Chapter 11: Under New Management
Harry, Sokka, and a small group of hippies emerged from the side of a mountain atop two large beasts. The beasts were Badgermoles and turned out to be very helpful and friendly despite how ferocious they looked. The group probably only made it out of the Cave of Two Lovers thanks to them.
"Well, that turned out pretty well," Sokka said with a grin.
The hippies were playing some kind of song Harry and Sokka couldn't hear. "That spell is really handy," Sokka said as he looked to the hippies.
"I keep finding it more and more useful each time I cast it. This way they can sing their terribly offkey songs and we don't go crazy from listening to them," Harry said.
"You got that right. I'm pretty sure I was only a couple of face palms away from having a permanent red handprint on my face," Sokka said chuckling.
Harry chuckled to that. "You think Aang and Katara will be fine?" he asked after a moment.
"They have Appa. They'll be fine. In fact, I bet they'll be joining us soon," Sokka said.
As if on cue, the three missing party members emerged from a large doorway in the mountain side. "Katara!" Sokka said happy to see his sister again after they were split up by a cave-in.
"Sokka!" she replied as they quickly embraced.
"Why do you seem a little bummed?" Harry asked Aang as he greeted his friend.
"I'm glad we made it out but," Aang looked to see if Katara was listening in or not. It seemed she wasn't. He whispered to Harry, "I swear we were like inches away from kissing each other. There was this nice atmosphere, but then Katara figured out we needed to follow these lights on the ceiling left by the two lovers in the tale to get outside. I'm glad we made it, but…" Aang said.
Harry placed an arm on his shoulder. "You wish it had taken a minute or two longer first," Harry said with a nod.
Aang nodded.
Harry clasped his friend's shoulder and said, "I think it's for the best, Aang. Katara does see you as a close friend, a very close friend, but I don't think she yet sees you as possibly being something more."
"Yeah… I get it. Still it would have been nice," Aang said wistfully.
"I'd say give it time," Harry said to him.
Katara looked to Sokka and said, "I'm actually surprised you managed to not go crazy with how you were carrying on earlier."
"Probably because Harry used his silencing spell. It was like that group didn't even know they were silenced though. They kept singing and even seemed to say a few things, but didn't care if they were heard or not," Sokka said shaking his head as Katara laughed.
Harry removed the silencing spell just as the group of traveling hippies seemed to be ready to say their goodbyes. Honestly, they only went with them because the Fire Nation had a heavy military presence in the area. Harry was worried what that might mean regarding their destination, but he didn't share those worries with the others.
Chong, the hippies' leader, came over to where Harry, Sokka and Katara were exchanging words while Aang said goodbye to the others. Chong looked extremely serious, for him at least, which meant he actually wasn't smiling and completely in a daze. He was only 45% in a daze.
"No one react to what I'm about to say…" he looked from side to side.
Harry was ready to sigh. Katara seemed curious. Sokka's twitch was on the verge of returning.
"But I think that kid over there… You know the bald one. I think he just might be the Avatar," Chong said in awe.
Katara blinked in confusion. Sokka face palmed again. Harry let out his prepared sigh.
"Just sing your songs…" Sokka said with a shake of his head.
Chong immediately brightened as he said, "Excellent idea buddy! Brother!"
He then started singing as the five traveling hippies left together. Chong was again singing the song about the cave of two lovers. Sokka shook his head one last time.
"Well… That was interesting," Harry said after a moment.
"Let's just go. We're almost there," Sokka said leading them around to the side of the mountain.
It was a few minutes later when Sokka said, "Now. We get to the important part of a journey. The Destination!"
He turned around to face the others as he motioned behind him and said, "Ladies and gentlemen welcome to-" he turned to look as well. His face went into shock as he said, "O… Ma… Shu."
Katara, Aang and Sokka were staring in complete shock.
Omashu stood before in all of its glory. It looked pretty much exactly the same as last time, except there was construction going on at the top of the city and there were massive banners flying along the walls. The banners were that of the Fire Nation.
"Looks like it's under new management," Harry said with a sigh.
"How are you not more stunned by this?" Aang asked.
"I feared this was the case. We did have to take the mountain passage because we were blocked by a massive Fire Nation force. In this area, that meant it was either in the middle of a battle or just after one," Harry said.
"We have to find Bumi!" Aang said suddenly very worried.
Katara and Sokka were about to argue, but Harry cut them off. "I know you're worried about your friend, but we have to be careful. If we go into Omashu, we have to find some secret way inside," he said.
"I know a way," Aang said.
"But what do we do then?" Katara asked.
Sokka had recovered and answered, "Find the resistance. Then we can ask them about Bumi."
"You know there will be a resistance?" Katara asked.
Sokka nodded. "As Harry pointed out. This is something that's happened recently. We're in the middle of the Earth Kingdoms, even if the Fire Nation is here as well. There will still be people resisting," he said.
"Let's go then," Aang said leading the way.
"How come you didn't mention this secret passageway last time?" Sokka couldn't help but ask.
"Because it's through the sewers," Aang answered casually.
"Gross," Katara said. She then sighed and added, "I guess we don't have a choice."
"I've gotten better at glamour charms, but this soon after a battle they won't be enough," Harry said.
"What do glamour charms do?" Aang asked.
"They allow you to look different. They're usually used as makeup where I'm from. You can make them really strong to completely change your look, but they can be detected by others who use magic," Harry said.
"That sounds really useful," Sokka said.
"They can be I've come to realize. But only people on official business with the right papers will be getting through the gates," Harry said.
"Dang…" Sokka said as they continued to walk.
[-] [-] [-]
Azula stepped foot through an archway with a banner. The banner read, "Grand Five Flame Circus!" It had taken some time, but Azula finally tracked down her first recruit and friend, Ty Lee. There were a couple of different circuses in the Fire Nation, since it was a big place and growing as the war continued. This was actually the biggest circus.
Azula still found it hard to believe Ty Lee would join the circus of her own free will. She usually figured something like this was a last resort thing, especially for someone of Fire Nation nobility. At the same time, it was very… Ty Lee… to join the circus.
However, this would be Ty Lee's last day at the circus. Azula would have her one way or the other. Azula was fine with that. Part of her hoped she wouldn't have to try anything too drastic for Ty Lee to join her, but she really did need her help.
Azula asked around and made her way over to a girl standing on her index fingers alone. Ty Lee was far too good for being a mere circus performer. Azula would never admit it, but she did find her friends talents impressive and it seemed they had grown substantially over these last couple of years. It was even more evidence Ty Lee should be by her side instead of a circus acrobat.
"A Noble's daughter in the circus. I'll never understand it, Ty Lee. At least you joined the best," Azula said with a smile once she was within earshot.
Ty Lee grinned and flipped from her index fingers and twirled in the air before landing gracefully. "Azula!" the girl said cheerfully. She immediately gave the Fire Nation Princess a hug. "It is so good to see you again!" she said into Azula's ear while grinning wider.
The two held their hug a little longer before Azula broke it off. "Is there some where we can talk?" Azula asked.
Ty Lee nodded and started walking on her hands a little before cartwheeling and again landing gracefully. Azula frowned a little. She might have admitted she couldn't do everything Ty Lee could, but she was still a little jealous of her friend.
"Right here," Ty Lee said as she held open the door to a trailer and bowed to Azula.
"You have your own trailer?" Azula asked.
"I am kind of a star here and as you pointed out, a noble's daughter," Ty Lee said as she closed the door behind them. "What did you want to talk about?" Ty Lee asked cheerfully.
"I actually have a bit of proposition for you," Azula said.
Ty Lee didn't let it show but she was a little nervous. If Azula wanted something… she usually got it.
"I'm on a special mission and I need only the best. You are part of that only the best," Azula said.
"I'm happy you think that highly of me…" Ty Lee said a little nervously. She then brightened up and said, "But I've never been happier than being here. My aura's never been pinker!"
Azula looked Ty Lee over sincerely for a moment in silence. She had a slight frown in thought. She had options, but she preferred not to use too much of her position and power as royalty. If two certain people didn't do just that, this mess wouldn't be as big and annoying as it was. It didn't matter her uncle and brother couldn't do so anymore, she wouldn't do like them.
Ty Lee glanced at Azula in her mirror as she started getting ready for her show. It did take some time for her to do so. It took time for all performers to do so. This circus had high standards for its employees.
Azula came over and stood right next to Ty Lee and looked into the eyes of her friend's reflection in the mirror. She would try this approach first. "What can I do to convince you?" she asked in a whisper.
Ty Lee stared into Azula's golden eyes for a moment. She was a little stunned. "Is it that important?" she couldn't help but ask.
"It is. Father personally gave me this mission," Azula said.
Ty Lee was in thought. She loved the circus, but she did miss her friend greatly. She was also a bit shocked by the girl's sincerity. She gave a half-frown in thought for a moment. "Can we discuss this after my show?" Ty Lee asked.
Azula gave her a small smile. "We can," she said. Azula straightened back up. She walked to the trailer exit and casually said, "I look forward to your performance. No doubt it will be exceptional given your talents."
Ty Lee was a bit worried by Azula watching the show. She wanted to believe her friend didn't mean anything by it, but it was possible she was giving a slight warning. Ty Lee hoped Azula wouldn't do anything too… Azula… during the show.
[-] [-] [-]
"I really hate sewers," Sokka complained yet again.
"We heard you the first couple of dozen times," Katara groaned as they followed the leader of the resistance.
It was rather easy to find the resistance by chance. Just as the group convinced a couple of guards the purple pentapus marks on Sokka's face were a fatal disease known as Pentapox, there was a nearby explosion. They saw a group of Earth Kingdom soldiers fleeing after a failed assassination attempt on the Fire Nation nobles running the city.
The group barely escaped a tall slender girl, who was very good at throwing knives and other sharp weapons, and a couple of guards. Katara had tried to help by water bending using her water pouch. She managed to get rid of the two guards, but the girl leading them was very good. The four friends and Momo ended up in league with the resistance who provided an escape with earthbending.
Unfortunately for Sokka, the resistance was hiding out in the city sewers.
"Is King Bumi with you?" Aang asked Yung, leader of the resistance.
Yung grunted in frustration. "I wish… He would make things so much easier. I wouldn't be surprised if he found a way to take back Omashu single handedly," he said.
"What happened?" Aang asked.
"The day of the invasion. King Bumi immediately surrendered. We were all ready and willing to fight to the bitter end for Omashu. He just gave up though. Handed himself over. Did you see that iron casket looking thing hanging above the city?" Yung asked.
Aang shook his head. "We just entered the city before running into you guys," he said.
"And we do appreciate the help. A couple of regular guards aren't much of problem, but that damnable noble's daughter, Mai… She's the problem. I don't know how a young aristocrat daughter is so damn good at fighting, but she is. Without your help, a couple of us might have been caught," Yung said.
"She did seem unusually proficient with sharp objects," Sokka said. He was actually jealous of her skills.
Harry nodded in agreement. He would be for sure using Expelliarmus on her as soon as he could if ever encountering her. He wasn't fully sure how good that would be on Firebenders, but it would be perfect for someone using weapons. He was able to use it wandlessly now, but had to be very close to the target. He might be able to use his wand since Mai was a range fighter though.
"They haven't been here too long, but already we've lost a number of our people. Fortunately, it seems they are more interested in taking prisoners by this point. We've still lost people," Yung said as he looked to ground for a moment.
He shook his head and once again looked determined. "But we've got to fight! It is the only path to freedom we have by this point," he said.
"You could all leave Omashu. Fighting in an occupied city like this…" Aang said looking to them all seriously. "The losses will only get greater. Why not go to a different fort? Maybe Ba Sing Se? Live to fight a different day with a leader determined to do so. I'm not sure why Bumi does what he does, but it is possible he wants you all to go and help others."
"That does sound like a good idea. We're low on supplies and there are fewer of us who can acquire them," one of the soldiers said.
Yung looked around the area they entered a few minutes ago. He looked at all of the people gathered here. There were fewer and fewer fighters and more and more refugees from the city. The Fire Nation was able to easily recoup the few losses they took in all of this fighting. They were not.
"I can't just leave these people though. I won't hand over citizens of the Earth Kingdom to the Fire Nation. If you are right, and Bumi did want us to leave. He wouldn't want us leaving his people," Yung said.
"That is true…" Harry said. He wasn't sure how to help these people. He could provide some supplies to them, but not enough. It would take too much magic on his part, even if he seemed to feel a lot more magic in his core. He looked to Sokka. "You're the planning guy. Any ideas?" he asked.
Katara and Aang looked to Sokka as well. He hummed in thought for a moment. "Huh," he said. He then grinned. "I do have an idea. We're about to have an outbreak of Pentapox!" he said.
[-] [-] [-]
Azula was sitting in the high box of the circus tent. Next to her was the Shuzumu, the Ring Master. "Tell me if there is anything we can do to make the show more entertaining for you, Your Highness," he said to her. She seemed to be rather unimpressed so far.
"I will," she said to him.
It was an okay circus and she might have enjoyed it, when she was like three years old, but she suffered through it. There was only one performance she cared about. When it was finally time for Ty Lee's performance, Azula did seem more interested.
Ty Lee was trying to focus on her performance. She could do it, but she was a little worried still. She was happy Azula genuinely looked interested at her. She took in a deep breath, but then heard Azula ask the Ring Master something.
"Tell me… How good is Ty Lee? In your honest and professional opinion?" Azula asked.
Shuzumu easily replied, "She's one of the best I've ever seen. She hasn't even been with us that long yet."
"You seem very confident in her abilities," Azula said.
"I've been in this business for over 30 years. I hand picked her to join us," Shuzumu said in pride.
"Then you wouldn't have any issue with removing the net," Azula said in a voice that brokered no argument.
Shuzumu was that confident in Ty Lee, but it was still a safety feature. He didn't want to lose his rising star. This however was the Princess of the Fire Nation speaking to him. Everyone knew she would be the one taking Ozai's place once he retried, even before Prince Zuko turned traitor. He gulped nervously and promised he would never do this to Ty Lee again. "Remove the net!" he called out to a couple assistants.
Ty Lee gulped. She wasn't sure if Azula was doing this to pressure her, or if she really believed her more than capable of doing her show like this. "At least she didn't… I don't know… set fire to it?" Ty Lee thought to herself. That did seem like something Azula might try. Azula looked almost excited as she smiled to Ty Lee.
Ty Lee swallowed her nerves and began her show. Azula might stop here, but it might be best to get the show finished anyways. Azula couldn't do something like… release all of the animals into the ring at once… if Ty Lee's performance was finished.
[-] [-] [-]
Ty Lee let out a sigh of relief once she was back in her trailer. Azula hadn't tried anything else. The princess even seemed to applaud the loudest once her show was finished. Shuzumu apologized to Ty Lee right as she climbed down from the high rope. Ty Lee was again wondering if Azula was trying to pressure her, or if she believed in her that much.
There was a knock on the door before Azula entered. Azula was smiling. It wasn't that smirk smile either. "I knew you had improved since we last met, but that was more than I thought you would have. You only sweated a little with the net gone. It seems Shuzumu's confidence was well placed after all," Azula said as she placed a hand on Ty Lee's shoulder and squeezed it lightly.
Ty Lee smiled to that. She decided Azula believed in her that much after all. "I'm glad you liked the show," Ty Lee said smiling brightly.
"Your act was the only part I truly enjoyed. Circuses aren't really my thing. I'm 11 years too old for them I feel. But your act. That was more than worth the rest of it," Azula said. She was being truthful. Her secondary plan to get Ty Lee to join her included gradually… enhancing… her show. Maybe next time she would have them set the net on fire instead of removing it.
"What was this mission you were talking about?" Ty Lee asked.
Azula nodded to her friend and sat down on a nearby stool. "Father has asked me to bring in my brother and uncle to face justice as traitors. While he only blames Zhao for the failure at the North Pole, he is aware of Uncle turning traitor. Zuzu has also been taking too many liberties during his banishment with no success on his mission," Azula explained.
"How so?" Ty Lee asked. Zuko was banished. Didn't that mean the Fire Nation wasn't responsible for his actions?
"While he was immune from most political blow back, financially it is a different matter. He even went so far to promise some shady tracker Uncle's weight in gold as payment. She didn't even produce results, but we still had to pay because he was foolish during negotiations. We easily afforded it, but it was demeaning to the Fire Nation having to pay such an outrageous cost for nothing. Prince Zuko also went and lost his ship in an explosion. We had to cover the costs for damages done to an important Fire Nation harbor," Azula said.
"It does seem important. But why do you want me for this?" Ty Lee asked.
"I need the best. I need to act carefully. I am not a foolish banished royal. I have to be careful both politically and finically. I am of course more than capable, but I can't do this alone. We will have to travel all across the globe searching for him. I am also to help with war efforts when possible. Father has trusted me with much. He is far to busy do such things himself," Azula said.
Ty Lee mentally frowned to that. She may not be the smartest, but she always felt Ozai was using his daughter as nothing more than a tool. Ty Lee hated that. Her own family did much the same with her and her six identical sisters. "Who else are you asking for this?" Ty Lee asked.
"I would think it was obvious. Mai will be the other person I trust enough for this," Azula said.
"Do you think she'll do it? She does still have feelings for Zuko. And as they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder," Ty Lee said.
"Mai will probably join us due to being deathly bored alone. I will deal with her and Zuzu, even if I think she deserves much better than him. There is another factor that could be used to possibly allow my brother some leniency. Though only because I know how Mai feels about him," Azula said.
Ty Lee was pleasantly surprised by that. She never thought Azula would go so far just for one of her two friends. She had always supported Mai's feelings in her own Azula way, but this seemed more than that. It either showed how much Azula cared for Mai, or how important she felt their friend's help was in this matter.
Ty Lee nodded to herself. "Well… Azula. I hope you won't forget tonight's show. I fear it will be the last," she said smiling cheerfully.
Azula actually hugged Ty Lee. "I knew I could get you to come around," Azula said.
Ty Lee giggled as she said, "You do always find a way to get what you want."
"Naturally," Azula said with a beautiful and confident smirk. "I am a princess after all." Ty Lee giggled to that. It was odd, but she was already kind of looking forward to being with Azula again. It would also be nice to see Mai as well.
[-] [-] [-]
Sokka's plan worked very well. It was kind of amazing how people threw logic out the window when it came to panic. The guards let them walk out of the city, fearing they might catch the dreaded Pentapox. They didn't even realize it was only the Earth Kingdom citizens who came down with it so suddenly.
There was one problem though. They ended up with an extra. The Governor's infant son to be precise.
Harry, Sokka, Katara, and Aang were a bit dumbfounded as they looked at their stowaway. The baby giggled and was busy playing with Sokka's fingers. What shocked them was how the Governor thought they kidnapped the kid and were holding him ransom for King Bumi. Aang didn't like the thought, but he couldn't deny this could really work in their favor.
[-] [-] [-]
Azula and Ty Lee made it to Omashu, or as it was soon to be renamed New Ozai. Before them, was a tall and slender girl with black hair wearing black clothes. She was bowing to Azula as she said, "Please tell me you're here to kill me."
She then did something uncharacteristic of her. She gave a small smile, instead of being the usually emotionless, but well-behaved girl many knew her as.
Azula was steadfast for a moment as the two met each other's eyes. The two girls then started laughing together as Azula placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "It is great to see you again, Mai," she said in greeting.
Ty Lee then zoomed over and gave Mai a bone-crushing hug. Mai was a little uncomfortable with the display of affection, but it was obvious she was used to it from Ty Lee. She patted the girl on the back. "I'm surprised to see you, Ty Lee. I thought you joined the circus. Something about it being your calling," she said.
Ty Lee broke off the hug and was instantly back by Azula's side. She smiled as she said, "It was. But Azula called a little louder."
Azula looked a bit serious as she explained, "I'm on an important mission and I need you both to help me with it."
"Count me in. Anything to get away from this usually boring place," Mai said as she looked over the area with a grimace.
Azula smirked to Ty Lee. "I told you Mai would come just to get away from her boredom," she said.
Ty Lee nodded and replied, "That you did."
Mai next led them to her parents. They were waiting in the throne room. As soon as they entered, Mai's parents and their guards bowed to Azula and motioned towards the throne. Azula easily took her proper place and waved for them to be at ease.
"I am sorry, Your Highness. We would have a more fitting reception for you, but you have come to Omashu at a difficult time," Lord Ukano, Mai's father, said.
"I am sorry to hear about your son," Azula said in a way that almost came off as genuine concern. "But what did you expect would happen when you just let everyone leave. Had you and your men not panicked, you might have realized this so-called outbreak happened far too quickly and seemed to only affect the Earth Kingdom citizens," Azula said.
"Forgive me, Your Highness," Ukano said as he bowed deeper than necessary.
Azula sighed and motioned for him to rise. "Family can complicate things. That is why you need to always keep calm and think clearly. Instead of messing things up further," she said.
Ukano bowed to her in understanding.
"This requires someone more level headed. Someone capable of jumping into action immediately if needed. Mai will be handling the exchange. Ty Lee and I will join her to oversee it. Once this is finished, I trust you will act more diligently in the future. I need Mai to join me for an important mission. I do not need her to silently worry about her dear baby brother," Azula said.
"As you wish, Your Highness. I will make sure to not fail your father again. I do realize how important Omashu is," Ukano said.
"As for this… Omashu… It no longer exists. This city is very important. It deserves a name which emphasizes as much. It will be referred to as the city of New Ozai from now on," Azula said.
Ukano bowed once more as he said, "Thank you, Princess Azula."
"Come, Mai. Tell us what you know of these insurgents," Azula said.
"Of course, Princess Azula," Mai said as she followed Azula. She was allowed to call Princess Azula by her first name, but only when court etiquette did not apply.
[-] [-] [-]
Harry understood Aang's hang-ups in this plan, even if he was going along with it. Both of them could admit it would be effective if things went their way, but it still felt wrong. Harry and Sokka however, weren't as convinced it would work out. Aang was sure it would work because the Governor wanted his son back.
When the group arrived at the meeting point for the exchange, Harry narrowed his eyes at the sight of two girls they didn't know standing by Mai's side. One had her hair in braids and wore pink. The other had striking golden eyes and wore a very official looking uniform, even if it was form fitting and seemed easy to move in. While Aang was focused on Bumi's cage, Harry started thinking how this would most likely go down.
It was not looking good.
Harry thought of how to approach the impending fight. It wasn't just Mai, so he couldn't really rely on his wand. He would have to do his best to get close enough for his wandless magic. He did have his staff with him and that would help. Unluckily, he would have to wing it a bit at first. He didn't know who these other two girls were, and they both gave him a dangerous vibe, even if the girl in pink seemed to be giving a friendly smile.
"We're here," Aang said seriously.
"Did you bring my brother?" Mai asked. Aang nodded.
"Hello everyone!" Bumi said from his metal personal prison.
"You know I've been thinking, Mai," the girl with golden eyes said as she placed a hand on Mai's shoulder.
Azula recognized this group. She was half tempted to try and ease Zuko's punishment due to giving proper and accurate information. She was only half tempted though. She would be doing so for Mai's sake if anything.
"Who are you?" Sokka asked abruptly. It seemed he too was getting a dangerous vibe.
"Me?" she asked far too innocently.
Sokka gave a curt nod.
"Don't you recognize the family resemblance?" she asked smiling. The girl then placed a hand over one of her eyes and said in a lowered voice, "I must regain my honor."
It was silent after that for a moment. She seemed a little upset, if Harry wasn't mistaken, he could have sworn her cheeks flushed a little. "You can laugh. It's a joke. It's funny," she said with a frown. It was almost as if she was going to pout, since no one appreciated her joke.
"Ha. Good one, Azula!" the girl with braids said.
Mai gave a shake of her head, "Ty Lee," she said dryly before refocusing.
"You're Zuko's sister?!" Harry asked in shock, after he got over the terrible joke.
"At least one of you has a working brain," Azula said with a sigh. "Now tell me, why are we thinking of trading a powerful Earthbender and King for a baby who can't even talk?" she asked as her golden eyes focused on the group.
"Heck, if I know," Bumi said unhelpfully.
"You're right. The deal is off," Mai said putting an end to their negotiations before they actually started.
"Bye bye, everyone. Maybe I'll do an encore in a couple of months. It's guaranteed to be a rocking success," Bumi said with a crazed chuckle as he was taken back to his suspended location.
"Bumi!" Aang cried as he threw caution to the wind… literally… and discarded his poor disguise and took to the air. He hopped on top of bumi's cage and started working on the chain.
"I knew it! My lucky day!" Azula said. She immediately dashed for the crane's pulley system. She was going to use it to catch up and retrieve both Bumi and Aang.
Instead she had to jump back as an air blade sliced right in front of her. It even cut through the boards in front of her. She looked to side as the messy haired boy with intense green eyes charged at her. She got too hasty and forgot there was a second Airbender in the group. He also seemed like the type to actually fight instead of just evade and escape, as Zuko said the Avatar preferred.
"I don't think so," Harry said as he charged at her and looked with awe as blue flames raced towards him. He jumped to side and immediately countered with an air blast. Azula jumped back and sent forward a blue fireball. She was ready for him to try and jump to the side again.
Instead, Harry used an air blade to slice the fireball in two. He used airbending to move forward even faster. She lashed out with a fire kick. Harry launched himself at an odd angle. Azula narrowed her eyes at him. He seemed to realize she was ready to launch a new fireball at him.
He started attacking with a series of air kicks and air blasts. Azula countered them but regretfully had to retreat back to her original position. She would have that annoying waterbending girl as well to worry about. She might also accidentally interfere with Mai's and Ty Lee's attacks. This was not going smoothly.
[-] [-] [-]
Once Azula bounded into action, so did Mai and Ty Lee. Mai took on Katara as Ty Lee focused on catching Sokka. He immediately ran to get the baby out of there and to hopefully get Appa. They needed to escape. It was only a matter of time before the rest of the guards joined in the battle since negotiations failed.
Katara launched up a series of boards to block Mai's small arrows she launched from a bracelet hidden up her sleeves. Just as the boards fell, Katara had to throw up an ice shield to block a few thrown daggers. Mai took the chance to close the distance.
Katara jumped back as her ice shield melted. When Mai was two arm lengths away, Katara threw up a few ice spikes. Mai's eyes widened as she backed up enough to keep from being skewered. That wasn't Katara's goal though. Right as Mai landed again, Katara caught her hand with a water whip and froze it.
Mai tried to break it off with little success.
"That's not going to work," Katara said with a smile.
Just then Ty Lee appeared out of nowhere and jabbed Katara a few times. "That didn't hurt… What was the point?" Katara thought in question.
Suddenly she lost feeling in her arm and her ice melted. She was shocked as the feeling in her arm was immediately returned. Ty Lee was standing next to Mai smiling innocently.
Katara tried waterbending again. The puddle just bubbled a little. She stared in worry.
"What will you do without your bending?" Mai asked as she brought out a three bladed dagger.
A boomerang came out of nowhere. It would have hit Mai. However, that was when Azula was forced back to the other girls. She turned to land properly while also kicking out at the boomerang, even if she didn't bend fire at it.
"Awwww… Come on! I had a snappy one liner and everything," Sokka complained on Appa.
Harry landed in front Katara and sent a mighty air blast at Ty Lee who was blasted back in shock. He then said, "Get on Appa, Katara."
She nodded just as Sokka was in range for her to get on and they took off again. Harry would catch up and they needed to find Aang.
Harry, Azula and Mai stared for a second before they got into action again. Harry needed to buy a little time here. This was bad though. Aang disappeared after Bumi. Katara and Sokka were trying to find him with Katara currently out of commission.
Azula, Mai and Ty Lee were very skilled in their own ways. Luckily, he got rid of Ty Lee, but now he had Mai and Azula. Mai was very skilled with her blades. Azula… Azula was as dangerous as she was beautiful.
Zuko's firebending skills seemed like a kid playing with matches, while his sister knew how to use a flamethrower. Her flames were also blue… Harry wondered if that meant they were even hotter than usual or something special.
Mai and Azula moved first. Harry barely dodged their attacks and could only defend at the moment. He needed an opening. He would have to make it.
Harry backed up just as Mai feinted an attack with her daggers and got low. Azula was about to firebend something at him over her friend. Harry took a chance since they were lined up perfectly.
He held out an opened hand and shouted, "Expelliarmus!"
Azula gave him a surprised look as she and Mai weren't sent flying backwards. All of Mai's knives and arrows fell to the floor. The two girls tumbled backwards and impressively Azula managed to recover without a single hair out of place. Harry marveled at that before he heard a loud whistle from Aang carried by the wind.
He quickly launched himself into the sky and unfolded his glider. He flew off before Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee could recover and continue the fight.
Azula was occupied with her thoughts as the group flew off. Mai was groaning as she sat up. "What was that?" she asked, her voice as dry as ever.
"Something different," Azula said with her eyes narrowed in thought. She seemed to glower where Harry took off from. She was conflicted.
Harry bested the three of them on his own. She didn't know what to think though. When she decided only someone capable of besting her would do in her life, she thought they would be another Firebender. She never thought it would be Airbender, who was also an enemy.
She thought she would find the one who could best her in an Agni Kai. Something formal like that. Maybe a tournament or something. She never thought it would be like this and she wasn't sure what to think.
"It was a fluke. It doesn't count," she mentally told herself. Azula decided to currently ignore the fact the messy haired boy with those… eyes… managed to best all three. In a way, that was more impressive than besting her alone.
She would not allow that though. It was a one time deal and luck on his part. That was it. Nothing more. She was sure. Next time they met, she would defeat him and make this victory null and void.
[-] [-] [-]
That night Aang quietly returned the baby to the Fire Nation Governor. Yung and the others already left to parts unknown and Bumi said things to him, so there was no reason for keeping the baby hostage. It didn't sit right with him to keep the baby from his family in the first place.
The others were asleep in Appa's saddle as Aang flew them. He would sleep soon as well, but first he thought more on Bumi's words when they were in private.
[-] [-] [-]
Aang had every intention of escaping with Bumi and freeing him. Bumi got tired of trying to get Aang's attention through words alone. The mighty Earth King bent up a large rock which stopped them. Aang was pitched forward, but landed on his feet. Bumi propped himself up with more earth bending.
"You can bend?!" Aang asked in shock.
"They didn't cover my face," Bumi said with a grin.
"Why then? Why give up the city?! Why let them keep you prisoner this whole time?" Aang asked out of frustration.
"It wasn't time for me to make my move," Bumi said flatly.
Aang groaned and face palmed. His friend was a mad genius. He was a genius, but also mad as a hatter.
"Listen to me, Aang," Bumi started in a sage like manner. "In this world there are options in fighting called jing. It's the choices you make in combat to direct your energy," Bumi said.
"I know!" Aang said still frustrated. "There's positive jing, for when you attack. There's negative jing, for when you retreat," he said as he counted them off.
"And neutral jing. For when you do nothing!" Bumi said with a grin.
"There's three jings?!" Aang asked in surprise.
Bumi hummed for a moment and said, "Technically there are eighty-five. But it's the three, we're talking about here. Neutral jing is the key to Earthbending. It's revolves around listening and waiting to strike."
"I never knew that," Aang said mystified. He then sighed, "Guess I need to find someone else to teach me then."
"Your teacher will be someone who has mastered neutral jing. Someone who waits and listens," Bumi said to him.
It was after that Bumi said farewell and Earthbended himself back up to where he could be retrieved. Momo came to Aang just before Appa did with Sokka and Katara.
"Harry bought us time. We need to go!" Katara said hurriedly.
Aang nodded and hopped on to Appa. He let out a loud whistle with airbending as a signal and soon Harry joined them.
[-] [-] [-]
The day after the whole Bumi fiasco. Mai and Ty Lee were walking next to Azula, who was riding in her royal palanquin. "So, we're after your uncle and brother?" Mai asked to clarify one last time.
"I'm sure someone will be happy to see Zuko again. Right?" Ty Lee asked as she giggled and teased Mai while briefly leaning on her. Mai looked to the side for a moment and gave a slight, but happy smile. It would be good to see him again.
"There's also the Avatar as well," Azula said to them.
"Really?!" Ty Lee asked in shock. Azula nodded to her. "Is this regarding that plan you mentioned to me?" she asked.
"It is," Azula answered quickly.
Mai wondered what they were talking about. She didn't want them knowing she was curious, so she didn't ask for more detail. Doing so, would go against her whole bored girl personality and Azula would be too pleased if she got much of a reaction out of Mai. It was kind of a game the two played. Mai was winning, even if Azula wouldn't admit it.
"You know," started Ty Lee with a bright smile. "I really missed this. I like it when it's the three of us," she said.
"That is one way of looking at it," Azula said.
"At least things won't be boring. With Tom-tom back and the resistance gone, this place is even more bleak and boring than the capital was," Mai said in typical Mai fashion.
The truth was, each girl was excited about the upcoming mission for various reasons, even if they didn't admit them out loud.
Azula wanted to capture the Avatar, especially since Zuko failed to do so. There was a part of her which wanted to meet Harry again. He was the most challenge she had in a long time. "And he's easy on the eyes," a traitorous voice said in her mind.
Mai was happy to be away from her stifling parents and wanted to see Zuko again. She was sure he looked even more handsome and dashing now. She did hope something could be done about this whole traitor thing. It seemed Azula had something she was scheming. Who knew if that was a good thing or not though?
Ty Lee was surprised how happy she felt being with her friends again. She loved the circus life, but this was more exciting in many ways. Plus, she got to meet not one, but two, cuties. The travelling circus didn't really have guys she found cute. They weren't ugly, but they weren't cute boys either. She was mostly surrounded by adults in their thirties or older. The youngest apart from her was a 20 year old girl who did showy Firebending tricks while wearing a flashy costume.
The three girls didn't know yet how much would change with the start of this mission though.