A/N: Clearly I walked right into the assumption that the OC from the last chapter was based on Terra from Teen Titans. Honestly, I was hoping someone would have recognized her from a previous story of mine, where I brought her in just to give Toph an opponent to beat up. It would seem that I hoped wrong.
Oh well, live and learn.
Chapter 11: Playing Platypus Possum
When Mai returned to her senses, she was not a happy lady. From her perspective she went straight from standing underground and ready for a fight, to lying on the ground paralyzed beneath the night sky. She could still turn her head and could see the Outer Wall of Ba Sing Se in the moonlight. Trying to move her limbs, Mai could feel the paralysis starting to wear off and could slightly move her fingers.
"Okay, who decided to have Ty Lee hit me?" Mai asked.
"You're back!" Ty Lee yelled, hurrying to her friend's side. "I was so worried!"
"Someone had better explain what is going on" Mai demanded.
"They did something to you down there" Katara answered. "They turned you against us, but it appears to have worn off."
"I don't remember a thing" Mai admitted.
"That's probably for the best" Ty Lee said.
"How long before I can move again?" Mai asked.
Ty Lee shrugged. "Ten minutes, give or take?"
"Good. Then we'll get some rest and then get out of here" Katara said.
"Sounds good to me" Mai said. "I'm sick of this stupid city."
OOOOOOOOOO
Meanwhile Toph got Iroh, King Kuei, and the earthbenders to Chameleon Bay. When they arrived they found the Water Tribe already packing their supplies onto a stolen Fire Nation ship, and would be ready to leave in a day. The warriors were surprised to see five strangers approach, but resumed their business when they saw Toph with them.
Toph walked straight for Hakoda's tent and entered it. "Mission accomplished, with interest" Toph said as the others entered behind her.
"Okay, where did the plan go wrong this time?" Sokka asked, looking at the earthbenders with Kuei.
"The Boulder was in the middle of rescuing our king, when the Blind Bandit was rescuing the old man" he answered.
"Hey, we got in there first, you interrupted our rescue" Toph argued.
"It doesn't matter who interrupted who" Hakoda said. "We'd be grateful for any assistance you can offer, Mr. Boulder."
"Now that our king is safe, The Boulder will help in any way."
"Now who is the Earth King?" Hakoda asked, having never seen him before.
"That would be me" Kuei said, holding up a hand. "And I'm afraid I don't have anything to offer. I have no experience in fighting a war."
"Fair enough, just stay out of the way then" Hakoda said. He saw Kuei nod and walk out of the tent, followed by the three earthbenders that were loyal to him.
"Now then, how can an old man help?" Iroh asked.
"Aang and the Angry Jerk, no offense, are somewhere around here doing their firebending thing" Sokka answered. "I'm sure they could use a few lessons from you before we get out of here."
"And where are we going?" Iroh asked.
"Towards the Fire Nation, but how close we get to it before Katara catches up with us, I have no idea" Sokka said.
"I recommend we stop near somewhere between Omashu and the west coast" Iroh said. "That would be the easiest place to stage a capture by my nephew and Katara."
"Somewhere along the way we'll need to get in touch with her to coordinate this" Sokka said. "It's going to be tricky, but I think we can pull it off."
OOOOOOOOOO
In the morning Azula awoke with a stiff left arm. Sleeping on the ground had been nearly intolerable for her, and trying to use her arm as a pillow had clearly been a mistake. Stretching her arm helped Azula feel better, and she made a mental note to avoid camping whenever possible. While staying at an inn would make her easier to find, the risk was worth it for a good night's sleep.
"Good morning" Ursa said. She was leaning next to a campfire with a pot over it. Having gotten up earlier, she was already started on making breakfast.
"What is that?" Azula asked. The smell coming from the pot was strange, but pleasant.
"It's pig-chicken" Ursa answered, stirring the meat in the pot. "A simple meal, good to keep your strength up."
"I suppose we could use that" Azula said, still stretching out her arm.
"Are you okay?" Ursa asked.
"Just not used to traveling like this" Azula answered. "I suppose you adapted to this over the years?"
"It wasn't easy" Ursa said, pouring some of the meat and broth into a bowl. "You'll learn, soon enough."
"I shouldn't have to" Azula complained, but still taking the bowl from Ursa. "We're royalty, we shouldn't have to act like peasants."
"Well we can't exactly afford a royal procession now" Ursa said, filling her own bowl. "Just think of this as a stealth mission."
"Stealth will only get us so far" Azula said, quickly eating her breakfast. "We should get moving."
"Yes, there's a lot of ground to cover" Ursa said.
OOOOOOOOOO
Traveling from Ba Sing Se to the nearest Fire Nation camp took two days. The hardest part had been finding the army, which was always on the move. For once Katara was actually glad to see the Fire Nation banners, using her appearance to obtain the best lodging available. Inside the camp Katara ignored everyone and simply slept through most of the next day, exhausted from traveling without supplies.
While getting ready for the day, Katara was interrupted by the arrival of two old women she had forgotten even existed. Lo and Li wanted to know what happened since Katara left weeks ago. Inside the tent, Katara tried to bend the truth enough to satisfy them.
"What did you accomplish" Li said.
"During your journey?" Lo asked.
"Short version, we went to Ba Sing Se and started a revolt against the Earth King" Katara explained. Technically accurate, since it was Azula who did that. "By the time they sort it out we'll be in position to use Sozin's Comet to take the city."
"An excellent strategy" Lo commented.
"Your father would approve" Li said.
"There's still the Avatar we need to deal with" Katara said, wanting to change the subject. "He's left Ba Sing Se and is heading west."
"Why would he leave the city" Li asked.
"And be vulnerable without its walls?" Lo asked.
"He needs a firebending teacher, he's not going to find one in there" Katara said.
"So where will" Lo said.
"The Avatar go?" Li asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Katara asked. When Li and Lo shook their heads Katara pinched her nose. "He's going to look for the traitor Iroh."
"Then we must find the Avatar" Li said.
"Before he masters the final element" Lo said.
"Excellent" Katara said. With a wave of her hand she said "Now organize a massive searching party. I want any sightings reported straight to me."
"Right away Azula" Lo said.
"We'll get started" Li said.
Once Li and Lo left the tent, Katara let out a sigh. Well that was easy she thought.
OOOOOOOOOO
Meanwhile Appa flew west across the Earth Kingdom, carrying Aang, Sokka, Toph, Suki, Zuko and Iroh. They didn't bother to hide their trail, wanting to make it as easy as possible for Katara to catch up with them. While the group traveled by air, the Water Tribe traveled by boat in the stolen Fire Nation ship, looking for anyone else that could help during the invasion. With any luck, the Water Tribe would slip by unnoticed while the Fire Nation focused their attention on the Avatar.
A week after leaving the Water Tribe behind, they made camp in the western Earth Kingdom. Aang spent every moment of his free time learning firebending from Iroh or practicing with Zuko. There was only so much time they had to get Aang ready before implementing Sokka's plan. In the current campsite, Sokka wanted to discuss possible options with Toph and Suki.
"Hey Toph, can you provide some cover please?" Sokka asked.
"Why?" Toph asked back.
"Just trust me" Sokka said. "We don't want anyone eavesdropping on this."
"Oh fine" Toph said. She stomped the ground, earthbending a thick dome around them, leaving a small hole in the top for air and dim light.
"What's so secret that we need a separate room to talk about it?" Suki asked.
"It's about our plan to deceive the Fire Nation" Sokka said. "Toph, how did those dangerous ladies react to you?"
"The one I met didn't seem to mind" Toph said. "What about it?"
"Well I was thinking you could pretend to be on their side when they find us" Sokka said.
"You're kidding right?" Suki asked. "Why would Toph fight against us?"
"It's the perfect setup to let Aang be captured without making it look too easy" Sokka explained. "Plus if you convince them you're on their side we could get the Greatest Earthbender in the World inside the Fire Nation alongside Katara and Zuko."
"Okay, I'm game" Toph said.
"What do I get to do?" Suki asked.
"You get to take Appa away when its showtime" Sokka said.
"And why is that?" Suki asked, glaring at Sokka.
"Someone needs to take care of Appa" Sokka said. "Plus the Fire Nation doesn't know you're with us. They wouldn't care if you aren't here."
"And what happens when they notice Appa's gone?" Suki asked.
"Well…" Sokka said, thinking about that for a moment. "He does seem to have a knack for disappearing when stuff happens, despite being a ten ton bison. They won't find it odd at all."
"And what am I supposed to do while you guys are in the Fire Nation?" Suki asked.
"We do need someone to head for the North Pole and get Katara some spirit water" Sokka said.
"I guess I could do that" Suki said.
OOOOOOOOOO
After nearly riding their ostrich-horses to death every day, Azula and Ursa made it across the Earth Kingdom. They wouldn't be able to take the beasts with them across the sea to the Fire Nation, so there was no point in keeping them healthy once they arrived. The bigger concerns to them were their supplies, which had dwindled faster than Azula had expected.
"How much do we have left?" Azula asked.
"Enough for four more meals, seven if we ration it" Ursa answered, looking at the small amount of food they had left.
"I thought we had more than that" Azula said.
"We wasted some of it when I tried to teach you how to cook" Ursa said.
"I only ruined one meal" Azula said.
"We'll need to resupply if we're going to make it to one of the colonies to find a ship" Ursa said. She unrolled a map and examined it. "There should be a village near here with a market."
"Alright, I'll go there while you look after the ostrich-horses" Azula said. She took the map and left.
Following the map, Azula found a trail leading into an Earth Kingdom village. Outside the village's walls she spotted an abandoned Fire Nation tank being vandalized by children. There were guards in front of the gates watching the children wreck the tank, silently approving. The guards let Azula into the village, viewing her as no threat to the people inside.
The village appeared to be thriving, filled with people talking and bartering with each other. Azula could see the occasional earthbender rebuilding a home or wall. It didn't make sense for an Earth Kingdom village to be doing so well so close to the Fire Nation army. Curious, Azula looked for someone that could explain the village's secret. Spotting a tall boy with long brown hair earthbending a stone fence, Azula walked up to him from behind.
"Excuse me, sir…"
"Katara?" the boy said, turning around. Azula saw the boy's green eyes, and noticed that he was trying to grow a mustache.
"Yes" Azula said, wondering what the odds were that a stranger would recognize her here.
"How've you been?" the boy asked. "It's been a while since you helped us here."
"I've been… around" Azula said. "Say, I don't suppose you could help me get a good deal on some supplies at the market?"
"Sure, anything" the boy said. "Hey we should stop by my house before we go. I'm sure my dad would like to see you again."
The boy led Azula into his home, which was also used as a small shop. Inside the shop area were several people browsing the wares, and Azula saw a frail woman at the counter. The boy walked up to the woman and hugged her.
"Hey mom, look whose back" the boy said.
"Katara" the woman said. "My boy Haru has missed you so much."
OOOOOOOOOO
Riding inside a Fire Nation tank-train, Katara, Ty Lee, and Mai were speeding across the Earth Kingdom. The plow on the front of the vehicle broke through everything in their path, slowing down for nothing. Looking out a window Katara could see the landscape speeding by, far faster than any other means of transport she had used before.
Standing in front of the three girls was War Minister Qin. Despite the failure of his Drill at Ba Sing Se, he had retained his position due to progress in other matters. "Princess, we've tracked the Avatar's path through the Earth Kingdom" Qin reported. "If he maintains his current course he'll reach the rebels within a few days."
"I'm not concerned with any rebels" Katara said.
"Normally I'd agree with you" Qin said. "On their own these rebels are a nuisance, they've only secured a handful of their villages. But if they have the Avatar's aid they could destabilize the region."
"Don't worry about that, we'll stop him before that can happen" Katara said.
"Do you have a plan?" Mai asked.
"Just trust me on this, the Avatar isn't getting away from us this time" Katara said.
As if on cue, the train-tank came to a stop. "Excellent, we've arrived ahead of schedule" Qin observed. He opened the door and stepped outside the tank-train, followed by the three girls. They were on the edge of a military base, filled with soldiers in formation awaiting orders.
"They won't be necessary" Katara said.
"Princess, with all due respect, you'll need these troops to take out the Avatar" Qin said.
Looking over the troops, Katara thought about the options she might have for them. I suppose a few witnesses might make capturing Aang believable she thought. "Fine, just let me handle things at first and if things go wrong, send in the troops."
"Very well, I'll give the order" Qin said. He walked away to do his job, leaving Katara alone with the other girls.
"So what do you have in mind?" Ty Lee asked.
I need to tell Aang I'm coming Katara thought. "Get me a messenger hawk, I have to send something out" she said.
OOOOOOOOOO
Between some hills hiding their location, Aang and Zuko were sparring in front of Iroh. They exchanged fireblasts, dodging each other's attacks while Iroh commented on their progress. Zuko was dodging fire and throwing his own fire back at the same time, while Aang had to stop firebending during each of his dodges. The fireblasts Aang used were smaller than Zuko's, showing how Aang was reluctant to be aggressive.
"Enough" Iroh said, holding up a hand. He saw Aang and Zuko stop and respectfully bow to each other.
"How did I do?" Aang asked, wiping off sweat from his forehead.
"You've improved a lot over the last few days" Iroh said. "There's a technique that you will need to know before we leave the Earth Kingdom."
"Breathing fire? Firewalls? Oh maybe that dragon of fire trick I saw once?" Aang guessed.
"No" Iroh said, disappointing Aang. "I'm going to teach you how to redirect lightning."
"Okay" Aang said.
Taking the better part of an hour, Iroh described how he developed the technique from studying waterbenders. He explained how lightning will follow the paths of energy in the human body, and if you could make new paths you could direct the lightning out without harm. Aang learned the technique easily, applying his experience with waterbending to the lesson.
"You've got it" Iroh said when they were finished.
"Great" Aang said.
"Let's head back to the others, it's getting late" Iroh said, noting how low the sun was on the horizon.
"Okay" Aang said.
Suddenly they heard a bird shriek in the air above them. Looking up they saw a red hawk fly down and land on the branch of a nearby tree. Zuko walked up to the hawk and found that it was carrying a message. He opened the container on its back and pulled out a piece of parchment.
"What does it say?" Aang asked.
"Tomorrow, be ready" Zuko read aloud. "It must be from Katara."
"This soon?" Iroh asked. "In that case you should get some more practice in tonight."
OOOOOOOOOO
It wasn't until Azula looked out a window that she noticed evening had arrived. Haru and his mother had insisted that she stay for supper, and it would have looked odd for her to refuse. The thought of a meal made by people that wanted to serve her was appealing as well, so she accepted their hospitality. What she didn't understand was why these people were going out of their way to help a peasant.
"So Katara, where's Aang and Sokka?" Haru asked.
"We got separated" Azula said. "I don't know where they are."
"Well I'm sure you'll find them soon" Haru said. "I can put a word out that you've been separated. Get some help in finding them for you."
"Uh… don't bother, I know where they're going" Azula said. "I'll meet up with them in the Fire Nation."
"The Fire Nation?" Haru said. "Why would you go there?"
"You haven't heard?" Azula said. "Aang is going to fight the Fire Lord."
"But, that's suicide" Haru said. "He doesn't stand a chance."
"Which is why I need to get there before he does" Azula said. "I should be moving on."
As Azula walked towards the door it was opened from the other side. Coming in was an old man, balding hair but with a long white beard. Almost walking into Azula, he stopped and recognized her.
"Katara? What a pleasant surprise" the old man said.
"Hi dad" Haru said. "Katara, you remember my old man Tyro."
"Yes of course" Azula lied. "If you don't mind, I need to get going."
"Where would you go at this hour?" Tyro asked.
"There's someone I'm supposed to meet outside of the village" Azula said. She walked through the doorway, but stopped on the other side. Looking back in, she said "I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Sure" Haru said.
As Azula walked away from the house, Haru and Tyro watched her leave. "Did something seem, odd about Katara?" Tyro asked.
"A bit" Haru said, still looking at Azula. There was a small smile on his face. "I like it."
OOOOOOOOOO
The next day Katara was riding a mongoose-dragon alongside Mai and Ty Lee. They were riding ahead of the Fire Nation soldiers, who had orders to assist their princess if necessary. Katara was trying to get as big a lead on the soldiers as possible, to avoid anyone interfering. She had a vague idea where Aang and the others were, certain that they would intercept her somewhere.
Glancing up every few seconds, Katara checked the skies for Appa. There were plenty of clouds in the sky, providing cover for a sky bison. Suddenly she heard a roar coming from above, and Katara spotted Appa flying out of a cloud ahead of her. Immediately Katara rode after him, closely followed by Ty Lee and Mai.
Appa disappeared behind a large hill. The steep sides required the mongoose-dragons to run around the hill, entering a wide ravine running through the terrain. Once they were inside the ravine, the three girls spotted Zuko and Iroh drinking tea. As Katara dismounted from the mongoose-dragon she saw Iroh and Zuko take fighting stances.
"Well what do we have here, two lonely traitors away from the herd" Katara said, trying to sound as smug as possible. Then she winked to Zuko.
"I'm no traitor" Zuko said. "The Avatar is right down this ravine, right where I want him."
"Not a traitor you say" Katara said. "But our dear uncle is. What's it going to be? Your nation, or a life of treachery?"
"Choose treachery, it's more fun" Iroh played along. He nudged Zuko, telling him to get on with it.
Zuko turned around towards Iroh. "Don't take this personally" Zuko whispered. He pulled back a fist and punched Iroh. The old man let the punch hit his face and he dropped to the ground, pretending to be knocked out by it.
"No way" Ty Lee said.
"I hate you Uncle" Zuko said. "You smell, and I hate you for all time."
Nobody noticed Mai raising an eyebrow, even as Zuko walked up to Katara. She dismounted and walked up to them, arms crossed. "Good to have you back Zuko" Mai said.
"We should get moving before the Avatar has a chance to escape" Zuko said.
Katara tied up Iroh while Ty Lee dismounted and joined them. Once Iroh's bonds were tight they left him behind and walked deeper into the ravine. Further inside the walls were higher and the path curved to the side. Zuko led the way in, stopping when he could hear Aang and Sokka talking around a corner.
"Now" Zuko whispered.
Zuko and Katara rushed in and threw fireblasts towards Aang. He diverted the red and blue flames, scattering them everywhere. Behind Aang was Appa, taking to the air in fright. No one could see Suki in the saddle, taking Appa away from the group. Sokka and Toph rushed to Aang's side, standing behind them ready to fight.
Ty Lee and Mai ran in, stopping next to Katara and Zuko. Then Ty Lee's eyes fell onto Toph. "Hey wait a minute. Isn't that the earthbender that helped us?" Ty Lee asked.
Immediately Toph earthbended a boulder out of the ground and threw it at Aang, which hit him and slammed Aang into a wall. A second later the boulder shattered and Aang climbed out of the rubble, just in time to dodge a fireblast from Zuko.
"Traitor!" Sokka yelled and charged at Toph. She earthbended the ground beneath Sokka's feet, sinking him into the ground up to his waist. Before Toph could sink Sokka in any deeper she was hit by a windblast from Aang.
"You're on their side, all along!" Aang yelled. Before he could say more Aang had to deflect more fire from Zuko.
"Duh, of course I'm on their side" Toph said. She earthbended stone clamps around Aang's feet, keeping him secured to the ground. "Did you really expect someone like me to fight for the losing side?"
Aang broke out of the stone clamps with his earthbending, and stepped away from the others. It wasn't until he stumbled into the wall that he realized he was backed into a corner. Katara, Zuko, and Toph closed in on Aang, with Ty Lee and Mai watching. Toph threw a boulder at Aang while Katara and Zuko used more fireblasts, which Aang tried to block with a wall of stone.
As the different elements collided the stone wall exploded, showering the area with dust. While he couldn't be seen Aang dropped to the ground, pretending to be unconscious. As far as anyone could see, the Avatar had been defeated.
"We did it" Zuko said. "We finally did it."
"Yes you did, and it was boring that we didn't do anything" Mai said. She looked at Toph for a moment, then back to Katara. "You could have told us you had a mole in their ranks."
"That would have ruined the surprise" Katara said. "Now help me get these two tied up. We should get them out of before anyone sees the bison without its owner."
"Can do" Ty Lee said. She stepped over to Sokka and struck his pressure points. She watched Toph pull Sokka out of the ground, letting her grab his legs and drag him behind her. Walking beside Toph, Ty Lee said "You know, I think this may be the start of a beautiful friendship."
OOOOOOOOOO
Meanwhile, Azula and Ursa were packing their new supplies onto the ostrich-horses. They had enough to reach the port towns on the west coast, and would leave the beasts behind there. Azula finished packing hers first, and started walking away before Ursa noticed.
"Where are you going?" Ursa asked.
"Back to that village" Azula answered. "There's something I need to see."
"I thought you took care of everything?" Ursa asked.
"Yesterday I met an earthbender who recognized me" Azula explained. "It's a gamble, but I think I can convince him to help us."
"Which name is he using for you?" Ursa asked.
"He called me Katara, so if this works you'll have to call me that" Azula said. "As much as I don't like it."
"I'll just keep the mask on, so I won't have to call you anything at all" Ursa said.
"That works too" Azula said with a smile.
Walking to the village, Azula wondered how she was going to enlist Haru's help. The thought of using a threat was appealing, but she knew it would likely alienate him. As she walked through the gates into the village Azula wondered if simply asking him would be enough. Heading for the shop Haru's mother worked in, Azula spotted Haru walking out the door.
"Hey Katara" Haru said when he noticed Azula. "What's up?"
"Well I was wondering if I could ask you something" Azula said.
"Sure, anything" Haru said.
"Would you mind coming with me to the Fire Nation?" Azula asked.
"Okay" Haru said.
"It's just that I need the… Did you just say 'Okay'?" Azula said. Off all the responses she could think of, simply accepting her request without question had not been one of them.
"Yes, it's the least I can do after you helped get my father out of that prison" Haru said. "Our village wouldn't be anywhere near this prosperous if you hadn't inspired us in that metal prison."
"Alright then, we'll just get your things and get going" Azula said. "We don't want to be late."
A/N: If I were a shipper, I'd be totally shipping Hazula right now. Or is it called Harula? Fortunately for me (and the readers who dislike shipping, if any exist) I have next to no experience with writing a ship. So unless you want me to try writing this ship, I'll probably be avoiding romance.