And another fire chapter... as a warning the next chapter will probably be a slightly longer wait then the others recently... hopefully it won't devolve into another year or so as I'm motivated to get this finished. I have a slight plan as to what needs to happen in the coming chapters, as well as how the Day of Black Sun and Sozin's Comet will go.
Anyway for now I hope this chapter is good and as always I own nothing.
Headbands
The Fire Nation guards stomped down the path. The two high priority prisoners held between them. One unit of elite fire benders marched in front of them, ten heavy armed and trained men and women. Another unit of ten spread out, holding a multitude of chains marched along the side of the road and another fire bender unit took up the rear. The crashing of metal announcing their march. Just in front of the rear fire bender unit strode men in the dark green armour and robes of the Earth Kingdom Dai Li, their earthen gauntlets all deployed, wrapped firmly around the limbs of the white robed teen in front of them. The Dai Li glared at the white robed teen, but the fire nation elites cared more about the old man, wrapped up in chains next to him.
General Iroh, the old disgraced general at least was far more of a threat in their minds. But the Fire Nation Prince and Princess had insisted on the teen being kept under high security as well, and whilst they highly doubted the stories they had heard, of the teen helping Iroh to take out score after score of Dai Li, Earth Kingdom so called 'elites' they were not going to argue with the royalty. They would have preferred to not have Earth Kingdom soldiers with them and seeing their prison, but they didn't have much of a choice.
Someone had asked why the boiling rock was not being used to hold them, but rumours were that the teen was some sort of pseudo air bender and Iroh wasn't being given the benefit of being stuck near lava or other Fire Nation criminals who might ally to him.
No they headed towards another nearby volcano. Marching the prisoners up the heated slopes and towards the towering earthen tower. The accompanying Earth Kingdom agents bent up walls as they went as commanded, at least five members keeping the earthen restraints on the teen, not taking any chances with him as instructed, using air's opposite element to give him no chance to escape. They eventually reached the outer wall of the prison. The guards looking over the edge of the towering gatehouse. Fire braziers lighting up the night. The metal cast flickering shadows onto the ground before the dark of night swallowed them up. The gatehouse captain nodded and there was a grinding of metal, chains flashing through the air as the portcullis was raised and the heavy metal doors afterwards swung back.
The convoy marched through, prodding their captives with their pikes, more for their amusement then to actually make them move. As they grew closer more and more earthen barricades and fortifications were formed and the prison walls soon swelled into impenetrable bulwarks. They made it to the metal prison doors, the molten rocks of the prison tower bearing down on them. Two Fire Nation prison guards bared the doors for only a moment with their weapons before a hurried conversation with the commander of the prison convoy. The doors swung open and the soldiers found themselves engulfed in the darkness of the prison tower. Flicking torches lined the walls, casting eerie shadows on the spiral staircase. They split up, the first and last Fire Nation unit staying within the towers main room as the remaining Fire Nation troops and the Dai Li agents took their two captives to the staircase, directing them down and into the depths of the prison. They forced the two captives in front and marched them down, past the screams and cries and moans of the few other high security, isolation prisoners until they reached the very bowels of, what felt like the earth.
The Fire Nation guards were slightly nervous. Not of the prisoners, but if their Earth Kingdom allies were going to betray them it would be now, in fact they did look slightly more relaxed as they strode along the long corridor. The grey stone blocks however stayed firmly in their place as they moved on. Eventually getting to a couple of cells, specially designed. They nodded to the female guard on duty, her jaw opening at the procession and prisoners.
The Fire Nation guards shoved Iroh into his cell roughly, the shackles around his hands having a somewhat looser chain on them, but a long metal attachment was firmly locked onto a hook at the rear of the cell. The thick, metal bars stopped any entrance as the door was slammed shut and locked and chained up.
"You're not going anyway 'General' Iroh" the soldiers scoffed, suddenly filled with confidence now that he was behind bars. The man himself didn't respond, merely looking past them to the teen being restrained in the cell opposite him. Earthen restraints rising up from the floor and down from the ceiling to hold his limbs steadfast. The Dai Li nodded to each other, one punching the teen in the stomach once for good measure, presumably wanting pay back for the multitude of bruises that the candlelight revealed on his neck. One of the other agents sporting a particularly shiny black eye laughed as they bent earthen bars and fortifications in front of him.
"That will keep our little air bender here" he muttered vindictively to the Fire Nation guard who had come along with them, her disdain for the treatment of the two not being shown on her face.
"I'd say make sure to feed him, but it really makes no difference to us" the Dai Li laughed, handing her an earthen key, someone, somehow having made a door to the cell.
The convoy left surprisingly quickly, not wanting to spend any more time in the prison.
Appa flew lazily through the air, soft fluffy clouds above him, making the one formed around him seem more normal to all but the most curious of cloud watchers. Shikamaru for example would have found something very amiss with this type of cloud being so low and moving so fast, but the majority of Fire Nation citizens would either not notice or not care. After all they were winning so what did they fear? The cloud approached an outlying archipelago the sun bearing down on the land and water lapping softly at the shores.
"I think I see a cave below" Aang's voice, quiet came from the cloud as his mount soared low over the islands.
"Shush… keep quiet" cam Sokka's hushed reply as Aang dissipated the cloud with his air bending, the fluffy white cloud fading away. Appa set down and Sokka jumped down, glancing around the island wearily. "Great job with the cloud camo, but next time let's disguise ourselves as the kind of cloud that knows how to keep its mouth shut."
"Yeah wouldn't want a bird to hear us chatting up there and turn us in." Toph let out sarcastically.
"Hey! We're in enemy territory. Those are enemy birds!" Sokka pointed up to a nearby rock, four of the so called enemy birds sitting there. As he waved his arm comically one of them hopped down onto his head and pecked at him. He was unamused as the others laughed, even the ninja cracking a smile.
"Unless they can talk I don't think we need to fear birds hearing us" Shikamaru let out. "Though I do have some other comments on how to improve our cloud cover." His constant laziness and cloud watching finally having a use.
"I don't think we'll be travelling by cloud again for a while" Katara said, smiling as they walked towards Aang's cave, Sokka darting about behind them, looking every which way for imagined threats.
His extensive knowledge of clouds no longer being useful Shikamaru merely shrugged and went back to researching the ones floating by above them.
As they approached the cave Sokka suddenly jumped over them, leaping off a boulder to land in front of them, his arms spread out as he looked too and through, squinting his eyes to see his imaginary threats before dashing off into the cave. The rest of the group instead opted to just walk normally in, relying on Toph to alert them of anything hiding within the cave.
"Well this is it. This is how we'll be living until the invasion begins. Hiding in cave after cave… after cave… after cave…" Sokka's head drooped as he carried on until his chin eventually hit his chest.
"There has to be a better way to hide" Tenten spoke up, looking around. "We'll attract far too much attention cave hopping, we'd be better off hiding in plain sight."
"Yea Sokka, we don't need to become cave people. What we need is some new clothes" Katara spoke up in agreement.
"Yeah blending in is better than hiding out. If we get Fire Nation disuiges, we'll be just as safe as we would be hiding in a cave" Aang said in agreement.
"They do say to hide a tree put it in a forest" Shikamaru said, glancing around.
"Plus… they have real food out there" Toph spoke up, emphasising the word 'real'. "Does anyone wanna sit in the dirt and eat cave-hoppers?" at this she hit the wall, causing a bunch to scurry out. Momo happily grabbed one and dug in with vigour. The kids looked less enthusiastic however.
"Looks like we're outvoted sport," Sokka said in resignation, looking at Momo. "Let's get some new clothes!" he announced as the group headed off.
They left Appa in the cave as they headed off. Following Toph's direction the group made their way inland. Crossing over a few glistening streams of water, the crystal clear water flowing into the deep blue sea. Eventually cave and crashing of waves were much less of a prominent feature and the cries of gulls were replaced with other birds as they rounded the island the ground becoming softer and less untamed. They moved through the few sparse trees for cover to avoid the direct sun, enjoying the cool breeze that rustled the leaves of the foliage. After a good twenty minutes of walking they happened across the outskirts of a town. They moved to a nearby ridge overlooking it to get a good view of the town and they thanked their luck as when they looked directly down they found themselves overlooking a local laundromat, complete with Fire Nation clothes drying in the hot sun. Further to this no one was looking after the building and lines, least not that they could see. The lone attendant having their feet up as they laid back in their chair. Snores lazily drifting up from their slumbering form.
"I don't know about this." Aang said looking down at the camp "These clothes belong to somebody."
"So did this armour" Tenten said hefting the metal plates. "We can call it a trade, metal and padding for some more normal clothing." Aang turned to look at the three ninja, having taken off the metal plates from their 'liberated' armour.
"You're changing?" Aang asked.
"Of course, we left our normal clothing on the ship and as much fun as pretending to be soldiers is we're more likely to attract attention in the armour." Shikamaru clarified. "Sure it would likely be praise from the citizens, but attention is attention and if they notice anything we'd be in trouble." Aang nodded as Lee went on to announce that the armour was clunkier and much less easy and comfortable to use.
Aang still looked a little conflicted as the ninja lowered the metal and eyed out what they wanted from the line. Aang remained conflicted until the first member had found their new outfit.
"I call the silk robe!" Katara announced suddenly. Vaulting the rocks in front of them, speeding down the hill, skidding slightly, before sprinting across the earth, plucking her prize from the line and dashing off, dust rising slightly from her pounding feet as she disappeared into a nearby group of trees.
"But if it's essential to our survival… then I call the suit!" he cried out, joining the rest of his party in speeding down the hill and across the earthen yard. Plucking a Fire Nation suit as he went, speeding off as Toph and Sokka plucked their red robes and clothing from the lines, complete with some jewellery.
Tenten managed to find some red robes that looked similar to her previous get up, the main difference being the top half being red instead of white and having black and gold embellishments on it. Rock Lee appeared in the trees a moment after her, carrying a red martial arts top with black detailing. His other garment was a pair of fine silk trousers, a black base with red dragons sewn onto them, lucking out with the Fire Nation Gi. They retreated to a nearby beach and were already mostly through changing when Shikamaru turned up. Lazily carrying a crimson jacket, not too dissimilar to his green Konoha jacket, but with the Fire Nation emblem on it in place of the spirals. He also had acquired sandals and a black long sleeved top and trousers for underneath it. The ninjas changed their headbands to match with Aang's, not wanting to risk guards searching for the symbol on it.
Aang tightened his belt around his suit and applied his own headband before turning to his friends.
"Ta-dah! Normal Kid!" he announced happily to the group.
"Hmm… I should probably wear shoes, but then I won't be able to see as well" Toph announced, appearing to ponder for a while before ramming her feet through the shoes, knocking out the soles and launching them into Sokka's face. "Sorry shoes" she announced as Sokka glared at it. She chose to ignore this however.
"Finally a stylish shoe for the blind earthbender."
Katara turned, her red dress fitting her well, as they group had somehow managed to find clothes that fit them surprisingly well.
Aang's jaw dropped as he took her in and he was brought out of his admiring stupor by Tenten's voice.
"That necklace… that's pretty… well… not Fire Nation" she said, looked down as she pointed it out, clearly not happy.
"Oh… oh, yeah I guess it's pretty obviously water tribe isn't it?" she phrased it as a question, but reluctantly removed it as she did so. She took great care in wrapping up the treasured item and wrapped it up in red cloth, before carefully placing it into the small brown pouch completing her outfit.
With the clothing situation finished the team made to move into the town proper. They quickly climbed back up the wooden steps leading down to the beach. The wood creaking slightly under their feet as they moved up the small ridge that led down to the beach. The walked for a while before reaching the town again. Walking past the laundromat again, the attendant still snoring their shift away. As they moved along the dirt road paving stones soon started appearing, starting sporadically and eventually becoming the norm of the town. They also stopped passing by houses and instead encountered taller and bigger buildings, places of work and shops. Eventually they reached a courtyard, multiple shades of brown and grey paving slabs ringing around a fountain in the middle, the water feature sending water high before the stream split and fell back down to the surrounding pool. Market stalls soon littered the courtyard, dotted everywhere with tall trees casting shadows on them as the hot sun continued to bear down.
The cries of different merchants formed a bazaar cacophony that the group moved through. Ignoring the offerings of meat and fish and vegetables and fruit. Moving past stalls laden with Earth Kingdom pottery that they chose to ignore. Instead they found their way to a little stall glittering with jewellery. Katara paused to pick up a new necklace, Toph and Sokka grabbing a headband and topknot clasps respectively. Tenten leant down to inspect the offerings, buying a couple of bronze clasps for her hair and following the others into a nearby alley way to adjust her hair, her buns soon being the proud owners of bronze clasps, miniature dragons coiling their way round her hair. Shikamaru adjusted his hair as well, a much simpler bronze item holding it up, similar to Sokka's. Lee appeared from nowhere having somehow found some Fire Nation training weights and attaching the heavy cloth work out tools to himself.
Aang spoke up as the group composed themselves.
"I used to visit my friend Kuzon here a hundred years ago. So everyone just follow my lead and stay cool. Or as they say in the Fire Nation – 'Stay Flamin'!'" He left the alley, sauntering out and back onto the street. Moving past a man nearby, a shish kebab held in his hand. He paused from his meal as he saw Aang approach.
"Greeting's my good Hotman!"
"Uh… Hi?... I guess" he made out in reply as a chunk of meat and sauce fell of the end of his kebab.
"Aang, I think your lingo… may be a little outdated" Sokka announced, patting his friend on the shoulder and taking over on the lead. Lee meanwhile wish the bewildered Fire Nation man a "Most youthful and firey day" leaving him waving slightly as the group moved on.
They walked through the streets, passing by the stalls and politely declining or ignoring the shouting of the vendors. As they walked Sokka's stomach growled and he turned to the rest of the group, a sheepish smile on his face. "Sorry guys, mind if we make a bite to eat the next stop?" The group shook their heads, feeling hungry themselves and Sokka led the group through the crowds, darting between the milling Fire Nation citizens and away from the vendors and stalls of the bazaar to the small shops and tea houses and cafes of a main street. Trees lined the path ways and branched hung over the street, carriages occasionally passing by. He led them up to a smoke house, the enticing smell of cooked and spiced meats emanating from inside. He went to the dark red door, holding it open as Aang wrinkled his nose slightly.
"Oh, we're going to a meat place?"
"Come on Aang." Sokka replied. "Everyone eats meat… even the meat!" He pointed to a nearby cow-hippo that was happily munching on a pile of fly-blown fish.
"It would be nice to have some barbeque again, makes me think of home" Shikamaru said, thinking of Konohda, with Tenten and Lee nodding in agreement.
Aang remained unconvinced however. "You guys go ahead. I'll just get some lettuce out of the garbage."
With that they said their goodbyes, promising to meet up with Aang at the fountain after about an hour. He nodded and walked off down the streets, greeting everyone with "Hotman" as he passed, earning a variety of confused looks.
The rest of the party moved into the building. The door rocking slightly behind them as it swung shut. The inside of the smokehouse welcomed them. Solid metal chairs and tables were strewn about, smokers and grills and barbeques littered around the tables, allowing a choice of not only meats, but cooking methods as well. The wide windows and chimneys let in ample light as well as ensuring the smoke didn't obscure the inside of the building. Red curtains and drapes lined the walls with gold embellishments. Pride of place on a far wall, behind a sturdy and rather well stocked looking bar was a finely detailed picture of the Fire Lord, staring down intimidately on the customers.
A waitress hurried up to them, a load of menus held in her arms, the pale red apron she wore over her black and crimson skirt and top, stained with a variety of sauces.
"Hello I'm Jin, can I help you?" her voice was young sounding, but she was still older than the group by a few years. She flashed them a tired smile, looking rushed off her feet.
"Yes please, we'd like a table for six" Sokka replied, already eyeing up and salivating at the meets and smells passing by. His jaw nearly dropping as a couple of other waitresses hurried past in the background, a whole cow-hippo somehow hefted between them as they mounted it on a spit and let the sounds and smells of it sizzling out.
"You're in luck, we've just had a table vacate" she replied, taking them to a table near the back. They sat down on the soft red cushions, much more preferable to the wrought metal of the chairs.
"This is what we have, if you need anything just lift up these signs" Jin explained, handing out a selection of menus and red signs. "If you need a drink then you can either go up to the bar or hold up the sign" she paused and wiped an errant strand of black hair out of her eyes. "Though it would likely be quicker to go to the bar as we'll be busy with food for the most part"
They nodded their thanks and she was quickly gone, dancing around the tables and serving the other tables. The party glanced around the building.
"Nice place" Sokka commented, already trying to flag down a passing waitress and ordering a wide selection of meats and sides.
"Certainly can't complain about a lack of choice" Tenten replied. "I'm not sure even our smokehouses and barbeques have this much choice."
"Guess that's one advantage of being the conquering power" Shikamaru spoke up, picking up one of the fresh bread rolls before the waitress could even put the basket down on the table. "You get all the advantages of your country along with extra supplies from your opponents."
He held up his hands as Katara glared at him.
"I'm not saying it's good, but it'll certainly keep the citizens happy"
Katara slumped back in her chair, but couldn't resist the feast being brought to them as smoked fish were added to their selection. She speared a few chunks of fish and seafood onto the provided skewers before loading up her plate with potatoes and carrots and other vegetables.
"If they're doing well here I'd hate to see the capital" Toph said, slumped back and with her feet up and resting on the table. The waitresses glared at her with intensity, but she ignored them, her smile giving away that she was firmly aware that she was attracting looks.
"Though even back home I don't remember getting such a feast" she paused for a moment. "Guess my parents were cheapskates."
The group spent the better part of an hour just chatting. Talking about their homes and anything else that came to mind, trying to avoid talking to loudly about their plans on where to travel, though with the amount of noise filling the hall they doubted anyone would be paying attention to them. Not that it was worth risking. Rock Lee and Sokka had just finished an eating contest, both laying back in their chairs with their bellies poking out of their clothes when Katara looked around nervously.
"Hey it's getting close to when we said we'd meet up with Aang we need to get going."
"What about paying?" Sokka said, trying, and failing to get up.
"We could just leave" Toph replied. "After all we're already outlaws, what's adding a little dine and dash going to do to us."
Katara bit her lip, not happy with the idea of stealing from innocent citizens, even if they were Fire Nation, the clothes had been different, a necessity. Before she could voice this however Shikamaru interrupted.
"As tempting as that is, it would draw attention to us as they'd be searching for us." He grimaced. "Not for the main reason maybe, but still searching for us." The others nodded as he shrugged. "Not to mention running away would be so troublesome."
Tenten smacked up on the back of his head as Toph laughed. Tenten got up, holding up her pouch. "I've got this" she said. "I've got more than enough from our… journey from the colonies" she said, moving to the bar and calling other a member of staff to pay.
They moved quickly after leaving the restaurant. Making their way back up and along the cobblestone streets to the town centre. They glanced around, trying to keep an eye out for Aang. They waited for ten minutes with Katara getting increasingly antsy.
"He should have been here by now" she muttered looking around, tapping her foot anxiously against the stones beneath her. "You don't think he's been captured do you?" she asked, looking worriedly at the others.
"If they had found and captured the Avatar I'm sure we'd have heard about it" Tenten replied. "In fact considering how Aang wouldn't have gone without a fight I'm sure we'd have heard that as well.
Even whilst nodding at the logic behind her words, Katara still looked around concerned. She was about to take off looking for him when a group of three armoured officials spotted them, striding over their spines stiffened and they felt a chill.
"You! – you there!" they cried out, striding up to Lee.
"We've been looking all over for you, you're a teacher aren't you?" The group exchanged some confused looks.
"The training college was looking for more instructors, that must be what you're here for… if you wanted to explore first you should have taken the uniform off first" Lee nodded his head, assuming nice guy pose number 52.
"Of course! Lead the way so that I may teach!" he announced, Tenten and Shikamaru placing their heads into their hands as he walked off after the officials. The officials looked taken aback, but quickly shook it off.
"It must be national avoid hooky day. First that kid that was near the smokehouse skipping school, now the instructors are leaving as well"
"Well that was… that…" Sokka said, looking at his retreating back.
"I hope he'll learn at least a bit about what they're teaching in schools." Tenten muttered thinking. "Wait school kid… you don't think they mean Aang do they?"
"Wouldn't surprise me" Sokka said laying his head into his hands now. "Not much we can do without attracting attention. We'll go back to the cave and keep an ear out for news for now."
"What about Lee?"
"He'll be fine, when it comes to training he's always serious."
Iroh looked over at Neji, the teen had recovered well and the fact the guard in charge of them actually seemed to be a decent person had helped. Meaning they actually got fed food at all the times they were supposed to, a rarity Iroh knew for a Fire Nation prison.
It turned out she had served under him when he was a general and his compassion and care for his people had won a lifetime's amount of loyalty.
He looked at the teen, noting he also looked less than impressed about being captured, but overall he wasn't really bothered by it. The earth benders always gave him a wide berth when they turned up to let him down. He suspected their cowardice around him amused him at least to some extent.
"You fought well." Iroh spoke out loud, knowing that their guard wouldn't be able to hear them from where she was stationed. Either that or she wouldn't disturb them it could feasibly be either or both. He carried on, knowing that Neji was listening. "If I didn't know any better I would have sworn you're an air bender, it certainly was impressive how you took down those Dai Li and sparred with the prince for a while" Even as faint as it was Iroh knew the teen had noticed the bitterness in his voice when he mentioned the prince.
"I guess that's why I get to enjoy becoming one with the earth" the teen joked back, looking up at him. "I know people say to respect your elders, but you are one of the best examples of exactly why people should" He smiled, the conversations and advice he'd had when talking to him back in Ba Sing Se with Tenten had been one of the better things from that city, surprisingly as it had been to meet him. "I don't think I'd still be here if it hadn't been for you guarding my back like you did" Iroh laughed. "I guess we should stick together more then?"
Their conversation was interrupted by the opening of the door, it was roughly thrust open as a cloaked figure strode in. The figure took of his hood to reveal Zuko, who shot Neji a worried look before turning to his uncle.
"Uncle. It's me." He spoke, trying to sound commanding, but both prisoners heard the unease in his voice. Both chose to ignore him however.
The Fire Nation prince hovered around unsure for a few more minutes, before spinning on his heel and striding back out of the room. The two prisoners resuming their conversation, reminiscing about better times.
"Where have you been?!" Katara cried out, the torches flickering in the cave as Aang returned to the cave. Night having firmly fallen at this point. "We've been worried sick!" The others looked up from around the campfire in the middle of the cave. Lee having returned a couple of hours earlier, muttering about how the Fire Nation academy was far too complacent, and after exhausting all the students he'd been told to give them a few days off and that he needn't turn up again for a week.
"I got invited to play with some kids after school" Aang replied cheerfully.
"After what?!" Sokka cried out staring at him.
"I enrolled in a Fire Nation school, and I'm going back tomorrow." Aang replied cheerfully, Lee looking downcast as he complained about one person doing well on their first day. Tenten patting him on the back consoling him.
"Even with our suspicions it's still too much to hear" Sokka muttered, fainting and falling other backwards.
The group turned to look at Sokka, whilst Toph hit him to try and wake him up Tenten spoke up. "Aang, not that I'm trying to dash your cheeriness here but… going to a Fire Nation school… just sounds like a recipe for disaster."
"Yeah" Toph piped up. "We've got our outfits, what do you need to go to school for" Shikamaru nodded his head in agreement, remembering his lazy days at the academy.
"Every minute I'm in that classroom I'm learning new things about the Fire Nation" Aang replied, holding up a noodle picture. "I already have a picture of Fire Lord Ozai"
Sokka swung back up, taking his chin in one of his hands and admiring the picture.
"Impressive I admit, but I still think this is too dangerous."
Aang tried to hide a sly grin as her replied. "I guess we'll never find out about the secret river then. It goes right to the Fire Lord's palace. We were supposed to learn about it in class tomorrow…" he trailed off as Tenten massaged her temples.
"Hmm…" Sokka replied, looking thoughtful. "I am a fan of secret rivers…" he paused for a while. "Ok, fine, let's stay a few more days."
Tenten was about to reply when she stopped herself. It wasn't like they had anywhere else to go and if Aang was happy and not sticking out it could be good for him, maybe he'd even make a difference to the school kids. It would be the best way to influence the Fire Nation.
"Flamey-o Hotman!" Aang shouted, running around in excitement.
"Flamey-o?" Sokka asked, turning to a shrugging Katara.
The next day Iroh and Neji's conversation about tea was interrupted as their robed visitor arrived again. They looked away even before the door was pushed open and Zuko strode in. He shifted slightly further away from Neji's cell as he stood observing his uncle. He made his way to the bars, laying his hands upon them.
"You brought this on yourself you know. We could have returned together, you could have been a hero!" Iroh turned away further, burying his face in the shadows. "You have no right to judge me Uncle. I did what I had to do in Ba Sing Se, and you're a fool for not joining me."
Iroh remained silent, even his breathing barely audible in the silence following.
"You're not gonna say anything?" Zuko cried, losing his temper. He screamed and kicked over a nearby stool, sending the wooden chair rattling down the corridor, chipping itself on the hard stones. He thrust his hand forward and a blast of fire erupted, licking at the wall.
"Aaarrggghh! You're a crazy old man! You're crazy and if you weren't in jail you'd be sleeping in a gutter!" He looked like he had more to say, but he jumped when he heard a calm voice from behind him.
"I think you've overstayed your welcome Prince Zuko" Zuko twirled around, enraged at the sick emphasis on his title. He glared at the teen held aloft in the cell opposite. Hi mind went back, back to that cave in Ba Sing Se where he was trading a flurry of fire coated punched against the teen, barely scorching his clothes as his fingers and palms impacted on his armour, the wind rushing around the two as the fire and air danced around them, blasting several crystals apart. He grimaced, wishing the Dai Li hadn't appear to gang up on teen and drag him away and towards his uncle.
"What do you want? You're lucky you're not being executed for air bending or for attacking royalty!" he cried out, still upset over his uncle.
"May be so, but I had just found the perfect way to sleep like this and you've woken me up, so if you'll excuse us, we have a long day of lounging about ahead of us…. You should get back to everything you have ever wanted" Zuko bit his tongue, biting back a retort as the teen's words sank in.
"Fine, enjoy your solitude." He strode back to the door, before slamming it shut behind him, the wood creaking in distress.
As he left he missed Iroh's sigh, bowing his head and closing his eyes as Neji sent him an apologetic look.
The group had gone to town after Aang had left for school, all of them bewildered by the apparent joy he had for the place. They spent the day picking up supplies for their future trips, ensuring they had replacement Fire Nation clothing and just enjoying the hustle and bustle of a town not about to be under siege.
They were quite surprised however when they saw Aang walking around hurriedly. They stood up from the tea shop they had found themselves in, deciding to at least enjoy the situation they were forced into. Aang spotted them and made a beeline towards them.
"Aang? What's wrong? What's happened?" Katara asked as he approached, worried at the look on her friends face.
"It's terrible Katara! Absolutely terrible!" he cried out, Sokka and Shikamaru glancing around quickly, worriedly expecting a platoon of Fire Nation soldiers to burst out of nowhere.
"Wh-what? What is it are we going to be attacked?" Katara asked, Toph looking concerned as she could senses any approaching soldiers, Fire Nation troops weren't generally known for being subtle.
"I've been suspended from school for the day!" Aang let out a cry, burying his head in Katara's shoulder. She wrapped her arms around him slowly, her mind in shock as her, the rest of the group… and most of the street turned to look at Aang with disbelief on their faces. The parents in the street amazed, their kids usually hated getting up and going to school, even if they did love to serve the Fire Nation. The rest of the group were more in shock that this was what would upset Aang so much.
"That's great!" Sokka let out in a too loud voice, earning himself a punch from Toph. "Now we can get out of here and leave this town" he finished in a much more hushed whisper.
"No, you don't understand. I've gotten in trouble and the headmaster is expecting to see my parent's afterschool to discuss my punishment!" Aang carried on, detaching himself from Katara to look at Sokka. "What am I going to do, I can't be punished… I don't have parents.
"Not that I mind some rule breaking, but what did you do?" Toph asked curious. "I mean other than the obvious twinkle toes…"
"I got in a fight with a kid at school." Aang replied, turning to Toph, looking far too upset for what had happened.
"Awesome" Toph replied laughed. "Though I can't really believe it!"
"Another kid started it, we need to help the Fire Nation kids or they'll all grow up like him." Aang replied in turn.
"Putting that aside" Tenten spoke up, the rest of the street going about their business with no sign of guards. "If we disappear suddenly won't they be curious? I mean if a colony kid just doesn't show up for punishment what happens if they come to search for us?" she asked looking around the group.
"We'll have to go then!" Sokka replied smiling happily.
"But what about my 'parents'?" Aang asked.
"I have an idea!" Sokka cried out, dragging his younger friend down the street. "I've finally got an excuse to buy that beard!"
"What on earth is he talking about?" Katara muttered as she hurried after them, the rest of the group following shortly afterwards.
They saw Sokka dive into the nearby market stalls, appearing moments afterwards, holding aloft a fake beard and moustache. Paying the vendor quickly, who seemed to be in disbelief that anyone would want it.
"See with this I can be Aang's dad! Mr Wang Fire"
"This idea seems flawed already, but go on" Tenten muttered as Shikamaru face palmed, Lee seemed to find the idea interesting, not good, but he admired Sokka's enthusiasm.
"Not your best idea Sokka" Toph managed to get out through giggles as they walked away, Sokka happily applying his new purchase.
"No seriously, me and Katara can go and pose as his parents!"
"Or we could just not go" Katara muttered in response.
"Not to interrupt, but wouldn't it be better for us to go as Aang's parents?" Shikamaru spoke up, reaching the edge of the town as they hurried back to their cave, Sokka eager to prepare his illusion and get to the school.
"What do you mean?" Katara asked. "Sure Lee and Tenten look a bit older then us, but not by much."
"Aang doesn't look similar to you though" Tenten replied. "Also, we sort of have the ability to change our appearances, it could help this idea work." Sokka looked pleased with the idea of going with his idea, but his face dropped when he figured that he might not get to be a part of it.
"That's good and all, but how would that be different from my beard."
Tenten sighed and looked up. "Don't freak out ok?" she asked before disappearing in a puff of smoke. They were far away enough from the town that no one would see them. They only heard a cry of "Be careful practicing your fire bending around the trees!"
As the smoke cleared a twenty something Tenten appeared, a few extra strands of hair loose from her buns and her hair colour was more similar to Aang's, she even shared some of his facial features, but was still obviously Tenten to the group's eyes.
They stared open mouthed at her. "Ok that's impressive" Katara admitted as Sokka tried to pick his jaw up from the floor.
"Sorry we didn't show you earlier, but it's something we use for infiltration, though since it requires chakra to maintain we have to be careful using it" Tenten smiled at them, turning back to her usual self just as suddenly.
"Though there is a slight problem" Shikamaru announced, the group looking at him, including the crestfallen Sokka, running his hand through his beard sorrowfully.
"What's that?" Aang asked, amazed by the display.
"Well, I don't know Aang well enough to want to pose as his dad" Shikamaru announced. "And Lee, struggles with this technique" Lee nodded as the group looked at him.
"It's true, my youthful techniques are far more close combat orientated."
"So you're saying I'm still needed?" Sokka asked happily.
"Of course." Shikamaru drawled out as they reached their cave. "How long do we have before the meeting Aang?"
"An hour or so" Aang replied grinning happily.
"More than enough time then!" Sokka cried happily, quickly going through their supplies and clothes to find anything else to help with his disguise.
"You're just too lazy to maintain the transformation" Tenten muttered to Shikamaru as the others got ready, Aang looking far too happy for a kid about to be punished.
"Well maybe, but trying to pretend to be his dad is just far too troublesome." Shikamaru replied. "And I did mean it when I said I don't know him enough, it would be far too easy for me to react wrongly to his reactions."
"Of course" Tenten replied, knowing that whilst that may be true to an extent, he just didn't want to maintain the cover story.
"Thank you for coming, Mr and Mrs…" The headmaster trailed off, his voice as stern as Ozai's glare from the obligatory picture behind him.
"Fire! Wang Fire!" Sokka replied, putting on the deepest voice he could, leaning forward to shake the headmaster's hand. "And this is my wife, Sapphire!" he announced, indicating to the transformed Tenten. She mentally shook her head, it sounded even stupider now than it did earlier, but Sokka had insisted on it being a good Fire Nation name.
"Sapphire Fire, nice to meet you" she spoke, smiling sweetly, resting one hand on her stomach, a baby bump just visible through her clothes. The headmaster looked between the two dubiously. He had been sure when he'd seen the 'father' it was another colony kid helping out his friend in trouble. The woman on the other hand he could match similarities to the boy, Kuzon, and she seemed like she could actually be, and probably was, his mother. The names were still… kind of stupid though, like they were made up at the last moment by a kid trying to think up the most Fire Nation of names.
He kept his voice neutral as he carried on the meeting. "Mr… and Mrs… Fire." He kept his composure despite how weird it sounded to him. "Your son has been enrolled here for two days, and he's already causing problems. He's argued with his history teacher, disrupted music class and roughed up my star pupil!" He placed his hands on his desk, locking his fingers together as he fixed the parents and most particularly the kid his best disapproving stare.
The mother, Sapphire replied to him. "My goodness! That doesn't sound like our Kuzon" she shot her husband and son a quick look and the headmaster inwardly groaned, now wanting to deal with parents like this, especially not ones from the colonies. Still he had to play peace make so he'd indulge her for now.
"That's what any mother would say, ma'am. Nonetheless you're forewarned. If he acts up one more time, I'll have him sent to reform school." He leaned in, watching the kid shift back slightly as he glared at him. "And by reform school I of course mean the coal mines, we clear?" he leaned back on the final two words. The menace in his words in stark contrast to the smile he affixed the parents.
"Don't you worry Mr Headmaster!" The dad replied this time. "I'll straighten this boy out somethin' fierce." The headmaster grinned as he got into his son's face. His doubt over the connection gone as he enjoyed the site of Kuzon flinching away as his dad shouted in his face. "Young man, as soon as we get home, you're gonna get the punishment of a lifetime!"
"That's what I like to hear." The headmaster replied. Almost showing his teeth as he grinned, watching the dad saunter out, clearly drunk on his power. The mum seemed to pick up on his tone and he realised that he must not have hid it as well as he had thought. He didn't care though, one way or the other that kid was in for a harsh punishment… possibly even two and that would be before he got anywhere near the coal mines.
Sokka had not removed the beard, even when they were safely concealed back in the cave. Tenten had dropped her illusion the moment they were back in the earthen structure however, muttering about how she definitely wasn't ready yet.
Sokka turned to Aang who had been grinning at the plan working the entire way back.
"That settles it! No more school for you young man!" He announced, stroking his beard happily.
"I'm not ready to leave. I'm having fun for once, just being a normal kid. You don't know what it's like Sokka, you get to be normal all of the time!"
Sokka scowled as he chose to ignore Toph's laughs from the back of the cave.
"List guys, those kids at school at the future of the Fire Nation. We've all agreed that if we wanna change this place for the better, we need to show them a little taste of freedom."
"What could you possibly do for a county of depraved little fire monsters?"
"I'm gonna throw them…" Aang started before doing a quick, yet impressive tap dancing number. "… a secret dance party!" The kids were stunned, but were brought out of their stupor by Toph.
"You no longer are able to complain at the Twinkle Toes nickname.
"Kids go to your rooms!" Sokka cried out, pointing towards the back of the cave, an impressive earth bed and furniture appeared as Toph created a room with a door to mock slam.
"I don't know, it could be fun." Tenten replied. "and it would be good to inspire the next generation of Fire Nation, no matter how small the flame is."
"This wouldn't be a flame it would be kindling!" Sokka replied, shaking his hand at Tenten now.
"Still good, besides, it might be nice for us to destress before the invasion!" she replied.
"Kid's don't listen to your mother!" Sokka cried out. Even as Rock Lee and Toph started making indents in the cave walls, candles and lamps quickly being placed within them. Aang disappeared, running out and back towards town, announcing his plan to invite all the kids there that night.
Night had fallen by the time Aang came back. Happily announcing that not only had all the kids been invited, but that he'd also managed to get a band to come and play. Toph turning and bringing up an impressively detailed bandstand ready for them.
"I can't believe we're having a dance party. It just seems so… silly." Sokka muttered. Positioning a selection of cooked meats on the table, brought up from the earth and then covered in a cloth. A small selection of breads and cheese and vegetables joined the meat, with wooden and glass cups and bowels containing water and other drinks from town. They had gone through their supplies, figuring they were going to be leaving soon and that since they couldn't carry all of it, Appa had made his complaints quite clear, they might as well go all out on the party.
"Don't think of it as a dance party, but as a cultural even celebrating the art of fancy footwork!" Aang gave another elaborate display as Katara bent another beverage into a punchbowl.
Toph looked up suddenly.
"They're coming! Everyone stop bending!" she announced, The cave suddenly stilling as Aang directed Appa towards the back of the cave, moving him through the exit they had made in case of emergencies. "Sorry buddy. You should probably wait out back." Appa grumbled in response. "I know, you've got fancier feet than anybody… and six of them at that!" Appa sighed and shifted, though the compliment seemed to have lifted his spirits somewhat.
Aang's band arrived just before most of the kids, turning out to be mainly older kids who greeted the group happily, eager for a place to practice where they could be freer with their music, and not controlled by teachers or parents. They started to play under Aang's direction as the rest of the kids showed up, standing around nervously.
"Ladies and gentlemen. The Flamey-os! Yeah this should get people moving!" He grinned and turned, looking a little taken back at the crowd of unmoving Fire Nation kids.
"Now what do we do?" one of the kids asked.
"This is when you start dancing!" Aang replied cheerfully.
One student managed to pull off a good turtle impression as his face disappeared into his collar. "I don't think my parents would like me dancing in a cave."
"Yeah what if someone finds out?" another boy spoke up, before hurrying away to the ides of the cave.
"Oh boy" Aang let out undeterred. "Listen, guys… dancing isn't something you think about. It's a form of self-expression that no one can ever take away from you."
"Maybe it was different in the colonies Kuzon. But we don't do that here." The first Fire Nation boy spoke up again.
"Sure you do. You have for generations. It just so happens that I know several classic Fire Nation dances. A hundred years ago, this was known as 'The Phoenix flight'"
Aang went on to demonstrate the dance, running in a circle whilst squatting and kicking his legs out, stretching his arms out behind him like they were wings.
"And this was the 'Camelephant Strut!" he announced, changing his dance to hop on one foot, alternating which foot each time. He ended with a somersault and landed in front of two giggling girls. Embarrassed he somersaulted away and landed on one foot, bowing low to the students. Katara and Toph sat to the side, drinking as the students clapped and asked for more, the more adventurous of them leading the rest as they began to dance.
"Who knew Twinkle Toes could dance?" Toph asked. Tenten giggling slightly as she joined the other girls, her hair being let down.
"I'd have thought it was in the name" she smiled at Toph, who grinned back at her.
The evening started to disappear in a fever of food and drink and dancing. Tenten grabbing Lee and Shikamaru and dragging them onto the floor, showing off their own dances, Lee's energy making up for his inexperience, going through his Katas, flowing through the moves and he already he had several students who couldn't bend following along, happily using their own martial arts to dance along with the other students. Shikamaru tried to make his way back to the walls constantly, much preferring to slump back against them, but he somehow he kept finding girls pulling him back out onto the floor, ignoring his muttered "troublesome women" as they forced him to carry on twisting and turning like the shadows he commanded.
He only got a break when Aang started to demonstrate how people danced in the ballrooms of Ba Sing Se, a Fire Nation girl joining him in the dance for a while.
"They look pretty good together" Sokka commented as Shikamaru sighed and slumped onto the wall next to him.
"Eh, if you like that's what you like" Katara replied dismissively, though the jealous glance was noticeable for all who cared to look.
"Yeah, that's it! That's the sound of happy feet! All right go with that. Everybody freestyle!" Aang announced, making his way over to Katara. One Fire Nation boy, performing a juba dance, with the one's inspired by Lee flowing through their martial arts moves. The whole cave filled with happy kids and teens and music, all dancing and flowing together.
Aang offered Katara his hand, grinning happily at her and pulling her out of her jealous funk.
"I don't know Aang. These shoes aren't really right for dancing, and I'm not sure that I know how to…"
"Take my hand." Aang replied, his voice filled with confidence.
"Okay" Aang grabbed her hand and pulled her up, whispering in her ears as they started their dance. The floor clearing as everyone parted to watch the masterful dance from the two master benders.
"Aang, everyone's dancing"
"Don't worry about them. It's just you and me right now"
Katara blushed and they carried on dancing, the whole cave now pausing, drinking in the sight of the two elaborate dancers, captivating them with their moves that flowed beautifully, at times looking like capoeira, moving on to cartwheels, crouching and kicking the air over each other's heads and somersaulting.
A Fire Nation kid was dancing happily at the front of the cave. "This is incredible. It's like my inhibitions just disappeared!" He smiled and spun. Stopping suddenly as he saw black cloth and armour in front of him. He looked up nervously and gulped as he saw the stern face of the head master looking down at him.
"Okay, they're back…" he muttered, pulling off another fine turtle impression.
Aang meanwhile hadn't noticed this until the headmaster spoke, his voice carrying over the music, slowly becoming quiet and more disjointed as the band and other kids realised who had turned up.
"He's the one we want. The boy with the headband" Aang looked up sharply, face full of nerves.
"Uh-oh!" he muttered and dove into the crowd, dashing through the bodies as one of the headmasters truant officers followed in after him. He suddenly yanked up a kid by the scruff of his neck.
"Got Ya!" he announced happily, before he could get a good look at the kid. The kid turned out to not be Aang, but one of his friends who had tied his belt around his head in the confusion.
"Looking for me?" he asked cheekily, the truant officer dropping him back into the crowd.
"That's not the one! He's here somewhere. Don't let him leave the cave!" he yelled, the officers diving into the crowd of students, turning around all the boys with head bands on their heads as more and more of them tied their belts around their heads in solidarity with their friend. Soon they found themselves pinned into a circle of Aang impersonators, all with headbands around their head.
Aang's friend followed after the group as they disappeared down the escape passageway they had left beforehand, glad of the forethought. Aang turned as Tenten ran past him and down the hallway, he bowed low in the Fire Nation style to his friend and waved at his winking friend, before turning and rounding up the group's escape. Earth slamming shut behind him. He never saw his friends shocked expression at the realisation that his friend was someone he had been taught to always despise. Nor did Aang know about the band shrugging their shoulders and starting to play music again. The headmaster glaring as the students showed off their dancing, using it to not only fight back, but to honour their retreating friend. Even the truant officers seemed to be getting into it, moving along with the kids and music before the headmaster turned to yell at them.
"Stop that! STOP THAT!"
The gang was aware of the headmaster's rage however. His voice carried even up to the retreating Appa as they soared away from the cave.
"We're safe Sokka, you can take the moustache off now, Tenten untransformed ages ago."
"Oh no" Sokka replied to his sister smugly. "I can't, it's permanently glued to my skin!" To prove his point he stroked his beard vigorously, clearly happy with himself.
"Way to go Dancypants. I think you really did help those kids. You taught them to be free." Toph said, slapping Aang on the back.
"I don't know. It was just a dance party, that's all."
"Well, that was some dance party Aang" Katara leant over and kissed Aang on his nose. Sokka too tranced out at this point to notice.
"Flamey-o sir… Flame-ee-o"
Neji and Iroh looked up as their, now daily visitor, dropped by.
"I brought you some Komodo-chicken. I know you don't care for it, but I figure it beats prison food" he muttered, kneeling at the foot of the bars to Iroh's cell, pushing it through. He turned to Neji. "I don't know about your preference, but the guard has some for you as well…" he trailed off. The silence of the teen and the back of his uncle his only companions. "I admit it… you were right. I have everything I ever wanted. But it's not at all how I thought it would be. The truth is… I need your advice." He clenched his fists, leaving fingernail marks in his palms as he slumped back against Iroh's bars. "I think the Avatar is still alive… I know he's out there and I'm losing my mind!" He paused, letting his head drop onto his chest. "Please, Uncle. I'm so confused, I need your help." Iroh remained motionless, and this time not even the other teen replied. "Forget it! I'll solve this myself!" he let out. "Waste away in here for all I care Uncle… you and your friend!" he stormed out, not seeing the single tear falling down Iroh's face.
Instead of heading straight back to the palace this time he headed to a seedier, area of the Fire Nation capital. Smoke filling the air as he moved between the warehouses and train cars of the rail road. He looked up as he saw the party he had heard so much about glimpse at him. Azula had mentioned them earlier when she had been teasing him about visiting his uncle. Saying that as a team there was nothing they couldn't do… no bounty that could escape them… for the right price.
"I've heard about you" he announced, looking across the courtyard. Silence reigned in return. "I wasn't followed, don't worry." He licked his lips nervously, feeling his stomach do cartwheels. "They say you're good at what you do. And even better at keeping secrets." The three strangers nodded, both were needed for what they did.
"The Avatar's alive. I want you to find him" Zuko announced. "And end him" his voice cracked slightly, but he remained his strong eye contact with the team of three.
He threw a pouch of gold onto the ground. One man approached, two military picks at his sides.
"You have yourself a deal, forgive my companions. They don't like to talk much" He smiled as the clouds shifted above, the smoke clearing in such a way as well to let the moonlight fall on the party of three, showing the glinting of the picks, the long lance of the second and the head tattoo of the third, the inverted eye almost burning into Zuko's eyes.
"We'll get you your Avatar… we have business with his companions as well."