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 5
The price of doing business
Act I. – Anything goes
A terrifying creature, part parrot, part iguana, crawls up the mast of the scruffy-looking pirate ship. The sails of the wooden vessel flap around in the rough winds, the creature using its claws to hold on. In the distance it spots a mountain shrouded in strange clouds. The animal emits a distorted-sounding scream.
The raven-haired girl crouches inconspicuously behind the large rock pillar. She is surrounded by these things, in fact, the entire valley is full of them. She pierces left and right in an attempt to spot her target. The honey-yellow eyes stare with determination. She finally spots her target, as a red-robed boy with broadswords moves between two pillars, being spotted by the predator girl for a second. She smiles.
ZUKO: Azula? I don't think this kind of training works. I don't really like it.
He looks behind, alarmed by the sound of crackling leaves. He readies himself. One step after the other, when-
AZULA: Got you!
She shoots a quick gout of flame at her brother, who awkwardly ducks to avoid it. Azula pouts, crossing her arms.
AZULA: You have to use your swords, dum-dum.
Zuko grunts.
ZUKO: I told you this is pointless! How am I supposed to fight you with close-range weapons when you're shooting fire at me?
Azula expresses her frustrations loudly with a sigh.
AZULA: Zuko, when we're fighting Bato or Sokka's little helper again, how do you expect to deal with it? Ask them to do arm wrestling instead?
Zuko lowers his shoulders.
ZUKO: I don't know. I guess you and Aang do that while I fight Sokka.
Azula frowns.
AZULA: Whatever...
She pretends to walk away and be done with it, but turns around after a few seconds, shooting a tiny fireball at Zuko, who dodges it barely. At first the sword fighter intends to shout at his sister in anger, but he decides against it, giving her a devilish grin instead.
ZUKO: You're on.
Azula smirks back. She follows it up by a spin, subsequently launching two fireballs with her feet. Zuko runs at her, dodging the first and cutting the second one in half. He swings at her - from the right with both, from the left one, then the other - Azula dodges it all with limber skill. Zuko swings his left hand on the bottom - jump - then his right sword towards her head. She dodges, losing her smile for a moment, as that seemed like a seriously dangerous attack. In an attempt to counter she pushes her leg outwards, creating a flame which Zuko blocks with his steel, pushing him back in the process. Azula regains her balance and prepares for counter attacks - she assumes a stable stance copied from Aang, expanding her left arm and producing fire from her fingertips. Zuko, copying his sister, spins in order to dodge. A blast from her right fist, followed up by her left, right again, ending it with a kick. Zuko charges at her, spinning away the first blast, pressing number two away with his right sword, trying to do the same with his left, but the blast was too strong - his left sword flies away. Azula smirks. She leaps up, right fist, left fist, lands. Zuko slashes and doges, his sister countering with fire from her feet. Zuko jumps up in fear, holding on to a rock pillar, climbing upon it. Once he reaches its top, Azula already stands in front of him, on another pillar. Zuko sighs.
ZUKO: I'm glad I don't have to fight someone like you in the Water Tribe.
Azula scoffs.
AZULA: True.
She assumes a fighting stance again.
AZULA: I won.
He assumes a stance as well - left palm extended, right hand pointing the vanguard of his remaining broadsword at her.
ZUKO: Not yet-
Before he can react, a quick-fire spark already hit the blade, removing it from Zuko's hand. He blinks comically.
ZUKO: Uh...
AZULA: As I said, I won.
Zuko won't give up yet. He jumps to a pillar on his right, Azula shooting a flame at it, like he expected. He jumps on to a different one and swings his arm, launching the boomerang on the back of his belt at her. Azula ducks just in time. Her eyes flare at him. She did not expect him to come this close to actually landing a hit.
AZULA: You're out of options.
Zuko pretends to be out of options.
ZUKO: Dammit! I guess that means you win...
Azula smirks victoriously.
AZULA: We already figured that out.
A sparkle in the cloudy sky - the boomerang re-enters Zuko's view. He grins. It flies towards Azula's head and-
AZULA: Nice try though.
She catches it. Now Zuko frowns in anger.
ZUKO: Dammit! I almost had it!
Azula giggles. She enjoys feeling stronger than Zuko, after all, she has become stronger ever since her last fight against Bato. Something inside her finally clicked when it came to firebending. She can't wait to get to the Golden City now.
AZULA: Here.
She throws his weapon back at him, he catches it.
ZUKO: You don't happen to know where my swords went, do you?
She crosses her arms like the show-off she is.
AZULA: Nope. You should pay attention to that when you're fighting with swords, Zuko.
She creates a tiny fire in her hand. This was also a new skill of hers, and her brother hated her repeated incidents of bragging about it.
AZULA: I don't have that problem.
A quiet hiss emits from the fire. She looks at it in confusion. Another one, then two more. Then something lands on her nose. Zuko stops midway in climbing down when he looks back.
ZUKO: What is it?
Azula extinguishes the fire, putting out her other hand. Small, white flakes fall on to it. As the siblings look up, they see the sky filling with the strange powder.
AZULA: What is this?
Zuko lands on his feet. Slowly, the ground takes on a shade of white.
ZUKO: It's... snow.
A small breeze grazes through Aang's black hair. In an odd way, he missed the feeling. It reminds him of his home, of his friends and comrades. A smile appears on his otherwise very stern face.
TY LEE: Well, you look happy.
Aang opens his eyes again. His new student was given the task of rehearsing basic airbending forms. The gusts of wind he felt on his face and body were produced by her. He thinks of them as comforting. Ty Lee is as much an airbending prodigy as he was. She sits down next to Aang.
TY LEE: What are you thinking about?
He sighs.
AANG: I'm trying to meditate.
TY LEE: Oh! That sounds fun!
She mimics his pose and closes her eyes.
AANG: It's not really fun, it's...
He looks at her with a surprised expression. Ty Lee is sitting down in complete silence, fists glued together and with calm breathing.
AANG: Wow. How do you do that so quickly?
She snaps her eyelids open again and relaxes.
TY LEE: I thought you're supposed to tell me that, Sifu Aang.
She nudges him in the side. He can't help but to laugh a bit. The laugh subsides though. Sifu is what he called his friends and teachers.
TY LEE: Woah. Your... aura...
He starts getting uneasy. After all, he does not want to spoil his story already.
AANG: Really? How would you know?
She shrugs very playfully.
TY LEE: I don't know. I just do.
She hesitantly extends her hand to his shoulder. At first, he shrugs, causing Ty Lee to flinch as well.
TY LEE: If you don't, I-
AANG: No. It's... it's okay.
He takes a deep breath. She lays her hand on his shoulder and closes her eyes. Her facial expressions start to shift very strongly.
TY LEE: You're afraid...
Aang's heart starts beating faster.
TY LEE: You're afraid... that we find out?
He jumps away.
AANG: I'm sorry, but I can't.
She gets up too.
TY LEE: It's okay Aang. You don't have to say.
He turns around in panic. Does she know?
AANG: What.. did you see?
She giggles.
TY LEE: I didn't see anything. I can only read auras, Aang.
He relaxes a bit.
AANG: And... what did you read?
She becomes very quiet.
TY LEE: I could feel you are in a lot of pain. It felt like all the joy and optimism was buried under an avalanche of grief.
Aang scoffs in surprise. He can feel the emotions boiling up again. No. He decides to keep the lid on it.
AANG: Of course. I lost my people.
He scratches his head, then remembers quickly.
AANG: We lost our people.
Ty Lee pouts intrusively.
TY LEE: I never met them.
She steps forward. Aang reacts like an animal being cornered by a predator.
TY LEE: But I can feel... it's more than that.
A moment of silence ensues. Before the conversation continues, they are both distracted by white objects drifting downwards from above.
TY LEE: What's that?
Aang, in his curiosity, extends his hand, allowing the flakes to melt in his palm.
AANG: Snow.
TY LEE: That can't be. It's not even winter yet.
Like getting hit by a freight train, Aang remembers something out of nowhere, alerting Ty Lee.
TY LEE: What happened? Aang?
AANG: The Winter Solstice? Did it happen already?
If this sick reality was truly a repeat of last time, he would need to meet Roku again. He remembers the Spirit Festival from when they met Ty Lee.
AANG: Was the Spirit Festival meant to celebrate it?
TY LEE: The Winter Solstice is happening in a week.
He sighs in relief.
TY LEE: Why?
Aang clears his throat.
AANG: Nothing. We should probably resume our training.
He steps forth with the intend of performing more airbending moves. Ty Lee agrees, but only reluctantly. His aura is giving it away...
Bodies of water are hard to come by in the Fire Nation, or what is now the Crescent Archipelago, same goes for anywhere among these damn volcanic islands. Most of the landscape, regardless of vegetation or not, is always one thing - rocks. And Kenora is and was never quite happy about it. Because no lakes or rivers or swamps meant one thing and one thing only - training by the beach.
SOKKA: Hyah! HUA! HEYAH!
Kenora, with her hair trimmed once again to maintain the illusion, can hear the prince of her home country grunt and flail on the ship. Most of the respect she initially developed for his royal highness diminished greatly in the short time they traveled together. Most of the difficult, draining, repulsive, exhausting and dangerous tasks were left to her. It was "above the sacred pride of a prince" to do all the hard work. She was sick of it. But she needed this job, she needed to rise in the ranks. She wonders if this was the right way to do it.
Studying the scroll laid out on a rock in front of her, the girl in baggy clothing tries to mimic the form described on paper. She pulls a puddle of water below her and lets it hover upwards in a string. Next, she transforms the ocean water in a small bubble behind her waist, stabilizing it with two hands. Finally, she shifts her balance forward, transferring the energy of her movement into the liquid. She allows it to leap forward, creating a water whip. The release of energy creates a harsh click-sound in the air. She smiles at her own accomplishment.
SOKKA: You're getting better, Poko.
Her smile disappears. Her eyebrows get pulled towards her forehead.
KENORA: Thanks.
SOKKA: I wonder how you will fair in battle.
He jumps down the Matariki, landing with more grace than Kenora expected.
SOKKA: You should do well against the firebender broad, but the Avatar could be a problem for you...
As he ponders, she scoffs in an offended manner.
KENORA: I assume I'm not going to fight them both at the same time.
SOKKA: Of course you are.
She glares at him in shock.
KENORA: What?
SOKKA: Well, you're the bender, I'm a weapons guy - I'll fight the sword boy first and then help you.
She crosses her arms. While in the past she avoided poses like these, she quickly caught on to the fact that Sokka does not suspect her true gender no matter how she presents.
KENORA: Seriously? Me against two benders?
SOKKA: Don't kid yourself, Poko. You're a natural at waterbending! Plus it's not like-
KENORA: No.
Sokka is frozen for a moment.
SOKKA: "No?"
KENORA: No. I'm not fighting alone against two benders.
SOKKA: Technically one bender and the Avatar.
KENORA: That's so much worse!
Sokka scoffs, grabbing his belt.
SOKKA: Please, don't be hysterical. You're acting like a girl.
She pouts in anger, grabbing water from the shore and performing the water whip again, barely missing Sokka, who dodges.
SOKKA: Hey!
KENORA: I'm not fighting alone against the Avatar and his army! You're going to have to learn how to fight against benders.
She performs another move from the scroll - a portion of water held with two hands, then swung in a circular motion, which she does, Sokka blocking it with his arm. He is pushed to the side.
SOKKA: Not fair! You didn't warn me!
KENORA: "Warn you"? When has any enemy ever warned you before an attack?!
He nervously hesitates to answer.
SOKKA: Um... well, never.
She crosses her arms again.
SOKKA: You have a point.
He frowns in anger.
SOKKA: But you sound like Bato, and I don't like that.
KENORA: Was he the guy with the scar who fired you from your own ship?
SOKKA: He didn't fire me! He...
Sokka finally calms down and ponders for a second.
SOKKA (mumbling to himself): Perhaps repeating that mistake is unwise...
Kenora can't hear his mumbling.
KENORA: What was that?
SOKKA: Nothing.
The prince sighs.
SOKKA: Fine. You win. We'll train together.
He turns around and climbs on to the Matariki again. Kenora can't decide if this was a win or not.
SOKKA: But first you need to catch us some dinner!
She picks up her scroll and holds. Her pouting intensifies.
KENORA: You're coming with me!
SOKKA: What?
As he turns around, he slips with his hand and falls down the ship he just climbed, landing face-first in the sand.
KENORA: I've been getting our lunch every time now - you're coming with me!
Sokka looks up. Kenora walks straight past him and gets up the ship with a wave of ice she subsequently climbs. When Sokka tries following the same icy path, Kenora melts the water behind her.
SOKKA: I'm not the one who lost my money!
KENORA: Your grandmother's money!
Sokka grunts. Poko would make for a terrible wife, he ponders.
AZULA: Oh look, our prodigy...
The firebender meanders arrogantly into the little secluded meadow hidden by trees. By the time of their arrival, the siblings are met with a few inches of snow below their feet. Zuko wanders behind her, shivering at the cold.
ZUKO: W-w-w-w-where did th-th-th-th-this snow c-c-c-c-come f-f-f-f-from?
Azula doesn't quite want to admit it, but she too feels uncomfortable in the cold.
AANG: Well, it is almost winter.
AZULA: Yes dum-dum, but-
She holds for a second, her nostrils flaring up...
AZULA: ATCHOO!
The firebender shuts up in embarrassment. She hates showing weakness of any kind.
TY LEE: Bless you!
Azula glares at Ty Lee.
ZUKO: Th-th-this weather isn't u-u-usual for the F-F-Fire Nation.
TY LEE: He's right Aang. Even in Winter we don't get snow. It's mostly rain. Well, not anymore, because...
The three Fire Nation locals go silent. Aang looks at all of them.
AANG: What? Because of what?
Azula grunts, sitting down on rock which she cleared with a fire blast.
AZULA: Because of the Water Tribe. They control the weather.
Zuko sits down next to his sister. The raven-haired girl creates two flames in each hand, warming up herself and the swordsman. Aang can't help but to chuckle.
AANG: The weather? Seriously guys?
TY LEE: Yes.
As he looks at his fellow airbender he feels the gravity of the statement.
ZUKO: Weather is mostly influenced by water. Rain is created by water evaporating in the heat. It rises into the air, where it forms clouds. Then clouds become too heavy and-
AZULA: Splash! Rain.
Aang scratches his head. In the background Appa is shaking off a layer of snow, accidentally burying Sabachi, who gets very angry at the bison.
AANG: Do they... do that a lot?
ZUKO: Of course they do it. They suck up water from villages that defy their rule, ruining their crops.
Azula looks very intensely into her flame.
AZULA: Or they just do it for fun. To keep any potential dissidence down in the first place.
Aang gulps in horror. He was used to cruelty from the Fire Nation. But this is something else. Ty Lee is standing behind the boy with her arms crossed.
AZULA: How come you're not cold, Ty Lee?
She relaxes her arms and transforms back into cheerful.
TY LEE: Oh, Aang taught me how to regulate the temperature around me. It's an airbending move.
Azula glares in envy.
AZULA: Oh. How nice...
Appa walks over to Aang. The little lemur is furiously running around inside the saddle. Aang pets the bison.
AANG: If that's the case, we should probably move camp.
AZULA: ATCHOO!
Everyone looks at Azula.
AZULA: Don't say it!
As the snowfall becomes heavier, Kenora regrets taking the prince with her.
SOKKA: What is going on with the weather today? Couldn't we just make it rain instead?
He looks at Kenora with big eyes and leans in with a comical slide whistle.
SOKKA: Can you make it rain?
KENORA: No.
She shoves his face away from her and strolls on.
KENORA: We should just go fishing instead.
SOKKA: Great idea! You could bend a fish into a bubble and let it float into my arms.
KENORA: Sure thing.
They stop.
KENORA: This weather is going to make any potential dinner hide in a burrow. We should just go back now.
SOKKA: Yes! And after dinner, the two of us are going to have a little sparring session!
Kenora actually smiles a bit at her captain.
KENORA: That sounds fun.
SOKKA: Don't think I'm going to go easy on you because you're younger!
He unties his spear and starts swinging it in a demonstration. Kenora is actually impressed. It doesn't look completely ridiculous.
KENORA: Don't think I'll go easy on you because you're not a bender.
Sokka smiles back. A sudden rumbling catches their attention. A vibration in the ground, seemingly coming towards them.
KENORA: What's happening?
Before she can react, the rock below her shoots up in a tiny circle, covering her legs up to her knees, and sealing it tight. A second rumble creates a small rock pillar in front of her, trapping her hands.
SOKKA: Poko!
A second pillar shoots up and hits the prince in the chest, causing him to fall back. From behind some snowy rocks four soldiers emerge, all sliding on the ground with rough arm swings.
SOKKA: Oh no.
KENORA: Earthbenders?!
The soldiers approach and surround the crew. The men are wearing typical Earth Kingdom armor, but in a distinct shade of white. Kenora is intrigued by these men.
SOLDIER 1: What are you doing out here?
SOKKA: None of your business! Do you even know who I am?!
Soldier 2 approaches Soldier 1, who seems to be in charge. As he whispers into his ear, his expression changes. This is when Kenora notices the emblem of the Water Tribes, the large crescent moon with waves, displayed on their chests.
KENORA: You're not Earth Kingdom?
SOLDIER 1: No, we're not.
Soldier 1 jumps and swings his arms very aggressively, releasing Kenora from her shackles. Sokka gets up.
SOKKA: Who in Sedni's name are you!?
Soldier 1 pounds his chest, his subordinates follow suit, much to Sokka's and Kenora's surprise.
SOLDIER 1: We're very sorry for attacking you, your highness. I hope you can forgive us.
Kenora raises an eyebrow. Her captain feels right at home.
SOKKA: Let it be known that you apologized! Anyways, where are you from?
Soldier 1 points at the massive mountain in the distance. Clouds are hiding the top of it. It too is covered partially in snow.
SOLDIER 1: We are soldiers of Musho Ichi.
KENORA: But... you're earthbenders.
Soldier 1 is irritated by the lisp.
SOLDIER 1: Uh... yes. But we are subjects of the Great Chief, and proud defenders of the Water Tribes.
A fat smirk forms on Sokka's face.
SOKKA: Are you guys with Chattar?
The soldiers seem a bit nervous. Soldier 1 clears his throat.
SOLDIER 1: Yes. Governor Buzhang has ruled over Musho Ichi for many decades now.
Sokka nudges Kenora with a devilish grin.
SOKKA: Met him a few times.
He addresses the soldiers with his "princely voice".
SOKKA: Very well. I would like you to escort me to Governor Buzhang. Perhaps he can provide us with some much-needed supplies for our travels.
The soldiers exchange looks of uncertainty. Eventually Soldier 1 nods. Soldiers 3 and 4 slide away in their self-propelled avalanche.
SOLDIER 1: We will bring you to Musho Ichi, your highness. Please follow us.
The two soldiers walk ahead.
SOKKA: I still got it, Poko.
KENORA: Sokka?
He stops, allowing the two to exchange quick whispers.
KENORA (whispering): I don't think this is a good idea. I don't trust these guys.
Sokka laughs.
SOKKA: Oh, Poko. You have much to learn.
He slaps her on the back, causing some level of pain. The prince walks ahead and Kenora follows suit. She looks with aggregation at the massive mountain.
KENORA: What's the worst that can happen?
Appa grunts. Azula and Ty Lee are already eagerly awaiting the boys to climb on top. Sabachi snuggles with Azula, purring very loudly. Ty Lee hasn't really been able to find a connection with the lemur. Azula's nostrils flare up again.
AZULA: A- A- A-TCHOO!
She snivels. Ty Lee, sitting across from her, plays around with her thumbs.
AZULA: What?
TY LEE: Nothing...
Ty Lee has noticed that the firebender has been a bit more on edge ever since she lost her headpiece. The hairband she provided serves the same purpose, but it just wasn't the same in Azula's eyes.
A few feet away Aang grabs the last bag.
ZUKO: Aang? Can we talk?
The airbender looks at Zuko with a confused frown.
AANG: Yeah?
Azula notices the boys from the saddle. Eavesdropping is another one of her strengths.
ZUKO: We should investigate this snow.
Aang scoffs.
AANG: Investigate the snow?
Zuko realizes is poor wording and is immediately frustrated.
ZUKO: No-
He sighs.
ZUKO: I meant the reason why it's here.
He shivers again.
AANG: You guys said it yourself. Waterbenders.
ZUKO: Y-y-yes, but it's just weird.
He forces Aang to actually brood about it.
ZUKO: The W-W-Water Tribe is either making it r-r-rain or taking water away. But snow? W-W-Why?
Aang sighs. He agrees with Zuko's intuition 100 percent. But what would it cost? How much time would they spend trying to fix this problem? And what about the next one? No. They need to reach Changchun. They need to find the Golden City. And then there's the Winter Solstice. Aang would probably need to talk to Roku once again. Would he need to reach the temple on Crescent Island? And how long would that take?
ZUKO: W-w-what do you say?
Aang shakes his head in disappointment.
AANG: We need to stay on track. Maybe we can try to figure it out on our way back.
Zuko nods reluctantly. He understands Aang's thinking, and the Avatar appreciates his approval. His Zuko would sometimes question their plans and try to fix things himself. Having someone just agree is a welcome change of pace. Especially since Azula is also a companion.
The boys climb on to Appa, Aang taking the reins.
AZULA: What were you two going on a- ATCHOO!
She decides against asking the question again and no one bothers to ask. As the bison soars back to the coast, Zuko looks with a curious expression at the massive mountain in the distance.
Aang's thoughts drift away while flying Appa on the coast side. The snow still hasn't stopped but is has gotten better since they reached the ocean. Maybe he should have listened to Zuko. Was it some dark secret? Something they need to uncover and fight? Or just a few waterbenders having a goof? He doesn't quite know what to make of it, an attribute shared with new Sokka. Years ago, when he traveled the world with Katara and Sokka, later Toph and eventually Zuko, he would help every little village and situation he came across. After Sozin's Comet, there was not a lot left to safe. Maybe he needs to make a difference here before-
AZULA: AANG! WATCH OUT!
Before the boy can snap back, a giant net flies towards them. Aang pulls away too late, and it hits the bison with full force, capturing him and all on board. The bison grunts, managing to perform a crash-landing into wooden planks. Thanks to Aang's youthful body, he manages to slip right through the holes in the net, Azula can follow suit. As the kids look around, they find themselves surrounded by rough-looking pirates - the same pirates Aang encountered in his world. The captain, wearing blue robes rather than red, draws his sword with a grin.
CAPTAIN: Now, what do we have here?
His iguana parrot climbs on his shoulder and screeches at the Avatar.
Act II. – Nocturnal activities
Zuko and Ty Lee are still trapped inside the net, tightly bound to the beast which growls in pain. Sabachi manages to slip through one of the holes and fly towards Azula, landing on her shoulder. Zuko remembers to pull his boomerang, starting to cut the rope. Azula looks around. She sees several mercenaries and goons, most of them equipped with blades, spears or other close-range weapons. She identifies two crew members, a man and a woman, to be waterbenders. After quickly scanning the battlefield, Azula looks over to Aang, awaiting his first move.
AANG: I usually get asked nicely if I want to come on board.
The captain laughs.
CAPTAIN: That makes you a dead kid around these parts. Or a good bounty.
Azula frowns.
AZULA: What do you mean by "bounty"?
The captain chuckles.
CAPTAIN: I'm afraid I don't get paid for chatting, so we're just going to have to cut this conversation short.
He points his blade at Aang, who readies himself. Then, swiftly from the left, the silver boomerang hits the captain right in the face, knocking him aside. Zuko, who managed to cut himself free, runs towards him, ducking when the captain slashes his sword, rolling over and drawing his dual broadswords.
ZUKO: I'll go handle the captain! You guys go deal with the rest!
The iguana parrot jumps towards Zuko but is caught mid-air by Sabachi and her counterattack. The two animals wrestle on the ground, while the captain swipes his blade at Zuko, who blocks it with his ones, creating sparks.
CAPTAIN: That lemur is going to make me a fortune.
ZUKO: If only you catch it.
Zuko draws away his swords, preparing his counter.
Azula moves towards Aang, standing back-to-back with the boy.
AZULA: You should probably pay more attention during our flights.
AANG: That's what I got you for, isn't it?
She smirks at him with confidence. Aang misses the precious moments of humor shared with his friends, but every once in a while, Azula is able to genuinely cheer him up.
A pirate with a spear-charges towards Aang, accompanied with a howling roar. The Avatar jumps upwards, Azula dodges. A pirate with knives throws one of it at her, Azula dodging with a spin, retaliating with a fire ball, which stops the pirate in his path. The spear pirate swings at the firebender, who can barely dodge it. She catches the second swing with a grunt and flings the attacker back with a blast from her foot.
AZULA: I got two...
She turns around and looks at Aang, who sweeps attacking pirates away while they comically scream in terror.
AZULA: Oh. Glad I can help.
TY LEE: Azula! Help me please!
The raven-haired girl notices the bison still tied up, with Ty Lee stuck as well. She runs towards the acrobat, blasting away an incoming defender with a fire kick, dodge-spinning a spear from the second one and blasting him away as well.
TY LEE: Can you get me out of here?
Azula flings her bangs.
AZULA: Aren't you an airbender?
Ty Lee suddenly gets rather furious, something unusual and off-putting for Azula.
TY LEE: Yes, I'm an airbender, not a net-bender, so get me out of here!
AZULA: Alright, alright! I just have to figure out which part of the net I can burn...
While she ponders, Aang sweeps away more pirates off-screen, leading to a bunch of weapons to drop next to Azula, including a knife.
AZULA: Bingo.
A roaring pirate charges the Avatar with his strange net-canon, missing the boy, who manages to jump above it. A second pirate swings at him with a sword, Aang dodging, blasting him into the ocean with air. The net-pirate swings a machete towards him, Aang easily dodging again, blasting fire at him, knocking out four more pirates. He runs upstairs towards the helm. Aang knows all too well how to deal with non-bending foes. While his physical strength is lacking, his muscle memory still knows how to easily avoid and defeat simple weapon-wielding foes. He would not make the same mistakes he did in his world
AANG: Come on, is that all?
Large steps run up the stairs. A beefcake of a man, with scars and muscles all over his body halts across from Aang. He draws his weapon, much larger and sharper-looking broadswords to what Zuko has. He laughs at the Avatar, swinging the swords in a demonstrative manner, awaiting Aang's response. The boy reacts calmly, creating a powerful air slash, which very easily knocks the attacker off-board.
AANG: I guess not.
He intends to run back to his friends but is quickly surrounded by two new foes - the two waterbenders dressed in blue, who both summon ocean water - the man to create water-tentacles (wateracles) and the woman to create an ice spear.
AANG: Dammit...
A swing from the bottom - the captain blocks, knocking Zuko's forehead with this hilt. The boy ducks backwards, avoiding the counter slash. Three more swings, all blocked skillfully, then another stab, which Zuko blocks again, managing to push his opponent's blade upwards.
CAPTAIN: You fight with honor, boy.
ZUKO: That's rich coming from a pirate!
Behind them Azula fends off an incoming pirate who tries to throw bombs at her. She ignites the bombs prematurely, causing the pirate to panic and jump away, as not to blow himself up. The captain smiles with malice.
CAPTAIN: A firebender.
Zuko grunts. The old man is stronger than he appears.
ZUKO: What do you want?
CAPTAIN: Nothing, from you. But she will bring me a fortune.
Zuko grunts again, this time with more anger. He pushes the captain aside, throwing his boomerang once again, hitting him in the gut. He catches the weapon, launching another bladed offensive.
TY LEE: Come on!
AZULA: I'm trying!
She jiggles the knife quicker, cutting through the net at an alarmingly tense rate.
TY LEE: Uh...
AZULA: I can't do faster!
Azula turns around, realizing she is surrounded by five pirates, some of which are drenched and dripping salt water.
AZULA: What? I'm busy!
They all simultaneously run towards her, causing her to panic. Ty Lee seizes the opportunity. A horizontal air blast flies above the ducked Azula, hitting all five pirates at once. Azula gets up and looks angrily at the acrobat, whose arms are sticking out of the net.
AZULA: You could fit your hands through it the entire time?!
TY LEE: I guess.
Ty Lee wiggles around a bit more, managing to slip through one of the net holes with ease.
TY LEE: Oh! Would you look at that!
Azula slaps her forehead. Ty Lee realizes her blunder.
TY LEE: I'm... going to go help Aang-
AZULA: Yes, do that please.
Ty Lee skips away in a cartwheel. A deep cackling catches the attention of the annoyed firebender. The bomb-pirate from earlier laughs at her, holding a bomb in his hand. The man is soaking wet and fails to intimidate Azula.
AZULA: What? You need a towel?
He happily nods to the ground in front of her. An ignited bomb is about to go off. Azula panics and jumps back - the bomb still goes off, launching her a few feet away, landing on hard wood. The pirate captain pushes away Zuko for a second and frowns at his subordinate.
CAPTAIN: Hey! I've told you a million times - no bombs on deck!
The pirate seems really disappointment. Only for a second though, as the still-captured Appa blows the attacker against the stairs behind him, growling right after.
The first water stream misses Aang barely. He prepares to counter with a flame from his fist, but his arm is caught in a wateracle. One of his legs gets pulled away at the same time, causing Aang to spin around and fall down. The female bender creates an ice scythe on her whip, swinging it downwards towards Aang, who rolls away at the last second, only to be hit with a water whip to the stomach, right against the steering wheel. He grabs his waist in pain. Was he really this easily beaten? Before his aquatic opponents can finish him off, a fearsome airstrike of... air blasts them both away. The male attacker falls overboard, while the woman can hang on to the balustrade. Aang looks up and sees Ty Lee jumping in, landing with that typical acrobatic fineness.
TY LEE: How about we make this an equal fight instead, huh?
She still keeps her charm despite the danger she's in. Aang really appreciates that. It's a true shame he never got to meet his Ty Lee. Or perhaps it was for the better.
AANG: Thank you.
He gets up with a grunt. Now the two airbenders stand shoulder to shoulder, as the female bender summons more water and the male surfs upwards back on board.
TY LEE: We got this, Sifu Aang.
Aang smiles. He launches a fire ball at the woman, who blocks via a wall of ice. She starts punching the barrier, producing fast projectiles, all of which Ty Lee dodges. The male attacker intends to continue his surf-attack, but Aang is quick to dodge an incoming stream, blasting air towards his wave, knocking him down. He tries to attack with a stream, turned icicle, but only manages to hit the spot Aang stood on previously. Ty Lee easily jumps above the barrier. The woman realizes this, turning it into a water funnel shape, trapping them both. Ty Lee seems unsure, but still manages to dodge ice-projectiles shooting at her. As she is about to touch the actual funnel itself, she creates a ball of air around her, interrupting and ultimately destroying the funnel. The bender quickly adapts, creating two consecutive streams of water, coming in from two different directions. Ty Lee can dodge the first one but is hit by the second. The female waterbender goes on the attack but is hit in the back by one of Aang's air blasts. His opponent tries to hit him with a large stream of water - Aang detects the alignment. He simply jumps, causing the pirate to hit his own partner, causing her to roll overboard. The man looks in shock with a comical gesture.
WATERBENDER: Oh Sedni! I'm so sorry!
Ty Lee jumps up with a non-threatening roar, intending to fight on. Yet the male bender seems frozen on spot.
AANG: You should... go help her.
The man nods and runs past Ty Lee, jumping into the water. Ty Lee, slightly drenched, looks at Aang with an exhausted expression.
TY LEE: That was fun.
Azula gets back up, rubbing her head. The hair band Ty Lee lent her came off in the explosion and the girl is unable to find it. She grunts.
AZULA: Great.
She runs back towards Appa and the gaping hole in the floor. This time, without hesitation, she creates a small flame, burning a part of the net, big enough to let Appa do the rest, freeing himself. The beast groans very happily.
AZULA: Yeah, well we we're all busy.
She looks down at the hole in the floor and her eyes flare up. Without hesitation, she jumps down.
One last swipe with his blades and the captain is... still far from defeated. Zuko on the other hand seems to lose his breath and strength with time.
CAPTAIN: Getting tired, boy?
The boasting man smiles at Zuko but gets kicked in the face with a strong gust of air, knocking him to the ground. Ty Lee jumps down the helm, landing gracefully next to Zuko.
TY LEE: Well, you're the one lying down!
She smiles at Zuko, who doesn't quite know how to answer.
AANG: Guys!
Aang shoves aside an already beat-down pirate, spiral-jumping on to Appa.
AANG: Where's the rest?
Ty Lee jumps in a long curve, landing on the saddle.
AANG: Where is Sabachi?
As ordered, Sabachi appears, landing on Aang's shoulder. The animal purrs, but horrifies Aang, as he realizes the lemur has parrot feathers in her mouth.
TY LEE: Where is Azula?
Aang decides to ignore the pet and frowns at Zuko.
AANG: Zuko! Come on!
Zuko points his blades at the disarmed man on the ground.
ZUKO: Why did you say my sister would make you a fortune?!
The captain laughs.
CAPTAIN: Sister, ay? And there I was thinking you two were a couple.
Zuko does not take kindly to the joke, pointing the blade even closer to his face. Aang sees this and intervenes, jumping next to Zuko.
AANG: Zuko, let's go.
The pacifist in him was buried under the ash and blood of war. Aang is more concerned with Zuko wasting more time.
ZUKO: He's hiding something!
AANG: He's a pirate, of course he's hiding something.
CAPTAIN: We prefer to call ourselves high risk traders.
ZUKO: I'm serious, Aang! He was talking about making a fortune off-
AANG: Zuko! Pirate! Let's go!
Zuko boils in frustration at his poor communication skills.
CAPTAIN: You should really listen to your friend, kid.
With a quick splash from behind, the two waterbenders leap over the balustrade, launching Aang and Sokka backwards. The captain picks up his sword.
CAPTAIN: I was happy enough with the firebender, but how much is the Great Chief going to pay for the Avatar?
Aang and Zuko get up again. Before the waterbenders can counter, a strong wind halts them in their spot, Ty Lee creating it from Appa's saddle.
AZULA: Guys, come on!
Azula has re-appeared on Appa's head, holding his reins. Aang jumps on to the bison, creating a gust of wind that launches Zuko with him. The sword fighter can't help but to scream a bit before landing.
AZULA: Yip-yip!
Appa grunts and flies off, away from the ocean and back towards where the quartet originally came from.
AZULA: Take this!
She hands over the reins to her brother, running towards the end of the saddle and launching an enormous inferno blast towards the ship, forcing the captain and the waterbenders to jump off-board. The mast is knocked over in the attack and the ship, despite being partially covered in water, immediately catches on fire. Aang is once again unable to truly enjoy Azula's beastly destruction, despite the friendship that they've built. Azula claps the non-existent dirt off her hands, underlining the impressive attack. She sits down, petting Sabachi.
AZULA: You're welcome.
She looks over to Aang, trying to hide her anger.
AZULA: Maybe next time we let someone else take the reins, huh?
TY LEE: Uh, guys? Who is this?
She points at an unconscious body lying in the corner. A young person dressed in green robes.
AZULA: I found him on board in a cage. Can't hurt to help someone hunted by pirates.
Aang fixates on to the body right away, Azula noticing it, while Ty Lee can feel his aura changing. Aang turns him around, finding a strange symbol on his chest - it appears to be the Earth Kingdom emblem, only instead of a square inside a circle, it's a star inside a circle. The Avatar is mainly intrigued by the face. His pupils dilate when recognizing Haru.
Kenora gazes towards the mountain as they enter Musho Ichi. It's a small city, not stretching too far across the mountain plateau, but just far enough to be impressive. And that's just the size.
SOLDIER 1: We're a small, humble city. But we're a proud people.
Kenora looks around, seeing very fancy-looking folk, a lot of gold worked into houses and other infrastructure. The stone they're walking on seems too elegant too have shoes trembling upon it. Many of the sweeping roofs are equipped with traditional wind chimes and other decorations. The green roof tiles absorb the natural sunlight, although most of the city is currently covered in a small layer of powder snow.
KENORA: There's a lot less snow up here than on the ground.
Soldier 1 glares at her.
SOLDIER 1: Yes, so it seems.
Kenora picks up on the suspicious behavior. She looks at the mountain once again. There's a small, guarded gate that leads towards it, but what it leads to is impossible to tell. Similarly, it's impossible to tell how tall the mountain is, since its peak is almost entirely covered in thick, white clouds.
KENORA: I get it.
She nods, trying to play nicely. Sokka is somehow able to pick up on the awkward silence.
SOLDIER 1: We don't get a lot of visitors from outside, so forgive us if we come off as rude.
Based on the short eye contact Kenora and the man have, his apology was not sincere. Soldier 2 clears his throat.
SOLDIER 2: We're here, your highness.
All four people stop. Kenora sees in front of her what looks like a massive mansion, three floors and with shiny, green roof tiles, almost like emeralds. While some houses earlier had a few hints of gold and glamour, this one reeks of it. Sokka displays a huge smile across his face. Kenora figures the prince feels right at home. Compared to the massive complex, the stairs leading up to a door between pillars is rather short.
SOLDIER 1: We'll look for the governor. Wait here.
BUZHANG: That won't be necessary.
To their left a small garden growing short plants is situated on the property. The governor is a man in his early fifties. He is tanned, with an elegant Earth Kingdom garment, which is a green and golden one-piece going down to his knees. His pants have a very dark shade of green. His bald head is hidden under a maharashtrian hat, and behind his round glasses hides a warm smile to greet them with open arms.
BUZHANG: Prince Sokka! It is an honor!
As the governor approaches them he waves away the guards, without paying too much attention to them. Soldier 1 glares one last time at Kenora before leaving.
SOKKA: It's been so long. What have you been up to?
Sokka pounds his own chest, the governor imitating it, but with a much softer pat of his palm.
BUZHANG: Business, your highness. Up here in Musho Ichi we're all doing our part to aid the Great Chief.
After exchanging with Sokka, the governor takes note of Kenora. It is at this moment she puts on her "boy-mask", as Sokka is no longer the only important person present. She clears her throat.
KENORA: My name is Poko. I am a part of Prince Sokka's crew.
BUZHANG: Crew? Is it true what I hear, your highness? Are you looking for any firebenders left over?
Sokka smirks like a winner.
SOKKA: Well, in the meantime our roster has widened, but...
He looks over to Kenora.
SOKKA: I don't want to give it all away. It's probably boring to you anyways.
BUZHANG: Oh no! I'd love to hear about your travels, Prince Sokka. I was just intrigued that you're accompanied by someone so... young.
Kenora pouts.
BUZHANG: I thought your lieutenant was Bato?
Now Sokka pouts.
SOKKA: Uh... no. We had a... disagreement.
BUZHANG: You have to tell me all the details later.
The governor grabs Kenora's hand, shaking it. A gesture she is unfamiliar with.
BUZHANG: Welcome to Musho Ichi. I am Governor Chattar Buzhang. It's very nice to meet you, Poko.
Kenora nods awkwardly.
BUZHANG: The two of you are invited to dinner tonight. We could provide you with any supplies you need for your travels.
For once Kenora and Sokka share a look of mutual understanding.
KENORA: Absolutely.
Buzhang raises an eyebrow at the lisp when walking up the stairs, a reaction Kenora has started to get annoyed with. Before following Sokka and the governor, Kenora looks at the mountain one last time with curious eyes.
The campfire is once again ignited at the almost exact same spot as the day before, only now their campsite is surrounded by snow, although the actual snowfall has stopped. While everyone is sitting a short distance away from it, Azula is almost bathing her hands in the fire. She hates exposing herself like this - weak and vulnerable. For now, she glances with curious eyes at Aang, who has been staring at Haru for hours now, their rescued prisoner still being unconscious.
TY LEE: I wonder why they had him.
No one responds, as this was the very obvious thing everybody is brooding about. In addition, the firebender is irritated by Ty Lee's apparent lack of concern over the freezing temperatures.
AZULA: Aren't you cold?
TY LEE: Hm?
AZULA: I asked if you a- ATCHOO!
Silence. Azula pouts.
AZULA: Forget about it...
Everyone immediately forgets about it, as the boy wearing green very abruptly gets up. Haru grunts.
HARU: Where am I?
He starts shivering.
HARU: And why is it so c-c-cold?
Azula scoffs.
AZULA: Preach it.
AANG: Don't worry Ha-
Aang cuts himself off as quickly as he can. Haru stares at him with a confused expression.
AANG: Ha... -ow are you doing?
HARU: Uh... fine? Cold, I guess.
Haru moves closer to the fire, either intentionally or unintentionally snuggling next to Azula. The blushing firebender can't quite decide. Haru, despite being of young age, does carry with him a solid cover of facial hair. His hair is long, but elegantly bound together with a hairband. Based on his body language and tight sleeves, everyone but Zuko can make out that this Haru is very fit.
TY LEE: I like your bun.
Haru is once again confused.
HARU: Thanks. So I assume that you guys aren't here to sell me?
Everyone seems to think this is a joke. Everyone but Zuko, who raises an eyebrow. Aang finally comes back to his senses.
AANG: No. We saved you from these pirates, who tried to-
Azula clears her throat very loudly, drawing the attention towards herself.
AZULA: I, uh, I did that. Yeah. I saved you.
Haru rolls over his eyes at this weird group of people gathered around him.
HARU: Well either way, I'm very thankful you did.
Zuko tries to formulate a question-
TY LEE: Why are you wearing a star on your uniform? I though the Earth Kingdom logo was a square in a circle?
Haru chuckles, almost arrogantly.
HARU: That's because I don't fight for the Earth Kingdom. I'm a Liberation Fighter.
Aang frowns. The term is completely alien to him.
AANG: "Liberation Fighter"? What is that?
Aang expected Azula to say something degrading about such a generic name, but the exact opposite occurs.
AZULA: Why don't you let him explain first, Aang? Maybe you shouldn't judge him already when you only just met him!
Zuko is speechless, his expression comical.
AANG: I, uh... I'm sorry?
AZULA: Thank you.
She clears her throat again, addressing Haru.
AZULA: Anyways, you were saying?
Haru clears his throat also.
HARU: Well, I don't know how much news gets to the Fire Nation, but the Earth Kingdom is in a bitter fight with the Tribe.
Aang shrugs.
AANG: We figured.
Azula shushes him, gaining her an angry frown.
HARU: I'm glad you guys have heard about the war, but it's unfortunately continuing. Things started looking dire when Omashu fell a few decades ago.
A cold shower runs down Aang's spine.
AANG: Omashu?! What happened?!
Ty Lee picks up on Aang's behavior. Azula on the other hand seems distracted.
HARU: Word is it was sieged for years, its inhabitants wiped out as punishment.
Aang releases a gasp of air.
AZULA: That sounds awful.
HARU: Yeah.
Haru sighs.
HARU: But the Earth Kings and their armies allowed it. Our nation is run by corrupt bureaucrats and incompetent noblemen, giving out positions to their family and friends.
He raises both fists, docking the right one at his left elbow.
HARU: That's why I'm fighting for the Liberation Forces. We vow to reconquer our lost lands and topple the king of Ba Sing Se.
Aang doesn't quite know how to react. Haru is an ally, but for how long? And who are the Liberation Forces?
TY LEE: So, you fight two armies?
Haru sighs and slaps his forehead.
HARU: No, we fight for the Earth People. No kings or glory, just freedom.
Azula seems somehow completely melted away by his words. Aang finds it somehow more irritating than arrogant Azula. Zuko finally clears his throat.
ZUKO: That's nice and all, but my question remains.
HARU: Speak.
Haru crosses his muscular arms.
ZUKO: Why were you captured by those pirates?
Haru lowers his posture, as if about to throw up.
HARU: You don't know?
Everyone seems to quiet down. Only Azula shakes her head in response. Haru turns around pointing into the pitch-black night.
HARU: To bring me there.
Azula looks with sparkling eyes into nothing.
ZUKO: The... dark?
HARU: Mount Musho. The governor there is a Tribe collaborator. He buys young firebenders and prisoners of war, forcing them to work in his mines to make him rich.
Haru scoffs again. Everyone seems horrified by the apparent news.
HARU: That's how it always goes. The rich get their money no matter who's in charge. That's what the Liberation Forces are fighting for. A better world for us all.
ZUKO: So, we need to go there? Right?
Haru seems hooked by the swordsman.
HARU: Really? Just us?
ZUKO: Aang is the Avatar. The rest of us are also excellent fighters.
AZULA: You have swords, Zuko.
Zuko frowns.
ZUKO: Yes, but I can fight!
Haru laughs. Azula seems to change her mind immediately.
HARU: That's what I like to hear! So, you're all on-board?
AZULA: Yes!
ZUKO: Yes! I was the one who said we should check it out in the first place!
Aang feels put on the spot. He can't waste more time, for he doesn't know how much he has. Maybe if he doesn't show up at the exact right day, something important never happens. He sighs.
AANG: I don't know guys. We really need to head to Changchun.
Haru laughs again.
HARU: Aw man, Changchun? That place is a nightmare.
AZULA: We should help him first, Aang.
She looks at the soldier.
AZULA: By the way, you are...
HARU: Haru.
Azula nods.
AZULA: Well, I'm Azula. This is my brother Zuko, that's the wonderfully agile Ty Lee, and the brooding nerd is called Aang.
HARU: "Azula"? That's a pretty name.
Azula comically blushes into a boiling teakettle.
TY LEE: Aang?
Aang is thrown off immediately. Something about Ty Lee's tone and body language is different. Less cheerful, more serious.
TY LEE: Are you sure you don't want to?
Aang scratches his head.
AANG: Well, what do you think is best?
Ty Lee nods her head to the side.
TY LEE: I'll do whatever you think is best.
Azula finally starts being attentive again. Aang nods slightly.
AANG: Alright. Just this once we'll go with Haru.
AZULA: YES!
Silence.
AZULA: I meant, yes for the people we'll liberate of course.
Haru smiles.
HARU: That's the spirit.
Azula has to hide her face from Haru when getting up. As does Aang from Ty Lee, who eyes him more closely than ever before. Zuko claps his hands, being satisfied with the outcome of the decision.
ZUKO: I just want to point out that this was originally my idea.
The elongated marble table stretches across the long dinner hall. Surrounded by giant pillars, Kenora pokes her seaweed noodles unenthusiastically. Sitting next to her, Sokka devours blubbered seal jerky, tentacle stew and other Water Tribe dishes at a rapid pace, slurping and grunting like a true warrior would. Kenora finally decides to slurp up some noodles as well. The rest of the table is stacked with rich old men wearing expensive robes, fancy mustaches and jewelry. A female servant, about Kenora's age, appears with a jug.
SERVANT: Would you like more juice, sir?
KENORA: Hm? Oh yeah, sure.
The servant giggles a bit when filling her cup. Kenora feels put on the spot, Sokka grinning in the background. The servant strokes her long hair, walking away. Kenora acts as if her operating system is crashing. Sokka leans in.
SOKKA: Hey... aren't you a little player.
KENORA: What?
BUZHANG: Look, dessert!
A plate of fruit and baked goods is carried by two male servants, who put it at the top of the table, right next to Kenora, Sokka, the governor and two unknown men. Kenora can spot the female servant with someone else, giggling behind a pillar.
BUZHANG: Prince Sokka, would you like to try some of our mountain fruit?
Sokka immediately grabs a large orange thing.
SOKKA: That's very generous of you, Chattar.
The governor laughs very awkwardly. Kenora figures he's not used to being called by his first name.
KENORA: Are those from your garden, governor?
BUZHANG: No, I wouldn't test my gardening project out in the son of the Great Chief.
He smiles. Kenora can't shake off the feeling that his smile looks fake.
KENORA: I assume you imported them from a former Earth Kingdom province.
Buzhang nods.
BUZHANG: Indeed. Same as all the delicacies from the Water Tribes. We wanted to make our guests feel right at home.
SOKKA (with a full mouth): And you did!
He starts gulping down fruits from the plate. Kenora pouts a bit, poking her noodles again.
KENORA: That must have cost you a fortune. Importing all those supplies to Musho Ichi.
The governor's smile disappears.
BUZHANG: Yes, and we are very glad for our prosperity.
The governor grabs a small pastry.
KENORA: With all the gold and robes and food, I do wonder-
BUZHANG: Where all that came from?
His voice holds a certain kind of coldness that surprises Kenora. Sokka finally interrupts his gluttony.
SOKKA: If I remember correctly, Chattar is the head of a very successful mining operation.
BUZHANG: Indeed. The war has cost us a lot, as I am sure it has for you as well, Poko.
Kenora feels suddenly intimidated by Buzhang. Sokka tries to deflate the tension with an awkward laughter.
SOKKA: Well, it has been a long day, and we should probably get some rest before we depart tomorrow.
BUZHANG: Tomorrow? Already? You've just arrived.
He grabs an especially squishy fruit, crushing it with his teeth, not flinching at the its juices getting all over his beard and robe. Now Sokka raises an eyebrow.
SOKKA: Well, we have an important mission-
BUZHANG: Or so I've heard. I've also heard that Bato of the Southern Tribe has begun hunting for the Avatar.
Sokka's expression changes drastically. Kenora feels bad for her captain.
BUZHANG: Yes. News reaches us fast despite our location. Tell me Prince Sokka...
He leans forward a bit.
BUZHANG: Do you plan on taking down the Avatar and his clique with just two men? Or are there more on board your stolen vessel?
Sokka frowns. Kenora has never caught him as determined as this.
SOKKA: The Matariki is my ship! And you are not to question me or my methods, governor!
The room seems quite intimidated. Buzhang folds his arms.
BUZHANG: Forgive me, your highness. I did not mean to insult you.
SOKKA: Good. I am your prince after all.
Buzhang is silent for a moment, avoiding eye contact.
BUZHANG: You are.
The governor's focus shifts to Kenora.
BUZHANG: What about you, Poko?
Kenora panics.
KENORA: What? What about me?
BUZHANG: This table is filled with noblemen and the important business associates of the Crescent Archipelago. What kind of royalty do you hold?
Kenora freezes at the sight.
SOKKA: Poko's past is his business. He's a brave fighter and a loyal crew mate. That is all I care about.
Kenora is relieved at his help and surprised to be honest. Most of the time Sokka turned out to be a bumbling buffoon, defending her against the governor means a lot.
BUZHANG: Fair enough.
The governor backs off, almost as if he's afraid to be treated poorly by the prince.
BUZHANG: I believe I have judged you wrong, Poko. Your captain believes in your capabilities, and we should all respect that. Perhaps he'll reward you because of your service.
Kenora looks at Sokka.
KENORA: Reward me?
Sokka shrugs.
SOKKA: Once we catch the Avatar and the firebender we'll be drowning in rewards.
Sokka eats another pastry.
KENORA: Like what?
Sokka shrugs again, more expressively.
SOKKA: I don't know. Honor, gold, titles...
Kenora's eyes spark brightly.
KENORA: Like captain?
Sokka ponders for a moment.
SOKKA: I mean...
BUZHANG: In Water Tribes custom, captain is a title awarded by another captain, or higher-ranking officer. His highness the Great Chief awarded Sokka the title of captain at the ripe age of twelve if I remember correctly.
The governor claps twice, signaling his servants to clear the long table. The female servant smiles at Kenora when carrying away a plate from a rich nobleman. Kenora's mind is somewhere else though.
KENORA: Wait, twelve?
SOKKA: Yup. Youngest captain ever. I've been travelling the world ever since.
The governor raises his eyebrows a bit, as if trying to signal Kenora.
KENORA: Really? That's very... early.
SOKKA: I am a prince.
Sokka grabs another peach before the plate disappears.
SOKKA: Father suggested I should see the world, become a man.
As Sokka gulps down the fruit, Kenora remembers what Puwati and Bato discussed back at the Boiling Rock.
BUZHANG: Fascinating. The prince and his royal family used to visit us a few times when they were younger.
Buzhang gets up.
BUZHANG: Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some matters of business to attend to.
The female servant appears behind Kenora.
BUZHANG: Chi-Chi here will show you to your quarters. I hope they suit you.
Sokka gets up, pounding his shoulder, Kenora following him awkwardly.
SOKKA: We appreciate your hospitality, governor. I hope that Poko's behavior wasn't too much of an insult.
Kenora's head slowly turns into a shade of red.
Chi-Chi turns left one last time, arriving at a secluded, but still expensive-looking corridor, two doors across from each other.
CHI-CHI: These will be your quarters for tonight. Governor Buzhang has prepared the room to your right for Prince Sokka.
Sokka claps his hands together.
SOKKA: Well, see you tomorrow, Poko.
He walks right ahead to his door, Kenora glaring after him. Chi-Chi walks ahead to the door on the left.
CHI-CHI: This will be your room for... tonight.
Kenora's attention is briefly shifted to Chi-Chi, who unties her long, black hair, allowing it to hang down across her shoulders. This precisely when Kenora takes a longer look at the servant. Her eyebrows are thick and bushy but look well-tended. A big smile runs across her entire face, puffing up her red cheeks. Kenora blushes as the servant approaches her.
CHI-CHI: I hope I was of good service tonight, sir.
Chi-Chi pouts and nods her head to the side, making Kenora even more nervous.
KENORA: Uh... sure. It was all good.
Chi-Chi moves in even closer.
CHI-CHI: Well, if you have any more wishes, just tell me, sir.
KENORA: You don't have to call me sir. Just say Poko.
Chi-Chi smiles. Kenora feels a strange sensation in her stomach, all over her body actually.
CHI-CHI: I can?
Kenora nods frantically.
KENORA: Yeah.
CHI-CHI: Can I also do this?
Chi-Chi leans in slowly, then goes for the kiss. Kenora does not stop her. She even closes her eyes and enjoys it. Chi-Chi steps away again.
KENORA: Uh...
Chi-Chi giggles.
CHI-CHI: What?
Kenora can't help but to smile.
KENORA: That's good service.
Chi-Chi laughs and launches a second kiss, this time Kenora puts her hands on her face, with the servant having her arms on Kenora's hips.
SOKKA: Woah! I hope I'm not interrupting...
Kenora and Chi-Chi separate in a comedic fashion.
CHI-CHI: I- I- I'm so sorry your highness, I didn't mean to insult you.
She bows down. Kenora is confused.
SOKKA: No, worries, I forgive you.
Now she frowns again.
SOKKA: I actually came here to talk with-
KENORA: With me? Yeah, we should talk.
Kenora walks straight past the prince and into his room. Sokka is befuddled.
SOKKA: Uh... wait here, I guess.
He closes the door behind him.
CHI-CHI: ...okay?
The sound of the door closing is quieter than Sokka expected.
SOKKA: Huh. That was quieter than I expected.
He turns around only to find Kenora, frowning, her arms crossed, tapping her food. For the first time he sees Poko having a strange resemblance.
SOKKA: You kind of look like a-
KENORA: No! I'm talking right now.
Now Poko just resembles his mother.
SOKKA: What?
KENORA: Why did she have to apologize? She did nothing wrong.
Sokka scoffs and shrugs, walking over to his bed.
SOKKA: She thought she insulted me by making out with you, I guess.
He jumps on to his bed, picking up a fruit from his nightstand.
SOKKA: You know how women are.
KENORA: Yes, I actually do. But you're the one that seems to think women are some kind of different species.
Sokka rolls his eyes.
SOKKA: Whatever.
He takes a bite. Kenora does not back down.
KENORA: It's not "whatever". And what you did at the dinner table was horrible.
This catches the prince's attention.
SOKKA: What? I defended you once, and then... wanted to make a good impression. I only told Chattar what he wanted to hear. Plus, you were kind of rude.
He takes another bite. Kenora starts boiling like a kettle.
Outside, Chi-Chi waits patiently. She sighs, stroking her hair a bit and nodding her head. She can her Kenora raising her voice at the prince. Simultaneously, her voice also rises in pitch.
KENORA: I was rude?
Sokka sits up.
SOKKA: Don't be dramatic. You sound like a woman-
KENORA: There is nothing wrong with anyone behaving like a woman!
This is apparently Sokka's vital nerve.
SOKKA: Don't shout at me! I am your-
KENORA: My what? My prince?
Sokka gets up from the bed.
SOKKA: Don't mock me! I am still your captain, and if you take issue with my leadership, you may leave now!
KENORA: Fine! Guess I'll leave then!
KENORA (muted): ...I'll leave then!
Chi-Chi grins in excitement.
CHI-CHI: Yes!
SOKKA: Good! I don't need you!
Kenora laughs very angrily.
KENORA: You don't need me? How are you going to catch the Avatar and that firebender on your own then, huh?
Sokka's weak point is exposed. He cannot answer.
KENORA: Are you going to come up with some clever scheme to knock them out one-boy-one? You're not even a bender!
SOKKA: And if I hadn't picked you up from that rock, you would still hammer around wood planks!
Kenora turns around, intending to leave.
SOKKA: Stop right there! You're not leaving!
Chi-Chi sighs. She looks into the hallway corner, trying to see if anyone spots her - nope - then she enters Kenora's chamber.
KENORA: Make me, Sokka!
SOKKA: You are not allowed to call me that!
KENORA: AND YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO CALL ME POKO!
Everyone is silent for a moment. Sokka did not expect that, certainly not from a little kid like Poko. Unless...
SOKKA: What do you mean?
Kenora clenches her teeth, slamming her fist against her own forehead multiple times, wondering if she should.
KENORA: Forget it, I'll stay. No one else wants to join your stupid crew anyways. That's why they all left to go with Bato...
Sokka's insides feel like they're coiling around.
SOKKA: You don't mean that.
KENORA: It's the truth, Sokka. We stole that ship because we both had no other option. You had nowhere to go and neither did I.
Sokka crosses his arms. He feels a strange sensation forming in his synapses. He formulates a question that has been on his mind for a while.
SOKKA: Why did you join my crew then?
Kenora sighs. I guess this is it.
KENORA: I can't go anywhere on my own, I'm not allowed to.
SOKKA: Why aren't you allowed to?
Kenora gulps.
KENORA: Seriously? Can't you figure-
A scream emits from the other chamber, loud and clear. It's the scream of a girl. Kenora runs ahead.
SOKKA: Hey! We're not done here!
Kenora slams the door open, finding her modest, but elegant chamber. A man dressed in dark robes, wearing a conical hat and a queue is holding Chi-Chi up by her shirt. Kenora spots a pot of water on a small table, bending it out of the vessel and holding it in the air, ready to attack.
KENORA: I'm going to say this once - let her g-
The man raises his arm. The ice around his hand, formed like a glove, shoots forward and grabs Kenora's throat. She falls down to the ground gurgling. The man tightens his grip, beding the water tighter around her throat.
Sokka opens the door to Poko's chamber nonchalantly.
SOKKA: Okay, just to be clear, Bato-
Sokka is frozen on the spot. The assassin throws away Chi-Chi, allowing his right ice-glove to shoot towards Sokka. The prince dodge-rolls. The assassin bends a puddle of water next to Poko, creating ice shards. Sokka grabs a table, holding it like a shield. The ice shards are barely stopped by the wood. The man grunts.
SOKKA: Oh no, you DON'T!
He tackles him as he tries to leave. Sokka lands a punch to the face, then another, the third one is dodged and countered by a gut punch. Sokka moans. The assassin pushes the prince outside, following him. Chi-Chi crawls over to Kenora, who's slowly losing her breath.
CHI-CHI: Poko!
She cries out for her. Kenora shakes her head while trying to bend the ice off. It won't.
SOKKA: You know, that's not how you...
He catches a kick while on the ground. The assassin bends the water from his other ice glove on the ground, forming a whip. Sokka gets an idea - he fakes a punch - the assassin grabs his arm. Now, grinning, Sokka pulls the bender towards him, hitting his face with the full force of his right arm. The man tumbles. Sokka tries another punch, the man blocking. Left punch - he freezes their hands together. Sokka headbutts him, the assassin tumbling again, his hat sliding forward a bit. Sokka runs at him, dodging a literal ice punch, and pulling the impractical hat over his face. Landing two more punches, the prince finishes the attacker off with a mighty kick, launching him against his own chamber door. The attacker is knocked out.
Kenora can feel the grip loosening, bending off the water from her throat, gasping for air. Chi-Chi hugs her in relief.
SOKKA: What was that?!
He shuts the door behind him. Kenora, out of breath, tries to answer.
KENORA: I don't know...
Sokka ponders. He notices Chi-Chi's presence.
SOKKA: What are you doing here?
She wipes off her tears.
CHI-CHI: Oh, this is going to sound embarrassing...
He looks down at the melted ice, thinking harder.
SOKKA: This doesn't make sense. Why would they try to kill you?
At first, Chi-Chi looks confused, only then realizing he's speaking to Kenora.
KENORA: Me?
SOKKA: Are servants allowed in the guest rooms?
Chi-Chi shakes her head.
CHI-CHI: No. I'm only allowed to enter upon request.
She subtly grabs Poko's hand, perhaps more out of fear.
SOKKA: So, Poko was supposed to enter alone?
Chi-Chi nods. Sokka stirs his finger in the water.
SOKKA: Perfect murder weapon as well. There's plenty of ways to kill someone with waterbending without leaving a trace.
Kenora feels truly horrified, grabbing Chi-Chi's hand a little harder. Sokka also feels conflicted. Chattar was his friend, his father's friend, and an ally to the Water Tribes.
SOKKA: But why?
Azula decided to take Appa's reins in the morning. She has done this a lot more recently, and Aang didn't particularly mind. It allowed him to let his mind drift off for a while, sometimes he would meditate during long flights. Aang wondered plenty of times what would happen if he did managed to travel back to his own reality. Would the siblings, and now Ty Lee, be able to stop the war? He doubted it. Often times he doubted that they would continue to exist afterwards, that they were simply figments of his imagination. But that last thought died off after their encounter with Sokka and Bato. And even if this world wasn't real, Aang thought, it did still feel real enough to fight for it. It was his destiny as the Avatar to restore balance to the world, perhaps all worlds. But mainly, and he would likely never admit this to his new friends, mainly he was just too curious. Why was he brought here? What is this world? Is this the real world? What's his world then? It's no wonder Azula complains about him loosing himself in his thoughts. He didn't spends much more time pondering about new Haru. The novelty of meeting someone from his world wore off quickly, especially since this Haru seemed completely different from his own.
Then there was the Winter Solstice. If this world was a repeat of his own, then he would have to meet his previous life, his previous Avatar. At first, he thought it was going to be Roku, but in this world water preceeds air on the cycle, so now Aang didn't know what to expect. A dreadful feeling had begun building up inside him. What if there was something like Sozin's Comet? Something that lends its power to the enemy Water Tribe? He hated the thought of it. What if I fail again? He shudders in fear and Ty Lee finally has had enough.
TY LEE: Can we land?
Azula looks back with irritation.
AZULA: Why? We're almost there.
The acrobat looks at Aang, who finally pays attention.
TY LEE: I don't think Aang is feeling good.
Azula raises an eyebrow yet does not respond. The Avatar grunts in annoyance. He too hates being perceived as weak.
AANG: I'm fine. Let's just keep going.
HARU: Actually, it's not a bad idea. I want to see how Zuko can do with his blades.
Azula, without commenting, steers the bison to land below, rather abruptly actually. As the beast lands, the ground below it makes a muddy, squish-sound. Appa growls in a high pitch.
AZULA: Ew, I heard it too.
ZUKO: What is this?
Everyone's looks down the saddle. The plain leading up to the mountain turns out to be a giant marsh. Most of the snow from yesterday has already melted in the Fire Nation heat.
AZULA: I'm so sorry, big guy.
Appa grunts with a very low and quiet pitch. Sabachi climbs down between his eyes and snuggles him.
ZUKO: I've never read about this. There are some wetlands on isolated islands, but a marsh like this on the archipelago?
Haru strokes his tiny but smooth chin beard. Azula awaits his assessment.
HARU: I was confused by the snow yesterday, but it makes sense now. The Water Tribe is manipulating the weather in this part of the Fire Nation.
Aang is irritated by this explanation once again.
ZUKO: Why? Why snow and a marsh?
HARU: The marsh is probably a result of unnatural rainfall.
He looks at Mount Ichi, its top covered in clouds.
HARU: We'll get our answers there.
The Liberation Fighter jumps off the saddle and lands on mud.
HARU: Come on, Zuko.
Zuko is more than happy to share his weapon skills with someone and jumps down as well.
AZULA: Yikes.
She looks at Ty Lee and Aang, who remain seated.
AZULA: You uh... you're going to stay here?
Azula looks down, spotting Haru and Zuko walking off a short distance. She climbs down Appa quickly.
AZULA: Guys! Wait for me!
She runs after them. Now Aang is alone with his student. He wondered a minute ago why Ty Lee wanted to land, now the acrobat sits down across from him.
TY LEE: Are you alright, Aang?
He shrugs.
AANG: I'm fine.
TY LEE: You're not. I can feel it.
AANG: Don't tell me about auras!
Aang's answer felt spiteful and mean, and the boy is disgusted by himself.
AANG: I'm... sorry.
Ty Lee pouts sadly.
TY LEE: It's not just your aura. It's the look in your eyes.
Aang is speechless.
TY LEE: It's the same look you had when you first saw me. When you saw Haru, and when you asked me about the Winter Solstice.
She leans forward. Aang gulps quietly.
TY LEE: You're afraid of something, Aang. And I'm afraid it's going to consume you.
Aang feels slightly insulted. He has gone through enough hardship to be lectured about his emotions.
AANG: I have a... feeling that the Winter Solstice is important. Like...
He struggles to find a suitable lie.
AANG: Like something is going to happen that's important.
He sighs in frustration.
AANG: And I'm afraid if we're going to waste more time, we'll miss it.
He looks over to Haru and Zuko a short distance away, training with earthbending and broadswords. The fact that Haru is a bender is not surprising to Aang.
TY LEE: I feel like you know a lot of things. Azula and I talked about it and-
AANG: Azula?
Aang reacts inexplicably defensive.
AANG: What did she say?
Ty Lee sighs.
TY LEE: I can't tell you that.
Aang is insulted.
AANG: Then I can't tell you what I'm afraid of.
He gets up and walks over to Appa's head, taking the reins. Ty Lee sighs, not in frustration, but with sadness in her breath.
The governor himself strolls around the corner to the guest rooms, of course being escorted by guards. He is surprised to find a servant waiting for him. The entourage halts.
BUZHANG: What are you doing here?
CHI-CHI: I just emptied our guest's chamber pots. They had left already.
Buzhang folds his hands, pointing his combined index fingers at his chin.
BUZHANG: Did they?
Chi-Chi nods. A single drop of sweat runs down her temple.
Strategically avoiding the shiny town on the plateau, Aang lands a bit removed from the peak, almost on the other side of the mountain. Haru jumps off immediately.
HARU: Alright, we'll split into two teams-
Azula jumps quite literally after him.
AZULA: I'm on Team Haru!
He nods in acceptance.
HARU: Great. I'd love to have a firebender. Aang and Ty Lee, you're B Team. Zuko will stay on Appa and guard.
ZUKO: What?
The other three jump down the saddle.
ZUKO: What do you mean I'm staying behind? I want to be on the mission.
Haru tries to calm him.
HARU: I know, I know. But when we have four benders, we need to use our advantages.
Sabachi lands triumphantly on Azula's shoulder.
AZULA: Come on, Zuko. Haru is a soldier, he knows this stuff.
Zuko scoffs.
ZUKO: I always thought you're the strategy expert.
She shrugs.
AZULA: I don't see a flaw in his tactics.
HARU: Great.
Haru intends to walk ahead, not really paying attention to any personal drama.
AANG: Wait!
He stops.
HARU: What is it Aang? Come on, let's go.
AANG: No. If Zuko wants to fight he can go instead of me.
This seems to trigger Azula and Haru.
HARU: What?
AZULA: You're such a child, Aang. Go and let Zu-Zu sulk on his own.
ZUKO: Azula!
Aang finally realizes that this is the first time since Mai Sa Lu that she has called him that. Ty Lee just stands quietly in the corner while trying to suppress her tears. Aang has noticed her shut-down reaction to conflict.
AANG: That was not okay, Azula.
AZULA: Yeah? You want to know what's also not okay? Letting all of these child slaves rot away in some mine while you worry about the Winter Solstice.
Aang snaps back at her in panic.
AANG: Are you spying on me?!
AZULA: Maybe? Maybe I know a lot more than you know.
Aang has reached his limit. Too much does this remind him of the Fire Lord. Her turns around and jumps back on to Appa.
AANG: Fine. Go without me then.
Nobody says anything. Haru is the first one to break the ice by walking ahead.
HARU: Wonderful. It won't take long anyways.
Azula follows suit immediately, pursued by Zuko.
ZUKO: See you later, Aang...
Ty Lee is the last one to leave Aang behind, not saying a word.
Sokka and Kenora snuck past the soldiers guarding the path to the mountain in the morning. What follows is a long and rocky walk towards the peak.
SOKKA: What did you mean by the way? In my room last night?
Kenora strokes her neck. Choke marks are still visible. She sighs and shakes her head.
KENORA: Nothing. I was angry.
The prince picks his ears.
SOKKA: I can call you something else, if you'd like.
Kenora smiles.
SOKKA: And you're right.
She raises an eyebrow.
SOKKA: I was a terrible captain. Bato... still stole them, but... I guess I could have done better.
KENORA: Well, you stole the Matariki, so I guess you're even.
Sokka coughs up a short laugh.
SOKKA: You're a pretty formidable waterbender. I wish we could stop somewhere and find a master to teach you.
Kenora shrugs.
KENORA: I can pick up along the way. I'm a fast learner. Plus, I got the scroll.
Sokka smiles.
KENORA: You we're pretty formidable too against that assassin.
The prince shrugs arrogantly.
SOKKA: Oh, well. Shouldn't have worn that stupid hat.
Kenora giggles a bit. At this point she can't be bothered to pretend in front of Sokka anymore. Either he knows already, or he won't figure it out ever.
SOKKA: You didn't answer my question though.
KENORA: Hm?
SOKKA: Why did you join my crew?
Kenora scoffs, scratching her short, wavy hair.
KENORA: Well for one I was a jail cell...
Sokka pouts in approval.
KENORA: The other thing...
She clenches the necklace under her shirt.
KENORA: I want to see the world. Explore. Have my own ship.
SOKKA: Oh...
KENORA: What?
SOKKA: So, you want to be a captain?
Kenora shrugs.
KENORA: Sure. if that... makes it easier. And if I can.
SOKKA: Sure you can. And being a captain doesn't mean joining the Navy. You can just become a freelancer, or a pirate.
KENORA: Or just be myself.
Sokka frowns a bit. That concept seems a tat alien to him.
SOKKA: Uh... sure.
He nudges her in the side a bit, not as hard as previous times, which she appreciates. Now Kenora starts having a bad conscience.
KENORA: Sokka?
SOKKA: Yeah?
KENORA: W... why did your dad make you a captain at such a young age?
Sokka takes some time to come up with the answer, as if he didn't quite know or want to know himself.
SOKKA: He said it was the right thing. Our...
He pauses a bit. Kenora wonders if she should have asked.
SOKKA: Our mom died shortly before that. He told me if I became a captain and went... exploring the world, I would become a man over time. The whole thing with catching a firebender, and then the Avatar, came later.
Kenora ponders. As she does, the two pierce through a lofty level of clouds.
SOKKA: What about your dad?
Kenora laughs nervously.
KENORA: Well-
SOKKA: Watch out!
He tackles her to the side, hiding behind a rock.
KENORA: What?
SOKKA: I saw a guard.
He peeks out from behind the rock like a gopher. Kenora follows suit less comically. Indeed, the entrance to a cave and two guards watching.
KENORA: Water Tribes?
Indeed, the men are soldiers from the Water Tribes.
SOKKA: What are they doing here?
KENORA: We have to find out.
BUZHANG: That won't be necessary.
They turn around in an instant, their arms catch ice and freeze to the rock behind them.
Two assassins, one of them with a band-aid across his nose and a black eye.
SOKKA: Ha! You again! Didn't we tie him up somewhere?
BUZHANG: So, you have met the Dai Li already? That makes things easier for me.
A third Dai Li agent shows up. Holding her with one hand, he drags Chi-Chi behind himself. Kenora looks at her in shock. Chi-Chi grunts in frustration.
BUZHANG: Why don't we go back to the city and discuss business?
Azula complains and grunts during their walk across the mountainside. Haru does not seem to care.
ZUKO: Can you stop it?
AZULA: No.
HARU: Guys, we should focus on the mission.
Zuko slaps his forehead. He walks past Azula who leads them and stands in front of her, stopping the group entirely.
ZUKO: We have to go back and talk to Aang.
AZULA: Also no.
She strolls right past him.
ZUKO: What's the point of doing this mission if we all just go back and fight with each other?
This stops Azula.
AZULA: I'm not fighting with anyone. Aang is the one with bigger problems on his mind.
TY LEE: Uh... guys?
HARU: In the Liberation Forces, we have this thing where two people in an argument agree to a truce and just fight it out in a sparring session.
ZUKO: We don't have time for any Agni Kais! If we want to free those people in the mountain, we need to be a team!
HARU: Actually, two teams, but you guys refuse to split...
TY LEE: Guys!?
ZUKO: I refuse to follow orders from some... wannabe... revolutionary!
AZULA: And there we go! Very mature of you, Zu-Zu.
ZUKO: Don't call me that!
As the three argue, snowflakes fall down from the sudden clouds in the sky.
TY LEE: GUYS!
Everyone stops. They notice it too.
ZUKO: It's snowing again.
AZULA: ATCHOO! Aw man...
HARU: They know we're here!
Haru looks down the mountain slope, causing an avalanche to push away some boulders. Behind it, Water Tribe soldiers jump away. Sabachi quickly flees the scene.
The weather intensifies, turning into a full-on blizzard out of nowhere.
Zuko draws his blades but is hit in the back of the head with a club. Ty Lee can react fast enough, blowing her attacker away with a gust of wind, which is made stronger through the blizzard. Haru pulls up a rock, throwing it at two waterbenders, who dodge and freeze all four of his limbs.
HARU: No!
Azula is surrounded by two regular soldiers. She smiles with confidence, pointing her fingers at the soldier in front of her. Yet... no fire.
AZULA: What?
She does it again, with the same outcome, which is nothing.
AZULA: No! Wha- ATCHOO!
As she wipes her nose and gets captured by the soldiers. She finally realizes why she can't bend fire. And why the pirate captain wanted to capture her.
Act III. – Slave children's crusade
Aang almost convulsively presses his fists together, hoping to apparently force himself into the Avatar State. He needs to talk to someone. Somebody out there must be able to help him. He emits a loud sigh and falls on his back. Appa grunts almost in compassion. Aang can feel the discontent running down his cheeks as he unsuccessfully tries to hold back his tears.
AANG: This isn't fair! I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing! WHY ISN'T ANYONE HERE TO HELP ME?!
He coils over to the side. He lacks the energy to sob again. He simply lies there and does nothing, except closing his eyes. He tries to dig up an old memory, something to give him comfort.
He remembers sitting on a tall mountain, his eyes gazing upon the vast ocean. Tiny boats in the distance, heading for the North Pole. The Northern Tribe had agreed to take in refugees from the comet. Aang smirks at the fact that, in all her brilliance, Azula didn't bother to think about burning down the poles as well. Yet at least. The peace was fragile, but it was a peace. While he and his friends are still fugitives, many of the people who lost their home, and their family, are free to seek refuge in the Northern and Southern Water Tribe. Most of them went south. The villages were abandoned, and earthbenders couldn't fight back in case the Fire Nation changed their mind.
KATARA: Need company?
He only now notices Katara walking in on the left. He nods with a smile.
AANG: Of course. Always.
His voice was deep and scratchy, a very sudden jump in his puberty. Katara liked that. She sits down and sighs.
KATARA: Listen, I know this is not a lot, but getting these people across safely-
AANG: I know. I've grown tired of complaining about how little of an effect everything has. We saved those people and that's good. It's a little thing. But it's good.
They gaze into the distance, where the ships seem to be merely tiny specs on the horizon. Katara grabs Aang's hand and holds it.
KATARA: Sometimes little things are enough.
Aang smiles back at her. He notices something strange all of a sudden. Snow seems to fall down on this bright, summer day. He looks back at Katara and realizes she has vanished.
Aang wakes up with a gasp. He did not intend to doze off like this.
He looks around and sees a small cover of snow. He gets up. Appa grunts.
AANG: Something is happening. We should probably go after them.
Appa grunts.
AANG: Yip-yip!
The bison soars into the darkened sky.
Governor Chattar Buzhang taps his fingers on the table impatiently. The dining hall from last night was quickly repurposed as an interrogation chamber. Their hands frozen behind their backs, Kenora and Chi-Chi are tied to chairs next to each other. Prince Sokka is allowed to stand. The three Dai Li are the only soldiers present.
SOKKA: So, as I explained...
Buzhang's temple twitches with every new word spat out by the prince.
SOKKA: Poko and I had to leave early because of the mess he created in his chamber pot...
He makes a strange comedic gesture towards Kenora, who would kindly like to slap her own forehead.
SOKKA: And so, we went out as early as possible, and Poko said "Ay..."
He awkwardly and very insultingly tries to mimic Kenora's lisp.
SOKKA: "I thought it would be awesome idea to see the mountain up-close in its purity-
BUZHANG: Enough!
He slams his fist on the table and gets up.
BUZHANG: The only reason you're not tied to a chair like them is because of your heritage - and nothing else!
Sokka is briefly intimidated by a person he used to consider trustworthy. A chain reaction begins to form inside him, trying to figure out which characters of his past are truly friends.
SOKKA: Pardon me?
BUZHANG: You heard me, boy! Now tell me why you and your crooked friends tried to get to the mines!
CHI-CHI: I don't know them. They're not my friends.
Kenora feels slightly hurt, but in light of the current circumstances she completely understands.
BUZHANG: You are not to speak up unless spoken to, broad!
KENORA: Leave her alone! She has nothing to do with this!
Her voice naturally assumed a much deeper tone than usually, impressing herself, Chi-Chi, and Sokka.
BUZHANG: You don't get to decide that.
KENORA: Oh really, but you do, huh?
Everyone in the room seems early aggravated by the apparent breaking of norms.
BUZHANG: One more word and-
KENORA: And what? I'm already a prisoner! Tell us what you hide in that damn mountain!
Buzhang ponders for a moment. A lack of concern or care for what he is about to say overcomes him. Sokka gulps, wondering if he wants to know.
BUZHANG: Slaves.
As the snowstorm turns into blizzard, Aang and Appa are forced to land temporarily, Aang finding shelter in a tiny cave by the mountainside. With him and the bison barely fitting inside, Aang notices the cave being frozen. The airbender has to focus extra hard in order to not feel the cold. Upon further inspection he also comes to the realization that the cave is in fact a small tunnel.
SOKKA: What?
Chi-Chi looks like she is about to throw up. Kenora's face switches from fear, to disbelief, to pure rage.
BUZHANG: Slaves. Most of them young.
Kenora leaps forward with her chair, the Dai Li behind her stops her by grabbing it. Sokka scoffs in disbelief.
SOKKA: That's not possible. The Water Tribes Confederation outlaws slavery.
BUZHANG: In the homeland.
Sokka can't believe what he's hearing. Maybe Aang was right about the airbender genocide.
BUZHANG: Look around, your highness.
He points to the massive and expensive room.
Sounds of metal clangs and heavy machinery echo through the tunnel. Aang looks carefully over the edge. A large cave system covered in ice strechtes far into the mountain. Dozens if not a few hundred workers hammer at the walls on diffrerent levels, different positions. Aang sees the large waterbenders accompanying all the - kids? Aang gasps in horror as he realizes most of the prison workers he sees look pretty young. One boy, unable to lift a large rock containing some sort of valuable resource, drops the boulder on the ground, crying in pain. One of the rough-looking waterbenders walks up to him. Melting ice on the wall, he creates a whip. Aang saw a lot of terrible things in his world, but it has been a long time since he had to look away from something.
SOKKA: What? What about it?
The governor scoffs.
BUZHANG: Grow up, Sokka. Where do you think all these riches come from? How do you finance a city like this? How do you finance the Water Tribe Navy? The war?
Kenora can't quite make out what Sokka is feeling right now. She is confident though, as it is certainly not approval. Chi-Chi manages to grab her hand in distress.
SOKKA: If my father hears from this-
BUZHANG: If we asked Hakoda about everything, we would still plan the invasion of Omashu.
Buzhang puts his hand on a small wooden box. Opening it, he reveals a large quantity of gold currency.
BUZHANG: This is where we talk business.
He closes it again, much to Sokka's disliking.
BUZHANG: You and your annoying little boy here leave Musho Ichi, never to return. In exchange, you will gain this.
He opens the chest again.
KENORA: We don't want your dirty money!
Buzhang gestures one of the Dai Li, who shoots his ice-glove to cover Kenora's mouth.
Sokka hesitates to grab the chest.
BUZHANG: Oh, and you will never speak of the slave-issue again. Understood?
Now Sokka puts the hand down. He looks at Chi-Chi.
SOKKA: What about her?
Buzhang scoffs.
BUZHANG: What about her? She's my servant. She won't go anywhere.
Now the governor looks at Chi-Chi, with an eerie expression.
BUZHANG: And she will of course be punished for her betrayal.
Kenora can feel the grip on her hand tightening. She looks over to Sokka, shaking her head. He sighs.
A nibbling on his pants grabs Aang's attention. He whispers, as not to be detected.
AANG (whispering): Sabachi?
The lemur crawls up to him, mimicking his recon mission.
AANG (whispering): Where are the others?
Sabachi does not answer, but the Avatar is grabbed by a certain noise.
AZULA: ATCHOO!
He looks down, spotting Azula, who appears pretty miserable, working in chains among the others. Sabachi nibbles him again, causing him to spot Zuko, who is forced to carry large rocks, throwing them into mine carts.
AANG (whispering): Where's the rest?
Sabachi runs back where Aang came from, expecting the Avatar to follow her.
Sokka starts sweating. A knock on the door dissolves some of the tension.
BUZHANG: Come in.
A soldier enters, Soldier 2 from earlier.
SOLDIER 2: Governor, we have captured a gang of benders trying to attack the mines.
Kenora and Sokka have the same thought and exchange looks.
BUZHANG: And?
SOLDIER 2: We were able to identify two of them as Fire Nation Separatists, one of them a firebender.
BUZHANG: Put them to work in the mine. We keep it cold for a reason.
Kenora has a mental "Oh..." moment.
SOLDIER 2: Already have. There are two more prisoners with us. A Liberation Fighter and an airbender.
Kenora and Sokka lock eyes again. Buzhang nods.
BUZHANG: Very well, keep them waiting till I say so.
Soldier 2 bows, then leaves.
BUZHANG: Interesting. It seems your offer has been... magnified.
He opens the chest, this time Sokka closes it.
SOKKA: I want to see the airbender first. If it's the Avatar, we have a deal.
He glares at Buzhang, who does not quite know how to react to this new side of Sokka. Kenora has a similar reaction.
BUZHANG: Let them in!
The door opens and two Water Tribe soldiers, a waterbender and one with club and machete, enter. They present their prisoners - Haru and Ty Lee. Kenora starts getting nervous when he spots this new girl. Who is she? And who is the rough-looking earthbender?
BUZHANG: Ah, well hello there.
TY LEE: Hi!
Haru is irritated by the acrobat's positive attitude. Ty Lee spots the the two teenagers tied to a chair and her eyes meet those of a strangely feminine-looking boy, whose mouth is frozen over.
BUZHANG: So, you're an airbender?
HARU: Don't answer.
Ty Lee feels put on the spot. She notices a slight nodding by the tied-up boy.
TY LEE: Yes?
Buzhang scoffs.
BUZHANG: So, I take it you're the Avatar then?
Kenora nods again, but the governor turns towards Sokka.
BUZHANG: Prince Sokka, is this the Avatar?
Sokka answers without batting an eye.
SOKKA: Yup. Caught her once already, almost had her.
BUZHANG: Then we have a deal!
HARU (whispering): What are you doing?
TY LEE (whsipering): Follow my lead.
SOKKA: Well, I guess we do!
He shares a somewhat enthusiastic handshake with the governor.
BUZHANG: So, gold and the Avatar for you, anonymity for me, right?
SOKKA: Of course.
He grabs the box and gives it to Kenora, who is being released from her frozen chains. She winks at Chi-Chi.
SOKKA: Poko, let's get the prisoner.
The prince grabs Ty Lee by her frozen-together wrists and puts her in front of Kenora. The waterbender smiles.
KENORA: With pleasure.
With one sweeping motion, Kenora simultaneously tosses Sokka the chest, unfreezes Ty Lee, and launches a projectile at the Dai Li agent watching over Chi-Chi.
BUZHANG: No!
Sokka catches the chest, only to throw it at the waterbending soldier, who gets knocked out, the gold spreading all over the floor. The other guard catches a gust of wind from the side, losing his weapons in the process.
SOKKA: Thank you.
Ty Lee looks at him with a weird expression, dodging an incoming attack by doing a lofty backflip.
A Dai Li agent shoots his glove, Kenora blocks. Shooting his second glove at her and grabbing her shirt, he pulls her closer, not expecting the girl to melt the hand, creating a layer of ice, on which the agent slips. Kenora kicks him on the way down, melting the second glove, creating a water bubble, and hitting the agent on the ground with a circular motion. She makes a whip out of it, hitting Chi-Chi's ice shackles, freeing her and absorbing the liquid into her already-existing bubble. The Dai Li agent from yesterday approaches her with his ice gloves growing spikes. Kenora readies herself.
Ty Lee tries seeking the advantage via the high ground, unfortunately the agent follows her on to the table. He shoots his right glove, which she dodges, unable to notice in time that it retracts towards the agent, while clinging on to her back, pulling her forward. She tries stopping it with a gust of wind, but a second glove grabs her shirt and pulls her forward as well. She panics, punching air into the table, briefly distracting him. Then she rolls to the side and off the table. The Dai Li agent forms a wateracle, extending from his hand to hers, trying to pull her back up. She blasts air from her feet, sliding under the table, pulling the agent down with it. With a roaring scream, Sokka charges Ty Lee's attacker, landing a blow from his newly acquired club. The man grunts in pain, using his right hand to reform a glove, blocking the incoming machete. Sokka smirks, hitting him in the gut, spinning the weapon in his hand, and reaching out for a finishing bonk on the head.
SOKKA: Woah! Why did I never have these things?
A blast of air hits him unexpectedly, smashing him against the wall.
Kenora and her opponent exchange a number of quick-timed water slashes, like two little daggers for each fighter. Kenora struggles to find the upper hand but manages to land a critical hit with a water-sling, which he spins twice, hitting the Dai Li agent in his already-damaged face. A blast of air knocks out the agent, but only knocks over Kenora.
TY LEE: You!
She looks up at a strange acrobat with a braid, aiming her fists at her.
TY LEE: Free him!
She points at Haru, who was unable to participate, due to his lack of being unfrozen. Kenora complies, melting the ice covering his limbs, but in a surprise twist pulling it towards Ty Lee, freezing her hands, nailing her against a pillar. Kenora gets back up. As she does, the newly freed Haru leaps up a bolder, hovering it over Sokka's head.
KENORA: You don't want to do this!
Kenora takes a glove on the ground and turns it into a dagger.
KENORA: Trust me.
HARU: Maybe I do!
Ty Lee frowns in fear and anger.
TY LEE: What?!
HARU: We're at war, Ty Lee. Imagine what we could do to the Water Tribe if we kill their prince!
Kenora panics.
KENORA: Woah-woah-woah-woah! Stop it! Put the rock down.
Haru does not comply. Ty Lee can sense his aura. A black, lingering shadow consuming his hurt emotions. She decides to act.
TY LEE: Roll away!
She shoots a blast of air against Haru, who uses the boulder to block it. Sokka tries to attack him, getting pushed back by a sudden rock pillar.
HARU: You don't know what it takes to win this! You don't know how it feels it loose!
AANG: I do.
Before anyone can do or say anything, Aang shoots a gust of wind, powerful enough to toss Haru and his boulder against the wall, knocking the boy out. Sabachi enters and lands next to the spilled gold chest, playing around with the pieces. The governor shows up from under the table.
BUZHANG: You're the Avatar-
Aang is done talking with pointless characters. He creates a small but concentrated swirl of air, hitting Governor Buzhang in the face and knocking him out. Chi-Chi breaks the tension by emitting a long, exhausted sigh.
CHI-CHI: Who are you people?!
Kenora walks over to her, trying to comfort her.
KENORA: That's the Avatar.
AANG: I believe it's Poko?
Kenora nods reluctantly, Ty Lee turning her head to the side in confusion.
AANG: Sokka.
Sokka nods at him, breathing heavily from the battle. Aang points his staff at the prince.
SOKKA: Oh please, I yield...
AANG: I don't care what your business is here, but Ty Lee and Haru are coming with me.
Kenora lets go of Chi-Chi. Aang prepares to counter anything the weird, skinny boy throws at him, but he is surprised to see him melting Ty Lee's ice shackles. The acrobat runs over to Haru, lifting up his heavy, unconscious body with a grunt.
KENORA: Our business is the same, Avatar.
Kenora and Sokka exchange looks once again.
KENORA: I am a member of your crew, and when the time is right, we will hunt the Avatar again.
Aang shrugs dissatisfied.
KENORA: But Sokka...
She approaches him. The prince's body language does not change.
KENORA: What the governor is doing is wrong. You know that. We can tell your dad-
SOKKA: For you it's still Great Chief.
Kenora stops.
SOKKA: But I agree.
He looks over to Aang.
SOKKA: I will not rule the Great Water Tribes Confederation when I know my subjects are doing stuff like this.
He steals the weapons belt from the unconscious Tribe soldier.
SOKKA: They do make good pastries though.
AANG: So, you're in?
Sokka and Kenora walk up to Aang, halting next to each other. They pound their chest almost at the same time.
AANG: Great. Can you help with the earthbender?
Ty Lee still struggles. Sokka's inner macho flares up.
SOKKA: Why, yes of course!
He runs up to Ty Lee and the two awkwardly carry Haru outside the chamber.
CHI-CHI: What happened to the other guards?
Aang shrugs before leaving.
AANG: I'm the Avatar.
His lemur follows him as he leaves. Kenora takes one step, when-
CHI-CHI: Poko?
Kenora turns towards her.
KENORA: Yeah?
She takes a few steps, then just runs up to her, intending to give him another kiss. Kenora halts her.
KENORA: You should know...
CHI-CHI: You're a girl.
Kenora's stomach turns inside out.
KENORA: You knew?!
Chi-Chi sighs with a smile.
CHI-CHI: If you really want to do this, you should be...
KENORA: I don't want to. I have to.
Kenora sighs.
KENORA: You know how the Water Tribe treats women.
Chi-Chi holds her hand.
CHI-CHI: There is going to be a day where "Poko" no longer needs to hide behind a mask.
Kenora blushes again.
KENORA: Like I said, I'm a girl...
Chi-Chi moves in a step closer.
CHI-CHI: I know.
Kenora is speechless.
KENORA: Just curious - since when?
CHI-CHI: The moment I knew?
Kenora nods.
CHI-CHI: When we did this.
The girls embrace in a loving, if slightly amateur kiss. Kenora smiles.
KENORA: I should go now.
CHI-CHI: Good luck with your plan. If you even have one...
Kenora shrugs.
KENORA: Sokka is the plan-guy.
CHI-CHI: So, what? You're just going to barge in there, full force?
The metal clangs of the pickaxes echo through the frozen cave. After being in the mine for a few hours, Zuko had figured out a pattern whenever he passed his sister with the mine cart he was forced to push.
ZUKO: Azula! Azula!
AZULA: ATCHOO! What?
His sister is forced to hammer rock, breaking them down into smaller pieces. She hated this kind of physical work and had always been bad at it.
ZUKO: What is our plan? What are we going to do?!
Azula shrugs very calmly.
AZULA: They haven't caught Aang yet. We'll be fine.
Zuko scoffs.
ZUKO: Fine. I trust Aang.
GUARD: Hey!
A howling voice lets the siblings flinch.
GUARD: Push your cart, savage!
He creates a water whip, hitting Zuko in the back.
AZULA: Hey! Get off of him!
The guard glares at the little firebender crossing her arms.
GUARD: What did you say?
The entire portion of the mine slows down, witnessing the confrontation. The guard approaches Azula.
AZULA: I said, get off of him.
Despite the freezing temperatures, Azula manages to keep the fire inside her burning. The guard laughs menacingly.
GUARD: Sooner or later, all of you will break.
He extends his whip again. Azula scoffs, showing off her fingers. While the bandages are gone, the scars left by Zhengyi are there, and will always remain.
AZULA: And there is always someone worse than you.
The guard grunts, extending his whip, Azula preparing to dodge.
A vortex of air hits the guard in the back, launching him across the area. Behind him? Aang plus staff.
AZULA: There you are.
Two waterbenders standing on balcony-like rock extensions summon ice from the wall, aiming at Aang. The first one gets blasted away by Ty Lee, number 2 manages to launch water at Aang, but he did not expect the water to change course mid-air, hitting the bender in the face, causing him to fall down. Kenora nods towards Aang, so does Ty Lee. Sokka appears behind Kenora.
AANG: So, uh... let's get you free!
The slave children exchange confused looks. Azula rolls over her eyes. She frees herself with the key from the knocked-out guard and gets on top of a large rock in the relative center of the area.
AZULA: Firebenders! You don't know me, but I know all of you. Every child of my village was rocked to sleep with stories of the brave Fire Nation soldiers, and the courageous firebenders who fought off the invaders. Some of you may think that the Water Tribe has made you powerless. Yes, they have taken away your ability to bend, but they can't take away your strength, and it is your strength they should truly fear! Because it runs deeper than any mine you've been forced to dig, any ocean that keeps you far away from home. It is the strength of your hearts that make you who you are, hearts that will remain unbroken when every last volcano has frozen over. The time to fight back is now! I can tell you the Avatar has returned! So, remember your strength, firebenders, let us fight for our freedom!
The crowd cheers. As incoming guards from the lower levels exit the connection tunnels, some of the older prisoners overpower them, taking their keys and freeing themselves. A domino effect occurs as more and more prisoners are freed, more children fight back. Azula approaches Aang, while Zuko helps fighting some guards in the background.
AZULA: What? Changed your mind-
Aang says nothing and simply hugs the raven-haired girl. Overwhelmed, she puts her arms on his back.
AZULA: Um... okay.
He backs off with a smile.
AANG: Let's free some kids.
Azula smirks. Aang flings an incoming attacker against the wall with his staff.
AZULA: Mount Musho is not a mountain.
Aang raises an eyebrow.
AZULA: It's a volcano.
Aang ponders. The noise of the revolting children in the background is becoming louder and louder.
AANG: That means-
AZULA: That's why they make it snow. They keep it cold so that we can't bend fire.
AANG: So we need to knock out all the waterbenders.
AZULA: Sounds doable.
They share a smile.
What ensues is a montage-like chase throughout the entire complex. Aang easily sweeps away incoming guards and attackers with his staff, jumping quickly in between different levels, allowing as many kids as possible to free themselves. He eventually finds a waterbender who has Zuko's swords on his belt. After smashing him against the ceiling and down like a pinball, he hands Zuko his broadswords. The sword fighter immediately takes a guard with a spear head-on, easily defeating him in close combat.
Aang jumps to another level, where Ty Lee is struggling to fight two waterbenders at the same time. Aang steps in, throwing one of them off the edge with ease.
AANG: Create a small funnel above your shoulder.
She nods, following his request. The waterbender charges with a frozen spike, Aang shooting a gust of wind into Ty Lee's funnel, which amplifies his attacks, creating a large tunnel, blasting away the attacker.
TY LEE: Thank you!
She smooches him on the cheek, a thing she does more often and that Aang has gotten used to. His heart belongs to Katara, but his friendship with Ty Lee is something he cherishes deeply.
AANG: I'm sorry for how I-
TY LEE: I know. We'll talk about it later.
She jumps off the ledge to help somewhere else. Aang once again truly appreciates just how amazing Ty Lee is.
Jumping to a lower level, Sokka can easily hold himself against three weapon-wielding opponents while having a conversation with Aang.
SOKKA: Have you seen Poko?
A wave crashes a "floor" above them, washing down two soldiers, who are accompanied by Kenora.
KENORA: What's up, Avatar?
AANG: Your uh... boss was asking for you.
As Sokka defeats his second opponent, the third one gets whipped from Kenora, knocking him out too.
SOKKA: Hey! That was mine!
Kenora smirks.
AANG: Guys!
They all look at the walls and ceiling, the ice beginning to melt away into smaller and larger puddles.
In another mining chamber, Azula can feel the heat building up inside her. She takes a deep breath, smiling when finished. Two guards approach her and she quickly disperses them with a precise, powerful blast of fire from her fist.
AZULA: Fire is back on the menu!
The crowd cheers, shooting tiny blasts against the ceiling en masse.
It takes a few more blasts and keys to finally liberate the workforce. A crowd of about a hundred people gather outside the main entrance, listening to an elevated Azula.
AZULA: The Water Tribe will regret the day they set foot on our land!
The crowd cheers.
AZULA: We will liberate this village from the horde - we will liberate all villages!
Louder cheers, then an excited stampede charging Musho Ichi. The siblings climb on to Appa, where they find an unconscious Haru.
AZULA: Oh my...
She looks back at Aang, who just exits the mine.
AZULA: Come on, Aang! We're driving the Water Tribe out of the city!
Sabachi flies towards Azula, landing next to her.
AANG: Where's Ty Lee?
The siblings shrug. Aang frowns.
AANG: Go without us! We'll meet you in the city!
Azula nods.
AZULA: Yip-yip!
The bison soars away.
Aang re-enters the cave with his staff aiming forward. He expects something bad to happen. Kenora appears from a tunnel.
KENORA: Have you seen Sokka?
Aang does not let his guard down.
AANG: Where is he?
Kenora shrugs.
KENORA: I... just asked you that!
SOKKA: I'm here.
The prince emerges from a tunnel, his machete up Ty Lee's throat. Kenora is more surprised than Aang.
KENORA: Sokka?
AANG: I knew it!
KENORA: I didn't!
Sokka finally comes to a hold.
SOKKA: Yeah, well our deal was to free the slaves...
AANG: I trusted you!
Getting betrayed by Sokka hits Aang stronger than he expected.
SOKKA: What? Slaves are free! We're back with this.
All eyes are on Kenora, who seems hesitant.
KENORA: I don't know. I think we should let them go today.
SOKKA: We already let them go last time! Bato has way more resources than we do - this is our chance!
Aang aims his staff at Sokka, as Kenora still hesitates.
AANG: Let her go. Now.
SOKKA: Poko?
Kenora crosses her arms.
SOKKA: Do it and I will make you a captain.
Kenora's pupils dilate wide open. Aang raises an eyebrow, realizing too late that Kenora drags water from the walls and floor, creating a large wave that hits him like a truck. His staff flies out of his hand, Aang managing to create an air shield eventually, but is immediately hit with a stream of water to his side. Kenora swings the attack a second time, hitting him harder on the same spot, Aang rolling over in a grunt.
SOKKA: Good job, Poko!
Ty Lee uses his inattentiveness to blow herself and her capturer into the mine shaft behind them. The two tumble and Sokka loses his machete. He gets up with a grunt, looking at his former prisoner in front of him.
SOKKA: Want to dance? Let's dance!
He starts swinging his club at her torso multiple times. She dodges with ease but is surprised by his attack speed.
SOKKA: Just! Stand! Still!
She holts in front of him.
TY LEE: Okay.
She pulls the air behind him towards her, moving aside as he tumbles down the mine shaft in a comical fashion.
The attack on Musho Ichi is short-lived and without bloodshed. The escaped convicts cause quite a ruckus for the mostly rich and old inhabitants, who flee like scared little children. Azula and Zuko easily defeat two incoming soldiers, Soldiers 1 and 2 from earlier. Azula is at first surprised at the earthbending but can quickly use the upwards projectiles as a springboard for her agile counters. The siblings finally reach the governing palace, Haru waking up on Appa's saddle while the siblings stand at the stairs. The governor runs outside in terror, angrily waving at firebending kids destroying his garden.
BUZHANG: Get out of there you punks!
Azula clears her throat. Buzhang notices the siblings.
BUZHANG: And who are you?
She shoots a fireball at him, causing him to jump away while screaming.
AZULA: Your new masters.
She smirks at her own comment.
ZUKO: So, you and your Water Tribe buddies caused the snow.
Buzhang grunts on the floor.
BUZNANG: You kids don't understand how the world works! You think that being good and happy and nice fixes all problems! Real adults take the world as it is!
The siblings exchange a look of disdain.
ZUKO: This is dude is supposed to be the governor, right?
AZULA: Apparently. They give that title out to anyone nowadays.
They smile at their convo, Azula suddenly noticing the rumbling behind her. Soldier 1 wasn't quite knocked out and is directing an avalanche towards her. She jumps aside, Appa knocking the attacker out with a tail whip. The uncontrolled avalanche hits the left pillar of the palace, causing the roof to collapse. Massive stone parts fall down towards the governor.
BUZHANG: Ah!
The rocks stop mid-air, floating over the man, falling down next to him with a loud thud. The siblings look towards Appa, Haru next to the beast.
HARU: You will not escape the justice of the people today, governor.
Two more attacks from the side are dodged by Aang's regained speed. Kenora tries pulling wateracles from below Aang, but the boy quickly disperses them with a jump, blasting air at them. He forms his air scooter, running up a wall. Kenora charges him with a large enough wave to reach the ceiling. He surfs down his opponent's wave, Kenora panics, summing as much water as possible in front of her. Aang reaches her in time, blasting air into the bubble, causing it to explode in a spectacular wall-like burst. hitting her with a funnel. She smashes against the rock behind her, still not knocked out. She grins at the Avatar, summoning water around her hands. The airbender, moving his arms in a circular motion, manages to create a tornado under her. She creates water-gloves in response, shooting them frantically at Aang while spinning in the air. One misses, the other one freezes his leg, disrupting his balance and evaporating the tornado. In the air Kenora manages to launch water via a kick, hitting his gut, breaking the ice and flinging him back a bit. She lands, immediately trying another stream on water, directed with her fist. The attack launches at Aang, who reflexively blocks it with a fireball. Kenora let's her guard down in confusion.
KENORA: You can do fire already?
A swift and fast air slash hits her like a truck, this time flinging Kenora against the wall hard enough to knock her out. Aang looks behind him, spotting Ty Lee with his staff.
TY LEE: Woah, this thing is deadly.
AANG: Come on!
He grabs her wrist, running outside the mine in a hurry. He looks at his opponent one last time. Aang was quite impressed by his bending skills.
AANG: Let's hope next time I don't have to fight him on my own.
Ty Lee also takes a good look at him.
TY LEE: He kind of looks like a girl.
Aang and Ty Lee finally reach the town, finding an impatient Azula, with her brother and Haru by her side.
AZULA: Well, what took you so long? You missed out on all the fun.
She notices the absence of Sokka and his helper.
AZULA: I guess betrayal did.
She takes a good look at Aang, realizing he has been quite battered by the fight.
HARU: You might be right Azula. Trusting those Water Tribe people only...
She hops off of Appa's saddle, rushing towards Aang and completely ignoring his comment. Haru and Zuko share a look of confusion, although Zuko scoffs with a smile.
AZULA: What happened to you guys?
She helps Aang walking. The attacks that slammed against his side side still hurt. Ty Lee and the firebender now both support the Avatar.
AANG: Sokka happened. Actually, it was Poko.
Azula frowns in confusion.
AZULA: Who?
TY LEE: His helper. And apparently a pretty good waterbender.
Ty Lee notices Haru, who looks down in shame as she frowns.
As the girls get Aang on to Appa, Haru and Zuko share their goodbyes.
ZUKO: What are you going to do now?
Haru scoffs. He looks behind him, with a city full of loud children.
HARU: Somebody needs to get these kids back to their homes. I'll try to contact some of our allies in the Fire Nation.
ZUKO: Why don't you come with us? Aang is going to need an earthbending teacher eventually.
Haru laughs.
HARU: I'm not strong enough to teach the Avatar yet. My place is somewhere else.
Zuko nods, getting on to Appa.
AANG: Bye Haru...
Aang tries sitting up for a moment but lies down again.
AZULA: What are you doing, Avatar? Stay put until we say so.
Haru feels slightly insulted by Azula's lack of concern for him. He looks at Ty Lee and does his Liberation Force pose again.
HARU: I hope you can forgive me for what happened earlier, Ty Lee. You have a good heart, better than many of us.
Ty Lee nods, Zuko just looking confused.
HARU: And goodbye Azula.
AZULA: Bye Haru.
She finally looks down with a smile.
AZULA: Kick some Water Tribe butt for me on the way!
Zuko has taken the reins, looking one last time at the mountain, its peak now visible.
ZUKO: Meh. Not that impressive.
Sokka groans as he reaches the main cave of the mine an hour or so later.
SOKKA: Ow. Poko?
He looks around, only finding puddles of water. He finally spots his crewmate unconscious on the ground.
SOKKA: Poko!
He runs towards her, his new weapons on his belt. Helping her sit up, he can hear her grunting and coughing. She barely opens her eyes.
KENORA: I guess no captain for me, huh?
Sokka frowns a bit. He puts his fist to his chest, commencing an oath.
SOKKA: We will capture the Avatar. I will make our nation proud. And when we do that, I will make you captain.
He helps her on her feet. Kenora smiles for the rest of their return all the way to the Matariki. A lot because of what Sokka said, but mostly thinking about Chi-Chi.
While the sun sets, Ty Lee tries to find some rest in the back of the saddle. Aang lies on the ground sleeping, Azula holding his head.
ZUKO: What a day, huh?
He does not look back, as he navigates Appa through an inland mountain passage. They decided earlier to avoid the maritime road for a while.
AZULA: Yeah. We really made a difference, huh?
Zuko smiles.
ZUKO: I'm glad we went on this journey, Azula.
Azula smiles back.
AZULA: I'm sorry I called you "Zu-Zu" again. I will stop from here on out.
ZUKO: Thanks, sis.
He smiles looking at the sunset.
ZUKO: I'm also really happy to have you.
He does not look at her reaction, allowing her to show some vulnerability. Next to the happy Azula, Sabachi is taking a look at her stolen gold treasure for a second, quickly hiding it in her pouch again.