-Inside the Jasmine Dragon-
"Um... Iroh?" asked Lan "Why did Xi'an tell Te not to kill Fung the second?"
"Yeah" said Hui "He obviously had it coming"
"If I had to guess" said Iroh "Xi'an realized right then and there the influence he had on his sisters and it wasn't a good one. In Te, he saw himself, ruled by grief and anger and I doubt wanted that for his sisters"
"Sounds kind of hypocritical doesn't it?" said Kanna "He was more than willing to go after Lo pan and Elder Fung for revenge.
"That's is true" said Iroh "Had it not been for Aang and Zuko, he probably would have ended Elder Fung's life then and there."
"So why then it was okay for him and not her?" asked Kuei
"I believe that Xi'an felt he gave up his innocence after his parents death. So, in his eyes he could do what he felt needed to be done,without consequence. The end justifying the means, as to speak" said Iroh "but I dont think he was willing to risk his sisters innocence. To have her to be tormented as he was, to be ruled by guilt and anger, to hardly sleep due to the nightmares. He wouldn't wish that on anyone he cared about, especially his sisters "
"Humph still sounds pretty selfish to me" scoffed Hahn
"Depends on how you look at it" said Iroh "Though both came close, in the end neither did anything that they may later regret. And it gave Xi'an time to honestly reflect on his actions and how those actions affect others
"So what then?" asked Tai "The Fung's get away with taking Sho's life? How is that fair?"
"Life sadly is rarely fair" said Iroh taking a sip of his tea "However...
Chapter 22
-The Mad King-
Aang's group found themselves in locked in an Omashu jail cell. Zuko paced back and forth as he tried to think of a way to escape. While he understood Xi'an and Te's anger toward the elder, being put in jail made it that much harder to get the king on their side.
"I'm sorry guys" said Xi'an "It's my fault"
"Yeah it is" said Zuko sharply "Your actions put us in an awkward position. How can we expect to get Bumi on our side now?"
"I dont know" said Xi'an
"Well that's great, because neither do i" said Zuko " I think you had better take a long look on how your actions are affecting others"
"You are the last person to lecture me on matters of morality" said Xi'an angrily "Exactly how many people have you hurt in your quest to regain your honor? Hmm?"
"Xi'an, Zuko that's enough!" said Katara "Neither fighting nor dredging up the past is going to help our situation"
"I'm sorry, It's my fault too"Te sniffed "I couldn't do it even though I wanted to. And now were in here and everybody's fighting"
"Come here, brat" said Xi'an gently picking her up and hugging her tightly "You let me handle those two okay? I don't want you using your bending like that unless you really have to defend yourself okay?
"Okay" said Te crying into his shoulder " But you have to promise me the same thing, okay?"
"I promise, brat"
"So how do we get out of here?" asked Katara
"I don't know, maybe appeal to king Bumi?" said Aang
The door the holding cells slammed open revealing 4 of the palace guards.
"The king requests your presence"
As Xi'an and Te exited the cell, they stopped Zuko, Aang and Katara
"Only these two for now" said the head Guard "King Bumi will see you three a bit later"
Entering the throne room, He looked on in disgust as the Fung's were stating their case to King Bumi. Looking over his shoulder, Elder Fung gave the two a smug smile. Xian and Te returned a vicious glare causing the two to jump back a bit.
Xi'an and Te stood as the royal scribe read off the various charges against the group. His anger got the best of him, though this time not without reason. Fung committed many crimes against his family, the most vile being killing Sho and kidnapping the twins. Zuko had point though ,his actions had an unwanted effect on Te He was supposed to be the older brother and thus set a better example.
"You are hereby charged with disorderly conduct, assault and battery, willful destruction of property, grand theft of property, random violence against cabbages, landing in a no landing zone" said the scribe "and failure to pick up after your polar bear dog."
That last ones a doosie!" said King Bumi "We have very strict pooper scooper laws, here!"
Te and Xi'an looked each other and then at the old king. They couldn't quite put a finger on it but they knew the king wasn't all there. He just had this odd grin plastered on his face, like he was laughing at a joke that only he knew the punch line to.
"Well young man do you have any anything to say for yourself?" asked King bumi
"Well I..." started Xian
"Your majesty, I think its proper that we dont even consider his obvious lies and explanations" interrupted Elder Fung
"I mean look at the both of them, commoners of the lowest order!" said Fung the second "For striking a noble, I suggest ...No, I demand giving them the highest penalty there is!"
Hmmmm" said Bumi scratching his chin "Quite a interesting predicament we have dont we? I think I'm beginning to realize where all this stems from!
"You do?" asked Te in confusion
"Of course I'm not blind!" smiled King Bumi "Its as plain as day!"
"It is!"
"Yep, all this is nothing more than a fight the love of a woman!" said Bumi "Show her in!"
Clapping his hands the doors to the throne room opened revealing, Pearl, the hideous woman from Totodan. Xian shivered in disgust as he covered his mouth trying hard to keep the bile down.
"Wow, Big brother" snickered Te "You really lowered your standards"
"Quiet, brat!"whispered Xian much to Te's amusement
"You majesty I object!" said Elder Fung "This is an outrage!"
"Of course it is, to think a younger suitor trying to steal your fiancee" said Bumi "Such a travesty and injustice! The only way to settle this is by a bending duel"
"But!"
"No buts!" said Bumi with a crazy gleam in his eye "The Fungs vs The boy and a partner of his choosing."
As Xi'an and Te were lead away they couldn't help but think King Bumi was utterly and completely out of his mind. How this city made him king, he'd never know...
The massive city of Ba Sing Se appeared on the horizon as Appa and the captured Kyoshi airship sailed through the air. It was a welcome sight after such a long flight. As both landed in the near the palace, they were met at the gate the place guards.
"State your business!" shouted the young guard
"We seek an audience with the King!" said Sokka "Its important that we speak to him"
"The king is quite busy" said the guard in a snooty tone "So I suggest you take your flying fur ball, fire nation airships and leave!"
"Look, this is an important matter" said Suki hopping off of Appa "Now can we see the king or not!"
"Not!" spouted off the young guard much to delight of his fellow guards "As I said the king is quite busy. Now, I wont tell you again leave or your gonna get hurt"
"Where are your manners, boy?" boomed Kang "Don't disrespect the young lady?"
"What is going on here!"said General How appearing at gates
"Sir, this old man and his merry band of ruffians were just leaving!" said the young guard
General How squinted as he looked at the old man, he looked familiar some how. His eyes widened in realization of who he was. Quickly and curiously he knelt into a respectful bow much to his confusion of the other guards.
"Sir, my apologies" said How "What do we owe the honor of your visit?"
"Captain How, is that you?" said Kang
"You've been away too long " smiled How "I've been promoted to general,sir"
"Sir, You know this old geezer?" said the young soldier scratching his head
"Show some respect private!" snapped General How "You just insulted the legendary Hammer of East.
"I haven't been called that in a long time" said Kang
"THE General Kang?" gulped the private quickly bowing "ummm...Sir, my deepest apologies.
"The young ones, still learning respect. Though is one will learn it quick by pulling a double shift" said How glaring young guard "The rest of you follow this way"
Everyone glared at the kid, causing the young boy jump back in fear as they walked past into the palace
Sokka and Azula both looked at each other with a look of surprise.
"Kang's a general?" asked Sokka
"The Hammer of the East?" asked Azula "The bane of the fire nation?"
"That was a lifetime ago" said Kang "It's just plain old Kang now"
"You still have the respect of many General Kang" said General How "Though by the look your company, I can assume that this is not a social call is it?
"I'm afraid not, we need to see the king, " said Kang "Its a matter of saving the world …
Xi'an was led to a large private earth bending arena. Above in the royal balcony was King Bumi, Zuko, Katara, and Te with Kip. Bumi strictly forbid Te from fighting, though left Xi'an with the choice to pick anyone else. Much to everyone's surprise he picked Aang. Realizing Xi'an had the avatar on his side, the Fung's wisely and gracefully bowed out citing their earlier "injuries. Instead hiring some pretty tough looking earth benders to fight in their place.
"How are you feeling Aang?" asked Xi'an "Are you up to this?"
"Yeah" said Aang
"Good" said Xi'an
"Ladies, Gentleman and Dog" said Bumi " Aang, Xi'an you two will face the Granite brothers as replacements for the Fung's in a tag team rumble. The first to get knocked out or submit loses. Are the terms acceptable? "
"Yes" said Xi'an and Aang in unison
"The Fung family" said Bumi "Are the terms acceptable to you"
"Yes your majesty" smirked Elder Fung
He silently patted himself on the back for thinking quickly and hiring the Granite brothers. Sure they cost a lot of gold but they never lost. Winning meant not only getting his airship back but finally getting rid of the bothersome 'fiancee. He shivered in disgust at the thought marrying her
"Well I wish you well fighters, keep in mind what you are fighting for" laughed Bumi "But remember a true warrior can turn the worst defeat into a victory if he tries hard enough"
"Yeah he's lost his mind" said Xian getting ready
"It's his way" said Aang
At the sound of the gong, the battle began
"Two Kids? Easiest money we ever made, right bro?" said one Granite brother to the other
Xian and Aang shot two large ball shaped boulders at the two as a response knocking the two on their butts. Quickly getting up, the granite brothers both dove into the earth, burrowing underneath the two, popping out just to score a cheap shot before disappearing again.
"Two can play this game!" said Xi'an diving into the earth as well followed by Aang
Loud rumble followed by fists being landed could be heard. The boys flew out from the ground, Xi'an crashing hard on the nearby rocks and Aang landing hard nearby. Groaning in pain the two quickly got on their feet, taking both blasting a large boulder at the two brothers only to have it shot back at them, slamming both Xian and Aang into the hard wall.
From above the Fung's looked on in delight, not only would both get a severe beating but would obviously get the punishment they justly deserve.
"Humph, to think he would dare attack his betters" thought Elder Fung
From the King's box, the others looked on in worry as both Aang and Xi'an took another heavy beating. Te bit her lip in worry as Xi'an got slammed hard against the unforgiving rock walls.
"Bumi stop this!" said Katara as she saw Aang skid across the ground "
"He not at full strength" argued Zuko "There's no way they can win!"
"No, it needs to be done this way " said Bumi with a wry grin " Besides, I dont expect them to win. "
"What?"
Aang was sent flying into Xian knocking them both of their feet. Before they could get to their feet, the granite brothers dropped a large pile of heavy rocks on top of the two.
"Humph" said the older brother "Those two weren't even a challenge"
As the brothers celebrated their victory, a blue glow pulsed underneath the pile of rubble. The glow grew brighter and brighter until it exploded outward reveling two very angry youths. Xi'an's necklace and eyes flashed with a bright blue glow as did Aang's eyes and tattoos. A powerful energy seemed to bind and connect the two as they both formed stone gloves on their fists. Fung looked on in horror as the boys both started to fight back.
"Whats? Whats going on?" thought Xi'an as he rushed back into the fight
"I dont know" Aang thought back "Wait...I can hear your thoughts? How is that possible?"
"I have no clue" thought Xian Back "But lets deal with these guys first, then well figure it out"
"Deal.."
In an instant the tide turned, the boys fought with a powerful new vigor, slamming the granite brothers with huge boulders. However it just didn't seem right... something just bugged Aang as the fight went on...
"Keep in mind what you are fighting for... defeat into victory"
Lifting a huge slab of earth Xi'an prepared for the finishing blow only to be stopped by Aang.
"What are you doing?" thought Xi'an "We're Just about to win!"
"Think about it" Aang thought back "What are we fighting for?"
"Well we're fighting for..." thought Xi'an as realization hit "Oh no!"
"Then there's only one thing to do then" thought Aang hoping he was right
"Well if your wrong, your marrying her" smirked Xi'an
"WHAT?" yelled Aang aloud the glow softly fading from his eyes
"King Bumi" said Xi'an hurling the slab to the side as the glow faded from his eyes as well "The Avatar and I hereby forfeit and concede victory to the Granite Brothers"
"Really?" asked Bumi "Are you positively sure?
"Yes" said both the boys in unison
"Really really sure?" asked Bumi
"Yes"
"Absolutely positively 110% SURE?"
"Just call the match over you crazy old kook!" growled both Aang and Xian in annoyance
"Humph, no use trying to sway me with compliments" smiled Bumi " As you wish, all parties return to the throne room for my final ruling"
King Kuei had not yet returned from his journey with Bosco, so control of the city was left with the council of Five
The atmosphere in the council of 5 war room was hostile to say the least. There was still a bit of bad blood toward Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee for their part in the take over of the city. General Sung was unimpressed with Kang or his choice of companions. However General How had the final say in such matters and allowed the three to remain, trusting Kang's judgment.
"So you want to retake the fire nation capital? " said General How " I'm afraid we dont have the troops"
"And even if we did why should we?" said General #2 "I say let the fire nation fall"
"Its already fallen" said Sokka "And if were not careful the earth kingdom is next"
"What we face is far worse than anything we've faced before"said Suki
"Imagine it, a soldier the can be killed because its already dead, one that feels no pain shows no fearand has no mercy "said Azula
"I dont believe I asked for your opinion princess" said General Sung " And as a matter of fact, I dont believe the story at all"
"Are calling us a liars, Sung?" said Kang
"I'm saying by looking at the company you keep" snorted General Sung "That maybe, perhaps your judgment is a bit impaired."
"Its bad enough that we received an influx of fire nation refuges over the past few weeks" said general # 4 "We just cannot spare the troops"
"But we dont do anything, how long before the earth kingdom falls...again" said Toph
"Perhaps we can negotiate..." started Sung
"You don't get it do you? You cannot bargain with these things!" said Ty Lee
General #3 burst in the war room with a frantic look on his face. Dragging behind him, was a earth kingdom messenger who was clearly mad with shock.
"We have a problem" said General #3 "According to him we got a large garrison of troops heading our way.
"Hahaha, large? laughed the messenger manically "Its enormous! Tee hee! We are doomed!"
"What did they look like soldier? asked Kang
"Evil black armor" said the messenger " Buts whats worse is when they howl...it cuts through your soul"
"How far away are they?" asked General How
"2 diddly dee days away " snickered the messenger in a sing song voice "just 2 diddly dee days way till we meet our doom...he he he"
"Your a soldier, act like one!" said Kang smacking the soldier across the face
"I'm sorry" said the messenger "I'm scared"
"Humph" sand Sung disapprovingly "What next you going to beat him up because your daughter married into water tribe?"
Kang gave sung a death glare that chilled General Sung to the bone. A look of realization hit both Sokka and Azula as the conversation unfolded
"Enough, both of you" said General How "Sung this is nether the time or place to bring up old petty disputes. But since your willing to spout off to your superior then it stands to reason you'd be willing to relinquish your command"
"And who will take my place?" said Sung "The are no other generals"
"Not true, we have 1" said General #2
"Kang will take your place" said How "Consider it a temporary commission"
"Help us defend the city " said General #3 "and we will help you free the fire nation, I give you my word "
As both Aang and Xi'an were escorted into the throne room Te and Kip both raced to Xi'an tackling him with a big hug as for Zuko and Katara for Aang. Elder Fung and his son smirked in satisfaction as
the celebrated his win over the avatar and the freak.
"Well that was an amazing display but end the end you two lost" said King Bumi
"Yes they did" snorted Elder Fung "and now I demand justice for myself and my son"
"Who are you to demand anything!" said Bumi darkly and quite out of character "I know all about you Fung"
"Whatever ever do you mean?" said Elder Fung nervously
"He means, trying to sell your village into slavery" said the older granite brother "Cutting a deal with the Phoenix Empire in return for Omashu"
"And of your roles in the death of Sho the healer" said the younger granite brother
"That preposterous!" said the younger Fung " It was all fathers doing!"
"What?"said Elder Fung "No it was the boy it was all his idea!"
"Enough!" said Bumi angrily
Elder Fung I hereby strip you of your birthright, your title lands and money will shift your lovely fiancee Pearl. And I sentence you to Bandits woods. Guards take them away!"
"Wait" shouted Pearl "Money is good but I'm in love. Isn't there something else that can be done besides the Bandit Woods?"
"Madam Pearl" said Katara "You have money and lands now. Would you really care to share them with some as despicable as these two? With your new found wealth you get a more respectable husband"
"I can, cant I" said Pearl wistfully "Very well, send them to the Bandits Woods"
"You cant do this!" said Fung the second "We're nobles!"
"Not anymore your not!" said Bumi
"Xi'an, Te Please I'm your Elder" begged Elder Fung "It's a death sentence to go there"
"Cry me a river" snorted Ye "It's too good for you if you ask me "
"Its mercy considering everything you two have done" said Xi'an
"Whats going on?" asked Zuko in confusion as the elder and his son were dragged away crying
"You majesty if I may?" said the older granite brother "We are the King's investigators. After hearing complaints from a group of refugees, we investigated those two. And we found out that they were dealing slaves with the Phoenix empire and their complicity with the death of Sho the healer"
"However they were slippery to catch always seemed to be one step ahead" said the younger granite "As luck would have it, your airship landing in the city flushed them out"
"Well if you knew all this, what the reason was it for us to fight" said Aang
"Ha Ha I wanted to see the guardian and the avatar fight" said Bumi snickering
"No hard feelings boys" said the granite brothers
"There's one more favor I need to ask of you"said Katara "We need a lot help to stop these soldiers at the source. Is it possible for you to help us?
"Let me get this straight, you want me to lend you my army in a desperate battle against a creepy undead army..." said Bumi " An army that is very thing that nightmares are made of ?"
"In a matter of speaking, yes" said Zuko
"Ok" smiled Bumi maniacally "Consider it done"
"Just like that?" asked Te
"Just like that" said Bumi patting the girl on the head
"Bumi, I just have to ask, how did you defeat the soldiers that were occupying here?" asked Aang
"Never underestimate a crazy old man who loves his city" smiled Bumi
"Does he ever explain his actions?" asked Zuko
"Never" said Aang
The rhythmic marching of the echoed through the air as a massive legion of tanks, rhinos, soldiers with huge train leading it made it way toward the city of Ba sing Se. At the helm sat a young boy with glowing red eyes, filled to the brim with hate. Hate for the living , hate for the spirits, hate for the city of Ba Sing Se
"And in just 2 days I will destroy Ba Sing Se as it destroyed me" thought Jet as sharpened his hook swords