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.

44. Episode 3: Imprisoned

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Been pretty busy so no updates on the audiobook. Also - probably only one more chapter in June, since I wanna finish that + I need to work on the Harry Potter fics also.

That's all for now. Happy Pride Month! :D

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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

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Book 3: Water

Episode 3

Imprisoned

---

Act I. – The lost airbender

---

Three months earlier...

---

SUKI (furious): You DEMON!

As Suki's sword slashes one tentacle, another latches onto her, pulling her inside alongside Ty Lee, who has long since stopped struggling. For a good minute or longer the swordfighter feels like drowning, a gelatinous mass of goo swallowing her up, pushing her around as if the spirit was itself one massive tongue squeezing the girl over and over, Suki eventually giving up the struggle to free herself from the fate of being digested. In her final moments, Suki recalls the very few memories of home, her real home, Kyoshi Island, and the Avatar named after it. She remembers Katara, how the princess was a real sister for her when she had nothing else. Sokka, who, while never paying much attention to her is still edged into the girl's mind. And of course, Akari, her new sister. Even Kenora briefly pops up in her head before her vision goes completely black and the swordfighter descends into darkness.

---

Her heart beats faster and faster as the honey-colored eyes of a much different Azula scold her from afar, the Fire Lord appearing to catch on to Suki's weird behavior as she begins to saunter around the room.

AZULA: What? I don't even get a "Hello"? After everything we've been through?

Suki never heard the full story of the other world, nor did she get any important details in the short time she spent alongside the Avatar and his friends. Katara, similarly, also never let her in on any secrets or additional information. Being more or less just a muscle and a bodyguard, Suki never had to know. The only piece of information the girl recalls is that, in this world, the Fire Nation are the ones winning the war.

A fact that explains Azula's role here pretty easily.

AZULA: I must say, I was a bit disappointed by the fight you and your pathetic little resistance put up. Can't even really call it a fight...

The Fire Lord briefly halts, side-eyeing Suki and the oddly confused expression on her face.

AZULA: What? Did you already forget?

We fought her in the Southern Air Temple. She captured everyone, including Aang.

SUKI: We... fought with everything we had. There's no shame in admitting defeat.

The voice within Suki seems relatively satisfied with that answer, Azula reacting with a mix of arrogance and... something else.

AZULA: Well, I'd consider defeat itself shameful, but that's just me I suppose...

Don't say anything. She can't know that it's another person talking to her.

Following this Suki's advice, the swordfighter remains with her mouth shut, a thin line formed by her lips acting as a deterrent against the firebender across from her, Azula having crossed her arms in keen suspicion.

AZULA: I know, you're not the chatty type. Still, I expected a few more words at least. This is your final defeat, after all.

Remaining vigilant, Suki can clearly make out the sorrow expressed by the voice inside her.

AZULA: Everyone who was left in the rebellion got captured. My brother, that annoying earthbender girl, the waterbender peasant, the Avatar...

Dramatically, she stops naming a list of characters Suki can only halfway identify.

AZULA: Oh. I almost forgot – we obviously caught your sweetheart, Sokka.

Suki's hardened façade unfortunately shatters briefly, expressing shock and confusion at this. The girl did have a crush on Sokka a long time ago, though it never amounted to anything. Now... in this world...

A blush is just about the last thing either Suki wanted the Fire Lord to see, Azula sharing this fact with a victorious smirk.

Keep it together! Don't let her see your weakness!

AZULA: Oh... I see.

The firebender steps a few paces closers, one of her long nails caressing the girl's cheek with just enough force to sting a tiny bit.

AZULA: Well, luckily for you two lovebirds, you'll be spending the rest of your sorry lives in a very familiar place. And don't you worry about any silly escape plans – it's under new management now, and I've personally made sure that security was updated adequately.

The Boiling Rock. She's sending us back there?

AZULA: Although not right now, no. You and your imprisoned friends will first accompany me through my victory tour in the capital. A final stroll through civilization before each and every one of you is stuffed into a hole so you can rot.

Somehow Azula can wield her words in a manner that makes them sound both calm and collected, while also coming across as sharp and spiteful.

Could be worse, I guess. I thought she'd execute all of us.

With both those statements getting stuck in Suki's throat, the Fire Lord paces over to the metal entrance, turning to her a final time with one hand on the door handle.

AZULA: I thought with you being my favorite prisoner and all, I'd give you the opportunity to say one last thing to me. You could make it something nice. End on a positive note.

Don't say anything. Let her be.

Despite this advice, Suki recalls something more than a little important. As the Onryō swallowed her up, someone else was devoured alongside the girl. She might not get a better chance than right now to ask this.

SUKI: Where's Ty Lee?

Both the voice inside of her as well as the Fire Lord seem slightly spooked by this.

AZULA: Ty Lee? Why do you care?

Trying to out-confidence her opponent, Suki shrugs with a smug expression.

SUKI: You said I could say anything I want. Why do you care?

A hint of a smolder gives away a valuable sign of weakness about her oh-so-powerful captor.

AZULA: At the Boiling Rock, where you and your boyfriend will soon be. I guess you'll be her cell mates.

Azula absolutely despises the faint smile on Suki's face, hates the fact that she cannot get behind what it means.

With a violent jerk, she rips open the cell door.

AZULA (sharp): Tell her I said "Hi".

With that, the Fire Lord leaves, smashing the door behind her person. Clearly the other Suki is impressed by how her counterpart broke Azula this easily.

What was that all about? Why did you ask about Ty Lee? And who even are you?!

Suki lets out a deep sigh.

SUKI (quietly): There's a lot I have to tell you about...

---

"Hold me forever" by Andrea and Ervin Litkei starts to play.

A cover of thick steam clouds devours the Fire Nation sun as it boils anything and everyone below it. At this time of day, the entire body of prisoners is allowed a bit of fresh air in the steel courtyard, small flocks of criminals and other sketchy characters huddled together in groups, having mindless chatter and conversation about a myriad of things, some joking about making their escape the same way a group of resistance fighters did a few years back. The idea of making it to freedom seems even more ridiculous now than it did ever before, as the new warden, with the help of the Fire Lord herself, has since upgraded the Boiling Rock from a high-security prison to a cage where the keys have been tossed into a bottomless pit. A random group of men howls heartly at the thought.

Standing alone in a corner, Ty Lee's blank stare pretty effectively separates the acrobat from anyone else present.

In the first month, most of her time was spent listening closely to the other Ty Lee, the girl's spirit more than happy to catch her up on pretty much everything she needs to know about this other world. The other Ty Lee, notably, grew up as neither an orphan, nor an airbender. Being alongside her six identical sisters in the higher echelons of society, the older acrobat felt the need to stick out from her siblings, ironically also taking an interest in gymnastics, dancing, and choosing the rare skill of chi-blocking as her preferred fighting style. Ty Lee would learn how the other her met Azula as well, at a much younger age, finding it similarly surprising how the same person in two different worlds considers a different same person as very close to their heart. Though, while Ty Lee mostly talked about her grief of having lost the firebender forever, the other her seemed to be filled with sorrow when explaining how she was eventually no longer able to follow Azula, and how she lost her raven-haired girl as well in a way.

Second month wasn't much better. The acrobat never stuck out to any guards, though occasionally she would be forced to endure some heckling and sexist remarks. When a slimy beefcake refused to back off of her, the girl instinctively used chi-blocking in order to knock him out, a sensation very similar to whenever Ty Lee was able to perform the skill in her world. They decided then and there that the other Ty Lee would teach the girl how to use chi-bending on command, instead of weird muscle memory. Still not having her optimism be quenched, the older acrobat would constantly reiterate how Ty Lee would be able to use chi-blocking in her world, once she got back. Eventually she stopped making those types of comments, as the airbender very apparently lost her own optimism a while ago.

The third month was the worst. It would constantly rain, despite their warm location. Having absolutely no one else to spend her time with really weighed down on the girl and, even if there was at least one friendly voice to shower her in encouraging words, at some point they would stop having any effect at all. Chi-blocking lessons became more and more rare until eventually she hadn't bothered to do any in two weeks. The girl was locked in a metal box, trapped in a terrible reality wherein the war was lost, with anyone and everyone she loved gone. Probably forever.

Don't be discouraged – you can find a way back! I just know it!

The other Ty Lee would say stuff like this pretty much all the time, especially before they went to sleep. But, to the airbender, it had started feeling meaningless. Even if she were able to go back – which is most likely impossible – what would she go back to? Her best friend and sister is dead, killed by an Avatar she promised to follow. Her boyfriend sort of broke up with her, at least it felt like he did. There is nothing but grief and rejection in either world. This one thought of her as a circus freak, while in the other she was alone for most of her life.

Suppose that makes it easier. Ty Lee isn't lonely now, she is lonely again. She accepts it quietly as her eyes fall shut and her dreams are once more a depressing reminder of all that she lost.

The song slowly fades out again.

---

Suki takes a deep breath, having adjusted to the balancing issues of travelling in a war balloon, as well as the existence of these flying machines. In the three months being paraded around and interrogated by nasty firebenders, the swordfighter had more than enough time to be caught up on everything important in this world thanks to the other Suki. Despite living through atrocious conditions, degraded and kept barely alive, the girl found a few ounces of hope in the voice's stories. Any time she was presented to a group of militaries to be made fun of, Suki gave herself hope at the idea of the Kyoshi Warriors, an elite group of women defending her home. Whenever she was tortured about any leftover rebels, Suki held firm thinking of the other her being friends with the Avatar, travelling the world and fighting against the oppressive Fire Nation forces. It didn't take much to convince the swordfighter that the Water Tribe in her world was just as evil, and that it needed to be taken down. Suki did help the Avatar in Ba Sing Se, though mainly as a way of fighting this demonic spirit in control of Katara. Now she would love nothing more than to help bring down this bloodthirsty empire that wiped out her people. Perhaps when this is all over the Kyoshi Warriors could make their return...

For now, Suki is stuck in a tiny cell inside a blimp, the voice sounding just like her catching the girl up on some long-overdue training.

Again.

One more time, the swordfighter jolts up in a flash, repeating the intricate combat routine taught to her for the past three months now. At first it seemed almost like a dance, with a keen parallel to waterbending techniques Suki had witnessed so often in her time as a Water Tribe warden. Much like in the short time the girl trained with one fan, her fighting style has been needing readjustment from the aggressive nature of slicing with a katana to this new, slower style.

Don't put that much muscle into it.

With a quiet grunt Suki takes her advice to heart, which always follows along the lines of powering down more, a fact that went very much against her intuition when they started these sessions.

Less Kenora, more Katara.

Of course the swordfighter let the other Suki know about her world as well, the voice within the girl using that metaphor a whole lot, also because it proved to be pretty effective. Having watched both waterbenders, Suki was able to pick up on the fact that Kenora always had a very offensive style, while Katara followed a more traditional route of redirecting your opponent's energy against them. Exactly like the Kyoshi Warriors.

With a few more punches and kicks, the routine comes to an end, the girl showing her pride in a smirk.

Good. You've improved a lot.

SUKI: Thanks. I've had a good teacher.

Don't praise yourself too much, makes you seem arrogant.

Above just having the company of someone else, Suki most of all has grown to love her counterpart's sense of-

A metallic squeak alerts them both. Whenever guards come to feed her with minimally nutritional items, Suki reverts back to a state of appearing weak and broken. No need to let her captors know that the girl from another world has been secretly honing her close combat skills thanks to a spirit voice in her body.

This time the girl reacts with slightly more vigor than usual, spotting how two elite firebenders drag in a beaten-up body, which is subsequently tossed into her cage.

FIREBENDER: Here, have some company.

The helmet-wearing goons cackle as they lock the cage again, leaving Suki and the mysterious character alone for now.

SUKI: Is that-

It's Sokka!

Having her suspicions confirmed, the swordfighter rushes over to help the boy sit upright, Sokka groaning in pain as his hand moves up to his head.

Suki did already tell her other self about the crush she had on Sokka when they were younger, a fact which the older Kyoshi Warrior laughed off. Right now though the swordfighter can feel a certain level of anger from the other spirit as heat rises to her face, coloring it in a crimson shade.

This Sokka, like everyone, is three years older. And he looks rougher. And he's more muscular. Yeah.

SOKKA (in pain): Suki...

His smirk only worsens her reaction, a blank expression akin to a deer spotted by headlights.

SUKI (blushing): S- Sokka, wh- what happened?

Wow. Very smooth.

Suki frowns at herself (literally) as the boy shakes off the injuries somewhat.

SOKKA: It's been tough, I won't lie. Some of the guards recognized me and beat me up when we took off. No idea why they put me in here.

SUKI (blushing): I don't mind.

The two share a dorky smile with one another.

...

SOKKA: Do you know where the others are?

The girl gets it together a bit at the more serious question.

SUKI: No idea. I didn't see anyone in the capital. They probably kept us separated on purpose.

SOKKA: Yeah, I figured. My guess is Zuko is somewhere else on board. Aang, Katara, and Toph are probably being taken to different prisons entirely.

SUKI: That makes sense. Azula mentioned something about that.

SOKKA: You spoke to Azula?

The girl nods quietly.

SUKI: We're going to the Boiling Rock. Ty Lee is also there.

Two pieces of information that startle the guy.

SOKKA: Ty Lee? How do you know that?

They had been debating on when and how the others should know about... circumstances, "they" meaning both Sukis. For now the one in charge decides against spilling her secret.

SUKI: I'll explain later. We should rest for now. We're gonna need all our energy to find a way to escape that prison.

Upon Sokka's smirk reappearing, so does Suki's blush.

SOKKA: We already did it once. We'll figure out how to do it again.

His hand gently reaches out to grab hers, the two inching closer-

(Clears her throat)

Suki stops, disappointing Sokka, alongside herself.

SUKI: We should... get some sleep before we arrive.

Turning away awkwardly from him and lying down on her side, the boy is left with a comically confused expression, following her lead regardless.

SOKKA: O... kay. I'm... a bit bruised up. I get it.

That's as much as he's willing to utter before trying to doze off, Suki's face cringing at this horribly uncomfortable moment.

Sorry, but that's still my boyfriend. Other me or not – you can't just make with Sokka whenever you like. You don't see me making out with this... Caraman either.

The swordfighter quietly accepts her awkward fate, not even correcting her when the Crescent Warrior boy is mentioned. It's not like Caraman and her were a thing but... there was certainly something there. Three months ago, the girl didn't have the confidence nor vocabulary to express her feelings. But she has grown a lot since then. Maybe not acting on her urges was a good thing.

Maybe back home Caraman is waiting for her. Just the idea of it is enough to make her fall asleep with a nice feeling in her stomach.

---

Rain pours down over the Boiling Rock, very few of the prisoners using their courtyard time to stand around in a wet, open field. Less fortunate souls being punished are forced to remove some of the water with the help of buckets or wipe it to the side with mops. How the hell it even can rain over this steam hell remains a mystery.

Ty Lee's thoughts are not even near any of that though. Maybe a brief second of being reminded of waterbending, depressing her even further as she recalls having lost her own element in the journey across time and space.

Don't be discouraged. You'll be able to go home one day. Then you'll be an airbender AND a chi-blocker! You'll be double-y as strong! This will all have been worth it!

No reaction. With the broken spirit inhabiting her body, even the other Ty Lee sighs in defeat.

I really wanna help you out, Ty Lee. But I don't know how. All I can do is to tell you to not give up hope.

TY LEE: What am I gonna return to anyways? Maybe that spirit monster has engulfed the entire world by now!

Having used up a tiny bit of her energy, Ty Lee continues to sound broken and sorrowful afterwards.

TY LEE: I'm no help anyways. They all relied on me, and I let them down. I got tricked by Akari, tricked by Aang – tricked by... myself. If they're still alive, they're better off without me anyways...

No...

TY LEE: Yes. You can have your body back. Just... push me out and... let me drift off.

I won't do that. Not just because I have no idea how – but because I'm not giving up on you! Do you hear me?

It seems, at the lack of any response, the other acrobat reacts with a mixture of shame and fear.

I said – do you hear me?! I won't give up on you, Ty Lee! I will never give up on you!

Still nothing, just the airbender squeezing her arms tighter as her other self is desperate to get anything out of her – just anything at all.

Please say something! Please! If you give up hope, then... what will I-

AZULA: Ty Lee?

Her inner voice remains quiet as the girl flinches at the sound.

TY LEE: Azula?!

Tears stream down her face briefly, the hectic, grey eyes of the acrobat desperately trying to spot the firebender, not yet having succumb to her doubts that this is just a figment of her imagination.

That's her! I can hear her too!

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

AZULA (teary): I am.

Ty Lee can finally lock onto the rainfall ahead, spotting the vague image of Azula reflected in the wall of water drops washing down in front of her. Her clothing looks slightly burned and ripped-up, the crimson-pink combo having gone through a lot it seems. The girl's raven-black hair is also longer now, moving down to her shoulders as she is completely missing her bangs. Though she is not missing her honey-colored eyes, her brave expression, or the nazar necklace dangling from her person – this is undoubtedly, undeniably, her Azula.

Wow. She looks so different from mine...

TY LEE: Your hair looks nice.

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

A pained sigh as Ty Lee looks visibly uneasy, reminded once again of her dreadful circumstances.

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.

This is so exciting! Tell her I said "Hi"!

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

AZULA: Hi... back?

An awkward exchange of waves later and the acrobat fills up with dread, spotting Azula's reflection slowly losing its color.

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

The firebender herself also begins to panic at this.

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.

No way...

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

She blinks, and the firebender is gone. What remains is the constant noise of heavy raindrops plunging to the steel floor of her eternal prison.

She... she's the Avatar...

TY LEE (teary): She is.

The acrobat checks her surroundings quick, making out the fact that no one stood close enough or gave enough of a crap to witness this situation going down. Her inner voice meanwhile, is losing her shit more than airbender Ty Lee, who has significantly calmed down by now.

I can't believe it! Azula – the Avatar!? Just imagine how amazing she would be! Bending all the elements – WOWEE!

TY LEE: She would be.

The other Ty Lee powers down just slightly.

You don't really seem excited at all. Or surprised for that matter.

The acrobat lets out a scoff as she recalls her entire journey with the raven-haired girl, a warm smile attached to it.

TY LEE: She was always special. I saw it from the start. There was more to her, like... not just her aura. So... I'm not really surprised at all.

For some odd reason, despite not having a visual from her older self, Ty Lee could swear that the voice is blushing at this. Also in part because she briefly pauses before continuing.

So, are you convinced now that we need to find a way back?

Despite her inner excitement, despite the gift of not only getting to know that Azula is still alive – but getting to see her on top – the airbender still... doesn't really react that much at all.

TY LEE: Of course we need to.

A deep sigh escapes the girl as the other her patiently listens.

TY LEE: The question is if we can find a way...

---

Blue flames crawl around the edges of the Fire Lord's thronal stage, rising and shrinking not in synch with Azula's breath, but in a frantic, inconsistent pattern alongside her emotional turmoil. A series of generals explain some mindless thing, huddled around a map of the Fire Nation's imperium, stretching across the entirety of the planet and beyond. All of the militaries are very clearly frustrated by their Fire Lord refusing to pay even an ounce of attention. The few exceptions remain fanatically obedient, claiming that Azula is able to take in all of the information regardless of her stature, that the firebending master already knows their moves ahead of time, and is planning future strategies in the back of her head. This sentiment of oblivious loyalty has been shifting though, and it is no different today, as the teenaged ruler, with her ridiculously long robes and her headpiece crown, stares off to the side, leaned against one of the throne pillars while an isolated earthbender cell is being discussed on the other side of her azure fire.

GENERAL: ... no connection at all to the Avatar and his crushed resistance. We've interrogated all of their members and found no link to this cell. It seems to be operating...

He pauses briefly, checking whether or not the girl is even listening, which she is very clearly not doing, instead mumbling to herself about something completely unrelated.

GENERAL: ... independently. We'll deal with it swiftly and... move on to other matters.

Unnaturally, the old man with fine hair clears his throat, taking a seat on his cushion, awaiting his ruler's assessment of the plan. Well, ruler might be a bit of a stretch. With the ascension of the Phoenix King, a title with no prior historical claim, the Fire Lord, once the most powerful and esteemed position of the Fire Nation, has now been reduced to... essentially, a lapdog enforcer, meant to deal with smaller problems and issues of stability, while Ozai is to concern himself with real governance, as well as reaping the spoils of his conquest.

DIFFERENT GENERAL: Um... your grace, do... you deem our plans... efficient? Should we... reconsider-

AZULA (manic): HOW DID SHE KNOW?!

The shimmer of blue flares up as her flames rise in height and heat, scaring the generals briefly, before shrinking down to almost embers, needing a few seconds before reclaiming their normal level again. Having gotten up from her seated position in a hectic jolt, Azula finally turns to her commanding staff.

AZULA (manic): I care little about your silly plans! Go find those rebels and burn them down!

The men all nodding in agreement, they rise from their seats, each bowing down before (gladly) leaving her throne room.

After a while Azula sits back down again, strains of hair dangling in her face, a dastardly display of defiance, which stands in spiteful opposition to the enlightened order she fought her whole life for.

Her favorite prisoner... asking about Ty Lee, one of two people Azula ever considered her real friends.

It can't be a coincidence...

No, Ty Lee is in on it – she was always in on it – OF COURSE!

Back in Ba Sing Se, last year, or... two years ago...

It matters not.

There she and the Dai Li had managed to capture the Avatar and his closest friends – the Water Tribe peasants, the earthbender brat, and her brother.

And the Kyoshi Warrior.

Yes! Yes...

That's when it happened.

Back when the girl was imprisoned on the Boiling Rock, Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai never made it in time to stop their escape attempt.

It was much later, in the conquered capital yet to be renamed, that the Avatar and his friends managed to escape.

Azula found out some time later that her own friends had abandoned her – they had BETRAYED HER!

They must've been planning it from the start.

Ty Lee was somehow infatuated by the stories of these Air Nomads.

Mai was infatuated with her treacherous brother, so it was no surprise.

Either way, they only ever managed to capture the acrobat, sending her to the Boiling Rock, after the Fire Lord herself made sure that security was adequately updated.

They never did manage to find Mai.

Hopefully because the girl was dead.

But it matters not.

She, the greatest firebender in the world, youngest Fire Lord in history, is once again faced with the task of rooting out treachery wherever she can.

While her incompetent soldiers are dealing with some lowlife rebel peasants, she will go ahead and tackle the real dangers.

And she will deal with them adequately.

A chime sounds yet again as the flames grow, large enough that they almost devour the girl behind them.

---

Act II. – At our lowest point

---

Muffled, metallic sounds echo through Ty Lee's cell, her mattress leaned against the wall used effectively as a punching bag, hits and strikes meeting their target with way more force than they would ever need.

Woah! That's... not necessary...

Another jab causes a painful sensation to rush through Ty Lee's arm, the acrobat flinching slightly, ultimately swallowing the feeling as she keeps smacking the soft material.

You're gonna hurt yourself...

Some kicks follow, the girl starting to lose her strength, groans occasionally mixed in between her heavy breathing.

Ty Lee – stop!

She does, her final chop far weaker and slower than the girl had wanted it to be. Upon moving the mattress back down in an exhausted fashion, the airbender seats herself upon it, hugging her right leg as she tries catching her hectic breath.

That's good. Don't let it get to you.

Despite her appreciation for the older acrobat, Ty Lee can't help herself but to let out an annoyed sigh.

TY LEE: My best friend is alive, and I have no way to get to her! How can I not be frustrated by that?!

I am not saying you're not allowed to be frustrated! Obviously you are – that's a horrible situation to be in!

Having previously sounded consistently jolly, the other Ty Lee shifts to a more mature tone.

I'm saying you can't let your emotions take over. Be angry when you're angry. Be sad when you're sad. Be happy when you're happy! But don't let it take control of your entire being!

In an ironic twist of fate, the airbender smirks.

I know – I'm usually always bubbly and excited and happy. You're like that too! But... I also had bad days. A lot of them. And for a while, I let that sadness get to me. I treated others worse because of it. That's what I mean with "not letting it get to you"...

Although the voice inside Ty Lee is from a completely different version of herself, it does still feel like talking to a future iteration.

TY LEE: I've been like that ever since I ran into Kenora in the desert. I didn't want to trust her so I... stopped trusting anyone. I was so mad at her... Akari... everyone, really. It's how I lost my...

Slowly, and painfully, Ty Lee's hand moves up to her right eye, feeling its edges as she recalls the sensation of her own body, the one that's younger and missing that particular organ.

You don't need to say it.

Her arm moves down again, and the girl takes a deep breath.

TY LEE: I've been feeling that resentment for a long time now. I thought I got over it at some point but... then Kenora got close with Azula and... I couldn't deal with it.

Ultimately, it was what caused a rift between her and Zuko as well, though the girl lacks the guts to say it out loud, the other Ty Lee already aware of this fact.

It was a valid choice not to trust Kenora right away. You don't have to forgive her for everything either.

The "but" to that sentence is continued by the airbender Ty Lee.

TY LEE: But I want to. I'm just scared that if I trust her so easily...

...that she'll end up hurting you again.

A very shy nod confirms what the older acrobat suggested.

I know the feeling. I trusted Azula for a long time. But... the sad truth is that... you just... can't trust everyone...

From her voice alone the sorrow sticks out like a sore thumb. And, above making Ty Lee somewhat curious, it also makes her rethink her own attitudes.

TY LEE: Would you ever forgive her for what she's done?

A few seconds pass as the answer is being cooked up.

I don't know. A part of me hopes that I can, that there will be a moment where I can genuinely forgive her and accept her for who she is. But... with the way things are right now... I don't think that day will ever come...

The statement once more filled to the brim with dread, it actually causes Ty Lee's gears to shift significantly, in regards to everything that happened.

TY LEE: Kenora isn't like your Azula.

Though it cannot be seen, the voice seems to listen intently.

TY LEE: Neither is Akari.

Finding an ounce of closure, the girl releases her frustrations in a relieved exhale.

Do you want to show me some airbending moves again? I really liked those! And you gotta practice for when you get back!

This time the optimism gets her to react somewhat positively, if only smiling for a brief moment. Upon doing her spins and stretches and circles, the energy flowing through Ty Lee's body, it still activates something within her, chi paths still lighting up with a familiar sensation of peace that the girl had been craving so dearly. She may not be an airbender here, but in spirit, she is, has, and always will be.

While doing her exercises, the acrobat also wonders about the third person on her list of names, the names of people who have wronged her in some way.

Just what kind of person is Suki?

---

Despite how, usually, no one on the Boiling Rock pays any real attention to Ty Lee, minus some occasional, younger onlookers, today, a few glances are cast as the girl wanders aimlessly up and down the courtyard, trying to device some kind of plan or other to get back home. Where on Earth she would even have to start remains an impossible task, stressing the girl even more out as she walks past the same group of former deserters that she already came across four times before.

Well, it's really just about finding the Avatar, right? He travelled to your world.

TY LEE: Yes, but he's there now. How can he help me here?

Oh, right. Well... maybe you can communicate with someone in your world again. Like how you went into my body, and I showed you that vision?

TY LEE: I'm not sure if my body is still there. And I'm also not sure that just... meditating will allow me to go back there.

Isn't it worth a try?

The acrobat briefly halts, pondering her words further.

Maybe you won't be able to go back fully just by doing that, but the least it could achieve is sending a message there. All you need to find is a very spiritual place. It's worth a shot, isn't it?

TY LEE: Maybe it is. If Azula could do it... I can try at the very least.

Yay! That's more like it! Let's go and find a spiritual place, then!

At her enthusiasm, some of the prisoners move aside, allowing Ty Lee to gaze in despair upon the massive, metal walls surrounding her.

TY LEE: We need to get out of here. Somehow. Maybe if...

Her response crumbles to pieces as the girl's attention shifts to the other side of the courtyard, where a massive flock of prisoners seems to be gathered around... something, what exactly the acrobat can't tell. She can sure as hell hear the prisoners howling and cackling though, intriguing her greatly alongside her non-corporeal counterpart.

What's going on over there?

TY LEE: I don't know.

For some unexplained reason Ty Lee spoke her words with a sense of mystery, as if a part of her correctly anticipates that she is about to encounter something life changing.

---

Sokka tosses a final suspicious look towards Suki before turning to Zuko again. As the three of them are surrounded on all sides by a crowd of hooligan prisoners, the boys and their female companion seem more than uncomfortable.

ZUKO: Are they... cheering us on?

Suki briefly takes another glance at this Zuko, the boy far older and far more muscular. Most importantly, the firebender is marked with a gaping scar across his face that the other version is missing.

SOKKA: Maybe because we were the first ones to escape this place.

ZUKO: I suppose it's not that impressive if we just ended back up in here.

SOKKA (asking Suki): What do you think of it?

The girl he asked this question wasn't even remotely paying attention, instead having her arms crossed as her eyes scan the rest of the prisoners, obviously trying to spot someone in desperation.

ZUKO: What's up with Suki?

Sokka sighs, needing to speak up a little as the crowd chants increase in volume.

SOKKA: I'm not sure. She's been acting all weird ever since we were reunited. It's like... she's a different person or something.

ZUKO: Maybe Azula did something to-

A scrawny man directly shouts something in Zuko's ear, getting the prince to a boiling point.

ZUKO (angry): EVERYONE – BACK OFF BEFORE I BREAK ALL YOUR LIMBS!

The echo of his threat loudly sounding across the prison as a whole, the crowd finally shuts their mouths, backing off slowly through puddles of rainwater as they murmur cries of disappointment.

SOKKA: We appreciate the enthusiasm! Just... maybe some other time.

Finally, finding Suki's absentminded behavior concerning enough, Zuko approaches the girl.

ZUKO: Who are you looking for? Did Azula do something to you? Talk to me!

His typically aggressive manner of inquiry is answered swiftly via Suki's chestnut eyes having finally fixated onto a vanishing point behind the firebender.

Ty Lee stands there frozen for a moment, not even remotely invested in the presence of either Sokka or Suki, instead quivering with anticipation as she stares into Zuko's scarred face, the boy reacting with confusion as he spots her state of being, which lacks the very aloof easygoingness that he was used to from the acrobat.

ZUKO: Ty Lee? You're here?

Not another word is uttered, the airbender simply launching herself a few feet forward, closing the distance between herself and Zuko as she presses her lips against his, the prince never shutting his eyes, completely and utterly befuddled by the events unfolding.

Stop! What are you doing?!

From the words of her older self, Ty Lee backs off again, taking a few seconds to register what just happened, then covering her mouth in shock as she realizes.

SOKKA: That's... one way... to say... hello.

Zuko's face takes on a soft pink, shame overcoming the otherwise stern, intimidating firebender.

ZUKO (embarrassed): Uh... Ty Lee... what... um...

TY LEE: I'm SO sorry! I should never have done that! I... I thought you were him.

Her grey eyes move over to the Water Tribe boy crossing his arms with a sassy look.

TY LEE: Sokka?

SOKKA: Hey there. I hope you're not planning on greeting me in the same fashion, I'm still-

TY LEE: No, you're not him either.

The boys share a brief look of confusion as Ty Lee's attention shifts to the final person present.

And they squeeze in suspicion upon spotting Suki, the swordfighter herself acting shocked at the sight of the airbender with both eyes again.

TY LEE: But you... you have the same aura as her.

For a moment Sokka and Zuko, plus everything else around, them seems to disappear, leaving behind only the acrobatic airbender and the last daughter of Kyoshi Island.

TY LEE: You're from my world. Aren't you?

Suki nods, allowing herself to show a hint of a smirk.

TY LEE: Are we the only ones?

SUKI: I'm... not sure. It's possible. But they definitely aren't.

SOKKA: I'm sorry – what in the name of EVERY spirit is going on here?!

The girls are transported back to prison, staring at the confused boys off to the side, Zuko crossing his arms and glaring while Sokka has a comedically overacted panic attack.

SOKKA: First Suki acts all cold around me and talks about finding Ty Lee – then we stumble over Ty Lee – then Ty Lee KISSES Zuko for SOME reason – and now you're saying that you're from ANOTHER WORLD!?

A moment of silence, thankfully isolated from the rest of the prisoners, who have taken Zuko's threats to heart and stayed far away from this mess.

Ty Lee and Suki, despite their complicated history, share a quick look before turning to their otherworldly counterparts.

SUKI: There's something I haven't told you yet.

TY LEE: Something you guys need to hear.

---

This time, both Sokka and Zuko react in a rather serious fashion, the Water Tribe boy toning down his comedic antics as he scratches his chin, some proud stubbles present.

The four of them are situated in the crowded canteen, left alone by the rest of the prison population as they're able to freely exchange the bizarre story relayed by the two girls.

SOKKA: So... you weren't always from this... other world, right?

Suki can't help but to let out an aggravated-sounding sigh.

SUKI: No. This happened three months ago.

TY LEE: And that was months after Aang arrived in our world.

ZUKO: That doesn't make sense.

Zuko adding his two cents surprises the girls sitting next to one another, indicating that he hasn't commented on anything up until this point.

SUKI: How so?

ZUKO: Because we were captured by Azula three months ago. Between everyone being imprisoned and Suki being interrogated, maybe two days or so went by.

Shocked by this revelation, the otherworldly gals share an uneasy look.

SOKKA: It's already pretty bizarre to travel to other worlds, especially when theirs is three years behind. It's not preposterous to assume that time works a little funny there.

ZUKO: So, what does this mean for you two? When and where are you gonna be able to go back?

Once again insecurities between them are exchanged silently, a noticeable level of discomfort present in Suki at all times.

SUKI: We... have no idea how to get back. Aang did it via the Spirit World and his past lives. We were more or less dropped here because of this Onryō.

TY LEE: There is... one thing.

All eyes shift to the airbender.

TY LEE: It's... nothing substantial but... I did communicate with the other Ty Lee once – your Ty Lee.

Tell em I said "Hi"!

TY LEE: She says "Hi", by the way. Anyways, I had a connection to her beforehand. I saw things in my dreams and... occasionally I was able to chi-block.

Recollecting her explanation, Ty Lee's head moves over to Suki for a second.

TY LEE: I uh... I'm sorry for putting you in a coma that one time.

SUKI: It's okay. I... did cut out your eye, so it's not like you weren't defending yourself.

Whilst the girls exchange sympathies through forgiving smiles, the boys share brief, comedic looks of horror.

TY LEE: Well... this one time I meditated in a forest. I was able to reach out to my other self. She showed me a vision of Azula.

ZUKO: So, you're able to communicate with someone in another world?

TY LEE: Maybe. There's no other Ty Lee in my world anymore so I have no idea what exactly I'd need to do. Or if... sending a message would even help in any way.

As their collective aura turns grey, the swordfighter girl appears to be the only one left not allowing herself to be consumed by dread.

SUKI: Let's not belittle the idea. I'm sure if Azula is aware of us being stuck here, the others are working on a solution to get us back home. If we can send a message to them, it'll surely make things better.

In spite of the ridiculously insurmountable odds, it seems as though her input does find some footing. The topic is momentarily resolved as Zuko lets out a pretty provocative scoff.

ZUKO: Azula. Can't believe she's the Avatar there.

SOKKA: Or that she's even remotely nice in any reality.

Suki's mouth forms a thin line as the acrobat gives off a mild glare.

ZUKO: Sorry, but I'm sure the other Ty Lee already told you more than enough about our Azula.

No need to rub it in...

SOKKA: So – just so I get everything in order – in this other world, I'm the prince of the Water... Empire?

SUKI: Confederation of Water Tribes but, yeah, essentially.

SOKKA: That's crazy. Just... crazy. Especially the fact that I'm not a waterbender there either. Wouldn't it make sense for me to be one when Zuko is here?

The girls shrug as the firebender among them once again crosses his arms.

SUKI: The worlds aren't and exact parallel of each other. Maybe there's a different world where you're a waterbender prince.

TY LEE: If you were a waterbender, maybe you never would've left your home. You never would've learned humility and switched sides.

SOKKA: I guess. It just... doesn't seem fair.

ZUKO: Why are you so set on being a waterbender?

SOKKA: Because it's unfair! Plus, being waterbender would've surely made some things easier in this world also. I could've beaten you in a fight back when you hunted us down!

ZUKO: You would've tried.

For a few moments they all smile at Sokka's misfortune.

SOKKA (mumbling): Stupid other world...

ZUKO: And you're an airbender there, Ty Lee?

The acrobat nods, receiving a very welcoming smirk from the prince.

ZUKO: Weird. For some reason that fits. Our Ty Lee would've been a great airbender as well.

Aw, that's so nice of him to say!

TY LEE: The other Ty Lee is grateful for your words.

Upon exchanging pleasantries, the sharp eyes of the prince move over to Suki.

ZUKO: And you were taken as a kid from your home?

SUKI: Yeah. I was raised as a warden by the royal family. Katara became my sister.

This particular comment gets the Water Tribe boy to uncross his arms and pay attention again.

SUKI: I still care about her but... Hakoda needs to be taken down.

The girl turns to Sokka first...

SUKI (to Sokka): Sorry.

SOKKA: No-no, I'm cool. Not my dad.

...then to Ty Lee.

SUKI (to Ty Lee): I promise I'll do everything in my power to help end this war. Whatever Azula needs of me.

That sounds so wrong, but sure.

It takes the airbender a second or two, but she does eventually accept her offer with a warm nod.

SOKKA: What about this Kenora girl?

An impactful moment is once again undermined a little by Sokka's blunt manner of communicating.

SOKKA: Or what about the earthbender girl who invented metalbending?

SUKI: What about them?

ZUKO: That second one was surprising to hear. We thought Toph was the only metalbender in the world.

TY LEE: Well, in this world.

With that, the topic of Shahar is crossed off from the list.

ZUKO: This Kenora girl actually seems more interesting to me. From what you've described, it seems we had a very similar struggle. First, she hunted you guys, then she had a change of heart.

SOKKA: Well, I mean, I hunted them.

TY LEE: I mean... sort of. It was mostly her though.

SUKI: She was very good with her plans and everything.

Once again the Water Tribe boy crosses his arms in comedic distain.

ZUKO: And now this Kenora is... dating... Azula?

It takes the airbender a few seconds to come up with an answer.

TY LEE: They're really happy together from what I've seen.

For the first time ever the idea of trusting Kenora truly starts to blossom within Ty Lee.

ZUKO: Strange. Not that Azula is with a girl just... the idea that Azula is with anyone. I'm not sure my Azula can even have those kinds of feelings.

Ty Lee can clearly hear the older version of herself letting out a deep sigh.

ZUKO: Who else haven't we mentioned? Out of the people we don't know?

SOKKA: Airbender girl, firebender princess, some guy named Caramel, right?

SUKI: Caraman.

TY LEE: Adithya is the princess of Dibuang, a refugee city for firebenders and some airbenders. Her dad is this guy who seems really scary at first. He has metal limbs and can conjure up explosions.

Both Sokka and Zuko skip a beat simultaneously as they realize almost at the same time.

TY LEE: What? You guys know him?

The boys share their discomfort in an adequate look.

ZUKO: Uh... we met him once or twice. So anyways – the airbender girl?

SUKI: Akari. She's a great friend. She deserted the Tribes alongside me. She can also read auras.

At that Ty Lee's face forms a curious frown.

Before any more inquiries about otherworldly stuff can be made, the commotion of most prisoners getting up at the same time informs the quartet that the canteen needs to be emptied soon, before some of the rowdier guards start forcefully removing folks.

SUKI: We should reschedule this talk for tomorrow.

ZUKO: I agree.

The four leave, going their separate ways as they reach the metal corridors, Zuko tossing back a final stare of curiosity directed towards the airbender girl.

---

Lunch passed quickly and a handful of prisoners were selected to perform various chores, separating the quartet even further throughout the Boiling Rock's metal dome. Suki for one was tasked with moping the floors, which had gotten pretty muddy from all the rain, the courtyard essentially one big dirt collecting puddle.

I think it went well.

SUKI (quietly): I think so too.

The only downside is that we haven't been able to come up with a plan to get out of here yet.

SUKI (quietly): Well, how did you do it last time?

SOKKA (quietly): We took the warden as a hostage.

The swordfighter flinches slightly, calming down and even reacting with joy upon spotting Sokka mopping the floor next to her, although he does is much worse. After goofy smiles are exchanged, a few seconds of awkward silence follow, only the sounds of the metal floor being cleaned audible.

SOKKA: So. That was all pretty insane, huh?

SUKI: What part exactly?

SOKKA: All of it. Other world... you're a different Suki... apparently we grew up together where you're from...

A hint of guilt scatters onto her features.

SUKI: Sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It must've been frustrating for you.

To her relief, the boy nonchalantly shrugs.

SOKKA: As crazy as this whole thing is... I'd rather get an explanation like that than have Suki be angry at me. My Suki, that is.

Yeah, that tends to happen sometimes...

At the girl listening to her inner voice, Sokka can clearly tell something is going on.

SOKKA: Did she say something? The... other... Suki?

Please lie, honey.

SUKI: Um... nothing too bad?

Setting up a comedic beat, the Water Tribe boy chooses a different route.

SOKKA: Please tell her that, no matter what happens, I will look out for you and Ty Lee, and whoever else might be stuck here. We'll get all of you back home. I promise you that.

At this both Sukis smile and blush slightly, though only one can physically show it.

And then he says super sweet stuff like that. This boy is truly a mystery...

SUKI: He is.

SOKKA: What?

SUKI: Nothing.

More mopping ensues, Suki still too shy to bring up anything. As much confidence as she has acquired, the girl still has those old habits of not speaking up unless spoken to deeply ingrained within her.

SOKKA: What were you and Ty Lee talking about before? With the... coma... and the... eye?

With the memories resurfacing, Suki shudders briefly, also halting her chore for a moment.

SUKI: I was with the Water Tribes for a long time. We fought the Avatar and his friends on occasion, which included Ty Lee. And... well... this one time... I tried to defend Akari from her and... I... I missed. Tried cutting her leg but... for some reason... I don't know.

SOKKA: You hit her eye instead.

A timid nod conveys an adequate level of discomfort with the topic.

SOKKA: That sounds... terrible. Mostly for Ty Lee but... must've been pretty bad for you also.

SUKI: It was. In part because, right after, she used chi-blocking on me. I was out for like... a week or so. And I kept having this nightmare about home.

SOKKA: By "home" you mean... Kyoshi Island?

A second, even more humble nod. Her chestnut-colored eyes start drilling holes into the floor below her as she recalls.

SUKI: The other Suki told me so much about the Kyoshi Warriors. About Kyoshi Island. How it was like growing up in peace. Amongst her own people.

Images of the eponymous Avatar attacking her flash up for a second or two.

Grounding her back in this plain, Sokka's hand on her shoulder is a soothing enough sensation that the girl desperately needed right about now.

SOKKA: You may have lost more than my Suki did. But you also gained things she never had. Don't feel discouraged because your story had a bad beginning.

He's right, you know. Plus, whatever the Water Tribes told you there, you are still a Kyoshi Warrior in my eyes.

SUKI: Thank you both.

Her and Sokka separate once again, continuing their mopping as Suki pictures wiping away the negative thoughts, replacing them with Katara, before she was taken over by a spirit, Akari – even Kenora – and now also Sokka, Zuko, and Ty Lee.

---

The acrobat twiddles her thumbs as she is leaned against the metal wall of the prison complex, the sun setting in the back as the prisoners are given a final thirty minutes or so to enjoy the outside, most choosing not to, as the ground remains a series of puddles and pools of water.

Well... looks like our patience was finally rewarded, Ty Lee. We got backup now to help us get out of here and get you back home!

TY LEE: I guess...

As the physical girl hugs herself, the one only present in spirit raises an eyebrow.

What's wrong? Aren't you happy?

TY LEE: I'm... cautious. Don't wanna get too excited about anything yet.

ZUKO: I can get that.

She turns her head in a flash, spotting a cross-armed firebender, who, despite carrying the same name, has a much different appearance and aura from the boy she loves.

Right. I'm gonna leave you two alone for now.

With that, the voice announces a semi-departure, one in which it'll get some sleep, allowing Ty Lee and Zuko adequate privacy.

ZUKO: Were you talking to her? Your... other self?

He receives a nod as he walks over to the girl, leaning against the wall as well.

ZUKO: How is she? Is she... okay with having someone else in her body?

TY LEE: She is. She's been really nice to me, actually. Taught me chi-blocking.

A gruffy grunt functions as Zuko's answer.

TY LEE: Sorry about kissing you, again. I was just... overtaken by emotion. A part of me was hoping you were just my Zuko.

ZUKO: Hm. Your Zuko. I'm guessing he's not just your Zuko insofar as he is from your world.

For a second or two some color appears on her features before vanishing again.

TY LEE: We had a fight before I landed here. But... I still love him. And... I miss him more than anything.

In his disconcertedness, the boy scratches the back of his head, raven-black hair going down all the way to his shoulders.

ZUKO: It's weird to hear but... I'm glad he's happy. I hope you can work out whatever it is you were fighting over.

TY LEE: I hope so too.

Silence engulfs them momentarily, the eerie sunset in the distance barely making it through that thick cover of steam clouds.

ZUKO: Can you tell me about her?

The acrobat grimaces in curiosity at his bark-ish question.

ZUKO: Azula. In your world. How is she like?

Ty Lee's aura, much like when she saw the girl's spirit yesterday, brightens up fully.

TY LEE: She grew up on an island with you and your uncle. Your dad went away and your mother... died.

The firebender absorbs her answer with his eyes fixated onto somewhere in the distance.

TY LEE: She's... determined and ambitious. She never allows anything to get in her way and gets pretty angry if something does.

A quiet grunt lets her know to continue.

TY LEE: But... behind this... façade of perfection, she has so much love to give. She cares about others so much, sometimes even more than herself. She'll never abandon her friends and she'll do everything in her power to help them out if she can. If there is nothing she can do – she'll just come up with something on the spot.

Throughout her retelling, the airbender didn't even notice the smile which crept onto her face. Looking over to Zuko, she finds his reaction to have a bittersweet note.

ZUKO: Amazing.

TY LEE: What is?

ZUKO: That this is how I would've described her as well. A long time ago.

Despite having promised to give them space, Ty Lee can make out her other self listening in on this part.

ZUKO: I always wanted my sister to be like that. Someone who's driven and fierce but still... kind beneath it all.

The prince's aura turns much darker with his next words.

ZUKO: But like I said – that was a long time ago. I think this... façade has taken over my Azula.

With golden eyes that reek of genuine desperation, he looks down towards her, almost causing the girl to gasp.

ZUKO: Do you think... do you think she can be saved? Someone so... lost?

His question manifests itself as a crescendo of something the girl had been struggling with for months now.

Akari. Kenora.

Two people she trusted and that wronged her.

Or are they two people that are trying to make up for their mistakes? Just what exactly-

That's when it hits her harder than a chunk of rock tossed by an earthbender.

Despite the two Azulas being completely different people, she and this other Zuko would've described her in a very similar fashion. Sure, one was a long time ago, but still... although they are different, the two are also...

...one and the same.

TY LEE: Yes.

Hearing her answer, both the word itself, but more so the staunchness in her voice, the clear belief that what she just said holds true, truly baffles the firebender.

TY LEE: I have no idea how or when. It might not ever happen. Not everyone can be saved but... everyone could be saved. You'll simply have to wait and see how things continue.

Satisfied, he nods, turning his gaze back to the sunset with a hopeful smirk attached.

ZUKO: Being an airbender has made you wise. You remind me of Aang a bit.

At the comparison, Ty Lee too lets out a smile, her aura, alongside her older self's aura, both shining as bright as a star.

TY LEE: I'm just an artisan with acrobatic choreography training.

---

SUKI: I think we're clear.

Some nods later and the trio starts forming a semi-circle around the airbender seated on the ground in a meditative pose. As they give the other prisoners mean looks, Suki briefly wonders how Ty Lee was able to not go insane constantly being in the same few locations every day for three months.

SOKKA: Are we drawing any attention?

ZUKO: There's five more circles just like us. Whatever these prisoners think we're doing, they're leaving us alone.

SUKI: No snitching when you do it yourself.

SOKKA: Right. But um... what are we doing?

He looks down at a quiet acrobat, the girl exhaling first, then taking in a deep breath.

ZUKO: Ty Lee is trying to send a message back to her world.

SUKI: To Azula.

SOKKA: Oh. Azula is good there. I almost forgot.

Some more time passes, Ty Lee having a hard time focusing on her exercise with all this commotion in the background.

SOKKA: What is that gonna accomplish though?

TY LEE: I just wanna try it.

The sharp rebuttal spoken with a squeaky voice draws everyone's attention.

TY LEE: The more I'm able to exchange information with Azula, the better.

SOKKA: But you said you needed a really spiritual place for-

SUKI: Just let her try, Sokka.

The swordfighter's intervention gets the Water Tribe boy to mind his business and stay quiet.

Ty Lee closes her eyes again, taking a few more breathes, attempting to find her center like she did back in her airbending training. But how will she even find the firebender? That's provided her little experiment succeeds and the girl is able to pass through a door into another-

GUARD: Hey! You four!

Our heroes freeze up at the sound of this, a dozen or so guards approaching them as the surrounding prisoners step aside, fear displayed in their eyes.

SOKKA (whispering): That's not good.

SUKI (whispering): Follow my lead.

With a brave expression, the swordfighter steps forth, facing the guards as they ready their weapons.

SUKI: We haven't done anything.

GUARD: That's for us to decide.

Spotting Ty Lee still seated on the ground, the bearded soldier points obnoxiously at her.

GUARD: You there! On the ground! Get up now!

Just keep calm and do as they say. There's nothing to be afraid of.

The acrobat complies with hesitation, rising to her feet as she is surrounded by her friends, and some curious onlookers, who seem to share an ounce of sympathy for their celebrity prisoners being intimidated by that.

GUARD: You – come with us. The rest of you can stay.

It takes them a few seconds to come to the realization that this was directed towards Ty Lee.

TY LEE: Me?

GUARD: Yes, you. The warden wants to see you.

She gifts her companions some uneasy glances before complying.

ZUKO (whispering): We'll talk later.

Too tensed up, the girl is unable to answer, quietly following the soldiers as they lead her back inside the building.

Don't worry. I've met the warden before. It's all gonna be okay.

Somehow the airbender doubted this.

---

With a loud, metallic screech the door to the warden's office closes. A cold room made from iron, a bronze shimmer cast onto her, with two slits serving as windows into the courtyard, an impressive portrait of the Phoenix King in between. The other Ty Lee saw Ozai a few times in her life, though doesn't recall ever seeing him after his ascension.

The warden herself, seated behind a desk, observes Ty Lee with sharp eyes. It is a woman in her fifties or so, pronounced features alongside her military uniform and a top knot. She actually has slightly darker skin like that of a Water Tribe woman, making the acrobat question who exactly is seated in front of her.

Speak plainly and directly. Answer everything she asks of you. Never interrupt her. Wait for her to start talking. If you do that, you'll be okay.

The girl attempts to stand as straight as possible, giving off a humble, but serious aura from her body language. However, that confidence starts to crumble a bit as the woman... continues to say nothing. For quite a while.

Just keep at it. She likes to keep people waiting.

In an overly dramatic fashion, the woman removes her glasses, folds them, then places them on her desk.

ZHENGYI: Good. Your manners remain outstanding.

In a swift motion, Zhengyi rises from her chair, walks around her desk, and aims for the door, not even bothering to gift Ty Lee so much as a glare. Then, the woman opens the metal door, and closes it once again with an obnoxiously squeaky noise.

The airbender remained with her back turned towards the portal the whole time.

Huh. That's weird.

AZULA: You always were the teacher's pet, weren't you?

Chime!

Ty Lee flinches as she spots the Fire Lord walk over to Zhengyi's desk.

Azula?!

TY LEE: What are you doing here?!

The acrobat curses herself for showing this much unnerve in her tone, the raven-haired girl reveling in it.

AZULA: What? Can't a Fire Lord inspect her own prisons from time to time?

As the firebender leans against the wooden desk, Ty Lee desperately tries to cobble together the emotional distress within herself. She saw this Azula once before in a vision but having her stand right there in the flesh... that's truly something else.

But no. She can't surrender to her feelings – not now. Not when it is more dangerous than ever before.

AZULA: Don't think I'm here to pay my old friend a visit. You and I both know very well that you spit on our friendship when you helped the Avatar escape. There is no redemption for a traitor like you.

In a bizarre role-reversal, the younger Ty Lee holds firm while her older, non-corporeal counterpart, reacts with the kind of gravity that a shattered heart would cause.

TY LEE: Why are you really here?

Getting right to the point, Azula responds with a mix of frustration and respect, beginning to saunter around the girl as if a panther prowling in close proximity to its next meal.

AZULA: Just some loose ends to get to the bottom of. You've been reunited with your old friend in here, haven't you?

Getting no help from her older self, Ty Lee is forced to rely on her own instincts.

TY LEE: I don't know what you mean.

AZULA: I highly doubt it. But I'm impressed by your ability to deny me of what I want. It seems you have really matured in here.

She comes to a halt just a few inches in front of the airbender.

AZULA: I am talking about my favorite prisoner.

Ty Lee's features form a frown-

Suki?

Now the acrobat loosens up again.

TY LEE: You mean Suki.

Just a slight hint of surprise on the Fire Lord, the firebender stepping back again.

AZULA: Perceptive.

Once again, Azula leans against the desk as Ty Lee places her legs firmly on the ground.

AZULA: Then again, I suspect you knew already. She asked for you when I imprisoned her and the rest of the Avatar's clique. I found it... fascinating. The first thing a prisoner asks about upon getting captured is... where you are.

Despite her fears, despite her fears clearly visible through her body language, the airbender is as steady as a mountain.

TY LEE: Maybe Suki and I became friends. Maybe I was planning on betraying you from the start. Maybe I wanted her to end up in here for my devious plans.

This seems to trigger some kind of deep-seated fear within the Fire Lord, her façade of arrogance crumbling rather pathetically.

AZULA: You're lying. You could never have conceived of such a plan. You're too much a jolly... circus freak to plot like this!

While the older Ty Lee feels tiny, her younger self crosses her arms in defiance.

TY LEE: You don't know who I am, Azula. I'm a stranger to you.

The raven-haired girl's features form a deep glare as her hands curl up into fists.

AZULA: GUARDS!

Not two seconds pass before armed men enter.

GUARDS: Yes, my lord?

AZULA: Stick her in the cooler for a few hours! Let her freeze up in there!

Confused, the men share quick looks with each other.

GUARD: But... my lord, she's not a firebender-

AZULA (furious): DO I NEED TO REPEAT MYSELF!?

A gout of azure flames barely misses the guard as he ducks beneath it.

GUARD: Of course! We'll do as you wish!

The adults swiftly grab her arms as Ty Lee holds steady, a victorious smirk sending rows of discomfort down Azula's spine.

---

The door closes again with a metallic screech.

What did you do?!

Despite freezing temperatures, a passionate fire burns deep inside Ty Lee as the girl hugs herself inside a tiny, one-person space covered in ice.

TY LEE: What I had to. She was onto us. Now she's angry enough to leave-

Listen to me carefully – you may know how your Azula works, but if you think you can outplay mine – out-scheme her at her mind games – you will find yourself dead and me with it!

A frustrated grunt forms a visible cloud in front of her mouth.

TY LEE: Then why didn't you say that in there? Why did you freeze up at her like that?

I don't know. I was scared. I didn't expect to ever see her again...

TY LEE: No.

A gasp from her older self creates no foggy breath.

What is that supposed to-

TY LEE: I know there's a reason why you were scared of her in there. Why you've been quiet and timid when we talk about Azula. I want you to tell me already.

Spotting her own reflection in a partially of frozen wall, she pictures the mirror image being the other Ty Lee.

TY LEE: Say it.

...

TY LEE: Say it!

I LOVE HER, OKAY?!

Both acrobats hang their heads down low after that. From here on out the spirit inside her speaks in whiny voice, being in tears despite lacking lacrimal glands and a physical body.

I loved her ever since we were kids! And now you made her think that I'm some... evil mastermind that wanted to betray her from the start! That's... that's not who I am!

Her rant turns into full-on sobbing as the airbender is frozen with guilt.

TY LEE: I'm sorry. I should've said something else.

Now she hates me even more AND she's gonna be even more paranoid about us in here!

Slowly but surely the cold temperatures are starting to get to her.

TY LEE: She's gonna stay here.

She's gonna stay here.

Some sniffs later and the other Ty Lee sounds normal again.

I should've been honest with you about this.

TY LEE: No, it's okay. I get it. It just... this has to hurt so much.

Ty Lee's next exhale is far shakier than before, the cooler slowly chipping away at her warmth.

Did you really mean what you said to Zuko? That you think she can be saved?

The airbender looks up at her own reflection again. She had been staring at that face for so long she almost forgot that it isn't even hers. Hers is a bit chubbier, younger, and of course... missing an eye. Despite being the same person, the two Ty Lees could also not be more different.

TY LEE: I did.

Her hand moves up to her right eye again, covering it for a moment as she tries to recall the sensation of how her true body sees the world.

TY LEE: I don't mean to give you any false hopes. It's far more likely that Azula will always be a monster, and that you two will never be together.

Harsh words that the other Ty Lee knows are true.

TY LEE: But... I don't know. Is there a difference between false hopes and real hopes? Isn't all hope just a lie?

That's not true.

TY LEE: Then what is it?

Hope is just... hope. Some of it is misguided... some of it is lying but... it's hope, nonetheless. There's no good or bad hope. It just... is.

TY LEE: So, do you have hope? That Azula can be saved?

She removes her hand again, spotting the other Ty Lee's face in the frozen mirror.

I think I do. Despite everything.

Words that brighten up the airbender's aura more than she had anticipated.

And I think you have hope too. I think you know that you'll be able to go home and be with Azula and Zuko.

After three months of dread and crushed dreams... Ty Lee shows her first, open, genuine smile, some tears flowing down her cheeks before they land of the metal ground, freezing pretty quickly after.

TY LEE: It's amazing that the Fire Nation can power one of these coolers. L-l-let alone a whole b-b-bunch.

I know, right? Ingenuity! I mean with this, and the boilers in the basement... it's truly a marvel of modern technology!

Ty Lee's frozen features frown at that.

TY LEE: Boilers?

Yeah, Mai told me about it. Apparently volcanic activity on the Boiling Rock has decreased so much that the Fire Nation started artificially heating the water. This prison has existed for decades, so it'd be a waste if-

Her exposition halts abruptly as the other Ty Lee gasps dramatically.

Wait a minute – if we-

TY LEE: If we mess with the boilers, the water would we warm enough to just swim through.

Everyone could get out of here! We could find a way to escape and-

TY LEE: Get back home.

---

Act III. – Boiling to a max

---

ZUKO: What do you think is taking her so long? Is the warden torturing her? Should we be doing something?

The three remaining prisoners are back in the cantina, already making up wild theories as to why Ty Lee hasn't returned from the warden yet.

SUKI: You think they would torture her?

ZUKO: It's still prison, Suki. And the number one prison in the Fire Nation at that.

SOKKA (with a full mouth): Nah, I think she's gonna be fine.

Zuko and Suki now seated next to each other, they both pass a comedically frightening glare at the Water Tribe boy shoveling sludge into his face hole.

SOKKA (with a full mouth): What? I'm being optimistic here.

ZUKO: Since when are you optimistic?

SOKKA (with a full mouth): Since we got Appa back?

Seeing as he is getting no real response, the boy crudely swallows.

SOKKA: Look, we're Team Avatar, okay? We might've been captured, for sure, but it's not like we're defeated. All we need to do is figure out a way to get out of here, pick up Katara and Toph from wherever they are, find Aang, and then – boom! We win.

ZUKO: We haven't even come up with any plans yet.

SUKI: Plus, I don't think that capturing the warden will work again. The way the other Suki described it, it sounded like luck, more than anything.

Sokka points his spoon at her, sounding offended.

SOKKA: Hey!

ZUKO: She's right. We need to figure out something fast.

TY LEE: I know how we get out of here.

All heads turn to a shivering Ty Lee. Despite some parts of her still being covered in ice, the acrobat doesn't seem to have lost even an inch of her energy. In fact – she seems more ready than ever to jump into action.

ZUKO: What happened?

SOKKA: Did they put you in a cooler?

Shaking just a bit, Ty Lee sits down next to Suki, the swordfighter actually daring to engulf the girl in a warm side hug, alleviating the cold somewhat.

TY LEE: Azula did.

"Uh-oh" is exchanged non-verbally between them all.

SOKKA: She's here?!

ZUKO: That's not good.

TY LEE: It actually is.

"Huh?" is exchanged non-verbally right after.

SUKI: What do you mean?

The acrobat shares a quick look with Suki, smiling briefly at the girl's compassion.

TY LEE: The other Ty Lee and I came up with a plan to get out of here. We need to do it today. Right now, actually.

SOKKA: What?!

ZUKO: Good. How?

TY LEE: You and Sokka need to rally all the prisoners.

ZUKO: Another riot?

TY LEE: No. An army. You need to lead them to the gondola station.

GUARD: Hey!

Ty Lee had been wondering when their very suspicious conversation would finally be overheard.

And it couldn't come at a better time.

ZUKO: What? We're just talking.

GUARD: You're making plans to get out of here. And not only that... it's you three again! You tricked me last time into releasing all the prisoners!

The guard glares at Sokka in particular, who merely smirks.

SOKKA: Surprised you kept your job.

GUARD: Very funny. You're coming with me now. All four of-

Before he can finish his orders, Ty Lee gently removes herself from Suki before smacking her foot into his face, backflipping into a combat stance, five precise strikes taking out the man as he falls to the ground numb. While the acrobat takes on another guard, Suki rushes to support her, Zuko using his firebending for defense as Sokka can at least take out one other opponent via hitting him with his metal tray, leading to none of the soldiers alerting their comrades outside the canteen.

All of the men and one woman having been taken out, the rest of the prisoners mumble and murmur amongst each other.

SOKKA: Listen everybody – we're here to help you get out of here! Everyone – follow my lead!

Performing a heroic gesture to underline his actions, he instead finds blank expressions and confused glances.

PRISONER: Why should we go with you? Who says you're not tricking us?

DIFFERENT PRISONER: Who says we're gonna make it?

The rest of the crowd seems to mostly agree as Sokka's head sinks into his shoulders, Zuko slapping his forehead as Ty Lee begins to question her bold escape-

SUKI: LISTEN TO ME, EVERYONE!

Mumbling subsides completely as the much more serious swordfighter, standing on a table, addresses them all with a fiery passion.

SUKI: We have all been wronged by the Fire Nation! We were robbed of our homes and lives and, as we tried to fight back, they punished us by putting us in here! Is that how you will let yourself be treated?

PRISONER CROWD: No.

SUKI: I can't hear you!

PRISONER CROWD: NO!

SUKI: NO! You will not let yourselves be defined by your oppressors! You will not allow their soldiers and their weapons to make you feel small!

More chants and howls of excitement give Ty Lee assurance that this will end up working out just as she and her older self had planned it.

SUKI: So go follow that Water Tribe dork!

Sokka throws his arms up with something akin to offense.

SUKI: Go and FIGHT for your FREEDOM!

All prisoners get up at once, continuing their cheers and battle cries as they follow a more serious-looking Water Tribe warrior.

SOKKA: Alright everyone! We need to free everyone else first!

More cries of support, some even shooting flames against the ceiling.

ZUKO: What will you two be doing?

Before Suki can ask herself, Ty Lee already steps in to answer.

TY LEE: We'll head down to the boiler room. If we destroy their equipment, the water will return to a naturally warm state.

ZUKO: Good. Meet us at the gondola station after you're done.

Some nods and affirmative looks later and the prince rushes to support his friend the non-bender.

SUKI: Do you really need me for that?

The airbender taking a deep breath, Suki has a strange feeling like there's more to it.

TY LEE: I do.

---

The further the girls got down the prison complex, the fewer guards they encountered. Any that they did were quickly dismantled, either by Ty Lee's chi-blocking, or by Suki's uniquely reaction-based fighting style. It was as they raced down a set of stairs to the basement that the swordfighter finally began to question things.

With a strong kick very much in the style of airbending, the small door leading into the boiler room shatters open. It's surprisingly tall, with a set of six massive kettles responsible for maintaining the Boiling Rock's signature heat. Bronze and silver shades are cast dimly via a few lamps on the wall and the fire within the kettles, piles of coal next to them, with a massive stack probably stored in another room.

SUKI: No one's here.

TY LEE: Maybe they use the guards to maintain these. And with all of them dealing with the uprise...

Ironically, a much more old-fashioned Ty Lee smile is what finally upsets Suki enough to cross her arms.

SUKI: Okay, what's your plan? How are we gonna destroy these? And why is it just us two?

TY LEE: Just trust me. The other Ty Lee and I came up with the plan. It's gonna work.

SUKI: I do trust you!

Recognizing desperation in her voice, the acrobat turns to her counterpart all the way.

SUKI: I just... I don't think you trust me.

A serious accusation that does carry some weight.

TY LEE: Why shouldn't I trust you?

SUKI: Because of who I am.

The girl's aura darkens as the airbender loosens up for a moment.

"Some people are just not worth being nice to."

That was the lesson she learned on her travels. Hard-earned one. A healthy level of skepticism to chip away at the acrobat's more naïve side. She wouldn't be much of use to her friends if she just trusted everyone. This includes Suki now.

Or does it?

SUKI: I mean – look at what I did in our world! I helped hunting you down, I fought you – I... I... I cut out your eye! I... hurt you in a way that can never be fixed again.

TY LEE: I did put you in a coma after-

SUKI: But I recovered from that!

For a few more seconds the girls don't say anything, only the sound of massive fires barred behind metal echoing around them.

SUKI: I just... I'm scared that you'll never forgive me.

TY LEE: Suki... you don't have to-

Ty Lee! Aura!

The girl abruptly stops herself, eyes widening as she takes note of a different presence, a different color in their vicinity.

A dark shade of purple, pretty much just black.

Slow clapping echoes through the shadows of the boiler room, alerting Suki now as well.

TY LEE: We'll have to talk about it later.

The two, currently non-benders, get ready, waiting with dreadful anticipation for the Fire Lord to step into the light, an overly confident smirk attached to her features.

Though, with determined expressions, neither Ty Lee nor Suki are surprised.

AZULA: Well, those were wonderful performances, you two.

Her clapping subsides as she comes to a halt, hands akimbo. The swordfighter tosses a quick glance over to the airbender, her nod letting Suki know that this is all part of the plan.

AZULA: I have to say, you really had me thinking there for a while. I was so confused why my favorite prisoner suddenly had such a keen interest in Ty Lee of all people.

SUKI: What would you know about making friends?

AZULA: Fair point. But... no. There is an explanation to this after all. She gave it away, actually.

Her long-nailed finger points nonchalantly at the acrobat, whose expression doesn't change one bit. Monologuing once again, Azula starts walking back and forth around the room.

AZULA: I was baffled to see Ty Lee like this. So... fierce and... determined and... rebellious. I always assumed Mai was a bad influence but... I just couldn't explain it.

SUKI: Just spit it out!

The Fire Lord stops her pacing with a sigh of disappointment.

AZULA: No sense for the dramatic. Alright – I lied. I mean, I knew something was up but... I actually just listened in on your whole conversation just now.

What shocks Suki at first quickly subsides upon spotting Ty Lee's fierce expression.

The acrobat had planned this.

AZULA: "In our world" does sound rather interesting. You'll have to tell me all about this other world. I insist.

Chime!

Hesitating no more, Ty Lee leaps forth in a spectacular dash, her initial few blows all missing their target as Azula successfully blocks them. In contrast, any and all attempts of the Fire Lord to char her enemy in azure flames fails as the girl blocks or dodges the attacks at a dangerously close range, utilizing her airbending movements to spin to the side as her support shows up.

Suki is able to land a few strikes, patiently waiting for Azula's attacks before skillfully avoiding them, landing jabs wherever she can. Despite wearing scale armor, Azula does occasionally throw a glare upon receiving an especially gnarly hit.

Ty Lee rejoins the assault as two non-benders are now taking turns in their attempt to overpower the firebending prodigy once and for all.

---

Sokka meanwhile finally reaches the little command room that holds a variety of switches, correctly remembering which one it is that opens all the cell doors. The many guards putting up a fight against the canteen prisoners are quickly overrun as a whole flood of new warriors joins the cause, overrunning them as the revolt grows larger.

A singular guard attempts to tackle the Water Tribe boy, Sokka dodging to the side as he smashes the guy through a glass window. Another soldier shows up, knocked down by a furious, orange flame.

ZUKO: We got everyone. Let's head to the gondola station.

SOKKA: Shouldn't we go check on Ty Lee and Suki?

The prince, who was just about to leave, stops in the doorframe as he tosses a devious smirk over his shoulder.

ZUKO: No. I think they have it under control.

---

Azula's fire burns as bright as the flames inside the boilers, her face expressing that heated hatred as her fight against the non-benders continues.

In an angered outburst, the Fire Lord presses her palm against the metal floor, creating a wave of fire that grows larger around her, Ty Lee avoiding the attack barely, though smacking against a hot pipe in the back.

Suki was able to jump over it, though finds herself dodging an incoming arch of flame attached to Azula's foot, the firebender switching to her precise, deadly blasts aimed via fingers. Because of this, the swordfighter is forced to go on the defense, dodging said incoming gouts of fire as she hides behind various tech equipment, in one instance sliding under a boiler, just barely missing Azula's attack plus the heated metal on the underside of the boiler, which is just as deadly.

Emerging on the other side, Suki avoids yet another strike via jumping off the wall, then commencing another close combat assault, even landing a mean punch in the face as Azula recoils.

SUKI: Still your favorite prisoner?

Azula doesn't make a noise, though a massive blue deluge causes Suki's heart to skip a beat as she jumps above it, hopping onto a steel pipe before landing on the other side.

AZULA: You're far more annoying without your fans.

SUKI: I'll take what I can get!

Two more fire blasts are knocked aside as Suki attempts to land another hit, Azula dashing backwards to safety this time.

AZULA: But then again... you are from another world. Do you even know how to fight with fans there? I heard you cut out Ty Lee's eye, so I assume not.

The swordfighter's confidence shatters just by an inch.

AZULA: What are you there, anyways? Probably nothing.

Suki takes an aggressive breath as she extends her palms, the basic pose her other self taught her three months ago.

SUKI: I'm a Kyoshi Warrior.

The girl launches for another strike-

Her arm meant to punch gets twisted by Azula's leg in an impressive counter, pressing the girl to the ground, her eyes widening in horror as the Fire Lord smirks victoriously.

AZULA: Thought so.

Chime!

Before the painful strike can reach her, the firebender's arm is hit with a precise wrench toss, knocking her flame to the wall instead.

TY LEE: Let her go, Azula. This is between you and me.

Ty Lee takes on a fighting pose that looks like a strange blend between chi-blocking and airbending.

AZULA: Very well.

Before the duel can commence, Azula is quick to grab Suki by her shirt, knocking her against a metal wall with a simple kick.

AZULA: I'm guessing you and I are fierce rivals in your world.

She lets blue flames grow from her palms as she slowly approaches the acrobat.

AZULA: We've fought like this a dozen times before. This is just routine for you at this point.

To Azula's shock and surprise, Ty Lee giggles in defiance. This causes her to go on the offense again, the acrobat dodging skillfully, attempting a few more strikes again, before spinning away from a deadly, azure spiral.

AZULA: I'm also guessing you're an airbender there, since you like to hop around so much!

TY LEE: That part is true!

Some more blasts and a fire kick are avoided again by the almost supernaturally agile girl.

TY LEE: But you couldn't be more wrong about Azula!

This time, the ball shot with her fingers slices a metal pipe in half, hot steam emitting from it as Ty Lee lands on two hands, standing upside down for a moment as she continues.

TY LEE: She's actually the nicest person ever!

Somehow enraged by this, Azula attempts more waves, spirals, darts, and an arch of blue fire, the acrobat avoiding it all with flips, cartwheels, baguazhang spins, and the general finesse of a master.

TY LEE: She'll do anything for her friends.

Now the Fire Lord even grunts in anger as she blasts the metal floor on which Ty Lee stood just a moment ago.

TY LEE: And she'll stop at nothing to help those who can't defend themselves.

An even louder howl as she burns one of the boilers, though not seriously damaging it.

With an energy reminding Azula very much of Aang, Ty Lee lands right next to the girl.

AZULA: She sounds pathetic! What has she ever done?!

Based on her pose, Ty Lee can guess pretty easily which move is next.

Just wait...

TY LEE: Well, she is the Avatar for once.

Based on her expression this causes the Fire Lord to mentally combust.

TY LEE: But she also taught me to never give up, even when it seems hopeless.

AZULA: I see. She should've taught you instead how to DODGE!

Within a second, Azula is already able to draw lightning from her fingers, charging them as she releases the bolt aimed directly at Ty Lee's face.

The airbender, however, spins and ducks at the same time. While still performing the maneuver, two of her fingers strike an exposed part of her arm.

Thud!

Before the Fire Lord can react, Ty Lee lands her second strike, right into the girl's knee.

Thud!

Erecting herself to stand upright again, four more chi-blocking hits seal the deal – armpit!

Thud!

Wrist!

Thud!

Neck!

Thud!

And a kick to the elbow!

Thud!

Her eyes stare blankly ahead in horror, unable to move or look to the side as her entire body has been immobilized – not paralyzed, but frozen in place, with lightning still blasting from her fingertips. Like a turret, Ty Lee is now able to move the Fire Lord freely around, the blue thunder bolt casting an ominous shimmer of light across them as she carefully aims the attack against each boiler, destroying them up in a carefully controlled process, until eventually all six are blown to smithereens and the room is filled to the brim with smoke.

Once this is done, two more jabs in the throat and shoulder release Azula, the girl's lightning strike subsiding as she falls down numb like a sack of rice, eyes closed.

With the heat and the smoke increasing, Ty Lee wastes no time to sprint over to Suki, being able to wake up the girl with some light smacks on the cheek.

SUKI (weak): What happened?

TY LEE: We need to get out of here!

The Kyoshi Warrior nods quietly as she slowly reboots her brain's cognitive functions. The girls cough a bit as Suki runs over to the exit, slowing down as she spots Ty Lee kneeling over the body of the Fire Lord.

SUKI: She's not...

TY LEE: No. But we have to take her with us.

Both still exhausted from the fight, they share the burden of lifting the knocked-out ruler of the Fire Nation.

SUKI: No offense but... why are we taking her with us?

Ty Lee gleams with a smile as the voice inside her lights up brightly.

TY LEE: I promised it to someone.

---

On top of the prison, the gondola station is guarded by a dozen or so rabid soldiers, the warden Zhengyi placed right in the middle, the woman's arms folded firmly behind her back.

Across from her – the entire prison population lead by Sokka and Zuko.

ZHENGYI: So... you two think you can escape again.

SOKKA: Pretty much.

ZUKO: And you're not stopping us!

ZHENGYI: Interesting. Well... some of you might be able to. But the rest...

The boys share an uneasy look as the massive number of criminals behind them do the same.

ZHENGYI: Since your last escape attempt, we have reduced the number of cable cars to one. I have activated the safety mechanism located in my office. A small number of you will be able to cross to the other side. However, once there, the cable car is locked in place. Which means most of you...

The murmurs and doubts reemerge as Zhengyi forms a cruel smile, her guards getting ready to retaliate.

TY LEE: Everyone is gonna be able to leave!

With Ty Lee's voice sounding from the back, the other prisoners form a convenient line for her and Suki to rejoin their friends, a hostage strapped to their backs.

ZHENGYI: Really? You're doing the hostage thing again? I'm not impressed. You don't even have me this time.

SUKI: We got something better.

Smacking the immobilized Azula against the floor causes cries of panic and excitement.

ZHENGYI: Impossible...

Ignoring the woman and her frightened guards, Ty Lee, her and Suki's face covered in soot, turns to the prisoner crowd.

TY LEE: We've destroyed the boiler room. The water is gonna be warm enough to swim through. None of you are gonna have to stay here!

Some brief cheers before a scarred beefcake steps forth.

PRISONER: What about the gondola though?

Ty Lee looks over to her companions before turning back to the man, trying to conjure as much of her other self as she can.

TY LEE (cute): Um... can me and my friends please use it?

Her index fingers cutely tapping against each other, her right foot twisting on the ground, and with the most innocent smile attached, the crowd (made of mostly men) comedically switches into an incomprehensible mixture of agreeance.

PRISONER 1: Yeah!

PRISONER 2: Of course!

PRISONER 3: OF COURSE!

PRISONER 4: We would love nothing more!

PRISONER 5: Absolutely!

Despite being so different from her counterpart in this world, the level of charm and innocence mixed with the smirk right after reminds Zuko of his own Ty Lee more than anything.

---

Without a convenient bison, Team... Avatar? Or... suppose the alliance between the Dream Team and Team Avatar (yeah, that's more fitting) has resorted to grand theft war balloon for their escape attempt. Luckily Azula came with her own ship, and taking out the crew wasn't a very hard thing to do.

The sun has set at this point, the moon casting a soft, blue shimmer over the horizon, Azula's impressive blimp seeking shelter above the clouds as they steer towards some place safe. Wherever that might be in the Fire Nation.

Suki gently closes the door to a modest cabin, Ty Lee inside mediating on top a soft blanket on the floor.

SUKI: Hope I'm not interrupting.

TY LEE: You're not.

She spoke her response with the same jolly energy she used to carry for a long time. Ty Lee can't go back all the way to that ever-excited, naïve doll, but going in the other direction hasn't been helpful either.

This point is exemplified by Suki sitting down on her bed with her arms crossed.

SUKI: Um... I wanted to say sorry for earlier. I shouldn't have mistrusted-

TY LEE: No, please don't.

The airbender turns to her, taking a deep breath, finding her center right away.

TY LEE: I need to apologize to you. I've been way too cold to you even though you're clearly trying to help out.

Lacking the confidence to forgive herself, Suki scoffs.

SUKI: I think you had quite enough reasons to act cold towards me.

TY LEE: Maybe. But... now I don't.

A shimmer of hope dances around Suki's chestnut-colored eyes.

TY LEE: I told Kenora once that some people are not worth being nice to.

Finding some closure in that, she pictures herself forgiving the waterbender back in the desert so many months ago.

TY LEE: But... that's just a part of it. I got obsessed with that idea. I started trusting no one.

Adding a crescendo to her speech, Ty Lee gifts Suki a warm smile filled with that pink, fluffy aura of hers.

TY LEE: Yes, some people are not worth the trouble. But some people are definitely worth being nice to! And I think you're one of them!

Overwhelmed by all these words of kindness, the older Suki reassures her to accept it.

SUKI: Oh. Thanks.

The Kyoshi Warrior gets up again.

SUKI: I uh... that's really nice of you to-

A tight, loving hug cuts her ramblings off, Suki reciprocating the gesture whole-heartedly. It seems it was just what both girls needed.

SUKI: Right.

They separate again, Suki now more glad than ever to have switched sides.

TY LEE: Right. Um... I was trying to call Azula just now, so...

Her cue to leave, Suki does just that.

SUKI: Right!

Though the girl does stop in the doorframe as Ty Lee sits back down again.

SUKI: Speaking of Azula...

She turns halfway, one hand stroking her elbow.

SUKI: Do you think it was a good idea to bring her along?

Like a monk, Ty Lee smiles calmly.

TY LEE: I think so.

At that, the Kyoshi Warrior shakes her head with a bittersweet note attached, exiting her room as she quietly shuts the door.

Some more time passes as Ty Lee attempts to concentrate, her older self actually doing the same. Breath exits and enters her lungs repeatedly, filling her with the element as invaluable to life as water itself. Finding her center, finding her courage, finding her inner hope, the girl focuses on that purple aura she felt countless of times before.

---

Ty Lee opens her eyes again, finding herself in a room much like hers, though with more stuff, and with a mix of metal and wood.

She made it. Azula's aura must be closely connected to this place. And the person lying on the bed in front of her confirms just that.

KENORA: AH!

Kenora falls down in shock, having spotted a sky blue, partially transparent Ty Lee seated on the floor. Notably, being in her spirit form, the girl appears as her real body. A bit chubbier, smaller, and with one eye.

KENORA: Is this real? Am I dreaming? Can you hear me?

The captain kneels down on the floor as the ghostly airbender giggles.

TY LEE: I am real! And... I'm still trapped in the other world.

With the excitement slowly subsiding, the awkwardness of their relationship returns pretty quickly.

KENORA: Right. I'll uh... I'll get Azula for you.

With the waterbender jolting up, Ty Lee dares to take the opportunity.

TY LEE: Kenora, wait!

She stops, looking over at the spirit girl, who has since stood up as well.

TY LEE: I wanna apologize to you first. You were mean to us for a long time, sure, but you have changed. I wanna give you a second chance.

If her humble smirk wasn't enough, that citrus aura opening up certainly tells her about Kenora's inner workings.

KENORA: I appreciate it. I won't let you down.

Filled to the brim with optimism, the waterbender hops over to the door, before briefly stopping and turning back around.

KENORA: We're actually trying to get you back from there. Well... it's a work in progress, mostly Azula doing Avatar stuff but... we're working on it.

TY LEE: That's great to hear! Anything specific you're doing right now?

It takes Kenora a second longer than usual to respond.

KENORA: We're trying to find Aang.

---

Small puddles cover the market section of the small Earth Kingdom village, last night's rainstorm thankfully having passed. It's technically part of the Water Tribes, though anyone with half a brain can make out that the buildings, the customs, the people – they're all firmly alien to the ways of waterbenders.

The boy walks past unsuspecting merchants and villagers, not even the occasional soldier paying attention to him. He blends in perfectly, just like he did in his world. Thanks to his hair having grown back and the lotus headband covering his arrow, the boy is as unsuspecting as ever.

A few coins drop from his hand as the shopkeeper looks down at him with a suspicious glance.

SHOPKEEPER: That's barely enough for one meal. Sorry kid, Tribes doubled our taxes recently.

The boy with the headband doesn't seem to mind, picking up his designated rations before turning the other way.

SHOPKEEPER: Hey! Do you I know you from somewhere?

He comes to a halt right in front of a puddle, not bothering to turn back around.

AANG: No. I'm no one.