Fire. Earth. Water. Air. Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Water Tribes attacked...
Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them, but when the world needed him most, he vanished.
A hundred years passed, and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar, an airbender named Aang. And although his bending skills are great, he is haunted by the memories of his world...
But I believe Aang can save this one.
Avatar: The Last Firebender
Based on Distorted Reality by Ogro
Written by Carrotine Clara
Book 2: Earth
Episode 15
Full Moon
Act I. – Taking a break
The unusually chipper tone of the palace is more than unsettling to Mai. No, actually, she just hates seeing so many happy people and smiles. They expect her to smile back, which she doesn't do. She never smiles. As the Crescent Warrior walks towards Shahar's office, she encounters her next obstacle.
YUE: Mai!
SHAHAR: You're early today. Something wrong?
Mai rolls over her eyes in embarrassment. This is also not the first time she has seen Yue wearing a normal Earth Kingdom dress, though a lot less pompous than what she has seen other women with.
MAI: What are you doing here, Yue?
The princess pierced by her edged question, Shahar intervenes.
SHAHAR: Well Mai, as you know, Yue is a free citizen now and welcome to go wherever she pleases.
MAI: Which is... your office?
Now the earthbender is frozen, forcing Yue to continue.
YUE: I... also actually came here to bring this.
She holds up a small piece of paper, Mai snatching it up.
MAI: Is this a new message?
YUE: No. Whoever sent me these has stopped ever since the Earth Ball. I found it before moving to my new place. Thought maybe you guys should see it.
SHAHAR: She was actually just about to give it to me, you know.
Mai's head stands still, her eyes look up, then focus back on the paper. It's the one warning Yue about someone dying at the Earth Ball. She flips the little thing around, spotting a small stain.
Chocolate.
MAI: Hm. This actually fits my lead perfectly. I wanted to ask you to come check it out with me.
The stern, professional Shahar, acts aloof.
SHAHAR: Uhm... right now? I'm really swamped today.
Mai's eyebrows flicker up to indicate her overt skepticism.
MAI: Mhm. Guess I'll go myself.
She turns around and heads towards the door.
SHAHAR: I'll come by later! Promise!
Mai closes the door.
MAI (counting down quietly): 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.
She opens it again, finding exactly what she expected - the two girls in each other's arms, their mouths firmly attached to each other. Mai has never witnessed such a loud make-out session. After smackers are exchanged, Yue is actually first to notice Mai's presence, flinching and getting knocked back against Shahar's desk, the agent trying her best to come off as professional.
SHAHAR (blushing): Uh... Mai - I-I-I thought you were gone. This uh... this isn't what it looks like!
Yue hides her face in shame, at which person is unclear. Mai lets out a very grunty sigh.
MAI: I'm gonna wait outside for you.
The earthbender nods quietly.
SHAHAR (quietly): Right...
Mai almost closes the door, thinking of one other thing to add.
MAI: You know, this has been going on for a while now. I think it's time you guys should start being honest about it.
That's her final input before the door is shut. Shahar sighs, hanging her head down low as Yue comforts her.
SHAHAR: I think she's right, Yue. I don't think we should hide this any longer.
She takes the princess' hand and they both blush.
SHAHAR: I don't think we should hide us.
Another smooch is exchanged, a lot quieter this time.
YUE: Apparently we can't hide this much longer. Sounded like Mai has known for a while now...
Shahar only now thinks about Mai's words.
SHAHAR: Tarḫunna, you're right. How long has she known?
MAI (from outside the door): Too long.
The girls inside blush again, wanting to melt into the floor.
A little water bubble is flung like a bouncy ball, repeatedly smacking against the walls of Kenora's room, the girl catching it over and over while lying still in bed. She doesn't even need to look at it, instead burning a hole into the ceiling with her eyes while the little flubber creates a metallic sound over and over again.
She recapitulates the past few days, going a little further back while she's at it. The girl forces herself to endure some of the more harrowing memories involving Azula, the metallic clank becoming louder and louder. She remembers her face, the expressions Azula carried on her when she was forced to fight such a ruthless opponent. Kenora sighs in shame at the thought. How much could've been avoided if she only realized sooner-
Not paying attention for a moment, the bouncy ball splashes in her face and completely drenches her in water. Kenora briefly grunts in frustration, though she is quickly able to remove all that liquid from her face and bed, forming an ice spear that she launches into her wall decorations, where it gets stuck in a fur coat. She sits upright, massaging her brow ridge. Her fingers trace over her nose for a second. The scar that runs right across it never fully healed, giving her a permanent one now. The waterbender thinks about how many more she has on her body. Then her heart sinks to the floor at the thought of how many scars Azula might have because of her.
A quiet chatter shifts her focus. Completely baffled to see her, she runs over to Sabachi, who had made the perilous journey to their ironclad vessel. Sure, the coast isn't too far removed, visible from the window, but still.
KENORA (quietly): How did you get here?
The lemur hops onto the girl's shoulder, cheering her up significantly by licking her cheek.
KENORA (quietly): Alright. Should've started with "Thank you".
She walks over to her door, double-checking if it's actually closed, which it thankfully is. After this, Kenora places herself down on her dressing table, which also serves as her desk for now. Her brush is excitedly dipped in ink, before the girl realizes that she should probably read the letter around Sabachi's leg first. The animal purrs as Kenora gives her some fruits and nuts, distracting it long enough to fully immerse herself in reading.
亲爱的凯诺拉，
Dear Kenora,
谢谢你的询问！ 她的名字叫强盗，你们两个应该会相处得很好。 你们俩都可能很固执，但最终你们都有一颗宽广的心。
Thanks for asking! Her name is Bandit, and you two would probably get along pretty well. Both of you can be stubborn, but ultimately you have big hearts.
Kenora rolls her eyes at his description. At least she knows the earthbender's name now.
至于你的其他问题…我还没有真正问过她。
As far as your other question goes... I haven't really been able to ask her.
A sigh briefly escapes her mouth.
抱歉，如果这听起来像是一个廉价的借口，但它很复杂。 我们目前正在向北行驶，泰·李一直忙着和安昂一起训练。
Sorry if that sounds like a cheap excuse, but it's complicated. We're currently heading north and Ty Lee is busy all the time training with Aang.
A smirk. The boy just gave away important military intel all willy-nilly. She's happy though. Means at least he trusts her.
我猜她还没有改变主意。 但我保证我很快就会问她！！！
My guess is that she hasn't changed her mind yet. But I promise I'll ask her soon!
KENORA (quietly): Thanks.
如果您想知道的话，在此添加一项修正案是为了让您知道我们一切都很好。 但我当然会告诉你她是如何坚持下来的…
Adding an amendment here to let you know that we're ALL doing okay, in case you wanted to know. But of course I'll tell you how she has been holding up...
She nervously turns around the page, pondering if Sokka halved the letter like that on purpose.
阿祖拉做得非常好。 她现在好多了，嗯，和阿祖拉一样好。 （别告诉她我曾经这么说过！！！）
Azula is doing pretty great. She's much nicer now, well, as nice as Azula can be. (Don't tell her I ever said that!)
Kenora smiles.
她和祖科一起训练了很多，她的头发也长了。 你愿意...
She's training with Zuko a lot, and her hair has grown. You'd like it...
She briefly puts the letter down, her face flushing with color as she shakes her head at Sokka's wording.
不确定她新发现的幸福是否源于你。 我想确实如此。 我的专业评估是她正在考虑。 但是，我可以发誓我看到她笑得更多了。 甚至可能会脸红一两...
Not sure if her newfound happiness stems from you. I'd like to think it does. My professional assessment is that she's thinking it over. But, I could swear I've seen her smiling a lot more. Maybe even a blush or two...
KENORA (quietly & still blushing): Yeah, yeah. Always the optimist...
我真的很支持你们两个，很抱歉现在事情很复杂。
I'm really rooting for you two, and I'm sorry things are complicated right now.
我的一个问题是…卡塔拉怎么样？ 我担心她。 我只想让她加入梦之队，当然，和你一起。
One question I have is... how is Katara? I worry about her. I want nothing more than for her to join the Dream Team, alongside you, of course.
Kenora frowns at the question. She's not exactly on great terms with the Crown Princess. His suggestion to join the Avatar's "Dream Team" also seems a little too out there. Her main goal is to get to see Azula. The waterbender is not ready to betray the Water Tribes like that.
无论如何，请让我知道你怎么样！ 一定要感谢狐猴的辛勤工作。
Anyways, please let me know how you're doing! And make sure to thank Sabachi for all of her hard work.
She looks over to the lemur, giving it a few pats before finishing the letter.
你的朋友，被放逐的王子
Your friend, the Banished Prince
-索卡
-Sokka
Done with reading, Kenora stores the message in her lowest drawer, alongside the others she got from the boy. It's probably smarter to destroy them, but oh well.
She takes out a new sheet instead, Sabachi having finished her meal and staring at the girl curiously. Kenora hesitates for a moment, having spent a few hours last night thinking of how to word her reply. In the end, she decides to write down what goes through her head at this moment.
The old woman washes her hands in a separate bowl before preparing the slightly heated pot of sterilized liquid. Suki was transferred to her private quarters at Katara's request. After all, who'd want their friend in a public room with a few handful of random soldiers while unconscious? At least that was Kanna's guess. The Chief Mother found the room somewhat odd, decorated with very few things apart from some generic Water Tribe furs and such. The only notable item she spots is a singular metal fan sitting on a dresser like a trophy of some kind. She remembers the stories about the Kyoshi Rebellion and quickly tries to focus back on the healing session.
KATARA: Are you ready?
Kanna gives her a reassuring smile, reciprocated by the Crown Princess. They both start moving heaps of water, dragging them across Suki's skin in a slow and precise manner. The girl was allowed to keep pants and a bra, other than that her body is exposed to the calm hands of the two waterbenders. Katara's features briefly morph into a concentrated frown as she moves the water onto Suki's thigh, the bruise looking only half as bad as when they found her. Kanna continues working on the girl's ribs.
KANNA: Your healing abilities will always remain impressive to me. You have surpassed any healer in the Tribes long ago.
Katara tries reacting with a humble smile.
KATARA: I'm only so good because you and others have taught me. Same goes for my fighting skills.
Despite her growing aversion to all things war, she can still be happy for her granddaughter after hearing this.
KANNA: I remember the many arguments you had with Hakoda to let you be trained in waterbending combat. You would squeeze your arms out of anger till they were blue. Oh, and the grunts you'd make.
The girl's reaction is something akin to embarrassment, with a bittersweet note that her gran-gran still remembers details like this from what feels like ages ago. The two women briefly switch, Katara going for Suki's hurt neck while Kanna tries focusing on the chi juncture in her stomach.
KANNA: I'm still surprised my son gave you this much...
KATARA: Freedom?
She grimaces ever so slightly at the word.
KANNA: No, but... Hakoda's reign was plagued by dissenting voices early on. He wouldn't dare to let a girl lead a mission like this back then.
KATARA: Suppose it's a sign of things changing.
A hint of guilt curls up inside the old woman.
KATARA: In all fairness, I owe this more so to Kenora. Without her, I wouldn't have had the confidence to learn how to fight, nor would I have become a captain.
The girl briefly dips her hand back in the bowl as if suddenly nervous. Kanna carefully assesses her words.
KANNA: Are you telling you would've passed the opportunity to learn how to fight if it wasn't for Kenora?
Katara briefly chokes on her own words, letting out a sigh.
KATARA: No... I probably would've. But... Kenora did help.
They continue the process quietly. It is not until Kanna moves her hands up to the girl's neck that she can finally feel a shift in her chi.
Suki opens her eyes frantically. She looks around, spotting the snowy little village of simple housing against a mountain in the back, the familiar ocean bay down the other side. A breeze of the cold, fresh air surges through her system, making her feel like a small child again. Everything seems watered down and blurry, the places and people she tries to identify too far behind to be accurately remembered.
Then, a loud bang. In an instant, fires everywhere. People hacked and slaughtered, drowned on the spot while a brave troop of warriors, all girls, tries fighting off the incoming armies. The faces of the soldiers seem washed away, while the white make-up on the Kyoshi Warriors is as clear as day. Her heart about to burst out her chest, Suki feels a strong incentive to act - do something. Defend...
Which one? Her home?
Before she can think any further, her katana appears in her right hand, her holding it up like she has many times before. She aims it towards the beach and the incoming warships.
A gasp draws her attention to the ground. A warrior girl in green and in make-up is covered in blood, most of it bleeding from her stomach, while her face is missing an eye. In shock, Suki looks to her blade, drenched in pure, dark red. She looks down again and the girl lies still.
The swordfighter drops her weapon, sinking to her knees, trying to see if she can help her.
KYOSHI: You have abandoned her.
Suki's head slowly moves up. The old statue of an Avatar long gone in desperate need of a paint job. The wooden head looks down at her with a frown.
KYOSHI: You are supposed to protect your kind. Instead, you have betrayed them.
Every new breath makes Suki feel heavier and heavier. She nervously grabs her weapon as the statue, with the lacking finesse of a wooden puppet, gets off her socket and jumps down in front of her.
SUKI: I'm... my people... are the Water Tribes now. They... they are my family.
Without her stern demeanor changing, Kyoshi raises one arm, both holding a fan.
KYOSHI: Then I see no problem in dealing with you like I deal with them.
As her arms lowers and the fan strikes, an indescribable amount of pain shots into her neck.
Suki jolts up to a sitting position like a mouse trap. She breathes as if she were suffocating, a spasm in her right arm making her clench around a non-existing hilt. The image of Akari resurfaces - the airbender, whom she tried to get away from her. She was aiming for her leg but... did... did she miss?
KATARA: Suki? Are you alright?!
Her direct, but reassuring tone grounds her somewhat. Kanna almost got a heart attack from the sudden motion, having moved her hand away to cover her mouth in shock.
SUKI: Wha... Gaoling... Akari... where...
KATARA: Akari is safe and she is fine. Gaoling happened more than a week ago. You've been in a coma since then.
Her gaze pierces her surroundings, the location of her eyeballs trying to activate the visual memory of her fateful encounter. She finally remembers... she hurt the airbender girl. Something happened... the girl threw quick jabs at her, every single one feeling like ten thousand bee stings all in one spot.
SUKI: The... the airbender...
Katara grabs both her hands firmly.
KATARA: It's okay. She's gone.
Suki is finally able to readjust herself, as is a quiet Kanna, observing from the corner of the room.
SUKI: No. No... that's not... Katara, I... cut her. In the face. I... I think I cut her eye.
Katara seems not at all shocked or horrified, more so with a deeply sympathetic expression directed towards the girl. The waterbender slowly engulfs her in a hug that offers the same level of comfort as a seatbelt.
KATARA: It's gonna be okay. You're here, Suki. You're with us. You're with your family.
As those words are quietly uttered, Suki finally spots the metal fan on her dresser. Her heart starts racing again as she remembers the Puppet Avatar.
A sense of unnerve overcomes Akari as she steps onto the main deck. The only other person present is Kenora, who hasn't stopped thumping her foot like a nervous rabbit, a set of crossed arms rounding up the haresthetics. The waterbender calms down at least a tiny bit as she spots the athlete, whose body language could be summarized as "Well, I'm not completely unhappy to see you". The two didn't exactly become budding friends in their few days spying on the Earth Kingdom army, and Kenora still feared that the airbender would eventually ask what the "thing" was with her and Azula. Not that she could give a straight answer regardless - pun intended!
ZORAK: Ah - the princesses!
Finally, another organism to fill a space of oxygen and to kill the deafening silence. Zorak is superb at that regardless.
ZORAK: Beautiful morning, isn't it? You two look molto bellissima, by the way.
AKARI: Thanks. Still not a princess though.
ZORAK: Oh, but a princess at heart, are you not?
For some strange reason, Akari flinches slightly, nodding as her mouth forms a thin, straight line. Kenora wonders what exactly bothered her in the phrasing.
Before they can pontificate, a very happy-looking Katara appears, followed by Kanna.
KATARA: Well everybody, I have some amazing news.
Kenora frowns curiously, her features loosening in an instant as a shy Suki appears right after. Akari actually rushes to gift a hug, which the swordfighter seems to be anything but comfortable with.
ZORAK: Va bene - un miracolo! I told you girls, it is a beautiful morning!
Katara offers him a satisfied smirk.
KATARA: It is indeed, Sifu Zorak.
Zorak bows a little too much for Kenora's taste.
ZORAK: Thank you, principessa.
After the fuss expires, Suki's next move is a cold, but ultimately pretty familiar glare directed at Kenora, whose arms are still crossed, though a little more confidently.
KENORA: Glad you're okay, Suki.
SUKI: Why is she here?
A question meant to invoke rage instead gets her a mildly annoyed rolling of the eyes.
KENORA: I don't know. Katara said... I should come.
Based off of her body language Kenora makes the correct assumption that, in her short period back from the almost-dead, Suki was informed about Kenora's and Katara's disagreement. The one where she chocked her. It is the Crown Princess' warm touch and stern face that calms the girl down, restraining her anger to a very outgoing pout.
KATARA: I asked Kenora to come because... this concerns all of us.
She clears her throat as she changes her stance to a more firm one, her right wrist clasped by her left hand behind her back.
KATARA: Thanks to her and Akari's intel, we were able to determine that the Earth Kingdom's army is heading north towards Omashu.
Kenora looks at the metal deck in shame. The Water Tribe probably could've figured out that very obvious strategic move on their own, not like they would waltz into Gaoling and then stop. Still, her person attached to this hurts her to her core. She shares a brief look with a sympathetic-looking Akari, the athlete feeling bad for the girl's aura shift.
KATARA: It is, because of this, that I have decided to relocate our troops and resources there, effective immediately. That includes us.
Another gut punch, as Kenora is now forced to go into battle after all. Her mind already starts plotting when and how to make her escape there.
KATARA: Our military convoy will move north while the six of us...
Meaning the Princess Squad, Kanna and Zorak.
KATARA: ...will make a brief stop in Kaofu. It's a small city named after a lake just a bit away from Omashu.
She finally gestures to Zorak, who steps forth. Apparently the guy couldn't wait any longer for his cue.
ZORAK: Grazie. Well, Kaofu is not just our next stop, it is also my home.
Kenora is surprised by this, her emotions dangling somewhere between mildly interested and neutral.
ZORAK: I have a moderate estate that happens to have four small guest houses. I usually rent these out in between giving lessons.
His frog-like face expresses a wide smile at Katara.
ZORAK: Although, I haven't been there in a while now, thanks to our brave captain.
Katara tries to react humbled. Kenora is like fifty percent sure that she actually enjoys the comment, though.
KATARA: We'll be laying low. Civilian clothing, no reference to who we are. It's a town under the banner of the Tribes, but still. We don't want to attract a lot of attention. We'll be there for two nights, before we move further north.
No one objects or comments.
KATARA: Okay. If there are no further questions... I'd like to have a word with Kenora in private.
The waterbender just referred to by name appears startled.
KENORA (pointing at herself): Kenora?
KATARA: Yes.
She looks to the others, who slowly dwindle away from the hull. Kanna and Akari give her quick looks with two completely different emotions attached. Suki, of course, doesn't leave Katara's side.
SUKI: Katara, I can't let you-
KATARA: I can handle myself, Suki. Please.
For the first time her voice sounds a little more firm and, as the swordfighter reluctantly leaves, Kenora can't help but to think of someone talking to their pet and giving it commands.
KATARA: Well, here we are.
Kenora attempts to appear as non-threatening as possible while still maintaining a cold shoulder. She's forced to walk a thin line between wanting to knock the girl's teeth out and needing to come off as nice enough so that she'd finally be let go.
KENORA: Yup. It's uh... it's the good old ship. Love it.
The taste of stomach acid flushes into Kenora's mouth.
KATARA: Yes. That's not what I meant, though.
Kenora frowns curiously.
KENORA: Go on.
The Crown Princess sighs.
KATARA: This is the end of the road, Kenora. I'm... letting you go.
While hopeful that this day would come, nothing could have prepared Kenora to hear those words.
KENORA: Oh. Oh? Oh! Really?
Katara folds her hands in front of herself.
KATARA: It's really sad to let someone so talented and gifted go. But, after our time in Kaofu, you're free to do exactly that.
Kenora exhales though an o-shaped mouth as her hands stem against her hips.
KENORA: Wow. I uh... I'm... really thankful to hear that.
It is now Katara who crosses her arms.
KATARA: You have done some things on board that are not okay. I tried defending you for a long time, with no success.
Kenora's joy loses all of its spark again.
KENORA: Right...
KATARA: That includes you attacking me. Though... I will admit... I regret lying to you.
The hits keep coming - now, hearing something that sounds like an apology from Katara? Not unusual, but absolutely impossible after what Kenora did, at least she thought.
KENORA: Yeah, I uh... I went a little too far there. Sorry.
The Crown Princess offers a reserved smile.
KATARA: It's about your father, your family. Lying about that is not right. Which... is why I need to tell you something.
Excitement to guilt to fear is one heck of an emotional shift to occur in under a minute.
KATARA: Vice-Chief Puwati has gone missing after Gaoling. No one has seen him back on his ship or anywhere else.
Immediately, Kenora figures the worst.
KENORA: Did he... is he-
KATARA: If he was dead or captured we would've heard about it, no. He's just... gone.
This is probably the worst option. Dead would at least give her the knowledge of what happened. But now...
Kenora is briefly reminded of her mother.
KENORA: Okay. That... sucks.
Katara considers giving some kind of gesture of sympathy, but ultimately passes on it.
KATARA: It's part of the reason I wanted to let you go now. You don't have to but... if you want to... you'd have the time to look for him now. I'd provide you with some resources if that were the case.
The girl finally changes her mind and gives Kenora a pretty platonic hug, which Kenora only partially reciprocates.
KATARA: Let me know what you think.
After uttering this, she leaves. Kenora uses her privacy to turn around and look towards the sea again. Her brow shifts wildly as her mind races with a million thoughts. Her left hand clenches onto the railing, her right one onto her necklace.
So, who's first? Missing mother? Missing father? A girl who might not like her and her friends who most likely don't?
Her mind shatters at the implications like an icicle falling onto cement.
The ride to Kaofu is a slow and steady affair, all of the princesses plus Zorak being given buffalo yak to use as transport. Well... not quiet all of the princesses.
Since the leftover animals needed to be provided for the caravan of soldiers going north, Kenora had no choice but to sit behind Kanna, on her trusted steed, the komodo rhino known as Malu.
KANNA: Feeling good back there?
She takes a peek back at Kenora, who sits the wrong way around on purpose, an apparent smolder on her face while she is forced to hold onto the back of the saddle.
KENORA: Reasonably.
Kanna quietly chuckles. Rather than get upset like usually, Kenora at least... tries to not be too angry. Realistically, this is a preferable option to needing to mount an animal herself. At least the sea lion goats are somewhere out of sight.
KENORA: You ever been to Kaofu?
Kanna pontificates as she keeps Malu on the beaten path, long, green grasses on both sides.
KANNA: I don't believe so. Though I've heard it's a tranquil little spot to relax. Part of the reason I asked you to accompany us.
The old Kenora emerges just slightly as she hears those words.
KENORA: You're the one who dragged me along?!
Her quick burst meets elderly eyes and a stern expression.
KENORA: Sorry. It's just... Katara is letting me go.
The old woman seems pleasantly surprised to hear that.
KANNA: Would you look at that. Paid vacation before you can go your own way. Sounds like quite the deal.
Kenora can feel the guilt creeping into her system after her outburst before. This is probably the main feature of her recent shift in attitude.
KENORA: It is. Sorry for shouting.
KANNA: Apology accepted. You're getting better at those.
Kenora rolls her eyes, though unable to play down her smile. She remembers their conversations in Goldmouth. The buffalo yak way ahead (Malu isn't particularly that fast in comparison) she dares asking a more private question.
KENORA: So uh... what about you? I know you and I share uh... some opinions on leaving.
To her amazement, the Chief Mother appears rather relaxed at her question.
KANNA: Nice of you to think about me. I have my own plans, don't you worry, child.
Despite their friendly behavior towards each other, Kanna is unable to stifle her cackling laugh.
KENORA: What?
KANNA: Well... my plans probably differ a little from yours. Though, if I had a pretty firebender to go to, I'd be up in arms about two more days as well.
While usually the mention of Azula makes her face turn red, it now becomes pale instead.
KENORA: Uh... how do you...
KANNA: Pieced it together myself. Mostly because you are way too skilled to burn your hand like that.
Kenora admires the black glove covering her right.
KANNA: You also mentioned her in your feverish state. Plus...
The old woman briefly looks back with a smirk, Kenora averting her face.
KANNA: I saw how you acted in Goldmouth. Nothing makes someone that happy unless it's love.
Now she blushes.
KENORA: Um... "love" is a... strong word here.
KANNA: Case and point.
The conversation is luckily ended as Malu crosses a hill, Lake Kaofu and the accompanying town now finally in sight.
Act II. - Specters from our past
The odor pursues Shahar all the way down the alley till they eventually reach the store. She had done her absolute best to try and hide how her body reacts to the foul stench of sugar and caramel and chocolate, to no apparent success. Then again, who would stand a chance when travelling with the eerily observant Crescent Warrior?
The two girls halt at the door.
MAI: You good?
Shahar nods, clearing her throat unnaturally, mostly to check and see if any bits of her breakfast would be hurled out her mouth if she did.
SHAHAR: I... have trained myself a little to get used to the smell. I still despise it, but I should be able to enter.
MAI: Without throwing up?
Shahar nods timidly. She had recognized the street and finally bothered to take a long look at the building they were about to enter.
SHAHAR: It's the same. The candy shop the spy died in.
Mai gifts her an appropriately silent reaction bathed in the horrifying memory of seeing a man, a young one at that, die in agony in her arms. After experiencing the same thing happen to Xishan, the earthbender had at least a bit more of an understanding as to why the stern girl in black would fall silent so quickly.
SHAHAR: Why are we here?
Her partner is more than quick to hold up the little message from Yue, coming off as frustrated as to why that question was even uttered.
MAI: She got these messages, always hidden in backed goods.
Shahar sighs politely, already having heard those details from Yue herself.
SHAHAR: I am aware. But why this one? There are hundreds of shops like these in the city - if not thousands.
Mai crosses her arms. For some reason the girl is even more stern than usually.
MAI: Call it an intuition. I don't believe our friend the waterbender ran into a random shop when being chased. I think he may have been selective there.
As the sentence finishes, her right arm clothed in black opens the wooden door, a bell ringing as the two enter.
The shelves are stacked with elaborate-looking desserts in all different kinds of shapes and colors. Little barrels are filled with a whole range of items from striped mints, to sour gummy worms, glazed fruit and nuts, sugary figurines on sticks, little cakes and fudge pieces, all the way to a bowl of white rabbits in a bunch of different flavors. The same old man, now with a much nicer appearance, suspenders and a colorful bowtie, appears from a storage room in the back.
KONKA: Hello! Welcome to Konka's, where your-
He stops the charade as he identifies his two latest customers, his wrinkly expression melting from a smile into a grimace.
KONKA: Wait a minute, I remember you two - you're the gal who smashed my door and threw up on my wall!
Shahar flushes with the color of shame as the old man obnoxiously points at her. From the same storage space in the back, a younger man with a crate of dipped apples joins the situation, seeming just as skeptical as Konka. Mai can make out easily that he is Water Tribe.
KONKA: Blaufush - look who it is!
Blaufush, the boy just mentioned, is not that much older than Mai or Shahar. He is however younger than the waterbender that died in the store. At the command of the old man, he seems to take over the interrogation.
BLAUFUSH: You're obviously not here for our candy, so what do you want?
Shahar steps forth carefully with her arms crossed, her voice sounding nasily, as she is breathing exclusively through her mouth.
SHAHAR: We're just here to ask a few questions.
Mai, in contrast to the calm earthbender, smacks Yue's message on the counter with a bang.
MAI: An informant of us has been receiving secret messages - hidden in desserts.
Blaufush briefly glances at the chocolate stain before cackling in a mocking fashion. He too crosses his arms. Konka, busy stacking the dipped apples, grunts dismissively.
BLAUFUSH: And you think we were involved in this because...
The earthbender doesn't answer, much to Mai's dislike.
MAI: I can't get around the fact that a Water Tribe network used backed goods to communicate with someone in the city.
She takes out a folded document that is as much of a revelation to the store workers as it is to Shahar.
MAI: Just as much as I can't get around the fact that the waterbender that we chased into this store, lived in the same apartment complex as you, just two doors away.
This seems to unsettle Blaufush significantly. The fact that Shahar overlooked this detail in her investigation makes her almost more uncomfortable than the smell of all things sweet.
KONKA: Don't answer her! She's here to make us look bad-
BLAUFUSH: I can handle this... boss.
Mai notes the odd delay in his response. Konka grunts once more before disappearing into the backroom storage. Blaufush sighs, hands akimbo.
BLAUFUSH: I knew Bamser. He and I both escaped from the North Pole. I didn't know much but... I knew he liked it here. At least that's what he told me.
Shahar seems significantly more sympathetic to his words than the Crescent Warrior.
SHAHAR: Why didn't you report this when we asked for your statement?
His arms move in front of his body again as he scoffs at her inquiry.
BLAUFUSH: Is that a trick question? I tell you kimono gals that I knew the waterbender spy and you'd start asking me all kinds of questions, like... messages in cakes or whatever. I'm a refugee, like half the people in Ba Sing Se. I'd prefer to leave the war behind me.
MAI: You're lying.
Balufush reacts with genuine shock and anger.
BLAUFUSH: What?
MAI: You knew Bamser. Tell us the truth.
Blaufush's ridge forms into a sharp frown as he points to the door.
BLAUFUSH (angry): Get out of here! Or else-
MAI: Or else you'll call who?
His anger focuses more into a calculated cackle.
BLAUFUSH: You feel real strong and important in those uniforms don't you? Well, I'll have you know that those students from the New... Culture... Whatever are always interested in listening to stories about the city government oppressing Water Tribe communities. Maybe I'll let them know about this.
At the sound of those words Shahar grabs Mai's arm rather quickly.
SHAHAR: Mai, let's go.
Mai's sharp pupils do not move away from a furious Blaufush. Despite his facade, a hint of insecurity is visible, like the breath of a tiny animal inside him.
MAI: We're not done here!
SHAHAR: WE ARE!
The girls exchange a glare-based contest before Mai is the first to storm out of the store.
The Crescent Warrior walks a significant way down the street before Shahar can catch up at a building under construction, the bamboo scaffolding having beeing replaced after the chase happened a few weeks ago.
SHAHAR: What in Arinna's name was that?! You stepped over a line, Mai!
The girl turns towards her in an instant.
MAI: He knows something, Shahar! Are you blind or are you ignoring the danger just like everyone in the palace?
While mad at Mai, the earthbender still listens.
SHAHAR: What do you mean?
MAI: Ever since Xishan killed himself at the Earth Ball, everyone has started acting like it's over. Like... we caught the mole, that's great. But it doesn't mean that the Water Tribe network is automatically gone! I'm the only one who is even still trying to solve it!
SHAHAR: I am working on it too!
Even Shahar knows that's a lie, Mai's cold reaction a testament to that.
SHAHAR: Okay, maybe not as much as I used to. But... that's a good thing. I used to go absolutely crazy with this case, I was barely sleeping, I was smoking twice the amount that I do normally - I'm much better now.
Mai seems not very satisfied with that answer, forcing Shahar to dig deeper as the two sit down on the sidewalk next to each other.
SHAHAR: Alright, maybe I have grown a little complacent. The truth is - I really do agree with you. This case is far from being over. I'll... try to be more helpful in the future.
Mai finally nods with a neutral expression.
MAI: What about the candy man? Do you believe his story?
SHAHAR: Oh, absolutely not. But I've been advised by Madame Tamao not to stir up any more tension with the New Culture Movement. The King seems to believe that that is the biggest threat right now. Also...
As she tries to find her words, Shahar lets out an uncomfortable sigh, her hands pulling down at her kimono.
MAI: What?
SHAHAR: Well... because of... everything that happened with Yue, I have stopped suspecting all Water Tribe people in the city. It's entirely possible Blaufush's story is the truth. I don't want to make any assumptions just because of his history.
Mai's features start showing a hint of emotion.
MAI: Is Yue okay with staying in Ba Sing Se now?
Shahar sighs once again.
SHAHAR: She's not terribly unhappy but... no, not fully. She wants to return to the North Pole one day. She uh...
Red color appears on the earthbender's face again, filling Mai with more joy than she thought it would.
SHAHAR: She wants to stay for a while because... of me. She uh... she wants to give us a chance first.
Mai nudges her partner lightly against the shoulder with her own.
MAI: Hey. Um... sorry if I seemed dismissive earlier. I didn't think I needed to say it but... I am really happy for the two of you.
Shahar nods, the pigmentation not having left her cheeks.
SHAHAR: I know that. And she knows it too.
The two share a moment of silence together, just quietly admiring the fuzz of Ba Sing Se walking left and right in front of them, all busy and concerned with their own lives above anything else.
SHAHAR: I do wish it were that easy. Xishan dead - case over. It would be so much simpler...
Kaofu proper being this "quaint little resort" was apparently a pretty severe understatement. The lake in question is rather large and surrounded on all sides by some of the most expensive architecture Kenora has seen yet. Now, in all fairness, she is a princess and didn't grow up poor or struggling or anything like that. The girl has realized in her travels though that there are differences between the wealthy and the rich.
Having given their buffalo yak to one random soldier who travelled a section of the route with them, the six are on foot for the rest of their tour. Kanna at least shows some solidarity by hopping off her steed and allowing Malu to walk on his own for a bit.
They reach a shopping section of town, an ostentatious yellow brick road beneath their feet making Kenora feel like she is walking on gold, the many dozen stores made for the ridiculously luxurious customer giving her a weirdly nostalgic reminder of her peasant days as the simple farm boy Poko.
Akari seems to share her discomfort to a degree, a quick look and a rolling of the eyes causing Kenora to react with a smile signaling agreeance. Katara doesn't seem bothered or alien at all, which doesn't surprise Kenora. The happiest of the bunch is still Zorak, who sleazily greets and waves at almost every shop keeper like he's the town's most successful used car salesman.
They leave these pompous parts, eventually arriving at the gala of the unnecessarily large real estate properties, giant slaps of housing with the most egregiously detailed architecture, almost all of which involve water or fountains or a combination of the two. Occasionally they pass by loud barks, emitted by fox dogs that have never seen training or love from their owners ever, feeling the need to vent their frustrations towards any unfortunate souls passing by their domain.
Kenora flinches at every single one. Despite being this fierce Pirate Princess, animals remain her one thing that she can't really grasp or get ahold off. By the fourth time it happens, Akari finally gives her a cheeky smirk, embarrassment being Kenora's only answer.
ZORAK: Most of Kaofu's citizenry consists of some smaller nobles and successful merchants who are trying to live out peaceful lives in this... idyllic paradisio!
Kenora thinks back to Musho Ichi and wonders if Zorak would've described those assholes in the same way.
Zorak's humble casa actually turns out to be rather humble. Surely the wood used in the porch-wielding bungalow is expensive, but it doesn't seem to serve the purpose of trying to impresse anyone. It is small, functional, and... kind of homey from the outside. Kenora wonders briefly if Zorak ever shared his house with anyone significant. This is when her thoughts wander over to Azula and she tries focusing again.
ZORAK: Allora, here we are.
He shows them inside, the need for a foyer apparently not there, as is the need to separate his kitchen area, his living room, and his backyard, a set of flimsy sliding doors all he requires to feel safe at home.
KENORA (mumbling to herself): I wonder if he ever got robbed.
AKARI (whispering to Kenora): Probably.
Kenora is shocked at the athlete's input, or that people would listen in on her mumbling sometimes.
ZORAK: This is the main area, you are free to come here whenever you like.
He points over to two separate doors inside the world's shortest corridor.
ZORAK: A sinistra, we have the bedroom, which the Chief Mother will be able to use, while a destra we have the bathroom area.
Kenora is glad not to be forced to know the difference between sinsistra and destra. Whatever those mean.
Next, Zorak points to a door in the corner of the living room.
ZORAK: This is my office, which I will have to ask you girls not to enter unless I am also in there. Okay?
They all nod at different points, confused at his phrasing being like how you would talk to small children.
ZORAK: Now, the backyard...
He shows them the crown jewel, a massive downhill leading to Zorak's own private sectioned-off area of Lake Kaofu. This is also where two beaten paths eventually fork into four small houses, all on elevated wooden platforms above the beach. Also, when I say beach, it's not really a sand beach. It's instead covered in a soft grass, long, yellow reed stalks marking the edges of the area.
ZORAK: You ragazze will be sleeping in those comfy little huts. If you need anything, you can come back to the main house at any time. I can't wait for you to see the moonlight reflecting against the water. It is said that the beach will reveal your true self to you in that moment.
Zorak exhales in a thespian manner. Kenora wonders what the hell he's babbling about.
ZORAK: Any questions?
He looks at the four. Not sure what he expects them to say.
AKARI: I'll take the one on the right.
Which is notably the one that's the farthest away from the water. Suki quietly picks up her rucksack and walks down the other path, an unspoken implication that Katara would follow her to the left while Kenora would become neighbors with the airbender. Katara gifts Kenora a brief but happy smirk.
KATARA: Alright, let's go.
ZORAK: Ah, just one more thing.
Kenora guesses he's only addressing Katara and proceeds to move.
ZORAK: Uh... you too, Kenora.
She was wrong.
KENORA: Yeah?
For some reason Katara is a little uneasy at this constellation. Kanna is not present by the way, still outside saddling down Malu. Although the Pirate Princess does wonder if the old woman is listening in on this.
ZORAK: Well, I was only going to tell Katara this, but, a little birdy told me that you will be leaving us soon.
Kenora reacts surprised. Katara reacts... almost insulted.
KATARA: Who told you?
The arms of the Crown Princess are crossed, her tone inquisitive. Zorak nervously laughs it off.
ZORAK: Oh, nobody, no. I couldn't help but to listen in on your conversation on the boat-
KATARA (cold): Well you shouldn't have.
Kenora doesn't bother hiding her shocked reaction via flipping her brows. This is more in tandem with the Katara that was altering deals not too long ago. Zorak seems genuinely on edge.
ZORAK: Forgive me, principessa.
Katara seems to cool off after that.
KATARA: Sorry. I just... got a little scared there.
Wanting to forget the incident, the waterbending teacher moves on.
ZORAK: Anyways, tomorrow happens to be a full moon. I want to use this occasion to teach you a very special bending technique, one that nobody else outside of me knows of, not even your father.
Kenora's neurons fire up at that.
KATARA: Okay. Sounds interesting. I'm definitely in.
There's an obvious elephant in the room that requires addressing here.
KATARA: Um... and... Kenora?
ZORAK: Well, I want to show her too. Only if she likes to.
Kenora is more than just a little baffled to be included in this, let alone be asked. Katara gives her an odd frown, though the Pirate Princess' answer was finalized the moment she heard his words.
KENORA: Absolutely. I'd... be honored.
Zorak reacts with a smile, which Kenora still can't tell if it's a fake one or a real one.
KATARA: Alright. Why not. Would the first formal waterbending training you'd ever have, right?
Kenora nods bluntly. The adult man reacts with a theatrical level of surprise.
ZORAK: Is that true? You have never had a teacher?
KENORA: Nah. Never needed to. I mean, mostly it was circumstantial, I was travelling a lot and I was kind of forced to teach myself, but yeah. All I really needed was some scrolls and books and the rest was... learning by doing.
Katara's reaction lies somewhere in between joy and envy, while the mustachioed tutor begins to laugh like an insane man.
ZORAK: That is INCREDIBLE! No offense to you, principessa, but...
He puts a hand on Kenora's shoulder.
ZORAK: ...that would make you the best waterbender in the world.
He backs off again.
ZORAK: I will enjoy teaching the both of you. It's a shame this is our first and last time doing so.
He bows respectfully, disappearing into his office doing Sedni knows what.
KENORA: Right.
She turns towards Katara in a servile fashion.
KENORA: So... sorry if I kind of forced myself in there.
The Crown Princess lets out a controlled smile.
KATARA: It's okay. Having you be there will be fun. I will admit, having your personal teacher call someone else the world's best waterbender when you're in the room...
Kenora scratches the back of her scalp.
KENORA: Oh come on, it's Zorak. That's how the guy talks.
Katara shrugs.
KATARA: I know. Though only one of us has beaten the Avatar in a fight.
The Pirate Princess attempts to at least fake some pride in a event she regrets deeply now.
KATARA: Anyways, you girls should get ready soon. I have something planned for later.
She walks ahead down the path to the left (duh) Kenora frowning curiously.
KENORA: Don't tell me it's gonna be a shopping trip.
It's a shopping trip. This was initially a problem, though after Katara informed them that she would be paying for anything the girls like, Kenora's mood quickly took a 180, even if she wasn't planning on buying a whole bunch of things, considering her future endeavors. She is however looking for the most important thing she could possibly need now - a new pirate coat to wear over her usual fit. What's that? You wanna know what that new fit is? Let's make it quick in case the answer is No:
-brown leather boots (very expensive)
-grey pants (decently expensive)
-a sapphire blue shirt that goes down into a skirt and down to her thighs (a little more expensive)
-a brown belt around her waist and over her new shirt (oh boy...)
-lastly, because her new shirt is sleeveless, Kenora went with a set of very nice-looking steel blue gloves that go all the way to her elbows. Now, they are fingerless, but they also made Kenora so excited that she overcame her fear of showing her burned fingers (this one alone would bleed Katara's coffers dry).
After spending a good chunk of time walking through the noble clothing store and telling the people working there way too many times that she doesn't need help, she finally skims through the coat selection. A... fifth time.
STORE CLERK: Are you looking for something in particular?
This is not the first time the old lady has asked this question, which astounds Kenora deeply because the other times her answer was a very harsh No. This time however, the girl lets out a sigh.
KENORA: Yes. Do you have any of these coats in blue?
STORE CLERK: I'm afraid not, actually. It's our best-selling color.
Sure. Water Tribe and all.
STORE CLERK: You might want to pick another.
Kenora hangs her head down low in shame, already knowing that nothing will quench her grief over her blue pirate coat.
STORE CLERK: How about... this?
As the old woman picks it out, the mood of the waterbender changes. The yellow coloring is bright, but not obnoxiously bright like a raincoat. It's a subtle middle line between going for it and still trying not to be too much in-your-face. The girl picks it up and admires it. A humble smirk forms on her face as she pictures herself in it.
KENORA: I think I'll take it.
The store clerk nods. The closest color to call her new pirate coat would be citrus.
Kenora exits the boutique, her old clothes in a bag while her new outfit is already on her and fits like a second skin. The girl breathes with content.
AKARI: Someone looks happy.
She looks to Akari, the girl still wearing discrete Water Tribe clothing, Kenora having completely forgotten the "staying low" thing.
KENORA: Hey. Uh... yeah, I am.
The girl notices Akari's very own shopping back, its contents remaining unknown to the waterbender.
KENORA: So... what did ya get?
The airbender immediately reacts defensively.
AKARI: None of your business.
Kenora backs off right away.
KENORA: Okay...
Sensing the girl's aura, Akari feels shame from her tantrum.
AKARI: Sorry. It's... something private. I don't feel like sharing it with you.
Kenora nods politely.
KENORA: Okay.
This upsets Akari.
AKARI: Stop saying "okay"!
KENORA (quietly): Okay...
KATARA: Hey gals!
The Crown Princess herself is rocking a dazzling new crystal (diamond?!) necklace, two bags in each arm making Kenora no longer feel so guilty about her own shopping spree. She also expects Katara to reprimand her, instead gaining a naive smile.
KATARA: I love your new coat. Fits you well.
After so many blushes caused by Azula, Kenora's reaction is now lacking the red color. Suki also finally appears. The girl seems to have bought nothing, though she is carrying a third bag which the Pirate Princess strongly suspects belongs to Katara.
Later that evening, the girls sit down at a small tea place, a balcony presenting them with a mesmerizing view of Lake Kaofu, hundreds of little white sparks reflected in the orange/pink-ish water at sunset. They enjoy a strange, sweet delicacy of frozen milk known as "cream ice". Kenora isn't quite convinced yet, which is most likely because she picked some kind of awful mint flavor. Katara is meanwhile informing the other two about the waterbender's soon-to-be departure, really only upsetting Akari with that.
KATARA: ...wish her the best, obviously. We're glad you're joining us on our little mini-vacation before you leave. Glad to have you with us, Kenora.
The girl mentioned by name nods awkwardly. Don't all these girls hate her here? Oh well, at least she got to see Lake Kaofu, which is a marvelous spectacle, if you ignore all of its inhabitants. Akari pouts with a some kind of question on her lips, though doesn't have the courage to utter it. This allows Katara to continue.
KATARA: So anyways, Kenora...
Her strangely inquisitive tone makes Kenora blurt her immediate first thought out loud.
KENORA: Uh-oh.
KATARA: I have been thinking, since you are leaving us soon and... settling down somewhere, is there any... particular person you have in mind to settle down with?
KENORA (in her head): Oh dear, DON'T say Azula!
KATARA: Any particular boy you're interested in?
The tension escapes the scene like air from a balloon. Akari seems to experience some kind of schadenfreude at seeing Kenora embarrassed like this.
KENORA: Uh... I'm gay.
KATARA: Yes, but most marriages are based on convenience more than love. No one you'd settle down with to live well-off?
KENORA: Again - raging lesbian. Like... so into girls.
KATARA: I'm not asking you to fall in love with a boy! But you could live out the rest of your life in some beautiful place like this. Doesn't that sound good?
KENORA: You do not want to hear how many girls I checked out today alone.
KATARA (angry): Okay - I get it!
The Crown Princess crosses her arms after her little outburst.
KATARA: I'm only trying to help you out...
KENORA: Uh... thank you... question mark, but I don't see it as very helpful when someone tries to give a stranger legal rights over me when I am physically unable to even find said person sexually attractive.
Suki jolts a bit at the s-word.
KENORA: You wouldn't demand that from anyone else here, right?
KATARA: Right. But you're also the only one here who is gay...
Kenora tries playing down her secret knowledge here, but alas, it is Akari herself who speaks up.
AKARI: Um... actually...
Katara's jaw drops slightly. Suki somehow doesn't react with surprise.
AKARI: I'm... also gay.
Kenora gives the airbender a mild smirk and the girl nods back, appreciating it greatly.
KATARA: Well, that's settled then - we'll just have Kenora and Akari dating.
The athlete blushes in a deep red all while Kenora looks like she's starting to lose her patience.
KENORA: Why?
KATARA: I mean - you two get along pretty well. I know you had a rocky start but... I don't know - I think it would be cute! You're both on the Princess Squad still!
Blank reactions serve as an adamant deterrent against her suggestion. It's even enough to get Suki to stand up.
SUKI: I'm going for a walk.
With even Suki abandoning her princess, Katara seems adequately put in her place. Akari, having regained her regular facial coloring, also rises from her chair.
AKARI: I'll go after her.
Now it's only the waterbenders left, one of which looks deeply ashamed of herself. Kenora leans obnoxiously close over the table.
KENORA: Can you promise me one thing? Next time you encounter gay people, try to be normal.
Oh, saying those words and obtaining shameful silence is sweeter than any cream ice flavor could ever be.
Stores are beginning to close, the atmosphere becoming quieter as Suki strolls down the alley, lost in thought.
In truth, she didn't abandon that horribly awkward interaction out of some kind of statement, she wasn't even really listening. Suki hadn't been listening at all to almost anything since she woke up again. Her mind was stuck in a terrifying loop of early childhood memories, the image of Ty Lee missing an eye because of her, and her vision with a prior Avatar. She hugs herself as she continues her walk.
SUKI (mumbling to herself): Just wait till it's over. Just wait till it's over. Just wait till it's over.
A hollow noise makes her stop. No idea why, maybe anything would've caught her attention in this state. She looks to her right, across the street a toy store. Several wooden puppets are hanging outside the shop windows, dangling in a soft wind against each other. There's even some Avatar figures - Kaiyuko, Lostris-
Kyoshi's lifeless puppet turns to the front at the exact moment Suki spots it. Goosebumps cover her entire skin despite warm temperatures. The painted head of this toy continues to pierce through the girl, as if able to tell-
AKARI: Suki?
The airbender finds her in a completely closed-off state, her aura crumpled together to form a solid wall. Akari worries deeply at this.
AKARI: Hey, uh... we'll be going back soon. Are you...
SUKI: I'm coming.
A cold, short answer, and an immediate return to the facade of a well put-together warrior girl walking away from this conversation.
The next day offers just as much sunshine as before, brightly illuminating the little caffe under Ba Sing Se's oldest cypress tree.
Shahar and Yue are seated across from each other, a very small round table not offering a lot of separation between the two girls. Still, the event is rather silent at first, only the girls' fingertips touching gently. The earthbender finally scoffs.
SHAHAR: Weird. We've spent so much time together just talking, and now I can't get a word out.
Yue responds with a very intimate look.
YUE (blushing): Well, in all fairness, a lot of that time we were doing... other things...
Shahar flushes with color significantly more, the northern princess really happy about that for some reason. After this, the kimono girl's expression becomes a little more serious, affecting Yue as a result.
SHAHAR: It's just... not fair to you. You're trapped in this city, away from home, and now I can't even hold a conversation with you in public.
YUE (softly): Hey, it's okay. We're here together, that's all that matters.
They hold hands for a moment, gazing into each other's eyes lovingly.
YUE: I know... someday, very soon, I'll be able to return back home. But that's out of my control. Right now I'm here with you, which is exactly where I want to be.
Shahar exhales with relief.
YUE: In the Tribes, we're not really allowed to talk positively about the Avatar, despite his spiritual significance. The truth is - he is back. And... that can only mean that he will restore balance soon and end the war.
Her counterpart nods.
YUE: Although, from what you've told me, this Avatar has a lot more to deal with than just the war...
Obviously Shahar has told Yue about the Other World thing, pretty early on in their relationship, actually.
YUE: The fact that they never underwent more research as to the significance of this... other world, is kind of baffling.
SHAHAR: Right? That's such a big thing and they just brush over it!
Yue giggles at her girlfriend's sudden jolt.
YUE: I'm curious what that world looks like. Must be depressing.
SHAHAR: Well, Ba Sing Se doesn't seem so bad anymore, does it?
Yue gives her another very intimate look, her leg brushing against Shahar's as the earthbender blushes profusely once again.
YUE (softly): No. Looks pretty beautiful today, actually.
Almost at the same time, the girls lean forward, closing the distance between each other as they exchange a very long kiss. Shahar is off duty today, her uniform exchanged for a casual kimono. It's perhaps this that causes her to be inattentive, and fail to notice a different Kimono Agent spying at them from a distance.
Beach day! Mostly because Katara had actually taken a look at Kenora's spending and calmly decided it would be more fun for the group to spend their second and last day enjoying the nice weather and some waves.
Akari is second to arrive at the beach, Suki already having planted herself on a soft patch of grass on her towel. The swordfighter is wearing a modest bikini, despite not giving off the impression like she wants to cool down in the water. Setting her towel next to hers, the airbender is still trying to figure out how to best talk to Suki about yesterday.
AKARI: Hey.
Suki's eyes are closed, though she responds with a nod. Akari places herself down in a top of her own, though hers doesn't allow for any cleavage, not that her flat chest would allow for much. The girl is also wearing shorts instead of bikini panties. As soon as Suki notices, she sits upright.
SUKI: Why are you wearing shorts?
Akari appears to react very insecure about the question.
AKARI: Um... I don't know. Looks better on me.
The swordfighter decides not to ask any further, lying back down and trying to clear her mind.
KENORA: Ah! Look at those two landlubbers!
Akari turns around in an instant, Suki not even bothering to get up again, but still turning back her head. Akari's face briefly flashes with red again when spotting the girls.
Katara's choice of clothing is pretty modest, all things considered, though absolutely doesn't shy away from showing off very expensive-looking blue fabrics. Kenora on the other hand, wears something pretty skimpy, though what gets the airbender's gaze is mostly her... weirdly muscular body. The girl has seen Kenora like this before, but... apparently the waterbender has only improved her physique since then. Kenora finally notices.
KENORA: Hey, cool shorts.
Akari nods with a significant delay, turning back around in shame.
AKARI: Uh... thank you.
Kenora doesn't try to focus on her too much and instead throws a smile at Katara, who still looks a little embarrassed after yesterday.
KENORA: So, you wanna ride some waves with me?
The attempt to come of as friendly works more than a little.
KATARA: Get ready to be dunked on!
Zorak and Kanna act as spectators for the whole thing, relaxing on his porch while watching the two waterbenders ride waves alongside each other, trying to outdo the other person in some way or another. Both look pretty happy doing so, Kenora in particular howling with laughter like she hasn't done in a long time. Kanna smiles.
The adults are also rocking respective beach outfits, though Zorak decided to also add a ridiculously colorful shirt and a straw hat to his.
ZORAK: Beautiful, isn't it? Just seeing the girls enjoying themselves.
Katara accidentally crashes into Kenora, the resulting splashing of water reaching Suki and Akari, the former looking very much uncomfortable while the latter starts laughing her ass off. The old woman pats her resting komodo rhino before turning to Zorak.
KANNA: They grow up so fast and do so much that sometimes I forget that's what they are. Just... girls.
ZORAK: Makes you almost wish they didn't have to fight in this war, right?
Kanna's lips are pressed to form a thin line. She crosses out the word "almost" in her mind.
KANNA: Yes.
Zorak exhales loudly after taking a sip from his cocktail.
ZORAK: You know, I must say, in all my years of working as a private tutor, Katara has impressed me the most, by far. She has picked up so fast on waterbending that it...
He briefly lets the thoughts play out in his mind.
ZORAK: It's like she is only practicing with me. I barely have to teach her anything.
Kanna nods, pride filling her system. Though sorrow is deeply intertwined with that.
KANNA: Indeed. She and Kenora are truly something special.
They admire the kids for a little longer, watching with glee as they attempt to circle each other on waves, like two lake spirits entangled in a sacred dance.
Malu's snort interrupts this tranquility.
KANNA: Oh, someone just woke up, huh?
The beast licks her hand. Zorak smiles with curiosity.
ZORAK: I don't think I've ever asked you what this magnificent creature's names is.
Kanna chuckles warmly.
KANNA: That's Malu. I named him after a Fire Nation rebel who took me prisoner once.
Zorak reacts with his usual bravado.
ZORAK: You say? Interessante. What happened to this... original Malu?
Her features turn cold as she thinks back to the young man.
KANNA: I believe he was most likely killed.
The man humbly slurps from his cocktail again.
ZORAK: A shame. Enemy or not, death is never a welcome friend. Who do you think killed him?
KANNA: Not a who. A what.
His features slow down as he puts down his glass.
KANNA: Have you ever heard of the Blue Spirit?
Zorak seems to freeze at the mention of the name.
ZORAK: You have encountered the Blue Spirit? Really?
The old woman nods.
KANNA: I was never able to tell if it was a person or an actual spirit. It wore a blue mask to hide its face. Or... perhaps it was his face.
Unsettling her deeply, Zorak leans back in his chair, taking a deep breath before staring back at the lake again.
ZORAK: No. The spirits do no bother with human affairs like this. It was a person. That much I know.
The mysterious phrasing and his deadly serious way of speaking truly sends shivers down her spine. She decides not to ask any further, allowing Zorak to ponder for the rest of the day about... something.
Shahar grunts very untypically as she stomps across the palace. A lot of other agents give her weird looks, which she chooses to ignore for now. She tries not to burst open Madame Tamao's door, but would very much like to.
SHAHAR: Why am I being called in on my day off-
The girl freezes. Madame Tamao carries a dreary look behind her desk. Mai is sitting on the left, looking back with way more emotion than the earthbender likes to see.
SHAHAR: What's going on?
Tamao sighs.
MAI: We're in trouble.
Shahar's eyes wander back and forth rapidly before the girl finally sits down on the other pillow.
SHAHAR: I don't understand.
TAMAO: Your... little excursion into that candy shop yesterday has caused a lot of uproar. Apparently someone let the press know and protests are erupting again.
The earthbender's heart skips a beat. She could swear she saw more people outside than usual, but it's not like she was paying attention to any of it.
SHAHAR: Madame Tamao, I can assure you that we were following all protocol in our investigation-
TAMAO: That's part of the problem.
The girl's features harden. Mai only glares angrily at the wall to her left.
TAMAO: The King and his council have decided that, following Xishan's death, that they will no longer be using up major resources to look for any Water Tribe network. They believe that the threat has been dealt with and that the main focus of the Kimono Society and the Crescent Warriors should be the New Culture Movement.
Mai finally lets out a scoff, Shahar reacting with an appropriate amount of shock and anger.
SHAHAR: That is ridiculous! If we don't stop looking, the network will only start to grow-
TAMAO: I AGREE!
This gets the girl to shut up rather quickly. The sigh that escapes the woman's mouth next sounds deeply pained.
TAMAO: I didn't ask you to come here to argue with me - I agree with everything you say. I will continue to urge his majesty to reconsider, but I can't go against his will.
Tamao folds her hands on her desk. Mai appears like she knows what's coming next.
TAMAO: Mai, after yesterday's incident, and after you have refused to abandon your investigations, the King has had you removed as head of the Crescent Warriors.
SHAHAR: He can't do that! They're her organization!
TAMAO: Which swore an oath to serve the King of Ba Sing Se, making them his now. I'm sorry...
Though Mai doesn't hold back from showing her grudge, Tamao can tell that it isn't directed at her. The woman is forced to take another breath before continuing.
TAMAO: Against my strongest advice, he has also asked me to fire you, Shahar.
This Mai didn't know, apparently. The girl reacts with the appropriate defensiveness while Shahar's world crumbles in front of her.
MAI: No! Shahar was doing everything right yesterday - I was the one who overstepped her boundaries! Why is she getting punished if-
A strange sight quiets her down. Tears on Tamao's face, though she can pokerface through it more than enough. Mai already knows what's coming, shaking her head in disbelief.
MAI: No... you can't fire her for that.
It clicks for Shahar too and the earthbender starts showing even more tears.
TAMAO: I... informed him of my suspicions, urging him that he needn't worry. He didn't listen. After it was confirmed to me earlier today that Shahar and Princess Yue are an item...
The woman powers through her professional-sounding words with a dauntingly apparent level of discomfort.
TAMAO: A former prisoner of yours, and a foreign national of the Northern Water Tribe... I'm sorry, Shahar. I truly am.
The girl breaks down crying, her hands dug into her face. Mai reacts appropriately angry in her place.
MAI: Yue is a full citizen of the Earth Kingdom! Shahar is doing nothing illegal, nor is she breaking any laws-
TAMAO: Mai...
The ever so perfect appearance of Madame Tamao finally simmers down.
TAMAO: You think I don't know that?
She gets up, laying her hand around the incapacitated earthebender.
TAMAO: I am... so sorry girls. Neither of you deserve this.
As the words are uttered, even Mai can feel emotion boiling inside her. It gets very close to actually making her cry.
A knock at the cabin. For some reason Suki doesn't bother to wait for an answer and just enters.
SUKI: Akari, are you there?
She finds the airbender hastily putting a lid on some kind of can before swallowing. What the girl can't tell.
AKARI: Yeah?
Suki frowns, a green line of liquid left on Akari's upper lip. The athlete is quick to take note, wiping it off crudely.
SUKI: What was that?
Akari tries playing it cool.
AKARI: Oh, just some... protean. Helps me with... training.
The swordfighter nods. Akari can't tell if the girl is actually curious or not.
AKARI: So uh... what's up?
SUKI: Have you seen Katara? I can't find her anywhere.
AKARI: Oh, she's gone with Kenora and Zorak. Some... waterbending thing.
Suki's brow furrows. Akari seizes the opportunity to finally try and reach her before the girl leaves.
AKARI: Hey, wait!
Suki crosses her arms as she turns back around.
SUKI: What?
Akari sighs, sitting down on her bed in a lotus position.
AKARI: I know this is far from my... jurisdiction, but... can I ask you how you're doing?
To her surprise, the stern girl reacts rather nervous.
AKARI: Ever since you came out of your coma your... energy has been weird. Sorry if I don't know how to say it better.
Akari is unfortunately not yet comfortable sharing her newfound aura abilities with anyone yet.
Suki slowly closes the door with a gentle sway that the airbender has not seen from the girl yet.
SUKI: That's why I'm looking for Katara. I... I want to talk to her about it but... she's just busy all the time. Has been ever since we started travelling...
Akari can decipher that Suki hasn't spoken to anyone about herself in a long time.
AKARI: You don't have to share it with me if you don't want to.
Suki doesn't bother to look at her, instead calmly placing herself down on the floor, her back leaned against the bed behind her. Her eyes stare into the cold abyss as she begins to open up.
SUKI: I grew up on Kyoshi Island. It used to be Earth Kingdom, though defacto independent. We allowed the Water Tribes to use our ports and even men to fight the war. It was like that for decades. Then, when I was... very small, Great Chief Morgenaute annexed us. We were no longer allowed to follow our customs and traditions, which of course include... Avatar Kyoshi.
Akari can feel her own heartbeat increasing alongside Suki's.
SUKI: I don't remember it too well. But one day, we rose up. It was summer. It was warm and calming, like today. I just remember screaming and soldiers and fighting.
Her voice trembles more as she continues.
SUKI (emotional): I couldn't find mom. She... was fighting alongside the other Kyoshi Warriors. But... I couldn't find her. I ran home and I hid in my room. That's when someone came in...
A blurred vision of Suki as a small child, crying as she looks up to a younger Hakoda, his face hidden, but who still seems distraught to see her. Suki continues talking as the vision changes.
SUKI (voiceover): The Crown Prince brought me to the South Pole. His father wanted me gone, but ultimately, the Chief Headwoman urged him to let me stay.
A cruel old man with long hair and terrible teeth erects his boney finger from an elevated throne, a young Hakoda cast in shadow, with a scared little Suki by her side. She remembers looking up at Kanna sitting next to the man, gifting her a warm smile.
SUKI (voiceover): He was allowed to keep me as his ward. I was never to hold any titles, but... I had a home. And more important than that, I had a sister...
A girl younger than Suki but way more confident meets the girl for the first time in a snowy courtyard. The princess immediately smiles, while Suki seems scared of just about everything.
CHILD KATARA: Hi! I'm Katara! Wanna go penguin sledding?
She grabs Suki's hand, allowing her at least an ounce of happiness.
SUKI (voiceover): Katara was the one who convinced her parents to let me sleep in her room. For the first year, I would stay in her bed every night.
A tiny Katara is awoken in the middle of the night by a crying Suki.
CHILD KATARA (softly): Hey... what's wrong?
CHILD SUKI (sobbing): I... I... I miss home... I wanna go back...
The girl doesn't seem to stop and so the princess snuggles up to her lovingly, allowing Suki to cry on her shoulder.
CHILD KATARA: It's okay. You're safe here. And I will protect you. Just wait till it's over. Just wait till it's over. Just wait...
SUKI (crying): ...till it's over. Just wait till it's over. Just wait till it's over. Just wait till it's over. Just wait till it's over. Just-
Akari grabs the girl's shoulder firmly, grounding her back in the present. She didn't even notice her tears until now. The athlete has started crying too, though not as much.
SUKI (teary): Sorry, got a little much there...
Akari assures her it's fine with a simple nod.
SUKI: When I was in my coma, I kept having this dream. I'd wake up on Kyoshi Island. Every time I did, I was alone. I hurt someone. Eventually Kyoshi showed up. In the flesh, as a statue. And every time, she would punish me.
Akari finally sits down next to the girl.
AKARI: Why is she punishing you?
The emotions boil back up again.
SUKI (teary): Because I'm a traitor. I abandoned my people...
The athlete puts an arm around her, suspecting that while Katara is her usual confidant, this is most likely the first time Suki has ever clearly stated how she feels to someone.
Due to... well, because Zorak said so, he and the girls started their little hiking trip at around sundown. There's not exactly a lot of tall mountains that surround Lake Kaofu, but still some nice peaks to overlook this magnificent piece of nature. Kenora briefly halts to admire the water under the first glimmers of moonlight, her eyes sparkling with joy as she can momentarily forget the lingering question of what she will do tomorrow.
KATARA: Kenora! Over here!
The girl averts her aquatic gazing and follows them down a path, which increasingly becomes more and more rocky. They finally reach a small, secluded spot at the edge of grassland, a massive mountain range visible in the distance. Zorak puts down the strange box he had been carrying with him on a table-like rock, taking a breather as he and Katara settle down. Kenora herself doesn't feel much exhausted, thanks to her being the only one in shape, apparently.
ZORAK: Can you feel it, girls?
He takes an ominously deep breath with his eyes closed. Katara tries to imitate this.
ZORAK: It is Tui, gifting us our full strength tonight.
He rises from his seated position. Kenora greedily rubs her hands with excitement.
KENORA: Alright. When do we start? And where's the water?
ZORAK: Oh, it's right here.
He finally pulls off the blue cloth from his box, which isn't a box it all. It's a metal cage, two adorable little hedgehog rabbits inside, one a bit more timid while the other seems eerily excited. Kenora doesn't quite know what to make of this while Katara's pupils dilate, her excitement held back cautiously.
KENORA: What? Little animals? They're gonna teach us waterbending moves?
Katara's face turns towards her and the girl begins to understand, with horror in her heart, what is going on.
ZORAK: Where there is life, there is water.
He kneels down to look at the innocent creatures.
ZORAK: These tiny things are nothing more than skins filled with water. It took me years to discover this skill, and even longer to perfect it.
As he gets back up and turns towards her, the bright moonlight illuminates his face in a deeply disturbing fashion.
ZORAK: Bloodbending.
Her own blood freezes in horror, a chain reaction inside Kenora causing her to question whether or not Zorak is currently doing something right now. The man, apparently a little sympathetic towards her, nods to the side.
ZORAK: I understand that this is not for the faint-hearted.
Kenora scoffs in disbelief.
KENORA: Reaching inside another person and... controlling them against their will? Yeah, I don't think I want that.
In desperation, she glances over to Katara, a cold, neutral expression resting on her face.
KENORA: Come on Katara, we can't do this. It's not right.
It takes her longer than Kenora likes to respond.
KATARA: The choice is not ours. The power exists. And it's our duty to use the gifts we were given to win this war.
Slowly, she turns towards Zorak, Kenora forced to watch in horror.
KATARA: And with you out of the picture, I'll need to become stronger.
Zorak nods and Kenora's heart almost rips apart her rib cage. Katara slowly raises her arm towards one of the hedgehog bunnies.
ZORAK: Good, principessa. Close your eyes. Feel the water as it flows, back and forth and around the creature...
Kenora feels like screaming at the top of her lungs, running away as far as possible and not turning back. But she has to see it, she has to see if Katara would go this far.
ZORAK: Feel it. Feel the flow of its blood like you would the water in a river. Try sensing it. Try waiting for the right moment until-
Her hand is suddenly hit by a water bubble, pulled to the side and frozen against a rock. Kenora of course has a water pouch with her, trying to constrain Katara-
She stops. Her body stops. The water melts as her muscles no longer obey her commands. Kenora starts hyperventilating, the input her brain gives the rest of her body simply ignored.
Zorak stands there straight with two fingers raised, his other hand at waist height to stabilize her. He finally closes his right fist and Kenora's body snaps into a straight line, her legs and arms wielded together. There is nothing she can do, not a remotely helpful thing that would allow her to escape his grasp. She's completely powerless. The girl can't even scream.
ZORAK: I wouldn't try that again.
As this happens, Katara finally gets back up.
KATARA: Zorak, let her go - NOW!
He obeys her on the spot, letting the girl go in a janky motion, Kenora hugging herself as she breathes heavily in a kneeling position. She looks up at a cold Zorak and a scared princess. After this, she finally runs off.
A minute or so passes. The moonlight shines brightly upon this little mountain ridge. After this, Katara finally speaks up.
KATARA: I think I'm gonna go after her.
She intends to leave-
ZORAK: Oh, but you are missing your first lesson.
This makes her stop. A cold shiver crawls down Zorak's spine, yet he persists with a smile.
KATARA: Don't you mean... first bloodbending lesson?
He bluntly pouts.
ZORAK: No. I meant what I said. I believe you pay me too much.
This causes her to laugh, a noticeable hint of unnerve weaved into the sound
KATARA: We can talk about your salary later.
ZORAK: No, I would like to talk about it now.
He gently puts the blue cloth back over the hedgehog bunnies.
ZORAK: You hired me to teach you waterbending, yet, I was never quite able to shake off this... feeling that, I'm not teaching you these things for the first time, but that I'm giving you a refresher course.
She scoffs quietly.
KATARA: I don't know what you mean.
ZORAK: I think you do. Tonight was the first time I ever saw you figure out something new instead of trying to remember how it's done.
He takes a step closer while she holds firm.
ZORAK: I think it's time to drop the mask, Katara.
Expecting a deeply unsettled, shocked face, he gets the opposite. Her features freeze on command, coldly forming the blank expression of an emotionless creature.
KATARA (cold): I'm going after Kenora.
The princess leaves. Zorak grunts. He picks up his animals and wonders how to proceed. He knows one thing for sure.
He will not find sleep tonight.
Act III. - Voilà
Kenora stumbles into Zorak's living/dining/kitchen room in the middle of the night, taking off her coat and leaving it on the couch as she walks over to the bathroom, correctly guessing which side it is on. After a minute or so of staring into the porcelain hole she finally comes to the realization that she probably won't have to puke. At least one positive.
Still feeling like crap, the girl walks back into the main room, finding a single illuminated candle that casts a harsh shadow onto a certain old woman.
KANNA: Feeling unwell?
Kenora reacts in a neutral fashion, mostly just one hand on her stomach as she walks over to a stool on Zorak's kitchen counter, hoisting her body up there and placing herself down. A shadow pain still shots through her blood stream, as if someone could still play around with her from a distance. She shudders at the thought.
KENORA: What are you still doing up?
Not getting any response, she looks over to the woman, her question answering itself as she puts her massive backpack down.
KANNA: I was just about to leave, actually.
Energy reappears in Kenora's body again, piece by piece.
KENORA: Wait - wha-wha-wha-what do you mean you're leaving?
The old woman smirks, sitting down across from Kenora with a friendly expression.
KANNA: It's really nice to have seen you for another two days. You look so happy now. I never saw you smiling much before.
This is the first time it really starts to dawn on her that she is about to leave as well. Tomorrow. A million thoughts shot through her head, which at least works to stifle her nausea.
KENORA: Where are you going, Chief Mother?
KANNA: Please. Call me Kanna.
A part of Kenora feels like it's breaking off and leaving alongside the old woman.
KANNA: And, I don't know yet. I'd like to travel for a while. Get away from this war. After that, we'll see.
The girl nods, a deep sense of dread overcoming her as she instinctively reaches for her necklace.
KANNA: How about you? You'll be leaving tomorrow. What are your plans?
A scoff escapes Kenora's mouth as if it had been stuck in there for months. The girl rubs her own face profusely while talking.
KENORA: Well, let's see - there's mom, who abandoned me when I was like... six, or whatever. Guess I could look for her, again. There's dad now too, who I've had like... one real conversation with in my life, and who is sort of in charge of a war I'm trying to get away from. There's an Avatar, who I've hunted down for months and who hates me. And of course Azula, who I don't even know if she likes me or not, she probably doesn't, and I'm completely in over my head!
She can feel the tears building up, though they never actually show. more so just a general feeling of complete despair. She laughs for a second, as Kanna listens closely.
KENORA: Let's face the music - I'm alone. Completely and utterly. I have nothing and no one. Maybe Sokka. And the lemur likes me. And you!
She points to the old woman with little energy.
KENORA: We'd make a great team, huh?
The sarcasm alone tells Kanna everything.
KENORA: Maybe it's best if I just... disappear. Right? I cause nothing but pain everywhere I go. I'm a... mindless piece of muscle that people point towards a thing that I crash into.
A quick scoff and the nausea creeps back ever so slightly.
KENORA: Do you wanna know what the Avatar said? About me, and the other world?
Another bleak smirk unsuccessfully hiding her fear.
KENORA: I don't exist there! That's what those darn mirrors meant. I'm some... anomaly. I shouldn't even be in people lives. They're better off without me! Yup - that's what I'm gonna do...
In a depressing manner, she slaps the wooden kitchen counter.
KENORA: I'm gonna pack my stuff and just... go hide somewhere. Let everyone live out their lives in peace and stop causing problems. How does that sound?
Kanna hasn't responded once during the girl's rambles, staring quietly, but with empathy, until she finally unfolds her hands, speaking in a calm, but loving tone.
KANNA: You think very little of yourself, child. That's sad to see.
Kenora dismisses the point with a sigh.
KENORA: Yeah, well, we saw what I can do when I completely ignore my doubts and just waltz into life with 100% confidence. People get hurt. I... would like that not to happen again.
KANNA: You seem to be acting under the assumption that you are forced to choose between hating yourself and hating everyone else, when that is not how life works.
An ounce of skepticism escapes Kenora's tired breath.
KENORA: Then what do you want from me? What am I supposed to do?
Kanna takes a deep breath, her eyes staring with a sense of purity that feels like it's piercing right through the girl, spotting her very soul and being.
KANNA: It's time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions. Who are you, and what do you want?
Her calm voice still has the force of a raging waterfall, washing over Kenora with a strangely relaxing might.
KENORA: I don't know...
KANNA: Well, I can't tell you either. But I can tell you what I've seen as a spectator...
She leans in a little closer. Kenora's anxiety feels like it's slowly being pulled out of her.
KANNA: I see a hurt little girl who had to fight to become who she is. And sure, sometimes her path lead her to places that she probably shouldn't have gone to. She made mistakes, lots of em, actually. But in all that time, she was always trying to do the right thing. She ran away from her home to live completely on her own, became the fiercest waterbender I've ever met, a Pirate Princess, the first female captain of the Water Tribes, and someone who fearlessly and bravely stumbles into situations that any other person wouldn't dare approach.
A brief chuckle as Kenora is finally able to cry.
KANNA: You need to make up for the things you have done wrong dear, of course. But do you seriously think that the fastest way to get there is to ignore all of the good you've done along the way? You went with a complete stranger on a quest that you couldn't possibly succeed at - catching the Avatar - just because you felt bad for him. You ran headfirst into a fortified prison to free one firebender who you felt empathy for, despite being your enemy. You did the same thing again for her friend the airbender, fighting a giant wasp monster.
Kenora wipes away some of her tears.
KENORA (teary): Sounds like I talked a lot more during my fever than I remember...
Kanna smiles at that.
KANNA: I don't see you as evil. A brat, sure. A rude little thing that has made me boil with anger countless times? Yes. But I see you mostly as someone who, if given the right thing to do, automatically turns into one thing without a second thought...
KENORA: What? Someone lucky enough to survive all that?
KANNA: A hero.
Hearing that four-letter word breaks the girl apart, reshaping her from the ground up as she thinks about the old woman's words. That's the precise moment Kanna gets up, walks over to her, and gives her a grandmotherly kiss on the head.
KANNA: Hama would be proud. Take care.
She leaves her sitting for a bit longer, Kenora intensely staring into her nazar necklace like she did all that time ago when she decided to see Sokka on the Boiling Isles. What was her plan again? Run up a hill with a sword? Ask nicely for a boat? She chuckles.
KENORA (quietly): Dumbass...
But at least she did it with a purpose.
Tonight might be one of the brightest moons she has ever seen. It watches over her, the lake, the Earth Kingdom. The world? She stares at it for a second, the white celestial as bright as a star.
Kenora then looks down a bit. Three people are seated at the beach, all appearing quiet and humble. She knows it's the girls. She knows Katara is there. But... it is her last day. She would've regretted leaving without saying goodbye to Kanna, so...
KENORA: Hey guys.
She greets them with a kind of relaxing casualness that no one expects, though no one is openly shocked at this point. Immediately, her eyes wander over to Katara, whose arms are crossed and who has the word "Shame" practically tattooed on her forehead.
KENORA: Hey.
KATARA: I went back after he attacked you.
Kenora already sits down on the log next to her, Akari and Suki sharing the other.
KATARA: I already told the others. You're... right about bloodbending. It's wrong, and we shouldn't be doing it.
A quiet nod from the Pirate Princess, who would simply like to forget about it, and not endlessly churn up stuff to make her argue with the others. She admires the beautiful lake water at night, the full moon reflecting in the surface.
AKARI: So, last night. Excited?
Kenora leans over, her elbows resting on her knees.
KENORA: Kind of a... neutral excited? I'll see where it goes.
Akari gives the waterbender the first earnest smile she's ever seen from her.
KATARA: Aren't you gonna look for your dad?
She reacts with a hint of discomfort, not ashamed to show her honest side here.
KENORA: Not really? I mean, he's a large dude with a big stick, I think he can take care of himself. Plus...
Kenora takes a quiet breath.
KENORA: I think I should look out for myself first. See what I want, then go look for him maybe. You know what I mean?
She finds little success here, only gaining her a headshake from Katara.
KATARA: No? I mean, my mother was taken from me. My brother left. Gran-Gran is leaving too...
The girls act shocked, Kenora too, as she wasn't aware Katara was in on it.
KATARA: She told me before we left for Kaofu. I already said goodbye.
An invisible fog of dread creeps over the grassy beach.
KATARA: You know, my family kind of feels like it's shrinking. If I had the option to go find mom, I wouldn't hesitate. But... I can't.
Not really any point in arguing her on that. Sure, it's Kenora's decision, but what is she gonna say against Katara's grief? "No"? Suppose there are two sides to this.
AKARI: Speaking of family...
She points politely towards Suki, who seems taken aback.
KATARA: Suki?
The swordfighter crumbles under the pressure.
SUKI: You have been... a little distant ever since we started this whole Princess Squad thing. Sometimes I... need someone to talk to.
Katara reacts with an appropriate level of concern that only Kenora finds a little phony.
SUKI: I had... visions during my coma. Stuff from back home.
KATARA: From the South Pole?
SUKI: Kyoshi Island.
An eerie feeling overcomes the others at the implications of this.
KATARA: You said you haven't thought about that in years.
Suki shrugs, clearly holding back.
SUKI: Well, I have now.
Katara's frown breaks into a hopeful smile.
KATARA: Listen, on our way to Omashu, I'll have us two sharing a carriage. You can tell me anything you want. Okay?
This seems to be enough for Suki, who nods, appearing a little happier. The mood so weirdly tense, Kenora has the bright idea to deflate it.
KENORA: So, uh... Akari! Any big secrets you wanna share?
Katara jabs her in the side appropriately.
KENORA: Sorry...
The not-quite-serious question did seem to get to the athlete.
SUKI: I wanna ask Akari something.
She turns an inch to the side.
SUKI: What was that green thing you were drinking earlier?
With all eyes on her, Akari carefully considers all option. Kenora, thanks to the moonlight, can spot the exact moment the airbender has the confidence to go for it.
AKARI: That uh... that was a special kind of medicine. I try to stock on it every time we reach a port.
The girls had been wondering why Akari would always immediately go shopping when anchored.
KENORA: And what's in this... green... stuff?
She shakes her head at her own phrasing. Akari nervously stares at the ocean as she answers.
AKARI: It's a uh... herbal mix. It... changes my hormones.
A round of silence and question marks.
KATARA: Hormones? In your body?
AKARI: Yup. They... make it so I can look like this.
Only Kenora has a hunch as to where this is going.
AKARI: When I uh... visit my parents, which doesn't happen a lot anymore, they uh... call me by my old name still.
Now it definitely clicks for Kenora.
SUKI: Old name?
Akari lets out a sigh. She is quite clearly one part nervous and one part relieved to finally speak her truth.
AKARI: I... used to be called Hideo.
Another few seconds pass.
KATARA: But... that's a... boys name. Right?
The athlete nods.
AKARI: That's because... I was born... a boy. I... found out I'm... a girl when I was around nine, started taking the herbal stuff when I was thirteen.
No one except Kenora really seems to grasp what this entails, though Katara and Suki still react with respect.
KATARA: Must be a lot then. That was probably hard for you.
Akari lets out a second, louder sigh.
AKARI: It would've been harder without this stuff. I might have a beard and... talk in a... deep voice.
Odd chuckles from the two, an honest smile from Kenora. The waterbender focuses back on the ocean, getting up slowly as she remembers Zorak's words.
KATARA: What is it?
Kenora scoffs as she turns back around.
KENORA: It looks like the beach has revealed our true selves.
The others share strangely satisfied looks, Katara appearing the most uncomfortable. Kenora decides to go with her heart after that.
KENORA: I know I... haven't been very nice to you all a lot of times. I want to apologize for that. Truth is, I didn't exactly like myself and... let it out on you. Which is not an excuse but... I don't know. I wanna at least try to show you that I feel sorry. Which is probably pointless because I don't think you guys ever particulalrly liked me...
The seated girls exchange a few looks before responding.
SUKI: I don't hate you. I was scared for a while that you would punch everyone, which you did in some cases...
Kenora scratches the back of her head.
SUKI: But... you're going now. You're trying to better yourself and... make up for your mistakes. That's good.
The Pirate Princess nods with a humble smile.
AKARI: I don't hate you either. Super annoying that I don't ever get to beat you in a rematch but...
Kenora scoffs while Akari tries playing down a blush.
AKARI: You've changed. That's what matters. Right?
Reassuring looks as Katara erects herself before speaking.
KATARA: I never hated you, even though things got pretty heated after Gaoling. I really wish we could've worked this out with you on board but... you're going your own way now. That's good.
Kenora nods once again. No one knows how to really resolve this situation, and so, at Katara's lead, they end their collective goodbye with a group hug, the moonlight shining with crass intensity behind them.
With a loud thud the last of their bags are dropped on the floor, though really Shahar was doing the heavy lifting while Yue tried... helping. Her new place is a moderately-sized little house a bit removed from the palace, in the part of town that has a lot of schools and such, providing her with a tiny garden and way too many rooms to be used by one person. Mai mostly took note of how, for the first time, Yue's living space actually looks like it resembles a home. Lots of little trinkets and decorative items are plastered all over the place, even some traditional Water Tribe items and an animal skin, though it's obviously not of the polar variety. The Crescent Warrior guesses that most of these were picked out with the help of Shahar.
YUE: Alright. That should've been the last of your stuff.
Shahar wipes a sweaty strain of hair from her face, the girl having taken off her hair band for once.
YUE: Mai, you can have the guest bedroom all to yourself. We'll uh... see how we get used to this over time.
Mai is seated on the couch with her arms crossed and a sinister glare displayed. She reads the room correctly and tries loosening up just a bit.
MAI: Thank you for letting us stay with you. I appreciate. Even though I wish it was under better circumstances...
Quiet glances are exchanged.
YUE: I'm... really sorry for you guys. This whole thing sucks and... I can't help but feel like it's my fault.
Shahar immediately grabs both her hands.
SHAHAR: Hey, don't say that. We're in this together. We're all friends.
Yue smiles before the two accentuate their statement with a short kiss.
SHAHAR (to Mai): This also doesn't mean that we can't work on our own, right? We can be private investigators! What do you say, Mai?
Mai gets up quietly, walking to the door.
MAI: I'm going for a walk.
She doesn't slam the door for a change, though only out of respect for her friend. Yue sighs.
YUE: Poor thing.
SHAHAR: Hey, um...
The question lingers for a while before being uttered.
SHAHAR: Is it really okay for us to be moving in with you?
YUE: Of course! After everything you guys did for me, why wouldn't I let you?
A small delay before the earthbender continues.
SHAHAR: Right. I meant more like... is it okay for us to be moving in together so soon?
Yue finally understand the question properly. She responds firstly by moving in a little closer. Blushing ensues.
YUE: Well... sooner or later I would've asked you to move in so... I guess we'll just add that to the list of odd things in our relationship.
Both are satisfied with the answer and celebrate via another kiss, this one a little longer.
YUE: So...
The slight touch of red intensifies sharply.
YUE: Mai is gonna be out for a while. Do you wanna...
She nonchalantly nods over to her bedroom door. Shahar looks like a cherry at this point.
SHAHAR: Uh... in the... middle of the day?
Yue nods with a pout that spells "Who cares?". Enough to make Shahar agree pretty quickly.
As Mai strolls down the alley, her thoughts are a jumbled mess of confused anger and lonely hopelessness. She steps over a sewer grate and briefly remembers the candy shop again. At this point she's not even sure anymore if the guy was telling the truth or not. Or if it even matters anymore.
The girls returned to their huts very soon, Kenora still with her lights on trying to determine what she should fit in her one rucksack, and if she is allowed to take some complimentary soap from Zorak. She still hasn't found her new yellow (and EXTREMELY expensive) coat yet. The girl finally has the insight to open her front door and look over to the bungalow in the distance.
AKARI: You okay?
She didn't even see the athlete in front of her own shack, the girl spending some more time enjoying the soft winds beneath the moonlight.
KENORA: Me? Oh, uh... I forgot my coat. At Zorak's? So now I'm kind of hesitant to get it cause... you know, awkward energy, he bloodbended me which was a disgusting experience that emotionally scarred me. I think I'll get it tomorrow.
Already on her way back inside...
AKARI: Kenora, wait.
The waterbender senses a hint of seriousness and decides to actually exit her room.
KENORA: What's up?
AKARI: Um... I guess I wanted to thank you guys. For being so accepting of... me.
The humility in her voice almost makes Kenora feel bad. She decides to walk the small distance over to Akari and sit down next to her.
KENORA: Look... you're not hurting anyone, you're simply being yourself... I say why even bother waiting for people to accept you? Plus, who am I to judge you? Amirite?!
Her... stupid smirk is enough to make Akari flush with a hint of red.
AKARI: Kenora... what happened?
KENORA: Oh, with the coat? Well, I thought I was gonna throw up-
AKARI: Kenora.
The athlete briefly touches her hand.
AKARI: You... you used to be an insecure... bully. Now you're... all nice and... forgiving?
The waterbender clears her throat subtly as Akari removes her hand again.
AKARI: She must be really special.
Now Kenora blushes, though unfortunately not at the athlete.
KENORA: I won't lie... she helped a lot but... no. This is something I have to fix on my own. And... like you said - "insecure bully". I wouldn't call myself quiet happy yet, but I don't let my frustrations out on other people so... I guess that's that.
Throughout her answer, Akari hasn't taken her eyes off of her once. She tries going for the kiss but stops, upon realizing that Kenora doesn't reciprocate.
KENORA (whispering): I'm sorry. I really am.
The airbender moves back again, a smile hiding her defeat.
AKAKRI: Honestly, I knew that was gonna happen. But hey, last day, so why not?
They exchange strange smirks, communicating that no hard feelings will follow this interaction.
AKARI: Can you do me one favor?
She asks as she gets up again, Kenora following suit.
KENORA: Uh... yeah. What is it?
AKARI: When you join the Avatar, can you tell Ty Lee that I'm sorry? For everything?
Kenora's jaw drops more at this than at the trans news.
KENORA: M... what? The Avatar?
Akari shrugs.
AKARI: Yeah. That's your plan, right? Join the Avatar?
Kenora scoffs dismissively and with great unnerve.
KENORA: Akari I-I-I don't know. I... I don't know if I can... move from... Water Tribe captain to... that, that quickly.
The athlete nods.
AKARI: Okay. Good luck regardless.
She opens her cabin door, looking back for a final time before saying her goodbyes.
AKARI: Good night, Kenora.
She quietly shuts her portal.
Back in her own room, Kenora can feel the adrenaline shooting through her system as she thinks about Akari's words, Kanna's words - everything. It all comes crashing down at once like a glass sphere that's too deep underwater. What did Kanna say? "Look within yourself"? What does she hope to see? Her right hand practically molded over her necklace, she takes it off for a moment, admiring it while she sits down on the floor. Admiring is probably the wrong word, it's more of a deeply intense stare, hoping to elicit some kind of answer in her panicked state.
Akari's lights are also still on and, after a minute or so, she has finally put on the new outfit she bought at the boutique yesterday. She tried combining some orange and beige to at least recreate the feeling of an airbender uniform. She thinks back to meeting Ty Lee in Yu Dao and ponders how different things would've turned out had she not run away.
Suki stares a non-existent hole into her ceiling while pondering what any of her visions meant. Her bottom line reveals itself as a rather straight-forward choice - the girl gets up, picks up the metal fan from her personal belongings, and starts practicing moves that she vaguely remembers from her childhood.
Katara's room is empty.
Zorak sits quietly in his office, his back turned to the door, the moon casting a rich shade of light into the room. When the figure enters he couldn't tell, though he finally senses that it is here. He turns around with a smile, one hand on his bladeless hilt.
ZORAK: Ah, good evening, principessa. I had a feeling I could expect you tonight.
Not a single reaction from the Blue Spirit.
Which Kenora is she? The one who attacks the innocent and takes what she wants when she wants it? Or is she some kind of heroic saint like Kanna describes her? Should she ever have left Whale Tales Island? She did under the pretense of finding her mother, which she abandoned quickly. Is she a bad person if she doesn't look for her now? Is she loosing her family too like Katara?
The specter launches for a killing blow, Zorak dodging narrowly as his desk is cleaved in half. He draws water from a pouch, attaching it as his blade onto the hilt he took out. The Blue Spirit's next few attacks are skillfully averted by the waterbending master/swordfighting master. His office, the books on the shelves, the paintings of former students and family, all get destroyed.
Who cares that she saved Azula? She also punched the girl like 50 times - in the face! What is she gonna say? "Uh, I saved your life, now forgive all of my mistakes!" What a ridiculous thought! No amount of apologies or atonements would ever fix what she tore apart - Azula would never love her like-
Kenora freezes up as she hears her own words ringing in her head.
More swipes and kicks and a deadly onslaught that never seems to end. Despite being alone, despite the far superior agility of the Blue Spirit, he can hold his own. For now.
KENORA (mumbling to herself): So what? It's love now?! Cause of one kiss?! You kissed Chi-Chi more than that! How does it mean anything?!
She grunts angrily as she gets back up again.
KENORA (mumbling to herself): Why would she ever forgive me?! After all the pain and... SHIT I put her through? Forget about it! You're nothing but a monster to her! You-
She stops. "Monster"? Is that how she sees herself? Is she really irredeemable? Is there a line she crossed that makes it... not count anymore?
Is there even a chance she can take?
The fight moves to the living room, the Blue Spirit almost slicing Kenora's coat in half as she chases Zorak towards the sliding doors. They exchange a few swings, every single one damaging them to some degree. The specter finally overpowers the man, tossing him through a sliding door and onto the porch.
She quietly tries to think back to everything, like she did with Ty Lee, now seated on her bed again. At some point it felt neutral, before she got further and further down, her fear controlling her more and more over time.
The only good deed she did in that time was heal this... Beast Dog. Suppose she did... help safe the city. But is that enough?
Is any of it enough?! Can any of her so-called "heroic deeds" outshine or somehow make up for attacking Aang, attacking Zuko and Ty Lee, getting pirates to attack Crescent Island, raid that one village, attack Azula in the middle of the day, again in the swamp, strangle Sokka, beat up Aang, fight Azula again - punch Akari, scar Yue, fight Azula again, fight Azula AGAIN, attack Ty Lee in the middle of the day, make her cry...
She exhales loudly through her mouth, all of these events playing out in her head alongside the ones Kanna praised her for. But which one is it? She looks at her necklace again.
Zorak can barely get up again, his water blade vanished. The Blue Spirit charges a final attack, stopping in its tracks as Zorak tries bloodbending as a last resort to hold the attacker back. It requires all of his might, the specter only barely held by its bloodstream. He stumbles a bit - a cut on his leg he only notices now. His grasp on the assassin slips, slowly at first, then...
Is this the necklace her mother gave her or the one that made Azula kiss her? She stares at her own reflection, the pure stone looking just as shiny as when she got it all those years ago.
In the span of a few seconds, it finally clicks. The sensation travels from her brain down through her entire body, like fireworks of joy.
The necklace is both.
She is both.
Kenora cannot wash away all of her sins in an instant, nor can she ignore the good she has done. She needs to learn to accept that both happened, and that she can choose what will happen, moving forward.
She can control her own destiny.
She is Kenora, who hunted down a girl that she eventually fell in love with.
It's not perfect, but it's what she has.
And what she has, she owns.
With a final gaze to the sky, Zorak attempts a laugh that produces no sound, the blade puncturing his lungs and drenching his face in his own blood. He smiles as life escapes his body.
Kenora puts the necklace back on. A deep breath later, she feels whole again.
And there is only one place to go now.