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

Proofread by CowTrain

Book 1: Fire

Episode 14

Illusions of Water

Act I. – The Mystic Gardens

Azula wakes up with a bad headache. Not the first that happens, although she does feel like it's significantly worse today than on previous occasions. A haunting snarl of an unidentified creature still echoes through her mind. She rudely shoves her hand into Zuko's back.

AZULA: Wake up, Zuko.

He hardly reacts. Ty Lee is also still in dreamland, not requiring a blanket or sleeping bag. The raven-haired girl can't decide if the skill is admirable or should be viewed with envy. She comes to a conclusion - a shrug, mixed with rolling her eyes. She decides to stumble to a nearby water stream, a bit removed from camp and more hidden inside the forest valley. While washing her face, she takes note of a strange rustle in the woodwork, her yellow eyes sharply scanning the nearby area. She shakes off the strange feeling with a head shake and subsequently returns to camp, smiling at the sight of an awake Avatar. Half-awake at least.

AZULA: Good morning.

Aang largely ignores her while stretching his arms. Azula assumes she has his attention.

AZULA: Right. So, anyways, I did some route planning last night and we should reach the coast in a few-

He interrupts her by yawning very loudly. She expresses her grievance in a cartoonishly angry face.

TY LEE: Morning.

The acrobat's greeting seems rather plump and missing the usual chipper energy. In general, Ty Lee seems to have lost her spirit a bit ever since their departure from Yu Dao. Azula decides to vent her frustrations with Aang towards Ty Lee.

AZULA: Why the long face?

Ty Lee seems unusually upset by the question.

TY LEE: What? Me?

AZULA: Yeah, you. I'm used to seeing you launch ten feet into the air every morning. That spy lass really took the wind from under your wings, huh?

Again, in a cartoonish fashion, Ty Lee reacts upset, blowing a gust of air into Azula's face and ruining her hair. Before the two girls can get at each other's throats, Zuko accidentally intervenes by... waking up.

ZUKO (standing half-asleep between the bickering girls): Morning...

Aang, finally taking note of the struggle, uses the sudden détente.

AANG: Alright you guys. It's been a while since we've been out of the woods, everyone's a little tense...

AZULA: "Everyone?!"

While the argument erupts once again, Zuko takes a peek at the map, his morning routine for the entire journey so far. He folds his eyebrows at the sight.

ZUKO: Uh... are we off-course?

The verbal disagreement dissolves, although Azula is clearly interested in perpetuating it.

AANG: What?

Zuko puts the map on the ground.

ZUKO: The route from Yu Dao to the Northern Outpost Fong recommended goes like this.

His finger runs up in a mostly straight line from Yu Dao to a spot on the map marked with characters.

AZULA: Okay. And?

ZUKO: Well...

He looks over to the stream of water where Azula washed her face a minute ago.

AZULA: What?

ZUKO: According to my maps, that stream shouldn't be there.

Azula laughs nervously while the others seem concerned with the information.

AZULA: So what? It's a stream of water! Look around you - we're in a forest, dum-dum!

Aang crosses his arms reluctantly.

AANG: So, if we follow that stream of water we won't find this huge river marked on the map?

He points at the huge river marked on the map. Azula crosses her arms in response.

AZULA: Yeah.

It's approximately a fifteen-minute walk to the huge river beachhead. The quartet stands comically in a row, one head after the other turning towards Azula like dominoes.

AZULA: I mean... I have seen bigger.

Aang sighs very loudly, which is most upsetting to her.

ZUKO (looking at the map): Well, it's not a huge deal. Only a few more days until we reach the base. I think.

TY LEE: Aren't you in charge of the map, Zuko?

ZUKO: Not after we left Yu Dao.

Everyone's set of eyeballs locks back on to Azula. She sighs.

AZULA: Okay. I may have miscalculated a bit with Appa there, I will admit...

Sabachi lands on the firebender's shoulder and chatters at her.

AZULA (angry): Ah! You did not!

There's a million and one things Aang would like to get off his chest regarding Azula's faux pas, yet instead he chooses to be the adult. Despite being the youngest-looking and having the squeakiest voice.

AANG: Alright you guys, let's not fight over this. We'll just arrive a few days late and forget about it.

Azula aggressively points her palm at Aang.

AZULA: Right? Right?!

While the two are distracted, Ty lee subtly and gently hits Zuko in the shin. Azula barely notices it. What follows is a strange cough from the raven-haired boy.

ZUKO: What about this?

He puts the map down again with everyone, including Appa, gazing over his finger which points at a spot up the river stream. In calligraphy writing it says, "Waters of the Mystic Gardens".

TY LEE: Oh... that sounds pretty nice.

Azula raises her eyebrow at the situation, which to her seems slightly... artificial.

AANG: Really? Another detour? Haven't we had enough of those?

Appa lets out a long growl.

AZULA: He feels conflicted.

ZUKO: I mean... if we're already en route...

TY LEE: They're literally just up the river, Aang. Come on - I heard stories about the Mystic Gardens. They're really beautiful.

TY LEE (not-so-subtly addressing Azula): And super romantic...

Azula jolts up quickly.

AZULA: Really? Sounds wonderful.

Aang frowns at the sudden change of pace from his otherwise fateful ally.

AANG: Is it really a good idea to travel the water route? What if we encounter Sokka?

He immediately makes up his mind after uttering the question.

AANG: I mean, if...

AZULA: Why don't we ask... Zuko?

All eyes glue on to the nervous swordfighter.

ZUKO: Uh... what?

AZULA: Yeah! You got the map - what do you want to do?

Zuko confirms her suspicions, responding after sharing a strange look with Ty Lee.

ZUKO: Yeah. Let's go.

AANG: Great!

Aang pats Azula on the shoulder.

AANG: See? Sometimes mistakes pay off.

She smiles. This time she really can't hide the blush and it is Aang who backs off.

TY LEE: I mean, what are the chances of the Water Tribe catching up to us? The river runs super narrow further north. Who's crazy enough to go in there?

Quite a different set of boots tramples on the ship planks of the pirate cruiser, a bit further north up the river. Its crew performs their usual daily tasks, afraid to speak up or say a wrong word against their acting captain. One crew member accidentally spills water from a bucket, transforming the already tense atmosphere into a powder keg. The pirate in question is on his knees, still shocked at the simple task he failed so miserably at.

Kenora's thick leather boots continue upward in a complex array of belts snaking around her legs and hips, hiding Sedni knows how many secret water pouches. Her shirt, hidden under the dark blue coat, is notably missing the necklace that she used to wear very proudly. Instead, her hair is tied up in a ponytail, with bangs casually hanging from the sides, much like Azula.

KENORA: What are you doing on the floor?

PIRATE: Me? Um- uh, I was going to clean up this mess.

He laughs nervously. Luckily for him, Kenora lets him off the hook. Her cold expression did not change once during their conversation.

She closes the door to her captain's office, only to be surpri-

SOKKA: Hello!

Kenora does not flinch, instead reacting rather irritated.

KENORA: You're supposed to be on the Matariki.

SOKKA: Yes! I know. But... um...

After taking off her coat (showcasing strangely impressive arm muscles for a 14-year-old) she finally notices the map on her desk, more precisely the fact that it's open.

KENORA: What did you do?

She immediately runs over it.

SOKKA: Well-

He clears his throat.

SOKKA: I've looked at some of the reports regarding the Avatar's location and-

KENORA: Sokka, we've crossed the river twice now. I'm not doing a third.

Dismissing his case, she rolls the map back up and stuffs it into a drawer.

SOKKA: That's because we calculated it wrong.

After sitting down and rubbing her face, Kenora freezes up for a second.

KENORA (with clenched teeth): What?

Sokka gulps, yet his bravery triumphs.

SOKKA: Yes. Look.

He came prepared, showing her his own map, marked with a few X-es in different locations.

SOKKA: The Avatar was sighted in Yu Dao a while ago.

KENORA: Yes. That's why we've taken this route so many times without success.

SOKKA: Well...

He points at the Mystic Gardens.

KENORA: Didn't we pass those already?

SOKKA: Sure, but with the time frame calculated... we can expect the Avatar to land there tomorrow. I think the kid went off course a while ago. That's why we haven't been able to spot him yet.

KENORA: You're saying the Avatar is stupid enough to take another detour when he's-

She sighs.

KENORA: Well, wherever the Golden City is, we have to assume he's getting closer.

SOKKA: Yes, but my instinct tells me-

KENORA: Your instinct doesn't command this ship. I command this ship. We'll keep heading north. That's an order.

Sokka swallows his pride and leaves, though as soon as he has left her office, the gears in his head start shifting again.

An ever-increasing thicket of semi tropical trees slowly creeps up left and right around the bison, which hovers carefully above the river. Here, for the first time, does Aang finally get bothered by the silence. Azula shares a quick look and shrug, as both Ty Lee and Zuko seem to be preoccupied. Almost as if... they're trying to seem unsuspecting.

AANG: Is... everything alright?

TY LEE: Huh? Are you talking to me?

AANG: Azula, take the reins for a second.

Azula complies without protest, giving Ty Lee an unsettling look before switching places with Aang, who steps back and sits down at the front of the seat.

AANG: You seem so quiet since we left Yu Dao. Are you guys alright?

Zuko's head jolts up very inconspicuously.

ZUKO: What? Us?

Ty Lee sighs, secretly pinching herself in the leg before responding.

TY LEE: I'm just feeling a little down because of Akari, that's all.

Aang nods. Ty Lee feels a bit of relief.

AANG: Zuko? What about you?

ZUKO: Oh? Me? Oh, it's nothing.

AZULA: It's not.

Zuko is visibly angered by that.

AANG: It's not? What do you mean?

AZULA: I know when Zuko is lying. And I know when he's hiding something.

Zuko laughs.

ZUKO: No.

Aang finally raises his brow ridge while Ty Lee tries jumping in to save the conversation.

TY LEE: I'm sure if Zuko is not feeling well or whatever-

AZULA: Or he's hiding something.

Ty Lee almost loses her composure. She can feel the heat rising in Aang's stomach and his aura slowly transforming into a red shade. Aang wonders if they know. He's about to ask-

ZUKO: I miss Mai!

Awkward comedic silence falls upon the bison. Sabachi purrs at Zuko, Azula giggling to herself in strange, devilish manner. Ty Lee visibly cramps up.

AANG: Uh... okay.

He pauses for a moment, experiencing the feeling he had when he first met the siblings. Something along the lines of "I don't want anything to do with this."

AANG: I guess... that's cleared now.

Ty Lee and Zuko smile in a very insecure fashion. Aang ignores it, choosing to gaze upon the encroaching forest river, letting his mind soar back to ponder about Katara and his other friends. Somehow, despite her back being turned to both Ty Lee and Zuko, Azula is still able to tell that their smiles are fake.

Kenora sits quietly in her chair, contemplating if Sokka may have been right. Her hand latches on to the bottom drawer, yet lets go as the waterbender sighs, although "grunt" is probably more accurate. As she massages her temple, she pictures the Avatar... for a few seconds at least. Then she starts picturing the raven-haired girl again. This raging firebender with an attitude that suits her abilities. And whose crimson and pink outfit looks really good on her. Kenora closes her eyes, allowing her mind to drift for a moment-

A rumbling and a severe sense of vertigo almost drops her off the chair. She grabs her coat and furiously tramples outside, immediately announcing her exit with the thunder of her leather boots.

KENORA: What is going on here?!

All the pirates seem shocked and befuddled.

PIRATE: We turned around the ship. Your orders.

KENORA: My orders?!

Her eyes, laser sharp and filled with rage, immediately locate and lock on to Sokka, who looks like a dog who peed on the rug.

KENORA: You.

Sokka nervously squeezes out every word in a hurry, as the thunderous boots approach him with murderous intent.

SOKKA: Okay listen-listen-listen-listen! Listen! I know! I know you're angry, but we've done this before! I get this stuff right, okay? I know I don't get a lot of things right but I'm good at that!

She stops right in front of him, looking up at a sharply upwards, standing at an imposing 4'7" and making up for her missing inches with an intimidating presence.

KENORA: Fine.

She turns back, allowing it to seem as if Sokka is off the hook.

KENORA: But if this thing blows, you're in trouble.

She addresses the entire crew.

KENORA: THE SAME GOES FOR ALL OF YOU! NOW GET BACK TO WORK!

PIRATES: AYE!

Sokka gulps, then peeks at his engagement necklace once more, wondering if the "right time" would ever come again.

The further up north the gang goes, the deeper they penetrate the jungle. Vines and leaves and strange sounds creep closer towards them, slowly strangulating the river inch by inch.

Aang feels nervous somehow. Azula shares this feeling but for different reasons altogether.

AANG: Zuko? Why are we entering a jungle?

A strange animal noise catches him off guard. Sabachi lowers her ears.

ZUKO (looking at the map): I'm... not reading any stuff about a jungle. Hm. Must be new.

Aang elevates his brow.

AANG: What do you mean "new"?

AZULA: Water Tribe does a lot of this. Toying with nature as if it's their property.

Aang clearly remembers the Musho Ichi snow incident. Still...

AANG: I don't know if it was a good idea to come here.

AZULA: Me neither.

Despite traveling at an intense speed, she feels somehow... watched.

AZULA: Maybe we should turn around.

TY LEE: I need to pee!

The gunshot of an interjection surprises everyone, including Zuko.

AZULA: Didn't you go before we left?

TY LEE: Yeah but, I really got to go again.

Aang shrugs, effectively signaling to Azula that they should listen. Azula sighs.

AZULA: Fine. We'll make a landing as...

She notices Ty Lee is tapping her foot again, deciding to keep quiet for now.

AZULA: ...soon as I can find a spot.

Ty Lee acts so stressed that she almost rips her hair out. She clearly held back all those feelings on the flight and is now letting loose in the dense forest, a good distance away from Appa and Aang.

TY LEE: UGH! I hate doing this! I hate lying! And we're so bad at it!

She looks to her left, expecting a raven-haired swordfighter to stand there.

TY LEE: Z- Zuko?

ZUKO (from behind a tree): I'm right here!

TY LEE: What are you doing?!

ZUKO (from behind the same tree): I actually do have to pee.

Expressing her emotions in a sigh, she waits for Zuko to finish his... business.

Meanwhile, at Appa.

AZULA: What do you think about it? I mean, isn't it weirdly suspicious? That's not the first time she's done it.

Appa grunts, indicating that Azula was talking to the large bison parking on top of a mossy rock.

AZULA: I do trust them!

She grunts, crossing her arms and leaning back into the saddle. She decides to peek over the edge and spy on Aang, who took his shirt off to wash himself. Azula blushes slightly. Aang has build up significant muscle mass, even training additionally in his free time, sometimes till late at night.

AZULA: He looks much better...

Appa grunts, catching Aang's attention and causing the most fatal eye contact in history. Azula comically turns away and seeks visual shelter behind the saddle.

AZULA: Sorry! I was just uh... trying to see... what you're doing!

AZULA (mouthing): What?

AANG: It's... fine. Don't worry about it.

Worry about it he does, quickly putting his shirt on again, remaining near the water. He ponders for a second if he should try some waterbending forms, mostly distracting himself from the very awkward situation with Azula-

AZULA: I think you should shave your head again.

And... his focus vanishes.

AANG: What? Shave it? Why?

Her back turned, he can see her shrugging.

AZULA: Don't know. I think it looks better.

He sighs.

Zuko clumsily stuffs his shirt back in, finally relieving some of Ty Lee's tension.

ZUKO: Alright, what's the plan?

Ty Lee processes the question, concluding that she has no idea what to say.

TY LEE: Uh... plan?

ZUKO: Yeah, I mean like... what are we going to do? Do we just ask them?

Ty Lee gasps joyfully.

TY LEE: Oh, I like that! Let's do that!

ZUKO: No! I-

He grunts.

ZUKO: If we just confront Aang about it, he'll probably deny it.

The acrobat responds with sincerity in her voice and both her eyebrows sloped to the side.

TY LEE: Why would he though?

ZUKO: Because... if he hasn't told us yet... it has to mean he wants to keep it a secret. He probably told Azula in the prison tower because...

He doesn't know how to finish the sentence.

TY LEE: Because he trusts her more than us?

They sit in silence in the mild jungle.

ZUKO: I guess.

This is where he finally figures it out.

ZUKO: I got it! We ask Azula!

TY LEE: W... ouldn't she just cover for him? And what if he gets involved?

ZUKO: That's the thing! We'll ask her alone!

Ty Lee already finds herself having doubts.

TY LEE: Mmm... I don't know. How do we even separate them? She's always...

ZUKO: Clinging to him?

The phrase upsets her.

TY LEE: Well, that's a mean way to put it...

ZUKO: She's not usually like this with anyone. Something must have happened that time she came back all battered and tired.

Ty Lee lets out a frustrated grunt.

TY LEE: Why don't these guys just tell us everything? Seriously, when has lying-

She remembers her own lie, blushing for a second and then rephrasing her last sentence.

TY LEE: Well, we should probably do it your way-

Zuko has stopped paying attention a few seconds ago and Ty Lee only now realizes it.

TY LEE: Uh... Zuko?

ZUKO: Look!

While Azula continues her aggravating fashion rant, Aang notices a strange movement in the river. While previously, the were going upstream in a slow continuous flow, the water now suddenly seems to shift gear, increasing the speed of the flow exponentially. Aang's alarm bells ring immediately, and he jumps back on Appa.

AZULA: ...I can't say that I find baldness in general very attractive, it's just-

AANG: We need to find Ty Lee and Zuko.

Her mood shifts from comic relief to concern.

AZULA: Why? What's happening?

As she utters the question, she too sees the strange flow of the water.

AZULA: Crap.

Ty Lee finally turns around, spotting a luminous spore, floating right behind her and landing on her left shoulder. As she turns around, she can spot the Mystic Gardens through a gap in the vines, a sprawling, bright and beautiful piece of fauna, with gorgeous flowers and all sorts of pretty plant life gently placed all over the ground and even trees.

TY LEE: Look. It's so...

ZUKO: Beautiful.

As the two gawk at the sight ahead, Ty Lee longingly stares at his hand. She finally has to guts to say it.

TY LEE: Zuko, I-

A terrible cackle catches them off guard, as two pirates jump from behind a bush and rush the two unsuspecting kids. Zuko is the first one to react, drawing darts from his sleeve and pinning one of the attackers against a tree stomp. The second attacker jumps towards Ty Lee, who uses her bending to hover the guy in the air for a moment, then toss him away as he screams comically.

ZUKO: We need to go back to Aang!

TY LEE: Yes!

They run a few seconds, then get blocked by the massive dual sword wielding pirate, who laughs at the kids as he towers over them, drawing his swords.

That said, Aang came in time to fling the fighter against a tree with a massive thud, using his staff.

AANG: Come on! They're here!

ZUKO: Who's here?

Aang doesn't answer and they simply run back towards Appa, with the two airbenders jumping on top the hovering beast and Zuko being awkwardly flung up.

AANG: Azula! Go!

AZULA (at the reins): Yeah, about that...

Reins in her hands, her index finger points at the river stream ahead, the water in said river forming a wall and solidifying into ice.

ZUKO: Uh...

AANG: Turn around!

She does what Aang says, though upon turning back around they are met with the pirate ship approaching them from the other side of the stream, the vessel being barely big enough to fit, with the dense jungle top and all.

AZULA: Alright, no gardens then. Go up, big guy!

Appa grunts as the firebender steers him towards the only opening at the top. As they come closer, Aang can see the net canon pirate net taking aim. He intervenes, jumping to Appa's head and taking the reins from Azula.

AZULA: Hey!?

She climbs in the back, frustrated at her stolen agency. Aang meanwhile successfully dodges the launched net, which directly shoots towards the hole they aimed for, meaning it would've caught them for sure, had Aang not taken over.

AANG: Hold on tight!

He tries his next daring maneuver - he flies directly over the pirate ship, zigzagging between the masts and dodging incoming pirate attacks only barely. The gang is now past the vessel, with the enemy boat in a space so tight they can't possibly turn around. Everyone except Aang gawks at the pirates with big, bright smiles.

ZUKO: Alright!

TY LEE: Woo!

AZULA: Why do we keep running into those guys?!

The three all turn back at once, their joy quickly dissolving at the sight of the approaching Matariki.

AZULA: Oh that's right, I forgot.

Aang also forgets to check his left flank, getting hits by a very sudden and powerful wave, that presses Appa against a set of trees to the right, freezing him against it. Everyone except Aang managed to jump off in time. Or, more accurately, got thrown off by the sucker punch. The trio tries to get back on their feet, Zuko drawing his blades, Ty Lee readying her newly acquired staff. Azula, surprisingly, is the last one to ready herself for a fight.

KENORA: Long time, no see.

An intimidating horn draws everyone towards the Matariki's deck, where Kenora poses confidently, like the maniacal pirate thug she's become. The two waterbender pirates appear to her left and right, heightening the tension. Azula frowns at the girl.

AZULA: And there I thought you were different.

Kenora scoffs in response, then switches very suddenly to a serious demeanor.

KENORA: You don't know me.

AZULA: Guess I don't.

The pirates shoot in synch at Zuko and Ty Lee, with the airbender blowing the water stream away and Zuko dodge rolling it, retaliating with a mean boomerang that hits the male waterbender. Kenora creates a little wave in front over her sliding down and immediately aiming for Azula who can duck Kenora's leap and but not the wave that followed her.

The two girls duke it out in the forest with flames and water streams switching directions and being used for offense and defense. Azula tries a more complex move she copied from Aang, utilizing her legs to a create a blast strong enough to throw Kenora off balance. The firebender follows it up with an up-close charge, trying to hit the pirate princess with a fire punch of sorts. Kenora ducks, utilizing her own legs and knocking Azula over with capoeira sweeps. The raven-haired girl quickly tries getting on her feet again, but is hit with a follow up move, a classic "kicked in the face", and a subsequent air spin kick that shoves more water against Azula.

The female waterbender has meanwhile landed on the mossy shore, starting off a barrage of quick water streams, lashed at Ty Lee like a boxer. Yet, with the help of her staff and a series of skilled spins, Ty Lee dodges all attacks, even retaliating with a quick funnel that almost blows the bender away.

Zuko successfully lands on the Matariki, hacking and slashing any incoming bending moves into little drops. He tries hitting the pirate's legs, the bender having not given up yet, using coats of ice as a robust shield to block incoming sword swings.

Aang is watching all of this from a distance, angered by the fact that he can't help out. Appa grunts in discomfort.

AANG: Don't worry buddy. We'll get you out of there.

Aang himself has one of his legs stuck in the ice, trying to get it out by using small flames in his hand.

SOKKA: Finally got you!

Sokka has finally done it. The Avatar is within his grasp.

AANG (dry): Oh, great.

The boy acts surprisingly calm in the presence of the prince, upsetting said royalty a great deal.

SOKKA: Uh- didn't you hear what I just said? I finally got you-

AANG: Yeah, yeah, I heard that one plenty of times. How about you help me instead?

A light breeze created by Aang flicking his wrist disarms Sokka, launching his machete into a tree and forcing him to drop his club, which Aang subsequently picks up, using it to break the ice and freeing himself.

Sokka is speechless.

SOKKA: What?!

AANG: Come on Sokka, we both know you don't want to do this.

Sokka frowns. With a smirk, Aang ignores the prince and thinks about which bender he should attack first. His choice is made easier by the prince, who, with a battle cry, tackles Aang to the ground, rolling down the ice slope while trying to get a grip on him.

Similarly, Kenora and Azula have switched to just rolling around in the dirt, pulling each other's hair and grunting in anger. Azula throws a punch, not knowing that the punch that follows is much harder and more painful.

She tries switching strategies, managing to get back up and shot a quick fire ball - Kenora dodges. Then, to Azula's surprise, the waterbender sucks a part of the ground moss dry, creating a film of ice on her hand. Azula expects a punch, but is instead hit by a flying ice glove, which grabs her neck and starts chocking her. She falls on her knees as she gasps for air, her breathing cut off and her bending with it. Kenora ends it with a huge water whip, flinging the firebender across the jungle and back to the Matariki.

KENORA: IF YOU WANT YOUR FRIEND TO LIVE, YOU WILL SURRENDER! NOW!

Aang, Ty Lee, and Zuko share a concerned look. Azula, panicking in the moment, tries to simply pull the ice from her neck... which somehow succeeds. After a few seconds, Azula realizes that it wasn't her, and that the ice has somehow transformed into a water bubble, flinging itself against Kenora, blindfolding her. What follows is a chaotic series of events - vines grow from deep within the jungle, constricting Sokka and Kenora, flinging them on the other side of the river. The Matariki is pushed on shore, the pirate benders swallowed by ocean water and spit out somewhere else. Appa's ice prison melts away, allowing the bison to shake the remaining water off like a wet dog. Aang can see the glimpse of a figure performing bending in the woods.

ZUKO: Are you alright?!

He helps his sister get back up.

AZULA (sore): Yeah...

TENAKA: Avatar?

They all spot a strange figure - a man of the Water Tribe with long hair, a messy beard and a brown poncho.

AANG: Yes?

TENAKA: Follow me!

Ty Lee and Zuko share a concerned look, yet the gang still follows the strange man deeper into the jungle.

TENAKA: I'm Tenaka, by the way.

Sabachi, who was also partly frozen during the attack, is back on Azula's shoulder, chirping in her ear.

AZULA (mumbling): Yeah, me too.

AANG: I'm Aang. Why did you save us, Tenaka?

Aang can already guess what the answer is. Tenaka chuckles heartily.

TENAKA: You may have never heard of me, but I'm something of a celebrity in the Water Tribe.

AZULA: So, you're with the Water Tribe but we're supposed to trust you?

TENAKA: Yeah. Because I'm the first soldier to desert the army.

The kids are shocked, all except Aang of course, who smiles greedily at the correct prediction.

TY LEE: Desert?

ZUKO: So, you left the Navy?

TENAKA: You could say that. I was a big and upcoming hotshot captain. I did well for myself.

Tenaka catches himself bragging and takes on a humbler note.

TENAKA: But then one day, my superior officer ordered me to do a false flag flag attack on an Earth Kingdom village. It would've given the Tribe an excuse to absorb it into their sphere, taking it over.

He pauses, clearly hiding a lot of grief and regret in it

TENAKA: I refused. After I attacked my superior, I ran away. Went into hiding.

AZULA: And... then you ended up in this... jungle thing?

TENAKA: It used to be a forest. Many decades ago, the swampbenders of the Earth Kingdom migrated here.

Aang is shocked by the revelation. Azula picks up on his confusion. This time however, Ty Lee and Zuko also pick up on it.

TENAKA: They slowly transformed the environment, turning into something resembling their old home.

AZULA: And I suppose meddling with nature like that has no bad consequences?

TENAKA: It does.

The firebender was too stunned to speak.

TENAKA: Because the environment is so harsh to outsiders, the Water Navy has started to avoid this path. It's one of the reasons this part of the Earth Kingdom is so untouched. That's why we were pretty surprised to see any ships at all, let alone the Avatar's bison.

ZUKO: We?

AZULA: Um, yeah, Zuko. He means himself and the Swamp Benders.

TENAKA: Actually, I meant someone else.

He removes a patch of vines by gently bending them aside, leading the group plus animals into a small clearing, a beautifully quiet village of circular straw houses and a few people dressed in kelp. Azula immediately winces in disgust at the squishy ground.

TENAKA: Avatar, may I introduce you to Pakku?

Act II. – The Waterbending Master

Aang is stunned, standing on the spot without uttering a single word. Master Pakku still looks exactly like Aang remembers him, though his typical elegant look is missing. Instead of a nicely trimmed beard, his upper lip and chin are covered in a white fluff. Rather than a Water Tribe royal coat, he's modestly covered in what could be described both as a poncho as well as a rag. The only thing remaining is his posture, with his arms folded behind his back. The old master raises one of his eyebrows at the frozen boy.

PAKKU: Um... hello?

Aang finally gets it together, bowing before the master.

AANG: Sorry, master. It's nice to meet you.

Pakku still seems to harbor suspicion.

PAKKU: "Master"? I am no master. Yet it is nice making your acquaintance, Aang.

Now the gang is surprised.

ZUKO: How do you-

AZULA: How do you know his name?

Pakku smirks for some reason.

PAKKU: This one is quite forward.

He turns around, poking a stick on the charcoal fire over which a small rodent is roasting.

PAKKU: We have met before, haven't we?

Aang and Azula share a highly concerned look, same as Ty Lee and Zuko do behind them.

PAKKU: Your prior incarnation visited me in a dream last night.

Some of the tension resolves and Aang sighs.

AZULA: Wait, so you've met Kaiyuko?

PAKKU: Correct.

AANG: What did he say?

Pakku sighs in a sort of annoyed fashion.

PAKKU: "Yo my homie Aang could really use some of that water action, bro."

Azula rolls her eyes.

AZULA: Yeah, that sounds like him...

Pakku turns around rather suddenly, Tenaka uncrossing his arms.

TENAKA: How do you know that?

Azula looks nervously at Aang, who only now considers how strange it is that...

PAKKU: You have met Avatar Kaiyuko, haven't you?

An eerie silence falls upon the small village.

AZULA: I mean... you have too, so I guess it's not that big of a deal...

Pakku admires the girl for a moment.

PAKKU: Truly fascinating. I believe you haven't introduced yourself yet.

Zuko jumps in for the occasion.

ZUKO: Oh, yes. Master- I mean, Pakku, this my sister Azula. This is Ty Lee and I'm Zuko.

PAKKU: At least this one has some manners.

His light blue eyes focus on the hilt of his broad swords sticking out in the back.

PAKKU: Those are fascinating swords you are carrying.

ZUKO: Huh? Oh yeah.

He draws them, presenting the dual weapons to the old man.

ZUKO: I got them as a gift.

PAKKU: From Master Piandao, I assume?

Again, shock.

TENAKA: The Piandao?

AZULA: You sure know a lot for an old man living in a swamp.

PAKKU: You would be surprised by how much I know, young lady.

The snarky commented offended her a bit. Actually, no, it offended her a lot. It's Azula.

PAKKU: But all of that aside - Avatar Aang, how would you like me to teach you waterbending?

Aang is once more put on the spot. This would ruin their travel plans, again, besides-

AZULA: Aang?

His inner dialogue is rudely interrupted by Azula's calming voice.

AZULA: Do you want to talk about it in private?

A sudden feeling of repulsion strikes him. This is the precise moment he wishes for the sassier Azula to return.

AANG: No, I'm fine.

AZULA: Are you sure?

She reaches his hand out for him...

AANG: I can do it myself.

...but he moves aside.

AANG: Master Pakku, it would be an honor. At least for a few days.

Pakku frowns slightly.

PAKKU: Waterbending isn't just a hobby you can "try out". It requires total commitment.

Azula crosses her arms.

PAKKU: But...

The old man sighs.

PAKKU: I suppose in these desperate times I can show you some of the basics and let you be then.

Aang bows respectfully.

AANG: Thank you, master-

PAKKU: Please. I am no master.

Fueled by anger, Kenora drains a set of vines in her path, reducing it to shriveled-up brown strings. She finally reaches the river bench a little bit down the way, large enough to anchor both ships, though still too crowded for Kenora's taste.

KENORA: What happened?!

The only people able to receive Kenora's message are the Green Pirate and Sokka, who stand on top the Matariki.

GREEN PIRATE: Someone intervened. A few crew members think it was spirits.

Sokka grunts.

SOKKA: I don't think so. I think it's more likely-

KENORA: I really, sincerely don't care about your theories, Sokka. Because as far as I'm concerned, your job was getting the Avatar on our ship while we keep his posse busy, and yet when I came back you were just wrestling with him on the ground.

SOKKA: Hey! He is pretty strong for his age!

In reality, Sokka did have doubts about capturing this illusive boy, who keeps trusting him for no reason.

KENORA: Well, he's clearly too strong for you.

Sokka is genuinely insulted.

SOKKA: I'll... do better next time. I promise.

KENORA (cold): There won't be a next time.

Sokka is too stunned to speak.

KENORA: Lieutenant, get the men ready to sweep the woods. We're going to use our manpower advantage like we should have from the beginning.

GREEN PIRATE: Yeah... about that...

She reveals her glare to the pirate as she turns back around.

KENORA: What?

GREEN PIRATE: Yeah, the ship got damaged pretty badly. Turns out it's not really... fitted to navigate such a narrow river.

KENORA: And?

GREEN PIRATE: Well... it goes against the Pirate Union Contract to start a land mission when the ship is leaking water. You don't want the crew to strike, ay?

Kenora tries to be as intimidating as possible...

KENORA: Does the crew command the ship?

...yet ultimately fails.

GREEN PIRATE: Yes. Since we have not elected a new captain and...

He looks Sokka up and down.

GREEN PIRATE: We're not picking him. We'll keep you updated.

The Green Pirate ropes himself back up on board, leaving Sokka with a boiling waterbender girl.

SOKKA: Well... this isn't the worst. We could make some preparations-

KENORA: We'll train.

And with that, she leaves him in silence for a moment.

Aang stares absentmindedly at the small river branch cutting through a less swampy part of the forest. The Avatar takes a deep breath.

AANG: I think I'm ready.

He looks over to Master Pakku, who seems rather annoyed.

PAKKU: Sure. But why is she here?

He turns around, pointing at Azula, who is sitting on a rock doing her nails. It takes her a few seconds to react.

AZULA: What? I just want to watch.

PAKKU: Young lady, waterbending is an ancient art unique to my culture. Women aren't allowed to ever learn it.

Aang massages his temple and Azula bops her head to the side.

AZULA: Do you know what isn't allowed either? Desertion.

She continues her nail routine, having verbally defeated the master, who sighs.

PAKKU: I suppose she's right.

He assumes an elegant stance, expecting Aang to imitate it.

PAKKU: But let us continue.

Aang nods, following the master's wishes. Azula subtly starts paying attention.

PAKKU: Can you feel it?

Aang focuses really hard on...

AANG: The water?

PAKKU: No.

Aang's focus is broken.

AANG: Then what-

PAKKU: Get back into position.

He quickly complies.

PAKKU: Feel the flow of the water.

As hard as Aang tries to focus on the... flow or whatever, he can only hear the clear and calming river stream noise.

PAKKU: You're doing it wrong.

Azula snickers.

AANG (towards Azula): Stop it-

PAKKU: Focus!

Aang starts getting a little frustrated. A little is an understatement, probably.

AANG: I'm trying!

PAKKU: That's the problem.

The boy's brow shoots up. The master begins doing simple pushing and pulling motions, gently shoving the creek's water up and down like a kid does in a bathtub.

PAKKU: You are trying to control the river, when it needs to control you. You need to let the flow of the water shape you, not the other way around.

He finishes his lecture with an impressive spike, which quickly dissolves. Even Azula is impressed.

PAKKU: Now you try.

Aang nods again, reaching his hand out in an attempt to grab a hold of the river-

AZULA: You're doing it wrong.

His focus, not too surprisingly, breaks again.

AANG: Could you just let me do it? Please?

She crosses her arms.

AZULA: Fine. But you're still doing it wrong.

AANG: Yo-

PAKKU: She's right.

Aang's frustration transfers on to the master, who seems befuddled by this.

PAKKU: What?

Aang grunts.

AANG: Aren't you supposed to give me feedback instead of her?

Pakku shrugs.

PAKKU: Well... I need to think for a moment how to phrase it...

The boy sighs.

AZULA: You're not really the teaching type, are you?

PAKKU: Like I said, I am no master. I was a man of the military for many years. I only ever taught one person-

The man is awfully quiet all of a sudden, turning his back towards Aang.

PAKKU: We will continue later.

With that he leaves Aang with a bunch of anger, but also questions. Azula jumps up from her rock.

AZULA: Well. That went pretty well.

Aang grunts and storms off too. Azula pouts with guilt.

The prince's breath stagnates as he repeatedly dodges and deflects an artillery barrage of water streams directed by Kenora. She conjures a particularly nasty attack - an orb of water shooting into the air, exploding above and creating a hailstorm of water droplets, like a comet shower raining upon the forest floor. It's too much for Sokka. Too fast. And very few people like to continue after getting smacked in the face like that. Kenora halts her assault for a brief moment.

KENORA: Let's try that again.

SOKKA (in pain): No! Pause!

He holds his hand up to his now swollen eye.

SOKKA: That one really hurt!

Kenora crosses her arms.

KENORA: Oh yeah? You think the Avatar and his friends are going to treat you gently instead?

Sokka ponders for a few seconds.

SOKKA: Uh... yeah. They do actually. I mean think about it - they captured, let us go - they never seriously hurt us.

KENORA: The Avatar tossed me into a rooftop and you into a well.

SOKKA: Yes but... it could be worse. The acrobat girl never really does anything too deadly-

KENORA: She smacked me against a pillar in the Glacier Temple.

SOKKA: ...alright, fair enough. What about the sword guy?

Kenora shrugs.

KENORA: Never stabs anyone. Or seriously cuts them. Why does he even have swords?

SOKKA: Beats me- OW!

He collapses on one knee, his left hand still pressed against his eye. Kenora finally softens up a bit and rushes towards him.

KENORA: Let me take a look at that.

She covers her hand in water and applies it to the left side of his skull. A shimmering glow protrudes from the liquid and the wound starts shrinking.

SOKKA: Thanks...

It takes a few more seconds before Kenora takes her hand off.

KENORA: The rest should heal up by itself.

She returns to her previous spot from which she attacked Sokka.

SOKKA: What about the firebender?

She inexplicably comes to a halt.

KENORA: What about her?

SOKKA: I don't think I've ever faced off against her. You did though.

The waterbender finally turns around, trying her hardest to suppress a blush.

KENORA: She is... annoying. I still haven't figured out how to get around her.

SOKKA: Well, it's hard training against firebending. Not a lot of those around anymore except the rebels.

He thinks back to the slaves of Mucho Ishi and feels profound sorrow.

SOKKA: So yeah, um... the firebender...

KENORA: Mhm?

SOKKA: Do we have a name? I mean, not that it matters.

KENORA: Azula. I got a hold of a wanted poster a few days ago.

Sokka nods.

SOKKA: Great.

KENORA: Yup.

Awkward silence.

SOKKA: Well, how about-

KENORA: Listen... you're right. Let's have a break.

She quickly waves (i.e., uses a wave to bend) herself back on the Matariki and disappears below deck. Sokka touches his eye again. It still hurts.

Standing in the middle of a raging river stream very close to the village, Aang meditates, a solid rock in the middle of the water being the only thing to separate him from the vast devouring nature of the stream.

AZULA: What are you up to now?

Azula practically screams as to be heard by Aang in between the blasting masses of water. Aang, despite not at all wanting to, opens his eyes and addresses Azula.

AANG: I'm trying to meditate! Getting a feel for the water! I guess...

He sighs, getting up and jumping next to Azula with his floaty skills.

AANG: Why did you bicker back then? You were not helping.

AZULA: Well, he is a terrible teacher.

She looks over to his tent, where he has been hiding for a while now.

AANG: I didn't mean that. I meant me.

AZULA: You?

AANG: Yeah. You said I'm doing it wrong.

AZULA: It's because you were doing it wrong.

AANG: How would you know?

AZULA: Because the water didn't move!

Aang sighs.

AANG: Why am I even arguing with you? You're not even a waterbender.

AZULA: You're the one talking...

He's almost about to leave again when Azula comes up with an idea, or rather a question.

AZULA: How did you do it last time?

AANG: What?

AZULA: In your world-

Aang shushes her very aggressively, drawing way more attention than her comment.

AZULA: Sorry. But seriously, how did you learn waterbending in your world?

He shrugs, horrified at the realization of what his answer is going to be.

AANG: I... didn't?

Azula's facial features jump around in confusion.

AZULA: Uh?

AANG: I never really had to learn it. Katara was the one who struggled with it. I had trouble with earth.

A hint of jealousy expresses itself via a twitch on Azula's brow. She clears her throat.

AZULA: That's odd.

Azula is out of advice.

AANG: I don't know. It's kind of like with you and firebending.

She crosses her arms.

AZULA: That's not true. You had to help me out.

AANG: Yeah, but you were at least able to make fire! What am I missing?!

PAKKU: Patience.

The kids flinch.

AZULA: Hey... master... how long have you been listening?

PAKKU: Long enough.

His eyes switch from Azula to Aang.

PAKKU: Come with me.

He complies with a nervous expression. Azula stays behind with her lips pursed.

PAKKU: I meant both of you.

Her arms relax in surprise.

TY LEE: Dammit!

Spying through a... well, spyglass, Ty Lee and Zuko stand behind a tree close by, keeping their eyes on the other two.

ZUKO: Aren't we supposed to take care of Appa and Sabachi?

The acrobat sighs, clearly more frustrated than usual.

TY LEE: We already fed them and left them at the village. They're fine.

Comically cutting to Appa and Sabachi, who are for some reason covered in kelp by the villagers and are not happy about it.

TY LEE: Our job is to wait for them to finally be separated for once.

ZUKO: That's going to take a while.

He takes a peek through the spyglass for a change.

ZUKO: Oh man, she's really sticking to him like a barnacle.

TY LEE: Yeah. Imagine being that clingy.

They both shut up for a moment and evaluate their own situation.

ZUKO: Yeah...

TY LEE: Yeah! Totally...

More silence.

ZUKO: So... like... back in the woods when I...

TY LEE: Peed on a tree?

ZUKO: ...yeah, well you were going to say something.

Ty Lee lightly taps her foot without Zuko noticing.

TY LEE (high-pitched): Was I?

ZUKO: Yeah, when we saw the spores. What was it?

She plays with her thumbs and blows some wind.

TY LEE: Phew. I don't remember. Must not have been that important.

ZUKO: Sure...

He continues to use the spyglass.

ZUKO: Where are they going?

Despite... guessing that it was not a good idea, Sokka forced himself to follow Kenora down the Matariki, knocking on her door-

KENORA (from inside): Leave me alone.

He sighs, not leaving.

SOKKA: Kenora, we need to talk.

KENORA (from inside): Oh really, do we? If you should be doing anything it's training for the next encounter with the Avatar!

He spots the fit of rage as a bluff.

SOKKA: Can I come in?

KENORA (from inside): No?

She sighs loud enough to be heard through the door.

KENORA (from inside): Give me a sec, I'm getting dressed.

Sokka holds his breath, thinking about opening the door and taking a peek inside. He chooses against it, his hand already grabbing on to the handle as the door rips open from the inside. The prince closely avoids another comical fall on his face. Kenora is wearing... a dress?

SOKKA: What are you wearing?

It's more of a skirt-shirt combo, but still the most feminine thing she has worn in front of Sokka. Or anyone in years for that matter. The girl sighs.

KENORA: I- I kept this from home. Mom picked it out for me when I was younger.

She does a cutesy wave with very little enthusiasm, almost as if she's appalled by the fact that she knows how to express herself girly.

KENORA: Whatever. I got bored.

She turns away from him and crams in her dresser...

KENORA: Most of my stuff is still on the pirate ship, so...

...and finally turns back around.

KENORA: What else is there to do?

Sokka, with his arms crossed, finally dares to ask a more direct question. With Kenora not surrounded by her pirate goons, he feels more comfortable actually talking to her.

SOKKA: I... wanted to ask you about the firebender.

Kenora pouts for a few seconds, clearly weighing in her options internally.

KENORA: Well? Ask away.

Sokka scoffs.

SOKKA: Did- did something happen?

She weighs it in again, this time opting for the lie.

KENORA: She stole my necklace. Still kind of upset about that.

Sokka swears he saw her wearing it after she came back that one time - aaaaand she leaves her room to go outside.

SOKKA: Hey! Wait!

He chases her back on deck.

KENORA: What else do you want to hear?

SOKKA: What happened?

She comes to a hold, her arms crossed and her back turned.

SOKKA: You just left that one time and came back all battered and beaten. You screamed at me.

Finally turning around, Kenora lets out an aggressive scoff.

KENORA: Of course I screamed at you! You poisoned the crew!

SOKKA: I- I didn't poison them.

KENORA: That's not important!

SOKKA: You're right - it's not! Answer my question. What happened?

She storms at him, using her finger to poke his chest like a weapon.

KENORA (angry): I'll tell you what happened! I ran into Azula, she got captured by Bato, I saved her - you're welcome by the way - and then some freak in a mask shows up, kills a dozen guards and almost kills me too. So yeah. That's what I did. Not YOU. Not US. Not THE PIRATES. ME!

As her rant is finished, she turns around again. Sokka is speechless, yet he figures out one fatal flaw in her answer.

SOKKA: "You're welcome" - wait, why did you save her?

She blows out an angered sigh through her nose.

KENORA: I don't even know to be honest.

One last time in this conversation, she turns back towards Sokka.

KENORA: But I do know that it's none of your business.

On a beautiful hillside overlooking the rest of the lush forest, Pakku waits patiently for Aang and Azula to arrive.

AZULA: Nice view.

PAKKU: Be quiet.

She rolls her eyes but complies after Aang gives her a reprehensive look. Another convenient rock serves as a seating option.

PAKKU: Tell me Aang, what do you see?

Aang takes a long, thoughtful look at the environment, a shallow river sounding next to them, ending in a small waterfall, going down only a few feet.

AANG: I see the forest. I see... the animals that live here. The balance of nature that I need to protect.

Azula raises her eyebrows. Aang has had many of these spiritual detours, little lectures meant to invoke some sort of lesson that he takes on with him. Expecting a profound answer, he gave Pakku exactly that. Yet, to his shock, Pakku also raises his eyebrows.

PAKKU: What? Animals?

Aang was seriously not expecting that.

AANG: I- I mean look at it. It's a huge forest with lots of rivers running through it.

Pakku does not change his expression or attitude.

PAKKU: Yeah- yeah but like, what animals? What are you talking about?

Azula hugs herself tightly, as to not utter a mean comment. Aang sighs.

AANG: I don't know. I thought you wanted to hear a profound answer.

Now the old man is slightly angered.

PAKKU: What I want to hear is honesty. I do not take kindly to people lying to my face, no matter who or what they are.

The anger transfers on to the boy who looks away in shame.

AANG: Whatever...

PAKKU: It's not "whatever". Tell me what you see.

Aang sighs again.

AANG: I see nothing! There's nothing there except trees.

Pakku seems concerned by his answer, immediately toning down Aang's passive aggressive attitude.

PAKKU: It's no surprise you take issue with waterbending.

Azula starts staring into the ground, the gears in her head beginning to shift.

AANG: What makes you say that?

PAKKU: Every Avatar before you has struggled with one element in particular. Often times it's simply the opposing element, meaning that earth would be especially challenging.

Aang remembers his earthbending lessons with Toph and nods.

PAKKU: Yet I doubt a stubborn boy like you would struggle with that.

Aang feels the guilt building up.

AANG: I'm sorry master.

PAKKU: Again, no master.

Aang ponders what Pakku is talking about regarding his apparent weakness.

AANG: So, what makes you think water is my weakness?

AZULA: Water.

The two men look back at Azula, who seems embarrassed by the attention for a change.

AZULA: Oh, pardon me. I will... look the other way.

PAKKU: Don't. You are right.

Now Aang rolls his eyes at one of the smuggest expressions he has ever seen on the firebender's face.

AANG: Wait. She's right?

PAKKU: You look down with your focus and determination and you see nothing that can help you forward. Nothing that can help you achieve your goal. You friend Azula sees the forest for what it is.

He performs an elegant waterbending maneuver to bend vines around Aang, making them dance like a pack of illustrious snakes.

PAKKU: In order to grasp water, you need to be resourceful. Don't look at your environment as a static unit.

He stops his display of bending skill with a graceful bow.

PAKKU: Water is the element of change. You have to change with it.

Something about that phrasing triggers a part of Aang that has grown more displeased and angered at him, at the fact that certain things in this world seem good, better even than in his world. That angered part takes over for a second.

AANG: How is change going to help me defeat the Great Chief?

Pakku leans in with a concerned frown.

PAKKU: And that is why you fail.

The master walks off once again.

AZULA: Hey! Are you leaving again?

Pakku turns around.

PAKKU: Yes. We will have lunch soon. I always help with the preparations. You two and your friends are obviously invited.

And with that, he finally leaves, leaving Azula with a lot of questions and an empty stomach. Aang only feels anger on the inside.

Not many words or gestures are exchange in their quiet return to the village. Aang makes one last stop at the mighty river with the rock in the middle. He starts performing waterbending motions from memory, becoming more and more aggressive as he continues. He even manages to unnerve the otherwise stubborn Azula.

AZULA: Aang, come on. I'm starving.

AANG (angry): Why can't I GET IT DONE!

He punches the water, briefly parting it with airbending.

TY LEE: Hey guys!

The acrobat comes to a hold, her mood souring once she can feel Aang's aura.

TY LEE: Everything alright?

Azula sighs, massaging the space between her eyes.

AZULA: Yes. No...

Aang doesn't stop. He has done this so many times before. How many lives did he save with his waterbending? And now he's losing that too?! No.

TY LEE: Aang... your aura is scaring me...

Her wispy voice rubs off on Azula.

AZULA: Aang come on. Just cause this cranky guy is a bad teacher doesn't mean it's the end of it.

AANG (angered): It isn't. I've done this before, I'll do it again.

Ty Lee doesn't say it out loud, but she notices a very clear spike in Azula, who seems thrown off course by what Aang just said.

AZULA: ...yes. You have. In your previous lives. But this is... different... you know?

Not even she believed that, grunting as the boy continues to flail next to the water.

AZULA: Alright listen, we'll have lunch, you'll feel better, and then we'll come back, and you'll try grabbing the water, alright? Just you and me without the old fart.

Aang slowly calms down.

AANG: Wait? What did you say?

AZULA: Uh... old fart?

AANG: No. About grabbing.

She recapitulates her words for a moment.

AZULA: Uhm... that you should grab the water?

This is somehow important to Aang. He can't formulate why yet.

AANG: What do you mean?

Since this is what put a temporary stop to his freaky rage, she elaborates reluctantly, jumping across a few river rocks and on to the main one in the center.

AZULA: Fire is easy, right?

Aang nods slightly, Ty Lee shrugs.

AZULA: Right. Fire...

She demonstrates what she means in a few blasts.

AZULA: ...is just breathing and punching. You get what I mean?

Both nod.

AZULA: Okay.

AANG: Get to the point.

With befuddlement, she slightly shakes her head, almost appearing disgusted by the question.

AZULA: Well- that's it. Water isn't that. At least from what it looks like. That waterbender girl I keep having to deal with...

TY LEE: Kenora?

AZULA: Yes, thank you.

Azula secretly knew her name but wanted to give off the impression of oblivion.

AZULA: Well, like I said, water isn't that. Every time we fight her, or any waterbender, they can't just... make water. Right?

Her way of explaining it seems to be a series of insecure questions to her audience. Aang nods, beginning to understand what she means.

AZULA: Right. So... when we two fight, she always makes these little bubbles, or spins her pouch water in a circle...

Aang has a profound "Oh"-moment.

AANG: I'm not supposed to force my will on the water...

He stands patiently at the riverside. Quietly. Listening in on the stream as it heads down deep into the forest. Ty Lee can feel his muddled aura clearing up.

AANG: ...I'm supposed to grab it.

Azula gestures smugly to Ty Lee, non-verbally communicating to her "I told you so." Aang gently reaches out his hand, performing a pose he practiced with Katara a bunch, not even really too concerned about Ty Lee's presence. Finally. A tingle in his fingers, a flow of chi streaming through his body like the river does in front of him. Very swiftly and quickly he catapults the water a good teen feet in the air, letting the enormous wave crash down the stream. He feels a profound sense of joy and accomplishment. He has regained his last branch of bending, if only a part of it. He smiles, looking back at Ty Lee.

His smile disappears, the acrobat's face reeking of horror. All noises drown out for a moment.

TY LEE (scared): What did you do?!

Aang looks back. The rock is empty. A glimpse of a hand is seen flushed down the stream. Sound returns.

AANG: Azula...

Ty Lee doesn't hesitate for a moment, using the staff to glide down the stream, disappearing into the forest. Aang is dumbfounded for a second. He finally gets it together and makes a run-

SWOOSH! A blunt hit registers way too late and Aang falls down. As he turns around, he sees Zuko catching his boomerang. And drawing both swords with an angered expression.

ZUKO: What did you do to my sister?

Sokka's machete easily pierces into the large jungle trunk. He puts his ear to it, and old hunting trick he learned from Bato. After a few seconds he gestures for the other pirates to march onward, signaling that the air is clear. Among the stealthy mercenaries, Kenora. Sokka hasn't spoken to her since their... disagreement on the boat. He runs up to her, trying to remain as quiet as possible.

SOKKA (whisper): Listen, I-

KENORA (whisper): No need to apologize.

The prince is too stunned to speak.

SOKKA (whisper): Uh... what-

KENORA (whisper): When this day is over, we'll have the Avatar.

She glares at him with a face that, oddly enough, starkly reminds Sokka of Puwati.

KENORA (whisper): And I'll be captain.

Harrowing waves push Azula below the surface over and over again, nearly drowning the girl multiple times. Her lungs burn in the sensation of absent oxygen, her eyes refuse to close and be left to the river's will. She contemplates many things she's done wrong over time.

The air dome blowing away the water feels no different than the river devouring the firebender, and so Ty Lee's first rescue attempt fails, with the river swallowing up the girl once again.

TY LEE (nervous): DAMMIT!

Ty Lee sprints upriver, reaches back her staff as far as she can, her nostrils flaring up as she takes a breath and then finally smacks down her tool with a ferocious air slash cutting the water in half. Azula, sitting on dry river soil, gasps for air. The acrobat jumps in just in time to pick Azula up and escape the re-emerging waves as they regain their strength and conquer their former lands once again.

Azula continues to gasp for air as Ty Lee gently places her down.

TY LEE (nervous): Are you okay?! Talk to me!

Azula takes a few more breaths before giving her an answer.

AZULA (out of breath): What... what happened?

TY LEE: Well... Aang finally got a hang of waterbending, but... he accidentally hit you.

Azula nods, clearly swallowing down her rage.

AZULA: Great. Then I'm going to accidentally kill him.

She gets up, still a bit weary and uneasy on her legs.

AZULA: Can you do that thing with your bending?

TY LEE: What thing?

Azula answers by pressing her fists together.

AZULA: When you dry yourself?

TY LEE: Oh. Oh. Um... I've never done that... on... someone else.

AZULA: Hit me with your best shot.

Ty Lee agrees via a nod, and, with a swift layer of air, she completely dries the firebender, turning her hair all spiky.

AZULA: Thank you.

While Azula fixes her hairdo, Ty Lee ponders for a few seconds. There might not be an opportunity like this again.

AZULA: Alright. Let's head back.

TY LEE: I need to talk to you about something.

Azula stops her brief walking cycle.

AZULA: Yeah?

Seeing as the airbender is standing on the spot, Azula crosses her arms and sighs.

AZULA: Can we not talk about this back at the village?

TY LEE: No.

A thin tone of seriousness is reflected in her words. Azula begins to worry.

AZULA: Uh... okay. Tell me.

Ty Lee doesn't quite know how to say it. Her breathing becomes faster, as does her heartbeat. Azula frowns in displeasure.

AZULA: Right. Later then.

The firebender turns around...

TY LEE: Aang lied to us.

...and then feels her heart skipping a beat.

TY LEE: And I think you're in on it too.

Azula turns around with a smug expression. A cheap facade.

AZULA: And... what are we lying about?

TY LEE: He's from a different world.

Azula's fake confidence crumbles. She reacts quickly with a nervous chuckle.

AZULA: "Different world"? Really? What is that supposed to mean?

TY LEE: I don't really know. But apparently Zuko is a firebender in his world.

Azula can barely hold it together.

AZULA: Uhm... okay? I don't really understand what you mean by that-

TY LEE: Stop lying! I can tell you're lying!

A deep fury burns in the raven-haired girl.

AZULA (angry): There. Is. No. AURA. Stop pretending like you're special when you're just doing what everybody else is doing - making guesses with your gut!

Though clearly intimidated, Ty Lee manages to hold on.

TY LEE: Is he lying?

AZULA: And don't you-

No aura reading necessary - the acute shock is spelled out with a pale face. One which quickly turns red and angry again.

AZULA (angry): You are the most inFURIATING CREATURE!

With that, she storms off into a dense part of the forest.

TY LEE: Azula - WAIT!

A series of pins is deflected by Aang.

AANG: What are you doing Zuko?!

ZUKO: I know you are lying to us Aang!

A similarly pale shade grows on Aang's face as well.

ZUKO: Apparently I'm a firebender wherever you're from!

AANG: Zuko... you have to listen to me-

ZUKO: I'm not listening to anything until I have my sister back!

Suddenly, vines from below grab on to Zuko, disarming him and trapping him like a boa. Aang is relieved, yet quickly finds his own body in a similar predicament.

PAKKU: You ought to be ashamed of yourselves.

He lets them both go, not before giving them a painful squeeze beforehand.

PAKKU: Enough people die in a pointless war and yet you two are off to killing each other! And over what?

ZUKO: He-

AANG: I accidentally flushed Azula down the river.

Aang points at it.

AANG: Ty Lee went to get her, but they haven't come back yet.

Pakku emits a shameful sigh, eyes closed.

PAKKU: This was clearly a mistake. You and your friends are to leave tonight.

AANG: This is all my fault.

PAKKU: Yes. Yes, it is.

Pakku forms a convenient body of water on which to surf down the stream. The harsh words pierce into Aang's heart like daggers. And they are not the only harsh words today.

ZUKO: You have some explaining to do, Avatar. if we should even call you that.

AANG: Zuko, you have to listen-

ZUKO: I don't know if I have to anymore.

A cold stare from the older boy puts Aang to shame.

Their argument is suddenly interrupted by the screams of the villagers.

Aang and Zuko, a quick truce forged, return to find the village in disarray, their homes attacked and raided by pirates.

KENORA: Welcome back.

Kenora draws her water. Behind her, Sokka draws his own weapons too, though with far less confidence.

AANG (to Zuko): We'll talk about it.

ZUKO (to Aang); This is far from over.

The four warriors ready for combat.

Ty Lee finally stumbles on to Azula in a lush grove. The girl still has her back turned and remains silent.

TY LEE: I'm sorry Azula, but I can't turn it off. Call it aura - call it whatever - I still feel like something is wrong. And I have felt it ever since you came back when we were sick. Please Azula! I- I like you! And I don't want to lose you over this!

No response.

TY LEE (teary): Azula PLEASE!

Azula shushes her.

TY LEE (teary): Wha-

AZULA: Get behind me.

The acrobat is confused f-

AZULA: I said, get behind me.

Ty Lee listens, standing back-to-back with the firebender. The acrobat now finally hears the strange rustling too.

TY LEE: What is it? Are the pirates back?

What Ty Lee can't see is the utter horror present on Azula's face. Sweat running down on both sides, her jaw trembling and her fists clenched as tightly as possible.

AZULA: He's here.

Ty Lee almost drowns in the horror of those words, more specifically the aura that accompanies them.

TY LEE: Wh- Who?

AZULA: You are right. We are lying.

TY LEE: Wha- what?

AZULA: I never told you guys why I was gone so long when you were sick. The truth is... I was captured. The waterbender girl, spirits know why, saved me.

TY LEE: D- don't you mean freed?

AZULA: No. She saved me...

Azula finally spots the blue mask lurking in between greens and shadows.

AZULA: ...from that thing.

Act III. – The burden of knowledge

Like a bullet the Blue Spirit leaps from the shadows, blade drawn and ready to turn Azula into Was-zula. With laser sharp reflexes taught by Aang himself, Ty Lee swings her staff barely in time, changing the trajectory of this deadly attacker towards a tree. Immediate counter - it leaps upwards, aiming directly at Azula again, forcing the two girls to split. Azula manages to block two blade strikes with her wrist protectors. Howling winds try shoving the spirit aside - this time it digs its katana into the ground, avoiding the move. As Azula tries hurling a fire spiral towards it, it blocks said attack with its blade, swinging it in a circle to try and hit Ty Lee - the acrobat dodges only by an inch - and then finally Azula is forced to block the strike again.

The spirit tries hitting her opponent's soft torso region but is prevented from doing so when Ty Lee utilizes her bending to pull Azula out of the way. Using her staff almost like a fishing rod, she allows Azula to slide around quickly, with the firebender using the opportunity to punch as many fire balls at the mask as possible. The bladed assassin, clearly beginning to show weakness, can still negate any and all fire attacks with their weapon. The Blue Spirit finally manages to disrupt the airbender's help by ducking under a fire ball, which now flies at the acrobat and forces her to block it.

Once turned back towards Azula, the mask is already too late. The girl aggressively charges, blocking the blade with her left wrist and grabbing the hilt with her right. For a few short seconds the two stare at each other, Azula wondering briefly if it even is a spirit. She finally musters up the breath to release a fire blast from her palm - the assassin lets go of their blade and Azula launches it into a tree with her left wrist.

The spirit dodges two more gouts of fire, one flame kick coming dangerously close. It tries leaping into a treetop but is violently smacked down on the ground with a brutal gust of wind, then smacked against the side of a tree by another. Azula charges again - two fire punches followed by her whole entire arm engulfed in flames - the mask barely rolls aside. As it attempts to throw a hidden knife at the firebender, it gets stuck in Ty Lee's staff, who now engages in her own barrage of complicated spinning maneuvers, all of which the spirit seems to dodge. At last, it ducks under another fire blast, jumps over an air slash, presses its legs around Ty Lee's head and drops her to the ground with a somersault. Ty Lee, still on the floor, hastily blasts her away with a wind funnel, catapulting the Blue Spirit back where it came from.

It takes Ty Lee a few seconds to get back up.

TY LEE: I think it's gone! Azula?

She looks around the grove. Azula is gone.

TY LEE: Oh no.

Helpless and without any weapons left the Blue Spirit leaps from tree to tree, occasionally switching directions with coordinated flips and wall jumps.

This time Azula wouldn't be helpless. This time she's the one chasing her prey. The mask, or whatever it is, is now on the run. She too leaps and jumps over the roots and rocks of the forest, dodging slopes and difficult sections the spirit uses to try and lose her. She won't be so easily defeated this time.

Finally, the Blue Spirit breaks through a bush on to a cliff, the same meadow from which Pakku oversaw the forest. Azula is catching up, closer and closer. She almost has it.

One final obstacle - the impressive river over which the Blue Spirit jumps as if it were a character in a 3D platformer.

But the landing costs it precious seconds. Azula has her opening.

AZULA: You won't be GETTING AWAY!

She blasts a mighty flame towards it.

Yet, by only flicking its wrist, the Blue Spirit commands the waves of the river to form a wall, completely shielding it from the attack. Azula frozen in shock. Now the spirit has its opening.

It starts dashing its arms aggressively, shooting wave after wave, stream after stream of projectile-like water at the firebender. Azula manages to dodge the attacks at first, but is ultimately powerless, completely overwhelmed by the sheer speed of the attacks. She falls over.

The spirit prepares one last strike, forming an icicle big enough to pierce through Appa. In a last-ditch effort to save her own skin, Azula strikes her fist up. What emerges is strong enough to not only stop the spear, but completely dissolves it. Blue flames.

As the spirit prepares a smaller ice dagger, the river quickly and precisely engulfs its entire body, swinging it in a circular motion and launching the mask a good hundred feet into the distance, landing somewhere far, far away in the jungle below.

PAKKU: You have the Blue Flare.

The sudden appearance of Pakku startles her. However, after the initial shock wears off, she is glad and comforted by a familiar face.

PAKKU: Only a very few handful of firebenders in recorded history have ever had this ability.

Azula nods frantically.

AZULA (out of breath): Cool.

PAKKU: I've always wished I were blessed like you. Free from this curse.

Azula gets back up.

AZULA Curse? Your bending?

PAKKU: Indeed.

AZULA: But you can help people with it. You can... heal... extinguish a fire...

She stops her monologue as she notices something very odd. The old man begins to cry.

PAKKU (teary): And yet I couldn't save Ae' Kiki.

Azula pauses for a second. She makes a bold guess.

AZULA: Is that... your son?

Pakku's voice trembles slightly.

PAKKU: He wanted to follow in his father's footsteps... join the Navy... end the war.

He scoffs at the naivety.

PAKKU: A few weeks ago, I got a letter from an old friend. My son died at the hand of a masked assassin.

She looks over the cliff's edge, wondering if the Blue Mask could recover from this. She then looks over to the grieving master with an earnest expression.

AZULA: I'm... very sorry to hear that.

The honest silence is rudely interrupt by rattling leaves.

TY LEE: AZULA! THANK THE SPIRITS YOU'RE ALRIGHT!

She rushes the firebender, engulfing her in a tight and loving hug. Azula feels profound guilt about earlier.

TY LEE: Let's just forget about earlier, okay? Let's go back to the village.

AZULA: No. We'll talk with Aang about it.

The acrobat seems surprised. She also, of course, reads the old man's aura, if only on accident.

TY LEE: Are you alright, master?

Surprisingly, Pakku chuckles.

PAKKU: Once again I must remind you that I am no master.

He gives Azula a thankful smile.

PAKKU: But there is no time. We need to go back. I sense something is going on.

Indeed - the "going on" part is quite on point. On one hand some of the bender villagers, plus Tenaka, try fighting off the ruthless warriors. On the other end, Aang and Zuko are locked in a tense fight against Kenora and Sokka. The previously somewhat sloppy and slow movements and bending motions of the girl are almost completely gone, replaced by quick and agile kicks and spins. Aang has to put a lot more energy in than usually to block her moves. Her ingenuity and anger... it starts to remind Aang of someone...

The clash of broad swords and club/machete create ferocious sparks and screeches. The two boys engage in a pushing contest of equal size and strength. Though neither boy really has their heart in it. The two separate, exchange a few strikes and blows, then separate again. Zuko decides to stall the prince.

ZUKO: Is this really the noble way of a prince?! Attacking helpless villages?!

Sokka takes a good long look at the destruction he is indirectly causing. Women dressed in kelp running away, children in their hand as a cackling pirate sets their houses on fire.

Sokka drops his weapons.

SOKKA: No. It isn't.

Zuko lowers his guard.

ZUKO: Oh. That was... easy.

SOKKA: Is it worth fighting for your Avatar instead?

Zuko isn't sure how honest or serious the question is. He decides to listen to his heart, nonetheless.

ZUKO: No. Not at the moment.

He decides to ignore the prince for now and take on some pirates. Sokka picks up his club, a distorted reflection of himself shown in the club's polished blue part.

Aang's attacks become more aggressive and unhinged, which in part makes him loose his precision, a fact that Kenora ruthlessly uses to her advantage. After a series of quick air punches are skillfully dodged, she even manages to freeze her leg just in time for an impressive ice kick. Aang himself doesn't necessarily consider it "impressive", mostly because his face was the target. He feels a drop of blood running down his lip. Kenora smirks.

KENORA: You haven't really changed that much since our last fight, Avatar.

Wrong nerve.

Aang starts unleashing an absolutely spectacular barrage of fire and flames upon Kenora, who in response has to quickly react, absorbing water left and right in order to block his attacks. At this point Aang is little concerned about which moves he's performing, about who might be seeing it. His distaste for this world and his fate has only grown. And now Kenora is the one having to take the blunt of that.

While impressively dodging most moves, a simple air funnel finally catapults her away from the village and into the forest, in which Aang follows her.

AANG: Are we done here?

Stupid question, but Aang wasn't expecting a "yes" either way. Kenora is obviously back on her feet, drying up a tiny field of flowers briefly forming long fingernails made of ice. This is when Aang finally remembers. While the waterbender forms an ice glove, Aang fails to stop himself from saying-

AANG: Hama.

The ice thaws, drops to the ground and leaves Kenora defenseless and with a pale face.

KENORA (shocked): Wh... what? What did you just say?

Aang realizes he made some sort of mistake, opting to run back to the village, hoping this distraction leaves Kenora metaphorically frozen back in between those trees.

Oh, how wrong he is again, as the moment he steps foot back in the village a whip of water holds on to his foot, causing him to land in the muddy ground.

KENORA: COME BACK HERE AVATAR BEFORE I-

Giant water pillars blast from the ground, washing away any pirate attackers and extinguishing all of the village fires. Zuko, Tenaka, Aang and Kenora watch in disbelief.

The pillars drop and Pakku reveals himself down on one knee, flaunting his dirty poncho as if it were an impressive cape.

KENORA: Impressive.

The master has her attention and Azula manages to quietly sneak away with Aang behind her, gesturing him to be quiet. Ty Lee does the same with Zuko.

PAKKU: You are quite talented for a woman, a girl, nonetheless.

Kenora scoffs unfavorably.

KENORA: You are too, for an old man.

She takes on a fighting stance.

PAKKU: Hm. You are much like your father.

These words trigger something similar in her to what happened to Aang. She starts directing streams of water with flails and kicks, yet the aforementioned pillars stop the attacks in their path. More pillars erupt and Kenora finds herself surrounded by these towers of water, which despite coming from a muddy ground are somehow crystal clear. Pakku's reflection appears in one of them and Kenora is quick to react, slicing the pillar in half with her own bending prowess. Yet Pakku is gone.

PAKKU (echoing): Water can be deceitful sometimes.

An unexpected blast hits Kenora in the chest, knocking her down.

On the ground and covered in mud, she looks around. The village deserted, the Avatar's bison soaring into the air, neither Sokka nor the pirates anywhere to be found.

PAKKU (echoing): You are to leave this forest and never return.

Kenora gets back up with a stern frown.

KENORA: There is nothing of value for me here.

And with that the pillars disappear.

After what felt like an hour of marching, Kenora finally reaches the river shore. Oh, what a glorious monologue she had prepared for her cowardly pirates. How she would scream at them and at Sokka for abandoning her-

She halts.

KENORA: Where is...

The pirate ship is gone. Looking a bit further down the stream she finds the Matariki tied to a sad little tree, wobbling up and down a very quiet river. Sokka is sitting on the beachhead with a pile of clothes and trinkets lying around.

KENORA: What in Sedni's name happened?!

Seeing Sokka so sadly plumped down on the grass she already knows the answer.

SOKKA: The... helmsman informed me that the lack of successful missions and bounty has led the pirates to... reconsider our arrangement.

With teary eyes, Kenora stares down the river, hoping to maybe get a glimpse of the little control she used to have.

There goes her dream of capturing the Avatar, finally getting recognized, accepted as an equal, made a captain and free to roam the seas. Perhaps finally finding her.

SOKKA: Well...

Sokka sighs very loudly, turning her grief into anger.

KENORA: "Well" what?

Sokka gets up, his head lowered.

KENORA: Where were you just now? I was doing everything myself! Like always...

SOKKA: I tried to follow the Avatar, but this dude-

KENORA: Yeah, right.

He is of course telling the truth, "the dude" being an interventionist Tenaka. What he isn't telling her is that he wasn't intending to stop Aang.

SOKKA: I guess it's back to just us now, huh?

Like a gentleman, he puts all of her possessions on deck first. She finds her necklace in the dirt, picking it up and putting it back in her pocket.

KENORA: No.

Sokka stops. With a nervous sensation in his stomach, he climbs back down on to land.

SOKKA: What do you mean? Do you have someone in mind who could help us?

Kenora scoffs, no longer hiding her disgust for the prince.

KENORA: There are plenty who could help me. There is however no one that could help you.

Her angered frown does finally upset him.

SOKKA: Wait, hold on - what is that supposed to mean?

Without hesitation she walks up to him with violent intent, forcing him to walk backwards.

KENORA: It means I will take things from here on out. Because clearly the only reason we are repeatedly failing is you. Your highness.

SOKKA: Tha- hey! You can't talk to me like that, woman! Don't forget that I'm your pri-

He literally chokes on his own words as the sudden ice glove grabs tightly around his neck. His eyes turn red, and he emits horrifying gurgling noises. He can feel his inner clock ticking down the time he has left without air.

Kenora glares at him with disgust.

KENORA: We made a deal. Remember? When this day is over... I'll be captain. So, if you don't want to die alone in the woods, you'll make me one.

She lets him ponder on that for a few more seconds.

KENORA: NOW!

She finally lets go. The prince gasps for air, shocked and terrified by who Kenora has become.

SOKKA (out of breath): I... Sokka of the Wolf Clan... Prince of the South and Heir to the throne... hereby declare you... Kenora of the Moray Barracuda Clan... Princess of Whale Tale Island... a captain. May Sedni look kindly upon you.

He finishes with a gulp and a howling grunt, trying to suck in more air. He is absolutely powerless, at his lowest point. He doesn't even try to stop her. Weeks before he made a necklace for Kenora with the promise of marriage. And now she sails away on his ship.

As the village continues reconstruction, Tenaka worries. The old master Pakku exits his tent with a light backpack and he can't refrain himself from asking again.

TENAKA: Master, please let me come along. I would be of great use.

Pakku nods, a hint of a smile showing.

PAKKU: Oh, I'm convinced you would. That's why you need to stay here. Protect these people from any other outsiders.

Tenaka nods as well, though reluctantly.

TENAKA: Where will you be going?

Pakku scoffs.

PAKKU: I'm not entirely sure. But I have some friends that are worth visiting.

He flips Tenaka a chip, which turns out to be a lotus piece.

PAKKU: Take care, good friend.

Tenaka does the Water Tribe gesture, pounding his chest twice, though a lot more gracefully, like the greeting was always intended to be.

TENAKA: May the spirits put Ae' Kiki's soul to rest.

Pakku's smile takes on a bittersweet note and he disappears without another word.

The bison lands on a relatively large field, a bit removed from the more jungle-esc part of the forest. Aang touches up his lip, realizing that the bleeding has stopped.

AANG: Wow, why didn't we land here before?

TY LEE (serious): Why didn't you tell us?

He turns around, seeing all of his friends in a clearly confrontational mood. Azula sits quietly next to them, petting her lemur.

AANG: Azula, wha-

AZULA: Sorry Aang. But after everything that happened... I mean, just today...

ZUKO: You almost killed my sister!

Aang starts getting defensive. He has had it.

TY LEE: Aang, you have to understand-

AANG: EVERYONE GET OFF MY BISON NOW.

They look at the boy in shock. Boy is now probably the wrong term. Appa emits a quiet hum which Azula interprets as "Oh no".

TY LEE: But Aang-

AANG: I AM DONE WITH YOU! I AM DONE WITH THIS WORLD AND THE CRUELTY IT SUBJECTS ME TO ON A DAILY BASIS! I DON'T OWE YOU ANYTHING! NOT AN APOLOGY, NOT AN EXPLANATION - THE ONLY REASON I AM SAVING THIS WORLD IS SO I CAN LEAVE IT!

Zuko is the first to grab his bag and leave. Ty Lee can't hold back the tears, but climbs off the saddle, nonetheless. Azula stares at the boy for a few more seconds.

AZULA: Wha- are we just going to travel as two? As much as I like the idea, I can't really leave my brother-

AANG: I meant you too.

These cold words are enough to scare Sabachi off. The little lemur leaves and chooses to land on Ty Lee's shoulder instead. Azula begins to tremble.

AZULA: Tha- I- I can't just- y- you can't do this to me. Do you know how much we sacrificed? How much I sacrificed?

He shuts his eyes in silence. Her disbelief quickly turns to anger.

AZULA: Fine! Just go without me then!

She throws her bag down next to the other two (three with Sabachi), hoping Aang can be persuaded to change his mind.

AZULA: It's not like-

She stops herself. Now she's the one showing tears.

AZULA: But... but you told me. You told me first rather than the others. Did...

She utters an unspeakably horrible realization.

AZULA (teary): Did you just tell me because I was there?

Zuko can already fear what happens.

ZUKO: Azula, come on.

AZULA (teary): Did you want to tell me, or did you do it because it gave you an excuse?

Aang can't answer. And frankly he is tired of it. This Azula, the other Azula - who cares anymore. All that matters to him are his friends. He should've kept his distance from the start.

AZULA (teary): ANSWER ME-

Expecting an attack, he quickly blasts her off the saddle with air. After having removed the other passengers, he sits back down on Appa's head.

AANG: Yip-yip.

Appa grunts, though clearly reluctantly, after which he slowly rises into the air, flying away.

Neither Zuko nor Ty Lee know what to say. They are now also both showing tears. Though in their hearts they both know that this was the right thing to do. They embrace the flailing Azula in a hug, calming her down only a bit. Her haunting cry can be heard throughout almost the entire forest.

Kenora quietly sails through a strange part of the river system. A closed-off section of forest, devoid of light, though illuminated by strange spores, who reveal the beautiful, lush flora of the forest to her sides. She ignores it and moves on, one question more than any other deeply unsettling to her.