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 12
The Princess and the Firebender
Act I. – The clash
Peaceful silence over an Earth Kingdom forest is broken by the flapping wings of a messenger puffin soaring through the night at enormous speeds. It finally reaches the walls of the mighty Pohuai Stronghold, an impressive fortress holding three layers of fortification and a massive tower structure in the middle. It, like many other structures within the colonies, appears to be of Earth Kingdom architecture from the outside, as if the war was still fought on the oceans and the armies of the North and South hadn't conquered large portions of land already. While the south and many coastal regions were easy to take from the start, the Great Chiefs of the last century have found any more substantial gains a tough nut to crack.
The puffin lands next to Ae' Kiki and squeaks with a ridiculous honk. The lieutenant accepts the message, reading it in private.
BATO: Any news from the Vice-Chief?
AE' KIKI: No.
He walks off, petting the puffin before letting it fly away. Bato seems nervous all of a sud-
AE' KIKI: You seem on edge tonight, captain.
Ae' Kiki sits down on a small, neatly decorated table just for himself. He picks up his bowl of Lūʻau and starts slurping it. Bato rudely inserts himself into the dinner by sitting down across the table.
AE' KIKI: No, it was not from the Vice-Chief
BATO: No? Then who was it?
AE' KIKI: None of your concern.
The lieutenant seems to attempt to ignore the brash captain, who can barely keep his temper.
AE' KIKI: What is it that you want, captain? You obviously didn't come here to coordinate a strategy to capture the Avatar.
Bato pouts angrily.
BATO: I did. The prince is trying to complete a mission that was assigned to me. I am meant to capture the Avatar! I am-
AE' KIKI: The best hunter in the south?
The bearded man takes another slurp.
BATO: Well-
AE' KIKI: For a man often mentioned by the Great Chief, you do surely take your time with this "assigned mission".
Bato notices the slip-up.
BATO: So, the letter was from the Great Chief.
Ae' Kiki internally regrets giving it away.
AE' KIKI: It appears your intuition is more impressive than you lead on to.
Bato grunts with impatience.
BATO: Well, what did he say-
AE' KIKI: I just got promoted.
Bato dilates.
BATO: What?
AE' KIKI: He wants me to be a commander.
BATO: Commander? After being a lieutenant?
AE' KIKI: After being the Vice-Chief's lieutenant.
Bato scoffs heinously. Ae' Kiki is intrigued.
AE' KIKI: What?
BATO: Oh, I've heard of your... work as lieutenant. There are whispers about the job being harder than you'd think.
Bato gives a superior officer the most devilish of smirks. In return, Ae' Kiki coldly and precisely directs his tea to form a sharp blade, hovering in front of Bato's throat. He lets the captain sit for a few seconds.
AE' KIKI: Careful.
He retrieves the liquid back into his cup. Bato instinctively strokes to see if the water has left any scars. A second messenger puffin disrupts the already tense encounter. Once again it is Ae' Kiki who opens the message.
AE' KIKI: Hm. I suppose that was the letter you asked for.
He gets up, looking over the wall into the courtyard, where a group of soldiers in dark red robes are performing complicated martial arts on dummies. The warriors are equipped with short machete-like swords, called goloks, which the men use in short but powerful slashes. All of the figures wear strange, red masks with a human caricature painted on it. Bato finally follows Ae' Kiki to the wall.
AE' KIKI: So, you accuse me of abusing my friendship with the Vice-Chief, but you yourself have used your personal connection with Hakoda to get a favor?
BATO: Don't be an idiot. We both know that the Avatar is a serious threat! I have what it takes to capture him, but I-
AE' KIKI: Still need a special unit to make it work.
BATO: Please! The Betawi are some of the most highly skilled warriors in the world! Letting them rot here instead of catching the Avatar is a waste of time!
AE' KIKI: I agree.
Bato frowns in confusion.
AE' KIKI: General Vyke uses the Betawi as his personal trump card for whenever he mismanages a battle.
Bato is surprised to hear this. Most of the Water Tribe knows Vyke as a war hero.
AE' KIKI: Yes, that's the kind of stuff you learn when you're close to the Vice-Chief.
Ae' Kiki almost loses his calm when uttering this. Yet Bato nods respectfully.
AE' KIKI: You should've asked me for my help. I know Vyke. A personal decree from the Great Chief will be seen as weakness.
Bato grunts.
BATO: It doesn't matter. I only need to capture the Avatar and bring him to Hakoda.
AE' KIKI: And then what?
The lieutenant, now commander, crosses his arms. Bato shrugs.
BATO: We win the war. We go home. No more blood spoiled.
Ae' Kiki scoffs.
AE' KIKI: If you think this war will be won quickly or decisively, you're a fool.
The commander walks away. Bato smiles victoriously at the deadly Betawi training below.
AE' KIKI: Where is the Chief Mother? I haven't seen her arrive at the fortress.
Bato clearly covers the true answer in a fake cough.
BATO: She... couldn't accompany me. She's at the ship.
Ae' Kiki rolls his eyes over.
AE' KIKI: Well, Puwati wanted to see her again. Said he intends to play a game of Pai Sho.
The captain finds this rather odd.
BATO: The board game?
Kiki shrugs.
AE' KIKI: Who knows? I will inform General Vyke. When do you propose to send out the Betawi?
Bato's grip on the wall becomes firmer.
BATO: Sunrise.
As the commander leaves, Bato gets an itch, an eerie feeling that someone or something might be watching him. His eyes move quickly to a rooftop on his right. Yet he sees nothing, dismissing it as the result of his lack of sleep in recent weeks.
The sun rises over the very edge of a mountain range, overseeing a vast forest stretching for miles. Azula had decided that moving more inland would help them get away from Water Tribe forces, more specifically the two maniacs that hunt them on boats, and the third one who has a huge armada and harpoon, worrying Azula the most. As the sun rises, Azula is already up and stretching, letting the sunlight fill her with energy, both as a firebender and a regular person. Her calming morning exercise is disrupted by another round of coughs from Zuko and Ty Lee, who cower in their sleeping bags.
AZULA: Good morning, I guess.
Zuko responds with a raspy voice.
ZUKO (weak): I didn't sleep that much...
Azula sighs.
AZULA: Well, then I guess it's pointless to ask if you're feeling any better...
Ty Lee also responds with a sore throat.
TY LEE (weak): I think I feel a little better.
She tries sitting upright, a long a comical snot bell hanging down her nose, with Azula looking away very quickly.
AZULA: EW! That's disgusting!
TY LEE (weak): Sorry...
The acrobat pulls it back inside and lies back down, shivering.
AZULA: Since I'm the only one here not completely incapacitated, I will be making the plans from now on. Any objections?
Zuko and Ty Lee cough again. Aang still appears to be sleeping, same as Appa beneath him. Sabachi is of course on her little lemur feet already, climbing on to Azula's shoulder and trying to express the same aura of confidence. Azula addresses the rest of the gaang as if she were an army general.
AZULA: Alright boys and girl, here's the tea. We're about halfway towards the Golden City. The only problem is that supplies are running low and you're all...
She admires her very sick friends, wondering if they're even listening.
AZULA: Um... well, you still need some time to recover.
She clears her throat, then hands the map to Sabachi, who holds it down the branch of small tree next to her, showcasing the north-western half of the Earth Kingdom. She points at the edge of a mountain range.
AZULA: We're here.
She lets her finger move across a straight line to the left, eventually stopping at what appears to be a city.
AZULA: I suggest we go here as our last stop before travelling east.
She vaguely points a route leading towards the edge of the map.
AZULA: ...I guess. Alright!
With that, Sabachi rolls up the map, flying over to Appa's saddle.
AZULA: Until then, Aang and I need to do some more firebending. He almost got beaten by this... Kenora girl and we don't want that to happen again. Zuko and Ty Lee, you two are well off training your... particular skills. You know... the knives, and the...
They both just cough again.
AZULA: Air. Whatever...
She angrily walks over to Appa's saddle, looking for the sack of money they got from Crescent Island. Ty Lee coughs again before asking with a weak voice.
TY LEE (weak): What's the plan for today, Azula?
Her question carries a lot of trust and dependency on the firebender, a fact that she doesn't ignore. Azula tries her best poker face, hoping it gives her friends the usual familiarity that they need.
AZULA: I suppose since neither of you or Aang can do anything right now, I'm going to go and see if I can't find a village somewhere near. Maybe they have some herbs to treat your coughing... thing.
She sits down on Appa's head, taking his reins.
AZULA: Yip-yip!
The beast doesn't move, choosing to growl at her instead.
AZULA: Huh? Aang?
She looks back in the saddle, having completely forgotten the boy is sleeping there by himself. She climbs back there, trying to wake him.
AZULA: Hey... um, I kind of need Appa right now, just for a bit. Is it okay if-
AANG: No... no... Appa... where is Appa...
His fever dream-like state lets him shake and shudder, with the occasional cough in between. The lack of a proper response deeply disturbs Azula.
AZULA: O... kay.
She climbs back on to the bison' head.
AZULA: Is it okay if... we just fly with him?
Appa gives a very deep grunt, an answer even Zuko and Ty Lee could decipher. She pouts with an angry expression.
AZULA (through grinned teeth): Okay.
She jumps down, walking down a small, rocky path. Sabachi chirps after her.
AZULA: You stay here, Sabachi. Help them if they need something.
Zuko manages to squeeze out one last thing before she leaves his sight.
ZUKO (weak): Bye... Azula...
She has already left his field of vision when she comes to a hold.
AZULA (out of sight): Bye Zuko. See you in a bit.
The sound of sizzling surprises Kenora upon waking. She stumbles out of her new room, the captain's cabin on board the pirate ship. On deck, her crew is going about their usual chores, the ships going more inland across the river lines rather than following the Yu Dao coastlines. This was done on Kenora's intuition.
KENORA: Mornin'?
SOKKA: Kenora! Good morning!
Sokka stands above what appears to be a makeshift grill, completed with a fishing net serving as the grid, on which Sokka has placed several meats and seafood items.
SOKKA: I'm making breakfast! What do you think?
She stares at it with an open mouth.
KENORA: Fire hazard.
Sokka ignores the blatant criticism, continuing to flip the food items with one hand, his right arm bandaged to his chest. She does some stretching exercises, which she has been doing ever since getting a hand on the new scrolls, intensifying her training to a degree that frightens Sokka somewhat. And to a degree which makes her pretty formidable in terms of muscle mass, probably beating the taller prince.
KENORA: I think I figured out the flower thing from the eruption.
He listens to her story intensively, letting his meats roast a bit longer than they probably should.
KENORA: I think I somehow... drained water from the plants. If I can learn to do that...
She turns back around towards Sokka with a smile.
SOKKA: Avatar "Who", amirite?
PIRATE NAMED HU: What?
SOKKA: Nothing!
Sokka finally notices his cuisine mistake and flips the loin, cringing at the burned side.
SOKKA: Well, the only thing to do now is follow his lead.
KENORA: Yup. Where's the map?
Sokka puts down the spatula, aiming his hand for a vacated spot on a small wooden table to his left.
SOKKA: Huh.
Kenora immediately starts getting nervous.
KENORA: Huh?
SOKKA: I put it there this morning.
She scoffs.
KENORA: On the table? On a windy boat?
Sokka scoffs back at her.
SOKKA: Yeah, which is why I put my machete on i-
He looks at the table again, finding his machete a bit removed from where he originally pointed at.
SOKKA: Um... yeah. On it. On - on... the map.
As he starts floundering his words Kenora runs to the balustrade, looking back. While the coast isn't too far removed, all she can see behind her is the vast, vast ocean and the Matriki mounted by two nameless pirates. She sighs with anger.
SOKKA: Well- um- uh maybe it's somewhere on the ship.
KENORA: I marked all the spots where we encountered the Avatar, I marked possible routes in relation to nearby towns and villages.
SOKKA: Wow, that sounds very impressive.
KENORA: YES, AND VERY BAD FOR YOU BECAUSE YOU LOST IT!
She paces up and down in what appears to be a nervous breakdown. Sokka tries coughing up something to soften her mood.
SOKKA: Alright listen, we'll let the crew search the ship top to bottom - the Matariki too! It'll turn up, just trust me! What's the worst that can happen?
Hu the pirate makes a gagging sound, running up to the balustrade, proceeding to empty the contents of his stomach with excruciating sounds. As Sokka just stares at it comically, one pirate after the other does the same thing. Even the two pirates steering the Matariki seem to suddenly fall sick. Kenora pouts, crossing her arms and taking a deep breath through her nostrils, which is somehow the single most terrifying image Sokka has ever seen.
KENORA: Did you by any chance serve my crew clams?
Sokka nods submissively.
KENORA: And where those clams fresh, or were they by any chances from the Matariki, which we bought weeks ago?
He refuses to answer, hugging his spatula.
SOKKA: Maybe?
Kenora doesn't answer, avoiding eye contact. From a puddle of salt water, she forms a stream, extinguishing his grill flame, stomping back into her sleeping quarters and slamming the wooden door behind her. While not having eaten any of his own dishes, he does gulp down the sickening feeling in his throat.
Next to an old quarry beyond the forest, Azula enters a small, dry town. She wonders how such a desert-like place can exist in a landscape filled with green and rivers, but then again, it wouldn't be the first time that waterbenders interfere with the environment.
The town has an eerie feeling to it, as if the wooden houses were deserted altogether. The appearance of an old woman leaving some kind of store disproves Azula's concern. Setting foot in the town, she takes note of an advertising pillar standing in the middle of the square. She walks up to it, having spotted something familiar-looking. And indeed - four Wanted posters displaying Aang, Zuko, Ty Lee and of course, her.
AZULA: Oh, my...
She admires the accuracy on her own drawing, then checks to see if anyone is watching. The old woman seems to have left - time to strike. She rips off her poster, quickly disintegrating it in a small, controlled fire. She proceeds to do the same with Ty Lee's poster, and then the biggest one, Aang. She finally grabs Zuko's poster but decides with a smirk to leave it up. She nods in approval of her own accomplishment.
AZULA: Perfect.
Sokka waits patiently outside Kenora's cabin, as if he was the family dog who got kicked outside, waiting eagerly to be let in again. The ship is completely emptied and docked by the shore, with the green pirate being the last one to find his way below deck to the sleeping area.
The door finally snaps open and Kenora exits without paying too much attention to Sokka's presence. Her coat is inside, yet she still wears her heavy pirate boots and a bag around her shoulder.
SOKKA: Here, there you are!
He chases after her as she walks to the edge of the boat.
SOKKA: I was going to offer to go to a local market and find something to-
KENORA: Don't bother, I'm already going.
SOKKA: Yes, well, maybe we can go together and-
She finally stops, turns around and glares at the prince, who collapses under the pressure.
SOKKA: I'm really sorry and I was hoping to make it up to you somehow.
She sighs.
KENORA: We can talk about it when I'm back. Alright?
SOKKA: Yes! That's totally cool with me.
His gestures are wild as she rolls her eyes. She climbs down the ladder, off the ship, traversing the short water distance with a very smooth bending move. As she leaves, Sokka looks at the betrothal necklace he made for her once again. He smirks with determination.
GREEN PIRATE (sickly, from below deck): Sokka... can you get us some water?
SOKKA: On it!
As Zuko is stretching his aching muscles inside his sleeping bag, Ty Lee eagerly watches Appa's saddle, pouting at the weird noises Aang produces. She coughs once again, cringing at her sore throat. The bison itself is resting for now.
TY LEE (weak): Sabachi, go get water...
The lemur flies off. Zuko grunts.
ZUKO (weak): Are you sure she's-
He coughs.
ZUKO (weak): -going to come back?
She nods, digging her face into the sleeping bag. Aang's soar mumbling gets louder.
AANG (mumbling in a fever): Azula... we need... we need to hurry...
ZUKO (weak): What is he saying?
Ty Lee shivers, a repulsive ache running down her spine.
TY LEE (weak): I don't know. But this feels familiar.
Zuko lets out two very nasty coughs.
ZUKO (weak): How so?
AANG (mumbling in a fever): Ty Lee? Mai?
Their brows snap up and they manage to sit upright, despite shivering.
AANG (mumbling in a fever): You... betrayed... Azula? Why?
Zuko and Ty Lee share an expression that can only be described as pure fright. Sabachi comes back with their water pouch filled to the brim with fresh creek water, though neither of the two are very impressed.
TY LEE (weak): Should we tell-
ZUKO (weak): No!
He follows up his statement with a cough.
ZUKO (weak): That will only upset her. And she's going to defend him again.
Ty Lee frowns at the thought of intrigue. Meanwhile Sabachi seems bored or distracted - either way the two teens don't notice her sudden disappearance, only focusing on the rambling airbender.
AANG (mumbling in a fever): Please... we need to go...
The quietness of the town is what truly unsettles Kenora. She looks left and right, wondering where most people are, then figuring that this is some kind of worker's hub, a settlers community meant to extract resources, build infrastructure, or just be a convenient supply stop, which this is to the waterbender. She has heard that the Earth Kingdom has many settlements like this, yet is surprised by it being so far out west. She finally sees some vendors, a couple of farmers displaying their fruits and vegetables, probably from a field far away. Across from it she finally sees what she's been looking for - a drugstore. Perhaps here she can find something to help her cure the pirates. Though there is no cure against Sokka's constant irritations. At first, she didn't take note of them, then she ignored them, but now as acting captain...
She sighs, not knowing what to do about it and realizing the next problem - her hair, or rather its length. For the last couple of days, it has reached a level where it constantly gets in her face, forcing her to wipe it away. Kenora has considered cutting it, yet after three months of being forced to cut it short, she finally allows herself to express a more feminine side. She takes the hairband given to her by a long-haired pirate, giving herself a small ponytail, while approaching the drugstore. As she finally finishes her hair styling, the wooden door opens and Azula steps out.
KENORA (spotting Azula): ...
AZULA (spotting Kenora): ...
...
Azula tilts her head to the side, wondering how her enemy will respond.
KENORA: ...
AZULA: Hi?
...
Kenora is frozen on the spot.
AZULA: Right. So-
Out of nowhere Kenora slams the firebender with a water whip from her pouch, knocking her down and forcing her to drop the bag of fire lilies. Azula glares at the waterbender.
AZULA: Are you crazy? In the middle of the day, you psychopath?!
Kenora readies herself.
KENORA: You have something that belongs to me.
AZULA: And you could have just ASKED!
The firebender gets back up on two feet, blasting her with a fire ball. The few villagers present run away or hide behind something.
Two, then three, then four gouts of fire fly towards Kenora, who skillfully blocks or dodges the incoming attacks, finally holding on to Azula's wrist with a wateracle, shoving it upwards into her face, then spinning the liquid and hitting her again with a slingshot, finishing the combo with an impressive capoeira kick, which Azula blocks with her new wrist protectors. She grunts, then goes for the jump, conjuring three powerful flames, which Kenora is forced to dodge roll. What follows is a barrage of angry fire blasts directed with fist and fingers - Kenora dodges all the attacks in a circle-like motion, finally getting her water back out and entrapping the firebender's hand. Azula tries to angrily counter with a blow from her other, which subsequently also gets locked in liquid. Kenora pulls her opponent close to her. The two exchange what can only be described as a death stare.
Azula uses this as a distraction, pulling up her foot and blasting fire at the waterbender, who quickly loosens the restraints to block the attack. She tries a counter-cut - Azula blocks with her protectors, yet one of the blows clearly hits her headpiece. The silver accessory falls off and breaks. Azula, wet hair and furious, manages to frighten Kenora.
AZULA: That was a GIFT!
She shoots fire so hot it completely evaporates Kenora's water shield. Azula lets out a small cackle, announcing her counterattack.
The vendors have long abandoned their merchandise, allowing Kenora to hide behind mango, melons and other veggies.
AZULA: I! Just! Wanted! ONE day! Without! YOU!
A giant blast destroys the melon sales booth. The squashed fruits give Kenora an idea.
AZULA: I was willing to trade your little necklace for my heirloom, but clearly you water savages are-
Kenora gets up, having formed a new attack bubble from all the now-drained fruit.
AZULA: Oh, come on-
Inside the drugstore people run outside screaming, seeing a raven-haired girl fly through the paper window, drenched in sugar water. Kenora comes jumping through the same window, greeting Azula, who just got up, with her knee, slamming her against the counter. She tries freezing water as a glove - the ice punch gets blocked yet again by wrist protectors. Azula smirks, yet just catches a regular punch to the face, to which she responds by blasting fire at Kenora, once again extinguishing her water. The waterbender starts regretting this brawl, as Azula frowns at the discovery of blood coming from her lips.
AZULA: You bitch.
Without hesitation she blasts fire at Kenora, who can narrowly dodge. More attacks follow - Kenora tries flipping over the counter, yet the raven-haired girl follows. Two incoming fire slashes are, again, narrowly avoided by the more agile Kenora. The flames around Azula's hands have taken on a very slight touch of blue. As Azula towers over her opponent, Kenora notices strange shapes moving on the rooftops outside.
AZULA: Now...
Her focus is back on the firebender with flames burning around her hands.
AZULA: You are going to give me my headpiece and maybe I'll let you go.
Kenora sees broken glass below Azula's feet, the Fire Nation boots stepping into liquid medicine.
KENORA: Um... I'll decline.
She kicks the water upwards, hitting Azula straight in the face, then jumps over the counter, narrowly avoiding fire blasts, again.
As she runs outside, Azula chases after her, yet both stop.
The girls are surrounded by figures dressed in red, a dozen or so warriors wearing creepy masks, as if a squad of spirits had followed them.
KENORA: Are you with them?
Azula is still on full fury mode yet allows a crumb of sass.
AZULA: Yes.
The figures start moving around in some sort of dance, with one member at a time jumping from one end of the circle to the other. Kenora and Azula are confused at first, yet quickly realize the danger - the joyful jumps turn kicks and punches, each exchange of monkey-hop is disguised as a fast and precise attack. Yet, all the attacks are aimed at Azula. She blasts a fireball, dodged by the crowd like a swarm. One warrior hits her with a series of fast and precise punches in the arm. As Azula tries to attack another, she is shocked to realize her bending doesn't work.
AZULA: Are you spirits?!
She catches another mean blow, then more fast pinches in her limbs and torso. The girl goes completely numb, falling to the ground.
KENORA: Wait-
A figure attacks from behind - eight quick punches from waist to shoulder and Kenora falls down to the ground.
Act II. – The lemur
A splash of water wakes up Kenora very abruptly. She switches to a sitting position, finding herself surrounded by a small number of the townsfolk. A woman wearing very baggy clothing helps her back up on her feet. Kenora can still feel the impact of the punches, as if something in her body was locked.
WOMAN: Are you alright?
The motherly voice soothes Kenora rather well.
KENORA: Wo was that?
VENDOR: The Betwai Warriors. They came to arrest the firebender.
Adrenalin shoots back into her system and Kenora hectically looks around.
KENORA: Where'd they go?
They townsfolk exchange confused looks. Kenora realizes something.
KENORA: Wait. Why was she here?
An older man makes himself noticeable.
HERB MAN: She came to my shop to by medicine for her sick friends. And then she smashed the place like the savage she was!
The townsfolk seem to agree. Kenora of course knows that she initiated the fight but does not speak up at this point.
WOMAN: Is this yours?
Kenora turns around, seeing the woman holding the golden headpiece.
KENORA: Yeah.
Kenora puts it back in her shoulder bag.
KENORA: Do you know where they went?
The woman and the herb man exchange confused looks.
WOMAN: The Betawi?
VENDOR: There's a fortress a few miles east.
Kenora takes a deep breath.
WOMAN: You don't... want to go there, do you?
Kenora sighs.
KENORA: I have to.
She takes a few steps, but stops at Azula's shopping bag, which is lying on the ground, fire lilies inside. The waterbender decides to pick it up.
Azula regains her consciousness slowly, then snaps her eyes open quickly. She finds herself in a dark room, a prison chamber, her wrists and ankles trapped in cold steel.
BATO: I don't know how the Avatar managed to elude me for so long, but your little game of hide and seek is over.
Azula scoffs mockingly, being able to exude an aura of confidence, despite being the person in chains.
AZULA: Clearly it isn't, since you have me and not Aang.
Bato starts pacing around her, putting her in the position of prey for once.
BATO: Aang. Such a unique name. I wonder if Aang finds my name unique as well, since he knows it somehow.
This does put Azula on edge. She tries to keep it together.
AZULA: Your prince kept shouting it a bunch when you attacked a defenseless village. Was that... before or after I gave you that scar?
She manages to produce a frown on his face.
BATO: Very fun. I do enjoy our little chats as always.
AZULA: You do? Well, then maybe you should let me go and we can have a more personal discussion over tea.
BATO: Uh, no. Tell me, how does it feel to be the only firebender left?
Azula's mouth twitches slightly.
BATO: Do you miss your people?
AZULA: Do you miss yours? Will they finally accept you as one of them once you kill me?
BATO: Oh, don't worry, you won't be killed like your kind was.
Azula's brow shoots up.
AZULA: I'm bait...
BATO: Yes. See, if you die, our friend Aang will just leave further north, grieving, but still. The Water Tribes would have to begin their hunt for the Avatar all over again. So, I'll keep you alive – but just barely.
Bato turns to leave, still smirking. Azula tenses up her muscles, creating a fireball from her mouth which doesn't quite reach Bato, yet still startles him.
BATO: Blow all the wind you want! Your situation is futile. There is no escaping this fortress – and Aang will be captured alongside your other friends as soon as he knocks.
She glares at him, a part of her hoping that that alone would defeat her enemy.
BATO: There is no escape, firebender.
He leaves, smashing the giant steel door behind him.
Kenora hides in between the bush work of the forest that surrounds the Pohuai fortress. She looks at the immense structure, her own being insignificantly smaller in comparison to the walls towering over her, not to mention the dozens of guards walking on top of them. She sighs, turning around and sitting down.
KENORA: This is crazy.
She gets up intending to leave. She can catch the Avatar and his friend some other way, get her mother's necklace some other time.
A rattling bush next to her makes her freeze on the spot. In the dark and only equipped with water, she readies herself for-
KENORA: A lemur?
Sabachi chirps at her, as the thing crawls out of the flora. Kenora retracts her water, approaching it with the intention of petting it.
KENORA: How did you get out here-
Sabachi hisses at her like a cat, making Kenora flinch back a step.
KENORA: Sedni! What's wrong with you?!
Sabachi calms down, licking her hand and stroking her own ears. The motion vaguely resembles Azula, allowing Kenora to make the connection.
KENORA: Right. You're the Avatar's lemur.
Sabachi chirps, almost as if affirming her statement. Kenora wonders why the thing appears to be so docile to her now.
KENORA: Alright. Bye.
She turns around, only to be stopped by the increased chirping of the little creature.
KENORA: What?
Sabachi chirps some more, Kenora sighs.
KENORA: Why am I talking to you?!
Sabachi runs away a few steps, awaking Kenora's curiosity.
KENORA: Wait!
It stops just outside the bush work, aiming its head towards the stronghold, looking back at Kenora as if waiting for her to come. Kenora shakes her head, yet the creature holds firm.
KENORA (mumbles to herself): Is it waiting for me to talk...
Suppose it was, as Sabachi runs ahead. Kenora checks her surroundings, realizing she is alone for now and chasing after the thing, as it stops at the stronghold's wall.
KENORA: Alright, what now?
Sabachi scratches the walls, telling the waterbender to climb it.
KENORA: I can't do that.
Sabachi chirps.
KENORA: Well for one it's way too smooth to climb-
She catches herself mid-sentence.
KENORA: You don't... actually understand me, do you?
The lemur tilts her head to the side.
KENORA: Great.
Kenora looks up the stronghold's wall one more time.
KENORA: There's no way I'll get in there undetected. Unless I find some other way in. And even if I do...
She thinks about her necklace and what it means to her. Kenora also starts feeling guilty for attacking Azula like that in the middle of the day.
KENORA: If they keep her in there, she won't get out herself. The Avatar will walk straight into a trap, which means I won't-
Remembering the Avatar's pet next to her, she very quickly stops her train of thought.
KENORA: Never mind...
The sound of an ostrich horse caravan on the main road catches her attention. The waterbender hides behind a wall's edge and eyes the wooden vehicle with a thoughtful pout.
KENORA: Maybe I can-
Sabachi chirps behind her, once again wanting the girl to follow it.
KENORA: But the caravan-
Sabachi chirps louder, Kenora shushing her.
KENORA (whispering): Okay!
The girl follows the pet, along the many parts of the wall, eventually finding a metal grade, water flowing out of it slowly. Kenora is able to smell this entry point a lot earlier than seeing it.
KENORA: Ugh...
The sewage pipe is just big enough for Kenora to fit in, he metal grates just wide enough to slip in between. These are not good news for Kenora.
KENORA: This is crazy.
Sabachi chirps, flying into the sewage pipe first. Kenora sighs, trying her best to bend the dirty water away from her body.
Ae' Kiki sits quietly in his chair, irritated by the presence of Bato, who seems to admire animal furs hanging down the wall.
AE' KIKI: Has she said anything yet?
Bato grunts.
AE' KIKI: I guess that means no.
BATO: She's different. Snappy little bastard always talks back.
The newly promoted commander seems rather unimpressed.
AE' KIKI: She's fourteen.
Bato looks away in embarrassment.
AE' KIKI: You know captain, there's not many warriors with scars like that. Maybe a slave owner in Musho Ichi, but not one of our warriors.
Bato falls silent. Ae' Kiki gets up from his desk.
AE' KIKI: You've never told me the story of how you got it. I would love to hear it.
Bato's silence protests the inquiry.
AE' KIKI: No? Then perhaps I will talk to the girl.
He walks straight past Bato.
BATO: What makes you think you can get through to her?
Ae' Kiki stops for a second.
AE' KIKI: Persistence.
He leaves the door open, signaling Bato that he should leave the office too, which he does shortly after.
Once again, he can't shake off the feeling of being watched, the same eerie sensation he felt last night.
The raven-haired boy drinks the last droplet of water, grunting right afterwards.
ZUKO (weak): Where is Sabachi?
He suddenly sits right up.
ZUKO (weak): And Azula!
Ty Lee shudders at the realization.
TY LEE (weak): Wait, where did she go?
ZUKO (weak): She went to get medicine. We need to do something-
AANG (weak): Azula...
They look up at the saddle, hearing the sore voice.
TY LEE (weak): Do you think he has a vision about her-
AANG (weak, cold): Azula.
The two exchange a worried expression.
ZUKO (weak): Aang? Are you up?
No response.
TY LEE (weak): I don't think he can hear us.
AANG (weak): Zuko?
They look back up at the saddle.
ZUKO (weak): Aang? How are you feeling?
AANG (weak): Azula is here, Zuko.
They look around the camp. Nothing.
TY LEE (weak): Aang, are you sure-
AANG (weak): She's here Zuko. And I won't let her get away this time.
The two can see Aang's silhouette rising, creating a gigantic fire blast, illuminating the camp side with sn ominous orange glow. Appa gets scared by the attack, quickly jolting to the side, throwing Aang off the saddle. The beast finally calms down. The boy has fallen back to sleep, being eyed by three pairs of scared friends.
Kenora carefully moves through the many subsections of the sewage system, occasionally stopping, or slowing down whenever spotting light above or hearing footsteps. The waterbender tries moving swift and quietly at the same time, a feat which only Sabachi manages, making Kenora wonder how intelligent the creature truly is. She halts in the middle of a gated surface, quickly pressing her body to the side when the flare of a watchtower light is ignited. Trying to hold her breath, she hears boots trampling above. She closes her eyes, thinking this is where it ends, already planning her escape down the sewage, perhaps being able to lose them in the forest.
A second set of boots approaches.
SOLDIER (above): Something just got reported at the training ground. We're supposed to check it out.
His comrade quietly agrees, and the two men appear to be running away. After the floodlight sways the other way, Sabachi flies out of the grate and above the surface.
KENORA (quietly): What are you-
She grunts to herself, building up enough water to reach the surface as well. As Kenora looks for the lemur she can see it poke its head out of a window above. It chirps at her, Kenora looking around. Some guards are present on the ground level, yet far fewer than she had anticipated. Another duo of soldiers leaves for a different part of the stronghold. What worries the waterbender more are the terrifyingly perceptive watchtowers and their unavoidable floodlights. She decides to go for it - the contents of her water pouch are turned into a rope-like extension, a very complicated technique that requires a lot of focus on Kenora's part. She pulls herself halfway up - then suddenly a floodlight encroaches. She lets herself down quickly, hiding on the ground and waiting for the spotlight to disappear. Kenora wonders why so many lights are active, worry starts building up. Perhaps someone spotted her earlier?
No time to ponder - as soon as the light is gone, she performs the technique again, this time much faster although somewhat sloppily. Having finally reached the windowsill, she almost slips on the wood, yet quickly pulls herself inside.
She finds herself in some sort of weapons chamber. Sabachi screeches - alerting her to the shelf stacked with uniforms.
The door opens again and Azula doesn't even bother to look up.
AZULA: Back form more, Bati? Aren't you tired-
She finds a strange, limber man with a beard and a quiet expression, almost like another cat eyeing her. She keeps quiet for a moment, not taking note of the two large water pouches hanging from his belt.
AZULA: Who are you? You're not Bato.
Ae' Kiki doesn't answer, doesn't even show a physical response, further unnerving the raven-haired girl.
AZULA: Hello! I'm talking to you!
AE' KIKI: I can hear you.
His voice is a lot smoother than she expected.
AZULA: Ah, so you're not deaf.
He removes the caps from his pouches with almost surgical precision.
AZULA: Alright, what do you want to know? Maybe we can... find common ground?
He stops for a second.
AE' KIKI: You would root out your friends? The Avatar? Your brother?
AZULA: Well, I-
Her facade shatters, replacing it with genuine horror.
AZULA: What did you just say?
He takes a few seconds to respond, preparing the water from his pouches and letting it flow in front of him, more importantly, in front of her.
AZULA: How do you know he's my brother? ANSWER ME!
AE' KIKI: Why should I? You're the one in chains.
He moves in closer and closer, the water bubble reflected in Azula's nervous pupils. She starts quivering.
AZULA: I don't know where he is. He travels separately a lot. He sends me out to run an errand and then picks me up later. I didn't show up on the rendezvous spot, so he probably left already.
The commander once again completely ignores the words coming out of her mouth. He starts running the water across her neck and chin. She cowers in fear, trying to lean back with no effect.
AZULA: What do you WANT from me?
He pulls back one last time.
AE' KIKI: Nothing. You're here on Bato's orders. I however...
Her breath speeds up as the water closes in on her again.
AE' KIKI: I am I here to break your spirit.
AZULA: Please... please...
Ae' Kiki's expression throughout the whole exchange stays the same - a monotone, intrusive stare. He only starts smiling once the water engulfs her head.
Having picked out a uniform in her (approximate) size, Kenora walks inside the fortress, spotting a small number of soldiers dealing with cargo, but loafing around mostly. She stuffs the lemur down her shirt, then tries to quietly sneak past the men, walking from the railing to a metal corridor.
SOLDIER: Hey! You!
She flinches but keeps it together.
KENORA (Poko voice): Yeah?
SOLDIER: You can take the helmet off after your shift is over. Or are you telling me you're guarding the wine cellar?
Him and the other guards laugh. Kenora sighs at the fact that she put on a helmet.
KENORA (Poko voice): I'm supposed to go check on the prisoner.
SOLDIERS: Oh...
Kenora finds the male response quite abhorrent.
SOLDIER: Alright, well, suit yourself. Just be sure to knock, because the commander is already interrogating her.
Kenora's brow shoots up. She decides to be snoopy, even daring to look over the railing and towards the soldiers.
KENORA (Poko voice): Commander?
SOLDIER: Haven't you heard the news? Puwati's right-hand man was promoted yesterday.
Kenora tries to keep herself together.
KENORA (under her breath): Ae' Kiki...
SOLDIER: Do you know the way?
KENORA: Huh?
She flinches.
KENORA (Poko voice): Sorry, I didn't hear you.
SOLDIER: I said, do you know the way? To the cell?
Kenora decides to improvise.
KENORA (Poko voice, pointing into a hallway): Down the hall and to the left.
SOLDIER: To the right.
Kenora nods, going ahead, being interrupted one last time.
SOLDIER: It's a big place. This fortress.
KENORA (Poko voice): Yup.
She does not look back.
The metal door closes, showcasing the slim waterbender with a mustache exiting the cell. Kenora peeks quietly around the corner, hiding long enough until she can hear his footsteps decreasing in volume. She waits a lot longer than she probably needs to, but after coming this far she would not let impatience get the better of her. It is eventually Sabachi that escapes her soldier's uniform, running towards the door with little, tiny tapping.
KENORA (whispering): Wait!
She sneaks after the animal, which waits patiently in front of the steel door. Kenora sees the key chain hanging right next to it. She wonders why there's no-
BETAWI: Hey!
Kenora stops just in time to be not seen by the masked warrior. Sabachi hisses at the man, who only cackles at it.
BETAWI: Aren't you a weird cat.
The man catches a sucker punch to the knee, then a three-set-combo of water kicks from Kenora, finally knocking him out. Sabachi still seems in uproar.
KENORA: Don't worry. I think I got him.
A second Betawi grabs her from behind, scaring her half to death. He draws his golok, which is frozen just in time be blocked by Kenora, then tossed aside, until freeing herself from his grip. She lands a powerful blow to his shoulder, with the second one missing. The Betawi counters by hitting two crucial spots on her arm. Kenora's counter-counter drops to the floor with a splash. Her bending is temporarily blocked.
KENORA: Huh?!
The Betawi attempts to grab her again, yet, in an unforeseen twist, Sabachi jumps the warrior, scratching off his mask and flailing around him leaving several bite marks on the attackers face. After getting rid of the animal, Kenora lands two punches and a kick to the face, knocking the man out in a pretty brutal fashion. Kenora grunts in pain from her fist bruises.
KENORA: My waterbending!
She panics temporarily, then decides to return to form - she pulls the two unconscious warriors off to the side, then grabs the key chain on the side of the wall. Sabachi finally trusts Kenora enough to land on her shoulder, earning itself a little pat.
KENORA: Thank you.
She takes a deep breath. She does not know what to expect, or if her bending powers would return in time to defend herself. Yet there's no reason to stop now. She opens the metal door, shutting it behind her.
Immediately, Sabachi flies over to Azula, licking her face, which creates a splashy sound on the floor. Kenora inspects it, finding a puddle of water. She realizes the water is continuously dripping from Azula.
Then Kenora sees her face.
Whatever confidence, anger, sass, power - whatever emotion she has seen in the girl before, it appears to be washed away. What remains is a pale-faced, shivering little girl, staring down Kenora with teary eyes. Kenora drops the key chain in disbelief.
Bato knocks on the office door repeatedly. After not getting a response for a while he decides to simply open it, finding himself once again in Ae' Kiki's plain office.
BATO: Commander, there's something going on, we need to-
The chair is empty. Bato grunts, intending to leave, when instead he decides to investigate the paperwork on his desk. He reads through Hakoda's letter, scoffing at the realization that someone like Ae' Kiki could rise in rank so quickly. Then again, Kiki's father, while being a deserter, was one of the most infamous generals in the Water Tribes.
He picks up another letter, getting intrigued by a wooden clacking. He checks the desk, then the floor. It appears a round plate of wood, a Pai Sho piece, dropped to the ground. He picks it up and wonders what it means.
AE' KIKI: Captain. There you are.
BATO: I didn't know you're a Pai Sho player-
AE' KIKI: Where did you get that?!
He tries to swipe it away from Bato, who this time is too fast for him.
BATO: Or does it mean something else?
AE' KIKI: Bato, we don't have time for this. Someone broke into the fortress.
The urgency in his voice alerts the scarred man greatly.
BATO: What do you mean?
Sabachi's chirping becomes louder and higher in pitch, as if the lemur was concerned about the raven-haired girl. Azula finally detects the presence of a waterbender.
AZULA (tired): What do you want?
Kenora is somewhat shocked at her cold response, taking a good while to respond herself.
KENORA: I... I came to...
She sighs, allowing her voice to relax and take on a softer note.
KENORA: I picked up the fire lilies for you.
She shows her the contents of her bag, confirming the statement. Still, Azula seems unimpressed.
AZULA: No, you didn't. You came here for your stupid necklace.
She looks into a corner on the side, where the necklace has been washed away. Kenora picks it up, putting it around her neck, despite the cold water giving her skin a burning sensation.
AZULA: Are you done now?
Kenora turns around towards the beaten and defeated firebender. Her enemy.
KENORA: What did they do to you?
Azula scoffs.
AZULA: You'd have to know. Water is creativ-
Her words get stuck in her throat, interrupted by a sore cough. Sabachi whimpers on her shoulder. Kenora can feel the rage building up inside her.
AZULA: He put water around my head.
Kenora pouts angrily.
AZULA: Over and over again. Just not long enough to let me suffocate. And he didn't even ask where Aang was. He just... left.
Kenora tramples towards the key chain, swiping it up in an aggressive motion, walking towards Azula and beginning to unlock her handcuffs.
KENORA (while unlocking): Why didn't you try to burn the cuffs?
AZULA: I would've just burned myself. After all, fire is HOT!
The moment all four of her appendages are free, Azula blasts a fire ball in Kenora's direction, the girl dodging it by falling down.
Appa growls in frustration at the twitching boy. After placing a blanket over him, Aang seems to have calmed down, if only a bit, still coughing vigorously.
TY LEE (weak): You couldn't just go down the creek and fill up our water bag, could you?
The bison grunts, almost as if protesting. Ty Lee sighs.
ZUKO (weak): So that's what Mai wanted.
Ty Lee flinches at the name, trying to hide her jealously.
TY LEE (weak): What?
ZUKO (weak): Before the pirates attacked, Mai was freaking out. She said Aang... knew her or something. She didn't trust him at all.
Ty Lee switches to a very serious mode of conduct.
TY LEE (weak): I don't know if Aang really trusts us.
Zuko sighs, pondering, coughing, then coming up with a plan.
ZUKO (weak): We can't tell Azula this time. She... likes him too much to listen. He gives her this sense of comfort that... well, I've seen her like this.
Ty Lee sighs while shivering.
TY LEE (weak): It feels wrong...
ZUKO (weak): I know. But you heard Aang.
They look at the sleeping kid again.
ZUKO (weak): We need to keep her save-
More coughing interrupts him, forcing him to lie down again, the same happening to Ty Lee.
TY LEE (weak): Come on Azula, what's taking you this long?
While her lungs are burning and her mind is racing all over the place, Azula somehow manages to keep her bending stance.
KENORA: Please... I'm here to help...
AZULA: We both know that's a lie. All you care about is catching Aang and getting your jewelry.
KENORA: Bu-
AZULA: Now hand over my headpiece before I Bato your face!
Kenora raises her brow at the term but cooperates, nonetheless. Azula carefully puts her headpiece on, forming a perfect hair shape despite said hair being wet. She sighs in relief.
AZULA: Finally.
She focuses back towards Kenora on the ground.
AZULA: If you really wanted to help me, wanted to help us, you would've returned this as soon as possible. Also, you know, the whole "hunting my friend Aang"-thing? Kind of makes me think you're a bad person.
These words truly affect her.
KENORA: I... I only do what I think is right.
AZULA: Like attacking me? In the middle of the day? Did that feel right?
Azula coughs again, showing that she is not at her full strength. Kenora feels profound regret.
KENORA: No. No, it didn't. And I'm sorry.
AZULA: I'm a little... beyond sorry, after getting tortured twice now by your people.
She displays her finger scars, which Kenora realizes are permanent.
KENORA: I'm not going to hurt you, firebender.
Azula scoffs.
AZULA: You already did. And my name is Azula.
Bato runs towards Ae' Kiki in distress.
BATO: Commander, I don't understand-
He stops, shocked and horrified. Below him, as he looks down over the railing, he sees lifeless soldiers.
BATO: Are they...
AE' KIKI: They're dead. There's another unit down at the entrance like this.
Bato stares at Ae' Kiki in shock.
AE' KIKI: We need to sound the alarm.
Bato roars at a nearby soldier.
BATO: Didn't you hear him?! Sound the alarm!
The soldier relays the order.
AE' KIKI: Someone very dangerous is in this fortress.
Screams and footsteps awake Kenora's worst nightmare. Then, alarm bells sound. Azula produces a flame in her hand, forcing Kenora to crawl backwards.
KENORA: No. No-no-no-no-no! Wait! WAIT! PLEASE!
AZULA: Why should I let you go now?! How can I tell you didn't cause the alarm?! That you're not a part of their games?!
KENORA: I AM NOT! I CAN'T EVEN BEND WATER RIGHT NOW!
Azula scoffs. Then she bursts into maniacal laughter.
AZULA: Oh, you shouldn't have told me that, that makes me want to burn you even more.
Kenora pouts in defiance.
KENORA: Then you're no better than them.
Azula shrugs, then prepares an attack.
KENORA: PLEASE, NO!
It's Sabachi that steps in between the two, chirping at her owner.
AZULA: I don't care if she helped you!
KENORA: Yes. YES! I helped the lemur! Go tell her!
Sabachi tilts its head to the side, not having understood any of that.
AZULA: It's a lemur, dum-dum. It can't understand you.
Sabachi screeches at Azula.
AZULA (to Sabachi): Yeah, I know.
The sound of blades and boots alerts both of them. Azula forces Kenora to get up, pushing herself and her now-prisoner in the corner, a blind spot for anyone entering.
AZULA (whispering): Fine. You can help me. But only because I allow you to.
Kenora nods.
KENORA (whispering): I can help you fight. But without my bending I'm only half as good.
Azula scoffs loudly.
AZULA (whispering): Please. Don't flatter yourself.
The footsteps are replaced by roaring screams, the blade clanks turning into swipes and hits. The girls exchange confused looks.
KENORA (whispering): Are they fighting each other?
A gurgling death scream freezes them both in terror. Sabachi lowers her ears in fear. The door opens, allowing the girls to hear more fighting noises. A Betawi steps inside the chamber, his golok ready to fight. Kenora sees a flash of metal entering her view and immediately turns her face away. The noise alone makes her want to vomit on the spot.
Azula is speechless. She has never seen this much blood. Or someone dying. The Blue Spirit pulls its blade out of the warrior and enters.
Act III. - The spirit
As the Blue Spirit enters the prison cell, Kenora finds herself covering her mouth, as not to try to draw any attention. Azula is shivering immensely, not lowering her arm at the sight of the intruder. The Blue Spirit stares at the chains for a second, standing still on the spot and creeping out the girls even more - it suddenly turns towards them. Azula immediately shoots a powerful blast in its direction. Kenora grabs her hand and drags her towards the door. The girls run outside, with Azula shutting the door with a loud clonk.
AZULA What was that?!
Kenora shakes her head.
KENORA: I don't know...
AZULA: Is it here for me?!
SOLDIER: Hey!
They look towards the corridor Kenora didn't come from, spotting a small battalion of soldiers charging towards them.
AZULA: Come ON!
KENORA: Can you run?
BANG! The Blue Spirit somehow opened the door and is met by the small battalion while Azula and Kenora run down the other hallway, Sabachi flying ahead, turning right and escaping without them. Neither of the girls look behind them, though they are startled by the screams of the men.
KENORA We're almost there!
Yet Azula can hear the silent footsteps coming closer. She lets go of Kenora's hand, blocking an incoming katana stab with her wrist protectors, swiping away the weapon and countering with fire balls. The figure jumps away to safety, bouncing off the wall and cutting Azula's shoulder. The girl screams in pain as the Blue Spirit lands on the metal railing. Before it can finish her off, Kenora jump-kicks the sword out of its hand, catching a retaliation chop, startling her, after which the figure uses the railing in an acrobatic fashion, landing a powerful kick. The being grabs Kenora's throat, grabbing a knife from her leg pocket, yet failing to stab her, as the blade gets knocked away by a precise fire blast. Azula tries some more shots - the spirit dodges all. Eventually Azula decides to grab the creature's leg with a fire whip. The Blue Spirit mimics pain yet does not utter a sound. Azula's focus is broken from the pain of the cut and the fire whip breaks with it. The Blue Spirit gets its katana back, charging at Azula - until Kenora tackles it from the side, knocking it over the railing.
AZULA (in pain): Oh wow, I'd keep you around too if I were Sokka.
KENORA: Come on!
She helps Azula up, as her injury seems to be getting to her. They see another battalion of soldiers running towards them from the hallway they were aiming for, leading to improvisation.
KENORA: This way!
She drags her into a narrower hallway to the right. Azula's breath is building up, her lungs still burning from the torture and her right arm burning with it. She can hear more screaming from behind, indicating that the Blue Spirit has gotten back up.
AZULA (in pain): Kenora... Kenora it's back...
KENORA: Azula, we have to climb down!
Azula looks out the small window at the end of the corridor. The outer wall sits only a few feet below it, an easy jump for Azula usually, yet she is not at her full strength yet.
AZULA (in pain): I can't...
KENORA: Listen to me!
She grabs Azula, giving her an odd sense of comfort.
KENORA: You can. Now come on, get down there.
Azula nods. Kenora breaks open the window and Azula hangs on the sill, slowly letting herself down in a sliding motion, landing barely on two feet. The firebender tries to suppress a pained grunt.
AZULA (in pain): I got it!
KENORA: I'm coming, just wait-
A blunt kick and Kenora drops, landing on the wall but rolling over to the side, where Azula tries to grab her arm.
AZULA (pain): Just hold... OW!
The pain is too much. Kenora drops down below into the yard, landing on a bunch of crates. For a moment Azula is frozen, until she notices the figure across from her on the wall. She gets up, reading herself and trying to ignore the pain. She takes on a fighting position while the Blue Spirit just stands there, waiting, its blade covered in blood.
Azula initiates the first attack, blasting fire from her knuckles as her life depends on it. Somehow, no matter the form, strength, speed, precision - the Blue Spirit dodges all. It tries to slash her from the side, Azula blocking with a pained grunt. It tries a stab next, Azula pushing to the side, blasting it straight in the chest - yet she barely misses again. The spirit tries a slash from above. Azula blocks in an x-shape, grunting again, this time more in fear.
Down below Kenora regains her consciousness, somehow. She feels a soft, mushy something under herself. Apparently, she landed on supply crates, including fruit. She wipes away the nosebleed, trying to regain her strength. She attempts to push through the pain and dizzy, trying to connect to her chi, just like all the way back when she taught herself waterbending for the first time.
The onslaught on to Azula continues. The girl can only barely stand her ground. Managing to block all attacks with her wrists and fire, she can still feel her energy fading, her body giving into the pain. A series of quick attacks are blocked by fire daggers Azula just discoverd she can do. She tries one last counter yet is out-countered - the Blue Spirit slides under her, cutting her other arm and one of her legs. As it gets back up on the other side, Azula falls down.
AZULA (in pain): UGH!
The Blue Spirit, for some odd reason, eyes its prey for a few seconds, filling Azula with a sense of profound dread. Perhaps this is the way she'll go.
Or perhaps a water splashing alerts the spirit a few moments too late, as she can merely see Kenora blasting herself up with water that she subsequently uses to knock the mask down into the courtyard. In that moment dozens of battalions arrive, encircling the Blue Spirit and putting up one hell of a fight.
AZULA (in pain): Ugh...
Azula's painful moans draw Kenora in closer. The waterbender grabs Azula, stabilizing her head, feeling her strength fading away.
AZULA (weak): Your bending is back...
Kenora scoffs up with a smile but returns to serious pretty fast.
BATO: Hold right there!
Kenora shuts her eyes in a frustrated grunt. The scarred captain appears from behind them, presumably having climbed down the window as well.
BATO: I think that's enough for one night.
KENORA: Really? Because I think what you did to her is enough for one night!
Bato, wanting to rebuttal or silence her... can't bring himself to. He just stands there, hesitating. As the men down in the yard scream and roar, metal clangs against one blade, Kenora can feel Azula getting weaker in her arms. The waterbender breaths heavily.
KENORA: They need you down there! Please! They are your men!
Bato agrees. Yet he still doesn't move. Kenora looks at Azula once again. She looks back at Kenora, wondering why the girl is doing all of this.
KENORA (in tears): PLEASE!
Bato doesn't move, once again. Kenora takes the opportunity - she collects enough water to safely launch herself and Azula down, splashing into the sewer grate below. Bato stands there for a few more seconds, wondering if he should have opposed this.
Some soldiers come rushing from the other side of the wall.
SOLDIER: Captain? Where'd the prisoner-
BATO: We don't have time for that! There's a vengeful spirit here killing our men down below!
The soldiers nod, following Bato as he rushes past by them.
The world seems to quiet down around Azula. Going through the sewers is of course disgusting, but she didn't find the strength to toss out a snarky comment. It also helped that Kenora, despite being around the same size as her, manages to carry her with relative ease, making her realizes just how young Aang is. Oh well, then again, he is actually 112, or 227... never mind. She feels a cold embrace lingering around her, almost as if she was about to fall asleep but tries to fight it. A part of her is still the same spirit, fighting death even as it stands in front of her with a sharp blade. Another part of her was broken tonight.
The girls are now stranded in the woods, resting for a moment next to a small creek. Kenora is completely out of breath, trying to fight that weakness in her.
AZULA (weak): Why did you do that?
Kenora turns around, Azula lying on the soft grass below, bleeding from her limbs and stomach.
KENORA (out of breath): I... I... I don't know. I wanted my necklace back, but... I saw you in chains and-
AZULA (weak): Realized your plan is to put me in chains as well?
It dawns on Kenora for a moment.
KENORA: No. No, no not like that.
Azula shrugs a tiny bit.
AZULA (weak): If you say so... but thanks for giving me my headpiece back.
She gives it a weak tap with her finger. Kenora remembers the fire lilies in her bag and hastily pulls it off, handing it to Azula.
KENORA (panic): Here, the fire lilies. You bought them at the store. You need them for your friends.
AZULA (weak & sarcastic): Sure.
Azula puts her hand on her stomach and realizes it's now covered in blood.
AZULA (weak): Oh no.
This makes Kenora even more nervous than the firebender. She pulls up a part of Azula's shirt and looks in horror at the giant gash, barely visibly under all the blood.
AZULA: (weak): That's not good.
Kenora has a full-on panic attack, jolting up, pacing up and down, thinking about what to do. She finally has at least a part of a plan, noticing the stream of water next to the dying girl.
KENORA: Water.
She runs over it, bending some of it up, covering Azula's wound, who, in return, screams in pain.
AZULA (weak): OW...
KENORA (panic): We need to wash it, maybe I can stitch it or cover it with...
The water around Kenora's hands starts glowing. Azula can feel the pain slowly fading. The waterbender removes her hand. The wound is gone, though a tiny scar remains. Azula is even able to sit up again.
AZULA (weak): About time.
Kenora doesn't hesitate, allowing Azula to rest on her legs while she heals the rest of her cuts.
AZULA (weak): Should've used that earlier...
After the task is done, she takes Azula in her arms again. The firebender has closed her eyes, having passed out from the exhaustion. Kenora feels relief, but stops herself from giving Azula a hug, only letting her feelings spill out through tears of joy. Kenora also can't help but to think that the raven-haired girl looks beautiful in the moonlight.
Bato and a small troop of waterbenders create an ice slope, sliding down into the courtyard with a burning fighting spirit. Bato is mostly suppressing his conflicting feelings about letting the girls go, instead trying to focus on stopping this dangerous intruder. Yet, by the time they arrive...
BATO: What is going on here?
He finds a small army quietly standing in the courtyard, almost like a collection of students on a field trip without a teacher.
BATO: Where is he?!
SOLDIER: He's gone, captain.
The disgruntled soldier has half his face covered in blood. The amount of dead or wounded is not great enough to really call this a failure, yet for one person, or... thing, it did cause a lot of damage.
BATO: What do you mean "gone"?!
SOLDIER: He took many of ours. He found an empty slot in our formation and decided to go for it. He went to the eastern wall, captain.
Bato can't believe the words he's hearing.
SOLDIER: We're searching the whole fortress, but there's not sign of-
BATO: Why didn't somebody stop him? Where's the commander?
The soldiers exchange guilty looks.
VYKE: He's here.
The impressively huge General Vyke holds his sword low and carries a saddened expression. Bato almost gasps at the sight of it.
VYKE: I've never seen anything like this. The spirits must've sent it as punishment.
Bato walks over, barely able to look at the lifeless body of Ae' Kiki. Bato agrees with a nod.
BATO: If the spirits are this enraged, we need to contact the Great Chief.
VYKE: And the Vice-Chief.
Bato remembers the Pai sho Piece in his pocket.
VYKE: He'll want to know first.
Early morning sunbeams rudely awaken the raven-haired girl, who found her slumber more than refreshing. The scars on her limbs and stomach still sting a bit, yet Kenora's healing did save her life. She remembers all of this rather abruptly, as if last night was just a strange dream. She looks in befuddlement at the waterbender sitting by the creek.
AZULA: What are you still doing here?
Kenora turns around almost instantly, reacting like a child caught doing something it shouldn't.
KENORA: Morning. Are you feeling better?
Azula nods confused.
AZULA: Yeah.
She gets up, the waterbender rushing instantly to her side.
KENORA: Do you need help walking?
Azula puts the brown shoulder bag on her non-injured side and tests her equilibrium.
AZULA: I don't think so.
She still grunts a bit, alerting Kenora, who seems to stick to her this morning for some reason.
KENORA: Azula, I- I really want to say sorry for everything. I want to make it up to you.
Azula doesn't fully trust her, yet the sincerity in her voice does move her a bit.
AZULA: Alright. You can help me make tea.
She taps her bag.
AZULA: My friends got sick from a volcano eruption. Those fire lilies are meant to treat them.
Kenora nods and the two begin to walk, the waterbender still keeping her distance.
KENORA: I was there too. I saw you flying away.
AZULA: I know. I saw you too.
A moment of awkward silence as an early morning breeze brushes across them.
AZULA: What were you doing there?
KENORA: Oh, we... came across this village and as the volcano erupted. We decided to help.
Azula nods. Somehow Kenora gets the feeling that the firebender doesn't buy the story. She tries being more friendly.
KENORA: You know, if there's any other injuries, perhaps I can heal them now. I'm still figuring it out of course, but maybe I can help with Aang.
Azula stops. Kenora stops. The waterbender wonders why.
KENORA: What's going on? Did something happen?
A blast of fire almost turns her face into a crisp, forcing her to fall down on her back. A second blast of fire creates a wall of flames, clearly separating her from Azula. She could extinguish it, walk around it even, and yet Kenora doesn't do either. She simply stares with regret as the firebender runs into the distance, away from her.
Sokka smiles with joy at the calming melody of the tsungi horn, telling him that at least one of the crew members is feeling better. It appears they all have recovered, or are on their way to do it, all thanks to a little trick Sokka remembered from his gran-gran - rice and tea. According to her it cleanses the body, something Sokka thought was nonsense, nonetheless it did treat his food allergy a few months ago, and it appears it is doing the same to the pirates, who all listen to the soothing music on deck.
Heavy boots trample on board, announcing to Sokka that Kenora has returned. And indeed, she has.
SOKKA: Hey, good news - I found the map! You won't believe where it was.
Kenora tries hiding her face, walking past by Sokka, aiming for her chambers. Sokka of course chases after her.
SOKKA: I made some rice for the crew. Do you want some-
KENORA: STAY AWAY FROM ME!
Her sudden burst of anger leaves him stunted, as she opens and subsequently slams the door behind her. Some of the pirates share a look of compassion with the prince, who stares after his beloved, wondering what happened.
The realm of shadows has been mostly conquered by the morning sun, illuminating their mountain hiding spot, as Azula finally arrives. Sabachi greets her, supposedly the lemur has enacted an escape plan of her own, something Azula has trained it to do, in case any trouble arrives. Out of breath, she prepares a little tea pot, which Zuko of course has with him, pouring the fire lilies in and straining the water. Azula didn't really understand what Kenora meant. The fact this this enemy of theirs, this enemy of hers, now suddenly wanted to help out just seemed... fishy. She owes Kenora her life, but as soon as she mentioned Aang, it seemed obvious to her that it was all just a big ploy to get to the Avatar. She wakes up Zuko first.
ZUKO (weak): Azula...?
She quietly administers the medicine down his throat, allowing him to go back to sleep. Next up is Ty Lee, right next to the boy.
TY LEE (weak): What happened? You look awful...
Azula does not respond, quietly allowing her to drink the tea as well, after which the acrobat goes back to sleep too. Her last patient is Aang, who cowers a bit removed from Appa and everyone else, half his body hiding under a blanket. She gently shoves her hand under his head, lifting it up in-
AANG (weak): You...
Azula almost spills the medicine.
AZULA: Aang, you need to-
AANG (weak): You're a murderer... you're a monster...
His eyes stare directly at her, yet also pierce right through her skull, as if trying to see something behind her. Sabachi lowers her ears in fear. Azula puts the wooden teacup closer to his face.
AZULA: Aang, you have to drink it.
AANG (weak): No... NO... poison...
She almost has to shove it down his throat, holding his nose, which automatically forces him to swallow. After he does so, he seems to settle down, falling back into his slumber again. Azula drops the cup in shock, falling down on her butt, staring at Aang with a million questions and no answers.
Kenora finally gets up from a chair, kicking it over right after. She walks over to her desk, seeing the map lost yesterday placed on it. Good. At least he managed that. She sits down, dipping her brush into a tray of ink, marking the Pohaui Fortress on the map, as she did with every other spot she encountered the Avatar on. As she intends to draw more, her necklace falls out of her shirt, dropping on to the map with a quiet clonk. Kenora admires it, remembering her mother as a child.
On their beach house on Whale Tail Island, a very young Kenora enjoys playing in the sand, digging her hands in it and letting the waves crash into her.
LAIYA: There you are, my little princess.
Kenora smiles at the sight of her mother, a woman with a bright smile and very similar features, although her curled hair is long and wild.
LAIYA: I love your new necklace, honey.
The young child looks at the same necklace Kenora has had since her first appearance.
LAIYA: Now we have matching ones.
Her mother points at her own necklace, which does look very similar to that of her daughter.
The next memory feels much different. In a dark room indoors, a younger Puwati, with more hair and less gut, paces up and down nervously. A six-year-old Kenora sits on a pillow and cries.
KENORA (crying): Dad? Where is she?
Puwati stutters.
PUWATI: I'm... I'm going to find her, Kenora. I'm a captain now. I... I have a ship and resources. I promise you I will find her.
The next memory is of the two in the same room, both older. It's raining outside. Kenora is standing this time.
KENORA: I don't know how it is smarter for me to stay on this stupid island when I could be out there looking for her!
Puwati scoffs.
PUWATI: You can't, and you know that!
Kenora crosses her arms.
KENORA: Why?
PUWATI: Because you were born a woman, Kenora - get that in your head! You're heiress to this island! Some girls might be happy about being a princess!
KENORA: I don't care! You're the damn Vice-Chief, just give me one of your ships!
Puwati laughs out loud, upsetting his daughter even more.
PUWATI: No one will make a girl a captain.
KENORA: You could!
Puwati sighs in defeat.
PUWATI: No, I can't. Not with all the responsibilities I have.
Kenora sees Ae' Kiki in the corner of the room, eyeing a model ship on one of the expensive-looking wardrobes. Kenora glares her father in the face.
KENORA: Then I will earn it.
Puwati scoffs but feels like the statement has a lot more weight to it than he wishes.
KENORA: I will make my own money, buy my own ship, and go look for her.
Puwati grunts, leaving the room.
The last flashback is of Kenora late at night, her hair cut short, her clothes baggy and masculine-looking. She pays off a dubious figure with an expensive looking item that was also on the wardrobe. She steps on board the small fishing raft, headed towards the Boiling Rock dockyards.
Kenora sees her own face reflected in the nazar eye, staring back at her, although it's slightly distorted. She decides to take the necklace off, storing it in the lowest drawer of the wooden desk. She focuses back on the map, trying to figure out where the Avatar is going next.
Twilight colors shine across the valley, as Zuko and Ty Lee finally wake up. Sabachi jumps the boy, allowing him to stroke the lemur.
ZUKO: I feel much better-
He feels the sudden urge to spit out the volcanic toxins in one last disgusting cough, so does Ty Lee.
TY LEE: Ew...
They hear a third cough, as Aang imitates their healing process. After finally ridding himself of the disease, he rubs his eyes.
AANG: What happened?
Zuko and Ty Lee exchange concerned looks.
ZUKO: Do you... not remember anything?
Aang shakes his head. He remembers hellish nightmares, Appa missing, escapes from the Fire Lord, meeting Mai and Ty Lee, getting rescued and saved by Katara.
AANG: How long was I out?
TY LEE: Two days?
Aang is shocked at the realization.
AANG: Where is Azula?
AZULA: Aang!
The raven-haired girl storms at him, engulfing him in a warm hug, one that Aang feels is tighter and more emotionally charged than anything before. He returns the hug, feeling warmth in his stomach.
Zuko and Ty Lee exchange looks once again, guilty for not talking about Aang's strange bursts. Azula simply feels comfort from the person she trusts the most in the world.