"No one can make tea like Uncle. But hopefully I learned a thing or two. Would you like to hear Uncle's favorite tea joke?"
"Sure."
"I like jokes."
"Bring it. "
"Okay. Well, I can't remember how it starts but the punch line is, "Leaf me alone, I'm bushed." Well, it's funnier when Uncle tells it."
"Right. Maybe that's because he remembers the whole thing."
Aang laughs and helps himself to a cup.
"It's nice to get a chance to relax a little." Zuko walks between Toph and Teo and hands them their drinks. "It hardly ever happens."
"Hey, can I talk to you for a second?"
He gets up and walks away. Zuko places his tray down and follows. They walk to the area where Appa is resting.
"If someone was captured by the Fire Nation, where would they be taken?"
"What do you mean? Who was captured?"
"When the invasion plan failed, some of our troops were taken. I just want to know where they might be."
"I can't tell you."
"What? Why not?"
"Trust me. Knowing would just make you feel worse." He turns around and Sokka grabs his shoulder.
"It's my Dad. He was captured too. I need to know what I put him through."
"It's not good Sokka."
"Please."
"My guess is... They were taken to the Boiling Rock."
"What's that?"
"The highest security prison in the Fire Nation. It's on an island in the middle of a boiling lake. It's inescapable."
"So where is this place?"
"Why do you need to know? What are you planning?"
"Nothing. Boy, you're so paranoid."
"It's in the middle of a volcano between here and the Fire Nation. You guys actually flew right past it on your way here."
"Thanks Zuko. Just knowing makes me feel better."
"Yeah, I'm sure it does." Sokka walks off and Cadi sticks her head up from Appa's saddle.
"You know he's just gonna go, right?"
Zuko jumped in surprise. "How did you get up there? You were just with everyone else."
"Wow, doesn't even realize that his supposed to be girlfriend, was never where he thought."
"Sorry."
"Uh-huh. Sit up here till he goes to leave." Zuko nodded and sat on top of Appa.
…
Sokka silently walks towards Appa with his belongings. Sokka lets out a sigh after successfully not waking anyone. He turns and his eyes widen. He nearly tripped over a sleeping Momo. He walks over him and patters his way towards Appa.
He starts to climb up as Appa wakens. Sokka shushes him and Appa goes back to sleep.
"Not up to anything, huh?" Zuko said, sitting next to Cadi.
"Sokka yelps in shock and loses his grip as he falls down on the hard stone floor with a loud thud and groan."
"Fine, you caught me. I'm gonna rescue my Dad. You happy now?"
"I'm never happy." He sees Cadi's glare. "Usually."
"Look, I have to do this. The invasion plan was my idea. It was my decision to stay when things were going wrong. It's my mistake and it's my job to fix it. I have to regain my honor. You can't stop me Zuko."
"You need to regain your honor? Believe me, I get it. I'm going with you."
"No. I have to do this alone."
"How are you going to get there? On Appa? Last time I checked, prisons don't have bison day cares. We'll take my war balloon."
"You both know that no matter what, I'm going."
"No" They both said.
"Watch me." Cadi walked off and sat down, waiting for them to leave.
…
"Now fly back and do not look back." Appa grumbled as he lifted himself into the air and flew off.
"Not coming, my ass." Cadi said to herself and she fought off 2 prison guards.
…
"What does it say?" Toph asked.
"Need meat. Gone fishing. Back in a few days. Sokka and Zuko. One more thing. Aang, practice your fire bending while I'm gone. Do twenty sets of fire fists and 10 hot squats every time you hear a badger frog croak. Zuko."
A badger frog croaks and Aang opens his eyes with irritation and stands up. "Nobody else has homework."
…
"Pretty clouds." Sokka said, trying to break the tension.
"Yeah, fluffy."
"What?"
"What? Oh, I didn't say anything. You know, a friend of mine actually designed these war balloons."
"No kidding."
"Yep. A balloon. But for War."
"There's one thing my Dad's good at, it's War."
"Yeah, it seems to run in the family."
"Hey, hold on. Not everyone in my family is like that."
"I know, I know, you've changed."
"I meant my Uncle. He was more of a Father to me. And I really let him down."
"I think your Uncle would be proud of you. Leaving your home to come help us, that's hard."
"It wasn't that hard. Do you think we should have let Cadi come?" Zuko asked.
"I don't know. She's pretty special. I wouldn't want her getting hurt."
"What do you mean special?" Zuko said slightly growling under his breath.
"She's talented for a water bender. I'm not putting my sister down, but Cadi is just… Cadi. She's going to be a great help with the end of the war. And she's pretty."
"How about you stop talking about her like she's a pretty object."
"I knew it."
"What?"
"Yes, Cadi's pretty, but she isn't my type. She's yours."
"You're joking."
"Nope. You have a thing for her." Sokka smiled triumphantly.
"At least I have a girlfriend."
"My first girlfriend turned into the Moon."
"That's rough buddy."
…
"There it is. There's plenty of steam to keep us covered. As long as we're quiet we should be able to navigate through it without being caught."
…
"We're going down. The balloon's not working anymore!"
Sokka appears frantic as he rushes to the other side of the basket.
"The air outside is just as hot as the air inside so we can't fly."
"So what are we supposed to do?"
"I don't know. Crash landing?"
"How are we gonna get off the island if the balloon won't work?"
"We'll figure something out. I suspected it might be a one-way ticket."
"You knew this would happen and you wanted to come anyway?"
"My Dad might be here. I had to come and see."
"Uncle always said I never thought things through, but this, ugh, this is just crazy."
"Hey! I never wanted you to come along in the first place. And for the record, I always think things through. But my plans haven't exactly worked, so this time I'm playing it by ear. So there."
He pushes the basket but yelps as his hand automatically withdraws since the basket scorches him. He kicks it.
"What are you doing?"
"It doesn't work anyway. And we don't want anyone to find it."
"I hope you know what you're doing. There's no turning back now."
…
"I hope these disguises work."
"We just need to lay low and find my Dad as soon as possible."
The corridor is suddenly filled with running guards. Sokka and Zuko grin nervously, hoping that they won't be noticed.
"Guards! There's a scuffle in the yard, come on."
…
"I didn't do anything. I'm going back to my cell."
He walks away. The guard fire bends a whip and lashes it near (His Name Made me Laugh) Chit Sang's legs.
"Stop right there Chit Sang."
Zuko steps forward trying to help but Sokka holds his elbow. "We can't blow our cover."
"I've had it with your unruly behavior."
"What did I do?"
"He wants to know what he did. Isn't that cute?" He looks back at Chit Sang as the guys stare at him in silence. The guard senses something suspicious and raises his visor to inspect the boys.
"Uh, yeah, very cute sir." Zuko said.
"Super cute." Sokka agreed.
A guard behind them laughed. "Idiots."
The guard smiles satisfactorily at their answers and walks back towards Chit Sang
"You didn't bow down when I walked by Chit Sang."
"What? That's not a prison rule."
"Do it."
"Make me." The guard makes another fire whip but extinguishes it. Chit Sang bows.
He makes another whip. Chit Sang looks up and fire bends the whip and directs it back to the guard.
"Tsk, tsk. Fire bending is prohibited. You're going in the Cooler." He drops his position. The guard suddenly points at Sokka. "You! Help me take him in."
"Meet back here in an hour." Sokka whispered to Zuko.
…
"Can you believe this guy?"
"Prisoners. Am I right?"
"Ugh. Tell me about it."
…
"Hey new guy. I know it's the rule to have your helmet on at all times but this is the lounge. Relax."
"But what if there's an incident If I'm not prepared someone could strike me on the head."
"Give it a week, he'll loosen up."
"Can the new guy ask you veterans a few questions about the prison?"
"No, you can't date the female guards."
"Trust me, you don't want to." A cup hits his head. The guard behind him laughs.
"I wouldn't want to either if I was a guy, right?" Cadi said sitting next to Zuko, nudging him. "What's with the helmet?" She laughed.
Zuko looked at her with wide eyes, she had dark hair and her voice was slightly more exotic and it seemed like she actually belonged.
"No, that's not it. The Boiling Rock, it holds the Fire Nation's most dangerous criminals right? So what about war prisoners?"
…
"It sure looks cold in there."
"That's why we call it the Cooler. He won't be fire bending in there. It's the Warden. Look alive."
They stand at attention at both sides of the door. He opens the cooler.
"So Chit Sang, I hear you used fire bending to try to escape. You should know better."
"I wasn't trying to escape."
"He's lying. I saw him with my own eyes."
"No one has ever, ever escaped from here. I'd sooner jump in the boiling lake myself than let that record fall. Don't forget it. Now go back to your shivering."
Chit Sang looks at the warden as the door closes, leaving him in the dark. He shivers and lowers his head down.
…
"Hey there, fellow guard. How does it?"
"Zuko?"
"Shh. Listen, I asked around the lounge. There are no Water Tribe prisoners. I'm afraid your Father's not here."
"What? Are you sure? Did you double check?"
"Yeah, I'm sure. I'm really sorry Sokka."
"So we came all this way for nothing. I failed. Again."
"Err, what would Uncle say? Sometimes clouds have two sides, a dark and light. With a silver lining in between. It's like a silver sandwich. So... when life seems hard... take a bite out of the silver sandwich."
"Maybe we haven't failed after all."
"That's the spirit. I can't believe that worked. I didn't even know what I was saying."
"What you said made no sense at all." Cadi said coming up behind Zuko.
"Right, but look, it's Suki!"
…
Suki is lying on her bed. The door to her cell opens, illuminating her face as her eyes looks to the door.
"What is it? Did I do something wrong?"
"You mean you don't recognize me?"
"You people all look the same to me."
"Oh. Then maybe you'll recognize this."
He purses his lips and attempts smooching sounds. Suki grabs his chin. Suki pushes him to the door. The helmet falls off his head. He looks surprised at the sudden violence.
"Sokka, it's you."
Suki embraces him.
"The other Kyoshi Warriors, are they here?"
"No, I don't know where they are. They locked me here because I'm the leader."
"Well, you won't be here for long, I'm busting you out."
…
"'Scuse me, I need to get into that cell."
"No, you can't go in there. The lights are out... the prisoner could sneak up on you."
"Step aside, fool." She tries to push Zuko aside but Cadi grabs her arm and throws her against the wall. "Hey! Hey! What are you doing?"
"You should think about touching him again."
The female guard maneuvers her way around and throws Zuko against the cell door.
Sokka sits down against the door, looking up at the opening and hearing the commotion. Sokka puts on his helmet. The door to Suki's cell opens and Sokka sneaks out. The female guard tries to elbow Zuko's chin.
"Guard, help! He's an imposter! Argh! Arrest him and throw this girl in her cell!"
…
Sokka leads them away while the female guard massages her sore shoulder.
Zuko and Cadi are cramped together in one cooler.
He looks up as the door opens and light shines on their faces.
"Well, well, well. I never thought I'd find you in here, Prince Zuko."
"How did you know who I am?"
"How could I not? You broke my niece's heart."
"You're Mai's uncle. I never meant to hurt her, I just found someone better."
"Quiet! If it's this puny girl than you better hope my guards don't get a hold of her. She'll be down on her knees screaming for help in a matter of seconds. You're my special prisoner now. And you best behave. If these criminals found out whom you are, the traitor prince who let his nation down. Why, they'd tear you to shreds."
"So what's in it for you? Why don't you just tell my Father and collect the reward?"
"I get to hear you both scream." He smiles harshly and the guards grab Cadi and shut the cooler.
…
Zuko and Suki are mopping the floor under the stairs.
"Oh, good. You guys have met." Sokka said walking up to them.
"A...actually, we met a long time ago." Suki said.
"We did?"
"Yeah, you kind of burned down my village."
"Oh. Sorry about that. Nice to see you again." They put their mops against the wall as they sit down. Sokka checks his surroundings before joining them.
"So listen, I think I have an escape plan." He faces the two and kneels while lifting his visor. "I checked out the Coolers again, the whole point of them is to keep fire benders contained, right?"
"Yeah..."
"So they're completely insulated and sealed to keep the cold in. Well to keep the cold in it also has to keep the heat out, right?"
"Just get to the point Sokka."
"It's a perfect boat for getting through the boiling water."
"The cooler as a boat? Are you sure?"
"I'm telling you, it'll work."
"What about Cadi? I haven't seen her since the cooler."
"We'll get her back. I promise."
…
"Scream all you want, this room is sound proof. No one can hear you." The guard said closing the door behind him.
Cadi was tied to a metal chair, sweating rolling off of her.
"This is so disgusting." She said to herself.
A bell rang and she screamed as fire shot up from the floor, heating the air around her and the metal chair she sat on, scorching her skin as it blazed around her.
It stopped but she was still screaming. Tears rolled down her face as she looked to the door in anger.
…
"I walked around the perimeter. There's a blind spot between two guard towers. It's the perfect launching point. I already tested it out. We'll roll the cooler into the water and just float with the current. It'll take us straight across. As long as we don't make a sound, no one will notice. And bing, bang, boom we're home free."
"But how are you going to get the cooler out?"
"Yeah," Chit Sang said. Suki and Zuko are startled as they look up. "How are you going to get the cooler out?"
"What? We didn't. We... We didn't say that."
"Yeah, you heard wrong."
"I heard you hatching an escape plan and I want in."
"There's nothing to get in on."
"Yeah, the only thing we're hatching is... an egg." Zuko and Suki sigh at Sokka's lame attempt to hide the truth.
"Ok, well, I come with you or the Warden hears about this egg too."
"I guess we have no choice."
"Okay, you're in. Now, first we need someone to unbolt the Cooler. From the inside.
"Oh, I can get you inside."
…
"Big deal! I didn't do shit to Mai so forget you and this stupid room." Cadi yelled at the door. The bell rang again and fire came up worse than before. She screamed again.
…
Zuko walks backwards as he mops the floor and bumps the mop handle into Chit Sang.
"Ugh. Hey, what are you, stupid?" He grabs onto Zuko's shoulders and Zuko does the same. "Watch where you're going!" They push each other and Chit Sang lifts Zuko off the ground and throws him. Zuko lands with a turn and faces Chit Sang.
"Hey, you watch who you're shoving." He pushes Chit Sang.
"I think you mean whom I'm shoving."
They grab each other's hands as they pretend to struggle. The other prisoners gather round and begin to cheer. They push each other before Zuko breaks off and attempts to throw a punch at Chit Sang. Chit Sang grabs his fist and throws him to the ground.
"I need backup over here." Sokka yelled.
Chit Sang attempts to body slam Zuko but Zuko somersaults out of the way. Zuko lands safely and proceeds to fire bend.
"No fire bending. Into the cooler."
Two guards immediately rush in to contain Zuko to the floor. They bring him up and lead him away.
…
"I can take you back to your cell if you've learned your lesson." Sokka said, opening the cooler.
Zuko lifts his head up and sighs a breath of fire. "Yes, I have. Completely." Zuko shows the various bolts and nuts he unbolted.
Sokka smiles and lifts his visor up as he whispers. "I got Suki and Chit Sang out of their cells a few minutes ago. They'll be waiting for us at the shore."
"Someone's coming."
Zuko pulls Sokka in and quickly slides the inner door closed.
…
There was one small flaw the guards didn't think of when they put Cadi in her cell. The glass was sound proof, not unbreakable.
Cadi was an observant person. The guards all left at the same time at exactly 2 every day, or so the clock said. If it was right or not, she didn't know. And whenever they left, a small male guard came in to watch her and he only rang the bell right before the others got back.
She could see the glass was breakable because every time the fire went up, the small crack in the corner got bigger.
"I need to get out." Cadi said right before the small man rang the bell and she screamed once more.
…
"War prisoners. It could be your Father." Zuko said as the guards passed the
"I know."
"Well, what should we do? Are we going ahead with the plan or are we waiting another night?"
"I don't know. Is it right for me to risk Suki's freedom? All of our freedom on the slim chance that my dad is gonna show up?"
"It's your call Sokka."
…
"Took you guys long enough. This here's my girl and my best buddy. They're coming too."
"Fine, everybody in the cooler. Let's go."
They turn the cooler into a vertical position. Sokka lifts to rock to reveal Water Tribe clothing hidden underneath.
"Are you sure you want to go? You're the one who said you wanted to redeem yourself. Redeem your honor. Rescuing your Dad is your chance. Besides, I'm not leaving without Cadi."
"Your Dad? Cadi?"
"If I had just cut my losses at the invasion, maybe we wouldn't be in this mess. Maybe sometimes it's just better to call it quits before you fail."
"No, it's not. Look Sokka, you're going to fail a lot before things work out."
"That's supposed to make me feel better?"
"Even though you'll probably fail over and over and over again."
"Seriously, not helping."
"You have to try every time. You can't quit because you're afraid you might fail."
"Hey, if you two are done cuddling, can we get a move on?"
"No, I'm staying. You guys go. You've been here long enough."
"I'm not leaving without you, Sokka."
"Not me, I'm out. Let's roll baby." He pushes the cooler and jumps into it.
"We gave up our only chance of escaping. I hope we haven't just made a huge mistake."
…
"Guards! Secure the perimeter and lock down the prisoners. Now!"
"The plan failed! They're caught."
"Get the fugitives and throw them in the Cooler!"
"Uh, they are in the cooler sir."
"One that's bolted down and not floating in the water! This is a lockdown! We have new prisoners arriving! Everything must be completely secure!"
The guard turns the steering wheel as a huge crossbow on the contraption is lowered.
…
A bell rings and Cadi ready's herself for more flames, but none happen. The guards all leave and Cadi tries to find any water in the room to use as a weapon. The small man is in the room again and he opens the door and fresh air comes through, suffocating her.
"Don't attack. I'm here to help." He unties her and she stands. He is a small man but he still slightly towers over her.
"Thanks." She nods towards him and she slowly walks out. "And I'm sorry." She says before walking out. He stands there with a puzzled look on his face.
…
"This is it. If my Dad's not there, we risked everything for nothing."
"We had to." Suki said.
"Is that him?
"My Dad isn't that freaky."
"Where is he?"
No more people walk out. "That's it? That can't be it."
"I'm sorry Sokka."
"Hey you," Sokka opens his eyes and the trio look up. "Get off the gondola."
"Dad."
…
"Line them up for the Warden!"
The guards surround the perimeter and the prisoners file in one by one into a straight line.
"Dad." He rushes from the stairs and nudges some guards aside. "Excuse me, coming through. The Warden wants me over there, sorry."
The warden walks towards the prisoners.
"Welcome to The Boiling Rock. I'm sure you've all heard the horrible rumors about our little island. Well I just want to tell you that they don't have to be true. As long as you do everything I say." He stops in front of Hakoda. "Look me in the eye when I'm talking to you."
"No."
"Oh, you'd rather look at my shoes? Then take a look!"
He uses his foot and pulls down Hakoda's handcuff to the floor.
"I know exactly who you are, Hakoda of the Water Tribe. So strong willed. But don't worry; we'll get rid of that in time. Now look me in the eye."
He lifts his head with hate. "See Isn't that better. You will all do as I say or pay the price. You will all..." Hakoda tilts his handcuffs as the warden's boot gets caught in them and he loses his balance.
"Are you okay, Sir?"
"I'm fine! Get these prisoners out of my sight!"
…
"Thank goodness you're okay." Sokka said walking towards his Father.
Hakoda stands up on the mattress rapidly with his fist out in an attacking position. "If you take one step closer you'll see just how okay I am."
"Dad, it's me." Sokka said lifting his visor.
"Sokka, my son."
Sokka removes his helmet and drops it on the floor as they hug. They part after a few seconds.
"You know Sokka, you should be more careful with that guard outfit on. I almost punched you in the gut."
"Yeah, I ran into that problem earlier."
…
"Are you comfortable Chit Sang?"
"If you're trying to get me to talk, forget it. I'm not a squealer."
"Chit Sang, I only asked you if you were comfortable."
"Well, yeah. Actually, I am pretty comfortable." The warden proceeds to kick the back of the chair as it falls Chit Sang groans.
"Are you still comfortable?"
"No."
"I know you and your cronies are not smart enough to come up with that little escape plan. So you're gonna tell me. Who is?"
…
Cadi walked slowly around while everyone was busy with new prisoners. She found her way to the kitchen before anything. There was only one person in the room. She needed food. She had just enough energy to use her bending.
Make me the biggest amount of food you can in 10 minutes. She slid down the wall while the man got to work.
…
"So where's Bato? Where's everyone else from the invasion?"
"The others are being held at a prison near the Fire Nation palace. They singled me out as their leader and sent me here. But before I left I met some young women who said they knew you. The Yoshinama Fighters."
"You mean the Kyoshi Warriors."
"That's right."
"Their leader Suki is here and she's gonna escape with us."
"Good, we'll need all the help we can get."
"And you know Prince Zuko"
"The son of the Fire lord? I don't know him, but I knew of him."
"Well, he's here too."
"Sounds like a major problem."
"Actually, he's on our side now. I know, I had the same reaction. After all he has done, it was hard to trust him. But he's really proven himself and I never would have found you without his help. Besides, he has a thing for Cadi…"
"The red head?" Sokka nodded.
"He seems to 'love' her. He told us this forever ago but we never told her. Maybe we should." Sokka said more to himself than his father.
"So, do you have a plan?"
"We had one but some of the other prisoners got involved and ruined it. I don't know if there's another way off this island."
"Sokka, there's no prison in the World that can hold two Water Tribe geniuses."
"Then we'd better find two."
Hakoda laughs.
…
Cadi sat in the nearest closest after eating the biggest meal she had in the longest time. She was bent over a mop bucket, leaving her DNA all over it.
"Fuck food. I'm never eating again."
She leaned over once more, jumping at the sound of every slight noise.
…
"Zuko, are you there?"
"I'm here."
"I just got done talking to my Dad. We came up with an escape plan together."
"What are you doing here?" Two guards asked him.
Sokka lowered his visor and turned to the stairs.
"I was just telling this dirty lowlife what I think of him!"
"Well, you'll have to do that later, he's coming with us."
"Why?"
"Because we have orders straight from the Warden. That's why."
"Could I just get ten more seconds to rough him up a bit?"
"Fine, ten seconds."
…
"We have a new plan but it's gonna need a big distraction. Be in the yard in one hour."
…
"What are you doing? Where are you taking me? I didn't do anything wrong."
"Come on Zuko. We all know that's a lie."
"Mai."
…
"Have you had enough time to think about what I asked?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"You're right. There was another person involved in the escape plan."
"Who?"
"It's a guy who's disguised like a prison guard, only he's not a prison guard. He's the mastermind. He came up with the plan."
…
"How did you know I was here?"
"Because I know you so well."
"But... how?"
"The Warden's my Uncle you idiot. The truth is, I guess I don't know you. All I get is a letter. You could have at least looked me in the eye when you ripped out my heart."
"I did."
"What?"
"When I ripped out your heart. You know it wasn't the letter. It was when I chose Cadi over you."
"You didn't look me in the eye."
"I did. For a second, but I did."
…
"My dad and I came up with a plan together. We're gonna commandeer the gondola and we're gonna take a hostage with us so they won't cut the lines."
"We'll never make it onto the gondola. There's too many guards."
"My dad already thought of that. He said we'll need a distraction. That's why we're gonna start a prison riot."
"Okay. Let's say by some miracle this all works and we make it on the gondola. The Warden will still just cut the lines, even if we have a captive."
"Not if the Warden is the captive. I have to go. I'll find you before we start the riot."
…
"One of you is an imposter who thought he could fool me. But now that person is going to be in a lot of trouble. Who is it?"
"That's him," Sokka opens his eyes and is surprised. "Warden. He's the imposter."
"What ! I am not. He's lying! He's a liar!"
The rest of the guards look on as Chit Sang smiles since he gets even with the bully guard.
"I'm telling you, it wasn't me."
"Save your breath. I know you've been working together." The warden comes close to the guard's face. "You threw Chit Sang in the very cooler they used to escape. It was all part of your plan."
"That was just a coincidence."
"Sir, there's someone to see you."
"Who told you to interrupt me!" Azula is standing at the doorway. The guards bow down in respect.
"I did." Ty Lee can be seen behind her.
"Princess Azula. Uh, it is an honor to welcome you to the Fire Nation's most exemplary prison. I didn't realize you were coming."
"Who is this?"
"He's a guard who was involved in a recent and feeble escape attempt."
"It wasn't me."
"You're wasting your time. That's not one of them."
"How do you know?"
"Because I'm a people person."
She walks out and closes the door behind her.
…
Cadi was waiting for the perfect moment to walk out, and it was now. She opened the door and looked into the deserted hallway. She found the closest ladders and climbed them to the top of the prison, looking for her escape. She had to hurry because she knew that her disappearance had to be discovered by now.
The bell rang through the halls. Guards started to move quickly. "Time to move." She said to herself as she climbed ladder after ladder to the top.
…
"Hey, I just got orders. Let the prisoners out into the yard."
"But we're in the middle of lockdown."
"Oh, okay. I'll just go tell the Warden you said that. I'm sure he'll be glad to hear about you undermining his authority. What's your name again?"
"Wait. Don't tell the Warden, I... I'm just a little confused."
"Hey, I'm confused too. But the Warden's in a bad mood and irrational. So if you ask me, it's best not to question it and just do what he says."
"Yeah, you're right. We're letting them out."
The door of each cell opens up floor by floor. The prisoners immediately leave their cells.
…
"This is it. We have to start a riot."
"Okay, but how do we do that?"
"I'll show you." He pushes a big prisoner.
"Hey, why did you do that for? That hurt my feelings."
"Aren't you mad at me?"
"Uhh, well normally I would be, but I've been working to control my anger."
"This isn't working."
"Hey you. You're lucky I didn't rat you out. But my generosity comes with a price. I know you're planning another escape attempt and I want in."
"Actually, we're trying to escape right now. But we need a riot. You wouldn't happen to know how to start one would you?"
"A prison riot? Please." He hoists another prisoner up and down. "Riot!" The yard breaks into chaos as flames are bended all over the place.
"Impressive."
…
"Who let these prisoners into the yard? This is supposed to be a lockdown!"
The guard who in charge of the control room raises his visor and blushes in embarrassment as he sneaks away.
…
"Ma'am, there's a riot going on. I'm here to protect you." A guard said to Mai.
"I don't need any protection."
"Hah, believe me. She doesn't."
"I'm sorry but I'm under direct orders from your Uncle to make sure nothing happens."
Zuko takes the chance and fire bends at the guard's feet and rushes out of the room. The guard attempts to shield Mai from the fire.
"Get off of me!"
She throws the guard to the side and runs to the door. Zuko slides the door shut.
…
"Zuko, good. We're all here. Now all we need to do is grab the Warden and get to the gondolas."
"Cadi."
"We'll find her."
"And how do we do all of that?"
"I'm not sure."
"Argh, I thought you thought this through."
"I thought you told me its okay not to think everything through!"
"Maybe not everything. But this is kind of important."
"Hey, uhh, fellas. I think your girlfriend's taking care of it."
Suki jumps on the prisoners heads. She leaps onto the tower and scales the wall rapidly. She pushes herself from the wall as she backflips to land her feet on some pipes below the platform.
Suki flips herself from below the platform to a railing as a guard comes by and starts to fire bend. She flips off the railing, narrowly missing the flames and gives the guard a series of punches that knocks him unconscious.
One of the guards aims a fire bending kick towards Suki but she dodges and uses her arm to trip his other leg, sending him to the ground with a loud thud. The other guard fire bends but Suki dodges and jumps to the railing behind him. She quickly jumps onto the wall. The guard stares at her, dumbfounded.
Suki scales the wall with fierce determination. Suki flips herself over the railing and landing down on the platform. The guard near the warden gets into a stance and before he does so, Suki slides on the ground and trips him over.
The warden attempts to move but Suki gets up and holds his arm in a deadlock grip. Her other hand is positioned dangerously in front of the warden's face should he attempt to fight back. She stares at him.
"You wouldn't dare."
Suki turns the warden around and brings his hands together as she ties rapidly them with a red string.
"Sorry Warden, you're my prisoner now." She slams him against the wall.
…
Cadi sees Suki scale the wall. She bends down and looks at the Warden with pure hatred. She watches as Suki ties him up and slams him against the wall.
"Suki." Suki looks up. "Get everyone out of here. Something bad is gonna happen." Suki nodded and she runs away.
…
"That's some girl."
"Tell me about it."
"We're almost there."
Zuko shoves Sokka aside and intercepts a flame, dissipating it immediately.
"Back off, we've got the Warden."
He moves aside and the guards loosen their stances.
The group slowly and warily walk past the guards with their arms outstretched should the guards attack them. Zuko stops at the end of the platform while the rest run towards the gondola.
"Everyone in."
Sokka boards the gondola first. Zuko still remains at the platform and he runs to the lever, pushing it down. The ropes of the gondola as it loosens and uncoils. The gondola slowly moves off, leaving Zuko behind. Zuko who kicks the lever several times.
He turns his head and with one final kick, he successfully breaks the lever and runs towards the gondola.
Zuko flies over the railings with fire balls sailing over his head. Sokka is reaching out his arm as he catches Zuko. He struggles under the weight. Zuko manages to grab hold to the sides of the gondola as Sokka holds his arms for support as Zuko climbs in.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm making it so they can't stop us."
"Way to think ahead."
"Wait. Who's that?"
Sokka and Zuko turn their heads.
Azula, Ty Lee and some guards back at the gondola tower look at them leaving.
"That's a problem. It's my sister and her friend."
Azula is running ahead below the lines. Ty Lee proceeds to run on the line. Azula is seen readying herself.
Azula fists as she fire bends a huge jet of blue fire. Azula propels herself from the ground into the air.
Ty Lee running on the upper line as Azula comes in on the lower line.
"This is a rematch I've been waiting for."
"Me too."
He proceeds to climb up to the gondola's roof.
Suki, Sokka and Zuko prepare themselves. Sokka unsheathes his sword. Ty Lee cartwheels off the line, onto the roof, facing Suki. Azula lands in a crouch.
Azula stands up with an evil grin on her face.
Suki makes the first move. Ty Lee attempts to chi block Suki but Suki blocks all her shots deftly. Suki attempts to punch Ty Lee but Ty Lee brings up her arm and intercepts the punch.
They struggle briefly with neither one gaining the upper hand. Suki punches again but Ty Lee flips inside the gondola.
Ty Lee appears back behind Suki. Ty Lee attempts to chi block Suki again but Suki dodges.
Azula is fire bending. Zuko pushes Azula's flame apart with his bare hands, dissipating it. Sokka proceeds to swing his sword.
Azula dodges it and as the sword finishes its arc, she stands up again. She fire bends towards Sokka. Sokka backs off as Zuko takes over, breaking the flame apart with his hands and fire bending towards his sister. Azula jumps and turns before landing back down with a grin. Her eyes suddenly widen and blink. Cut to Sokka's sword as it glints in the sunlight. Azula is pushed near the edge of the roof.
Sokka who back and Zuko takes the lead by fire bending at his sister's feet. Azula jumps and lands in a push up position.
…
"They're about to cut the line!"
Azula turns her head back to the tower.
"Then it's time to leave." She smiles and propels herself from the roof with her fire bending. "Goodbye Zuko."
Zuko is holding onto Sokka, looking up at his sister. Azula stops bending as she back flips and lands on the other gondola's roof. Cut to Ty Lee who also flips onto the roof.
"They're cutting the line. The gondola's about to go!"
"I hope this thing floats."
…
"What are you?"
"Saving the jerk that dumped me."
She releases a stiletto while a guard proceeds to fire bend at her. She throws the stilettos and dodges the flames. The guards who remain untouched continue to fire bend at Mai. Mai slides across the floor, narrowly missing the flames.
She slides across the 2 wheels as she stands up and releases more stilettos into her hands. The guards who run towards her get pinned by down by her weapons.
…
"Who is that?"
The others join in to look back at the tower.
"It's Mai."
…
"What is she doing?"
…
"Sorry Warden, your record is officially broken."
"Well, we made it out. Now what?"
"Zuko, what are you doing?"
"My sister was on that island."
"Yeah and she's probably right behind us. So let's not stop."
"What I mean is she must have come here somehow." He runs to the edge of the rocks and looks down. "There. That's our way out of here."
…
Mai is brought in front of Azula by the guards.
"Leave us alone."
The guards let go of Mai's shoulder and does a Fire Nation bow. Mai lifts her head up.
"I never expected this from you. The thing I don't understand is why? Why would you do it? You know the consequences."
Azula lowers her head down and glares at Mai.
"I guess you just don't know people as well as you think you do. You miscalculated. I love Zuko more than I fear you."
"No, you miscalculated! You should have feared me more!"
Azula begins to strike but Ty Lee comes in, jabbing her back with a series of punches. Mai looks stunned. Azula gasps and falls to the ground to reveal Ty Lee who looks on. Ty Lee runs to Mai.
"Come on, let's get out of here!"
She tries to drag Mai away but guards surround them.
"You're both fools."
"What shall we do with them, princess?"
"Put them somewhere I'll never have to see their faces again. And let them rot."
…
Cadi looked off into the horizon, watching the fight. She looked down. The boiling water swayed and moved. The prisoners were calmer now and her friends had gotten off the island without her. Azula was lying on the ground. Ty Lee was being taken away.
Cadi was outraged. The boiling water exploded through the air. Her friends looked back and the guards and prisoners looked with pure fright. Cadi moved her arms in an elegant way as she twirled and danced on top of the prison. She stopped in the middle of the roof and brought her arms in towards her body. Everyone looked with amazement.
Her arms parted and the water made waves that surpassed the outer rim of the prison in height. Water engulfed the prison yard as the people moved inside. The intention was to not hurt the people, but to move them so everyone that was getting out, could do it safely. She did just that. The boiling water moved from the yard and back to the lake.
She fell on top of the roof and laid silently for a moment.
…
"What are you doing in this thing? What happened to the war balloon?" Katara asked.
"It kind of got destroyed."
"Sounds like a crazy fishing trip."
"Did you at least get some good meat"
"I did. The best meat of all. The meat of friendship and fatherhood."
"I'm new. What's up everybody?" Chit Sang said.
"Dad."
"Hi, Katara."
"How are you here? What is going on? Where did you go?"
"We... kind of went to a Fire Nation prison." Sokka said. Zuko nods. Katara's gloved hand grabs Sokka by his arm. Zuko smiles.
"Seriously, you guys didn't find any meat?" Toph asked.
Ari walked up. "Tell me my sister didn't go with you and you leave her."
"She's gonna be fine. You should have seen the amazing bending she did just to make sure we got out." Hakoda said.
"Where is she now?"
Cadi lands on the edge of the temple and Ari tries to run up to her. She makes a shield and Ari flies to the opposite wall. "What the hell?"
"Thank you." She glares at everyone that walked out of the zeppelin. "I want you to know how happy I am that you made it out safely without thinking of finding me to tell me what the hell was happening and maybe let me in on it." She paused as she stumbled. "I'm thanking you personally for letting me sit in a legitimate hell cell for a day. I have the burns all over to prove my gratitude. The pain I feel walking, it the same amount of love I give all of you."
She fell to the ground and sobbed to herself. "Fuck!" She hit the ground and it shook.
Toph's eyes widened. "She just moved the Earth!" Cadi looked at her.
"It's this thing I learned. I do a lot of that you know. There's water in everything. There's water in Earth, Air, Fire, people." Katara flinched slightly. "It's a wonderful thing if you think about it." Cadi laughed weakly.
Everyone stared at her.
"Is this how it's gonna be? You all look at me like a freak?" Ari moved towards her again. "No one is going to stand near me because I'm a monster?" Almost everyone moved towards her. "I hate you all." She cried and Ari, Zuko, Sokka, Aang, and Toph all huddled around her and hugged her.
Katara looked at them and hugged her.
"I'm sorry I've been mean to you and Ari. Forgive me?" Katara asked. Cadi nodded.
"I love you guys!" Sokka said. Everyone chuckled.
"I agree with Toph, we didn't get any food?" Cadi asked.