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 10
The Crescent Warriors
Act I. – Crescent detour
With grace and favorable winds, the Matariki sails towards a nearby Fire Nation island on the Eastern Archipelago. While Kenora is stabilizing the sails, Sokka is holding the wheel steady with one hand. With the other, he admires the betrothal necklace, pondering when and how he should propose to her.
KENORA: Starboard!
Sokka is too caught up in his thoughts to hear her.
KENROA: SOKKA!
Sokka: Huh?!
He almost drops it, hiding it quickly in his pockets.
KENORA: We need to go a little more starboard!
SOKKA: Huh? Uh - yes! Of course!
He steers the vessel slightly to the right. Kenora, satisfied with the course of the ship, ties the sail down in a knot shown to her by Sokka, then walks up to the helm.
SOKKA: We've been going like this for hours now, we should... lay low for the night. Maybe sleep in tomorrow.
KENORA: Thank you for your suggestion, but no.
Her dry answer sours his mood. Kenora presents the same map Sokka has had to look at for the last few weeks.
KENORA: The Avatar has been spotted here a few days ago.
She points at the island on which Huoshan is located.
KENORA: Unfortunately-
SOKKA: Bato has also been spotted on the island - blah, blah...
Kenora frowns in response.
KENORA: "Blah, blah?" Sokka - this is serious! We're already outnumbered, if Bato gets to the Avatar first-
SOKKA: He got to him first twice now - and he lost both times.
Kenora finds this more than interesting.
KENORA: Why do you think that is?
Sokka shrugs.
SOKKA: He doesn't have a plan. Or his plans are just terrible.
KENORA: Shouldn't be a problem for us then, huh?
She nudges him in the side lovingly, causing Sokka to chuckle with an awkward tone.
SOKKA: Yeah...
The waterbender, whose hair is now close to touching her shoulders, stares at the map one last time.
KENORA: Our best chance to catch the Avatar, is if they make a detour to Crescent Island. But there's no way they're headed there.
AZULA: There's no way we're headed there!
Aang feels like in a prison, trapped on Appa, soaring across the ocean, having to deal with Azula's loud protest. Then again, he shouldn't joke about that. He knows what prison is like.
AZULA: We could run into Bato, Sokka - that scary big guy with the harpoon - this is ridiculous!
ZUKO: I... think I agree with Azula.
Aang is shocked to hear this. Ty Lee stays out of the argument, as she usually does.
ZUKO: I mean, I know last time I caused the detour, but if we do it all the time, someone will eventually catch up to us.
Aang ponders what the best course of action is.
AANG: Ty Lee?
The acrobat blinks comically.
TY LEE: Uh... I'll let you decide!
Azula smirks victoriously.
AZULA: See?
Aang grunts in frustration.
AANG: We have to go there. I saw it in an Avatar vision last night.
Zuko's brow shoots up.
ZUKO: I thought they were Avatar messages.
Aang panics internally, trying to keep his outside calm.
AANG: What's the difference?
AZULA: I don't know, maybe the word? You should pay more attention...
Aang understands very clearly what she meant and focuses back on steering Appa.
AANG: There it is!
He points at the crescent-shaped island in the far distance. At first glance, the familiarity soothes him. But after a while...
AZULA: Great! I'm sure it will look lovely when we fly right past it.
Ty Lee leans forward worryingly.
TY LEE: Something is wrong with it.
Aang steers the bison down, inevitably causing the firebender to slap her forehead.
AZULA: Yes, it's moving closer...
TY LEE: Aang, your aura-
AANG: It's inhabited. There are people here.
Zuko and Ty Lee frown with curiosity. Azula rolls over her eyes.
AZULA: Great. I guess we're landing now...
Lush green bamboo and trees still somehow prevail over the beachhead, despite the approaching winter. Azula crosses her arms in protest, remaining on Appa's saddle with a big fat pout while the rest gets off the animal.
TY LEE: Are you sure you're not coming with us, Azula?
Aang rolls over his eyes this time.
AZULA: Are you sure you're just going to "check it out", or are we not going to stay here for a while? Again.
Zuko sighs in frustration, his sister being especially annoying today. Aang guesses that her planning powers being put into question probably struck a nerve.
A bush rustles behind him. He turns around, feeling slight alterations in the surrounding air. He frowns in concern, while his friends keep arguing with Azula.
TY LEE: Come on, it's not a big deal.
AZULA: Since when are you on Aang's side?
Now Ty Lee pouts.
TY LEE: I'm on no one's side! Maybe I want to see this village too!
AZULA: Oh. OH! Of course!
She swings one leg over the saddle's edge.
AZULA: Just be sure sure next time I'll get my own pointless trip-
A metallic hissing alerts everyone. As Azula lets go, trying to reach the ground, she finds herself floating mid-air - her shirt and pants tucked into Appa's saddle with small knives. Zuko draws his blades.
ZUKO: We're under attack-
More hissing - Zuko is pulled away by several small projectiles, also pinned against a tree by his clothes. Ty Lee, trained by an airbending master, reacts just in time, blocking incoming projectiles with an air shield. Another blast of wind hits the tree next to her, revealing a cloaked figure, which subsequently falls out of the tree with a comical scream. Aang, the culprit behind this attack, uncovers two more ninja figures with an air slash against thick bamboo behind them. He runs up to Ty Lee, standing back-to-back. Appa seems slightly panicked.
Azula tries to free herself from the knives by pulling at them with no effect. Sabachi pulling her boot as if that would do anything.
AZULA: Zuko, come over here and help!
She sees her brother suffering from a similar fate.
AZULA: Never mind.
Aang and Ty Lee block several incoming attacks. Aang eventually comes up with an idea.
AANG: Ty Lee? Remember when we accidentally blasted away Zuko's tent?
Ty Lee remembers the story, nodding with a smug smile. The two benders summon air in a spiral motion, connecting both fists to each other - as a result, a giant dome of wind engulfs their surroundings like a shockwave - they reveal a small unit of a dozen or so ninja-figures, dressed in intricate grey and black clothing. The figures were hiding in the thick green and woodwork prior to the bending maneuver. One of the figures with black hair and two buns, recovers quickly, running towards Zuko with a blade in her hand.
FIGURE: Surrender now or he goes down!
The voice immediately rings a bell in Aang's memory archive. Combined with the sneaky projectiles...
AANG (whispering to himself): Mai...
Azula grunts.
AZULA: Why does everyone do that now? Sure, go ahead!
AANG & TY LEE & ZUKO: AZULA!
AZULA: What? She's obviously bluffing...
Mai frowns.
MAI: I'm not!
She puts the blade just a little closer to Zuko's neck. This is when Aang remembers his first trip to Kyoshi Island out of nowhere. He assumes a peaceful stance.
AANG: Please don't! We mean no harm. I'm-
AZULA: That's the Avatar, woman! Now, let us go!
MAI: Avatar?
Mai doesn't immediately buy it.
MAI: Prove it!
Aang creates a harmless, yet impressive flame, which dissolves long before it can reach Mai. She sticks the knife back in her sleeve, helping Zuko to get free. A random ninja helps Azula, after which she falls on her face. Mai takes her head cover off, revealing her stern face.
MAI: I'm sorry we attacked you. We thought you were...
She looks over to Azula, who is very close to attacking the ninja in front of her.
MAI: Hostile.
Her voice is monotone and dry, just like Aang remembers. In his world, Mai disappeared alongside Ty Lee. He had always expected the worst fate.
ZUKO: It's okay. We probably should have landed in the village.
MAI: Maybe.
TY LEE: Who are you?
MAI: Mai. And these are the Crescent Warriors.
Porte Monnaie is a small tavern city located on a windy island. The road up to a local pub/hotel leads up a shallow hill, giving Sokka enough time to really... take in the ambience. A local vendor gets into an argument with a rough-looking man, the conversation ending in a brawl. A towering wooden structure built next to a protective wall has howling laughter sounding from it. Sokka gulps comically.
SOKKA: Maybe... we shouldn't stay here for a night. Just... a thought.
Kenora frowns at him confused.
KENORA: That was your idea. I mean... what's the worst that can happen?
A drunken man gets thrown out a window to their right, halting Sokka for a second.
SOKKA: Sure...
Kenora opens the comically chaotic tavern with the confidence of a lone gunslinger. Many customers inside do not appreciate this kind of behavior. Sokka follows her in a stop-and-go motion.
KENORA: Mornin'.
The girl pounds her chest. The large, bearded barkeeper is intrigued.
BARKEEPER: Hello to you, young dame. How can I be of service?
Sokka notices how a group of particularly skeevy people show an especially high interest for the girl.
KENORA: You could tell me how much I can get for this.
She reveals a green Earth Kingdom bag - Sokka's green Earth Kingdom bag!
SOKKA: Huh? HUH?! WAIT-
BARKEEPER: Well, this seems like a high-quality piece. Rare these days.
He takes the item behind his counter. Sokka is comically expressing his disdain next to Kenora.
SOKKA (comical): I thought... I thought...
KENORA: Times are changing, Sokka. I'm sorry...
Sokka is seriously shocked about Kenora selling one of his items after they agreed not to a while ago.
SOKKA: Why would you ever do that-
His sorrow transforms into a greedy smile, as the barkeeper puts a sack on the counter, the money inside rattling. This is what finally drives one of the dubious figures to approach the Matariki crew.
SOKKA: I'm still a little mad, but this is nice too!
CAPTAIN: It sure looks like it.
A pirate captain with long, grey hair, a blue coat plus hat and an iguana parrot approaches Sokka, attempting to intimidate him with his brooding voice. Kenora immediately catches on to this, as well as to the sword hanging around the pirate captain's waist.
SOKKA: He-he, well...
KENORA: Do you know what's also pretty nice?
The captain is indeed intrigued. His pet, who is missing a few feathers, screeches terribly loud at the waterbender. Yet Kenora holds firm.
CAPTAIN: That's a very interesting accent, girl. Tell me, what is nice?
In the corner of the bar, his crew of pirates is drawing weapons. Kenora smirks.
KENORA: A round of drinks for everyone!
She slams the counter with the sack of money. The pirate crew cheers, retracting their blades and other weaponry. The captain grunts at first, then puts on a fake smile.
CAPTAIN: Yes, truly. Tell me, what's your name, gi-
KENORA: Kenora of the South. Daughter of Vice-Chief Puwati.
The captain dilates. Sokka is himself surprised. She would normally hide her true identity.
CAPTAIN: Is that so?
The pirate crew bumps their drinks together with cheer. Kenora smugly smiles at the captain without batting an eye.
CAPTAIN: In that case, we have a lot to talk about...
The iguana parrot cries out loud again.
A rocky path with primitive stairs leads sideways into the main village. Mai leads the caravan, Zuko walking closely behind her, then Aang, then Ty Lee and Azula, who both seem a little more than unhappy. Azula scoffs.
AZULA: What's gotten into you?
Ty Lee notices her attentive comment and flinches slightly
TY LEE: Me? Nothing. I'm surprised you're not upset.
Azula flinches too, trying to hide her anger.
AZULA: Me? Why?
Ty Lee pouts quietly.
AZULA: Don't you dare say "aura"!
Mai looks back the chatter, rolling over her eyes.
MAI: Is she your sister?
ZUKO: Huh? Azula? Yes.
Mai scoffs quietly.
MAI: She's loud.
They enter the village, which is located on the inside of Crescent Island, built on the side of the towering mountain, stretching almost to the edges.
MAI: Here we are.
She comes to a hold, the slope holding housing from beach to mountain top.
AANG: Aren't you scared of the volcano erupting?
He nods to the mountain top. Mai seems severely unimpressed.
MAI: Volcano?
Aang appears to have made some kind of mistake.
ZUKO: Is the island not volcanic?
Mai grunts.
MAI: All islands are volcanic, genius. But yeah, Crescent Island doesn't have one.
She strolls along steep village roads leading up the mountainside. Aang looks down in embarrassment.
MAI: Our people used to live on the mainland, but we were forced to emigrate because of the war. A lot of them died.
Azula feels an itch of empathy.
ZUKO: We lost people to the Water Tribe too.
He puts his hand on her shoulder in a comforting way. Ty Lee twitches just slightly enough for Azula to notice.
AANG: Is that why the Crescent Warriors exist?
Mai frowns in confusion.
MAI: No? What a weird question.
Aang frowns comically, with a slide whistle in the background.
MAI: I just needed something to do, and my dad thought it was a good way to fight off raiders and that.
The memory of Mai's father, Governor Ukano, pops up. An unpleasant side note, but ultimately no one he really had to worry about. There were always bigger problems, and still are, which reminds Aang to focus back on why he came here in the first place.
AANG: Is there some sort of shrine or temple on the island? Something a previous Avatar built?
She finds the question rather odd, but still keeps her poker face up.
MAI: No. Like I said, we were here first.
They finally reach a small mountain plateau, housing a more detailed and expensive-looking building, from which Ukano emerges with open arms. The man with elegant sideburns and a top knot is accompanied by his wife, Michi, who, according to Aang, looks like an older and happier Mai. The woman is holding a sleeping toddler in her arms. The one happy part of his first and only encounter with Ukano.
UKANO: Welcome, Avatar. In the name of Crescent Island, I am delighted to have you as our guest. You may stay as long as you wish.
Aang wonders how Ukano knows of his arrival already, then spots a Crescent Warrior inconspicuously standing next to the house.
AZULA: Thank you, but that won't be necessary, we are not planning on staying long.
TY LEE: That's right. We just came to visit for a bit, he-he...
Both Aang and Zuko are befuddled at Ty Lee's sudden shift.
UKANO: Oh, well we won't stand in your way. But you are always welcome if you change your mind.
As Ty Lee surprised him out of the blue, Aang feels inclined to change his mind as well.
AANG: I think we should actually stay for a bit. Maybe it's nice to have a few days off.
Mai scoffs quietly.
MAI: Alright.
She smiles at Zuko.
MAI: I could show you the dojo if you like. I hope I didn't destroy your fragile masculinity when I beat you.
The snarky comment is instantly repelled by Zuko's very respectful Fire Nation gesture.
ZUKO: Your skills are as warrior are impressive. I would love to be trained by you.
She smiles at his chivalry.
MICHI: What a polite young man you are. We would love to have you here for a bit.
AANG: I would love to see the dojo as well, if you don't mind.
MAI: I suppose I can't deny the Avatar.
Mai's parents laugh, with Aang joining in awkwardly. He notices Azula has left the plateau, not very surprising to him. However, the fact that Ty Lee has left as well seems worrying.
The pirates cry joyfully in the back, having had way more than one beverage over the course of the evening. With the captain eyeing them closely, Sokka and Kenora finally leave in the middle of the night. The few lanterns illuminate the windy island in a mysterious glance, reminding Sokka of the warm summer nights spent on island vacations. Memories of him as a very small child running across grassy hills, his father putting his hand on his back...
KENORA: I don't think they'll follow us like that.
She closes the pub's door, with Sokka waiting outside.
KENORA: Everything alright?
He quietly admires the dimly lit brick wall. Kenora sighs.
KENORA: Look, I'm sorry I sold it.
SOKKA: It's fine. I don't own green clothes.
She rolls her eyes over, relieved her apology was so quickly accepted.
KENORA: Alright.
She claps her hands together.
KENORA: It's getting cold, we should try to find a room for the night.
Sokka ponders, formulating a plan in his head.
KENORA: Preferably not in the pub.
She points her thumb behind her.
SOKKA: Actually, we should get a room in there.
Her brow shoots up.
KENORA: Um... where the pirates are? Seems like a bad idea.
SOKKA: Do you want to know what's also a bad idea? Fighting the Avatar squad on our own.
Kenora understands immediately where he's getting at. Sokka flings the purse of money with a taunting smug on his face.
SOKKA: We could use some help.
She nods, proceeding to walk back towards the pub.
KENORA: One alteration...
She stops for a second.
KENORA: We're getting rooms in there, not a room.
Sokka nods reluctantly, trying to hide his disappointment.
Act II. – Pirate practices
Breakfast is served by a set of two very young servants, presenting Aang and his friends with a surprisingly big amount of meat dishes so early in the morning.
AANG: Fire Nation cuisine...
Ty Lee grabs some sort of sausage and intends to take a bite from it.
AANG: Um... we're actually vegetarians, Ty Lee.
She frowns at him.
TY LEE: Speak for yourself.
She spitefully takes a bite from the sausage. The housing they have been given is an elegant, yet traditionally modest apartment, built and furnished in the style of the Fire Nation architecture Aang was fleetingly familiar with. He'd grown to hate it in his world yet found himself appreciating the comfy rooms overnight.
He can't say the same for the girls today.
ZUKO: Didn't you sleep well, Ty Lee? You could ask for a different bed-
Ty Lee crosses her arms and avoids eye contact, almost exactly mimicking Azula.
TY LEE: No, I'm fine.
Aang feels somewhat responsible to get involved, yet ultimately decides against it. This is not his world to play mediator all the time.
ZUKO: Oh. Alright. Cause you... don't... sound... fine.
AZULA: Maybe the fact that we're wasting time on some remote island instead of heading to the Golden City right now is making her feel unwell.
Zuko is put on the spot and unable to answer.
AANG: Ty Lee, is that true?
She taps her right foot and avoids eye contact.
TY LEE: Yes.
AZULA: That's decided then.
She gets up, elegantly stretching her arms.
ZUKO: Azula, where are you-
AZULA: Ty Lee, get up. Let's go for a walk.
Ty Lee complies at a speed Aang wasn't expecting, and which honestly makes him feel rather uncomfortable. This is Azula...
Zuko gawks after the girls long after they have left. Aang hears the door downstairs getting slammed.
ZUKO: Do you have any idea what's gotten into them?
Aang blinks comically.
AANG: Well, I-
He stops himself.
AANG: No idea. I don't think we should get involved.
He picks up the one dish he makes out to be vegetarian, only to find out it has a ground meat filling. He shows his tongue in a comical fashion.
ZUKO: Don't you think we should get involved? Every time we end up fighting, something bad happens.
Aang can't disagree with that notion.
ZUKO: Plus, you're the Avatar.
Now Aang grunts.
AANG: I know I'm the Avatar, I just don't know what to do about it. We both know Azula gets angry when she doesn't get her way, and I don't understand what Ty Lee's problem is. What do you want us to do about it?
Zuko shrugs.
ZUKO: Maybe she doesn't like the people here.
Aang shakes his head. He knows Ty Lee that much now.
AANG: Ty Lee likes everyone. It's what makes this so frustrating...
Zuko slurps down tea.
MAI: What's frustrating?
He almost chokes, violently coughing up his ginseng. Aang is surprised but reacts rather neutral.
MAI: Good morning, Avatar.
ZUKO: Mai? What are you - how did you get in here?
Aang smirks. The fact that Mai was able to sneak in is not surprising in the least, thanks to some unpleasant encounters in his world. Mai seems almost offended by his question.
MAI: I'm a trained spy and assassin, I lead a group of warriors that are also spies and assassins, I train them.
Zuko is speechless. Mai reveals a pair of keys.
MAI: And I have a spare key. So, what's so frustrating?
Zuko blinks comically.
AANG: It's... nothing. We're having a feud with our friends.
Mai rolls over her eyes in disinterest. She grunts very audibly in disgust.
MAI: That sounds terribly boring...
She gets up from the counter she was sitting on just now.
MAI: Come on you two, I want to show you the dojo.
She smiles at Zuko.
MAI: Don't forget to bring your swords.
Strolling through a city on the side of a mountain seems to be a lot easier when moving towards the island's crescent tips. For now, the girls are still surrounded by Fire Nation housing, with Ty Lee taking the lead, balancing playfully on the sidewalk.
AZULA: This town is actually pretty nice. It's a shame we're here under these circumstances...
TY LEE: It is pretty nice. But yeah, I don't like wasting our time like that.
Azula rolls her eyes. It seems her initial comment was only uttered to see what Ty Lee's reaction would be.
AZULA: You can stop pretending now, Ty Lee. I know you don't like it because you are jealous of Mai.
The acrobat almost trips and falls, managing to land upside down in a handstand. She emits a nervous laughter at the cross-armed Azula.
TY LEE: Jealous? Why should I be jealous of her?
Azula is not at all impressed.
AZULA: Either you don't know it yourself, or you're lying to me.
Ty Lee gets back on her feet, wondering something about the raven-haired girl.
TY LEE: Can you not tell?
Trying to hide her secret, Azula hysterically flounders.
AZULA: What? No!
She grunts.
AZULA: Hey! I'm the one asking questions here!
Ty Lee gives in pretty easily.
TY LEE: I'm sorry, I didn't want to offend you.
The acrobat sighs and sits down on the sidewalk.
TY LEE: And to answer your question - I don't know.
The girl with short cut hair sighs, hanging her head down low. Azula pouts, wondering if this is where she should show empathy. She decides to sit down next to her with her legs crossed.
AZULA: You don't know if you like him?
TY LEE: I do like him - I like all of you, a lot.
Azula didn't know this was the case and thus is pleasantly surprised.
TY LEE: But with Zuko... I feel so... warm.
Azula frowns.
AZULA: Warm?
Ty Lee sighs in frustration.
TY LEE: I don't know.
The girl dressed in pink snaps suddenly.
TY LEE: I'm really sorry. We're talking about your brother here, I shouldn't-
AZULA: Huh? Oh, I don't have a problem with that. If anything, you two...
The firebender makes a strange hand-gesture.
AZULA: ...match each other pretty well.
Ty Lee falls back, slamming against soft grass. Azula falls back too, although much slower and with more grace.
TY LEE: This sucks. Mai is so much more interesting than me...
Azula scoffs aggressively.
AZULA: No? You're literally an airbender. You could kick her ass if you wanted to.
Ty Lee giggles in response. Azula feels like she has done a good thing.
TY LEE: Thank you, Azula.
Azula smirks. Until...
TY LEE: You of all people must know how this feels.
...her eyes snap open wide.
AZULA: What?
She gets back up. Ty Lee follows suit.
TY LEE: Oh, I'm so sorry, I thought you wanted to talk about-
Azula glues her hand on to Ty Lee's mouth.
AZULA: No, I do not.
Ty Lee nods, a frightened expression on her face. Azula pounds her fists against her hips, staring ominously at the dojo in the distance.
AZULA: I say it's time we pay our boys a visit.
Sokka hastily paces up and down the small bedroom of their filthy accommodation. Kenora has already left, and so he practices a specific speech, something he has done a lot more recently.
SOKKA: "Kenora... I think we should talk..."
He shakes his head.
SOKKA: No.
He clears his throat, walking back to a spot and restarting the pace.
SOKKA: "Kenora... I've been thinking... you and I-"
Sokka grunts in frustration.
SOKKA: No, no, NO! Doesn't sound right either.
He scratches his hairless chin.
SOKKA: "Kenora, I have been thinking. Thinking about us-"
A knock on the door rudely interrupts him.
KENORA: Sokka? Are you still in there?
His scared flail ends in a standstill, as his waterbending companion enters.
KENORA: There you are. Come on, we need to go.
SOKKA: Go? Uh, yes! I'll just... grab my machete. When I find it...
Kenora rolls over her eyes.
KENORA: Fine. I'll be waiting outside.
She leaves, leaving the door a provoking few inches open. Sokka sighs in relief.
SOKKA: Yup. That last one was good.
He grabs his weapon belt and follows his beloved.
Mai's dojo reminds Aang very heavily of the dojo on Kyoshi Island and he wonders if the resemblance is actually that close or if it's him associating the two that is tricking his mind. The walls are decorated with a wide array of different throwing weapons, all sorts of knife-shaped objects, needles, shuriken and even tiny blades suitable for close combat.
A few of Mai's soldiers are training in the background. This is where Aang also spots a vacated spot on the wall, on which two swords should be hanging.
AANG: What's that?
Pointing at this exact spot gains him an annoyed grunt from the tour guide.
MAI: Those swords were an antique, but they were stolen from someone a while ago.
Zuko solves the mystery right away.
ZUKO: Cross Blades.
Mai is genuinely surprised. Even the sparing session in the background is intrigued.
MAI: Yes. How do you know that?
Zuko exchanges a quick glance with Aang, deciding to smirk at Mai.
ZUKO: Well... I guess I'm something of a spy myself.
A rare sight occurs, as Mai gives the faintest of smiles directed towards Zuko.
MAI: Alright then, spy. Draw your blades.
Zuko complies, Aang takes a precautionary step back.
ZUKO: Alright, so when do you-
A swift sound and Zuko's blades drop. Mai threw her projectiles so fast, Aang could barely make out what exactly she used. Mai is in full combat mode.
MAI: Pick 'em up again.
ZUKO: Sure, but you-
As he is about to, he drops them again, rubbing his hands from the pain of the vibrations. Aang is more than impressed.
ZUKO: How is this supposed to help-
MAI: Pay attention.
He quiets down.
MAI: Our fighting style is based on the element of surprise. An unexpected attack from the shadows. By the time you realize it, the attacker has already left.
She picks up his swords.
MAI: Those look really expensive.
ZUKO: I know.
She hands them over, and he retracts them back into the sheath on his back. She walks behind him, trying to loosen his posture, which does make him blush a bit. Aang finds this more than amusing.
MAI: You're all tensed up. You're used to fighting with raw strength, overpowering your enemy using the full weight of your body.
She holds his boomerang in her hands, when she took it is unclear to Zuko.
MAI: This is an usual weapon for a Fire Nation boy...
Zuko rubs the back of his head.
ZUKO: Yeah, it was sort of a... gift.
MAI: Mhm.
She puts the boomerang back.
MAI: Relax.
He takes on a fighting pose, but one much more timber than usual.
MAI: Fighting from the shadows means having a quiet balance. You have to be in full control of your body, every single part of it - that includes-
AANG: Breathing.
Mai seems impressed.
MAI: Correct. I guess I don't really need to show you anything then, Avatar.
Aang nods, whispering to himself.
AANG: Oh, I don't want to get in the way...
Mai puts her hand on Zuko's stomach, feeling his breath, then walks a few feet away from him.
MAI: Controlling your breath means controlling your enemy. It means controlling your strength for when you fight, your speed for when you escape, and your agility for when you DODGE!
She throws a round of needles, which Zuko blocks via drawing his swords, almost instinctively. Mai smiles again.
MAI: Good job.
Zuko smiles back at her.
The pack of pirates is rudely scattered around the local market, harassing the local vendors, with no one really opposing them. One pair questions the freshness of a local fish vendor, while another toss around what appears to be an expensive vase, with the short vendor not being able to stop them. Sokka is rightfully appalled.
SOKKA: Maybe getting them on board is a bad idea...
Kenora sighs.
KENORA: You're right, they're not very professional. But they give us the number advantage.
SOKKA: Wait, what? No, that's not what I-
Kenora is already approaching them.
KENORA: Alright - LISTEN UP EVERYBODY!
Her feminine, yet somehow roaring presence alerts everyone's attention. The pirate captain, enjoying a pipe on a stool, immediately frowns at the girl.
KENORA: I am Kenora of the Southern Water Tribe, and I have been awarded with the task of capturing the Avatar!
Sokka reacts with comical shock in the background. The captain gets up, while his crew seems more than interested.
PIRATE: The Avatar? Sounds like we should head there, ay captain?
The captain immediately dismisses his long-haired subordinate.
CAPTAIN: What is this here?
Kenora crosses her arms with a smirk.
KENORA: I am offering your crew a mission. One of high-risk, high reward.
Pretty much all of the pirates smirk in unison. All of them but their captain, who grunts instead.
CAPTAIN: This is my crew, girl! You ain't giving them orders!
KENORA: Not orders. An offer.
She paces up and down, intriguing the crew.
KENORA: If we capture the Avatar and his amateur firebender girl, the Vice-Chief - my father - will weigh every single member of your crew in gold. Not to mention the titles and pride you would hold...
The captain tries to physically intimidate her.
CAPTAIN: Your rank or heritage matters not in these parts! You're lucky I wouldn't harm such a dame like you in broad daylight!
PIRATE: Um, captain?
The submissive voice indicates liking of Kenora's plan.
CAPTAIN: This is not a debate!
PIRATE: Well, of course, we don't debate, but think about it. Ever since we fought that batch of kids near the mainland, we've been living a bit, you know...
A DIFFERENT PIRATE: Stingy!
The other pirates verbally agree, upsetting their captain even more.
CAPTAIN: Are you questioning my authority?
Kenora realizes something.
KENORA: Wait, batch of kids? Was one of them a firebender?
PIRATE: Yeah. We wanted to capture her and sell-
CAPTAIN: SILENCE!
The angered man turns back towards Kenora.
CAPTAIN: You shut your mouth girl, or I'll make you!
Kenora boldly assumes a waterbending stance.
KENORA: This is supposed to be your leader? A man denying you of an opportunity-
CAPTAIN: I said SILENCE!
He draws his jian sword.
KENORA: I guess that's how it's decided.
Continuing his rather painful training, Zuko desperately tries to perform the movements Mai showed him prior, only barely deflecting Mai's projectiles. Lucky for him, they're all dull and meant for training. A stick meant to simulate an arrow hits him right between the eyes.
ZUKO: Ow!
He drops on his butt. Some of the other Crescent Warriors in the back giggle.
MAI: Hey! Get back to your own training!
Intimidated, they continue to mind their own business. While this is unfolding, Aang is allured by the wide array of weaponry displayed as decoration, though Aang suspects most of them are still suited for combat.
ZUKO: Damn! I almost had it...
Mai rolls her eyes but helps him back up anyways.
MAI: You can't master all of this in a day, genius.
Zuko scoffs with a smirk.
ZUKO: But I can try.
Mai smiles back at him. Aang finds their little exchange cute. Prince Zuko had spoken highly of Mai, sounding desperately saddened by her presumed death. They always seemed to be a good match, according to Aang. He continues to admire the weaponry - blades, and curved knives, a set of dual-broadswords. And then it strikes him - like an ominous string instrument hitting him in waves, the memory of the Blue Spirit comes back out of nowhere, the night of his escape edged into his memory. What if? Almost everything else has been a repeat, now he is even reliving the adventure on a secluded island of warriors, led by a friend who trains a member of the gang. Dark thoughts and memories pass through him.
MAI: Hey Aang, do you think you could help-
AANG: I need to get some fresh air.
He leaves the dojo, showing signs of another headache. Zuko worries.
MAI: Okay. Whatever...
ZUKO: I hope he's fine. Maybe we should go check on him.
Mai raises an eyebrow.
MAI: Do you think so? Maybe it's nothing.
AZULA: Oh, I'm sure he's fine.
The two eyes glue back on to the door frame, against which Azula is leaning. Footsteps can be heard outside - Ty Lee runs into frame.
TY LEE: Azula, you don't have to do this for me-
The acrobat stops. Seeing Zuko, the one person her mind isn't completely made up about yet, she decides to run as well.
AZULA: Seems like everyone is fleeing your "dojo"...
Azula enters with taunting, cat-like movements. Comically, Zuko and Mai both slap their own forehead at the same time.
MAI: Drama...
ZUKO: This is exactly what I didn't want - Azula, stop it!
Azula throws her hands up like the up-to-no-good lass she is.
AZULA: What? I'm just checking out Mai's dojo, like she offered us. Trying to get the hang of how she cheats in a fight.
Mai tries her best not to grunt out of anger.
MAI: Whatever. You're just mad you didn't stand a chance against me and my warriors.
Azula shrugs. Zuko hates his sister like this.
AZULA: Sure. If I hid my face and cowardly ambushed someone, I could beat every stronger opponent. I just prefer to do it face-to-face.
She smirks devilishly at the assassin. Chime.
ZUKO: Azula, stop it now-
MAI: You're right.
She assumes a deadly fighting pose.
MAI: How about we settle this face-to-face?
Azula's smirk turns into a satisfied frown. She too assumes a fighting stance. Zuko takes a few steps back.
AZULA: Just be aware that I am a firebending-
Swoosh! Before Azula can think or counter, her right arm is already pinned to the wall, needles sticking through her sleeve. She looks at Mai with a scared expression, trying to salvage the fight by blowing fire with her left - Swoosh! - now her left hand is pinned to the wall as well, in a rather awkward pose even.
AZULA: I won't give up-
Swoosh! Swoosh! Now both legs. Swoosh! And her torso. The raven-haired girl grunts furiously, unable to free herself from the spiked cage. Mai approaches her victoriously, yet her voice is cold and precise.
MAI: I guess this is settled then.
She removes exactly one needle, causing a chain reaction after which Azula falls to the ground. This time around Mai allows her warriors to giggle. Zuko just sighs in shame.
MAI: Get out of my dojo.
Azula still can't believe this happened.
MAI: Now!
She runs outside, trying to hide her tears of shame. Zuko doesn't quite know what to think about any of this.
Aang's mind is still wandering wildly, the boy grunting, feeling an incoming headache. Images flash through his mind once again, ranging from his rampage at the Southern Air Temple, to his first encounter with Long Feng, to their Kyoshi Island journey. And finally, the Blue Spirit. But why now? He stumbles close to a ledge overseeing a set of housing beneath.
TY LEE: Aang?
He comes to his senses when he notices Ty Lee, cowering in between two bushes, dangling her legs down the ledge. She appears to have been crying.
AANG: Ty Lee? Are you okay?
Ty Lee snivels.
TY LEE: No...
Aang sits down next to her.
TY LEE: But you don't look well either.
Aang sighs.
AANG: I'm having migraine attacks again...
Ty Lee pouts contemplatively.
TY LEE: Doesn't that happen when you get Avatar messages?
Aang hasn't yet made that connection, but... yes - he has been getting headaches, a lot of the times when he expected something was going to happen. While he and Azula, Azula mainly, made up the term "Avatar messages" to explain away his foresight of things, he might actually be having visions.
AANG: Yeah, I... I don't know...
Close enough to eavesdrop, but still far enough removed on a higher ridge, Azula stumbles across the two airbenders, deciding to duck behind another bush, able to spy on them.
AANG: I don't know why we're just talking about me again, what's the matter with you? Why are you so unhappy here?
Without Azula next to her, Ty Lee feels more comfortable to spill the truth.
TY LEE: I don't hate it here. In fact, people have been really nice to us.
Azula scoffs quietly.
AANG: So, what is it then?
Ty Lee sighs.
TY LEE: I think... I got jealous of Mai.
AZULA (whispering to herself): Told you so...
AANG: Then what we talked about in the Tengu forest was right, huh?
Ty Lee manages to conjure up a giggle.
TY LEE: Yeah... I can't say it yet, but it's definitely something I need to think about...
Azula finds herself bored and intends to leave.
AANG: It's a shame Azula doesn't like it here either. She gets so worked up when things don't go her way.
A quiet grunt escapes Azula's mouth. She intends to leave again, but...
TY LEE: I don't think it's just that.
Azula gives the conversation one more chance.
TY LEE: I think it's the fact that we trusted her with the planning and now just go against that.
Azula frowns, not expecting the acrobat to understand her like that.
AANG: Hm. Sounds plausible.
The raging fire inside Azula finally shrinks down.
TY LEE: I don't think she's mean. I think she just doesn't understand how we think, and she's scared of losing us because of it.
Both Aang and Azula quietly agree. The firebender leaves with a sense of inner peace, yet also a hint of regret.
AANG: That was very wise. You're starting to sound like a true airbending master.
Ty Lee smiles. Then turns to shame.
TY LEE: I'm... sorry I ate meat this morning. It tasted horrible...
Aang thinks back to the many times he was forced to eat meat. Running away from the Fire Nation, the gang was often glad to find food of any kind.
AANG: It's okay. And as far as your problem goes...
He grabs her hand with a soft touch.
AANG: I think you should listen to your heart.
Ty Lee nods. The two airbenders appreciate the sparkles of light reflected by the clear ocean water.
This time around, One of Mai's warriors is in the field with Zuko, standing on the beach head they were attacked on yesterday. Surrounded by treacherous bamboo and trees, the young man seems more than distressed, watching hectically from side to side, trying to find even the faintest of hints, which could tell him Zuko's location. A rattling in the treetop behind him alerts the man. He decides to act - throwing dulled blades with a roar. They hit nothing. Swoosh! The attack came from the dense bamboo on the other side, from which Zuko now victoriously emerges. He is now wearing a Crescent Warrior's uniform, with a hint of crimson red underneath. He retracts his hood and face mask, smirking at his defeated foe, whose arm got hit with a mean set of dull arrows.
ZUKO: Hey, I'm getting better at this!
Mai seems only slightly impressed.
MAI: It was better. Your stance is still too aggressive, and your accuracy is lacking.
She walks up to him, tightening his left elbow pad, which appears looser than the other.
MAI: But for a first day, it was rather impressive.
Another set of smiles exchanges faces. Mai redirects her attention on to her unnamed warrior, who cowardly strokes his arm.
MAI: And I told you not to roar like an animal. We're sneaky warriors, for Agni's sake!
The disgruntled soldier leaves.
AZULA: Zuko normally roars as well.
They turn around finding Azula with crossed arms.
MAI: You understand the sneaking part.
AZULA: Thanks. I-
MAI: Too bad I'm not going to teach you.
Mai turns around, intending to leave. Zuko feels like something is up with Azula - or rather her confrontational aura is missing. Azula sighs.
AZULA: I'm... sorry I insulted you.
Mai stops, turning back towards the firebender.
MAI: Really?
Azula sighs again. This takes a lot of her strength to complete.
AZULA: I didn't like the fact that I stood no chance. I also hate the fact that none of my friends listen to me.
MAI: Hm. Yeah, my warriors don't listen to me either...
She smiles at Zuko.
MAI: Your brother is a welcome exception.
Azula rolls her eyes over.
AZULA: Yeah, I know, he takes after our uncle.
Mai scoffs, amused by the comment. Zuko seems pleased by his sister's apology.
MAI: We're heading back to the dojo. Do you want me to show you some moves?
Azula politely declines with a scoff.
AZULA: No thanks. But I'd love to watch you push around my brother.
Zuko frowns with a comical slide whistle.
MAI: Deal.
The three depart from the beach head.
AZULA: Oh, and do you have any of these elbow pads in red?
Sokka, surrounded by howling pirates, stares frightened at the fortress wall, which surrounds only a part of the island. Between two watchtowers, a stretch of wall is wide enough to allow at least two people to walk next to each other. Right now, two other people are standing, not next to, but across from each other. Kenora is wearing two water pouches on her back. On her right, the crowd that cheers the fight on, on her left, the ocean water, throwing its waves towards the island and its stone structure. Across from her the pirate captain chuckles, blade already drawn.
CAPTAIN: This is going to be short.
His iguana pirate flies away.
KENORA: Short like your blade?
CROWD: Ooh...
The captain frowns. In a display of strength, he removes his shirt. While not terribly muscular, his impressive gut and large arms do intimidate her, and further fire up the crowd. A pirate wearing green next to Sokka shakes his head with a smile.
PIRATE: She's going to be destroyed.
Sokka's patience runs out.
SOKKA: KENORA! YOU CAN DO THIS!
Kenora actually takes this to heart. Hearing this from Sokka motivates her a lot more than she expected. In a surprise move - she pulls up her leather belt, wide enough to cover her chest area, and then subsequently removes her blue cloth, facing the topless pirate captain with only a makeshift bra. Her fiery passion seems to excite the pirates even more.
KENORA: Your move!
The captain launches his assault with a series of dangerous stabs and slashes, all dodged by the fierce girl. She finally blocks an attack with a shield of water, which she continues to use as a substitute for an actual blade. Sokka is on the edge of his non-existent seat. She skillfully balances the water bubble, adapting it into the proper tool to counter virtually every blow. Slash - block - slash - block - slash from below - block turns into spin turns into sling, which hits the captain right in his face, knocking off his hat. He tries a stab - she catches the blade, allowing the water to run across it and hit the man in his bare chest. She retracts the liquid as he stumbles, transforming into a capoeira air-kick, which knocks him back even further. The crowd roars with excitement.
SOKKA: Come on...
The captain seems to have lost his patience, launching a barrage of aggressive swipes and stabs, difficult to avoid by an unskilled opponent. Not Kenora. While she does sweat from the exhaustion, she can successfully dodge or block all incoming attacks. A slow-motion swipe from the right turns into an impressive arc-shaped counter - the captain's sword is knocked from his hand and falls into the ocean. Kenora smiles - which is quickly interrupted by the captain's hand choking her neck. Sokka's heart skips a beat.
CAPTAIN: You think I'm going to need a weapon to kill you?
She struggles to cough up an answer, making him wait a few seconds.
KENORA: Yes.
She used the distraction to collect enough water around her foot, freezing it and stomping down on his foot with all her force. The captain roars up in pain. Another kick to the chest releases her from his grip. An impressive maneuver - kick turned backflip turned side-jump-kick blasts water against the man's face, pushing him towards the edge. A quick, jerky punch performed by Kenora uses the last blast of water to knock the captain over the edge. A big splash is the last thing heard from this fight.
The pirates cheer.
PIRATES: KENO-RA! KENO-RA! KENO-RA!
Sokka joins in.
PIRATES & SOKKA: KENO-RA! KENO-RA! KENO-RA!
The waterbender towers over her newly acquired crew.
KENORA: Alright...
The crowd quiets down. She frowns.
KENORA: Everyone turn around!
They all comply as she puts her blue cloth back on. One of the pirates runs up the stairs, also turning his head away from the wall and stopping next to the green pirate.
MESSENGER PIRATE: I've just got word from a fisherman - the Avatar has been sighted on Crescent Island.
SOKKA: That's not far from here!
As the pirates are all turned away from her, Kenora uses the moment to pick up a blue coat from one of the abandoned sales booths.
SOKKA: If we're lucky, we could get there by tomorrow!
KENORA: Well...
The pirates turn back towards Kenora, who is fully clothed and equipped with a baggy pirate coat, hanging down all the way to her knees.
KENORA: WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? LET'S GET RICH!
The pirates roar once again, drawing their weapons and running towards the harbor. Sokka waits until they are gone to have a moment with Kenora.
KENORA: It seems your plan was really good.
Sokka is both happy that he was right, but also doesn't quite know how to feel about Kenora's new pirate crew.
SOKKA: Yeah... I'm just that good.
KENORA: We both are.
They share a smile, although Sokka's heart is not in it.
KENORA: And now I have a plan...
While all of this is unfolding, the old pirate captain is spewing salt water from his mouth, his trusty iguana parrot landing on his balding head.
Aang quietly gulps his vegetarian breakfast option, Azula keenly eyeing him from the left, with Sabachi sleeping on her lap. She is just about to say a word-
MAI: Morning.
They flinch, yet are not very surprised by Mai's sudden appearance.
MAI: Where'd Zuko go?
Azula swallows the contents within her mouth.
AZULA: Out to meet you at the dojo. Didn't you bump into him?
Mai shrugs.
MAI: I take different routes.
The matter seems to be settled, yet Mai doesn't leave yet, choosing to pout instead. Aang raises his brow.
AZULA: Is there something else?
MAI: Yeah, um... where's Ty Lee?
Aang and Azula do the eye-exchange thing.
AZULA: What?
Mai grunts with frustration.
MAI: Whatever. She seemed upset yesterday and I wanted to check in.
AANG: She's still sleeping.
In reality, Aang didn't know for sure. All he knew is that he hadn't seen the acrobat this morning.
MAI: Alright. Tell her she's invited to the dojo if she likes. Same goes for you two.
And with the clear instructions provided, Mai finally leaves. Azula relaxes as soon as the door opens.
AZULA: That woman's got nerve.
She continues her gluttony, while Aang is looking down at his plate with concern. Azula picks up on it, though unsure what it is this time.
AZULA: Alright, what is it this time?
She puts down the sausage in her hand, suspecting it might offend Aang.
AANG: I... I think we should leave the island. Today.
She scoffs, trying to cover up her apparent arrogance.
AZULA: Finally, you've come to your senses. It wasn't a smart idea from the get-go to stay this long. After all, the Water Tribe might catch up-
Aang: It's not just that.
His unnerve is quite infectious.
AZULA: How come?
AANG: Azula, remember how we came up with the "Avatar messages"?
Azula scoffs, continuing her breakfast while responding.
AZULA: Yeah, I told you "messages" was a stupid term. I was the one who suggested "visions." You're just going to have to deal with-
AANG: I think I'm actually having them.
Azula almost chokes. It takes her a few more seconds and saliva to respond.
AZULA: What?!
AANG: Don't freak out! I don't want to fight.
His hand gestures calm her down.
AZULA: Yeah, you're right. But also - what?!
Aang sighs.
AANG: I don't know, it's just-
He recollects his memories. Many times now did he have visions of past events, adventures that had a similar location or sequence of events to what ended up happening. For some reason the Blue Spirit's image won't go away.
AANG: I remember things, people, locations - all stuff that I encountered in my world. Every time I have a headache, or a bad dream, those images flash inside my head. So maybe I do actually get some kind of messages.
Azula crosses her arms, calmly trying to process the information.
AZULA: Makes sense. I guess. I don't know, I'm not the Avatar.
She shrugs, continuing her meal.
AZULA (with a full mouth): But that would explain your headaches.
Aang's brow shoots up.
AANG: Huh?
Azula gulps loudly.
AZULA: Oh, I actually assumed you were faking those to get some alone-time. Not that you didn't deserve it, I'm just saying.
Aang is befuddled by the passive aggressive comment but shakes it off pretty quickly.
AANG: Do you think we should tell Zuko and Ty Lee?
AZULA: No. They have their own... things going on. It's best we keep the group stable.
Aang nods in agreement.
AZULA (echoing out the window): But you're right, we should leave, it's too dangerous.
Outside, on a corner of the little guest house, Mai is spying on the conversation, expressing a deep confusion at the uttered comments.
Blades fly across the dojo at intense speeds, one dull blade managing to knock out an unnamed Crescent Warrior. Zuko moves his body and limbs with deadly agility - unmatched by any of his sparring partners. The way the boy moves far outshines any skill he possessed prior - as May finally enters, she almost gasps at the sight of her student. He even bothered to wear the traditional Crescent Warrior robes - still allowing a touch of crimson underneath everything.
They all stop as soon as they see Mai.
ZUKO: Good morning. I hope you don't mind-
MAI: I don't.
Something about the stern warrior seems off to Zuko, well to everyone present, but Zuko is the only one brave enough to utter his thoughts.
ZUKO: Um... are you alright? Did I do it wrong?
MAI: No! No, it's just...
She shakes off the weird vibe that the earlier conversation gave her. The nameless warriors continue their training.
MAI: I have a present for you.
ZUKO: Really? I hope it's a bigger robe, this one's a bit tight around my neck.
He pulls on his shirt in a comical fashion.
MAI: I meant to give you these on the day you departed.
She opens a fancy chest, which holds a plethora of different throwing weapons. Darts, arrows, red shuriken and knives. Zuko's eyes sparkle.
MAI: But...
She closes the chest, and the sparkle disappears.
MAI: Only if you tell me the truth.
Her tone shifts dramatically, making her sound dead serious.
ZUKO: Uh... what?
MAI: Everyone - out.
The unnamed warriors comply. Zuko starts showing signs of unnerve.
ZUKO: Um... is everything alright? Do you want us to leave?
AZULA: How convenient, we we're just about to do that.
As Azula and Aang enter the dojo, Mai seems even more aggressive, with Aang immediately picking up on the vibe.
AANG: Hi... Mai?
ZUKO: Wait, are we leaving?
AZULA: Yes dum-dum, we're leaving. It was very nice here, but Aang has been having some bad visions about an attack, so it's best we keep your island out of this.
She clangs together her newly acquired crimson elbow pads.
AZULA: Thanks for the hospitality.
MAI: Don't you mean messages?
Aang and Azula realize what's going on at the exact same time.
AANG: Mai? Have you been-
AZULA: You've been spying on us?!
ZUKO: What? What is going on?
MAI: Ask your friends. They're hiding stuff from you.
Azula hides her face from her brother, taking a deep breath in. Then she finally turns around.
AZULA: I don't know what you're talking about.
MAI: Oh, really? Nothing about another world?
Aang's heart skips a beat. Azula also can't come up with a witty answer, the first time that ever happened.
ZUKO: Aang? You're awfully quiet.
Aang avoids eye contact with Zuko's piercing puppy eyes. They remind him of the short time he knew Iroh.
ZUKO: Aang?
Aang's refusal to have eye contact deeply unsettles Zuko. Meanwhile, Mai is loosening a knife inside her sleeve. Azula, standing opposite of her, readies her fingers for a fire blast.
MAI: Who are you?
TY LEE: I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY!
The tension breaks as the acrobat's silhouette stands in the main entrance door frame, the morning sun behind her.
AZULA: Ty Lee? What are y-
TY LEE: I... have been thinking about something! And I have decided to follow my heart-
MAI: Ow!
The sudden shriek alerts everyone to Mai, who appears to have cut herself with her own weapon. Zuko forgets everything and rushes towards her.
ZUKO: Mai, are you alright?
Seeing him comfort Mai like this immediately dissolves all of Ty Lee's confidence.
TY LEE: I can't do this...
She flees the dojo and runs away.
ZUKO: Ty- Ty Lee!
MAI: Go after her.
Zuko is baffled.
ZUKO: But you're hurt, I'm-
MAI: I only scratched my finger a bit. She seems more hurt. Go.
He hesitates.
MAI: Go!
He runs out of the dojo.
AZULA: I guess this is our cue to leave as well-
Swoosh! A whole barrage of darts pin Azula to the wall behind her.
AZULA: Oh, COME ON!
Aang readies himself. He has countered Mai's attacks in the past and knows exactly what stance to take. He would not be defeated by her today.
AZULA: Ha! You're totally screwed! He's the Avatar!
Comically unsuccessful, Azula attempts to free herself.
MAI: That's what he claims to be.
Swoosh! From muscle memory, Aang quickly dodges all the incoming projectiles, disarming Mai by blasting wind at her other arm, then more wind to knock her against the wall. While Aang perceived all of this almost in slow motion, to Azula it happened so fast she could barely make out what happened.
AZULA: What? Is it over already?
Aang carefully approaches a groaning Mai.
AANG: Please, I don't want to hurt you.
Mai grunts in pain.
MAI: Oh yeah? Cause you seem really good at it.
She gets up, despite clearly being in pain from that last hit.
AZULA: Um, yeah, duh! He's an airbender, of course he knows how to dodge-
MAI: No.
She can shake off the pain.
MAI: An airbender from a hundred years knows how to dodge other elements, maybe other weapons and fighting styles...
Aang loosens his stance, identifying her as no longer being a foe.
MAI: But he? He knows exactly how to dodge my attacks.
Her gaze becomes sincere rather than angry.
MAI: Ever since you arrived on our island, I've had this weird feeling. Like you were looking for something here. I thought it was nothing, that you looked that way at me and my family because you were curious.
Azula stops her escape attempt.
MAI: The way you looked at my brother...
Aang and Azula exchange nervous looks.
MAI: You... know us.
Aang is unable to deny the allegation head-on.
MAI: So, I'm asking you again...
She draws another blade despite seemingly standing no chance.
MAI: Who... are you?
Zuko moves with far less elegance and grace than his training expects him to, crashing through bush and bamboo with grunting noises, never discouraged from stopping. He finally reaches a beach shore, where Ty Lee seems to express her feelings by blowing wind against the flora, underlining every punch with a squeaky grunt.
ZUKO: Ty Lee?
She stops for a second but continues afterwards.
TY LEE: Don't bother. I'm just going to storm away, like the little crybaby I am...
She throws a particularly hard punch and decides to leave it at that. For a moment, she kind of shuts down, covering her face in shame. Zuko sits down patiently.
ZUKO: Maybe it helps you if-
TY LEE: I like you! Okay? Are you happy now?!
He seems more uncomfortable than happy. He lets the information sink in while Ty Lee is losing her already-thin patience.
TY LEE: I'm sorry. This is stupid - I'm stupid-
ZUKO: You're not stupid Ty Lee. No one is stupid for feeling this way.
TY LEE: I don't even know if I feel this way! All I know is that I get jealous when I see you with Mai...
She collapses on to the sand, hugging her legs. Zuko hesitates for a few moments, then decides to sit down next to her.
ZUKO: I haven't exactly thought about that either...
Ty Lee scoffs quietly.
TY LEE: I just don't know how to tell you how I feel.
ZUKO: Then don't.
She stares at him with raised eyebrows.
ZUKO: I mean, if you don't have everything figured out yet... there's not really any point in rushing it. I don't know how to think about Mai either.
He takes a thoughtful breath.
ZUKO: My uncle liked to say that friendship is like a hatching an egg. You can't tell it when to crack open. It might get hurt if you force it. But if you wait long enough, it will eventually open all by itself.
Finishing the sentence, he lets her take it in for a while, allowing the waves to create a very quiet and soft ambience.
ZUKO: At least, I think that's what he said. I don't know if he said "an egg" or used something else.
TY LEE: I think it's really sweet.
She tries to touch his shoulder, something she has done hundreds of times before, yet stops halfway in the motion.
ZUKO: Well, however you feel about me... I will always be there for you. Alright?
She does Florence Pugh's signature frown and manages to give him a hug. Allowing herself to enjoy it without thinking about what it means. Neither does Zuko.
ZUKO: Alright.
He gets up first.
ZUKO: We should probably head back now, Mai seemed pretty tense about something actually-
Woosh! A set of bolas is flung at Zuko, tying his legs together and causing him to fall down.
TY LEE: ZUKO!
Woosh! Ty Lee manages to dodge another attack, but - Woosh! - is caught by a second set of bolas. She falls down with a grunt.
ZUKO: Ty Lee!
They can hear cackling laughter behind them, the silhouette of two ships landing by the shore. One of them being a familiar, red catamaran. Zuko tries to draw his blades but finds a set of boots stepping on them. A coated Kenora towers over him with a level of uncanny confidence he hasn't seen in the girl.
KENORA: I wouldn't do that if I were you.
Zuko complies reluctantly, getting tied up by a nameless pirate.
SOKKA: I don't like your plan.
Kenora sighs.
SOKKA: Sorry. Just my opinion...
KENORA: Yes, and you've been telling me for the whole trip...
SOKKA: Kenora-
He grabs her shoulder, only barely convincing her to stop for a second.
SOKKA: Maybe this is the wrong way. Maybe we should try something else.
Kenora waits to answer while Ty Lee and Zuko are brought on board. She finally turns towards Sokka with an eerily intimidating glare.
KENORA: There is no right way. We need to do this as best as we can. And this is the closest we'll get.
She turns around, setting her eyes on the city ahead.
Act III. – Crescent combat
Mai eyes both Aang and Azula as if they could strike at any moment. A thought far removed from reality, as Azula is still stuck to the wall and Aang is unwilling to strike someone innocent. His mind is wondering in many different directions, trying to figure out an excuse for - well, an explanation for everything.
MAI: So? What's your deal, Avatar? If I can even call you that!
Aang has many ideas about what to do next, yet he decides that only one is actually useful.
AZULA: Aang, if we-
He sits down in a lotus position, calmly expressing to Mai that he means no harm. This surprises the otherwise cold assassin.
AZULA: O- or that.
AANG: Mai, we mean no harm to your or your island.
Mai doesn't quite know how to react to this.
MAI: Then... then why do you know us? Why do you know me? What is this other "world"?
Suddenly, one of the slide doors gets slammed open, a Crescent Warrior attempting to enter.
MAI: What did I say about getting out?!
Another figure appears at the door, Mai's father.
UKANO: Mai, we're being attacked.
He eyes the scene for a moment - Aang in a meditative position on the floor, Mai with her weapons drawn and Azula stuck to the wall.
UKANO: Um... Mai?
MAI: It's alright. We we're training. We need to go.
Ukano nods and leaves.
MAI: Who is it?
WARRIOR: Pirates. Although we've also identified a second ship, a catamaran.
Aang and Azula exchange looks.
MAI: Let the attackers into the market portion. Draw out as many as possible, then strike them from the side. I will join you in a minute.
The warrior nods. After leaving, Mai walks over to Azula.
MAI: Do you know that ship?
Azula rolls her eyes over.
AZULA: Eugh, yeah. It's a Water Tribe prince and some girl acting as his lapdog, we've had to deal with them before...
Aang gets up.
AANG: You may not trust us right now, but I swear to you - we're here to help.
Mai considers the offer for a moment, then frees Azula from her shackles, this time she manages to stick the landing.
AZULA: Thank you...
MAI: I will get an explanation. Later.
They walk towards the front door.
MAI: We need to look for Zuko and Ty Lee. They might have been attacked early on.
In the background, the island citizens hide in their houses, shutting the doors. Amongst the chaos, far in the distance, Aang spots a blue dot. Sokka. Azula can read his mind from looking at his face. He grabs the staff leaning against the dojo wall.
AZULA: No. No, no, no - Aang DON'T-
He opens his glider, soaring towards Sokka.
AZULA: We need to help him!
MAI: No! We need to help Zuko!
Azula stares at her for a moment.
MAI: And... Ty Lee of course. Let's go.
With all her amazing abilities, Mai could not hide the blush from Azula.
As hordes of pirates storm the uphill city, they are ambushed and drawn into battle with the impressive Crescent Warriors. Swords meet knives, spears meet darts, and howling roars meet silent sucker punches. For now, the two are evenly matched.
Aang arrives in a part of the city that seems almost deserted. While the main fighting is going on in the background, the Avatar is keeping his guard up, staff behind his back and his mind focused ahead. A slight breeze of wind blows through the streets
SOKKA: Don't flinch!
The prince was hiding behind a rain barrel, his attempt at scaring the Avatar bearing no fruit - Aang does not flinch.
AANG: What do you want from me?
Sokka walks from behind Aang towards his front, giving Aang the impression that he has no harmful intentions. However, his machete is still drawn.
SOKKA: I think you know already...
Sokka smiles at Aang like a Cheshire cat. The boy dressed in red can merely shake his head, causing Sokka to lose his upbeat mood and sigh.
SOKKA: Come on! I've been doing the same thing since... well, ever since we've known each other.
Aang lets his guard down. He is tired of the charade.
AANG: That's not true.
Sokka scoffs.
SOKKA: Yeah, it is. And now I had to hire a whole pirate army just to get to talk to you.
Aang shakes his head. The image of his Sokka won't disappear.
AANG: This isn't you. You should be more than this.
Sokka's posturing collapses. This is a feeling he'd been having for years, yet never been able to express it into words. He grunts, as if trying to rid himself of a fever.
SOKKA: Enough talking, you're coming with me!
He draws his club, facing the Avatar with dual weapons. Aang pulls his staff forward.
AANG: No. You should be coming with me. It's the right thing.
Sokka is not letting his guard down, although Aang's words intrigue him much more than he is able to admit.
SOKKA: The right thing?
AANG: Yes! You shouldn't be fighting for this war, you and Kenora-
This is where it hits him. At first the realization, then the literal wave, smacking him against a house and then washing him down a grassy hill on to another street. Kenora appears on a rooftop, chasing the Avatar on foot, creating two water spirals around herself. Aang's staff is not within his reach. As he tries to grab it, he's hit by a mean water stream, pushing him against a porch, two more streams, performed quicker and with capoeira precision, hit Aang in the stomach and in the face. She lets the streams move upward in a hexagon shape - this is where Aang attempts to counter. Two blasts of air are blocked as quickly as they are thrown at the waterbender, Kenora of course re-directing her intended attack to be a counter instead. The third attack is a powerful fire ball, which does push her back quite a bit, even causing a quiet grunt. Aang runs for his staff, but his ankle gets caught in a stream of water, which pulls him towards Kenora. He manages not to fall down yet gets her biceps in the face anyways. Aang wonders who this previously unknown girl really is, and why someone seemingly unimportant is now kicking his ass.
As he gets back up, Sokka has arrived at the scene. Aang is now cornered by two opponents.
Zuko and Ty Lee try to free themselves from their roped prison, meanwhile one nameless Pirate 1 admires Zuko's broadswords, his colleague, Pirate 2, seeming contempt with the situation. Azula pokes her head over the ships edge for a second. Comically going back down with a slide whistle, she reports her findings to Mai, who seems not very interested.
AZULA: Just two, one for each.
PIRATE 1: These broadswords are really nice.
ZUKO: Those are mine!
PIRATE 1 (talking to Zuko): Shut up.
PIRATE 1: Do you think I should get broadswords?
PIRATE 2: You always want to get broadswords.
Pirate 1 sighs.
PIRATE 1: And you always complain - you know what? I'm not having this conversation again, Lee!
PIRATE 2/LEE: I'm not having it either.
Azula sees a weak spot. Ty Lee notices the silver headpiece peaking behind the railing and quietly alerts Zuko.
AZULA: Alright, I'll take the one that's complaining. You go with-
Mai, ignoring her, jumps over the railing and immediately unleashes her arsenal.
Swoosh! Zuko's blades are knocked out of the pirate's hand, who chooses to draw his jian sword, which he tries to use for an attack. Mai dodges, his second sweep is countered by two crossed knives. She quickly cuts the pirate's arm then leg, then makes his face acquainted with her knee cap.
AZULA: Ouch.
Lee picks up a qiang spear, even managing to block her - Swoosh! - knives. Mai maneuvers over the first pirate with a wheel, kicking the attacker in the face. She - Swoosh! - disarms him, dodges an incoming blow, hits him twice in the chest with her elbow, then pins him to the mast with arrows. Ty Lee, Zuko and Azula are speechless.
MAI: Sorry, I liked my plan better.
Pirate 1 tries to get up, but is pinned to the deck with a series of knives, keeping one of them in her hand, which she uses to free Ty Lee and Zuko.
AZULA: Well, I'm glad to help.
She looks over to the part of the city where Aang went, seeing waves clash with air and fire.
MAI: He's going to need your help.
Azula nods.
AZULA: Don't finish them off without me.
She looks at Zuko and Ty Lee, who finally got up.
AZULA: Alright, you two behave 'til I'm back.
TY LEE: Be careful!
Azula scoffs.
AZULA: It's only Sokka. How hard can it get?
Aang gets blasted several times by water streams coming from different directions, all happening so fast that the boy can barely process it. He finally gets a hang of it and starts dodging attacks with quick airbending spins. Sokka suddenly intervenes, trying to hit Aang with a fierce club blow, which the boy also dodges, although this time he is able to retaliate, pushing Sokka away and against his waterbender friend. Kenora gets back up with a grunt. Aang pushes fire against her, yet she charges nonetheless, blocking the heat with water on her elbow. Close combat ensues - she tries to kick Aang in the head with water around her foot, he ducks. Trying to counter with wind blasts, Kenora dodges by moving around quickly on her feet and hands, trying to topple Aang's balance, which he avoids with a jump. He tries to attack with a firebending form, but is rudely interrupted by Kenora, who manages to land a regular kick his gut while still on the ground. Having lost his balance, Kenora gets back on two feet, then pulls her legs up, switching her stance to her hand, then directing a blast of water with her legs in the air. While bocking with his elbow, Aang's is still hit hard enough to fall down another ledge on to a lower street. Kenora takes a deep breath, prepares for another attack-
SOKKA: AHH!
KENORA: Sokka, NO!
The prince storms Aang with all the noise he can conjure. Aang takes a note out of his opponent's book, dodging the cross-weaponed attack by switching to his hands and feet, blowing Sokka's weapons away with an air funnel from his legs, then pushing him to the side with an air blast performed via what looks like a breakdancing move, getting Aang back on two feet. Kenora grunts angrily.
Crescent Warriors clash with the ferocious pirates, who viciously loot and destroy the marketplace ahead of them. One nameless warrior tries to pin a pirate dressed in green against a wooden pole behind him, yet is ruthlessly cut down by a set of bolas. One pirate setting of bombs throws his explosive weaponry at a nearby house, yet the bomb is instead hurled upwards in a spiral, where it can explode at a safe distance. Once the pirate spots the acrobat above, his jaw drops to the floor.
PIRATE: Oh, not again.
A stream of air catapults him across the street. Two other pirates meet a similar fate by Ty Lee's hand.
Elsewhere, Zuko is taking on two, three, even four pirates at a time, skillfully dodging, blocking and disarming them, leaving them vulnerable to be pinned against the floor and walls. Mai jumps in with skillful precision, taking care of two more pirates all by herself. After pinning them too, she admires Zuko for a second. Despite only being her apprentice for a day, he has already made good use of her advice and training. It causes her to smile for a second. No one has ever respected her advice this much, and-
TY LEE: Mai, watch out!
Right next to Mai, a bomb is about to go off, yet tossed towards the ocean last-second via a wind blast from Ty Lee. It explodes in the far distance.
MAI: Thanks.
Ty Lee nods but avoids eye contact. Mai begins to figure out what's going on.
Dizzy and with aching limbs, the burning pain inside Aang prevents him from getting back up for now. He grunts in frustration, embarrassed and ashamed by his own weakness, his younger body lacking the muscle that he is familiar with. Even more, he is intrigued and insulted by this new person, a character who he never encountered in his world. Despite the anger of being defeated by a nobody, her appearance and gestures does remind him vaguely of someone.
Kenora approaches him slowly, still directing water around herself.
KENORA: Enough daydreaming Avatar. Give up now.
Aang manages to sit upright, feeling at least a part of his strength coming back to him. This further angers Kenora.
KENORA: I said surrender! Do it, or I'll destroy this village!
SOKKA: Kenora, stop!
Aang can read irritation in her face.
KENORA: Don't sabotage me again, Sokka!
SOKKA: I'm not sabotaging you - I'm telling you - this is wrong! We hired pirates to sack an island, just to get the Avatar? Doesn't this sound crazy to you?
Kenora motions the water shield to transform into wateracles hanging down her arms. With that, she glares at Sokka.
KENORA: No, because I hired pirates. I told them where to go, and I... am the closest I've ever gotten to defeating the Avatar.
She misinterprets a flinch from Aang as a sucker punch, and immediately pushes him against a house wall.
KENORA: So yeah...
She turns back towards Sokka. For the first time in a long time, she nods her head to the side, as some of her curly hair is getting in her face.
KENORA: I'd say I did the right thing.
Sokka questions the statement.
KENORA: I did it for both of us.
Now he really questions it.
AZULA: I liked you more when you were quiet.
Wanting to immediately attack, Kenora is instead forced to use her water as a shield, one which actually breaks from the precise force of Azula's fire balls. The raven-haired girl tries a barrage against Sokka, who flees cowardly, running behind a well. Once Azula tries to shift her focus back to Kenora, the waterbender is already on the rooftop next to her.
AZULA: Since when are you so got at climbing things?
KENORA: HIYAH!
The waterbender blasts water streams at Azula, first with her fists, then legs.
Meanwhile, Sokka peaks behind his well-chosen cover-spot to inspect the clash of waves and fire.
AANG: Behind you.
Sokka turns around and...
SOKKA: Aah!
...at the sight of Aang's staff. He starts crawling backwards, thinking it will be used as a finisher-move.
AANG: Will you stay down?
Sokka takes a few seconds to come up with a reasonable response.
SOKKA: Huh?!
AANG: Are you going to stay down?
Sokka finally realizes what he means. With a heavy sigh, he shakes his head and gets up, ready to face the Avatar by himself.
SOKKA: I'm afraid not.
Surprising the prince, the Avatar seems more than disappointed by his answer.
AANG: I'm sorry old friend. Maybe I'll get to you next time.
He taps him lightly on the chest. Boing. While this move wasn't very powerful, it was strong enough to trip Sokka over and throw him into the well with a comical scream accompanying it.
Azula begins to sweat heavily. The constant movement and dodging is really getting to her.
AZULA: You are quite speedy for a waterbender-
Another blast almost hits her.
KENORA: And you talk too much. Where's all the-
Fire shoots in her direction and while Kenora manages to block it, it does throw her off the roof. Azula scoffs at first, then spots something lying next to the girl dressed in blue. A familiar, golden headpiece.
AZULA: Hey wait a- that's mine!
Kenora gets back on her feet and puts Roku's headpiece back in her pocket. Azula boils with anger, but then remembers her last encounter with Kenora.
KENORA: I'll give it back to you if you help me to capture the Avatar!
Azula strolls down her roof to a different one, her finger playfully tapping her lip.
AZULA: Mmm... no. How about a trade instead?
She shows Kenora her own necklace, hanging down Azula's hand. This enrages the waterbender far more than it did Azula. The girl does not hesitate, forming deadly ice spears and shooting them up towards the roof, an attack the raven-haired girl only barely dodges. Preparing another strike, Kenora is hit in the back by a gust of wind, then picked up by a vortex big enough to carry Kenora and toss her down a few streets. Aang can walk again, though he would lie if he claimed the pain was gone. Azula casually jumps down the roof as if she wasn't just nearly impaled by icicles.
AZULA: You're welcome. And you were right. We should have left.
Aang is unable to find the humor in this situation. Having to toss down, what is his best friend somewhere else, into well. And then there's the mystery of who Kenora is...
AANG: What are we going to tell Mai?
Azula scoffs with hopefully optimism.
AZULA: Don't worry, that's what I'm here for.
Aang appreciates her help and smiles back.
SOKKA (from inside the well): Hello? Kenora? Can anyone help me? Oh, a rope! Oh wait, no, it's not attached to anything...
Mai throws her darts at an already fleeing pirate horde running downhill. The Crescent Warriors, partly injured in battle, cheer for their victory, as do Ty Lee and Zuko. Mai, as always, remains quiet. As Azula helps Aang back to the marketplace, Appa and Sabachi arrive as well, Ukano following behind.
AANG: Appa!
While the large bison welcomes Aang with a grunt, Sabachi the lemur runs around Azula's body as if racing someone else.
AZULA: Yeah, yeah, I get it...
Aang, Azula, Zuko, Ty Lee, Mai, Ukano and the pets all gather at one spot. Azula seems happy next to the joyful Avatar, as does Ty Lee, though she also warmly smiles towards Zuko, who returns the favor but also gives a warm smile to Mai, who blushes. Ukano finally clears his throat.
UKANO: Thank you Avatar. Without you and your friends we would not have been able to beat the attackers back.
Aang scoffs.
AANG: Thank you, we-
UKANO: However, it was your presence on this island that drew the attackers towards us in the first place, so please leave.
He gestures towards the bison, trying his best not to come off as angry. Aang is speechless for a second, but then nods in agreement.
AANG: I understand. Thank you for your hospitality.
He does the Fire Nation gesture, then gets up on Appa with Azula's (and Sabachi's) help. Ty Lee follows suit, while Zuko still prepares to say goodbye to-
MAI: Don't say anything. I... I'm going to miss you.
She rubs the back of her head, then sighs.
MAI: I hate farewells...
Zuko can't help but to laugh a bit, cheering her up.
ZUKO: You hate a lot of things.
Mai smiles again.
MAI: Except you.
They enjoy a moment of silence together. Then Azula clears her throat, ruining the moment.
MAI: What do you want?
AZULA: I wanted to apologize for the... disagreement we had earlier. Aang and I-
MAI: Were probably talking about something that makes total sense if I heard more than a minute of it - apology accepted.
Azula nods with a smug expression.
ZUKO: Uh... is that what that was about?
AZULA: Yup.
She leans in towards her brother.
AZULA (whispering): Avatar messages.
ZUKO: Oh...
AZULA: Well, it was nice on this little... island, even if it was a bit of a waste of time. Farewell.
Azula leaves for the bison. Zuko intends to walk away too, when...
MAI: Wait. I wanted to give you this.
She hands him a set of throwing weapons, not fancily assorted in a wooden chest, but still.
ZUKO: Wait... these are yours.
Mai grunts.
MAI: None of them are "mine", they're all completely identical. But you probably need them if you're traveling with the Avatar.
Zuko bows down halfway.
ZUKO: Thank you.
MAI: I also have this for you.
She leans in and kisses him on the mouth, while he awkwardly holds his new weapons.
MAI: Now go.
He's finally allowed to hop on to Appa, storing his new belongings in a bag. Azula, mounting the helm, looks back with a smile.
AZULA: Was that the official Crescent Warrior initiation?
Aang chuckles a bit at that, making Azula very happy. Zuko notices a quiet Ty Lee, gazing out the other side of the saddle.
ZUKO: Ty Lee? Are you alright?
She looks at him with a smile, nodding.
TY LEE: I'm fine Zuko. No matter what.
Zuko is relieved to hear this. After having packed everything, the bison finally rides into the distance, high above the water. While Zuko and Aang are discussing the best spot on the Earth Kingdom mainland, Ty Lee sits quietly in the back, unable to stop tapping her foot.