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 1: Fire
Episode 3
Learning by doing
Act I. – Marketplace of ideas
Aang takes deep breaths. For several minutes he continues, sitting with his legs crossed, and both his fists glued to each other.
ZUKO: Focus Aang. Feel your breath.
This is not the new Zuko. As Aang opens his eyes, he recognizes his Zuko. A gaping, fiery scar burns across the left side of his face. The joyful optimism is replaced by stern determination. To Aang, it simply feels cold. But also familiar.
AANG: I don't think fire is the right thing for me.
He breathes out, opening his eyes again. Aang does not remember where this memory took place. Based on the noise and commotion, he figures it's in some shack next to a bazaar.
ZUKO: What do you mean it's not your thing? You're the Avatar!
AANG: I know, but-
ZUKO: My father burned down half the Earth Kingdom! What are you worried about?!
Zuko gets up angrily. Aang is unable to respond.
AANG: After I burned Katara, I made an oath to never bend fire again.
ZUKO: I understand.
Zuko turns around, as he had previously turned his back towards Aang.
ZUKO: Fire is vicious. It feeds and devours. The monks taught you to value life.
Aang is filled with hope for a second.
ZUKO: And now the monks are dead.
Aang is filled with fear again.
ZUKO: You can try to protect life everywhere you go, or you can try to make a difference. You have to choose, Aang.
The boy feels terror.
ZUKO: Aang. You have to make a choice. Aang. Aang?
ZUKO: Aang?
Aang wakes up in a cold sweat. Zuko flinches.
ZUKO: Oh, I'm so sorry – did I scare you?
He sighs in relief. He is back in this world, sitting in front of this Zuko, whose scar is replaced with a red apron around his waist. He blinks at Aang with his adorable, yellow eyes, Sabachi sitting on his shoulder.
AANG: No, I just...
Aang gets up on his feet.
AANG: I was really focusing on my meditation.
Zuko nods, Sabachi jumping off and looking with big eyes at the heated cauldron over a fireplace.
ZUKO: Oh. Avatar Thing, I guess.
He gets back to stirring the cauldron, or rather its insides. The GAang is situated inside a small valley, covered mostly in yellow-ish rocks and rough grass, an environment Aang is only starting to get familiar with. In his world, the Fire Nation was an industrialized power. Many times did he and his friends visit spots polluted by industry, grasslands too sour to regrow. For all the glory in combat, its people often saw destruction of their home in the name of said victory. It is refreshing for him to see an environment much brighter and colorful. At least as green as the rocky landscape allows for. In a dreamy state he brushes through a small bush, which feels both soft and robust at the same time. And also wet.
AANG: Did it rain today?
Zuko notices where Aang is caressing the landscape.
ZUKO: Uh, I wouldn't touch that. I used it as a bathroom earlier...
Aang comically gets up, his pupils shrinking to the size of a seed. Sabachi runs over to the bush, smells it, and pretends to faint.
AANG: And you're telling me now?!
ZUKO: When did you start touching grass?!
Aang turns towards Zuko at the exact same time Azula shows up again, emerging from a small, rocky hill, implying that behind the hill lies another valley.
AZULA: What are you boys on about?
She winks at Aang, implying he is to be spared by her in the conversation that is about to ensue.
ZUKO: We were talking about... hygiene.
Azula finds herself at the bottom of their valley, posing in front of the cauldron, fists pressed against her hips, giving her a sort of "angry mother" look. Although she comes off as very calm.
AZULA: Do you mean like having your kitchen three feet away from your bathroom?
Zuko is unable to respond. Aang is intrigued by the apparent bullying.
AANG: Where were you by the way?
AZULA: Choosing a bathroom behind those rocks.
She focuses back to Zuko.
AZULA: What are you cooking?
ZUKO: I bought some clams at the market earlier.
Sabachi runs back to the cauldron, too scared to touch it. Azula smirks.
AZULA: That sounds expensive. I hope you didn't spend the rest of our money on that.
ZUKO: Technically Iroh's money.
Zuko shuts up for a second. He looks around as though Azula and Aang are teaming up on him, all the while Aang only stares in confusion while picking his left ear.
ZUKO: Uh... I mean... we still have some-
AZULA: And why did you buy clams? Aang is a vegetarian, you know.
Zuko is completely outmaneuvered. Aang is only surprised that Azula knows this.
AANG: I didn't tell you that.
AZULA: Everyone knows that.
She crosses her arms, Sabachi climbing on to her shoulder. With no rebuttal, Zuko awkwardly stops stirring the clam-water and scratches his head.
ZUKO: Uh... I'm gonna go check on Appa.
Zuko unties his apron and runs into the background, where he, in distress, starts to pet a confused Appa. Azula cackles, then takes a portion of clams with a ladle, placing them inside a wooden bowl. She sits down next to Aang, who is still standing.
AZULA: That was fun.
She cracks the first clam and shares its insides with Sabachi.
AANG: What was that all about?
Azula slurps up the cooked animal inside the shell.
AZULA: What do you mean?
AANG: That was... kind of mean. Did Zuko say anything to you?
Azula has to swallow both statement and seafood before responding. Aang has recently accepted to trust this Azula, since it is this Azula and not his Azula. Which makes him all the more intrigued where her limits are.
AZULA: What?
AANG: Like, was he mean, or...
AZULA: Why would you think he was mean?
Aang won't stop poking around, as she swallows her second marine bite.
AANG: Because you were pretty mean to him just now.
Azula scoffs.
AZULA: I wasn't mean, I was...
She struggles to find an answer.
AZULA: That's just how we – how he and I talk. We're siblings, we constantly mock each other.
Aang looks over to a very timid-looking Zuko, stroking a static Appa, who grunts very quietly.
AANG: Are you sure this a mutual feeling?
AZULA: Sure. It's our way of talking.
She slurps another clam. Sabachi collects one for herself.
AANG: Is it because you don't understand people?
She chokes on her clam for a few seconds, then proceeds to turn towards Aang in a comically angered fashion.
AZULA: I told you that in confidence!
Aang is terrified, though in no way reminded of the real Azula. Ironically, he notes, this behavior is more in line with Katara, when she was younger.
AZULA: Zu-Zu! Come here!
He, for some reason, listens to her.
ZUKO: What is it?
AZULA: The three of us are going to get some supplies, while Aang waits here and enjoys some clams.
Zuko is confused. Sabachi doesn't seem to question the sudden fit of rage and proceeds to climb back on to Azula, sucking intensely on a clam shell.
ZUKO: But I haven't-
She grabs his wrist and stomps away. Her brother can only barely grab his broadswords.
AZULA: We'll find some food at the market.
AANG: What about our firebending lessons?
No response, as the two fire siblings walk off behind rocky hills. Appa walks over to Aang and nudges his side.
AANG: Why was I ever afraid of her?
SOKKA: Why was I ever afraid of him?
As the Matariki is "parked" in a tiny bay, Prince Sokka walks back and forth on the ship's deck.
SOKKA: You know Poko, rule number one of being a warrior is that failure is only temporary, and that no experience is bad experience!
Sokka looks around the deserted ship.
SOKKA: Poko? Poko, where are you?
He turns his head to rattling bushes, where Kenora, or Poko in Sokka's eyes, emerges. She is hastily tucking up her marine blue pants.
KENORA: Yes, Captain?
In her distress she accidentally forgets to lower her voice, though Sokka does not seem to notice.
SOKKA: Where did you come from? I need you on the ship!
KENORA: I was going to the bathroom, sir.
She gulps.
SOKKA: Oh, Poko...
He pats her back with more force than Kenora expected.
SOKKA: You see, a man doing his business is not something to be ashamed off, in fact, it is something to be shared with-
Kenora removes herself from his not-so-tender grip.
KENORA: Yeah, I just like my privacy.
SOKKA: Also understandable.
Kenora clears her throat, as if trying to get her captain back on track.
KENORA: Anyways, you needed me on-board for...
SOKKA: Oh, I actually need you off-board.
He slaps a piece of paper in her hand, a long list of items.
KENORA: Seal jerky? Fishing hooks?
She looks closer.
KENORA: How many nets?!
SOKKA: As junior private of the Matariki, your first, official mission is to go to a local market, to collect all the items on this shopping list. You will be needing...
He hands her over two large sacks.
KENORA: How are we going to pay for all this stuff?
SOKKA: Money isn't a problem for a royal prince, especially one tasked with finding the Avatar!
Silence.
KENORA: And?
SOKKA: I took some money from Gran-Gran.
He hands her a tiny sack with gold pieces. Kenora is shocked.
KENORA: You stole from your grandma?
SOKKA: Hey, that's Chief Mother to you! Now go and do your mission... stuff.
Kenora tries to organize all the items she received into one hand, holding the list in her other.
KENORA: Alright. What will you be doing?
Sokka stretches.
SOKKA: I will prepare myself for my next encounter with the Avatar.
He performs a number of strange fighting poses, accompanied by grunts.
KENORA: What about the Avatar's companions? Are they any dangerous?
He continues to perform weird movements.
SOKKA: Well, the boy has two broadswords, and the raven-haired girl is a firebender.
He continues to grunt.
KENORA: And you'll defeat them by...
She stares at him.
KENORA: Never mind.
A long, vibrant market stretches inside the not-so small village Azula and Zuko just entered. Pardon me, Azula, Zuko and Sabachi just entered. Several food stands are placed left and right, fabrics are sold, little trinkets and lucky charms, carpeting tools, and carpeting produce. Not many people are present, but enough to make quite the noise, and distract Azula from thinking straight. Sabachi, placed on her shoulder, is relatively quiet, as if it could sense that her means of transport is not in the mood for any more noise.
Zuko looks at some of the stands and vendors. Most of them look like they're Water Tribe, and all of those that do, stare at the siblings with content. Zuko slowly becomes nervous.
ZUKO: Azula, I think they're staring at us.
AZULA: Stupid wind-boy...
ZUKO: What?
Azula sighs very angrily.
AZULA: It's fine Zu-Zu, they've just never seen a lemur.
Sabachi looks up and purrs, as if asked something by a teacher while she wasn't paying attention.
AZULA: Alright, where do we find a little Fire Nation snack? I could go for some tofu sticks.
She turns right. Zuko, before following her, notices a couple selling fish whispering to each other, while keeping keen eye contact with the siblings. Or just him? He finally realizes what they are staring at, as he looks behind him to see the handles of his broadswords.
Dragging two stuffed sacks of supplies on the ground, Kenora tries her best to march through the marketplace without drawing too much attention. She looks at her list and strokes back her side hair, which is precisely when she realizes it needs to be cut shorter again.
KENORA: Fishhooks.
She taps her thigh while pondering where to go.
KENORA: Fish. Hooks.
MALE VENDOR: Fresh fish! Fresh trout salmon! Fresh clams!
KENORA: Bingo.
She slowly walks over to the vendor, who is situated by a corner.
KENORA: Can you tell me where I can find fishhooks?
The lisp intrigues the man.
MALE VENDOR: Well, hello young man. That's quite an interesting accent you go there.
Kenora forces herself to be nice.
KENORA: Oh, yeah, I'm from the colonies.
The male vendor hugs his wife with his massive arm.
MALE VENDOR: Us too, boy. Been living her since I was about your age, and by Sedni, it is a beautiful country.
Kenora is annoyed by the lack of answers, like where to buy fishhooks. The vendor's wife seems distressed.
KENORA: A lot of rocks, I suppose.
FEMALE VENDOR: Yes, it's beautiful, but I just can't with these natives.
Kenora raises an eyebrow.
KENORA: What natives?
FEMALE VENDOR: Oh, you know who I'm talking about.
Kenora switches from staring at the vendor to staring at the vendor's wife.
KENORA: No, I really don't
FEMALE VENDOR: It's those darn fire people! A plague, if you ask me!
Kenora is stunned.
MALE VENDOR: You have to forgive my wife, we have nothing against the natives, we just try to sell our fish and be happy.
FEMALE VENDOR: Oh, I have a problem with them, if they show up to our market with swords!
Kenora remembers.
KENORA: I'm sorry, did you say swords?
The vendor's wife nods.
KENORA: And was there a girl with them? Maybe with black hair?
MAKE VENDOR: Precisely.
Kenora puts the two giant sacks down and leans them against the fish stand with a look of determination.
KENORA: I'll pick this up later.
She addresses the female vendor.
KENORA: Where did they go?
Gouts of wind and fire pulsate from Aang's palms, fists and feet, as he tries to perform as many air and fire combos as he remembers. A vicious assault of blast, shot, swipe, sweep, kick and all the rest spreads across the little valley, hitting only rock. Not all the moves are performed with precision, after all, Aang is not really himself in age and physique, yet in spirit he remains. Much of the training he received was given to him by Zuko, his Zuko. Aang's hits and blows have a punching aura to them, it is what little remains of his war-torn self.
Appa notices this, grunting very audibly.
AANG: I'm sorry if I scared you, buddy.
He pets his bison friend.
AANG: Maybe I should stick to air, like I always wanted to.
Appa sniffs his head. Aang can't help but chuckle a bit. He walks a few steps away, just for safety.
AANG: Azula is strong. I know it. But she hasn't realized it yet.
He continues some basic air forms. Appa sits down and grunts. Aang's air blasts become stronger and stronger. He mumbles to himself.
AANG: Why am I still afraid of her?
Appa snorts.
Aang continues his airbending. In his mind he recapitulates Azula. The new Azula. But is she the real one? Images of Azula flash through his head, her opening up about herself, smiling at him as they embark on their journey to find the Golden City. Then suddenly, a blue flash. Blue flames. The face of a monster, laughing at him as she charges another lighting. Katara reaching out for him.
Aang screams in terror as he shoots a gigantic flame into the air, scaring the fur off of Appa. He calms down and falls on the rocky ground, chin placed on his knees. Appa runs towards him, seeing if he is okay.
AANG: No, Azula isn't like that. That's the old Azula.
His breath and heartbeat are intense, Appa trying to calm him down via cuddling.
AANG: It's okay. It's okay...
He cuddles back but can't quite recover.
AANG: I just wish I had my old friends to talk to.
SOKKA: OW!
The prince emits a painful grunt, after he accidentally hits the ship's mast with one of his intended air punches. He sighs.
SOKKA: What is taking him so long?
He picks up a bone spear and starts doing amateur practice swings with it.
SOKKA: Maybe I should go and-
Orange light flashes the ship and his face. Sokka looks to his left and sees a ball of fire in the distance, shooting up into the air. He smirks.
SOKKA: Or that.
Azula, Zuko and Sabachi have to go quite a way in order to reach a very small and remote-looking Fire Nation stand. The food stand is stuffed with all sorts of spicy things, its small roof built in the style of the Fire Nation. Azula runs towards it with excitement.
AZULA: Finally.
Zuko follows them while keeping an eye out for anyone. The woman working at the food stand is old and kind-looking.
FIRE VENDOR: Flameo! How can I help you?
Azula and Sabachi look over her assortment of flaming goods. This is when the vendor looks with excitement at the top of her head.
FIRE VENDOR: Oh, look at you young lady, that is a beautiful headpiece you got there.
AZULA: Thank you?
FIRE VENDOR: Is it a family heirloom?
Azula is not annoyed by the unnecessary conversation, quite the opposite actually.
AZULA: Yes, it is. Our great-grandfather gave it to our grandfather, who...
She pauses.
FIRE VENDOR: And?
AZULA: Who gave it to dad.
She seems a bit uneasy after mentioning her father, choosing to focus on the tofu sticks instead.
AZULA: Those are vegetarian, right?
The old lady ignores her question.
FIRE VENDOR: By Agni, if I didn't know any better, I would say that you're wearing a royal artifact.
Azula is speechless.
AZULA: Royal? I mean maybe, all this stuff is ancient history...
Zuko finally approaches the stand.
ZUKO: Azula, maybe we should get going.
Azula is taking out of it completely.
AZULA: Zu-Zu, what are you worried about? You bought clams here in the morning, right?
ZUKO: Yes, but I didn't carry my swords with me, and I think people are getting nervous.
As soon as he mentions and shows his weapons, the old lady completely loses it.
FIRE VENDOR: Oh no. You two need to leave. Now!
AZULA: What? What are you-
FIRE VENDOR: Go! NOW! Store is closed!
She waves them aside, provoking a short snarl from Sabachi, but eventually, the siblings comply.
AZULA: What is her deal?
ZUKO: Azula, I-
KENORA: Hold it!
The three characters, four including Sabachi, find themselves in a hexagon-shaped crossing. Barrels of liquid stand in the corner, Kenora taking note of that.
Zuko draws his blades, gaining him some gasps from spectators.
ZUKO: We don't want any trouble!
AZULA: You are holding swords.
ZUKO: Azula!
Kenora takes on a fighting stance, though Azula can determine that it is not a very professional one. She steps forward, Sabachi jumping on to Zuko's head.
AZULA: And who are you?
KENORA: I am... I am here to capture you, in the name of the Crown Prince!
The crowd gasps again.
ZUKO: Is she talking about Sokka?
AZULA: Was that the one wearing a cape?
The enemy is distracted – this is Kenora's chance. She awkwardly bends water from one of the barrels and flings it at Azula, who can, with little energy, just dodge it. The water splashes on to the ground in a pathetic manner.
KENORA: I did not think ahead.
GENDARME 1: Hold it!
Two much quicker and more precise blasts of water shoot at the fire siblings, disarming them and knocking them to the ground. Sabachi flies away before getting wet herself.
Two gendarmes show up, both equipped with water pouches and with much more professional fighting capabilities. The surrounding spectators cheer.
GENDARME 2: What are native kids with weapons doing out here, when you should be in school?
Azula gets up soaked and furious.
AZULA: I don't go to school you idiot-
She catches a smack of water right to her face, Kenora is shocked. The other gendarme bends water to freeze their hands together, while his colleague confiscates Zuko's broadswords.
GENDARME 2: We'll bring you right back to school, where you belong.
Azula, in a stroke of blunt defiance, gets up.
AZULA: And if we refuse?
Gendarme 2 leans in and very aggressively grabs her chin.
GENDARME 2: Then you will join your kind in the mines.
He lets go and takes the siblings down one of the alleys. Azula takes note of the information and looks over to her very distressed-looking brother.
ZUKO (whispering): Azula, do something!
AZULA (whispering): We're outmatched. We just have to wait for the right moment.
As the second gendarme brings the siblings away, the first one approaching Kenora, who is still a bit baffled and overwhelmed.
GENDARME 1: That was very heroic of you, boy.
KENORA: What? Yeah, I mean, I'm actually just-
GENDARME 1: Skipping school is normally met with punishment, but pursuing two violent natives takes guts.
He gives her a very rough pat on the shoulder.
GENDARME 1: Come on, I'll escort you back myself.
Kenora has other plans. Her supplies and money are still at the fish vendor, but nevertheless she is also outmatched. She decides to comply.
KENORA: Sure thing... sir.
The gendarme addresses the spectators.
GENDARME 1: Hey everybody, give a round of applause for our little hero right here!
All of the Water Tribe settlers give a round of applause for Kenora, who can't quite handle being taken to a school against her own will and all the positive attention. Her reaction is a very humbling blush.
Stirring the cooled-down pot of awful-smelling clams, Aang ponders what to do next. Consciously, he has decided to trust this Azula, he has even started taking a liking to her. But in his subconscious, the pain and the wounds of his past, while non-present on his younger body, are still etched into his mind.
While pondering about all this, he realizes...
AANG: Where the heck are they?
Appa emits a tired grunt.
AANG: Maybe they've been gone for so long because Azula is still mad at me.
A squeaking screech sounds into the valley. Aang looks up in response, spotting the tiny-eared Sabachi flying towards him and landing on the ground, running around in circles like a bee describing the location of nectar.
AANG: That can't be good.
Sabachi screeches again, running behind, then on top of Appa, who starts growling towards Aang. Aang turns around and realizes someone is standing behind him.
SOKKA: That was easier than I thought.
Whatever Aang was thinking just now evaporates.
Act II. – Hard-earned lessons
SOKKA: Did you think I wouldn't find you here, Avatar?
Aang is frozen on the spot. He instinctively assumes a fighting pose but is unable to move. His animal companions behind him are freaking out.
SOKKA: I've been on your tail ever since you left that excuse of an island. You could say I used my natural instincts.
AANG: Sokka...
Sokka points at his eyes with index and middle finger, then points at Aang and the animals.
SOKKA: Water Tribes.
Aang suddenly snaps back.
AANG: We don't have to do this. Capturing me won't restore your honor!
Aang flinches at his own spoiler. Sokka is equally baffled.
SOKKA: Who said anything about my honor? I do this for sport! Now...
He points his bone spear at the Avatar.
SOKKA: We can do this the easy way, or-
A blast of wind smashes Sokka against the rocks behind him, knocking him out for sure. Aang turns around and sees Appa making usage of his hind legs. He now realizes that his bison blew the attacker away, saving his life. Appa gets back on his six feet and grunts at Aang, as if he is offended by his inaction.
The gendarme comes to a hold. Kenora looks ahead and spots the fancy entrance gate, on it are the words "Mai Sa Lu education and re-education center".
KENORA: "Re-education?"
GENDARME 1: Oh, it's just bureaucratic language.
He points down the path to their left, which leads down a steep hill and into a corner.
GENDARME 1: The natives enter that way. They have a right to education too. We as the civilized folk have to take... certain precautions.
KENORA: Like?
GENDARME 1: Oh, nothing you have to worry about.
He finally looks at her more closely.
GENDARME 1: Sorry if I ask, but you are a boy, right?
Kenora scoffs nervously.
KENORA: Uh, yeah, of course. Why would you ask?
She punches him playfully in his arm.
GENDARME 1: Sorry if I offended you, I just wanted to make sure there are no creeps trying to sneak into a bathroom they don't belong.
KENORA (nervously): Yeah. Right.
GENDARME 1: Anyways, I think you're new here, so, good luck!
He waves her goodbye and walks away. Kenora waits until he is gone.
KENORA: I could just leave.
She ponders for a moment.
KENORA: Or... maybe I'll find some useful info.
She taps her foot on the brick road.
KENORA: Yeah. That'll... probably help us.
She walks up the road to the building.
KENORA: Probably.
GENDARME 2: Here we are.
The gendarme opens a small steel gate and enters. He is still holding Zuko's broadswords.
GENDARME 2: Wait here.
AZULA: And if we don't?
He bends both their hands towards a stone wall, freezing them solid. He then enters. Azula can hear a conversation with a woman.
ZUKO (whisper): This would be a great opportunity to bend fire.
AZULA (whisper): No. We need information.
ZUKO (whisper): Are you serious?!
AZULA (whisper): That guy threatened to put me somewhere "with my kind". Maybe he means other firebenders.
ZUKO (whisper): Maybe he means six feet underground! Come on, this is crazy!
AZULA (whisper): Think Zuko! We have no leads on where the Golden City is, or where we can find other benders! This is the best place to get information!
Zuko hesitates to answer.
ZUKO (whisper): I'm not sure about that...
Azula grunts.
AZULA (whisper): Of course not.
ZUKO (whisper): There's a reason Iroh never sent us off to a Water Tribe school-
ZHENGYI: What are you two whispering about?
They flinch, as they see the old, timber lady with black hair and glasses standing beside them.
AZULA: Who are you?
Zhengyi pulls Azula up with her ice restrains, stretching her to full size. Azula screams in pain. Every word out of the old woman's mouth is cold and monotone.
ZHENGYI: Stand up straight when a superior is talking to you.
Zhengyi lets go. Both their ice handcuffs melt. The gendarme walks behind her.
ZHENGYI: My name is Professor Zhengyi. This officer of the law has informed me that you two are troublemakers intending to cause harm.
AZULA: We weren't harming anyone-
She puts a frozen restraint on her mouth. Zuko watches in horror.
ZHENGYI: Natives are not to disrespect their superiors.
She melts the restraint, further infuriating Azula. The gendarme leaves.
ZHENGYI: Normally, two savages like you would be rotting in a jail cell, but out of the kindness of my heart, I have decided to allow you to participate in my class. Is that understood?
Zuko helps Azula get up on her feet.
ZHENGYI: I said, is that understood?
Azula, wet and reluctant, nods. So does her brother.
ZHENGYI: Good. Follow me.
She walks ahead to the shady-looking entrance. Zuko exchanges scared looks with his sister, his arm still around her.
ZUKO (quietly): I hope this is worth it.
Sokka grunts in pain. He scratches the back of his head, as it is suffering from the most amount of pain.
SOKKA: What...
He slowly opens his eyes. Before him, in a meditative position, sits the Avatar.
He screams in shock.
SOKKA: Please don't kill me!
He covers his face. Aang remains calm. His animal companions remain confused.
AANG: I am not going to hurt you.
The prince sits up, then gets up on his feet. The animals, mostly Appa, prepare for attack.
SOKKA: What is you plan, Avatar?
AANG: I just want to talk.
Sokka emits a distinctly fake-sounding laugh.
SOKKA: Sure. Just "talk". And then what? Stab me in the back?
AANG: Airbenders don't practice violence.
Sokka looks up at the growling bison.
AANG: Appa however, does not seem to like your presence.
The growling becomes louder.
AANG: So, you might land in the ocean, or you can sit down and talk with me.
Sokka scratches his non-existent beard. He sighs and sits down.
SOKKA: Alright Avatar. Let's talk.
Aang takes a deep breath.
The door closes and a room full of teenagers stare at Kenora. The head teacher with a mustache seems to be confused about the situation.
TEACHER: Who are you?
Kenora panics, as she realizes she has no plan.
KENORA: Uh, well...
The teacher gets up, hands behind his back.
ZHENGYI: That young man stopped two natives from running amuck.
Kenora looks behind herself, spotting a weird old lady and the two fire-people she tried to capture earlier. They all exchange awkward looks. Not the raven-haired girl, she just looks angry. What was her name again? Azulon?
TEACHER: Ah, that's great to hear.
The teacher looks confused.
TEACHER: And... what are you doing here, Professor?
ZHENGYI: I wanted to congratulate our hero myself.
She knocks on her chest, the traditional Water Tribe greeting. Kenora knocks back on her own, with rather weak hands, Azula notices.
ZHENGYI: I'm sorry for interrupting. I am on my way now.
She closes the door again and leaves. Kenora looks back at the class. The teacher suddenly seems quite joyful.
TEACHER: I guess, we all owe you gratitude...
KENORA: Poko.
TEACHER: Well, in the name of Mai Sa Lu, thank you for helping out!
He commences another round of applause, which the students follow with quite a bit of enthusiasm, not what Kenora expected. She is once again flattered. Eventually, the clapping subsides.
TEACHER: Anyway Poko, you are new here, sit down wherever it's free.
She follows his commands, sitting down next to a large boy with beard stubbles.
TEACHER: Alright, let's get back to our history lesson. Who can tell me the strategy that Vice-Chief Bryke used when battling the Air nomad troops in the south?
The large boy, Juri, leans in on Kenora and whispers.
JURI (whispering): Hey bro, I think that was pretty rad what you did to those criminals.
He extends his fist in a motion Kenora does not quite understand.
KENORA (whispering): Thanks, appreciate it-
TEACHER: Hey you two in the back, please pay attention.
Kenora is scared straight. Juri seems to largely ignore the request, although he retracts his fist.
TEACHER: Anyway, yes Shi'i, it was a simple pincer movement...
Juri leans in again.
JURI (whispering): Wanna do seaweed later?
Kenora looks left and right, head static.
KENORA (quietly): Sure.
Zhengyi walks the siblings quite a distance, away from the nice-looking part of the school to something much scabbier. Azula desperately needs to get her thoughts off her chest but is unable to do so. In shame she admits to herself - she is scared to do so.
ZHENGYI: Your kind is usually not allowed in the primary part of the building, remember that.
They turn right.
ZHENGYI: Tell me your names.
Zuko hesitates.
AZULA: My name is Zhila, and this is my brother Iroh.
Zhengyi smiles.
ZHENGYI: Those are the kind of manners I expect from a civilized, young girl.
AZULA: Thank you. And I apologize for causing you and your community harm earlier.
Azula performs a bow and hand gesture typical with Fire Nation tradition. Zhengyi does not turn around but can clearly be seen smiling.
ZHENGYI: What about you, Iroh?
Azula hits him gently with her elbow right on time.
ZUKO: Me? Oh, what about me?
ZHENGYI: You were the one carrying swords, correct?
ZUKO: Yeah, I...
Azula flares his eyes at him.
ZUKO: We... come from a small island. Lots of wilderness, I usually carry my broadswords with me. Yeah.
Azula looks unsatisfied with the bad lie.
ZHEGNYI: Weapons like these will not be necessary in Mai Sa Lu, nor in this establishment. Understood?
Azula gestures he should nod now, which he does.
ZHENGYI: This will be your classroom.
She opens a door to a sad-looking, dingy chamber, equipped with timid-looking students.
ZHENGYI: There's a seat situated in the back. You can take it.
Both siblings intend to go.
ZHENGYI: I was talking to Iroh.
Azula stops.
ZHENGYI: You will be seated right here, in front if my desk.
Azula is using all her might to hold back.
AZULA: Fine with me.
She follows Zhengyi's command and sits down, right in front of her desk, the teacher also placing herself into her seat. Zuko, in the background, looks forward with a comically nervous expression.
Zhengyi takes off her glasses. Everyone in the class seems terrified.
ZHENGYI: Zhila.
Azula, trying to poker face, is genuinely scared, and unwilling to admit it. She leans forward and places her fingers at the front of her desk.
ZHENGYI: Tell me Zhila, what country do you live in?
Azula scoffs.
AZULA: The Water Tribe.
ZHENGYI: Wrong.
Zhengyi bends a bubble of water from her drawer, creating a long, icy ruler.
ZHENGYI: Who knows the correct answer?
At first nobody raises their hand. Then, Zuko does. Zhengyi nods.
ZUKO: The Confederation of Water Tribes.
Azula looks back and fries her brother with her eyes. Figuratively. Zuko gestures "I don't know why I shouldn't" back.
ZHENGYI: Correct.
She swipes her hand and the frozen ruler smacks against Azula's fingers, making her screech and pull back.
ZHENGYI: Put your fingers back on the desk, Zhila.
Azula, tears in her eyes, complies. Every muscle in her body is preventing her from blasting the old woman's face.
ZHENGYI: Next question. Name all the provinces within our great nation.
Azula starts shaking, her lips tremble.
ZHENGYI: Iroh, go ahead and tell us.
Zuko hesitates.
ZUKO: I... I don't-
ZHENGYI: Yes, you do. Go ahead.
Azula looks back at her brother, her heart racing. Zuko does not know what to do or say.
ZUKO: Uh... well, there's the North and South Pole-
Another hit. Azula whimpers in pain. Zuko clenches his fists.
ZHENGYI: Go on.
He sighs. His voice is trembling.
ZUKO: The Crescent Archipelago...
Another hit. Tears run down his sister's face.
ZHENGYI: Yes?
ZUKO: The Ember Archipelago...
Another hit. Zuko closes his eyes.
ZUKO: The Southern Islands...
Zuko hears another hit and his sister crying out loud. Tears run down his face as well.
ZHENGYI: And?
ZUKO (teary): Omashu.
The last hit. No sound from Azula, who is in tears. Her fingers are bleeding.
ZHENGYI: Thank you.
Zuko emits a silent cry of pain.
ZHENGYI: Many of my brothers and sisters within the colonies believe that you fire people are savages.
She gets up and addresses the entire class. Azula starts breaking down completely.
ZHENGYI: I for myself think peaceful co-existence is possible, not for those cursed with fire of course.
Zuko takes a mental note, in case Azula can't right now, which he guesses she cannot.
ZHENGYI: But for the rest...
She smiles devilishly at Azula.
ZHENGYI: All they require is a little discipline.
Sokka stirs the clam cauldron, the water inside has turned cold again, and the stench disgusts him deeply.
AANG: Are you hungry?
The airbender is still sitting on the ground. Sokka doesn't know what to make of him. He can't leave, since the boy's bison-shaped bouncer is watching him closely. But he's not really interested in a conversation either. He crosses his arms, staring at Aang from behind. He could easily knock out the boy in his mind, but what would his next move be? He sits down in front of Aang, frustrated that the situation requires more wit than he usually needs to do show.
SOKKA: How about this...
AANG: I'm all ears.
The prince is still irritated by his enemy's cooperation.
SOKKA: You obviously want information. So why don't we trade?
Aang smiles, surprising Sokka even more.
AANG: What do you want to know?
Sokka clears his throat and sits down in front of Aang.
SOKKA: Well, tell me your name.
AANG: Aang.
Sokka strokes his chin.
SOKKA: That was easy.
AANG: My turn. Why do you want to capture me?
Sokka relaxes slightly.
SOKKA: It's nothing personal, you know. It's more of a prestige thing.
AANG: Prestige?
SOKKA: Oh, you wouldn't get it, it's a Water Tribes thing.
Aang remains intrigued.
SOKKA: So. The Avatar...
He leans forward.
SOKKA: How did you survive for all this time? 100 years ago you vanished from this Earth. How?
AANG: I got stuck in a volcano.
Sokka is baffled.
AANG: Used airbending to cover myself and... then I just remember...
He pictures waking up in the arms of Azula, realizing now that it is a pleasant memory to him.
AANG: Then I just woke up.
SOKKA: Hm...
AANG: My turn. You're a prince, right?
Sokka scoffs.
SOKKA: I am the prince.
Aang rolls over his eyes. His Sokka had a certain type of temper that, handled well, which it was, could be quite enjoyable. But this Sokka feels different to him.
AANG: Anyways, you are prince of the... Water.. Lord?
Aang feels slight embarrassment as the prince starts laughing.
SOKKA: You are quite funny, Avatar.
This he wanted to hear.
SOKKA: My father is the Great Chief, which makes him just about the most important person around these parts. You should remember that for when I capture you and present you as a gift.
Aang did not want to hear that.
SOKKA: Again, nothing personal.
He rubs his hands in excitement.
SOKKA: So... those bison...
He looks up at Appa in terror and immediately regrets it, as the beast growls at him.
AANG: What about them?
SOKKA: Do you have multiple of these? And can they all fly?
Aang just now realizes the kind of questions Sokka is asking. He, in a rush of excitement, expected this Sokka to comply in his game of "Let's just talk". These aren't questions of curiosity. They are questions of strategy.
AANG: Uh... no. And yes, technically they all can. You would know if-
It dawns on him. Sokka is fighting for the side that killed the bison. That killed most of the airbenders. Not all, which is a blessing in his heart, but enough to wipe them off the map. He can feel his stomach turn.
SOKKA: Come on. Your turn.
Aang can no longer pretend to be stern. He may not get an opportunity like this again.
AANG: Do you have a sister?
Please say no, he thinks to himself.
SOKKA: Yes. How did you know? Then again, you did guess my name...
AANG: Are you two close?
SOKKA: My turn. How good at firebending is your-
AANG: I said, are you close?
Sokka is angered by his interruption, but participates nonetheless.
SOKKA: Well, not really. She had her girl-stuff, I was off to be a warrior. We haven't spoken in a while.
AANG: Why?
SOKKA: Hey, you already had two questions in a row! Plus, you wouldn't get it, it's a sibling thing, and your parents are nomads or something.
Aang feels repulsion. He has been patient with this Sokka. While still enemy, he hoped to ignite the spark of friendship within him that seemed to be missing.
But his patience starts to dwindle.
AANG: Were.
Sokka looks around the valley.
SOKKA: Where?
AANG: No. They were nomads. But the Water Tribe killed them. Like most of my people.
Sokka scoffs and gets up.
SOKKA: Don't be dramatic, you sound like a woman.
Aang gets up too, now angry.
AANG: They were killed Sokka, slaughtered by your soldiers 100 years ago!
SOKKA: They weren't "slaughtered". They tried to stop our progress and we defended ourselves.
AANG: THAT'S A LIE!
SOKKA: Don't get mad at the truth, buddy. I thought nomads are totally peaceful and stuff.
Aang's body is on fire. He looks at Sokka, no, this Sokka with much different eyes now.
SOKKA: I have another question for you. How did you know my name, Avatar?
Aang breaks down in fear. What is he supposed to say now? Should he just spill the beans? Will that turn Sokka to his side?
AANG: This can't be happening...
Sokka quietly picks up his spear again.
AANG: Why is he different?
Sokka halts.
SOKKA: What?
Before another human can make an irrational decision, the bison flings its beaver-like tail in Sokka's general direction, smacking him against rock to his left, knocking him out again. This time Appa does not rush to comfort, Sabachi remaining on his horn with fear.
Azula sits in the corner of the dry playground. The small patch of outdoor grass is in a visibly worse condition than what the Water Tribe children are treated with. Zuko only looks up the hill, seeing a metal fence, clearly separating their turf from the elevated one, with a forest in the background. He takes a sharp look around. The native, or simply Fire Nation children, are standing together in small packs, whispering, as to not draw anyone's attention. A more dark-skinned boy, Yen Chi, walks over to him, speaking up with a timid voice.
YEN CHI: I'm... really sorry about what happened to you and your sister.
Zuko has to actively focus his senses on the interaction. Only now does he realize the sweat running down his temples, and the high-pitched ringing in his ears.
ZUKO: What?
YEN CHI: You two shouldn't have walked around with swords, man. That's the kind of stuff that gets you into trouble.
Zuko's mind sharpens.
ZUKO: What are you talking about? We don't even go to school here - we don't even live here. Don't blame us!
Zuko turns away. Yen Chi simply shrugs.
YEN CHI: Whatever, man. Those swords are gone now, for sure.
ZUKO: We'll get them back. This was a terrible idea.
YEN CHI: What idea? Whose idea?
Yen Chi seems irritated, yet Zuko is unable to answer, simply staring at his little sister in the corner, huddled together, sitting on the floor and not moving an inch. He had never seen her like this, ever. Even when their dad left - even when their mother was killed - never had Zuko seen Azula as disturbed as this. The feeling of guilt weighs down on him like the clothes on a drowning man.
YEN CHI: So, if you two don't live here, why are you here? Are you spies?
Yen Chi scoffs in shock, Zuko raising his eyebrows as the boy leans in.
YEN CHI (quietly): Are you with the Resistance?
Zuko is confused, and frankly not in the mind space for this discussion. He sighs.
ZUKO: Sure.
Yen Chi's pupils dilate. He gasps.
YEN CHI: Oh, my Agni...
ZUKO: Yeah, can we just-
YEN CHI: Listen, my name is Yen Chi, and I want to join. I can fight!
ZUKO: No, what? Listen, I-
This is where Zuko catches himself mid-breath. Azula is clearly not in any condition to assist him right now, and he would never ask that of her after what happened today. He can't rely on her usually quick thinking. He decides to... practice her strategy.
ZUKO: Yen Chi?
YEN CHI: Yes?
ZUKO: Listen very carefully, I need you to do something for me.
YEN CHI: Anything!
Zuko is slightly repulsed.
ZUKO: Uh, well, I need information on a place called the Golden City.
Yen Chi shushes him.
ZUKO: What?
They move to a corner, both boys whisper.
YEN CHI (whisper): The Golden City is a myth.
ZUKO (whisper): Is it? No, it has to be a real place. That's where the other firebenders are.
Yen Chi thinks for a moment.
YEN CHI (whisper): That makes sense. I always thought that all of them go to work in the mines.
A shiver runs down Zuko's spine.
ZUKO: M... mines?
YEN CHI: Yeah, it's tough. Every time we hear about a new firebender, next thing we know they disappear. Makes sense to have them work in those heavy jobs. Ironclad warships need fire to be made...
ZUKO: That's terrible.
He shakes his head. Azula sits not far away from them. Did she hear that? Never mind, Zuko thinks to himself.
ZUKO: That's not important right now. Yen Chi, we need to find out where the Golden City is.
YEN CHI: But how?
Zuko ponders for a moment. Looking at the ugly building with miserable children standing in front of does not seem to be of much use. Then he turns left, spotting the much cleanlier and bigger school, with the laughter of children sounding from the other side of the iron fence. A cartoonish flame pops over Zuko's head, since light bulbs are not a thing.
ZUKO: You need to distract the others for me.
YEN CHI: Got it!
He runs into the middle of the playground, announcing himself to the other kids and a random supervision teacher.
YEN CHI: Guys! I think a humming bee got into my pants!
He rolls on the ground, attracting everyone's attention.
ZUKO: That was easy.
He runs up the hill. Azula listens closely to the whole thing unfolding. Her eyes are wide open, and her pouchy face reeks of revenge.
Kenora walks by playful children on a large, open playground, with many kids of varying ages. She notices the trend of girls being what she calls cliche, hanging around in small patches, whispering to each other and occasionally giggling. Some even looking at her while doing so.
KENORA (mumbling to herself): I hope they don't notice...
GUY: Hey! You're that hero, right?
Kenora flinches slightly at the buff trio of dudes with perfect teeth, coming over to her, having to look down since she's shorter, and giving her all this positive attention.
GUY 2: I heard you flung a wave at some dude and froze his face!
The guys laugh at their own humor. Kenora only remembers just how brutal the arrests seemed to be. Surely, she was intending to take them into custody herself, but not like that. Then again, that's what happens when your target tries to fight back. Kenora attempts the deepest pitch she can conjure.
KENORA: Yeah, that was totally awesome. I even got applause from the... people there.
The guys gasp.
GUY: Awesome!
They all do a more stylized version of the chest-greeting. They then walk away and leave her alone. A group of girls to her right giggle, one of them speaks up.
GIRL: Hey Poko...
Kenora blushes and quickly walks away, while the girls behind her laugh.
She walks almost a minute before reaching the end on the precinct. In front of a large tree, two guys and a girl, one of the guys wearing round glasses, are reading from a giant book. They look up as they see Kenora.
JURI: Hey you nerds, read your books elsewhere.
The kids leave. Juri extends his fist to Kenora, who now knows to knock back.
JURI: That was weak. Give me a tough one.
He extends his hand again, this time Kenora tries putting more force into it - and it shows.
JURI: That's what I'm talking about.
He walks around the tree, Kenora follows. Sitting down, they are pretty invisible to the rest of the yard, especially the supervision teacher. Juri sits down and shows Kenora a small sack.
JURI: You want some?
KENORA: Oh, I don't know. Maybe just... one bite?
Five minutes later. Juri and Kenora both sit next to each other, the two of them looking very relaxed, talking in a slightly slurred manner.
KENORA: You know, and, like, it's like, what even is honor, you know? Like, can you touch it?
JURI: Woah...
Kenora gently caresses his, arguably very strong-looking forearm.
KENORA: Can I touch you?
JURI: I can touch me.
Zuko emerges from the small, bushy forest, lingering behind the Water Tribe part of the school. He sees strange, much happier looking kids in the distance and-
JURI: Look! It's a forest spirit!
Zuko looks right ahead and adapts a cartoonish expression.
KENORA: Oh my Sedni, I was trying to catch a spirit - of COURSE that's why it didn't work!
Zuko sneaks up to the tree carefully, as not to be spotted. He shushes Kenora.
KENORA: I'm sorry...
JURI: Are you two friends?
ZUKO: What? No, we're not. I just need to-
KENORA: No, we are not. I don't have friends.
Kenora suddenly becomes very quiet.
KENORA: I don't have friends...
Kenora looks at Juri.
KENORA: Are we friends?
Juri nods obnoxiously.
JURI: Of course.
Zuko slaps his forehead.
KENORA: You're so sweet...
ZUKO: Alright.
He grabs Juri, pulls him up and pushes him against the tree, holding his hand against his chest so that he won't not walk away or fall over.
ZUKO: Go and distract the supervision teacher or I'll tell them you ate...
Zuko smells him.
ZUKO: ...whatever. Go!
JURI: Okay.
Juri slowly lumbers away from the tree, not before waving Kenora goodbye.
JURI: Bye friend. I need to pee.
He stumbles away as Kenora waves back. Zuko now grabs her and pushes her against the tree, also holding his hand against her chest.
ZUKO: Listen, you got us into this, so you...
Zuko shuts down. He holds out his hand an inch in front of her chest. She bobs back into his palm and Zuko flinches, pulling his arm away immediately.
ZUKO: What was that?
KENORA: Oh, just my boobs.
Silence. Kenora snaps halfway back.
KENORA: Oh, no no no no no no no no no no. No. NO.
ZUKO: Uh-
KENORA: I was joking! I was joking! That was the seaweed!
As she freaks out her voice drastically rises in pitch, not helping her situation one bit.
ZUKO: You're a girl.
Kenora clenches her fist, desperately trying to downplay a panic attack.
KENORA: I was so close to three months. I can NEVER eat that seaweed again...
ZUKO: Who else knows?
KENORA: Nobody! Do you know how hard women have it in the Water Tribes?!
Zuko loses his patience.
ZUKO: Alright, whatever. Let's make a deal.
The stress seems to have catapulted Kenora completely back to normal.
KENORA: I'm sorry I got you arrested. I mean not really, we are technically still trying to catch you, but not like this!
She shudders a bit.
KENORA: I heard something happened to the raven-haired girl.
Zuko quiets down for a moment.
ZUKO: It's none of your business.
He pushes her against the tree again, this time using his elbows and hitting her shoulder.
ZUKO: You are going to help us, or I'll tell everyone who you really are.
KENORA: What do you need help with? Escaping? You know you can just leave and not come back tomorrow!
He pushes a bit harder. Thinking about what they did to Azula has given him a bit more rage that is probably necessary.
ZUKO: I am not asking for an escape plan!
Kenora tries to loosen his grip, without success.
ZUKO: I need you to help us break into a classroom.
KENORA: Just use the door-
ZUKO: Your classrooms.
Kenora is listening closely.
MALE VENDOR: It's going to start rotting or something.
The fish vendor looks confused at Kenora's giant bags of supplies.
MALE VENDOR: Honey, we still have a salt tank left, right?
The female vendor's screechy voice echoes from inside the store.
FEMALE VENDOR: No! And I know what you're thinking!
MALE VENDOR: Come on, only a night! We'll sell the supplies tomorrow afternoon if he doesn't show up!
He awaits the response.
FEMALE VENDOR: Fine.
The husband does a tiny "victory pose", then proceeds to move Kenora's bags inside.
MALE VENDOR: Where in the world is that boy?
Sokka wakes up once again. This time the pain in his head is much bigger, the additional burning heat is not helping in this scenario. He tries to get up, quickly realizing he is tied up on the ground with rope. Where did the Avatar even get rope? He wiggles around a bit with no effect. He finally spots the boy, who kneels over the cauldron of clams and pokes the embers with a stick.
SOKKA: New strategy, huh? Very clever.
No response. Sokka can barely keep his eyes open with the burning afternoon sun. All of a sudden, he realizes the blinding light is coming from somewhere else. He looks at a tiny leather bag next to the bison and spots his silver boomerang, reflecting the sunlight against him.
SOKKA (mumbling to himself): Always coming back to me.
Like a goofy caterpillar, he tries to sneak towards the weapon. Either Aang does not notice or does not care. Or both. The charade is ultimately interrupted when three people walk over a hill and into the valley.
ZUKO: I'm sorry we took so long.
Aang turns around grumpy.
AANG: I've been waiting for hours here-
He stops talking as soon as he sees. On Zuko's right, a prisoner of sorts. A very young-looking boy who wears blue Water Navy clothing, to his right a frightened-looking Azula. For a moment he feels happy. Maybe this new Zuko isn't useless after all. In his old world, Zuko was a resourceful, reliable asset to the team, and a good friend. Maybe this new one could achieve something similar.
Then he takes a closer look at Azula. Her posture lacks the usual confidence, slouched and tired. He sees her fingers, where gaping red wounds mark a line all across except for her thumbs. Her face is puffy and bleak. Man, what he would give to see the old Azula like this. But not this Azula.
AANG: What happened? Where were you?
AZULA: We got intel.
Her voice seems tired and raspy. Zuko reacts shocked, indicating that this is the first time she has said a word in a long while.
AZULA: And a mission.
ZUKO: No, Azula, you are not going back there. You stay here to rest.
Too much information for Aang's mental sponge, which is two thirds soaked in feelings of betrayal from a much less friendly Sokka. And now he has to look at Kenora, who Aang can't quite put in a box.
AANG: Why did you bring a child?
KENORA: I'm fourteen!
AANG: Really?
Aang would have guessed eight or nine. Then again, he would be too tall for that age, only further confusing Aang.
AANG: And why are you here?
KENORA: Why is Sokka here?
Aang turns around, it's too late. Sokka has freed himself with the help of, now Zuko's, boomerang. He kicks the embers towards Appa, who jumps away in fear. Kenora uses the moment, spotting the cauldron, and bending the clam-water from within, forming a semi-stable bubble in front of her. Azula and Zuko assume combat stances. Aang now notices Zuko is disarmed.
SOKKA: Alright...
Everyone looks at each other with tense eyes. Appa still refuses to cross the tiny, but to him dangerous-looking line of fire.
SOKKA: I think we should all just relax.
A single tear of sweat runs down Aang's face. How could he have let this happen? He shares a look with Azula and Zuko. Holy smokes Azula looks disturbed, he thinks to himself. In all honesty, he likes moments like these. Displays of weakness from his archenemy. A murderous psychopath in his world. Then he looks down at her fingers and snaps back to reality. This is Azula. Azula. The word creates a weird echo in his mind. Azula? Azula?
AZULA: Aang, focus.
A cold remark, which he follows.
SOKKA: Right, let's talk about conditions.
ZUKO: I say you help us, and we let you go.
SOKKA: Oh, you will let us go?
ZUKO: Yes, you and your friend.
Kenora start getting nervous.
KENORA: Maybe we should help just this once.
SOKKA: What?! Are you crazy?!
ZUKO: Yeah, listen to him, he's a real clever boy.
Kenora regains her confidence.
KENORA: Don't push it.
Azula starts analyzing the situation. Sokka, only equipped with a boomerang and surrounded by two beings capable of creating blasts of wind. And then there's a slim waterbender-boy, who in her mind kind of looks like a girl. His stance is terrible, the liquid he plans to use for attack unstable and shaky, with clams falling out. She chooses her target.
A gout of flames shoots at Kenora, who blocks with the clam water. While not being injured, the amateur flames are strong enough to knock her back. As Sokka is about to intervene Aang catches a nod from Azula. The embers. With a sweeping motion he blows the dying flames away from Appa, who roars in his might and prepares an attack against Sokka, who looks back a fatal last time.
SOKKA: Not again...
The bison blows the boy off his feet and into Kenora, who only just got up. They both lie on the ground, Azula standing over them with a flame in her hand. Aang knows this is not a terribly dangerous fire, but the effect is still there.
AZULA: Don't move.
KENORA (under her breath): Get off.
AZULA: You two are going to help us.
Aang and Zuko exchange looks. Aang is still standing in the same spot, while Zuko has made an effort to calm down Appa.
SOKKA: And if we refuse-
A blast of fire shots at his face. Had he not dodged it, he would look like Bato now.
AZULA: Like my brother said- you'll help us, and we'll let you go.
Every word out of her mouth was cold and terrifying. This is more like old Azula. Or other Azula? Aang aborts the train of thought before it leaves the station. His main focus is on the Azula right in front of him now.
Later that night, the campfire illuminates the small valley in its yellow-orange light. Kenora and Sokka are tied to each other back-to-back, guarded closely by Appa.
SOKKA: Should we wait until the thing is asleep?
Appa growls, as if he knew what they said. Kenora stares at a little patch of grass in front of her.
KENORA: I think our best course of action is to play along and wait for the right opportunity. Then we'll use their own strategy against them.
Sokka scoffs in a very upbeat manner.
SOKKA: Spoken like a true waterbender.
KENORA: What?
SOKKA: Oh, I never learned the whole splash-magic, but my sister did. I think she said waterbending is about stuff like that. Using a thing against another thing, and so on.
Kenora is satisfied.
SOKKA: What were you doing in that school by the way?
Kenora shrugs very relaxed.
KENORA: What were you doing with the Avatar?
Sokka sighs.
SOKKA: Wasting my time.
She feels his disappointment.
KENORA: It wasn't all for nothing. You learned more about the Avatar than anyone in a hundred years. I learned more about the Water Tribes than in three months of dockyard work.
Sokka nods.
SOKKA: That's true, I am amazing.
KENORA: Well, maybe not-
SOKKA: You're alright Poko. Maybe I'll promote you to private helmsman.
She smiles.
KENORA: Thanks.
SOKKA: And you deserve your bathroom privacy.
Suddenly, Kenora's facial expression shifts.
KENORA: That reminds me...
She looks towards Zuko, who feeds Sabachi some fruit taken from Sokka's rations.
KENORA: Zuzo!
Zuko looks at her with a confused expression. This is normally the kind of thing that amuses Azula, but his sister is currently nowhere to be found.
ZUKO: Are you talking to me?
SOKKA: Uh, I think his name is Zuko, Poko.
Zuko has to snicker.
ZUKO: "Poko"?
Kenora rolls her eyes.
KENORA: Just come over here please...
Zuko follows her request.
ZUKO: What is it?
KENORA: Can you tie us up separately?
Zuko crosses his hands.
ZUKO: Why?
KENORA: I need to pee.
She stares directly into his eyes, signaling him with her expression that this is an adequate request.
SOKKA: Give the man his privacy!
Kenora's eyes reek of desperation. Staring at Zuko she mouths "Please". Zuko sighs.
ZUKO: Fine. But if this is an escape attempt, I will drop you off of Appa.
He unties the knot.
SOKKA: You would not.
A growling draws his head towards the right. Sokka can see the full set of bison teeth. He gulps.
Aang can see small, amateur bursts of fire from the edge of their "hideout". Azula is standing near a cliff, thrashing as many weak, and strong fireballs as she can. For a second, she even manages a flamethrower-ish attack, that quickly subsides after she pulls back her injured hands, crying out in pain.
Aang has finally made up his mind. This is Azula. It is unfair, and more importantly unhealthy to associate the two versions of this person. The old Azula, he decided earlier, will from now on just be called "Fire Lord".
The injured teen notices the monk teen.
AZULA: What are you doing here?
She not-so-subtly turns away from him, hiding her scars.
AANG: Azula, what happened there?
AZULA: Nothing?
He scoffs.
AANG: That was nothing?
AZULA: Don't lecture me. We both know you have secrets that you hide from me and Zuko.
A deadlier tone from her than usual. It quickly subsides like her weak flames.
AZULA: I'm sorry.
AANG: No, I understand.
AZULA: Then you understand what I plan to do.
Aang suspected something like this. Someone must have inflicted these wounds on her.
AANG: I know revenge often feels like justice, but-
AZULA: No, you don't.
She turns around, tears in her eyes.
AZULA (teary): Do NOT assume to know how I feel!
She continues some of her badly performed fire blasts towards the ocean. Aang ponders. What if he was back in his world? If he had the chance to kill Ozai, or... the Fire Lord? He can only scoff.
AZULA: Do not stop me.
AANG: I won't.
She stops and turns towards him.
AZULA: You won't?
AANG: I can't pretend to see into your head, Azula. This is something you have to face, and I understand that.
She hesitates.
AZULA: But?
AANG: When it's done, when we leave on Appa tomorrow with a map to the Golden City, you will tell me what happened.
Azula crosses her arms, but with very little confidence.
AZULA: And if I don't?
AANG: Then you might turn into someone you shouldn't be.
This was too much face-off for Aang. For a moment he felt like spilling it all. But there's still something inside him, like an anchor halting a ship on the spot. He can't do it. Yet.
AANG: Goodnight, Azula.
He simply turns around and leaves.
Azula remains by the cliff for a while, not shooting fire. She attempts to perform one last time but, when raising her hands, she takes a deep, long look at her scars, as much as the moonlight allows for. She walks back to camp and goes to sleep.
Act III. – Another brick in the wall
TEACHER: Okay, who can tell me on which day Omashu joined the Confederation?
Kenora's classroom is mostly silent- Eventually, one of the girls giggling at her yesterday raises her hand.
GIRL: Was it 25 years ago?
TEACHER: Incorrect.
The teacher sighs.
TEACHER: Don't make me go through the whole thing again, guys, come on!
Kenora does not pay attention. She nervously clings on to the desk. This is not by a long shot the first illegal thing she has ever done, after all, that's how she arrived at the Boiling Rock. But should this fail, her entire disguise is on the line. She gulps. Juri leans in and whispers.
JURI (whispering): Are you alright? You seem a little tense.
Kenora tries to deflect the tension and whispers back.
KENORA (whispering): No, no. Everything is fine.
JURI (whispering): Okay...
Juri halts his efforts to help but isn't quite satisfied. While her teacher keeps repeating a bunch of stuff from yesterday's lesson, Kenora looks out the window into the distance, spotting a red dot sitting in a treetop. She looks back at her desk and thinks of the water pouch next to her feet.
Zhengyi walks in between desks, looking down at her students, who are forced to write an essay. While most students have one page done already, Zuko is only at about half.
ZHENGYI: What is the matter, Iroh? Can't think of anything?
Zuko tries to excuse his blunder by babbling.
ZUKO: Oh, it's just... a very difficult topic to me.
ZHENGYI: "The ways in which the Water Tribes have improved my life."
She looks around the classroom.
ZHENGYI: The others do not seem to have much of a problem writing their answers.
Yen Chi dares to peak back at Zuko for a second.
ZUKO: I'll give it my best, Professor.
ZHENGYI: I hope so.
Her attention is halted, and grabbed by the first row, the desk right in front of hers. While the rest of the class is scribbling with brushes and ink, Azula seems to be very static. Zhengyi smiles and walks towards her.
ZHENGYI: Show me your paper, Zhila.
Azula immediately holds up her paper, exposing that she has only written down one word.
ZHENGYI: "Justice."
She halts next to Azula, who tries to pull up a facade of determination again.
ZHENGYI: You don't really understand the purpose of an essay, do you?
AZULA: I'm only starting.
She glares at Zhengyi.
AZULA: Something to get the reader hooked.
Zhengyi glares back.
ZHENGYI: I hope that better hooks me like a fish, or you'll be spending your afternoon with me.
They exchange glares for a few more seconds.
ZUKO: Uh, professor?
Zhengyi does not break off eye contact.
ZHENGYI: What is it, Iroh?
ZUKO: I, uh, wanted to ask if I could get my swords back.
Now he has her attention.
ZHENGYI: What?
ZUKO: Our father wanted to take us to a hunting trip on the weekend, and he needs the broadswords back. They are technically his.
ZHENGYI: I will not hand out weapons to students. If your father needs them, he will have to come himself.
Zhengyi goes back to walking around the classroom. Zuko and Azula exchange looks. Azula's face is cold and focused, striking fear into Zuko's heart. He shakes his head and gestures to her that they should wait. Zuko looks into the trees behind their playground. He seems to panic a little, as if something wasn't there that he wanted to be there.
AANG: This is a terrible plan.
The airbender stares inside the building, spotting Kenora in the back of the classroom. He can't quite see what they are discussing. There are drawings of islands on the wall. It looks like a map to him, of what he can't quite make out. If they are going to get in there, maybe he can snack a little more than just a map for the Golden City.
SOKKA (whispering): Hey! Avatar!
The prince whisper-screams at him obnoxiously. Aang has not yet decided what to do about this new Sokka, or how to handle him. He simply came to the conclusion that he can't do anything about it. Yet at least. For now, he has to deal with it by whispering back.
AANG (whispering): What?
SOKKA (whispering): I don't like this plan!
Aang rolls over his eyes.
AANG (whispering): Okay!
SOKKA (whispering): I think I'm going in!
He walks down the hill towards the Fire Nation part of the school. Aang panics and jumps down the tree.
AANG (whsipering): Wait! Sokka!
Aang hears chatter and voices in the distance. Like lighting, he cartoonishly jumps to the right, as not to be detected. The trio of kids Juri hushed away yesterday shows up.
GIRL: Guys, did you see that?
GUY 1: I didn't see anything. Come on, we need to figure this out.
The two boys sit down under the big yard-tree, the girl does so too, reluctantly.
GIRL: I swear I saw something...
Aang is standing still behind the tree, being able to hear every word. "Great. What now?", he thinks to himself.
As everyone leaves for recess, Kenora stops before exiting the building. Juri has already entered the yard, looking back at Kenora with a frown on his stubbly face.
KENORA: Oh, Professor?
Her teacher sighs.
TEACHER: What?
KENORA: I think I left my water pouch in the classroom. Can I go and get it?
The teacher sighs even louder.
TEACHER: Fine...
He walks back with her to the classroom door, which is made of wood and equipped with a lock. The plan is working. Once inside, she can freeze the teacher, or at least distract him till Aang shows up, after that the two can get keys for a secret library, or for a stack of forbidden maps, or-
JURI: There you are, Poko.
Kenora freezes on the spot.
JURI: You forgot your water pouch, so I brought it with me.
The entire classroom gets up, ready for recess.
ZHENGYI: Hold it!
They all stop in terror.
ZHENGYI: I just want to share with you what Zhila has managed to produce in two hours.
She holds up Azula's paper. Zuko gulps. It not only says "justice", but also "took my parents", "took my cousin", "took our land".
Everyone looks like they are about to have a heart attack, including Zuko.
ZHENGYI: Perhaps yesterday's lesson, wasn't enough, young lady...
She bends a string of water from her desk. Azula clenches her fists, Zuko grabbing the boomerang hidden under his shirt.
The door opens.
SOKKA: Oh, there you are!
Everyone's eyes are drawn to the prince, who just entered the classroom.
ZUKO: Oh no.
SOKKA: There you are guys! I thought I lost you!
Zhengyi immediately draws suspicion.
ZHENGYI: Prince Sokka. Didn't think I would be honored by your presence.
SOKKA: Oh, these days I'm just... traveling. Seeing the world.
He points at Zuko and Azula.
SOKKA: And those two rascals are my loyal servants. I lost them yesterday at the market, and I guess they ended up here.
ZHENGYI: Everyone, leave.
The students exit the class in a swift manner. Zuko and Azula are the last two that get up.
ZHENGYI: Except you two.
They remain seated. Azula glares at the woman like a cat eyeing its prey.
ZHENGYI: I have a few questions for the prince.
Kenora tries to improvise.
KENORA: That's not my pouch.
JURI: It was under your desk.
KENORA: No, it wasn't
TEACHER: Do you two really have to discuss this right here?
Aang takes a peek at the classroom window. Kenora is not in there. He sighs angrily.
AANG: I hate improvising.
He jumps away swiftly. The girl runs behind the tree, but barely misses Aang.
GIRL: I just heard it again!
GUY 2: We don't care!
He runs across the wooden rooftop of the school building, jumping down at the main entrance. A Water Tribe woman walking by gasps as she sees Aang.
WOMAN: Hey! Native! You aren't supposed to go in there!
Aang halts. He once again remembers that he is wearing Fire Nation clothing.
AANG: Good thing I'm not a "native".
He smirks at the woman as he enters, upsetting her even more.
AANG: And stop calling them that!
KENORA: Please, I- I really need to go in there!
JURI: Is everything alright?
TEACHER: You are not getting in there, young man! And stop whining like a woman!
Kenora's patience has and end. She bends the water from her pouch, still held by Juri, and blasts it against the man, who just quite doesn't fall down.
TEACHER: You are getting absolutely punished for tha-
Before he can finish his sentence, a blast of wind smacks him against the wall, knocking him out for good. Juri stares with big eyes at the airbender behind him.
JURI: Awesome.
AANG: Who is that?
He prepares to blow away Juri with his staff, but Kenora stops by running in front of him.
KENORA: No! He's a friend!
Aang ponders. This is not going to plan at all.
AANG: He's Water Tribe.
JURI: I didn't see anything. At all.
Aang is pleasantly surprised by his cooperation.
AANG: Let's get in there, fast.
Kenora takes the teacher's keys.
JURI: Why are you trying to break in there?
Aang refuses to answer, but of course Kenora can't resist. Aang is intrigued by this skinny waterbender, but until he knows his motivations, he cannot trust him.
KENORA: We need a map.
JURI: A map?
KENORA: A secret map. Well, he needs it.
She points at Aang.
AANG: To the Golden City.
Juri nods.
JURI: That sounds like secret stuff. You should go look in the principal's office.
Aang and Kenora exchange looks.
AANG: Where?
JURI: Down the hall and to the left.
Aang runs ahead. Kenora waits a few seconds.
KENORA: Thank you.
JURI: No big deal. We're friends, right?
Kenora smiles. She hesitates for a few moments, but then decides to go with her gut instinct. The Avatar has left them already.
KENORA: My name is not Poko. I'm Kenora, and I'm a girl.
JURI: Yeah, I know.
Kenora is shocked.
KENORA: You knew?
JURI: You told me like five times yesterday. You ate way too much of that seaweed.
Kenora blushes.
KENORA: Okay, good to know.
She runs after Aang.
JURI: Wait!
She stops. He hands her the water pouch.
KENORA: I hope we meet again.
She smooches him on the cheek and proceeds to run away. Juri smiles and nods.
JURI: Yeah.
His smile disappears as he looks down at the unconscious teacher.
JURI: Oh, what do I tell him?
Zuko grabs his boomerang a little firmer.
ZHENGYI: Tell me, Prince Sokka...
Sokka gulps.
ZHENGYI: If they are your servants, what are their names?
Sokka hesitates, trying to remember the fake names Zuko had told him this morning. What was it again?
SOKKA: That's...
He points at Zuko.
SOKKA: Iroh.
Zuko is relieved.
SOKKA: And...
Not anymore.
ZHENGYI: And?
SOKKA: And... they're criminals and holding me hostage help.
The drawer snaps open. That is the last thing Zhengyi managed to achieve before catching a fire blast to her face. She blocks it with the water in her hands, falling over and screaming in pain. Sokka tries to intervene, but is knocked out by a swift boomerang, with the weapon quickly bouncing back to Zuko, who gets up. Azula aims her fists at the injured teacher.
ZHENGYI: I had a suspicion you were a bender.
Azula reaches for a fatal strike, Zuko intervenes.
ZUKO: Azula, don't!
She aborts.
AZULA: Why? So, I can spare her?
ZHENGYI: Oh, I don't mind. Strike me like the monster that you are!
Azula's tense expression softens up, she lowers her arms.
AZULA: That's what Aang meant.
ZUKO: What?
AZULA: Never mind. Where are his swords?
With a frown on her face, she points at her lowest drawer, which Zuko opens, revealing his broadswords.
AZULA: You kept them as a trophy?
ZHENGYI: I'm not the only one with souvenirs.
She points at Azula's fresh finger wounds.
ZUKO: You are sick.
ZHENGYI: You're attacking old ladies with swords and fire.
Azula is entrenched in anger again. Zuko grabs her arm.
ZUKO: Let's go, Azula.
The two women share one last glare, before Azula leaves ahead of her brother. Now Zuko glares at her.
ZUKO: She is a child, you freak!
He exits too, shutting the door, and cutting off the handle with his sword.
It takes a while for Aang to find the right door, but once he does so, he charges inside. The principal is a thin-looking old man, with a goatee and a bald spot.
PRINCIPAL: Who are you-
Aang does not hesitate to just blast the old man against the wall behind him. He knows to value life, but he has seen far enough to play it nice now. He grabs the principal by his shirt.
AANG: I need a map for the Golden City. NOW!
Kenora arrives at the office and is shocked to see the Avatar in such a violent state.
PRINCIPAL: I- I don't know of a Golden City-
AANG: Don't lie to me!
He raises him a bit, causing the man to moan in fear.
PRINCIPAL: Alright!
KENORA: Put him down, Avatar.
Aang complies reluctantly.
PRINCIPAL: The Avatar...
AANG: That's not important to you right now.
The principal stares in horror at Aang, but finally complies.
PRINCIPAL: I don't know where the Golden City is, no one knows where the Golden City is! It's a refugee city for the natives that escape.
Aang broods intensely.
AANG: No. There has got to be a map or something.
PRINCIPAL: It's not on our maps. You need to go somewhere that's not part of the Water Tribes.
AANG: Like what?
PRINCIPAL: I don't know. The Earth Kingdom, Changchun...
Aang's eyes flash.
AANG: Changchun? What's that?
PRINCIPAL: It's another refugee city in the southwest. It's ruled by an earthbender.
Aang feels a tiny bit of excitement again.
AANG: Thank you.
To the principal's surprise, he bows a bit, before wanting to leave. Kenora stands in the door frame. She grins devilishly.
AANG: Uh, leave please?
KENORA: This is the part where we betray you.
She readies herself for combat. Aang sighs, waves his staff and blows her violently against a shelf on the left, before sprinting away with super-speed.
PRINCIPAL: The Avatar has returned! We need to inform people!
The old man rushes outside his office, completely ignoring Kenora, who gets up under a barrage of paper and books that she got buried under after Aang's last maneuver.
KENORA: Ow. That was stupid.
She sits up, grunting.
KENORA: I suck at bending...
She looks to her right. Buried under papers and leather lingers a small, blue scroll. She picks it up and opens it, finding detailed descriptions of waterbending moves.
When Aang arrives at the valley, it is completely cleared of all their supplies. Zuko sits in Appa's saddle, properly tying up everything, while Azula is holding Appa's reins, Sabachi on her shoulder once again. The bison groans when it sees Aang.
AZULA: There he is!
ZUKO: Come on, Aang!
The boy jumps on to Appa's saddle with ease.
AZULA: Did you find a map?
AANG: No. No one knows where the Golden City is.
The siblings seem devastated.
AANG: But I know how we can find it.
Azula and Zuko nod.
ZUKO: At lesast some good news.
AZULA: Wonderful exchange. Yip-yip!
The bison groans as it raises into the air.
SOKKA: Come back!
They all look at Sokka, who becomes tinier and tinier as they fly away.
SOKKA: Damn it! I was so close!
Sokka looks around the abandoned valley.
SOKKA: Where is Poko?!
Kenora runs through the market back to their camp.
MALE VENDOR: Hey you, wait a minute!
She stops.
KENORA: I need to go!
MALE VENDOR: You forgot all of your supplies, boy. We had to sell it!
He shows her the sack of gold Sokka stole from his grandmother.
MALE VENDOR: Is that your purse?
She looks down at the ground for a second, pondering about all the violence she saw these last two days. She makes a choice.
KENORA: No, it's not mine. You can keep it.
She runs away.
MALE VENDOR: Huh. That's nice.
The sun is creating a film of sparkles over the calm ocean. Aang has taken over the reins, with the siblings sitting quietly in the back.
AANG: So... what happened?
Zuko refuses to get involved in the situation, and merely listens.
AZULA: We got arrested. Put into some freak school.
Aang is happy to hear her usual, more sarcastic self.
AANG: And the person who-
AZULA: She wanted me to burn her face off.
Shocked silence.
AZULA: But I didn't want to give her the satisfaction of doing that.
Aang is satisfied, even expressing a smile towards her.
ZUKO: I'm going to look into some of those herbal medicine books Uncle gave me. Maybe I can heal your fingers faster that way.
Azula smiles.
AZULA: Hey Zuko?
ZUKO: Yes?
The boys assume another snarky comment, like she'd usually give. Instead, she jumps at her brother, engulfing him in a warm hug. Looking at the siblings' embrace, Aang feels warm on the inside as well. The feeling of hope still lingers in his body. Or maybe it's the one, disgusting clam he tried yesterday.