"We have to tell the Earth King right away."
Azula stood and spoke flatly, "Oh, don't worry. I'll be sure to let him know."
The golden glint of the princess's eyes caused Katara to recognize the deception. Momo leapt off her shoulder. Katara took a step back, aiming for the water to fight with. Unfortunately, Ty Lee had moved just a tad sooner, landing a jab on the bender's shoulder.
Katara limply fell to the ground, the useless water flowing around her. The three spies encircled the disabled girl. Azula looked down on her.
"So, Zuzu's in the city too. I think it's time for a family reunion."
Momo let out a quiet chittered before escaping the throne room.
Aang lowered his head.
"I'm sorry, but I can't let go of Katara."
"Aang, to master the Avatar State you must open all the chakras," Pathik patiently explained, "Surrender yourself."
"Okay. I'll try."
Aang returned to his meditation. His saw a path between rocks and the stars spiraling overhead.
"Now think of your attachments and let them go."
Aang watched as a smiling Katara spun from that path and into the stars. She twinkled as she disappeared. The heavens stopped once she had.
"Let the pure cosmic energy flow."
The young boy saw purple lights reflecting above the earth. Aang rose up from that path and into space. He smiled as he stepped on a purple path that had been created under him. The tattooed boy saw his own, massive form glowing with the power of the Avatar State.
Staring only at the figure, Aang began to walk closer to it. As he did, his tattoos began to glow, connecting with the blackened and glowing figure. Aang took a moment to notice he himself was glowing.
The large figure lowered itself while holding a sphere of energy. Aang focused, stepping into the ball, eyes closed. Just as he was about to unlock it, a familiar scream resounded through his ears.
He looked across the purple bridge, from where he had just come, and saw a vision of Katara struggling in chains. She called out to whoever was around her.
"Let me go!"
Out of fear and worry, Aang jumped from the sphere and figure. He ran across the purple bridge of light. The farther away he got, the less was the glow of his own arms as well as the massive figure. Before he could reach Katara, the bridge disappeared right under his feet. Aang's body fell back to the earth.
Aang lurched forward as he opened his eyes. Determination and resolve was etched into his features.
"Katara's in danger! I have to go!"
Aang bolted from his spot. Pathik hastily went to follow.
"No Aang!"
Aang slid down the curved roof.
"By choosing attachment, you have locked the chakra! If you leave now, you won't be able to go into the Avatar State at all!"
Aang stood a moment, considering what Pathik had said. He jumped off the roof. Pathik lowered his head in hurt as Appa groaned and soared away from the temple.
A loud screech called Xin Fu to stop the cart. Master Yu and Xin Fu hurried to look at the cage. Their mouths gaped as they saw it torn open and empty.
"It's another one of her tricks!" Yu exclaimed.
"There's a giant hole in the box," Xin Fu yelled, "How is that a trick?"
"It's not!" The two turned to see Toph. "It's the real deal."
Quickly, Toph bent two slabs of earth if either side of the pair. She pushed them together until they were immobilized. The young bender faced her back toward them as her foot slid down the slight incline. The slabs shifted to throw the two into the cage.
Toph launched herself from the spot until she was right in front of the cage. Gripping the metal, she bent the cage closed. She hopped on top of the box.
"I am the greatest earth bender in the world!" she declared, "Don't you two dunderheads ever forget it!"
Once more, Toph jumped onto the ground. She bent the earth to catch her fall before causing it to rise into a high mobile dome. Using her feet and arms, she used the large lump to hastily head back to Ba Sing Se.
"I'm going to be stuck in here forever with you, aren't I?" Xin Fu lamented.
"I have to go to the bathroom," Yu replied.
Xin Fu clunked his head against the metal.
Sokka sheathed his machete and grabbed his club as he stood up. His father approached him with a smirk.
"Ready to knock some Fire Nation heads?"
"You don't know how much this means to me, dad. I'll make you proud, and I'll finally prove to you what a great warrior I am," the son replied with determination.
Hakoda placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"Sokka, you don't have to prove anything to me. I'm already proud of you. And I've always known you're a great warrior."
"Really?"
"Why do you think I trusted you to look after our tribe when I left."
Sokka smiled in gratitude. He bowed his head slightly. Hakoda led his son to the ship just as Sokka heard a familiar groan. The pair turned around just as Appa landed. Aang gave Sokka a concerned look.
"This can't be good news," Sokka murmured.
Appa groaned as he took flight again. Sokka looked back toward the ship. Likewise, Hakoda watched with slight sadness, yet pride, as his son flew away.
BACK IN BA SING SE...
Two Dai Li guards ushered Azula down a hall of cells. They only stopped when it came to the one farthest back. They held onto her as they led her to Long Feng.
"What is this about?" she demanded, "Your agents show up in the middle of the night and drag me down here! You will not treat a Kyoshi Warrior this way."
"But you're not a Kyoshi Warrior," Long Feng drawled, "are you, Princess Azula of the Fire Nation?"
"What do you want?" she queried, forcing a slight inflection of fear.
"I want to make a deal. It's time that I regain control of Ba Sing Se, and you have something I need."
"Oh?"
"The Earth King's trust."
"Why should I help you?"
"Because I can get you the Avatar."
"I'm listening."
Long Feng smirked.
Zuko swept the carpet since the shop had been closed for the night. Iroh was near the front picking up some leftover dishes while Nahla was wiping down the tables. A man entered the tea shop with a parchment. He walked straight up to Iroh.
"A message from the royal palace."
The man bowed as Iroh took the scroll. He left as the aged man read the parchment. Nahla cocked an eyebrow in curiosity.
"I...I can't believe it," Iroh muttered.
Nahla and Zuko moved closer to the man with slight concern.
"What is it, uncle?" asked Zuko.
"Great news! We've been invited to serve tea to the Earth King!"
Nahla's eyes widened as she beamed at her friend. Before she could congratulate him, Iroh sprinted off toward the back. Zuko smiled, content to see his uncle's joy. It widened when Nahla looked back, her beaming smile still plastered across her face. Nahla returned to cleaning the tables with a slightly better mood. She hummed to herself. Whatever had been bothering her earlier seemed to have been forgotten. Zuko mimicked her and contently continued to sweep.
The Dai Li agents escorted Azula out of Long Feng's cell. The farther away they got, the more devious her smirk.
And there's that episode! (Iroh is so adorable in this episode.) So close to being done with Book 2! (I can't believe it!) Crossroads of Destiny is going to be nuts! As usual, please continue to R&R because I am crazy for feedback! I love it and building from it. Thank you, again, to all of those who have stuck around while I had the unexpected hiatus. You're all supremely awesome for that.
Remain glorious you magnificent people!
manyreasons