I would have posted sooner, but the combination of a holiday and some technical problems with the website delayed me. Thank you for all the follows and reviews.
"Aang, we need to talk." Azula's voice cut through his reverie like a razor-sharp knife.
Aang had been guiding Appa along, chatting with his sky bison, with Momo adding in his thoughts. As a result, the Avatar had not heard the royal siblings whispering behind him. Zuko was leaning over a map, marking marks here and there, while Azula had been making sharp remarks.
"What's up Zula?" he asked cheerfully.
"First of all, don't call me that. Secondly, shouldn't we be trying to get you ready to stop the Water Tribes and bring balance, and all that stuff?" Azula grabs the map out of Zuko's hands. "It seems from your traveling so far, you have no idea what you are doing!"
"What my sister means is, that you seem to be avoiding your purpose. Now, I do understand. We both do, though Azula hides it well." Azula elbowed her brother, but he ignored her.
"I...okay, you're right." Aang pointed out on the horizon. "We will be passing near Kyoshi Island soon. An island dedicated to me, well, one of my past selves. We can get supplies, and maybe I can learn something important."
"Hmm...Kyoshi Island. It's still part of the Earth Kingdom, or it was. I think a lot of Fire Nation refugees headed there." Zuko pulled up the map and looked over it.
"Last I heard it was trying to be some sort of neutral zone. The Water Tribes may be our enemy, but they have a weird respect for the Avatar, at least from some of the prisoner reports." Azula leaned over the side of the saddle. "Those were from a month or two ago."
Within a few hours, Appa began a slow turn and descent towards the island. It was a beautiful gem of land, with mountains and greenery, and buildings scattered in between. Ships were pulled up to a harbor, with haphazard docks winding among them. All the ships seemed to be civilian, but one or two looked to be of Water Tribe make, the rest being Earth Kingdom or Fire Nation.
Appa flew in low to land on an open beach near the docks. "This harbor is terribly planned. Even backwater Fire Nation ports have better organization, not to even speak of the First Lord's Harbor." Azula shook her head in disgust.
"I don't think it is planned at all. Looks like it was built as needed." Zuko hung his sword sheath over his back and adjusted the strap.
Aang landed gently next to him on a puff of air, with Momo dropping on his shoulder. "When I was here last, it was a small village, with no real harbor at all." He looked over at the docks. Most of the bustling crowds were not paying much attention, but a few were casting looks over.
"I don't know how much of a scene we want to make, neutral ground or not," Zuko shifted nervously.
"You're probably right." Aang turned to Appa. "You and Momo should hang out in the forest, we'll be back soon." Appa let out a mournful sigh but nodded. Momo leaped into the air and landed on Appa's back. Then with another bellow, Appa was off into the forest.
The three made their way down the beach and into the crowded docks. They were less conspicuous, but Aang was still drawing attention. At least no one was looking as closely at Zuko and Azula. There were plenty of other Fire Nation citizens about, including more refugees disembarking from a battered old Fire Nation transport. Of more concern was the Water Tribe people in the crowds.
Zuko noticed a group of Water Tribe warriors and quickly pulled Aang down an alley. Most of the Water Tribe people were civilians, fur traders, and fishermen, but they could be spies. As they entered further into the town, they found haphazard buildings pushing into the wilderness and more being built. Despite this, many trees and foliage had been left in place, and animals flitted about among the humans.
"We can't stay too long. The Water Tribe will know we are here soon enough," Zuko warned.
"Definitely. Most of these traders will happily spill their guts to the Water Tribe military for a few coins," Azula hissed. Small bits of flame flickered around her fingers as they passed more Water Tribe merchants. Zuko glanced at her and shook his head, and she sighed and the flames dissipated.
The center of the town was more open and clear, with rows of organized buildings. A statue of Kyoshi dominated the main square. Aang had been sharing friendly greetings with anyone casting him looks, being his jovial self. As they approached the main square, Azula's jaw dropped and she turned to the side.
In another large cleared area were set up several large tents. They were circular, rose taller than most of the buildings around, and had a kaleidoscope of colors. People were making their way into the tents, as colorfully dressed people from various nations tried to sell food, while others performed tricks, sang, or gave other artistic performances. The sounds of animals and people echoed from within.
"Is that Shuzumu's Circus?" she asked.
Zuko glanced over. "It does look like it. I guess he decided it was safer to perform here."
"Plenty of refugees looking for some entertainment," commented Azula.
Aang may have noticed the circus, but something else was drawing his attention. The Avatar wandered across the center square, not paying attention to the others around him, heading towards the massive statue at the end of the plaza. The statue had seen better days but still gave a sense of gravitas. It depicted a stern woman in traditional facepaint, with a fan in each hand and robes of green accented in gold and brown.
"Kyoshi..." he mumbled to himself. Aang stopped a the feet of the statue and stared upwards. He had fled before he had learned much about his destiny, but he knew this was one of his past lives. There was a connection there he couldn't explain, growing stronger with each passing moment. The eyes of the statue began to glow, locking gaze with Aang.
In the background, someone was yelling at him. He felt his body began to lift and air whirl around him. Aang felt himself falling into a void. He couldn't let this happen. With great force of will, he pulled himself back, back to reality. Losing control and entering the Avatar state now would be disastrous. As Aang forced his gaze away from the statue, he saw something else.
Standing and watching from the shadow of the building was Avatar Kyoshi. When she saw him looking at her, she turned and flitted away. "Wait! I need to talk to you." Aang dashed off after the figure. He realized it was too young to be the grown Avatar, but the way she was dressed could not be a coincidence. As he ran, something in the back of his mind twitched in remembrance, but a sharp pain drove it away as soon as it arose.
Across the plaza, Zuko and Azula had been calling for Aang, as he stared at the statue in a trance, then suddenly dashed off into an alleyway. The two bolted after him, but the crowd closed in around them. A large number of refugees poured into the main plaza heading for the largest building in the center of the settlement.
By the time they had pushed their way through the crowd, Aang was gone. Zuko knelt and glanced around.
"What are you doing?" asked Azula.
"Trying to track him."
"Do you know how to track?"
"Uncle gave me a few tips...not very many." Zuko stood up and looked down the nearby alleys and roadways. "Wait, look, it looks like a tornado went that way."
"I know a tornado." Azula dashed down the path with Zuko in hot pursuit.
The path was dotted with more buildings sprouting from the forest floor among the trees. There were a few people here and there, some peeking out of doors and windows to see what the noise was. They had to slow down a bit, but the path was still well-marked with a trail of blown vegetation and twigs scattered about.
Azula burst into a small clearing outside the bounds of the village and glanced around. There wasn't a clear path leading away. Zuko skidded in a few seconds later. Suddenly, a bunch of figures dropped from the surrounding foliage, wearing dark green uniforms with brown armor. They all had face paint and wielded two fans.
Zuko barely had time to drop into a defensive stance and draw his swords when they attacked. They unleashed a blinding flurry of kicks and slashing strikes with their fans, barely giving Azula and Zuko time to firebend. Azula managed to get a solid punch in on one of them, sending her stumbling to the ground.
Zuko managed to cut one of the fans apart, but another of the warriors caught his blade and flipped it away using the fan. He managed to get some space by firebending with a wide kick. He swung his sword at one of them, cutting off the tassels on her helmet, while sending a bolt of fire to give Azula a chance to get up. She managed to get up despite the blows to her torso and fired a barrage of fire bolts back.
"Stop!" a loud voice commanded. A man stepped from the trees, with a couple of other warriors with him. "Why are you attacking these Fire Nation refugees?"
The warriors all stopped and backed away. One of them turned to the man. "Governor Oyaji, they were running through the streets on the outskirts of town. We were only going to detain them to see why they were causing such a ruckus."
"I see." The governor looked them over. "We don't wish to cause a problem with our Fire Nation allies, even though we are neutral ground. Why were you running about?" he asked kindly.
"We were looking for a friend," Zuko quickly said, before Azula interjected. "He ran off in this direction."
"There is nothing out here but more forest. Perhaps he returned to town."
"He could have."
"The Kyoshi Warriors," the governor said, motioning to the armored warriors around him, "could help you look for them."
Zuko looked them over. He now realized that they were all female. They also had proven to be rather skilled.
"If this is how you treat your allies, your enemies must be terrified," Azula said, rubbing her ribs and scowling at the leader of the Kyoshi warriors.
"Governor Oyaji, I believe we should take them to Suki. She could help them find their friend," the leader of this group offered.
"That's alright," Zuko said. "I'm sure he returned to town. If we can't find him, we may accept your offer."
Oyaji clapped his hands. "Excellent, excellent, I'll be in the main building, dealing with this and that." He leaned forward conspiratorially. "I keep trying to slip away for some quiet time, but they keep finding me." He motioned to the Kyoshi warriors.
"Can I have my sword back?"
"Ah, of course." One of the warriors handed Zuko's sword back. He sheathed them quickly and bowed to her. "Sorry about the fan." She just bowed back and nodded.
"Welcome to Kyoshi Island. I hope the rest of your stay is more enjoyable." The governor bowed and began to walk away, escorted by several of these warrior girls.
Azula stared daggers at those around her. "Fortunately for you, he arrived. I was about to have a very enjoyable time."
"Come on sister, we have better things to do." The two headed back into the town, feeling the eyes of the Kyoshi warriors glaring at them the entire way. But when they got back to the main square, Aang was waiting for them, along with one of the Kyoshi warriors.
"Hey, Zuko, Azula, over here. I want you to meet someone."
The two hurried over, glancing around nervously. "Aang, I thought we were trying to be stealthy," he hissed back.
"Oh, it's alright. The Earth Kingdom is our ally, and the Kyoshi warriors are very excited to meet the Avatar." He motioned to the girl next to him.
"Didn't you see the Water Tribe people about?" snapped Azula. "Not to mention we were just attacked by a bunch of Kyoshi warriors."
"Princess Azula," the girl said, stepping forward, "I am sorry if you were mistreated. My warriors sometimes become enthusiastic about defending this island. I am Suki, leader of the Kyoshi warriors."
Azula bowed back formerly. "I suppose I can let it go."
"We are in a delicate position, and can't be too careful." She bowed to Zuko as well. "A pleasure to meet you as well, Prince Zuko."
"And you as well. I was under the impression that Kyoshi Island had no military force, in its effort to remain neutral."
"We are more of an organization of dedicated young women, in honor of Avatar Kyoshi, who created our island. With the influx of refugees, a group to help keep peace was needed, but we are no military force." Zuko was suspicious of this but said nothing.
"Suki has offered us a place to stay, in the main hall. And a meal." Aang added excitedly. "And she has offered to take us to a shrine dedicated to Kyoshi further up the mountain. I think it will help me connect to my past selves. Avatar business is very important I was recently told."
"A good banquet would be nice," Azula said, adjusting her clothes. "We are trying to be incognito you know."
"No need for concern. Only the governor and my warriors will be there." She motioned to the large building behind them. "I will show you to your rooms right now."
"Aaaaaaarugh, this Avatar is a mad genius." Sokka slammed his fists down on the table in his quarters. "He can try to avoid me, a lesser man, or woman, would be unable to unravel this mystery, but I will. I am an even madder genius than him." Sokka laughed madly but stopped suddenly when there was a knocking at the door.
He swung it open to reveal one of the crew. "Prince Sokka, you have a message. The shaman is ready for you."
"Who is it from?"
"They would not reveal it, only that you are to receive it alone."
"I'll be right there."
"Of course, my Prince." The crewman bowed and left, though not before giving an odd glance to the board behind him, covered in drawings, pins, and string.
Sokka picked up a few things that had fallen on the floor and then hurried down the corridor toward the channeling room. He never really liked shamans, but they were valuable to the Water Tribes. The other nations feared them as well, and their ability to utilize spirits in battle. What they didn't realize was the communication they also provided, faster than any other method.
The prince was all for keeping balance with the spirits and preserving tradition, but he wondered if the shamans were a mistake. He arrived at a room deep in the ship, with dyed and tattooed animal skin hanging over it. He opened it and slipped into a room lit dimly by oil lamps. Sitting in the middle of the room was a shaman, in traditional robes with many ornate necklaces and fetishes hanging from it.
They looked up to reveal glowing eyes. "Prince Sokka, I have a message for you, from one you love." The last bit sounded a bit sarcastic.
"Don't play with me. Who sent it?"
"Suki...and it is for your ears only."
"What is the message?"
"The one you seek, the Avatar," it said, almost spitting out the word, "has taken refuge on Kyoshi Island. He trusts us for now, though his companions, the Fire Nation's royal children, are suspicious. Hurry, soon I must warn you, sister, before others discover his presence."
"Ah, Suki...I'll make haste right away, and be there by tomorrow." He looked back at the shaman. "Tell her I am on the way, and will arrive tomorrow. And that she didn't need to catch the Avatar to get me to visit."
"Of course, Prince Sokka." There was a dry laugh. "Ah, mortals and their short and tumultuous love."
"Just deliver the message."
There was a loud woosh noise, and the shaman pitched forward, her body falling to the floor. Sokka leaned down, but she was breathing softly, asleep. He stood up and hurried from the room. He had to get to the helmsman right away.
It was a delicious meal, full of dishes from across the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation. For a moment, Zuko and Azula felt like royalty once more, at some official dinner. Governor Oyaji acted the part of a kind bureaucrat showing honor and interest without any prying. A Kyoshi warriors stood vigil. Suki joined them a little late. She was more friendly than the governor and talked to Zuko about sword fighting and Aang about Avatar Kyoshi. She spoke of the past Avatar like a fangirl and an acolyte in equal measure.
The rooms were also comfortable. Zuko wanted to stay vigilant but ended up falling asleep quite quickly after he lay on the bed once. Azula noted that the bed was not as good as her bed at home, but it was an improvement to a sleeping bag on the ground or hammock on the ship. Aang not only enjoyed the bed but also asked for snacks a couple of times, which were supplied.
The next day Suki promised to take them to the shrine later that afternoon, after she helped settle some new refugees.
"What should we do while waiting?" Azula asked. "Let's not sit around and mope with my brother."
"I am not moping, I am thinking about things." He leaned back against the wall. "I could work on my training."
"You do need it."
"All you guys do is train. You need to learn how to relax a little. Too much training can be counterproductive. You have to take time to pursue other aspects, to be a more balanced person."
"That does sound like something Uncle would say," mused Zuko. "Is that something the monks taught you?"
"Monk Gyatso knew the importance of taking a break and having a little fun." Aang had a brief look of sadness, but his normal self returned soon after.
"In that case, how about the circus? I think I know the owner, but since we are undercover, we shouldn't announce ourselves. It should be a good show though," Azula suggested.
"Excellent idea!" Aang said, jumping up. "I've never been to a circus, though some celebrations at the Air Temple had some performers."
"Shuzumu's Circus will be far more impressive. And it is far more than just fire eaters and dancers." She reached out a hand and pulled her brother to his feet. "Come on Zuzu."
"I'm coming. I can have fun you know. I'm far more fun than you."
Azula rolled her eyes as the three left the main building and headed out into the plaza. They hadn't gone far towards the circus when they were pressed by crowds. As they got closer and closer to the field where the circus was located, more and more vendors were about, snarling among merchants moving their goods and refugees with carts of possessions.
They had a chance to indulge in some Fire Nation treats they hadn't been able to enjoy for some time. The atmosphere of frivolity infected them all. Azula found herself suggesting various things to Aang, expounding on the superiority of Fire Nation cuisine. He was happy to try any of them that didn't have meat. Aang talked about how they had changed over the last hundred years, getting a puzzled look from one of the vendors.
Zuko found himself watching a sword-swallower and knife dancer performance. The blades whirled about rapidly, glinting in the sun and drawing gasps from the crowd around. An impressive number of blades were swallowed, while others were being balanced. Zuko began to applaud along with the crowd, but then he felt something. He was being watched, there was no doubt.
He turned around quickly and glanced through the crowd. He was sure he caught a painted white face disappearing behind a cart. The Fire Nation prince set off as quickly as he could, offering rushed apologies as he pushed along. He slid behind the cart but only found animals being herded around carts of worldly possessions.
"Zuko! Zuzu! What are you doing?" Azula dashed up to her brother.
"I thought I saw someone watching me."
"One of the Kyoshi?"
"I'm pretty sure."
"I'm not surprised. They are here to keep 'order'." she said, making air quotes. "I'd be surprised if they weren't watching us."
"Yes, but why would she hide? They could just hang around in the open, no need to hide."
Azula nodded. "I guess. Maybe she has a crush on you and was embarrassed you caught her watching you. Some girls go for half burnt."
"Like you would know about how girls flirt. Remember the volleyball game?" Azula gave her brother a death glare. "Where's Aang?"
"I don't know Zuzu. I had to chase after you."
The two hurried back to where they had been, but Aang was gone. It would have been quite difficult to find him, had he not suddenly burst into the air on his glider, above the hubbub. There was a loud cry of surprise and joy from the vicinity where the Avatar had popped up. They rushed towards him and found Aang showing off his glider to a gathered crowd of mostly young girls.
"Wait till you see this move. I came up with the air scooter myself." Aang lifted into the air, formed a sphere of air beneath him, and began to fly about in a circle hovering a few inches above the ground.
"Aang!" Azula snapped, sending up a small burst of flame with her fingers.
"Hello random Fire Nation friends!" he called out, giving an exaggerated wink.
"Um, can we talk a moment?" asked Zuko
"Of course." Aang came to a stop, dissipating the air sphere so the blast of air caught Azula in the face.
"I appreciate you not revealing who we are, but shouldn't you be a little more careful about revealing who you are?"
"There aren't any Water Tribe soldiers here. We left that poor prince far behind, flying all over the place. Besides, these people need the hope of the Avatar. I thought you wanted me to embrace my destiny. Also, I'm pretty sure I could get free food as the Avatar."
"I don't know if this is a good idea," Zuko replied. He looked at the enthusiastic crowd. Some of them were already calling for him to do more tricks. "Just be careful."
"Suki said the Water Tribe hasn't visited this island in over a decade. Besides, after we visit the shrine, we can leave."
"Hey, look, the acrobatic show is about to begin in the main tent," Azula said, pointing to a man on stilts carrying a sign. "Is that a picture of Ty Lee?"
Zuko looked up. "I think it is."
"I'll meet you guys after the show, by the giant statue of Kyoshi," Aang called, already being pulled away from his new fan club.
"I wonder what she is doing here? Might as well go see what she is up to."
"How do you know it isn't one of her sisters?" asked Zuko.
"Oh, good point."
As the two siblings headed off, Aang continued to bask in his newfound celebrity status. A few simple demonstrations of airbending were all that was needed to convince many that he was the Avatar. It was the first time Aang realized how desperate these people were for hope. But he also was enjoying this new sense of importance.
"If Gyatso had mentioned all the perks, maybe I wouldn't have run away." he thought to himself. Almost immediately, he regretted this thought, and an image of Gyatso reprimanding him pushed into his mind. Despite this, he did not stop socializing like a political leader desperate to please his subjects.
As he was taking another circle on his glider amid the cheers, he noticed something. The eyes of the statue of Kyoshi were glowing again. Ignoring the cries below him, he flew towards it over the buildings until he drifted down next to it. The plaza was largely clear, but the few people around did not seem to notice the glowing eyes.
He stared up at them again, and once more, he was drawn into skyward, yet into himself as well. This time, he let himself go, falling into a whirlwind of clouds. A figure burst from the clouds, but it was also formed of clouds. There was no doubt it was Kyoshi.
"Avatar!" she called out. The voice was booming and distant, yet at the same time in his head. "Do not trust these warriors who have stolen my face. They have been corrupted, as have many others, mortals and spirits alike. You must go to the temple of the Avatar, there are important things that must be said."
"Avatar Kyoshi? They have been corrupted?" Whether or not she was going to say something else or not, she did not. Aang was suddenly back standing in the square. Everything seemed to be business as usual. "I better find Zuko and Azula, and then get out of here. No need to visit the shrine now. I have a temple to fly to."
As he turned and began to head towards the circus, someone called out from behind him. "Avatar Aang, there you are."
He turned to see Suki step out from behind the statue. "Suki, I didn't think we were meeting until later."
"I finished with what I needed earlier than I expected."
"I'll go get my friends, and we'll meet you here then."
"No need, my warriors will retrieve them." She motioned her hands, and Aang heard a flurry of movement as several young women slid from the buildings around and headed off. Several others in full uniform walked out from a nearby building and joined Suki. "That's our dojo over there. We can start up the path towards the shrine right away."
"Is the Water Tribe waiting at the shrine?" Aang asked. Suki's eye twitched slightly.
"And why would they be? Do you think I betrayed my people?"
"I think you betrayed yourself."
"How dare you!" Suki snapped, suddenly getting angry. "We serve the Avatar, whether he understands it or not. You've been frozen away, you don't understand. I do not wish to resort to violence."
"I don't want you to either," Aang said. "I try to avoid violence whenever possible."
"But you won't come with me?"
"No...I have my own path forward. Kyoshi herself told me."
"Then I am sorry. Know I do this for your own good, and the good of the world." And then then was a series of soft wumps as a dozen fans flicked open around Aang.
Zuka and Azula found good seats in the main tent and got some traditional sweet tea to sip. The show began with clowns pulling off some slapstick comedy involving difficult tricks. Then came out fire eaters and fire dancers, which were not as interesting to the siblings, but got a good number of cheers and gasps from the crowd.
Then came the animals. Acrobats and jugglers rode on the backs of komodo-rhinos and tiger-horses around the center ring, and then more exotic and dangerous animals were brought in. An enthusiastic joust between stuntmen on ostrich horses and mongoose lizards followed. And then came the acrobats.
They dived in from above, immediately pulling off a series of death-defying stunts. There was a net far below, but it was a stomach-dropping display of physical prowess. Among their number was a young brunette woman with her hair in a long braid, and wearing very pink clothes.
"Yeah, that's her," Azula said. "Guess she got tired of being overlooked at home."
"Can't blame her. I wonder how long she has been working in the circus."
"Excuse me." A Kyoshi warrior stepped up to them. "I am here to help escort you to the Avatar."
"I thought we weren't meeting until later," Zuko answered. "The show isn't over yet."
"I was just told to retrieve you. Please, you must come with us right away."
"We will leave when we are finished," Azula said. She pointedly turned away and took a sip of tea. The Kyoshi warrior grabbed her arm.
"We must leave now."
"How dare you!" Azula hissed. She looked over at Zuko and saw several other warriors moving towards them. He nodded slightly. And with that, she picked up her tea and flung it in the face of the warrior next to her.
She stumbled back as the hot tea ran down her face, causing her facepaint to run. Azula didn't give her time to recover. The Fire Nation Princess ignited her fist and slammed it into the warrior's chest, sending her flying backward with a burst of flame. Zuko had leaped to his feet and sent a couple of small blasts at the two warriors coming from the other side.
People in the crowd began to scream and scatter as the fight broke out. Another warrior burst from the crowd and landed a kick on Azula, sending her toppling down towards the ring. Fury exploded in Azula's eyes as she launched a blast at the approaching warrior. Zuko tried to get to his sister, but the crowd blocked them off.
Several young women from the crowd hurried towards them, pulling not fans, but swords from their robes. Zuko pulled out his swords. "I knew you couldn't be trusted."
They did not reply, but charged forward, swinging their blades with practiced skill and in synch. Zuko barely managed to block the blows, trying to avoid being surrounded. He spun his blades in a deadly whirlwind, trying to get some space, and then whipped his leg in a wide arch, sending flames flying at them.
Azula went all out, sending flames out in a barrage as several warriors closed in on her, dodging her attacks and deflecting flames with their flames. Despite her best efforts, she was being driven towards the ring and away from Zuko. Soon she was at the edge of the ring itself. Most of the performers had scattered, and Azula stumbled against the wooden fence that formed the boundary.
"Azula, is that you?" a voice called from above.
She glanced up to see Ty Lee balancing on a pole far above. "Yes, of course it is."
"I knew I recognized that aura. You doing your hair differently."
"I'm trying to travel in hiding," She called back, trying to drive the warriors back with a sword of flame.
"You aren't doing a good job of it."
"Yeah, I picked that up." She tried to fire a blast at one of the warriors as she lashed out with her fan, but the warrior knocked her arm aside and spun her around. The blast hit the net which instantly ignited. "Oops."
Azula swept the legs of that warrior but felt a burst of pain as a fan tip slammed into her lower back. She stumbled forward and nearly fell to her knees. She let out a roar of anger and sent a fiery kick at the nearest warrior, sending her flying back in flames.
A kick to her chest sent Azula crashing into the fence, which broke under the force. For a moment, her vision went black. When her vision returned, another warrior was winding up to land a powerful strike, but suddenly she froze up and toppled to the side.
"Come on, let's go Azula!" Ty Lee almost causally sent a kick backward, catching another warrior in the face and sending her toppling to the ground.
"I think we have overstayed our welcome."
Azula and Ty Lee charged back towards Zuko and the exit. Azula sent a barrage of blasts sending some warriors diving into the seats for cover. Ty Lee landed a few punches on a warrior show and seemed stunned that her arm and leg suddenly went limp before rolling comedically down the incline toward the ring. With the opportunity provided by the new allies, Zuko knocked a sword blade from one of the warriors he was dueling with a scissoring cut from his twin swords.
She looked stunned as the three Fire Nation friends dashed passed her and out of the tent. Others were already jumping in to put out the flames. The chaos outside was enough that no one was paying them much attention as they dashed through.
"Where are we going?" asked Azula.
"To Appa. Then we can fly about and find Aang if he isn't already heading there."
"What's an Appa and an Aang?" asked Ty Lee.
"You'll see," Azula called back.
The three dashed across the town, to the docks, and to the empty beach beyond. After they got a ways from the tent, it was still busy but there was no panic. They didn't slow until they all gathered around the sky bison, who was calmly grazing in a field near the beach.
"Oh my! What a cute animal! What is it?"
"It's a sky bison. It belongs to the Avatar," Zuko explained. He climbed on its back. "Come on Appa, we have to go find Aang." Momo leaped up next to him with a questioning yelp.
"I found Aang," Azula called. She pointed to the sky where Aang was flying towards them on his glider. Azula sent up a burst of flame, and Aang instantly zeroed in on their position. She then turned and tried to leap onto the saddle, sending jets of flame from her feet. She slammed awkwardly into the floor of the saddle, before quickly righting herself. Ty Lee leaped up, did a handstand on the edge of the saddle, and flipped into a sitting position.
"Show off."
"Oh, but I can't firebend at all. You are an amazing firebender, Azula."
Aang gently landed in the saddle right. "We need to go. The Kyoshi warriors are working with the Water Tribes."
"We figured that out," said Zuko. "We had a small incident at the circus."
"Who is your new friend?"
"Aang, this is Ty Lee, Ty Lee, Aang, the Avatar," Azula said. "Now let's get out of here."
"Nice to meet you. You have a very pink, and adorable aura."
"Thank you. I don't think anyone has ever told me that." Aang turned to Zuko. "I know where we need to go next, but we should probably fly around a bit to lose any pursuers." Zuko nodded, and then gently pulled on the reigns. Appa rose into the air and flew off, just as Suki and several warriors burst from the forest and charged into the clearing.
As they circled over the island, they noticed a Water Tribe warship on the horizon, heading towards the port as fast as possible. Appa pushed himself to the limit, and soon the island and the ship had disappeared over the horizon.
It was a large room, lit only by two lines of fire in trenches along the far edges. At one end was a circular pool of dark water. It was hard to tell how deep it might have been. Floating above the pool was a sphere, dark and smooth. The room was deathly silent as well, all sound muffled by the many skins and blankets lining the walls and floor.
A beam of light broke across the room as the door opened. A figure stepped in and walked in a few steps before bowing. "My princess, there is a message for you." After speaking, the figure remained bowed low.
There was a ripple in the sphere, and then a figure stepped from within. One foot landed on the edge of the pool, then the next on the padded floor. With a splash, the sphere collapsed into the pool below, without a drop landing outside. The figure who had just emerged from the sphere of water had trails of water streaming behind them like threads for a few moments, and then they were gone.
She was completely dry, wearing a simple but well-made blue tunic trimmed with fur and white cloth. Necklaces of bones, stones, and a Water Tribe amulet hung from around her neck, and leather thongs and bones were intertwined in her hair, including two distinct loops. Her dimly lit face had scars around her mouth and eyes, a series of pale dots like stitches.
"Send her in, you may go."
"Yes, Princess." The figure stood up and slid out, and a short time later, a young woman entered. She had white hair and was dressed in ornate robes, with a far less savage look than the other girl.
"Princess Yue, you have a message for me?"
"Yes, from Suki." Yue knelt on the floor and folded her hands. For a moment, there was silence, then Yue threw her head back and her eyes glowed blue, then nearly white. "Princess Katara, I have news. The Avatar came to Kyoshi Island, as expected. I tried to delay him peacefully, but he refused to cooperate. We were unable to detain him. He was also accompanied by the children of the Fire Nation royal family. She is very scared of what you will say, Princess."
"As she should be, after that report. Tell Suki I am coming. The only one who can be trusted to deal with the Avatar is me. Certainly not my brother...foolish boy." Katara smiled a bit, with some fondness hiding among the mockery. "Make sure you mention him. I only wish I could be there to see her face pale."
"I will do so." And then Yue's eyes stopped glowing and she sank forward.
"What...what did Suki say?"
"We are going to Kyoshi Island. We have an Avatar to hunt."