TLF - The Last Firebender

by Carrotine Clara

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

43. Episode 2: Life Aquatic

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Have started working on the audiobook (finally!) though it is taking me a lot longer to complete just one episode than I expected. Most likely by the time the next chapter drops I'll have finished it. That's all for now. Hope y'all are having a nice weekend!^^

---

Earth. Water. Air. Fire.

Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony.

But then everything changed when the Water Tribes attacked...

100 years passed and two Fire Nation siblings discovered an airbender named Aang. And although he is the Avatar in a different world, in this one, a girl named Azula was next in line. While her firebending skills are formidable, she doesn't feel ready to be the Avatar yet.

But I believe she is. I believe she will save the world.

---

Avatar: The Last Firebender

Based on Distorted Reality by Ogro

Written by Carrotine Clara

---

Book 3: Water

Episode 2

Life Aquatic

---

Act I. – There has been an awakening

---

Azula continues to stumble, almost falling over at the sight of Water Tribe insignia. Her chest rising and sinking with her hectic breath, the apparent injury spikes in pain repeatedly, causing a vicious anxiety circle to make things worse and worse.

The girl finally falls on her butt, trying to calm herself somewhat, the firebending lessons from Master Jeong Jeong echoing through her head. A few seconds pass wherein her mind continues to race while Azula desperately attempts to lower the adrenaline present in her system. Were her brain a PC, her cooling systems would certainly run with the noise of a jet engine by now.

Next, she reflexively flicks her wrist. A sigh of relief, as her firebending is not gone, though she can only keep the weak little flame alive for a few seconds before the injury causes her to recoil in a pained sting. The fire itself only shimmered slightly with blue color, telling her that whatever lies beneath her bandages probably inhibits her in more ways than one. At least her bending isn't gone, but this is more or less the next worse option.

No time to ponder on that – the chaos in her head persists, bouncing from side to side as an escape plan takes shape. Getting back up slightly uneasy, Azula figures that whoever put her here must not have expected her to wake up at this time, or else she would've been restrained. The element of surprise is on her side. Even if the door to her cabin was locked, it's not like her firebending couldn't handle that.

As her right hand reaches for the door handle, Azula stops briefly, admiring her palm. A pretty striking wound has healed up mostly, though a gaping burn mark remains around her thumb joint, her skin a darkened shade of red from the scar. Is that connected to the injury on her torso?

In a panicked state, the raven-haired girl cares little, as her cognitive functions are buried under piles of stress, forcing her to open the door quietly, finding herself in a small corridor, several cabins left and right leading Agni knows where. The sound of some kind of chirping catches her attention as she leaves the hallway, coming to a more open area, still beneath the ship's deck. Wait, ship? Yeah, she's on a ship, of course. But this doesn't really look like the Water Tribe vessels she's been on before. Where in the hell-

KHALI: Hey!

Her neck twists instinctively, the girl finally making out that the sizzling noise was related to the small kitchen area, an extraordinarily large man with hairy arms eyeing her with a strange expression, almost like... concern?

KHALI: Stay there.

As he tries to approach her, Azula's fingers blast a weak, but effective gout of fire, red and blue mixing to create a sort of purple color. The cook blocks her attack with a frying pan as Azula finally spots a set of stairs leading outside. With no hesitation or forethought, she makes a run for it.

KHALI: No! Come back!

The striking pain from her chest only worsens with every clumsy step, the girl stumbling as she reaches the main deck. Azula can barely make out any features for now, whatever... thing she's on seems to be brightly colored in... some colors... she winces in pain.

CHI-CHI: Holy crap.

Then a girl approaches her. Whoever this... pirate is seems to be clad in simple red fabrics, a bandana on her head to match it.

CHO: Is that her?

A second girl appears, taller, clad in a brown coat with some yellow underneath, neatly done eyeliner to match her black bob cut.

CHI-CHI: We need to get the captain.

The second girl nods, running below deck as Chi-Chi approaches carefully, Azula in the meantime having gotten back up on her feet, an unstable fighting pose and two erected fingers still intimidating the girl a bit.

AZULA (weak): Stay... away from me...

CHI-CHI: You need to sit down. You are not in danger.

Some more faces show up. Most are strangers, yet she could swear that she recognizes at least one or two. Vertigo tingles in her ear canals.

AZULA (weak): Where... where am I...

CHI-CHI: You're safe. Trust me. We are not here to hurt you.

AZULA (weak): Why should I... trust you...

Then, a chatter. She can't tell at first, but after a few seconds she makes out a little lemur having climbed up her body and onto her shoulder, licking her face and making a whole fuzz.

AZULA (weak): Sabachi... yeah, I hear you... slow down...

But where did her companion come from-

As the other crew members appear to look at something behind her, Azula finally turns around.

From below deck, a figure emerges.

Her hair is cut short again, softly dragged upon her shoulders, with two strains wrapped in blue cloth going over her ears. A tiny scar runs through her cheek, a much larger one across her nose. She has finally settled on a very simplistic Water Tribe fit, though it's actually much closer to a Fire Nation costume in terms of shape, two cerulean stripes over a beige shirt forming a sort of dress, peanut brown pants ending in strikingly familiar, pecan leather boots.

As the captain has arrived, she almost breaks into tears.

AZULA (weak): Ke... Kenora?

Kenora finally allows the waterworks to break, running up to Azula and helping her to her knees, the firebender collapsing from her pain, though still conscious. She looks at the waterbender in front of her with big eyes, the joy she should be experiencing drowning beneath an avalanche of questions. The Pirate Princess, falling on her knees as well, grabs Azula's face with two rough hands, though the touch is as gentle as always.

KENORA (teary): I can't believe it.

AZULA (weak): Where am I? Where... are we...

The captain wipes off her own tears before talking with a bit more stability.

KENORA: You're on my new ship. You uh... you were out for a bit. I might need to catch you up on some things.

As Azula nods, a lump of guilt is swallowed by the waterbender.

KENORA: How are you feeling? Does it hurt a lot?

All of Azula's adrenaline-fueled energy evaporates very quickly, her eyes shut halfway as Sabachi briefly chatters in her ear.

AZULA (weaker): No-no, I'm... I'm fine...

Her voice fizzles out as the girl collapses for good, Kenora thankfully there to catch her fall. With ease, the captain hoists the firebender up, her exposed arms, wearing the fancy gloves from Kaofu, almost looking like those of an athlete.

KENORA: I'm gonna take her down below and explain everything. You guys keep the course steady for Cape Corsairus.

THE CREW: Aye.

CHI-CHI: Kenora...

Just as the captain was about to go below deck, she turns to the former servant girl, whose arms are crossed, a face that reeks of concern.

CHI-CHI: Are you gonna tell her?

Clearly overwhelmed by the thought and with Sabachi on her shoulder, the first half of Kenora's response is a deep sigh.

KENORA: I don't know yet. I'll try not to overwhelm her.

Chi-Chi nods, though clearly appears unhappy with that answer.

---

It took Azula quite a significant amount of time to recover, though anything besides sitting on her bed, lying on her bed, or getting up to use the bathroom is out of her zone of comfort for now, the last one especially taking up an exorbitant amount of effort on her part. As she is seated on her mattress, back leaned against the wall and Sabachi purring on her lap, a myriad of thoughts races through her mind. So far, the girl was able to make out that this is Kenora's ship, that the waterbender is its captain, that the Water Tribe flag is probably used to trick other ships into not attacking them, that none of her other friends are here, or else Ty Lee would've showered her in affection by now, and that this, as in, her room, was most likely intended to be the captain's quarters, repurposed to be hers instead.

And then there's the feeling again. Azula's mind races through the cosmos, attempting to grasp some kind of accurate description of the sensation. It's sort of like a... hum, or a note, vibrating within her insides. It also feels a bit like a string, pulling at her. Pulling her where? She finally makes a breakthrough as she comes to realize that it does indeed feel familiar. It's like back on Twin Island, back when she was chasing a rodent up one of the Sisters. It called for her back then...

Her thoughts are abruptly, though not rudely interrupted by Kenora entering, carrying a tray filled with four different small plates and bowls, even including some kind of beverage. Most importantly, the Pirate Princess carries proudest of all, a warm smirk.

KENORA: Did I wake you?

Azula shakes her head in response, removing her arms from her skull as they stop rubbing it. Kenora first puts down a little bowl for Sabachi, the lemur racing next to the bed in order to devour her dinner. Outside her room's window, a glimmer of sunset shines across the calm waves.

KENORA: You hungry?

The second of her questions is answered as the waterbender puts down the tray on her bed, Azula grabbing the first thing she identifies as meat, slobbering it with her hands like a tribal warlord.

AZULA (with a full mouth): Oh, this is amazing!

Kenora smiles like a dork while grabbing a chair to sit across from her. While the raven-haired girl enjoys dinner, she takes a keen interest in the person sitting across from her, their expression to be precise.

KENORA: Yeah, having Khali with us is truly a blessing. Food was a slog to get through before that.

The firebender raises an eyebrow at the contents of her words, though can't quite put her finger on what bothers her. Her actual fingers are notably drenched in sweet-and-sour sauce.

AZULA (with a full mouth): Not much to complain. Didn't realize I was starving. I probably haven't eaten in days.

On cue, Kenora's features darken, causing Azula to swallow with a loud gulp, lowering her bowl and letting it rest on her lap.

AZULA: Kenora?

Fear pulsates through her veins as much as blood.

AZULA: How long was I out?

Kenora takes an audible breath, frightening the firebender even further.

KENORA: Three months.

No real way to sugarcoat that, really. While Azula appreciates the honesty, the implications of this still make her bones shiver.

AZULA: Th- three? Three months? I haven't been-

That's when part of her mind implodes, questions piling on top of her existing ones.

AZULA: Wait... three months since when? I... what happened?

The girl across from her plays around with her thumbs as she searches for the right answer.

KENORA: What's the last thing you remember?

Azula's aura darkens as she recalls.

AZULA: I'm not sure. We were in your cell when Katara attacked. After that... it's... blurry. Like a... like a series of nightmares. I'm not sure what happened.

Kenora lets her dig a little deeper, the results not making the firebender happy in the slightest.

AZULA: We... we fought. We fought again. I... I fought Aang. He...

That's when it echoes in her mind, that nasty bolt of thunder. Slightly teary, Azula's eyes meet Kenora's.

AZULA: He killed me. Didn't he?

Clear pain in her mind and body, the Pirate Princess nods. This is also when Azula catches a very important detail, one she didn't spot earlier – almost the entirety of Kenora's right arm carries a horrible scar, a burn mark reaching from below her long gloves into beneath her top, most likely covering parts of her shoulder as well. The raven-haired girl shudders at the realization.

AZULA: That's... that was me. Wasn't it?

Kenora tries playing it off, sounding more assured of herself than ever before.

KENORA: It wasn't your fault.

AZULA: Yes it was.

KENORA: No. Azula, she had you under control. That Onryō... goo-whatever was calling the shots. You didn't do this. I know you didn't want to.

AZULA: You don't understand. I did.

Horrified at the revelation, Azula's honey-colored eyes stare off into nothing.

AZULA: It... was able to read me. It manipulated me. Played up all of the resentment I held. Convinced me that it was right.

As the memory of the crystal catacombs resurfaces, her gaze meets Kenora's once again.

AZULA (teary): I... I wanted to hurt you.

KENORA (soft): No.

AZULA (teary): Yes, I did.

KENORA (softly): No, no-no-no-no.

The waterbender rises from her seat, engulfing Azula in a long overdue hug. While the motion makes her injury flare up a bit, for the firebender, it is more than worth it.

Upon separation, Azula initiates a very short, intimate kiss, one that Kenora didn't seem to expect, though reciprocates, nonetheless. The Pirate Princess decides against sitting down next to her on the bed, choosing the chair instead.

Despite the apparent awkwardness, Kenora still smiles bravely.

KENORA: None of that was you, okay? It's spirit stuff. That's far outside our territory.

For some reason she didn't sound very convincing in that second part. Regardless, Azula's tears fade as the firebender nods, taking a few moments and some more grub to continue.

AZULA: How did you manage to bring me back?

Kenora shows some coolness at the more technical question.

KENORA: Well, there's this sanctuary back at the North Pole. Kanna gave me some spirit water before the Golden- I mean, before the Dibuang attack. I tried healing you with it and it uh... it worked.

As Azula smirks naively, she completely misses on Kenora obviously leaving out something in her story.

AZULA: So... you've saved my life twice now?

Sounding a bit flirtatious, it seems it doesn't work on a guilt stricken Kenora, the girl even getting up.

AZULA: What's wrong?

KENORA: Azula there's... there's something else...

The waterbender juggles internally with how she should continue from here on out.

AZULA: Kenora?

In a flash, the Pirate Princess turns around, having decided on what to say.

KENORA: We're in Water Tribe territory.

It seems, the girl chickened out. Though it did upset Azula adequately.

AZULA: What?

KENORA: After Aang... after Ba Sing Se happened, I wanted to get you out of there. I took you with me wherever I went, kept you save, tried treating your injuries. But...

The raven-haired girl can figure out herself what this means.

AZULA: No one knows where I am.

KENORA: They might not even know that you're still alive.

Her eyes widen as Kenora's head is lowered in deep-seated shame.

AZULA: So everyone I know and love thinks I'm dead?

A nod and a sigh are all Kenora can muster. The ramifications of this immediately crystalize onto Azula's features.

KENORA: I'm sorry. I was being selfish.

AZULA: You wanted to protect me. I get it.

The brief shimmer of hope is followed by a subtle grimace.

AZULA: But you were selfish. My friends would've protected me as well.

Kenora rubs her face, still wrestling with the other big thing that needs to be revealed.

Ultimately, the Pirate Princess leaves it at that for now.

KENORA: I'll explain everything else tomorrow. Just... get some rest for tonight.

A cocktail of emotions bubbling beneath the surface, Azula doesn't quite know what to say after that.

AZULA: Sure. I'll see you tomorrow.

Refusing Kenora one last look, the waterbender opens her cabin door...

KENORA (quietly): I'm sorry.

...before quietly closing it again.

---

Gerek's cold gaze remains firmly fixated on the ceiling, made from a cold steel mixed with similarly cool wood. In the months since the disappearance of Puwati the young man decided to grow a beard, though he didn't manage much more than a few stubbles, making him look scruffy and inelegant more than anything. His thoughts about as coherent as a raging river, his hand reaches out to his nightstand, fingers clutching a white ring made from ivory. A sigh escapes the man's lungs as his chest sinks, some wavy carvings on the piece of jewelry evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time not so long ago, when he and his brother were merely children living in a South Pole village. Tarshall had a ring just like it. They got it on the day Gerek shipped out for his basic training. He remembers giving his bro a cocky smirk while Tarshall held back his tears. He was just a kid at that point.

And now he's gone. Couldn't protect his own brother in the Golden City attack. Always teased him for being a waterbender when Tarshall wasn't. And yet none of that accomplished anything. His big mouth and his big bending skills didn't save his life.

Ultimately, he decides to let it go for now. What happened, happened. No need to hold on to the past like that.

Vertigo washes over Gerek as he almost rolls off his bed, accidentally dropping the ring as it gets lost under his wardrobe.

GEREK (mumbling to himself): Someone's changing our course.

As the ship finds stability again, the lieutenant is back to his feet, his face expressing a deep sense of uneasiness as he exits his cabin in a rush.

---

A minute later the man reaches the helm, a confused helmsman turning his head to the adrenaline-fueled waterbender.

GEREK: What is the meaning of this mutiny? No one told you to change course!

GUDGEON: Actually, someone did.

The man's head quickly refocuses on the Vice-Chief standing in the doorframe separating the helm from a small balcony overseeing their vessel. Despite his usual insistence on loyalty and adherence to authority, Gerek's reaction is one of skepticism.

GEREK: Is it to do with the Princess?

GUDGEON: Something like it. We're headed to Cape Corsairus.

GEREK: Cape Corsairus? That lowlife hub for pirates and thieves? What in the world are we to do there?

Gudgeon lets out a disappointed exhale as her figure turns her back towards him, the iconic cloak of the woman hiding her shape perfectly.

GUDGEON: A word, lieutenant.

As Gudgeon walks onto the balcony, Gerek shares a brief but amusing moment of eye contact with the helmsman, whose features communicate that he would very much not like to have to switch places with the waterbender.

---

Entering the balcony crested with a wooden railing, Gerek can't quite suppress his gulp. With Gudgeon holding onto the balustrade and the full moon shining above the two of them, a silhouette appears from the celestial body, growing in size as it flaps its wings closer and closer, finally landing on the railing next to its owner, Gudgeon petting one of three unnatural-looking heads. Gerek had never seen a flying fox hydra before, and, from the name alone, he had merely pictured a creature with more than one head. He didn't expect all three heads to be a strange flower-like shape, with the one in the middle carrying big, round eyes and sharp fangs, the two smaller ones on the side merely possessing teeth and nose. All three elongated heads turn to Gerek as they spot him, their neck frills erecting as if sails, shaking alongside the howling bark-like screeches of the creature. Or... creatures? With the waterbender gasping in shock, Gudgeon finally turns to him, her pet calming down alongside this.

GUDGEON: Heiande doesn't attack unless I command it to. You needn't worry.

Heiande, the unfriendly beast, continues to glare at him with all three head, despite only carrying one set of eyes.

GUDGEON: You seem unhappy about my orders. Am I correct in assuming that, lieutenant?

Gerek finally has the strength to stand up straight and proper, his hands folding behind his back as he does so.

GEREK: I simply fail to see the strategic value of making a stop in a pirate port, Vice-Chief. This does not mean I question your authority on board.

A hint of a smirk is carved into her face.

GUDGEON: Not even if I'm a woman?

He holds back a smirk quite unsuccessfully.

GEREK: I love my nation. I love the Tribes and their traditions. But I do not share this antiquated sentiment that many of my peers possess. It is a waste of manpower to half the potential number of soldiers when many girls and women are more than capable of fighting. I mean, some of them are waterbenders. Surely it would only hinder the war effort to prevent capable waterbenders from serving their country.

His answer ended up being a lot more detailed than he had planned to or that she had anticipated. Above all, Gudgeon looks happy at his response.

GEREK: So no, I do not mind that you are a woman, Vice-Chief.

GUDGEON: You sound like a modern man, lieutenant.

A slight itch of rebellion creeps up on him.

GEREK: Thank you. I did however not say what I just said to impress you. It is my honest opinion.

GUDGEON: Good. I do not need sycophants.

Upon formalities and loyalties being reaffirmed, Gudgeon turns to the celestial ruler of the night once more, Heiande jumping off the railing to rest at her legs hidden beneath that ominous cloak.

GUDGEON: You were right. Corsairus is a pirate port. That's precisely why we're headed there.

GEREK: I... can't follow.

She turns back to him yet again, the full moon illuminating her from behind.

GUDGEON: Do you believe that there is a distinction between treason and desertion?

Gerek shrugs, though thinks about it earnestly.

GEREK: Not really.

As her sharp eyes drill right into him, he ponders a bit longer about it.

GEREK: It... could depend on the person.

GUDGEON: Correct.

He lets out a relieved breath before Gudgeon continues.

GUDGEON: Puwati disobeyed direct orders from the Great Chief before disappearing. We can assume treason in that. The Crown Princess is, however, merely a girl. I believe she... is attempting to find herself, so to speak. Much like her brother before, taking some space away from the Tribes might be something she deems as necessary.

GEREK: So, you think she might be in cahoots with pirates?

GUDGEON: Not necessarily. But we won't find her in a military outpost or a big city falling under the Tribes jurisdiction. If anything, she'll stay far away from those locations. If we want to find her, we need to think like her. Go to the places a runaway would stumble across. Do you see now, the strategic importance of my decision?

He nods respectfully, the nighttime breezing across his skin warmer than in the weeks before, an indicator of an approaching, hot summer.

GEREK: I understand your thought process. Maybe a pirate port is the way to go.

She too nods, signaling the man to pound his own chest and leave the balcony right after. Gudgeon turns to the moon a final time, its strength and brightness enchanting the woman. Heiande snarls briefly, meant to be a positive expression despite the vicious sound the creature produced.

In reality, it's no coincidence that Gudgeon picked Cape Corsairus above any other ports.

After all, she is not merely looking for a Crown Princess. And where better to find a Pirate Princess than in a pirate port?

---

KENORA: Alrighty – here we are!

Having temporarily ignored last night's fight, Kenora decided to drag Azula from her cabin very early in the morning, helping her get on deck, where an entire crew of pirate-esc characters are awaiting the two of them. At least the sun is out, a sensation of warmth the raven-haired girl had more than missed, the lemur on her shoulder similarly excited by the nice weather.

KENORA: I figured since you are... staying for a bit, I might as well introduce you to everyone.

"Since she is forced to stay somewhat against her will" is more accurate, the awkwardness of the situation not going unnoticed by Chi-Chi mainly. In truth, Azula hasn't made up her mind about how to continue or where to go to. For now, she's just a little angry with Kenora and seeing where this whole thing goes.

She doesn't utter it but... the feeling is also back. This strange sensation, almost like it's calling for her, telling her to stay here for now. Azula can't quite explain it or put it into words, but she trusts it regardless.

KENORA: You may know some of these faces already. So...

The captain briefly loses track of her own thoughts.

KENORA: Where should we... start...

AZULA: I know you guys.

The firebender eases her decision via nonchalantly pointing towards a set of figures she can finally properly recognize.

AZULA: You're those people from the Porkchop Express.

Which includes Khali, the cook she attacked yesterday, Cho, who is wearing some kind of yellow-ish thing with a brown coat over it, San, whose wild mane fits perfectly under a black bandana, Dan, who rocks a V-neck going all the way down to his belt, and Penki, who looks basically the same overall, though he rocks some beige and green stuff. In general, all these characters look much different from when we last saw them – a lot gruffer and loose, like pirates would be, the guys not shaving a whole bunch while the girls have sworn off dresses for the most part.

After scanning the folks in question, Dan is the one to step forth with a smirk.

DAN: Well, we already know who you are as well, right, Gracie?

Surprisingly this gets a weak smile from Azula, recalling her Little Ozone adventure. It ended badly back then, with the girl running away from her kiss with Kenora. The firebender briefly looks over to a nervous captain before scanning the other crewmembers on board. Her honey-colored eyes finally focus on a young Water Tribe man rocking blue garbs and a poncho.

AZULA: Tenaka, right?

Identified correctly, Tenaka nods.

KENORA: You know him?

AZULA: We stumbled over him in that swamp where Master Pakku was hiding. You attacked us with different pirates back then if I recall correctly.

An aura of shame radiates from Kenora as she averts her eyes in discomfort.

KENORA: Oh yeah. Different times...

Before it could turn any more blatantly awkward, someone else steps in this time.

CHI-CHI: I'm Chi-Chi. We... never officially met but, I did see you in Musho Ichi when you guys overthrew the governor and freed the slaves. I was never able to thank you for that so... yeah. Thanks.

AZULA: You're welcome. It was a group effort, though.

A soft jab in Kenora's arm communicates a slight bit of sympathy between the two girls currently not on good terms.

AZULA: Let's see... the only other person I remember is this guy.

She points at a short, large figure with side chops and clothing that, while worn down, seems a bit too fancy for a pirate.

AZULA: You're that coach from Huoshan that got my brother into a tournament.

QIZHA: You'd be correct, lassie. I had to switch lanes after the Tribe wrecked the place.

KENORA: He's my quartermaster now.

AZULA: He? That's your second-in-command?

Kenora shrugs as Qizha doesn't seem really that offended at all.

KENORA: What can I say? He's good with maths.

QIZHA: That I am.

AZULA: Mhm.

With that out of the way, Chi-Chi once again steps in, telling Azula that, while not second-in-command, the former servant girl seems to occupy a somewhat more important role on deck.

CHI-CHI: Shu was a former smuggler working with the Water Tribe in Yu Dao. We busted him out of a prison transport, and he switched to our crew right after.

Shu, smoking on a tobacco pipe, is by far the most pirate-y-looking character yet. A long coat and a wide hat with a feather sticking out. Notably, he says nothing, eyeing Azula briefly, before staring off into the distance once again.

CHI-CHI: And finally, Juri.

A boy roughly their age, some stubbles and his size making him appear a lot older.

JURI: I met Kenora in Mai Sa Lu. We took some seaweed together.

Like a dork, Kenora smirks at that.

KENORA: Yes, we did...

CHI-CHI: So...

Coming off as a bit more sympathetic and approaching overall, Chi-Chi turns with a warm expression towards Azula.

CHI-CHI: What do you think?

A few seconds pass where the girl in question doesn't respond at all. She finally starts off her rebuttal with a sigh.

AZULA: I think I'm gonna go back to bed.

Stated in a rather matt tone, the girl turns back to head down the stairs, doing so with a few hiccups, as her injuries mixed with waves make the procedure a little shaky. Kenora looks back towards the rest of her crew, everyone on deck appearing somewhat baffled or uneasy, minus Shu and Penki that is.

KENORA: Well... that was that. Everyone back to their post, I want us to reach port by noon.

THE CREW: Aye-aye, captain!

Spoken in unison, everyone gets back into position, manning their relatively impressive pirate vessel as it conquers the waves below it.

CHI-CHI: Kenora?

No one is forced to refer to the waterbender by her title, though most do it regardless out of respect. Chi-Chi is the one crewmember who almost never uses the term "Captain".

CHI-CHI: We need to talk.

---

Azula enters her cabin with a mixed sense of self and conviction. Ever since she snapped her eyes open and started waddling through this darn ship something has felt off. It's the sharp pain from her chest wound, which she hasn't even bothered to look at beneath the bandages yet. It's the fact that most of the people she loves are Agni knows where, ignorant to the fact that their friend the firebender is indeed still alive. Part of her does understand Kenora's reasoning. Who knows what happened with Aang and the others? But denying her off that answer is wrong. For as much as she likes the waterbender, it seems some of her more selfish tendencies never went away.

What does it mean for them?

The sassy lemur sat her shoulder leaps from the girl, pawing a soft spot on the luxurious bed before starting to rest. Azula lets out a sigh that reeks of migraine, deciding to seat herself down next to Sabachi as her hand wanders up to her pulsating skull.

What is that feeling? A pounding. Like a sound constantly stabbing her ear canal, one only she can take note of. But why? Why now? Is the stress of finding out you (semi-)died three months ago and remained in a coma while your girlfriend became a pirate, and your friends and family are nowhere to be found really that harrowing? Alongside the knowledge that one of your closest friends killed you? And not just any friend – the Avatar-

From that, the inaudible sound finally takes shape. For some... Azula is speechless as to why but... for some reason Shi Shi the Beast Dog resurfaces from her memory core. For a moment the raven-haired girl returns to Dibuang. Specifically, the sanctuary. But... why?! Because she had a headache back then? Before...

Then again, she got that headache before entering the Spirit World, much like Aang got occasional headaches whenever something important occurred.

AZULA (mumbling): Oh no...

Instinctively, she trembles over to the circular window, opening it quietly as nausea overcomes her.

AZULA (mumbling): Please don't put me in the Spirit World. I really don't feel like it...

CHI-CHI (from above): ...only protecting yourself here, Kenora! You're being selfish!

While Azula intended to return to her mattress, it seems she stumbled upon a conversation she might not be supposed to hear.

KENORA (from above): I am not being selfish! She's still recovering – it's way too much for her!

Or at least she stumbled upon it in ears only. Quietly, forced to hold onto a wardrobe, she remains close to the porthole, Kenora's and Chi-Chi's voices just close enough to be caught by the kind of sharp ears Azula possesses, almost as impressive as those of a cat owl.

CHI-CHI (from above): Hiding it will only make it worse when you do eventually tell her. And what if she finds out on her own? How do you think she'll react to that?

A first rough cut thought forms in her head.

Azula did notice something weird about Kenora and Chi-Chi. There was obviously a kind of... closeness between the girls that wasn't present with the other crewmembers.

Is it possible... did Kenora leave her? Is she with this Chi-Chi girl now?

KENORA (from above): You and I are the only ones who know. How would she find out?

Chi-Chi grunts loud enough for the firebender to hear.

Dread engulfs her, a sting cutting deeper than her scars ever could. She is still angry at Kenora, for obvious reasons.

She just didn't think it would hurt this much.

CHI-CHI (from above): Just. Tell. Her, Kenora. She deserves to know.

Tears start to stream down her face uncontrollably. Azula's hand already reaches for the window-

KENORA (from above): Tell me how! How do I tell her that? "Hey, by the way – you're the Avatar!" How do you tell someone something like that?

Like that. You tell them like that, apparently.

---

Act II. – Don't let the stars get in your eyes

---

Azula stops crying almost immediately, replaced by a flood of... uh... what?

AZULA (quietly): What?

CHI-CHI (from above): Be quiet! Someone might hear us!

The sound of boots trampling over wood and the absence of an ongoing conversation tells the firebender that both girls probably went somewhere else. She closes the window regardless. She... um... thinking... uh... what... what was... what was that?

VOICE: I think you know what that was.

Azula grunts in pain as the girl collapses to her knees, one hand on her chest wound while the other squeezes her head, the migraine only getting worse.

She must've imagined that just now. Didn't sleep a whole lot last night, plus Kenora woke her up crazy early. At least now she knows that the girl hasn't left her.

VOICE: Of course she hasn't. It seems she loves you very much.

AZULA No! Stop! Get out of my head!

VOICE: Do not worry, child. I am not one of those vile spirits that took possession of you. I am a friend.

AZULA: Stop! I know what you're doing!

VOICE: I am only showing you something you already know. Something you've known your whole life.

AZULA: I said STOP!

With the exhale of her last word Azula's eyes snap once again, her headache finally gone. So is the ship.

She finds herself kneeling on a tropical island beach, soft sand and the sound of calm waves reminding her of home. Getting up in distress, the raven-haired girl hasn't surrendered yet.

AZULA: You brought me to the Spirit World, didn't you?

VOICE: No. But close.

The voice. The feeling. It's there now, concentrated and clear. Azula turns around to spot a strange sight.

An old woman, white hair that falls down her shoulders and over her intricate robes, yellows and beige tones mixed with some orange. Clearly the outfit of an airbender, though it seems to be a kind of off-brand recreation rather than something proper monks and nuns would wear. In addition, the figure is missing her arrow tattoos.

Soft eyes painted in the colors of a storm cloud meet Azula's gaze.

AZULA: It's you.

A few more seconds pass. The old woman's features are wrinkly, at the same time they capture a youthful spirit that endured through a lifetime.

AZULA: It's always been you. Hasn't it?

OLD WOMAN: I never made myself noticeable throughout your life. However, I have always been a part of you, Azula. When you got close enough to the Sisters, I called to you to go climb the volcano and find the other Avatar. When I sensed that Shi Shi wouldn't welcome him, I helped you get into the Spirit World instead.

All of this is news to her. None of it surprises her. She knew.

AZULA: I know.

The girl pauses as the airbender patiently waits for her next words.

AZULA: I've always known.

Then, after a final pause, Azula finally gains the strength to stand upright.

AZULA: Your name is Enya. You were meant to be this world's Air Nomad Avatar. Aang took your place.

Enya nods with a smile.

AZULA: Suppose you lived a quiet life. Until eventually... you died.

ENYA: Peacefully. After my death, the cycle continued, and after air comes...

AZULA: ...fire.

A weight the size of a mountain range drops from Azula's heart, one she was always able to feel but could never identify as anything significant. Until now.

ENYA: I'll explain everything later. Meet me in Cape Corsairus, at the very edge of the market under the shade of a ripe peach tree.

AZULA: Wait... why not tell me now?

Slowly, both Enya and the beachhead are blown away like dust.

ENYA: We're not alone yet...

With a janky blur, the cabin room of the pirate ship returns beneath her, around her, and indeed above her.

A knock on the door doesn't take her eyes off the spot on which an airbender just smiled at her. An airbender with many answers to many questions, some of which the girl didn't know she had.

KENORA (from outside): Azula? Are you okay?

The voice of a captain pulls her back to Earth.

AZULA: You can come in.

The door opens and Kenora enters with yet another tray, this one carrying Azula's and Sabachi's breakfast, the lemur already up from her power nap to slobber up her personal bowl.

KENORA: Are you feeling better?

A reasonable question, as the firebender is back on her feet standing up perfectly straight.

AZULA: Uh... yeah.

Double-y reasonable because Azula has seemingly been crying.

KENORA: Listen um... I uh... I want to apologize again. I'll probably end up doing that a lot going forward.

Finally, the raven-haired girl turns to face the uneasy Pirate Princess.

KENORA: Once we dock, the others and I need to do... business stuff. But I promise you, after that, I will tell you everything. And... if you want to, you're free to go and find the others. I'll help you find them if you like.

A pretty hefty sacrifice it seems, at least based on Kenora's timid presentation. Azula ultimately nods, unable to make such a decision now.

For approximately fourteen seconds the girl thought that Kenora had left her, and it made her bawl her eyes out. So maybe just think on it a little bit longer.

AZULA: Okay. We know how hard-hitting your promises are, so I'll take your word for it.

Smooth rebuttal, causing Kenora to blush first, the firebender second.

KENORA: Right. You can... check out the harbor town if you like. We can give you some money if you want to go shopping.

Azula's head tilts to the side. She does need to go to see Enya, yet some mindless purchases sound reasonable also.

KENORA: Only if you're feeling well enough.

AZULA: No-no, I'll gladly waste your money.

It seems, despite the hurdles and bad decisions, a simple conversation between the girls still allows some smiles and flirts to blossom. Maybe there is no reason to worry then.

KENORA: I'll explain everything later.

Another promise to seal the deal. This time Kenora leaves Azula to eat on her own, most likely because the captain is pre-occupied with some... well, captain-ing.

Approximately halfway through her breakfast Azula realizes that Kenora repeated the exact same phrase Enya spoke before.

---

While not able to see the entirety of Cape Corsairus, Azula can definitely make out that she has never seen a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Massive lines of sketchy sales booth and even sketchier merchants stretch from the impressive harbor all the way down to the hills in the back, a forest in the far distance blooming bright under the early summer's sun.

In a more secluded port up at the edge of town, Kenora and her crew are unloading boxes of loot, most of which she got from successful raids against Water Tribe ships, or through some... convincing trades. Some of it is just legit cargo.

Already there are figures loading the stuff onto their carriages, either selling them directly here at the market or shipping them somewhere else first.

The Pirate Princess is standing in the middle of this hectic exchange, coordinating everything with a calm but surprisingly loud voice, surprising to the unnamed merchant characters, that is.

KENORA: Alright everyone – let's keep this stuff at a brisk pace! Be careful with the crates marked as "fragile"! Leave all the food produce in the salt crates to keep them fresh – especially the fish!

Hidden within all the organized chaos, one particular, raven-haired girl and her lemur make their way past all the cargo and merchants, spotted last minute by Kenora before disappearing out of sight.

KENORA: Azula, wait!

Cho, the Porkchop waitress, pays keen attention to this with a raised eyebrow, Chi-Chi next to her appearing somewhat guilty.

Azula has the decency to turn around, though her crossed arms express a desire to be left alone.

KENORA: Hey!

AZULA: Hey.

KENORA: You uh... you're leaving?

AZULA: Just checking out some of the vendors.

KENORA: Do you have some money with you?

She does not. Usually this is the part where Azula would confidently lie, yet for some reason... oh, I don't know.

AZULA: I don't.

KENORA: Here.

The waterbender quickly grabs some coins from her pocket, putting them into Azula's hesitant palm.

KENORA: Khali won't be preparing any lunch today, so you'll have to buy something. But he did promise us a feast for dinner.

Hoping to infect her with a pinch of enthusiasm, Azula merely nods while giving the coinage to a reliable lemur, Sabachi subsequently storing it in her convenient pouch.

AZULA: I'll see you later.

Kenora responds with an awkward nod.

KENORA: R... right.

It appears the two are departing already, as Azula turns around and-

KENORA: Wait.

Sounding like a whimper, the firebender cannot resist to look towards Kenora again. The Pirate Princess almost flings herself into a hug, one much stronger and intimate than what Azula got yesterday.

KENORA (while still hugging): I'm really, really glad to have you back. I want you to know that.

They separate again, staying close as their eyes meet for a very cute amount of time.

AZULA (quietly): I know.

No kiss follows. Azula did expect one, being able to read the hesitation from the girl opposite of her. Why exactly Kenora hesitated, however, remains unanswered.

---

AZULA: It makes sense, really. Not just that I've always known but... looking back at everything.

Sabachi chirps curiously in response to this. Occasionally the girls stop at a vendor selling jewelry or bags or such, though none of it really interests the firebender. Her hand briefly wanders up to her nazar necklace. Appropriately, Azula's mind is occupied with the question of Kenora for a moment, before returning back to her talk with the lemur, who took the whole Avatar News surprisingly well, all things considered.

AZULA: That one time I had this vision from Aang's perspective, when I was captured by Bato. And then before that, when I went to the Spirit World with him, this... Hoa beast...

---

The creature whines at Azula, who seems more than confused about it.

AZULA: Does it... want me to come along?

Aang finds this very strange too. Hoa barks at her, although in a non-aggressive fashion.

AZULA: Alright! I'll come, no need to hurry...

She climbs on top, holding on to his back just like Aang in front of her, although she secretly wishes to have to hold on to him directly.

AANG: What did he say?

AZULA: Nothing.

---

AZULA: He called me "master".

A brief chirp from the lemur.

AZULA: Hoa. Avatar Kaiyuko's animal companion. I was confused by it then but... seems it used the correct terminology.

They pass by a strange character holding up a burlap sack, daring a group of bystanders to take a peek inside. The girl scoffs at such a silly trick gaining him this much attention.

She then briefly halts, her eyes going back to her shoulder, Sabachi nibbling on some fruit that the girl bought for her earlier. A bright, warm smile creeps onto Azula's features as she realizes something in that moment.

AZULA: Now that I mention it... every Avatar has an animal companion.

The winged lemur Sabachi, with her big, round eyes, her short ears, and the intricate fur pattern, makes a chirping sound much quieter and softer than it has ever before.

AZULA: What do you say, huh? Wanna serve the real Avatar?

In response, the creature drops its food, climbing all around Azula in excitement, the girl laughing joyfully, in part also because she is ticklish.

AZULA: Okay, okay – calm down.

A few giggles plus some ear scratches later and Sabachi returns to a more reserved state.

AZULA: We need to find that peach tree first. Maybe Enya has some wisdom for you as well.

One final chatter later and the lemur drops into the sky, deciding to fly around a bit, possibly to help scout the area.

In all honesty, it has only been a few hours since Azula found out about her true identity. Still, for the first time, the raven-haired girl starts to like to idea.

---

Gerek grimaces. Quite profusely, actually. His usual blue uniform, unique to only the Vice-Chief's lieutenant, sometimes referred to as the Lieutenant Vice, has been replaced by shabby, brown rags. The man stares with envy at Gudgeon, who did not require a change of costume herself, as her unusual appearance and long, black cloak already makes her look like a sketchy character to some. The three-headed creature resting upon her shoulder acts as the cherry on top.

GEREK: Is this really necessary, Vice-Chief? Shouldn't we head out in full gear with a platoon?

GUDGEON: If we intend to cause a stir, then sure. But for now, we blend in.

As the Vice-Chief walks ahead, her lieutenant joins the stroll with a significant delay.

---

Though he never utters it, Gudgeon can pretty easily determine Gerek's dislike of this undercover stuff based on his stern expression and crossed arms. She chooses to indulge him for now, reserving the option of punishment for later. Occasionally, one of Heiande's heads snarling at the man serves as her adequate commentary.

Quite some time passes, Gudgeon even engaging in some purchases, and daring to take a look into some charlatan's burlap sack. The crowd surrounding the con artist disperses quickly upon seeing the Vice-Chief's blank expression.

It takes another thirty minutes of pointless exploring before Gudgeon turns to her Lieutenant Vice, as the young man just let out a pretty provocative groan.

GUDEGON: Are you tired, lieutenant?

GEREK: No, Vice-Chief. I just find your investigative nature... perplexing.

The woman taller than him smirks.

GUDGEON: Curious. You have a great way of expressing your distain in a polite fashion.

Gerek shutters a bit, afraid that his open disrespect will be met with reprisal, possibly by a three-headed animal's bite.

GUDGEON: How would you do it, were you in charge?

It seems the waterbender is getting a second chance, the man standing straight again, trying to look as important as possible in his lumpy outfit.

GEREK: Ask if they've seen a Water Tribe girl. Between fourteen and fifteen, blue eyes, brown hair. We could pretend to be her parents trying to get her back home.

Gudgeon's subtle smirk turns briefly to a warm smile.

GUDGEON: Very good. I'm impressed.

The woman turns her back towards him, pacing up a few steps next to some docked ships as Gerek hurries after her.

GEREK: So why aren't we doing that? Why aren't we looking for her?

Gudgeon comes to a halt, her burgundy orbs having fixated on something ahead of them.

GUDGEON: As wise men say, the only thing better than finding something you are looking for...

Gerek finally makes out a colorful pirate ship acting as a shop, a green pirate in front of it trying to advertise their goods.

GUDGEON: ...is finding something you weren't looking for at all.

---

Speedy strikes and heavy hits swirl around Kenora, blasting against a dummy repeatedly, the girl relying on her arm movements for now, rather than her more energetic capoeira style. Seems like the girl has evolved her bending arsenal, combing the niche techniques with the more traditional northern movements, the aggressive, southern style remaining her go-to move. It also seems like some straw and a crude caricature on the dummy is meant to make it look like Katara.

Kenora's ship, which she named the Hama, mainly consists of three colors – yellow for the deck, half the outside being a dark, ocean blue, the bottom simply black. The sails, rolled up for now, carry a bland beige. It's not the fanciest of ships, but it has proven its worth. Much like everything else in her life, Kenora was forced to take what she can get and make the best of it.

CHO: Hey, captain!

A cheerful voice surprises her as part of the crew joins her training session on deck. This includes Cho, Chi-Chi, Juri, and Tenaka, the latter two having formed a close bond of friendship in their short time as crewmates.

CHI-CHI: We brought you some sea urchin wraps.

KENORA: Thanks, but I already had some leftovers.

Wanting to continue her demolishing of the Katara dummy, the girl does notice a strange expectation from the others that she needs to say something.

KENORA: Um... so... everything going well with the cargo?

JURI: Why haven't you told Azula the truth yet, captain?

Her prepared strike fizzles out as her lips for a pronounced pout.

CHI-CHI: Sorry Kenora, but we have a "no-lie-policy" on board. And if the others are asking questions...

CHO: It's really obvious that there is something going on.

A shrug from Cho and a few seconds of silence from a Pirate Princess lost in thought. Then, finally, her response, underlined by an earnest expression.

KENORA: I know. And I was planning on telling her later today.

JURI: That's probably for the best.

CHO: Why didn't you tell us, though?

Kenora sighs.

KENORA: Well... I didn't see why.

TENAKA: You didn't see why? Captain, the identity of the real Avatar is something all of us deserve to hear – the whole world deserves to hear it!

Can't really argue with that.

CHI-CHI: She only told me, since I found her and Azula back when they fled Ba Sing Se.

Chi-Chi turns to her superior, nay, to her friend.

CHI-CHI: I can understand why you didn't want to say anything.

While she could spill the beans, Chi-Chi instead waits for Kenora to admit it herself.

KENORA: I didn't want to entertain anyone's hopes. Azula was out for a long time, and she wasn't doing very well for some of it. I... didn't even know if she would make it...

A dark thought, which seems to find some footing with her crew.

CHO: We understand.

TENAKA: Aye.

JURI: Aye.

With that, the trio leaves, Chi-Chi remaining with crossed arms. As Kenora nervously fiddles around with her thumbs, the former servant girl puts one hand on her shoulder.

CHI-CHI: You need to tell her that too. I know the Avatar stuff is heavy but... the other thing...

KENORA: I'm not sure about the other thing yet.

Unable to reach Kenora with her words, Chi-Chi joins the rest of the pirate crew in leaving her alone for now. A pained sigh escapes the waterbender as the girl recapitulates the past three months.

---

It took longer than she likes to admit, but after what felt like hours, and with the help of her animal companion, Azula finally found it. The peach tree is way further away than Enya had described. The girl had thought she'd find it at the edge of the market but no – it was way out there, on a hilly landscape with barely any other flora. But what of it? She is here now.

The raven-haired girl places herself down with a smile, Sabachi reaping the rewards of her assistance via climbing onto the blooming peach tree, dropping some soft, pink blossoms as she starts to quietly devour fruit. Azula meanwhile sits down, hugging her legs for a moment as she admires the beautiful landscape. It's been a while since she last did this. The firebender was always the driven type, her mind on a goal with no distractions able to deter her from it. It makes this moment all the more serene and intimate.

Azula remains seated for a for more minutes before correctly determining that, in order to contact Enya, she might have to do a little more. The girl has never meditated in her life before but... oh well. Things change.

Her legs remain crossed as her fists are glued against each other. She has seen Aang do this exact pose a million times before so... it can't be that wrong.

Concerns of any kind drift away as the soft breeze turns into an unnaturally strong current, not strong enough to move her. Physically, at least.

She opens her eyes again, Enya sitting across from her, the hillside now spanning long into the distance, with no end in sight. The peach tree remains, though Sabachi is gone.

ENYA: I'm glad you could make it.

The old woman's greeting embellishes itself with a warm expression.

AZULA: I'm... glad as well.

Azula expected her counterpart to mainly do the talking, though it seems Enya waits for her to say something first. In the end, the girl speaks the first thing on her mind.

AZULA: Why me?

ENYA: Why you?

AZULA: Yes. Why... why am I the Avatar? I'm not the Avatar in any other world. Am I?

ENYA: Your time spent with Aang has made you obsess with these other worlds. Constantly comparing yourself to versions of Azula that are completely alien from you is no healthy way of evaluating your own life.

AZULA: Okay. Fair point.

Azula's sass remains, yet, after everything, it seems it is now packaged in a more modest style.

ENYA: You are the Avatar because destiny chose you. You are strong and skilled and determined. You are exactly what this world needs.

AZULA: And you weren't?

Realizing her faux pas, the firebender flinches slightly.

AZULA: I'm... sorry, I... that was rude.

ENYA: It was.

A brief moment to allow Azula to feel her shame.

ENYA: But it was also true. There are other versions of me that were able to live out my duties as Avatar for some time. But... those other versions are... not me. Just as much as the other Azulas are not you.

Their environment morphs as they, without moving their bodies, are suddenly transported to the roofs of Cape Corsairus. Azula's head turns left as she spots three figures running from a mob of angry pirates.

It is Aang, Katara, and Sokka.

ENYA: In some worlds, you are a monster.

The statement causes the girl to have a strong, physical reaction, her stomach turning at the words. Though she suspects this is meant to lead to something.

Around them, the world flashes up briefly, resetting the events as a new trio chases down the same alley, chased by the same pirates.

This time it's a young Enya, Azula, and Zuko.

ENYA: In others, you are a trusted friend, and a powerful ally.

Yet another flash. For the last vision, it is four figures chased by pirates.

This time it's both the Water Tribe siblings as well as the Fire Nation siblings.

OTHER AZULA: Why don't we stand up and fight? What are those pirates gonna do?

OTHER KATARA: Come on, we don't have time for this!

The other Katara grabs the other Azula's arm, dragging them both after their brothers.

At last, one more flash zooms them back to the hillside and the strangely beautiful peach tree.

ENYA: You must accept the existence of these other Azulas. But, at the same time, you cannot define yourself by who they are. You are not better or worse than any versions of you that has lived a completely different life.

Slowly but surely, Azula begins to accept. Begins to accept that the Azula from Aang's world is a monster. Begins to accept that, sometimes, she might be a little similar to that evil, that this evil resides within her, and could reveal itself under the appropriate circumstances. It has, under the influence of the Spirit of Vengeance.

But the important part is...

ENYA: At the core of your being, you are yourself. You are Azula. And no one can deny you of that or ascribe certain qualities to you because of it. Be proud of who you are.

Briefly remembering... well, her whole life, more or less, it does fill her with a sense of pride. That knot in her abdomen from earlier loosens, filling her body and soul with a warm light.

AZULA: I get it.

Sensing that this little interaction won't last forever, the girl is quickly back to ask more stuff.

AZULA: How did you show me that? Those visions?

Enya grunts quietly at her inquiry.

ENYA: The two of us share something in common. We are the Avatar, yet our connection to the Avatar Spirit has been severed, due to Aang's presence in this world.

AZULA: Severed?

ENYA: When the spirit of the other Aang entered the body of this one, it went into the Avatar State, as the boy was just about to crash into an active volcano. With his spirit connecting to the Avatar Spirit, my connection to it was made... invalid, so to speak. With the cycle continuing, this error has been transferred onto you.

Damning news for her first day on the job.

AZULA: So, I'm only... half an Avatar?

ENYA: You are an Avatar in name only. Until this other Aang has given up his connection, you cannot access the powers of the Avatar. This includes the other three elements and the Avatar State. Though I'm sure you have noticed that this hasn't stopped you from trying...

An elderly chuckle leaves the raven-haired girl confused at first, though she quickly gets it.

AZULA: My bending.

Enya's nod confirms her suspicion.

AZULA: I'm only a firebender, but I have been copying some moves and stances from the others. Airbending circles, firm earthbending positions...

ENYA: A part of you is aching to finally connect and bend the other elements. For now, that is all you are able to perform.

Some questions answered and the raven-haired girl pulling up some memories, it is the airbender that speaks up again.

ENYA: While we may not have access to these powers, we are still part spirit in nature.

Azula's brow shots up at that.

AZULA: I am... part spirit?

ENYA: Of course. To bring us back to your original question, I have developed the ability to access windows to the other worlds. I had spent my life watching as fates develop elsewhere, in the hopes of gaining wisdom that I may pass on to the next Avatar one day.

Already a big revelation, Azula's mind shifts elsewhere.

AZULA: Wait... so if you have a special ability, then what do I-

No need for Enya to respond, as the answer is as clear as today's blue sky.

AZULA: I can talk to animals.

ENYA: That is your ability. Once you reconnect to the Avatar Spirit, you will unfortunately lose it.

More of a bummer than the raven-haired girl expected.

AZULA: Shame. Talking to Sabachi was always pretty helpful.

Though it doesn't seem to affect her too much, as the firebender is back on topic.

AZULA: So, for me to truly become the Avatar, Aang has to give up his powers?

ENYA: Mhm.

AZULA: Okay. Well... how does he do that?

A disappointing shrug makes the old woman seem less mystical and more human.

ENYA: That I don't know.

Clear disappointment from the girl, as she has started looking forward to being the Avatar.

ENYA: We don't have much more time.

AZULA: Why?

ENYA: This spot is very spiritual, but not strong enough to upkeep our connection forever.

AZULA: What if I have more questions?

ENYA: I will guide you as I always have, Azula. But you must find some answers yourself.

A bit disappointing to hear from your spirit guide.

ENYA: There is one more thing I need to show you. Something of the upmost importance.

As her old woman arm points to the left, Azula jolts up in a flash.

Part of a strange, metallic structure lies ahead, heavy rainfall washing over it, as a figure seeks shelter beneath a metal balcony, hugging herself.

The firebender's heart thumps faster and faster, the droplets of water thick and numerous enough to almost form an even film. Through this aquatic wall, the figure hugging herself becomes more and more clear, until Azula finally passes through the rainfall, halting in shock.

Ty Lee.

It seems this is not her Ty Lee, as location and her apparent prison uniform would suggest. Plus, this one seems a little older and... still has both eyes. That is at least the logical approach.

But Azula is the Avatar now. Whatever she deemed as impossible before, now seems not so crazy anymore.

AZULA: Ty Lee?

And alas – the acrobat flinches at the sound.

TY LEE: Azula?!

Tears stream down both their faces briefly, though the hectic, grey eyes of the acrobat do not seem to have spotted her yet, despite the fact that the two girls are standing right across from each other.

TY LEE (teary): Azula you... you're alive.

AZULA (teary): I am.

Ty Lee can finally lock onto the rainfall ahead of her, though it seems she's forced to focus her vision extra hard in order to spot the firebender.

TY LEE: Your hair looks nice.

AZULA: Thanks. You uh... where are you? What happened?

A pained sigh as Ty Lee looks undeniably nervous.

TY LEE: I'm in Aang's world. The Onryō brought me here. I'm in... the other Ty Lee's body.

A fact which bewilders Azula greatly.

AZULA: Oh. Uh... okay.

Ty Lee briefly pauses, smiling as if listening to someone else for a moment.

TY LEE: The other Ty Lee says "Hi".

AZULA: Hi... back?

An awkward exchange of waves later and the acrobat seems uneasy all of a sudden.

TY LEE: Azula you... you're fading.

The firebender herself also begins to notice the blurriness of everything.

AZULA: Shit. We don't have much more time.

TY LEE (teary): Azula, don't go!

AZULA: Listen to me, Ty Lee. We will find a way to get you back – I will find a way to get you back! There's something else you have to know first.

TY LEE (teary): What is it?

Azula's breaths become heavy as the waterworks break once again.

AZULA (teary): It's me Ty Lee. I'm the Avatar.

The amount of shock on her best friend's face cannot be put into words.

AZULA (teary): Ty Lee... you'll be back with us... I promise. Ty Lee-

She blinks, and the acrobat is gone. The hillside has returned, this time a lot less spiritual and more... windy. Finally, Sabachi's leap onto her shoulder tells her that her little spirit talk is out of juice.

Not wasting any time, Azula wipes her tears, determined to return to the ship, finally having found her spark once again.

She will not let her friend down. After all, she is not just any Azula.

She's Avatar Azula.

---

A strange monkey statue crested with a gem necklace eludes the young lieutenant, the two competitors engaging in a staring contest for a few seconds, an ominous howl accompanying it.

Gudgeon meanwhile examines the assortment of stolen goods kept by the high-risk traders, a slimy bunch eyeing the woman and her companion with sharp eyes, even sharper weaponry attached to their sheaths and belts.

CAPTAIN: I've never seen such a fine specimen of flying fox hydra.

Within a corridor leading away from the shop-area, a familiar figure emerges, still clad in his blue robes, now with a different hat. His iguana pirate has regrown its feathers since it was forced to fight Sabachi a while ago, crying with an ominous bark/screech, a sound so horrible that it breaks Gerek from his ape-induced trance. Neither Gudgeon nor Heiande flinch even slightly at the captain or his creature.

CAPTAIN: That beast would fetch me a hefty sum if you'd be interested in bartering.

GUDGEON: No, thank you.

The game has started. Her catch, the useful captain commanding a large crew, is already circling around Gudgeon's hook, the Vice-Chief inspecting a few more curios while she is being watched closely. As her Lieutenant Vice taps his water pouch, Gudgeon still tries to figure what it is that the pirates want. She finds herself in front of some shelves, admiring a series of scrolls, one in particular, carrying the seal of the Fire Nation, capturing her imagination.

GUDGEON: A firebending scroll. Very impressive.

GEREK: I'm guessing you acquired it through... dramatic means.

The pirate captain chuckles as she puts the instructional paper back.

CAPTAIN: I got it at a reasonable price.

GEREK: Guessing for free?

As the other pirates begin encircling them, Gudgeon finally remembers a crucial detail, one she read in the reports regarding Kenora.

GUDGEON: I wouldn't harm any Water Tribe officials, if I were you.

The captain raises an eyebrow, both his and the Vice-Chief's creatures beginning to growl at each other.

CAPTAIN: I wouldn't start any fights with pirates inside their own ships.

His crew begins to draw weapons, Gerek sharing a nervous look with his superior.

GUDGEON: I do not seek any conflict with you. There is however a different pirate captain I plan on bringing to justice.

The Lieutenant Vice seems skeptical yet remains quiet for once.

CAPTAIN: You do?

GUDEGON: I do. Perhaps you have encountered this... particular character before. I believe her alias is... the Pirate Princess?

Now Gerek openly scowls, confused by the Vice-Chief's approach here. The other pirates, in contrast, mumble and grunt in distain, their captain most of all.

CAPTAIN: This little... princess once manipulated my crew to join her cause. They ended up coming back to me. For their own good...

Now the pirates act comically ashamed, their mumbles a chaotic mixture of apologies and such.

GUDGEON: It seems you don't hold her in very high regard.

CAPTAIN: You would be correct, milady.

GUDGEON: Vice-Chief will suffice.

The captain grimaces, having realized only now that he had been the target of a hunt, and that at some point, he nibbled on her hook a bit too much, now having been dragged ashore, ready to be gutted and served in a fine meal.

GUDGEON: I might be wrong but... it seems to me that you hold a grudge against Princess Kenora.

Reluctantly, knowing he has been beaten, the captain nods.

CAPTAIN: Aye.

GUDGEON: Good. I happen to have some business with her as well. Perhaps we can help each other out.

CAPTAIN: I expect to be paid handsomely for it.

GUDGEON: Oh, you will be.

Gerek has abandoned his combat stance, crossing his arm instead, openly expressing opposition to the Vice-Chief.

GUDGEON: But more importantly, your reward shall be justice.

Overshadowing even the iguana parrot, Heiande lets out a horrendous cry.

---

In a furious hurry, Azula returns to the docks at once, keeping up a rapid pace, having completely forgotten to buy lunch along the way. Without the lemur she wouldn't've been able to even find the Hama, reaching it in time presenting itself as the less laborious part, as the pain from her wounds somehow seems to have vanished mostly.

With all of Kenora's crew still on land, the firebender stomps undetected on board, her honey eyes scanning the yellow floorboards in search for the Pirate Princess. Azula's heart pounds like crazy, a part of her gaze still frozen in the Spirit World and Enya's induced vision. By Agni, being able to see Ty Lee again was a blessing the girl is most grateful for. And it provided a much-needed push as to what her mission is moving forward.

CHI-CHI: She's not here.

Chi-Chi emerges from below deck, most likely attracted by Azula's loud footsteps.

AZULA: When is she coming back?

The former servant shrugs, a plate plus towel held in her hands telling Azula that she interrupted the girl from doing the dishes.

CHI-CHI: She went to talk to some merchant guys. Apparently they got angry at her prices.

She makes note of Azula's complete and utter lack of attention, the firebender's mind still racing into all kinds of different directions, nothing related to the boat they're standing on at all. Chi-Chi has the brains to halt her cleaning, taking a step closer to the raven-haired girl.

CHI-CHI: Are you okay?

The rollercoaster that is Azula's mind stops abruptly, Sabachi on her shoulder nudging the girl as she lets out a deep-seated sigh.

AZULA: Not really, no.

The brown eyes of the former servant scan her closely.

CHI-CHI: Is it... because of Kenora-

AZULA: Why did she run away? Why didn't she stay in Ba Sing Se with everyone else?! Is it because they didn't trust her? Is it because she was scared – because of what Aang did to me? She left me no choice in the matter! Why did she have to be... selfish?!

Surprised herself, the firebender pinches her nose ridge as Chi-Chi puts down her plate, taking a few steps closer. With everything else that's been unwrapping, Azula hadn't been paying attention to just how hurt she feels about what her girlfriend did.

CHI-CHI: I understand your anger, I really do. But... in all fairness... none of us knew if and when you'd wake up. None of us knows what happened to your friends, if Aang went and attacked them as well. She was trying to protect you.

AZULA: Well, at least Kenora seems fine and jolly with her new marine life. Glad she's been happy for the past three months.

Expecting a rebuttal right away, the raven-haired girl instead turns after a few seconds to find a rather curious expression on Chi-Chi. One of... compassionate arrogance, of sorts. Not the type of reaction Azula anticipated at all.

CHI-CHI: You have no idea how Kenora was doing.

The firebender girl returns her statement with a confused grimace.

---

We cut to a chibi-fied world map, zooming in on a little Kenora head in Ba Sing Se. As it zooms in, it switches from the chibi art style to the regular one.

Enter Kenora three months ago, injured, ripped clothes, carrying an unconscious Azula. The pair, situated at the abandoned harbor stumbles over Chi-Chi, the girl herself attempting to escape Ba Sing Se as a fleet of Water Navy warships approaches. The attack itself was repelled successfully after this, though in that moment no one knew for sure if the capital would stand a chance. Chi-Chi reacts rather spooked upon seeing Kenora's battered expression.

Back to the chibi map. Having stolen a ship, the three travel south.

At night, Chi-Chi checks on the injured captain, who seems to refuse to sleep while watching over the coma-plagued firebender.

On the chibi map, Kenora arrives at a harbor near Goldmouth. Her cute head walks over to the desert metropole as it zooms in.

Regular Kenora, her wounds almost healed, walks into the Porkchop Express, being greeted by the brightly excited staff members, who are quickly convinced to give up their miserable jobs and become pirates. Lubi herself stayed, having taken over the restaurant after the Lo Pan affair. They're still in contact with the woman, and apparently things are going well.

Back on the chibi map, the crew seems to stumble over a different vessel, which, in a simplified brawl, Kenora takes over from its original owners, who were rather cruel and aligned with the Water Tribe. Having gained the Hama, they now sail west.

On a different night, with the stars shining bright in the zenith, Chi-Chi checks once again on Kenora, the waterbender using her healing abilities on the unconscious firebender. In those first few weeks her crew had to practically force Kenora to sleep from time to time.

Back on the chibi map. Near the outer islands of the Fire Nation, the Hama encounters a Water Navy ship, wherein Shu is subsequently rescued and accepted as a crew member. The pirates make a pitstop on Huoshan, where Qizha joins them after Chibi Kenora reluctantly holds up a chibi sack of gold, causing Chibi Qizha's eyes to turn heart shaped.

Nighttime, again, a different one. While the stars dance once more above their ship, Chi-Chi yet again takes a peek inside Kenora's cabin. The Pirate Princess briefly curses at herself, frustrated that her healing sessions don't seem to have any effect on the firebender girl. As the former servant closes the door, she can hear the girl inside breaking into tears.

Chibi map. The Hama makes two more stops, one in Mai Sa Lu, where Kenora's chibi head stumbles over Juri, who seems pretty happy about joining them, and one more in Port Hakoda.

Zooming in, the crew seems entangled in a fight with the Water Tribe, helped last-second by a poncho-wearing waterbender, who turns out to be Tenaka. Growing a liking towards Juri and the others, the young man joins as well.

And so, on the chibi map, the Hama proudly sets it sails traversing the seas of the former Fire Nation, occasionally raiding Water Navy ships and selling their goods at various markets.

On a night not too long ago, the crescent moon illuminated the Earth below it. Chi-Chi checks on her captain a final time. Azula, as always, lies still on the comfy bed, Sabachi at her side. Kenora, gone. Confused and partially concerned, the girl searches all around the ship in an attempt to find the waterbender. She does finally spot her outside, on deck, leaned over the balustrade with a dead stare fixated on an invisible point in the distance. Kenora's cheeks are puffed, pronounced rings under her eyes, when finally, a long-overdue sigh escapes her lungs.

---

The flashback sequence ends and Azula looks even more shocked than when she did an hour ago. Even on a day on which she spoke with someone trapped in another reality, this is, somehow, way more terrifying.

AZULA: She... she let go of me?

Uttering the realization out loud causes an insurmountable level of pain to emerge in her stomach. Perhaps it was a good thing she didn't have lunch.

CHI-CHI: She still loves you.

Oh, and now that on top.

CHI-CHI: This is all very difficult for her to deal with, I'm guessing. But... yeah. The past three months have been a dreadful nightmare for Kenora. This, how you see her now all excited and... jolly... that's new, for all of us. And we're happy that she is because... well... what came before it made all of us concerned.

Her arms crossed, and with waves of information streaming through her conscience, Azula remains temporarily frozen, her plans and goals shifting and adjusting slowly but surely.

Above all, her hand finally wanders over to her necklace, clenching it softly as she recalls everything that came before. How the fearsome waterbender plague shifted slowly into someone who... loves her?

CHI-CHI: There's... something else you should know, Azula. Um... you'd... probably better hear it from Kenora but... I don't know...

AZULA: I know that I'm the Avatar.

Thankfully Chi-Chi wasn't holding that plate from earlier because that would've dropped and shattered right about now.

AZULA: I've always known, I think. But... I also overheard you and Kenora talking about it.

The tables are turned, as it is now the former servant girl who doesn't know what to say.

CHI-CHI: Oh. Uh... okay.

She lets out a scoff of relief, finding a way calmer Azula standing next to her. In the time it took Chi-Chi to sort her thoughts out, it seems as though the firebender made up her mind as well.

CHI-CHI: Well... how do you feel about it?

Avatar Azula smirks with confidence as her animal companion chirps heroically.

AZULA: I feel ready.

VOICE: Could I please speak to the captain of this ship?

The female voice sounded from the docks, annoying Chi-Chi while raising Azula's alarm bells tenfold.

CHI-CHI: Our captain is currently not here! Come back later!

She turns to the firebender.

CHI-CHI (whispering): Probably just an angry vendor or something.

Hoping to assure Azula, the girl instead frowns with major suspicions, unsettling the former servant. Both girls walk over to the edge of the Hama, staring down at a tall woman in a cloak, the weird beast next to her, and a rag-wearing assistant. Both seem eerily suspicious to the raven-haired girl.

And both are very blatantly Water Tribe.

GUDGEON: Good. I'll wait. It is urgent, after all.

---

Act III. – She's a pirate

---

The raven-haired girl shares a fearful glance with Gudgeon before stepping back and out of sight again. Chi-Chi, apparently having a knack for catching onto strange behaviors, follows her in this routine.

CHI-CHI (whispering): What's going on?

AZULA (whispering): Something's not right.

CHI-CHI (whispering): What do you mean?

AZULA (whispering): Those guys are Water Tribe.

CHI-CHI (whispering): Lots of people here are. Don't forget Tenaka and Shu-

AZULA (whispering) Not former Water Tribe. I'm saying these guys are part of the military.

Chi-Chi takes a displeased breath upon hearing her out.

AZULA (whispering): And I think they might be here to cause some trouble.

Down at the docks, the Vice-Chief and her pet remain perfectly still while Gerek seems to slowly run out of patience.

GEREK (whispering): What are we waiting for? We have the numbers advantage-

GUDGEON (whispering): Patience, lieutenant.

Dissatisfied with her rebuttal, the man crosses his arms even harder, as if he were an angered child.

Slowly but surely, Azula and Chi-Chi return closer to the railing, Gudgeon easily reading the uneasiness in their expressions.

AZULA: Like we said, captain isn't here right now. You might be better off taking a stroll and coming back later.

Underlying her neutral tone, the firebender admires her nails right after, a gesture she's performed a thousand times over, an easy to convey piece of body language that usually scares the target off or offends them enough to abandon the conversation.

But that was before. Back when Azula carried herself with the kind of confidence as if she owned the world, that nothing could touch her and any who tried would perish under the force of her flames.

But how would she handle such ordeals now? Would an Avatar divert their opponent's attention and avoid responsibility? Would an Avatar approach conflict with arrogance, ready to strike fear into the hearts of whoever crossed them? Being the Avatar now, what does it mean for her and her ability to bluff and lie and cheat and manipulate enemies? The answer seems obvious.

The answer also casts a notable level of doubt within her, the lack of confidence in her nail admiration picked up easily by Gudgeon.

GUDGEON: Are you a second in command of some kind?

Seeing as Azula is noticeably on edge, Chi-Chi steps in, similarly lacking the bravado to impress their unwarranted guests.

CHI-CHI: Look, why don't you tell us what you want, and we'll leave a message for our captain.

GUDGEON: Oh, I can't concede to that. You see, my business here is of the utmost importance. I'm afraid delaying it any further, will not be very comfortable for either of us.

Even someone relatively inexperienced in combat like the former servant can pick up the threat of a brawling when it is uttered with this much force.

GUDGEON: Why don't you let us aboard, where we can discuss further business details?

KENORA: Why don't you shove it?

In an instant, both Gudgeon and Gerek turn to their right, facing the entirety of Kenora's crew, all taking on combat stances while the Pirate Princess casually stems her hands into her hips. A smirk and a blush briefly pop onto Azula's features.

AZULA (mumbling): Always knows how to make an entrance.

Gudgeon reveals a tiny bit of her modest Water Tribe attire as she readjusts her cloak.

GUDGEON: Captain Kenora, I presume?

The woman's left brow moves up an inch as Kenora exchanges brief looks with the firebender on board. She winks casually at her, giving Azula the reassurance she was lacking just before. Gerek meanwhile looks rather unnerved when faced with this flock of pirates.

KENORA: You'd be correct, miss. Now, why don't you stop harassing my crewmembers and back off, ay?

GUDGEON: I'm afraid I can't do that, captain. You and I have some important business to discuss.

KENORA: Don't see why I'd have much business with Water Tribe scum like yourself.

At this correct observation, Gudgeon reacts with surprised respect. Her lieutenant, not so much.

GUDGEON: I think it's best that we all take a step back and-

GEREK: Where is the Crown Princess?!

Expressions of shock and one of disappointment.

KENORA: The Crown Princess? What about her?

GEREK: You're one of the last people who saw her after you deserted! If you have any information at all, we command you to-

GUDGEON: That'll be enough, lieutenant.

A slight edge in her tone easily gives away the woman's anger, which she otherwise hid so well.

KENORA: Interesting. If he's the lieutenant, then... no, captain is not nearly enough for you to carry yourself like that. And you're probably not anything in between either, since that's way too random to seek out the Crown Princess...

Victoriously, the waterbender smirks, the woman standing in front of her quietly accepting her defeat.

KENORA: I'm guessing one of the bigger animals. Maybe... Vice-Chief?

GUDGEON: Much like your father before you.

KENORA: Aye. Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I have no darn clue where Katara went after Ba Sing Se. If I had stumbled over her recently, she'd be at the bottom of the ocean. Does that suffice as an answer?

Gerek openly grunts as Gudgeon readjusts her cloak. On deck, Azula slowly raises her arm, still a bit unstable but willing to fight if necessary.

GUDGEON: It does. Unfortunately, despite my lieutenant's claims, we are not here for the Crown Princess.

Like waterbending, Kenora's aggressive tone is flipped back at her as she and the crew react with unease, so does the Lieutenant Vice.

GUDGEON: Though I'd be more than happy to stumble over her, I did not suspect anything of the like. No, we're here because of you, captain. You are a fugitive and a traitor to the Water Tribe. You were among one of the perpetrators that warded off our attempt to capture Ba Sing Se. It is for that reason that I will ask you to come with me.

Gerek frowns as Heiande snarls at the girl.

KENORA: I like your style but, no. I'm quite happy here.

In a very big misstep, the waterbender looks over and shares a smile with Azula, Gudgeon catching onto this easily.

GUDGEON: Very sweet. Sadly, asking you to come with me was more of a formality.

Snap!

Upon snapping her fingers, her own pirates appear from every corner and crevice of Cape Corsairus, surrounding Kenora and her crew, the green pirate even descending onto the Hama's deck, putting his blade over Azula's neck, Chi-Chi gasping in shock. Finally, the old captain casually walks up next to Gudgeon, drawing his blade.

KENORA: Ah. I see.

CAPTAIN: Surprised to see us, little princess?

The hate-filled man spins his blade, the animal upon his shoulder screeching.

KENORA: Not really. We're both in the same business now.

Casually, Kenora looks over and nods towards the green pirate holding Azula hostage.

KENORA: Hey Oh. How are things with Talyia?

The green pirate, named Oh, loosens his posture as he responds.

OH: Not good. She said she needs some distance to think about things...

KENORA: I see. Sorry to hear.

OH: That's nice of you.

KENORA: I guess. Hey, uh, would you mind taking your blade off her neck? She... kind of means a lot to me.

Azula's honey colors clash with Kenora's oceans.

OH: Sorry, no can do. We're kind of getting paid for this.

The green pirate shrugs as Kenora nods, the comedic encounter upsetting the male pirate captain greatly.

CAPTAIN: If you talk to one of my crewmembers one more time, I'll personally make sure that your little girlfriend is chomped up into little pieces!

KENORA: Interesting thought. Don't worry, I won't try to steal your crew away this time. I have something much more valuable instead.

GUDGEON: And what is that?

For a brief moment she smirks at the Vice-Chief, before the corners of her mouth move downwards, forming a firm grimace.

KENORA: The element of surprise.

Though it makes no sound, Kenora clenching her right hand twice appears to be an obvious signal, for what, Gudgeon can't tell yet. It reveals itself rather quickly as a wave of air washes over the girl, blasting against the Vice-Chief, the captain, and Gerek, all but the slender woman falling over. As Heiande attempts to strike at the Pirate Princess, the beast is interrupted by a brave lemur, engaging in a harrowing chase, the otherwise tough Sabachi having found her match.

Meanwhile, on deck, three consecutive hits alarm the firebender. Before she can properly react, Oh collapses onto the ground, having been brought into a state of paralysis by Chi-Chi and her chi-blocking abilities.

AZULA: Huh. I didn't take you for a fighter.

CHI-CHI: Well, I'm only learning.

The girls once again decide to take a peek over the ship's balustrade, spotting the all-out brawl on the docks, most of the nearby vendors and customers hurrying to safety.

Cho continues to blast wind from her palms, her airbending abilities seemingly very rudimentary. Tenaka and Juri meanwhile fight back-to-back against the waterbender duo, the non-bender using a fishing spear to combat their waves and strikes. Shu is occupied with facing down Gerek, easily overwhelming the lieutenant, whose bending abilities appear to be much more scholarly and less practical. San and Khali fight with knives, Penki manages to take on the bomb pirate with his earthbending, Dan uses batons, all while Qizha hides behinds some nearby crates.

Kenora herself takes on the opposing pirate captain in a legendary brawl, though by the looks of things it won't last very long.

CHI-CHI: Kenora! We need to get out of here!

The waterbender exposes her teeth as she blocks a deadly sword swing with a coat of ice.

KENORA Working on it! But I think we'll manage!

AZULA: The pirates aren't the issue – the Vice-Chief is gonna bring reinforcements – this is all a trap!

GUDGEON: You would be correct.

The eerily soothing voice sounds from the Hama's plank as Gudgeon slowly approaches them, her simplistic, navy blue Water Tribe dress exposed once again as her black coat flaps in the wind. Azula immediately unloads a barrage of flames upon the woman, the lessened pain in her stomach as well as her newfound determination preventing her from succumbing to failure as well as allowing her to utilize her signature blue fire again. The Vice-Chief, despite having met a fierce opponent, easily and lazily dispatches of her attacks via drawing water quickly from the harbor below, violent flares, part red part azure, turning to harmless smoke within seconds.

Upon finally stepping onto the deck, a very quiet Chi-Chi was hoping to land a surprise hit on the intruder, a few jabs in the arm and torso probably enough-

SWISH!

From, seemingly nowhere, a tendril of water forms into a thin ice spear, impaling Chi-Chi in her lower abdomen, the girl somehow unable to groan in pain as she falls down, bleeding profusely from the side.

GUDGEON: I have to give the Pirate Princess some credit. She does put up a...

A strange crackling noise alerts the woman. Instinctively, her sharp reflexes allow her to reshape the ice spear into a frozen shield, mostly neutralizing the lightning being fired directly towards her, though her solid protection shatters and the Vice-Chief is flung a good ten feet backwards onto to hard ground.

Meanwhile Kenora washes the captain away with a wave of ocean water, subsequently freezing Heiande's legs before the creature is able to take a bite out of Sabachi. The girl looks to the source of the bang, spotting a tired but healthy Azula. Her features form a bright smile as she looks to the rest of her crew.

KENORA: Alright children – time to pack things up!

Her cryptic orders are relayed as all of her pirates briefly overcome their opponents, before some combined air blasts and a massive rock avalanche disrupt the attackers. Slowly but surely, some still fighting off singular pirates, Kenora and her crew make their harrowing escape, drifting away from Cape Corsairus as a platoon of Water Tribe reinforcements arrives just a few seconds too late.

As Gudgeon rises and checks herself for injuries, the woman's expression can only be described as utter befuddlement.

---

After relaying some more orders and getting the Hama's course set, the captain paces over to an injured Chi-Chi, who is currently being treated by Kenora's healing student, Tenaka.

KENORA: You okay there?

Chi-Chi scoffs, reminding a close by Azula of herself.

CHI-CHI (in pain): I'm glad you still have your sense of humor.

A brief smile is exchanged as Tenaka takes his water-covered hand off her stomach, a tiny scar marking Gudgeon's attempt on her life.

TENAKA: There's some internal damage I've been able to stitch up somewhat, though I advise you take a look at it later, captain.

KENORA: Will do. For now, Chi-Chi gets to rest in my room.

For a millisecond Azula's envy flares up, though quickly subsides in compassion as the former servant girl tosses her a warm smile.

CHI-CHI (in pain): Now I'll know what all the fuss is about with that bed.

AZULA: Watch out – if you like it there too much, you might drop into a coma.

Not having expected that one, Kenora bursts into a cackle-like howl, overplaying Azula's mediocre punchline as if it was the funniest thing ever uttered by a human being. Chi-Chi simply rolls her eyes as Tenaka and Juri help the girl below deck.

CHI-CHI (in pain): You two are a great match...

With the three disappearing down the stairs, Azula and Kenora are left alone on deck, an awkward moment of silence and eye contact commencing.

AZULA & KENORA: I just-

Both girls stop, blushing for a moment, Azula even scratching the back of her head much like her older brother does.

KENORA: Azula... I need to tell you something. Something I should've told you last night-

AZULA: I know already.

Kenora's breath stuck in her throat for a second, the girl proceeds to exhale loudly with a smirk attached, a massive amount of weight dropping from her shoulders.

KENORA: Why am I not surprised at all that you figured it out yourself?

AZULA: Well, I did overhear you and Chi-Chi talk about it...

The joy of the situation vanishes rather swiftly.

KENORA: Oh.

AZULA: Don't worry, I would've figured it out on my own. Enya visited me.

It takes the waterbender a few seconds to figure out what she means.

KENORA: Guessing she's the old airbender woman?

AZULA: You saw her?

KENORA: After I brought you back in Ba Sing Se, yeah. She thanked me for saving her life. That's how I knew it was you.

For some odd reason the Avatar-to-be finds Kenora's phrasing more than sweet.

KENORA: Aang thought it was me. It's why he chose to protect me and... redirect your lightning against you.

A pause allows the raven-haired girl to let that sink in. That's when Kenora scoffs.

KENORA: I knew it was nonsense. Of course it's you. When I saw your eyes glowing and Enya thanking me, I realized that it... can't be anyone else.

More touching words to reach Azula's heart.

AZULA: Why?

Color returns to Kenora's cheeks briefly.

KENORA: The Avatar is meant to restore balance, bring peace to the world, and help it prosper. I can't picture anyone better than you to do that.

Azula's plans crumble slightly in that moment as the red shade appears on her face as well, the girls stepping closer to each other. She recalls Chi-Chi's words from their earlier conversation.

"She still loves you."

AZULA (blushing): Kenora... I-

QIZHA: Captain!

Their faces only a few inches apart from one another, metaphorical fume streams from Kenora's ears.

KENORA (angry and with clenched teeth): What?!

QIZHA: We're being followed!

The captain and the firebender exchange a worried glance.

---

In the distance, two ships can be spotted even without a spyglass, the coast of the Earth Kingdom just barely visible on the side.

KENORA: Crap.

AZULA: Any chance we can lose them on land?

KENORA: Don't think so. Plus I'm not gonna give up the Hama so easily.

QIZHA: So, what're your orders, captain?

Hands akimbo, Kenora looks to her beloved and the rest of her crew spread throughout the ship.

KENORA: We beat their asses.

---

On board of Gudgeon's vessel, Gerek sulks with a blue eye, the Vice-Chief and the pirate captain greedily eyeing the wooden ship ahead.

CAPTAIN: You better pay us double.

GUDGEON: Once I've captured the Pirate Princess and the firebender, you'll be weighed in gold.

At this, the lieutenant's brow shoots up.

GEREK: Firebender? What does that have to do with the Crown Princess?

GUDGEON: Just a hunch.

Recalling the partially blue flames and the even rarer lightning strike, a strange gut feeling of curiosity spreads inside the woman's digestive track.

---

KENORA: Tenaka, Shu – prepare to bend the waves against us! Cho – blast those sails as hard as you can!

While seeming contradictory, her crew follows the commands blindly, a test of loyalty for their captain and friend.

AZULA: Won't that slow us down?

KENORA: It'll keep us just fast enough to trick em. We'll make that old scarecrow think that this is as fast as we can go. Then...

AZULA: After we strike them hard enough, we're able to escape at top speed.

A nod covered in a thick coat of pride.

KENORA: Are you sure you're fit enough to help us out?

AZULA: I shot a lightning bolt earlier. I think I can manage for a bit, at least.

KENORA: Don't overwork yourself though.

After this, she addresses the rest of her crew.

KENORA: Target the pirates first! We'll take them out, then ward off the ironclad just long enough to help us escape! In other words – offense on the wooden ship, defense on the metal one. Am I clear?

THE CREW: Aye-aye, captain!

KENORA: Good. Man your stations!

With the bunch flocking into position, Azula remains for a few more seconds.

KENORA: Same goes for you. Try to focus your fire on the pirates before-

The raven-haired girl briefly cuts the waterbender off via pressing her lips against hers, a kiss still carrying that tender flame of passion that the girls shared all these months ago in Goldmouth. Upon separation, Kenora remains speechless.

AZULA: Yeah-yeah. I get it, Keno-no.

Turmoil unfolds within the captain as the firebender rushes to battle. She had accepted the reality of Azula being gone not too long ago. Now the raven-haired girl is back, just as fierce and smart and as brave as ever.

Much like with Azula before, the gears within Kenora's mind start shifting.

---

As the Hama proudly presses onward under the mercy of the Earth Kingdom's sun, both Gudgeon and the pirate ship move in on it in a pincer movement, the mercenaries still clearly charging more aggressively.

On deck, Kenora holds onto a rope net, right hand grasping it with the force of an industrial press, left arm raised in the air. Pearls of sweat run down her crew's temples, Qizha suffering the most, the entire cast of pirates eagerly waiting for Kenora to lower her arm, therefore signaling their attack.

KENORA: Starboard!

Juri, her helmsman, spins the wooden wheel accordingly. For a brief moment Azula and Kenora share yet another tense look, though gazing upon each respective face does give both girls the necessary confidence.

TENAKA (nervous): They're coming closer...

Having steered right, the Hama is able to lose the ironclad somewhat while rapidly approaching the opposing pirate vessel.

TENAKA (nervous): Kenora... they're coming closer...

KENORA: Wait...

Though she tries to hide it, unnerve is very brightly carved into the waterbender's features. The pirate vessel is now indeed close enough that the howls of their crew is audible on the Hama.

AZULA: Kenora?

KENORA: Wait...

A few more seconds, the sounds of waves and howls of wind echoing like an orchestra.

...

KENORA: FIRE!

Her fist chops the air as their attacks commence – Tenaka and Shu blasting the other ship with ice spears while Penki unloads his barrage of boulders, meanwhile the opposing pirates launch their trebuchets and utilize their own two waterbenders in order to block some of the incoming attacks. Heaps and strikes are exchanged at random – parts of the deck shatter and splinters much as it is the case on the opposing side.

While the crew deals with offense, Azula prepares to strike for the ship's defense.

A few seconds of pushing through her chest pains and charging up another lightning blast, the bolt finally fires from her fingers, landing a direct hit on the ironclad's rear end, shaking the pursuers with violent force and slowing them down immensely.

---

On the helm, the captain and Gerek stumble as Gudgeon and Heiande stand firm.

GEREK: What in Sedni's name was that?!

GUDGEON: A firebender, lieutenant.

The young man finally begins to understand her reasoning a little.

GUDGEON: A very powerful one at that.

---

Satisfied with her hit, Azula begins shooting down any and all ice chunks tossed from the Water Tribe ship meant to sink them, blue-reddish fire raging with pinpoint accuracy, though the strain it takes on the girl is more than noticeable, worrying Kenora, who rushes over to help her out, crushing frozen blocks with the force of an earthbender.

On the side however...

TENAKA: Captain – they're moving in closer!

Taking a peek back at the enemy boat, Kenora's eyes widen. The girl briefly looks over to the ironclad, the ship in question much too far away to make out Gudgeon on the helm. Though in her mind the Pirate Princess clearly pictures the woman.

KENORA (mumbling to herself): I know what you're up to...

She turns to face her crew as the battle rages on. A stone projectile smashing into the floor next to the girl makes her flinch briefly, though she readjusts in the heat of the moment.

KENORA: Everyone – prepare for melee combat! The other pirates are moving to board us!

All heads turn to her in shock.

KENORA: Tenaka – go help out Azula with our defenses! Shu, you keep Penki save while he keeps blasting rocks! I'll help out with the fighting.

SAN: Why would they enter us? That clearly makes them vulnerable.

KENORA: Precisely. That Water Tribe hag is using them as fodder. She plans on sweeping up what's left of us.

With a fearsome grimace, the girl pops open her waterbending pouches.

KENORA: WE WON'T LET THEM!

The crew chants in unison as their orders are executed, Tenaka already taking care of another ice block as the captain walks over to an exhausted Azula.

KENORA: Do you think you can manage some more lightning bolts?

AZULA (exhausted): I may have one more in me, but I'm hoping to save that up for emergencies.

Kenora's hand strokes the girl's arm as her ocean blue eyes cry concern.

KENORA: Please be careful.

A nod serves to momentarily quench the waterbender's worries.

---

Soon after, the opposing pirate vessel smashes into the Hama's front, slowing it down immensely as enemy combatants swing from ropes onto Kenora's beloved ship. Blades strike against blades, San and Dan fighting off twice the number of pirates, some of which try to get an advantage from covering the Hama in smoke, their small bombs rendered useless as Cho sweeps the cloud off-board, some enemy pirates with it. Penki continues to ram his earth chunks forward, landing a critical portside strike, though it is not enough to separate the entangled ships. He is eventually captured by a net canon, the attached bulky pirate taken out swiftly by Shu's strangely limber style of bending.

Juri struggles briefly against a beefcake and his double broadswords, his own fishing spear knocked aside as he dodges a lethal blow. The sword pirate is thankfully taken out by a comical bonk, the blueprint behind this move Khali and his trusty frying pan.

The star of the show is of course Kenora, able to single-handedly take on pirate after pirate – hacking and swinging and slashing – switching from kicks to strikes to more elegant swipes, blocking swords and spears and hooks – a cocky smirk attached while the bending prodigy easily sweeps over the deck as if she was playing on easy mode. Eventually, her arrogance provides her downfall, the girl noticing too late that the man she just comically slapped into the ocean ignited a bomb beforehand – the subsequent blast not critically damaging the Hama, though momentarily flinging her across deck, knocking her over with a distracting ringing in her ears. A few seconds pass, images and memories of Azula flashing inside her mind.

CHO (muted): Captain!

The girl comes to her senses finally, getting back up with the help of her airbending crewmate, who once convinced her to take on a waitress job.

KENORA (exhausted): How... how are we doing?

CHO: We're dealing with the pirates just fine. The problem is that their ship is still blocking our path.

Kenora looks to find this visually confirmed.

CHO: The ironclad has started moving again. We're sitting turtle ducks right now – we need to act!

That might be one of those emergencies the firebender mentioned. While she doesn't like overusing the girl like this, the Pirate Princess is left with no choice.

KENORA: Azula... can you-

Turning to the ship's portside, she only finds Tenaka defending, Cho taking the initiative to help the waterbender out.

KENORA: Where's Azula?!

Her nerves short circuit as her fears manifest in front of her.

---

Gudgeon smiles greedily as the wind flaps through her hair and coat.

---

In that moment Kenora begins to regret her recent decisions more than anything. There Azula was just a few moments ago, now gone once again. Perhaps forever?

Her ludicrous worries are carried away by the wind as Sabachi lands on her shoulder, the lemur's gaze directed upwards causing Kenora to look in the same direction.

---

On the very top of the Hama, Sedni knows how the girl got up there, Azula is holding onto the highest mast, her eyes sharply focused on the enemy pirate ship as she finally makes out the ideal escape plan. Descending with grace, and despite the pain from a wound caused by Aang, the Avatar grabs onto a loose rope, allowing her to swing across, landing on the very rear end of the opposing vessel as she plops next to an unsuspecting helmsman before blasting the guy downstairs with her bicolor flames. At first, her plan is to set the boat on fire as much as possible, orange and azure fire turning quickly into red as it starts gnawing at the wooden boat. As the waterbender duo approaches, trying to both attack her as well as extinguish her arson, the girl is quick to hop over on deck, holding onto a net rope as she continues her wave of destruction, a lack of pirates defending their own vessel allowing her to do so. Eventually, the male waterbender catches up to her, though is subsequently knocked over by a rock projectile, Penki having been freed from his earlier net prison. Finally, the girl spots what she was looking for – another loose rope dangling close to her. Taking a risky leap above waters, Azula holds onto the rope, her fingers directed at the opposing side of her makeshift vine, slicing it with fire and pulling herself upwards at intense speeds. Eventually, stuck midair, Azula struggles a bit so high above, the pain in her chest almost enough to make her let go.

Though in the end, the Avatar holds on, allowing the dangling rope to catapult her even higher into the air, directly above the main mast of the pirate ship.

In a more than impressive maneuver, Azula charges up her final lightning bolt, letting it crash directly downwards, slicing the mast apart and the vessel below with it. A move so powerful that it draws everyone's attention towards her, watching as a teenage girl splits an entire ship into two.

---

On board the Hama, Kenora smiles as hard as she can.

---

On board the ironclad, Gudgeon's eyes widen as her brows shoot upward. Gerek looks, beyond anything, as if his worldview was permanently altered.

---

Her dynamic momentum launches Azula a few feet further, the girl's injuries finally getting the better of her as she loses her strength, plunging into the cold ocean below. Kenora, of course, immediately dives into the water, finding the girl thanks to the sun reflecting in the nazar necklace, much the same way that Sokka saved the waterbender's life a long time ago.

Resurfacing with a loud gasp and an unconscious Azula in her arms, Kenora next creates a grandiose vortex of liquid, launching her and the firebender back onto the Hama, the ship having been cleared from all enemy pirates, some of them jumping off-board in a desperate attempt to save their own means of transport, which at this point is halved, on fire, and sinking.

Somehow, upon gently laying down Azula, the drenched captain turns to her crew.

KENORA: Full steam ahead! Waterbenders and Cho – give us all the juice you got!

Just as her orders are relayed, the girl breaks into a pained gasp, her exhaustion having caught up now as she collapses down next to Azula.

DAN: You okay there, captain?

KENORA (exhausted): Yes... just... give me a minute...

A minute becomes five, though with the help of Shu, Tenaka, Cho, and favorable winds, the Hama is able to leave the battlefield, escaping the ironclad, which has seemed to slow down now.

---

Her eyes snap open rather suddenly. Azula's first instinct, upon the memories of her sick stunt resurfacing, is to turn to her right, having sensed the presence of someone. The girl spots a tired Kenora having fallen asleep next to her. The firebender, unsure about where their path might go from here on out, simply smiles.

---

The pirate captain looks as if though his head might pop, the ironclad anchored in waters filled with shredded pieces of wood, washed up pirates below being rescued by the Water Tribe.

Finally, an angry man lets out a furious grunt, the iguana parrot on his shoulder screeching alongside it.

CAPTAIN (angry): You cannot pay me enough to fight a DEMON! My ship is RUINED!

GUDGEON: I haven't paid you at all yet. And I don't plan on doing so with how things turned out. Though I do expect your crew will serve me well...

Provoked to a max, the proud captain draws his blade.

CAPTAIN: You will do no such thing! I AM STILL THEIR CAPTAIN!

GUDGEON: Lieutenant?

Not expecting his title to be mentioned, Gerek looks to his superior, already positioning himself to defend her from the rabid madman threatening them.

GEREK: Vice-Chief?

GUDGEON: What is your assessment of my leadership today?

A strange question to be asked when combat seems to be on the verge of happening.

GEREK: Ma'am?

GUDGEON: I lied to you about my intentions. Are you still willing to serve under me?

For the first time in Gerek's young life, the waterbender, rather than responding using his head, answers honestly from the gut.

GEREK: I believe what you are doing, despite my inability to understand it, is the right thing.

GUDGEON: Good. Otherwise, I would've been forced to do this.

SWISH!

From a hidden water skin within her cloak, a lance of ice grows from her erected arm, shooting forward and staying in place like a lightsaber. Unfortunately for the pirate captain, as he was standing right in front of her. Unable to protest due to his head being impaled, the old man finally drops dead, the small amount of blood spewing from his skull surprising her as the blade melts back into water. Gerek almost empties his stomach at this, Heiande subsequently pouncing at the leftover iguana pirate, the creature protesting briefly before having its necked snapped, being devoured afterwards by the hungry, flying fox hydra. Her back turned to her traumatized Lieutenant Vice, the woman kneels down next to the feasting creature as well as the dead body.

GUDGEON: Katara is more than capable of disappearing. Whatever the girl's intentions are, it is a waste of time and resources to try and find her. She does not wish to be found.

GEREK: So... what do we do now?

GUDGEON: We wait for her. Eventually, when she deems it right, the girl will return to us. I don't take her for a traitor, neither does Hakoda.

Dropping the Great Chief's name so casually makes her lieutenant even more uneasy than he already is at the sounds of Heiande's main head chomping on bird bones.

GEREK: So... in the meantime... we stay close to enemy territory. And... hunt this... Kenora girl?

GUDGEON: Among other things, yes. Though I fear we have a more pressing target for now.

With that, Gudgeon starts scratching Heiande's left head, which subsequently opens up like a flower, alongside it, the right head doing so as well.

A voice sounds from it as the Vice-Chief reveals her creature's eerie recording abilities. At the girls sounding from the beast and the contents of their words, Gerek's jaw drops.

HEIANDE'S RIGHT HEAD (perfectly imitating Chi-Chi): ...something else you should know, Azula. Um... you'd... probably better hear it from Kenora but... I don't know...

HEIANDE'S RIGHT HEAD (perfectly imitating Azula): I know that I'm the Avatar.

---

Upon the horizon a grateful sun sinks slowly into the waves below, casting its divine colors across the landscape, reaching all the way to a peaceful Hama setting its course further west.

On deck, having recovered from the tenuous battle, Azula admires the sunrays, one hand on her chest, both elbows leaning onto the fancy, wooden balustrade, the overall damage on board not too bad.

Same goes for her lightning wound. Lifting her ripped-up shirt a final time, she admires the scar rising and sinking alongside her breath, her mind returning to that shaky memory of the crystal catacombs.

Didn't Kenora say something to her then? Well, she did talk a lot during their fight, when a heap of goop took control of her like a puppeteer, giving her the scaly appearance of an Azula from elsewhere.

What was it again?

KENORA: Don't worry about your room, Chi-Chi said that-

The waterbender stops and makes a 180, taking note of the fact that Azula's shirt is almost fully removed, the girl spotting... certain parts of the firebender she finds more than a little attractive. Both blush profusely as Azula pulls down her pink top once again, embarrassed to have been this careless on deck.

KENORA (embarrassed): Sorry I- I, wasn't trying to- I- I was just-

AZULA (embarrassed): It's okay, I... know you didn't mean to.

Tensions dissolve slowly but surely, Kenora stepping a bit closer as both girls let out a sigh.

KENORA: What I was trying to say is that Chi-Chi is feeling better. She'll sleep back in her room tonight. Well, her and Cho's room.

AZULA: Glad to hear she's okay.

Awkward nods as both just stand there, the waterbender with her hands on her hips while the firebender crosses hers.

KENORA: So... I guess you know already.

AZULA: Yeah. I went to see Enya earlier. She showed a vision.

Testing the waters, Kenora waits for a few seconds.

KENORA: What... did she show you? If you... don't mind sharing...

AZULA: I saw Ty Lee.

Confused by this, the raven-haired girl is forced to elaborate.

AZULA: Enya can see into other worlds. Ty Lee is trapped in the one Aang came from.

Ocean blue eyes widen as the girl almost stumbles.

KENORA: Woah.

AZULA: Which means she might not be the only one. Who knows what went down in Ba Sing Se?

The Pirate Princess catches herself again upon hearing this.

AZULA: I'm still angry that you stole me away from my friends. But... things might've turned out worse if you stayed there.

Remembering something Ty Lee said, the firebender smirks slightly.

AZULA: I can't live on ifs and maybes. I have to work with what I have.

Kenora nods with sorrow, sensing where this conversation might be headed.

KENORA: My guess is you're gonna try to find Aang.

AZULA: Or Katara. Preferably both. She might have a clue as to how this stuff works based on her connection to the Onryō. He is currently borrowing my Avatar powers. I'd like to have those back so I can properly save the world.

Wanting to invoke humor, she instead finds Kenora on the verge of tears.

KENORA: I'm... guessing you're gonna wanna do it alone. Right?

Dread overcomes her too as Azula finally uncrosses her arms.

AZULA: Chi-Chi told me how bad you were doing. How you felt better after letting go. I... don't like the idea of making things complicated for you again. It's... best if I stay away.

Both girls close to crying, the Pirate Princess simply nods, then turns the other way, with Azula staring back out into the distance, wondering how she'll be able to even find the other Avatar.

The firebender would forever be grateful for what Kenora does next.

KENORA: No...

A few seconds allows Azula to look back at her and the waterbender to turn around dramatically.

KENORA: No.

AZULA: No?

Kenora exhales at herself, unable to comprehend that she was willing to let this girl go.

KENORA: This is all crazy. We started off as enemies. Then I fell for you... then we were girlfriends... then I... I was over you.

Another scoff, one carrying much more relief and joy as Azula's heart beats faster and faster.

KENORA: I really was. I was okay with the idea of never having you again. I thought... maybe the Onryō changed you, or maybe waking up after such a long time means you let me go too. I was... at peace with the thought of things not working out.

A few more seconds pass, allowing her to put herself together and Azula to appreciate this beautiful moment for all its glory.

KENORA: But you're back. And I think you do still like me.

Getting a quiet nod from the firebender might be the single most wonderful sight that the waterbender has ever seen.

KENORA: So why on Earth should I let you go now? No – you're not leaving!

Finally – finally – she allows herself to let the tears flow, both girls sharing their embrace in a long-lasting, glorious hug, holding onto one another with the intention of never letting the other go ever again.

That's when the memory drops back into Azula's mind. Back in the crystal catacombs, when the firebender charged her lightning ready to kill, a defeated Kenora uttered what she presumed would be her final words.

AZULA: I love you.

Not believing what she heard, the Pirate Princess takes a second or two to separate, staring into Azula's eyes in disbelief.

AZULA (teary): I love you, Kenora.

KENORA (teary): I love you too. I love you too!

Their confessions relayed, Azula and Kenora crescendo the moment with a kiss so passionate that it slows down time, lifting both girls up to the heavens and into a cosmic eternity.

---

Air suddenly shots into Suki's lungs. The girl looks around frantically, confused as to why she is suddenly trapped in a dark room, with her hands and legs chained to the wall. She struggles to free herself, unable to do so-

Get out of my body!

Suki cries out in shock. Her eyes scan the empty prison in a panic, her breath a heaving, unstable mess.

SUKI: Who said that!?

I did! Now – who are you, and why do you sound like me?

Finally, the warrior can make out where the voice is coming from – inside her head. That's when she can put it together, her face melting in horror at the realization.

SUKI: You're the other Suki...

Somehow the girl can tell that the voice inside her reacts with shock.

What?! What is that supposed to mean?!

Before Suki can explain, a metallic clank alerts her and the other spirit. A few more sounds echo, telling her that the structure she is trapped in is one of made mostly from metal.

Oh no...

The door begins to open as a shadow emerges.

It's her.

Scaly armor molded onto a seventeen-year-old girl with a deadly precise stare, perfect stance, and a golden headpiece, mark of the Fire Lord.

AZULA: Ah... my favorite prisoner.

Chime!