TLF - The Last Firebender

by Carrotine Clara

When all hope is lost, Aang is ripped from a dystopian world, only to find himself in a sick, distorted reality, forced to fight his friends alongside his foe. But can he really trust them? Trust people that destroyed his life? Trust those that don't even exist in his world? Against his own instincts, he may need to put his trust in one person above all: Azula, the last firebender.

9. Episode 9: The Pit

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 9

The Pit

---

Act I. – I fell in the Pit

---

Ash rains down quietly on to the dark rock floor below. A pair of black, timber boots tramples across them, trying to get away from whatever is chasing them. She starts moving in a zigzag, dodging incoming streams of water from above. The galloping hooves stir up the ash below. There is nowhere else to go - she has to get to Appa before-

A stream of water hits her from behind. Azula curses herself for not paying enough attention. The scarred waterbender gets off his mount and glares down at the raven-haired girl.

BATO: There's no escape now.

She shrugs, trying to preserve her arrogance.

AZULA: Only a matter of time...

While inspecting her nails, she prepares a sucker punch, yet her flame is extinguished quickly, her whole body frozen on the spot.

BATO: I will deliver you to the Great Chief myself.

Bato bends her to stand upright, putting a pair of ice cuffs on her wrists and ankles. After doing so, he grabs her face, gaining him a muffled grunt of protest.

BATO: Or whatever is left of you.

He lets go aggressively. Azula mumbles to herself, still trying to keep her mean face.

AZULA: Zuko, where are you?

---

A few hours earlier...

---

The ocean waters are as dark as the clouds above. Bato's ironclad ship steers valiantly towards the rocky ash island. Kanna stands next to the captain, feeding her new pet komodo rhino.

KANNA: Any particular reason we're going to Huoshan?

Bato is crossing his arms behind his back.

BATO: I do not need to share my plans with you. I will go there alone.

She pets Malu's head. The animal seems to enjoy it a lot.

KANNA: To participate in the tournament?

Bato turns around with a grunt.

BATO: That is none of your concern, Chief Mother!

He waits for a random soldier to leave their view of vision. He then leans in on her.

BATO: We've lost the Avatar twice now. It's only because of Puwati that I'm on his tail again.

KANNA: Plus, Sokka's chasing the Avatar.

Bato scoffs.

BATO: Sokka is a fool. He is of no concern to us.

KANNA: But a tournament is?

Bato turns back towards the coast closing in on them.

BATO: It's not about the tournament, Kanna.

Kanna raises her brow.

BATO: It's about my honor.

A moment of silence ensues.

KANNA: Fine. But I'm definitely not waiting here.

---

Azula quietly admires the ash rain, trying not to get too many flakes on her person. She closely keeps tabs on the ongoing conversation, and the precise reaction Ty Lee and Zuko have to what Aang is telling them. Oddly enough, Zuko appears to be more shook by the news, at least more than Azula expected, expectations which weren't that high to begin with. After the news is delivered, a moment of silence ushers upon the quartet. Ty Lee is trying to shield herself from the ash with airbending. Azula feels an itch, wanting to mock her for her talent, sarcastically calling her a prodigy.

But things change.

Upon leaving the Glacier Temple, Azula felt a part of her silenced, the clone of her submerged in blue flames.

AZULA: Maybe I should have told the story instead.

Aang shrugs with all of his face.

AANG: Why?

ZUKO: I don't know if I would like either version...

His voice sounds shaky and sick.

TY LEE: Oh... Zuko.

She rubs his back lovingly.

Azula restrains herself from a sassy comment. Aang finally comes to a hold, and his friends with him. A large caldera lies ahead, forcing Aang to slide down the dusty rock to reach the inside. Ty Lee and Zuko follow suit. Appa growls behind the firebender.

AZULA (to Appa): No, not really looking forward to it. Zuko is refusing to do my laundry.

The beast growls, allowing Sabachi to jump on board and fly down. Azula rolls her eyes over.

AZULA: Fine.

She slides down the slope on her legs, not trying to stir up too much ash on her clothing.

AZULA: So, what's the plan?

As she arrives, she is happy to discover the frozen caldera is an adequate cover from the ash rain. Azula also discovers all eyes focused on her.

AANG: Well...

TY LEE: We were hoping you would tell us.

Zuko shrugs in agreeance. Azula takes a moment to process the data.

AZULA: Um... you want me to do the planning? Really?

AANG: You were right with the blockade.

Aang has seated himself on a rock, eyeing her with a monk-like calmness. Azula raises her brow.

AZULA: I know that already. But I...

She is somewhat overwhelmed.

AZULA: I didn't think you'd want me... to be like that. I thought-

ZUKO: There's no point in arguing, Azula. We need to defeat the Great Chief and end the war before Ogro's return - otherwise we're screwed.

His trembling voice already informs her about his feelings on the matter. She takes a breath, taking on a "mom-energy".

AZULA: Alright.

She clears her throat, as if everyone wasn't paying attention already. Sabachi shakes a thin film of ash off her fur.

AZULA: We know the goal. We know what happens when we fail. All we need to do now is figure out the plan.

Aang nods, giving her the affirmation, she wanted.

AZULA: Our best fighting chance is for Aang to learn all the elements, starting with air. We'll just go ahead and consider that one as done. Alternatively, he can use Ty Lee for sparring sessions whenever he desires.

Ty Lee smiles and bows to the Avatar.

TY LEE: I would love to.

AZULA: Next up is fire. The two of us are already on the path to perfecting it, any additional help will be provided to us in the Golden City.

Aang nods again. The glimpse of a smile appears on Azula's face.

AZULA: It shouldn't be too hard to find an earthbending master. My intuition tells me that the Earth King in Ba Sing Se will be more than happy to provide one once we make a stop there.

Aang is truly dumbfounded, in a good way. He always perceived Sokka as the idea-guy. In this world however, Azula has already figured out an optimal strategy, without preparing something beforehand. He brushes aside the thought of a comparison between the two however.

AZULA: Lastly, water. This should be our biggest obstacle, as you could imagine...

For a brief second, the image of flowers drowning in shallow waters haunts her mind. She brushes the thought away quickly.

AZULA: However, by my calculations, by the time Aang has mastered fire and earth, we have either found at least one friendly waterbender, or we are already formidable enough to take out the Great Chief by ourselves. Any questions?

Her speech ends in applause, only from Ty Lee. Aang and Zuko seem satisfied.

TY LEE: That was amazing! You are so courageous and inspiring!

Azula smirks at the compliment.

AZULA: Of course it was...

Aang simply compliments her with a smile, which is enough for her.

ZUKO: That was pretty good...

She crosses her arms.

AZULA: "But"?

Zuko scratches the back of his head.

ZUKO: Um... we were actually asking more what the plan for today is?

She keeps her composure at his comment.

AZULA: We flew over a market earlier. You and Ty Lee go check it out and see if we need anything. Aang and me will stay here and do some firebending.

The plan is relayed so quickly that Aang can barely react.

AZULA: Oh, and take the animals with you, we don't want to accidentally hurt them.

Appa growls in protest.

AZULA: Sorry, take the pets with you.

Zuko and Ty Lee share a quick look, then proceed to hop on to Appa.

TY LEE: Aang, can I take the staff with me?

Aang gets up and throws it over to her with a smile.

AANG: Sure!

Ty Lee catches it.

TY LEE: Thanks! Have fun you guys!

AANG: You too!

ZUKO: Yip-yip!

The bison leaves the caldera with a deep growl.

Aang waits a few moments before saying anything. He brushes through his hair, which has now grown to a density big enough to hide his arrow.

AANG: Well, should we-

AZULA: We both know that what I just said was a lie, right?

Aang tries to manage his concern, while giving Azula the benefit of the doubt.

AANG: What do you mean?

She flares up for a second, giving Aang the wrong impression.

AZULA: You know the other elements already!

He blinks with comical sounds.

AANG: Well...

AZULA: Don't "Well...". You were the Avatar for long time - you remember fire, and I bet those basic positions aren't the only thing you can do!

Her crossed arms break him, which he expresses through a sigh.

AANG: Yes. But it's not the same! Trust me, I can feel something's...

AZULA: Different?

AANG: I guess...

He shrugs.

AZULA: I don't take you for a liar. But I also know you're not weak, so...

She walks over to the rock he sat on earlier, crossing her legs accordingly when placing herself down on it.

AZULA: Show me what you got.

Aang bows down. In a way he feels relieved. He no longer has to hold back, at least for now. Although fear still creeps inside him - what if he can't do it as well as he did in his world?

---

Appa lands on soft ground, walking under a little ridge giving him cover from the falling ash. Sabachi jumps on to Zuko's head, as if trying to annoy him on purpose. Ty Lee pets the bison to rest, taking note of Zuko's quietness.

TY LEE: Are you alright?

He gets off, walking towards the village not far removed.

ZUKO: Let's just check out the city and leave again.

She pouts in protest, but more so worried. His aura is once again giving it away...

---

Raging flames blast across the caldera as Aang swings his arms and legs in chop-like movements. Azula's eyes sparkle with joy - Aang is no longer holding back on his knowledge of firebending. Sure, not every form is performed perfectly, some flames are smaller and less effective than Aang had hoped for, but still - being able to perform as much as he remembers fulfills him with a warm sense of familiarity - even if all this bending was used to fight for his survival.

He ends his performance with the last form of the Dancing Dragon.

AZULA: Wow.

He bows respectfully. In a way, unlike the humble monk that he is, he tries to impress her with a pinch of arrogance in his smile.

AANG: That's as much as I remember. It took me a while to get used to it, but with Prince Zuko's help, I was able to master it.

Azula rolls her eyes over while getting on her feet.

AZULA: "Prince Zuko". Yuck...

Aang successfully suppresses any memories of the Fire Lord.

AANG: I guess...

AZULA: I guess. Although, I would hesitate to call myself a master of anything.

Even if he never knew the Fire Lord, the statement feels rather contradictory with her ethos.

AANG: How so?

She presses her hands above her hips. Aang has been able to make out that Azula does this whenever she's lying, though he keeps that information to himself.

AZULA: I just prefer to hear it from, you know, a professional. Anyone can call themselves a master.

Aang crosses his arms mockingly.

AANG: And what would you call yourself?

AZULA: Talented.

Aang scoffs.

AANG: Wow.

AZULA: Want me to show it?

She glares at him with fire in her eyes. Aang backs off.

AANG: I'd... rather not fight you.

AZULA: Oh, don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you.

AANG: But I might.

The Avatar truly doesn't know what he'd do if he was ever forced to fight his new friend Azula. The firebender seems offended at first but understands the weight of his threat.

AZULA: Alright. A firebending master is going to have to tell us who's better.

She sits back on her rock, crossing her legs and inspecting her nails.

AZULA: Let's do earth then.

Aang nods, after which he takes a deep breath.

---

The city is a humble little Fire Nation spot, located in several small calderas, connected by a series of artificial tunnels. The ash rain is not as intense here, and Ty Lee assumes that the sun is even able to penetrate the clouds occasionally, seeing as palm trees and other plants are able to grow in patches along the road. As she waits outside a shop, pondering how to ask Zuko about his feelings. Ever since leaving Kaiyuko Island, she had been able to feel an aura of grey shielding his usual orange.

The boy finally leaves the inconspicuous store with an item in his hand.

ZUKO: This map can give us a quick route through the Eastern Archipelago and the Yu Dao province. After that we have to rely on Aang to guide us.

He packs the map into his bag, not really paying attention to Ty Lee's reaction. The acrobat's patience finally pops.

ZUKO: Come on, let's head back-

TY LEE: I want you to talk with me!

He stops, his back turned to her, as to hide his shame-ridden face.

ZUKO: Sure, we can talk on the way back...

TY LEE: No!

He finally turns around. Being used to outrage from his sister, Ty Lee, in comparison, is using so much of her energy just to convince him of her anger, expressing it in a pouty lean-in. Zuko scratches the back of his head, followed up by a sigh.

TY LEE: I want you to look me in the eyes and tell me how you are feeling.

He follows suit. His honey eyes reek of a lack of sleep and exhaustion. The acrobat almost gasps, but instead moves in and speaks with a very soft tone.

TY LEE: Is it your vision?

Zuko flinches back a bit, unnerving her greatly.

ZUKO: How did you-

He hangs his head low, sighing once again.

ZUKO: It's my aura, isn't it?

She moves in closer, trying to comfort him by holding his cheek.

TY LEE: Not everything I do is based on aura, Zuko. I've been noticing how you've gotten quieter since we left. I worry about you.

He rids himself of her soft touch by turning around.

ZUKO: I know it's stupid. Aang told us not to be conquered by our fear, but...

He grunts, clenching his fists.

ZUKO: I saw my uncle mourning the loss of his son. I was old enough to go with them when Lu Ten left, I-

TY LEE: You didn't want to go.

Zuko's hands relax.

ZUKO: Uncle urged me not to go. I wanted to respect his wish.

Ty Lee puts her hand on his shoulder.

TY LEE: It's not your fault.

ZUKO: I know it is. Uncle always told me to not feel guilty...

TY LEE: So, where's the problem?

He turns towards her with desperation in his voice.

ZUKO: The problem is we almost got beaten by just one waterbender! Sure, this time we were able to improvise - but next time I can't just cut your braid off! What if next time there is no way to help you?

TY LEE: Zuko...

ZUKO: Ty Lee, you're an airbender! I'm just a guy with swords and a boomerang!

MAN: An airbender, ay?

A man interjects into their conversation. His massive sideburns continue on into a fancy mustache and then back on to his head, where the rest of his hair is held together with a plain headpiece. His rather baggy red clothes tell Zuko that he is of the Fire Nation. He glares at the weird little man.

ZUKO: This is a private conversation.

MAN: Yes, and I'm a private business man!

Zuko expresses himself comically, while Ty Lee bows respectfully à la Fire Nation greeting. The man bows back.

TY LEE: I am Ty Lee, and this is Zuko. How may we be of service?

QIZHA: My name is Qizha. I coach fighters in the Huoshan Tournament.

He points at the largest of the cauldrons, located next to a massive mountain. Zuko raises his eyebrow, intrigued by the term.

ZUKO: Tournament?

QIZHA: It's an honorable tradition, meant to showcase some of the best fighters in the former Fire Nation.

Zuko grunts in protest, reminding Ty Lee of his sister.

ZUKO: It's still the Fire Nation!

Qizha shrugs.

QIZHA: Sure thing. Anyways, I think you have potential to participate, kid.

He winks at both of them.

ZUKO: You really think so?

Qizha seems embarrassed.

QIZHA: Oh. Um... no, I actually meant her. You're just a swordfighter, buddy.

Zuko boils like a kettle.

ZUKO: I'm not just a swordfighter - I'm going to participate!

Ty Lee gasps silently.

---

Aang, with the entire weight of his upper body, thrusts his arm forward. He manages to create a small avalanche moving in that direction. He's glad he can still do it. But it's also far less than he had hoped to achieve. A small chunk gets ripped from below, being launched forward a few feet, before breaking apart and dropping on the ground again.

AZULA: I mean... that was... okay. I think.

Aang sighs, angry at himself.

AANG: No need to fluff it. I suck.

She gets up again.

AZULA: Yeah, I guess so. But I mean, it could be worse.

AANG: How so?

AZULA: Well, imagine if nothing had happened. That would truly be embarrassing.

Aang gulps at the thought.

AZULA: I guess we'll go straight to Ba Sing Se after we stop by the Golden City, right?

Aang realizes something.

AANG: Wait, why are we even going to the Golden City if I already know firebending? Wouldn't it be smarter to skip that?

Azula scoffs mockingly.

AZULA: Right. Then I'm a master too.

Aang glares at her with a comical expression and slide whistle.

AZULA: Plus, we're not going to the Golden City just for that.

Aang's brow shoots up.

AANG: We're not?

AZULA: No. We want to be able to have connections. Meet new people, preferably people with some kind of army.

Aang shudders a bit at the word, having to remind himself that this is Azula, and not the Fire Lord.

AANG: An army?

AZULA: Yes. Or do you expect to defeat the Great Chief all by yourself?

He can't disagree with her point, at which she smiles.

AZULA: So, earthbending master then. On the list.

She places herself of the rock a third time. Aang smiles at the thought of Toph, hoping dearly to have her as his master once again. A leather pouch filled with water drops in front of his feet.

AZULA: Last but not least...

---

QIZHA: There it is, kids - The Pit!

Zuko and Ty Lee stare in awe at the enormous building, a colosseum with a rooftop.

QIZHA: You sure you want to participate, buddy?

Zuko nods with a stern face.

ZUKO: Yes.

QIZHA: Alright, I'll get you enrolled, kid. Just wait here for a minute.

Qizha sprints over to a little office counter, talking to some lady who seems uncomfortable in his presence.

ZUKO: Can you take this?

Zuko tries to hand her the map he bought.

ZUKO: Bring this back to Aang and Azula, I'll come back as-

TY LEE: "Come back?"

Ty Lee raises her shoulders in protest.

TY LEE: Do you seriously think I'm going to let you go in there alone?

Zuko smiles at her.

ZUKO: Thank you. I appreciate that.

She cannot return the gesture.

TY LEE: You don't have to do this.

ZUKO: I do. I need to prove myself worthy of accompanying you.

Ty Lee opens her mouth preparing to protest.

QIZHA: You're in!

ZUKO & TY LEE: What?

ZUKO: Already?

QIZHA: Yeah. Normally these things are pretty exclusive, but this year attendance has been a little low, so...

Zuko crosses his arms.

ZUKO: Alright, I get it. Just show us inside.

The coach nods, leading them in. Ty Lee tries to fake a smile.

---

Azula watches with keen eyes, trying to discern what the boy is doing. The Tai Chi moves seem clear to her, however none of them really seem to move any water in the pouch. Aang starts sweating in embarrassment.

AZULA: Are you... warming up, or...?

He grunts, creating tiny gusts of wind.

AANG: I can't do it!

His voice reeks of shame.

AZULA: Oh. Okay.

She gets up, not quite knowing how to approach this. Aang simply stands on the spot sulking. How could he forget waterbending? And why not the other elements too? Azula finally breaks the ice by clearing her throat.

AZULA: If you ask me, that's a good thing.

He gawks at her in confusion.

AANG: What?

Azula, despite making this up on the spot, manages to exude confidence.

AZULA: Well, the way I see it, we're going to master fire together pretty quickly, you already know the basics for earth, and by the time we have those two down, we have plenty of time to defeat the Water Tribe with or without waterbending.

Aang smiles at her.

AANG: Thank you

AZULA: Don't mention it. Apparently, I'm the "idea-gal" now...

Aang's brow shoots up at the term.

AZULA: Speaking of plans, what is taking Zuko and Ty Lee so long?

They exchange looks of concern, although really, it's them being annoyed more than anything.

---

The Pit's gym is, if anything, incredibly low. A dingy and moist basement with all sorts of exercise equipment and people attached training with it. A bulky mean in Earth Kingdom clothing and without a shirt lifts comically large weights, a tall girl with bulky muscles and an undercut is repeatedly hitting a punching bag, a ninja-like figure uses complicated martial arts on a sparring partner with a hammer-chain. And in the middle of this bunch, Zuko and Ty Lee are standing next to each other.

QIZHA: Alright guys, here we are.

Zuko sort off regrets enrolling now with all these killers and beefcakes surrounding him.

TY LEE: No one's going to... die, right?

Qizha shrugs.

QIZHA: Not usually.

Zuko is baffled in the most comical fashion.

ZUKO "Usually"?!

Qizha points at a gated window, being able to give Zuko and Ty Lee a glimpse into the arena.

The Pit is once again a crater inside a caldera, though this one is equipped with a hexagon platform elevated from the ground and a huge grandstand surrounding it. The ceiling is made of rock and the arena is illuminated by green crystals.

QIZHA: Point of the game is to knock your opponent off the platform and into the, well, pit. The organizer demands no bloodshed, but you know how fighters are.

TY LEE: Organizer? Who is that?

QIZHA: Well, that's a question we'd all like to have the answer to. Rumor has it he's some kind of rich Fire Nation noble who likes networking with people. Some say he's an underground mobster trying to recruit the champions...

AKARI: Not true.

A loud thud against the punching bag catches Zuko's attention. The tall undercut girl shows half her face in a glare directed towards him.

QIZHA: Oh, hi Akari. Um... this is Akari. She holds two champion titles and has the record for most medical interventions after a match.

TY LEE: Why did you need so many medics?

Akari now glares at her.

AKARI: They weren't for me.

The girl continues to hit the bag with loud grunts. Ty Lee gulps in horror.

QIZHA: Yes, wonderful sport. You should probably train with the other swordfighters.

He points to a group of comical figures - all skinny pubescent boys with zits in their face and barely enough muscle to hold their weapons upright. Their showcase is accompanied by a slide whistle.

QIZHA: Alright, I'm off to the loge.

He leaves the kids. Zuko hangs his head low, but still displays a fighting spirit.

ZUKO: I'll go talk to the other... sword... people.

He walks away. Ty Lee feels a panic attack creeping up but decides against letting it happen. She instead opts to chase after Qizha, who has almost left the gym.

TY LEE: Hey Qizha!

He turns around.

QIZHA: Huh?

She puts on as much charm as she can conjure up.

TY LEE: Oh, well, I was just wondering who Zuko would fight?

A broad smile stares down the coach.

QIZHA: Uh... well we don't know for sure. He's going to have to fight at least three people in total, but the second and third depend entirely on the other matches. I can't help you.

She pouts very comically.

TY LEE: And... what can you tell me about all the fighters?

---

Ash rains down on the road leading into Huoshan. The streets seem crowded from the distance, large quantities of people running towards the caldera next to a mountainside. Aang and Azula exchange looks of concern.

AANG: Do you think they're in trouble?

AZULA: Ty Lee? No. Zuko? Probably.

Sabachi leans in on her shoulder and chatters in her ear.

AZULA (to Sabachi): Well, and I told you not to eat the funny flakes!

Aang snaps in surprise.

AANG: Sabachi? Where did she come from?

The lemur answers to Azula.

AZULA: "The big hair monster"? Is that what you've been calling him?

AANG: What happened?

As Sabachi continues her chatter Azula's expression worsens.

AZULA: Someone found him in his hideout.

AANG: Where?

Sabachi flies away, leading the kids off the path, a few hills away, until finally reaching a small rock formation serving as a cover for Appa.

KANNA: Well, hello there.

The kids immediately take on combat poses, trying to intimidate the old woman riding on her komodo rhino. Appa seems rather calm in all of this.

AZULA: You'll let our bison go, or-

AANG: Or we'll we will make you!

A sudden burst of anger is expressed via a deep frown on Aang's face. Azula wonders if something involving Appa happened in the past. Kanna, just like Appa and her own animal companion Malu, all seem rather relaxed.

KANNA: You can take down your hands dear, I'm not here to fight.

Neither of them complies, not until Appa steps forward, nudging the lady and her mount in a playful manner.

AZULA: Oh, you traitor.

Appa grunts at the firebender.

AZULA (to Appa): Hm. I guess you wouldn't know what that means...

AANG: Why are you here?

The Chief Mother pets the bison, sending shivers down Aang's spine.

KANNA: Oh, we're in town because the captain is participating in the Huoshan Tournament. Something about his honor, I think.

Aang experiences an eerie déjà-vu.

AZULA: Then why are you out here?

Kanna shrugs.

KANNA: Just taking Malu here for a little ride. I ran into this magnificent creature and decided to give it some cookies.

Appa grunts in a high pitch.

AZULA (Appa): I don't care if you liked them!

AANG: Azula!

She redirects her focus on to him instead. His look of concern immediately forces her to focus back on the topic.

AZULA: Do you think they're there? In this... tournament?

AANG: I think Zuko is.

Azula taps her fingers on her cheek.

AZULA: Yeah, "something about honor" definitely sounds like my brother. Especially with what you told me about-

She cuts herself off, remembering the presence of Kanna.

KANNA: Did I interrupt you in some way?

AZULA: Aang, we have got to go.

She grabs his arm in concern, not taking her eyes off of Kanna.

AANG: What about Appa?

AZULA: Sabachi!

She snaps the animal on her shoulder at command. The lemur waits quietly for Azula to whisper something Aang can't understand into her ear. After doing so, Sabachi flies over to Appa, where the lemur chatters something at the bison, who in response flings his beaver tail, soaring into the sky and escaping somewhere Aang can't tell.

KANNA: Impressive. Maybe I should hire you to train Malu for me.

The komodo rhino snorts. Azula pulls at Aang's elbow.

AZULA: Let's go.

The kids run towards the city, a move Kanna seems not to have anticipated.

KANNA: Hey! Wait for me!

---

A wooden dummy filled with hay reeks its ridiculous painted-on face at the raven-haired boy. Zuko moves elegantly on two feet, having studied these movements for years with the help of his uncle's books. Lu Ten was the one who really made him understand the importance of moving sword and legs independently from each other - just like how two broadswords are not meant to be used at the same time, yet they still work as one. Two halves of a single weapon. Two different parts of the same whole. He finally charges the dummy but swings his left arms sloppily - the result being a dummy whose head is not quite decapitated.

BATO: You should always use your strong arm for the swinging motions.

Zuko flinches back towards the scarred waterbender standing behind him with crossed arms. Zuko immediately points his blades at the man with a grunt.

ZUKO: What are you doing here?

BATO: The same as you, apparently.

Zuko lowers his blades in confusion.

BATO: That's right. You're not the only one who has to prove something.

Bato leans in dangerously close.

BATO: The difference is, I'm a skilled soldier, while you're just a teenager with knives.

Zuko prepares to retaliate.

BATO: I wouldn't do that if I were you. If a contestant hurts another outside of the ring, he will be eliminated from the tournament.

Bato turns away.

BATO: Otherwise, you'd be fish scraps by now.

A loud horn triumphantly sounds inside the stadium, causing uproar from the audience, and looks of unnerve from the other contestants. Bato scoffs.

BATO: Looks like we're starting soon. Get those blades ready.

As Bato walks away, Zuko eagerly inspects his blades, wondering when he would face the man. He also wonders where Ty Lee is.

---

Aang and Azula come to a hold, breathing heavily as they slow down. The entrance to the Pit is right ahead of them. Azula hectically swipes the ash off her body.

AZULA: I hope we're not... too late...

KANNA: Ah, there you are.

With her hands folded, she awaits the two at the entrance.

AZULA: How did you get here so quickly?

Kanna points to the side, where a resting Malu is tied to a palm tree. The memory of Iroh flashes up again and Aang wonders...

AANG: Are you here to help us?

Azula frowns at the question.

KANNA: I don't know if I would call it help. But you were right, Avatar. Both our parties have participants in the Pit.

She extends her hand, waving them inside.

KANNA: Come. I bought tickets for all of us - right next to each other!

Azula brushes by the old woman with a frown, not buying into her "nice old lady" routine, if it even is one. Aang bows respectfully.

AANG: Thank you.

She nods.

AANG: But this peace is only temporary.

Kanna takes on a stern look again.

KANNA: I didn't think so otherwise.

---

The Pit manages to impress the otherwise so serious Aang, even gaining a gasp from him. A giant caldera, forged by, presumably earthbending, into a stadium with a giant platform in the middle. The crowd cheers as a horn echoes through the building.

KANNA: Over here!

With a smile she taps the seat next to her, Azula taking it reluctantly. As she places herself next to the Chief Mother, she points her finger at the old woman.

AZULA: I'm keeping an eye on you!

---

Downstairs, Zuko gazes at the arena from below. His heart is pounding out of his chest, his mind racing, calculating, trying to predict which one of the fighters from earlier he might face and-

TY LEE: Zuko!

He turns around, his heart skips a beat. The crowd's roar becomes louder.

ZUKO: Ty Lee, don't try to stop me, I-

TY LEE: I understand.

Surprise and relief are expressed in a half-smile.

TY LEE: You want to prove that you're worthy of travelling with us - which is stupid, but it's what you want.

ZUKO: Don't worry, if something happens-

TY LEE: Your first opponent is the Boulder. He's an earthbender who likes to put on a show. If you can manage to disrupt his balance, you win.

Zuko's confused frown turns into a smile.

ZUKO: Okay?

She hugs and kisses him on the cheek, a little softer than usually, at least according to Zuko.

TY LEE: Go get 'em!

He nods. As the crowd cheers and roars, Zuko carefully walks up the stairs, exiting the Pit and stepping on to the platform. He draws his sword with determination.

---

Act II. – A brawl is surely brewing!

---

AZULA: There he is!

Aang sits upright as soon as he hears those words. Azula's brother readies himself on the stage, awaiting his opponent patiently.

AZULA: I thought he'd be a lot more nervous.

KANNA: You seem to root against your brother a lot.

The firebender glares at the old woman, who does not flinch an inch.

KANNA: And there we have his opponent.

As their eyes move towards the other side of the platform, Aang's pupils dilate, alerting Azula.

AZULA (quietly): You know that guy?

Vague memories of the Black Sun invasion and the help of a shirtless earthbender pop into Aang's mind. He had met the Boulder before that, in the underground tournament in which he found Toph. Toph! He lights up at the thought of her. Perhaps...

KANNA: Why would he know him? And how?

AZULA: This is none of your business!

After silencing Kanna, the raven-haired girl leans closer in on Aang, whispering softly into his ear, as not to be overheard.

AZULA (whispering): We'll talk about it later, but I assume the answer is "yes".

Aang wonders, no, hopes dearly he will meet Toph today.

---

Despite being of regular, very buff but still human size, the Boulder's footsteps create stark vibrations in the ground. Zuko gulps but manages to keep it together.

ZUKO: You're Boulder then, huh?

The hunky man crosses his arms and laughs maniacally.

BOULDER: And there I thought you were going to announce some bigger challenger behind you! The Boulder was hoping to get a real challenge - I don't like having to fight against cutlery!

Ty Lee cowers nervously behind her arms, watching the confrontation from a small loge next to Qizha, who is seated.

QIZHA: I hope that hint is going to make a difference. Otherwise...

She gulps.

The Boulder stomps on the ground, cracking it, if only slightly.

BOULDER: I'll give you three seconds to get off the stage in one piece!

The crowd cheers. Azula hastily grabs Aang's hand. Another rare display of something she would otherwise hide behind a smirk.

ZUKO: This thing is called the Pit, right? Is that where they dug you out... boulder?

The cheers subside. His opponent seems just as confused.

KANNA: Let's hope his fighting skills are better than his comedy.

Aang expects Azula to mock him for it, she instead leans in and whispers again.

AZULA (whispering): He's going to get himself killed out there.

His grasp becomes firmer.

AANG: Hey.

Eye contact manages to calm her somewhat.

AANG: It's going to be alright.

They look back at the stage.

BOULDER: You... don't do this a lot, do you?

Zuko grunts.

ZUKO: No. But it's a fight I will win!

The crowd cheers again.

Hidden in a special spectator booth, the organizer of the tournament is intrigued by the swordfighter's comment.

The Boulder cracks his knuckles and neck.

BOULDER: This is going to be easy.

---

Zuko vs. The Boulder

---

A moment of silence. The crowd calms down, awaiting the first move.

And then it hits - the Boulder digs his arm into the ground, creating a stone avalanche, blasting towards Zuko. The deadly pillar of earth barely misses the boy, who manages to dodge-roll. The crowd cheers again - the Boulder grunts.

Zuko prepares his blades for a counter but is met with two stone walls on both sides. The Boulder swipes his arms to the center - the walls close in, almost crushing Zuko, who dodges again. He aims his right broadsword at the earthbender's neck.

ZUKO: I win!

The Boulder scoffs.

BOULDER: I love the new ones. Always full of SPIRIT!

He shoves Zuko backwards by pushing his own leg outwards - the flood of rubble almost pulling Zuko into the pit below. The crowd gasps as he barely holds on.

AZULA: Just fall off and leave...

AANG: He can do it.

Azula is shocked by both the comment and Aang grasping her hand a bit firmer.

Zuko pulls himself up with a grunt, just as the Boulder punches towards him, ripping the piece of the platform off. Zuko gets an idea - he retracts one of his blades.

Qizha gets up.

QIZHA: Now that is interesting-

TY LEE: WILL YOU SHUT UP!

Her rage manifests into tiny air bursts, forcing the coach back into his chair.

BOULDER: What? Two swords too much for you?

Zuko flings his weapon in one hand, taunting the much taller man.

ZUKO: That's still one more than you have!

A twitching brow indicates the taunt was successful. The Boulder furiously punches chunks of rock towards the raven-haired boy, who skillfully dodges the projectiles or cuts them apart.

Zuko's excellent footwork grabs the organizer's attention again.

BOULDER: Stop! Running! AWAY!

He pulls up an avalanche, which Zuko uses as a jumping board, leaping him to a different part of the stage, a move reminding his sister of herself.

AZULA: Huh.

ZUKO: Got a few more rocks?

The Boulder rips up more material from the stage, worsening the cracks in it. Zuko dodges twice, cuts a smaller rock and pulls out his second sword two cut a larger brick in half.

ZUKO: Nothing bigger? What are you? The Pebble?

Azula laughs out loud, shutting up immediately once people around her start starring. Even Zuko can hear her.

ZUKO: Azula?

A rumbling alerts him back towards the Boulder, who lifts up the ground from below him. He jumps off, retracting his blades, watching in shock as the earthbender lifts up a portion of the stage. He grunts loudly in exhaustion, a comical expression displayed. Zuko waits patiently, his hand moving towards his back, closer to his boomerang.

TY LEE: What is he doing?!

Qizha scoffs and shakes his head.

QIZHA: Don't ask me. But that thing is going to crush him.

The Boulder manages to hold the rock, the weight of the projectile carried by his entire body - most importantly - his legs.

KANNA: Oh my. He's not-

AZULA: He's planning something.

Aang can hear the unnerve in her voice but refuses to address it.

BOULDER: Try... dodging... THIS!

Time freezes for Zuko - the moment his opponent leans back, he flings the boomerang, hitting the Boulder's knee.

BOULDER (in pain). Ooh!

The audience gasps.

QIZHA: That's got to hurt.

The weight of the rock above can no longer be upheld - it drops behind him with a loud thud, and so does the Boulder. At first, Zuko catches the boomerang with a smirk. Yet, after the dust settles, his smile disappears as the Boulder gets back up with a painful grunt. Similarly, Azula's smile drops quickly.

AZULA: Oh no.

BOULDER (in pain): Do you... think...

Zuko puts back the boomerang on his belt and draws his blades again.

BOULDER: Do you think you can trick... the Boulder?!

Ty Lee gasps in silence, her hand on the airbending staff. Zuko nods his head to the side.

ZUKO: I guess I did?

The Boulder prepares for another attack - he stomps his foot on the ground, lifting up another brick...

BOULDER: Now. The Boulder will crush y-

A third of the stage collapses underneath the Boulder. The audience's cheers subside for a haunting moment. As Zuko moves forward, daring to peak over the new cliff, he sees the Boulder lying on top of rubble.

A horn sounds and the audience yells out loud - a majority of them even getting up from their seats. This includes Azula.

AZULA: WOO! YOU DID IT ZUKO!

She looks at Aang, who smiles, getting up as well.

AANG: WOO!

Kanna scoffs.

KANNA: Didn't know he had it in him.

Azula comically lashes out against the old woman.

AZULA: He's going to crush Bato! His defeat will be legendary!

Zuko smiles at the victory. A crowd cheering for him, he looks up to the audience, a bright smile flaring up on his face.

QIZHA: Oh wow. I picked someone lucky for once.

Ty Lee smiles in relief.

---

In a small hallway away from the stages, Aang and Azula meet in secret. Cheers from an unrelated match echo behind them, but their focus is directed towards each other. Azula rubs her eyes with one hand in frustration.

AZULA: No.

She sighs, putting her hands towards on her hips.

AZULA: Nope. This is stupid. You're stupid!

Her harsh words mean no harm but do express adequate disdain for Aang's suggestion.

AANG: Azula, if there's a chance-

AZULA: That's a "maybe". We agreed to find you an earthbending master in Ba Sing Se.

Now Aang sighs, having to confess an opinion he should have voiced earlier on.

AANG: I don't want just any master. I need it to be Toph.

Azula's brow shoots up.

AZULA: "Toph"? Who's Toph?

AANG: My earthbending master, and the greatest earthbender in the world!

The Blind Bandit's enthusiasm for her own person transferred on to Aang as well. He never once questioned that title, nor did he have reason to. Azula doesn't know any of this and eyes him with a calculating glance.

AZULA: Is that so? And this... Toph... was in the Fire Nation?

AANG: No! But I met her in a tournament - she defeated the Boulder in under a minute!

AZULA: She? Huh.

She clears her throat.

AZULA: And now Zuko did it instead. I don't know how this helps us though, remember our plan?

AANG: It helps me.

A pout in Azula's face tells Aang everything he needs to know.

AZULA: Oh. Well, it's great to hear, Aang. I guess this means I'm going to have to start making two separate plans - one for the team, and one just for you!

TY LEE: Guys! Did you see Zuko out there?

The acrobat bursts into the hallway, rudely interrupting the ongoing verbal fight. Ty Lee is able to get a glimpse of what happened via her aura radar.

TY LEE: Are you two-

AZULA: Arguing? Yes. Aang doesn't think that the stage collapse was legit, I disagree. How is Zuko?

Ty Lee is baffled for a moment, but quickly rekindles her excitement.

TY LEE: He's fine. He said he saw you in the audience.

AANG: Yes! And he was amazing! How did he manage to beat the Boulder so quickly?

Ty Lee blushes lightly, her eyes averting the others.

TY LEE: Oh... he just... has it in him.

AZULA: Why don't we ask him ourselves? That's why you're here, right?

TY LEE: Yes! Come with me!

She grabs Azula's arm trying to drag her away. The firebender glares quickly at Aang.

AZULA: Our conversation will continue later.

Aang gulps. Not too far away, hiding in the door frame leading to the grandstand, Kanna wonders what those kids were talking about.

---

Zuko is partially applauded and envied by the other contestants in the gym/basement. Akari ignores him, continuing to hit and kick a punching bag.

QIZHA: Alright folks! Let my champion through, please!

As the small crowd disperses, Ty Lee is already at Zuko's throat, engulfing him in a warm hug.

TY LEE: I'm so proud of you!

ZUKO: I couldn't have done it without you...

AZULA: Hey, brother.

He shivers like a scared cat at the sound of his sister's voice.

ZUKO: Oh. Hey guys...

He scratches the back if his head in shame.

AANG: That fight was impressive, Zuko.

Zuko gifts Ty Lee a quick glance and blushes.

ZUKO: Well, Ty Lee was here the whole time, so that helped.

Ty Lee blushes too, a fact not ignored by Aang or Azula.

AZULA: Okay that's all well and good, just one question...

Her head flares up comically.

AZULA: Why are we even here?!

A question no one really dares to answer, further aggravating Azula.

AZULA: Seriously?! I thought I was handed over the planning. I gave a big speech about what we should do! What happened to that?

Zuko finally surrenders with a sigh.

ZUKO: You of all people should know that.

His voice reeks of defeat, greatly intriguing Aang and causing Azula's eyebrow to twitch even harder.

AZULA: So, it's my fault?

ZUKO: No. But you are right.

Her harsh tone dies down, if only a bit.

ZUKO: Everything always...comes easy to you, Azula. You're a firebending prodigy. And the rest of you? Ty Lee, you're a prodigy as well - Aang, you're the Avatar!

Everyone shares a sense of shame.

ZUKO: Our father says she was born lucky, and I was lucky to be born.

Words that feel like a weight dropping down into everyone's stomach. Azula is the only one who can conjure up the right words to respond.

AZULA: You're an idiot.

Aang feels that glimpse of dread again.

AANG: Azula-

AZULA: You don't need luck. You've always had to struggle and fight, and that's made you strong. It makes you who you are.

Those words ring a bell in Aang's head. He can't quite figure out where they belong - but they manage to calm him down, make him agree, actually.

TY LEE: That was really sweet! I think...

Zuko is the one who has to judge her now. He gifts her a smile.

ZUKO: Thank you.

Azula pouts victoriously.

AZULA: I'm just telling the truth.

BATO: Very heartwarming.

A collective flinch from Aang and Ty Lee.

AANG: What are you doing here?

The distant thought of the original Bato has long been replaced by the power-hungry man starring them down.

AZULA: You look good, Bato. New face cream?

Her smug insult did hit a nerve with the captain.

BATO: I'm sure this is all amusing for you kids. Perhaps the one with swords will try to trick me as well.

Another short man with a funny mustache runs towards Bato.

COACH: Bato, you're up next!

Bato grunts in his anger.

BATO: That's Captain Bato to you!

Captain Bato leaves the gym, intending to enter the Pit, facing whoever his opponent might be.

---

Azula slouches arrogantly in the cushioned bench overseeing the arena. Qizha eyes her with envy, wanting to sit down as well, but having that wish be rejected by Azula. Everyone else is standing.

ZUKO: Who is Bato fighting against?

QIZHA: They call themselves Cross Blades. They've received extensive stealth training on Crescent Island.

Aang's eyes flash up. He once spoke to Roku on a crescent-shaped island. He looks to Azula and the girl rolls over her eyes, knowing this will lead to yet another detour.

TY LEE: So... they're a ninja?

The audience roars in excitement, announcing the entrance of Bato, the Water Tribe captain equipped with two pouches filled with water, and Cross Blades - who is wearing grey and black fabrics, with their face covered completely.

AZULA: I only see one person. I thought you said Cross Blades were multiple people.

Qizha shrugs.

QIZHA: I never did. No one knows who or what is under that mask.

Aang can't explain why but he remembers the flashing image of the Blue Spirit, Prince Zuko in disguise rescuing him from the clutches of Zhao. He wonders if Sokka will ever take that role. Or if he will have to meet Zhao.

Out on the battlefield Bato seems rather relaxed when facing his adversary.

BATO: Nice costume. What else do you got?

Cross Blades rapidly draws two weapons - swords whose blades are stuck to one side, almost like two small brooms. They swing the blades at a rapid pace, trying to impress Bato, who sighs in response.

BATO: No one said it would be easy.

The captain assumes a Tai Chi pose.

BATO: Bring it.

---

Bato vs. Cross Blades

---

The ninja-figure charges Bato at deadly speeds. Its first swipe is blocked by Bato's swift hand, which he swipes upwards, blocking the first blow with water. After exchanging a few blows - blade hitting water - Bato kicks Cross Blades in the stomach, pushing them to the edge. The audience gasps, though Cross Blades manages to dodge another blow of water via a roll, the audience cheering in excitement.

Kanna reacts quietly to the fight.

Cross Blades commences another attack, another barrage of swipes blocked by Bato's aggressive waterbending.

Zuko gulps. Either opponent would be formidable against him.

More strikes blocked by Bato, who seems to get tired down by the relentless blades. The captain grunts, then again louder as one of the blades manages to cut his leg.

Kanna does not flinch.

Cross Blades tries to damage more limbs, which would critically impair the waterbender's abilities - but Bato holds firm. Water engulfs their weapons, throwing them aside. The ninja attempts close combat in return but is blocked by the body of water now engulfing their head. Cross Blades struggles for a few seconds, with the captain portraying his cruelty in a sinister smile. The fight ends in the water freezing Cross Blade's head, which is then punched, shattering the ice. The ninja drops to the ground unconscious. The crowd cheers.

AZULA: Wow. That was fast.

Bato breathes in exhaustion, only halfway able to enjoy his victory.

---

Ty Lee taps her foot nervously, watching Zuko hit his blades more aggressively against a dummy. As Qizha approaches her, she sighs in relief.

TY LEE: Finally.

QIZHA: Don't push it. Anyways, there's no way Akari is losing, so you can count on her as the next opponent.

The news worries her.

TY LEE: Any strengths, weaknesses-

The coach clears his throat. Ty Lee reluctantly hands him a gold piece from Musho Ichi.

QIZHA: Solid piece.

He puts hit in his pocket.

QIZHA: She's a master of Yin Shou Gun. Most people underestimate her, thinking she's just some amateur hopping around. Deadly mistake.

Ty Lee feels a shudder running down her spine. She shakes it off and bows slightly, hoping not to be noticed by the other people in the gym.

TY LEE: Thank you.

Qizha shrugs and walks away. Ty Lee hopes that Azula didn't notice the exchange, though she clearly seems occupied with Zuko.

AZULA: Sloppy. Hit it harder.

The boy is clearly frustrated by his sister's feedback.

ZUKO: This isn't helping. Aang, can you-

AANG: Do what she says, Zuko.

His cold words surprises both siblings. In reality, while Aang appreciates Zuko's soft side, if he is to stand a chance, he has to toughen up. Be more like Prince Zuko. The broadswords hit the dummy with quicker precision swipes.

ZUKO: How was firebending?

Aang's confidence gets stuck in his throat.

AANG: It was fine...

Azula pouts.

AZULA: Sure. There's just a bit of... fineness missing.

She glares at the Avatar for a bit. Aang tries not to be intimidated by it.

ZUKO: Doesn't sound like a problem though, right? You can do it. I know you can. You're a talented kid.

Aang feels a warm sense of nostalgia. Ty Lee finally reaches the three, leaning quietly against a wall. Azula is still angrily focused on the Avatar.

AZULA: Yes. Let's just hope we find the right master.

Aang is unable to respond. Getting put on the spot like this is not a stark reminder of the Fire Lord, but still annoying either way. Ty Lee finally clears her throat.

TY LEE: Aang? Can you train with Zuko?

Aang's brow shoots up.

AANG: Sure? Why?

She tries to come up with the excuse on the spot.

TY LEE: Oh, well... I just think Zuko should be prepared for everything.

Azula and Aang do the thing where they share their thoughts with their eyes.

AZULA: Do you mean an opponent with a staff?

TY LEE: Yes! You think you can do that?

Aang shrugs very nonchalantly, a gesture he picked up from Sokka. He also picks up a training staff leaning against a wall. Azula draws attention to her via a loud grunt, her finger entangled in her hair, which seems to be leaking from her headpiece.

AZULA: Ty Lee, help me with this.

She walks away a few feet from the vigorous clash of the boys.

TY LEE: I thought this headpiece was good? What's the issue-

AZULA: What you're doing for Zuko is very brave.

Her harsh tone and the fact that she can fix the hair-related issue herself informs Ty Lee that the firebender did see her earlier. The acrobat hangs her head low in shame.

TY LEE: You caught me...

Azula, as she fixed her hair back up, turns around and grabs Ty Lee's hands.

AZULA: I didn't catch you. That would imply that you're doing something wrong.

Ty Lee meets her eyes.

AZULA: Who cares about stupid rules? All we want is for Zuko to be okay. The fact that you're doing this would mean a lot to him.

They look over to Aang and Zuko exchanging training swipes.

AZULA: He's not normally like this. I'm usually the perfectionist and he's the one telling me to take it easy.

Ty Lee pouts in agreement.

TY LEE: He's different. The visions we saw in Kaiyuko's temple affected all of us.

The flashing image of blue flames catches Azula off-guard and makes her skin crawl. Ty Lee of course notices the shift.

TY LEE: Everything alright? Your aura just-

Azula lets her hands go.

AZULA: Yes. I'm fine. I'll... wait in the loge.

The raven-haired girl rushes away rather suddenly.

Aang finds this odd from a distance. Not paying attention, he gets smacked on the finger by Zuko's hilt.

AANG: Ow!

ZUKO: Sorry!

Aang quickly recovers from the attack.

AANG: I'm fine.

He strikes back at Zuko, who blocks the staff's swift attacks.

ZUKO: Why do airbenders even use staffs?

More attacks back and forth. Aang grunts at the fact that he has lost his physical strength.

AANG: Airbending is made stronger through certain items. Bending with a staff is one of the earliest things we are taught.

Ty Lee walks back over to the boys, finding the airbending trivia intriguing.

ZUKO: And without?

A quick strike blocked in an x-pattern by Zuko.

AANG: A true master doesn't require weapons. But a beginner without tools is hopelessly outmatched.

A loud horn sounds, alerting everyone inside.

TY LEE: You're next.

Zuko closes his eyes and takes a breath.

ZUKO: I'm ready.

Aang wonders where Azula went all of a sudden.

---

Surrounded by a howling crowd, Kanna closely observes the tall girl with a side cut and yellow clothing stepping on to the stage. A burning passion is written on her grey eyes, as she performatively spins her martial arts staff. The audience shrieks in excitement. On the other side, Zuko emerges. The stage has since been repaired from the fight with the Boulder.

Azula is once again sitting on the couch, allowing Aang to sit next to her, gaining her another comical glare from Qizha, which she answers with a smirk. Ty Lee is standing as close to the edge as possible, her hands nervously stuck to the wooden balustrade.

AZULA: Don't worry, he'll be fine. If he won against the earthbender he'll win against a stick.

Ty Lee wonders if this is right.

Akari comes to a hold, aggressively stomping her foot wearing orange ankle support wraps. Her stern look reminds Zuko of Kenora, if only because their last fight was very recent.

Aang's eyes fixate on to her weapon for some reason. Azula knows that look.

AZULA (whispering): Do you know her?

Aang quietly shakes his head.

AANG (whispering): No. I don't know what it is.

Akari spins her staff again.

ZUKO: I won against an earthender, so... yeah. I'm going to beat you too.

The organizer finds this remark interesting as well.

Akari's scoff morphs into a smirk.

AKARI: You will try.

---

Zuko vs. Akari

---

The girl spins her stick again, taunting Zuko and gaining her howling cheers from the audience. Zuko holds firm against the intimidation attempt. Another staff spin transforms into a quick sucker punch - a swipe from above which Zuko blocks cross-bladed. Akari attacks sideways - left hit blocked by right sword, right hit blocked by left sword swiping. Zuko follows up with a counter - Akari dodges, spin-jumps aside, transforming the motion into a kick, which hits Zuko's face. No time to recover - Akari immediately follows it up with a nasty-looking staff swing, Zuko dodging, then blocking the second swing with both swords. A fast exchange ensues - Akari attempts several quick attacks with the ends of her staff, Zuko masterfully, but with a nervous expression, blocking all incoming blows. Both his broadswords seem to be the perfect counter to the staffed attacks. Zuko finally manages a hard blow against Akari's weapon - she stumbles back. He then attempts to tackle her - she does a spin-dodge reminding Azula very much of her airbending lessons.

AZULA: She's very agile.

Her comment goes unnoticed by Aang and Ty Lee.

TY LEE: Aang, does this look familiar-

AANG: Yes.

Akari spins her staff, the following swipe downwards an attempt to pin Zuko's blades to the ground. He avoids the incoming kick with a roll. Akari grunts angrily, being forced to block a number of incoming sword attacks. She spins out of the way, repositioning her staff mid-air, gifting Zuko a rather nasty poke in the gut. The boy grunts in pain - the audience gasps - Azula finally gets up and looks in shock at the stage, allowing Qizha to take her seat.

As Zuko tumbles back, Akari raises her staff in the air. While Azula still ponders what is happening, Aang finally figures it out.

AANG: She's an airbender.

AZULA: What?!

TY LEE: ZUKO! WATCH OUT!

Her gentle cry almost drowns in the crowd, yet it is what saves him. He jumps aside last second, as a gust of wind produced by Akari's staff almost blowing Zuko off the stage. The girl glares at Zuko in anger and frustration. Similarly, Zuko stares back in confusion.

ZUKO: Was that airbending?!

AKARI: I've had ENOUGH!

She swings it again like a club, creating an air slash Zuko dodges. The next air blast he blocks with both blades, yet is pushed back a bit.

Ty Lee frowns.

As Akari attempts to knock him off with an air funnel, he uses her own strategy against her - dodge-spinning the attack. Akari spins the staff, charging up another attack encompassing wind, but before the air can travel anywhere, Zuko blocks the staff with two hands (and the attached blades). Akari grunts very loudly at him, yet he holds firm with a stern look. What follows is a series of attempts to bend more air - all sweeps are blocked skillfully, yet carefully by Zuko.

AANG: He's preventing her from using the staff.

Azula scoffs.

AZULA: Uh, yeah. We have eyes too-

AANG: That's not how I meant it.

The firebender listens quietly.

AANG: She's an airbender, but... I don't think she's received any training.

Qizha's brow shoots up. Aang continues, watching closely as Zuko succesfully blocks Akari's bending attempts.

And so, the organizer watches closely as well.

AANG: Airbenders, very early in their training, sometimes had to resort to using gear, to help them controll the element better.

AZULA: So, you're saying she's an amateur?

Zuko grunts at a kick to the face. The audience gasps, empathizing with his pain. Ty Lee is of course shocked.

AZULA: Yeah, I take that back.

As Zuko stumbles, Akari raises her staff one last time - the boy leaps at her with the strength left in his body - a loud clash sound subsides the audience.

Kanna leans forward in her seat.

Both Zuko and Akari have lost their weapons in the attack. Not just that - the airbending staff appears to have broken from the air blast. Akari's saddened frown quickly transforms into anger.

AKARI: That was an heirloom!

Zuko is put on the spot.

ZUKO: Um... I'm sorry?

AKARI: You will pay for that!

ZUKO: Maybe we can trade?

He pulls out his boomerang and launches it at her - she of course blocks it with a weak gust of wind. In the meantime, Zuko has begun charging at her. Clearly surprised, she tries to block him with another gust of wind, yet even her precise punch is not able to produce air strong enough to stop the boy - Zuko tackles her to the ground, the audience cheers once again.

AZULA: Unconventional.

On the ground, Akari kicks Zuko in his behind, causing him to roll off of her. She recovers back on two feet landing a punch in the face but missing the second. Time slows down for her. As it goes back to normal, a befuddled Akari is thrown over Zuko's shoulder, off the platform, and straight into the pit. While the crowd celebrated his first victory, this time they lose it completely. That again includes Azula.

AZULA: WOO!

The confused looks from the other three people cause her to calm down.

AZULA: I mean, yay!

Another figure, a bearded servant of some kind, walks up to the organizer from behind, not yet revealing his face.

FAT: Everything alright?

The organizer's voice is raspy, yet soothing.

ORGANIZER: I like this one. He's... different.

---

A cheerful crowd surrounding Zuko in the background, Akari tries to focus on slamming her belongings into a small sports bag. A painted picture of a middle-aged man flashes up for a second, before being buried under the split remains of her staff, which she actually mourns for a moment.

KANNA: That was quite impressive out there.

Akari notices the old woman towering in front of her and quickly closes down her bag, hiding her belongings from Kanna.

AKARI: I lost. Nothing impressive about that.

Despite her rough appearance she pronounces her words with an unexpected elegance. As she walks past the Chief Mother, she avoids any facial contact.

KANNA: Airbenders are a rare sight to see.

That makes her stop.

KANNA: Then again, it's not like anyone is really looking for them anymore.

AKARI: No one is looking for me.

She turns half her face towards the older woman.

AKARI: And I'd like to keep it that way.

As the airbender tries to walk away...

KANNA: Perhaps I can convince you otherwise.

Akari fully turns around.

AKARI: I'm listening.

---

Aang wonders why more people wouldn't enjoy the stadium's balcony. Then again, Huoshan doesn't exactly have "fresh air". He had been wondering where all this ash fall comes from. For now, it has stopped, allowing Aang to enjoy a moment alone. Although-

AZULA: You're hard to find, Avatar.

The airbender boy scoffs, not at all surprised at Azula's appearance. Very abruptly, memories of the Fire Lord finding him and his friends in the past flash up but leave just as quickly.

AANG: It never is a problem for you.

She inspects her nails very confidently.

AZULA: Don't flatter me. You're incredibly easy to find. Tells me a lot about Sokka's abilities.

Aang wishes to defend his friend Sokka, yet this is not who Azula is talking about. The girl mimics his hunched over position by also leaning on the railing.

AZULA: Did you... find Toph yet?

Aang sighs. He had been trying to spot her, but after asking Qizha, he quickly discovered that she isn't here. He alternatively asked for a "Blind Bandit", with similar results.

AANG: No.

Azula pouts nervously, trying to word the rest of the conversation in a digestible manner.

AZULA: Aang, I um...

AANG: You think it's stupid to look for her?

At first, she frowns at him finishing her sentence, yet she quickly focuses back on the issue.

AZULA: Yes. How did you meet Toph?

The memory conjures up a warm smile on his face.

AANG: Toph is a blind girl. She uses earthbending to see.

This genuinely shocks Azula, though she expresses it rather subtly.

AZULA: Wow. Impressive.

AANG: Yeah. She's the greatest earthbender in the world, but her parents didn't accept that. They wanted to see her as a weak child needing protection. So, she snuck out at night, winning illegal earthbending tournaments.

Azula bounces her brow up.

AZULA: Sounds reckless. But I guess that's the point of earthbending.

Aang remembers his first lessons.

AANG: I... wasn't very good at earthbending at first, but Toph helped me discover how to do it.

AZULA: So, you think that without her you won't learn it?

The joy on his face disappears again.

AANG: Not just that. If I...

Saying this clearly pains him, unsettling Azula.

AANG: I want to protect Toph in this world. She got captured in my own before I came here. I don't know what will happen with her. With any of them...

Feeling bad for the boy, she utters a thought, which had been on her mind since he first talked about his earthbending master.

AZULA: This Toph, was she... special to you?

An image flashes up in his head. Him, in his world, sitting next to an older Toph smiling at him. He shakes his head, getting rid of the vision as if it were a bad dream.

AANG: No. No. She's one of my best friends, so of course she's special, but...

He grunts in frustration, getting away from the railing and walking back into the stadium.

AZULA: Aang, I'm sorry-

AANG: Don't be. It's fine. We'll talk about it after the tournament.

As he's gone Azula stares into the distance, nervously trying to hide her panic. The image of the other Azula appears on her mind. She painfully tries to get it out of her head, absentmindedly blasting red flames into the air before going back inside.

---

Zuko is overwhelmed by a crowd of people, cheerful fans who follow him all the way into the gym/locker room. He finally manages to wrestle his way out of the human wall, looking around in search for-

ZUKO: Ty Lee?

He finally spots her in the corner, talking to Qizha and looking shady overall.

ZUKO: Ty Lee!

She flinches at his sight.

TY LEE: Oh, hey Zuko. Great fight...

Qizha seems fine about "being caught in the act".

QIZHA: Great job, buddy! You're going to bring me a lot of money! Well, I mean I get paid by the hour, but... good for you.

He leaves the teenagers, flinging a piece of gold in his hand, one which Zuko immediately recognizes.

ZUKO: That's from Musho Ichi! Ty Lee, how did he-

Her refusal to engage in eye contact already answers his question.

ZUKO: Ty Lee?

TY LEE: I... was scared you were going to get hurt, so I...

ZUKO: So?

She pops like a bubble.

TY LEE: IaskedQizhatotellmehowtobeattheotherfightersandgavehimslavegoldforit.

With comedic timing her flow of words subsides. Zuko seems a little shocked.

ZUKO: Oh. I guess that's what that tip with balance was about...

TY LEE: And why I wanted Aang to train with you.

She sighs.

TY LEE: Listen, I-

ZUKO: No. It's okay...

His interruption comes off as a programmed response, not what he actually meant.

ZUKO: Wait. No. Slave gold? Did you pick it up from Musho Ichi?

Ty Lee expresses herself like a little girl with a full bladder.

TY LEE: Maybe? I thought it would come in handy if I only took some-

ZUKO: I can't believe it!

She somehow keeps her eyes (relatively) dry.

ZUKO: We freed those kids, and you took their gold?

She hastily plays around with her fingers.

TY LEE: You went into this head-first! You had no idea what you were up against - what if you-

ZUKO: What if I lost?

She realizes her blunder.

ZUKO: And that's exactly why I'm here today! We head into danger all the time, but now that I'm doing it all of you think it's somehow worse!

TY LEE: Zuko, that's not how I meant-

ZUKO: I KNOW HOW YOU MEANT IT!

Aang and Azula arrive just in time.

AZULA: Aang, that's not how I meant-

ZUKO: You and Aang and Azula - all of you think I'm pathetic and weak, and that's why I'm going to win the tournament!

The horns sound, announcing something happened, or is going to. The stadium crowd cheers.

TY LEE: Are you up?

QIZHA: Get out of the way, please!

An ominous figure on a wheeled stretcher made from bamboo is transported by a number of paramedics through the locker room and away from the stadium. Zuko can't quite see what happened to the figure, but whatever it is, it looks bad. Ty Lee hides her face as soon as she realized what was going on. Azula cringes her teeth, and Aang looks at the injured man until he leaves his vicinity. Qizha enters, holding a set of steel hammers.

QIZHA: Poor guy. Really promising.

ZUKO: What happened?!

QIZHA: Oh, I only saw the ending, but it looked pretty brutal. This Bato fella packs a mean punch. Let's hope for his sake that the guy didn't die.

The last word sends chills down Zuko's spine. Qizha realizes who he is talking to and feels embarrassed.

QIZHA: Oh. Well...

He pats Zuko's shoulder awkwardly.

QIZHA: Good luck.

He leaves for the private loge.

AANG: Zuko, are you-

ZUKO: I'm going.

QIZHA (from around a corner): You're up in fifteen minutes!

ZUKO: Oh.

AZULA: Shouldn't be a problem for you, Zuko. Remember how I beat him?

AANG: You didn't. You only distracted him.

Azula shushes the Avatar.

AZULA: Don't ruin it!

Zuko accepts his fate with a blink.

ZUKO: You should leave now. I want to prepare.

They all hesitate.

TY LEE: But-

ZUKO: Go.

Azula is the first to comply, then Aang, and after a few more seconds, with a heavy heart, Ty Lee.

ZUKO: I'm not afraid.

BATO: You should be.

His chilling voice from behind catches Zuko completely off-guard. Bato seems roughed up, but otherwise completely fine.

BATO: Good luck for the finale. I'm sure it will be short and sweet.

Zuko lacks the will to respond, swallowing his grunt in a loud gulp.

---

Act III. – Zuko's master

---

Despite being greeted by thunderous applause, Zuko feels more nervous than ever.

CROWD: ZU-KO! ZU-KO! ZU-KO!

None of the kids bother to use the loge furniture. Ty Lee taps her foot nervously, Aang stands in the middle with a nervous expression, Azula seems rather relaxed on the right.

AZULA: Are you okay?

At first Aang thinks the question is directed at him, yet he quickly realizes she meant Ty Lee, who didn't even register it.

AANG: Ty Lee?

TY LEE: Huh?

The stress is written all over Ty Lee's face. Neither Aang nor Azula wish to say anything. And so, they look back towards Zuko, his opponent just entering the ring.

The cheering crowd seems to be more of a distraction to Bato than anything.

CROWD: BA-TO! BA-TO!

Kanna's seat is empty.

Zuko draws his blades with a grunt.

ZUKO: I've come this far.

Bato draws water from both sides.

BATO: And now its stops

---

Zuko vs. Bato

---

Bato does not hesitate to strike - two streams of water shoot towards Zuko from both sides, much faster than he could have anticipated - he gets knocked in the head and feet, spinning around with a pained grunt.

CROWD: Ooh..

The streams run back towards Bato, who redirects them in a backwards arc, letting them pierce downwards from above. Zuko is able to dodge the attack, but unable to duck a third stream, which hits him in the stomach and knocks him down.

Ty Lee, despite standing, is on the edge of her seat, firmly holding the staff in her hand.

QIZHA: Huh. Guess that was only luck the-

AZULA: No one asked for your opinion!

Zuko gets back on his feet, being able to display skillful footwork when slashing through Bato's water streams. The captain starts getting frustrated by his own inability to hit him again. Bottom left - slash - right shoulder - slash - an attack from behind - spin, slash, spin back - stream directed towards the front - double slash! The crowd gets hyped by the swordfighter.

AZULA: He's getting a hang of it.

TY LEE: Come on...

The organizer seems just as tensed.

Bato grunts at the peasant kid being able to block his water blows with simple swords - now with just with one sword. What is he-

With a swift whoosh - Zuko's boomerang hits Bato in the nose, before flying back into his hand.

AZULA: Yes!

AANG: Come on, Zuko!

Zuko smiles, drawing his second blade with boastful wrist spin, then charges Bato at full speed.

A puddle of water freezes his left foot, and he trips.

Ty Lee gasps.

AZULA: No!

Bato, recovered from the boomerang, is directing water with complicated arm movements around the boy, engulfing him in a water spiral, which ends up freezing his swords together.

BATO: Enough of this.

The blades freeze - and then snap.

The kids gasp. The crowd gasps.

The organizer gasps.

The broken blades drop to the ground with a metallic clank.

ZUKO: You will... regret that...

BATO: Oh, I seriously doubt that.

While Bato's left arm is extended, seemingly holding the water spiral in place, his right hand begins to clench, slowly squeezing Zuko like a python snake. Zuko's grunt turns into a scream.

TY LEE: STOP IT!

AZULA: Aang, we have got to do something.

Azula pulls his sleeve like a nervous child.

BATO: Ah yes, winning is fun.

Bato bursts the spiral into hundreds of little droplets. Zuko falls on his knees, gasping from the pain.

BATO: My guess is you're not alone here, right?

Zuko snaps his eyes open in shock.

BATO: Well, if the Avatar won't come to save you from torture...

He collects the droplets on his palms, slowly but surely forming an ice spear

BATO: Then perhaps killing you will do the trick.

He extends his arms and lets the spear fly - for about a second, before a blast of wind blows it off-course, letting it pierce an innocent wall instead. Zuko looks to his right, finding Ty Lee in a fighting stance, holding the airbending staff. In response to all this, Bato cackles menacingly.

BATO: I didn't expect you here.

The organizer gets up from his seat.

ORGANIZER: Evacuate the stadium.

Fat nods, then sounds the alarm horn.

The distinctly different sound of the alarm horn transforms the audience into panicked crowd, hastily fleeing the building.

QIZHA: That's the alarm.

As Qizha gets up, Aang jumps the long distance on to the platform.

AZULA: Um, hello?

He looks back, spotting Azula.

AANG: Oh. Can you find another way to get here?

Azula scoffs.

AZULA: No? Can you toss me over there with your staff?

A comical tear of embarrassment appears on Aang's forehead.

AANG: I don't have it on me!

AZULA: You don't have it - you know what? Never mind. I'll just find a different way-

Her ramble is cut off mid-sentence, as she is rudely interrupted by a blast of water. Three Water Tribe soldiers enter the private loge, Qizha cowardly pointing towards Aang and Azula.

QIZHA: There they are! Bye!

The coach flees the loge.

AANG: Azula!

Two different water streams miss Aang, instead hitting the spot he stood on a second ago. He lands on the loge, blasting the waterbenders against the railing, and an additional soldier off the loge entirely. Azula gets back up on her feet.

AZULA: Alright, I think we stand a chance if-

A canon-like air sound blasts Azula in the chest, shoving her against the other side of the railing - again, and knocking her out this time. Aang looks shocked to the side, seeing the old woman Kanna, and Akari next to her, using her broken staff as two smaller ones in both hands.

KANNA: This is the part where you surrender.

Once Kanna also draws water from her sleeves, Aang complies with a sigh.

Ty Lee looks back once, noticing her friends' surrender.

BATO: Your boyfriend with the kitchen knives put up a good fight, but as you can see, you are clearly outnumbered.

Ty Lee glares at him with determination. Zuko gets up on one leg, still very much hurt from the fight.

TY LEE: And you are clearly outmatched!

Bato nods to the side.

BATO: I beg to differ.

And air blast hits Zuko in the back, launching him down into the pit. Ty Lee turns around, finding Akari.

TY LEE: You will regret that!

Akari shoots an air blast towards her, yet Ty Lee can skillfully block it with the staff, surprising her opponent.

AKARI: What?

TY LEE: You may be a fighter, but I was trained by the Avata-

Water engulfs Ty Lee's head, pulling her back towards Bato, who allows her to breath, freezing her wrists together instead.

BATO: And now the Avatar is my prisoner. What an interesting turn of events.

As they all leave the platform, Akari looks down one last time. She could swear Zuko dropped on a specific spot that is now empty.

---

The other villagers crumble in fear, with Water Tribe soldiers exiting the arena and practically flooding the city (pun intended!). Some of the soldiers, including Bato, mount the buffalo yak. Aang can't quite get his eyes off the airbender that just attacked them. A cruel turn of events, and one that can't quite seem to get into his head. His mind is finally taken off the subject as Azula finally wakes up, being carried by a large Water Tribe soldier.

AZULA: Uh... where are we? Where did the girl with the ugly haircut go?

She spots Akari.

AZULA: Oh, there she is.

Azula winks at Aang, giving him a hopeful feeling. After that, her hands and head on the backside of the warrior, she creates a tiny flame in her hands, alerting Akari, who tries to extinguish it with a wind funnel. To her disliking, the additional weak winds only strengthen the flame, creating a large blast that scares her captor and distracts all the soldiers. She gets dropped, creating a mildly impressive wall of fire to buy her some time, melt her shackles, and scare the buffalo yak with more fire, before running towards the ash road, exiting the main caldera. Bato is the only one able to keep his mount under control. Well, Bato and Kanna, as Malu does not seem to mind the events unfolding in front of him.

Ash rains down quietly on to the dark rock floor below. Azula tramples across them, trying to get away from Bato and his buffalo yak. She starts moving in a zigzag, dodging incoming streams of water from above. The galloping hooves stir up the ash below. There is nowhere else to go - she has to get to Appa before-

A stream of water hits her from behind. Azula curses herself for not paying enough attention. The scarred waterbender gets off his mount and glares down at the raven-haired girl.

BATO: There's no escape now.

She shrugs, trying to preserve her arrogance.

AZULA: Only a matter of time...

While inspecting her nails, she prepares a sucker punch, yet her flame is extinguished quickly, her whole body frozen on the spot.

BATO: I will deliver you to the Great Chief myself.

Bato bends her to stand upright, putting a pair of ice cuffs on her wrist and ankles. After doing so, he grabs her face, gaining him a muffled grunt of protest.

BATO: Or whatever is left of you.

He lets go aggressively. Azula mumbles to herself, still trying to keep her mean face.

AZULA: Zuko, where are you?

---

Zuko wakes up dizzy and disoriented, finding himself sitting in an expensive wooden chair, in a large and lofty loge which overlooks the arena in its entirety. Besides that, bookshelves, an expensive desk and a small kitchen counter make the loge seem like a fancy living space. Zuko's vision focuses back to normal. He sees a fat man with sideburns preparing tea.

ORGANIZER: I hope you don't mind waiting for a bit. I'm still trying to finish this.

Zuko shakes his head in pain. Sitting at the desk, a middle-aged man with dark skin, a goatee and a dark topknot paints what appears to be a rather detailed volcanic landscape, most likely from somewhere on the island. The man in question is Piandao.

PIANDAO: My name is Piandao, and I organize these tournaments. I was very impressed by your swordfighting skills. Most challengers in the tournament are highly skilled benders or specialize in a unique weapon. Seeing someone practicing the art of the blade is... refreshing.

The raven-haired boy gets up with a pained grunt.

ZUKO: Thank you. But I don't have time for this, I need to-

PIANDAO: Save the Avatar?

Piandao's knowledge holds Zuko in his tracks.

ZUKO: How did you-

PIANDAO: Once you are my age, little details you'd have previously ignored, start scratching towards you, waiting to be discovered.

Piandao shrugs.

PIANDAO: Plus, I'm a master swordfighter. So... I pay attention to things.

He dips his brush into paint. Fat, his servant (yes that's his name), serves them tea on a platter, choosing to sit down in the chair Zuko has vacated.

PIANDAO: Please, sit down.

Zuko takes a different seat across from the master.

PIANDAO: Your name is Zuko, right?

Zuko nods reluctantly.

ZUKO: Yes, but-

PIANDAO: Tell me Zuko...

He puts down the brush and wipes his hands in a towel.

PIANDAO: What made you participate in my tournament?

Zuko, put on the spot, does not quite know the answer.

PIANDAO: Especially with just two swords. Most other fighters wouldn't have much of a challenge against that.

Lu Ten's face flashes up again. Zuko sighs.

ZUKO: I travel with the Avatar. My sister is a talented firebender, and Ty Lee-

Her face also flashes up, although it creates a much warmer feeling in his stomach.

PIANDAO: Someone special?

An involuntary smile appears on the boy's face.

PIANDAO: Oh. I was right then.

Fat chuckles softly in the background as the two men exchange a glance.

ZUKO: Yes, but-

He grunts at his own clumsiness.

ZUKO: She's an airbender. A very talented one.

PIANDAO: And... you feel inferior? You want to prove yourself?

ZUKO: I-

The boy sighs.

ZUKO: I don't know.

PIANDAO: Would you consider yourself as a failure?

ZUKO: Yes.

The answer very much surprises the master.

PIANDAO: You do?

ZUKO: I'm not worthy of traveling with the Avatar. They got captured and I couldn't help them.

PIANDAO: Not yet at least.

A shiver of hope, mostly confusion, sparkles in Zuko's eyes.

ZUKO: What do you mean?

PIANDAO: What I mean is, based on your fighting skills, I'd have guessed that you have helped your friends out many times.

Zuko can't disagree.

PIANDAO: And when fighting in my tournament, you, a teenager, managed to beat opponents much stronger and older than you.

ZUKO: I didn't beat Bato.

FAT: Technically you did.

Zuko frowns in confusion.

ZUKO: What?

PIANDAO: Well... it is against the rules to intentionally destroy your opponent's weapons...

Zuko grunts again and gets up.

ZUKO: I don't care if I won or not!

PIANDAO: Then why did you participate?

Piandao gets up as well.

PIANDAO: If victory doesn't satisfy you, then nothing will. You will be a failure as long as you consider yourself one.

Zuko's eyes are opened, metaphorically.

PIANDAO: A skillful swordsman, able to fight alongside the Avatar, who then goes on to win a brutal tournament is a failure? I believe the only thing that's a failure is your attitude, Zuko.

Zuko lets those words sink in, still an inch of doubt left somewhere in his mind.

ZUKO: So that's it? I just have to think positively?

PIANDAO: Could be a start.

Piandao nods towards Fat, who then gets up and walks over to a cabinet.

PIANDAO: Self-doubt will always accompany us - everyone has doubts.

Fat hands Piandao his sword, still stuck in its scabbard. He thanks him with a smile.

PIANDAO: True strength is admitting those doubts exist. Only a warrior who knows his strengths and weaknesses can truly be considered great.

He draws the sword, revealing a stunning blade, beautiful calligraphy engraved into it.

PIANDAO: Plus, you can help me to save your friends now.

The impressive weapon truly enchants Zuko, yet only for a second.

ZUKO: My swords. They broke. How am I supposed to help now?

PIANDAO: Oh, perhaps I can help out with that.

---

Azula contorts her entire body in a comical manner as they are being brought to the dockyards.

AZULA: Stupid! Lamp oil! Who told them that?

KANNA: I came up with that.

The old lady passes by the prisoners on her komodo rhino, with a smug expression that drives Azula wild.

AZULA: Oh, feel proud of yourself! I didn't know women in the Water Tribe are allowed to have animals - since you're treated as such!

While Azula is loudly expressing herself, Ty Lee tries to whisper to Aang.

TY LEE (whispering): How are we going to get out of this one?

AANG (whispering): Don't worry. Zuko will get to Appa, the rest is smooth sailing from there.

Azula rudely forces herself into the conversation.

AZULA (quietly): Ah, yes - Zuko. Let's hope for the guy who lost against scar face over there!

TY LEE: Azula!

The acrobat's protest alarms Azula.

AZULA: I'm... sorry. Just... trying to be realistic.

BATO: The girl is right.

Bato appears behind them, his sinister voice sending chills across their spines.

AANG: We're not afraid of you, Bato.

And so, Bato is too a little scared, unaware of how the boy knows his name.

BATO: Your scheming is pointless. I have special guards for your kind.

Akari appears next to Bato, filling Aang with a sense of horror and disgust.

AANG: Why are you helping him? They wiped out our people!

BATO: Woah. Don't get too angry. We don't want any glowing tattoos.

Akari is relieved that Bato stepped in, as she had no response.

AZULA: Is that what you're afraid of, huh? Aang - Avatar State!

She gives him a headbutt. Bonk!

AANG: Ow!

AZULA: Uh... I did not think this through...

Akari rolls her eyes and walks over to Kanna.

KANNA: I'm glad you changed your mind, girl. You could be a valuable weapon in our arsenal.

AKARI: And be a woman in the Water Tribe? No thanks.

Kanna gets off of Malu, petting him gently.

KANNA: Times are changing, as is-

AKARI: As is water, yeah, I get it.

Bato's heavy boots announce his participation in the conversation.

BATO: Then you understand why we need you.

Akari is slightly intimidated by the scarred man. Yet she holds firm.

AKARI: Why? Are you planning on catching another Avatar?

Unsettled by the thought of losing the Avatar - again - his doubts are interrupted by the swishing noise of a metallic object, which hits him in the shoulder, before flying back towards the ship deck - where it is caught by Zuko. Surprisingly, everyone trembles at the sight of the boy. Azula scoffs.

AZULA: Well, now I look like the idiot...

ZUKO: Bato! Let them go, now!

Bato can't help but to laugh devilishly.

BATO: Very funny. It's a shame I didn't kill you in the Pit.

He waves the soldiers in front of him to get Zuko. As he turns around, he is shocked to find the dockyard emptied, all except for the prisoners. Akari and Kanna share a confused look.

BATO: What the...

Aang, Ty Lee and Azula finally notice it too.

AZULA: Uh... yeah. That was us. Don't say we didn't warn you!

Bato looks a bit further into the distance, seeing a figure emerging with a drawn sword.

BATO: I'm sorry we interrupted your tournament. I never got that price either, did I?

Aang is shocked to see Piandao.

AZULA (whispering): I guess you know him too then.

Aang nods.

AZULA (whispering): Any... adventure like this you had?

Aang scoffs.

AANG: Absolutely not.

TY LEE: What are you guys-

PIANDAO: In order to gain a price, you would need to win.

Bato frowns.

BATO: Guess I'll earn it.

He rushes Piandao with two streams coming from both sides of the dock. Piandao skillfully eliminates the threat with powerful yet precise hits. Bato engages in close combat.

Meanwhile, the kids are still tied up.

AZULA: Um... a little help here?

KANNA: We can't let that happen.

Kanna draws water from her sleeves, Akari too gets ready to rumble.

Swoosh! By the power of Zuko's boomerang, all three ropes are cut.

AZULA: Thank you. Now-

Ty Lee picks up the airbending staff laying on the ground, then attacks first, hitting Akari with an air blast, being stopped next by a raging komodo rhino, which Aang manages to calm down. Having wiped off the oil, Azula opts to throw some fire balls at the old lady, who precisely and elegantly evaporates all of them with thin water streams. As the raven-haired girl tries a kick, her leg is caught in a wateracle. Trying to free herself with her arms, both of them are caught in streams of water. Aang steps in - Malu calmed down, he fire-kicks the water streams in half, freeing Azula...

AZULA: Thank you. Appreciat - ED!

The water on her leg is still there and slaps the girl to the ground.

Akari tries some light punches, creating wind with all of them, yet she stands no chance against Ty Lee. The acrobat creates a spiral beneath her opponent, lifting her up and launching her far away into the ocean.

Having freed her from the wateracle, Aang and Azula surround the old lady.

AZULA: Surrender!

KANNA: Okay.

Kanna folds her arms back together peacefully. Malu cuddles up to her.

AANG: That was... easy.

AZULA: Yeah, just like last time.

KANNA: I know when I'm beaten.

AANG: Where's Zuko?

The raven-haired boy, a small number of men ahead of him, prepares his first move. In order to attack, he draws his weapon - two shining new broadswords, with crimson red hilts and engraved blades, which reflect the light with a reddish flare. Engraved on it are two dragons, on each sword that is.

The first spear man attacks, Zuko carefully dodge-blocks the blow, retaliating brutally with a kick. Zuko can't quite tell what has gotten into him, but he manages to overwhelm one soldier after the other - block - parry - spin - slash - dodge - one blade blocks while the other one knocks someone out. By the time Ty Lee reaches the dock, only a few men are left. His onslaught is ended by a mean stream of water he was unable to block. Getting up immediately again, all of his opponents are blown off-deck by Ty Lee. Zuko sighs in relief.

TY LEE: I'm sorry, it looked like you were in danger-

ZUKO: Don't! Thank you, I'm glad you helped.

He retracts his blades and thanks her with the traditional Fire Nation salute.

ZUKO: It was stupid of me to fight in the tournament. I know what my skills are and I'm not ashamed to admit when I need help.

She rushes him with a warm hug.

Not so warm elsewhere, Bato is hopelessly outmatched against Piandao's quick and merciless blade. Every new stream, every new attack - nothing can stand against him. He arms a powerful blast, which the master simply slices in half, before kicking Bato in the chest, causing him to fall down.

PIANDAO: This fight is over.

Bato glares at him with a burning passion.

BATO: Not... as long... as I-

As soon as he looks back, the master has vanished into thin air.

AZULA: Yeah, it is, get over it.

Previously his prisoners, Aang, Azula, Ty Lee and Zuko just walk past by the defeated man.

BATO: But... but I won...

ZUKO: I beg to differ.

Four kids and an old man with a sword. And Bato was unable to stop any of them.

AZULA: Oh yeah also your boat is on fire, you should check on that.

Bato turns around, growling at his burning vessel.

---

A few waterbenders try to deal with the fire like Tai Chi firefighters. Bato stands on his deck, staring angrily towards the arena in the distance, a field of calderas in front of it.

LIEUTENANT: Many of them men are still recovering. That... man... if it even was one-

BATO: Send as many as possible - as soon as possible - we need to catch the Avatar before he slips out of our hands again!

KANNA: That will be pointless. They're probably gone already.

Bato clenches his fists.

BATO: Dismissed.

The unnamed lieutenant pounds his own chest and leaves with a nervous expression. Bato walks up dangerously close to Kanna.

KANNA: Watch your step, captain. I like having personal space.

Bato halts.

BATO: I will no longer be taking advice from you. Consider yourself discharged.

Bato walks away angrily, disappearing below deck. Kanna shrugs, looking at the map she stole from the swordfighter's belongings in the arena.

KANNA: You never did anyways.

A gasping noise alerts her. Akira pulls herself up on the docks below.

KANNA: There you are.

The airbender looks back up at the deck, spotting the Chief Mother. Then she runs away.

KANNA: We will meet again...

---

Outside the arena, Aang blows repeatedly into his bison whistle, finally hearing the familiar growling of his animal companion. Sabachi, similarly, produces a large quantity of noise when being reunited with Azula.

AANG: Where did you tell them to go? And how?

AZULA: Well, we know the "how". The rest is good coordination.

Sabachi snuggles against Azula's hand. Ty Lee and Zuko are waiting outside the arena, far enough away for Azula and Aang to talk.

AZULA: I'm sorry we couldn't find Toph.

Aang sighs, while continuing to pet Appa.

AANG: It was a long shot.

Azula tries to find the right words, expressing an uneasy pout.

AZULA: Listen, I support your efforts, and I got to admit - I was little jealous when I saw you bend fire like that.

Aang is positively surprised by the compliment, expressing it in a smile.

AZULA: I told you, don't flatter yourself. But anyways, I can't promise that we can find all of your original friends and teachers. There is simply no way of knowing if they even exist.

Aang scratches the back of his head.

AANG: I guess...

AZULA: I mean, Zuko isn't a firebender here, we don't know where Toph is, and I doubt-

She tries to be sensitive for once.

AZULA: It's possible your waterbending master is... unfriendly. Or worse...

The thought of an evil Katara shakes Aang to his core.

AANG: Yeah...

He manages to see the good in the situation.

AANG: But at the very least I can teach you what I know. For real this time.

She answers with a smile of her own.

AZULA: Uh... what about...

She points at the arena.

AANG: Piandao? I don't know what to make of it.

AZULA: Should we... try to talk to him?

Aang sighs, making his decision.

AANG: No. Let's not chase after ghosts. Plus, you're the one doing the planning. And we're already behind schedule.

Azula scoffs victoriously.

AZULA: Yes, we are...

---

ZUKO: Thank you again.

Ty Lee shrugs with a blush.

TY LEE: Oh, it's nothing. I just wanted you to be happy.

ZUKO: And I will do the same in return.

FAT: That's good to hear.

The kids are surprised by Fat.

FAT: Master Piandao is preparing for travels. He will be leaving Huoshan tonight.

Zuko and Ty Lee exchange confused looks.

ZUKO: Oh.

FAT: He wanted me to give you this.

He hands Zuko a Pai Sho piece, one that displays a white lotus.

ZUKO: Uh... thanks.

Fat greets him with the Fire Nation salute.

FAT: Safe travels.

He disappears into the arena.

TY LEE: What does it mean?

Zuko shrugs.

ZUKO: I don't know.

Appa growls loudly in the background.

AZULA: Are you two coming or not? Bato is still chasing us!

They comply, climbing on to Appa.

AZULA: Although then again, he isn't that much of a problem if Zuko can beat him.

What would have previously been a mean insult is now understood as a kind compliment.