AUTHOR'S NOTE: After two very plot heavy chapters and prior to the Book 2 finale I decided to take a little detour, highlighting some important side characters we haven't seen in a while (and Caraman) in order to breath in some new air before we dive into the final two chapters. In addition, these episodes will provide some important setup, making the pacing better for 19 & 20.

Two more things before I can let you go:

1) The finale of Book 2 is going to be another two-parter, this time I'm planning on releasing both parts at the same time. Therefore, there will be a bit of gap between when this episode is uploaded and whenever Crossroad of Worlds Part 1 & 2 will be uploaded.

2) This means most definitely no more chapters in December. Because of that, I wanna wish y'all Happy Holidays, Happy New Years, have fun celebrating whatever/however you like. January 2nd is actually the 3-year-anniversary for TLF, so I also wanna say thank you very much for sticking with my project for however long it is you stuck with it. You guys rule :)

Anyways, have you been wondering what Adithya has been up to? If Jet finally trusts Bandit? How Kanna met Hama? You can get all these (and Caraman) from this episode!

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 18

Tales from Distortion

阿迪亚的故事

The Tale of Adithya

otherwise known as

How a princess learned to fly

The deep growls echo through the stables, making the other bison uneasy at first, though the massive beasts can quickly ignore the cries, going to sleep as one of their own is unable to. The animal whines a bit more before a wooden knock announces someone entering.

ADITHYA: Can't sleep again, Flumau?

Flumau gifts the princess a calmer noise as she sees her. The bison has shorter horns than its conspecifics, its fur having a slightly yellow-ish tone. The firebender sighs as she pets her. Her eyes look tired and lost in her modest attire, a beautiful mix of red and blue fabrics, with the former dominating her torso while the latter is present her pants and hijab.

ADITHYA: I know you must miss him.

The bison has been acting restless for a reason. In the Battle for Dibuang, its airbending owner unfortunately perished, leaving the animal feeling stressed ever since. If only she could actually talk to her like Azula. Flumau seems to light up somewhat at the princess caressing her, licking her gently as Adithya represses a giggle, not wanting to be caught sneaking out in the middle of the night. She walks over to the side, her eyes catching the leather reins hanging just outside the stable proper.

ADITHYA: What do you say? Up for a ride?

A joyful growl echoes through the stables.

The nightly breeze carries warm currents with it, a sign of spring transitioning into summer slowly but surely. Adithya lets that cool air penetrate her lungs, filling them up and escaping her nostrils warmer than before. She can feel the fire inside her flaring up, warming her body as she fights the need to crawl back under a blanket. In the safety of clouds and with only Flumau present, she briefly decides to take her hijab off, letting the sky stroke her fire red hair, about shoulder length. It is typically Fire Nation custom to grow one's hair out to the fullest, this holding especially true for royalty. But she always felt restless when they got too long. One time, when she was six, she cut them off herself almost completely. Father was furious, though he knew that her frustrations stemmed from her mother passing shortly before that.

Being this high up, with the freedom of air surrounding her, comforting her, she can't help but think back to Aang.

The boy was both younger and older than her? The whole other world thing was confusing, but ultimately didn't bother her too much. He was about her age, still a teen, though clearly with a lot of pain hidden beneath him that took away the usual qualities that a teenage boy should have. His friends didn't seem to mind, seldom trying to comfort his very obvious struggles. That's understandable too, they were used to it, and he is probably the kind of person that insists on not being pandered to like that. Maybe it was a tat bit egotistical to fall for the "brooding type". An emotionally closed-off boy who just "needed" that one person to help him open up. And of course, that could only be her, some random firebender from a different world, when in his, firebenders where what caused all that pain in the first place. Aang wasn't simply some injured bison cub she could nurse back to strength.

And yet picturing his smile, the way he rubs the back of his head as a way to show his insecurity, makes her blush all the same, even after all this time has passed. She lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding, her exhale carrying the same warmth as when she gave him a peck on the cheek. He let that happen despite rejecting her. A very selfish part of Adithya thinks it's a sign that he actually liked her. Though her rationale triumphs here. At least for the most part.

Bright, orange flames race across the training court as Adithya jolts her arms forward, following it up with an impressively graceful kick. Her movements lack the expected ferocity that Jeong Jeong has been showing, the princess instead commanding her body with restraint, and a certain fluidity that the old man still appreciates. Since the results are the same, he had stopped pushing her on it sometime after the girl had started training under the master alone.

She finishes off her impressive performance, lifting a flame from thin air, tossing it around while continuously adding juice to it, enlarging it as she moves around the fiery object in what one could describe as a dance routine. Finally, with a quick swipe of her right arm, the flame is allowed to grow to the size it wants to, the firebender girl controlling its spread precisely, creating a massive wall of fire in the process that is just short of hitting a wall and setting part of the building on fire. Adithya slows down her breath with an exhale, moving her hands in a circle, placing them on top of each other at about stomach height. The flames disperse alongside it.

Jeong Jeong, like always, reacts with a mere scoff.

JEONG JEONG: You are too slow. Much slower than I expect of you.

Her straightened posture crumbles, having anticipated such feedback.

ADITHYA: I'm sorry, master. I was... unfocused.

JEONG JEONG: No.

He steps over to her, his slightly too long robes dragging on the stone floor.

JEONG JEONG: Your focus is reflected in your bending, especially when it comes to firebending.

He circles around her with highly observant eyes.

JEONG JEONG: No. You are not unfocused. You are restless. You don't force your will on the flames like you should. You let them dance around.

She thinks of his words as she strokes her left arm.

ADITHYA: But my fire didn't go out of control.

JEONG JEONG: Control isn't about whether or not you regulate fire. It's about how much you do. You let your fire play around, surge in the wind like an airbender would. When I expect you to punch your arm forward and let the raw power emerge from your fist, you instead wait for the flame to come to you.

Somehow his lecture is both firmly critical and carries a note of open care.

ADITHYA: Is that... bad?

He grunts like a frustrated hog-man.

JEONG JEONG: Bad? No. But curious.

Finally coming to a halt in front of her, though a few feet removed, he performs very classical, shaolin-inspired firebending moves. Strong jabs and kicks with an emphasis on physicality and agility, though the dashing and jolting never relies on the master's actual physical strength, but rather draw from his excellent control over his breath.

JEONG JEONG (while bending): This is how your firebending used to look like. It's how you performed it alongside Aang and Azula.

She briefly recalls the weeks of training with a faint smile. Jeong Jeong suddenly stops. He starts to perform very slow and gentle moves next, which do look a bit like a mix between waterbending and airbending. Rather than letting the flames explode from his limbs, he draws them from his body in a manner that's soft, relaxed, almost carrying the quality of a painter, dashing his arms and legs as brushes, focusing on the center of his body as the fire escapes his person, still no less deadly than the prior forms conjured.

JEONG JEONG (while bending): This is how it looks now. It's whimsical and carried with a kind of elegance that firebenders don't strive to have.

He ends his performance and returns to his slightly hunched-over stance.

JEONG JEONG: I trained you to manipulate flames like a firebender. But you have started doing it like an artist.

Throughout his whole demonstration, Adithya is confused by one thing above all.

ADITHYA: You... don't sound particularly angry, master.

The old man folds his hands behind his back as he moves a few steps closer.

JEONG JEONG: The truth about bending is one even some of the wisest and oldest masters refuse to accept.

Meanwhile Adithya has her hands folded in the front, her body language a lot less sure of herself.

ADITHYA: And that is?

JEONG JEONG: That the elements are never static. And that bending is neither.

She lets the thought play out a little further as Jeong Jeong takes a moment, allowing the sun to warm his face.

ADITHYA: That means... benders aren't static either.

JEONG JEONG: Close. People aren't static either.

He turns to her again.

JEONG JEONG: We teach bending with ancient traditions and techniques in mind. They are the key to performing it as others have done for generations. But, in truth, those established rules merely act as a framework. There are those that will go outside of that framework and dare to find their own rhythm.

The princess really lets those words sink in as she thinks back to her lessons with Aang and Azula.

ADITHYA: Back when we all trained together, I was trying to imitate the other two as best as I could. I was able to keep up but... I don't know. It never felt quite...

The girls needs a few seconds to construct her conclusion.

ADITHYA: I never felt like I was in synch. It felt like I was forcing my fire to behave in a way... it didn't want to.

JEONG JEONG: In a way you didn't want it to.

Adithya nods, appearing a bit more confident than previously.

JEONG JEONG: Fire is dangerous, destructive. Our duty is to control it, prevent it from bringing harm to others. But control-

ADITHYA: Is about how much I do it, not whether or not I do it.

To her surprise, a smile forms in his features, if only briefly.

JEONG JEONG: By now, I trust you to control your fire, and won't use it to dominate others. If your... "airbending-style" is the way to go, then I won't stop you.

She responds sincerely with a Fire Nation gesture.

ADITHYA: Thank you, Sifu Jeong Jeong.

The old master nods before approaching the exit.

JEONG JEONG: Though I do wonder what caused your fire to have a sudden... change in attitude.

That bit of uneasiness returns as she hears his concern.

JEONG JEONG: Fire is the element of power. You seem to reject this raw power, drawn closer to air.

He turns around halfway before finally exiting for good.

JEONG JEONG: And air is the element of freedom. So, is it freedom that you seek?

Adithya fails to respond, as well as answering the question to herself.

During the council meeting, the arched table now including one more chair for the princess, her mind can't move away from what Jeong Jeong talked to her about earlier. The old Fire Sage is rambling on about some cultural thing while the head of the Sun Warriors has some reports on coastal defense, as Dibuang is no longer able to hide from the Water Tribe, though there hasn't been an attack since Aang was here.

What does it mean? She grew up in Dibuang, a city housing the descendants of a few airbenders, not nearly as many as Fire Nation citizens - and not nearly as many as firebenders. Still, the Air Nomads have an influence on this place. Their harmonious ways and peaceful approach to life always suited her, more than the aggressively firm stance of the Fire Nation at least. Maybe it's Aang. Maybe his airbending rubbed off on her in some... way - wait, no, let's not... don't... phrase it like that... ew... not while dad is sitting next to her-

ARIF: Adithya? Are you alright?

The girl looks visibly uneasy, her blush deeply seated in her shame right now. There is nothing and no one in the world that could make her share her mental faux pas with anyone.

ADITHYA: I'm fine, father. I'm just... tired from training, that's all.

She shakes her head as the rest of the council appears a bit annoyed, all except her father and Jeong Jeong, who can tell that the girl is still clearly occupied with something.

ZHANG: The princess is supposed to be paying attention during these council meetings. We are discussing serious affairs of state.

Adithya reacts with clear insult.

ADITHYA: I was paying attention.

She was in fact, only doing so halfway.

KAM NAM: Her royal highness has agreed to share power among the council. There is no need to centralize every meeting around her.

ZHANG: That is only a temporary decision! Once she is of ruling age, Adithya will be the absolute ruler of the Fire Nation.

JEONG JEONG: That's still for her to decide.

It is odd to find the stern master in the position of contrarian.

ZHANG: Absolutely not! That goes against everything the Fire Nation stands for!

LI: The role of Fire Lord is to be the head of all of the Fire Nation...

LO: ...and to rule with absolute power over all...

LI & LO: That is how Fire Lord Sozin declared it, and that is how it shall continue.

There it is again, that word - power. Adithya crosses her arms in frustration as she leans back in her chair.

ARIF: Please, let us not put the weight of rulership on her shoulders. She is, after all, still a child.

ADITHYA: Don't talk down to me like that!

Her otherwise soft-spoken words burst out like daggers.

ADITHYA: I said, I don't want to be some... rule-above-everyone Fire Lord. I want to share my power with this council. Why do I have to be an absolute monarch?

ZHANG: Because it's not for you to decide, princess. You must serve your country first.

Expecting Kam Nam, Jeong Jeong, or her father to disagree, she instead finds no men speaking up. With a repulsed expression, the girl rises from her chair and leaves.

LI: Let us not forget that she is a teenager.

LO: And that teenagers can be quite moody.

LI & LO: We know we used to be-

ARIF: That's enough.

His voice not sounding quite as firm, his metallic hand sure does shut them up. Jeong Jeong is the next person to leave, their council session appearing to be postponed indefinitely.

Her room one of the largest in the palace, it is decorated by beautifully painted fusuma walls, depicting a variety of things from serene nature, to dragons, sky bison, tall mountains, volcanos, the ocean, forest spirits...

In that environment, Adithya takes a deep breath as she meditates, seated in a lotus position with her fists glued together, almost compulsively. Her forehead forms a sharp frown as she stries forcing herself into relaxing, wanting her thoughts to drift away with the wind. Instead, they keep sticking to her head like a wildfire, spreading and making everything worse.

A faint, wooden knock snaps her eyes open. Based on the metallic qualities of the noise, she makes it out to be her father.

ADITHYA: Come in.

She says it coldly, not really meaning those words, though agreeing to voice them regardless. Arif enters after taking off his left boot and... his right leg.

ADITHYA: Father, what-

Now her tone reeks of concern, though he gestures her to stay seated. A few hops later, he places himself down across from her.

ARIF: I came to talk to you.

The serene aura she had hoped to foster burns quickly, the girl crossing her arms with a dismissive pout.

ADITHYA: I don't want to talk about it.

Arif exhales uncomfortably.

ARIF: I'm afraid we have to.

She avoids meeting his eyes with her sepia-colored pair.

ARIF: When you talk about sharing power with the council... I get the sense that it's about more than that.

Hoping to get her to answer, she instead crosses her arms even harder.

ARIF: You don't want to be Fire Lord, do you?

The girl tries very hard to hold back her tears. Her father meanwhile sighs again.

ARIF: We raised with that purpose in mind. Your mother taught it to you as much as I did. It is your destiny to become Fire Lord.

ADITHYA: Yeah, well, what about what I want?

ARIF: Adithya... you know that it's your responsibility. You can't just abandon your people like that.

ADITHYA: I don't see how that's abandoning them.

As her voice quivers, so do the waterworks break.

ADITHYA (teary): It's not fair that I only ever have to do what people expect of me. I'm... I'm missing out on my life. The only real friends I've ever had where Aang, Azula, Ty Lee, and Zuko. And they're gone now. I'm completely alone. I don't feel like a normal teenager at all...

ARIF: You are no normal teenager. You are special.

ADITHYA (teary): I didn't ask to be special! Why can't I choose a normal life?

Her old man clearly feels her pain while needing to convince her regardless. This conflict takes a visible toll on him.

ARIF: I never knew a normal childhood either. When I was your age, terrible people had me undergo cruel experiments and violent training. I never wanted to be like this, but I can't change the past.

The girl finds her inner strength, snorting up her snot.

ADITHYA (teary): But you did choose. You were born to be a killer - you told me that yourself - but you chose a normal life! You chose to be my dad!

While her words seem to reach him, he still can't give in, causing her to grow more frustrated.

ADITHYA (teary): Why can't I choose now?!

ARIF: Because you are a princess, the future Fire Lord-

ADITHYA (teary): No! I am JUST Adithya!

With her final rebuttal, the firebender leaves her own room, picking up her crimson boots as she leaves her frozen father, who seems like he wants to be disappointed in his daughter, but instead finds that he is disappointed in himself.

As Adithya enters Flumau's stable again, "This Fire - New Version" by Franz Ferdinand begins to play. The bison looks up curiously with a mouth full of hay, the firebender wiping the tears from her face as she tries taking on a self-assured expression.

ADITHYA: Do you wanna go for a ride?

Obviously, the answer is yes. The song continues playing as Adithya lets the slightly warmer breezes of air enter her body, drift past by it, and gently press against her over and over again, the girl letting the freedom of the skies lift her mood in the process. Momentarily, she shuts her eyes, letting the bison determine her path as it hovers through the zenith.

At some later point, though still part of this montage, Adithya flies back to the Agni Kai arena, the princess arriving on the stone platform as Flumau waits down below. She takes a shaky breath, letting all of her emotion stream through her veins, pump her system with all of her frustrations until it reaches a breaking point. With a gut-wrenching howl, Adithya lets fire explode from her fists in continuous, rage-filled punches. None of the bursts carry any grace or technique and are instead purely powered by the rage she feels in her stomach. The fact that no one listens, the fact that her father doesn't understand her, the fact that she hasn't seen her only real friends in months, including the boy that stole her heart. She lets out an especially loud flame blast that almost looks like an explosion.

Back in the sky before doing firebending, Adithya abruptly grabs ahold of Flumau's reins, commanding the beast to race upwards in an almost straight line, further and further, piercing cloud after cloud, the caldera beneath them shrinking rapidly. Eventually the girl kind of snaps out of it as her breaths become shallow and the air turns colder and colder, despite the sun seemingly getting closer to them. In a panic, she orders Flumau to descend back downwards, which the bison gladly does, although at a much higher velocity than the girl had anticipated. As her speed builds up and her hijab is pushed back slightly, she finally makes Flumau soar horizontally again, the creature splashing into the lowest level of clouds as both girls skip a beat. Initially, Adithya felt like dying, the g-force alone pushing against her harder than any current ever has. Her breath stabilizes as Flumau lets out a cheerful growl. That enthusiasm is somehow transferred onto the girl. With tears in her eyes and her breakfast still spinning inside her, the girl cackles with something akin to madness, although it is the happiest she has sounded in a long time.

Back at the Agni Kai platform. Her kicks and punches increase in physicality, draining the girl of energy pretty fast, letting the size and power of her fire die down alongside it. Adithya falls on one knee after a while, gasping for air in short breaths as her stamina has been used up by now. The girl obviously wants to continue, wants to let the burning spectacle inside her burst out as brightly as possible. But, as she takes a moment to sit down and ponder, she really tries to think about... why. Of course the answer is, because she is angry. She feels lost, stuck, unable to express how she truly feels. But why fire? Why should her bending, a beautiful gift given to her by life, be used to express this anger and hatred? She was taught that fire is life, that it is serene and beautiful and not something fueled by anger and vengeance. Despite how much her father and those old folks from the council bother her - she cannot let that rage consume her. She cannot let it be the source of her power.

Finally, the girl gets back up, taking on a very unusual bending stance, unusual for a firebender that is.

Shortly after almost dropping to their deaths, a rush of adrenaline races through Adithya's system. Perhaps it's best to try and rid herself of her heightened state, go back to meditate away the physical shock she just experienced.

But why should she? Why does she constantly have to play down what she feels, conform to some royal expectation of being this perfectly nice little princess? She is a firebender after all. And that fire burns brightly within her as a smirk forms on her face.

Fortunately, Flumau feels similar about the prospect of dashing downwards, penetrating the clouds as they soar towards the edge of Dibuang. The many watchtowers and guards stare in awe as a girl howling with joy blasts past by them on a bison that looks similarly pumped. Adithya commands her ride to go as low as possible, the two gliding directly above the still waters as they traverse rock pillar after rock pillar at intense speeds that would even scare an airbender. Her father always jokes that the girl learned to ride a bison before she learned how to walk. She doesn't know if this is true or not. But she likes to think it is. After all, can't she make her own story?

As the song crescendos a final time it cuts back rapidly between Adithya traversing the waves with deeply honest laughter, and Adithya at the Agni Kai platform, performing her firebending just the way she wants to.

Flumau takes a sharp turn, creating a wave twice its size.

The girl draws fire into existence, blasting it across the air with enormous speeds, which is usually a detriment to fire as an element, though her flames burn just as bright twenty feet away as they did the moment they grew from her palms.

The princess and her bison circle a stuck ironclad leftover from the battle, baffling a few Dibuang workers as they dismantle it for parts.

Sharp kicks and more swipes from her hand are combined with fluent spins and heavy movement, making the spectacle even more impressive than it already has been.

Flumau's tail flaps, splashing against the water before it soars back up into the clouds, the firebender on its head howling with laughter like someone on a roller coaster ride.

She ends her impressive performance of orange via dragging a circle of flames on the ground, which she then grows larger and larger, her arms extended and her palms pointing outwards. Spinning in a circle just slightly, the fire grows faster and faster, eventually creating a massive funnel that even reaches the top of the caldera wall. As Adithya opens her eyes again and comes to a halt, the flames reflect beautifully in her eyes as they burn on their own. The funnel is never static, fire constantly moving around, slithering and climbing on top each other, like a massive collection of tiny creatures that are all harmoniously moving alongside each other. She lets the flames die down slowly, embers remaining in the air for a second as the princess calms her breath again, her hands folded in front of her.

The music slowly fades as Adithya smiles, both on Flumau, as well as on the platform.

After getting the tired bison girl back in its stable and petting it for a while, Adithya decides to immediately head to the training grounds, the entry of it in close proximity to the main Pagoda Palace.

ADITHYA: Master! Master!

The girl excitedly dashes down the corridor, finding herself in the abandoned training court. There was a second training session scheduled for today, making Adithya wonder why her master can't be found anywhere. He has never once been too late for a lesson.

KAM NAM: Jeong Jeong has left.

She turns in a sudden jolt towards the Sun Warrior Chief, the man rocking a headdress and face paint more ancient than the Fire Nation itself.

ADITHYA: I-I don't understand. What do you mean he left?

Kam Nam sighs while shaking his head.

KAM NAM: He said he had received an urgent letter from an old friend, left just a few minutes ago for the Earth Kingdom. He has asked me to continue your training.

Had this taken place a few days ago, Adithya would've folded. She would've twiddled her fingers a bit, swallowed her pride, and then would've gone ahead with his request. Not today though. This Adithya smirks with a pinch of arrogance. Or self-confidence. Pick whichever you want to call it.

ADITHYA: Thank you, Master Kam Nam. But I don't think that will be necessary.

She performs the Fire Nation gesture, bows slightly, then heads back outside, leaving the old man quite surprised, but also very much impressed.

Adithya quickly hides her bags under her bed as her father knocks again. She hastily adjusts herself to appear as her usual self. Whatever that means.

ADITHYA: Come in!

He follows her invitation, once again taking his boot off, though keeping his leg on for now.

ARIF: From what I hear you had some fun on your bison earlier. What was her name again?

ADITHYA: Flumau. And... she's not my bison. She belonged to an airbender.

ARIF: An airbender who sadly fell defending this city. Don't you think Flumau wants a new friend now?

Her posture loosens slightly as a breath escapes her lungs. The girl quietly nods.

ARIF: Plus, she would make for an excellent companion when you run away from Dibuang.

Adithya's poker face turns to smoke under these words.

ADITHYA: Oh, uh... what do you-

ARIF: Here. I wanted to give you this first.

With his regular hand, he hands her a wrapped, rectangular object. Adithya unfolds it with care and excited anticipation. The cloth finally removed, she lays her eyes upon a beautiful drawing, a portrait of her as a young girl, her father on the left, and her mother on the right.

Fire Lord Delphi carried Adithya's eyes, and her curls, though she was forced to straighten her hair and wear the crown of the Fire Lord in a top knot. Her face was round and full of kindness, her smile carried eternal love that has never left her daughter. The firebender sheds some tears as she looks back at her father.

ARIF: From the moment you were born, we raised you with a destiny in mind. However... your mother and I we... always wanted the best for you. And we knew that this meant that, eventually, you might develop a destiny of your own. I feared that this day would come. But not for the realm or because of the council. But because I knew, that on that day, I would need to let my beautiful daughter go.

No longer being able to contain herself, Adithya jumps into her father's arms as she lets her tears wash over her face. A few seconds pass and the two separate again, though still remain close to each other.

ARIF: I'm not sure where Aang and his friends are. Last thing we received was that they had left Goldmouth. Fly straight to Ba Sing Se and ask the Earth King for help. He should be able to tell you where he is.

His daughter nods, wiping the joyful tears from her face.

ADITHYA: How am I going to do that, though? I can't just walk into the palace, can I?

Arif shrugs.

ARIF: Of course you can. You're Adithya, Princess of Dibuang and heiress to the Fire Nation. We'll call it a... diplomatic mission.

A heartwarming smile grows on her.

ARIF: Oh, but, just so we're clear - this conversation never happened. I will have to explain to the rest of the council how you embarked on this journey against my wishes.

She nods again, honestly having hoped to hear him say that. He turns around, intending to leave her room again.

ADITHYA: Hey dad?

ARIF: Yes?

Not letting her father go so soon, she launches another hug at him, her old man's expression turning quite emotional as well.

ADITHYA: I love you.

ARIF: And I love you too, sweetheart. Be careful out there.

Adithya's preparations took until sundown, the girl having made sure not to be caught by any guards or nosey council members. She quietly enters Flumau's stable a final time, the overly energetic bison already growing restless with excitement as she spots the firebender. Apparently their earlier flight only exhausted her for a short period.

ADITHYA: Well, aren't you happy to see me!

The girl engulfs the beast's head in a firm hug.

ADITHYA: What do you say? Do you want to be my bison? Do you want to go an adventure with me?

Flumau's response is a very high-pitched series of growls and grunts, knocking over Adithya with her jolly rampage. The princess laughs as it lets the bison's tongue engulf her.

She looks back one final time as Mount Krakatoa is swallowed by clouds, ultimately disappearing from her sight. Her exhale is once again soft, though her breath remains as warm as the fire that burns inside her.

杰特的故事

The Tale of Jet

otherwise known as

Ask and you shall receive

He remembers getting woken up by the sound of his parents singing a birthday song. The boy had stayed up too long last night, terribly unhappy to be awake at this hour. Though his parents didn't mind. He knew that he wasn't supposed to do that, so this wakeup call acted as a stand-in punishment at the same time. The young Jet frowned, but also smiled as they engulfed him in hugs and kisses.

He turned eight that day. It was the last time Jet would celebrate his birthday. His parents, some friends and relatives came over for a feast in his honor. As much of a feast as a humble family in a small Earth Kingdom village could afford. He even got red envelopes from everyone, a small amount of money in each, money he would spend on candy and then, when the Water Tribe attacked shortly after, he was forced to spend it on basic things to survive.

He remembers the proud smile his parents gifted him. That sense of safety and love that he felt in his life up until this point.

Then, everything changed when the Water Tribes attacked.

It's no wonder these memories resurface right now. It's his sixteenth birthday today. He never celebrated it after his village was destroyed, though the other Vultures were always keen on finding out, since he threw lavish parties for everyone else. Bandit was especially valiant on getting the date, though he had kept it to himself for all these years now.

In other news - his hook cables are fixed again. Took Teo quite a while to get a new model out after the old one crashed and burned, but it was an improved piece of technology now. Even included metal housing just in case...

Nevermind.

As he tests his toy, swinging aimlessly through a nearby forest, he finally comes to a grinding hold, the detached part of his hook sword snapping back into the rope casing hanging on the back of his waist. He raises a brow in suspicion as he spots the odd cave, its entry hidden by vines. He could swear he just heard someone. The boy takes another step-

SMELLERBEE: Jet! There you are!

His focus is shifted as Smellerbee comes sprinting towards him, appearing out of breath.

JET: What's going on?

SMELLERBEE: General... Baoba... called for a meeting... Haru wants you there...

The boy twists his wheat straw around before finally taking his eyes off the cave again.

JET: Fine. Let's go together.

SMELLERBEE: Wait, but how-

Her question is answered rather abruptly as the bad boy grabs her, pulling her closer and allowing her to hold onto him as he aims his right sword at a nearby tree, launching the cable and pulling both of them through the air at intense speeds. Smellerbee's clasp becomes tighter, though secretly, she does enjoy being this close to Jet.

Baoba's appearance is very atypical for an Earth Kingdom general. A slim face and the features of someone with very little weight or muscle, a mustache on both sides of his upper lip looking almost like someone drew it on there with a thin brush.

The tent is stacked equally with high-ranking military folks from the Earth Kingdom, led by the aforementioned earthbender, and Liberation Forces members led by Haru, who rocks a set of stone hammers hanging from his waist.

HARU: Where's General Bumi?

The boy's question is blurted out with the insecurity of a teenager leading an army.

BAOBA: The Governor-General is currently out on a mission. He has given me command until his return.

JET: Which will be?

The sharp eyes of the man swap over to Jet as his head remains static.

BAOBA: He didn't disclose that.

Jet scoffs provocatively, getting enough of a reaction to make the general turn his full head.

JET: That's one leader then if he just abandons you...

BAOBA: Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember the esteemed Vaas doing much the same even before we arrived in Omashu.

HARU: He told us when he's back though.

Baoba's sharp gaze moves over to Haru.

BAOBA: Which is?

The earthbender boy is unable to respond.

BAOBA: Precisely. I say we act like proper gentlemen and strategize without our beloved leaders. They wouldn't have given us command if they weren't absolutely sure in our abilities.

He offers Haru a respectful nod, which the boy reciprocates appropriately. The general hasn't yet mentioned the severe gap in age between the two military leaders.

BAOBA: Very well.

He points to the table, showcasing the number of troops surrounding a miniature recreation of Omashu proper.

BAOBA: We have the city surrounded, and we have been cutting off their supply for a few days now. Our best chance of attack is to wait for the enemy to try to reinforce, or break our lines, both of which he would be easily able to counter.

HARU: Our biggest problem remains their defensive position. Since the barrier is made of wood, our earthbenders are helpless to break through.

BAOBA: As is our sieging equipment. And it also brings into question a secondary problem.

Jet's features form a frown.

JET: Which is?

BAOBA: Civilians. Despite the fact that the majority of Omashu is home to Water Tribe citizens, the number of casualties in a full-frontal attack would be devastating. We'd be conquerors of a graveyard.

The image of Major Domo destroying his peaceful village resurfaces with a bubbling hatred.

JET: They're enemy, are they not? When The Tribe took Omashu themselves, it didn't bother thinking of the safety of Earth Kingdom civilians. So why should we now?

Most of everyone in attendance looks a bit distraught, Baoba raising his brow ridge with a reserved expression.

BAOBA: My friend, we are not like them. Our goal is not simply to win this war, it is to bring justice. If we acted on the impulse of simply wanting to dominate, then nothing stops us from rolling our armies into the occupied Fire Nation and the poles.

Jet crosses his arms as the general's voice remains calm and sympathetic.

BAOBA: We cannot win this war by acting like our enemies.

Having leaned on the table so far, Baoba stands up straight again.

BAOBA: I am also acting under direct orders from the Governor-General and the Earth King. No civilians are to be harmed unless they outright attack us.

Haru seems to swallow this a lot better than the bad boy.

BAOBA: I say we reinforce our sieging lines and regroup for another meeting tomorrow night. Everyone on board?

The room seems to agree, everyone leaving the tent slowly except for Baoba, Haru, and Jet. The general's calculated facade crumbles slightly as he takes a closer look at Haru.

BAOBA: Finally. I've been wondering this whole darn time who you remind me of.

The man walks around the table as Haru acts indignant towards him.

HARU: Uh... me?

BAOBA: Yes. You're Tyro's boy, aren't you?

Haru's heart skips a beat as he hears the name.

HARU: You know my father?

Baoba nods with a smile. Jet still remains, watching carefully. Mostly because Haru signaled him earlier to stay.

BAOBA: Sure do. We fought in the same battalion up in Gaipan. He saved my life before getting captured. Unfortunately, I haven't seen him since then...

A sad aura engulfs the room. To lighten the mood, Baoba offers his comradery via tapping the boy's shoulder.

BAOBA: I'm sure he would be very proud of you.

With a final smile and a cold stare directed at Jet, the general leaves. Haru still seems a bit frozen as Jet approaches. It's now only the two of them.

JET: You seem startled.

HARU: Of course I'm startled. I haven't seen my dad in years. I don't even know if he's still alive...

Jet takes the straw from his mouth for a second before putting it back in as he keeps talking.

JET: Don't get too close to the general though. You know the plan.

Haru nods quietly.

HARU: I do. Vaas entrusted me himself to execute it when the time is right. Speaking of that...

He crosses his muscular arms.

HARU: Tomorrow night.

Jet's eyes flash up in shock.

JET: Tomorrow? So soon?

The earthbender nods again, more sure of himself this time around.

HARU: I need to know if I can count on the Vulture Clan in its entirety.

Jet scoffs with insult.

JET: What kind of question is that? Everyone trusts me - we all trust each other. They're on board.

HARU: Even Bandit?

This is when his smugness fades away.

HARU: From what I know she's with the Avatar, and we can't trust him. We need to know if she's with us or not. Because if not-

JET: Don't even worry about it. Bandit is with us, I guarantee. She would never betray her family.

The earthbender seems satisfied.

HARU: Good. I'd hate to see it any other way.

Haru finally exits as well, leaving Jet with a lot more anxiety than the boy had hoped to feel today. Of course Bandit is on board. Why wouldn't she be? Then again, she doesn't know yet...

Strolling through the amalgamation of tents, with occasional open spaces for new recruits to train, Jet's mind is still stuck back in the forest. He definitely heard something there. But... was it anything of note? Maybe just the Avatar's friends again, training. Or the Avatar himself has finally come back, from whatever it is. It seems all the important people that should be present are gone. Probably for the better. Despite all the upgrades everyone got from Teo, he would not like to have to face the Avatar and his gang. Especially if that included Bandit. But... no, she wouldn't. Or would she? She did leave them to teach the Avatar earthbending. Perhaps...

Finally getting his mind off the cave, his next instinct is to find Bandit, tell her the truth - all of it. She deserves to know. And he must accept whatever she chooses. Even if...

On his way to Bandit's tent, which she occasionally shares with Azula, his focus is redirected yet again as he spots a cloaked figure wandering camp. What if there was someone in that cave - what if that person is now infiltrating their camp?! As he rushes after the figure, it begins to sprint away as well, dashing between tents and crates like it's nothing.

JET: Hold it!

His cries go unheard as he gnashes his teeth. Maybe someone was listening in on his talk with Haru. Either way, he can't let the figure get away. He almost has it now, aiming his hook at it.

JET: There's no escape!

It escapes into the Vulture Clan's tent.

JET: I said, stop-

As Jet enters too, he finds himself frozen on the spot.

VULTURES: SURPRISE!

The sound of an obnoxiously high-pitched party horn echoes at Longshot's command. The entire tent is decorated with colorful strings and confetti, every single member of the Vultures carrying a little paper hat shaped like a cone. Every single member includes...

BANDIT: You thought we'd never find out, huh?

An arrogant smirk plasters her face as most of Jet's unnerve finally falls off.

JET: You guys. Which one of you dressed up like a fugitive?

Smellerbee reveals herself to be the blueprint behind that stunt, still rocking the green cloak.

SMELLERBEE: We thought we couldn't get you here any other way, you being an important military leader and all...

He shakes his head with a sense of peace that he hasn't felt in a long time.

JET: How did you even find out?

BANDIT: Longshot may have overheard you telling Vaas your age when you applied to be part of the LF.

The silent archer shrugs humbly.

BANDIT: I know you don't usually celebrate, but we just couldn't pass the opportunity. We got some got grub for all of us.

TEO: We... may have stolen some from the Earth Kingdom army...

Jet scoffs with pride.

JET: Wouldn't want it any other way.

He sits down, a familiar pain shooting through his arm, as Bandit punched him pretty hard and with a pretty bright smile.

They would celebrate until sundown, allowing Jet to let the worries of the coming days rest for at least a while. Everyone was initiated regardless. Everyone except one, of course.

As he steps outside the tent and enjoys the sunset on a rocky hill far away from camp, he stares out into the beautiful color, allowing himself to finally enjoy a birthday again after so many years. He pictures his parents, showering him in their love, also something he hasn't thought of in a long time.

BANDIT: Hey, birthday boy.

She stomps over to him, making his stone seat a little longer, allowing her to sit next to him and admire the landscape as it devours the celestial ball of flames.

BANDIT: You're missing your own party.

Jet scoffs quietly.

JET: Just needed a minute. This day... means a lot. And the fact that you guys are being this nice to me...

The boy can feel the emotion bubbling up inside him.

BANDIT: Oh, please don't cry like a little girl over some party.

She jabs him in the side again and he is able to hold back his tears with a smirk.

BANDIT: Hey, I know we said no gifts, but I still got you these.

The girl nonchalantly holds up a pair of brand-new dark leather boots, approximately Jet's size. The boy tries keeping his composure upon receiving the footwear.

JET: Bandit, what-

BANDIT: Don't ask me where I got them from. But... I thought you deserved them. It's a shame I don't wear the shoes you gave to me anymore...

His heart finally sinks a bit as he stares a non-existent hole into his gorgeous new present.

BANDIT: Happy birthday and all.

JET: Bandit, I... I can't take these.

Guilt is clearly written all over his face, making Bandit frown with unease.

BANDIT: What is it this time?

Her tone indicates some pre-existing suspicions. Despite the strategic risk being way too high, he decides to go with his heart.

JET: I lied to you about something. Something big.

She crosses her arms as her face expresses a hint of fear mixed with anger.

JET: Not because I don't trust you or don't think you can handle it, but because... something big is about to happen. Something beyond you or me or the Avatar. I like Aang and the others, but I have my orders not to trust them.

He finally lets out a grunt, his actual feelings on the matter revealed.

JET: But then there's you! You're friends with the Avatar but... you're my sister. You're still a Vulture. And...

The boy sighs, Bandit patiently watching him struggle.

JET: You deserve to know. It might get me into trouble - but you have to know. I already lost you once because I was too much of a coward to be honest. So let me just-

BANDIT: Okay, stop. Please. You're embarrassing yourself.

The earthbender carefully weighs her options while chewing on a wheat straw herself.

BANDIT: Is anyone going to get killed? In this big thing?

Jet hesitates to answer.

JET: Yes. But not here, not by us.

The girl nods, still letting it simmer.

JET: I'll tell you the whole thing. If you decide to stay with the Avatar, I will respect your choice.

To his surprise, she lets out one hell of a scoff.

BANDIT: About that...

He takes out his wheat straw, staring at her with curious eyes.

BANDIT: Team Avatar's Grand Secretariat Azula has recently told me that they're thinking about kicking me out.

JET: What?! They can't do that!

She lets out a sigh as she bends up a little platform to rest her feet on.

BANDIT: Yeah, to tell you the truth, I don't think I would mind if they did. Aang knows his earthbending now and they don't ever listen to anything I have to say. So what's the point in staying with them? They're perfectly fine without me.

Not wanting to say it out loud, he could not be happier to hear this.

BANDIT: I'll still have to sleep over it. But go ahead. Tell me the whole thing.

Her verdict remained the same after hearing what was going to happen. Jet wasn't sure what she would do, how she would choose by tomorrow. But something told him the snarky little earthbending champ wasn't going to disappoint her brother.

Kenora winces with pain inside the cave, using the clear water to try and treat her hand injuries. Emphasis on try. Despite being such a natural talent at bending, treating herself had always been an obstacle that not even Yagoda could help her overcome. Healing just wasn't meant for someone with deep gashes across both palms, especially when it took her this long to start treating them. They would leave larger scars than any other of her injuries have. She wasn't any use without her bending if she wanted to protect Azula-

A rustling alerts her. The girl briefly turns to the cave entrance, her left eye still a bit swollen from that nasty kick to the face. There's a few other injuries not worth mentioning here.

The girl has the reflexes necessary to dodge the arrow making a nasty hissing noise. The projectile actually burst open mid-flight, revealing a net meant to capture her. There's no time to rest anymore - Kenora dashes through the vines-

With a crude but effective twist of her arms commanding a stream of water, she dismantles the net meant to catch her just outside the cave, the mechanism below her feet having been enough to put her on high alert. The girl stops, focusing on the situation. These must be Earth Kingdom soldiers. If she fights them now, she might not see Azula ever again.

KENORA: I'm not here as an enemy! I need to see the Avatar's friends-

Another hissing noise grabs her quite literally. This time it stems from a boy launching cables into trees, grabbing her with his hook sword and slamming her against a rock, adding insult to injury, again, literally. He also managed to take off her coat as he dropped her, ripping it apart in the process as it lands in a bush.

KENORA (hurt): Dammit, that was expensive...

She catches a kick to the face from the boy's dark leather boots.

JET: What do we have here, huh? A waterbender? Quite interesting.

A group of young fighters of varying shapes and sizes surrounds her, all tossing mean glares at the Pirate Princess. Despite the dire odds and her pain, Kenora still manages to kneel upright.

KENORA (hurt): I need to... warn you... the... the Avatar and his friends... they're in danger...

Her voice teeters out as she spots the one face she recognizes.

KENORA (hurt): B-Bandit. Bandit!

The earthbender girl had looked somewhat startled by the sight, though now she looks genuinely uncomfortable.

KENORA (hurt): That's... that's Bandit! I know her! She's with the Avatar - she'll vouch for me!

A hopeful smile quickly fades as Bandit crosses her arms and averts her gaze, giving a cold glare to Jet instead.

BANDIT: I don't know who this is. Must be a spy.

Kenora shatters harder than maybe ever before.

KENORA (hurt): No... no-no-no... I'm not your ENEMY!

Ignoring her cries and not needing to defend themselves anymore, Smellerbee and Pipsqueak finally pick her up, restraining her as they carry her away.

KENORA (hurt): You have to believe me - PLEASE!

Her cries go unheard as Jet looks back at Bandit one final time, taking out his wheat straw, and smiling. His sister smiles back, a bit uneasy at first, but ultimately, she powers through it.

康纳的故事

The Tale of Kanna

otherwise known as

When arctic tulips bloom

A few days later and Kanna had finally reached the Floraroma Fields. A vast ocean of all different kinds of flowers hidden safely in a valley between the war in the west and the desert in the east. The old woman smiles quietly as she gets off her mount, Malu munching away at some colorful greens. The hilly landscape offers a tranquil little spot for the Chief Mother, who had been tirelessly going north for the past few days. Unbeknownst to anyone, even Katara, the woman received a secret message sometime after arriving in Kaofu. Who exactly placed it in her pocket remains a mystery, though she came to expect it from this strange organization she encountered in Goldmouth.

Ever since Bato's breakdown at the Trial, she had kept the Pai Sho piece, unsure whether or not it did carry any special qualities, or if the swordfighter boy was simply a fan of the game. Yet still. In this field of flowery goodness, staring at the white lotus might not be a coincidence after all. A few more minutes of enjoying the scenery later and the old woman is finally fascinated enough to stop. A singular, white tulip steals her attention more than any other flower. She squats down, running her finger across it as she recalls a memory so distant, it might as well be from a prior incarnation...

Like any building in Agna Qel'a, the impressive capital of the North Pole, the Academy was entirely made of ice, though insulated well enough to be livable once you're inside. Not that anyone would want to live there, certainly not Kanna. And certainly not someone else.

HAMA: Whatya got there?

She surprises her from around a corner, the girls walking down an outside corridor, a large courtyard to their left, some waterbender boys jocking it up. Kanna smiles as she shows her friend the same flower that old Kanna found in the Floraroma Fields. Here the girls are roughly Kenora's age, Hama herself only short of a few freckles, darker skin, and some curlier, lighter hair to match the look completely. Kanna herself looks very similar to Katara, some perkier lips and hair loops rounding up the look of a girl from nobility trying to appear as modest as possible.

KANNA: It's an arctic tulip. They're incredibly rare and resilient. They only grow ever so often up north.

Hama picks the botanical item up bluntly, though as it lies in her hand and the girls stop, she actually makes sure to admire it carefully.

HAMA: Nice. Maybe you can take up gardening as a hobby once you become someone's slave-wife.

Hama lets out a very non-lady-like burp.

HAMA: But it is pretty nice. Keep it safe.

As she hands it over, a third girl their age, also wearing their blue school uniform appears. Hama crosses her arms with plenty machismo as Kanna stores her flower away safely.

HAMA: Oh, look who the cat dragged in.

Yagoda's appearance gives a more outwardly rich impression, though the girl didn't choose this herself. An intricate hair pattern, a bone necklace, and a pretty face stand in stark contrast to the absolute fury that the young girl portrays, hugging her books as if wanting to smack them against a certain non-bender.

YAGODA: Haven't you done enough?! I thought you said you know these things!

Hama raises her arms in a gesture of innocence. Kanna can't help but to smirk a bit at the situation. To some degree, it's Yagoda's fault for trusting Hama with this in the first place.

HAMA: Hey-hey-hey, don't come at me like that. I know Pakku likes you, it's not my fault he was a coward that didn't act on it.

Kanna briefly looks over to the courtyard, in which a group of teens plays some kind of game involving water from the fountain. One of those aforementioned young men is Pakku, whose hair is long and vibrant and beautiful. The two share a quick smile that makes Kanna blush.

Yagoda interrupts her daydreaming via grunting.

YAGODA: You are the WORST, HAMA!

With that, she steps away, clearly holding back some tears.

KANNA: Yagoda, wait...

PAKKU: She really is the worst, trust me!

The other boys laugh as Hama's features form a very stern frown.

HAMA: What was that?

DIFFERENT BOY: Yeah! That's how those southern girls act!

DIFFERENT, DIFFERENT BOY: I bet ya she's a lesbian!

HAMA (angry): What was that?! COME BACK HERE!

The two unnamed boys run away as Hama chases them with a hauntingly inspiring fury.

HAMA (angry): I CAN KICK YOUR ASSES EVEN WITHOUT WATERBENDING! STAND UP AND FIGHT!

Kanna always loved these outbursts. A part of her constantly lingered with the question of what if her best friend was gifted waterbending instead of her. She was much more of a fighter than Kanna ever wanted to be. But alas, it's a question that can never be answered.

And now it's just two left. Pakku is first to walk over to the girl, leaning on the pillar-based balustrade separating the courtyard from the corridor. Kanna tries giving a neutral smile as Pakku lets out a nervous scoff. Sedni, his jawline is so dreamy...

PAKKU: Uh... sorry about Yagoda there. I didn't want to hurt her feelings, Hama was-

KANNA: Hama was doing Hama stuff, don't worry about it. I'll talk to her later.

PAKKU: Which one?

KANNA: The one that actually listens.

They share a brief chuckle.

PAKKU: But hey, uh...

As his cheeks flare up, so do hers. Maybe it's just the North Pole temperatures...

PAKKU (blushing): I actually told Yagoda no because... there's someone else I like...

As his eyes meet hers, he finally erects himself to full height, towering a bit over the girl. Kanna's heart is beating out her chest at the pace of a buffalo yak's gallop.

KANNA (blushing): Uh-huh?

PAKKU (blushing): Um... she's really smart and... really beautiful... and she goes to your class-

She interrupts his ramblings via pressing her lips against his briefly. They try a second time with him leaning in a bit closer, putting his hand behind her head as she allows the warmth in her stomach to shoot through her body as a whole.

Hama, who has returned from scaring away the other boys, leans smugly against a pillar on the other side, for once in her life not choosing to ruin someone's moment and become the center of attention.

Their actual school-based accommodations are closer to the city center, the busy town square with its canals and gondolas close by.

Kanna, Hama, and Yagoda all share a dorm room, a moody little hut being a mix between a traditional igloo and more modern housing. The former girl brushes her hair in the mirror while the latter two argue in the back, Hama spread out on her bed appearing bored.

HAMA: Look, I said I'm sorry! I saw him acting weird around us, assumed it was you, took a chance. That's how these things go! Fifty-fifty.

Yagoda grunts yet again as she shakes her head.

YAGODA: That's NOT how fifty-fifty works! Your math is terrible! And so are your matchmaking skills!

Hama shrugs.

HAMA: Uh. Whatever.

The girl grabs a moon peach and takes a bite from it. These things are pretty rare up here in the north.

YAGODA: Why do you even offer to help when you haven't had a boyfriend yourself?

This triggers the girl somehow.

HAMA: Rude? I've had boyfriends.

YAGODA: Oh yeah, like who?

Hama carefully weighs her options before swallowing.

HAMA: Okay, not boyfriends, really. I made out with some guys on the waterball team, nothing special.

Shocked to her core, the girl turns over to Kanna sitting at her dressing table.

YAGODA: Kanna, is that true? Has she made out with a boy before?

The precisely provocative question does ruffle a few feathers on the only non-bender. Kanna can thankfully defend her friend by telling the truth.

KANNA: I really wanna say no but... I had to cover a few times. It was way longer than I wanted to...

With a gasp, Yagoda turns back to a triumphant Hama, who flicks up her brow like any jock would.

YAGODA: Fine. But you didn't help at all! I'm going for a walk...

The girl angrily storms outside...

HAMA: You forgot your parka!

...before briefly circling back in, grabbing her winter wear and leaving again. Hama snickers to herself as she finishes her moon peach. Kanna finally puts down her bone comb (bonb?) before letting out a sigh.

KANNA: Hama... you and I know that when I covered for you, it wasn't just boys...

Clearly her friend appears a bit uncomfortable at that, though gets up with her usual bravado regardless.

HAMA: Whatever. None of that stuff counts anyways. It's not "real" love or sex until we have a necklace chocking us from some rich asshole trying to get his family in a better position.

The girl walks over to Kanna's dresser leaning against the wall with her arms crossed as Kanna undoes her hair loops, picking up her bonb again.

HAMA: Although, I saw a certain someone today who was certainly not doing things that "didn't count"...

The girl admires her nails, waiting for a blushing Kanna to respond.

KANNA: Thank you for not ruining the moment.

Hama acts with something akin to insult as she walks back over to her bed.

HAMA: Wow, you think badly of me. I wouldn't ruin a moment like that. Not even if it was Yago-go.

She slumps down on her bed again, picking up an adventure novel on her nightstand. Some new widespread series called "Noatak". Apparently about some pirate. Kanna wasn't much for those stories, though enjoyed it by proxy, as both Hama and Yagoda were in love with it. Both for different reasons.

HAMA: Wouldn't it be cool?

The slightly cryptic question catches Kanna's attention again.

KANNA: What?

After finishing reading a sentence, Hama puts the book down again.

HAMA: If you could just... pick Pakku. Go with him. No pressure. And then I could pick... whoever suits me. But I guess life is gonna be something else instead...

Her voice clearly carries a lot of hidden anxiety in that statement. Kanna decides to get up and walk over to her friend, sitting down next to Hama a bit more upright and not like a wet towel.

KANNA: Our families aren't just going to ship us off like cattle. They'll have us have a say in it too.

Hama scoffs in a defeatist fashion.

HAMA: Maybe with your folks back home. Me? I'm a southern girl. I was sent off to the other side of the world just cause my parents couldn't deal with me anymore.

The waterbender puts her hand on Hama's leg in a sympathetic gesture.

KANNA: Whatever happens, we'll always have each other. You and me.

Hama finally sits upright, her smirk suppressing her mean comment briefly.

HAMA: You're a dork...

Which is Hama-speak for something in between "thank you" and "I love you too".

It was years later, a few days after graduation, that Kanna got the letter. It carried the seal of the Great Chief, Lampop. The girl shudders as she opens it, standing in the harbor on a dockyard. Hama, now a few years older and with shorter hair, runs over to Kanna with an innocent expression of joy.

HAMA (out of breath): Hey... Yagoda's parents are out of town... she's throwing a...

Being able to tell something is wrong, Kanna finally turns around with tears in her eyes.

HAMA: Oh no, what happened?

She quietly hands the letter over to Hama as she starts full-on sobbing. The non-bender only skims it but gets the gist. Her features form a stern frown as she comforts her friend with a hug.

HAMA: Fucking assholes. Think they can just... take what they want...

Though Kanna doesn't see it, her friend is losing some tears too.

HAMA (teary): They can't just... take you away...

A party full of drunk teens that just graduated in a giant mansion with a nervous Yagoda trying to keep everything in order is just what Kanna and Hama wanted for all of their lives. But alas, things change. Kanna used the opportunity to try and relax, have a good time. But how could she? It was her final day. She had tried talking to Hama about it all night, though the girl seemed to have evaded her somehow during the party, picking up the "relaxing" part a lot better than the waterbender.

PAKKU: Kanna?

It seems someone else had caught up to her. She and Pakku never... officially dated, though met a few more times in their remaining years in the Academy. Pakku waves her over to a balcony as she tries to figure out what to say.

The outside is obviously cold and dry, though his presence makes it somehow warmer.

PAKKU: You look beautiful tonight.

She tanks him with a smile, an avalanche of guilt pummeling up behind it.

PAKKU: I uh... I made this for you.

He slowly pulls out an item from his pocket that upsets Kanna even more.

KANNA: Pakku, is that-

PAKKU: An engagement necklace? Yes.

His very self-assured smile meets a nervous breakdown as Kanna hides her face in shame.

KANNA (muffled): No... Pakku...

PAKKU: What's wrong?

He immediately tries to comfort her, sensing he may have been a bit too eager.

PAKKU: W-we don't have to get married. Not right away. I just... I just thought... maybe it works out and... you can stay in the North Pole. Like you always wanted?

The young woman shakes her head as she wipes off her tears.

KANNA: No... you don't understand...

She didn't want to tell him. Not like this. But he deserves it just as much as Hama.

KANNA: I've been invited to go to the South Pole. The Crown Prince wishes to court me.

The young man's world melts in front of him, washing down a cruel stream and away forever.

PAKKU: No... they can't. He can't do that! You have to say no!

KANNA: I can't Pakku! My father agreed to it. If I say no, they will be stripped of their titles and cast aside! I can't-

What she can't is hold back her tears. Despite everything, Pakku still tries to be as solid as a glacier.

PAKKU: Here. Keep it.

He puts the necklace in her palm as she stares into his eyes.

PAKKU: I wish it would've worked out. I wish we could live in a world where we were allowed to choose. But we must accept the world we live in now. And I know you will make the best of it, Kanna. You're strong, resilient. I only regret not ever teaching you proper waterbending.

He grabs her cheek with the softest touch imaginable. She looks down, admiring the beautifully handcrafted piece.

KANNA: I will cherish this. So that I'll always remember you.

PAKKU: And I will always remember you, Kanna. You're... you're the love of my life.

The two close off their promises with a kiss carrying the passions of another life, a better one. One in which she could've chosen. What if she did stay? Make a life as a commoner with Pakku? Again, no one really knows the answer.

Back inside and with Pakku remaining on the balcony, the noise of something breaking catches Kanna's glimpse.

YAGODA: HAMA!

The stumbling girl, clearly drunk and committing a very high faux pas by wearing pants, struggles to get back up after crashing onto a wooden table, destroying it and everything on it.

HAMA (drunk): Ups... Ididn'tmeanto...

As everyone else is repulsed, Kanna is the one to step in, helping her friend get up as she carries her upstairs to the guest bedroom she had been using for a few days now.

The sound of the party is now in the distance. She places her friend on the side of a bed in this pretty cozy room, dimly lit. Even includes a personal little fire pit.

KANNA: I think you've had enough.

Hama emits a liquorish snicker.

HAMA (drunkenly mumbling): No... you'vehadenough...

Kanna takes off her friend's boots as something inside the non-bender snaps.

HAMA (drunk): Oh Sedni, it's your last day! You'reyou'reyou're leaving! Kanna, you're leaving!

Her voice quivers with fear and sorrow and anger. Kanna can't stand to break a second person's heart today.

HAMA (drunk): Nonono you can't do thatyoucan't. That's not... what you want...

The waterbender lets out a frustrated sigh.

KANNA: I know, Hama. But what am I supposed to do?

HAMA (drunk): If I wasyou...

She obnoxiously taps Kanna's chest.

HAMA (drunk): ...especially if Iwas a waterbender? I would run away. Geta boat and just... just... just go. Wherever.

Kanna smiles at her drunken words.

KANNA: You know, I absolutely, 100% believe you that you would do that.

Hama nods. To her friend's surprise, the non-bender's water works seem to break, nay, shatter out of nowhere, her breath smelling like booze getting tighter and tighter.

HAMA (drunk and crying): And you know whatelse? I would take a boat and run away with you. If you asked me. I'd be our CAPTAIN!

The intoxicated girl raises her arm very suddenly, almost hitting Kanna.

HAMA (drunk, crying, and pretending to be a pirate): ALL ABOARD THE YAGO-GO! WE'LL BE SETTIN' SAILS FOR RICHES AND ADVENTURE! ARRR!

Kanna laughs at this, a bittersweet tone woven into every exhale. Hama is back to staring at her friend.

HAMA (drunk and crying): You're the... bestest person I have ever met. You were always there for me when I needed you, eventhough I was ahuge asshole most ofthe time.

KANNA: Hama... you're not an asshole.

In a gesture of sympathy, that Hama might read wrong, Kanna puts her hand on her friend's cheek.

KANNA: You are the bravest person I have ever met. You are never afraid to stand up for what you want. And I will always, always admire you for that.

Hama's breath seems to calm down a bit at this.

HAMA (drunk and crying): "Whatever happens, we'll always have each other." That's what you said to me.

Kanna nods.

KANNA: You and me.

Hama definitely read that hand-on-cheek-thing wrong, as the young woman suddenly leans forward and goes for the kiss. Kanna doesn't back off, letting it happen with an aura of confusion. She unfortunately didn't enjoy it as much as her best friend seems to have.

HAMA (drunk and crying): Oh no. Oh nononono. What did I do...

As she backs off nervously and her breaths become gasps again, Kanna tries comforting her.

KANNA: Oh, no. It's fine. Don't worry about it.

Her calming, genuine tone stands in stark opposition to the panic attack unfolding next to her.

HAMA (drunk and crying and panicking): Oh Sedni... I kissed my best friend... whydidIdothat...

KANNA: Hey...

Her voice a bit more firm and one hand on Hama's, the frantic state seems to subside, returning to regular inebriation.

KANNA: It's okay, really. We're both very emotional, it's our last night together, we're... both a little drunk...

Hama can finally swipe her tears off as she smiles.

KANNA: And I liked it. We spent our last night exchanging nice things and a kiss. Why not? It's something to remember.

Her friend nods obnoxiously. Still, her sadness hasn't disappeared yet.

HAMA (drunk): Can you stay with me for a bit? Until I've fallen asleep?

Kanna engulfs her in a warm, long hug.

KANNA: Of course.

Hama lies down tired and exhausted, her inner sense of balance going for a few rounds as the girl tries to find some sleep. With her back turned and Kanna lying next to her she coughs out one final, drunken sentence.

HAMA (mumbling): You're still a dork...

You'd think after Pakku there wouldn't be any tears left. But there we are. Kanna actually nudges a little closer, acting as the big spoon to allow Hama to drift off. She ended up staying quite a little longer after her friend went to sleep. She wondered, even back then, what would've happened if the two of them ran away together? Became pirates? She would've taught herself waterbending somehow and... Hama would've... well, captain-ed it up. That would've been nice. But alas, this final question was never answered either.

Kanna left the next day in a thick fog. All of her friends and family had gathered to say their goodbyes, including a very hungover Hama. She left her home, never to return.

The years that followed were cruel but manageable. The woman had found her own spirit as she grew older, drawing her strength from the love she carried with her from the North Pole, and the love she felt for her son and her grandchildren. Morgenaute never truly loved her, and he never tried to hide it. It made things a little easier too. Meant that Kanna was never forced to let go of the one she truly loved.

Hama herself eventually stumbled over a nice nobleman from Whale Tail Island, a blunt character by the name of Halibut, who she initially disliked. Although, eventually, she was able to open her heart up for the man that would end up becoming the father of their only son, Puwati. Their house on Whale Tale Island was humble and small, though still a beautiful spot hidden in a bay with the clearest ocean water imaginable. Kanna would try to visit as often as possible, baffled to see her friend settled and happy. It's more than she could say for her own marriage, though Hama never teased her for it.

Instead, whenever Kanna came to visit, the two would spend most of their time training together, Halibut providing some scrolls for the waterbender to practice with. Despite being a non-bender herself, Hama's advice always proved useful as the years went by. Whenever Kanna came with a question, a few short days later a messenger puffin carrying help and some snarky comments would arrive.

Decades later, with both Kya and Laiya expecting their first children, the two women, now very much reaching the point of being elderly, sat on the rocky beach in front of Hama's house. The old woman snorts, getting Kanna's attention.

KANNA: What is it?

HAMA: It's funny. I remember talking about this life when we were at the Academy-

A brief, concerning-sounding cough alerts the waterbender. Her friend had refused to talk about her state of health for quite a while now.

HAMA: I talked about getting married to some nobleman like it was a horrible chore. Like it was slavery.

Kanna bends up a sip from her cocktail to drink from it.

KANNA: Some have it nice than others.

Hama nods with a quiet smile.

HAMA: I think I had it pretty well though, right? All thinks considered? I think this whole... life thing worked out pretty well for me.

These strangely cryptic words worry Kanna, though she doesn't address it in respect of her life-long friend.

KANNA: Do you ever think about what would've happened? If I married Pakku? If we ran away as pirates? If you were the waterbender instead of me?

Hama snorts rudely.

HAMA: At least that last one would've been nice. But... I think it's useless to hold on to the past like that.

With a smile, she looks down to the edge of the beach, her son holding his pregnant wife in his arms.

HAMA: Let's look to the future instead.

With the sun setting, it kisses the water in shades of gold and pink.

KANNA: Whatever happens, we'll always have each other.

HAMA: You and me.

The friends exchange a heartfelt smile.

Hama died a few days later. She lived a happy life, and gifted Kanna many things. Bravery to inspire. Hope to continue. And a granddaughter that, from the first time Kanna heard about her, reminded her way too much of her old friend.

Back in Goldmouth, the days before Katara's arrival, the two would spend every breakfast together, allowing Kenora to vent her frustrations a bit.

KENORA: Right? So, now I'm like - does she even like me? She instigated the kiss!

Kanna sighs like a tired old hag.

KANNA: I know, child. You have told me this before.

KENORA: Well, I still don't have my answer. And I sure as hell can't go see her now when she's with the Avatar at the Governor's Palace...

KANNA: Perhaps you can make it a mission then. Get one of those sand boats and steer it inside. Then capture her. Like Noatak would.

KENORA: Eugh, you mean those cheesy romance novels that have been running for decades? Don't tell me you read those.

KANNA: I don't. But they probably have something to say when they continue to be written and sold.

KENORA: Right. Yue loved them. I never understood why. The guy who's writing them is probably ancient now. No offense.

She carries her plate over to the sink as Kanna reacts with a mix of insult and a smile.

KANNA: And yet, whoever it is, they are still filled to the brim with ideas of love and adventure.

Kenora shakes her head as she adjusts her servant uniform a final time.

KENORA: You're a dork.

The young girl leaves the room with her presence and the Chief Mother with a sense of her love for a friend having taken on a new shape.

On the same day, in that tiny little flower shop near the giant ice thing that refuses to melt in the desert heat, Kanna's day would take an unexpected turn as a strange customer helps to pick up a flower that she just dropped from a bouquet.

KANNA: Thank you, kind sir.

She puts the flower back with the others.

KANNA: It is a rare flower, an-

BUMI: Arctic tulip. I know.

She turns back around, unsure why this kooky old man is smiling at her.

KANNA: Can I help you with something?

BUMI: Oh, just... maybe help me with my memory, it's been getting pretty loose up there.

Thankfully, no one else is currently present in the flower shop.

KANNA: Well, if you are looking for any particular arrangements, we have a discount on-

BUMI: No, not for flowers. For an old friend. He described this... girl he fell in love with as a young man. She had to run away from home to get married to someone she didn't love. He did so too, but he claims he never forgot her.

Kanna's heart beats at an alarming rate during his explanation.

KANNA: How do you know-

BUMI: Don't worry, I'm not Pakku! He actually looks pretty handsome for his age - AH-HA-HA - SNORT!

Kanna folds her hand under her uniform, trying to appear as stern as possible.

KANNA: I don't know what you mean.

BUMI: Oh, don't worry, I'm not here to arrest you or anything. You give off the impression like you have something more to offer.

Having this kind of conversation, even when it is with a person as strange as this, couldn't come at a better time.

BUMI: I'm friends with the owners here. They say you are a wise old woman.

Despite her optimism, Kanna still tries to decipher what he means.

BUMI: Would you like to play a game of Pai Sho with me?

And so, Kanna acquainted herself with an organization whose name she hasn't heard yet, though it has something to do with the White Lotus piece for sure. She strokes the arctic tulip one last time before getting back up. How this singular, rare flower made it here remains unknown to her.

But alas, she can't cling onto the past like this. She has to look towards the future.

And that future is finally arriving in the form of two ostrich horses, one carrying a dangling, cackling old geezer, who she found out later was Governor-General Bumi. The other ostrich horse carries a different face. One that is even more familiar. And one that couldn't look more beautiful. Sedni, those cheekbones are still something...

卡拉曼的故事

The Tale of Caraman

otherwise known as

The third (Cara)man

Jazzy noir music starts playing.

CARAMAN (narrating himself): This city is big. Too big. One person isn't enough to deal with all of it. But someone has to try. That someone, is me.

Caraman strolls down a random street in the middle of the day occasionally needing to get out of the way of someone trying to walk past by. He also tosses up one of his knifes, only catching it again every so often.

CARAMAN (narrating himself): It happened months ago. Her name was Mai. She came by my house, begged me to come along to Ba Sing Se...

MAI: Hey Caraman, we got one more slot left and Xu broke her leg. I guess that means we have to take you with us...

CARMAN (narrating himself): I arrived here as a nobody, lurking in the shadows, trying to serve the common people...

Caraman is seen interviewing an elderly woman in the upper ring.

CARAMAN (with a notepad): So, when's the last time you saw your husband?

OLD LADY: Well, that must've been right before the funeral. I haven't seen Yufei since then...

Caraman, seated in the old lady's home, looks to his left, spotting an urn on one of her shelves marked "Yufei". The boy frowns with suspicion.

CARAMAN (still with a notepad): Curious. Can you tell me what he looked like?

CARMAN (narrating himself): But this job is tough. Mai found that one out herself soon enough. She and her partner Shahar got fired over... something. They never told me. But I couldn't let go of it. I needed to investigate this mystery...

Caraman knocks on Yue's door, Mai opening it.

CARAMAN: Mai! How are you-

She shuts it again almost immediately.

CARMAN (narrating himself): Some mysteries, remain unsolved...

Days later, a restaurant in the lower ring.

CARMAN (narrating himself): A few days passed before I finally decided to dig deeper. I needed to get some answers. And there was only one person in this city that could help me...

The music finally cuts out.

TAMAO: What do you want, Caraman?

The boy swallows crudely before taking another bite.

CARAMAN (with a full mouth): Why did you fire Mai and Shahar?

Seated across from him with only tea, the woman lets out a sigh, both at the uncomfortable contents of her answer as well as the nature of this conversation.

TAMAO: My hands were tied. I was only following what his majesty ordered me to.

The boy nods obnoxiously, regret deeply settling in Tamao, seeing how she could've freely chosen not to have lunch with Caraman. As the Crescent Warrior finally swallows, his throat visibly bulges at the contents going down. The woman is forced to hold back a gagging noise.

CARAMAN: So what are we gonna do? How are we gonna get them back?

She unfolds her hands, putting them on the table as her cold demeanor eyes him closely.

TAMAO: There is no "we". And unfortunately, there is nothing either of us can do. The King deemed it right, and we are to follow.

Caraman nods yet again, finishing his drink as a waitress walks by.

CARAMAN: Excuse me? Can I get another lemonade?

As the waitress with a ponytail turns to their table Tamao immediately recognizes her, keeping it to herself as not to insult the girl.

CARAMAN (pointing at the waitress): Hey... I know you. You're that girl from the Earth Ball that held up the poison drink. Chi-Chi, right?

Chi-Chi's features form a stern frown.

CHI-CHI: Yes. You got me.

Tamao respectfully averts her eyes from the scene, which is the least she can do. Caraman meanwhile starts putting on his charms.

CARAMAN: So... new job, huh? You work here a lot?

The head of the Kimono Society admires the girl's ability to shield her emotions in a perfect glare.

CHI-CHI: Thanks, but I'm gay.

Chi-Chi leaves with that, ruining Caraman's appetite.

CARAMAN: Why do I keep hitting on lesbians?

Tamao pops her eyebrows while letting out an uncomfortable sigh.

TAMAO: I suppose your talent as a Crescent Warrior lies more in your straightforward nature.

He pushes his plates aside as he tries to forget what just happened.

CARAMAN: Lucky me, I guess. Is there really nothing we can do to get Mai and Shahar back?

His quick change in topic is a welcome sign to the woman sitting across from him.

TAMAO: I'm afraid not. But believe me, I truly hated doing it. I wish there was something...

Caraman nods a third time, now with his whole upper body.

CARAMAN: The warriors just aren't the same without her in charge. I assume it's the same with Shahar and the other Kimono Agents. Aren't you like her aunt or something?

After his kind few seconds Tamao frowns again.

TAMAO: No, I am not. But she and I are... close.

Chi-Chi finally comes back with Caraman's lemonade, all parties avoiding eye-contact.

TAMAO: When I found her in Ba Sing Se, she was lost. Like I was many years ago. I didn't want her to go through the same struggles as me. So, I gave her food, shelter, I trained her in stealth, high culture, earthbending, amongst other things. By the time I was allowed to recruit girls for the Kimono Society, Shahar was so eager to join that she practically begged me.

A scoff appears behind the face powdered in white.

TAMAO: She never gave me a reason to regret it.

For once, Caraman lets those words sink in rather than answering impulsively.

CARAMAN: Sounds like you are kind of an aunt. You should tell her you're proud of her sometime.

Now Tamao is the one to let those words sink in...

CARAMAN: My parents never told me they were proud. Or that they even liked me.

...before returning to a solid expression again.

TAMAO: Can't imagine why.

The woman gets up with elegance as she hides her arms beneath her kimono.

TAMAO: I'll see you later.

Caraman waves her goodbye as she turns her back.

CARAMAN (narrating himself): It seemed I grew one step closer to uncovering the mystery. The motivations of Madame Tamao remained elusive to me, though as Shahar's aunt I felt I could trust her just as much as her niece. But alas, new problems arose...

CHI-CHI: Here's the check.

Caraman's eyes almost pop from his skull as he sees the number at the bottom.

CARAMAN (narrating himself): My day took an even stranger turn as a Kimono Agent approached me in the lower ring. She told me Shahar sent her, that she needed my help in a candy shop close by. I found myself stumbling into the middle of a hectic situation, Mai and Shahar having uncovered a grand conspiracy beneath Ba Sing Se itself. I was to stay behind and get reinforcements. After I thoroughly squeezed out every last drop of intel from a loathsome street criminal named Blaufush...

Blaufush appears a lot more relaxed, still detained to the wall behind him.

BLAUFUSH: And that was... the fourth time?

CARAMAN: Fifth!

The Crescent Warrior holds up the incorrect number of fingers as Blaufush appears a bit sympathetic.

CARAMAN: There was Xu from Crescent Island, Shahar, that lady at the massage parlor, and now this Chi-Chi girl!

BLAUFUSH: Huh. You really seem to have a talent of hitting on women that are not interested in you.

CARAMAN: Right? And I thought I was going crazy!

The Water Tribe boy politely refrains from any mean comments.

BLUAFUSH: So... is that part of your interrogation?

CARAMAN: Huh? Oh no, I finished that like an hour ago.

He showcases his nicely folded paper before stuffing it back in his pocket.

CARAMAN: I just wanted to get a second opinion on the whole thing.

Blaufush's eyes almost shut as he pouts at the boy.

BLAUFUSH: Right... aren't you supposed to get help though?

CARAMAN: Hm? OH SHIT!

He looks outside, the sun now significantly more to the east.

CARAMAN: We need to get to the palace!

He grabs Blaufush by his shackles, ripping them from the wall as he drags the boy behind, completely forgetting the old man still tied to the other side of the room.

In Tamao's office, the woman is seated behind her desk with a nameless agent across from her.

TAMAO: And there is no new intel from the gathering?

AGENT: No, Madame. Their goals seem to be the same. They only organize for peaceful protests and proclamations. There was even some talk of doing fundraisers for families still affected by the Water Tribe attack-

Her door bursts open as Caraman enters out of breath, a random boy with rock shackles behind him. This is even too much for the reserved kimono woman, causing her to get up with a grimace.

TAMAO: What do you think you're doing?! You can't just storm into my office like this! And who is that?!

Blaufush raises one hand as Caraman gasps for air.

BLUAFUSH: I um... I'm a prisoner. I have some intel for the Water Tribe's spy network.

Tamao would've probably preferred it if this was some nonsense that is wasting her time. Instead, Caraman finally has the brains to hand over his report, Tamao looking more scared with every new sentence.

The other agent was tasked with getting Blaufush to a cell, Yue's old one to be precise, as he actually cooperated. In the hallway outside, Caraman's gasping has turned to normal breathing again. Tamao on the other hand looks like she is trying to downplay a cardiac arrest.

TAMAO: This is terrible. This confirms all of my biggest fears.

She finally stops her nervous pacing as she stares down Caraman, who looks back with his face a tabula rasa and his hands akimbo.

CARAMAN: Yeah. Pretty wild.

For the first time ever, Tamao grunts.

TAMAO: Where are Mai and Shahar now?

CARAMAN: Oh, they went into the hole. Said they needed to find evidence. I think.

A brief nerve of fear is tapped within the woman.

TAMAO: And you didn't stop them?!

CARAMAN: Could I have?!

The Madame calms herself down a bit.

TAMAO: No. But I'm guessing that's why they told you to go to me directly. So that I can send reinforcements.

CARAMAN: Yup.

Tamao sighs.

TAMAO: I can't. Since those two got fired, the King doesn't allow us to send large numbers of agents wherever we want. I'll need to convince him first.

She steps away as Caraman looks after her, dissatisfied.

CARAMAN: What about me?

Remembering he is still there, she gets the brilliant idea of actually using him for something.

TAMAO: Go to Yue's. See if she's okay.

The boy nods, Tamao does so too, then she leaves down the hall.

CARAMAN (narrating himself): There I was. I had all the pieces that I needed. After all this time, it seemed the mystery was-

CARAMAN: Wait a minute. If the network catches Mai and Shahar, then they'll know that we know that they're there.

His blood freezes as he lets out a gasp.

CARAMAN: And the Tribe knew about Yue, so they probably know where she is now - WHICH MEANS SHE IS IN TROUBLE!

It doesn't take Caraman long to get to Yue's house or notice that there is something wrong. The lock on the main door is cracked open, and the Crescent Warrior wastes no time rushing inside.

CARAMAN: Yue! Are you okay?

The princess is sitting on the couch, her hands and legs tied, her mouth restrained with a piece of cloth. The first man stands behind the couch, immediately pinned to a wall via Caraman's needles. The second man tries to knock the boy out with earthbending, which he dodges skillfully before restraining him with knives. Despite having saved her, Yue still bursts out muffled screams in a panic.

CARAMAN: Don't worry, you're safe now!

He didn't see the third man coming. A muscular hand grabs his skull, smashing it down against the coffee table, shattering the piece of furniture and firmly knocking the boy out in one quick motion. Blood streams from a gash on his forehead as the perpetrator cracks a crooked smile at him.

VAAS: That lad cer'ainly packed a punch, did he no'?

His fellow Liberation Forces members free themselves from his attacks. Yue breathes heavily as the hulking man erects himself in front of her, blocking the sunlight coming in from the window behind both of them. Zither music starts to play as Yue takes a deep breath, bracing herself for whatever the man has coming for her.

VAAS: I'm afroid I can't chat no longe' though. We two go' a da'e down in the sewers.