A long time ago, Avatar Kalkin disappeared without a trace, and with the absence of any successor, the world was gradually thrown into chaos. Governments became unbalanced, spiritual and natural disasters spread, and war sprang everywhere.

In the face of this unprecedented crisis, Fire Lord Kuni declared that he would assemble a party to search for this Avatar, but the Earth Kingdom feared this as a prelude to more aggressive actions, and moved to subdue this threat. Amidst the chaos, two young women managed to escape, and with their allies, embarked on a long journey that would hopefully lead them to the new Avatar, the only one who could restore order to the world…

AVATAR

The Celestial Sailors

BOOK ONE: CHAOS

17: Malice at the Palace

Usagi slowly woke up to the steady, rhythmic undulation of Artemis catching a gentle breeze. She was far too weak and groggy to freak out this time; instead she groaned softly, blinking as her eyes adjusted. A face smiled down at her; it was Ami, who had been taking very good care of her.

"She's awake," she announced gently. Everyone else stirred, and scooted closer (Artemis bellowed in relief).

"Welcome back, bun-head," Minako saluted. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I just stayed awake for three days straight."

"Well, get some rest while you can. We're all going to rendezvous at another mission before taking the fight to Beryl's doors. I haven't seen my father this pumped up in a long time." Usagi groaned, rubbing her face as she sat up. The city of Ba Sing Se was slowly passing beneath her; around her were countless air-benders on kites, including a large one she identified as Kinsei.

"Just what happened back there, anyway?" she asked. The other girls looked at each other gleefully; Makoto nudged Usagi's face with her fist.

"As if you don't know! You sly dog, why didn't you tell us you were the Avatar?"

Usagi looked incredibly bewildered. "Because...I'm not?"

"There's no need to be modest about it," Rei pressed. "I've never seen that kind of power before."

"What power?"

"When you flew up from the ravine!"

"And you knocked Kunzite around like a rag doll!" Makoto added.

"Plus you were radiating light," Ami pointed. Usagi seemed more pale than radiant.

"Guys, I didn't do any of that stuff! All I remember is being thrown off that bridge and blacking out! The next thing I knew, I was here, flying around on Artemis." She looked at their incredulous faces and added, "I swear!" Minako blinked.

"You really don't remember doing any of that?"

"No! And I told you I can't bend. I've even tried to do it before, but nothing ever happened."

"But you were flying!" Minako exclaimed. "And you were glowing and using all four bending styles!" She stiffened as Ami held up her hand.

"Let's not distress her any more than she is already. I know it must be a lot to take in, Usagi, but we all saw it happen."

"Are you sure you weren't born in the Fire Nation?" Rei said. Usagi sulked distressingly.

"I'm positive. I wasn't born in any of the nations. There's no way I could be the Avatar."

The group mulled over this in long silence. It was understandably confusing.

"Besides, nobody ever proved the last one was dead. Are you sure whats-his-face didn't show up?"

"Kalkin," Rei corrected. "And we all recognized you, Usagi. You're way too distinct for your own good." She smiled weakly and ran her fingers through one of the long blonde pigtails that distinguished their friend. Usagi sat moping for a long time. Finally, Makoto spoke up:

"Well, no matter what, we're all alive and well. We're going to save Mamoru and confront Beryl, so chin up, okay?" She patted Usagi's back; the thought of being reunited with the young Captain definitely brought a smile back on Usagi's face. They reached the rendezvous point after a few minutes; everyone got off to stretch, rest, and plan their next move. They would wait until all the other air-benders had arrived, then spend the rest of the day mapping out their assault. Then, in the morning, it was Beryl's palace or bust.

…...

General Jaedite was studying some of Beryl's animals when he was summoned into the Queen's chambers. After successfully capturing the majority of the Fire Nation's more dangerous citizens (including the entire royal family and every participant of their so-called tournament), Beryl had wanted to invite Jaedite to the palace to personally congratulate him, and to give him his next charge. Jaedite hadn't planned on that, but it served his schemes better than he meant them to.

The Queen of Ba Sing Se smiled at him as he entered and bowed. Beryl's reputation for gratitude was as well-founded as her reputation for vengeance.

"General, please, make yourself comfortable. Some wine, perhaps?"

"If I may have the honor of joining you." They sat together and drank. Beryl toyed with her wine glass idly as they spoke.

"You've done well, Jaedite. My entire campaign would have been far costlier and more disastrous if it hadn't been for you. It couldn't have been easy turning on your lord and king like that."

"When presented with the truth of his warmongering treachery, your highness, what man could stand by so idly?"

"Spoken like a true realist. I also understand you've made capitol of the Tears of Apsu."

"Yes, they've been greatly beneficial. I have a few trusted scientists, alchemists, and mineralogists studying them for any additional properties they may have. If there are...weaknesses, we ought to know about them."

"How true, how true." She eyed him coyly, then leaned forward imperceptibly and touched the coronet on her forehead. "I've inlaid several of them here, and on various other pieces of jewelry. There's one the size of a melon decorating My throne. Not that I have any reason to believe anyone would, or could, assault Me, but a show of power is never to be discouraged." She drank more of her wine, studying Jaedite's reactions, his posture, where his eyes settled, and for how long. "I wonder where you'll go from here—in your career, I mean."

"I've heard vague reports of unrest in your northwestern borders."

"I had Kunzite investigate that," she smiled. "I could have had My lowliest footman handle it, but as I said, displays of power. This one was necessary, however. I have spent My entire life resurrecting and restructuring the Earth Kingdom, and I'm not about to let vermin chew away at its foundation. 'If there is so much as a pebble obstructing My path, I must remove it or crush it under My heel.'"

"I have heard that quote before," Jaedite said.

"It's very famous," Beryl smirked, leaning back on her elbow. "The great warlord Rolando Demys recited it as he attempted to unite the world under his banner. I'd give anything to see how history might've turned out under that sort of willpower. Oh, his methods may have been cruel, and I suppose that Avatar Sung Chiang did the right thing by ending his reign. All the same, that sort of ambition must be admired."

"So you subscribe to the thought that preservation and unity was his goal, and not conquest." Beryl emptied her glass but chose not to respond.

"Are you anxious to return to the field, General?" Jaedite shifted in his seat.

"I must confess, I would not object to a respite."

"Then take it, by all means! You've certainly earned it. Is a fortnight enough?"

"One week will suffice, your majesty. You may give me a new assignment by that time, if it pleases you."

"I will certainly keep that in mind," she said. She noticed one of her guards approaching, a dire look on his face. He somehow managed to compose himself long enough to bow, though he was out of breath. "Speak when you are able," she said, "I'm in no hurry."

"Begging your pardon, your majesty, but this news is urgent! The pri—" He cut himself off as he realized Jaedite was there, listening to everything. Beryl gestured for him to continue.

"If it is so urgent, then you may speak comfortably before General Jaedite."

"I can leave if you need me to," he offered. Beryl laughed.

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it, General! This may be that new opportunity for you. Proceed." The guard saluted and thanked the Queen. The message concerned Kunzite's fortress, and how nearly every prisoner had escaped. Furthermore, a large number of air-benders were heading towards the palace...and there was no word yet on General Zoicite's whereabouts.

"I see." Beryl was royally frigid on the outside, but inwardly, she was seething. She had more than enough discipline not to allow her emotions to overcome her. Instead, she rose and announced, "Find Zoicite and bring him to Me. Explain that I wish to hear his full report. I will send an emissary out to greet the air-benders, but I would like for Nephrite to locate the prisoners; they can't have gone past our borders." The guard bowed again and ran off; Jaedite stood as the Queen left the table.

"Your majesty, if you require my services in any capacity..."

"It seems you were wise to curtail your holiday," she said, her mouth curling into a cunning smile. "Take it, by all means. I will have great things in store for you upon your return." He bowed as she strolled away, letting out a private sigh of relief.

"So far so good," he whispered to himself. "Now to open the hidden passage. If my calculations are correct, you'll soon have far more than air-benders knocking on your door, my dear queen."

…...

With nothing else to do, and unwilling to just sit and wait, Mamoru was whiling his hours away with push-ups and sit-ups. He was in the middle of trying to break his record of fifty in one minute when he heard someone approach his cell. Gingerly, he put his shirt back on and waited, never letting his guard down even when he saw Nephrite approach.

"Forgive me, my king, but I was delayed by Queen Beryl. It seems there's been a riot at Kunzite's fortress, and I was asked to round up all the escaped prisoners." Mamoru couldn't help but smirk at that. If only he could've seen Yuniro's face when it happened.

"So much for nobody ever leaving that place. You know, I was beginning to wonder if I had made the right choice by trusting you."

"I do hope I can earn that trust, my king," said Nephrite as he opened the cell door. He gave Mamoru a little food and water, and told him what all had happened as he led him out of the dungeons: "The root of all the problems at the fortress seem to be air-benders from the western temple, but I've heard rumors that the girls you were traveling with had a hand in it as well. Perhaps you were right in leaving them behind."

"It would seem so. I don't suppose there was any mention of a blonde girl with pigtails?"

"They're only rumors, I'm afraid. The stories are too wild and disorganized, with very few facts to sift through." He looked back and smiled at Mamoru. "I would not give up hope yet, sire. You are alive, and that alone is more than I dreamed. But enough of this." He led him out of the dungeon and into the warden's office, which was conveniently empty. He bade Mamoru to put on a spare guard's uniform, and gave him a sword and writ of passage.

"It's only a corporal's uniform, I'm afraid," Nephrite said, "but it should get you into most places without trouble. The writ is for those scholars I mentioned earlier, the ones tasked with keeping and verifying royal documents. You'll know them for the insignia around their necks, a red rose."

"You mean like this?" Mamoru said, holding up the ring he had found. Nephrite gawked, looking pale enough to fall over.

"Where in the world did you find that?! That's King Endymion's signet ring! I thought it had been lost forever!"

"A strange woman came by my prison the other day. She didn't say anything; she just placed this ring on the door of my cell and left."

"Very strange," Nephrite whispered. "I would give up half my wealth to know who she was, and the other half to know where she found that. But never mind: that signet ring will open up the vault where the royal documents are kept, and many other secret places as well."

"Oh really," he smirked. "Then I may not need those papers after all."

"You should hang onto them all the same. Those scholars take their work seriously." Mamoru agreed, and asked where he might find them. Nephrite gave him directions to their research station, and also told him to look out for the main library, where they sometimes visited, as well as the gallery. He warned Mamoru of a few places he should avoid, and told him that under no circumstances should he go to the third floor—for that was where Beryl ate, slept, and held her court.

"First you must find proof of your lineage," he advised, "then gain the support of the scholars. After that, you may confront her as boldly as you dare."

"I'd like nothing more," he said resolutely. "But won't you be joining me?"

"No, I still have my orders. I will only recapture those prisoners who are performing some great harm on the city or its people. Most of the people locked in there were loyal to your father, while others did no evil other than speak out against the Queen. Even so, we may not see each other for some time—but we will meet again, my king." Mamoru drew in a deep breath, and studied Nephrite with the cool head of a Captain. He felt like he could trust the other man a little more now, and wondered where that trust would be by the end of the day. He extended his hand, which Nephrite took.

"Until then." They shook hands, and Nephrite headed out of the office—but before leaving, he cast his face aside and grinned.

"So how long exactly do I have to wait in line for our date?"

"Decades!" Nephrite laughed.

"Until then, your highness!" Mamoru just shook his head as Nephrite left. What a way to start the day...

…...

The seal on Zoicite's door was so strong that a hole had to be made in a neighboring room. He was exceedingly agitated when they finally pulled all the cabinets away from him, and let more than a few vicious words fly. His day went from bad to worse when a messenger arrived, informing him that Beryl requested a report of the breakout, in person. Lethal dread bubbled in Zoicite's stomach; he could only imagine the cruel fate in store for him now. But he had no choice: after bidding farewell to Kunzite (who got out of his own prison thanks to several air and earth-benders), Zoicite summoned a carriage and bade them drive through the city as quickly as possible.

Wanting to get this over with, Zoicite didn't stop or delay—except once, when his paths crossed with Jaedite. The other man gave Zoicite a curt not and a respectable berth; Zoicite felt a conversation was in order since he had never spoken with his fellow officer. As Jaedite was only one day into his requested vacation, he was not in any hurry and kindly obliged.

"How are your efforts to contain the Fire Nation, Jaedite?"

"They are progressing very well, thank you. Queen Beryl seems to think I've earned some praise." Zoicite grit his teeth but kept his composure.

"Well, you did capture the entire royal family, and all the people who participated in that false tournament. That's certainly noteworthy."

"Thank you, I'm honored you feel that way. How are your ventures, may I ask?"

Zoicite trembled in anger before answering: "I have had several setbacks and delays. It is nothing I cannot overcome."

"I'm glad to hear it. Though you might be insulted by any offer of assistance, I will still extend it if you wish." Zoicite snarled.

"You're quite the diplomat, aren't you, Jaedite? You always have the right thing to say, the right solution, the right actions! And so humble, as well. I know it's a ruse, Jaedite, and a flimsy one at that. I don't trust you."

"Perceive me however you wish," he answered, diplomatically as charged. "Just remember there are greater things to devote one's energy to. Now, would you please excuse me? I have a matter to attend to in town."

"By all means," Zoicite said sarcastically, "don't let me delay you." Jaedite bowed and went on his way, leaving Zoicite to curse under his breath. He resumed his trek without any further delay.

Beryl was not in her throne room; an attendant had to escort Zoicite out to the tall tower, where the Queen was enjoying the view by a large window. She seemed regal and resplendent, like always, but also serene, as if she were a part of the day and not merely its spectator. Zoicite bowed when Beryl turned to greet him—with an inviting smile, no less. Zoicite was more unnerved by that than anything else Beryl could've offered.

"Come join Me, General," she bade him. "I was just taking in a late afternoon sun. I rarely get time to simply soak in the day, so I enjoy these few opportunities. The price One must pay for leadership."

"I can relate somewhat, your majesty," Zoicite stated cautiously. He approached the window, and stared at the masterpiece of the world spread before him. Beryl's entire kingdom was visible from their high perch: not just Ba Sing Se, as massive and magnificent as it was, but the forests, the rivers and lakes, the fields and orchards, the roads, the people and animals, the mountains, the very sky itself. Everything Zoicite saw was Beryl's, earned through many years of long toil, hardship, tears, blood, sweat, sacrifice, and private pain patiently endured. It was spectacular, and Zoicite said as much.

"It is, isn't it? The jewel of My ancestors, the blessings of Our world manifested into a real, thriving, tangible form. For centuries it was fought over, broken up, reclaimed, lost, united, divided, a land of change, of terror, where one counted another day alive as a true blessing! Avatar Kalkin did much to aid it, and I have worked remarkably, if I may say so, in his absence. It is My kingdom, it is My Ba Sing Se, it is MY LAND. I would do anything for its peace and security. What would you do for it, Zoicite?"

Honestly, Zoicite didn't care in the slightest for Ba Sing Se, the Earth Kingdom, or its Queen. The only reason he was here now was because of his undying love for Kunzite—and to Kunzite, this city was important. Well, Beryl had helped preserve the Northern Air Temple, and for that at least, Zoicite was grateful.

"I do believe I would do anything for it as well," he whispered, thinking of Kunzite. Beryl studied him carefully.

"Would you kill for it?" Zoicite nodded numbly.

"I already have."

"Good," said Beryl. "So would I."

Without warning, she grabbed Zoicite and with all her strength, flung him over the side of the window into the empty air, watching coldly as he screamed and plummeted to his death. For a few seconds, she remained there, the visage of horror itself, breathing sharply but steadily.

"Useless imbecile," she spat, striding away from the window. "Such is the price of your incompetence."

…...

Night had overcome Usagi's part of the world when she was stirred out of her thoughts by Rei. The looks they exchanged were overflowing with anxiety. The planning had taken far longer than anyone expected; many of the air-benders present had been injured during the prison break and needed to recover. But they would be ready tomorrow. Before long, they would be undergoing the task that had brought them all together and started them on their journey. Whether Usagi was really the Avatar or not, one thing was certain: they were going to confront Queen Beryl, at long last.

"Are you ready?" Rei asked. Usagi drew in a deep breath, giving the full moon one more lingering gaze.

"Yeah. I'm ready."

The end of "Malice at the Palace"

Next time: "The Point of No Return"