This is the second last chapter I'm planning to write of this story. Of course it not finished. But I've decided to focus on one-shot for a while until I see myself as a better writer. If someone really wants this to continue (I doubt it) then he or she should say so. I'll think about it if someone did.
Water
Earth
Fire
Air
Long ago the four nations lived in harmony. Then everything changed when the fire nation attacked. Only the avatar master of all the four elements could stop them. But when the world needed him most he vanished. A hundred years past and my brother and I found the new avatar. A young air master named Aang. And although his airbendings are great he has a lot to learn before he can save anyone. But I believe that Aang can save the world.
Book three Fire
Chapter 5: making plans
It was the silence before the storm and everyone in the palace knew it. The peaceful moments were slowly ebbing away, and were replaced by moments of fear with every rumor of Azula's recovery.
For the servants the time she had been out almost felt like heaven. Now she was awake and more dangerous then ever. Already two men had fainted in the throne room while they were waiting to face that what had become their greatest fear.
Some optimistic souls believed that Azula herself couldn't be worse then the waiting for her. They were wrong, very wrong.
While she returned in the throne room the echoes from her footsteps were the only things breaking the otherwise absolute silence. When Azula finally sat on the throne again nobody dared as much to breathe. Anger, hatred and rage were writing on her face in their purest, darkest form.
Things were going not as good as they should be. More and more riots were rising every day in the city. The Dai Lee had become almost reluctant. Fortunately they were still in her control, but she could feel their stubbornness grow. It would only be a matter of time until they would rise against her. And on top of everything else Zuzu had actually defeated her. Had he become so powerful? She began to feel she paid a very high price to have Mai as a spy in Iroh's camp.
All of this rage and hatred meant only on thing to the servants: Mortal peril. And it made it quite understandable that the messenger needed time to gather the courage to bring her the news. If it was bad then it might be the last thing he did.
His legs and voice were trembling while he stuttered. "This message was attached to a bird. It is addressed to you, your Highness." He thanked the protocol for having to kneel for Azula, because his legs probably weren't able to support him.
"Finally some news I've been waiting for." She thought and her mood lifted a bit until she read the message.
"Dear Azula.
Ihro and Zuko are not yet tracking the Avatar yet, they indeed are planning to do so. But for now they are at Chameleon Bay helping those Water Tribe warriors to fight the fleet you send. Zuko said that you needed a free transport route through Chameleon Bay to truly control the city."
Her eyes narrowed when the letter turned to ashes. She needed to have those water tribe warriors wiped out. Of course two fire benders weren't enough reinforcement for the water tribe warriors against the fleet she had sent. But there was a big difference between attacking a small surprised army and an army that had a full day to prepare. And Iroh and Zuko weren't just any fire benders. Zuko had proven to be a fully mastered lighting guide. And Iroh's skills were plainly legendary. The last time he had used his full potential he was a key elements of the fall of great wall of Ba Sing Se. She was not going to underestimate them.
No she knew how bad this was. She needed those troops and she needed them badly. She indeed didn't have the man power to crush the uprisings and she needed a forced to replace the Dai Lee. She knew they were going to betray her anytime soon.
"Wait the Dai Lee" she thought and her cruel mind continued. "How a problem can become a solution." If you would watch her closely you would see her grin.
XXX
They had their first good breakfast since little more then a week and much of it was thanks to Mao. He had started a good camping fire in less then half the time Sokka always needed. This had made Sokka very jealous. And he had found plenty of good eatable plants and mushrooms in the forest. As always Sokka had been really hungry and good foot made him completely trusting Mao for the moment.
The others weren't convinced about Mao's trustworthiness at all. Yet they had to admit this was an excellent breakfast and they hadn't any reason to complain.
The only one who didn't seem to enjoy the breakfast was Kuei. His thoughts were grim while he imagined the lives of his people right now. No Hope, no freedom, nothing but fear at all.
He realized he needed to retake the city, but how? He had no army and no change of getting one, no allies who might fight for him and no fighting experience whatsoever. The only help he could get was the help of these five children. It made him very desperate.
"I'm going to retake Ba Sing Se and I'm begging you to come with me." His voice was so soft that even he had hardly heard it. Still the words had caused too much silence for not being heard by the others.
Sokka had actually stopped eating. Kuei never had been sure Sokka could do that.
Toph had heard Kuei's heart beats of shame and regret for quiet a while. Yet she was just as surprised the others. And she actually looked amazed something she hardly did.
Katara gave him a worried look. If they would go with Kuei it would probably be the dangerous thing they had done so far. And they already lived so dangerously. It would be a miracle if they all survived a 'siege' on Ba Sing Se.
Aang had felt this coming and he understood how Kuei must feel. He remembered the shame he felt from walking away on his people when they most needed him. He would not let anything like that happen again.
Mao didn't seem to react at all. He just continued his breakfast. But Toph could sense a very small raise in his heartbeat.
Sokka was the first to reply. "ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY CRAZY!!? WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO? FIGHT THE ENTIRE DAI LEE WITH JUST FOUR TEENAGERS!?" The way Sokka yelled at Kuei made it quiet ironical for him to ask someone was crazy.
Kuei's reply was calm and even more unexpected then his earlier words. "Well that's the best I can come up with."
XXX
This was the last place Zuko ever expected to woke up in; A water tribe tent.
"Things shouldn't get any weirder." He thought out loud. Yet when he looked around they did get weirder. Mai was sleeping in the bag next to him, and somehow he liked the sight.
It took him several seconds to catch up with everything. The busting out of uncle, the warning of the water tribe warriors and the friendship he and Mai had developed.
"But do friends like to watch the other sleeping?" He didn't want to answer his own question. The only thing he really wanted was just to stay here all day with Mai. But he realized that Uncle would walk in the tent sooner or later. And there would be many irritating questions and unwanted awkward advice when Uncle would see him sitting in the tent, watching Mai.
So he get dressed and walked out of the tent. Not to his surprise Iroh was drinking tea and laughing with the water tribe warriors.
"And believe it or not, Zuko actually asked" "Grandfather why is your face so red?"" Iroh laughed. "Azulon didn't want him in the throne room for three years after that."
All the water tribe men burst out in laughter one was actually rolling on the ground. It seemed like uncle had made friends already.
"Telling embarrassing childhood stories about me?" Zuko asked more amused then offended. A few weeks ago this would have angered him. But now he could only smile about it.
"Come now Zuko. I don't need your childhood stories to tell about your embarrassing experiences." He replied laughingly. He added the men. "You should have seen his reaction when a girl in Ba Sing Se asked him on a date."
"Uncle!!"
Iroh blinked two times before he asked with an innocent voice. "What, too embarrassing?"
Zuko choose not to hear the question. "I see were on friendly ground with you." He said to the water tribe warriors.
The atmosphere changed at high rate when Hakkoda rose to his feet and gave Zuko a stern look and hard words. "We're one friendly ground with your uncle, which has proven very hard not to be. But we're still far from friendly ground with you and that girl. Neither do we truly trust any of you, or a sure to believe your warning"
Zuko's face had gone from friendly to dangerous in very little time and his voice reminded like his old angered one. "If you do not trust my word you insult my honor." Few people wouldn't feel intimidated by the glare of Zuko's eyes when he added. "Are you insulting my honor?"
Hakkoda was one of these few people. He had seen far more dangerous and deadlier things then this teenager. "If you see it that way. Then yes I'm insulting your honor." Hatefully he added. "You Fire Nation scum."
Iroh expected the worst. He feared Hakkoda would pay an extremely high price for this insult. He was very surprised when his nephew just sad down on the ground with his head between his knees. He was even more surprised when he heard Zuko's defeated voice.
"You're right. You've no reason to trust me and in my past I did many things which justify insulting my honor."
Had his nephew truly changed that much since his metamorphosis? Were his actions in the crystal catacombs just a temporary setback nothing more then a moment of weakness? He hoped so with whole his heart.
Hakkoda was also taken aback. He had thought of the young fire bender as an arrogant and way to proud prince. His voiced become kinder when he realized he was wrong. "I never thought I would live the day to see a fire bender with remorse. But I'm still not sure to believe you. Why should I take your warning seriously?"
Zuko's reaction came in cold hard words. "Because if you don't you're all going to be killed."
Hakkoda's face showed nothing that suggested he was convinced.
Zuko realized that he needed this mans trust first. So he asked for it. "Please." He almost begged "what can I do to win you trust."
A grin formed on Hadokka's face. "Well. We do have one way to let one prove his worth."
XXX
Xeon felt down ride insulted. He was the Captain of the 501 Royal Fire pride of Fire Lord Ozai. A fleet that had thanks to the ferocity of his men and Ma Then own strategic skills achieved great victories against the greatest naval force the Earth Kingdom and Northern Water Tribe could muster.
And now he was ordered to take out a ridiculous little fleet of backward Southern Water Tribe warriors. If the order hadn't come from royalty such as Princess Azula he would simply had refused.
But his pride was about to get hurt even more when a messenger hawk landed on his shoulder. It carried the royal insignia of Princess Azula.
He had hoped for some worthier orders. But his hope turned to rage when he read the letter.
"To Captain Xeon of the 501 fleet.
Two traitors of the Fire Nation have joined the water tribe fleet at Chameleon Bay, they are both powerful fire benders. The Elder one matches the Fire Lord's power. Still I want you to let him escape, the younger one should be killed. In light of these new developments I believe you may not defeat the water tribe fleet."
"WHAT!!!!! HOW DARED THAT ARROGANT TEENAGER TO INSULT MY FLEET OF INCAPABILITY LIKE THAT" It took Xeon much self control not to turn the letter in to ash on the spot. But his anger would only grow when he read further.
"To secure the victory I send a small fleet to reinforce you. It consist out of fifty Dai Lee agents, they are skilled earth benders and will obey your orders. However they belong to what was the Earth Kingdom and their loyalty towards the Fire Nation is flickering.
So don't worry about their lives during the battle of Chameleon Bay. In fact I expect you to eliminate all of them who survive the battle. You will have the element of surprise and knowing your expertise you won't have any problems with them.
When you've eliminate them all you go to Ba Sing Se as planned. When you're there you will deal with the remains of the Dai Lee.
Let the Royal flame burn in all the parts of the world. Victory for the Fire Nation! "
Expect anger he felt for this insult Xeon also felt deep regret and terrible pain in his heart was when he read his orders. As a captain of a Fire Nation fleet he had done many terrible things. He had burnt down the entire villages so his enemies won't have a place to return to rest. He had ordered the killing of innocent children so they won't grow up as enemies and had done many more things that haunt his mind every time he closed his eyes. He had always tried to prevent such course of action. He was one of the few military commanders who still remembered and respected the ancient laws of war. And when he was forced to such cruelty it had always been with the deepest regret. But this order Princess Azula had given him. Killing those who believe you're their allies, those who will fight side by side with you. That was just too much, too cruel, too plain evil.
Of course Xeon would execute Princess Azula's orders. He was a man who lived and died for his nation, he loved it with whole his heart. But he knew the memories would shape into new nightmares to torment him in his sleep. And he would hate Princess Azula forever for it.
XXX
The waves were wildly hitting the boat and the tides were about to turn. It was a very bad moment to sail a boat, certainly if you've never sailed before. Zuko couldn't help wondering if this was just an easy way to get them killed. "I'm so wishing that I just left these people alone." Zuko said. How in Agni's name were they going to sail this thing.
There was a slightest expression on Mai's face that indicated she was nervous. "Can't we just leave this people, steal a boat and fight that fleet ourselves? It would be much saver then this in my opinion."
Iroh laughed at the teenagers. "You should feel honored. Few outsiders are ever allowed to follow this ancient Water Tribe tradition."
Hakkoda raised an eyebrow. "You know about ice dogging." He asked curiously.
"Owh yes. I studied the traditions and bending of the Water Tribe many years ago. But I can't really call this ice dogging. Since we don't have ice and need to settle with rocks."
"Well then I can trust you to lead the ship without much further explanation." Hakkoda said trying to hide the fact he was impressed. Strong and vast he continued. "Iroh you steer and call the shots, lead wisely. Zuko you secure the main sail. The winds can be brutal, so be brave. Mai you control the jib without your steady hand we all go down. Your position is about trust." A very skilled observer would see a small blush on Mai's face. Why o why needed her position to be about trust. "Now I'll just sit her and do nothing. You pass or fail entirely on your own."
And so it began. None of them knew how to control this thing and Iroh wasn't very helping. "Zuko! Do something! Mai do something else!" were his first orders when they closeted on the rocks.
"A little more precise please!" Mai yelled.
Iroh searched his mind many times, somewhere there needed to be some knowledge on sailing. "Zuko, you pull the mainsail as tight as you can. It will take less wind like that. Mai just hold the jib the same. We can't have it as an extra changing, distracting factor." He smiled when he noticed his orders began to make sense.
"What's the jib?!" Mai replied nervously.
What did those kids learned on the schools these days? "It's that sail which isn't the main sail. Just pull that rope with a constant force and don't let go of it." He shouted back trying to sound confident.
The ship had slowed down now and the Water Tribesmen laughed at it's speed. But it was still far to fast for three persons who never sailed before. Iroh dogged the first rocks but when he saw how many there were and how tight the stood next to each other he realized this was never going to work. When he saw no other solution he gave the order he so desperately had tried to hold back. "Abandon ship, everyone abandon ship."
"What!" Hakkoda yelled angrily. "I can't abandon my ship it will crash if I do." He took the steer from Iroh and tried to maneuver through all the rocks. But even a great sailor like Hakkoda couldn't control as ship of the likes of this without any true help.
Mai decided to follow Iroh's orders, and she and Iroh jumped out of the boat.
Zuko staid, he had held the responsibility of a ship before. And he was not going to let it sink.
But the inevitable came, the ship crashed. The beam which connected the main sail with the mast swung over the ship. Zuko dogged it Hakkoda didn't. A concussion was the result, and having a concussion makes it very hard to swim.
The current was so strong and Zuko had a hard enough trouble as it is to swim. And a very small voice in his head whispered him to save himself. But a strong voice from his heart yelled differently, he needed to save Hakkoda. Hakkoda couldn't save himself in this state and Zuko couldn't let him drown. Zuko almost drowned, swimming for two in such a current was so incredibly hard. And Zuko needed to put more effort in it he ever knew he had to reach the shore. When they finally reached the land Zuko lost conscious too.
XXX
"So can I count on your help?" Kuei continued as if the conversation hadn't stopped a few hours ago.
The look in the eyes of Aang Katara and Sokka said enough, Toph's eyes didn't reflect much emotion but somehow he could tell her opinion as well. It brought hope to Kuei that they would fight for him. But he also felt despair when he realized that these four children were all the allies could gather.
"I take it you're going to help him." Mao tried to not to sound disappointed. Protecting the Avatar might be a pretty hard job when he's planning to retake Ba Sing Se.
"Yes we are." Sokka answered rather aggressively. He had gone hungry again and the lack of food in his stomach somehow made him mistrusting Mao.
"Well then I might as well just tag along for the ride." He tried to sound casually but he couldn't help himself of slipping in a small amount of disappointment in his voice. The blind girl would probably hear it.
"Ey wait a minute! You decided to travel with us because you thought it would be safe. But now were going to retake Ba Sing Se which we might not survive and you still want to come with us?" Toph said accusingly. She hadn't trusted Mao the first moment she felt his vibrations and this just didn't seem right.
Damm, now he would have to come up with some sort of excuse. Or would he just tell the truth? Yea right and they were going to believe it. 'Hi, I'm in an organization you never heard of because it's secret. My superiors told me to protect you. But personally I don't care about you at all.' No, it wouldn't be a good idea to tell them. So he calmed his heart as his master had taught him and tried to lie as best as he could.
"I've got people I care about living in Ba Sing Se. Now they are being terrorized by that fire witch. If I get a chance to free the city I'll take it." His heart beat was calm, there was no sweat, his blood pressure was normal and his voice sounded like it should be. Yet he wasn't sure if he had convinced them.
Toph couldn't place her finger on the problem. Mao's vibrations said he was telling the truth, so was his voice. Still there was something telling her this wasn't right. "You're lying! I know you do. Now tell us the real reason why you want to go with us. Or I squash you with a rock!"
Mao had had quiet a lot of threats of Sokka, and he hadn't cared about it. But Toph did was a powerful opponent which he did take seriously. Besides he needed to keep on good ground with these people. But he decided they weren't going to trust him if he told the truth. Keep on lying was the only option. "I'm not lying, now do you accept my help or not."
Kuei spoke before anyone else could. "I gladly accept any help I can get."
XXX
Finally Mai had some time alone to relax and think. Zuko and Iroh were talking with that water tribe leader and the water tribe people themselves let her alone.
The last week had been different then all the weeks she could remember. Mostly because they were way less boring, partly because she had to admit she had a crush on Zuko. She almost thought it was a shame Azula would kill him. "Owh well I might have some fun with him for as long as it lasts." Sadly she realized how boring live would be after Zuko was gone.
Someone was softly rubbing his back and a pleasant warmth spread through Zuko's body. He turned around and opened his eyes.
"Finally decided to wake up sleepy head?" Mai said teasingly.
Zuko felt kind of awkward. Mai hadn't been so close to him since she tried to comfort him in the palace. And the crush he had developed for her didn't help. "You're okay?" he finally asked just to say something and don't look like a complete idiot.
Mai gave a small smile. She couldn't help but notice that he almost had drowned, and the first thing he asked about was how she was doing. It felt undeniable good to have someone love you like that. "I'm okay thanks." She kissed him on the cheek, laughing in herself for the way she made him blush.
Zuko tried very hard not to stutter. "Do you know were uncle Iroh is?" He was trying very hard to ignore the kiss burning on his cheek.
"He's in Hakkoda's tent, just follow me."
When Zuko saw Iroh and Hakkoda planning battle strategies his jaw fell right open. "What? But how? Did we win your trust or something?"
Hakkoda smiled at the confused young man. "Yes indeed you have." He said kinder then he ever had been against Zuko. "Your now officially members of the Water Tribe and you'll find help, rest and friendship wherever you'll see another Water Tribesmen."
This didn't cleared any of Zuko's confusion. "But how we crashed that boat." He stuttered.
"Yes you did. But the challenge wasn't to lead the boat through the rocks. It was to you're your courage, wisdom and you were worthiness of trust. Your uncle showed wisdom, more then me actually. He gave the order to abandon ship in good time. It couldn't be saved anymore and I was foolish to try. You showed courage when you stayed on the ship to the very end of it. And you showed even more courage when you saved me and endangered yourself by it. And Mai proved she was worthy to trust. If she hadn't held the jib steady then you would have had more distraction, and we would have crashed a lot sooner."
Mai felt a bit awkward at this. It made you feel guilty to hear people say they trust you while you're betraying them. Zuko must have seen she was feeling awkward and squished softly in her hand to comfort her. This made her blush slightly. And she almost felt a bit ashamed for the fact she was betraying them.
"So what's the plan." Zuko asked proudly. Somehow he felt honored to be a Water Tribesmen.
Iroh's answer was said in a slightly troubled voice. "Well we're still planning on that. Hakkoda plans to fill his mines with the explosives he conquered from the last Fire Nation attack."
"No! If we did that it would kill almost half of them!". Zuko yelled while his proud feeling quickly disappeared.
"This is a war Zuko. Soldiers die in wars that's just the way it's." Hakkoda tried sound warm and kind, but was slightly angered. How dared that boy to criticize him like that?
"I don't care! I'm not cooperating in the death of my people!" He almost felt like he was in the royal council room again, defending a unit against a general who wanted to sacrifice for tactical advantage.
"Then why are you here." Was the tired reply of Hakkoda.
"To prevent people getting hurt or killed may they be Fire Nation, Water Tribe or in the long run Earth Kingdom."
Hakkoda was again surprised by Zuko; who would have thought that boy was an idealist.
Finally Zuko had stopped yelling at Hakkoda so Iroh could speak. "Hakkoda I fear I've to agree with my nephew. We should spare as much lives as we can." With a regretful voice he added "But I'm afraid it won't be possible to spare all lives."
Zuko calmed down and he realized the sad truth. "I know uncle, I know."
Realizing that neither Zuko nor Hakkoda was going to shout again Iroh continued. "We can't fight them one on one. We've got too few men and it would take too many lives. And using explosive mines will result in too many deaths. The only option we have is making them surrender somehow."
Hakkoda burst out in laughter "Surrender! Why, the sun must have gotten to your brain. What on earth would make a force four times as big as ours surrender."
Iroh's wise words answered his question "You overestimate your enemy Hakkoda. Fire Nation soldiers are much like their element, and their commanders are the benders. Take away the benders and the fire still poses a threat. Unless another bender comes along to control the fire, brining it under his will."
Still not assured Hakkoda pushed further "And you believe you can act like that bender?"
With a small trace of proud in his voice Iroh answered. "I am the great Dragon of the West, he who be Fire Lord. And despite my brothers propaganda of my failure at Ba Sing Se many years ago and my resent 'betrayal' at the North Pole many Fire Nation soldiers still see it that way. If there is anybody who can make these soldiers turn against their orders it would be me."
XXX
They all had to agree with to agree with Kuei's decision to trust Mao. Nevertheless none of them was happy with it. Sokka had the biggest issues with Mao, since he had taken his place as the idea guy. Jealousy would be an understatement to describe how he felt right now.
"Okay knowing the earth benders stubbornness there still be a few warriors defending the outer wall. But there is probably already a Fire Nation army to exploit the current weakness of the city. So entering the city through the gate or just flying over the wall is not going to work." Mao said not sounding bossy in anybodies ears but Sokkas'.
Sokka was glad there was a problem he had a solution for and Mao didn't. He would show him how a real idea guy works. "We can enter the city by water. There won't be Fire Nation ships on the river yet since my father is still defending Chameleon Bay. And Katara can do that underwater-walking-thingy again so we can get into the city undetected."
"It's called bending, I just bended the water aside." She answered clearly irritated by Sokka disrespect for her bending.
Sokka rolled with his eyes. "Fine, that bending thingy can you do it?"
"Not bending thingy just bending." She said angrily
"Nice to see brother and sister going along with each other so well isn't it?" Toph said sarcastically.
Both of the siblings stopped picking at each other at this.
Trying to be the bigger person Katara answered the question. "Yea, I can do that no problem."
Ignoring the siblings' rivalry Mao took the lead again. "Okay when we're in the city we easily start a giant riot to overthrow Azula and Long Fang. Considering most people in Ba Sing Se feel great hatred for the Fire Nation, since it was because of it they become refugees. There will be many people who will oppose the Fire Nations' rule over the city. Certainly if the Earth King himself would lead them. That would be a great boost to their moral."
Although Kuei somehow liked the picture of himself as a brave king leading his people into battle he had to oppose against Mao's plan, and his voice was firm and his body langue strong when he did so. "If we'll take that course of action we would find great resistance of the Dai Lee, since they will feel forced to defend themselves. It would result in a great fight which will take many precious lives. I can't sacrifice my people in such a matter, certainly not if there is another way."
No one them had ever saw Kuei like this before. This was a true King not just a meaningless poppet. Not just a figurehead which could be used to fool some people so someone else could control the kingdom from behind the throne.
Sokka saw his chance to reclaim his role as leader. "We could just do the same as Azula did; a shift and precise coup. Aang, Toph and Katara can bring the angry jerk and Azula and her freaky friends down while Mao and I take care of Long Fang." With a strong and encouraging voice he turned to Kuei. "King Kuei. I believe it's time for you to reclaim your throne and bring back the Dai Lee to our site. I'm sure you can convince them it's you they should obey."
Nobody saw the pride in Kueis' eyes when Sokka said this, since it fainted quickly when Sokka added. "When we're in the city. We'll need you to lead us to the palace."
Shamefully Kuei answered. "I can't, I've never been out of the palace. I have no idea how to get to it from the outer wall."
Mao beat Sokka in a race who would respond first. "That's no problem. Like I said I've got friends in Ba Sing Se. They are quiet creative and will come up with a plan to get us into the palace."
Seeing one 'big' problem in this whole plan Aang asked. "But what about Appa?"
Maos' answer was depressing for the young air bender. "My friends are cunning and resourceful, not magicians. They can't take a giant flying bison to the palace unnoticed. You have to leave him here."
Katara remembered all to well who Aang acted when he was separated from Appa last time. "I'm sorry Aang. But I think Mao is right, it would be best for Appa to stay here." With a voice what was meant to cheer him up she added. "You can leave Momo with him to keep him company."
Aang decided a silent agree.
Concentrating on the problem Katara though was most imported she said. "Sokka Long Fang is a very skilled bender maybe you should take Toph with you." Katara said clearly worried about the fait of her brother.
"And I'm a very skilled warrior." Mao and Sokka both said. Sokka added with a slightly insulted voice. "We can take for our self. And besides last time you and Aang fought Azula and the angry jerk you lost. So who is the one who needs Toph's help."
"Can't I say something about this?" Toph didn't like it other people deciding what she had to do. Still she had to admit it was flattering to have people fighting over her help.
"No!" The siblings answered.
"Aang you just take Toph and Katara with you and Mao and I will be just fine." Sokka made it clear this wasn't open for discussion.
Aang did like it to have Toph and Katara both at his side so he agreed.
Sokka still tried to be the leader so he had to finish the conversation. "Okay everything clear? Then lets fight for Ba Sing Se."
AN: I realized the story needed a way for Zuko and co to win the trust of Hakkoda. It became a bit longer then I planned, a bit very longer. Awh I believe it's good enough to read.
I want to thank Story Critique for his/her kind review and encouragement to continue.
p.s. Should I write in American English or in Great Britain English? I hardly notice the difference. But I've got a spell/grammar check on both, so there must be some difference between them.