Disclaimer: All rights belong to Nickelodeon, Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino, and all the men and women that created the A:TLA show, books, and comics. I take no credit, and I do not mean to break any copyright rules. This is simply a work of fiction made for enjoyment. No money is being made. The lyrics are from the song "Ready, Aim, Fire" by Imagine Dragons

Rating: General Audiences. Warning: some scenes contain dark themes and minor violence

Author's Note: Anyone else freaking out about Hamilton being released on Disney+ this summer? I've been obsessed with it since the first year it came out but I never thought I'd get to see the original cast performance

Chapter 15: The Dai Li

We don't have the choice to stay

We'd rather die than

Do it your way

"There's a what now?"

Katara holds up the scroll for them all to see. "I found this on the porch this morning. An official announcement from the palace itself. The king is having a party at the palace tonight for his pet bear."

"You mean platypus bear?" Aang asks.

"No, it just says... bear here."

"Certainly you mean his pet skunk bear," Sokka throws out.

"Or his armadillo bear," Toph suggests.

"Gopher bear?"

"Just...bear," Katara repeats, a frown on her face.

"Man, this place is weird," Toph says slowly.

"The palace will be packed," Katara continues, trying to ignore the weird "bear" thing. "We can sneak in with a crowd."

"Won't work," Toph says.

"Why not?"

"Well, no offense to you simple country folk, but a real society crowd would spot you from a mile away. You've got no manners."

Katara feels personally offended at that. This is coming from the girl who walks around barefoot, likes the feel of dirt and mud on her skin, curses like a soldier, and insults anybody within a mile radius. She puts her hands on her hips. "Excuse me? I've got no manners? You're not exactly Miss Lady Fancy Fingers."

Toph burps. "I learned proper society behaviors and chose to leave it. You never learned anything. And, frankly, it's a little too late."

Sokka raises his hand. "A-ha! But you learned it! You could teach us."

"Yeah, I'm mastering every element," Katara points out. "How hard can manners be?"

Aang gets in on the fun, grabbing a curtain and draping it around his body like a robe. "Good evening, Mr. Sokka Watertribe. Miss Katara Watertribe. Lord Momo of the Momo Dynasty, Your Momo-ness."

Sokka copies him, draping his own "robe" on. "Monk Aang, how you do go on."

Toph watches, unamused, as they start bowing to each other. "Katara might be able to pull it off," she admits. "Sokka, you'd be lucky to pass for a busboy."

"What about me?" Aang asks.

"I'm not sure," Toph admits.

"Why don't we just go, then?" Katara asks.

"We have no idea what we're up against. You're too important to risk, Katara. I think I should go with Aang. I can pass him off as my guide."

"Guide?"

Toph sighs and waves her hand in front of her sightless eyes. "Most people see a helpless blind girl. It would be weird if I went alone. And Aang would only have to learn a few basics. No one would expect him to be perfectly proper as a servant."

"Then what would Sokka and I do?" Katara looks over at her brother and then back at Toph. "We can't just sit around doing nothing."

"Maybe they can let us in through a side gate," Sokka suggests. "After they see if it's safe or not."

"Sounds like a plan!" Aang jumps to his feet and walks over to Toph, bowing dramatically. "When do we begin learning, Lady Toph?"

She slaps herself on the face. "This is going to be a loooong day."

Toph and Aang, dressed in elegant and expensive clothes and walking arm in arm, head out for the party in the evening. Katara and Sokka wave to them as they leave.

"I'm really worried about Suki," Sokka admits. "I hope she's alright."

"We'll find her," Katara promises him. "And Suki's tough. She'll be able to handle herself."

"I know. I just wish we knew what we were up against."

"Why don't we take a walk? We'll take a long route to the palace gates. That way no one will suspect us, and it'll maybe help you get your mind off things."

"Invitation, please."

Toph holds up her passport to the palace guard. "I think this will do."

His face doesn't change. "No entry without an invitation. Step aside, please."

She can feel Aang's heart beat pick up speed, but she doesn't even flinch. "Look, the Pangs and the Yusoom-Hans are waiting in there for me. I'm going to have to tell them who didn't let me in."

"Step out of line, please," the guard repeats.

This time they have no choice but to. Toph knows when she's beat, and pushing the guard further would be improper, making him more suspicious of them. She looks around for another way in. A carriage pulls up and a man wearing fancy evening robes steps out. Guards surround him, escorting him to the palace.

Toph pushes Aang his way.

"Sir? Excuse me?" Aang speaks up, trying to keep his voice from hitting too high a pitch or too loud a volume. "My charge lost her invitation." He leans in and whispers, "She's blind." Then he leans back. "Do you think you could help us? Her parents entrusted me to be her guide tonight, and her family is waiting for us inside. I'm sure there very worried something has happened to her."

The man glances at Toph and then bows. "I am honored. Please come with me."

He leads them past the guard who denied them entrance with only a bow. As they pass him, Toph sticks out her tongue.

They enter into the banquet hall, a large, well-lit room. Couples and distinguished men and women mill around, talking in quiet voices and laughing softly. Music plays in the background.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" the man asks. "By the way, I'm Long Feng. I'm a cultural minister to the king."

"I'm Wai Lei, and this is...Dung."

Toph steps on his foot for that one. Aang tries not to grimace.

"Now, where is your family, Lady Dung? I'd love to meet them."

"Uh...I don't see them right now," Aang answers for her. "I'm sure we'll find them soon."

He starts escorting Toph away. "Thanks for all your help!"

Long Feng takes a couple strides and catches up to them. "Don't worry. As your escort, it would be dishonorable to abandon Lady Dung without finding her family first." He turns and starts walking. "We'll keep looking."

Toph and Aang exchange looks. They have no choice but to follow him now.

Sokka and Katara walk through the streets of Ba Sing Se, enjoying the cool evening breeze. The streets of the Upper Ring are almost completely abandoned since most of the nobles are at the palace. They do stumble across one building that seems to be lively despite the royal event.

"Let's check it out," Sokka suggests. "We still have a little bit of time."

As they get closer, they can read the sign over the door. "The Jasmine Dragon," Katara reads. "It's a tea shop, I think."

Sokka makes a face. "I was never into tea. Let's keep going."

Something about the store stands out to her. She's not sure what exactly, but curiosity gets the best of her. "I'm just going to go in and take a quick look around. I'll be back out in a minute."

Sokka takes a seat on the steps. "I'll just wait for you here."

She opens the door and steps into the warm, well-lit tea shop. She takes a deep breath and inhales the wonderful and oddly familiar aroma of herbs and fruit. Most of the tables are full, the customers, both nobles and people from the lower rings, talking quietly amongst themselves or shuffling Pai Sho tiles. Although Katara feels out of place in her normal clothes, she gets a familiar vibe from the place. Almost like home.

"Can I offer you a cup of tea? On the house, of course."

Katara turns slowly to see an old man watching her. He's holding a tray of empty tea cups. When they make eye contact, he smiles knowingly.

She can't help the smile that grows on her own face. "Iroh!" She crosses the distance between them and wraps her arms around him. He laughs and holds her with his one free arm.

"Katara. It's nice to see you again." He takes her arm gently and leads her through the store to the back, where the kitchen is. He sets the tray by the sink and then grabs a fresh cup, pouring her tea and motioning for her to take a seat. "I'm glad you're free and doing well."

She looks around in amazement. "Your own tea shop," she says. "It suits you."

"It's great! When I came here to the city as an immigrant, who would have thought that I'd be making the most popular tea in the city? I started in the Lower Ring working for another man, but eventually my tea became so in demand that I was able to start my own shop here. I always say that the secret ingredient is love. No one ever believes me."

Katara takes a sip and smiles. "I believe you."

"You always did." His smile falters. "My only regret is that I'm doing this alone. There's no one in the world I'd rather have at my side than my nephew."

She watches him sadly. No one has ever loved and supported Zuko more than Iroh. It must have broke his heart even more than hers when he chose his father over the man who actually loved him.

"He made the right choice in the end, you know," she says quietly. "It took some time, but he finally made the right choice. I wouldn't be here tonight if it wasn't for him."

Iroh looks over at her. His eyes are shining. "He did?"

She nods. "He fought off Azula for me. You were right, Iroh. I just had to give him a second chance."

The old general's eyes tear up. "I knew he had it in him. The cycle of abuse is hard to break, but Zuko's spirit is strong." He glances at the door. "Is he here in the city?"

Katara feels her heart clench, a sudden pain shooting through her chest. "No. Azula was too powerful. He had to sacrifice himself for me. She has him imprisoned somewhere."

"But he's alive?"

"He's alive." A sudden thought pops up into her head. "Iroh, I've been learning a lot since we last saw each other. My earthbending is getting pretty good and I think it's time I moved on to the next element. Would you be interested in teaching me firebending?"

He's silent for a long time. Finally he shakes his head. Katara feels a little disappointed.

"I have a life here, Katara. Important things are happening in Ba Sing Se and I can't afford to leave now. Besides, I'm too old to be travelling around the nations. My place is here, ready to offer a warm cup of tea to whoever walks through that door."

She nods. She's not entirely surprised, but it was worth a try.

"I was always hoping Zuko could be my teacher. But he's, you know…"

"As long as Azula has him, he's in danger." Iroh shakes his head sadly. "I don't know where I went wrong with her. I tried so hard to protect her from her father, but I failed…." He trails off. "If Azula inherits the throne from Ozai then the war will only continue on, maybe even worse than before. Only Zuko as Fire Lord can bring peace to the nations."

"You're saying that we need to prioritize rescuing Zuko."

Iroh nods. "His destiny is just as important as yours, Avatar Katara. Your fates have always been intertwined."

Part of Katara feels relieved. Zuko has always been at the back of her mind, especially since Azula used him to capture her. She's wanted to rescue him, but couldn't think of a good enough reason to put herself and her friends in so much danger. Now it's clear to her that it's a necessary risk.

She stands and bows. "Thank you for the tea, Iroh. And for the advice. I'm really glad I found you."

"Me too." He sets his hands gently on her shoulders. "No matter what happens, Katara, you need to keep fighting. You're not alone. You've never been alone. Always remember that."

She nods and bows. "Until we see each other again."

She makes her way outside, where Sokka is pacing in front of the store.

"Where have you been?" he exclaims. "You were in there for so long! I thought something had happened to you."

"I ran into an old friend." She descends the stairs and steps onto the streets. "Now, let's go find our friends and see what's really going on in this city."

"Where are they?"

Katara and Sokka are hidden behind a statue near the side entrance of the palace. No Dai Li agents are in sight, but a group of servants are loading in items from a cart.

"It's okay, I have a back-up plan." Sokka picks up Momo, who chitters. "We dress up Momo like a ghost, okay? He flies by the guards, creating a distraction. Then we blast a hole in the wall - "

"Why don't we just go in with them?" Katara asks, pointing to the servants. "Toph said you could pass for a busboy."

"Okay. But remember that Momo ghost plan. I think it's a winner."

They sneak around to the cart, find a couple spare pairs of servant uniforms, and slip them on. Then they each grab a box and follow the other servants into the palace.

They eventually make their way into the banquet hall. Katara wants to immediately start searching for Toph and Aang, but the boss of the servants promptly hands her and Sokka a water jug and tray of pastries and sends them into the crowd. Katara fills up people's glasses while looking around.

"Where are they?" she asks Sokka when their paths cross.

"Forget about them," Sokka suggests. "They might have found something. Just keep an eye out for the king. We need to talk to him about the eclipse."

"What does he look like?"

"You know, flowing robe, fancy jewelry."

They both scan the crowd. Everyone looks exactly the same - and exactly how Sokka just described the king.

"That could be anyone here," Katara points out.

"Another crab puff, please," a voice next to Katara demands. They both look over to see a familiar face.

"Toph!"

"You found us!" Sokka exclaims.

"I'd know your thundering, clumsy footsteps anywhere, Sokka," the girl replies.

"Thanks for letting us in," he replies sarcastically.

Aang walks up behind Toph. "Sorry, but the guy who escorted us in won't let us out of his sight."

"What guy?"

Before they can answer, a familiar voice cuts through.

"What are you doing here?"

They all turn to see Joo Dee walking up to them. Her smile is gone, and they can see panic on her face. "You have to leave immediately or we'll all be in terrible trouble!"

"Not until we see the king," Sokka declares.

"You don't understand. You must go." She pushes him away. He bumps into Katara, who spills the water onto a woman near them. She gasps as she's soaked.

Katara's eyes widen. "No! Please don't yell. I'm sorry!" She waves her arms, summoning all the water back from the woman's hair, skin and clothes.

The woman gasps and smiles. "Oh! I didn't know the Avatar would be here!"

Everyone in the vicinity looks over at them. Katara snatches her servant hat off smoothly and tries to act normal. Joo Dee looks terrified.

"Keep their attention," Sokka whispers in her ear. "I'm going to go look for the king."

She tries to keep the smile on her face, although she's panicking. They just blew it big time. Every face in the banquet hall is turned towards them.

"Uh...watch this!" she calls out. She starts bending the water from her jug into a ball, then walks through the hall to the table, continuing to bend other juices and wines to create a colorful sphere that transfixes the nobles. Even the king's bear, seating at the very end of the table, roars in excitement.

Katara isn't sure how long she can keep their attention. She just hopes that Sokka is fast.

A gong sounds and trumpets play a fanfare. A line of guards enter, a few of them carrying an ornate litter on their shoulders, which they set on the floor. The curtains open, revealing a thin man with tiny glasses perched on the end of his nose.

"The Earth King!" Sokka calls out. Katara drops her distraction and jumps off the table. Aang is already ahead of her. He wheels towards the litter on an air ball.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" he yells out.

But as fast as the litter appears, it disappears. A line of guards put themselves between Aang and the disappearing litter. He brakes to a stop. Katara is right on his heels.

Sokka tries to sneak around to approach the king from behind, but he's grabbed and dragged into the nearest doorway. Toph, already confused by the footsteps of all the people and the noises of the ceremony, is taking completely by surprise, her mouth covered before she can scream.

"Avatar, it is a great honor to meet you," a man says, stepping out from the guards. Katara glances to the side, only to notice that Aang has also disappeared. "I am Long Feng, grand secretariat of Ba Sing Se and head of the Dai Li."

The Dai Li. Pao had warned them about the palace security detail. And now they've walked right into them.

"I'd like to talk to you," the man continues. "Your friends will be waiting for us in the library."

Katara has no choice but to follow them. They lead her through a few halls and then into a dark room lit dimly with a strange green light. An iron door slams behind them. To her relief, Katara spots Aang, Sokka, Toph, and Momo next to her. Long Feng stands in front of them.

"Why won't you let us talk to the king?" Sokka demands instantly. "We have information that could help defeat the Fire Nation!"

"The Earth King has no time to get involved with political squabbles and the day-to-day minutia of military activities," Long Feng responds calmly.

"This could be the most important thing he's ever heard," Aang presses.

"What's most important to his Majesty is maintaining the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se. All his duties relate to issuing decrees on such matters. It's my job to oversee the rest of the city's resources, including the military."

"So the king is just a figurehead," Katara realizes, and suddenly the pieces of the puzzle fall together.

"He's your puppet!"

"Oh, no no no." Long Feng holds up his hands in defense. "His Majesty is an icon, a god to his people. He can't sully his hands with the hourly changes of an endless war."

"But we found out about a solar eclipse that will leave the Fire Nation defenseless! You could lead an invasion -"

"Enough! I don't want to hear about your ridiculous plan. It is the strict policy of Ba Sing Se that the war not be mentioned within the walls. Constant news of an escalating war will throw the citizens of Ba Sing Se into a state of panic. Our economy would be ruined, our peaceful way of life, our traditions, would disappear. In silencing talk of conflict, Ba Sing Se remains an orderly, peaceful utopia. The last one on Earth."

There's a stunned silence for a long moment while the weight of his words sinks in. Then Katara steps forward.

"You can't keep the truth from all of these people. They have to know." She looks at her friends. "We'll tell them. We'll make sure everyone knows!"

The others nod. Long Feng's expression grows angry.

"Until now you've been treated as honored guests. But from now on your every move will be watched every moment by Dai Li agents. If you mention the war to anyone, you will be expelled from the city."

Katara has to take deep breaths to resist the urge to fight him. She wants to yell at him, to imprison him in a block of ice, to do some sort of resistance. But she knows she can't. Not yet. There's still too much they don't know about this city. And they can't just abandon the people here to this tyranny.

"Now Joo Dee will escort you home."

The door opens and a woman enters. "Come with me, please," she says. Her face and voice are both completely foreign.

"What happened to Joo Dee?"

"I am Joo Dee. I'll be your host as long as you're in our wonderful city." She has the same large, permanent smile. Her eyes are empty.

Katara feels chills run down her spine.

"The Kyoshi Warriors are still not back," Sokka announces the next morning. "I went to their house and there's someone new living there."

"And no one saw them at the palace last night?" Katara asks, looking around the table. Aang and Toph shake their heads.

"They have to be somewhere in the city, right?" Sokka slams his fist down on the table. "We're going to find them. I'm not leaving until we know they're alright."

"I thought we were going to investigate more into the king and the Dai Li," Toph says.

"We can't. At least, not with them watching our every move." Katara remembers the warning from Long Feng the night before. "Searching for them should be harmless. After all, we're not mentioning the war."

"I don't like this city," Aang says.

"None of us do." Katara pushes away her rice bowl. "Okay. We'll spend today looking for Suki and the other Kyoshi Warriors. That's our main priority right now."

They spend the morning making posters about their missing friend. Aang and Momo take them flying over the city while Katara and Toph fit in another earthbending training session and Sokka goes door to door, asking about the girls. At lunchtime they all regroup back in their house.

There's a knock on the door not long after they sit down to eat. Sokka excitedly jumps up to open the door.

"Joo Dee," he says, surprise in his voice.

"Hello, Aang and Katara and Sokka and Toph."

"What happened to you?" Aang asks. The others gather around to see that the original Joo Dee is back. "Did the Dai Li throw you in jail?"

"What? Jail? Of course not." She waves her arm dismissively. "The Dai Li are the protectors of our cultural heritage."

"But you disappeared at the Earth King's party."

"Oh, I simply took a short vacation to Lake Laogai, out in the country. It was quite relaxing."

"But then they replaced you with some other woman who also said her name was Joo Dee."

Joo Dee smiles. "I'm Joo Dee."

"Why are you here?" Aang asks.

"Dropping flyers and putting up posters isn't permitted within the city. Not without proper clearance."

"We can't wait around to get permission for everything!" Sokka exclaims.

"You are absolutely forbidden by the rules of Ba Sing Se to continue putting up posters." Joo Dee continues to smile at them.

Sokka snaps. "We don't care about the rules and we're not asking permission! We're going to find our lost friends and you should just stay out of our way!" He slams the door shut in her face.

"That might come back to bite us," Toph remarks.

"I don't care. Suki is missing and no one getting in the way of us finding her."

Toph grins. "I like this Sokka. Let's break some rules!"

"They can't just have disappeared," Katara assures Sokka when they return to their house after an entire day of no luck.

"Even if someone saw them, who knows if they would actually tell us? Everyone is too scared of the Dai Li." Sokka collapses on the sofa. For once in his life, he's not sure what to do next. They put up posters, sent our fliers, and walked around the entire city asking questions and searching. No one has seen the missing warriors.

"I'm starting to get the feeling that Ba Sing Se is no better than the Fire Nation," Aang says.

"We'll look again tomorrow," Katara says. "We should get some rest now so that we can go out early."

Sokka notices Toph seated on a chair, deep in thought. "No one lied, though," she says slowly. "I heard all their heartbeats. Totally normal."

"We know that Joo Dee, at least, was lying," Sokka points out. "When we told her about the other Joo Dee she played dumb."

Toph lifts her head slowly and shakes her head. "She wasn't lying, either. She's never lied."

"Are you sure you can tell if she's lying or not?" Katara asks.

"I can feel people's heartbeats and breathing. When people lie, there's a physical reaction."

"You know what was weird? When she said she went on a short vacation. She was only missing for about twelve hours. Who goes on vacation for twelve hours?" Aang frowns. "And in the country? Wouldn't it take time to get to the country?"

"It just doesn't add up." Sokka thinks of their night in the palace and the other Joo Dee. He thinks of the blankness of her eyes and the permanent smile. He thinks of the normal Joo Dee and how panicky she was at the party in contrast to how she was this morning.

"People can lie to themselves," Toph points out. "If she thought she was telling the truth, then she wouldn't have a physical reaction even if she was actually lying."

"How could she think she was telling the truth about going on vacation when she didn't?"

The blankness of the eyes. The permanent smile and cheery attitude. The dedication of Long Fend and the Dai Li to protect the culture of Ba Sing Se…

"They're brainwashed," Sokka realizes. Everyone turns to look at him. He meets their eyes. "I think Joo Dee is being brainwashed. I bet her name isn't even Joo Dee."

Katara frowns. "Brainwashed?"

"Think about it. Joo Dee is always smiling, no matter what. She only ever talks about the good things of Ba Sing Se. When she found us at the party she flipped out, but then this morning she was fine. And the other Joo Dee acted just like the normal one."

"The Dai Li probably have a dozen 'Joo Dees'," Toph adds. "And they're perfect spies or babysitters for us."

Sokka sits up suddenly. "That's why she was against us putting the posters up. I bet the Dai Li kidnapped the Kyoshi Warriors! That's why they went to the palace and never returned. They don't want us to find them!"

"But why?" Aang asks. "Why would they kidnap the Kyoshi Warriors?"

"Because they're a threat. Or maybe because they want to use them as leverage against us." Sokka's mind is running a mile a minute. "I don't know exactly why, but I bet if we can find the Dai Li, we can find Suki."

"What if they want to brainwash the Kyoshi Warriors?" Toph asks. "That's what I would do."

No. Sokka won't let that happen. He can't.

"I bet they're not at the palace. They're probably somewhere else, somewhere secret."

"But where?" Katara looks over at him with a sympathetic look in her eyes. "Sokka, I want to find them just as much as you do. But we've already looked around the whole city."

"Lake Laogai."

Everyone turns to Aang.

"What did you say?" Sokka asks.

"Lake Laogai. That's where Joo Dee said we went on vacation. That's probably where they brainwash everyone."

Sokka rummages through his bag for a map. He lays it out on the table and runs his finger across. "Okay, so here's Ba Sing Se. And right outside the walls is this huge lake here. Lake Laogai."

"We still have some daylight left," Katara says. "Let's go find our friends."

Appa lands gently at the lakeshore. Aang pats him on the head. "Wait for us here, buddy," he says. "And be ready to fly when we return."

They all turn to the lakeshore and look out over the expansive waters. It's a decent sized lake. Big enough for secrets.

"So where would the Dai Li build their secret headquarters? I didn't see any islands from the air." Sokka glances over the map again.

"There's a tunnel right there, near the shore." Toph points to the side and then starts walking, whistling as she goes. The others exchange looks and then follow her. She earthbends a walking path out of the water, revealing a circular door cover at the end.

Aang opens the door. A long, dark tunnel extends vertically under the lake. Only a ladder on the side grants access downwards. Momo chitters and flies back to Appa.

After climbing all the way down, the gang hides behind a pillar and examines the secret Dai Li headquarters. A long, dimly lit hallway with doorways every few steps comprises the area. A pair of Dai Li agents walk past and then enter a room. The door closes silently behind them.

They begin walking down the hallway, glancing around anxiously. Sokka has a bad feeling in his gut, but he just takes a deep breath and reminds himself why he's here.

They pass one room with a cracked door. Inside are a dozen women, all wearing identical green dresses and black hairstyles. A man in front of them says, "I'm Joo Dee. Welcome to Ba Sing Se."

All the women, looking blankly straight ahead, repeat him. "I'm Joo Dee. Welcome to Ba Sing Se."

The synchronized response sends chills down his spine. Somehow he can't look away.

"We are so lucky to have our walls to create order," the man continues.

"We're so lucky to have our walls to create order," the woman repeat.

At a touch from Katara, Sokka tears his eyes away and they continue.

"Here," Toph says, standing in front of a door. "This is a large chamber. And there's a large group of people inside. It might be the Kyoshi Warriors!"

Sokka pushes forward and stands in front of the door. Then, at a nod from Katara, he slides it open. Inside is dark. Once they're all inside, the door slams closed behind them and the lights blink on.

Standing in front of them is Long Feng, a group of Dai Li agents behind him.

"You have made yourselves enemies of the state," Long Feng says, his eyes narrowed. "Take them into custody."

"Oops," Toph says quietly.

The Dai Li agents surround them. Two send rock fists flying their way. Toph steps forward and dissipates them before they make contact with the group. Then she stomps and two rock formations shoot up from the floor, sending the two agents flying.

Katara reaches for her water flasks, only to realize that she doesn't have them with her. She could use the water from the lake, but that would leave everyone here to drown. Instead she falls into an earthbending stance and begins using what she's learned from Toph to counter the Dai Li agents.

Sokka covers her back, using his boomerang and tomahawk to break apart rock fists and to distract the agents. Aang blows them back using his staff and airbending.

When Long Feng realizes that they're powerful enough to counter his agents, he turns his back and flees out a door that he earthbends into existence.

"Long Feng is escaping!" Aang calls out in warning.

"I'll get him!" Katara runs after, blasting the wall open and chasing the leader of the Dai Li down the hall and into another chamber. The door to the chamber slams shut behind her. Long Feng appears in front of it, glaring at her.

"Alright, Avatar. You've caused me enough problems. This is your last chance...if you want your friends back."

"You do have the Kyoshi Warriors!" Katara narrows her eyes and takes a step forward. "Tell me where they are!"

"If you agree to exit the city immediately I'll waive all charges against you and allow you to leave with your friends."

"You're in no position to bargain!" Katara raises her hands.

"Am I not?" Long Feng grins. The walls on the sides blast open and a dozen Dai Li agents flood in. "Consider this practice for your fight against the Fire Lord."

Without any water, Katara is going to have to rely on her earthbending. She knows this is a battle she can't win, but maybe she can stall long enough for the others to find her.

She sticks to defensive strategies, not trying anything fancy. Just basic earthbending. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Long Feng disappearing. As much as she wants to go after him now, she knows that it's simply not possible.

Two of the Dai Li agents block her in with rock walls. As she smashes through them, she discovers that she's completely surrounded. She glances around for an exit, but there's none in sight.

Suddenly all the agents are thrown into the air. She turns around to see Toph and the others at the entrance of the chamber.

"Come on!" Toph calls. Katara doesn't hesitate. She takes off after them.

They search the entire underwater compound as quickly as they can, but there's no sign of the Kyoshi Warriors. Katara doesn't know if Long Feng was lying or if he's keeping them somewhere else. In any case, the Dai Li agents are quickly catching up to them.

Toph and Katara find the tunnel again and use their earthbending to raise is to the surface level, blasting open the cover and running back out onto shore. Appa sees them from a distance and roars in greeting. Katara glances behind to see the Dai Li agents emerging.

"We just have to get to Appa!" Sokka calls out.

"Appa!" Aang calls out. The bison growls and then takes off, flying across the lake towards them.

Toph earthbends a wall between the agents and them. Appa swoops in low. They scramble on quickly and he takes off, leaving the Dai Li behind.

Long Feng shoot himself up from the earth, creating a tall platform to reach them in the air. He narrows his eyes at Appa.

"I can handle you myself," he says. But even as he kicks his leg out, Appa snaps it up between his teeth and throws the man far into the lake.

"Way to go, Appa!" Sokka cheers. The bison purrs and then takes off, flying them far away from the cursed lake and their enemies.