TLF - The Last Firebender

by Carrotine Clara

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

18. Episode 18: The Trial

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

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TW: Homophobia

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Book 1: Fire

Episode 18

The Trial

---

Act I. – Princess Yue

---

Her gaze wanders slowly and with a lot of exhaustion across the horizon, the bright sun turning the vast northern ocean mass into nothing more than a sparkly little pool. Waves had been increasing in size, a last leftover of the warm ocean waters of the continent. Where they're going a turbulent sea would not matter. Eventually, her eyes wander back through the porthole and into Puwati's office. His door is barely separating the room from the hallway, with one of the hinges broken and a giant gaping hole in the center, created just yesterday with his seemingly indestructible harpoon weapon.

Kenora had hoped that her provokingly "manly" way of sitting with her legs spread would annoy Puwati enough to finally warrant a response. But alas, her father keeps his head tilted over an important message, reading it with the intensity of an old man deciphering a secret code. Despite having not seen him for only six months she is still dumbfounded by how much older her old man looks.

After having her arms crossed and biting her lower lip for an hour now, she finally tries to get his attention. She coughs rather unconvincingly. Puwati looks up, the ridiculous set of reading glasses almost falling off his relatively small nose. Not many people know about the Vice-Chief's bad eyesight.

PUWATI: What is it?

She pulls up her eyebrows slow and comical, resulting in her body language being so loud that it's almost audible.

KENORA: Well?!

PUWATI: What?

She shakes her head with the appropriate level of dissatisfaction of a teenager spending time with their estranged parent.

KENORA: You asked me to come see you an hour ago, dad. I've just been sitting here!

He briefly smiles at the sound of her voice and all too familiar lisp. Then the happy expression disappears.

PUWATI: "Dad".

He scoffs.

PUWATI: You have nerve to call me that after you left me.

She crosses her arms even harder, now doing the same with her legs.

KENORA: Oh please. We both know that manners don't work with you.

He carefully removes his reading glasses, placing them in a drawer below.

KENORA (imitating her younger self): Oh please father! Please let me leave to find our mother! Father - when can I leave to be on my own?

She too scoffs as her father's face turns to a frown.

PUWATI: Watch it.

KENORA: Or what?

Her voice carries the same fire and determination as her mother Laiya. And so, he backs off.

KENORA: I thought you were happy to see me...

She looks down in shame as indeed she was happy to see him.

PUWATI: The joy of seeing you again does not excuse you running away from home.

KENORA: You left first.

The mighty Vice-Chief is put on edge more by her words than the blue flames of the firebender.

PUWATI: You know my rank. I couldn't stay. But I never left.

His last statement is filled with genuine emotion. Though it hardly affects his stern daughter.

KENORA: Whatever. You didn't look for mom, so I left to do it.

PUWATI: Oh, but you went somewhere else, didn't you?

Now he has the upper hand, standing up from his chair while picking up a file of reports.

PUWATI: You and Sokka were pretty close a few times. You even managed to hire some mercenaries. Raided an island on your own.

He looks over at her and only finds a smug smirk.

KENORA: If you plan on sending me back to Whale Tail Island just know that I will not go down without a fight-

PUWATI: I don't.

Her anger vaporizes. A glimmer of something resembling optimism is expressed through her uneasy look.

KENORA: What?

PUWATI: Waste of time.

A repressed laughter escapes through a quick snort.

PUWATI: I could force you into that boarding school, stuff you in a dress and send you off to get married but at the end of the day you're just not...

KENORA: That.

Their eyes meet and both refuse to blink for a moment, as if engaging in a staring contest.

PUWATI: Right.

He stares out through the porthole and remembers Laiya, her strikingly similar determination and the big fight they had before she left him. He finally averts his eyes, staring back at Kenora's face and walking up to her. The girl is initially frightened. shrugging and leaning back as if he was about to devour her. Yet he goes down on one knee, meeting her on an eye-level.

He gently touches her cheek with his massive hand.

PUWATI: I couldn't take losing you again. As my daughter I only want you to be happy.

Her eyes tear up, though she desperately tries to hold it back, breathing through her mouth instead. He finally lets go and gets back up, taking on a more serious manner.

PUWATI: As a princess you unfortunately still have certain expectations. I will have to discuss this with Hakoda personally. As you know he too has a daughter. Perhaps he can allow your... unique situation.

She feels a tat bit repulsed at the bureaucratic phrasing, but listens closely, nonetheless.

PUWATI: Once we reach the North Pole, I'll arrange for someone to teach you waterbending. Properly. For now, it will just be healing.

KENORA: I'm actually quite good on my ow- wait - the North Pole?!

PUWATI: Yes.

KENORA: But- the- the Avatar-

PUWATI: Is being pursued as we speak. As soon as we find his hideout, we'll strike with everything we've got.

She cringes at the memory of arriving on the ship yesterday.

KENORA (mumbling): Yeah, maybe it'll work this time...

The man places himself back down.

PUWATI: If you wouldn't mind, I need to be alone for a bit. Some important paperwork.

She rolls her eyes and gets up from her chair. Before leaving through the janky door, she remembers one last thing.

KENORA: There is... another thing...

PUWATI: Speak up.

She turns around towards him.

KENORA: My... rank.

His left eyebrow shoots up.

PUWATI: Your what?

KENORA: Sokka made me a captain. Officially. As such I'm allowed to own a ship. Am I not?

After her speech is over, he seriously ponders what to say.

PUWATI: Kenora...

His words get stuck in his throat for a second.

PUWATI: Sokka is being brought to the North Pole for a Chief's Trial. I can't promise you that that will work out for you.

Anxiety creeps back up her spine.

KENORA: But- I earned it-

PUWATI: That won't matter if he is convicted for treason and banished from the Water Tribes.

Her deeply rooted shock almost escapes through a gasp.

KENORA: What?! But- bu- can't you just... ratify it?

PUWATI: Kenora, I am the Vice-Chief, I-

KENORA: Exactly. You're also my dad.

If he wasn't so afraid of the scrutiny he'd immediately do it. Unfortunately...

PUWATI: I can't.

Her anger immediately comes back, manifesting in another crossed-arms-pouty-face response.

KENORA: That's not fair!

He sighs.

PUWATI: Few things are.

He hopes this is enough to shut her, yet he knows this to be wishful thinking.

KENORA: Thi- bu-

She grunts, stomping her foot like a child.

KENORA: You didn't hesitate to make your little pet Ae' Kiki lieutenant! Why can't you do that for me?!

His stern demeanor shatters briefly.

KENORA: No! Of course not for me-

PUWATI: Get out.

KENORA: I'm not finished-

PUWATI: I SAID GET OUT!

He jolts up like a bolt, knocking over many things on his desk and glaring at her with a very sinister face, one that very much frightens the girl. After swallowing her pride, she turns around and leaves, almost cutting her arm at the sharp hole in the metal door.

---

The metal door opens with a loud clank. Seeing her grandson chained to the wall like some kind of animal lets her stomach sink to the floor. The guards stand aside, and she closes the door behind her, being left alone in the same dingy cellar which just yesterday held Azula.

KANNA: I brought you some cookies.

He exhales through his nose, though as he raises his head towards his grandmother, she is surprised to see Sokka display a smile.

KANNA: Are you alright, dear?

She sits down next to him, Sokka's arms hanging up by the rusty metal chains. He shrugs rather casually.

SOKKA: As good as anyone in a dungeon cell can be.

With a comical glance he looks at the plate of cookies, then back at his gran-gran.

SOKKA: Can you um... feed me those?

She complies, stuffing two large chunks in his mouth and watching him almost choke to death with a confused expression.

KANNA: I have to say I didn't expect to see you so...

SOKKA (with a full mouth): Relaxed?

He crudely swallows the baked goods as if he is trying to break a record. After gesturing with a nod, she gives him more, though only one singular cookie this time. The bright sunlight only illuminates Sokka while Kanna remains seated in the shadows.

KANNA: I guess I thought you'd be angry. Last time Bato went against your will you threw a tantrum. And that wasn't the first time you reacted in such a way.

Sokka swallows again, this time reacting with quite a somber sigh.

SOKKA: I'm sorry for what I said to you at the Boiling Rock. I was being selfish.

Kanna is genuinely baffled at her grandson's apology.

SOKKA: You always tried to look out for my while I was out pretending to be this princely warrior.

He stares at his reflection in a water puddle on the floor.

SOKKA: I didn't deserve my crew.

He looks back at her with a stern but compassionate look.

SOKKA: And I still don't.

It takes a moment for Kanna to react to that.

KANNA: My oh my, I didn't expect to hear this from you at all, Sokka. You've grown much as a leader in your... exile.

Sokka smirks, thinking back to Kenora.

SOKKA: I wasn't exactly alone.

The pretty nostalgia tour in his mind ends on a sad note, as he also remembers how the two parted ways.

SOKKA: But none of that matters now.

He pauses.

SOKKA: For once in my life gran-gran, I know what to do. I know what I must do.

She finds the optimism somewhat ominous and gets back up on her feet, though not before comically shoving another cookie in Sokka's maw.

KANNA: You sound ambitious for a prince that's about to stand trial.

SOKKA (with a full mouth): Are we going back home?

Kanna sighs, as she is not a fan of what she is about to say.

KANNA: No. Your father... declined staging the trial back in the Great Cove.

Sokka gulps, both to digest the delicacy and the uncomfortable news. He was hoping to quickly resolve the trial back home in the south with his father.

KANNA: We are headed to the North Pole. Puwati himself with lead a Chief's Trial against you.

Sokka can feel his neck hair standing up.

SOKKA: And... what if I'm guilty?

KANNA: The punishment for treason is usually death. But since you're the Great Chief's son... I'd say the worst you can expect is banishment.

Sokka nods, trying to keep his facial muscles relaxed.

KANNA: I'll make some arrangements for you to have a nice cell. Well, as nice as a cell can be.

He nods again, this time failing to hide his smile.

SOKKA: Thank you gran-gran. I appreciate it.

She smiles back. As she exits, her smile quickly turns into a concerned frown, fearing for the future of her grandson. Sokka himself waits for her to leave, before finally allowing himself to express his overt joy in a bright and excited grin.

---

A battalion of new recruits is relieved for the day, their excessive training on deck proving to be harder than Tarshall had anticipated. Yet, he is far from regretting having joined the army, even if he preferred the basic training over this advanced program. At least basic training took place on solid ground.

As all the cadets leave for their quarters or lunch, Tarshall admires the calming waters close to the northern capital around Agna Qel'a. Ice floes filled with groaning turtle seals look up in confusion at the massive ironclad ship, which is missing a large number of escape rafts on the side, slicing through these waters which to them are their home. A different, smaller ironclad approaches them, and is probably going to pass them in a few minutes.

As Tarshall admires all of this, leaned over the railing, he takes note of someone else, far removed down the deck also admiring the ocean. It's a girl wearing strangely masculine clothing, nothing he has ever seen. He decides to put on his charm, fling back his overly long bangs and strut over to her.

TARSHALL: I don't believe I've seen you on this ship before. Are you by any chance the weary traveler who we picked up two days ago?

She looks over to him. A few seconds pass.

KENORA: Can I help you?

Tarshall is flabbergasted, as this is the first time a girl has so bluntly rejected him.

TARSHALL: Uh... I mean... no - no, everything's fine. I'm good.

He leans against the railing and averts his eyes.

TARSHALL: I was just... trying to make conversation.

KENORA: You were trying to hit on me.

He very awkwardly scoffs.

TARSHALL: No. I would never... just walk up to someone like that. You know?

His facial expression is about as convincing as a suspect in L.A. Noire, but nevertheless she decides to not leave immediately. She has been feeling lonely on this ship.

KENORA: Don't worry, I won't tell your soldier friends that I stood you up.

Her eyebrow suddenly shoots up.

KENORA: Wait, how old are you?

TARSHALL: Uh... seventeen?

She scoffs aggressively in response.

KENORA: Seventeen? How about you hit on some girls your own age, huh?

He hangs his head in shame.

TARSHALL: Yeah...

A few more seconds pass and Kenora decides to stick around. What else is she going to do?

KENORA: What's your name?

TARSHALL: Tarshall. And you?

KENORA: I'm Kenora.

TARSHALL: Keno- oh shit...

He takes a few steps back in shock, staring at her with the eyes of a deer that's about to get hit by a truck.

TARSHALL: You're the Vice-Chief's daughter. Oh, Sedni help me...

Much to Tarshall's misfortune, Kenora finds this more than amusing.

KENORA: Oh wow, you really are scared of my father.

TARSHALL: I wouldn't call it being scared as much as just having a survival instinct. I mean he's the Vice-Chief. Second-in-command. Plus, the guy is scary.

Kenora giggles.

KENORA: Nah, in person he's not.

TARSHALL (smiling): Are you kidding me? He's huge!

Kenora laughs. Tarshall is glad this conversation is going well, even if it didn't go as he had planned.

TARSHALL: Are you excited?

KENORA: For what?

TARSHALL: Agna Qel'a. The North Pole. I hear it's a massive city. Almost as big as the capital.

Kenora leans on her elbows while fiddling with her fingers.

KENORA: Hm. I don't really know. Not really excited for anything at the moment.

TARSHALL: Yeah, I know that feeling.

She glares at him with suspicion.

KENORA: You do?

TARSHALL: Yeah. I mean, not every day can be awesome, right? Some days are just duds.

Kenora frowns.

KENORA: "Duds"?

Tarshall nods, finding her lisp strange.

TARSHALL: A dud is what we call arrows that don't fire. Not every arrow works, not every day works...

He wiggles around his hands.

TARSHALL: I did a thing here.

Kenora smiles embarrassed.

KENORA: No, I understand.

SOLDIER (in the distance): Yo Tarshall! You coming for lunch or not?

Tarshall jumps up from his casual lean.

TARSHALL: Coming!

He smiles at Kenora before leaving.

TARSHALL: Was nice meeting you, Kenora. Just don't tell your dad I hit on you.

She laughs.

KENORA: I won't.

TARSHALL: Hope I see you around!

He waves, finally running off to his mate. Kenora continues to stare into the distance. The ice caps of the massive North Pole are now in viewing distance, with the other incoming ship partially obstructing the view. Kenora does ponder if this day will end up being a dud or not.

---

Kenora only vaguely remembers the impressive Southern Capital, with distant memories of a massive shore and even larger structures made of stone and wood.

But still, never in a million years did she expect the city of Agna Qel'a to be this impressive. A massive floating glacier towers proudly above the ironclad ships, who seem inexplicably puny in comparison. The Koriata, Bato's ship and the many smaller wooden vessels pass the first of three ice walls, artificially created and upheld by a series of fortifications mounted by waterbenders, who melt and freeze these borders into a perfectly smooth shape. Kenora isn't entirely sure what the purpose of these walls is. After all, the Water Tribes are the only important naval power. Right?

The ships finally halt and find themselves at the massive dockyard made up of ice and wood. The crew frantically organize the ship, a chaotic series of commands relayed to nameless soldiers that perform some sort of command that is supposed to be correct. Kenora hears fragments of terminology that she remembers from her short time as captain of her little pirate armada.

Speaking off - the moment her thick boots trample upon the somehow non-slippery ice, she spots the partially-destroyed Matariki being towed ashore buy muscular benders.

A cackling to her right grabs her attention again and she gasps at the sight of a chained-up Sokka, a number of howling soldiers taunting the boy, though some men seem to roll their eyes at the mockery. Kenora immediately feels the need to run towards them, having to fight her way through a gathered crowd.

Bato happily holds up the prince's chain like a victorious athlete, his face with the grin of a mean-spirited goblin.

BATO: Behold! Your prince has finally revealed his true colors!

The convoy steps upon the dock and the crowd starts mumbling, some more aggressive-looking men start laughing and booing. Kenora finally pushes past two people, able to lay her shocked eyes upon the prince. Somehow, he seems less defeated and more annoyed.

SOKKA: Kenora?

Bato comes to a halt.

KENORA: Sokka. I'm... so sorry.

She shakes her head in disbelief. He only smirks.

SOKKA: Don't worry about me. I got everything under control.

An angered fish vendor throws a fish in Sokka's face.

VENDOR: You're a disgrace to this nation!

The old man gets pushed back by one of Bato's soldiers.

BATO: Nobody touches the prince! He'll face his justice from no one but the spirits!

The crowd backs off, though they somehow seem more agitated, turning their frustration into more shouts and grunts. Kenora, still unable to understand why Sokka is in chains, finally crosses eyes with the scarred Bato.

BATO: Nice to see you, Poko.

He averts his mean looks and disappears with soldiers, prisoner and mob in tow.

GUARD: Princess!

A weirdly dressed northern guard taps her on the shoulder, taking her out of her glare directed at Bato.

KENORA: Huh?

GUARD: Your father has asked me to come get you. You're expected to attend the gondola tour with him.

Kenora fully turns around.

KENORA: Gondola?

---

Gondola. Actually, multiple gondolas (gondoli?), all driving slowly across the narrow canals of the inner city. Rows upon rows of beautifully handcrafted windows and doors, all equipped with uniquely designed door frames and windowsills, all made of ice and with an architectural style that seems entirely foreign to Kenora, despite having been to many Water Tribes Cities. They pass under an arch bridge, the large crescent moon of the Water Tribes in its center and a crowd of onlookers gathered on top. Indeed, the girl is surprised by the many eyes that gaze upon them in between the ice structures and totem pillars. Many buildings wave the flag of the Tribes in an imposing fashion, a type of iconography that is supposed to represent unity and strength, though to Kenora it only seems weird and off-putting.

After her eyes look away from the strange holes in the wall that emit water, she once again glares ahead, angered and frustrated that her father had reserved a gondola for himself and Bato, apparently, she was only good enough to share one with Kanna at the number four spot. As she crosses her arms the old woman sits closer to her.

KANNA: Why aren't you wearing a dress? Surely you must own at least one, princess.

Kenora's grip around her arms only tightens and her lip wanders upwards to form a pout.

KENORA: I don't want to. And don't call me princess.

Kanna frowns curiously, intrigued by the rebellious teenager girl.

KANNA: You know, you remind me of a certain someone. A fierce little lady who would never listen to anyone.

Kenora relaxes only a little.

KENORA: Are you talking about Princess Katara?

Kanna giggles.

KANNA: No dear. I'm talking about your gran-gran.

Kenora finally turns to the old woman. She briefly remembers her encounter with the Avatar, not satisfied by his explanation as to how he knew her grandmother.

KENORA: Did you know her?

KANNA: Of course. Hama and I used to be good friends.

The two women look up at the spectators cheering.

KANNA: She was a southern girl, a feisty little thing, so her parents sent her to a boarding school here in the north. That's where we two met.

Kenora raises her brow.

KENORA: But... you're the Chief Mother. I didn't know you're from the north.

Kanna purses her lips, heartbreaking memories of her youth resurfacing.

KANNA: Well, that's the whole point. They sent me south to become the Great Chief's wife, strengthening the bond between the poles. I hardly saw her after that, though we continued to write letters.

KENORA: Hm. I think dad might have mentioned you.

KANNA: Oh, did he?

Kanna giggles, though Kenora turns her head away again.

KENORA: Yeah. But that was a long time ago. I never got to actually meet gran-gran...

Kanna sighs with grief.

KANNA: Death is the one thing that connects us all, no matter the nation or bloodline.

---

The High-Chief's royal palace, much to Kenora's distaste, is indeed completely made of ice, not just the impressive pagoda outside, but the inside as well. Her hope now is that the guest room comes with free parkas and build-in fireplaces. For now, she stands in the back, hugging herself and tightening her coat, her breath appearing as moist clouds in front of her face.

ARNOOK: Puwati!

For someone holding the title "High-Chief", Arnook really doesn't appear very interesting from afar. Without the massive throne area and the waterfall behind him Kenora might've mistaken the man for any random water sage. His well-defined cheek-bones end in a nicely trimmed beard around his chin, with expensive-looking jewelry attached to his hair and neck. Kenora mostly wonders if his oversized parka is trying to hide a frail body.

Her dad of course smiles and laughs with a grumbling intensity that echoes throughout the halls. He is the only one in the entourage, consisting of her, Kanna, Bato and of course Puwati, who bothers to walk up to the stage-like throne area and engulf the High-Chief in an aggressive hug. The Whale Tail Island way of greeting someone.

PUWATI: It's been too long.

He walks back down the stairs and places himself at the center of the group while Arnook and his entourage sit down on humble pillows placed in a row next to each other. For a moment Kenora stares at the girl next to the High-Chief, though her focus is quickly back to Puwati.

PUWATI: I take it you've received my messages?

ARNOOK: I did. How very concerning to read about these treacherous acts. And from the Crown Prince nonetheless...

Everyone nods except Kenora, who doesn't quite know yet what Sokka actually did.

ARNOOK (addressing Bato): You have fought off this incursion bravely. I am glad to see you with us, Captain Bato.

Bato scoffs.

BATO: Actually, it's Commander Bato.

Arnook frowns in surprise.

ARNOOK: I see. Very good to hear.

He looks over to Kanna.

ARNOOK (addressing Kanna): Chief Mother, it is always pleasant to see one of our fellow northern women back home.

Kanna nods.

KANNA: The spiritual presence here soothes me well.

ARNOOK: That's always good to hear.

He looks over to Kenora with one eyebrow raised.

ARNOOK: And who might you be, young man?

Fooled by her choice of fashion Kenora clears her throat.

KENORA: Actually-

PUWATI: This is my daughter, Kenora.

The room falls strangely silent for a moment. Kenora catches a glimpse of the girl next to Arnook reacting surprised.

PUWATI: I have been meaning to ask if you can arrange a waterbending teacher for her.

Now Arnook's court starts whispering to each other. Kenora definitely despises this kind of attention.

ARNOOK: I don't understand.

Puwati scoffs with a smile of disbelief.

PUWATI: Believe me, I'm aware of our customs concerning bending. However, Kenora has proven herself in an extraordinary manner that made me reconsider.

He briefly looks back at her and she finds herself speechless. For a moment she forgets the resentment she feels towards him. Arnook meanwhile strokes his beard.

ARNOOK: That sounds indeed extraordinary. I'm afraid you have to take this request to the Great Chief though. Until then the best thing I can offer is to have her be trained by a healer.

Puwati nods. Kenora is slightly angered, as she wonders why she can't have a say in this. But for now, she doesn't feel the need to speak up. For one, she is practically freezing, and then there's the girl sitting next to Arnook distracting her.

---

Under the watchful eye of a waxing gibbous moon, a huge feast is held in the palace's courtyard. Torch light illuminates the premises and Kenora eagerly awaits to devour as much meat as she possibly can. One of the downsides of travelling rogue is a severe lack of glazed fillet steaks.

Equipped with a simple parka and dying of hunger, she is rudely interrupted by the arrival of the High-Chief, who centers himself in the middle of the square encircled by totem pillars. Once again, she is far removed from her father in terms of the seating situation.

Arnook raises his arms, only the sound of the waterfall behind him is audible for a moment.

ARNOOK: Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of our brother from Whale Tale Island, Vice-Chief Puwati and his daughter Kenora.

Short applause ensues and Kenora feels uncomfortable.

ARNOOK: Furthermore, we welcome our brother from the south, Commander Bato, as well as the honorable Chief-Mother Kanna.

More applause.

ARNOOK: We also celebrate my daughter's sixteenth birthday. Princess Yue is now of marrying age!

By far the loudest applause and Kenora understands why.

Time almost slows down and her pupils dilate to never before seen width. Finally, despite the dim light, Kenora is able to take a close look at the girl who was sitting next to the High-Chief earlier today.

YUE: Thank you, father. May the great Ocean and Moon Spirits watch over us during these troubled times!

Everyone claps again, including Kenora, though she starts doing so with a noticeable delay. The princess of the north is dressed in a simple but elegant amethyst purple parka, with her long black hair crowned beautifully into a topknot, with two loops hanging from the side and the Water Tribes symbol proudly displayed.

As Kenora continues to stare at the girl, she averts her eyes as she realizes Yue is looking back. Wait, now she's coming closer. NOW SHE'S APPROACHING-

YUE: May I take a seat next to you?

Kenora, mid heart-attack, nods frantically.

YUE (sitting down): Are you alright? You look a bit pale.

With her hands folded and the soft voice of an angel Kenora finds the strength to respond.

KENORA: Um- yeah, I'm fine. Just... a little hungry.

Yue giggles. To Kenora it sounds like floating wind chimes.

YUE: Me too. I'm practically starving.

They look over to a waterbender performance. With Puwati grabbing his first ham chop the feast has officially begun. Yue gently eats some veggies while Kenora stares at her empty plate like she's about to puke. All these delicacies that she wanted to stuff herself with. But now there's a pretty girl sitting next to her. Ugh...

KENORA (mumbling): Shit.

YUE: What was that?

KENORA: Nothing!

As the northern princess taps her lips with a napkin, the southern princess fills her plate with a modest amount of arctic hen.

YUE: I don't think we've officially been introduced yet, though I saw you in the throne room earlier.

Kenora nods hectically.

KENORA: Yeah-yeah.

Yue seems a bit confused by the girl's mannerisms.

YUE: Well, I'm Yue.

For some reason, please don't ask me why, but for some reason Kenora starts putting on some sort of "persona" that is strikingly similar to Tarshall.

KENORA: Hi there. Kenora. Whale Tale Island.

Yue frowns.

YUE: Hi?

KENORA: So, it looks like I'm going to be in town for a while. I'm thinking...

Suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere, Yue gets a nasty cough-attack. After not going away for a few seconds she starts getting looks, predominantly from her father. With a few nods he directs some female servants to escort her away from the courtyard. Away from Kenora.

KANNA: Very smooth...

The young girl glares to her right.

KENORA: Since when are you here?!

KANNA: I've been here this whole time.

---

While chomping on a bone like a dog, Puwati frowns at his daughter leaving the courtyard very suddenly for some unknown reason.

PUWATI (mumbling): Where is she...

ARNOOK: Is the food serving well, Vice-Chief?

He turns his head quickly to the right.

PUWATI: Hm? Yes.

He finally puts down the bone.

PUWATI: That was a pretty bad cough that the princess had, ay?

He immediately drops the chipper tone as soon as he sees Arnook's face and feels his aura getting slower. Or as the airbender girl would put it - his usual sapphire color shifts towards a sad grey.

ARNOOK: If only it were that easy...

Puwati nods with compassion.

ARNOOK: When Yue was a baby, there were... complications. Our healers managed to patch her back up to health but... sadly, her lungs took some permanent damage...

As a show of empathy, the Vice-Chief more or less slaps the High-Chief's back, almost knocking out his skeleton.

PUWATI: Let's not dwell on the past my friend. Let us see to the future instead.

Arnook clears his throat, returning to his more professional mild manners.

ARNOOK: Now that you've mentioned it, this afternoon I took the liberty of selecting the other Chief Judges myself.

Puwati grunts in protest.

PUWATI: Oh. Already?

ARNOOK: Yes. The spirits tell me that the sooner the prince's fate is decided the better.

Puwati nods.

PUWATI: If I may ask, who did you select?

VYKE: Me.

They turn towards the entrance, where the rough-looking General Vyke rocks a brand-new eyepatch over his right eye.

PUWATI: Vyke? You look terrible.

Vyke scoffs.

VYKE (pointing at his eyepatch): A little gift from an earthbender. Real troublemaker that one.

Puwati looks in disgust at the High-Chief.

PUWATI: Arnook, why is he here? Only someone holding the title Chief can sit on a Chief's Council

VYKE: Luckily for you Puwati I got promoted to Chief-General after taking a part of your fleet to conquer an Earth Kingdom city after you ran away from Yu Dao.

Puwati does not take lightly to this, getting up quickly and grabbing a knife with clenched teeth.

PUWATI: Say that again.

VYKE: I'll take you on that offer-

ARNOOK: Gentlemen. Please.

After breathing loudly and getting a lot of attention the two bulky men back down. Vyke nods and leaves the courtyard, though not before grabbing a dumpling from Puwati's plate.

PUWATI (keeping his eyes on Vyke): Who else is on?

ARNOOK: Chief-Admiral Kayrule of the Northern Fleet, Chief-Marshal Hias of the Polar Corps, and the two of us.

PUWATI (keeping his eyes on Vyke): Great. Can't wait.

With a muffled screeching from his chair being pushed, Puwati too leaves.

Across the courtyard Kanna can't help but to fold her arms and sigh, her thoughts still dwelling on Sokka.

---

KENORA (mumbling to herself): Stupid stupid stupid stupid...

Of course Kenora followed Yue outside, spotting the princess from behind a corner. Her servants are holding up some sort of jug filled with burning hot tea which the young princess seemingly uses as an inhalator at the top. After a few seconds she pulls her head back up, breathing on her own again, if only heavily for a bit.

SERVANT (in the distance): Do you need anything else princess?

YUE (in the distance): No. Leave me alone for a moment, please.

The servants nod and disappear into the night. Alone under the moonlight, Yue stares longingly into the distance, overseeing a vast and ever-expanding city glistening under the crescent spirit. This is when Kenora decides to walk up to her and lean against the frozen balcony too.

KENORA: Beautiful view, isn't it?

Yue flinches slightly.

YUE: I guess...

KENORA (macho persona): Listen... about earlier-

YUE: Kenora, I don't know what it is that I said that offended you, but please just know that it wasn't-

KENORA (panic): Wait - no-no-no-no-no! You didn't offend me! Why would you think you offended me? I'm not offended!

YUE: Because you-

Yue grunts in frustration.

YUE: Because you act so weird around me.

Kenora breaks down and sighs.

KENORA: I know...

She grunts too.

KENORA: It's just that I've barely eaten anything, things are weird with my dad, and now someone who really trusted me is in chains - and then I meet you and you sit down next to me and you're so prettyyyyyyyyyy...

The longer she holds that note the worse it gets.

YUE: I'm... what?

KENORA: You're pretty...

She sighs, closes her eyes and goes for it.

KENORA: I'm sorry, I just think you're pretty beautiful.

Yue blushes and blinks aggressively in response.

YUE: Oh. I... I didn't know you thought of me this way.

Obviously the girl is overwhelmed and so Kenora tries to calm her.

KENORA: It happens sometimes. A lot actually. You know what? I'm just going to go-

YUE: No, please stay.

Kenora is frozen on the spot like an awkward teenage romance popsicle.

YUE: It's just that I... have never met a girl who...

KENORA: Likes other girls?

Yue nods with her arms folded.

KENORA: Yeah. We're not very common apparently.

She hangs her head down low. This is where Yue tries to help.

YUE: Listen, I know you have to be at the trial tomorrow, and I have some stuff to do as well. But, if you want to, we could meet afterwards and maybe go for a walk.

Kenora tries coming up with a normal response in her nervous state.

KENORA: Um... sure. I'd love to.

Yue smiles.

YUE: Great. It's just... I have to go back inside, otherwise my father is going to worry and start sending guards for me.

Kenora scoffs.

KENORA: Does he do that a lot?

Yue giggles.

YUE: Quite a lot actually.

For a moment the two just smile at each other - blue eyes meeting brown eyes.

YUE: Anyway, it was nice meeting you.

KENORA: And... I'm... sorry for acting so weird.

Yue shrugs.

YUE: I've been through worse.

Like the proper princess she is, Yue bows slightly, then goes back inside. Kenora remains at the balcony for a moment, genuinely in awe at the city. And its people.

---

Act II. – Tampering evidence

---

Protocol of the Chief's Trial The Confederation of Water Tribes versus Crown Prince Sokka of the Wolf Clan.

Written by court clerk Kautreyn of the Mammoth Musk Ox Clan.

Day 1 of the Trial

Time: 8:17am

Place: Agna Qel'a main court hall

The honorable High-Chief Arnook of the North opens the session.

ARNOOK: We are gathered here today to let the spirits guide us to serve justice against Crown Prince Sokka.

The defendant appears nervous.

ARNOOK: I have here with me the honorable Chief-General Vyke, Chief-Marshal Hias, Chief-Admiral Kayrule and Vice-Chief Puwati. As it is custom for a Chief's Trial, the charges will be presented by the highest-ranking Chief, after which we will listen to the testimony of every witness, and then finally, the defendant has the option of presenting his own side.

The defendant audibly gulps.

ARNOOK: Once the process has been carried out, the Chiefs have to agree in unison on the verdict. Does the defendant submit to the justice of the spirits?

SOKKA: Yes.

ARNOOK: Good. Vice-Chief, please continue.

The High-Chief passes the word on to the Vice-Chief.

PUWATI: Crown Prince Sokka of the Wolf Clan, you are standing trial for the following charges - Dishonorable conduct, mistreatment of your crew, grand theft vessel, complicity in the breaking and entering of a school building, complicity in the events of Musho Ichi, complicity in the rescue of a prisoner, and lastly, treason. Do you plead guilty to these charges? If so, this trial is not necessary, and we will make our verdict right now.

The defendant hesitates, appearing conflicted.

SOKKA: I plead not guilty.

The spectators disturb by gesturing and heckling.

ARNOOK: Order please.

The spectators calm down.

PUWATI: Very well. The first witness may speak now.

The first of 28 witnesses steps forth. A young naval officer formerly under the command of the defendant explains in detail what serving under the defendant was like. He decries a lack of focus and strategic slip-ups but describes his overall experience as decent. When asked about involvement in any of the incidents the witness strictly confirms the official reports denying his involvement.

The next is another former crew member. The older man mocks the prince for his hubris and lack of focus. Oftentimes the crew would spend their resources with decadence rather than following any missions. He describes the overall experience as a "waste of time". He expresses his preference to serve under Commander Bato, who will give his own testimony in the future. When asked about involvement in any of the incidents the witness strictly confirms the official reports denying his involvement.

The next witness, the former helmsman, praises Sokka for his "newfound bravery" and his fighting skills. The defendant smiles at the witness. However, the witness does confirm that the defendant's command was less than sufficient with Water Navy standards. When asked about involvement in any of the incidents the witness strictly confirms the official reports denying his involvement. He finishes his statement by reminding the court that the defendant still holds a royal title and should be met with mercy.

The fourth witness, who worked on the defendant's kitchen staff, declares rather joyfully that working under the defendant was the "best thing ever" as he was apparently given culinary freedom. The spectators briefly erupt into quiet laughter.

ARNOOK: Order.

The witness continues to tell stories of lavish parties that the defendant would attend in the colonies. He expresses that many of the crew members felt jealous of the decadence and that the defendant should've been "more generous". When asked about involvement in any of the incidents the witness strictly confirms the official reports denying his involvement.

Witness number 5, another naval officer, briefly describes the defendant as a "moron" but makes the speculation that he "has a good heart". The witness and defendant share a brief smile. When asked about involvement in any of the incidents the witness strictly confirms the official reports denying his involvement.

The next witness served as the defendant's petty officer. Right away he describes the defendant as a "coward" and a "disgrace to the nation". His rant devolves into tossing accusations of treason and calling the defendant a "dirty faggot", the spectators appear highly agitated by this.

ARNOOK: Order! Please remain seated during your testimony.

The officer sits back down while glaring at the scared defendant. When asked about involvement in any of the incidents the witness strictly confirms the official reports denying his involvement. He furthermore explains that he doesn't even know where Musho Ichi is but that if he had been present at any of the aforementioned events, he would've "personally dealt with the coward".

As the final witness for today is called forth the spectators continue to disturb with heckling and gestures.

ARNOOK: Order! I will not repeat myself!

One heckler is escorted outside.

The final witness was serving as the defendant's personal servant. His description is rather vague, having to constantly answer questions by the Chief Judges rather than talking in one continuous motion. According to him the defendant was "obviously dealing with some issues" and further questions why he was even sent out alone in the first place. The spectators mumble briefly but calm down on their own. When asked about involvement in any of the incidents the witness strictly confirms the official reports denying his involvement.

High-Chief Arnook closes today's session and thanks the witnesses for their cooperation.

NOTES:

-Kenora of the South, one of the witnesses who hasn't given her statement yet, seemed constantly agitated by the trial and appeared angry when hearing witness number 6 speak.

-Commander Bato, another witness who hasn't given his statement yet, smiled throughout most of the session.

-The Chief Judges seemed focused and professional, only the Vice-Chief appearing agitated.

-The defendant remained mostly calm, though reacted scared to witness number 6.

The session ended at 2:47pm and will continue the next day at 8:00am.

---

YUE: That's what he said to Sokka?

The two girls saunter through the city, passing over bridges and into alleyways, secretly hoping to get rid of the guards following them for protection.

KENORA: Yeah, that guy was a total dick.

Yue giggles, Kenora blushes.

KENORA: What?

YUE: It's the way you talk it's so... unabashed and... fearless.

Kenora shrugs, still blushing.

KENORA: I guess...

YUE: Have you given your testimony yet?

KENORA: No, I'm on like number fifteen or something.

They pass over the bridge Kenora saw yesterday in her gondola tour.

YUE: And... what are you going to say?

Kenora thinks for a moment, staring intensely at her thick leather boots.

KENORA: I don't really know. They're making it seem like he committed all these crimes when technically...

YUE: What?

Yue seems concerned.

KENORA: Well, we did it to catch the Avatar. I thought that would've given him some slack, but I guess not...

Yue gasps quietly.

YUE: The Avatar? You actually met him?

Kenora nods.

KENORA: Yeah. He's... like a... airbender kid. And I totally beat him.

They walk down the stairs to a lower level, which allows them to walk directly next to the canal.

YUE: You... beat him? Like in a fight?

Kenora can't help but to smirk.

KENORA: Yeah, totally. Wasn't easy though.

Yue shakes her head in disbelief.

YUE: I... have never heard of a girl fighting. Let alone the Avatar.

Kenora feels an overwhelming joy at the fact that she impressed her.

KENORA: I know. I'm a weird girl.

They share a warm laugh.

They walk in silence together for a while, Kenora purposefully relaxing her right arm in the hopes of the princess doing the same with her left. Though for now Yue has her hands folded beneath her parka. They pass under a few more bridges and eventually walk into a more secluded area close to the harbor. Kenora notices that the guards are no longer visible. Perhaps no longer present.

KENORA: So... are you feeling better today?

YUE: What do you mean?

Kenora gestures at her chest-throat area.

KENORA: Because of the... cough. Seemed pretty wild.

Yue frowns.

YUE: I'm feeling better, thank you. But these kinds of coughs happen... more than I want them to.

KENORA: Why? It can't be the cold with your nice parka.

Yue blushes slightly, though remains somber in tone.

YUE: My... lung is damaged. It's not fatal but... I'll always be in danger of having one of these cough attacks.

She sighs.

YUE: It just... sucks.

Kenora seems a bit shocked at her rude choice of words. The girls pass under water streams running from the wall into a canal next to them.

KENORA: My tongue is broken.

Yue scoffs a bit.

YUE: "Broken"?

KENORA: Yeah, it's... misplaced in my mouth? I don't know, I was very young when my parents had me checked out.

She remembers being teased by some of the other noble boys about her lisp as a kid.

KENORA: That's why I have this lisp.

YUE: I understand.

Yue smiles. Kenora feels embarrassed.

KENORA: What?

YUE: The word. "Lisp". Why does it have an "s" in it?

For some reason Yue breaks out into laughter over this. Kenora joins her, still feeling embarrassed.

KENORA (laughing): I don't know.

YUE (laughing): I mean... it's... it's so mean. Who thought that was a good idea?

KENORA (exaggerating her lisp): Someone much smarter said it was the easy choice!

Yue laughs even harder, with quiet coughs in between. Kenora puts her arms around her to try and calm her down, though the laughter only infects her. And so, the girls' hilarity echoes through much of Agna Qel'a's canals.

---

KENORA: Do ya really wanna - do ya really wanna taste it?

Inexplicably, while on her way home in Agna Qel'a, Kenora breaks out into song and dance, with Wig Wam's "Do you really wanna taste it" playing in the background and the totem statues singing the background vocals.

She slides nonchalantly with her waterbending across a canal until the guitar solo wears off. She lands on a bridge and continues singing while dancing to the song.

TOTEM STATUES: Get it on! Get on top!

KENORA: Make a move extreme...

TOTEM STATUES: Make a pose!

KENORA: Make a shortcut to your dreams! Float straight to the stars on that flying thing!

Guitar pause.

TOTEM STATUES: Getting high! Getting brave!

KENORA: Getting snowblind - game!

TOTEM STATUES: Set, go!

KENORA: Pick a tune, chick harpoon in a world beyond! Get a beat, got a heat on a phony string!

TOTEM STATUES: Tear your world apart! Once the magic starts!

Water fountains erupt in the background.

TOTEM STATUES: Do ya really wanna, do ya really wanna taste it?

KENORA: What's going up must come down!

TOTEM STATUES: Do ya really wanna, do ya really wanna taste it?

KENORA: Baby you're losing ground-

YAGODA: Kenora? Are you listening?

An old woman suddenly stands next to her on the bridge and the music fades out.

---

Kenora blinks twice and is back in her reality, where she is being taught the art of healing in a small, comfy igloo by an old, kind woman.

YAGODA: Well, kids these days just love their daydreaming, don't they?

Kenora nods and focuses back on the wooden puppet with lines all across its body. She has been instructed to carefully slide water across these lines, which symbolize the chi paths in a person's body. Which is- that's how healing basically works.

YAGODA: You're doing good, now just focus on the center-

KENORA: Got it.

She moves the water with extreme precision into the center, making the entire dummy glow in a soft, blue light. With the exercise mastered, she wipes her hands clean and has Yagoda smiling with astonishment.

YAGODA: Dear, you are truly a gifted. A natural talent.

Kenora shakes the compliment off with a nod to the side.

KENORA: I trained a lot. A year ago, I wasn't even able to make a puddle float.

She remembers the night she saved Azula from dying and blushes, though she immediately tries to override the memory with Yue. Yagoda giggles.

YAGODA: I know that look. You met someone special in the north, didn't you?

KENORA (smiling): Yeah.

YAGODA: Well, if you wait two years maybe he can make a betrothal necklace for you.

KENORA (flat): Yeah...

As Kenora helps her put away the wooden doll, Yagoda suddenly gasps.

YAGODA: I don't know why I didn't realize sooner - you're the spitting image of Hama!

Kenora smiles humbly.

KENORA: I've heard that before.

YAGODA: Why yes! Your gran-gran, the Chief-Mother and I used to be best friends when we were about your age.

While the old woman cleans up the rest of the healing items used for their session, Kenora remembers her eerie encounters with the Avatar.

AANG (in Kenora's memory): Hama.

AANG (in Kenora's memory): She was a waterbender from the south pole in my world. She was captured by the Fire Nation and kept as a prisoner.

KENORA: Can I ask you a weird question?

Yagoda smiles.

YAGODA: Of course.

KENORA: Did gran-gran ever show signs of being... a waterbender?

Yagoda is baffled by the question.

YAGODA: Um... no. I don't believe so.

Kenora ponders.

YAGODA: Most children in the Water Tribes show signs of their bending skills between the ages of 3 and 6. If Hama was a waterbender, we would've probably found out a lot sooner.

Kenora nods, that same eerie feeling the Avatar gave her crawling back.

YAGODA: Besides...

She walks up to the girl and gently touches her shoulder.

YAGODA: If she was a waterbender, maybe you would've never been one yourself. Maybe the spirits decided to pass her gift on to you.

Kenora's heart skips a beat.

KENORA: Yeah. Um, I got to go.

She practically storms out of the igloo, leaving Yagoda rather confused. The old woman sighs again.

YAGODA: Teenagers...

---

Kenora slams the door of her guest room and immediately stomps over to her drawer. Thankfully the room isn't completely made of ice and holds enough furs and other goodies to keep her warm. But that's not important right now.

She spreads the same map she had been using in her time hunting the Avatar across her bed, extending it to its full size. For hours she connects dots and marks the routes that the Avatar and she took, circling with her ink and pen whenever the two parties crossed paths. After a while she gets so worked up that she takes off her parka. Lines slide across the paper and her hands collect more and more spots of ink. A part of it is the terror, the unknown question as to how and why the Avatar knew her gran-gran. He can't be from another world. It just doesn't make sense.

Or does it?

She stops, towering above her map and trying to draw some sort of conclusion. The line ends at the Northern Passage, from there on out she has no clue where the boy and his friends could've gone to next.

KENORA: Wait a minute...

She ponders the map for a while longer. After weirdly zigzagging across the Fire Nation's main peninsula (or what used to be the Fire Nation), the route of the Avatar takes a weird U-turn, then proceeds to climb up the north-western Earth Kingdom, going up to the... north? The North Pole? The Avatar would hardly want to go there. Was he... travelling somewhere north?

She looks at the map again, her eyes glued on to it as if the way to solve this puzzle was to stare a hole into the paper.

Nothing.

Frustrated and tired she throws the map on a chair and falls into her bed. Thinking about Yue she comes to the conclusion that at least the day wasn't a dud.

---

Day 2 of the Trial

Time: 8:26am

Place: Agna Qel'a main court hall

The honorable High-Chief Arnook of the North opens the session with a short speech about the grace of the spirits.

Witness number 8 takes a seat on the witness stand. The scarred soldier talks about the many times the defendant avoided unnecessary risks like going through a storm or departing with not enough supplies and considers the defendant kind-hearted. When asked about the defendants intentions in leadership the witness shrugs and makes the claim that "the boy probably never thought about that in my opinion". When asked about involvement in any of the incidents the witness strictly confirms the official reports denying his involvement.

Witness number 9 is a young cadet having only served for a month under the defendant. His description of events is very short and mainly involves describing an incident where the defendant ordered an attack on an enemy settlement from which they took a young firebender prisoner. He describes the defendants attempt to fight the Avatar "laughable" but also adds that "no one has fought an Avatar in in a century, so we probably did our best". When asked about involvement in any of the incidents the witness strictly confirms the official reports denying his involvement.

The tenth witness in this trial is Commander Bato.

ARNOOK: State your name please.

BATO: Commander Bato of the Snow Fox Clan.

ARNOOK: Please describe your experience with the Crown Prince.

The witness scoffs and glares at the defendant, who seems uneasy.

BATO: Prince Sokka may be the Great Chief's son... but in my opinion the spirits cursed him.

The spectators disrupt by heckling.

ARNOOK: Order.

The spectators calm down.

PUWATI: What do you mean by that?

BATO: What I mean is that every heir to the Wolf Clan for generations was a waterbender. Until Sokka.

The defendant continues to seem uneasy.

BATO: And based on the experience I've had serving as his lieutenant... I think there's a reason they cursed him like that.

ARNOOK: Go on.

BATO: Our prince is pompous, arrogant, selfish and cruel. He lacks the qualities necessary to be a leader and I believe he poses a danger to himself and others.

The witness points to the scar around his left eye.

BATO: This is what serving under Sokka was like.

The spectators disrupt with mumbling but stop on their own. The witness and the defendant share brief eye contact.

ARNOOK: Thank you, commander.

When asked about involvement in any of the incidents the witness strictly confirms the official reports denying his involvement.

---

The rest of the day dragged on way longer than Puwati wanted it to. The rest of the witnesses for that day continued to berate and mock Sokka, with only one other private describing the Crown Prince in somewhat neutral terms.

KAYRULE: It appears the verdict is not goin' to be a hard thang.

Kayrule, whose left eye is swollen and larger from an old injury, puffs confidently on his pipe, while the Chiefs discuss the trial in the jury room.

ARNOOK: We shouldn't rush to any conclusions. After all, we've only heard half the witnesses.

Hias, whose most notable features are his surprisingly soft voice and his long hair, interjects.

HIAS: I'm not proposing to agree on a verdict already, but I have to side with Kayrule. I don't think prince Sokka is going to avoid banishment unless the Great Chief pardons him. It certainly seems so from the witnesses.

KAYRULE: Would he do that for the lad?

Kayrule takes a strong sip from his pipe. All Chiefs look over to Puwati, who still just stares out the window pondering.

VYKE: Well... Puwati? Tell us.

Puwati doesn't turn around for a few more seconds.

PUWATI: I don't trust Bato's testimony. Something is off about him.

The other Chiefs share confused looks, with Vyke just straight up sighing.

KAYRULE: Didn't ya promote Bato yaself?

PUWATI: I did...

Puwati clenches his teeth and pouts, his head leaned over the wooden table and the written-down testimonies. He picks up today's protocol and reads the notes.

---

NOTES:

-Kenora of the South, a witness speaking tomorrow, seemed once again upset throughout most of the session.

---

Puwati sighs.

ARNOOK: I can't confirm his spirit theory, but we have to trust that it was his honest testimony.

KAYRULE: Besides, what would he gain from talking ill 'bout the lad?

HIAS: Maybe it's a personal thing.

Puwati glares at Hias with the same sassy energy that his daughter often shows.

PUWATI: It's very clearly a personal thing between those two.

He puts the paper down again.

VYKE: Whatever. We'll get more witnesses tomorrow.

All the Chiefs slowly get up and leave. Puwati remains for a while.

It's Bato's aura that worries him. It has felt very wrong since they arrived at the North Pole.

---

Due to the trial's session being extra-long today, Kenora had feared that she wouldn't be able to see Yue again. But, to her surprise, on her way home from healing training she... sort of bumps into her. Spotting the princess in a gondola below, Kenora stops at one of the bigger bridges and leans on the ice railing.

KENORA: Don't bump into any walls, princess!

Yue, her guards, and the gondolier all look back up, Yue with a smile.

KENORA (addressing the guards): Do you think we could have a minute?

---

Kanna sits peacefully under the roof of a watchtower, staring in awe at the sight of the outer walls and the massive ocean that stretches across like an endless blue blanket. She had missed this. Her home, the quiet, the view. Yet her mind does not find the clarity she was hoping to achieve. The first session was a nightmare. Even if she herself had thought ill of her grandson, the way he got berated yesterday and today was simply... not right. She takes a sip from her green tea-

BATO: I was hoping to find you here.

She lets out a heavy sigh, no longer hiding the distaste she has for this man in her wrinkly face.

KANNA: Leave us.

The two soldiers stationed hesitate for a moment but do leave once Bato glares at them.

KANNA: What do you want?

Bato laughs.

BATO: That is not how you're supposed to greet a Commander.

He sits down across from her on the icy floor, while she remains seated on a pillow. She grunts.

KANNA: I defended you in the past Bato, but I saw you smiling today at Sokka's misfortune.

His fake joy dissolves quickly.

BATO: If you would just hear me out-

KANNA: Why? Why should I show mercy when you clearly have none?

She gets up and intends to leave. Bato ultimate stops this by getting up himself.

BATO: I know who the Blue Spirit is.

She stops, turning around to meet Bato's face, then turning her head away again to stare out into the ocean.

KANNA: How?

He walks up next to her, leaning over the wall and showing her the lotus Pai Sho piece in his hand.

BATO: I found this with the swordfighter boy. The one I fought in Huoshan?

She nods but is not yet sold.

KANNA: And how does a Pai Sho piece connect to a vengeful spirit?

He puts the piece back in his pocket.

BATO: I found the same piece in Ae' Kiki's office the night he was murdered - by the Blue Spirit.

Kanna continues to frown.

KANNA: What?

BATO: Don't you get it? He killed Ae' Kiki and then probably raided his office to find information about the Avatar. That's how he's been able to always be one step ahead of us!

He waits for her response.

KANNA: So... the Avatar's friend, a human, snuck out at night, killed dozens of people, tried to kill his own sister for... a Pai Sho piece?

Bato scoffs in his anger.

BATO: Don't you get it? The Avatar is the bridge between the material and the spiritual world - maybe he contacted a spirit to give this... boy powers!

Kanna's mouth stays open comically.

KANNA: I'll see you tomorrow.

And with that she just leaves him there. Ice cold. In his anger he almost throws the Pai Sho piece into the ocean.

---

A minute turns into half an hour turns into 45 minutes. The sun is beginning to set and Kenora wonders if Yue's guards would really show up and arrest her or something.

YUE: Do you think Bato is right?

Kenora scoffs.

KENORA: I don't know. Probably not. I don't trust that guy at all.

They continue to saunter slowly towards the pier which at night holds a beautiful array of vendors in little carts.

KENORA: Could something like that happen? I mean... the spirits interfering with humans like that?

The question seems to trigger a whole library full of answers within Yue.

YUE: Well... sometimes it does. But you would have to give the spirits a really good reason to do so. I don't think Sokka just... existing could upset the spirits like that.

Kenora lets the information sink in, wondering if this also applies to her and her gran-gran.

YUE: Have you ever had an encounter with a spirit?

Kenora is put on the spot, but thankfully has an answer up her sleeve.

KENORA: Actually, I did. On Kaiyuko Island.

Yue gasps.

YUE: You were on Kaiyuko Island?! Did you go into the Glacier Temple?

Kenora hesitates.

KENORA: Yes...

Yue can feel something is wrong.

YUE: Everything alright?

Kenora sighs.

KENORA: Yeah, there was... some kind of spirit in that temple. Made illusions and stuff.

Yue is truly fascinated by the story.

YUE: And what did you see?

Kenora stops and tries to remember. They both halt at a pier crossroads, a blind spot hidden to curious onlookers.

KENORA: I saw... mirrors.

Yue frowns curiously.

YUE: Mirrors?

KENORA: Yeah. They were spinning and they looked razor-sharp...

Yue is almost afraid to continue asking.

YUE: What... did you see in them?

Kenora takes her time to answer.

KENORA: Nothing. It reflected the floor but... not me.

Kenora shrugs.

KENORA: Maybe... maybe it means I'm nothing.

YUE: No...

The princess puts her left hand on Kenora's shoulder and her right hand on her neck.

YUE: Don't say that Kenora. You are not nothing.

Kenora smiles humbly. For a moment the two just... stand there. Kenora's ocean blue eyes staring deeply into the dark brown pupils of the slightly taller Yue. Kenora starts breathing out of her mouth. She moves her face an inch closer...

YUE: We should probably head back.

Yue backs off, hiding her hands under her parka sleeves in a timid manner.

KENORA: Yes. Of course...

She scratches the back of her head.

Halfway back to the palace the two exchange very few words and are found by guards who insist on taking Yue to the palace via gondola, leaving Kenora to stroll through the city on her own.

---

Day 3 of the Trial

Time: 8:09am

Place: Agna Qel'a main court hall

The honorable High-Chief Arnook of the North opens the session and thanks everyone for keeping this trial short and concise.

ARNOOK: We call forth our next witness.

Witness number 15 gets up and takes a seat on the witness stand.

ARNOOK: State your full name please.

KENORA: Princess Kenora of the Moray Barracuda Clan.

The Chief Judges share looks of confusion. Vice-Chief Puwati clears his throat.

PUWATI: She is legally entitled to the status of princess.

The Chiefs continue.

ARNOOK: Princess Kenora, please describe your time serving under Crown Prince Sokka.

The witness pauses initially.

KENORA: Um... I wasn't... "serving" under him.

ARNOOK: You were not?

The witness scoffs and exchanges a quick look with the defendant.

KENORA: No.

VYKE: So, you are complicit in the crimes he committed?

The spectators disturb with mumbling, the witness, the defendant and Vice-Chief Puwati are shocked.

KENORA: Uh... um... no-

VYKE: But you just said you weren't serving under him, therefore you supported him voluntarily in his actions, correct?

PUWATI: Vyke!

Vice-Chief Puwati and Chief-General Vyke glare at each other.

ARNOOK: Order!

Both spectators and the Chief Judges calm down.

ARNOOK: Were you or were you not serving under the Crown Prince?

The witness hesitates again. She briefly looks at the defendant who seems more agitated than before.

KENORA (looking away from Sokka): Yes. I was.

The spectators disturb by mumbling again.

ARNOOK: Order.

The spectators quiet down again. The defendant seems devastated.

ARNOOK: Good. Now, can you describe your experience working under the Crown Prince?

The witness twiddles her knuckles.

KENORA: I... wasn't very happy... for the first few weeks. After that we... got along better.

VYKE: How exactly did you and Sokka meet?

The witness seems agitated by the question.

PUWATI: Objection! How is that necessary to this case?

ARNOOK: Puwati, let her answer.

Vice-Chief Puwati now also seems agitated.

KENORA: We... met on the Boiling Rock. He... asked me to be on his crew and... I said yes.

KAYRULE: And how exactly did a young girl like ya make it to the Boiling Rock on yer own?

The witness hesitates again.

KENORA: I faked my identity.

Gasps from the spectators disturb the session.

ARNOOK: Order!

VYKE: So, you faked your identity and aided a criminal, is that correct?

PUWATI: OBJECTION!

ARNOOK: ORDER!

For a moment the session falls silent.

ARNOOK: No more questions regarding the witness. Tell us about the Crown Prince only.

The witness scoffs.

KENORA: Sokka is an idiot. But he-

The spectators disturb the session with mumbling.

ARNOOK: Order. Please.

KENORA: He only tried to do the right thing! You stole his ship and his crew. He thought if he could capture the Avatar, he could get back his pride. His honor.

ARNOOK: And do you think he got it?

KENORA: What?

ARNOOK: Do you think he got his honor back?

The witness hesitates and strictly avoids eye contact with the defendant.

KENORA: No.

The audience disturbs the session with mumbling again.

ARNOOK: Thank you Princess Kenora. That will be all.

---

Back in the jury room Puwati slams his fist on the table as hard as possible.

PUWATI: WHAT IN THE NAME OF SEDNI WAS THAT?!

Everyone except Vyke flinches.

VYKE: I performed my duty as Chief Judge, as we all should do.

PUWATI: Bull-SHIT! You went AFTER MY DAUGHTER, VYKE!

HIAS: Gentlemen! Gentlemen. Please. Let's remain calm.

KAYRULE: We're s'posed to be uni'ed.

Puwati starts breathing heavily, clenching his teeth like an angered dog. Vyke just smiles.

VYKE: You're defending her. Just like you're defending Sokka.

He pauses, keeping everyone on edge.

VYKE: If you ask me... she's just as complicit as him. You're just trying to hide it to protect your reputation.

Without a moment's hesitation Puwati launches at Vkye, pressing him against the wall with his elbow and drawing a hidden knife, which he holds up to the man's neck. Kayrule tries pulling Puwati back but is unable to do so. Vyke's face reeks of pure terror. Puwati just glares at him. He doesn't blink, he doesn't move. If he wanted to, he could kill him right there and then and nobody in the room could stop it.

VYKE (struggling): Your... strength won't... defend her from the truth-

PUWATI (angry): Your lies won't defend your neck from my knife.

ARNOOK: PUWATI! ENOUGH!

The Vice-Chief doesn't flinch for a moment. After a few seconds he finally lets Vyke go, putting his knife back into a hidden pocket.

PUWATI: Let's just banish this prince and get it over with.

On his way out Puwati slams the door behind himself.

---

As Kenora exits Yagoda's igloo, she is pulled aside into an alleyway by one of the royal guards. She struggles to break free and is finally let go.

KENORA What is this-

YUE: Kenora...

She immediately calms down as she spots Yue.

KENORA: Yue, I'm so glad you're here!

Kenora rushes to give her a hug, Yue reacting with hesitation. They finally separate.

KENORA: Why are you here?

Yue pouts with sadness.

YUE: Kenora... I'm sorry...

Kenora frowns.

KENORA: What?

ARNOOK: I need to speak with you.

Dressed in a humble parka, the High-Chief appears behind Kenora. Yue averts her eyes from the situation.

KENORA: What is going on?

ARNOOK: I'm afraid I will have to forbid you from seeing my daughter.

Kenora's eyes glance over to Yue for a second, then glare at the old man.

KENORA: Why? Because of the trial?

Tears start rolling down her face. Arnook remains calm.

ARNOOK: You have to understand my point of view, Kenora. It is my daughter's duty to marry a nobleman and-

KENORA (angry & teary): Why does she not get to have a say in it? Why aren't you letting her choose?!

YUE: I did.

Kenora looks back in shock. Yue herself is showing some tears.

YUE: I'm sorry, I made a mistake. I shouldn't have asked you to-

Her words turn into a cough, which becomes worse and worse, until she collapses on her knees.

ARNOOK (addressing the guards): Get her back to the palace! Now!

The guards help her back up and rush her away from the dark alleyway. Kenora is just... frozen, the tears running down her cheeks.

ARNOOK: I'm sorry. But it's my duty.

His hands folded much in the same way as his daughter, he quietly and respectfully turns around and walks away as well.

---

Kenora walks home sad and alone, a million different thoughts rushing through her head. Some people give her weird looks, though she barely pays attention to it.

Her head hanging low and her eyes finally dried up, she cannot wait to just fall into her bed-

A massive hand grabs her by the hood and pulls her inside, quickly slamming the door.

KENORA (angry): You don't have to grab me-

Instead of seeing another guard, to her surprise, her father looks down at her.

PUWATI (angry): WHY DID YOU ANSWER VYKE'S QUESTION?!

Already on edge and incredibly upset about Yue and her father, Kenora clenches her fists and fights back.

KENORA (angry): WHY DID YOU LET HIM ASK ME?!

PUWATI (angry): DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW BAD THIS MAKES ME LOOK?! HOW BAD THIS MAKES YOU LOOK!?

KENORA (angry): DO YOU THINK I GIVE A FUCK ABOUT YOUR STUPID REPUTATION?! KISS MY ASS!

Puwati shouts with anger, kicking over a trash can in the corner.

PUWATI (angry): I SHOULD PUT YOU IN A CAGE AND SHIP YOU TO WHALE TALE ISLAND!

KENORA (angry): GO AHEAD! I'LL ESCAPE!

As they keep shouting back and forth Puwati circles around the room.

PUWATI (angry): We should've sent you to that boarding school when you were younger...

KENORA (angry): And you think that would've kept me in check? Do you think I wouldn't be kissing all the girls I want?

Puwati frowns.

PUWATI: Huh?

Waves upon waves of emotion stream back into Kenora, her eyes fill up with tears again - her fists and teeth clench as hard as solid rock. In one swoop but clumsy motion she tears the wall to their left apart, shattering the thick ice and filling the floor with the broken-off pieces. She does this while screaming at the top of her lungs. Puwati is completely speechless.

And then she completely breaks down, sinking to the floor and digging her face into her knees.

Puwati waits for a moment, then carefully steps closer, avoiding the glass-like shards on the floor. Finally, he sits down next to her.

The two sit next to each other in silence for a few minutes. The tough, ruthless, scarred and scary Vice-Chief is too afraid to speak up and further hurt his little girl.

KENORA (sobbing): I should never have gone with Sokka. I should've looked for mom myself.

Puwati pouts, a profound sense of grief boiling up inside him.

PUWATI: I did look for her. For months.

She looks up with her swollen eyes.

PUWATI: I scoured the planet... joined... weird cults just so I could get more information.

He shakes his head and scoffs at his own failure.

PUWATI: She's gone. Like she was swallowed by the earth.

A moment of relative peace fails to endure as Kenora tears up again. This time she allows herself to fall over, leaning her head and shoulder on Puwati's lap. With hesitation, he puts his hand on her other shoulder and gently strokes it.

PUWATI: I'm... sorry.

She gasps in her misery.

KENORA (crying): I'm sorry about Ae' Kiki.

Puwati briefly gasps as well, desperately using every fiver in his body to hold back his own tears.

PUWATI: So, you know...

Kenora nods.

KENORA (crying): I know what happened...

Puwati's heart starts racing.

KENORA (crying): I was there that night. That... thing that killed him almost killed me.

Puwati is shocked at first but then raises his left brow.

PUWATI: How? You were there?

Kenora sniffs up some snot.

KENORA (crying): I rescued the firebender.

Puwati's jaw drops figuratively.

PUWATI: Why?

It takes her a few seconds to respond.

KENORA (crying): I thought she was pretty.

Silence. Then, a scoff from Kenora. A scoff turns into laughter. One person laughing turns into two people sharing that laughter. After what feels like a serene eternity, it eventually fades out.

PUWATI: That... thing gave me this little present.

Kenora turns around and finally notices the scar running right across Puwati's face.

KENORA: I didn't even notice.

Puwati answers with a shrug.

PUWATI: I never noticed you liked girls. I mean... I had a feeling. But I never knew for sure.

She turns back and manages to conjure up a smile.

PUWATI: I guess we're even.

---

Late at night, Sokka's jail cell door opens. He was kindly given the decency of a parka, an extra mattress, and a few books, none of which he read. As he turns around, he spots the dim light of a torch approaching behind his ice bars.

BATO: Enjoying your stay?

Sokka quickly jolts up from his poor excuse of a bed.

SOKKA (angered): What do you want?

Bato is shocked and surprised to find the prince so brave.

BATO: To thank you. If you weren't such a pathetic child, I would never have needed to be your babysitter.

Sokka, to Bato's surprise, simply scoffs it off.

SOKKA: I needed someone to boss around.

Bato's face displays the hint of a frown. Sokka meanwhile crosses his arms with a smug expression.

SOKKA: What's the matter, Bato? Are you upset that you can't harm me in here?

Bato quickly creates a water stream from one of the bars, letting the dagger float right in front of his face. Sokka flinches, but ultimately holds firm.

SOKKA: Go ahead.

Bato has never seen the prince as determined as this. Not once.

SOKKA: Try it.

A quick flick from Sokka's eyebrows and Bato directs the water stream back to form into a prison bar.

BATO: Have fun in your exile.

The scarred man leaves the torch hanging on the wall and walks off. As soon as he has left, Sokka makes a comical gesture of relief, swiping his forehead and blowing wind from his mouth.

SOKKA: Phew. That was close.

He lies back down on his uncomfortable mattress. Tomorrow is the last day of the trial. The last day of his imprisonment. And he isn't talking about the frozen cage he spends the night in.

---

Act III. – Verdict

---

Day 4 of the Trial

Time: 8:10am

Place: Agna Qel'a main court hall

The honorable High-Chief Arnook of the North opens the last session of the trial.

ARNOOK: After much consideration and the many witness testimonies, the Chief's Council has voted to declare the verdict right now.

HIAS: Crown Prince Sokka will be allowed to present his version of events now.

The witnesses mumble amongst each other.

ARNOOK: The defendant may please take a seat on the witness stand.

The defendant takes a seat on the witness stand.

ARNOOK: State your full name.

SOKKA: Sokka of the Wolf Clan.

ARNOOK: Full name please.

SOKKA: Crown Prince Sokka of the Wolf Clan.

ARNOOK: Crown Prince Sokka, please present your version of the case. In detail.

SOKKA: I did everything I'm accused of.

The spectators disrupt the session with gasps and heckling.

ARNOOK: Order!

VYKE: So, you broke into a school, attacked Musho Ichi-

SOKKA: I was forced to help the Avatar to protect my crew. And Musho Ichi was run by slave owners, I don't regret attacking them.

Louder gasps from the spectators disrupt the session.

SPECTATOR: Did he say slave owners?!

ARNOOK: ORDER!

High-Chief Arnook restores order by slamming his gavel.

VYKE: Slaves or not, you still attacked a close ally of the Water Tribes.

SOKKA: If that is who we ally with we should be ashamed of ourselves.

The spectators disrupt the session with mumbling.

ARNOOK: Or-der.

KAYRULE: So what about yer attack on Commander Bato? Didn't ya help to free a prisoner that dae?

The defendant scoffs.

SOKKA: I... was hoping to settle a score with Bato. The fact that a prison escape was going on was... unknown to me.

VYKE: Objection! According to reports you "flew in" on the Avatar's bison.

The defendant shrugs.

SOKKA: Maybe. But was the Avatar present?

The Chief Judges share confused looks.

VYKE: No. Um...

PUWATI: The Avatar was a prisoner on Kenora's ship.

The defendant crosses his arms and smiles.

SOKKA: See?

ARNOOK: Crown Prince, with all due respect, that doesn't make you innocent. You still broke multiple laws and codes that directly went against your fellow members of the Tribes. Combine that with the testimonies we've heard and...

SOKKA: They're right.

The defendant pauses for a moment.

SOKKA: I was a terrible captain. And for the most part I was a terrible person.

The defendant pauses again.

SOKKA: But everything I did these past few months...

The defendant briefly shares a look with witness number 15, Kenora of the South.

SOKKA: I did it because it was the right thing. And if I get banished for that, then so be it.

The spectators begin to mumble again but stop on their own once the defendant has left the witness stand.

ARNOOK: I... believe we have heard everything we needed to hear. If there are no more objections, I believe we can-

KANNA: I object!

Gasps from the spectators disrupt the session.

VYKE: Chief-Mother, you do not have the right-

KANNA (serious): I have the right to speak my witness testimony and unless you want to drag an old woman out of the court room, by the spirits, I will speak my mind.

The spectators continue to heckle while witness number 25, Chief-Mother Kanna, sits down on the witness stand.

HIAS: Chief-Mother, I'm very sorry but we voted to postpone the last seven witnesses.

KAYRULE: Even if yer words make Sokka out to be an angel, that still will hardley make him innocent.

KANNA (serious): I am already sitting here, so stop bothering me.

The Chief Judges share confused looks.

PUWATI: Tell us your full name.

KANNA: Chief-Mother Kanna of the Narwhal Walrus Clan, married into the Wolf Clan.

ARNOOK: Can you describe... no. Can you tell us why you felt the need to speak up at this trial?

KANNA: I believe Sokka is innocent.

The defendant loses his smug attitude. The spectators disrupt the trial with further gasps and heckling.

PUWATI: Order!

ARNOOK: Do you have evidence to support this?

KANNA: It was Prince Sokka who discovered the Avatar first. He had a rightful claim to the mission but was usurped by his then lieutenant.

Witness number 10, Bato of the South, seems upset by this.

ARNOOK: Even if he had a... rightful claim to the mission, he still committed criminal acts.

KANNA: In the face of an unjust foreclosure of all of his resources and crew I believe it was more than justified.

ARNOOK: Even if... that is true...

HIAS: Do you have any evidence for this, Chief-Mother?

KANNA: I do.

The witness reveals a small glass vial which she places on the witness stand counter.

BATO: Objection! This is not relevant to the case!

KAYRULE: Well, now we're definitely gonna hear it.

The audience disrupts with mumbling.

KANNA: This vial contained a rare substance which turns any liquid into a specific shade of blue.

The witness shares a glare with Bato of the South, who himself seems angered.

KANNA: During the Quviasuk Ritual Bato defied the judgement of the spirits. He tempered with the ritual to make himself seem like a legitimate leader.

The spectators disrupt with gasps.

BATO: I AM A LEGITIMATE LEADER!

The spectators fall silent.

BATO: Did you really want him, this... buffoon to lead the mission? You wanted him to hunt down the Avatar?!

HIAS: Commander Bato, is this true? Did you lie about your Quviasuk Ritual?

The witness gets up from his seat and approaches the Chief Judges, though he is apprehended by two guards before he can come too close. The spectators gasp and mumble.

ARNOOK: I believe we need to re-evaluate our verdict.

The detained witness starts laughing, pardon me for using this term, like a mad man.

BATO (staring at Kanna): You're in on it.

BATO (staring at the Chief Judges) You're all in on it...

HIAS: In on... what?

The detained witness continues to laugh.

BATO: I found two Pai Sho pieces. A lotus on both.

PUWATI (nervous): What...

BATO: Yes. In Ae' Kiki's office and with one of the Avatar's friends. You're connected to them. You're all connected to them. All of you! ALL OF YOU! YOU'RE ALL CONNECTED!

ARNOOK: Get him out of here!

BATO: ALL OF YOU! YOU'RE ALL CONNECTED! ALL OF YOU ARE CONNECTED TO HIM!

---

FINAL NOTES:

While some notable members of the Chief Judges and the witnesses appeared upset over the verdict NOT GUILTY, the majority of the witnesses present as well as the spectators who have been following this trial appeared glad, with some even expressing their joy over cheers. Most notably, in a strange contrast to this, the defendant appeared neutral or even unhappy about it.

The session and the trial as a whole ended at 9:12am.

---

Hectically signing off the last page, Puwati finalizes the pardon for Sokka. Once again, he is sitting in an office, this time a frozen hall with wooden furnishings and Northern Water Tribes decorations hanging on the wall. Once again, Kenora is sitting across from him, though this time she seems a little more patient.

PUWATI: All done.

KENORA: Great.

She nods with a pout.

KENORA: So... you wanted to...

Puwati politely folds his hands together.

PUWATI: To ask you how you're doing.

She reacts as awkward as any teenager would if they were asked that question by their father.

KENORA: Uh... good. I guess.

He sighs.

PUWATI: Do you think we did the right thing? With Sokka?

She shrugs.

KENORA: I don't know. Maybe he...

She stops as her father is distracted by something else on his desk. Kenora sighs.

KENORA: Listen...

She gets up...

KENORA: If you...

...and spots the map on his desk.

KENORA: What is this?

PUWATI: Me trying to figure out where the darn Avatar went.

KENORA: Well... to the Golden City.

PUWATI: Yeah, I know that already.

Kenora is shocked but also a little disappointed she couldn't surprise him with the news.

PUWATI: We just don't know where it is...

Kenora sits down on the desk looking down at the map and swiping away the hair from her face, locking it behind her ear.

KENORA: It can't be that hard. I mean... he went all this way north. It has to be near here.

A knock on the door briefly disrupts their teamwork.

PUWATI (eyes on the map): Come in.

A messenger enters, pounding his chest and then clearing his throat.

MESSENGER: Your scouts have reported several sky bison sightings in multiple locations inside the Northern Passage.

Puwati and Kenora share a brief look.

PUWATI: Where?

Puwati gets up and walks over to the messenger. Meanwhile Kenora continues to focus on the map.

MESSENGER (in the background): Here. Here. And here.

She finally notices something of interest - in between the Northern Passage, the massive rock formation south-east of the North Pole, she notices one spot on the map that's particularly large.

PWUATI (in the background): Thank you.

KENORA: Dad?

He turns around.

PUWATI: What?

Getting no response, he walks over to her, looking down at the spot she's pointing out on the map.

KENORA: What is this?

He takes a closer look.

PUWATI: Mount Krakatoa. It's an inactive volcano-

He stops mid-sentence, his daughter translating her thoughts onto him with a simple look.

PUWATI (addressing the messenger): Send an extra scout troop! I want Mt. Krakatoa examined!

MESSENGER: Yes, sir!

The messenger pounds his chest once more and then leaves. Puwati smiles at Kenora.

PUWATI: Good job.

She smiles back and gets off the desk, intending to leave as well.

PUWATI: Oh, and one more thing...

She turns around.

PUWATI: I sent a request to Great-Chief Hakoda. You can expect an answer in a few weeks.

This time, instead of a simple smile, she rushes her dad and gives him a tight hug which he gladly reciprocates.

---

Puwati doesn't bother to knock on Sokka's door before entering. The boy, upon his release, had been given a proper room in the royal palace, one very similar to Kenora's.

PUWATI: This is for you.

Sokka looks at him with mat eyes. Puwati hands him a small stack of papers, which Sokka skims quickly.

PUWATI: Your status as legal heir can only be annulled by your father. However, any military rank you hold has been stripped from you.

Sokka looks up at the Vice-Chief with a frown.

SOKKA: Why? I was acquitted.

PUWATI: Yes. This was actually leftover paperwork from the Boiling Rock. Legally speaking, you haven't held any rank since then.

Sokka expresses immediate shock, his thoughts on Kenora.

PUWATI: Oh, and another thing.

He flips over something like a coin. Upon catching it, Sokka identifies it as the betrothal necklace he made for Kenora.

PUWATI: Just so we're clear - I asked you to do this so I could get her back.

Sokka scoffs with distaste.

PUWATI: Don't be too hard on yourself. I would've never let you marry her.

The Vice-Chief intends to leave when-

SOKKA: What am I supposed to do with this?

PUWATI: Don't know. Don't care.

He grabs the door handle before glaring back at Sokka one more time.

PUWATI: But stay away from my daughter.

And with that the Vice-Chief slams yet another door. Sokka waits for a few seconds, then lets out a deep, deep sigh, placing the necklace and the papers on his desk right next to his boomerang. He picks the weapon up and stares at it with regret.

SOKKA (quietly): Shit.

---

Kenora is just about to leave the palace for Yagoda's igloo when another messenger approaches her.

MESSENGER: The Chief-Mother has requested to see you.

Kenora nods but keeps her guard up.

The messenger leads her away from the palace and towards a wall in between two massive glaciers. On the wall sits a round, wooden door, which the messenger opens. Kenora waits for a few seconds before realizing the messenger expects her to enter.

She finds herself in a strange oasis-like place, a beautiful sanctuary with grass, a small pond and a blue torii gate, with lavish bushes behind it and a waterfall as well. She walks over one of the bridges and finds a smaller pond in the center of a grass island. She also takes off her parka, as it is strangely tropical in here.

KANNA: A wonderful place, isn't it?

Kenora nods. She finds two koi fish circling each other in an endless dance inside the smaller pond.

KANNA: I saw you yesterday. You went back home in tears.

Kenora feels a bit embarrassed but also strangely relieved.

KENORA: I'm better now.

KANNA: Yes, you look like it.

The old woman smiles at her.

KANNA: But you reminded me of my granddaughter. And my grandson. They have been through awful things. And now Sokka had to deal with this terrible trial. I couldn't take it...

KENORA: Is that why you exposed Bato?

KANNA: Oh, he did plenty of things to deserve that. But yes, in essence.

Kanna turns around to Kenora and grabs her shoulder.

KANNA: I believe your destiny is deeply intertwined with that of the Avatar. A great battle is coming soon, and you will have to face him again.

Kenora scoffs.

KENORA: Yeah well, I beat him already.

KANNA: Did you beat him and all of his friends?

Kenora falls silent to that.

KANNA: I thought so.

She too stares into the koi pond.

KANNA: There is something to this Avatar, something different. A strange feeling.

Kenora remembers her own strange encounters with Aang.

KANNA: I overheard a conversation he had with the firebender girl once. He claims to be-

KENORA: From a different world?

Kanna looks back up from the pond, her face expressing deep shock.

KENORA: He told me as well. He... said he knew gran-gran as a waterbender.

Kanna ponders.

KANNA: Hm...

KENORA: What does this mean?

KANNA: I don't know. But I need you to take this.

She holds up a small amulet decorated with the Water Tribes crescent moon.

KENORA: What is it?

She takes the amulet, briefly admiring it.

KANNA: It contains water from this very spirit oasis. It's supposed to contain special properties.

Kenora raises her brow.

KANNA: You will need Sokka to face the Avatar and his friends. I want you to protect him in case something happens.

Kenora nods, putting the amulet in her pocket.

KANNA: I know how you must feel about my nephew. But believe me when I tell you that there is good inside him.

Kenora frowns almost in shock.

KENORA: Nephew?

Kanna blinks twice, almost as if escaping from a trance.

KANNA: Oh, I'm so sorry. I meant grandson, of course.

The old woman sighs.

KANNA: Forgive me. I've been on edge ever since we arrived at the North Pole.

Kenora gives her half a smile.

KENORA: I understand. And thank you.

She bows, puts her parka back on and walks towards the oasis entrance, though she honestly wishes she could stay a little longer in this tranquil paradise.

---

The sun begins to set on Agna Qel'a and Kenora decides to take a little walk after dinner, hoping to relax her thoughts, put her mind at ease-

VOICE: Psst! Psst!

She holds at a staircase leading down to the canal. The voice came from behind a corner in the dark, meaning that Kenora approaches it carefully, her arms raised and ready for combat. She jumps around the corner, scaring Yue half to death and causing her to flinch.

KENORA: Yue?

Yue shushes her, grabbing her by the parka and dragging her further into the alley, below a bridge where they stand relatively unnoticed.

KENORA: What do you want from me?

Yue sighs with a heavy heart, her hands not folded for once.

YUE: I wanted to apologize to you. I never got to explain myself...

Kenora scoffs, not wanting to get her heart ripped out again.

KENORA: I assume you told your father that I liked girls? That I like you?

YUE: No! I...

Kenora sighs.

KENORA: Goodbye.

She starts walking away.

YUE: I told him that I like you.

Kenora stops, turning back around.

KENORA: But you can't? Right?

YUE: You have to understand, Kenora. I have a responsibility to my people.

KENORA: What about the responsibility you have to yourself?

Yue clearly doesn't have an answer to that.

YUE: How do you-

The princess grunts very bluntly, surprising Kenora.

YUE: How do you... be you? How do you run away from home and... teach yourself fighting and... do all these things? Aren't you scared?

KENORA: Of course, I'm scared.

Yue is truly shocked to hear that.

KENORA: Running away, with a fake identity and no money... that was scary. In the beginning I was barely able to stand up for myself.

Yue scoffs, looking down truly defeated.

KENORA: I can't teach you how to be brave Yue, but you have to be honest with yourself - is this what you want? To be married to some douchebag, to be shipped off like cattle - like Kanna? Is it?

YUE: No.

KENORA: Then tell your father!

Yue nervously fidgets around with her fingers.

YUE (nervously): How do I know if I really want it?

KENORA: Only you can figure that out.

YUE (nervously): How do you do it?

Kenora shrugs.

KENORA: I don't know. I... I try not to lie to myself. To be as honest as I can be.

She sighs.

KENORA: I'm going to head back.

She turns around...

YUE (nervous): Kenora?

...turns right back...

KENORA: What?

...and sees the princess launching at her, pressing her lips onto hers and closing her eyes while doing so. The initial clumsy first kiss morphs into a more passionate exchange as Kenora leans further in and puts her hands around Yue's head. The many thoughts that rushed through her head earlier turned to ash within seconds.