TLF - The Last Firebender

by Carrotine Clara

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

25. Episode 5: Ba Sing Se Part 3

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Important update! I'll try to keep it short^^

1) I recently read the entire thing again, correcting some notable minor continuity errors and spelling problems. The main takeaway is that for A Siege of Gold Part 2 I now included a "credits song". Basically, I listen to a lot of different music while writing these and I thought it was fitting for each Book to end on a cool/fitting song. For Book 1 Fire I chose "bored&blind" by ella jane. Doesn't sum up the first season plot-wise really, I just think the vibe fits it super well. Kind of optimistic with a somber note lying underneath.

2) I want to finally give a clear explanation for my upload frequency. I always aim to finish one chapter per month. This can sometimes mean that I finish an episode in a week, or it takes me six weeks. Either way, please don't be disappointed if, moving forward, I will try to move away from this model a little bit. I'll just write however much I can at all times and if things go well, this means one chapter per month, but it can be less. Maybe I'll be able to make two chapters when I have more time on my hands. Who knows? I just want to make the point that, while I do work very hard on TLF, I just simply don't want anyone to be disappointed when a new chapter comes out "too late". I'll also probably wait a few days now after finishing a new episode, otherwise proofreading by myself becomes literally impossible.

Thank you for your patience and your support.

Special shout-out this time to Ogro and Rocket, who both gave me really nice reviews. Getting a review in general always really makes my day :)

Anyways...

---

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 5

Ba Sing Se Part 3:

Tools of War

---

Act I. – Haphazardly

---

Blue flames fly across the room, hitting a wall of air deflecting it with the elegance of a dance performance. The Dream Team had been provided with a vast underground arena at the very edge of the Upper Ring. A dry, rocky space to let Azula and Ty Lee, for the very first time, do a sparring session. The acrobat had always disliked the idea, not wanting to hurt Azula while also not wanting to damage her ego. But, alas, the two friends are playfully feeling out each other's limits. Blue fire racing with the thin precision of a trained master, while the swift gusts of wind sweep with the coordination of an entirely different master.

Zuko is here too. Watching, which Azula finds more than odd. But suppose it's better than to hang out inside the house all day. Mai had increased her visits in the two weeks since they've completed their quests, and while claiming it is due to her work with Shahar, Azula had her own theories as to why this was the case.

Absentmindedly, the firebender almost burns her friend with an especially explosive flame.

TY LEE: Hey!

The acrobat quickly jumps backwards, avoiding any more close-range blasts.

AZULA: Sorry! I was pre-occupied.

ZUKO: While you're sparring with your friend?

Azula grunts, annoyed by her brother's comment.

AZULA: Relax. She and I are basically masters at this point. Nothing is going to happen.

Ty Lee softly strokes her right arm, the heat of Azula's flame still leaving a sensation, almost like a phantom injury.

TY LEE (grumpy): Yeah, nothing is going to happen to you...

She sits down next to her boyfriend, the two sharing a kiss as Ty Lee wipes her forehead with a towel.

TY LEE: Whaddya reading?

Zuko scoffs.

ZUKO: Oh, just some Earth Kingdom history.

The two share a skeevy little smile, seeing as he is in fact holding a book on firebending he got from the city library. Azula, like she does every so often, grunts in frustration.

AZULA: Please don't start cuddling. Every time Ty Lee takes a break it turns into an hour-long make-out session...

The two lovers blush in unison, but get their act together again.

ZUKO: Why aren't you training with Aang instead?

TY LEE: And where is he?

AZULA: He said he wanted to be alone.

The love birds exchange confused glances.

ZUKO: Has he... said where he's going, or-

AZULA: It's Toph.

More confused expressions follow suit.

TY LEE: You mean the earthbender girl that taught him in his world?

ZUKO: How do you know, Azula?

She pouts, pondering.

AZULA: It's a suspicion of mine. He has been awfully quiet lately. And he doesn't sleep a lot.

Azula notices the even more baffled eyes she's getting from her last comment.

ZUKO: How do you... know that? Have you been watching him sleep?

Azula grunts angrily, something Ty Lee finds more typical in Zuko.

AZULA: You guys are not getting it! Aang is lying to us again. He agreed to get some other earthbending teacher, preferably in the city, but he's obviously still obsessed with her. How long till that lie boils over again? Because he's obviously not going to tell us himself.

The other two nod.

AZULA: Also, I only did it once or twice, so get off my back.

A cartoonish tear appears on Zuko's forehead.

TY LEE: Maybe he's not lying to us, so to speak. Maybe he's lying to himself. Maybe that's what he wants but he just doesn't know it yet.

ZUKO: Should we tell him then?

Azula sighs once more, her index and thumb firmly squeezing her brow ridge.

AZULA: Sure, let's get the boy even more distracted. It's not like staying in the city is far better strategically...

Good. Affirm your position.

Ty Lee can feel a hint of Azula's aura darkening.

AZULA (cold): Why does he get to make all the decisions anyways...

Zuko gets up, somewhat worried about her tone and mannerisms.

ZUKO: Because he's the Avatar. We came along on this journey to help him.

As she turns around and Ty Lee gets up as well, Azula clenches her fists together, silencing the Blue Dragon once more. It had been coming up recently as well, but she had him under control pretty much.

TY LEE: I think Azula is right though. We should probably confront him before it leads to conflict again.

Zuko nods, then Azula.

AZULA: Sure.

She scoffs.

AZULA: What could go wrong?

---

Yue takes another deep breath. Confining herself to her dark living quarters, the majority of the trip had felt like prison so far. She never should've agreed to this, but then again, Katara didn't know about her... history with her captain. Any warm, loving, passionate memories she has of Kenora have been washed away by her own wrongdoing. And then this whole charade with the fists. She would like to react with a heinous laugh, but instead only frowns.

Kneeling on the floor across from her desk that she turned into a makeshift shrine, she starts praying more earnestly. She prays for Tui and La, for the Great Mother Sedni, and a dozen other spirits. She hopes dearly that one of them hears her prayers. In that moment, she can feel another asthma attack building up, quickly preventing it with her pre-heated inhaler that she keeps with her at all times. It's almost a bad omen that her prayers are interrupted by the very thing the spirits did not see fit to cure, when she was merely a child. Perhaps it's a sign that they abandoned her. The healed scar running across the side of her head, splitting her right eyebrow, would be more proof of it.

Someone knocks on the door. Suki opens after not getting a response.

SUKI: Everything okay, Yue?

Yue nods, her face finally able to exit the tin inhaler apparatus.

YUE: Just the short breath, I'm doing fine. Did something happen?

Suki won't answer, instead ominously crossing her arms. All the other girls have been showing nothing but sympathy, including Katara's gran-gran. And they all knew why the Northern Princess had been locking herself inside.

SUKI: She wants all of us present. We're preparing for our attack.

Yue nods. She hated every encounter with Kenora thus far. And now she has to put on her blue uniform as well. Maybe the spirits have really abandoned her.

---

After a short excursion on Appa, Aang's mind has started to clear up. Visions have started plaguing him again, real visions, not alike the lie that he and Azula briefly festered. Once again, they had included the Blue Spirit. A more than worrying sign.

And he had dreamed of that terrible night again. A little secluded patch of green in a ravaged Earth Kingdom, a waterfall behind it. Already burdened with the guilt of Toph, he had stepped into something unspeakably awful...

He lands the bison in the backyard, Sabachi climbing off the back and onto the Avatar. Aang didn't even notice that the lemur accompanied them.

As he enters the house, most of his friends are waiting for him already. Only Mai and Shahar are missing.

AANG: Hey... guys?

He scratches the back of his head, already wondering what they're going to discuss with him today.

ZUKO: Hey... Aang. Buddy...

AZULA: We wanted to talk about your earthbending teacher.

Zuko sighs in relief. Sokka, who only now joins the scene from the bathroom, finds the 3v1 constellation rather odd.

SOKKA: What's going on here?

Azula raises her right hand, signaling the prince to stop which, for some reason, he does.

AZULA: This doesn't concern you. Internal group business.

Sokka frowns, a mix of anger and a betrayal building up in him. Aang, not wanting to escalate this whole thing even further, doesn't intervene either.

ZUKO: Guys, come on. Sokka knows about everything already. We can tell him.

SHAHAR: Knows about what?

Shahar and Mai, who were apparently also in the house but not detected by Azula and the others, now also show up out of nowhere.

AZULA: What is going on here?! Where did all of you people come from?!

MAI: Maybe you can tell us what's going on here.

SHAHAR: Or why you were ambushing Aang.

The Avatar finally steps in, having decided that this time around personal drama is probably worth getting involved in. Just this once.

AANG: Everybody, calm down. Azula and the others just wanted to ask me a question. I think...

SOKKA: Why am I not getting involved in this?!

Surprisingly, the prince actually stands up for himself, making it very noticeable to the others that he feels unhappy about it, his arms shrugged and lips pursing with anger.

AZULA: Because you are not part of our group!

ZUKO: Yes, he is! He has been through so much with us!

AZULA: Oh, give me a break. That was like... two adventures.

AANG: Zuko is right!

He dissolves most of the tension in the room.

AANG: And your suspicions are valid. I have been a bit more distant lately.

He turns to Mai and Shahar.

AANG: My friends and I have a history of... bad communication.

Azula makes a very odd noise in protest.

AZULA: From your side. Just so we're clear.

A short glare and she finally pushes her ego aside.

AANG: I uh... I've been having some visions lately. I don't think we're safe in the city anymore.

Concerned looks fly across the room.

SHAHAR: Um... what does he mean by visions?

Everyone briefly remembers that there is at least one person in the room with them who does not know the full story yet. Aang gazes with patient eyes at Azula, then Zuko, Ty Lee, and also Sokka. The firebender sighs.

AZULA: I know what you're going to say, and I disagree. But go ahead.

Azula sits down, crossing her legs and looking disapprovingly at Aang.

SHAHAR: Huh?

MAI: Oh, the whole other world thing.

Initial shock from everyone, mostly Sokka.

SOKKA (addressing Mai): She know- oh right yeah, she does.

SHAHAR: Knows what? Guys?

MAI: Like I said, I figured it out myself. But yeah, Ty Lee gave me the details recently.

The assassin glares at Aang and Azula, who were the ones who promised to tell her, but apparently both forgot.

SHAHAR: What did she tell you?! Guys!

With the pedantic conformist on edge, the gang finally lets in, Sokka taking the lead.

SOKKA: What we are about to tell you is... huge. You need to promise to keep it to yourself. Not even Madame Tamao or the Earth King can know.

SHAHAR: What do you mean? This... this isn't Liberation Forces business, right?

Comedic silence, accompanied by a slide whistle.

SHAHAR: Right. Okay, I promise.

She gives them a brief smile, folding her hands, though her sleeves are too short to hide them underneath.

SHAHAR: I know that this is only a job and that I've spent this much time with you all because of it. But I want to thank you all for being so nice to me.

They all rejoice in the happy sentiment, but quickly return to a more serious note.

TY LEE: Aang is from another world. A world in which the Fire Nation started the war.

AZULA: And won.

A depressing sense of guilt washes over everyone, most of all Aang, although he can't help but to notice Azula's dead, horrified stare.

SHAHAR: Another world? How does that work?

AANG: I'm... not entirely sure. But in my world, everything has been... a weird parallel to this one. Some things were completely the same, while others turned out entirely different.

ZUKO: In his world the Dai Li took over the city, for example.

He looks over to Aang, waiting for reassurance.

ZUKO: Right? You only told us that one once.

AANG: He's right.

Shahar lets the utterly horrifying scenario play out in her head.

SHAHAR: Tarḫunna. That sounds like a nightmare. How did they do that?

Not trying to seem suspicious, Aang ends up hesitating far too long. Azula can already guess the answer, so can Ty Lee.

AANG: Azula and Zuko.

More horror grows inside everyone's stomach, turning their insides with conflicted feelings.

AZULA: Yeah...

She gets up. The Blue Dragon likes the idea of an Azula powerful enough to take over the Earth Kingdom, but alas, she keeps the voice down.

AZULA: You see, in Aang's world, Sokka and his sister are little peasants in the South Pole, who find Aang in an ice block.

She leans over to Shahar for some reason.

AZULA: Much less impressive than a volcano if you ask me.

She jolts back, continuing.

AZULA: Whereas me and my brother are the children of the Fire Lord.

Zuko shivers at the thought of his father in such a position of absolute power.

AZULA: He was smart enough to betray me and become the Avatar's friend...

She gives a short look to Sokka, but tries to quench that bit of sympathy she has for him.

AZULA: The other me however...

After seeing Aang's fearful reaction, she decides to cut it short.

AZULA: Yeah. I'm not so smart there.

Shahar shakes her head repeatedly, finding all of this absolutely insane. Mai seems a little surprised too, as she didn't know that detail about Azula yet.

SHAHAR: That is... without a doubt the most insane thing I have ever heard.

The others seem a little nervous if perhaps she may break her promise.

SHAHAR: But... I believe you. Mostly because I see absolutely no ulterior motive for why you would fabricate such a story.

She ponders for a few more seconds.

SHAHAR: How about Ty Lee and Mai? What do they do?

Ty Lee replies with such a chipper tone that it freaks Shahar out even more.

TY LEE: Oh, well, she and I are Azula's lackeys! We helped her hunting down Aang.

MAI: I assume we betray her at some point?

Her smirk directed towards Azula is met with a glare, basically confirming her theory.

SHAHAR: Okay. So, who else knows about this?

They gang shares a few looks.

SOKKA: Uh... just us, I think.

Zuko briefly bites his lower lip, his attentive girlfriend taking note of it.

AANG: And Princess Adithya. And...

He stops himself, a little embarrassed to remember.

AZULA: And?

AANG: Um... Kenora?

AZULA & TY LEE & SOKKA: What?!

Zuko was already aware of this thanks to Kanna.

SHAHAR: Who is Kenora?

Azula almost chokes on her own anger.

AZULA: The psycho who has been hunting us around half the globe?!

Sokka remains suitably quiet about his involvement.

AZULA: When did you tell her?!

AANG: When I saved you guys from Puwati's ship. She captured me right before that.

AZULA: Oh yeah that's right. You lost to her, I almost forgot...

Aang shrugs. Everyone seems a little embarrassed to hear that.

AANG: She... is a prolific bender.

Azula scoffs dismissively.

AZULA: So what? You're the Avatar. Even I beat her.

SOKKA: Well, she disagrees with that notion.

AZULA: Oh, good for her. Be sure to tell her over tea and biscuits.

ZUKO: Um... there is also someone else...

The arguing is put on hold as they switch their focus onto the raven-haired boy.

AZULA: Who did you tell, dum-dum?

He grins his teeth in a horrible cringe expression.

ZUKO: The old lady who travelled with Bato?

AZULA & AZULA & TY LEE & SOKKA: WHAT?!

SOKKA: You told gran-gran?!

SHAHAR: What's a "gran-gran"?

ZUKO: My hands were tied! She had me on Puwati's ship and wanted to know if she can trust Aang. It's why she stood up against him during the invasion.

Everyone but his sister seems to accept it. Sokka is surprised to hear the development, though he mostly wonders if his grandmother got into any trouble for betraying the Vice-Chief. What follows is an annoying quarrel, mostly consisting of one snappy comment after the other.

AZULA: Zuko, you're not supposed to tell old women our secrets, we talked about this.

ZUKO (defensive): The old hag only knew because Kenora told her!

SOKKA (angered): Hey! That's still my gran-gran!

TY LEE: Is she still with the Water Tribe?

SHAHAR: What is a "gran-gran"?!

AZULA (impish): Let's get back on the important issue - Aang lost to Kenora. Hehehe.

AANG: It was raining! I didn't expect her to be this good!

AZULA: You should've brought an umbrella then.

MAI: Guys!

Hearing the otherwise quiet Mai speak up so suddenly does redirect everyone's focus. The assassin gestures for Shahar to continue.

SHAHAR: So, if I understand this correctly, only a handful of people know. And mostly children at that?

AZULA: Uh, yeah. Your point?

SHAHAR: My point is-

Shahar sighs with frustration.

SHAHAR: Not talking about my boss or the Earth King here, but are you seriously going to tell no one? Not a single adult who could help?

The other kids share guilty looks, having no answer for that, not even a sarcastically insulting one.

SHAHAR: Has not a single one of you ever stopped for a second to think about how insane all of this is?!

Azula shrugs.

ZUKO: We just... kind of roll with it.

TY LEE: By the time Azula finally told us the whole story, we already went through so much together. I mean, yeah sure it's... a lot, but that's part of the reason why we're trying to help Aang.

Azula averts her eyes as the acrobat speaks her next few words.

TY LEE: To... help him go back to his own world.

Even Aang feels conflicted by this, a crass contrast to his wish to be trained by Toph.

SHAHAR: And... you think you will be able to return when you...

AANG: Help win the war. Restore peace to this world.

Shahar flinches lightly.

SHAHAR: But you don't know for sure if that's going to happen?

Silence. A bitter tase runs over everyone's mouth, as no one can provide a sure answer to this. Up until this point Aang had almost forgotten, but the entire basis of their goal seems shaky at best. Aang decides to sound more earnest.

AANG: It's not just that. Whether or not I'm from another world, I'm still the Avatar in this one. And it's still my duty to help the people here. Even if that means there is no return for me.

Thinking of the Air Nomad villages in Ba Sing Se in which he spent much of his time in the last few days, his new list of friends that keeps expanding, and the general optimism that having more time gives him... he finds the thought not as frightening as at first. He also shares a brief look with Azula, who noticed his faux pas of calling himself the Avatar in this world.

SHAHAR: You will have to tell people, Aang. You can't solve all of this on your own.

Once again, an odd few seconds of silence gives them all some time to wonder about stuff like this. Until Azula interrupts.

AZULA: Anyways, we were going to talk to you about an earthbending teacher-

A strange, looped sound, high pitched and ominous, sounds through their house. As Zuko runs to the front door and opens it, the noise getting louder.

ZUKO: It's coming from outside.

AANG: What is it?

Ty Lee gasps, apparently feeling Shahar's aura. The Kimono Agent's face looks pale and frightened.

SHAHAR: That's the alarm. Th- the city alarm.

ZUKO: Alarm? Is there a fire?

Shahar shakes her head. Both Aang and Azula already guess what it actually means.

SHAHAR: Invasion.

A few seconds pass by. Finally, Aang and Ty Lee grab both of their airbending staffs, Azula puts on her wrist protectors, Zuko picks up his swords and Mai checks her hidden weapon spots.

AANG: We have to talk to the Earth King.

They all exit but stop as they realize Sokka and Shahar remain inside.

TY LEE: Aren't you...

SHAHAR: The prince has to stay here. As do I.

Shahar nods. She and Sokka will look out for each other. And the agent will keep Aang's secret. Hopefully.

---

A large fleet is not enough to take one city. Not that that is the plan, but still. It takes a Chief-Admiral to make it happen.

Kenora has gathered her entire squad plus Kanna and Zorak on deck, plus a few extra soldiers to give off a nice impression. From across one of the other dozen few battleships a metal plank is lowered over to the Pāpaka. Everyone seems a little on edge, except Kenora who, standing next to a nervous-looking Katara, greets a man wearing an almost entirely white parka. Despite being only around forty-something, the man's entire head is blessed with snow-white hair, beard stubbles and a mustache in the same color. Pola's unusually small head looks squashed and stretched like that of a toad. Similarly, his lips are pursed and express unhappiness.

KENORA: Welcome, Chief-Admiral. It's an honor to speak to you.

The man grunts, inspecting the present crew with keen eyes. He spots Yue, with his forehead wrinkling in suspicion.

POLA: What happened to Princess Yue?

He looks over to Kenora, who gives a very nervous gaze to her ex. Yue, after taking a deep breath, complies.

YUE: Training exercise. I'll be more careful next time.

Pola smiles with as much schadenfreude as he can conjure.

POLA: You have an unusual way of commanding your ship, captain.

Kenora nods, not intimidated by the much more powerful man one bit. Or at least she tries to not appear that way.

KENORA: Our crew is historic. Female-led, with the future of our nation-

Pola interrupts her with an impolite hackle.

POLA: Pardon my insolence, but, and I want to be as upfront here as I can, the only reason my fleet will be assisting you today is because I got a very urgent messenger puffin from the Great Chief.

She looks over to Katara, who averts her face with guilt. Kenora is shocked, having not known of this. But she can't risk scolding her in front of the others. Katara is the key to getting them to trust her. Kenora sighs, lifting her left bang and sticking it behind her ear, a tiny ponytail growing from the back of her head.

KENORA: Would you have preferred that the Great Chief learned of your refusal to help? Help in rescuing his only son and heir?

POLA: If you think for even a second that the Great Chief cares about Sokka-

KATARA: You want me to tell him that myself?

With her arms crossed, Pola is finally intimidated enough to shut his mouth, Kanna stepping forth a bit.

KANNA: I can atone for that as well.

Feeling cornered, he goes back to insulting Kenora personally.

POLA: Here's how it's going to go little princess...

He approaches her, bowing down provokingly as to meet her at eye level.

POLA: I will waste our time and resources to give you the cover you need to run your little mission. At sunset, we're gone. Are we clear?

She would love to dress down the old man in front of everyone. She could probably take him in a fight too, but alas, she is "just" a captain.

KENORA: That's all I wanted. Thank you for your cooperation, Chief-Admiral.

She pounds her chest, or at least slightly above. Pola grunts again.

POLA: What a disgrace.

He respectfully bows towards Kanna before going back to his own ironclad. Zorak expresses comical confusion at the whole thing.

KENORA (her back turned towards Katara): You should've told me that you wrote your father.

Katara tries not to come off as too timid.

KATARA: Well, I thought it was the right course of action-

KENORA: It was.

Kenora turns around, a strange smile trying to ease her.

KENORA: But please let me know next time. I could've worded that whole conversation differently.

Katara nods.

KENORA: Dismissed.

They all leave, Kanna approaching her granddaughter with a sympathetic expression, though still mostly stern as she is used from Kanna.

KENORA: Yue?

They all freeze up, especially the name just mentioned.

KENORA: A word.

No one appears to like that, most of all Suki, who firmly grabs the hilt of her katana for the world to see. Kenora, to everyone's surprise, acts a little tired, insulted by the gesture.

KENORA: Come on, please.

She nods everyone to leave them alone. Yue takes a deep breath, letting the salty odor mixed with the desert of the encroaching mainland travel through her lungs.

KENORA: You didn't need to lie there for me.

Yue conjures up a scoff that is as loud and sarcastic as possible.

YUE: Yes, I did.

Kenora takes the verbal gut punch.

KENORA: I want you to do something for me.

YUE (sarcastically): Oh yeah? What do you want?

KENORA: Tell your father what happened. With the scar. Tell him the whole story.

Yue reacts shocked, her folded hands separating.

YUE: What? Tha- that would ruin your reputation.

Kenora shrugs, though not coming off as very confident. Rather as desperate.

KENORA: Just do it.

Yue tries to see the right angle for this.

YUE: Oh, I get it. Some heroic gesture to make up for everything? Right. Well, that's not going to work, I can tell you that much.

She expects pushback, but Kenora simply takes it. Wanting to leave the conversation, Yue turns around-

KENORA: You will stay on the ship during the attack.

Yue stops, acting confused once more.

YUE: Why? I thought I was part of the whole infiltration plan. I had to do some basic training for it. We had this portable inhaler made-

KENORA: I can't risk it.

She averts eye contact and Yue tries poking for the truth.

YUE: Risk what?

She scoffs.

YUE: Losing me? Sedni, you are really desperate.

KENORA: It's too dangerous. I can't risk getting you or Katara hurt.

YUE: Again, that is.

Again, Kenora doesn't fight back.

YUE: Sure. I'll stay here with Katara.

Kenora nods, her eyes still laser-focused on the metal deck.

YUE: But I won't forgive you.

That's what finally causes Kenora to look up again.

KENORA: I'm not doing this for an apology.

YUE: Oh, you so are. And I know it because it's not the first time either.

Some tears show, but for the most part Yue manages to keep up her angry face.

YUE: You always trample on people's feelings, doing whatever you want and then when they finally call you out you come up with some... grandiose gesture, thinking it fixes everything.

With the conversation going practically nowhere, Yue tries one last thing, moving in closer and talking very quietly.

YUE (softly): I spent my po aroha with you. Something that I was supposed to save for my husband...

Kenora scoffs again, unable to give an actual response.

KENORA: I thought you don't like the idea of getting a husband.

YUE: What about what you want? What about your mother?

The captain freezes up at the word alone, pure terror written across her entire face.

YUE: The Kenora I know told me she ran away from home to find her.

She gestures around herself and to the many warships in the distance, as well as the Earth Kingdom coast, which is steadily engulfed in water.

YUE: What happened to her?

Kenora finally manages to squash that feeling inside her like a small bug, turning around and letting her coat wave like a flag.

KENORA: Things changed. All of this - capturing the Avatar - it is far more important than trying to chase after ghosts.

A haunting wind chimes through both of their hair. Yue too crawls back into her stern facade.

YUE: I hope you tell that to yourself every morning in the mirror. You'll believe it eventually.

She leaves, allowing her captain to blare out her anger in a quick grunt, before returning to the helm.

In a blind spot close by, Zorak flicks his brow ridge, curious to have heard most of that.

---

Before the Furious Five can enter the palace, Tamao is personally there to meet them.

TAMAO: Follow me.

---

In the War Council room, the situation seems more than just a little tense. Orders are relayed quickly, with Sung nervously chewing on his fingernails. Mai nods over to one of her Crescent Warriors, as a few of them are always present in and around the palace. Tamao does the same with an unnamed girl in a kimono.

Kuei jolts up as he spots them.

KUEI: I could not be happier to see you, Aang.

Aang bows lightly. Azula crosses her arms.

AANG: Your highness, what is happening? Is the Water Tribe invading?

Kuei sits back down, signaling to Fong to relay the situation. The general (technically still Governor-General, but that's a mouthful to mention all the time) steps forth, showcasing stone pieces moving on a zoomed-in map of Ba Sing Se and the surrounding areas.

FONG: The Western Fleet has begun their mud-hopping.

The gang reacts baffled.

AZULA: Uh... their what?

XISHAN: It's a strategy wherein the Water Tribe floods a large chunk of land, allowing them to use their navy as support.

FONG: And unfortunately...

He points to a stretch of land leading from Ba Sing Se to the sea.

FONG: ...this stretch of land is below the sea level. It also connects to the side of the city with no farmland, meaning the Lower Ring is directly threatened by anything behind that wall.

AZULA: Meaning that the Tribe is most likely headed this way?

Fong nods. Azula looks around the room, annoyed that nobody continues the conversation.

AZULA: Well? What's the plan? Why are they attacking? Why now?

Guilty eyes wander back and forth, similarly to the house scenario earlier. Aang already predicts what the answer is.

AANG: Because of me.

Shock is expressed by Aang's friends.

AZULA: What?! That is ridiculous! Who would be crazy enough-

She stops halfway through her rant, sighing heavily and massaging her temple.

AZULA: Oh no, not Kenora again...

KUEI: Who is this Kenora girl again?

FONG: A waterbender who hunted the Avatar and his friends. Our intel tells us that she was recently made captain and given her own strike force.

The Dream Team share looks of surprise.

TY LEE: Good... for her?

AZULA: Bad for us. If that maniac is really behind this, we have to expect the worst. And it will involve Aang.

Kuei crosses his hands, leaning his heavy head on it.

KUEI: Avatar Aang, I'm afraid you and I will have to have a discussion later about your stay in Ba Sing Se.

AANG: Actually, I have been thinking about leaving soon.

His friends react with shock, though not too much, as they had been suspecting something like this. By the way, Mai isn't reacting too much to any of this. That's kind of her thing.

KUEI: Let's talk about it later then.

Aang nods. Fong seems surprised too, perhaps even a little disappointed to hear this. Kuei once again gets up.

KUEI: Ladies and gentlemen, the enemy is at our gates. Yet he is unprepared and will ultimately fail to take Ba Sing Se, the city that has stood for a hundred years and even longer before that.

He checks everyone's reaction, concluding that his speech is engaging enough.

KUEI: We will repel this enemy of ours. But not to spread our might or cause suffering...

Zuko and Ty Lee start holding their hands, Mai looks over to her Crescent Warrior comrade and Aang notices the nervous gaze Azula is giving him, before ultimately looking away again.

KUEI: ...but because it is necessary for our survival. For our common enemy is not the Water Tribe, but war.

---

What follows is a short montage showcasing various parts of Ba Sing Se reacting to the invasion.

Both Professor Zei and Xiran react equally distressed over the news. The main difference is that all of Xiran's students cry as they are sent home. Kexin stops for a moment to ask if Azula, Zuko, and Ty Lee are going to protect them.

All of the various businesses in the Air Nomad village of the Middle Ring as well as Jin's tea shop are forced to close. The latter is especially frustrating, as Jin got many new costumers from the recent incident, yet at the moment she worries more about the people of Ba Sing Se, and whether or not they will be kept safe.

The administrator of the local haiku theater looks out her window with distress, the beautiful writing she got recently from an anonymous source still inspiring her.

Defense is necessary. War is hell.

---

Act II. - Come on, again?!

---

On their artificially perpetuated aqua path towards the mighty city ahead, the Western Fleet, or at least the few ironclads and some wooden ships Pola bothered to bring, halts briefly, spotting the presence of earthbender platoons awaiting them.

POLA (to his lieutenant): Order our benders to raise the water levels. I want to get in a bit closer.

As the command is relayed, the stern man tourns around, addressing the men present on his main deck.

POLA: Today, we are here to test the Earth King's resilience. To see what the coward is made off.

Cheers from the soldiers.

POLA: I won't promise you total victory. Ba Sing Se is a fortress by nature. Its walls are as thick as the brains of the enemy.

He lets his spectators get excited a little, inducing a certain level of fear to motivate them better in battle.

POLA: But with every new attack we will test them. As they will be static and helpless, we will innovate, improve, overwhelm.

He briefly looks over to the Pāpaka, that hint of spite lingering on his lips.

POLA: Earth crumbles. Water drowns.

He raises his club covered in ice.

POLA: SO LET'S DROWN THEM!

Roaring enthusiasm from a crowd of mostly young men who have no idea what their Chief-Admiral even meant. For all they know is that they need to obey and attack until they are told otherwise.

---

More and more trains keep pouring into the Middle and Upper Ring, filled to the brim with people from the Lower Ring trying to flee the incoming invasion force. They won't breach the wall and flood the city, but the artillery fire of catapulted ice rocks is scary enough to deal with. In some cases, people jump onto the roof while the vehicles are being shoved around by earthbenders.

The defense force and military got their own special transport, all the while Aang and the others are getting Appa ready.

Mai looks in quiet distress at a metal grid on the floor spewing out muddy sewage, bubbling with the ominous visualization of a Water Tribe attack.

TAMAO: An unfortunate side effect from the mud-hopping. As the ocean creeps closer, our sewage system is an unfortunate victim.

Mai nods politely, correctly guessing some incoming question or other.

TAMAO: Shahar stayed with the prince?

Mai nods again.

MAI: Do you want me to help her out?

TAMAO: I expect you to be more helpful in the evacuation and defense. But still...

She stares with sorrowful olive-green eyes, as if trying to affect her folded kimono sleeves.

MAI: You think something is up?

She overlooks the soldiers rushing to be shipped off. Hectic commands are shouted at frightened-looking young men.

TAMAO: There is simply no way that the Tribe could possibly take the city with a force of this size, when they have had much larger numbers to attempt it before. So, yes. I think something is up.

MAI: You think they have some trick up their sleeve.

TAMAO: Or perhaps they have a different target.

They both look over to Aang, who has to re-do the knot on one of Appa's reins.

MAI: Either way, I'll be there. Don't worry.

The otherwise stern Tamao with an expression refusing to change, smiles slightly. It's an honest smile that carries a lot of fear with it.

TAMAO: Also watch out for yourself, Mai. We can't afford to lose you either.

Mai nods, slightly happy to have heard such an earnest concern. She wonders if Tamao has some secondary motive to be nice to her.

---

The closer the bison flies towards the edge of the city, the steeper the water rises in the street. This above everything else makes Ty Lee absolutely despise the rigid class system of the city. Down below, as people are fleeing to seek shelter, an especially gnarly wave washing from the sewers knocks over a wooden cart filled with vegetables.

CABBAGE MAN: MY CABBAGES!

The Dream Team finally arrives at an elevated platform next to the outer gate. Aang bothered to put the Dibuang armor back on Appa, while everyone else is merely dressed in some additional shoulder pads and wrist protectors. Ty Lee was the only who actively decided against wearing anything over her Air Nomad clothing.

FONG: Aang, there you are.

They arrive to see a few soldiers surrounding the general. A few ice balls have already been launched into the city, though Azula destroyed any of them who flew close enough earlier.

AZULA: Where's Sung? Isn't he in charge of Ba Sing Se's forces?

Fong cringes, rubbing the back of his head.

FONG: He uh... he's up at the wall. Defending.

Aang pictures a scene similar to the Drill Incident, where a cowardly Sung was too afraid to actually help on top of the wall. Now that his mind wandered towards it, he wonders if the Water Tribe has some kind of similar technology to breach the wall.

A loud bang and a splash next to them alerts them to continue strategizing.

FONG: There's still a lot of people coming from the Monorail Station down there.

He points to a large exit in the wall, from which water spews and dozens of people flee.

AANG: We need to get everyone out of there.

Fong nods.

FONG: Is your waterbending any good?

Aang briefly suppresses a grunt, Azula stepping in.

AZULA: Not good enough for this. But I'm sure air and fire can do at least something.

FONG: We can do this. Together-

Another splash near them and they stop their pep talk.

---

The Monorail Station is a dingy basement-like structure. Lots of arcs, pillars, dark shades of green, and lanterns. Aang doesn't remember ever being here, though he can guess that this is how Zuko and Iroh snuck into the city back then.

Mai is more than familiar with the layout from her volunteer work, being able to quickly identify where to point Aang and Ty Lee towards, and where to look for anyone trying to hide from the water masses. Occasional circular benches are drenched in the incoming flood, some knocked over, alongside former possessions of refugees, including a tea vendor's cart. While Ty Lee and Aang try to hold off/bend away the water as best as they can with their own bending, the masses off water become greater and greater. The more civilians exit, the more soldiers enter.

AZULA (helping a woman up): This way! This way! Come on, people!

ZUKO (carrying a child to safety): I got you! Don't worry!

After having looked in every nook and cranny, Mai hopes dearly to have caught everyone. She even bothered to climb up to the second floor, which conveniently overlooks the dark, dingy location. She gets back down, informing Fong, who arrives with a few more men.

MAI: Everything looks clear. We should have gotten everyone out.

FONG: Good. Now let's-

SPLASH - WOOSH!

A blast as strong as that of a fire hydrant hits Ty Lee in the stomach. The air wall collapses and, as Aang jumps aside, a second, huge wave washes in, carrying Ty Lee with her. The assassin is quick enough to grab the acrobat by the shirt, pulling her behind a passport control booth.

MAI: Stay back-

Ignoring her own advice by partially exposing herself, Mai is hit by a second round of waves, subsequently carried outside into the Lower Ring's already drenched city street. Ty Lee wants to race after her, but is stuck in a defensive position, Zuko comforting her, while readying his swords.

The ensuing combat is ruthless but stable. Aang is once again shocked to see this many men join and fall in battle, though by this point he's semi-desensitized to it. Azula is successfully able to hold of large waves and nasty ice attacks, even defending Fong at one point. The general and his earthbender regiment use their abilities as a cover, forming a wet wall that they use as a sort of communal shield, both defending from incoming attacks as well as retaliating. Azula can't make out if any of the waterbenders or other soldiers look familiar.

---

Mai gasps for air repeatedly as the wave constantly washes over her, drenching her, until she can finally pin one of her knives into a wooden door flapping open, being able to pull herself away from the stream.

Stuck within the confines of low-income housing, she reorients her efforts towards helping ordinary folk to find safety. Some of her other Crescent Warriors, including the dorky Caraman, have joined her in this effort, seriously making a difference. Not that there won't be any deaths on a day like this, but at least they're trying.

As the flooding continues, Mai briefly catches some kind of odd blue figure in between the waves, yet where or what she saw remains elusive. Caraman meanwhile helps a small girl onto a rooftop. The population is forced to hop from building to building, finding shelter in emergency elevations, huge pillars created by soldiers, but also some brave civilian earthbenders. The assassin wonders if Aang and the others are able to hold back the invading forces.

CARAMAN: WATCH OUT!

Caught in her short daydreaming, Mai missed the shadow growing larger around her - a frozen projectile the size of a car dropping from the heavens below. In time Caraman uses some of his darts to pin Mai against a different rooftop. The two jump to safety as the blast absolutely obliterates the clumsily-built housing unit. As Mai pulls herself away, a part of her sleeves get ripped off. She also fails to land correctly, too hurt by that initial wave washing her through the city. She briefly loses her strength and collapses onto a floating piece of wood inside a different house.

---

Shahar locks all the doors, as if that would stop anyone from entering. Sabachi pokes her head from a kitchen cabinet, all whilst Sokka sits with his arms crossed and his left foot tapping the floor repeadetly. He jumps up as he spots Shahar.

SOKKA: And?!

SHAHAR: The other agent wasn't able to tell me much, but from what I hear the attack is being repelled and people are being rescued.

He hangs his head down low in shame, turning around to avert her eyes.

SHAHAR: Listen, not that this is my place to speak but... it's not your fault.

SOKKA: How can it not be? I wanted to fight battles like these all my life. Be showered in the glory of conquest.

He slaps his forehead, though not very comedically this time.

SOKKA: There's no glory in letting the innocent suffer like this. Destroying their homes...

She protests, leaning forward a little with her arms crossed, though her expression shows empathy.

SHAHAR: You were born into it, Sokka. They told you this is the way the world works for most of your life. Of course you would end up believing it.

SOKKA: But I shouldn't have. Why wasn't I smarter than this...

He sits down again, sighing in defeat. Sabachi flies over and lands on his head, though this time around it appears to be a gesture of goodwill.

SHAHAR: Don't be too hard on yourself. You're fifteen. You didn't know better. And you're trying to help now.

She turns away from him, sighing as she squeezes her brow ridge.

SHAHAR: I still cannot believe this whole "other world" story. How come you do?

He shrugs, his brain gear shifting in order to give a satisfying answer.

SOKKA: It was the personal stuff. He knew me and my sister. My name.

He looks over to her. Based on the shape her mouth forms she isn't quite convinced yet.

SOKKA: You know, the thing is, some things are different in his world. Maybe you don't exist in his - or maybe he hasn't met you yet! He can be a little weird when it's someone he doesn't know.

Shahar accepts the answer as is, placing herself down across from him on a different living room chair.

SHAHAR: I suppose. Does he know this... Kenora?

He shakes his head.

SOKKA: Apparently not. Doesn't exist there.

Shahar nods in response.

SHAHAR: So she's a... female waterbender? I thought that was forbidden.

Sokka shrugs yet again.

SOKKA: Yeah, that's Kenora for you. Rules aren't really her... thing. So to speak.

He briefly smirks, thinking about his sister.

SOKKA: I hope she caused some serious change back home. There's lots of girls that probably want to learn waterbending too. I bet Katara has mastered it herself by now. She's my sister.

Shahar doesn't quite catch the optimism here.

SHAHAR: Yeah... I don't know. That would mean more soldiers for the Water Tribe...

Sokka sits up straight, twiddling with his thumbs, hands folded.

SOKKA: Oh yeah. I forgot...

---

More water clashes with rock. A part of the wall was briefly cut off, but after Aang gave some much-needed cover fire, as in literally fire, Fong's defense started working. So far not a single Water Tribe soldier has managed to slip through.

FONG: Are you kids okay?

The general, clearly overworking his own physical strength at the moment, looks back at a complete quartet next to him, Azula still defusing the occasional waterspout while Zuko knocks over an incoming spearman.

AZULA: Where's Mai?

TY LEE: She got picked up by that first wave.

The gang shares concerned looks.

FONG: Go look for her! Help with the defense outside!

Another wave hits their shield but is practically powerless.

AZULA: Are you going to be okay all by yourselves?

Fong grunts up a quick cackle.

FONG: We're soldiers, Azula! We'll manage!

They nod, running for the exit while covering each other, finding themselves back in the Lower Ring. The army has managed to come up with a decent enough defense mechanism to help against the hailing projectiles. Any occasional ice ball is shot down by makeshift earth-turret stations, shooting powerful rock blasts and dismantling the attacks. Only a few actually land now, and thankfully into abandoned parts of the city. Aang hopes the casualties remain low.

ZUKO: Come on! She could be in trouble!

Ty Lee is the first one who jumps from the elevated Monorail platform into the muddy water, Zuko choosing to slide down the rock instead while Aang hovers onto a rooftop.

AZULA: Ugh, disgusting.

TY LEE: C'mon! You heard Zuko. We have to find her!

AZULA: Uh... I think I would rather get onto one of those rooftops with Aang. I am not going into that sewage sludge juice.

She shivers in disgust. Everyone rolls their eyes, although Aang ultimately helps hovering her over to another building.

AZULA: Thank you. At least one of you is decent enough to- WOAUGH!

One of the wooden roofs gives in, causing her to drop inside in a comical fashion. The others can't see what exactly happens, but they do spot a completely muddy Azula exiting through the building's front door, her fists balled together and her head as red as the crimson on her outfit.

AZULA: This cannot get any worse...

She almost trips over one of the sewer gates as she joins the others.

---

Moving her arms in a circular motion, it is up to Suki to give directions.

SUKI: Left.

They move left, an incoming current repelled by Kenora and supported a bit by Akari's airbending. The girls are moving with nothing but an oil lamp and a map underneath the city.

Inside the now-abandoned, flooded sewers.

AKARI: How much air do we have left?

SUKI: Left again.

They move left again. Kenora tries to mostly ignore her squad member's comment, her entire focus kept on the oval-shaped bubble protecting all of them through the disgusting, muddy waters.

AKARI: Is that why we kept Katara and Yue back on the ship? To have more air leftover?

SUKI: Right.

They move right. Her question not answered, Akari begins to grow impatient. All three of them are wearing the Princess Squad uniform, though Kenora still slapped her blue pirate coat over it.

SUKI: Straight ahead.

They move straight ahead, Kenora forced to freeze over a momentary bridge for them.

AKARI: How did we get these plans anyways? And how do we know that Sokka is this far in?

KENORA: That second one is intuition, he came here with the Avatar. I got the plans from someone on the inside.

Suki and Akari share quick looks of intrigue.

SUKI: Who?

KENORA: I don't know. Katara managed that part, and she won't tell me.

AKARI: Why?

Kenora briefly turns around...

KENORA: I didn't ask.

...only to focus back on the road.

KENORA: Where to-

SUKI: Left again.

KENORA: Thank you.

Hearing their captain be grateful appears as quite out of place.

AKARI: Why would the prince be in the same place as the Avatar? Wouldn't he be imprisoned by the Earth King?

Kenora briefly pauses before continuing onward.

KENORA: Sokka isn't their prisoner. He came with them voluntarily.

The others react with shock. Giving this away, especially so nonchalantly, was probably the wrong move for Kenora. But after talking to Yue today...

Kenora herself doesn't know why. Suppose she chose a new strategy - aggressive honesty. What could go wrong?

SUKI: How would you be able to tell? Left.

They move left.

KENORA: Trust me, would ya? I may not be perfect, but my plans usually work.

Akari frowns at her swagger.

AKARI: Oh yeah? Was it a plan to attack me when-

SUKI: We're here.

They all stop, a sewage gate right above their heads. The captain looks back, smiling.

KENORA: I told you to trust me, girls.

---

Digging through the wreckage and trying to avoid the occasional ice ball, the gang skims through much of the Lower Ring in their attempt to find Mai. They are so far unsuccessful.

ZUKO: Azula, can you help me with this?

He tries lifting up an especially heavy board of wood, while his sister seems to stare into the sky, focused and ready for combat.

AZULA: Wait...

She finally spots another projectile flying over the wall. With her sharp reflexes, she conjures up a mighty fire ball, blasting it into pieces before an earth turret close by can even aim.

AZULA: HAHA! GOTYA!

The soldiers stationed on the rock pillar angrily shake their fists.

AZULA: SUCK IT!

ZUKO: AZULA!

AZULA: Yes, I'm on it.

With the siblings proceeding to work, Ty Lee and Aang stumble into an Air Nomad Village. It too is abandoned, which, while it is technically a good thing, it does fill Ty Lee and Aang with sorrow. The airbenders briefly lean on each other's shoulders.

AZULA: Nope. Not here either.

ZUKO: You guys think she...

He doesn't speak out his horrible thought, though the acrobat still rushes to his side.

TY LEE: Oh, don't talk like that, honey. I'm sure she's fine.

ZUKO: You're right. Maybe she went back to the house.

That's when Aang and Azula both look at each other, an idea beginning to take shape.

AANG: Sokka...

Ty Lee worryingly looks at both of her friends.

TY LEE: What?

Aang takes out the bison flute, calling for his furred colossus.

AZULA: Ty Lee, be smart. We both know that this invasion is used as a front to get Aang, right?

AANG: But no one has gotten to me yet. No one can get to me – she's after Sokka!

The lovers both gasp in shock.

ZUKO: We need to head back-

AANG: You guys stay here. Keep looking for Mai.

Without another cold command, he extends his glider and lands on the approaching Appa, soaring away.

AZULA: Pragmatic guy.

ZUKO: Come one, we need to keep looking.

Azula growls with disgust yet again.

---

Shahar trying to stand up and Sokka lying on the floor with Sabachi on his belly, the two wait patiently for any new developments-

SHAHAR: Did you hear that?

She gets into combat mode, Sokka sitting up.

SOKKA: I'm sure it was nothing. Right? I mean, who would be stupid enough to-

The question answers itself at the same time as Sabachi throws a temper tantrum. Soaring into the air, she is caught by a water projectile, falling to the ground, encased in a frozen block, screeching loudly in protest. Sokka grabs his boomerang, all while Shahar forms a perfectly square-shaped rock from the ground, launching it outside through the now-already-broken porch glass door. It hits nothing, and she is instead blasted by a gust of wind, knocking her over the kitchen counter. Sokka's boomerang flies, but is quickly blocked by a water whip, before he himself gets launched into the wall by a knee. As he struggles to get back up, he spots who that knee belongs to.

KENORA: Long time no see.

He shatters at her glare. Shahar, trying to get up again, is blasted away again by another gust, then knocked out by a sucker kick from Akari, whom Sokka doesn't know. He does however recognize...

SOKKA (in pain): Suki?

The girl doesn't bother drawing her sword.

SUKI: Nice apartment. Fancy telling us why you betrayed the Tribes and went with the Avatar instead?

Sokka struggles to find an answer.

KENORA: Oh, I know at least one person who will want to hear your answer.

His facial features freeze up, as he immediately understands the connotation of who she is talking about.

AKARI: Don't worry prince, you'll get to reunite with her again in a bit.

Kenora drags him up by his shirt, the defenseless boy eyeing her fist reaching back.

KENORA: I just have to get even real quick for the Golden City...

Before any rebuttal can occur, he is already knocked out bit one precise hit.

---

A dooming yet adorably fluffy messenger puffin reaches Katara, the girl reading the relayed information with quivering eyes.

KATARA: Oh no...

She looks to the others, namely Yue, Kanna and Zorak, who all eye the battle from a bit further away. The front of the Navy is taking the brunt of the city's defenses - a simple but effective barrage of rocks, constantly dropped from on top the wall.

KANNA: What is it, dear?

She almost drops the scroll in her hand.

KATARA: Chief-Admiral Pola has informed me that we will retreat before sundown.

Kanna worryingly twiddles her thumbs, hidden both under her long sleeves. It's too hot for her to wear a parka, meaning instead she is dressed in a more modest variation of the Princess Squad uniform, which Katara and Yue are now also wearing.

KANNA: They should be on their way back now. That is... if they haven't been captured.

She and everyone else begins to worry.

YUE: Can we do anything to help them? Send a message?

KATARA: It would give away their position. Maybe Yue and I could go and-

ZORAK: Take a step back everyone!

He gestures them to get behind, meanwhile Kanna has also noticed the incoming earth chunk flying towards them. The teacher and the old woman successfully burst it into pieces, yet they weren't fast enough. Small bits of rock break off, one of them hitting...

YUE: Katara!

She rushes to her friend's aid. The Crown Princess carries a small gash on her head, blood streaming from it. Kanna immediately starts healing it.

KANNA: She's going to be alright. But I'm afraid that knocked her out.

Yue almost has a full-on panic attack, needing to take out her portable inhaler to quickly deal with her stress-induced short breath.

ZORAK: I'll take her down into her quarters.

The man lifts her up, carrying her down below deck. Yue looks after the only other authority figure with pure horror.

---

Aang is devastated to find a muddy track tracing from a nearby sewer grid, the overflow now having almost completely stopped, and ending in their house's backyard. He lands, finding a little popsicle lemur who he awkwardly thaws out with firebending. Sabachi licks his cheek to thank him.

He hears a grunting in the corner, rushing to Shahar's aid. The girl's kimono is all messy and she apparently took a mean jab in the face. Sabachi remains cuddling Shahar's side, appearing worried.

SHAHAR (weak): Aang... they took him...

Aang's horrified expression briefly freezes him up. He can't lose Sokka. Not after he almost lost Sokka in his world. One of the many dark memories edged into his mind.

AANG: Who? Who am I up against?

Shahar's eyes open and close, her head still ringing from the brute force impact.

SHAHAR: Some... some waterbender. A girl...

AANG: Was she alone?! What are we up against here?!

He seems to mostly dismiss his new friend's current inability to answer. Much to his misfortune, as Shahar's mind still wanders through the conversation she had with Sokka before the attack.

SHAHAR: Waterbender... girl... Katara...

Aang's heart beats so fast, he could swear it's trying to jump out of his chest.

---

Zorak returning from the quarters, Kanna was smart enough to get some other waterbenders from the crew to help her defend from the now increasing attacks. She briefly breaks the formation as she spots Yue attempting to climb down the ladder.

KANNA: Yue! Wait!

YUE: Don't stop me, I have to do this!

Not being able to convince herself, she gets back up again, doubting her own abilities for a moment.

KANNA: Let me accompany you, princess. I can keep you safe-

YUE: No. I'll be hidden better if I'm alone on that canoe. Please stay here, Chief-Mother.

KANNA: My child, I admire your bravery, but this is foolish. You could get hurt-

YUE: I can get hurt all the time!

Her brief burst of emotion confuses both. Yue sighs.

YUE: My whole life I've been told that I'm always in danger, always on the verge of dying. But...

She reminisces about Kenora. She too hasn't let go of her fully, remembering the good times before the failed invasion.

YUE: Someone recently taught me how to be brave. And I can't throw that away now when my friends are in danger.

Kanna takes a deep breath.

KANNA: Was that person Kenora?

Yue is startled for a moment. It's long overdue someone finally caught on. She simply nods, choosing bravery over fear.

KANNA: Good luck. Be careful.

---

ZUKO: We have to go back!

Against her brother's will, the firebender has decided it would be the best thing to return to the Monorail Station. Based on the lack of noise, the battle in there is apparently over, having shifted to somewhere else.

AZULA: No, we actually don't. You are very welcome to do so Zuko, I however think that Mai is more than capable of rescuing herself without a knight in shining armor.

Her two friends, the couple, both aren't very happy about that comment. They enter the wet and partially destroyed interior, the firebender trying to spot any apparent dangers.

TY LEE: We should probably look for Aang then. Maybe he needs our help.

AZULA: Nah, doubt it. He can manage-

She stops, gesturing her friends to do the same. She points towards a nearby sewer gate, where a set of wet footsteps have suddenly stopped.

---

Kenora, having done the exact same thing, forgot that the now-lowered water level meant that they needed to be careful not to be caught. They may have been able to run back without bending, but at a price.

With Akari holding an unconscious Sokka, Suki aggressively gestures for them to just rush to the exit. Kenora shakes her head, having other ideas.

---

Azula slowly approaches the gate with her extended fingers. Ty Lee readies her staff while Zuko quietly draws his blades. Having finally reached their goal, she carefully peaks down, an empty sewer corridor below.

KENORA: Hi.

They all turn their heads to the jumpscare. Azula immediately shoots a fireball, though Kenora can very casually block the attack.

KENORA: Rude.

AZULA: And there I was, hoping to finally have a break from you. But I guess I'll just beat you again.

Kenora frowns in shame and anger.

ZUKO: Where is Sokka?!

He looks down the grate again, being hit from above by an air blast and rolling away a bit. A second one incoming, Ty Lee is quick to stop the attack herself, her jaw dropping at the revelation of who performed the attack. Akari too seems a bit uneasy at first.

KENORA: Wait, you know these guys Akari?

Akari switches to a glare for the acrobat, and so Ty Lee answers with the same thing.

AKARI: Vaguely.

Kenora shrugs maniacally.

KENORA: Wonderful.

A third figure appears from shadows, the shining katana immediately unnerving Azula and Ty Lee.

KENORA: Now...

She assumes a fighting stance, her squad members doing the same, as does the Dream Team Trio.

KENORA (angry): You said something about beating me again?

The atmosphere is as thick as the final showdown of a spaghetti western. Nobody dares to move or attack. Until...

TY LEE (shouting at Akari): Why would you go back and join them?! You are more than this!

AKARI (angrily shouting at Ty Lee): Stop pretending to be some well-meaning soul! You may read my aura, but you don't know what I think!

Ty Lee is slightly intimidated by the verbal assault.

AZULA: I'm glad to see you finally found some friends, Keno-no. I hope you told them that you're a psycho beforehand.

Chime. Kenora frowns even harder.

ZUKO (to Suki): So uh... who are you then?

SUKI: None of your business.

She raises her right arm holding the blade, her left one extended and aiming at the swordfighter.

AZULA: Chatty friend with the blade. You don't happen to have picked her up after she almost killed me in that fortress, did you?

Akari and Suki stare with baffled eyes at their captain.

SUKI: What is she talking about-

KENORA (eyes laser focused on Azula): Don't listen to her! She is trying to split us! Everyone stick to the plan!

AZULA: The thing is, girls, when I undermine her authority by simply speaking the truth...

Kenora gets ready for an attack. Azula's smirk turns into an uneasy frown.

AZULA: ...then her authority isn't very legitimate.

With a roar, Kenora launches her first attack at the firebender, who ducks. Akari uses the momentum to force Ty Lee to block an air slash, then helps Kenora to reverse the water attacks trajectory backwards, slapping it against an unsuspecting Azula. Suki meanwhile begins her slashing barrage against the swordfighter - hacking and slashing, spinning and swiping, one-handed, two-handed - a fierce series of ruthless attacks, much more dangerous than anything Zuko has faced so far. While he is able to hold firm with his own blades, he seriously considers surprising her with firebending.

Ty Lee helps him out by blasting away the swordfighter, before being hit herself with a wave and the waterbender on it. She can recover and counter quickly with an air dome, though Kenora skillfully maneuvers and lands with a roll, launching a series of water capoeira attacks against the airbender. Her staff was washed aside for now.

Azula has meanwhile recovered as well, stopping Akari from joining either fight. The airbender tries swiping Azula off her balance, aiming for her legs in an attempt to trip the girl. Yet her agility, combined with the amateur airbending movements she possesses, allows Azula to easily avoid her opponent's attacks. Akari only barks angry wind slices, before separating her batons from each other and going for the close combat offense.

Zuko's footwork improves and he starts getting the hang of Suki's deadly attacks, all precise and terrifying to deal with. He briefly spots his girlfriend in the corner of his eyes, struggling to keep her dodging skills consistent with the ever more rapid waterbending attacks from a grumpy Kenora.

ZUKO: Azula!

AZULA: On it!

The athlete's movement becomes sloppier and more brutish. Azula feels almost a bit underwhelmed, easily dodging and blocking most attacks with her wrist protectors, or just outright dodging them.

AKIRA: How! Do you! Move! So! FAST?!

AZULA: You might be an airbender, but I was trained by the Ava-

She finally lands a hit, straight in Azula's face. Before Akari can finally blow her away, Azula releases a vengeful blast of spiral blue, an attack that Akari is able to block, but one powerful enough to knock her over.

She finally has a free hand to help out Ty Lee, cutting Kenora's elastic wave down and knocking her on her butt. The siblings are subsequently blasted away by Akari though, forcing Ty Lee to face Akari without a staff.

Azula meanwhile utilizes a similar strategy against Suki, though this time around she manages to incorporate some firebending, eventually overpowering her and forcing Suki to fight defensively, blocking a barrage of flame charges aimed at her chest. A wateracle rudely grabs her from behind, tossing her into the second floor of the Monorail Station, where a wave carrying Kenora lands across from her.

AZULA (angrily): I can't wait to wipe that smirk off your face.

Kenora smirks.

KENORA: I'd like to see you try.

Expecting her to use the water around her waist, Kenora casually summons another tidal wave from below, washing Azula against several pillars and benches like a pinball machine.

Akari moves with twice the speed as before, her attacks carrying with her a kind of primal rage she hasn't tapped into before. Ty Lee, feeling mostly sad for her opponent, keeps a relatively calm head, dodging all of her attacks and rarely countering. Even without a staff, Ty Lee is twice as talented at the bending art as Akari.

AKARI (angrily): Come on! Fight back!

TY LEE (determined): No.

Akari's wish is fulfilled through unconventional means - being tackled to the ground by Zuko in an eerie parallel to their Pit fight. Akari gets back up, finally able to counter the annoying swordfighters attacks with her batons. Suki tries sneaking up on Ty Lee, managing to give her a small cut on her shin, though the airbender quickly retaliates with a series of wind blasts, all of which Suki can disperse with her sword.

Kenora relentlessly assaults the firebender pillar by pillar, destroying much of the second-floor lobby in the process. Azula keeps her distance, reserving her strength for small but destructive fire gouts, one of which destroys a pillar next to Kenora. Getting too greedy and moving in closer trying to launch a kick, Azula's leg gets submerged. Kenora briefly engulfs her whole body in a bubble, yet Azula breaks free by heating up her palms underwater, a technique taught to her by Jeong-Jeong. Realizing her strategy is failing, Kenora starts smacking Azula against walls and pillars, trying to inflict enough damage to break her concentration. It doesn't work ultimately, but it does hurt like hell. By the time Azula breaks free both opponents need to take a breather, Azula recovering quicker due to her extensive breathing exercises. She unleashes a hellish deluge of blue upon Kenora. The captain is forced to use up almost all of the surrounding water to block it, extinguishing it in the process. She already plans out her next attack, thinking this girl-flamethrower is probably occupied keeping the stream steady, yet, by the time the flames finally lose their strength, Azula is the one to launch for close combat. Her fist partially engulfed in fire, she gives her opponent a pretty hefty gut punch, before just flat out spin-kicking her in the face and against the wall. The left side of Kenora's face is now swollen, her old nose injury flaring up again. Azula is soaking wet and bleeding from her nose. Both are glaring at each other.

Akari, finally able to overpower the boy, smacks his swords away, before bluntly shoving him aside with an air funnel. Ty Lee is now standing opposite two opponents, successfully managing to dodge their attacks, even getting Akari to accidentally hit her squad member with an air slash, knocking her over. She finally catches Akari's batons, her hands and wrist hurting like hell from the maneuver. In an almost perfect ninety-degree-angle, she jolts up her left leg, conjuring air from below and launching the athlete into the air for a moment. This gives her enough time to ease Azula's fall, though she still grunts upon impact. With a provocative smirk Kenora towers above her bloody and tired enemies, yet she and her allies look much the same.

---

Act III. - The Avatar and...

---

Having memorized the sewer system on her own time, Yue finally takes the right corner, peaking above at just the right angle, spotting Kenora. A quiet voice alerts her.

MAI: Don't move.

Across the sewage corridor, a cloaked figure in black and gray is protecting an unconscious Sokka, her hand holding a set of shuriken aimed at the princess. Yue holds up her hands, signaling no danger. Yet she needs to warn the others. She waits for Mai to finally turn around and pull Sokka away, before running back towards her own exit.

YUE (shouting up the grate): They have the prince!

Shuriken fly her way, though she is already around the corner and racing towards freedom, Mai grunts angrily, but takes the guess that the girl is no real danger. She continues to pull Sokka to safety.

---

YUE (from the sewers): They have the prince!

The content of the news shocking enough, she almost pukes at the realization of who said it.

KENORA (terrified): NO!

Azula helps Zuko to get his swords back, Ty Lee picking up her staff. They don't have much time until their opponents strike again.

AZULA: Any more ideas? Wait for Aang to show up?

TY LEE: I have one.

She looks at their friends with a battered expression.

TY LEE: Remember the rod-thing I pulled on you against the Blue Spirit?

Azula nods.

AZULA: You think you can do it on both of us?

ZUKO: Of course she can.

Quick smiles are interrupted as soon as they get wind of their opponents encircling them again.

AZULA: Aren't you guys tired? You lost your main price already?

Kenora answers with a grunt.

AZULA (Ty Lee): Alright sweety, whenever you're ready.

Ty Lee spins her staff twice, before capturing both Zuko and Azula in respective mini tornadoes, who follow along a line to each tip on the acrobat's weapon. With this, she can move her friends with intense speeds, allowing for blades to hit faster than they can usually, and flames to be almost everywhere at once. Continuing this for a while, Akari and Suki block blades and flames while Kenora is forced to deal with mainly fire. The bodyguard and athlete finally rush back over to Kenora, who looks like she could continue this fight to her death.

AKARI: Captain, we got to go!

Ty Lee halts the two carousel fighters, allowing Azula to triumphantly smirk.

AZULA: Going already? Oh, I was just starting to have fun.

Kenora prepares another attack, but Suki physically prevents her from continuing. Before her captain can bark in protest, Suki glares into her soul.

SUKI: Think about Yue.

How and why Suki says this remains elusive to the captain, yet finally motivates her to flee. A combination of airbending and waterbending should give them enough speed to catch up with the Pāpaka before the mud-hopping is over. Kenora glares back one last time at the firebender before finally making her grand escape.

---

Appa races as fast as he possibly can, dodging any and all incoming projectiles, which are fewer and fewer now. Aang hated leaving Shahar behind, but there wasn't much the girl could've done. Not when he might have to face Katara. His heart hasn't stopped pounding with the intensity of an industrial press. He can't fight her he... he just can't. He just has to see if it is her.

As he crosses the final wall, the ships are beginning to retreat, as does their artificial ocean. Sung has also stopped his "defense", leaving a few smaller wooden ships as leftover wreckage in the mud.

He spots something blue. Some kind of dot running across the muddy surface. He chooses to abandon Appa as well, hoping that he flies back and helps out his friends, who may need the bison more than him.

He has to do this alone.

---

As she stops next to an abandoned, broken-down ship, Yue has to use her inhaler again. Running this much isn't good for her. The Pāpaka as well as the water carrying it doesn't seem to get any closer as she tries to run towards it. A terrible fear has begun to grow inside her.

That fear manifests itself in the form of a silhouette on a glider coming ever so closer. She decides to run into the ship, a large hole on the side the perfect spot to do so. Once entered, she stumbles her way behind a crate standing next to a series of nets and furs hanging from the walls. A strange sound later and the figure finally enters, almost giving her a heart attack.

AANG: Katara?

He hasn't spotted her yet - wait - KATARA?! Too baffled and too intrigued... Yue comes out of hiding, staring at the Avatar with one big, red question mark above her head.

Aang doesn't dare to speak. Did she-

YUE: How do you know who Katara is?

It's then and there when Aang finally recognizes Yue, her white hair having taken on the complete opposite on the color spectrum. As if those two things weren't enough already, Yue suddenly freezes up, a nightmarish expression of fear appearing on her face.

AANG: Don't be scared. I'm not going to-

A sensation on his neck alerts him.

Rushing with the tempo of a hawk and the strength of a rhino, a figure charges Aang, pressing its katana against his staff, giving it a permanent dent. He too is frozen for a second, staring into the non-existent eyes of the Blue Spirit.

He blows his opponent away, it managing to stay mostly in place via sticking the katana into the floor. Aang switches to a red flame engulfing the interior, the spirit jumping above on deck. Aang follows it, yet it appears to be on the run already, seeing no fighting chance thus far against someone possessing two elements.

AANG: Stop!

Oddly enough, it does. Sitting on the wooden railing like a monkey, katana in its shaft, it turns around only its head.

Yue watches all of this unfold from below.

AANG: I know you're someone under there.

The mask doesn't show any kind of response. Aang starts getting desperate.

AANG: You... you might be someone I know. Under that mask. And I... need to know...

He almost starts crying. This gets him a reaction from the spirit, its head slightly tilting to the side.

AANG: Please. I... need to know if it's you.

A short moment of silence.

Then, as if enraged, the Blue Spirit draws its blade once again, launching a number of attacks against the boy, all of which he dodges or blocks, giving his staff even more dents. It also starts utilizing water, directing it with its blade. Aang manages to get those as well, yet he quickly realizes the advantage it gives his opponent. The mask knows it two. More slashes and kicks, splashes and tricks - then it lands back on the main deck like a toad. Aang eyes it again. He almost speaks her name...

That's when the Blue Spirit finally disappears for good. Where to, Aang can't tell. He can spot a weird trio consisting of Kenora, Akari and someone else making their way towards fleet, though he doesn't see the point in chasing after them.

Yue reacts to all of this rather scared, more than interested. She too finally spots her friends making a run for it, without her. She gulps, that initial fear multiplying exponentially.

---

Aang returns later that evening to their home on Appa. He scoffs, as the Middle and Upper Ring seem completely undamaged, though absolutely filled to the brim with refugees from the Lower. His friends have all arrived already, all of them looking beaten and tired. Even Sabachi appears modestly tired after a day such as this.

As he enters, Azula and Ty Lee immediately launch at him with two very different hugs.

AANG: How is everyone?

He gets shrugs and tired looks from the bunch, even Azula.

AZULA: Kenora happened. We guessed right. Just not about who she would target.

Sokka, a laceration running across his forehead, sighs.

SOKKA: They know I betrayed them. There really is no going back for me now...

Azula briefly eyes him with sharp comment festering, yet she decides against uttering it. Aang sighs too, mostly in relief at the fact that he only spotted Kenora and Yue today.

AANG: I fought the Blue Spirit.

Everyone looks up a tat more energetic.

AZULA: Okay, Keno-no is boring against that.

ZUKO: She did have new allies this time. One was-

He looks over to Ty Lee, who hangs her head low.

ZUKO: It was Akari.

Aang sighs again, simply placing himself on the wooden floor, Sabachi running over to him and nibbling his hands.

SOKKA (to Mai): Thank you, by the way.

Mai nods, a tiny, miniscule hint of a blush visible, as most of her make-up was washed away by the attack. Sokka blushes a bit as well.

AZULA: Alright...

She gets up, tired. Partially from the battle, but also because she has to apologize to someone again.

AZULA: Sorry for pushing you on the whole earthbender thing, Aang.

Aang looks up, guilt building up in inside.

AZULA: My guess is that the Earth King will probably kick us out of the city tomorrow, so I suppose we can take the opportunity to look for this Toph.

Aang smiles slightly, as does Azula.

SHAHAR: And this Toph is... sorry, was his earthbending teacher?

Out of everyone, Shahar's voice sounds the weariest.

AANG: She was. But she was so much more than that. She was a friend.

A hint of jealously is swallowed down alongside Azula's pride.

SHAHAR: Okidoki...

The agent exhales. This the most... informal the kids have seen her thus far.

TY LEE: So you believe us? You believe Aang's story?

Shahar shrugs, firmly holding the ice pack against her head.

SHAHAR: Sure. Let's help the boy to fix all the worlds he needs to...

The odd comment cheers up everyone a bit.

AANG: I'm sorry too. I wanted to tell you guys a lot sooner about my plans to look for Toph.

AZULA: Yeah, we figured out pretty much immediately what you had planned.

Ty Lee gives him a somewhat playful expression.

TY LEE: Can't trick us anymore!

Aang scoffs, a clear display of his joy. In a situation as absurd and cruel as his, he really couldn't ask for better friends.

---

The sun already setting and the Western Fleet dispersing, Kenora and her comrades land on the Pāpaka, tired, beaten and slightly disoriented. Akari lies down flat on deck, her arms completely overworked from spinning her staff to get them here faster. The captain looks around with something akin to madness, walking around the ship, though mostly ignored for now.

KENORA (tired): Where...

KANNA: Thank the spirits you're back! That snake Pola broke his promise!

ZORAK: Truly, it was an astounding display of violence!

KENORA (tired): Where is she...

Kanna and Zorak exchange uncertain looks.

ZORAK: Where is the prince?

SUKI: We had him. Kenora's plan was...

AKARI (tired): Actually really good.

Suki and Akari find themselves in the odd position of defending their hated captain. Kanna is visibly disappointed by her grandson not being reunited with her today. She also fears that someone else might have gone missing...

KENORA (tired): Wha... where...

SUKI: All things considered - infiltrating Ba Sing Se by merely a bunch of girls? We could have done so much more if we had more...

She spots Katara stepping from below deck, her right hand still massaging her head.

SUKI: Katara!

She immediately rushes to her friend's aid.

KENORA (tired): Where...

KATARA: It's nothing. I got hit by some debris. I can heal it myself.

The Crown Princess looks around, assessing the situation.

KATARA: You didn't get Sokka?

Suki shakes her head.

KATARA: Oh. Shame. Where's Yue?

Kenora finally stops, her biggest fear manifesting in front of her. Kanna sighs quietly.

KANNA: She... left to help you. I couldn't stop her.

It seems to dawn on everyone at an individual pace, Katara covering her mouth in shock.

KENORA: No...

Her distress morphs into anger.

KENORA (angrily, to Kanna): What do you mean "I couldn't stop her."?! Aren't you a waterbender?!

Kanna doesn't take the anger tantrum, even if it is perhaps somewhat justified.

KANNA: I couldn't stop her for the same reason no one can stop you, Kenora. She said it herself - your bravery inspires her.

As if the feelings of guilt weren't bad enough already, they now magnify tenfold. Tears run down her cheek. Katara of all people finds this most intriguing.

AKARI (still on the floor): Are you... crying? Why are you crying?

SUKI: Because she loves her.

They all turn to Suki. All except Kenora, who prefers turning her back in shame.

SUKI: Or loved. I assume it's the latter, judging by their interactions on the ship. But yeah, you can't tell me that I'm the only one who caught those yearning gazes.

ZORAK: I... don't want to be too personal about our captain, but I overheard something as well. No judgement from my part, though.

He raises his arms in a gesture of defeat. Their captain still won't react, and still won't stop crying without making a sound. Katara seems to be the only one present who acts a little weirded out by the information.

SUKI: Another thing - apparently the prince, our target we're supposed to save, doesn't want to be saved. He willingly chose to go with the Avatar.

More baffled reactions, quite a sad one from Katara. Kanna appears more... embarrassed, as if she hadn't expected this from Sokka. Hadn't expected that this was a choice she could've made as well.

KATARA (teary): What...

AKARI (tired, and still on the floor): Our captain said so. Didn't explain why.

With all these looming questions in the room, Kenora finally turns around, showing herself from her most vulnerable side, her pirate coat flapping in the stormy ocean wind.

KENORA (teary): He betrayed us. All of us. He betrayed... me.

While everyone present expects a more satisfying answer... Kenora ultimately walks past by everyone, escaping to her private quarters, where she intends to remain for the rest of the day.

---

The chaos of the battle continues into the next day, though with emergency housing being provided for the displaced, hope has spread far and wide in the city. The proud fortress which has held on for yet another day.

KUEI: I come with bad news before you, Avatar Aang.

In the War Council Chamber, the usual suspects are present, including Sokka, Mai, and Shahar, though off on the side. And one of them had to agree to be put in chains, temporarily that is.

KUEI: While your presence in Ba Sing Se is always welcome, and especially necessary for our battle strategizing, I'm afraid we will have to ask to leave the great city of Ba Sing Se. At least for a while.

Aang smiles with a smirk that confuses the sovereign.

KUEI: Is this good news to you?

AANG: No, your highness. But we were planning on leaving regardless.

AZULA: We also promise to return should the Earth King or Ba Sing Se ever need us again.

Kuei smiles, as does Fong.

KUEI: Very well. You have successfully helped to fend off an invasion and presented us a valuable prisoner in the form of Princess Yue. We cannot thank you enough.

Aang nods as humbly as a monk can do. Sokka feels an ounce of guilt burning inside him as he hears the news about Yue.

AANG: We didn't do it all by ourselves. The people of Ba Sing Se helped themselves out too.

FONG: And so we will in the future.

The Council of Five rises, all briefly bowing as a gesture of respect. Azula scoffs very quietly, as she is able to tell Aang clearly doesn't like all this attention.

---

With Appa saddling up and being filled with a decent level of supplies, Fong rushes to the huge palace entrance, where the bison resides.

FONG: Aang? Can I speak to you?

The boy nods, hovering down. With Tamao, Shahar and Mai also present, Mai allows herself to speak to Sokka for a bit.

MAI: You still have your ankle bracelet on.

He hoists his leg in a comical fashion. The bracelet shatters at Madame Tamao's wrist pull.

SOKKA: Thanks. What will you be doing while we're gone?

MAI: Well... I'll still be in charge of my Crescent Warriors.

She waves over to Tamao.

TAMAO: Seeing how bravely both Mai and Shahar have proven themselves yesterday, both of them will be getting a room within the palace.

Shahar shakes with as much glee as she can.

SHAHAR: I'm so excited! We'll be roommates!

Mai's stern demeanor, unshaken by anything, comically shatters.

MAI: Roommates? Why am I hearing this only now?

---

Fong has meanwhile taken Aang to a slightly secluded corner, shadily giving him a scroll, which has one hell of a surprise for him.

FONG: I did some digging and I found your Beifong's. Or, Beifong. Toph is apparently the only living member of the family left.

He opens it to find... well, Toph. More specifically a wanted poster. A detailed drawing shows a much scruffier girl than he knew, wearing darker and less fancy clothing, her hair messy and missing that headpiece he had gotten used to. There's also something about her face that looks... much different. He can't quite point to what it is, though. In Chinese characters it reads "The Sand Bandit". It also says...

AANG: "Suspected to be involved in Liberation Forces activity"...

He lowers it, Fong taking it back politely.

FONG: That's all I can give you. Apparently she's been spotted in a forest near Gaipan. I understand that it has something to do with you being the Avatar, but please - be careful Aang. You could get into a lot of trouble if you get involved with the wrong people.

Aang nods. He can't say what to expect yet with this Toph. But for now, he's just happy to have made such a reliable ally in Fong.

---

The bison having the left the city a while ago, Mai is fixing up her side of the room, the girls having split it almost perfectly down the middle. Hers is furnished dark and cold, while Shahar's side is a bit more colorful. Mai sighs very quietly.

MAI: I still don't like it.

Shahar giggles, leaning herself against the doorframe.

SHAHAR: Yeah. I thought becoming the head of my own department meant I would get a bit more than half a room. But it could be worse.

Mai crosses her arms.

MAI: In that?

Shahar smiles naively.

SHAHAR: I could get a roommate who is only half as awesome.

Mai scoffs, letting her bright side be visible for a bit longer than usual. Maybe it's Shahar's enthusiasm, maybe it was Sokka's sweet smile as he departed.

MAI: Alright Ms. Careerladder, let's get to work then, shall we?

Shahar nods and the two leave their new quarters arm in arm.