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 4
Ba Sing Se Part 2:
The Kimono Society
Act I. – Four Kids, Four Scrolls
With the stroke of his pen, a new decree is officially passed. The king's room is stuffy, but it's how he likes it. Kuei spent most of his life inside rooms. He is used to the atmosphere, literally.
After signing, he passes the sheet to one of his assistants, who runs out of the room, ready to pass it on to somebody else. As he leaves, the door closes.
TAMAO: It would be much healthier to work in a room with windows.
His eyes peek up from behind his glasses, not in the least bit surprised by Tamao's sudden presence.
KUEI: I know, I know. My generals advise me to not be exposed in plain sight. Apparently it makes me vulnerable to assassination attempts.
She snickers, deflating the tension of the serious topic.
TAMAO: I suppose it's easier to keep you in check as well.
He puts his pen down and folds his hands.
KUEI: Two things can be true at the same time.
She too folds her hands, hiding them under her kimono sleaves.
TAMAO: I came here to talk to you about the Avatar.
He continues doing some paperwork while their conversation unfolds.
KUEI: Mhm?
TAMAO: With your permission, I would like to hand the Avatar and his friends a few... tasks.
He finally looks up from his desk again, meeting her chestnut-colored eyes.
KUEI: Tasks? What kind of tasks?
Curses and grunts can be heard from the hallway leading to the shared apartment bathroom. While Sokka and Aang are quietly enjoying some tea, porridge and steamed buns, they hear the stomping akin to an elephant buffalo approaching them.
AZULA: Aang, you HAVE to intervene! Tell her to unlock the door immediately!
TY LEE (from inside the bathroom): I'm almost done!
Azula's head turns into a comical shade of red.
AZULA (shouting back at Ty Lee): YOU'VE BEEN SAYING THAT FOR THIRTY MINUTES! I NEED THE TOILET - NOW!
A confused and sleepy Zuko steps into the kitchen, looking after his sister storming the hallway again.
ZUKO: What's gotten into her?
Sokka shrugs while Aang smirks sheepishly.
AANG: I think we need more than one bathroom...
Aang does consider stepping in and maybe telling Ty Lee to hurry up with... whatever. But he rather not disrupt the group's dynamic like that. Sokka suddenly scoffs as he slurps his mint.
ZUKO: What?
SOKKA: I just had a thought.
He looks around the room.
SOKKA: You guys probably never lived together under a roof, huh?
Aang shakes his head while Zuko sits down.
ZUKO: That's not entirely true. I lived together with Azula for... all of my life, basically.
SOKKA: Has it always been like this?
AZULA (shouting at the door): I'M GOING TO COUNT TO THREE...
ZUKO: Pretty much.
Before Azula can burn down the house, the bathroom door opens, a cloud of hot steam crawling along the ceiling, with Ty Lee already in her orange/yellow outfit. Her hair is also styled up and completely dry - one of the upsides of being an airbender. She smiles at Azula with her usual oblivious friendliness.
TY LEE: Bathroom is-
Azula storms inside and slams the door like a Looney Toons character.
TY LEE: ...free.
The acrobat looks over to the dining area, spotting three gawking dudes. Aang is the only one smart enough to realize he should probably look away.
TY LEE: Stop gawking at us! We're not your entertainment!
Zuko and Sokka also quickly turn their heads away. Intending to sit down with the others, a knock on their door redirects Ty Lee to open it. She finds a girl in a simple green/red kimono attire, her dark hair kept in place with a headband.
SHAHAR: Good morning. May I enter?
TY LEE: Sure!
How the acrobat would let a stranger in joyfully and without any opposition remains elusive to the agent.
AANG: Who are you?
She bows in front of everyone, Zuko reacting with embarrassment, as he is still wearing his sleeping attire.
SHAHAR: I am Shahar of the Kimono Society. I answer directly to Madame Tamao.
Aang quickly makes her out to be of Si Wong, a rarity from his experience, as most if not everyone he saw working for the Earth King has so far been from Ba Sing Se directly.
SHAHAR: I have come to deliver a message.
He hands Aang a letter. A toilet flushing alerts the kimono agent. Azula exhales loudly as she exits.
AZULA: There, wasn't so hard.
She turns to find a stranger in their house and Aang reading some kind of message.
AZULA: What's going on here?
AANG: We're invited to see Madame Tamao.
Everyone shares concerned looks. Obviously they can't express their feelings in the presence of one of her agents.
SHAHAR: Well, I suggest you get ready then, I'll be waiting outside for the four of you.
Sokka immediately gets up nervously.
SOKKA: Uh... "the four of you"?
He looks around. Shahar eyes him up and down as if he had just spoken a foreign language she needs to decipher first.
SHAHAR: Yes. Obviously, under the terms of the prince's... arrangement, he is forbidden from leaving the premises.
She takes a sharp look at his ankle bracelet made from solid grey rock.
SHAHAR: Hints why I'll be stationed here.
She shuts the door and leaves the Dream Team to prepare quietly. When or where they can express their actual feelings on the situation is unclear.
The soft breeze from earlier this morning has turned into an uncomfortable wind. Zorak adjusts his mustache, as if the draft could blow his facial hair away. The iron vessel creeps in closer and closer, his old-school wooden ship seeming comical in comparison. He snickers to himself as his captain docks and a ladder is dropped from above.
Katara nervously taps her foot on deck, awaiting her new waterbending teacher to finally pop up from below. Kanna decided to wait with her granddaughter, plus her personal bodyguard. The princess reacts with excitement as the man finally spots his welcoming committee. The man carries a patch of hair on his chin, a glorious silver mustache serving as the roof to his frog-like mouth, which forms a warm and theatrical smile as he hops over the iron railing.
ZORAK: I think we need to inform the Great Chief that his daughter has been replaced by the spirit of beauty herself!
He keeps his legs close together and gestures with his arms like a fantastical performer, a strain on his silver pompadour dangling like a hypnotic watch. Katara blushes at the over-the-top compliment, Kanna being the first to approach the master. His outfit is a rather simplistic white shirt, blue shirt over it with a blue pants combo, the most significant feature being his leather boots, his leather belt holding a water pouch and the leather gloves, which go all the way back to his elbow. All of these clothing items are in a bright shade of brown.
ZORAK: It's very good to see you Kanna, it's been so long.
He grabs her hands gently, talking with the soft voice of someone visiting his grandma. Suki is surprised to hear the man talk in what we would call a Mediterranean accent.
KANNA: It's truly been a while. I was surprised we could get you so soon.
He frowns with the smugness of a conman.
ZORAK: What can I say?
He looks at and then finally walks over to Katara, greeting her with a very cliche kiss-on-the-hand-gesture, one which Suki finds more than repulsive.
ZORAK: I would be a fool not to teach the Crown Princess.
Katara has managed to get it together again.
KATARA: It's an honor to call you my master. I know it must be... difficult for your reputation to defy the Tribes' traditions like that.
He shrugs, having already broken off eye contact with the princess.
ZORAK: I'd say it's about time the girls got to have a chance to fight alongside us men, ay?
His eyes finally wander over to the stern and quiet Suki.
ZORAK: Speaking of women warriors, I suppose you must the illusive Captain Kenora?
KENORA: No.
They all turn almost simultaneously to the girl cast in shadow by the sun behind the staircase. Zorak seems truly intrigued, while everyone else reacts with a thin lair of discomfort towards their superior. She stomps down the staircase with the exact machismo and confidence Kanna knows from Puwati.
ZORAK: I apologize.
He bows with the finesse of a stage player, as if his way to greet people is to thank them for indulging in his performance.
KENORA: No need.
She admires her fellow crew for a moment, taking note of their visible fear.
KENORA: You are to instruct Crown Princess Katara in waterbending combat. She is already more than sufficiently capable of healing. Instruct her well and with patience.
She turns around immediately, intending to head back to the helm.
ZORAK: Thank you for the advice, captain.
Kenora stops. Even Zorak is a bit on edge. He can't quite tell if he could take the girl in a fight, unless during a full moon.
KENORA (her back turned): That wasn't advice. It was an order.
She stomps away, leaving everyone with a bitter aftertaste in their mouth.
On their way to the palace the four kids are left alone, though never feel quite like it. Occasional eyes track them like surveillance cameras and are noticed by pretty much all of them. Aang wonders why, in his world, he and his friends weren't this cautious, especially since the Dai Li was a much bigger threat than this Kimono Society. The question on everyone's mind is the same of course but no one dares to utter it, and it's not like someone could've given them an answer.
At the palace, the youth are escorted by the royal guard to a small office not too far from the throne room. The door is shut behind and they are left to wait alone.
The office is furnished like the waiting room to a doctor's office, though not like a sterile medical doctor, more of like a herbal shaman. Lots of little plants and spiritual gizmos decorate walls and shelves, and it of course has the smell of very intense incense. The kids all sit down on floor pillows. Zuko grabs one of the snacks provided on a little tray, though a sharp look from Azula persuades him to not eat it.
TY LEE: Do you think they can hear us through the walls?
AZULA: You mean the stone walls?
Ty Lee shrugs timidly.
They all sit quietly for a moment, Aang having his arms crossed, being once again annoyed. He wonders how much time they should spend in Ba Sing Se before leaving to look for Toph. He obviously hasn't told his friends about these plans.
AZULA: So...
She leans in obnoxiously, accompanied by a slide whistle.
AZULA: Any... "Avatar Messages" to help us-
AANG: Nope. This is all very new territory right now.
She dangles back like a rubber band, unhappy about the lack of communication. A sliding door from the corners of the room opens, Madame Tamao acting surprised as she spots the kids.
TAMAO: Well, well, well, the Avatar and his friends. I didn't think you'd be here so early.
AZULA: Just cut to the chase - why are we here?
Tamao quietly sits down on her own pillow, her desk being flat enough to work from the ground.
TAMAO: It said so in your invitation, didn't it?
AANG: The scroll only said that we'll be getting tasks.
TY LEE: You haven't told us what.
She nods, her hands folded beneath her kimono.
TAMAO: Ah, I see. That is precisely why you are here right now.
She reveals from behind her desk four identical-looking scrolls.
TAMAO: This one is for Zuko.
She places it on her desk, expecting the boy to come pick it up, which he eventually does.
TAMAO: This one for Ty Lee.
The acrobat follows suit.
TAMAO: Avatar Aang.
As does Aang.
TAMAO: And finally, Azula.
Azula is the only one to hesitate.
TAMAO: Aren't you going to come pick up yours?
The two have a brief staring contest.
AZULA: Only if you tell us why. Why are we forced to do mundane errands?
TAMAO: No one is forcing you to do anything. But you have to understand that the King doesn't fully trust you yet.
AANG: By "the King" you mean yourself.
A very sharp comment is met with a soft scoff.
TAMAO: Of course I don't trust you either yet. We are not watching you 24/7. We don't know at all times what you are up to. We assume it's nothing, but it doesn't hurt for you to be of service to the city of Ba Sing Se.
AZULA: Is that why one of your agents is currently at our house?
TAMAO: Well, it's not quite "your house", is it?
The teenagers share brief looks, after which Azula finally picks up her scroll.
TAMAO: Cooperation goes both ways.
She gets up and bows respectfully.
TAMAO: If you need anything, you know where to find me. Other than the Earth King and the Council, all four of you have been granted free entry into the palace.
She smirks slightly before leaving again.
TAMAO: Though I can't promise that I'm available at all times.
Sitting in a corner on a crate with her arms crossed, Suki eyes the strange teacher, as he stares off into the distance, his hands folded behind his back. The very patient Katara shares yet another look with Suki, who can only shrug at the situation. This somehow finally gets them a reaction from Zorak, who, after taking a deep breath, turns around with a smile.
ZORAK: You have to forgive me principessa, I am simply too fond of the ocean. It's been a while since my nose was allowed to smell the odor of the open sea.
Katara nods, trying to not come off as too pushy, though Suki can tell that her friend is clearly annoyed.
KATARA: It's fine. I'm just... nervous, I guess.
He reacts with an exaggerated sense of surprise, as if Katara was a toddler.
ZORAK: Oh, but why is that principessa? I have heard you are one of the most talented waterbending healers in all of the South Pole. Are you not?
He flicks his eyebrows, provoking her enough to react defensively.
KATARA: I am. I don't have any doubts in my abilities.
ZORAK: I see. So you have doubts in my abilities?
Katara smirks in discomfort. She isn't usually this inattentive. Zorak clearly knows what he is doing.
ZORAK: I understand very well. You have to get to know me first.
He ends his monologue with a devious smirk. He walks over to a barrel filled with water, toying around with its contents nonchalantly as he continues the lesson.
ZORAK: Tell me principessa, when was the first time you bent water?
Suki frowns at the rather personal question. Katara is clearly uncomfortable with the inquiry. The bodyguard has a guess as to why this is.
ZORAK: You don't remember? Or you don't want to tell?
Katara lets out a nervous scoff, shaking her head.
KATARA: No, it's just... I'm trying to remember. And I... I think I was with mom that day.
Suki almost dares to intervene, but remains a silent spectator, nonetheless. Zorak stops his splashing and reacts with compassion.
ZORAK: Oh, I apologize. You needn't answer.
KATARA: No, it's... it's okay.
She takes a deep breath. This clearly costs her a lot of energy.
KATARA: I think we were walking down the capital. A snow rat jumped from under a pile of crates and scared me. I shoved over the entire stack with snow as a reaction.
Katara scoffs. Suki reacts surprised. Katara has never told her that story.
ZORAK: So I take it the snow rat ended up more afraid of you than you of it?
Katara smiles, her master reciprocating.
ZORAK: Yes. Yes!
He turns around, throwing his arm up in a rather over-enthusiastic pose.
ZORAK: Such is the nature of water. A constant back and forth. Prey becomes predator. River becomes sea.
He turns around, speaking with fire in his heart.
ZORAK: Principessa becomes warrior.
Katara reacts with a smug face. Suki likes to see her friend developing all this new confidence-
ZORAK: I'm sorry, is she going to be here the whole time?
The master suddenly points at the bodyguard. Suki gets up to protest-
KATARA (to Suki): I think I'm safe with him. I'll talk to you later?
She nods, urging her friend to accept the demand. The swordfighter reluctantly folds, her suspicions of the smiling Zorak growing.
Back in their home with Shahar waiting outside, the Dream Team sits in a circle on the floor, Sokka watching them from afar.
AZULA: Alright, let's do it then.
Almost simultaneously, the kids roll open their scrolls, revealing characters describing their upcoming tasks.
AZULA (mumbling to herself): Nothing but glorified chores...
She hectically picks up her scroll after deciphering what it says.
AZULA: What the - help out with the Upper Ring primary school?!
Aang, befuddled to hear those words, acts similarly surprised upon reading...
AANG: I need to assist with Madame Tamao's wardrobe.
TY LEE: "Loan debt dispute". What does that mean?
Of all their reactions, Zuko's is the most quiet.
TY LEE: What did you get?
He lets out a sad sigh, his face looking like he'd seen a ghost, or, sorry, spirit.
ZUKO: I need to write haikus.
Quiet reactions from everyone. Only Azula briefly snickers.
AANG: This is stupid.
He drops his scroll like an angry child.
AANG: We should be talking to the Earth King about possible war plans, not this childish nonsense.
SOKKA: And find you an earthbending teacher.
Everyone turns to the prince who, up till now, has been quietly enjoying a basket of fresh peaches. He comically eyes everyone from the side while chomping down on a fruit, as he had not been expecting to get literally everyone's attention.
SOKKA: What? Isn't that why we're here?
Aang falls silent again. Only Azula and Ty Lee can determine something is going on, though through entirely different methods.
ZUKO: Let's just do this stupid stuff and be over with it. It's only for...
He reads the scroll again, reacting with a cartoonish level of shock.
ZUKO: Two days?!
Azula can feel her inner machinations starting to jam up, as if her body is trying to physically prevent her from doing this.
AANG: Maybe it's all a distraction.
They turn towards Aang again.
AANG: Maybe in this world the Kimono Society will do exactly as the Dai Li. They'll slowly take over whilst we are distracted.
An eerie aura looms over the room. No one quite knows how to respond until a reluctant Ty Lee steps into the center.
TY LEE: We can't act on assumptions and maybes.
She picks up Aang's scroll and hands it over to him. His frown remains.
TY LEE: I know we're all here because of bigger reasons. The war, earthbending... but, we're also here to help. It's the Avatar's mission to help people. And if it's something stupid like this, then... fine.
She triumphantly grabs Zuko's hands, as if trying to impress the others.
TY LEE: But we're not wasting our time.
The few words of encouragement actually work, as far as that goes at least. Azula shrugs, but still reluctantly agrees, while Aang says nothing, which amounts to no resistance, so that counts. Her kind but brave words do remind Sokka of his sister though.
Act II. - Be my quest
Kenora's finger runs up and down one of several maps, occasionally feeling her nose, which is still covered with a huge band aid. She and Katara have since come up with a solution to their whole Avatar problem. It would be a risky gamble, but they would try it, nonetheless.
KATARA: Hey.
The Crown Princess once again snuck into a room with Kenora noticing way too late. She refuses to take her eyes off of her maps though, despite Katara's very open body language. The rest of the bridge is empty, still enjoying their break at lunch.
KATARA: Didn't you go to lunch?
Kenora says nothing, simply nudging a bowl next to her on the counter. Katara sighs, walking up to her and halting at the window overseeing the main deck, the steering wheel in the center being the thing that separates the two girls.
KATARA: I brought you some plum cakes, in case you wanted any.
She drops them but gets only a small nod.
KATARA: What are you working on?
Kenora scoffs.
KENORA: What do you think? Your attack plan for Ba Sing Se.
Katara reacts with surprise.
KATARA: Uh - really? Mine?
Kenora finally looks up from the cartography, scratching the back of her head. Her hair is now almost long enough to be worn in a ponytail. She cut it recently after getting too frustrated with making it look pretty, but it grew back just as fast, it seems.
KENORA: It's the only plan we got.
She scoffs again, this time a more optimistic gesture.
KENORA: To be honest, it's a pretty good one. How'd you come up with it?
Now Katara is the one who reacts a little embarrassed, reminding Kenora of Sokka, actually.
KATARA: What can I say? I'm not your little average princess.
The cocky pose and comment makes Kenora blush, if only a little bit.
KENORA: True that.
Katara finally walks past the wheel and next to Kenora, looking at the maps herself, one finger on her lip as if to visually showcase her thinking process.
KENORA: How's uh... how's it coming along with this Zurek?
KATARA: You mean Zorak?
Kenora blushes again, this time from the awkwardness of getting yet another name wrong.
KENORA: Yes.
Katara chuckles heartly.
KATARA: It's been pretty good actually. He's uh...
She tries not to walk on eggshells too much with her former teacher.
KATARA: He talks a lot more. A lot.
KENORA: Yeah, not really my strong suit...
Katara leans her back against the counter, staring seemingly against the wall. Kenora wonders if a question is-
KATARA: How was Sokka doing? The last time you saw him?
Kenora tries to hide her shame-ridden face, faking a cough to get it together again.
KENORA: I don't know. I can't really read people that well.
Katara now scoffs.
KATARA: Well, that's obviously a lie.
The much more confident princess manages to break the captain open, causing Kenora to turn around and sink to the ground. Her legs had been aching to rest for a moment anyways, and Katara immediately joins her sitting on the floor.
KENORA: Yeah, to be honest... I don't think Sokka... wanted to do this stuff.
KATARA: What do you mean?
A hint of insecurity hides in her question.
KENORA: I mean... I mean he only travelled the world because your father, sorry, the Great Chief, kicked him out. If not directly then through persuasion.
As Kenora continues, Katara's expression saddens.
KENORA: I don't think he actually wanted to catch the Avatar. He just kind of went with it.
Katara nods.
KATARA: Thank you for telling me.
Kenora nods but tries to shield her emotions from the Crown Princess.
KATARA: What about you? Do you really want to catch him?
KENORA: Of course.
The surprisingly cold answer shoots out like a bullet. Kenora was half-expecting the question and already pre-prepared the answer in case it ever came up. Her resolve will not be put into question.
KENORA: But more than that...
She gets back up, turning around and looking at her array of maps and paper, one sketch in particular is one of a strategy on how to take on Azula, Zuko, and Ty Lee.
KENORA: I beat him already, he's not the problem.
Katara gets back up too.
KENORA: His friends are. Specifically the firebender and the airbender, which is why we got Akari on board.
She pictures her last fight with the firebender girl. She has already come up with countless counters to have the upper hand in their next match.
KATARA: Have you apologized to her yet?
The abrupt question snaps her right back into the real world.
KENORA: No. And I won't. She provoked it.
Katara doesn't seem too excited to hear that, crossing her arms with a pout.
KATARA: Listen to me, Kenora.
Her sudden harsh tone gets the captain to turn around.
KATARA: I don't care why you did it. But being a captain doesn't mean that you can do whatever you want. You rely on your crew, that goes both ways. If every little incident causes a full-on fight, you're going to get demoted faster than you can say penguin sliding.
Kenora really takes that too heart, even if from her perspective Akari had it coming.
KATARA: This was bad. And it was on you. Just... think about Yue. Will ya?
The Crown Princess turns around and leaves, which in this scenario equivalates to a mic drop.
Kenora focuses back on her maps again. She doesn't need to be liked by Akari or Suki, and it's not like Yue thought much off her before they departed. But Katara still trusts her.
The question is - how much does she need to give in to appease her? The thought also makes her blush a bit.
第一个任务 - 债务纠纷
Quest 1 - Debt Dispute
It takes Ty Lee a bit to figure out how to get to the Middle Ring address. After wandering in a circle for an hour she simply decides to use her staff and fly over the city after having asked a few dozen people where it is. Sabachi also decided to join her on the adventure, soaring next to her in the breezy spring winds of the Earth Kingdom sky. Her guess is that the lemur hasn't really soared for long periods of time. Whenever it wasn't sitting on Azula's shoulder it would just go wherever it wanted to, a true free spirit like Ty Lee aspires to be. She smiles at the lemur as they traverse the heavens and, as it chirps at her, she starts joyfully laughing.
She finally reaches her destination, in an alleyway far off by one of the inner walls, hides a quaint little tea shop, one which offers two little tables on the outside to enjoy beverage and baked goods in the fresh air. Ferns, flowers, and other fauna decorate the little spot and Ty Lee is immediately in love, admiring a butterfly collecting nectar before Sabachi tries to eat it.
TY LEE (to Sabachi): Stop it!
Her hand an inch away from the insect, she ultimately lets it fly away, chirping angrily at the acrobat.
JIN: Can I help you?
A girl with brown hair, two braids on both sides, and a olive green robe spots Ty Lee while sweeping dust from the shop.
TY LEE: Hi! Um... I'm not sure.
She picks up her scroll again and Jin immediately recognizes the royal insignia on it.
JIN: Good gracious, you've been sent by the King! But you look you're like from one of the airbending districts...
TY LEE: Actually...
She drags a soft breeze through her door, performing the work of a five minute sweep within two seconds.
JIN: I can't believe it - an airbender?! Are you...
TY LEE: Nope, not the Avatar. But I'm his friend - I'm Ty Lee!
The humbled girl doesn't know whether to nod or to bow, so she does both.
JIN: My name is Jin.
To her surprise, the airbender jumps at her and engulfs her in a hug.
TY LEE: Nice to meet you! I love your flowers by the way!
Ty Lee was invited inside the quaint little corner tea shop with a counter and four tables. An older man and a student enjoy their afternoon brew while Ty Lee leans against the counter slurping ginseng.
TY LEE: This has to be the greatest tea in the city!
Jin rubs the back of her head in a humble fashion.
JIN: Thank you, but I'm not sure that's true. It is however the best service in the city.
Though she says it ironically, the older man slurping earl grey nods.
OLD MAN: Can't argue with that.
Jin smiles, being happy to get feedback from one of her oldest customers.
TY LEE (asking the old man): Do you come here often?
The old man nods yet again.
OLD MAN: Yes, almost every day. I knew Jin's father back when he opened his shop in the Lower Ring.
TY LEE: Really?
She looks back at Jin...
TY LEE: Where is he-
...only to find her with a sad expression, her right hand glued to the opposite elbow.
JIN: He died recently. Left me this place. I've been working here alone ever since.
The old man gets up, having finished his tea, leaving a generous tip on the counter.
OLD MAN: And you're doing an amazing job.
Jin responds with a bittersweet smile.
JIN: Thank you. See you tomorrow?
He nods, leaving through the door with his hands folded in his sleeves.
TY LEE: He's nice.
She looks back at Jin, who clears the table.
TY LEE: I still don't really understand what my mission is to be honest.
Jin shrugs politely.
JIN: I can't imagine being in your place. Being one of the last airbenders must be hard.
Ty Lee flinches slightly.
TY LEE: Oh- no-no, I didn't mean that.
Although, as she ponders, Jin was accidentally completely right.
JIN: I'm sorry. Oh, did you mean your scroll?
The acrobat finally remembers to pick up her scroll.
TY LEE: It just says something about a "debt dispute"? I don't really know what that...
As she puts it back down, she finally takes note of Jin's blank face and scared aura.
JIN: Oh no...
TY LEE: What is it? Did I say something wrong?
It's then and there when the front door opens. Enter a small chubby man with a weird, slick hairdo, a cheesy mustache and the thickest New York Italian accent you could imagine. His fingers are crested with expensive-looking rings and his green/beige robe looks silky and lavish.
PEI SHI: Hello Miss Huang. Beautiful day, wouldn't you agree?
Ty Lee immediately steps aside, a move that Jin doesn't much appreciate.
JIN: Y- yes Mr. Shi. The weather is very generous today.
He smugly pouts while admiring his jewelry.
PEI SHI: Unfortunately Miss Huang, I am not in a generous mood at all. I can't promise to extend ya loan on the rent for much longer.
Ty Lee finally seems to figure out what is going on.
TY LEE: Excuse me, could I-
PEI SHI: Who are you?
Ty Lee bows down respectfully.
TY LEE: My name is Ty Lee. I was sent by the crown to help with this... dispute.
Her voice reeks of a lack of confidence that not even a bright smile can cover. The landlord doesn't seem amused regardless.
PEI SHI: Aha. The crown you say?
He folds his arms on his stomach.
PEI SHI: What is his majesty's business with me anyways?
Her confidence is immediately shattered and Jin seems even more panicked.
TY LEE: Um... I'm not sure. What... seems to be the issue?
Pei Shi scoffs arrogantly and with spit falling out.
PEI SHI: Amateur.
He turns back to Jin.
PEI SHI: This broad here owes me money. I'm her landlord, and her entire shop is in debt. To me.
He points his thumb at his chest to really emphasize how much of a nice person he is.
TY LEE: Well, I don't see the point in name-calling.
PEI SHI: I don't see the point in extending her deadline. I should have this cleared by tomorrow.
JIN: No! This is...
She tries holding back her tears, unsuccessfully.
JIN (in tears): This is everything my father and I worked for! I'd be out on the streets.
Pei Shi shrugs.
PEI SHI: I don't see how that's my problem.
TY LEE: Why can't you just cancel her debt altogether?
Pei Shi chuckles slightly.
PEI SHI: Yeah right.
He starts pointing his finger at the acrobat.
PEI SHI: Listen here cupcake, I run multiple businesses in the city, and I have multiple properties. If his royal highness wishes to interfere with me, it's gonna get ugly. Trust me.
Ty Lee wins back a piece of her confidence.
TY LEE: At least give her till tomorrow night. I'll see what I can do to help her out.
He ponders for a second, but after not coming up with a new sexist insult, he gives in.
PEI SHI: Fine. Tomorrow. But only because I have an appointment in the Upper Ring later.
He points menacingly at Jin.
PEI SHI: If I don't have my money till then, I'll personally demolish this place.
He looks back at Ty Lee, as if trying to impress her.
PEI SHI: I'll do it with my own bare hands!
Ty Lee awkwardly laughs, trying to gain his sympathy. Pei Shi doesn't seem to like that at all.
PEI SHI: What?
TY LEE: Oh, it was just... funny.
PEI SHI: Funny how?
TY LEE: Well, the way you said it. Just... it was funny?
PEI SHI: Funny how? I mean, funny how? Funny like I'm a clown? Like I amuse you? I make you laugh?
She doesn't quite know how to respond to the rant, and so he leaves with a grunt.
PEI SHI: Good day.
Ty Lee immediately runs behind the counter, comforting Jin who is now full-on crying.
TY LEE: Hey, don't worry about it. He's a douchebag.
JIN (in tears): I know but... if I don't have the money by tomorrow, I'll... I'll lose everything. This is everything I have left of my father.
Ty Lee spends a few more hours with Jin, even helping her out with the service as Sabachi enjoys the wildlife outside. Unfortunately, Ty Lee never comes up with a solution.
第二个任务 - 俳句表演
Quest 2 - Haiku Performance
Zuko has been licking his pen so much that half his lips turned blue. He and Sokka are restlessly stuck on the wooden floor, their faces practically screwed to the empty pieces of paper in front of them. Shahar walks into the room with her hands uncomfortably clenched together.
SHAHAR: What in Tarḫunna's name is going on here?!
She steps on one of the countless sheets scattered all across the room. Some are crumpled or torn apart.
SOKKA: A little quiet please, we're working here.
She grunts angrily.
SHAHAR: You're not supposed to work on the quest with him!
Zuko holds up the scroll in her face, causing her to stop and read. Apparently the scroll doesn't specify whether or not help is allowed, seeing as Shahar drops the issue.
SHAHAR: Fine. But I don't think he should help. Why would Madame Tamao give you the scroll otherwise?
She crosses her arms dismissively. Sokka shrugs without looking.
SOKKA: Maybe she made a mistake.
Shahar grunts again, beginning to pick up the loose leaflets.
ZUKO: How am I supposed to finish this until tomorrow? "Three haikus to celebrate spring". Why do I have to do that?!
SOKKA: No idea. I think this is all just one huge joke. She's trying to mess with you guys to see if you actually do it.
SHAHAR: Nonsense. Madame Tamao would never do something silly like that.
Sokka gives her a mischievous smile.
SOKKA: Oh yeah? How's your noble quest to guard me going?
SHAHAR: You are not in a position to make fun of me like that!
SOKKA (mocking her): You are not in a position to make fun of me like that!
SHAHAR (angry): Hrng!
SOKKA (angry): Hrng!
ZUKO: GUYS!
They briefly pause their feud.
ZUKO: You're not helping! I still have to write these stupid things, and all I got so far is...
He inspects his paper.
ZUKO: "Plum peaches".
A brief moment of silence is interrupted by Sokka grabbing a peach and taking a bite.
SHAHAR: Yuk.
SOKKA (with a full mouth): What? Don't like peaches either?
SHAHAR: No. I don't like the smell of sweet things. It's repulsive.
She walks over to the porch.
SHAHAR: I'm going to let some air in.
As the doors slide open to the garden and Appa, Shahar falls silent. Only Sokka notices.
SOKKA: What is it?
Shahar quickly shushes him.
ZUKO: How about... "fresh plum peaches"?
Now both Sokka and Shahar shush the swordfighter. All six eyes inspect the simple garden equipped with short grass and a little pond, out of which Appa slurps water, until noticing the kids staring from the porch. He growls at them.
ZUKO (whispering): Not now Appa! We're trying to-
A quick stomp on the ground, a thud in the bushes, a pillar of stone shooting up and a girl's scream follows. In retaliation, a set of small knives flies from the bush and pin Shahar to the wall.
SOKKA: What the-
ZUKO: Mai?
The cloaked figure emerges, her left hand against her head.
MAI: That hurt!
Shahar unsuccessfully tries to free herself from the wooden wall.
SHAHAR: Who allowed you to sneak up on us?!
After releasing Shahar from her pin wall prison and giving Mai a bag of ice for her head, the four go back inside, with Appa peeking his head into the living/dining room. Sokka is the only one paying attention, petting him a little and even giving him some of his peaches.
SHAHAR: I'm going to have to report all of this. It's not like I don't have to deal with enough paperwork as it is. Great!
MAI: And whose fault is that?
Before the agent can bark back, Zuko intervenes.
ZUKO: Can we all please calm down for a moment?
He sighs, rubbing his face.
ZUKO: Why are you here Mai?
She lets go the ice pack and crosses her arms, a hint of a blush appearing on her face.
MAI: I wanted to check in on you.
She realizes her blunder and tries to enact damage control.
MAI: Not you in particular. All of you. Where is everybody?
ZUKO: We have to do tasks for the Kimono Society. The rest are out in the town.
MAI: What tasks?
SOKKA: He has to write haikus.
Mai frowns.
MAI: Sounds like a complete waste of time.
SHAHAR: No one asked you.
ZUKO: Actually, I did.
Mai appreciates that he stands up for her, but tries not to show her emotion, getting up and sitting down, reading through a stash of papers that Shahar sorted earlier.
MAI: Why do all of these include peaches?
She looks up, finding the bowl of fruit.
MAI: Oh.
Zuko scratches the back of his head as the assassin looks back at him.
MAI: You're not really good at this.
SHAHAR: Yeah, we know that one already.
MAI: Then why are they making you do this? Why not give you something else to do?
SOKKA: We've been asking ourselves that. You're just retracing our steps.
Appa growls.
SHAHAR: I don't understand why all of you question Madame Tamao's judgement. You should all show a bit more respect.
MAI: Maybe it's because we don't work for her, dingus.
To Mai's and everyone's surprise, Shahar starts tearing up.
Shahar (quivering): Well maybe you should try it then!
She leaves for one of the bedrooms, the others guessing that Mai probably made her cry. They look at each other with confused eyes, unsure of how to proceed.
MAI: Maybe...
Mai says, deeply hating this whole situation.
MAI: Whatever. Maybe I should apologize-
ZUKO: Let me try to talk to her.
He nods at the girl dressed in black and she agrees.
He opens the door to Azula's bedroom quietly, knocking first, but not getting an answer.
ZUKO: Can I come in?
Shahar, sitting quietly on the bed, nods. As Zuko closes the door he is once again reminded how messy his sister is.
SHAHAR: Azula should really clean up her room sometime.
The agent is not crying anymore, but her eyes are swollen, and her voice is soft. Zuko sits down next to her with a smile.
ZUKO: It's really sweet of you to call us by our names.
Shahar scoffs.
SHAHAR: I appreciate the compliment.
He scratches the back of his head, unsure about how to ask.
ZUKO: So, uh... what was that all about?
To his surprise, the stern girl with the kimono gives in and slouches over in a loose posture.
SHAHAR: My emotions got the better of me, I'm sorry.
Zuko frowns with intrigue.
ZUKO: Your emotions got to you because of your boss?
SHAHAR: She's not just my boss. She...
She falls silent.
SHAHAR: I moved here two years ago. Fled Goldmouth in order to join the Kimono Society. It's not usual that they let outsiders in, let alone someone from Si Wong, but Madame Tamao said I had potential. That she trusted me.
ZUKO: Why did you join?
Shahar smiles.
SHAHAR: I always liked history. The heritage of the Earth Kingdom. Goldmouth is a marvel of the south, but it's a city full of merchants and soldiers. It was no environment to pursue any of that. So... I left.
She sits back up, though tries to appear a little more relaxed this time.
SHAHAR: The original purpose of the Dai Li was to preserve the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se and the Earth Kingdom as a whole. The Kimono Society is now actually doing that, without any of the intrigue or the politics.
ZUKO: But?
Zuko somehow sensed that a but was coming. She appreciates his attentive nature.
SHAHAR: I haven't done anything meaningful in my time as a Kimono Agent. All they give me is stupid paperwork and cleaning jobs. They don't trust me. So when I was the one who told Madame Tamao about the arrival of the Avatar, I was hoping she would reward me with an actual mission. Instead...
She looks at him with a guilty expression.
SHAHAR: No offense, but my mission is to babysit you guys.
Zuko nods his head to the side.
ZUKO: That's true.
Shahar smiles again.
SHAHAR: I don't like the idea of Madame Tamao wasting your time, because it would mean that she is wasting mine too.
Zuko tries to earnestly weigh in on the situation. He speaks what he thinks his uncle what say.
ZUKO: You know, you can't really know what her intentions are. Maybe she is wasting your time, maybe she put you up to this because she thinks this is important. But you can't live on ifs and maybes. You have to deal with what you have.
Shahar really takes those words in, being more than surprised that the boy her age appears so wise.
SHAHAR: Well, it's not the worst thing in the world. At least you are nice to me.
Zuko gifts her a big smile.
ZUKO: The others will warm up to you as well. I promise.
They share a few more minutes in silence together. Anything is better than writing haikus.
Meanwhile Sokka brings Appa back outside. The bison has grown to like him by now, and he has grown used to some of the smellier aspects of the bison's being. As he walks back inside, Mai surprises him by standing in a completely different spot, one of her many knives drawn. He flinches comically.
SOKKA: Don't do that again!
MAI: You never apologized.
He tries to collect his thoughts again, finally remembering what she is talking about. His heart drops to the floor because of it.
SOKKA: You're... you're from Crescent Island.
Mai doesn't answer. Only a glare meets him. To her surprise, he sits down on the floor with a heavy sigh exiting his mouth.
SOKKA: I'm sorry for what we - what I did.
Mai's angry expression holds firm.
MAI: What? You just expect me to accept that apology?
SOKKA: No.
Once again, she is surprised by the prince.
SOKKA: But if it makes you any happy...
He gestures around himself. Mai only scoffs, her blade finally going back inside her uniform.
MAI: What? I'm supposed to feel bad for you? You live in an expensive house with your friends.
His scoff serves not only as a response, but also tells Mai about the boy's sadness.
SOKKA: First of all, I can't leave.
He briefly hoists up his leg with the rock ankle bracelet.
SOKKA: Second, they're not my friends. I mean, Aang is, kind of. But he barely talks to me. Zuko is nice to me. But his sister hates my guts and Ty Lee is still a little cold for someone so jolly.
Mai finally starts feeling a little bit of sympathy.
SOKKA: To be honest, I didn't expect to be accepted right away after everything I did - especially by Azula - but still.
He sighs, thinking back to his brief time in a Ba Sing Se prison cell.
SOKKA: I don't think any of them would call me a friend yet. And I don't see that changing anytime soon.
As he hugs his legs, Mai decides to sit down again, picking up one of Zuko's terrible Haiku attempts.
MAI: You talk too much. Come on and help me with this.
While not showing any outright sympathy, he does appreciate her trying to take his mind off of things. And so, he sits down across from her.
SOKKA: Are you any good with poetry?
MAI: No.
SOKKA: Yeah, me too.
MAI & SOKKA: I hate it.
They both blank for a moment at the accidental jynx.
Soon Zuko and Shahar rejoin them. Will they get any haikus done? Probably not.
第三个任务 - 教育援助
Quest 3 - Educational Assistance
Azula wasn't exactly too keen on her whole thing but, oh well. She would have much rather been in or around the palace, perhaps been able to catch a snippet of valuable information from the royal ongoings. But then again, the whole point of this Kimono Society is to let stuff like that not happen, so who knows if she would've been able to do that. For now she is forced to do help out in the Upper Ring primary school. Either because this is where all the snobby little diaper devils need protection or Azula was sent here as one massive joke. She had always wondered how going to school would be, herself being homeschooled on Twin Island. She inspects her fingers, remembering how that curiosity was quenched back in Mai Sa Lu.
The crooked line running across her fingers healed almost perfectly, as did the one on her stomach that the Blue Spirit gifted her. Yet the scars ultimately remain. The memory remains. She promises herself on the doorstep to the building that - should anything like that happen again - she wouldn't hesitate to strike sooner. The building seems rather unimpressive for an Upper Ring structure, but still much prettier than most buildings she's seen. Her awe at new architecture has ceased to be so heavy, mostly because she would like to think that her cultural connection to Dibuang makes that one the prettiest.
In complete contrast all these thoughts, Azula is greeted by the bright face of a woman in her early forties. Her brown hair is tucked together, with messy individuals sticking out here and there. Her face is covered in freckles, reminding Azula somewhat of Kenora.
XIRAN: Hi! You must be the person sent by the King, right?
AZULA (waving her aside as she enters): Yeah-yeah that's me.
The polite woman seems irritated by the rude entrance.
XIRAN: Oh. Well, I thought they would send someone...
AZULA: Different?
XIRAN: Older.
Azula smirks unhappily.
AZULA: Right. Um... why exactly was I sent here?
Her usual offensive interrogation style works unsurprisingly little against the tired woman more than twice her age.
XIRAN: We've been requesting more money from the crown for months. One of our teachers recently retired, so we're in desperate need of someone helping us at least a little bit...
While still upset by the thought of having to deal with kids, Azula does feel bad for the clearly overworked woman.
AZULA: Yeah, I agree the government should probably help you out in a better way. But, since I'm here...
She admires her nails while the educator tries not to be more upset than she already is.
XIRAN: Don't worry, you won't need to do any actual teacher stuff. You're... clearly way too young. What's your name?
Despite her aggressive tone the woman still gifts her a warm smile. Azula starts feeling guilty and tries to be a bit more polite.
AZULA: Azula.
XIRAN: Xiran. Nice to meet you, Azula.
Azula finds the whole thing super odd. Xiran won't let her do much outside of cleaning up and helping with minor things like the kids spelling their names right. A part of her feels uncomfortable in this environment, the memory of Zhengyi still edged into her mind. It is perhaps this contrast that makes her so uncomfortable, the warm colors of the classroom and the soft tone Xiran addresses these kids in. Maybe the Earth Kingdom starts treating them harsher once they reach puberty. Perhaps the Earth Kingdom would treat foreign students just as badly as the Fire Nation kids were treated in Mai Sa Lu.
A small girl with straight braids pulls at her shirt.
GIRL: Excuse me Miss Azula, I have to pee.
AZULA: Okay.
She keeps on walking, completely ignoring the little girl. Thankfully, Xiran notices the incident.
XIRAN: Azula, would you please to the toilet with her?
AZULA: Why? Can't the thing go alone?
XIRAN (angered): No. And she's not a thing.
GIRL: I am not a thing!
The little girl angrily slams her brush on the table, splattering some ink. Azula sighs.
AZULA: Fine.
In the bathroom, Azula leans against the wall with her arms crossed.
GIRL (from inside the bathroom stall): Miss Azulaaaaa?
AZULA (dry): What.
GIRL (from inside the bathroom stall): Are you angry at me?
Pause.
AZULA (dry): No.
Pause.
AZULA (dry): I'm not crazy about you either.
GIRL (from inside the bathroom stall): Then why are you mean to me?
The little girl sounds surprisingly confident with her question. Azula can feel the guilt crawling up inside her again like a bad heartburn.
AZULA: What?! I'm not... mean to you.
Pause.
GIRL (from inside the bathroom stall): Yes you are!
Azula sighs.
AZULA: Listen, don't take this personally, I just don't really want to be here. Okay?
She half expects to get no answer.
GIRL (from inside the bathroom stall): Me too.
Azula frowns.
AZULA: Why? Isn't it nice here?
GIRL (from inside the bathroom stall): Yes. But I have to do so much work! That's stupid!
That one actually makes Azula giggle. She can hear the little girl inside the stall giggling as well.
AZULA: Yeah, that's understandable.
The toilet flushes and the little girl exists, washing her hands at the sink.
AZULA: You're done?
GIRL: Yup.
AZULA: What's your name?
KEXIN: Kexin!
Azula finds herself smiling.
AZULA: It's a nice name.
KEXIN: You're not that mean. You're nice!
The firebender nods.
KEXIN: I can't wait to play with you during recess!
As the small angel skips out the bathroom Azula takes a second to let the compliment sink in. Then she realizes in shock.
AZULA: Wait - recess?!
The following sequence was envisioned with goofy music, I personally recommend listening to "N64 Choco Mountain" from the Mario Kart DS OST while reading.
Recess is about as nightmarish as Azula had envisioned it.
Children of ages 6-10 are let out, allowed to roam freely around the relatively big schoolyard premises. The firebender was given the task of watching after an especially rowdy duo of boys, who somehow manage to trick her into stealing her headpiece. A short chase later and Azula was sent to the Bad Chair, where all children who misbehave are sent. To be fair, she did threaten to burn down the 7-year-olds with her blue flames and made them cry in the process.
Being forced to behave more... patiently with the little devils, she reluctantly agrees to be tied together by the jungle gym, only to dangle upside down and be laughed at, the thought of murdering dozens of children manifesting in her red forehead. She's send to the Bad Chair again for telling the kids who did it that she would feed them to her sky bison.
After recess the kids are meant to draw with acrylics. I'll keep it short - giggling, splattering, death threats, Bad Chair.
Azula ends up leaving the school a mess at sundown, and while Xiran thanks her generously, hoping she'll come back tomorrow, Azula is letting the rage inside her burn brighter than the comet that destroyed the former capitol.
第四个任务 - 衣柜
Quest 4 - Wardrobe
Aang feels about as excited about his task as the others do towards their own. He enters the Earth King's palace with relative ease, many whispers and strange looks accompanying his escort to Madame Tamao's personal quarters. The agent leading him there is a woman in her thirties with glasses, who speaks very little but finds the Avatar more than intriguing.
AGENT: Here we are.
He enters a small apartment-esc room, whose lack of luxury stands in clear opposition to the rest of the palace.
AGENT: Is it true that you survived 100 years in a volcano?
Aang briefly thinks about what his response should be. He decides to make it...
AANG: In some ways no, in some ways yes.
The agent frowns and shuts the door. Apparently, she didn't like that answer.
Aang inspects his scroll once again. What in the world would be the benefit of sorting all of Madame Tamao's kimono's by color? Other than to humiliate him of course. To make fun of him for even indulging in nonsense like this while the adults are out strategizing for the war. It's almost ironic to him. Once a boy who wanted nothing to do with anything serious, now a hardened soldier who feels worthless when not doing anything useful.
Although, and that's when he briefly stops while holding up a purple piece, that's not entirely true. Sure, he has felt the most useful when actually getting somewhere and making a difference in the war, but it has to be mentioned how many countless smaller lives he improved. For every detour there is a little thing that he can fix, at least to some degree. Without Ty Lee's input he truly wouldn't have been able to see the use of doing the smaller things sometimes. Katara's words echo with the clarity and softness of an angelic figure, before being quickly replaced with the bad aftertaste of that one memory.
Aang hasn't allowed himself to revisit that day again, but the more his mind dwells on who Katara is in this world, the more he feels inclined to. After all, it wouldn't be such a hard hit to take, having to face the evil version of his love, when in his world she did at least the one bad thing, the one thing that he hasn't been quite able to forgive her for...
He decides to tidy it up and finishes the pointless task within the hour. Without much hesitation he decides to leave the plain room again when-
FONG: Oh, Avatar Aang.
AANG: Hey General.
Fong crosses his arms in the palace hallway when met with the boy.
FONG: May I ask what you were doing in Madame Tamao's private quarters?
Aang, without much hesitation or forethought, simply hands the general the scroll. After reading it, he of course returns it.
FONG: Is there a specific reason for-
AANG: No idea. Unfortunately.
Fong scoffs, preceding to stroke his beard.
FONG: That Tamao is a strange woman, truly.
Not quite interested in the small talk, Aang simply nods, intending to walk off.
FONG: Hey, listen Aang...
He of course stops when called by name.
FONG: I wanted to say sorry what happened with the Crown Prince. I promised to you I would keep him safe when I didn't. You should expect better of me when you were the one who helped me in Yu Dao...
Aang turns around with a hint of empathy for the middle-aged man.
AANG: I understand that your loyalties lie with the Earth King. There is nothing to apologize for, really.
FONG: Fair point. But if there is ever something I can do for you, a favor of any kind that... doesn't test my loyalties, feel free to ask.
Aang bows down respectfully, appreciating the offer. It is precisely when the general walks away again when Aang comes up with a stroke of genius.
AANG: Hey, um, there is something actually.
Fong appears interested.
AANG: I uh... had a dream recently, an Avatar Vision of sorts. In it... I saw a... winged boar.
Fong, once again, strokes his beard, though with the size of the goatee there isn't much to stroke.
FONG: That sounds like the family emblem of the Beifongs. They're a powerful merchant family down in the south. Former royalty even.
Aang nods. Once again, telling a partial truth helped sell the lie.
AANG: Is there any way to look up information on them? Specifically... a girl by the name of Toph?
Now Fong frowns.
FONG: That is very specific information, Avatar. You got all of that from a dream?
Aang nods, slightly nervous.
AANG: They whole Avatar thing can be weird sometimes.
Finally, the general buys it, nodding before giving a response.
FONG: I'll see what I can do.
He leaves Aang almost hopeful when...
FONG: But I can't promise anything. As you know, the south is mostly occupied by the Tribe. It isn't too unheard of that they go against the civilian population, so I wouldn't keep my hopes up.
Never in a million years did Aang think he would leave the palace more lost than he'd enter it.
At sundown, when the crew is getting ready for the night shift, Akari uses the free main deck to train her airbending. Ever since meeting Ty Lee, she has made it her quest to at least emulate her bending skills somewhat. Without any documents or a master or any guidance whatsoever, it is a difficult task indeed. All she has is that one time Ty Lee showed her some basics and the few images she managed to safe in her memory of the girl. The girl whose kindness she perhaps took for granted.
A few weak gusts later and she frustratedly tosses away her new fighting stick. Its usage was not intended for airbending, but, like with many things in Akari's life, she took what she had and made the best of it. For a short moment she watches the sunset over the Serpents Pass. Most of the terrifying sea creatures had been pacified by the Eastern Fleet, with some of them escaping into deeper waters. The actual Serpents Pass itself is of course destroyed in the middle, allowing for easier passage of Water Navy ships. And it does make for one hell of a view.
SUKI: Training all alone?
Akari seems surprisingly happy to see Suki. The stern, quiet warrior has somehow managed to become Akari's favorite person on the ship.
AKARI: Yeah, that's all anyone ever does on here. Haven't you noticed?
She smirks, with Suki walking over to the ships side, glancing into the orange horizon. Akari gladly joins her.
SUKI: Yue doesn't.
Akari nods. Still a difficult topic, perhaps best represented right now by the blue eye the athlete still carries from Kenora.
AKARI: Has the captain apologized yet?
Suki shakes her head. That pretty much ends that topic on the spot.
AKARI: What about that new waterbending teacher? How is he?
Suki sighs.
SUKI: I don't know either.
Akari is almost shocked. This is the most relaxed, vulnerable and... human that she has seen Suki. The swordfighter leans her head on her arms, all resting on the iron balustrade of the mighty Pāpaka.
SUKI: He's like a showman. I'm not even sure if he's really a bender...
AKARI: Aaand he told you to go away during their lesson.
Suki nearly flinches.
SUKI: How did you-
AKARI: Was a guess.
A moment of silence as the waves pass by.
SUKI: We need to get her under control.
AKARI: Who? The captain?
SUKI: Kenora. As much as you and I hate her, we need her right now. Our mission includes, at some point, fighting another airbender, a firebender, and the Avatar. We can't do it on our own.
AKARI: Well maybe she can. The way she goes berserk on people.
SUKI: Be realistic Akari.
The coldness in her voice tells the athlete to be serious for a moment.
SUKI: The best shot we have at protecting us is by working as a unit. And we need Kenora for that.
Akari sighs uncomfortably.
AKARI: Well, you know my answer to that. She has to come out and apologize or I'm not going.
Suki pouts but can't condemn her for the response.
AKARI: Why don't we just wait until Katara's training is finished?
SUKI: I'm already doing that.
The two share a smile as the athlete realizes what Suki means by this.
AKARI: So, when she served her purpose, we...
SUKI: Until then we need her.
Akari finally nods, though her stance on how this should happen hasn't changed.
AKARI: To be honest, I wouldn't mind fighting the Avatar just with you. I haven't seen you use that sword before, who knows what you can do?
Suki smiles, slightly embarrassed. Or perhaps it's just the sunset that makes them both a bit emotional.
Act III. - Princely instinct
As Aang returns to their rental home, he finds a strange sight. Not only is Mai here but there is paper literally everywhere.
AANG: What happened here?
He flinches as a zombie-like Zuko emerges from a particularly large pile of pages, the fact that he groans like one also doesn't help.
SOKKA: We tried to help Zuko with his haiku.
SHAHAR: Correction - we failed helping Zuko with his haiku.
Mai shrugs in a corner.
MAI: To be fair, I didn't help that much.
SOKKA: Yes, you did.
Mai is almost shocked to hear a response.
MAI: No, I really didn't. I just told you to stop including the word "peach" in every poem.
As she says it, Sabachi runs by with one of the fruits in her mouth. Aang finally spots a pretty somber-looking Ty Lee clinging onto her staff.
AANG: Ty Lee? What happened?
The acrobat sighs.
TY LEE: I totally failed. I need to help this poor girl save her tea shop and now she's going to be homeless.
She comically stretches her arms and legs, balancing carefully on her behind.
TY LEE: And it's ALL Ty Lee's fault! GREAT!
ZUKO (paper-zombie-voice): Yes. Tea. Maybe that'll do the trick. Peach tea...
He submerges himself below the failed literature again. Not that Aang is particularly happy himself, but compared to everyone else, he seems kind of okay.
AANG: Where's Azula?
The door slams with the thunder of a thousand bolts. A messy, sticky, angry Azula covered in colors stomps into the room, tantrum either performed already or about to erupt.
AANG: Azula, what-
She silences him politely with a raised finger. She then proceeds to walk into the backyard, give Appa a heads up, then shoot the most massive blue flame in the opposite direction, accompanied by one of the most hate-filled screams ever heard. After that she enters the house again, wipes off some dust, and clears her throat.
AZULA: That's better.
MAI: I'm guessing none of you did well with your quests?
AZULA: No. And what are you doing here, Mai?
The assassin gives her the cold shoulder.
MAI: Helping Zuko with his haiku thing.
ZUKO (paper-zombie-voice): Peach... blossom blooming... springtime...
AZULA: Mhm. Remind me to never ask you for help. Ever.
Mai scolds her with a glare that is only returned.
With Aang tired, Azula about to start a massacre, Zuko buried beneath paper and Ty Lee sad and quiet, it is none other than Sokka who tries to step in.
SOKKA: Guys, come on. We can't let ourselves down like that.
AZULA: What do you mean "ourselves"? You weren't forced to do any of this nonsense by some crazy old hag.
SHAHAR: Do not talk about Madame Tamao like this!
AZULA: Oh, give me a break!
As the fight erupts between the two, Sokka tries once again to get their attention.
SOKKA: Guys? Guys!
TY LEE (after taking a comically large inhale): GUYS!
They all fall silent.
TY LEE (quietly): Thank you.
Sokka clears his throat. As he shifts into strategy gear, Aang gets a glimpse of hope from being reminded of his Sokka again. A few seconds of pondering and one of the candles in the hallway flares up above his head.
SOKKA: Regardless of the dear Madame's intentions, her quests have been somewhat... misplaced.
Azula scoffs very obnoxiously.
SOKKA: And I mean that literally.
Everyone shares confused looks.
SOKKA: Everyone, hand me your scrolls.
They all comply except Zuko, whose scroll is handed over by Shahar instead.
SOKKA: The way I see it, Madame Tamao only tasked you with solving these quests. She didn't specify whether or not we can make it a group effort.
He looks to Azula.
SOKKA: Azula, you want to do-
AZULA: Give me Aang's!
She immediately snatches it out of his hand.
AZULA: I'll gladly deal with Madame Tamao's wardrobe.
Before Shahar can protest, Sokka continues.
SOKKA: I guess Ty Lee and Zuko are better equipped to handle little kids.
Zuko is finally resurrected, sitting upright from his paper prison and rubbing his face.
ZUKO: That could be fun.
Even Ty Lee seems to lighten up again.
SOKKA: Aang, you can deal with this debt thing and uh... I guess I'll take haikus?
Slow nods and everyone seem happy again. Most of all Aang.
TY LEE: This Pei Shi guy is a total creep. How are you going to deal with him, Aang?
Aang takes a guess that this is the person causing the problem in this situation. He scratches his bald head.
AANG: Well... I don't really know. I guess I'd need to know more about the guy.
As if Sokka was expecting him to say that he smugly walks over to the Avatar, putting his arm around his shoulder and pointing the other way...
SOKKA: Luckily for you...
...towards Mai and Shahar.
SOKKA: We have two of the greatest spies in Ba Sing Se in the room with us.
Two very different reactions.
SHAHAR (shocked): No.
MAI (excited): Finally.
Seeing no point in indulging in this girl's fantasy any longer, Pei Shi decides to head to the tea shop around noon. Neither her tears nor that corrupt government's attaché would stop him. Yet when he finally arrives there, he is surprised to see the shop closed and a bald monk boy standing in front of it.
He blurts out a fake-sounding laugh.
PEI SHI: And who are you supposed to be then? Another airbender that his highness sent to deal with me?
Aang smirks sheepishly, knowing he only has to keep him busy for a bit.
AANG: Actually, I'm the Avatar.
Pei Shi scoffs.
PEI SHI: And you think that gives you even a little bit of authority?
AANG: No.
He finally spots his reinforcement.
AANG: But that will.
Pei Shi turns around, finding a teenage Kimono Agent followed by two royal guards. Yet, to Aang's surprise, the sleazy man only cackles.
PEI SHI: You think the police will come to help you? I am perfectly within my rights to charge my tenants as much as I see fit. So you and you're little girlfriend can get lost, Avatar!
GUARD 1: You might want to wait before you continue.
Hearing those cold words makes Pei Shi gulp audibly. Shahar reveals a whole sack of documents, one of which she showcases.
SHAHAR: I requested to see some of your licenses and leases. You've been periodically overcharging several of your tenants and business partners. You've ruined more than one life this way.
Pei Shi snarls in protest.
PEI SHI: So what?! That was all perfectly legal!
SHAHAR: Only as long as you pay your taxes.
This is when the landlord falls completely silent.
PEI SHI: M- m- m- m... my t-taxes?
GUARD 1: You owe the government of Ba Sing Se 32 thousand gold pieces.
Aang's jaw drops.
PEI SHI: I uh... um... uh...
GUARD 1: Come with us.
Few things have made Aang as happy as seeing that man carried away. He peaks back at the window of the tea shop and finds a smiling Jin, who almost starts crying out of joy again. He looks back to Shahar, who nods, as she escorts Pei Shi back to the palace. Finally, Aang looks to a nearby window roof, where he exchanges a smile with a smirking Mai.
第一个任务完成
Quest 1 completed.
Shahar and Mai return home, with the latter seeming like a nervous wreck.
SHAHAR: That was so illegal on so many levels. I am in such big trouble...
She runs to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Mai scoffs, amused by the girl's weak nerves. Mai looks outside, spotting Appa and Sokka lying next to each other on their backs in the grass, enjoying the warmth of the spring sun. With a second of hesitation, she decides to walk into the garden as well.
MAI: How'd it go?
Her arms crossed, she still seems somewhat inviting to the prince. Sokka shrugs.
SOKKA: Well, the good thing is Zuko misread his scroll, he only needs to write a few haikus, he doesn't need to perform them.
He sits upright, the assassin joining him with a squat, not wanting to get dirt on her clothing.
SOKKA: I did finish them. Don't know if they're any good.
Mai picks up one of the sheets placed next to them. She reads them in her head first, surprised by how... nice they sound.
MAI: " Reassuring moon. A dark, gentle crescent bloom. Honest face of doom."
She puts it back down. Sokka is more than surprised to see her usual poker face cracking a bit...
MAI: It's nice.
...before solidifying back into her death stare.
MAI: But don't think I'm going to listen to any haikus in the future.
Sokka smiles.
SOKKA: You don't need to. I'm just glad you liked this one.
As Mai returns to her own apartment, preparing for her squads' daily briefings, her mind is somehow still occupied with this strangely gentle prince.
第二个任务完成
Quest 2 completed.
After having helped out with Jin and enjoyed a complementary tea, he heads over to the Primary School, expecting an overworked Zuko and Ty Lee. He enters through the main door, walking through a hallway and being intrigued by the architecture of the Earth Kingdom, with its green and yellow tones seemingly in every building. As he walks by a classroom, Xiran takes note of him.
XIRAN: Can I help you?
Aang stops.
AANG: Yes, uh... I'm looking for Ty Lee and Zuko? They were supposed to help with something here.
As he asks away, Xiran's face slowly transforms into a bright, warm smile.
XIRAN: You might want to come in.
He enters confused, directing his gaze into a little corner in the back, one with pillows and a soft carpet. He finds the two of them similarly messy, but not as colorful as Azula yesterday. They both nap across from each other, huddled together like little babies.
XIRAN: Azula was a little... overwhelmed by the children yesterday, even though they liked her very much. But these two? They were absolutely wonderful with the kids. And the kids love them. They would love to have them back some day.
Aang smiles, the sensation of tears even appearing, before he quickly wipes them away. He can't tell her that they won't stay here forever. But seeing his friends satisfied like that would make even the saddest person smile again.
第三个任务完成
Quest 3 completed.
Madame Tamao briefly returns to her quarters, surprised to see them so well organized, so clean and so pleasantly looking. She smirks, having a suspicion of what this means.
AZULA: Long day?
The old woman isn't surprised at all, instead preparing a pot of tea in her small kitchen area.
TAMAO: Yes, indeed. Very eventful.
AZULA: So I've heard.
TAMAO: Hm. I take it you haven't just been in here then.
AZULA: The amount of sewage workers quitting is worrying. You'll need to replace them soon before a shortage crashes the whole system. And the Earth King needs to reinforce the south-west with the amount of Water Navy ships gathering.
Tamao smiles.
AZULA: You knew this was going to happen. You gave us the worst scrolls on purpose, to get us to work together.
The woman folds her hands under her kimono.
TAMAO: If I knew this was the outcome then I probably wouldn't have changed it. The reality is that I gave you those scrolls at random.
Azula crosses her arms, not buying the story but also not seeing the point in arguing.
AZULA: Whatever. Hopefully I can assist you again with your... wardrobe for as long as we are the city.
Tamao nods.
TAMAO: You are always welcome.
Azula intends to leave, smiling with glee as-
TAMAO: Although, from what I hear, I don't think Aang will want to remain in the city much longer.
第四个任务完成
Quest 4 completed.
Later that day, with Shahar's night guard duty relieved by another Kimono Agent, she is not very surprised to find Mai entering the tea shop, her attire more civilian this time. Jin is just happy to get more costumers from the whole ordeal. Being saved by the Avatar does make for some good publicity, though this late at night it's only the three of them now.
MAI: Can I join?
Shahar doesn't protest but doesn't seem too terribly excited either. They wait for Jin to briefly go into the stockroom before continuing their conversation much quieter.
SHAHAR: What we did today was stupid and dangerous! I left the prince unattended with a flying bison while you broke into this guy's house and stole his documents.
Mai's expression doesn't change an inch.
MAI: And?
Shahar sighs in defeat.
SHAHAR: It's also the most useful I've felt in this job. We really helped someone today. Multiple people actually.
Mai gives her 10% of a smile as a reward.
MAI: Maybe you're not as stuck-up as I thought you were.
Shahar smiles back. Their conversation is interrupted by Jin clearing her throat.
JIN: So um... I'm going to be closing soon.
She gives Shahar some very obvious signals with her eyes. Mai catches on and stares with confused eyes at Shahar.
SHAHAR: Yeah... so... um... could we maybe... talk about this tomorrow?
Even more eye movements and nervous blushes from the two girls tell Mai everything she needs to know, causing her to get up finally.
MAI: See you around.
ZORAK: Alright principessa, focus. Focus...
Katara tries with all of her power and concentration to finally lift at least a splatter of water when...
She finally does. A little stream that is actually decently stable emerges from the barrel of water. Katara howls with joy, Zorak joining her.
ZORAK: That's it, I knew you could do it!
KATARA: I did it!
She drops the body with a splash, the joy in her face as big as it can be. Turning around though, her expression changes to one of confusion, as Kanna, Akari, Suki, and Yue all walk up to her, equally confused. Yue's face has healed up pretty nicely thanks to Kanna and Katara, though a tiny scratch of a scar running through her right eyebrow will always remain there.
SUKI: What's going on? Katara?
KATARA: What?
ZORAK: We are in the middle of our lesson.
KANNA: Yes, and we all got a message from you to meet us here.
A few more seconds and the entrance of Kenora finally reveals what's going on, with everyone's blood freezing in fear.
KENORA: I called you here. Sorry for the little maneuver.
She walks up to the center of the crowd, her hands folded behind her back in a Napoleonic fashion.
AKARI: And what do you want?
Akari crosses her arms, regretting that she didn't bring her staff with her.
KENORA: To apologize.
Collective shock.
KENORA: I don't believe in words. I believe in action. So instead of giving you a whole spiel, I'll tell you what we will do.
She places herself at the tip of the deck, able to oversee her squad, all of whom except Katara seem displeased.
KENORA: We'll train together. We'll eat together. We'll stay honest with each other.
Yue audibly scoffs, upsetting Kenora's confidence.
KENORA: I know some of you don't want to trust me. Good, you don't have to. But you need to trust my ability to lead us. After all, we have a difficult battle on the horizon.
Only getting a few cold stares, Katara finally decides to walk up to her.
KATARA: If you don't trust her, trust me instead. Trust me when I say that I believe in Kenora. What better way to make up for her mistakes than to lead us to victory?
A lot more enthusiasm this time, although Yue and Kanna remain skeptical.
KATARA: So, who's with Kenora?
She raises her fist as a showcase of her allegiance. It takes a bit but eventually Suki complies, after which Akari raises her fist too, after that Kanna and Zorak, who seem a bit baffled, and then finally also Yue, though she seems anything but happy. Kenora smiles, eternally indebted to Katara's brilliance.
KENORA: Thank you.
They all lower their arms again.
KENORA: I believe we have some training to do now. It's still a long way to Ba Sing Se.
She turns around, picturing the blue flames that she will extinguish once and for all.
KENORA: And we have a city to burn.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Finally! This one took a little longer than I expected, but I hope it was worth the wait :)
Expect "Ba Sing Se Part 3: Tools of War" sometime in March.
Have a good one!^^