Binas: Glad last chapter was the bomb. *Rim shot; people boo at the awful joke and throw tomatoes at me* Okay okay! Some of you guys didn't really like the idea of the killing... I am not proud of it either, but it had to be done for the plot. Long Feng is still running around, and Jet, well has died. I am taking so long cause I am trying to plot out everything in my head in scenes. There goes my picture thinking again, it's time consuming but worth it because it helps me find the details I need. One of the pros of having Autism, depending on the type you have.
I also recently decided to get into the Hetalia manga (especially the web version). It's rather hilarious so far. Italy reminds me of my Chorkie named Bear, who is still alive and happy as ever.
And yes, I made a small biblical reference (I am a Christian, deal with it). Sorry if it feels out of place, but I just felt like I needed to put there. And sorry if there's any OoC moments.
Review time!
TheMagicManWithThePlan: Thank you. I am aware it was jumpy and stiff, I am still shaky and trying to get that rhythm going just right. I was a bit worried I got something wrong for a second there, now I can breath. It was more of a mere coincidence they happened to be thinking the same thing when they destroyed the house. So up, watch out for those two. Aang wasn't caring about Long Feng, he more on the whole 'Subdue him and make him tell where Appa is' boat. I guess I left that part out... Oopsie... But I added it in. I blame the time it got finished, which was nighttime. That discussion will be soon, the next time they catch him killing someone. And I agree that it won't slide easily but we all know Deidara could care less about the problem as long as he can show off. I was a bit self-conscious on the mockery, cause I was afraid he would turn into another Naruto. And I will be careful there, as long as there is someone there to react, there are going to be some sort of funny reaction. Agreed, the day they agreed is the day the world ends.
Cyber Orteck: Nice to see another loyal face here! (°▽°) (°皿°|||)
Kingtutgaming: Sorry... Finding the right stuff is hard, especially when you are working with something new. And yeah, I agree, but more anger just didn't feel right.
Guest 1 May 30, Chapter 5: Sorry, he isn't gonna be using it, cause in the first chapter I stated he won't be using that suicide move at all. Though I do agree, they would be sure shocked as heck then mourning over the 'death' of Deidara just for this to happen:
Deidara: [Walks out from behind some rubble.] Get a grip you wusses!
Sokka: [Looks up and screams.] HE'S BACK FROM THE DEAD!
Deidara: [Smacks Sokka in the head.] I was never dead in the first place, hm!
Katara: How did you survive?!
Aang: We saw you blow yourself up!
Deidara: That was a clone doing it for me.
Toph: I expected more out of you, Aang... I could feel the real one crawling around under the ground like a Badgermole.
Please leave your thoughts in the reviews, and I may get back to you.
Did you know:
That if something invokes an emotional reaction to something in a story, it was most likely well written? That is why stories like "To Kill a Mocking Bird" rose to the popularity they are at. That is why some good things take a long time, it's to make sure there is something that will make someone have some sort of emotional feel to the moment or whole story.
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Aang snuggled against Appa's head, making Appa pur in a sense. Momo did the same thing as Aang but was purring.
"I missed you so much, buddy.", Aang said.
Appa licked Aang, covering the young Avatar head to toe in saliva. Aang chuckled in amusement, missing the feeling of his best friend's big tongue. On the other side of the small island, Sokka, Katara, Toph, and Deidara were discussing what the next course of action should be.
"I'm tell you guys, we escaped the Dai Li, we have Appa back, now we should go see the Earth King. We are on a roll now!", Sokka said rather enthusiastically.
"Sokka, one instance of good in several days of trouble is not exactly a roll.", Katara said.
"But we can build on it. If we are going to invade the Fire Nation before the comet, we need to fly straight to the Earth King and get his support.", Sokka said.
"How are we going to get the support we need if Long Feng is in control of everything here?", Deidara asked, saying Long Feng's name with pure venom.
"I agree. Nothing ever goes smoothly for our gang if you haven't noticed.", Toph said.
"But I have a good feeling about this time. It will be different.", Sokka said.
"Different as in having our butts dragged off to those brainwashing rooms, hm?", Deidara asked, earning a Gibbs Slap.
"Sokka, Long Feng is in control of everything as Deidara has already said. His conspiracy with the Dai Li is too much for us to handle.", Katara said, "I say we just fly away from this horrible place."
"I'm with Sweetness. I have seen enough of Ba Sing Se, and I am blind!", Toph said.
"Maybe they will change their minds if I drop a few bombs-", Deidara began.
"NO!", Toph, Sokka, and Katara said sternly.
Deidara crossed his arms, not happy by the negative votes to his idea.
"That is just a bad idea, period. Even if we did agree, then we have to worry about the outcome. What if it fails? Then we will have a bunch of angry people chasing us. It's bad enough Aang has wanted posters of himself all over the place.", Sokka said, "We don't need all of our faces on them. Just save it for the Fire Nation."
Deidara sulked a bit. At least he had the Fire Nation to wreak havoc on soon. At that moment, Aang decided to jump in. He was still covered in Flying Bison spit, which made Deidara wrinkle his nose in disgust. He didn't have to be an Inuzuka to notice the stench.
"Since we have Appa back, we can actually tell the Earth King everything. Nothing can really stop us at this point.", Aang said.
"See? Aang's with me on this!", Sokka said.
"I see no votes for me, hm.", Deidara said.
"Because your idea would do more harm than good in this situation.", Sokka said.
"Well if the Earth King did know the truth, things would change a lot.", Katara mused.
"I don't trust the new Positive Sokka...", Toph said then struck an accusing index finger at Sokka's face, "LONG FENG BRAINWASH YOU, DIDN'T HE?!"
Deidara couldn't help but snicker at Sokka's reaction. Sokka was practically their personal butt monkey.
"Uh guys, we got a problem.", Aang said and pointed at the lake's horizon.
There were dozens of Earth Kingdom ships scouring the water. Most likely target, Team Avatar. Sokka's face darkened.
"That is most likely the Dai Li searching for us. So?", Sokka said then looked to Katara for her input.
"Let's fly.", Katara said in the same tone Sokka was using.
At that moment, Aang, Sokka, Toph, and Katara boarded Appa. Deidara created a clay bird and got on it. Once into the air, Toph was terrified out of her wits. And it wasn't because she was not used to flying.
"Can we PLEASE buy a new saddle?! Riding Appa's bareback is terrifying!", Toph shouted over the rapid wind that passed by.
The palace came into view. Deidara quickly whipped up a few clay homing bats. While he was banned from causing massive damage, he could damage only things that seemed fit like Dai Li Agents as long as he didn't get carried away and went on a killing spree for the heck of it.
"There's the whole palace. The Earth King's Chamber must be in the center somewhere.", Sokka said.
"We have to be very careful, Long Feng could have warned the king that we were coming.", Katara said.
"Why would you assume that?", Sokka asked, "I believe will sail in right-"
At that moment, Sokka was cut off by the fact he nearly got his head knocked off by a large boulder. Sokka yelped as he ducked. He jinxed it.
"You had to tempt them, didn't you?!", Deidara snapped in annoyance as he used a clay bat to blow up one of the boulders that was aimed at himself, "Do us a favor and put a cork in it!"
"How was I suppose to know!?", Sokka shouted back.
Before anyone could retort to that question, more boulders came in. In massive numbers that is. Well over two dozen at once.
"MORE SURFACE-TO-AIR ROCKS COMING!", Sokka alerted.
"No need to yell like it's the end of the world, hm!", Deidara pointed out.
One was aimed at Aang, who destroyed it with his out stretched hand. The boulder broke into tiny rocks ranging from the size of a fist, to the size of a thumbprint.
Deidara swooped down briefly, and threw about five clay homing bats at some of the Earthbenders that were catapulting the boulders. The clay bats confused the Earthbenders at first until the the first bat exploded. They did their best to dodge the homing bats, but couldn't shake them off their trails. In Deidara's mind, the fact the Earthbenders that were being chased by the homing bats were spreading out was good. That meant more wide spread damage and more people to be likely out of commission. This proved to be the case when the remaining four homing bats went off and took about three Earthbenders out each.
Appa then landed once the smoke from the explosions cleared. Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph hopped off Appa's back and joined the fight. Katara created an ice ramp, rode on it, and lashed a large Water Whip at several Earthbenders near the moat, sending them into said moat. Aang froze the moat, effectively trapping the guards.
"Sorry!", Katara said, confusing Deidara a bit.
Once across the bridge, Aang and Toph used Earthbending to block off Earthbending attacks and redirect them.
More Earthbending Guards stormed out of the palace to take their fallen comrade's place on the battle field. As Team Avatar advanced, the attacks became more vicious towards Team Avatar.
Deidara jumped off his clay bird and formed a second clay bird. He landed safely on the ground, despite the fact it was a rough landing that involved a bit of tumbling and fast recovery. At that moment, two guards Earthbended a pair of large statues at Team Avatar. Aang quickly made an igloo made of rocks. Deidara took this as his chance to make some 'art' and sent the birds at the statues.
"KATSU!"
The statues blew up on impact with the clay birds, sending large chunks of rock in all directions. Some of the remnants of the statues hit the guards, knocking them out or knocking them severely off balance, causing them to fall over into something that they were near like mud, water, or dung. Deidara had to laugh when Toph turned the stairs into a ramp, causing the guards to slide down in embarrassing ways.
"Sorry! We just need to see the Earth King!", Katara said as she Water Whipped a few guards away.
Once Team Avatar made it to the base of the stairs that Toph turned into a ramp, Aang and Toph used Earthbending to make an elevator to rid up the ramp. Many guards fell past the make shift elevator, most of them screaming in surprise.
"Seriously, we are on your side!", Sokka said then realized he might have nicked a guard in the head with his machete, "Sorry!"
"What is with all of the apologizing?!", Deidara asked in irritation.
Once everyone reaches the top, Toph pushes all incoming guards away with Earthbending, allowing Team Avatar to advance further. They entered the palace and were surprised by the number of doors.
"Toph, which way to the Earth King?", Sokka asked.
"How on Earth should I know? I still vote we leave Ba Sing Se!", Toph said as she easily defeated some of the incoming guards.
Sokka ran over to several doors, opening them as he searched for the Earth King. There were a few doors he wish he hadn't opened. One room, much to the warrior's embarrassment, had a half naked lady who was putting on her kimono.
"PERVERT!", The woman screamed and tripped on her own feet.
"Sorry! Wrong door!", Sokka said in embarrassment as he wiped his nose bleed away.
Deidara decided to take a more... Destructive approach. He blew up his fair share of doors, and like Sokka, there a few he wish he had just left alone. One bedroom had something going on it it that mentally scarred poor Deidara like it would have to any child. And the giggling and kissing sounds coming from said room were bad enough by themselves.
"Can someone get me the brain bleach?!", Deidara asked as he covered his eyes and madly dashed away from the offending room like heck.
It took a few minutes to calm Deidara down a bit from the disturbing sight. After that, he went back to busting down doors with his explosive clay. Thankfully, he didn't run into anymore rooms that had an affair going on in them. Eventually the whole whole hallway was filled with rubble from destroyed doors, fallen pillars, and knocked out soldiers. Sokka climbed up the rubble to find the one door they all have been searching for.
"That's one fancy door! It has to go somewhere important!", Sokka said in awe.
Sokka unleashed a battle cry as he dramatically leaped forward and tried to give the door a mock version of Mighty Gai's Dynamic Entry. The attempt to be nothing more than a Dynamic Foot-tap to the door. Sokka fell to the ground on his back and began to push at the door. The door did not give in to Sokka's feeble attempts. Deidara sweat dropped at Sokka's pathetic attempts.
'I am glad he isn't screaming about youth...', Deidara thought.
"Step aside, wimp.", Deidara said.
Without giving Sokka any time to move, Deidara threw dozens clay spiders at the door. The clay spiders latched themselves in the hinges and areas around the locks. Some had to pile up on each other due to Sokka being in the way in one part. Before Sokka could protest, Deidara blew up the door, sending the warrior flying with the door.
Sokka groaned and gave an irritated look at Deidara.
"Be a little more careful next time!", Sokka gripped.
"It's your fault for not moving, hm.", Deidara said, "I clearly said to step aside."
After Sokka got up, all of Team Avatar ran forward. Aang had his staff pointing forward in an aggressive Airbending stance. Toph had a boulder floating next to her as she took on a sturdy Earthbending stance. Sokka drew his machete and held in his own fighting stance. Katara had a Water Whip ready to whip anything that came within in her and friend's personal spaces. Deidara got into a stance of his own, ready to have his hand mouths get into his clay pouches when the moment was right.
The Earth King had glasses on and wore a long bright green and yellow robe with tabi socks and wore expensive jewelry. On his head was a large green hat that had appeared to be the turban crown that is meant to be worn by the Earth King. His hair was dark and short, thus easily hidden in the turban except for a few strands.
Long Feng stood in front of the Earth King with an angered glare at Team Avatar. His Dai Li agents stood single file in front of him, ready to apprehend the Avatar and his friends.
"We need to talk to you.", Aang said, breaking the deadly silence that had shrouded the throne room.
"These kids are here to overthrow you.", Long Feng said as he faced the Earth King.
"Were on your side! We wish to help!", Sokka said.
"You have to trust us!", Katara pleaded.
"And get Long Feng out of the room!", Deidara added as he glared hatefully at Long Feng.
The Earth King got up from his throne, not amused at all by the chaos that had entered the atmosphere.
"You invade my palace, lay waste through all of my guards, blow up my fancy door, and you expect me to trust you?!",The Earth King asked as aggravation rose in his tone with every word.
"He does have a good point.", Toph said.
"If you are really on my side, you will drop your weapons and stand down.", The Earth King said.
One by one, everyone either dropped their weapons or put them back followed by getting out of their aggressive stances. Deidara got out of his stance and crossed his arms since he didn't have his 'weapon' out. Toph placed the boulder back from where she got it from. Katara returned her Water Whip to her Waterbending pouch. Sokka and Aang dropped their respective weapons to the ground.
Aang plastered a goofy grin to his face as he gave a shrug.
"See! We're friends, Your Earthiness!", Aang said then chuckled.
The Earth King didn't even react to the lame gesture Aang gave. Instead, Long Feng signaled the Dai Li to arrest them. The Dai Li threw rock hands at Team Avatar, hand cuffing them. Deidara, however, was the only one not apprehended. He quickly reacted to the rock hands and used his Earth Style: Hidden Mole Jutsu to get into the ground and dodge them.
"Detain the assailants and get that boy out of the ground.", Long Feng commanded.
Four Dai Li Agents went forward to restrain the still above ground members of Team Avatar. The other three used Earthbending to make a tunnel and went into it to search for Deidara.
"We dropped our weapons! We ARE your allies!", Sokka said.
A few vibrations, a few muffled laughs, and a whack load of yelling came from far underground. Only one of the three Dai Li Agents came back up through the tunnel, but he was covered head to toe with scorch marks and bruises. He had a visibly shaken look on his face that clearly showed, he was not familiar with Deidara's methods of fighting. He had a sightly dazed Deidara in tow with him and a note as well.
Long Feng took the note and became irritated. Deidara was obviously messing with him. He crumbled up the note and threw it on the ground.
"Make sure the Avatar and his friends never see daylight again!", Long Feng demanded.
The scorched and bruised Dai Li Agent sighed and placed the rock glove hand cuffs on Deidara, who was still seeing the swirls of dizziness. The swirls then subsided once Deidara shook himself to his own senses. He began fighting the rock gloves, that bound his hands completely, in vain.
"The Avatar?!", The Earth King asked and looked at Deidara, who was too busy struggling to even answer, "You're the Avatar?!"
"He isn't. Aang is.", Sokka said and gestured his head at Aang.
Aang undid his own rock hands hand waved his now free hands in the air.
"Right here!", Aang said before putting the rock hands back on his hands.
"Why does it matter, Your Highness? They are enemies of the state.", Long Feng said sternly.
"Perhaps your right...", The Earth king pondered as he sat down back on his throne.
The Earth King's pet bear crawled up to Aang and began to lick his cheek as if it were a salty snack. Aang giggled as the bear showed its affection to the young Avatar.
"Though Bosco likes him.", The Earth king said with a small smile, "I will listen to what the Avatar has to say."
Long Feng groaned in annoyance as he glared at Aang. Deidara, who was losing his patience with the rock glove cuffs, began to use a jagged rock that remained from Toph's Earthbending to pick at the rock gloves' weak spots. The Dai Li Agent that got him out of the ground tried to make Deidara stop, but only succeeded int getting a Chakra enhanced kick in the manhood, sending the poor guy a few meters into the air. The Dai Li Agent landed several meters away from where Deidara was.
Aang walked forward with confidence. Team Avatar is just a smidget away from having support. He was not going to screw this up now.
"There's a war going on, and it has been for the past one hundred years. Long Feng and the Dai Li kept it secret from everyone, including you. It's a conspiracy to control you and the entire city.", Aang said.
"A secret war? That's crazy!", The Earth King said, not believing what he was hearing.
"Completely!", Long Feng said.
In the background, Deidara by this point got fed up with the rock gloves, he just stopped trying to break them off, seeing as the Dai Li Agent who dragged him up to the surface was not going to be letting the cuffs off anytime soon. He got up and marched over next to Aang. He gave a deadly glare at Long Feng. He had enough of seeing Long Feng's donkey running all over the place with the audacity to ruin his shinobi pride.
With good aim in practice, Deidara gathered up as much spit as he could must and spat on Long Feng's face from a distance. He gave a wicked grin as Long Feng fumed.
"What's the matter? Can't hit a little kid in front of the Earth King?", Deidara taunted, "You're weak after all!"
"Shut your mouth this minute, you little brat!", Long Feng whispered.
As Long Feng and Deidara had a small, minor verbal clash, The Earth King was busy listening to what Aang was saying, thus not knowing what was happening in the background.
"Long Feng didn't want us to tell you about the war, so he stole our Sky Bison as blackmail. And that's not even the tip of the iceberg, he also brainwashed our friend.", Aang said.
"Is this true?", The Earth King asked, turning to Long Feng.
"MMMPHH!", Deidara said as Long Feng struggled to keep Deidara from talking.
Long Feng instantly removed his hand, which he was using as a makeshift gag, from Deidara's mouth and began to look innocent in an adult way. Deidara gave an intense glare at Long Feng.
Toph, Sokka, Aang, and Katara gave Deidara looks of 'what the heck were you doing/thinking?'.
"All Lies. I never seen a Sky Bison in my entire life. And aren't they suppose to be extinct?", Long Feng said as he went back to the Earth King's side and began to whisper into the king's ear.
After a small pause, the Earth King faced the group.
"I am afraid I have to trust my adviser.", The Earth King said.
At the sound of those mere nine words, the Dai Li grabbed each member of Team Avatar and began to drag them away. Deidara fought his hardest against the Dai Li Agent who was keeping him away from strangling Long Feng to death. The Dai Li Agent never saw what was coming before it was too late. Before he knew it, Deidara was strangling him with his legs. The kid had an unusual grip and strength for his age.
At that same moment, Sokka managed to give his Dai Li Agent a trick movement, thus being able to turn around and briefly go forward a bit.
"WAIT!", Sokka shouted as he gained a big crap eating grin, "I know exactly how to prove that Long Feng is lying! He says he has never seen a Sky Bison, well then! Ask him to take off his robe!"
Long Feng was shocked by that suggestion. Shock turned to anger though as Deidara laughed at the suggestion. The Earth King gave a skeptical expression to the idea of having his adviser disrobing.
"WHAT?! I am NOT disrobing!", Long Feng protested.
"Are you afraid that you will embarrass yourself for not being a real man, hm?", Deidara asked, as he gained a similar grin himself.
Long Feng visibly fumed even more. Team Avatar's more immature members snickered at the comment. Mainly, Sokka, Toph, and Aang. Katara rolled her eyes.
"Oh grow up, would you?", Katara muttered to herself.
Sokka gave Aang a look, causing Aang to nod. Aang took a deep breath and a jet stream came rushing from his mouth to Long Feng. Long Feng's robes went over his head, revealing his undergarments and the bite mark that Appa gave him. Deidara got much amusement from the look on the Earth King's face.
"Right there! Appa bit him!", Aang called out.
Long Feng put his robe back into place. He was aggravated by the antics Team Avatar were causing.
"That is a large birthmark. Thanks for showing it to everyone.", Long Feng said sarcastically.
"Looks like there's no evidence to support where that mark came form.", The Earth King said.
"There is!", Sokka said and dramatically swung himself away from the Dai Li Agents, "BRING IN APPA!"
Deidara and many others sweat dropped.
'At a time like this?', Deidara thought.
A few of the still awake guards lead Appa into the throne room. The Earth King was amazed by the bison. After hearing they were extinct, here there was one right in front of him.
At that moment, the rock cuffs fell off. The Dai Li Agents didn't really see any reason for them to be kept on. Long Feng was growing more irritated by the second. Things were not going as planned at all.
Aang dragged Long Feng next to Appa rather enthusiastically. Appa opened his mouth, allowing Aang to point to one of Appa's molars. Aang then went on to lift up Long Feng's robe and pointed at the bite mark. It was a perfect fit.
"Yup, the definetly proves that.", The Earth King said.
Team Avatar cheered in their own way. Deidara was surprised he didn't get kicked out for setting off a few clay bombs.
'Maybe it's because I am not after the king.', Deidara thought.
"However, it doesn't prove the conspiracy theory.", The Earth King said raining on Team Avatar's Parade, "But it does prove that it is worth looking into."
Team Avatar was fine with that. There were few places that had plenty of evidence to work with. Deidara quickly huddled everyone.
"What is it now, Deidara?", Katara whispered.
"Are you trying to suggest we do something reckless?", Aang whispered, "We just proved our innocence to the Earth King."
"No.", Deidara whispered.
"Then what?", Toph whispered, "Spit it out, Hot Fuse."
"Two witnesses.", Deidara said, "There are two regions of evidence that I can think of, Lake Laogai, and the Outer Wall. They can serve as our 'witnesses'."
"Your talking about where we should take the Earth King to.", Sokka whispered.
"Yes, captain obvious, hm.", Deidara said.
"So where should we go first?", Aang whispered.
"I say we go to the one that is harder to cover up.", Sokka whispered, "I personally think, Lake Laogai is harder to cover up because of the number of rooms and that brainwashing room."
"Smart plan, Sokka. I guess you aren't a total nut job, hm.", Deidara said, "But just in case, we also visit the Outer Wall. I may not know everything that went on in that drill, but I do know with it's size, it will take at least a week to cover it up and make it like it never existed."
"HEY!", Sokka whined, "You're not exactly in the right position to say that, you know."
Later on a train...
Every passenger stared at the sight before them. The Earth King gave uncomfortable glances around the train, unsure of what to think more or less how to interact. The guards stood by, making sure no one got suspiciously close to the Earth King.
"So this is what a train is like... I never expected it to be this... Public...", The Earth King said.
The new experience made the Earth King feel slightly uncomfortable in his own skin. He shifted a bit as if he put on his clothes on backwards and didn't even know. It was like his skin wouldn't fit just right to his frame. It sent uneasy senses to him just by thinking about it. Deidara could easily detect this in the Earth King's body language, but he didn't call him out for it, knowing he would just get non stop heck for it.
"So you never been outside the Upper Ring before?", Katara asked.
"I never been outside the palace.", The Earth King corrected then glanced out the window, "Now THAT'S the way to travel."
Outside, Aang was riding Appa in close proximity of the train. He waved to everyone in the train with a big grin.
"May I ask, where are we going?", The Earth King asked.
"First we are going underneath Lake Laogai, Your Kingliness. The Dai Li's secret headquarters. That's where all of the brainwashing takes place. Then we are heading to the outer wall to see the proof of the war, just in case of anything get's covered up. Both places have relevance with the conspiracy that has been taking place.", Sokka said.
"The Outer Wall? No Earth King has ever been there!", The Earth King said.
"If it turns out if something at Lake Laogai got covered up, we will let you ride on Appa to the Outer Wall and back to the palace.", Sokka said with a sigh.
The Earth King did smile a bit at that a bit. He kinda liked the idea of riding on the bison. Though a part of him wished the war wasn't true.
They arrived at Lake Laogai with ease. It was as if it was welcoming them like a warm host. But something didn't settle right with some people. Toph walked over to where the tunnel was to find that the tunnel was smashed to bits.
"They destroyed it!", Toph said.
"This can't be happening!", Sokka began but quickly tried to cover it up with a 'positive' attitude that looked more like 'I'm trying not to freak out' look, "That's okay, I still got a positive attitude."
Deidara knew the Dai Li would aim for one of the major evidences first.
"Looks like they think found an easier way to block off access.", Deidara said.
"What do you mean?", Katara asked.
The Earth King was starting to feel this was a waste of time, but the way Deidara worded that one sentence, had him questioning what he meant by 'think' as well.
"They think by destroying the entrance is good enough, they obviously forgot one rule, hm. Never underestimate your opponent.", Deidara said.
"What exactly are you thinking?", The Earth King asked raising an eyebrow.
"I never done this before, but I have heard of other shinobi doing it. Grab on and don't let go.", Deidara said and turned his back, "Well, chicken or something, hm?"
The chicken comment got a few frowns from the small crowd. The Earth King was uneasy about this, but none of the less, grabbed onto Deidara's back. After he securely latched on, he felt something foreign flow from Deidara. Then before he knew it, they were swimming through the earth. The Earth King screamed slightly. This was by far the most thrilling experience in his life.
"Do you even know where you are going?", The Earth King asked, slightly startled.
"Yes.", Deidara said, "Now would you stop screaming in my ear. I don't want be deaf by the time I'm twenty."
After a bit of 'swimming' through the rocks and soil, Deidara crawled upwards. What The Earth King saw was shocking. Deidara lead him right into a room with a heavy duty chair, a lamp on a rail, and mechanics.
"We stumbled upon this room when we were searching for the room where they were keeping Appa.", Deidara said.
"What is this place?", The Earth King asked as he examined the railing.
"It's the brainwashing room if I am correct. Prehistoric in tastes if you ask me, hm.", Deidara said, "The next room over was a training room for the brainwashed females. They were all 'training' to become Joo Dee."
"That name does ring a bell. I have heard Long Feng sometimes at night mentioning the name.", The Earth King said, "He told me it was what they call the women they find that have no known identity like those who have lost all of their memories."
The strange tour continued for a bit. Every room that they explored brought a chilling sensation down the Earth King's back. After a few more rooms, they decided to head back up to the surface.
Once back on the surface, the guards had their guard up and got into stances. When they saw Deidara brought back the Earth King safely and alive, they relaxed a bit.
The Earth King couldn't help but stare at the lake. The lake that looked so innocent, housed something so sinister.
"How about that ride on Appa?", Sokka asked, breaking the cold hard silence.
Flying took The Earth King's mind off of the disturbing aspects of what he has learned as Appa soared through the skies. He screamed in both delight and terror. Deidara flew next to them on his clay bird, which fascinated the Earth King. But it slightly disturbed him when he discovered on how he made it though.
"First time flying?", Toph asked as she latched onto Appa's fur.
"It's both thrilling and frightening.", The Earth King said.
"I hate it too.", Toph said.
"To be really honest, I really hope the part about the war isn't true.", The Earth King said with anxiety present.
"I wish it wasn't either.", Aang said as a small tinge of sadness found it's way onto cheerful Aang's face.
After a few minutes of flying, they made it to the Outer Wall. They began to search for the next bit of evidence.
"Look! The drill's still there!", Aang said as he steered Appa towards the area of the wall that had a good view of the drill.
Once everyone got off, they began to stare at the drill in realization for the Earth King, and in disdain for the others. It's Fire Nation insignia shone through the dry gunk from when the drill collapsed.
"I can't believe I never knew.", The Earth King said.
At that moment, Sokka and Toph began to restrain Deidara. Deidara's target came from the ground. Long Feng, who was trying to look innocent in this messy heck.
"I can easily explain it. It's nothing more than a construction project.", Long Feng said.
"Care to explain why there's a FIRE NATION insignia on your construction project?", Katara asked sarcastically as she pointed right at the insignia.
"It's important! You can't trust domestic machinery, of course.", Long Feng said, then started feeling anxious.
Everyone was staring at Long Feng. All eyes that were on him were filled with distrust, anger, and disdain. Long Feng sweat a bit.
"Surely you trust me, more than these children?", Long Feng asked, "Your most loyal attendant."
The Earth King didn't even need to think it over. After everything that he was shown, Long Feng was obviously guilty.
"Dai Li, arrest Long Feng. I want him to stand trial for conspiracy against the Earth Kingdom.", The Earth King said.
The Dai Li immediately apprehended Long Feng. Long Feng struggled and struggled. His own followers being used against him. Deidara laughed at Long Feng.
"You can't arrest me! You all need me more than you know!", Long Feng protested.
"Not so high an mighty now, hm? Those rock gloves look so much nicer on you than they did on me.", Deidara said, "Too bad you couldn't be sentenced to a more fleeting punishment. I would have really liked that after all of the hoops you made us jump through."
Long Feng groaned in irritation. He did his best to drown out Deidara's polite sounding taunting. However, there was one voice that could not be drowned out. It was the punchline made by Sokka.
"Looks like Long Feng is LONG GONE!", Sokka shouted out and began laughing til' he shed tears, "I have been waiting to use that one!"
Katara and Deidara gave unimpressed looks.
"Next time, make sure the punchline fits, hm.", Deidara said.
Later at the palace...
"Thank you, you young heroes, for opening my eyes to reality. All this time this utopia was merely a city of fools. That makes me, the King of Fools.", The Earth King said, "We are at war with the Fire Nation."
'I wouldn't really call myself a hero...', Deidara thought, 'I am still far from being even considered one.'
"That's why we came to Ba Sing Se, Your Highness.", Sokka began, "Because we think you can help us, everyone, end the war."
"We don't have a whole lot of time. There's a comet and it's coming this summer. It will give the Firebenders tremendous power and strength.", Aang said, "They will become invincible."
'How can a comet do that? Is it like that asteroid that landed in the Hidden Star Village?', Deidara thought, 'No, they don't use Chakra so it has to be something else about it. Is it similar to what an eclipse does to them in method?'
"But there is hope.", Sokka began again, "Before the comet comes, there's a small window of opportunity. A Total Solar Eclipse is coming and it will render the Fire Nation powerless."
"What are you suggesting we do, Sokka?", The Earth King asked.
"That's the day we need to invade the Fire Nation. The Day of Black Sun.", Sokka said.
"I am not sure. We would have to move troops out of Ba Sing Se. We would be completely vulnerable.", The Earth King said.
"You are already vulnerable. The Fire Nation won't rest until Ba Sing Se falls. You can either sit back, enjoy a drink, and wait for it to happen, or go on the offensive and give yourself that fighting chance.", Sokka said.
"Exactly. With the right strategy too and a few traps, you can prevent some of the damages to your homeland as well in case if they retaliate.", Deidara added in.
The Earth King pondered over this. The pros outweighed the cons.
"You have my support.", The Earth King said.
Toph, Sokka, Katara, and Aang celebrated. Aang rode around the whole group on his Air Scooter as Momo followed behind him. Deidara rolled his eyes at some of the other antics that his friends were causing. At that moment, a slightly muscular man in exquisite yet practical armor walked into the room and bowed to the Earth King.
"Your Majesty, I am sorry for the interruption.", The man said.
"This is General How. He is the leader on the Council of Five and the highest ranking general in Ba Sing Se.", The Earth King said.
"We were going through Long Feng's studies and we found something that might interest everyone.", General How said.
In Long Feng's Study...
General How pulled out a large box and placed it on the desk. It was mainly green with gold accents. The Earth King opened the box to reveal several letters, papers, documents, reports, the whole nine yards. Deidara was impressed at how much paper could fit into a box of that size.
"These are secret files on everyone in Ba Sing Se, including you kids.", General How said.
"Secret Files?", Aang asked.
The Earth King pulled out a scroll. It looked like an ordinary letter.
"Toph Beifong.", The Earth King said as he read the name on the scroll.
Katara took the scroll and opened it. She began to read it for Toph.
"It's a letter from you mom. She says she's sorry for not understanding you, and is here in the city to see you.", Katara said.
Toph was shocked by the words that were read to her. Her face then became disappointed.
"Long Feng intercepted our letters from home? That's just sad...", Toph said shaking her head a bit.
"Aang.", The Earth King said and handed Aang a scroll.
"That scroll was attached to your bison's horn when they captured him.", General How said.
Aang opened the scroll and began to read it to himself a bit.
"It's from the Eastern Air Temple.", Aang said.
Katara and Sokka looked hopeful and approached the Earth King.
"Is there a letter for Sokka and I by any chance?", Katara asked.
The Earth king began searching the box a bit.
"Sorry, there isn't.", The Earth King said.
Sokka and Katara looked in downcast. General How walked over and handed a small scroll to the siblings.
"There is an intelligence report that may be of interest.", General How said.
Katara and Sokka opened the intelligence report and Katara began reading it out loud a bit.
" 'A small fleet of Water Tribe ships.' ", Katara read.
"What? That could be dad!", Sokka said and began to show even more interest in the intelligence report.
" 'Guarding the mouth of Chameleon Bay... Led by Hakoda...' IT IS DAD!", Katara said as excitement grew in her voice until it became a joyful shout.
"I definetly know there's nothing for me, hm.", Deidara said, "But I'm fine with that."
After a brief celebration, Team Avatar then went to loose huddle while sitting on some rugs. Momo hopped around everyone, wishing to be apart of the conversation.
"I can't believe it. There's a man at the Eastern Air Temple. He says he's a guru.", Aang said.
"Is a guru some kind of poisonous puffer fish?", Sokka asked.
Deidara gave a 'really' look at Sokka. He was questioning if Sokka was actually smart or dumb as a sack of rocks. Sokka caught this look and frowned a bit.
"No. A guru is a spiritual expert. He says he can help me with controlling the Avatar State.", Aang said.
"And I can't believe we finally know were dad is.", Katara said.
"I can understand. My mom is here and she says she finally understands me.", Toph said.
"This is huge news! Where do we even start?", Sokka said.
"As much as I hate to say it, I think we have to split up.", Katara said with a bit of sadness.
"Split up?! But we just found Appa and brought the family back together! Now we have to separate!", Aang said, not liking the idea.
"You have to meet this guru, Aang. If we are going to fight the Fire Nation, you need to be ready.", Katara said.
"If I'm going to the Eastern Air Temple, then Appa and I can drop you off at Chameleon Bay to see your dad.", Aang said.
"Someone will need to stay here with the King and plan for the invasion.", Sokka said then stood up, "I guess that will be me."
"No Sokka. I know how much you miss dad and want to see him, so you go to Chameleon Bay. I will stay here with the king.", Katara said standing up.
Sokka rushed over to Katara and began to jump around as if he had to use the bathroom. Hopping from left foot the right foot in repetition.
"You are... The... Nicest... Sister... EVER!", Sokka squealed.
Sokka then glomped Katara and pulled her in for a tight, over dramatic hug. He delivered a small kiss to Katara's cheek. Deidara sweat dropped.
'You're such a drama queen...', Deidara thought.
"Easy there big brother.", Katara said, "Though you are right. I am the nicest."
"You know. For once, I don't really know what I am going to do, hm.", Deidara said.
"I know! You could come with me to Chameleon Bay and meet my dad.", Sokka said.
Deidara pondered a bit. Since the fleet Hakoda is leading was guarding Chameleon Bay, that would lead for opportunity to blow some more stuff up, and practice a bit as well. He could use a good spar.
"I will come then.", Deidara said, just for Sokka to jump around like a mad man, "Just, stop doing that, hm."
"Sorry!", Sokka said sheepishly.
Later Outside...
Team Avatar was saying their final good byes. Those who were leaving packed up what was needed for the journey. Aang approached Katara after checking that he had everything he was going to need.
"Um, Katara?", Aang began.
"Yes Aang?", Katara asked.
"I have been wanting to say this for a long time. Since the day we met.", Aang said as his cheeks burned with heavy blush, "Katara, I-"
At that moment, Sokka grabbed Aang, put him into a headlock, and gave him a nuggie. Behind him, Deidara was perched on his clay bird, frowning at Sokka's antics.
"Alright! Whose read for our Men-Only Man Trip!?", Sokka said.
Katara gave an annoyed look at Sokka. Sokka had just killed the moment.
The Earth King walked up to the almost ready to depart Team Avatar. He gave a small smile.
"Aang, Sokka, and Deidara, I wish you all a good and safe journey. Ba Sing Se owes you its thanks. We look for your safe return.", The Earth King said.
A soldier rushed forward to the Earth King.
"Your Majesty. There are three female warriors here to see you. They are from Kyoshi Island.", The soldier said.
Sokka perked up at those words.
"THAT'S SUKI!", Sokka nearly squealed and fell off Appa's side due to not being balanced anymore.
"You know these warriors?", The Earth King asked.
"Yes. They are fearsome and skilled group of fighters. Trustworthy too. They are great friends of our's.", Sokka said.
Deidara gained an impish look on his face. Sokka gave him a disapproving glare telling him to 'not bring it up'. Deidara rolled his eyes at that.
"Then we will treat them as honored guests.", The Earth King said.
Aang was about to get on Appa when Katara ran up to him.
"Aang, wait!", Katara said.
Katara then pulled in Aang for a hug and kissed him on the cheek. Aang's face burned with blush once more. He gave a goofy smile.
"I am really going to miss all of you guys.", Toph said.
Katara hugged Toph.
"Me too.", Katara said.
"Yep.", Aang said.
A group hug started to form. Deidara did his best to stay out of it. He wasn't the mushy gushy kind of guy. Aang, Katara, and Toph then ran up to Sokka and hugged him all at once.
"Aaaah! Okay, that's enough!", Sokka said desperately trying to free himself, "Seriously!"
Deidara just laughed at Sokka's futile attempts of getting free. His small jerkish moment was cut short when Appa pushed Deidara off his clay bird and into the group hug with his tongue, getting him covered in bison spit in the process. Then Appa got on top of everyone followed by Momo. They too wanted to be part of the group hug.
After a few minutes, Appa moved enough for everyone to get up. Deidara brushed off some of the dirt and bison spit from his clothes.
Sokka and Aang climbed onto Appa as Deidara jumped onto his bird again. They then took off for Chameleon Bay.