Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Water, earth, fire, air... Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them. But, when the world needed him most, he vanished.
A hundred years passed and the new Avatar, an air bender named Aang, was discovered. Now traveling by his side are Katara and Sokka of the southern water tribe, and Ashlynn: an ex-member of the fire nation, and Prince Zuko's lifelong companion...
"Look, we're almost to the inner wall," Katara exclaimed.
Katara's voice sounded through Ashlynn's mind and she jolted awake. Sokka, who was sitting next to her, jumped as well, startled that she'd awoke so suddenly. Ashlynn apologized, and Sokka returned with a small chuckle. He pointed outside the window behind them, and Ashlynn turned around to look outside the window of the earth-made train.
Sure enough, they were beginning to close in on Ba Sing Se. Ashlynn felt both excited, and nervous. She was returning to her original home, yet she had no recollection of it. She was relieved they'd all made it there together, but was worried they wouldn't leave the same way. How long would it take to get the earth king on their side?
Ashlynn turned back around to face the rest of her companions, and she relaxed again. She let out a small yawn, and rubbed her eyes; she felt as though she'd never been more tired in her life. She was more than looking forward to being able to take a rest from fighting, to resupply their goods, to bathe, and to sleep through all hours of the day.
Ashlynn glanced over at Katara who was gazing sorrowfully at Aang. Ashlynn brought her attention to Aang's face, and frowned when she realized he was sulking. It was more than likely that he was having doubts that they'd find Appa in Ba Sing Se. Ashlynn didn't speak her mind, but she, too, felt like there were little chances of finding their missing friend. After all, Ba Sing Se was a very large city.
"He's a giant bison, where can someone possibly keep him hidden without anyone noticing?" Sokka said, attempting to give Aang a little more hope. Without saying a word, Aang gazed outside the window again as the earth vehicle entered the city. The enormousness of Ba Sing Se was enough to shut Sokka up, and he too began to have his doubts.
Ashlynn stood up and joined Sokka, Katara, and Aang in poking their heads out the window to get the best view they could. Ashlynn's heart pounded as they soared along the tracks, and she was in shock- Ba Sing Se stretched as far as her eyes could see. Even when living in the Fire Nation, she'd never seen a city so big. She couldn't believe how so much could be hidden behind one wall.
The train slowly came to a stop, and the team departed from their ride. Toph sighed and said, "Back in the city… Great."
"What's the matter, Toph? This place is amazing!" Sokka retorted as he gaped at the surrounding city. There was so much to take in at once, and so much to look at.
"All it is is more walls and rules. Just wait- you'll get tired of it within a few days," Toph frowned as she, too, 'viewed' the city with her feet.
"Appa's here, I can feel it!" Aang declared, and blew on his bison-shaped whistle. No nearby disturbance was made, and no sound was heard- that is, except for one small woman who approached them eagerly with a grin spread across her face.
"Hello! My name is Joo Dee. I have been given the great honor of showing the Avatar around Ba Sing Se. You must be Sokka, Katara, Ashlynn, and Toph! Welcome to our wonderful city- shall we begin our tour?" Joo Dee announced, never lowering her grin while speaking in the happiest tone a single person could produce.
"Yes- we have information about the Fire Nation army that we need to deliver to the earth king immediately," Sokka demanded instantly. Joo Dee responded, "Great! Let's get started. Then, I will show you to your new home here. I think you'll like it."
Then, Joo Dee turned around to begin to show them around. Sokka let out a cry of frustration, approached Joo Dee once more, and said, "Maybe you missed what I said. We need to talk to the king about the war. It's important." Joo Dee grinned widely at him and replied, "You're in Ba Sing Se now. Everyone is safe here."
"Just drop it for now, Sokka," Ashlynn muttered to him. He frowned, and followed Joo Dee. The rest of the team trailed behind them.
Joo Dee brought them to their own horse-drawn carriage that was to show them all the vital and intriguing parts of the city. As they travelled around the various markets, homes, and other buildings, Joo Dee described all the high and low points of Ba Sing Se.
"What's the wall for?" Katara asked as they rode past a wall of the city. Joo Dee responded, "Ba Sing Se has many walls! There's the one outside protecting us, and the one inside that helps us maintain order."
"Why are all these poor people blocked off into this one part of the city?" Ashlynn inquired as they passed several beggars out on the street with nothing but the clothes on their backs and the cups in their hands.
"This is why I never came to Ba Sing Se. I always heard it was different from the way the monks taught us to live," Aang said as he looked down upon the people weeping in the streets. Ashlynn could read his expression well, and knew he wanted to exit the carriage and help every single one of them. Ashlynn, too, wanted to help, but knew that they'd be helping them all by taking down the fire lord.
Next, the carriage brought them to the middle ring. "This ring is the home to the financial district, restaurants, and the Ba Sing Se University," Joo Dee explained.
"Hey, we met a professor from Ba Sing Se University. He took us to an ancient underground library where we discovered information about the war that is absolutely crucial for the king to hear!" Sokka shouted at Joo Dee, hoping she'd finally get the message. Instead, Joo Dee maintained her wide grin and said, "Isn't history fascinating? Look- there's town hall! It's one of the oldest buildings in Ba Sing Se." Then, Joo Dee departed from the carriage, expecting Aang and his companions to follow.
"Is that woman deaf? It seems like she only hears every other word I say," Sokka complained as he watched Joo Dee walk away and await for them to follow her. "It's called being handled; get used to it," Toph snorted as she crossed her arms in disapproval. Ashlynn was beginning to get irritated as well.
After showing everyone through Town Hall, Joo Dee ordered the carriage to bring the team to the upper ring. "The upper ring is home to our most important citizens. Your house is not too far from here," she explained. Ashlynn's heart leapt at the sound of 'home', and wished she could collapse on a real bed for a change.
"Wow- what's the large building for?" Katara asked as they began to pass by an enormous building with a few serious men outside of it conversing. Sokka questioned about who the men were, as well.
Joo Dee said, "Inside is the royal palace, and those men are agents of the Dai Li, the cultural authority of Ba Sing Se. They are the guardians of all our traditions."
"Can we see the king now?" Aang questioned demandingly. Joo Dee released a loud giggle, and Ashlynn cringed at the sound. She secretly wished they could be rid of their tour guide now.
"Oh no! One doesn't just 'pop' in on the earth king!" Joo Dee giggled again, and her grin grew even wider. Aang began to sulk again, and Katara wrapped an arm around him in comfort.
"Here we are- your new home!"
Ashlynn smiled as she stepped out of the carriage and looked up at a fancy home that stood before her. She grew more excited to eat real food, sleep in a real bed, and take a real bath.
"More good news- your request for an audience with the earth king is being processed, and should be put through in about a month!" Joo Dee smiled at Aang as she read through a scroll that the driver of the carriage had given to her.
"A month?!" Sokka cried out in disbelief. Joo Dee laughed nervously and said, "Six to eight weeks, actually. Look, let's go see inside your house!" Joo Dee walked up the steps and opened the front door to their home, and stepped aside to grant them passage first.
Ashlynn walked inside and she immediately felt more relaxed as she saw the sofas around the first room. She set her pack and staff down next to one, and sprawled out across the sofa.
"Isn't it nice? I think you'll all like it very much," Joo Dee beamed at the group.
"I think we'd enjoy more if we weren't staying so long. Can't we see the king any sooner?" Sokka questioned. Joo Dee, still grinning from ear to eat, said, "The king is very busy running the finest city in the world! But he will see you as soon as time permits."
"If we're going to be here for a month then we should spend our time looking for Appa," Aang declared.
"I'd be happy to escort you to anywhere you'd like to go!" Joo Dee offered and gave a respectful bow in Aang's direction.
"We don't need a babysitter," Toph spat. "But to leave you alone would make me a bad host! Where should we start?" Joo Dee inquired.
Ashlynn requested to stay behind while Joo Dee escorted Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph to different locations throughout the city. Much to her surprise, Joo Dee didn't object. Did she believe Ashlynn when she said she would stay within their new home?
Ashlynn bid her companions farewell, and when they'd left she bolted for the bath. She filled the tub with warm water, and quickly stripped herself of her clothing. She cautiously stepped into the warm water, and sighed as she sank below its surface, keeping her head just above the top. She couldn't recall the last time she'd had a real bath, and was relieved she could experience another one at last. She took her time scrubbing the dirt off her body, and cleaning her hair as best as she could.
When she was done her hair had regained much of its shimmering red color, and had lost all the brown that the dirt in her hair had given her. She took her time brushing it out, ridding herself of all its tangles before tying it into a bun that sat neatly upon her head.
She wrapped a towel around her body, and tossed her old, withered clothes to the side, hoping there were new outfits awaiting her inside the closet in one of the bedrooms. She opened the doors to the closet, and grinned as she saw a few spare clothes folded neatly inside.
She then put on a red halter top that hung above her stomach, revealing the slightest line of skin. The top fit tightly about her body, and showed off her feminine features, and heightened the vibrant color of her hair. She tugged black leather gloves over her hands, and pulled them just past her wrists, and pushed her fingers through the openings in gloves, indicating it was meant to be fingerless. This way she could avoid obtaining blisters in her palms.
Next came simple black pants that stopped in-between her knees and ankles. She then finished her outfit by slipping on a new pair of black moccasins, slipped two gold hoops through her ear lobes, and pushed two chopsticks through the bun that sat upon her head. She then sat down in front of a mirror to enhance the colors on her face with a few beauty products that was left for herself, Katara, and Toph.
Then, she paced over to the sofa, sat down, and waited for her friends to return from their search for Appa.
"I wonder if this is why everyone's been so scared to talk about Appa."
Ashlynn awoke with a start as she heard her companions walking into their new home. She stretched, and went to greet them. "Did you guys have any luck?" Ashlynn inquired, and Sokka shook his head. Ashlynn frowned, and sat back down on the sofa.
"The guy living in the house across from us told us we can't talk about the war here. He also made it seem like the Dai Li are a dangerous crowd, and that we should stay away from them," Katara explained. Ashlynn glanced out the nearby window to catch a glimpse of the small home that stood apart from theirs.
"Maybe the reason we can't mention the war is the same reason Joo Dee keeps ignoring Sokka every time he asks her about it," Ashlynn suggested. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. "Well, they can't stop us for long- once we get to see the Earth King we'll tell him everything we know," Ashlynn declared.
"Well, Joo Dee said someone would bring dinner by later. It seems you've got a head start on bathing, Ashlynn. How about the rest of us wash up before we eat," Katara suggested. Her companions, aside Ashlynn, nodded, and then she took off to go wash the grime off her skin.
"So where did you guys ask around at?" Ashlynn asked as Sokka tugged off his shoes and collapsed on another sofa.
"We went to a pet shop, and the university. Everyone was scared to talk about the war, and about Appa, and the black market. I get the feeling maybe Joo Dee intimidated everybody," Sokka explained. "I wonder if it's possible for us to ask around without Joo Dee following us everywhere," Ashlynn pondered, and Sokka shrugged.
"I think while we're in Ba Sing Se we should resupply some of our goods. I could use a pair of daggers, or maybe a sword. They already replaced my old clothes so I don't have to worry about that," Ashlynn said, attempting to keep conversation going. Sokka shrugged, and closed his eyes. Ashlynn sighed, and shut her mouth, allowing her friends to gain some peace and quiet.
The remainder of the evening was spent with everyone alternating between baths, and then consuming their dinner. Once dinner was finished, everyone claimed a bed or a sofa, and drifted into a deep slumber.
In the morning Katara awoke everyone was an excited cry as she said, "I know how we're going to see the Earth King!"
"And how do you propose we do that? One doesn't just 'pop' in on the earth king," Toph said with a voice and grin to imitate Joo Dee's exaggerated smiles and voice tones. Ashlynn sat up from her sleeping spot and rubbed her eyes as she tried to focus on Katara and hear her new plan.
"The king is having a party tonight for his pet bear. The palace will be packed- we can sneak in with the crowd! No one will notice us," Katara explained as she held out a flyer that gave the details about the party.
"It won't work," Toph said instantly, nearly deflating the subject entirely.
"Why not?" Katara questioned furiously.
"No offense to you simple country folk, but a real society crowd would spot you a mile away. You've got no manners," Toph explained to Katara as she picked the dirt from one toenail.
"You're telling me that I'm the one with no manners? You're not necessarily one to talk," Katara accused defensively, jabbing the air with one finger as she spoke to Toph.
Toph released a single belch and said, "I learned proper society behavior and chose to leave it. You never learned anything, and frankly it's a little too late. The only one here aside myself who could 'maybe' pull it off is Ashlynn, and that's because she used to live as a princess. But it's been years, so it's rather skeptical in my opinion."
"Well, you did learn it, so why don't you teach us?" Sokka suggested. Toph released a single laugh and responded, "Look, I could probably teach Katara, and refresh Ashlynn's mind, but I couldn't teach you boys a single thing. You'd be lucky to pass as bus boys."
"Alright, then we'll devise a plan to work around it. Toph, Katara- let's go and train in the art of mannerisms!" Ashlynn exclaimed with a grin. Then, she, Katara, and Toph scurried off to a nearby room to prepare, leaving their male friends behind.
The three ladies spent the day preparing for the party in the evening. When it came close to the hour of the party, Katara and Ashlynn designed flawless outfits that were appropriate for elegant party-wear. Each wore graceful, stylish gowns with intricate designs. Katara applied make-up to Ashlynn's and Toph's face, and Ashlynn did the same for Katara. They beautified one another's hair, and slipped on delicate shoes.
When they were satisfied, they departed from their room, and presented themselves to the men. Their looks of astonishment and shock were enough to make all three women giggle.
"You look beautiful," Aang muttered as he blushed, no doubt speaking of Katara. Sokka nodded his head in apparent agreement, and Ashlynn blushed as she felt his gaze drawn towards her.
"First rule of society, don't talk to the commoners," Toph demanded as she spread out a fan and covered the lower half of her face with it. Ashlynn and Katara copied her, hiding their smiles from the two boys. "Let's go," Toph said, and made her way towards the door.
"We'll get into the party and then find a way to let you two in through the side gate," Katara reminded her fellow friends of their well-devised plan. They nodded, and watched as the three women departed from their home.
The party was indeed as crowded as could be, and the three girls were forced to wait in a long line before reaching the front. The man that stood in front of the entrance required for them to present their invitation to him. Instead, Toph presented her family's seal to him, insisting it was enough, and that she should be considered an honored guest. The man shook his head, and demanded she hand over their invitations, or else they were to leave the line.
"Well, now what?" Ashlynn pondered as they stepped to the side. Katara looked around her, and then grinned as an idea formed in her mind. "Follow me," she said, and took off towards a horse-drawn carriage that was stopping to drop a man off at the party. "Play along," she whispered to Ashlynn as she approached the man.
"Sir? I'm sorry to bother you, but, my cousin lost our invitations- she's blind. Do you think you could help us?" Katara asked innocently. Ashlynn placed her hands on Toph's shoulders and said, "Our families are inside, and I'm sure they're very worried about all of us."
The man bowed respectfully and replied, "I am honored. Please, come with me." Ashlynn and Katara exchanged hopeful glances, and followed the man as he walked inside, granting them passage to the party.
The inside was just as crowded as the outside, only there were several long tables that stretched about the room. Food littered the tops of every table, and a single, massive bear sat at the end of one. Ashlynn assumed he was the king's bear, and she giggled to herself as she watched him eat all the food he could grab.
"Beautiful party, isn't it? By the way, I'm Long Feng. I'm a cultural minister to the king," the man that had escorted them inside introduced himself with a soft smile. Katara smiled up at him and said, "I'm Qua Mai." Ashlynn curtsied lightly and introduced herself as Song. Toph said nothing, and didn't look up at Long Feng either, although he didn't seem to mind. Perhaps he understood how horrid her blindness was; perhaps he thought her deaf as well.
"Where is your family? I'd love to meet them," Long Feng said as he scanned the various people, searching for the group that might be their family. Katara scanned the crowd too, and Ashlynn followed her example. "I don't see them," Ashlynn said, and grasped Toph's hand. Toph clasped her hand in response. "I guess we'll go look for them, thanks for all your help Long Feng," Katara said, and took off towards the crowd. Ashlynn tugged Toph behind her, and followed Katara.
Yet, Long Feng pursued them, declaring, "Don't worry- as your escort it would be dishonorable for me to abandon you ladies without finding your family first. We'll keep looking." Long Feng then began to walk towards a crowd, motioning for them to follow him. Ashlynn shrugged at Katara, whom sighed and followed Long Feng. Ashlynn and Toph followed Katara.
"I found Aang and Sokka," Toph whispered to Ashlynn. Ashlynn nodded and said, "I'm going to go get my sister some refreshments." Long Feng didn't seem to notice, and Ashlynn pushed her way through a small pack of people. "Alright, where are they?" she whispered to Toph. Toph began to walk away from her, and Ashlynn followed quickly.
Sure enough, Sokka and Aang stood at the center of the room, dressed as waiters, handing out food and refreshment to anyone who would have it. "Great, you found us!" Aang exclaimed. "Thanks for letting us in," Sokka said sarcastically. Katara approached from behind Ashlynn and said, "Sorry, but the guy who let us in won't let us out of his sight!"
"What guy?" Sokka inquired. Ashlynn glowered, and looked behind her in search of Long Feng. Sure enough, he had vanished from their sight. "Maybe we've lost him for good," Ashlynn muttered, and Katara nodded to indicate her hopefulness.
"What are you doing here?" said a familiar voice, and Ashlynn turned back around and groaned as she recognized Joo Dee. "You have to leave immediately, or we'll all be in terrible trouble!" she gasped as she pushed Sokka, trying to make him move towards the door.
"No, we're not leaving until we see the king," he demanded. "Really, you don't understand! Go!" Joo Dee cried, and shoved Sokka again. He stumbled backwards into Aang, who stumbled upon a lady behind him and spilled the bottle of refreshments on her. She screamed and gaped at Aang in surprise.
"No, please, I'm sorry, don't scream!" Aang pleaded, and bended a single gust of air at the woman to dry the drink from her clothes. "Oh, the Avatar! I didn't know the Avatar would be here!" the woman exclaimed with a smile. Her mentioning the Avatar brought the attention of everyone around them to Aang, and for the first time Joo Dee's grin dropped to a definite frown.
"Distract them Aang, I'll look for the king," Sokka whispered to him. Aang nodded, and bounced up onto a table. He water-bended various drinks that were many different colors, and created a swirl of colors above his head, and fascinated everyone around him. Even the king's bear was amused.
Several minutes passed, and suddenly a magnificent throne that was carried by four men grasping the handles that stretched outwards from the seat was brought out to the hall. Sokka shouted at Aang, saying he'd found the king. No doubt it was the king; no one's entrance had been so grand.
Aang dropped his water-colors back into their previous cups, and began to make his way towards the king. However, that's all Ashlynn was able to see, for suddenly two hands grasped her, one pressing over her mouth to silence her, and dragged her into the shadows behind her. Ashlynn watched as the crowd sped from her view, and no one seemed to notice her disappearing. She looked down, and saw that the hands clamped upon her body were made of earth- thus, and earth bender was taking her captive.
Ashlynn was released in a separate room in which Sokka, Katara, Toph, and even Momo were all waiting. The earthen hands shoved her into the room with such force that she fell to the floor. She felt the tight bun upon her head give way, and fall upon her shoulders. Sokka knelt beside her and helped her stand up. She glanced furiously around the room, wondering what had happened.
She was slightly surprised when Long Feng entered the room with Aang pacing curiously behind him. Long Feng sat down at the table before them, and Sokka instantly spoke up.
"Why won't you let us see the king?" Sokka shouted at Long Feng.
"We have information that could defeat the fire nation!" Ashlynn cried out in an attempt to help Sokka get his point across the Long Feng.
"The earth king doesn't have time to get involved with political squabbles, nor does he have the time to get involved in the military's activities," Long Feng explained without dropping the most serious tone he could procure.
"But this could be the most important thing he's ever heard!" Aang pleaded desperately.
"What's most important to His Royal Majesty is maintaining the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se. That's his job; it's my job to oversee everything else, including the military," Long Feng described, and Ashlynn gasped as she realized exactly what he was saying.
Katara and Toph must have realized it too, for Katara said, "So he's just a figurehead!" and Toph shouted, "He's your puppet!"
"What? No! His Majesty is an icon- no, a God to his people! He can't dirty his hands with the endless changes of an ongoing war!" Long Feng retorted instantly. Sokka stepped forward and announced their discovery of the solar eclipse and the plan they had in store.
"Enough! I don't want to hear your ridiculous plan. It is the strict policy of Ba Sing Se that the war not be mentioned here. Constant news of an escalating war will lead the citizens of Ba Sing Se into a panic. Our economy will be ruined, our peaceful way of life, our traditions will disappear! In silence, and avoiding all conflict, Ba Sing Se remains as a peaceful, orderly utopia- the last one on Earth," Long Feng stated seriously, disallowing any further argument on the subject.
"You can't keep the truth from all these people! They have to know!" Ashlynn demanded, balling her hands into fists angrily. "I'll tell them all!" Aang threatened.
"Until now you've been treated as our honored guest. From now on, however, you will all be watched every minute by Dai Li agents. If you mention the war to anyone you will be expelled from the city. I understand you've been looking for your bison- it would be a shame if you weren't able to complete your quest," Long Feng threatened in return, and suddenly he reminded Ashlynn of a venomous snake, and the urge to run a blade through his chest began to overcome her. She glanced at Aang, and the look that was spread across his face made her wonder if he desired the same thing.
"Now that we've got that settled, Joo Dee will escort you home," Long Feng said as a woman entered the room. The woman, however, was not Joo Dee. Although she wore the same fake grin, her appearance was entirely different otherwise.
"Wait, what happened to Joo Dee?" Katara gasped as she recognized the differences in the new Joo Dee as well.
"I am Joo Dee. I'll be your host as long as you are in our wonderful city," the new Joo Dee said, and gave a courteous bow.
Then, she turned to depart from the room. The team gave one another confused, scared, and worried looks, and followed Joo Dee. They each glared at Long Feng as they left, whom returned their glare with one of his own as they disappeared from his sight.
Then, they made their way back to their home in Ba Sing Se.