As the air ships traveled side by side, the others watched Bumi train with Kai.
"Were heading to Ba Sing Se to finally meet with the Earth Queen… but I can't stop thinking of all these threats. The Titans, the Dark Kingdom, but I keep thinking about who could be left among the titans, other than Centurion and Grimoire." Hope said.
"We'll find out sooner or later." Ace said as he approached.
"Besides, we don't even know if the Dark Kingdom is an actual threat or not." Jexi said.
"He's right, Hope. Don't be so paranoid. Urbosa only said that they've come to negotiate with the Earth Queen. We're not sure if they're up to anything yet."
"Sorry guys. Maybe I'm just paranoid. I don't know a lot about the Dark Kingdom. I just know the Darkness Universe has a rep for evil, and it's watched over by Black." Hope said.
"Speaking of problems. I'm afraid I'll have to leave for a bit." Ace said.
"Something wrong Ace?" Zexi said.
"There's just something I have to check out on a different world. Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I can." Ace said.
"You're doing this now? When we're in the middle of something?" Ty said.
"Spade, help keep an eye on things while I'm gone." Ace said.
"You sure, Ace? I mean, you do know how important this is, right?" David asked.
"I do. Which is why I'll be back as soon as possible." Ace said.
"But there may be a chance things will be wrapped up before you even return." Jexi said.
"In that case, we'll contact you if we finish things up and we'll rendezvous in my home world." Fulgore said.
"I always keep my promise." Ace said as he went to leave.
"Wait!" Mari called as she ran up and held out a piece of armor to him. "Use this."
"Thanks. See you all later." Ace said as he left.
"*sigh* That guy… Always does he wants..." David said.
"It's how he operates, David. Ace wants to help however he can." Hope said.
"I know. In reality, I kind of envy that, but at the same time, I know how important the coming battle is. I have to remain focused at all times." David said.
"It's one thing to be focused at all times to be prepared, David. No one has the focus and determination like you do." Hope said.
"Indeed, you also stay calm under pressure at certain times." Spade said.
"Remember when I was a rookie like him? I wanted to pull my weight too. In truth, when I found out that the enemy was Hope's mafia family, I thought I was in over my head." David said. "I was more nervous about dragging Jexi and Hope down than anything else."
"David, we took you and your group on cause we liked hanging with you. You were never deadweight." Jexi said.
"The only time I felt like I was, was in Glenwood when Sectonia, Gray, Juvia and I fought Invel. Our attacks couldn't do a thing to him at all." David said. "At least...it was initially like that. Honestly, the only reason we're still alive after that was because of Gray."
"I know. But from that battle you got stronger, and you're now the man that stands before us today." Hope said.
"But we were unable to help because Invel used his magic to freeze us. That, combined with the mercy kill you made with Zemrus caused our pact to be broken for a while." Tapu Koko said.
"That's right. That fight against Invel was the most humiliating defeat I've ever been dealt." David said.
"Sometimes, from defeat, we get stronger. And through that strength, in the future, we win." Hope said.
"That's pretty corny...but its not without its mystique." Ty said.
"Yes. You have grown stronger along with my brother since we all journeyed together. And like Hope said, the defeats we experience make us stronger so that we will win in the future." Spade said.
"He's right. You've gotten a lot stronger since then. I don't want to jinx it, but...if we end up going through those events again, you could probably take him on with your bare hands now." Symonne said.
"I wouldn't go that far." Sectonia said.
"You two have a point though. And with that breakout that happened, there's a chance that I'll face off with him again." David said. "When that happens, I'll be coming at him full throttle."
"Hell Yeah! You're gonna kick his ass next time you meet!" Kagura said.
There was a tap on the glass as the group saw an armored figure on a keyblade glider give them a two finger salute before flying into a portal.
"Who was THAT?!" Hope said.
"I think that was Ace." AJ said.
"Well whoever he was, he is truly missing out." Ty said.
"We're here everyone! Ba Sing Se is straight ahead!" Bolin called inside.
The groups came up on deck to bear witness to Ba Sing Se, the largest city in the Earth Kingdom.
"Whoa…this place is Huge!" Lector said.
"It should be. Ba Sing Se is one of the biggest if not close to big cities in this world." Hope said.
"Interesting and true fact. The city is divided up into three rings, each one with its own living style and system. The Outer Ring is the largest of the sections, but also the poorest, going inwards to the Inner Ring, which hosts the central palace and the wealthy." Robin said.
"So basically, this city compares itself to where Eren lives, or even the Caste System that was used in Ancient India." Cyrille said.
"I only saw this city when it was wrecked during the days of Aang's time. Seeing it the way it should be… I can't help but feel mixed emotions about the way this city lives. What about you, David?" Hope asked.
"Me too. I mean, having your life determined by wealth and status is just wrong in my opinion." David said.
"What do you think about all of this determined by wealth and status stuff, Jexi?" Connor asked.
"I could care less about wealth and status." Jexi said.
"Well they say money and power don't make the man." Connor said.
As the ships landed in the inner ring, a man in traditional robes came out to greet them.
"A pleasure to have Avatar Korra and Master Tenzin here today. I am Grand Secretariat Gan, and I welcome you all to the Inner Ring of Ba Sing Se." the man said.
"A pleasure." Korra bowed.
"I'm awfully surprised you choose today to come. Her Majesty is in the middle of Negotiations with someone very important." he said.
"We know, it's someone from the Dark Kingdom. Lady Urbosa filled us in before we came here." Korra explained.
"More than just anyone. These are princes of the Dark Kingdom." he said.
" We don't know what they're plotting with the Earth Queen yet. So why don't we explore the city for bit?" Al suggested.
"Actually, her majesty wishes the avatar and her companions to see her immediately. But only the leaders of her Alliance may join. The rest of you can enjoy the city or stay in your quarters. But please… try not to do anything that may insult her majesty." Gan said.
"Will you all be alright while we go with Korra to the palace?" Spade asked.
"I think we'll be fine. What's the worst that could happen?" Natsu said swatting at a fly.
"Dude, did you really just ask that?" Marco asked.
"You know bad things will happen when someone asks that, right?" Ryu asked.
"Come on...it's not like that always...grrr. Stupid little!" Natsu said firing fire at it igniting a topiary.
"See?! This is what Gan meant by trying not to insult the earth queen!" Al said as she fired an icicle at the fire before bonking Natsu on the head.
"You wanna start something? Cause I can go all day!" Natsu shouted.
"Enough! Both of you!" Jexi said hitting both. "Theo, you're in charge of them."
"*Phew* Thanks for that." Spade said.
"I hope we didn't do anything that would upset her…" Ty said.
After awhile of walking, they approached a balcony where a man in a black suit and glasses was speaking with the queen.
"In conclusion, forming ties with the Dark Kingdom will not only be beneficial to both parties but it is a very logical choice." He said.
But the queen was focused on something else at the moment.
"You're ruining the koi pond! It's completely overshadowed by the topiaries! Guards, take that fool away and have someone else start over!" She yelled before sighing. "I'm surrounded by idiots…."
"Is… she even paying attention to you?" Ty asked before a dark claw was near his throat as he looked at the shadow to see it belong to a familiar face.
"Shut up while brother is talking." Miasma said.
"Oh no, not you again." David said.
"Miasma. If princes of the Dark Kingdom were here, I figured you'd be one of them." Hope said.
"Yeah...and we get a chance to…" Connor said before a hand was on his shoulder as an intimidating figure stared down on him. "And I guess this is the third one."
"Wait...isn't that….oh god." AJ said.
"You know him, AJ?" Spade asked.
"He was in the same prison I was. He's the 7th Prince of the Dark Kingdom. The War Prince...Hate." AJ said.
"Why does that sound so fitting?" David asked.
"Hey there, big guy. You've been well since the breakout?" AJ asked.
He just stared at AJ with the same glare as AJ looked terrified.
"Calm yourselves brothers. Remember, we are still in the presence of royalty." the glasses wearing brother said.
"Yes brother." Both said.
"Oh thank god, some order. It's a pleasure to meet you." Korra said.
"Ah..the avatar. A pleasure. I am the 2nd Prince of the Dark Kingdom…Pen Dark." he said.
"Second, huh? I guess that makes you the eldest in the group." David said.
"Three Princes and brothers, reminds me of Simon, Ace, and myself in a way." Spade whispered to Hope.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right." Hope said. "We're sorry for interrupting your Negotiations with the Earth Queen, Pen. It's just that we came here with the Avatar and…Uh...you're grasping my hand pretty tight. Ow ow ow."
"Listen you...I do not have time to deal with some annoying excuse for a hero while I am in the middle of something important such as this." Pen said.
"We were finished anyway. And the answer is...get out of my sight." the queen said.
"What?" Pen said grasping Hope's hand tighter.
"Ow… don't take it out on me!" Hope said. "Guys, don't do anything, I'll be fine… ow.."
"I've already had my lands ruined under my father's rule when he handed part of the Earth Kingdom to that...foolish republic of nations. I don't need more of it given to some upstart." She said.
"Upstart?!" Pen said grasping it tighter.
"Brother." Hate whispered as Pen realized what he was doing.
"Right. It seems we are done for the moment." Pen said releasing Hope's hand. "Come. We're returning to our quarters." He said as the three princes left.
"Phew… That was close." David said.
"Yeah. Let me see your hand, Hope." Spade said as he took Hope's hand and healed it.
"It's lucky he didn't crush my bones." Hope said.
"For being a calm individual, he's not setting a good example for his kingdom." Spade said.
"Remember, the Darkness Universe is full of people like him." David said as he looked to the door. "I'm just glad Miasma didn't notice me. That would've been a reunion I didn't want to savor."
"Right. Why does a universe like that exist anyway?" Spade asked.
"We can't explain how the multiverse works." Ty said. "I just can't seem to shake the feeling something's up in this city."
Meanwhile, with the groups in the Inner ring city..
"Hey dudes, has anyone seen the Kaister?" Luna asked looking around.
"No, can't say we have. Wasn't he with us when we...why that little…!" Al said before running off.
"Don't tell me he's pickpocketing again…" Yoko said.
"He's never gonna learn. And he's gonna be in big trouble if the guards catch him. We better help Al look for him." Simon said. "You alright with that, Theo?"
"I'm sure it'll be fine. We'll be...wait...my satchel of gold is...son of a- he looted me!" Theo said.
"That kid is so in for it!" Rainbow said.
"Split up and search all over the Inner ring. Kai cant have gotten far yet." Ichiro said.
"I'll search from the rooftops." Medusa said as she jumped up to the roof of house and across the many other ones.
"The rest of us will go in different directions. When you find Kai, bring him back." Gemini said.
"And be sure to help Al search for him if any of you run into her." Simon said.
As the group split up, they covered all over the city.
"Grrrr...where is that little brat?" Al asked.
"Al!" Betty called out as she approached her. "Please, don't run off like that again. I know Kai gets under your skin, but he's still just a kid."
"I know but still...Grrr. The nerve of him to call me a thief!" Al said with a tick mark on her head.
"We know you steal from Caves and Dungeons, but remember, people on other worlds don't know about our own reputations, so Kai saw you as a thief anyway." Betty said.
"Right, I'm sorry about that." Al said.
"Now c'mon, let's see about finding the kid." Betty said. "Marshadow!" She said as her shadow started moving across the ground as it started checking from home to home.
Meanwhile with Palpene, Himeno and Kendo…
"It's going to take forever to search the Inner Ring, much less the entire city." Kendo said. "Palpene, do you think it'd be worth it to cover more ground in your beast form?"
"Hmm? Now what have we here?" Himeno wondered seeing the three princes heading off to a room.
"Wait...I recognize one of them. He was in that IG-3 race. Miasma I think." Palpene said.
"Looks like negotiations didn't go so well on their end." Himeno said.
"The nerve of that woman. I offered her the best negotiations I ever could and she goes and tosses us aside like common trast." Pen said.
"We should kill her. She deserves to die." Miasma said.
"No no. We cannot stoop to such levels." Pen said. "No, we need a way that forces her to join her kingdom with ours. But what?" he pondered.
"An Alliance between the Earth and Dark Kingdoms? But why?" Kendo asked.
"It's hard to say, conquer the multiverse maybe?" Papelne asked.
"In any case, we can't stay here long. We can't let them know were eavesdropping, let's go." Kendo said.
"Hop on." Papelne said as she shifted into beast form.
Kendo got on, as did Himeno. "You're really okay with us riding you?"
"Of course, I may look like an average beast kin, but I'm actually stronger than a lion." Papelne said before she ran off with Kendo and Himeno on her.
"So, Himeno. We've heard a lot about the others. What about you? What was your reason to be a part of SEALED?" Kendo asked.
"To stop a threat in our world. That was all there was to it. But...there was a good reason for that mindset." Himeno said. "I'd say that I had no interest in saving the world, or the multiverse to an extent...but you'd already figure that to be a lie."
"In reality, you really cared about everyone in SEALED, didn't you? Even though the applications of your powers are dangerous." Kendo said.
"That's right. I'm...the type of person that ends up hurting the ones precious to her. But, I was accepted as is and allowed to live." Himeno said. "Even though I hurt people the more I care about them, the world and the multiverse still allowed me to live."
"In all honesty, Palpene and I don't think that's the case. Sure, we both have powers, and we're different. I have a Quirk, and Palpene can transform into a giant wolf, but it's not about our power. It's how we use it. You used your powers to protect your teammates. And during those Erasures…I don't think there were any votes for you, right Papelne?" Kendo asked.
"Yeah. It's because some of your teammates believed in you as a good person. And the reason I'm capable of turning into a wolf is because of my beaststone but I still help my friends either way. And you help us to because we're friends." Papelne said.
"Kendo is right. Of all of us on the chopping block in those Erasures, I never got a single vote. I wouldn't admit it, but I was more worried about Marco and Yoko. They were at risk quite a lot early on." Himeno said.
"But still, you three are here now. There's no reason for you to be worried anymore, the worst is over, and The End is gone." Kendo said. "Now you can use your Pyromancy to protect Marco, Yoko, and everyone you've met, and we've got your back too."
"Yup yup. Like it or not, you're stuck with your teammates and your new friends too, including us!" Papelne said.
"And that's why I accepted you all as friends. Because you accepted me for who I am." Himeno said. "Although, I'm a bit worried about registering for the EX Multiverse Grand Prix that Miu is preparing for. SEALED only has five members left, and we need six."
"Don't worry. I'm sure we'll figure something out. For now, let's keep looking for Kai." Papelne said.
"Maybe we should just give up. I mean look." Kendo said showing the sun was already setting. "I'm sure he's safe somewhere."
"Safe? Ha. If he's one of them airbenders, then he's in a world of trouble." A beggar said.
"What are you talking about?" Kendo asked.
"Okay...you didn't hear it from me...but I saw a guy start airbending last week. Then some Dai Li agents snatch him up. They've been doing that to a lot of airbenders lately." he said.
"What?! But why?" Papelne asked.
"Don't know, don't wanna know and neither should any of you." the beggar said. As the three debated, they were unaware they were being listened in on as well.
"So...that's her game. Seems we have a bartering chip after all." Pen said pushing his glasses up as he smiled.