Fire. Earth. Water. Air. Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Water Tribes attacked...
Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them, but when the world needed him most, he vanished.
A hundred years passed, and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar, an airbender named Aang. And although his bending skills are great, he is haunted by the memories of his world...
But I believe Aang can save this one.
Avatar: The Last Firebender
Based on Distorted Reality by Ogro
Written by Carrotine Clara
Book 2: Earth
Episode 3
Ba Sing Se Part 1:
The Council of Five
Act I. – The Earth Capitol
Very soon they saw the walls. Exiting the already sparse woodwork, a mighty field, even drier than what Aang remembers, stretches for what feels like miles. To their south they would reach the Serpent's Pass, the mighty desert of Si Wong not too far below it.
It was the route Aang had to take in his world to reach Ba Sing Se. It was at the very end of his earthbending journey, when he had already met Toph and fought Azula. He had made the broad guess that Azula's place in this world would be taken by Kenora. Perhaps this was her part in general. While not the daughter of the Great Chief, she was still royalty apparently, a fierce waterbender with a crazed obsession for power and a sheer endless drive to hunt them down. She would be just some pawn he needed to knock over every once in a while, no one he needed to be too concerned with saving. If Azula in his world is beyond redemption, then so is Kenora here.
Aang liked that thought. Mostly because it removed Katara from the picture. There were probably more than enough princesses in his world that spend their time peacefully in the capital. Aang liked that thought indeed.
AZULA (snapping in his face): Hey Mr. Dreamy, would you mind returning to our reality for a moment?
His focus returns to their flight towards the mighty stone city. The air is even drier than in he remembers, although back then they didn't fly on Appa into Ba Sing Se.
Ty Lee starts giggling and Azula immediately assumes it concerns her, hugging her arms angrily.
AZULA: What's so funny?
Ty Lee is still quite amused, even with the honey-colored eyes glaring at her.
TY LEE: You called Aang Mr. Dreamy. Such a cute nickname.
Aang frowns in discomfort while Azula unsuccessfully tries to hide her blush. Her face very quickly morphed from anger to panic there. Sokka quietly scoffs to himself. He's currently reading one of Zuko's geography books, surprised that the maps seem even more accurate than the ones he had. Maybe that's why he was always one step behind the Avatar. Zuko, placed at Appa's helm, seems more than a little excited by the sight.
AZULA: What are you smiling about?
ZUKO: The journey was long and annoying, but now you get to see what it's really about - the destination.
They all take the time to properly stare at the massive city, which they have now almost reached.
ZUKO: I present to you the Earth Kingdom capital of Ba Sing Se!
Expecting some kind of sick twist, Aang is surprised to see the imposing goliath of Ba Sing Se ahead of them.
Walls that tower hundreds of feet, standing in the middle of a desolate wasteland like a smooth brick mountain, a true bastion and literal symbol of the perseverance against the Water Tribes. Countless battles must've been fought on the soil surrounding the outer wall, as the dryness and leftover pieces of sieging equipment suggest.
Aang is happy to see it like this. In truth, his rational brain is more so telling him to like the view. He can't really get joy from it. The image of the crumbling wall and the burned ash around it still etched into his mind. He tries to feel as optimistic as possible. He tries very hard.
AZULA: Fly a little higher, Zuko.
ZUKO: Yip-yip!
Appa roars, flapping his tail and shooting straight up to the structure. The individual bricks fly by as fast as waves in the ocean. Azula feels nauseous for much longer than she would like.
As the bison finally flies upright again, Aang briefly spots The Terra Team, gaping mouths starring upright at the bison entering the city. He wonders if Sung is also general in this world. And if Ba Sing Se's military is perhaps maybe concerned about a foreign entity subverting their ancient defenses.
The city looks mostly the same, other than the odd shape of the most outer ring, prominent farmland, which is entirely shoved to the inland side. This means that, on the side of Ba Sing Se closest to the sea, the walls of the Lower Ring melt with the main, defensive walls. Aang doesn't care though. For him it's still a disgusting display of the rigid class system perpetuated by the Earth Kingdom. Other than the few Air Nomad villages Aang sees no reason to be impressed or in awe. The other passengers seem very excited, especially Sokka. At least this time it's not burned to a crisp.
The soft stench of the Lower Ring creeps into her cozy room. Cozy being the nice way of saying small. But she didn't mind. It was more than enough for now. It's not like she was expecting any company anytime soon. The only person she had ever been interested in, or rather who didn't bore her, was the clumsy swordfighter she met. The memory of his humble smile still makes her blush.
She washes her face in a small wooden bowl. The smell of the streets almost makes her gag. She should close the window already, but it's the only fresh air this room will get. She scoffs. "Fresh".
The door opens and with a half-wet face she grabs a knife and prepares to counter whoever decided to sneak up on her.
CARAMAN: Uh... sorry Mai. I should've knocked.
Mai hates impoliteness. She also hates being seen without her makeup. Especially from a clumsy idiot boy such as Caraman.
MAI: What?
Her question is as sharp as her arsenal. She puts her blade back in her sleeve.
CARAMAN: Zhippa spotted the Avatar's bison.
Mai's eyes flash with excitement.
MAI: What?! In Ba Sing Se?!
CARAMAN: Yeah, they just-
She shuts the door right in his face. No time to wait. She has to get ready as fast as possible.
MAI: Finally...
Aang's theory was proven right. By the time the Gaang reaches the palace, their welcoming reminds Aang very much of the time they overthrew Long Feng. Concerned looks go around and an aura of readiness spreads across everyone. Azula wonders if she should throw Sokka under the bus and offer him to make a truce.
About six battalions stare nervously at the bison landing provocatively in the center of the palace courtyard. Some spears stand still, some aim at the beast, pearls of sweat running down their faces in the dry spring sun.
ZUKO: Uh... Aang, maybe it was not such a good idea to land in the middle of the city...
TY LEE: In the middle of their army.
AZULA: I'm sure we can take them.
AANG: Trust me.
Aang, having picked up his staff, has presumably spotted something of interest. As he leaps off of Appa, Sabachi follows him behind, landing on his shoulder like she usually does on Azula.
Loud footsteps thud towards him as they split the armies. The man in charge crosses his arms and lets out a deep laugh. Aang smirks slightly.
FONG: You are one ballsy Avatar.
He stomps his foot on the ground again, letting out a loud, almost pained-sounding howl that few would describe as laughter. Azula, Zuko, and Ty Lee share confused looks, while Sokka is forced to do so on his own. Aang smiles. His gamble paid off. Not that he would've willingly surrendered. No nosy, conniving royal bureaucrat would ruin his chances of seeing the Earth King right away in this world.
The only distraction now is Fong's new goatee.
AANG: I'm glad to see you alive and well, Fong. What brings you to Ba Sing Se?
Fong scoffs, his laughter slowly subsiding.
FONG: I could ask you the same question, Aang. I assume you might have something to do with the Water Tribe's failure in the Golden City?
AZULA: Dibuang.
After rudely interrupting, the firebender girl elegantly slides down Appa, coming to a halt right next to Aang, where the lemur quickly switches sides again.
FONG: What's that?
AZULA: "Golden City" is what my colonizers call it. The people of the Fire Nation call it Dibuang.
Fong nods respectfully.
FONG: Very well. Glad to see you're doing well too, Azula.
He tilts his head over to Appa.
FONG: I welcome Zuko and Ty Lee as well-
He freezes in shock. Very quickly, his soldiers start pointing weapons again.
AZULA: What the-
FONG: You are harvesting an enemy of the Earth Kingdom! Come down with your hands at once!
Only Zuko raises his hands, despite the fact that the army is clearly shocked by the sight of the Water Tribe's crown prince.
AANG: Fong, calm down!
FONG: What's going on here!? Is he forcing you to do this? Is there an infiltration army getting ready!?
AZULA: FONG!
Her presence and brief display of blue flames finally gets his attention.
AZULA: He's our prisoner.
Her smug face and calm demeanor finally de-escalate the situation. Fong sighs, lowering his stance.
FONG: Why isn't he in chains?
As Zuko, Ty Lee, and Sokka get down, the prince accidentally gets his leg caught in the saddle and drops on his face. Azula expresses something like insult.
AZULA: Really?
He grunts, stroking his much smaller facial hair.
FONG: If you wish to see the Earth King, he cannot come with you.
SOKKA: What?!
Sokka takes one step, getting his legs and arms caught in snake-like rock formations, almost like back in Musho Ichi.
FONG: He will remain my prisoner until your accommodations are ready.
Aang scratches the back of his head, his gaze wandering back over to the prince with a guilty frown. This is the part where Sokka expected the Avatar to stand up for him.
Aang turns back around without another word. Azula of people protests.
AZULA: General Fong, with all due respect, the crown prince of the Water Tribe is no safe prisoner in Ba Sing Se. As much as I don't like his presence...
Azula too looks over to him. To Sokka's surprise, her cold stare melts ever so slightly. She looks back at Fong.
AZULA: Aang trusts him. I don't wish to get his corpse returned to us.
FONG: You have my word, Aang.
He slams his fist against his shoulder, a gesture that looks like it physically hurt.
FONG: He is my prisoner.
And with that, Sokka is taken away. Zuko and Ty Lee only gawk in disbelief.
FONG: Now...
The four children gather next to Aang.
FONG: Would you like to meet the Earth King?
Her brown eyes took note of the bizarre scene. The Avatar is in Ba Sing Se. The Great Chief's son is in Fong's custody. None of the soldiers noticed her, as she blended in perfectly in the crowd. This information would be vital. And it would get her far. Finally.
The inside of The Earth King's palace seems almost more extravagant than its outside. Proud displays of green and gold, the signature colors of his majesty's domain, crest the halls, pillars and floors of what is the most blatant display of power Azula has ever seen. A quick inspection of Aang's body language already tells her that he has been here before. Probably saw it burned or destroyed or worse. Perhaps by her counterpart? Who knows.
What she does know is that Aang's free shoulder looks more muscular than usual. His voice also dropped recently, giving him the appearance of an older guy. Not that he already isn't, I mean, he is sixteen, by some standard. By her standard.
TY LEE (whispering to her): Are you staring at Aang?
She cartoonishly flinches and looks away. Her blush is noticed by everyone but Aang and Fong. Even Zuko tries to look away due to secondhand embarrassment.
AZULA (shaking her head very fast, almost like a shiver): No.
With even Ty Lee being overwhelmed by the situation, she tries to divert everyone's attention.
TY LEE: So, general, how come you're no longer in Yu Dao?
FONG: Well...
Diversion was a success.
FONG: After you guys had your little adventure, the other council members and I had a discussion. We agreed that Yu Dao is not under threat of invasion for the foreseeable future.
AANG: How come?
Something Azula wanted to ask but couldn't.
FONG: The Water Tribe isn't doing too well. Sure, they're still in control of large parts of the south and the entirety of the Fire Nation minus Dibuang, but as far as recent battles go... they've been lacking.
AANG: Every battle costs manpower and too many lost can cause you to lose a war.
Everyone seems a little off by the morbid interjection.
FONG: Um... yes. You know a lot about warfare for a monk, you know.
Anticipating a nervous laugh, Aang instead coldly shrugs.
AANG: I hear that a lot.
Azula, having recovered, decides to add some of her opinions.
AZULA: If the Water Tribe failed to take Dibuang and Yu Dao, where are they attacking next?
Fong scratches his beard once again. The small entourage halts at what Aang remembers to be the giant gates leading to the Earth King. Apparently, some preparations need to be made before entering, including Aang and Ty Lee having to give away their staffs, while Zuko hands over his swords.
FONG: That's what the council and I are trying to figure out. You will meet them later. For now...
Almost as if it was planned, the door opens as Fong gestures towards it.
Azula expected the throne room to be the creme de la creme of architectural boasting. While the huge pillars, the throne, and the golden ornaments in the back are truly a sight to behold, they seem relatively modest compared to many other parts of the building she saw earlier.
The Earth King himself is a rather unimpressive man, timber and not very physically intimidating. Perhaps that's why two dozen of his royal guard surround him to his left and right. There's also this weird creature sleeping next to his throne. It sort of looks like a platypus bear but without the beak. It's also wearing a little hat and vest. Azula exchanges a quick look with Aang, who signals with a shrug that he doesn't quite know the answer to it either.
As Fong leads them to the foot of the throne's platform, he finally stops. One after another, everyone goes on one knee and bows. Azula is, as always, the last one to do so.
FONG: Your highness.
He gets back up. The King remains skeptical, resting his head on his folded hands.
FONG: I present to you, Avatar Aang. His companions Azula, Zuko, and Ty Lee. And of course, Appa and Sabachi.
Appa's grumble wakes up a rather curious-looking Bosco. Aang decides to step forth again.
AANG: Your highness, it's an honor to meet you. We've travelled far and-
The Earth King raises his fist. Aang falls silent and the room takes on a strangely serious energy. Finally, his highness gets up, hands folded behind his back.
KUEI: Welcome, Avatar. You are speaking to Kuei, the 52nd Earth King of Ba Sing Se.
The initial comparison in Aang's head to his version of Kuei is quite a drastic one. Apparently this one grew a spine at some point, or so Aang thinks.
KUEI: You seem quite young for the Avatar. I suppose you must be more than a hundred years old.
Azula successfully hides her impish smirk.
AANG: I crashed into a volcano when the war began. I remained there safe until these two found me months ago.
He gestures to a nodding Zuko and a blushing Azula. Aang wonders why Azula is reacting so embarrassed to all this attention.
KUEI: A volcano you say?
He scoffs and his face hidden behind a tiny set of small lenses finally appears a bit more joyful.
KUEI: Truly amazing. I suppose we shouldn't waste this opportunity and use your help when the Water Tribe is vulnerable.
Aang nods. For the first time he starts feeling a bit more optimistic about his hopes to return back home.
AANG: I was thinking so too.
But going home so soon would mean saying goodbye to everyone. In a moment of weakness, he looks back at his companions with sorry eyes, deeply unsettling everyone, but especially Azula.
KUEI: Very well. You are invited to a War Council meeting later.
He gestures towards a door to his right. A woman in her forties appears from shadow, wearing a green and golden kimono, a modest-looking attire, with pinned hair and wooden sandals. The woman bows very respectfully in front of the Dream Team.
KUEI: For now, Madame Tamao will guide you to your residential accommodation.
He gifts a short, warm smile.
KUEI: I have been expecting your arrival in Ba Sing Se. Your housing will be in the Upper Ring, not far from the palace.
He finally places himself back on his throne.
KUEI: I hope you and I can work together to end this terrible war. And I mean all four of you.
This is when Aang remembers something pretty important.
AANG: Hold on, before we go.
Azula briefly uses the opportunity to eye Tamao. Her facial expression is a resting neutral smile hidden in white make-up and red lipstick. She wonders why the woman hasn't said anything.
KUEI: Please, speak your mind.
AANG: We travelled to Ba Sing Se with a prisoner...
Ty Lee can sense the sudden shift in Fong's aura.
KUEI: A prisoner?
AANG: The Water Tribe's crown prince.
Fong, not fast enough to stop Aang, appears the most nervous in the room. The Earth King and his guards seem more than surprised. Interestingly enough, Azula thinks, Tamao seems not shocked at all. This is when the kimono lady briefly exchanges a look with Azula that deeply frightens her, and so she averts her eyes again.
Kuei glares at Fong.
KUEI: Why was I not informed about this right away, Fong? The crown prince is a valuable hostage.
AANG: Your highness-
FONG: With all due respect your highness, I promised the Avatar to keep him safe. It is his prisoner after all.
Kuei frowns.
KUEI: We will discuss this matter later. For now, the crown prince is to be transferred to my royal guard.
AANG: But-
KUEI: That is an order.
He gets up (as does Bosco) announcing his departure.
KUEI: We can discuss this matter in the War Council meeting.
Without saying another word, the rock-solid sovereign of the Earth Kingdom walks away.
The dark catacombs beneath the palace were alarming enough to Sokka, even without the apparent betrayal of the Avatar. His mind wandered through all the different levels of rationalization.
-Aang did everything in his power to try and stop this.
-Aang doesn't care. Why would he, after everything he and Kenora had done?
-This was all planned out. From the beginning Aang wanted to hand him over to the Earth King. Why was he so stupid to go along? He should've helped Kenora beat the Avatar back in Dibuang.
Sokka also thought that he would die. But that particular fear only really manifested when he heard boots approaching.
GUARD: Prince Sokka?
The open metal door is the only source of light in this otherwise dark, cold cell.
SOKKA: Crown Prince Sokka.
His glare goes unanswered - nay - it causes laughter.
GUARD: You're a funny one.
The man grabs Sokka shoulder, pulling him out of his cell and dragging him in front of two other soldiers, wearing a completely different set of uniforms.
ROYAL GUARD 1: So this is the son of the most powerful man on earth, huh?
Sokka is unable to get up, his hands trapped in metal chains.
ROYAL GUARD 2: Real wimp this one. Heard he's not even a bender.
ROYAL GUARD 1: What are you going to do now little prince? Gonna cry?
Sokka tries holding back the tears caused by the mockery. A mixture of rage, fear and pure anger boils uncontrollably in his guts.
SOKKA: I demand to see the Avatar! I am HIS prisoner!
The royal guards each grab one shoulder and drag him away.
ROYAL GUARD 1: That's a new one, I'll give you that.
ROYAL GUARD 2: For now you are the personal prisoner of the Earth King.
A cold, eerie shiver runs down Sokka's spine. He can't even muster the energy to fight back against his captors. Perhaps he deserves this.
Not surprising Aang in any way whatsoever, they got the exact same house in this world. A nice little yellow rooftop on a modest but still very expensive building. Two of Fong's soldiers take Appa into the backyard, which is at least one difference. This is of no one's concern right now though. While Tamao politely waits to show the gang inside, they all frown angrily at a timid Fong. All except Azula, who once again eyes Tamao, though a little more subtly this time.
AANG: You have to do something, Fong! He's our-
He can't quite say friend yet.
ZUKO: He's our friend!
Everyone seems shocked at Zuko's comment.
AZULA: Speak for yourself.
TY LEE: We don't love him yet, but he helped us in Dibuang. Without him the city would've fallen!
AZULA: That's an exaggeration.
ZUKO: AZULA!
AZULA: What? I don't understand what the problem is. What did you expect? Really?
Everyone calms down as they just now realize the grave mistake they have committed. Fong seems to patiently wait for the argument to be resolved.
AZULA: The son of the head of state we are currently at war with is handed over to the Earth King on a silver platter. Why in the world would he not immediately act?! Imagine his inner circle if he just brushed that off!
Aang begins to regret asking Kuei about Sokka.
FONG: She's right.
He averts his face in shame.
FONG: The Earth King was a sheltered man. Long Feng tried to control him from a young age.
AANG: Until you ousted him.
FONG: Until General Bumi ousted him.
Aang's heart skips a beat.
ZUKO: You mean Aang's old friend?
TY LEE: Aang's really old friend?
FONG: He was the one who suggested freeing the Earth King and telling him about the war. Long Feng might be a cunning politician but he's a helpless man. And a non-bender on top.
Once again, everyone's gaze wanders over to an unimpressed Zuko, who, way too late, reacts with fake insult.
AANG: Is Bumi in the city?
Fong shakes his head.
FONG: He hasn't been seen for a while now. When the other generals gathered in Ba Sing Se, he was the only one not answering our call.
TY LEE: Did something happen to him?
Aang scratches the back of his head. To Ty Lee's surprise, the boy smiles.
AANG: No, that's actually a lot like him.
Fong chuckles at that.
FONG: I will send for you kids later. All of you are invited to the council meeting.
Aang bows respectfully.
AANG: Thank you Fong.
Tamao, finally moving again, opens the door to their new home.
FONG: Oh, and one more thing...
They all turn around again.
FONG: I will see what I can do about the prince. I can't promise him my protection, but I will do everything in my power.
Aang nods.
As Fong leaves, the kids enter. No one is really impressed or expresses joy at their luxurious new living quarters. Only Sabachi soars around like a frenzied house cat. Though I suppose cats can't fly.
ZUKO: What are we going to do?
Before Aang answers, Azula cuts in while admiring her nails.
AZULA: Perhaps we should discuss this between us.
After a few seconds they realize, she was referring to the mute kimono servant standing in the doorway.
AANG: Uh... thank you... Madame Tamao. We're good.
She smiles, bows, and leaves.
TY LEE: What's her deal?
ZUKO: Was she a thing in your world? And how much of this was the same in your world?!
His apparent emotional burst expresses a somewhat suppressed state of stress. Aang thinks for a few moments.
AANG: Well, we did have a tour guide who constantly tried to control us. She was one of Long Feng's henchmen.
AZULA (mouthing to herself): Henchwoman?
ZUKO: So... is she a problem?
Aang shrugs.
AANG: I mean, she doesn't talk. That's a plus.
Ty Lee sighs, stomping across the room and in between the two.
TY LEE: I really think we have more important issues at hand. We need to help Sokka.
AZULA: I really don't think so.
The other three are used to Azula's petty insults, but this situation is clearly more serious than she wishes to admit.
AZULA: What?
AANG: Ty Lee is right.
He picks up his staff in a crude motion.
AANG: I will talk to the Earth King.
Something inside of Azula snaps.
AZULA: I'll come with you.
Everyone stops and stares in awe at the sudden shift in attitude.
ZUKO: Didn't you just-
AZULA: Hogwash! Just because I don't like Sokka doesn't mean that I'll go against you guys.
Zuko and Ty Lee exchange confused looks.
ZUKO: Yes. That is exactly what that means.
AZULA: Whatever.
She rolls her eyes, but Ty Lee really knows what's going on.
AZULA: Are we going or not, Aang?
Being at the center of this whole thing, Aang doesn't quite know what to think. He simply shrugs it off and goes along. Whatever her feelings might be is of no concern to him.
As the two (and the lemur) leave, Zuko and Ty Lee are left baffled in the middle of an empty room. They immediately start smooching, although it is rudely interrupted by the huge bison growling through their window.
TY LEE: We should probably go and get some food for later.
ZUKO: Isn't the Earth King going to provide us with that kind of stuff?
She escapes his tender arms, covering her giggle with a hand.
TY LEE: Don't you want to provide for yourself, Zuko?
He scratches the back of his head with a crooked smirk. He loves it when she waggles around like that. And she looks beautiful in the early morning sunlight.
ZUKO: I think I'll stay here and read on some warfare material. Maybe I can be useful at the War Council meeting later.
TY LEE: Alright. But before I go...
A long, wet kiss between the two lovers to declare their departure. Zuko can't describe in words how lucky he feels. How beautiful she is. How much joy she gives him in these dark times. He can hear the door shutting and decides to read his material outside in their backyard next to a sleepy Appa. Looks like he wasn't that hungry after all.
With his thoughts still dwelling on the luminous acrobat, he opens his book-
MAI: Hello Zuko.
And promptly falls off of his chair.
Aang has started to notice that Azula has been acting much more quietly around him. Not that he dwelled particularly on eye contact too much, but it was still strange to see her avert her eyes every so often. And so, their common walk over to the palace is a rather awkward affair.
AANG: So... what do you think about Fong?
She briefly catches his glimpse, but looks away nonetheless, her hands folded behind her head. The little walkway to the palace is truly gorgeous, full with hedges and flowers blooming in the spring sun. Aang does notice the absence of any decorative water elements though.
AZULA: I think we can trust him. He has this weird look on him when he's around us. Like Zuko when he feels guilty and is trying to make up for it.
Aang finds her analysis very intriguing. Although then again...
AANG: I thought you don't really understand people?
Expecting her to react with spite, he instead finds her blushing.
AZULA: You're the one asking for my advice...
He giggles at her apparent insecurity.
AANG: Wow, you're not usually thrown off your feet this easily.
She crosses her arms, still talking a bit more quietly than he was thinking.
AZULA: I guess.
MESSENGER: Avatar!
A young soldier runs towards them, disrupting their argument and switching on Azula's serious nature again.
AANG: Yeah?
Aang remembers the man as one of the soldiers who helped them move earlier.
MESSENGER: Fong sent me. You have to come to the council meeting - now!
Aang and Azula exchange confused looks.
AZULA: I thought it was later-
MESSENGER: The King called for an emergency meeting! They want to execute the prince!
Aang's pupils dilate in horror and once again that day his heart skips a beat.
Act II. - A United Front
Azula regrets agreeing to this exactly one second after taking off. But using the glider to get to the Earth King's palace was the fastest way to get there. Unless Aang would've left her behind, but she insisted to come along. Not that she cared that much about Sokka but suppose it's not a good idea to let one of Aang's friends die. Then again, he's not his friend here yet.
Fong's soldier instructed them to land at one of the side entrances, where another soldier was apparently waiting for them.
SOLDIER: Is it just you two?
Sabachi snarls.
AZULA: Yes.
AANG: Are you with Fong?
The soldier gulps.
SOLDIER: I'm with the Earth King. We all are.
Neither of the kids are patient enough to answer.
SOLDIER: But yes, Fong sent me. Let's go.
The war room, exactly like Aang remembers, is an open concept hall, decorated with bright glass lanterns, dark green fabrics and the symbol of the Earth Kingdom reigning supreme. The only difference is the world map in the middle of the room, which is now standing on a massive stone table rather than being imprinted on the stone floor.
The Council of Five, though now only four generals and the Earth King in the middle, sit around an arched table overlooking a map. Fong is the only one who gets up when spotting Aang and Azula.
KEUI: What is the meaning of this?
As Aang takes a close look at all of the generals, Azula can make a broad guess that he knows at least one other general besides Fong, a slouched over older man with a top knot and thin mustache strains dangling from his upper lip and chin.
SUNG: The Avatar was not invited to this meeting! Is this your making, Fong?
General Sung is also as Aang remembers him, though this time he clearly has more guts and a willingness to keep his position.
FONG: Your highness, I mean no disrespect, but excluding the Avatar in this decision would only-
KUEI: And you would go behind my back to make that happen? You would betray your King!?
He smacks the table pretty darn aggressively. The other general, Zongren, a short man with grey hair and big lips, wipes the sweat from his temple with a tissue. The fourth general, Xishan, hides his cold stare behind a big pair of glasses, an even bigger, red nose and a bushy mustache. He simply snorts, as if not impressed by this maneuver.
Kuei, in a move even surprising Aang, gets up from his chair, pointing accusingly at Fong.
KUEI: Perhaps I should deal with you the same way we dealt with Long Feng, that snake!
AZULA: Your highness, if I may interrupt...
Clearly not even the sovereign was expecting the firebender girl to speak up at such a moment.
KUEI: You may not. You two are to leave right now-
AZULA: If you exclude the Avatar from this War Council meeting, he will leave Ba Sing Se.
This seems to sufficiently scare Kuei, almost knocking his crown/hat over.
KUEI: You what...
Aang decides to chirp in. He'll thank her later for the genius input.
AANG: I was told this morning that Prince Sokka's fate is to be discussed at a War Council meeting later today. Yet you immediately called one without informing me.
He presents his staff like a flagpole. A light breeze washes over the table, mildly annoying council and King.
AANG: We can only work together if we trust each other, your highness.
Kuei smirks, as if victorious.
KUEI: You speak of trust Avatar. Yet my sources tell me that you have met with my greatest enemy Long Feng, as well as a member of the Liberation Forces.
He crosses his hands behind his back. The room might look the same, but this is an almost completely different Kuei. Aang and Azula look just as surprised as Fong.
KUEI: Perhaps I should lock you up with the crown prince.
Comedic hijinks at its peak, as Zuko tries finding his balance again. In bright contrast, Mai is standing perfectly still with her arms crossed.
ZUKO: Mai, wha- what are you doing here?!
She lets him stew in silence for a few seconds.
MAI: The Crescent Warriors and I decided to travel the Earth Kingdom and help out wherever we can. Your visit inspired us.
She takes a step closer, her expression staying the same.
MAI: You might say...
To his surprise, she leans in and smooches him on the cheek.
MAI (blushing): You inspired us.
To her surprise, and shock, he awkwardly stumbles backwards, tripping over his words and almost his feet as well.
ZUKO: I- Mai, I-
She tries to initiate a full-on kiss but is rudely blocked from doing so.
MAI: What?
ZUKO: Uh...
Both blush, but for completely different reasons.
ZUKO: Mai, I... can't do this. Me and Ty Lee...
She quickly catches on, turning around and averting her face in shame.
MAI: I... I didn't know.
She pouts.
MAI (mumbling to herself): Guess Caraman failed to mention that...
The boy sighs, picking up his books and putting them on the garden chair.
ZUKO: Let's start over. How are you?
She refuses to turn around.
MAI: I need a minute.
As he tries comforting her, she pulls away. Zuko starts showing frustration via a gnarly grunt.
ZUKO: Look, this isn't fair, alright? You can't just barge in here after months and expect me to be all up in arms about seeing you.
She finally turns around, her answer a hurt hiss.
MAI: Oh yeah, and what if I did!? Maybe I was really looking forward to seeing you again, Zuko. Maybe this isn't fair to me either.
He sighs, capitulating to her argument.
ZUKO: You're right.
He sighs once again. Zuko always picks his words very carefully, it's what Mai likes so much about him.
ZUKO: You are special to me. And I would lie if I said I didn't think about you a lot. But Ty Lee is...
MAI: She's special, I get it. We only met briefly. She had the chance to really get to know you.
She lowers her head, showcasing her defeat.
MAI: There's no way I could compete with that.
That statement did genuinely send Zuko on a guilt trip.
ZUKO: Don't be so tough on yourself. You're- you're a great girl. Woman. Person. Uh-
She grunts, walking inside the house.
ZUKO: No, wait - Mai!
As he chases after her she already snuck behind the doors, sliding them shut. Her posture and attitude have completely changed.
MAI: We have to stay inside.
Zuko is, always, completely lost.
ZUKO: Huh? What's happening-
MAI: I think we're being followed.
Ty Lee figured out quickly how to use one of the public trains leading her into the Middle Ring. Beautiful houses with green rooftops are crammed into tight real estate. She had to get up at the first stop when she realized that someone was checking for tickets, which she didn't have.
Walking past the University of Ba Sing Se, she is overwhelmed by the amount of people leaving from or for classes. Young adults with their whole life ahead of them. The horror of the outside world apparently completely missing.
ZEI: Ah, Miss Zao, you wanted to speak to me about your paper earlier...
As he continues to talk, he finds a confused Ty Lee, who turns around with curious eyes. She finds a joyful man with a bright smile and dark skin. Supposedly the southern subjects from in and around Si Wong. The half-bald man wearing the green robes of a university professor stumbles back.
ZEI: Oh, I am so sorry. I mistook you for one of my students.
Ty Lee comforts him with a smile.
TY LEE: I took no offense. Are you a professor here?
Zei bows respectfully.
ZEI: Professor Zei of the Anthropology Department. Are you from the Air Nomad Village?
Her eyes flare of with a sparkle.
TY LEE: No, but I'd love to see it.
Zei seems to share her unfiltered joy.
ZEI: Have you never been?
He scratches his chin.
ZEI: I suppose Air Nomad clothes are still pretty fashionable, even with non-benders...
A devious smirk appears on her face. She pulls her feet together and conjures up a quick ninja-like pose with her hands, which creates a small spiral of wind. Zei is more than impressed.
ZEI: An airbender - are you the Avatar?!
She giggles like a prankster.
TY LEE: No. But I'd still love to see it.
Zei's enthusiasm transforms into a very serious and formal bow.
ZEI: It would be an honor.
Aang and Azula share tensed looks, wondering if they're about to be arrested.
FONG: Your highness, the Avatar helped us defend Yu Dao from the Water Tribe. You have no reason to mistrust him.
SUNG: That sounds like something Long Feng would've said.
He turns to Kuei, who is still the only one standing.
SUNG: My King, your verdict is the only one that matters.
AZULA: That would make him a tyrant.
Her words, much like hot water, both burn with heat and numb with cold.
XISHAN: Not to side with a teenage girl against our sovereign, but she has a point.
Kuei seems to take the calmly speaking man very serious.
XISHAN: Fong and I would prefer to involve the Avatar in the decision. It's his prisoner, and his little girlfriend has made it clear that cooperation goes both ways.
Kuei looks over to Zongren. He already knows what Sung is thinking.
ZONGREN: I say let the King decide.
Zongren glares at Aang. Azula is still blushing from the earlier comment.
ZONGREN: This is one of those things you have to accept, Avatar.
Aang answers the mean face with one of his one.
Kuei looks left and right, considering all options.
XISHAN: It's two against two. Without Bumi, you'll have to decide.
Kuei thinks for a bit longer. Aang starts to consider freeing Sokka himself and leaving Ba Sing Se. On the other hand, he would never win this war without the Earth King.
KUEI: I will allow Avatar Aang and his friend to vote alongside us.
A sigh of relief as he sits down.
KUEI: IF the two of them can adequately explain their involvement with Long Feng and the Liberation Forces.
Azula sighs crudely, very apparently annoyed and once again speaking for Aang.
AZULA: We didn't meet the Liberation Forces. We met one guy and saved enslaved children - you're welcome, by the way.
AANG: And Long Feng imprisoned us when we refused to kill you.
A shiver runs down Kuei's spine.
SUNG: So you did still have contact with him?
AZULA: Are you deaf? We were imprisoned. We beat him and his guards up in order to escape.
Sung looks over to his sovereign, expecting some kind of pushback. But Kuei seems satisfied.
KUEI: This... "one guy" you met. Was his name Vaas?
The weird-sounding name rings absolutely zero bells for Aang. Azula can tell from his frown.
AZULA: No? His name was Haru.
Aang glares at her, angry that she gave the information away so quickly. She simply shrugs.
KUEI: Are you sure? Did he use different names?
AANG: No. I have never met anyone called Vaas. Who is he?
Kuei checks with his generals, who all seem to agree to hand over the information. Fong has been awfully quiet, too scared to upset his King again.
KUEI: He is the leader of the Liberation Forces. His terrorist cell is most active in the Gaipan Clique under General Zongren.
Zongren flares his nostrils at the kids.
AZULA: "Terrorist cell"? That's a harsh word.
FONG: They may fight the Water Tribe, but as I told you in Yu Dao, they are major threat to the Earth King's army.
KUEI: You do understand that any link from the LF to you makes you a threat?
Aang nods. He doesn't trust this Kuei at all, but he has nothing to hide.
AANG: We only crossed paths with Haru. And he did help us to save enslaved peoples. I believe that makes up for it more than enough.
Kuei nods.
KUEI: I guess it does.
He looks around his council, his fingertips sticking against each other.
KUEI: Avatar Aang, you can probably guess that after having been lied to my whole life by my closest advisor, I have grown a bit... suspicious of people.
To Aang's surprise, he glares at the rest of his council.
KUEI: Not even my generals had the guts to stand up to Long Feng and the Dai Li. Only the Former King Bumi had the strength to chase him from Ba Sing Se.
He gently folds his hands on the table like an angry teacher.
KUEI: Can you understand why I'm displeased by one of said generals involving a party to this discussion that I didn't invite?
Azula, wanting to cut the king short with a remark, is interrupted by Aang now.
AANG: Only if you can understand that I don't wish to kill Prince Sokka.
KUEI: That's the problem - I do fail to see why.
Zuko's jaw drops. He immediately scans the area.
ZUKO: What are you talking about?!
A second thought rushes to his head.
ZUKO: Wait, so you're not mad at me?
MAI: Of course I'm mad at you. I thought the next time we'd meet we could finally be together.
She sighs at her honest display of emotion.
MAI: That's not important right now.
She takes out one of her blades, spinning it in her hand as a way of practicing.
MAI: We've only been here for a month or two. The other warriors and I volunteered to help with incoming refugees. But the whole time, we were watched.
She wanders back and forth inside the house. Zuko doesn't know what to think about any of this.
ZUKO: Do you know by whom?
She shakes her head.
MAI: Just individual people. Random strangers. But I know how to spot a spy.
She glances over to him with a cold stare.
MAI: Call it professional experience.
Zuko nods. His mind is racing to a million different things.
ZUKO: Could it be the Dai Li?
Mai finally comes to a hold.
MAI: I was thinking that too. But they were disbanded five years ago, weren't they?
ZUKO: Maybe not completely. Maybe Long Feng still has some influence in the city.
Mai's heart is racing. But she has to stay focused.
MAI: I requested an audience with the Earth King to let him know.
ZUKO: And?
She gives him a concerned look, her arms crossed, blade still showing.
MAI: My request was denied. Twice.
Professor Zei and Ty Lee match each other's energy almost perfectly, the only difference being Ty Lee's youth giving her that extra ten percent of jumpiness. The Air Nomad Village in the Middle Ring is relatively small compared to the one in Yu Dao, but it's all the more luxurious. Shops are bigger, people look happier and little corners of their culture are in every little nook and cranny. Relatively well-off Earth Kingdom folk are mixed in between the modest-looking descendants of the Air Temples.
ZEI: You have seriously never tried a fruit pie?!
After what felt like a whole day, his enthusiasm stamina has managed to outweigh hers.
TY LEE: No. Are they any good?
ZEI: Are they any-
He barfs out air as if she had just cursed his whole bloodline. As Zei rushes to buy two slices from a fancy-looking shop, Ty Lee takes a moment to admire the scenery. There is one particular thought that she hasn't been able to shake off.
ZEI: Here you go.
He hands her a strawberry-flavored piece.
ZEI: The true secret is in the gooey center.
He devours his slice in just three bites. She takes a small one. The cake is delicious at first but has a dull aftertaste.
TY LEE: What about the other Air Nomad Villages in the city?
ZEI (with a full mouth): They're all in the Lower Ring.
He crudely swallows.
ZEI: Only the most successful people can afford their business and residence in the Middle and Upper Ring. The rest are forced to life in the... less fortunate areas.
She gazes into the distance. Behind all the houses and rooftops, her eyes are forced to stop at the massive, oppressive wall keeping the different city sections separated. More importantly, keeping different people separated.
TY LEE: That's not really the way of the Air Nomads.
Zei seems to understand her disappointment.
ZEI: It's true, life for your people has changed with the war. I'd say it's better for them to find any home though instead of being left behind.
A rather heartless way to define genocide.
TY LEE: So... survival means abandoning your way of life? Means abandoning your own people?
Zei shrugs, still trying to be respectful.
ZEI: Suppose it does sometimes.
Dread overcomes her. What does that mean for her?
TY LEE: I- I'm going to go back. Thanks for the pie.
ZEI: Oh, wait - I still have some questions!
Ty Lee really doesn't feel like it, and simply walks away. Zei won't give up though.
ZEI (holding his notebook): I still have some questions regarding your airbending. Which exact chi paths are activated when you do it?
He grabs her arm in a frenzy.
Something inside of Ty Lee snaps. It feels like a specter taking ahold of her body, a strange sensation that forces her to turn around.
Four precise jabs against Zei's shoulder and arm completely numbs it. She drops her pie and he his booklet.
A lot of attention is attracted by this maneuver. Zei seems more so fascinated while Ty Lee is flat out horrified. Her voice is nothing but a trembling gasp.
TY LEE: I... I'm sorry...
She runs for it.
Zei, on the other hand, or arm, is curiously admiring his numb arm like an alien object.
ZEI: Fascinating.
He picks up his notebook with the other hand and awkwardly takes some notes.
Aang is struggling to find an answer. He can't surrender his biggest secret to someone as unimportant as the Earth King, unimportant to him that is. He decides to tell the truth, at least the part that matters.
AANG: Sokka voluntarily surrendered during the Dibuang Siege. He surrendered to me.
KUEI: And why did he do that?
AANG: Because I trust him.
Fong's first assessment earlier proved to be right.
KUEI: Trust him?
AANG: I had believed for a long time that Prince Sokka has a good heart. He may be the heir, but he was always an outcast. The reason I came into contact with him is because he was banished from his home. He tracked us down with only a handful of men and a waterbender girl.
Everyone, even Fong, is impressed by his honesty.
KUEI: That is news to me.
ZONGREN: Was he successful?
AZULA: Apparently not.
To her surprise, Xishan laughs at her remark.
KUEI: Very well Avatar. You have made your case.
He looks over to Azula with a sigh of relief.
KUEI: Your name was Azula, right?
She stops admiring her nails and nods.
KUEI: You are concerned about tyranny. I understand. I will let this be a vote.
He sits up straight.
KUEI: Whoever is for the immediate execution of Crown Prince Sokka, raise your hand.
Sung's claw immediately shoots up, Zongren follows suit. To Aang's shock, The Earth King raises his hand as well.
KUEI: Whoever is against the immediate execution of Crown Prince Sokka, raise your hand.
Aang, Fong, and Azula immediately raise their hand. After a few seconds, Xishan raises his as well.
KUEI: Very well, it is decided.
He gestures something under his breath and a figure neither Azula nor Aang could catch a glimpse off leaves the room.
KUEI: I suppose it is now to be discussed what happens to the prince instead.
AZULA: If I may...
She steps forward, giving Aang a reassuring nod.
AZULA: I say we offer him to the Water Tribe in exchange for a prisoner.
Aang almost snaps in rage.
AZULA: Don't worry, we won't actually send him away.
Aang calms down and the Earth King smiles, impressed by her cunning.
KUEI: We don't?
AZULA: No. But it would be interesting to see who the Water Tribe would offer in return, wouldn't it?
Virtually everyone nods. Aang is still a bit hurt by her very sudden shift to a cold, calculating persona.
AZULA: The way I understand it, General Bumi is still missing, right? If we got him as an offer, the Avatar could track him down and free him.
She crosses her arms victoriously.
AZULA: Win-win.
No win. Kuei sighs.
KUEI: I like your plan. Unfortunately, we won't be able to find Bumi this way.
Everyone, including all of the generals, is completely baffled by this.
FONG: I thought Bumi was missing? That we haven't heard from him in two months?
KUEI: I have. And I have reason to believe that he is working with the Liberation Forces.
Zuko shudders at the implications of this.
ZUKO: So, you're saying the Earth King...
MAI: Might be compromised. Maybe the Dai Li is blackmailing him to do his bidding.
ZUKO: Maybe.
He scratches his head like a monkey.
ZUKO: I don't know. I feel like we might be missing something here.
MAI: Exactly.
She lets her blade disappear into her sleeve again.
MAI: Where are Aang and Azula?
Zuko's eyes almost pop out.
ZUKO: With the Earth King.
They share a concerned look. At that moment, Mai takes out her blade again, as the doors snap open.
TY LEE: Zuko, I need to...
The airbender comes to a standstill. Zuko immediately panics.
ZUKO: Uh, Ty Lee - this isn't-
MAI: Please don't worry. He was not doing anything.
Relieved to hear her fears quenched, she rushes to hug her boyfriend.
TY LEE: Something strange happened. The same thing like when I freed you during the invasion.
MAI: Is this urgent?
They turn towards the bored assassin with a frown.
MAI: Sorry. Didn't mean to come off so cold. We were actually about to save Aang and Azula.
ZUKO: I'll explain on the way.
He runs off to get his swords.
Awkward silence.
MAI: Uh... good to see you.
Ty Lee smirks with discomfort.
TY LEE: You know I can... read auras. Tell when someone is lying.
Mai continues to practice with one of her blades.
MAI: Mhm. Hope you're getting all the aura you need.
Atypical for Ty Lee, she frowns.
This cell isn't quite as discomforting, so Sokka was expecting things to get better. But eventually, he lost all hope. Aang wasn't going to safe him, he wouldn't risk his alliance with the Earth King for a prisoner of war. He sulks quietly on the stone floor, thinking about his mother, Katara, his gran-gran - even his father who banished him. And Kenora of course.
She was never going to want him. As a kid he was taught that all boys like girls and the other way around, but Kenora made it clear that this wasn't the case, just as much as she made him realize that girls can fight. And that he is a failure. Perhaps he deserves even the worst kind of punishment.
Which is why he hardly reacts when the guards open his cell door.
GUARD: Come with us.
To the soldier's surprise, Sokka gets up on his own, his hands still chained together.
SOKKA: Sure. I accept whatever is coming.
The guard shrugs.
GUARD: Huh. Alright. That makes my job easy.
As he gets escorted away from his cell, Sokka wonders what happened to the engagement necklace he made so long ago.
As the three approach the palace, Mai drags them into a nearby bush, scouting the building for entrances.
TY LEE: This is nuts. Why don't we just ask to go inside?
Mai looks at her with the most condescending stare possible.
TY LEE: What? They don't know we know that they... know... uh... I lost it there.
Mai grunts and slaps her forehead.
ZUKO: I say we take one of the side entrances. Disguise ourselves as staff and-
While pointing, his arm is engulfed in a rock pillar, as is everyone else's limbs. Not even the airbender or assassin were able to avoid their fate. A small troop of earthbenders surrounds them.
SOLDIER: All of you are under arrest!
Zuko and Mai share concerned looks of dread.
TY LEE: Hey you guys! We were just looking for one of you!
Unfortunately, due to her constraints, Mai is unable to slap her forehead again.
Act III. - A house divided
AANG: What do you mean?
Azula starts getting increasingly nervous. The lemur on her shoulder flies away, sensing incoming danger.
KUEI: I understand that he was your friend back before you got trapped in that volcano. He told me about it multiple times. However, the man you used to know as Bumi is most likely working towards overthrowing me.
He leans back in his chair, his arms folded on his lap.
AANG: That makes no sense. I thought he was the one who helped you oust Long Feng?
Kuei stays silent.
FONG: Your highness, what's your evidence for this?
KUEI: I'll get to that sooner than later.
He makes a hand motion and a few of his guards enter, Zuko, Ty Lee, and Mai as their prisoners.
KUEI: What is it, captain?
He presents Aang's friends in rock bracelets. He and Azula exchange dubious nods, agreeing to be ready for anything.
KUEI: And now your friends have been arrested, Avatar Aang.
He leans forward. All of the generals seem uneasy. Fong appears to be ready to strike, who, is unclear.
WOMAN: Perhaps I can enlighten us.
From the shadows in the corner of the room a figure in kimono gear emerges.
TAMAO: I have been keeping my eyes and ears around the Avatar's friends, and I believe there is no reason to be alerted by them.
As Tamao walks into the middle of the room admiring Aang, Azula, and the prisoners, Azula gives her a vengeful glare.
AZULA: I knew something was up.
Tamao simply smiles politely.
TAMAO: You have a keen eye.
She looks over to an equally angry-looking Mai.
TAMAO: You have one as well, I don't blame you for not catching onto us.
FONG: Your highness - what is the meaning of this?!
Apparently, no one in the room except Tamao and Kuei know the answer. After a nod, the king rises from his chair.
KUEI: After the dissolution of the Dai Li, our city needed another cultural institution to protect our city's heritage. It was the natural choice to go with a non-military organization.
TAMAO: He approached me with this task. I run a few art centers in the city, theater, haiku clubs, galleries. I had no doubt in my mind that our King made the right choice.
MAI: What makes you a top spy then?!
One of the soldiers has to hold back Mai. Once again, Tamao responds with a calm smile.
TAMAO: The people employed by me have eyes and ears in most of the city. They started giving me valuable information.
She glances over to Kuei.
TAMAO: And since I have nothing to hide from our King, I made it my mission to be his personal network. Let him know about events before they happen.
KUEI: So that someone like Long Feng can never rise to power again.
Aang and his friends share concerned looks.
KUEI: I take it the Avatar's friends mean no harm then?
Tamao shakes her head.
TAMAO: Quite the opposite. They had misinterpreted the Kimono Society's as the work of the Dai Li trying to overthrow you. They came to the palace in an attempt to stop it.
Upon a gesture from the king, the kids are free once again.
ZUKO: Oh, uh... Mai is here.
The assassin crosses her arms and frowns. The other kids kind of awkwardly wave.
TAMAO: Yes. Mai and her Crescent Warriors have come all the way from the occupied Fire Nation to help in the capital. I believe you have denied their request for an audience twice, correct?
Kuei sits back down, his mind trying to remember the details.
KUEI: Yes, it is. I feared that hiring a foreign security force would make the Earth Kingdom look weak.
TAMAO: Quite the opposite. With the arrival of the Avatar, is it not in the spirit of cooperation to allow Mai and her warriors to work with the Earth King?
He ponders for not too long. No one really likes what is happening. Despite her claims of loyalty, this Tamao woman holds an awful lot of power over the Earth King.
KUEI: Very well. After a thorough vetting process, the Crescent Warriors are to serve the Earth Kingdom in Ba Sing Se. If that is your wish...
He eyes Mai, expecting her to get on one knee, which she eventually does.
MAI: Yes.
KUEI: Good. I believe there is one more thing.
Another hand motion and another set of soldiers comes in, presenting a very miserable-looking prince.
AANG: Sokka!
To his surprise, he is released from his shackles and immediately engulfed in a hug from Aang and Zuko, then Ty Lee, not Azula. The firebender closely monitors how everyone reacts to their display of affection.
KUEI: Apparently you downplayed your sympathies for the crown prince.
Aang turns to the sovereign, who today, had the upper hand the whole time.
AANG: Like we talked about. I trust him.
Kuei nods.
KUEI: I can see that. Now, if you'll excuse me.
He gets up from his chair, a warm smile that just doesn't work on Aang anymore.
KUEI: I believe Bosco needs to be fed. Tamao, you'll deal with the prince?
She nods and he leaves.
The Council of Five, now only four, don't quite know what to make of the whole thing. Fong looks, more than anything, just very relieved.
After the whole affair, the Dream Team plus Mai and Sokka is just happy to be back in the house. Appa apparently missed the whole affair, though Azula had instructed Sabachi to get the bison in case things go bad. Aang is surprised at how well the little critter listens to someone so apathetic to animals. Not to mention the irony of her talent in that regard. He never quite understood why she had it in the first place.
SOLDIER: There we go.
It was agreed that Sokka could remain with the gang under house arrest. A rock bracelet had been formed around his ankle for this purpose. After doing so, the soldier leaves.
AZULA: Well, it seems we underestimated this Earth King, huh? More of a bastard than he was in your world, huh Aang?
Everyone glares at her.
AZULA: What? They're not going to listen in on us inside the house, right?
The silence is deafening.
MAI: I wouldn't be so sure.
SOKKA (pointing at Mai): Uh... guys, does she... know about the... other world... stuff?
Azula waves his concern off literally and figuratively.
AZULA: Yeah-yeah-yeah. She knows.
MAI: Figured it out myself, actually.
She smirks at the whole room, not getting the positive feedback she expected. It's not like anyone here accepts her as a close friend yet.
AANG: It was nice seeing you, Mai. I hope we can all spend some time together in the city.
She nods, though gets the feeling that this was simply a polite gesture more than an actual plan.
AZULA: Zuko is also out of throwing knives. Maybe you can help him out.
She turns around with a cold expression as she reaches the door.
MAI: No.
As she exits Zuko scratches the back of his head.
Nighttime is pretty nice in the city. The lanterns and afterglow do make for a pretty scene. Though it's not what Mai is paying attention to right now. As she walks into the middle of the empty street, she draws a knife, trying to spot the presence she feels.
GIRL: I wouldn't do that.
Like with Tamao, it came from somewhere she absolutely did not see coming. From one of the neighboring porches cast in shadow, a young girl in a kimono appears. Hers is a mint green top with the bottom part vermilion red. Her eyes are brown, and she wears her black hair open, with a headband running through it to keep the bangs from her face. Based on her darker skin tone and slight accent she is from Si Wong.
GIRL: We have a truce now, remember? You and I work for the same King.
Mai scoffs.
MAI: So you're the one who spied on me?
GIRL: Would that offend you?
The girl, her arms folded behind her back, walks over to Mai.
GIRL: I can't tell you confidential information like that. But yes, I remember having seen you once or twice.
Her blade still drawn, the kimono girl offers a gesture of peace, extending her hand.
SHAHAR: My name is Shahar. I work with the Kimono Society.
Not getting her to shake it, she retrieves her hand back, slightly insulted by the cold move.
MAI: I already figured that second part.
They both look at the Dream Team's house.
MAI: So, you'll be spying on them too?
Shahar scoffs. Her facade of professionalism seems to be very fragile.
SHAHAR: I won't spy on them, that is not my job. But I have to keep an eye on them. For their safety.
Mai conjures up the loudest laugh she can manage, which is still just kind of a quiet scoff.
MAI: Yeah, tell that to yourself.
Once again, Mai turns around and leaves without another word, leaving behind a frowning kimono girl.
A little later that night, Azula sneaks into the kitchen. Zuko is doing Agni-knows-what in the garden, some dumb romantic gesture for Ty Lee. None of her concern. She had waited for everyone to be asleep so she could raid the kitchen for some peaches.
She puts her candle down and finds her priced treasure stuck in the jaw of one crown prince.
AZULA. Oh.
He swallows quickly.
SOKKA: There's still one left.
He offers it over to her. She takes it, but very reluctantly.
AZULA: Thanks.
She plans to disappear again-
SOKKA: Wait.
She sighs.
AZULA: What?
He struggles to ask the question on his mind, making Azula genuinely curious.
AZULA: I'm listening. Don't push it.
SOKKA: If things with the Earth King didn't go well today. If he... wanted to harm me... would you have saved me?
Her response is an angered frown which morphs into a concerned expression.
AZULA: "You" as in... me, or all of us?
He shrugs.
SOKKA: What's the difference?
She takes a deep breath, making her frustrations known with a sigh.
AZULA: Sokka, I don't care about you.
A very blunt answer that initially confuses him.
AZULA: But obviously, after we went through all of this trouble to get here with you, we and I would have prevented you from being executed. If that had come up.
It did come up, though she doesn't feel like frightening the boy like this. To her surprise, he shakes his head.
SOKKA: But why? You would've risked everything for... the enemy?
Her response is massaging her nose ridge.
AZULA: Honestly, I preferred you as an enemy. It was easier to hate you for your arrogance than...
She wildly gestures up and down his body.
AZULA: Whatever this is. Now I just kind of feel sad for you.
Expecting him to be provoked by this, he simply hangs his head down low. Whatever must've gone through his mind today really took a toll on him. She comes up with an idea that she absolutely despises, and that every fiber in her body tries to prevent.
She walks over to him and gives him a very awkward hug. The kind where he doesn't hug her back and she pats his back like two football players showing their comradery.
AZULA (whispering in his ear): Tell this to anyone and I'll roast your eyeballs on a stick.
Sokka definitely didn't expect to go to sleep with such a comforting feeling and such a gruesome visual.
Ty Lee can't believe her eyes as she steps into the garden. Zuko put up dozens of little lanterns for her, illuminating them one by one, not yet with his firebending. As he spots her, he has ignited the last one.
ZUKO: Oh, dammit - it was supposed to be a surprise!
She giggles. Her cheeks flare up in a bright shade, as does her pink aura.
TY LEE: Azula told me you were messing with something in the garden.
He sighs. She however walks up to him, gently holding his head and kissing him on the lips.
TY LEE (whispering): And it was a surprise.
Zuko smiles again. She admires his handywork as he holds her in his arms.
TY LEE: Why did you do all of this?
Zuko smirks. His pervious concern seems rather stupid now.
ZUKO: I felt guilty because... Mai kissed me on the cheek. She didn't know about me and you.
Ty Lee looks back at him.
ZUKO: I told her no, of course. It was a big misunderstanding and I feel really dumb for it.
She pouts.
TY LEE: Which cheek?
He points to his left. She takes her wrist, rubbing away Mai's kiss, metaphorically speaking, and proceeds to kiss the cheek herself. Then the other. Then his mouth again. Yeah, this is some really schmaltzy shit, right?
TY LEE: There. All done.
They make each other's eyes sparkle for a second, before Zuko finally remembers...
ZUKO: Oh, that's right. You wanted to tell me something before we stormed off, right?
She sighs, the memory of assaulting Zei still fresh in her mind.
TY LEE: Something happened today. It's like... like back during the invasion where I went to save you and I fought theses waterbenders...
ZUKO: You told me that you suddenly felt like someone took ahold of your body. That you cartwheeled and knocked someone out with a few jabs.
Ty Lee nods.
TY LEE: It happened again today.
Neither knows what to say about that.
ZUKO: It's like with me and the firebending. It just doesn't make sense.
TY LEE: I've been thinking...
ZUKO: What?
TY LEE: You know how in Aang's world you're his firebending teacher?
He nods.
TY LEE: Well, maybe I'm... someone who can do that.
ZUKO: What does that mean though? That we're starting to get affected by our other selves?
They both get a simultaneous shiver running down their spines.
ZUKO: And what does that mean for the others?
A new day brings new opportunity. The other generals had brought forth their opinions and strategies regarding the war. Aang expects an attack on Ba Sing Se. Probably that Kenora girl. But who knows? For now, the king's main concern are the Liberation Forces and their activities in the Gaipan Clique, headed by Zongren.
We won't stay here forever...
The Blue Dragon had started whispering to Azula again. She, as always, ignores it.
So let's enjoy it while it lasts...
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I cannot believe that I managed to crank out another chapter in 2022 lol. Planning on sticking to the one chapter per month formula for 2023, though, as always, that's not a promise just a personal goal for me. Expect a great many storylines and plot twists coming up!
Other than that, I want to thank everyone for reading and supporting The Last Firebender in 2022. We're almost at 100 followers and that's just really cool for me to see. This year I finished Book 1 in a way that felt really satisfying, hope it did for you as well, and I plan to continue the momentum into 2023.
Also be sure to check out the original Distorted Reality (in case you somehow haven't) the madman Ogro actually finished it in December. Pretty wild stuff.
So yeah, thanks again everyone. Hope y'all have a great New Years! Whatever you set your mind to for 2023, you can probably do it :)