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 19
A Siege of Gold Part 1:
A battle of rain and ash
Act I. - The calm before the storm
With the arrival of winter Aang is deeply surprised to not see snow in the city. Whether or not this is due to the caldera beneath them being active or some firebending shenanigans he hasn't been able to figure out.
For now, as in right now, in the moment, his mind is preoccupied with the intense firebending choreography that he flawlessly rehearses with his two co-students. Adithya appears to struggle a bit but manages to power through it through sheer willpower alone. Aang finds himself easily re-learning his forms from the other world, after all, repetition is key.
He and Azula had discussed this many times over the past few weeks and they came to the conclusion that he definitely needs to submit to someone's teaching in order to reacquire his bending skills. He hated the idea, mostly because it made his journey to this world pointless. Aang has continuously tried to let the feeling go, let go of the thought of why he was plopped into this reality. But he couldn't quite let it go. At least his voice had begun cracking, giving him one of the features of his old self back.
Who outshines both Adithya, Aang, and his intrusive thoughts however is Azula. With almost no physical input or much or practice she has quickly and exponentially improved her own firebending skills, finally utilizing that finger technique to its fullest extend and no longer relying on her fists to do the work. It is a bit scary to Aang. Especially with the blue fire. But that is simply another thought he is forced to bury in the back of his mind.
The three punch fire into existence, dragging it forward and into the ground, where they immediately switch into shooting a straight line of fire from hands and feet, then switching onto the other leg to just shoot with the other palm. Aang and Adithya conclude the performance with their hands lowered in front of their chest, quieting down in a calm breath. They look at each other and smile for a moment, before redirecting their attention back onto Azula, who, rather than finishing the choreography with them, continues to protrude flames from her limbs, grimly trying to out-do herself and her co-students. Not the first time this happens.
JEONG-JEONG: More ferocious!
The old master is standing next to her, closely watching her every move with a stern look glued onto the young firebender.
JEONG-JEONG: Now let me hear you roar like a tigerdillo!
Azula extends her arms and stretches her face upwards, shouting from the top of her lung and creating three massive streams of fire from arms and mouth. Aang's heart skips a beat at the massive blue deluge. After that Azula too calms herself down, finishing the lecture with a calming exhale.
JEONG-JEONG: Good. Your form is almost perfect.
Azula's rage returns with a frown. Chime.
AZULA: Almost perfect is not good enough. Let me try again.
Jeong-Jeong sighs with the frustration of an old man.
JEONG-JEONG: Azula, we've been rehearsing this for an hour now. Our lesson was supposed to be over two hours ago. I'm tired.
AZULA: But-
JEONG-JEONG: Go home and rest. We can try again tomorrow if you want.
Azula swallows her pride and performs the Fire Nation greeting, as do Aang and Adithya shortly after. For a brief moment the princess looks at Aang again, clearly trying to suppress a blush.
The spoon inside her teacup is stirred around and around, completely absentmindedly as Ty Lee's eyes are entirely focused on Zuko, who is telling two of her sisters and her aunt one of the many adventures they lived through. His face sparkles with joy as he tells what are some of the most horrific tales that her sisters supposedly had ever heard about, Ty Liu expressing that by covering her mouth with a pale face.
ZUKO: So, Aang finally shows up, right? And he goes and fights this massive guy while I'm lying on the ground half-conscious and with a broken arm...
TY LIN: That sounds terrible. Amazing that you made it out of there in one piece.
Zuko scoffs, scratching the back of his head with his right hand.
MARA: How are you feeling? With the arm?
Zuko ponders it for a moment like and alien object.
ZUKO: Honestly? It feels better than before. I've even started training with the swords again.
MARA: That's great.
She looks over at Ty Lee.
MARA: What about you? How are your airbending lessons going?
Ty Lee takes a few seconds to respond, her gaze still lingering over Zuko. Some of the Ty sisters start giggling.
TY LEE: Huh? Oh, yeah, it's pretty great. Master Gi-Ati has taught me a lot of cool stuff.
She looks over at her new bending staff, as the one she was gifted in Yu Dao was unfortunately taken by Puwati.
TY LEE: We mostly do meditation exercises. I've really been able to find some inner peace.
She looks over at Zuko and the two share a smile so obviously romantic that even Mara notices.
MARA: Hey Zuko, if that arm of yours is healed back up again, do you think you could help me lift some bags of potatoes?
The boy looks over at Ty Lee and then back at Mara, proceeding to answer with a nod.
ZUKO: Uh... yeah. Yeah, sure, I can come help you.
He gets up and follows her back outside, Mara and Ty Lin sharing a quick look, confirming to Ty Lee that this was all a set-up. As soon as the two have left the giggling from the girls intensifies. All except Ty Woo, who only rolls her eyes.
TY LEE: Why are you guys giggling? And why did you look at Mara like that?
TY LIN: Because it's just so obvious that you like Zuko, Ty Lee.
Ty Lee blushes, trying to hide her face behind the very short braid hanging down her head.
TY LEE: What makes you say that?
TY LAT: The way you stare at him is so obvious.
They continue to giggle, and Ty Lee joins them, breaking down her facade.
TY LEE: Fine. You got me...
TY LIU: Why don't you ask him out?
Ty Lee scoffs nervously.
TY LEE: Because-
She sighs, trying to hide her shame behind a well-meaning smile.
TY LEE: Because I don't want to jeopardize our friendship. I mean, we're going to travel to the Earth Kingdom soon. What then? Is it just going to be Aang, Azula and then me and Zuko sitting quietly in the back because he rejected me?
The room falls silent for a moment, until finally Ty Woo bursts out laughing for a few seconds. Upon realizing all the attention she has attracted she hides behind her book again.
TY LIN: Ty Woo is right.
Ty Lee pouts with confusion.
TY LEE: Wha- right about what?
The other Ty sisters exchange baffled looks.
TY LAO: Oh, honey...
TY LUM: Don't you see it?
TY LEE: See what?
Ty Lin gives her a smirk and puts her hand on her shoulder.
TY LIN: Ty Lee, he likes you too. I'm guessing it's very mutual.
Ty Lee is frozen on the spot for a second.
TY LIU: I mean, he can't take his eyes off of you when you're talking. Seriously.
Ty Lee tries to take in the information, remembering some of her inner peace breathing exercises.
TY LEE: Alright. Let's say he does... like... me... back... what if it doesn't work out? I'm going to ruin our friend group.
Ty Lin grabs her sister's hand gently holds it.
TY LIN: I think... as your sisters who presumed you were dead - we all just want you to find happiness.
Ty Lee gives her a somber smile.
ZUKO: What are you guys talking about?
Zuko and Mara re-enter the kitchen, with Ty Lao giving Mara thumbs up in the back and Mara nodding. Ty Lee smiles at her sister and then back at Zuko as he sits down on his chair.
TY LEE: Just... sister talk.
For their dinner Adithya had promised a big surprise in terms of location. She had apparently planned the whole thing for a while now and she is almost exploding from her giddy state of excitement. She leads the Dream Team (including animal companions) down into a cave system behind the giant Pagoda Palace. After a while they reach a nice little hidden spot, which even includes a view of the glistening night ocean. A few lanterns and seating options are placed, though none of them are lit yet.
AZULA: It's a bit dark.
Aang, Zuko and Ty Lee are all unanimously glaring at her while Adithya sets up plates. Azula quickly re-adjusts her arrogant attitude.
AZULA: But... it's a pretty nice spot. I love it.
Her inability to lie in certain situations is Aang's main anchor point in distinguishing this Azula from Fire Lord Azula.
ADITHYA: Alright... one last thing.
She turns around and gestures everyone to step back a bit. After that, she extends her fingers in a similar capacity to Azula, shooting tiny, harmless fire darts into the lanterns, igniting them all in a spectacular fashion. After illuminating the place, she embarrassingly stands on one foot and smiles.
ADITHYA: Ta-da!
Everyone except Azula claps immediately, though she does follow with a delay.
ADITHYA: Thank you. Thank you...
Adithya blushes even harder than before.
ADITHYA: So, I've brought everyone's favorite dinner...
She presents each plate and dish individually, with every member of the Dream Team reacting with excitement.
ADITHYA: For Ty Lee we have special Air Nomad tomato curry soup... for Zuko I have stalknose mushrooms... Azula, for you we have two komodo chicken...
AZULA: YES!
Aang wonders where Azula is going to fit all of that.
ADITHYA: And for Aang...
She avoids eye contact with Aang, which Azula quickly catches onto.
ADITHYA: ...egg custard tart.
Aang's eyes light up like fireworks. He can't remember the last time he had one of these...
ADITHYA: Of course, I also made some delicious snacks for Appa and Sabachi!
Appa proclaims his joy with a grunt that echoes through the cave. The little lemur just runs around in a circle and screeches like crazy. While the animals launch at their food bowls, the kids practically rush towards the chairs, slamming into them and starting to devour their meals, Adithya sitting down on her own chair.
AANG: What did you make for yourself?
She smiles at her plate.
ADITHYA: Well, I chose some flaming tofu stew. Nothing special.
Aang nods. Azula rolls her eyes but is adequately satisfied with her massive amount of steaming meat to distract her.
TY LEE: This stuff is delicious. Did you make this yourself?
Adithya hesitates to answer.
ADITHYA: Um... some of it. I had a little help from the kitchen staff...
Aang nods, proceeding to stare profoundly into his dish. Memories of Monk Gyatso swell back up and his aura changes drastically.
TY LEE: Aang? Everything alright?
He shakes his head and looks at his friends, all of whom except Azula stare right back at him.
ADITHYA: Aang?
He sighs.
AANG: It's just... I haven't eaten... or seen one of these in... forever.
Adithya seems deeply concerned and so Azula, Zuko and Ty Lee exchange their thought process through nods and eyebrow flicks. Aang finally catches onto it.
AANG: What?
AZULA: I think we should tell her.
Zuko and Ty Lee nod.
ADITHYA: Tell me... what? What's all this about?
They all look to Aang, who sighs. It's partially a sigh of relief, but also one of anticipatory fear.
AANG: Um... what I'm about to tell you might be... much...
AZULA (with a full mouth): Aang's from a different world where the Fire Nation is evil, and the Water Tribe are the good guys.
They all stare at the firebender, Adithya of course expressing the most shock. Azula swallows her food and just mildly shakes her head.
AZULA: No real way to sugarcoat that, really.
Adithya takes a few seconds to take in that information, dropping her chopsticks into the tofu filled bowl.
ADITHYA: Oh. Wow. That... is a lot.
Her eyes glued to the center of the table, Aang doesn't quite know what to say.
ZUKO: It's... a lot to take in. Trust me. It was a lot for us too at first. But... in the end... telling the truth is always the better option. Especially when it's someone you trust.
While Zuko is monologuing, Azula can distinctly feel Ty Lee shrivel down next to her.
AANG: We should've told you earlier.
ADITHYA: No-no it's fine. Just... wait- so, the Fire Nation started the war in your world, does that mean the capital was never destroyed?
Aang looks over in confusion to the siblings. Suppose he never did ask them why they live on an island and not in the large caldera in the center of the crescent-shaped mainland.
AANG: The capital was destroyed?
AZULA: Yeah! Of course! Did we never tell you that-
She looks over to Zuko who just shakes his head.
AZULA: We never told him that.
Adithya nods slowly.
ADITHYA: Okay... okay. So... who are these guys in your world? Are they your friends?
She points to his companions and a huge clump of guilt slides down his throat.
ZUKO: Me, yes. Ty Lee and Azula... not so much.
Adithya nods, reading the room correctly. Azula hangs her head down in shame, hoping to never get any more details on that. The vision from the Glacier Temple was indication enough of where her path might have led her there.
ADITHYA: What about me?
Aang only now realizes.
AANG: You... don't exist. Neither does Dibuang.
The princess nods yet again.
ADITHYA: Okay.
They all sit in silence, letting all of that delicious food go cold, only the animals appreciating their feast.
AZULA: I mean... it's not as crazy as your spirit-came-back-from-the-dead-story.
Ty Lee glares at the firebender.
AZULA: What? What would you call it?
ZUKO: I'm sorry, the... what?
That's when everyone but Zuko exchanges looks.
TY LEE: Right. You were still... in the hospital when Adithya told us.
ZUKO: Told you what?
He looks over to the princess, who is playing with her thumbs.
ZUKO: Ugh- only if you don't mind telling me.
ADITHYA: No, I don't. Just... still thinking about Aang's whole thing.
She looks over to him with concern. Her optimistic smile only reappears as he smiles at her first.
ADITHYA: Alright, well, when I was born, I was very sick. Most babies cry when they're born but I was almost... as if I was asleep.
Another shiver runs down Aang's spine as he remembers hearing this exact story from Princess Yue.
ADITHYA: Our best healers couldn't do anything, so my parents decided to bring me to the sanctuary below the palace. We believe that Shishi the Beast Dog resides there. Or at least a part of him does.
Zuko strokes his chin, his face expressing a mental archive research.
ZUKO: I remember reading about Shishi.
Azula mouths "of course" unnoticed by anyone.
ZUKO: He's the-
ADITHYA: Spirit of Fire? Yes. We believe he gives firebenders their power.
AZULA: So... not the sun?
Adithya frowns in confusion.
ADITHYA: No? I mean, the sun makes us stronger, but the power comes from within us, through our breath.
Azula sternly averts her face from Aang who looks at her with a "told you so" face.
ADITHYA: Anyway... they laid me down... prayed... and... well, something must have happened because I started breathing.
She pulls her hijab back an inch, just enough to reveal her fire-red hair.
ADITHYA: It also gave me this color.
She pulls it back down.
ZUKO: Thank you. That was very insightful.
Somehow Zuko manages to make that statement utterly sincere and not completely sarcastic.
ADITHYA: So... if I don't exist in your world Aang, does that mean this also didn't happen?
Aang is comedically speechless, which he really shouldn't be in such a serious situation.
AZULA: I'm guessing that's a "no".
Adithya seems very concerned by this information.
AANG: It... did. When the Fire Nation tried to invade the North Pole... the first time, I was there. We stopped them but... an admiral named Zhao killed the Moon Spirit.
Azula, Zuko and Ty Lee skip a heartbeat upon hearing the familiar name.
AANG: The princess... Yue... she... sacrificed herself. Gave her life so the Moon Spirit could life.
Adithya looks like she's seen a ghost.
AZULA: Wait! So this Yue was also literally a sick child who got her life from a spirit?
Aang nods in shame. Adithya doesn't quite know what to say, Ty Lee offering to hold her hand which she gladly accepts.
ADITHYA: I mean... you won. Also, since you told the council about the invasion we've quadrupled our fortifications.
ZUKO: And the Water Tribe doesn't know where the city is.
AZULA: Yet.
The sinister rebuttal surprisingly does not gain her any mean looks.
AANG: I wouldn't let that happen to you, Adithya. There may have been a lot of things that happened similarly, but it was never all the same.
TY LEE: Yeah! Aang only traveled with two friends to the North Pole!
ZUKO: And he didn't have Azula with him in the Spirit World.
AZULA: And he didn't lose against Prince Zuko.
Now everyone glares at Azula.
AZULA (her arms raised in defense): What? It's the truth...
AANG: Please don't worry about this, Adithya. Even if the Water Tribe invades - even if it ever becomes dire, we will always protect you, no matter the cost.
The heartfelt speech did genuinely lift Adithya's spirit.
ADITHYA: I guess we can hope that they don't find us soon.
Azula scoffs. Many bad memories ranging from Ae' Kiki torturing her, to Puwati dangling her over the ocean flash in front of her inner eye.
AZULA: I wouldn't count on that. You don't know how ruthless the Water Tribe is.
Cue "War Machine" by AC/DC to a montage of Kenora doing the following things: Dumbbell front squats, incline sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, heavy weightlifting, capoeira-style waterbending on rag dolls, regular waterbending on rag dolls, boxing. She had finally been given a permit to train, including her waterbending, though on her own for now as no waterbender in the North Pole would dare to teach a girl. She tries to picture the old masters faces as she kick-boxes the punching bag hanging down from the ceiling. Despite being in an almost completely frozen room with cold equipment, the sheer ferocity of her constant training has forced her to only wear a short blue shirt, which she has custom tailored to be essentially a sports bra.
MESSENGER: Uh... hello? I'm looking for a Princess Kenora?
Kenora stops her punching bag from swinging back and forth and smirks arrogantly at the skinny boy.
KENORA: That's me.
The messenger looks around the room and frowns, unsure of what to think of any of this.
MESSENGER: Are you... allowed to be here?
Kenora scoffs with a smile that deeply frightens him.
KENORA: Are you going to stop me?
He does not respond, probably a bit scared of her. She drops the way-too-mean facade.
KENORA: I have a permit from the Great Chief himself.
She snaps the paper he's been holding out of his hands.
KENORA: What do you got there for me?
The messenger clears his throat.
MESSENGER: Vice-Chief Puwati has requested you in his office.
She sighs, finally allowing her (very impressive) muscles to rest for a moment. The cold of the North Pole is beginning to creep back into her.
KENORA: I'll be there in half an hour.
The messenger protests as she walks in the opposite direction of the door.
MESSENGER: Uh... he... has requested your presence now.
She turns around and pulls her eyebrows as high as her forehead allows her to.
KENORA: And I need to wash myself first.
She continues to stare, and he finally turns around.
MESSENGER: I'll wait outside...
Proudly rocking her dark blue pirate coat and thick brown leather boots Kenora earns herself enough mean looks from the people present in the palace. She regrets not putting on a parka today, but suspects that her father wouldn't take up too much of her time. Perhaps she could head back to her little private gym/dojo after this. She has to be ready. Taking down the Avatar wouldn't be the hardest thing. But that firebender...
She practically waltzes into Puwati's office while the messenger hectically chases after her.
MESSENGER: Uh- Vice-Chief-
KENORA: I'm here now. What do you need, dad?
He smiles as he sees her, the High-Chief only rolling his eyes as he closes the door, the messenger comically being left outside.
ARNOOK: Is it really necessary for you to dress like this, young lady?
KENORA (with a mocking voice): Yes.
PUWATI: Knock it off you two. We have more important matters to attend to.
He spreads out a series of reports and illustrations on his desk. Kenora picks up one of them and skims over it.
PUWATI: I don't want you to read, I want you to take a look at these.
He shows her the drawings, which depict sky bison in various positions.
KENORA: Is that the Avatar?
PUWATI: These are sketches made by the scouts we sent to investigate Mount Krakatoa. Remember?
She nods, finally noticing something about the illustrations.
KENORA: Wait... this one is different.
She points at one of the bison with a different fur pattern.
KENORA: That's not the Avatar's bison.
She finds one of the drawings that shows a bison with smaller horns.
KENORA: And that's a different one too.
Puwati looks over to Arnook, having proven his point. Kenora reads the room correctly.
KENORA: You knew.
PUWATI: The High-Chief wanted a second opinion, which we now got.
Arnook shakes his head.
ARNOOK: How have we only discovered the Golden City now? It's been there this whole time and the Water Tribes have simply ignored it.
PUWATI: No need to feel guilty. We will conquer it in your name as compensation.
Arnook turns towards Puwati, Kenora curiously crossing her arms.
ARNOOK: We will attack them with everything we have. Including the ships and troops we have from you.
PUWATI: It will be quite a massive invasion force. But will it be enough?
Arnook ponders.
ARNOOK: Perhaps we should contact some southern fleets. Admiral Kayrule just departed-
KENORA: That will take too long.
Arnook is visibly irritated by her speaking up, but Puwati allows it.
KENORA: We know that the Avatar is there. If we want to take the city and capture him, we need to move as quickly as we can.
ARNOOK: And how do you know the Avatar is there?
She picks up the final sketch, showcasing only half a bison. But Kenora can identify Appa, nonetheless.
KENORA: That's his bison. I've seen it plenty of times.
She looks over to her father, who smirks.
PUWATI: She is right. We can kill two birds with one stone.
Arnook takes a deep breath and lets the information sink in. Kenora and Puwati await his answer eagerly.
ARNOOK: Fine. But we need to make some extra recruits if we want to stand a chance against the firebenders.
The metal door to the waterbender section of the prison opens and a guard walks in. All of the prisoners except one glare at him.
GUARD: Alright, listen up everyone! The Vice-Chief is going to be leading an invasion soon. He has offered the poor souls of this establishment a chance at a reduced sentence. All you got to do is to volunteer.
The mean-looking prisoners laugh and heckle.
PRISONER: Why would we ever do that? Die for that son of a-
BATO: I'll do it.
They all fall silent after Bato, hunched over in a corner in the back, finally gets up. A rough, dark beard has spread over his face like a rash, almost covering his mouth. The disgruntled commander firmly grabs onto the iron bars with both hands, even scaring the guard.
BATO: I volunteer.
Down by the stables Kanna feeds her little Malu a handful of cookies, hoping that this won't ruin the animal's digestive track. Stuffed in between the buffalo yak and other mounts her mind wanders to Malu, the young firebender who she named the komodo rhino after. She ponders whatever might have happened to him.
SOKKA: Hey gran-gran.
Sokka humbly walks into the part ice/part wood structure, resting his arms on his hips and giving her a dour smile.
KANNA: If you wanted to have any more cookies, I'm sorry to tell you that I'm all out.
SOKKA: I actually came to say goodbye.
She pets Malu again, causing the beast to grunt with joy. Shortly after, she finally turns towards her grandson.
KANNA: You're leaving us already? I thought you were going to wait until the Matariki is fixed.
SOKKA: Yeah... that's still going to take a while. Plus, I don't really want to argue with Kenora about it...
KANNA: But it's your ship.
He flashes back towards the time Kenora almost strangled him to death over the darn boat. He gulps inaudibly.
SOKKA: Yeah, I'll just hitch hike a ride or something.
Kanna smiles, though with a clear, somber note sprinkled over it.
KANNA: I know that you feel like you must make amends or... prove yourself but from my point of view you don't need to do any of that. I think you're already a worthy prince.
He doesn't quite take a liking to the compliment but appreciates her kind words, nonetheless. He walks over to her and gifts the woman a warm and genuine hug.
SOLDIER: Crown Prince?
The two separate and spot two soldiers, one of whom hands Sokka a piece of paper.
KANNA: What is the meaning of this?
Sokka stares at the paper, reacting with comical shock...
SOKKA: WHAT?!
...which quickly transforms into anger.
KANNA: What happened?
SOKKA (angry mumbling): She's going to pay for this...
Sokka stomps away without saying another word. One of the soldiers feels bad for Kanna.
SOLDIER: The... Crown Prince has been conscripted for the invasion of the Golden City.
Kanna's jaw drops.
KANNA: You can't, he-
SOLDIER: We also have a message for you, Chief-Mother.
Kanna stops, looking curiously at the document.
While the massive mobilization effort is undergoing, Kenora stands on the hectic pier, her arms crossed and frowning angrily at the still-broken Matariki. She shakes her head, disappointed to not use it herself in the invasion.
SOKKA: Is this some kind of cruel joke?!
The angered Sokka, looking a bit silly in his parka, stomps towards Kenora with a piece of paper held high like a flagpole. Kenora tries to keep her tough facade but is scared to talk to Sokka again after the trial.
KENORA: What is? The boat?
SOKKA: Can you explain this?
He practically shoves the document into her hands, forcing her to read it. In contrast to the aggravated Sokka, she reacts more than relaxed.
KENORA: And?
SOKKA: "And?"?! Why am I serving under your command?!
KENORA: Relax. You'll be serving under my dad. I don't hold any official rank since-
She casually remembers that acquiring her shaky title of captain involved almost choking the life out of Sokka.
KENORA: Well... not anything legitimate yet.
Now Sokka crosses his arms.
SOKKA: Yeah? You call that legitimate when you took my boat?
She exhales through her nostrils, clearly angered but also unable to disagree with him.
KENORA: Listen... this-
She holds up the paper...
KENORA: This is just a formality.
...before handing it back to Sokka.
KENORA: On the books you and I are serving under Vice-Chief Puwati directly. I think my paper said "bodyguard".
Sokka frowns like a detective stumbling upon a clue.
SOKKA: So... off the books?
She steps closer towards him, responding with a much quieter tone.
KENORA: We are going to infiltrate the city at night and finally catch the Avatar.
She grabs his arm for a involuntarily handshake...
KENORA: Together.
...from which Sokka quickly breaks free.
SOKKA: Don't tell me anything about "together" after what we went through!
With that, he storms off, leaving Kenora with a toxic cocktail off guilt and anger.
SERVANT: Kenora?
She turns around to find one of Yue's servants in her civilian outfit, who hands Kenora a quick note like she got hundreds of times before.
KENORA: Thank you.
The young woman quickly disappears into the crowd. Kenora opens the folded note and finds a pretty accurate drawing of one of the canal pipes. Upon seeing that drawing her cheeks quickly turn red.
Yue gets pressed pretty bluntly against the ice wall, Kenora's hand pulling up her leg while the two mouths are unable to be separated. Same goes for their tongues. The princess starts giggling, Kenora shushing her, as not to be noticed.
It was Yue's idea, many weeks ago, to melt behind one of the canal walls, as many parts of the city have smaller canals hidden under the infrastructure meant for the water supply and waste disposal. It became a trial-and-error thing to find one that doesn't smell too bad and has proper lighting from little air holes on the side, though they finally found the ideal one recently, funnily enough near the harbor. The two have utilized Yue's servants as secret messengers and have been able to spend much time in their hiding spot. Many beautiful hours and some beautiful nights.
Yue continues to giggle while Kenora showers her in neck kisses. They finally do separate, Yue holding her lover's hands with a somber expression.
KENORA: What's wrong?
YUE: It's just... you'll be leaving soon. And neither of us knows for how long.
Kenora shrugs with the blissfulness of a teenage boy.
KENORA: Yeah, I mean, it won't be forever.
YUE: Yes. But... what if you get hurt? What if you get-
Kenora rudely cuts her off with a very gentle French kiss.
KENORA: That won't happen. I won't let it happen, and if something does come up, then dad won't let it happen. I promise you.
Yue smiles, her face heating up like a plate in a microwave.
YUE: When are you leaving?
Kenora pouts.
KENORA: Hm... in like a few hours, I think? Depends.
Yue snickers.
YUE: On what?
KENORA: On how much fun we're having.
And with that they go back to making out. Amongst other things...
While the number of ships worries Puwati, the number of ironclads or partial ironclads do give him enough confidence to let the invasion proceed. This isn't usually his strategy. He should wait for reinforcements, wait for more ships and a better general staff. But alas, here he is. While he doesn't believe that prayer really appeases any spirits, he does worry about the amount of bloodshed this could cause. Hopefully the invasion will be quick and precise. And hopefully his trump card will still work. Otherwise, the whole thing was a waste of effort.
He stops his mental planning and turns around upon feeling a different aura approaching him on the bridge's balcony, overlooking the Koriata.
PUWATI: So, have you considered my offer?
KANNA: I don't know what an old woman can do as a military advisor but... here I am.
He picks up his harpoon hook, which was leaning against the railing and partially stuck in the ground as not to fall over.
PUWATI: From my experience dissenting opinions can help keep cool heads during military operations.
KANNA: Then I would like to start off by saying that having Bato on board is a terrible idea.
Puwati takes her concerns serious and weighs the options.
PUWATI: He volunteered. I suspect he's trying to earn back his lost titles.
Puwati stares out into the ocean, the first barrier starting to be melted.
PUWATI: He's always been ambitious. It's what makes him a great hunter, and it's what will make him a good soldier.
He turns back towards her frowning face.
PUWATI: I appreciate your concern. I will not ignore your advice as easily as Bato did.
She's not quite sold yet but appreciates the gesture.
KANNA: As long as Sokka is kept safe.
Puwati nods.
PUWATI: You have my word. I would be a fool to sacrifice the Great Chief's heir like this.
He finally turns back around and looks forward.
PUWATI: My fleet is ready. Set a course for the Golden City.
Running up the stairs, Yue arrives late to sit beside her father on the massive walls overlooking the fleet's departure. She sits down, breathing heavily and trying to relax.
YUE (whispering): I'm sorry father.
Arnook keeps his stern look towards the fleet.
ARNOOK (whispering): Next time try not to bump into anyone.
She looks over at him confused. While he keeps his head straight his finger points to his own neck. Yue panics, taking out her pocket mirror and taking a look at her own. Just barely hidden by her parka sits a very obvious hickey. She gulps quietly.
Act II. – The storm
Another day of firebending training ends with Azula performing extra-long with Jeong-Jeong while Aang and Adithya sit down in the corner. Just as he sits down, he immediately jolts up again.
AANG: Oh - I almost forgot!
ADITHYA: What?
The girl gets up too.
AANG: I promised to go to meditation with Ty Lee.
Aang had been looking forward to another one of these sessions, as they mostly end with a nice chat between Aang and Master Gi-Ati. Ty Lee's airbending skills were also improving quickly, giving Aang more than enough hope for the future of the Air Nomads in this world.
Looking over to Adithya he suspects to have disappointed her by leaving so early.
AANG: Um...
He scratches the back of his bald head, wondering what exactly he is supposed to say.
AANG: Do you want to come with me?
Adithya looks back over to Azula, who continues to blast fire with shaolin moves.
ADITHYA: Mm... maybe next time. Do you want to meet after meditation?
Aang raises his eyebrows with an awkward smile beneath.
AANG: Why?
Adithya smiles with embarrassment.
ADITHYA: Well... I had something in mind.
Aang crosses his arms and continues to smile.
AANG: Yeah? Another surprise?
She nods, trying very hard to hold back her blush.
ADITHYA: You'll see...
Her hands folded behind her back and swinging from left to right, Aang finally leaves, waving her before doing so.
AANG: Alright. See you then!
Her eyes are glued onto the airbender boy until he has finally left the training grounds, and even a few seconds after that. She exhales quietly.
AZULA: What are you looking at?
Adithya flinches back, Azula suddenly appearing next to her.
ADITHYA: Woah! You're like a ninja.
Azula crosses her arms and inspects her nails.
AZULA: So I've been told.
ADITHYA: Are you done with Master Jeong-Jeong?
Azula scoffs.
AZULA: Yeah, I gave him the rest of the day off.
JEONG-JEONG (in the distance): That's a lie.
Azula stares at the ground, combining a comical pout and a glare while the old master finally leaves.
ADITHYA: Hey, um... can I ask you something?
Azula feels a personal question incoming and panics a bit, although she manages to come off as completely relaxed on the outside.
AZULA: Sure. Hit me.
Adithya starts twiddling her knuckles and tapping the tip of her right foot.
ADITHYA: Um... uh... so...
Azula frowns impatiently.
ADITHYA: Ugh- it's not that important actually-
AZULA: No-no! Go ahead, I'll... be patient.
Now both girls act a bit awkward next to each other.
ADITHYA: I... was wondering... um... if you...
Azula leans her head in slightly.
ADITHYA: If uh... if... uh... you and... Aang...
She communicates the end of her sentence by bumping her fists together, which Azula doesn't notice at first.
AZULA: What? If Aang and me-
She finally figures it out and reacts like a cat when it's jumps up at something that frightens it.
AZULA: Wha- Aang and me?!
A million thoughts rush through her head.
ADITHYA: I wasn't sure I... wanted to ask you first...
AZULA: No-no! No. Aang and me are - we're just- we're friends. Why? Did he say something?
She interrupts her own thought process.
AZULA: Wait - you wanted to ask me "first"?
The slightly shorter princess folds her hands behind her back again.
ADITHYA: I was going to ask him out on Appa today.
It clearly took Adithya a lot of strength to finally admit her feelings to someone, especially Azula, giving the princess the appearance of a fragile doll. Azula grabs the first rational response from her mind that she can come up with.
AZULA: Oh. Um... yeah, no, that's totally fine with me.
Adithya hesitates before asking her next question.
ADITHYA: Do- do you think he likes me back?
Azula exhales through her mouth.
AZULA: Honestly, with the whole, y'know "other world thing" I doubt that he really... has that kind of stuff on his mind. You know what I mean?
The answer is obviously not what Adithya wanted to hear and so Azula tries to retcon her prior statement.
AZULA: But - then again - I'm not Aang. I don't know for sure. And if I were you, I would totally just ask him.
Adithya appears hopeful again.
ADITHYA: Really?
AZULA: Yeah. Worst thing that happens is he says no, either way we'll be leaving in a few weeks or so to head to the Earth Kingdom. You've got nothing to worry about.
Aang leaves the provisionary Air Nomad temple, a modest structure made of white stone and with no decorations. He had difficulties focusing again, the dread of an impending invasion lingering over him constantly. Yet, with a bit of tea and some kind words from Gi-Ati he managed to get at least a few minutes of inner peace. He walks down the stairs with a feeling like he could take anything that is thrown in his way. And that "anything" manifests as the hijab-wearing princess waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
AANG: I'm sorry if I kept you waiting.
Adithya smiles.
ADITHYA: Only like five minutes. So, are you ready?
Aang scoffs inaudibly.
AANG: For what?
Hidden above clouds forming above the Northern Passage and Dibuang, he and Adithya enjoy a relaxing ride on Appa, who had been wanting to soar freely like this for a while now. The beast growls proudly with joy, making Adithya laugh. Aang and Adithya sit closely next to each other on the very front the saddle, in case y'all are wondering.
AANG: What is it?
ADITHYA: He clearly likes it!
The princess briefly shivers.
ADITHYA: We don't usually fly this high - is it always this cold?
Aang shrugs.
AANG: Airbenders can regulate their body temperature so I can't really tell.
He looks over and realizes his response felt a bit robotic.
AANG: But Azula gets the shivers a lot. She hates it when we catch her sneezing.
Adithya giggles at his answer. After that she gets a bit more serious, still using her soft voice.
ADITHYA: Are you and Azula... like... close?
He looks at her almost scared.
AANG: What? Uh... no. I... trust her a lot though. She's a great friend.
Adithya nods.
AANG: Why? Did she say something?
She scoffs in response.
ADITHYA: Funny. She said the same thing.
Aang puts two and two together.
AANG: She did? Wait, you asked her too? Why?
Adithya shrugs, no longer being able to hold back her blush or keep a slow heartbeat.
ADITHYA: I... wanted to know if... I could ask you out.
A few moments of silence. Aang was hit by that statement harder than one of Kenora's artillery water jets.
ADITHYA: It's... it's okay if you don't like me that way. I just wanted you to know... that I do.
AANG: Uh...
Aang acts as if the English language was temporarily deleted from his memory files.
AANG: No. No-no. It's not that I... don't like you, or how I like you...
He thinks about Katara with a profound sense of guilt.
ADITHYA: I understand. At the end of the day, I'm just some girl literally from another world...
AANG: Don't say that. You're not just somebody. You mean a lot to me.
Adithya smiles.
AANG: But... it is true. In my world, for the past three years, all I've done was hiding. Fighting. Barely surviving as we escape from town to town. Romance didn't really fit in that...
He remembers a very dark moment from that time and immediately buries it.
ADITHYA: I hope you can find that again.
Aang scoffs respectfully.
AANG: I do too. Maybe when I leave this world the Aang whose body I'm... "borrowing" can come and visit you. That's at least something.
The wind blows softly across both of their faces. Adithya hesitantly moves in closer, only satisfying herself with a small peck on Aang's cheek before backing off again.
ADITHYA: You're a very sweet person, Aang.
Aang smiles, a hint of a blush appearing on his face.
AANG: Who knows what will happen. Maybe if-
ADITHYA: What is that?
Aang looks towards the left, where Adithya's head is fixated. A spine-tingling feeling sweeps across his body like a wave of anxiety.
A massive storm front, a deluge of dark clouds, is building up in the distance.
AANG: That's... is that normal?
He fears to already know the answer, his dread confirmed by Adithya slowly shaking her head.
AANG: We need to talk to your father.
Back in the city the soft breezes have already turned into ominous winds. Many of the people are beginning to mumble and worry. As Appa lands in front of the Pagoda Palace, Azula, Zuko and Ty Lee are already rushing towards them, Sabachi quietly sitting on Azula's shoulder.
TY LEE: Aang, what's going on?
Aang is almost too frozen to speak.
AANG: They're... they're coming.
As he utters the horrifying realization, the five teens take a few moments to recover.
Inside the palace there's already a makeshift roof erected above the council. The hole in the sky meant to let in sun is already darkened, forcing the council to rely on torch light.
AZULA: I assume you guys know already then.
Arif sighs, the rest of the regency government appearing uneasy.
ARIF: When you told me that you had a vision about an invasion, I had hoped that it wouldn't come so soon.
KAM NAM: We don't have enough time. The few warriors we have aren't sufficiently equipped! What are they going to do when the Water Tribe floods the city in a storm-
JEONG-JEONG: We don't have a choice in the matter, I'm afraid. We need to utilize everyone. We'll ask the Air Nomads for volunteers.
AANG: Would they fight?
His concern is understandable, though Arif seems to smile it off.
ARIF: They will gladly defend their homes. Your bison and friends will receive armor. But be assured that I don't expect any of you to join the front lines.
ZUKO: I volunteer.
They look in shock towards Zuko. Azula correctly identifies this as her moment too.
AZULA: Then I will fight as well.
Ty Lee looks like she is about to crumble into pieces.
TY LEE: Me too.
Aang holds onto his staff and takes a deep breath.
AANG: I won't let the people of this city down. Or any city of the Fire Nation.
Strange words that feel right in the moment. Adithya is unfortunately not allowed to volunteer, especially since she probably would have done so right there and then. As the Dream Team leaves the throne room, Aang turns quietly towards his friends in a very serious fashion.
AANG: I was there when we defended the North Pole. I will do the same here again. I promise.
Azula, Zuko and Ty Lee nod, all of their faces expressing a strange mixture of fear and bravery.
Inside the Koriata Kenora prepares for battle. She dons gloves, boots, bindings, and applies face paint. After necessary preparations, she puts two sacks of bender water on her back.
A sense of unnerve sticks to her as she walks outside, her father waiting for her. Before addressing the soldiers on deck with him, she puts on a grey helmet carved in the shape of a moray head, same as her father. She steps forward slowly, light rain drizzling down on to her. The purpose is of course to store enough water in the clouds to aim the brunt of the storm against the city.
She comes to a hold, overlooking an enormous crowd of soldiers, one of them a nervous-looking Tarshall.
PUWATI: For a hundred years the Golden City remained hidden!
He pauses, then raises both arms, which of course includes his harpoon hook.
PUWATI: Today we TAKE IT!
The crowd roars. Uneasy at first, Kenora finally allows herself to feel this sense of joy and horrific fear. She roars alongside the men.
Inside Azula's room servants are helping the firebender to put on her scaly Fire Nation armor, complete with a red helmet ending in a sharp point. Through all this, Azula never moves a muscle. She was forced to remove her headpiece for this, letting it rest on her nightstand for when she'd come back. Aang promised them he wouldn't let them down. She now promises to herself that she wouldn't let him down either.
The friends all gather back at the palace entrance. Appa has been given a simple but sturdy armor in the colors of the Air Nomads. As Azula and Zuko both appear in the Fire Nation armor that is all too familiar to Aang, he briefly skips a beat, but bounces back as the situation demands it. He and Ty Lee are wearing not exactly armor, but some armor plate pieces along their thicker airbender outfits. This is actually the first time Ty Lee is wearing the typical yellow and orange uniform.
AZULA (to Sabachi): Sorry girl, but I want you to stay here at the palace.
Sabachi flies away and lands on Adithya's shoulder.
AZULA: What are you doing here princess?
ADITHYA: I wanted to see all of you before the battle. In case...
Ty Lee feels her insides turning, looking not-at-all-subtly at all at Zuko. For the first time he catches her, looking back directly into her eyes.
AZULA: Don't even say that! We'll all be looking out for each other. I'll be with Zuko on the ground and Aang and Ty Lee will join the airbenders in the sky-
TY LEE: Zuko?
They all fall silent and take literally a few steps back as Ty Lee gets off of Appa.
ZUKO: Ty Lee?
TY LEE: I...
The acrobat's breathing becomes audibly heavy.
TY LEE (nervous): Before we get separated I... wanted to tell you something...
Adithya looks longingly over to Aang. Azula... starts to question if her answer earlier was even that honest.
TY LEE (nervous): I- I- know that we talked about this at the spa and... well, we got captured... and then you were in the hospital so long and... I just can't let you go before I tell you how I feel and I want to know...
She takes a breather. Zuko's face slowly turns from tensed up to relaxed.
TY LEE (nervous): I... I don't want to put you on the spot like this but... if anything happens Zuko - I- I need to know-
Zuko gently grabs her face and finally kisses her, cutting off her nervous ramblings. Her heart is both pumping like crazy and relaxing at the same time, as she lets the boy hold her hips, allowing her to lean back. Without his support she would simply fall over but right now, as the world looks like it's going to end, she feels like she just entered heaven. Azula can't help but to think that they're both terrible kissers.
The lovers finally separate, giggling with great insecurity.
ZUKO: Does that answer it?
She laughs and nods.
TY LEE: Yes.
Sadly, the two teams do have to split eventually, heading to their designated stations for a day that would surely change their lives forever.
The drizzle has turned rain and the wind has turned storm. Like an apocalyptic message from a higher force the artificially created weather blows across Mount Krakatoa as if it tried to pull it from the ground by itself. Hidden and protected between the rocky crevices the warriors of Dibuang wait in nervous anticipation, holding on tight to their spears and swords, or trying to stabilize their breath and heat themselves up with tiny firebending.
Azula can't really decide about whether or not she should take off her helmet in the rain. On the one hand, she hates hats or helmets, an invisible itch spreading across her skull. On the other hand, she... she can't take it off. This is war.
ZUKO: How are you holding up?
She looks over to her brother, exhaling through pursed lips.
AZULA: About as good as it gets...
She tries to switch the topic with a smirk.
AZULA: How about you, lover boy?
He blushes, a smile growing over his face.
ZUKO: Yeah. I'm fine.
AZULA: About time, huh?
He nods.
ZUKO: I've been meaning to talk to her for a while, but I was scared about splitting the group if it doesn't work out.
She responds with silence and Zuko wonders if it's the unnerve for the upcoming battle or something else. A strange noise would finally obstructs Zuko from continuing the conversation. A metal clank, or scraping, that echoes through the misty sea in the distance. Eventually Zuko makes it out to be the sound of metal ships attempting to get through the Northern Passage.
Wait - misty? Mist? In a rainstorm?
A Dibuang general raises his arm, indicating for the troops to hold firm.
That's when the metal clanks stop. For a while it is only the sound of rain, waves and that ominous mist. Then a weird crackling. Azula is biting her teeth, as she can tell what the sound is.
A dozen or so separate ice platform grow ever so close towards the mountain shore. It's not perfectly smooth, as many bumps and spikes make it easier to walk on. And walk on someone does, as Azula makes out what is probably a hundred feet that slowly treat across the ice, barely visible through the mist. The general lowers his arm.
GENERAL: FIRE!
The Water Tribe army is alerted, and the mist quickly disappears, revealing the full size of the invasion force. As the firebenders, including Azula, shoot their projectiles, most of the platform divisions form shields of water from the ocean. Some are not quick enough and have to sacrifice men, others lose their balance as the fire balls melt parts of the ice. It's the screams that frighten both Azula and Zuko.
That's when the waterbenders spread forward and extend the ice platforms within seconds, connecting the invasion force to the rock walls. A more uniquely dressed soldier with the helmet in the shape of a polar bear dog raises his spear and roars, signaling for his men to charge.
Spears fly, waves crash, shields shatter and ice projectiles are tossed at unfortunate warriors that poked their head out from behind the rock a little too long. The trench warfare scenario is of course met with heavy casualties from the invading side, although the proud swordsmen, swordswomen and firebenders do get hit more than Azula would like to have seen. She blasts a huddled together formation of soldiers carrying shields, destroying their formation and leaving them vulnerable from orange fire blasts. The flames do of course loose a significant amount of their strength in the pouring weather, with only Master Jeong-Jeong, Kam Nam and Azula able to keep their flames consistently powerful.
The first few warriors finally break through some of the defensive lines and start storming the rock trenches. Zuko manages to block and defend himself with broadswords only, as he is unfortunately out of throwing weapons. One warrior almost twice his size hits him with a large club, striking him over and momentarily knocking his fancy swords away. Zuko frantically crawls backwards, grabbing a spear in a last-ditch effort and holding it up straight. He assumes that he pierced through the man's armor and probably killed him by splicing his heart in half. The boy closed his eyes before seeing his own kill, but the sound and the sudden force pressing against him stopping abruptly gave him this exact idea. He pushes the spear aside and hears a loud, wet thud. As he opens his eyes again, he is shocked to find his hands drenched in blood.
Out of nowhere the winds seem to change direction and blow the rain in the Water Tribe's face. Several roars sound, announcing the arrival of their bison air support.
The air born assault rains literal hellfire upon the Water Tribe below. Each bison is equipped with a helmsman (or woman), an airbender and a firebender, which allows the beasts to act as dive bombers. Aang wonders why they didn't show up earlier as the Tribe has already stormed the trenches, yet they are still inflicting heavy damage on the invasion force.
The Water Tribe troops finally start regrouping, shielding each other from incoming blasts and retaliating against the flying beasts by way of spear and icicle projectile. Ty Lee steers Appa in a crass maneuver as to avoid the attacks. Aang, alone in the back, blocks several incoming attacks, unleashing his wrath of fire upon an army that has disrupted the balance of this world. He shouldn't indulge in this kind of pure vengeance, yet he couldn't help himself in that moment.
TY LEE: Aang!
He looks ahead and spots several wooden ships, most of them small enough to pass through the rocky spikes. He signals some of the other bison fighters to regroup.
After getting in range, Aang jumps down from Appa and flies downward on his glider onto the closest ship. Using airbending, he sweeps several waterbenders off their feet and leaps onto the main deck. A soldier comes forward and slams a sledgehammer-shaped water attack onto the main deck, nearly striking Aang who manages to back-flip away. Two men with clubs charge Aang from both sides. The one on his right strikes and misses, proceeded by the one on his left who does the same. Aang jumps into the air, avoiding both blows and completely collapses the main deck with his glider and the use of firebending. He lands back on Appa triumphantly, watching his ship sinking alongside many other vessels which are destroyed by the other bison squads. He shares a quick glance of optimism with-
A howling roar to their right quickly shuts down any hint of joy. He didn't see who it was, not that he knew his comrades by name. Yet the sight of a bison being struck midair and dropping into an ice platform truly terrifies him. Especially since he spotted the weapon that performed the kill.
A harpoon hook.
Behind the shipwrecks a second wave of warriors storm the mountain island, an army appearing even larger than the first wave.
AANG: Retreat!
The other bison turn back around. A few more lose their helmsmen and benders. And four more sky bison get killed in action. Aang's heart shatters as he deflects attacks aimed at his own animal companion.
The warriors on the beachhead collectively experience the same sensation of dread as they see the sky bison retreating back up to the city proper. If that and the second wave wasn't bad enough, it's the actual waves smashing against the rocks that finally force the brave Fire Nation soldiers to retreat back. The waves increase in size and frequency, which allows Azula to finally realize that they're caused by individual waterbenders sent to disrupt the retreat. She also briefly spots someone who looks like Bato but quickly dismisses the thought as she runs over to Zuko, who valiantly fights off a waterbender, Azula finishing him off with a precise fire blast.
AZULA: Zuko! We need to go!
He turns around in shock, half his face covered in what looks like blood. His sister quickly shakes him out of his frozen state.
AZULA: Come ON! NOW!
He drops his swords, unable to move or talk. She picks them up for him with an angered grunt, using her other hand to pull him by the sleeve.
AZULA: Why do I always have to be the one to act?
She continues to pull him towards the stream on retreating soldiers. In her anger, and genuine fear, she trips over a rock and briefly loses a hold of Zuko.
AZULA: Can you just please walk on your own-
A tidal wave washes him away. It happens so fast she can't even process it. He was standing there a second ago and now he's... gone. Now she's the one that's frozen.
JEONG-JEONG: Come on, Azula. Get up!
Her master helps her find her way up the rock and eventually back into the city. Even an experienced warrior like Jeong-Jeong is heartbroken by the girl's expression.
Puwati's strategy appears to have paid off. As she arrives on the beachhead with the other waterbenders Kenora blasts away firebenders and swordsmen alike, though she does try not to outright kill any of the defenders. For a second, she was getting excited to perhaps catch the Avatar on one of the bison and maybe knock him down, but alas, the bison were brought back. Most of them at least.
Her father appears with the reinforcements and his weapon held firmly in his hand, the bottom side of it covered in blood.
PUWATI: Stop their retreat! Don't let them run back!
The Water Tribes warriors try their hardest to stop the Fire Nation troops from regrouping back inside the city, yet it is quite literally an uphill battle for them. Appalled by the many bodies, Kenora decides to move away from the beachhead. Coincidentally, as she clears an already empty trench, she spots Tarshall in the distance.
The young warrior rocks a ferocious machete and hacks down a swordfighter with howling rage. She is almost shocked by the sight. By sheer coincidence Tarshall spots her in the trenches and smiles.
TARSHALL: Hey princess!
He raises his machete.
TARSHALL: We're winniiiiiiiiiing!
His laugh seems somewhat misplaced in the moment, yet Kenora reciprocates, nonetheless.
Too late does she spot an old man further up the rock who, with two other firebenders, creates a massive, sweeping wave of orange death which washes down and across a large portion of the beach head. Puwati blocks the wave with his weapon. Kenora ducks just in time, saved by the trench from certain death. That was the last of the Golden Cities defenses, the foot of the mountain has now been taken. At what cost?
The question is answered to Kenora, her face reeking of horror as she spots the burning remains of what mere seconds ago was Tarshall.
On the outskirts of the city the little farmland that Dibuang holds has been utilized by the defending army as their camp. On the already harvested dirt are several dozen red Fire Nation tents, with every third one being a sickbay filled with way more soldiers than Aang would like to count.
He lands his bison in close proximity of the other beasts, some in need of medical attention and others looking like they're close to collapsing. One bison shakes its saddle multiple times, roaring at its back, probably confused by the silence from the missing helmsman. Aang has taken the reins in order to let Ty Lee rest in the back for a moment. The kind of scars she is currently trying to heal are not ones treatable with conventional medicine.
After giving Appa a roof and some hay, they walk to the main tent in the middle. At this point everyone is so soaking wet from the rainfall that there's no point in avoiding it, although Aang and Ty Lee are able to blow it off with their bending. A few generals and military commanders Aang doesn't know are just now leaving alongside Kam Nam, meaning now only Arif and-
ADITHYA: Oh, thank Agni!
She rushes Aang and Ty Lee, gluing all of them together in a tight hug.
ADITHYA: How are you?
The lack of a response is answer enough.
AANG: It's been... brutal.
ARIF: That's the correct terminology right there. Our loses are catastrophic.
AANG: We should prepare for a siege at night. They'll surely utilize their increased bending strength with the moon out.
JEONG-JEONG: I doubt.
A rough-looking Jeong-Jeong enters with a limp.
ADITHYA: You do?
JEONG-JEONG: Yes...
He walks over to a chair, his right hand on his stomach.
JEONG-JEONG: They've been assaulting us for the entire day. It's more likely that they'll regroup overnight and attack in the morning.
AANG: But during the day they're much weaker with the sun out-
ARIF: Have you looked outside, Aang?
Arif crosses his arms.
ARIF: With a rainstorm like this our sun advantage is practically zero. That's the thing about the Tribe, they know how to adapt.
Ty Lee lets out a deep sigh.
TY LEE: Have you guys seen Zuko and Azula?
No one responds, except Jeong-Jeong, whose face turns dour all of a sudden. Aang's heart skips a beat.
AZULA (quiet): I'm here.
Her almost ghostly presence immediately darkens the mood. Ty Lee's eyes frantically search all over Azula, then next to and behind her.
TY LEE: What about Zuko? Where is Zuko?
Azula exhales abruptly and heavily. She raises the broadswords she still kept in her hand and... just... looks at them. Aang has seen Azula seen do many things, but this might perhaps be the most shocking. As Azula finally raises her head to look at Ty Lee the two girls begin to tear up.
AZULA (teary): He... he didn't come back... he... there was this wave and... he was gone.
Adithya clenches Aang's hand in shock. Azula sits down next to her master, who gently puts his arm around her. Arif shakes his head in shame.
Ty Lee finally collapses into tears and melts into a hunched over mess on the dirt floor.
Act III. – The Golden Sanctuary
Aang, Azula, Ty Lee, and Appa were allowed to sleep at the palace for the night, with Jeong-Jeong and the rest of the army setting up a defensive perimeter around the city. Sabachi rests on Azula's shoulder while the girl knocks on Adithya's door, her headpiece back in action.
ADITHYA (from inside): Come in.
She enters still wearing her crimson/pink outfit, meanwhile Adithya is rocking a bathrobe with her fire red hair wet and exposed. Azula is a bit taken aback by this, with the lemur launching off her shoulder and immediately finding a soft spot for itself on Adithya's bed.
AZULA: Um... I can leave for a moment if you're busy...
ADITHYA: No, it's fine.
Azula turns around just in time as soon as she sees the princess undoing her bathrobe, casually getting dressed in the back while Azula has her face turned away with a blush.
ADITHYA: You can turn around again.
She follows her command and finds the princess in a nice kimono gown.
ADITHYA: How are you feeling?
Azula mumbles her way into a sigh, sitting down on her bed and signaling Adithya to do the same, which she does.
AZULA: I was supposed to protect Zuko out there. Look out for him.
ADITHYA: You did your best. He's probably just been taken as prisoner.
Azula revolts in disgust at herself and gets back up.
AZULA: That is still terrible.
She turns around towards Adithya, her fists resting on her hips.
AZULA: We need to call this Shishi. Get him to help out in the battle.
Adithya gets up with a dismissive scoff.
ADITHYA: We can't. What if those things from Aang's world happen again? What if I-
AZULA: I'm saying we should at least consider it.
Adithya crosses her arms.
ADITHYA: Let's ask Aang about it.
AANG: Absolutely not.
The three stand outside Aang's room in the palace, talking in the tall, orange hallway and deeply frustrating Azula.
AANG: If we involve this Shishi, it's going to end up just like with Yue. We can't do that.
Azula looks over to an uneasy Adithya but has yet to give up.
AZULA: How about this - you'll walk us through exactly what happened, and we'll be prepared? Okay?
Aang's discomfort is displayed via a frown.
AANG: I don't know Azula. Who can say that that will stop anything?
ADITHYA: Who says that it won't?
Her rebuttal creates a few moments of silence.
ADITHYA: I know that you don't want to sacrifice me, Aang. But if there is a chance to win this, to defend my home and my people, then I will gladly take it.
A few more uncomfortable seconds, with both Aang and Azula crossing their arms
AANG: Alright. We can try.
Azula sighs in relief.
AZULA: Okay, tell us everything.
Aang tries to remember the exact chain of events from something that happened three years ago.
AANG: Alright, so... I wanted to ask the spirits for help so Yue, the princess of the North Pole, led us to a sanctuary. While I was stuck in the Spirit World, Prince Zuko came by, defeated Katara in battle, and then dragged me beyond the city into the tundra.
Both Adithya and Azula are shocked for completely different reasons.
AZULA: Wait - the tundra? The North Pole tundra? That's a horrible plan.
AANG: Yeah, we told him that later.
ADITHYA: Wait...
Adithya shakes her head in confusion.
ADITHYA: So Zuko was hunting you and... you were in the Spirit World?
Aang nods. Azula figures out the issue.
AZULA: Wait, why were you in the Spirit World again?
Aang sighs.
AANG: To find the Moon and Ocean Spirits. They're koi fish who live in the material world.
Azula and Adithya share a quick sassy look.
ADITHYA: That's already a difference. Shishi isn't in our world. Or at least we don't think so.
AZULA: You don't think so?
ADITHYA: I think I would know if there was a giant fire dog living beneath the palace.
AANG: Beneath the palace? Is that where the sanctuary is?
Adithya uncrosses her arms.
ADITHYA: Yes.
He shares a concerned look with Azula.
Kanna is absolutely frozen in shock by the words Puwati just uttered. The two sit inside his dimly lit office, with Kanna seated and the Vice-Chief standing, averting his eyes from her.
KANNA: No.
PUWATI: We have to. This invasion has been too costly already.
KANNA: We cannot interfere with the spirits like this! We could upset the balance on an unprecedented scale!
PUWATI (turning back towards her): And what else do you expect me to do?! Send more sons to their death?!
He lets out a huge sigh, rubbing his face while taking a seat on his massive office chair.
KANNA: I'm afraid if you made the decision to invade their city you will have to deal with the consequence of these people defending their home tooth for nail.
Puwati exhales again, the many years of battle and hardship having taken a toll on him.
KANNA: How do you even know that the Beast Dog is within the city?
He picks up one of scrolls and puts it down again.
PUWATI: I have my sources.
The old woman scoffs.
KANNA: But you didn't know where the Golden City was?
PUWATI: I got this before they kicked me out.
He grabs him harpoon hook from the corner as if holding onto it was a reassurance that things are going to be okay.
KANNA: IF the Golden City decides to utilize the Shishi then we have already lost.
He continues to stare into his weapon, scared in anticipation if it could even kill the spirit.
PUWATI: We lost the moment we started a war, Chief-Mother.
She frowns in surprise at the statement. The Vice-Chief gets up again and stares out through his porthole.
PUWATI: It is up to us to pick up the pieces and try to end it as fast as we can. The only way we can do that is by winning.
He looks over to her.
PUWATI: And by Sedni, I will win, even if it means killing some spirit mutt!
Unbeknownst to both of them, Kenora was actually listening in on the conversation from outside his office door. She did just want to see her father after the traumatic day, yet with that information she decides to go for a different course.
A knock at the door.
SOKKA: Go away.
Kenora knocks again.
KENORA (from outside) Sokka! Open up!
He sighs.
SOKKA (flat): Come in.
She opens his metal door and slams it again. Why he was given a private quarter she doesn't know.
KENORA: We need to go into the city. Tonight.
SOKKA (jolting up from his bed): What? Are you insane?
She sighs, sort of agreeing with that statement.
KENORA: Kind of. But I have my reasons.
SOKKA: It's nice you have a reason, but do you actually have a plan too? Our plan was to wait till the city falls and then catch the Avatar-
KENORA: I can't wait that long!
She grabs the root of her nose while Sokka gets up from his bed.
KENORA: I can't let more people... die while knowing that I could fix it.
SOKKA: How would catching the Avatar fix it?
She shrugs.
KENORA: Morale? Taking the Avatar would probably be a bad sign for the other firebenders.
SOKKA: "Probably" isn't good enough.
His face turns to a frown.
SOKKA: Are you sure you're not doing this for your ego or to get your captain title?
She frowns with hatred.
KENORA: FINE! I'll do it on my own - like always!
Just as she is about to storm out, Sokka gets an idea. Doing it like this could actually be better for his plan.
SOKKA: Wait! I'll come with you!
Kenora turns back around.
KENORA: Why? What changed your mind so quickly?
With an angered expression he grabs his club.
SOKKA: To prove to you that you're not better than me.
She scoffs, almost straight up laughing in his face.
KENORA: Sure. Let's do it.
He smiles as she goes ahead, content that she bought it.
A long and impressive staircase zigzags twice before leading into a beautiful little oasis hidden beneath the palace. A flock of firefly hummingbirds illuminate the large cavern as if it were broad daylight, allowing the three kids to gaze at the entirety of it. Azula insisted on asking Ty Lee to come along but, upon not getting a response after knocking on her door, they figured she would need some sleep to recover. Potentially losing Zuko is an unspoken dread that lingers over all of them, but it certainly hits Ty Lee the most.
The "room" is actually one large grassy field, with some fire lilies and other flowers spread across - rose vines growing on the walls and around the Shinto shrine in the middle. Below the crimson torii sits the only thing not covered in fauna - a square stone platform completely empty with the exception of a stone ball sitting on the front left corner. Aang takes one breath and feels a part of him relaxing over the dream-like scents of nature. Azula meanwhile grabs her head in the background.
AANG: How is it so bright in here? And how are these flowers growing?
Adithya simply shrugs, wearing a hijab again to go with her kimono pajama.
ADITHYA: Spirit stuff. I mean, Shishi is almost always depicted with a sun.
Aang briefly admires the swarming, luminous birds, before diverting his attention to Azula, who grunts, still holding onto her head.
AANG: Everything okay?
She nods, her entire face expressing a severe migraine.
AZULA (powering through it): Yup. Everything's fine. Just... got hit in the head earlier. That's all.
Aang and Adithya exchange confused looks, but ultimately accept it.
AZULA (powering through it): Tell us how it continues from the sanctuary onward.
He nods.
AANG: Right. So, Zhao kills the Moon Spirit, after which my Avatar Spirit fuses with the Ocean Spirit-
ADITHYA: And... both of them were fish?
Aang is still annoyed that this is the detail Adithya chooses to focus on.
AANG: Yes. So, I become this giant towering being, defeat the Fire Nation army, and force them to flee.
ADITHYA: And this... Yue... person?
Aang falls into a grieving silence.
AANG: She sacrificed herself. The Moon Spirit gifted her life as a baby, so she gave it back.
Chilling words that burn through Adithya's body like a wildfire.
AZULA (squatting): So, best case we get a magic dog to help us, worst case Adithya will live on as said magic dog. Right?
They immediately retort to her comment with mean glares.
AZULA: Sorry...
She gets up with a pained grunt, her head still clearly hurting from... something. Not even Azula knows.
AZULA: But also - I saw my brother possibly dying today, so if we're able to save everyone else with a "maybe" chance of losing one person I'll take it.
Adithya pouts.
ADITHYA: I... don't agree with your phrasing but... you're right.
AANG: No. I don't want to lose you.
Azula can feel a hint of jealousy mixing in with her headache. Adithya feels a tat bit put on the spot.
ADITHYA: Aang... I... I have to protect my people.
AANG (nervous) Yes. But you can't die. Not like her.
AZULA: Why?
AANG (crying): BECAUSE WHAT'S THE POINT?!
He falls to his knees and tries to wipe away the tears he didn't intend to show.
AANG (frustrated): What's the point of sending me here to this... messed-up reality, if I keep having to make the same mistakes? The same sacrifices?
He turns around, hugging his knees.
AANG (frustrated): What's going to happen three years from now? Are we going to be on the run again? In a world where the Water Tribe already won? Am I going to be sent to a world where the Earth Kingdom started a war?
This is when Adithya feels a bit overwhelmed and not really in the position to say something. Azula, her head still pounding, Agni-knows why, decides to be the bigger person. She gently gets down on one knee in front of the boy and grabs his cheek, forcing him to look up.
AZULA: Do you remember when we were prisoners in Changchun? When you told me all of this stuff for the first time?
He nods slightly.
AZULA: I remember telling you that we're going to help you get back home and that you are not leaving before you help fix our world.
She takes a deep breath, then exhales.
AZULA: Now, a lot of shit happened since then but as far as I'm concerned, that deal still stands.
He finally lets go of his legs and stares intensely into those shining honey eyes.
AZULA: If I break both legs and loose an eye just to protect this one girl who happens to have this parallel thing that someone you knew had, then so be it But I'd rather go down fighting than to see you give up.
She stands up, offering her hand to lift Aang.
AZULA: So stop being so pathetic and do your job - Avatar!
He slowly gains back his confidence, grabbing her hand and allowing himself to be hoisted up. After a quick look at Adithya and Azula individually, he walks over to the empty stone platform.
AANG: Let's give it a try.
Hidden in the veil of a dark stormy night, Kenora and Sokka sneak their way up the side of Mount Krakatoa, avoiding the occasional guard and watchtower towering around the edges of the Golden City. Their mouths and noses covered in black cloak, they sneak like little shadowy figures from rock to rock, eventually waiting for the right moment to land inside the city proper.
The two are able to bypass most soldiers and guards, as the majority of the army is still recovering from the battle and not spread thinly enough for such a daring infiltration attempt. They pass by an alleyway and notice an open window, the lights inside on. Kenora signals for Sokka to wait. She carefully twists and floats her arms around, bending raindrops falling down just enough to close the window and allow the two to pass. By the time the angered woman inside opens the window again she stares into the alleyway, spotting nothing but rain.
Getting into the massive Pagoda Palace is turning out to be a bit more difficult, though Kenora utilizes a trick she remembers from her encounter with the Blue Spirit. Distracting a royal guard with Sokka's boomerang knocking over a barrel, the soldier briefly abandons his post and allows Kenora and Sokka to enter a sewage gate, following it slowly and carefully into the inside of the palace.
Thankfully Sokka suggested following the least smelly pipes, exiting the sewers in a kitchen area, allowing them to sneak in the lower parts of the palace. Kenora spots a pair of stairs leading upwards and signals Sokka to move.
He responds with a shake of his head, pointing his hands at a corridor to their right. A small entry leads downwards deeper into the palace, yet somehow bright light illuminates from the entry. Sokka and Kenora nod to each other. As he slowly takes aim with his boomerang, she builds up enough power with her arms to create a brutal projectile.
Swoosh!
ZOMP!
A direct hit from both the boomerang and the ice block. After quickly dragging the unconscious soldiers out of sight, the two look at each other with something they haven't shared in a long time - a smile.
Aang takes a deep breath and allows his mind to float and drift in the cosmos. While the knot in his stomach has still not unraveled, the speech from Azula and the will to protect his friends and the people of this world are enough motivation to relax him.
Adithya gasps in shock as Aang, sitting in a lotus position, opens his eyes with a white glow protruding from them.
ADITHYA: Incredible.
Azula has meanwhile sat down and grunts again as she grabs her forehead. Adithya runs over to her.
ADITHYA: Okay, you're definitely going to the medical station.
AZULA (in pain): No. I'm fine.
ADITHYA: Come on! Get up.
She tries to hoist up the firebender by her arm, but the girl refuses.
AZULA (in pain): No! Someone has to stay here with Aang. In case Sokka shows up.
KENORA: Good guess.
The two firebender girls immediately get up and assume fighting stances, though Azula has trouble focusing. Kenora simply grabs her own hips and cackles manically, while Sokka is still running down the many stairs.
KENORA: And there I was, thinking I would have a problem against the Avatar. Instead, I'm met with two firebenders, one of which is freaking out.
Azula grunts again and Adithya begins to worry. She still keeps up her frown.
ADITYHA: I'm not just some firebender - I am Princess Adithya! I have been trained by Master Jeong-Jeong and YOU are trespassing in our holy sanctuary!
Kenora finds her retort quite amusing.
KENORA: That's the thing though. All of you need teachers and masters and old men telling you what to do.
Kenora now too frowns, bending water out of her pouches and getting ready to strike, the liquid engulfing her arms.
KENORA (angry): I didn't need any of that! I taught myself how to bend, fight - lead! I beat the Avatar once already...
Adithya shudders. Sokka hesitantly grabs his club.
KENORA (angry): ...do you think that you stand a chance against me-
BONK!
Kenora falls over, the water spilling across the grass like a baby knocking over their cup. Adithya looks at the unconscious waterbender and then back to Sokka, who still holds his club after striking. After a few seconds of shock and confusion, he drops it, alongside all of his other weapons.
SOKKA: I surrender to you.
As if that very flat and serious delivery wasn't confusing enough to Adithya, Azula finally collapses from the pain, her grunts becoming more intense and her hands clamped against her head like a mouse trap.
AZULA (in pain): ARGH!
ADITHYA: Azula!
She runs over and tries to calm her. Sokka feels... very misplaced right now, a situation that couldn't be stranger.
SOKKA: Is she... alright?
ADITHYA (barking back at him): Get away from her!
She undermines her statement with a weak fire swipe, motivating Sokka to not get any closer. Azula's unnerving screams continue until...
AANG: Sokka?
They look over to the boy, whose eyes have lost their glow and who stares confused and baffled at what lies before him. He gets up back on his feet via airbending.
AANG: What happened?
He takes note in particular of the disarmed, non-threatening-looking Prince Sokka.
SOKKA: Me and Kenora came to capture you but... well... I planned on betraying her from the start.
Aang sighs in relief. For once, this Sokka finally reminds him a bit of his old friend.
SOKKA: And... then Azula kind of just... fell over?
ADITHYA: It's her headache. It got worse.
She turns Azula on her back while Aang jumps over. Her mouth is opened, and her eyes are closed. Sokka dares to step closer a bit. Aang gently grabs the back of her head, his mind racing with worries.
AANG: Is she still alive?
Sokka tries to be helpful and aims two fingers towards her throat, though his arm is quickly slapped away by an angered Adithya.
ADITHYA (angry): Don't touch her!
SOKKA: I'm trying to help here!
AANG: Let him.
As Sokka feels her pulse, Adithya stares at Aang in confusion.
AANG: He's one of my closest friends. In... the other world.
SOKKA: Apparently I am. She's alive, by the way.
ADITHYA (to Sokka): Wait... so you know about the other world?
Sokka exhales.
SOKKA: Yeah, Zuko mentioned it. But we can talk about it later.
They lean her head against Adithya's lap.
ADITHYA: What did you see in the Spirit World Aang? Did something attack you? Maybe it escaped and knocked out Azula.
It takes Aang a few seconds of utter confusion to come up with a response.
AANG: Wait... how long was I out?
ADITHYA: Only like two minutes.
Aang scratches the back of his head.
AANG: I... I didn't see anything. I... closed my eyes, felt this rush of energy and... then I woke up again.
Sokka strokes his chin and gets an idea.
ADITHYA: Wait - so you weren't even in the Spirit World? But why?
SOKKA: I think I may know why.
They all look back down at Azula. Sokka has had the intuition to pull up her eyelid, which reveals her eyes having the same glow that Aang is supposed to have.