EDINBURGH, LATE JUNE

The Gaang faced a dilemma. They were debating as to whether or not they should secure one last alliance. When the English captured the MacDuff province, that was the last straw. Scotland's small navy was heavily reliant on using that province, however the English Army had penetrated it.

The Fire Nation had also used it to send in its first troops. Now, they would have to take the long way. They would have to sail north through Ireland and go all the way around the northern coast of England, before landing in the MacNeil province, where the troops would receive further assignment.

At this point, England's central forces in the Ferguson and Douglas provinces were beginning to disperse a little. Some joined the northern forces in their battle against the MacDougells, while others kept pressing eastward, hoping to break through the Wallace province. If they broke through that, they will have reached the MacKay province, and if they made it far enough, they would reach Edinburgh.

Fearing that Clan Wallace was now more vulnerable, the Gaang decided to travel to Ba Sing Se, hoping to secure an alliance with Kuei, the Earth King. The MacKay children, excluding Stephen, stayed in Scotland to continue leading the army while they were gone. Stephen meanwhile, went back to Ireland to receive updates from the council and possibly bring a few reinforcements back with him.

While riding on Appa to Ba Sing Se, the Gaang shared their thoughts. William started with, "Do you doubt that the Earth King will tell us what we need to hear?"

"Why shouldn't he?", Aang asked.

"I know he basically gave me Scotland, or at least what started Scotland, but this isn't a founding. This is a war. The circumstances are much different."

"Relax. We go way back with Earth King Kuei. He is indebted to us for ending the war. You know...the HUNDRED YEAR War."

"I'm aware. I'm just determined, that's all."

"We all are."

EARTH KINGDOM PALACE, BA SING SE

The Gaang considered this a formal meeting that required formal clothing. Aang wore the traditional monk robe and necklace that was common for airbenders. Katara wore a blue Water Tribe dress, Sokka wore a formal Water Tribe suit, and Toph wore her metal police uniform. William differed from everybody. He never liked being formal. He simply wearing a kilt and a brown shirt underneath it. The kilt was green however, to at least show he had respect for the Earth Kingdom.

The Gaang was immediately granted access into the palace. They all made certain accomplishments to earn it. They felt the meeting was going to be nerve wracking, but a little bit of humor lightened the tension when William just assumed he knew the palace better than everyone else and got lost on his way there.

William, you're not supposed to turn left but-", Katara started before William interjected.

"Trust me, darling. I know this place like the back of my hand.", he said while heading in the wrong direction.

"Should I go get him?", Toph asked as if it happened all the time.

Katara humorously responded, "No. Let him keep going. I'd like to see how this one plays out."

Everyone else went before the throne and began to plea their case.

"Greetings, your majesty", Aang said as he and others kneeled.

"Your majesty", the rest of the Gaang said.

"Ah, Avatar Aang and his friends. It's good to see all of you again.", Kuei said.

"It is a tremendous honor to be back inside the palace. I see it hasn't changed one bit.", Aang continued.

"Thank you. Wait...One of you is missing. Wasn't I expecting someone else?"

"Yeah...About that-", Aang said before being cut off.

Suddenly, William bursted in behind them. "This palace has too many doors!", he yelled.

Toph, Katara, and Sokka laughed while trying to conceal it.

"Ahem", Aang said as he pointed toward Kuei.

"Oh...Your majesty", William said as he gave him a quick bow.

"Ah, King William of Scotland. A little late, but still here...You're not going to kneel?", Kuei said a little confused.

"I respect you, your majesty. But I'm a Scotsman. I only kneel before the Lord."

"Ah, yes. The Scots are quite stubborn, aren't they?", Kuei told his squire.

"I prefer you don't insult my people. The Scottish respect the Earth Kingdom. Unlike the English. Which reminds me, did they mention anything to you yet?"

"No. But I already know plenty about your...uh...conflict."

"This is not simply a conflict, your majesty. It's a full scale war. Everyone is involved in one way or another. Except you. And that's why we came here."

"You wish to drag the rest of the Earth Kingdom into war? I know you weren't around when it happened, but we spent so long-"

"Yes, yes. I know. The Hundred Year War. I wasn't here to fight in it. But I was fighting my own battles when that happened."

"What William is TRYING to say, is that we could use a little more support.", Aang said.

"Support?", Kuei asked.

"Yes. Infantry. Calvary. Armor. Weapons.", Sokka said.

"I try to avoid fights.", Aang said. "It's what the monks always taught me. But this is not about me. I could restore balance to this world in an instant, but this is William's kingdom and we'll defend it his way. But we've suffered many losses and we need your support now more than ever. We want to secure one more alliance to help end this war. That alliance is with you. As the Avatar, I want nothing but what's best for the world. And right now, we all have a common enemy. Earth King Kuei, I strongly advise you to join William MacKay in Scotland's fight for freedom."

"Ok, Aang.", Kuei said. "You've made your case. Now let's hear it from someone else."

"Your majesty", Sokka started. "I took the liberty of writing my case down on this very long piece of paper-"

"Wait", Kuei interrupted. "Let me stop you right there, Sokka. I get it. More armor. More weapons. More soldiers. No offense, but you're very predictable. So, who's next?"

Sokka sighed and said, "Of course. It can only happen to me." He then went to the back of the line.

Katara then stepped forward.

"Your majesty, I also strongly advise you to join William. For almost three months Scotland has been at war. The English have taken over many of its provinces and begun enacting Prima Nocte. It is essentially legal rape. They're also killing Scots that fail to comply with their disgusting doctrines. The English are out there right now committing one inhumane act after another. Thousands have suffered and if nothing is done about it, this will only spread. Join us...I beg you."

"Well, that was very dark. Even for you, Katara. Well...next."

Toph then stepped forward.

"Your majesty, I think you can already tell where I stand. Almost ten years ago, I left Scotland. My husband and I had a falling out. To this day, it still isn't resolved. But I never abdicated my position. I'm still the Queen of Scots and I care deeply for my husband's wellbeing and the wellbeing of all of Scotland. The war has affected me too. As Republic City Chief of Police, I've witnessed many attacks on the city by the English. They claim the city as their own. But we've tried so hard to prevail and maintain our autonomy. We need strength if we want to prevail. You are that strength. Unite the Earth Kingdom in its war against England. Unite it."

Toph then stepped back while the Earth King thought for a minute. He then announced his final decision.

"Well, you've all made valid statements. And you're right. I would like to unite the Earth Kingdom. But that's exactly why I can't support you."

The Gaang gasped while William stepped in front in rage.

"WHAT?!", he yelled.

"I'm sorry, William. It just wouldn't work. Many citizens in both Ba Sing Se and the rest of the Earth Kingdom support you. They support Scotland. But some people also support England. I'm not sure why, but they do. They seem to believe that the war is somehow justified. If I publicly picked a side this would only create division amongst the Earth Kingdom. We could fall into civil war. I'm sorry, but I have to stay neutral. It's what's for the people."

After a couple seconds, Aang started, "Well, thank you anyway-", before being interrupted.

"You're a coward", William said to Kuei. "You will live to regret this decision."

William then stormed out of the palace. The rest of the Gaang apologized for him and then exited the palace as well.