Thinking of a fast, concrete plan, she smiled, gesturing to him to pass her the gauntlet he carried for her.
"We need Aang, so we will just wait for them and hope they haven't relocated. If they have, we have good investigators around to aid us" Suki explained, sighing, grabbing his hand to put on the gauntlet.
"I'm so glad you considered me for the backup plan" Sokka joked with a wink, confusing Suki. "I happen to know an excelente detective"
"Do you?" Suki smirked, knowing where he was heading with that wordplay. "Is he handsome or is he an old grumpy man?"
"He is sometimes grumpy, but he is a stud" Sokka placed his hand behind his neck, flexing his arms to her. She rolled her eyes and bit her lip, impressed but unwilling to keep flirting. "Relax Daisuki, we just have to wait"
"In this case I'm not sure how good it's to wait" She replied disappointed of how close they were to catching them.
"It is what it is" He said to himself, looking forward to the group "We…well, we don't need to be together all the time to create a plan"
"Then it could be intercepted, like this one, and we would fail again" Suki defended their urge to meet with each other, leaving her selfish thoughts, she spoke "Or maybe I can leave the leadership to someone else"
"Woah what a jump" Sokka laughed nervously, he knew what she meant with it,but decided to let her talk
"I'm serious. I…I lost my touch with this" she laughed, punching softly his arm "you and Toph have way more experience than me"
"We still need someone to lead and command respect, you do that incredibly, not that your plans are bad, we just need to tweak them" Sokka rounded her shoulder as they walked side to side
"Thank you," Suki said thinking about what Karina told her "But…"
She stopped, puzzling Sokka who turned to see her face, who focused on a wall. He raised an eyebrow, wondering what was happening inside her head
"We need to leave, we will be ambushed again" Suki ran towards the group, Sokka hot on her heels as both made as much noise as possible
"Stop!" Sokka screamed at Katara who was close to the end with Toph and Electra. "We will be ambushed!"
Toph concentrated on her seismic sense, confused by their statement.
"They know where all of our prisoners are!" Suki continued talking "That means they have probably-"
"Been released" Iroh finished with a nod "Master Toph?"
"I don't feel anybody near us" Toph said frowning "But I can't feel anything that is not in the ground"
"The Yuyan archers should have already signaled us something, are you both sure?" Karina questioned, crossing her arms with suspicion. "Do you think they would keep to themselves?"
"We can't see anything outside this cave Karina" Suki explained "One archer betrayed us and we are very vulnerable without the Avatar"
"We don't want to risk it here either" Mai interrupted "We need to get out, it's better to be close by the water so Aang can come to his senses faster"
"I agree" Katara said ignoring her brother's sneer "We will be at the bay, with Aang and I there shouldn't be any problem in case they try, again, to ambush us"
Suki and Sokka exchanged a look and nodded, walking towards Electra and escorting her. Electra didn't say anything as Tanya was now in Sokka's arms. Looking at the end of the tunnel, Toph stopped the group to concentrate, Suki got close to the edge where she could signal an archer.
"Clean" Both girls said, Karina, Ty Lee and Suki getting out of the tunnel first, with Mai, Zuko, Aang, Katara and Iroh behind.
Electra, Tanya and Sokka were at the end of the line, laying down Tanya on the edge of the water and close to Zuko and Aang who couldn't seem to keep still.
"Babe, I need you to relax" Katara sweetly talked to Aang who giggled and continued a conversation that did not have any relation to what she was saying. "Babe…"
"Okay! But give me a good night sleep kiss" He smiled, pulling Katara towards him
"Aang!" Katara giggled soaked in the Bay's water, resisting Aang's gentle pull to his face. "I need to heal you"
"Just a quick one" His eyes shut down like curtains, unable to open as she pressed a sweet kiss on his lips. Smiling proudly, Aang fell down on the water as Katara worked on him, with a faint blush covering her cheeks.
Suki heard the interaction, shaking her head to focus on patrolling as her friends recovered from the darts. She looked at Zuko and felt the urge to go and check up on him, feeling guilty about leaving Mai alone, taking care of their boyfriend.
She signaled Aimi to help her, she nodded and let her rest. She walked towards them and kneeled beside the couple. Mai didn't acknowledge her until Suki placed a hand on her knee.
Maybe Mai wasn't actually a bad person. Mai sighed, unsure to be around Suki as she was confused on how she was supposed to feel in regards to her social position. Watching Zuko down reminded her that her love for him was to death and there was no discussion surrounding it.
"How is Zuko doing?" Her concern was nauseating to Mai, judging by the reaction the woman made as she removed the hand from her knee.
"Speaking gibberish, more slurred than Aang" She explained moving to sit by Zuko's head, carefully placing it on her knees so his ears wouldn't be underwater.
Suki nodded and stared at Zuko who had trouble opening his eyes, a small lift was visible in her face. It meant that he would be ready to fight in case they needed it.
'Thank you for taking care of him," Mai lifted her eyes from Zuko's face with mixed feelings, nodding along. "I wouldn't have been able to properly do it"
"You have a job to do, I have mine. We do our part" Suki was not convinced by the lack of emotions she displayed to her, scooting closer. "Do you mind? Or do you want time alone with your husband?"
Suki gulped looking down on Zuko, she needed to focus. But looking at him vulnerable and with a little bit of guilt, she pushed forward to quickly discuss something running through her mind.
"I don't. I wanted to talk to you about him" She pointed, Mai held her gaze proudly. "I thought you weren't comfortable being…in a relationship like this"
"Under certain conditions, I thought you had already agreed on this" Mai explained, ending abruptly her comment as she boiled inside, considering how they were discussing this in the open "We shouldn't talk about this here"
Suki sighed, going straight to the point. " I am marrying Zuko because I like him but I don't trust him to not fall under Azula's grip." Suki thought about rearranging her words, the darkness inside her increasing the difficulty of it.
"I know, I just wanted…" Mai inspected for a trace of guilt, hate, remorse, something in the warrior's face. She was as stoic as she could "to confess something. But you are right, we should keep this to ourselves. When he wakes up, send him my regards"
Suki didn't notice they were whispering until she crossed paths with Electra, who questioned her with a look. Suk shrugged, and walked to her, her hand firm on her fan.
Toph groaned, having chatted with Electra about how she should apologize to her. She crossed her arms and waited for something to come out of the leader's mouth.
"I'm glad Aang is up. That way it's easier to go back home" Electra opened up the conversation, Suki looked at Aang helping Katara with Zuko, nodding along.
"We will need you to move to a different place, your home can be a target if they follow us back" Suki reminded Electra huffing frustrated. Toph's frown was disrupted as she could sense unusual movement coming from the bay.
Toph halted the conversation lifting her arm. "Are ships supposed to be running this late?"
With the attention directed to the bay, Toph dragged Zuko and Tanya out of the water. She sensed Zuko had barely recovered -Tanya on the other hand- had less than 20 minutes with the dose.
"Get uncle out" Zuko muttered, clinging to Mai as she prepared her weapons.
"I'm no regular uncle, let me repay you a favor" Iroh whispered to him, ready in a fighting stance. Zuko weakly tilted his head up, feeling foggy and with his vision blurred. Struggling to be up straight, Mai rounded his torso with her arm, ready to attack.
Suki grabbed Electra and began walking her away before the brawl began, she looked at Aimi for support and the girl nodded, running towards General Iroh, firelord Zuko and firelady Mai. She bowed to them quickly, preparing her hands and steadying her mind.
Toph runs towards Aang and Katara who are ready to talk. She wanted them to realize this fight would only end when Electra's head was on the floor rolling.
"Aang! We need you to protect her!" Sokka runs towards Toph with sword in hand, briefly looking at Suki who was already on her way out of the bay.
"I'd rather have you protect her with Suki" Sokka says to the earthbender who scoffed "Toph…Aang is needed here to see if he can diffuse all of this"
"They haven't stopped before, with all the kidnappings and killings. We need to fight and I would rather have someone actually able to kill them before they get to them" Toph replied angrily, stomping the ground as she lined up with him besides the couple.
"I am sure Suki and Karina will do their best taking care of Electra" Katara replied for Aang as they waited for the groups of benders to appear. Ty Lee cartwheeled to them, ready to disarm anyone.
With the waves and big pieces of land that browsed it way towards them, several waterbenders began using the water like an extension of their bodies. Katara reeled in enough water before freezing it with Aang. The waves crashed in the ice cracking it, the apparent leader sitting down on the biggest rock with a grin on his face.
"Avatar Aang, I didn't know you missed your old home" The man grinned, Katara sighed upset, Sokka and Toph readied themselves to strike. The Avatar smiled, waving his hand in dismissal.
"Nostalgia doesn't do any good to anyone," He walks above the rocks below his feet, creating a stairwell to face the leader "fighting doesn't end things either. What's your name?"
"Thank you for asking, but my name is not relevant to this conversation. We actually don't want to fight with you Avatar Aang, nor your lovely friends," He smiled down at Sokka, who looked back defiantly "We are searching for a particular woman, beautiful as a cloud and cold as the north pole"
"I'm afraid she doesn't do any private meetings at this hour" Aang jokes "But I'm here to talk for her"
Another wave crashed the ice, unsteadying Katara who was straining herself in holding the ice barrier. Sokka starts walking by the shore and around his sister with a scowl in his face. The leader smirks at Sokka's reaction.
"Avatar you are still young and misguided, you should not be choosing the side of the non benders. The peaceful monk who begged the city to be diverse and just, is letting an assassin run around free because your friend is shagging her? For us,that's not-"
"We can converse without name calling anyone, what are we? spirits," Aang interrupted annoyed mildly "you can make your point without being rude"
"It is rude to interrupt your elders" he questioned sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
"It is also a stupid trying to order the Avatar around dirthead" Toph shouted mockingly, grinning.
"Beifong? I'm rather surprised by that lame insult" He mocked with a laugh, another wave hitting the barrier and tiring Katara.
"Why don't you get off your high horse and say it to my face?" She hit back proudly as the leader raised his fingers one more time, the waves finally being strong enough to push Katara down to her knees.
Sokka hurried her up, Aang moved his head side to side disappointed. "We don't have to expose our people anymore to this idiotic killing"
The leaders face turned somber, hardening his face.
"This is for the cause, to show a lesson that we will not be dominated just because you are here" He says, striking the barrier with icicles and breaking it, Aang reacted by bending everything and pushing a wave at them a hundred feet backwards.
The leader smiled, preparing to fight the Avatar alone. Aang gave him one last look, waiting for him to call off the attack.
The leader waterbended began his attack with a water jet direct towards Aang, who manipulated and bent it into a cloak, lunging forwards to attack him.
Katara made a whirlpool around them, catapulting herself to distract the leader who currently fought her husband. He would only try to neutralize it, she would protect him so he wouldn't be killed.
Ty Lee took the opportunity to sneak by the stairs Aang left in the way, planning ahead to attack with them and take the element of surprise and turn it in her favor. Jumping quickly and flying trough the air, she lands on the pillar the leader is currently in.
She smiles flirtily, winking as she rushed to punch the pressure points, effectively touching one of his shoulders and angering the leader. Dodging the ice daggers, Ty Lee jumps behind the Avatar as she awaits another opportunity to strike, paying close attention to Katara's distraction and Aang's signal.
"You can't fight alone anymore? No wonder your nation was annihilated" The leader mocked coldly, coughing as he felt Katara's icicle pass close to his throat. He wanted to push his buttons, remembering the rumors on how easily he lost control of his emotions.
"You can't trash talk without low blows? How pathetic!" Toph pulled down the pillar to the ground, failing to imprison him. She continued to move around the earth beneath him, Katara looked at Aang to support him.
Aang clenched his teeth and looked to the sea as the benders returned to attack with his leader, grabbing her hand and sliding down the stairs. Ty Lee followed, jumping backwards to where Toph and Sokka waited.
"No wonder you have stood all this time on that gigantic pillar, you small pinguin!" Toph mocked rupturing the earth beneath him, an ice spear thrown to her direction was cut by Sokka's sword, standing again to her side as she localized the leader.
Aimi controlled her breathing long enough to begin her dancing, Iroh was surprised by the technique and concentration.
"Is this something they taught you in the Academy, lady Aimi?" Iroh asked, interrupting the woman.
"Yes, only the top of the class goes to trials to see if she is capable of wielding the secret" She explained going through the form, posing her eyes in the water and the benders rushing at the bay.
"We shouldn't go to the extremes and waste your energy, yet" He advised as the girl concentrated again, ignoring him as she felt the energy pulsate through her arms and hands, looking quickly to lock a victim.
Zuko weakly opened his eyelids, stunned by the bright light in Aimi's hands as she focused on the hit. He saw in slow motion again, and tried to rush forwards, his mind betraying him as Mai and Iroh held him.
"No…" He said looking at the bolt shot straight, turning around and following its trajectory, the trio saw another girl falling to the ground. Smoke and an odd odor mixing with the breeze of air in the area. "Aimi!"
The firebender turned to the firelord, bowing with an eye to the running benders who were held off by the Gaang fighting, startled by the loud sound of the bolt and a scream of another man.
"Yes firelord?" She asked, waiting for his orders. Zuko shook his head, feeling lethargic as his image cleared, acknowledging the woman again and Azula fading away.
"Give us a heads up, you scared us" He says relaxing into his uncle, feeling useless at seeing everyone fighting. Everyone except Suki. Panicking, he moves his head searching for her.
Sokka was struggling to keep up with the benders, his boomerang and sword could only help him that much in an open space where everyone had a fair playground, except the no benders that didn't know how to chi block.
Ty Lee helped him neutralize a bunch that approached him, until the bait no longer worked and they tried to attack her first, resulting in them being neutralized by Sokka's boomerang smashing their heads.
Sokka hadn't seen so much blood in a long time, it wasn't surprising as the first kill he had to make, the smell is the thing he'll never be able to get used to. Their armors where strong enough to resist the rocks that flew towards them, whom Ty Lee dodged elegantly.
Sokka fell on the ground with a loud thump, trying to pick himself off his feet only for him to be dragged across the sand, groaning and doing his best to get out of the grip he buried his sword in the sand, useful for a minute before he was being dragged again.
"Aghh!" His road finished crashing in the water, Ty Lee desperately tried catching up but had to step back as a firebender came close to her, threatening to pick her ponytail.
Katara battled with two waterbenders whom had no respect for their culture or honor. She scoffed, dodging and attacking the two benders as they had no intention to take turns in their strikes, trying to overwhelm her.
"You need to do better than this master Katara" The woman mocked before falling down into the water, as several balls of fire caught up to her. Aimi continued running along the shore to pick up Sokka out of the water, worrying as he didn't resurface
"Thank you Aimi, I was doing pretty good" Katara smiled, freezing the other bender and pushing him out into the deep ocean, whispering a silent prayer for ending him.
"Your brother is in the water! He hasn't come out!" She shouted, afraid of going in as other earthbenders and waterbenders lunged to her. Katara's head turned around quickly below her to see if she could see him. The tides were ruthless and desperation caught Katara.
"Let me help you" Aang offered as they both swam. Katara raised a hand as she sank, looking everywhere to see Sokka. She concentrated and separated the water, Sokka's coughs were heard meters behind her. Aang lifted Sokka and gently lowered him to the sand by Toph, who was underwhelmed.
"Ay Captain, told ya it was not a good idea to search for fish at this hour" She helped him back to his feet in one movement "Be my eyes"
Sokka kept coughing out the water, thanking his task was easy as Toph usually didn't need to be helped with. He begrudgingly grabbed his sword and got on guard, catching his breath.
"I just went for a quick swim" He sassed back slashing some of the sand hands thrown at them.
Iroh and Mai kept in the distance trying to figure out how long Zuko would be out of duty. Hiding behind a nearby tree, Mai took care of him, hydrating him everytime he gained some consciousness.
"Are they still fighting?" He asked.
"They will be for a while," Iroh replies, peeking behind the tree "you seem almost ready to fight"
"Isn't it dangerous to just clash with Zuko barely recovered?" Mai questioned watching Katara impale an earthbender. "If we could get a hold of Katara so she could work…"
"Mai, relax. Priorities" Zuko reminded her, feeling a bit disappointed that Suki was not nearby, even if it was understandable.
The group of women were resting as they heard far away the screams and loud sounds of the fight. Suki let Electra and Karina rest, Tanya still out would have been dead in the clash but with them she was an extra weight.
It'd be heartless of them to just drop her off, but right now it was no use trying to discuss anything with the rest of the team until she was in touch with Katara again. It was decided
"I can't believe it escalated to this point" Electra said, hugging herself as she looked at the Yuyan archers from above. "Only time in my life I am not rational…"
"Irrational acts get irrational responses. You aren't the first nor the last to go through something like this" Karina patted her shoulder with a sincere smile, keeping watch as they rested by the wall.
Suki was above with the archers, discussing a battle plan so they could go near the bridge and keep watch of Zuko and Iroh. The group taking a big loss was troublesome for her to think through, trying to make the best of their resources without being exposed.
Climbing down, Suki lifted Tanya on her shoulders and began walking inside a building, Karina and ELectra followed her lazily.
"Stay there, Tanya will be taken care of by our allies" Suki explained with a strain, walking two floors until one of the archers walked down and helped her. Jogging down to see the pair waiting on her and looking for further instructions.
"Same route?" Karina asked as Suki nodded along, taking their positions the trio walked in a tense silence, their light steps unsettling Electra who was not used to the calmness the streets had at the moment. She needed to hear anything.
"Suki…can we talk?" Electra whispered cautiously, Suki glanced at her and nodded. "Okay, uh…can I ask you something?"
"Go on" Suki indulged, knowing how terrifying the first missions felt for her, she was taking it light on her.
"Why weren't you together the first time?" Electra asked referring to Sokka, Suki ignored it and moved the conversation towards Zuko.
"We thought it would be a bad look of a romance between boss/bodyguard so we kept it a secret until I made up my mind" She explained with a soft sigh, remembering how much she regretted the first nights, on the boat, that decision.
"That's why you left your position?" Electra asked again, Suki nodded along. "But you…seem to enjoy this lifestyle"
Suki thought some minutes about it, she did enjoy the adrenaline rush and feeling of importance the moment she retell a story or mission. In her darkest hour she would think of dying like a hero on a battle the moment she couldn't hold her disease anymore.
But after so many fights, she seemed done with it.
"And I do. I also love staying at home and singing songs" Suki smiled at her, not taking offense to her question.
"I haven't heard you sing in a long time" Karina admitted with a sour sensation. "Not even in your free time"
Suki giggled, "I would sing right now if we weren't on the edge of being kidnapped and killed" Electra halted, making Suki bump into her. "Not you, they want you alive to prove a point"
"How long will I live until they decide to bury me alive?" Electra questioned fearfully "Please promise me something"
"Okay okay, what can we promise you?" Karina scooted closer, hugging her as she would to her fellow sisters.
"Suki, please don't marry Zuko," Her eyes clashed with the warriors whose faces showed shock and disbelief at the promise. "You can't marry him for those reasons. Let someone more experienced handle it"
"What?" Karina asked, slapping Suki's arm. "You wanted to lift a revolution against something with him?"
"I am not sure why Electra is trying to make me promise that," Suki unclasped herself from the hug, glaring at the ambassador "But I won't make such thing true if you die"
"Suki, you want me to say it in front of your friend? Why are you marrying Zuko? You love him of course, you do, but not enough to marry him" Electra pressed her, making Suki roll her eyes and smirk.
"C'mon, we'll debate this after we are safe inside the-" Suki stopped speaking as she heard the signal and consequently, the arrow flew behind them, knocking out a firebender some feet apart.
"Run" Karina indicated as Suki gripped Electra's wrist with her hand and took off, praying for Karina's safety as they made their way into the maze.
The Yuyan archers in the area were making a difference as some people had already been knocked out, others restrained and to Zuko's luck, distracting them enough so Katara could finish healing the effects out.
"How are you feeling?" She asked in a monotone tone, the routine in her hospital caught her in the middle of the battle, blinking a few times before checking Zuko's face, who battled hard to avoid falling asleep.
"Will that be enough for him?" Iroh asked concerned, Katara nodded as she ran towards the edge with Mai, who quickly killed some benders who might be already surrendering as they approached them. Katara decided to not question this action as she pulled a big puddle of water, running back to drop it down on Zuko to wake him up.
He shot up like a bolt, feeling rejuvenated and ready to fight. Katara smirked and dried him with bending, turning the water in icicles while she turned around to see who she might aid. Locating Sokka and Toph who were beginning to be circled, she threw it at them, gaining some attention to their direction.
"Ready?" She asked Mai and Zuko who nodded, Iroh smiled at their willingness to fight, posing with them as the benders began attacking them, mostly earth and firebenders. Slashing with her whip and pinning them down with Mai's knives, Iroh and Zuko began their form to complement the women, not letting them take the fall alone.
Toph felt how many people were in the area, distracting enough for her to identify who was an ally or a foe, Sokka was slowing her down when she fought, some of his warning coming a little too late.
She felt more steps come and she deemed it ridiculous to fight to restrain, as the leader was with Aang and he would be captured in a matter of seconds.
"Sokka there are more people coming here!" She shouted as Sokka looked around the battle arena, searching for the new group of benders that tried to enter the battle. Confused, he dodged a fireball and shrugged.
"There is no one else here other than the Yuyan archers," Sokka replied suspiciously, his eyes dropping for a moment at the thought "Oh no."
"Oh yes, we need to go and follow them! They noticed" Toph confirmed as they made their way towards Katara and Zuko, planning to scout Iroh so they would not be completely overpowered.
Aimi waited for Aang and the leader of their enemies to touch the ground away from the water, maliciously. Going through her form, beautiful and quickly, she awaited for the strike while Ty Lee covered her, amazed to see other firebender do Azula's trademark.
Her brown eyes followed the leader, waiting for him to pick up the water, recharging the shot with a grin. She was sure she would take him down in a second.
"Watch out!" Ty Lee screamed as a rock spear was thrown in her direction. Aimi shot the spear, hoping the impact would be enough to stop the velocity of the weapon. To her luck, the bolt also went through the benders body, the smoked body falling down.
The leader looked briefly at the dead body, seeing how she looked at him with anger, waiting near the water. He smiled, throwing himself in it as he suspected the attack already. Aimi saw it and shot the water, he grinned as he freezed his support and jumped, moving the tide higher.
Ty Lee saw the probability and risked her hand to throw her away from the shore, the water electrifying with nobody in there. If not for her, the tide would have touched Aimi. The firebender breathed heavily, rolling around as she saw the fire coming near her from other bender.
"Thank you" Aimi said to Ty Lee who nodded, making her way to the bender that attacked her. "That was a close call"
"Be careful" Ty lee whispered dodging the benders fists, finally landing hits. She saw the group reunited and wondered if they were planning a counter attack, without much time to overthink it, she focused and took more benders down, seeing that they weren't willing to back down.
"We need someone else to come with us so we can attack them from behind" Sokka explained at them, looking at Iroh who nodded "Toph and I considered General Iroh would work better with us"
Zuko nodded, understanding they needed to make a quick decision. Katara kept watch as they talked, seeing how Aang and the leader went back and forth, worried about someone trying to jump in the battle between them. She could understand Sokka's point of him going to the rescue.
She didn't necessarily approve of it, but him going with Toph calmed her down, the horde of benders here was better controlled with them than with Sokka hanging around.
"Let's go then" Mai said walking towards the brawl, throwing again her knifes as some of the benders tried to attack them by surprise. Iroh, Toph and Sokka ran towards the direction of the small group, Toph struggled to keep up with Sokka and to an extent, to Iroh. Annoyed, she lifted up a piece of the ground and hopped into it.
"Want a lift?" She smirked, pulling Iroh up and leaving Sokka behind, who jogged for a little bit and groaned.
"Hey!" He screamed, walking to catch a breath. "Don't leave me here!"
Letting Toph go was a bad decision, proven by how many benders were coming out from their hiding spots and attacking them from everywhere. Katara and Zuko fought alongside each other like old times, proving to keep them at bay without injuring them gravely, contrary to how Ty Lee, Mai and Aimi were fighting.
The trio were proven to be an amazing squad, their body count was higher than expected, some of them neutralized thanks to the Yuyan archers and the unfortunate ones, diseased by either Mai's hand or Aimi's bending.
Aang was doing his best to capture and deescalate the situation with the leader, right in the middle of Yue bay, where he used to his advantage Air and Water bending; he proved to be a formidable foe, doing some techniques Aang had tried once when training years ago with Pakku.
Ice and fire clashed frequently, being forced to change his strategy with the leader who seemed fresh this late at night, only taking a direct hit after a Yuyan archer distracted him. He moved the arrow away from him but didn't have time to react to Aang's earthbending, briefly trapping him.
"Tell me your name so we can work out things a little better," Aang smiled, standing beside him. "I'll promise you your punishment won't be as harsh by my hand"
The bender looked up to him, taping his trapped foot, that had a little bit of freedom. "Konton"
"Konton," Aang bowed respectfully "You're under arrest and will be punished by attempted murder and treason to Republic City"
Konton smiled wickedly, feeling the pressure under his feet. "I can't wait to go to court and meet her personally, I'll finally be able to talk to her"
Aang looked at him with pity "She'd rather not, that's why I am here"
"You are telling me you sold your duty to protect your family? Hasn't your spirits told you that being selfish is not an Avatar duty?" Konton accused angrily, the pressure his feet put under the rock growing stronger
"I am serving this world on my own terms, no spirit is needed, thanks for your concern" Aang sarcastically replied, securing his moving feet. He looked at the battlefield and recoiled at how many death bodies were on the ground. Konton noticed and smiled.
"It haunts you, doesn't it? Several good benders being killed by that knife thrower, the art and power of bending being lost just to protect those that deem us too irrational to act" His blood boiled, Konton used his emotion to fuel the force of the tide under them, trying to break the cliff.
"Brainwashing people is not something someone will casually do on their afternoon after work either" The sarcasm rolling out of the Avatar's tongue was enough to increase the pressure and break his containment, attacking again with the water beneath him.
Aang freezed some of the water around him and threw several discs as a warning, growing tired of the back and forth, he decided to use his airbending offensively. Throwing at him a big gust of wind, strong enough to knock him out towards the water, the aribender takes the opportunity to create a bubble and sink with him, cracking open below the sea the earth so they would be alone.
Konton looked at the underground cave they were, feeling proud. Smiling, he grabbed the little water he had on him and created an ice sword, taking a stance.
"I am so honored to be fighting you right now, without anyone else interrupting our moments" Aang stared confused and in disbelief, sending a prayer to the spirits to protect Katara and his friends, as he began bending the ground around him to trap Konton again.
Katara saw Aang dive and a shriek moved in her body, worried about what would happen underground. She also needed to back up Zuko as they were being overwhelmed with the earth and fire benders.
"Want a hand?" Aimi shouted as a bolt shot the firebender, her body twisting uncontrollably. Katara was speechless and Zuko gritted his teeth in pain. "Your welcome!"
A rock hit Katara on her head and she felt towards the ground, a thousand voices briefly overwhelming her thoughts until she regained consciousness, Zuko and Ty Lee running with her towards a secluded area.
"Are you alright?" Ty Lee's face was full of worry, her hands already gripping and twisting a part of Zuko's robe. "It'll be a bit tight but until this-"
Zuko's heat startled both of them, the firelord taking watch as Ty Lee shook her head and continued healing Katara. Katara touched her head and to her fear, could feel blood.
"I lowered my guard" She whispered upset, standing up and walking with Ty Lee towards Zuko, who briefly glanced at the women. "I need to stop this, we are all getting too worn out"
"How?" Zuko asked with several short breaths, his fists covered in fire ready for anyone to come closer.
Katara looked at the sky and exhaled shakily. Shutting her eyes with tears falling down her cheeks, Ty Lee tried to get closer to her but was held back by Zuko. Katara took a deep breath and exhaled, opening her eyes with fresh tears falling down.
"Yue please give me the power" She said to the moon that moved out from the clouds, her ocean eyes shining as she prepared herself. Ty Lee's mouth was agape as she watched Katara bend at will.
Zuko looked surprised, smiling a bit at Mai's and Aimi's reaction to Katara, who was already struggling in using her power.
Suki and Electra hid in a building, the warrior´s hand over the blonde girl, hushing her as she looked out in their spot. The insults and clashes made Suki's face flush in anger, unable to go and aid her best friend.
Electra couldn't feel worse, guilty of all of what was happening in the city. She didn't expect her consequences to caught up to her like this or even to be held accountable. The warrior squeezed the woman's mouth tight, her breath and whimpers were still audible enough to a trained ear.
" I need you to shut up for just two minutes" Suki mouthed, letting her hands go off Electra's face. The ambassador was quiet for some seconds before a hiccup escaped her throat, tearing up. Suki frowned, cursing mentally at what she wouldl be doing "Sorry"
In a quick gesture she pinched Electra's crook of the neck, her body falling limp backwards, only held by Suki who quickly moved to position her on the ground comfortably. She began counting fifteen minutes, the time frame Ty Lee taught her.
Walking out from the ceiling of the building, she saw Karina strangely moving her hand, she gazed and saw nobody else approaching. She looked at a Yuyan archer who briefly pointed to her and relaxed the tension. She gestured to him to take care of the building and jumped down afterwards, running to Karina.
"Are you okay?" The woman stretched her hand and show the horror, two of her fingers off and a part of the bone showing. Suki cringed and turned around to search for the remaining body parts, a bit of bilis or darkening -she couldn't identify the difference anymore- bubbling up while looking at the ground like a dog.
"It's useless, she buried them," Karina said a bit shocked, pressing as hard as she could the wound in her hand "I need someone to patch me up but knock me out first"
"I already knocked Electra out…" Suki complained jokingly, gazing pitifully at her friend's horrified look. The blood kept gushing out of the hand and Suki refrained from closing her eyes as she knocked Karina's arm out, losing her ability to feel.
"Good thing you got the message" Karina joked back looking away and toward the steps, arrows already flying. The women exchanged looks and they ran towards an intersection, hiding as the benders walked past them. Suki's grip on Karina's hand would be unbearable, thanking Kyoshi she hadn't knocked her out completely.
Suki's eyes widened in horror, she had taken ten minutes already. She focused on calming her heartbeat, throwing herself out to make a run for it. Karina followed and both girls managed to climb up to the rooftops, their stealth unmatched as they landed again where Electra kept sleeping peacefully.
Suki cut a bit of Electra's dress as it was cleaner than their clothes, hoping that it'd be enough until they arrived at one of Katara's centers. doing a tourniquet in her wrist, Suki prepared her fans, ready to be ambushed the moment Electra screamed. Close to the fifteen minute mark Electra opened her eyes frightened, contrary to their speculation, she did it quietly.
Looking at the warriors, Electra calmed down and exhaled, deciding to outright ignore the wound and not ruin the moment of silence in the building. Karina looked out of the window and signaled an archer, who proved the cost was clear. Getting out of the building the trio stared at their surroundings, walking to their right side. Karina had to keep her hand vertically to avoid leaving a trail of blood.
The eerie silence was replaced by more shuffling and a sudden caging of Electra's lower extremities, as they panicked, Suki grabbed Karina's katana and circled around the ambassador's legs, doing enough debilitating for the two warriors to kick out the rock, accidentally scratching the blondes legs.
"Agh!" She screamed scared as they pulled her out, her fear dissipating as the familiar voices introduced themselves.
"You hurt her" Sokka whispered angrily at Toph who shrugged, Iroh stepped forwards and upon landing his eyes on Karina's injury, rushed to aid her. Sokka and Toph retrieved Electra who wasn't sure if they bring out good or bad news, reading her mind, Suki asked.
"Did the support help them?" Suki asked quickly before anything else was said, Sokka nodded and tilted his head so they would keep moving. Electra, being placed again in the middle of the five, was being more optimistic.
As they made their walk in silence, the infection on Karina's hand made its first round of signs: her body was paler than usual, and even if she exudated heat by just standing by her side, she shivered constantly, taking shorter steps until her cadence was slower than Irohs.
Feeling guilt, Suki tapped Sokka and they exchanged places, him being now at the front. She picked up Karina whose eyes bounced back and forth. Iroh placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, picking the warrior up and going to another route. Upon feeling this, Toph stopped walking and blocked the path.
"She is good for another twenty minutes if we hurry" the earthbender said as they continued walking, the seizures her friend began to show worried Suki to no end. Wondering how the infection was set in so quickly.
"Is there someone-"
"Yes, snooze fest, shut up before they hear us" Toph groaned, annoyed, halting briefly. She buried the five of them into the ground, unexpected for all of them, specially Suki and Electra, the latter was trying to desperately move. Upon sensing them far enough, Toph brought them back up.
She walked towards Iroh and turned away from Suki, who knew there were more bad news to come.
"Pops, I'm going to carry the girl from now on, I'll dump her with Katara and I'll quickly come back" As Iroh passed the burning body to Toph, Suki bit her lip, tensing her grip on the fans and looking away.
"I can do that for you, free of charge"
Sokka unsheathed his sword before staring at the man, who smiled gently at the group. Toph's face lighted up, unwilling to admit it, Toph just nodded and handed her the body.
"How did you find us?" Toph asked surprised at him being able to localize them, making sure she was several feet underground and with restricted movement so no waves could be done.
"She is burning, I could feel her from a mile away" He explained as he retroceded "Meet you later?"
"By the bay but-"
"I never run away from fights, don't worry about me" Noburu winked, before blushing at remembering Toph is blind.
"Take me with you so the kids won't hurt you, upon you arriving" Iroh said, stepping where Noburu was.
"This will distract them until they notice it leads to the bay, use it please" Noburu worriedly said as the ground broke, lava flowing down like a river towards the bay. Using the magma (and pulling up a small slider for Iroh), they slid away towards the Bay.
Sokka's heart warmed a bit at Toph's interaction with her lover until he turned to see Suki's worried face, cleaning quick tears as she gripped the fans, her knuckles white.
Electra looked at Sokka and tilted her head, he didn't need to be told twice as Toph and her walked away, exchanging places. Upon hearing Sokka's steps, Suki quickly straightened up. To her surprise, Sokka immediately went for the hug. Before any of them could exchange words, they were buried again several feet underground, still hugging each other.
Suki gulped nervously, now physically unable to move away from him.
"It'll work out in the end," Sokka whispered, even if they were alone. "she is strong"
"I know" Suki replied in a higher pitch, her voice cutting near the end as she teared. He pressed a kiss on her head "Thank you for your words"
"Anytime, Suki" he professed sincerely, his heartbeat raving even more as Suki could feel it. The warrior was flattered, wanting a last kiss. She has wanted it since yesterday for some odd reason, her sixth sense telling her that it would be the last time, who knew.
In comfortable silence, they waited until Toph pulled them out of the ground, unclasping from each other and running to tend Electra who shaked.
Katara was tired of standing passively on the shore: between worryness about Aang's whereabouts and deep dive into the ocean, she wasn't strong enough to go and fight alongside him, to her disappointment.
It had taken a toll on many of her friends, Zuko and Mai more visibly tired than Ty Lee and Aimi who waited alongside them in silence, afraid that speaking would draw more benders out.
She took a mental note to close this area of the bay and make it a memory garden. So many bender that had fallen that day were subtracted and brainwashed.
With a loud explosion and an enormous wave coming to the shore, Katara shielded the group, the water going around them and washing the incapacitated and dead bodies that lay behind them. Pulling down the shield and seeing Aang and the leader still fighting, she looked at Ty Lee and nodded, deciding to intervene again.
With Ty Lee going behind Katara, the women set off to aid Aang, who kept attacking. Freezing midway as screams from her friends went through her ears, Ty Lee drifted too and ran back, leaving her in a predicament.
"Go!" she heard Aang strained, making her even more hesitant to leave. "She is dying!"
Katara fully turned to see Noburu and Iroh with a kyoshi warrior, Karina probably, limp in his arms. Going backwards in an impressive speed, Katara used the frozen water to check her. Her hands immediately removed the tourniquet, but was unsure of how much time she had spent in this condition.
Without Toph it would be difficult to see if she would make it out.
"Her hand is…lost" Katara described briefly as she worked in her body, confused on why her arm was chi blocked. Sensing that the infection had spread to her brain, she grabbed more water and put it around her head, straining herself as she resolved the infection, Karina's eyes opening up.
"I…Are we done?" Karina asked, trying to stand up, with Iroh putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Where am I?"
"With me, I'm helping you…I can't do a lot for your hand. I'm sorry" Katara explained with an empathetic smile, Karina gazed at her mangled hand and shrugged.
"Thank you for your service Katara" Karina thanked, estranged that only Aang and a waterbender were fighting far away from them "Everything is calm here, it seems"
"For now at least," She smiled "I need you also to keep calm right now"
"What?!"
Toph touched the ground and realized someone was actively putting things in the ground. Suki, Sokka and Electra stopped walking, with the warrior signaling the yuyan archers to help her identify is someone was around.
"Great, they already know" Suki whispered, looking at Sokka who shrugged. Both began thinking what to do and she smiled first. "okay"
She made Sokka lean down to whisper: make Toph use Electra's cloak so they would think Suki and she are alone. A bait. Sokka struggled to hold a laugh, nodding nervously at Electra who waited for them to stop gossiping.
"Electra, can you lend me your cloak?" Suki asked her, Electra obeyed immediately, feeling the cold midnight air hit her shoulders. Suki walked towards Toph and the earthbender groaned.
"What idiotic plan do you want me to do?" She asked, with Suki quickly explaining it. Toph also held a laugh "I like you again, I'm on it"
"You've always liked me," Suki joked back, helping Toph put the cloak correctly. "Try to walk as if you were in Ba Sing se" Now with the blue on Toph, Sokka walked towards her to part ways. He hugged Toph tightly, slightly messing with her hair as the girl pushed him away..
Suki nervously awaited her turn, looking up at him. His gloomy eyes landed on hers. They hugged tightly, while she desperately forced herself to not do anything irrational. Pulling away, Sokka couldn't wait, mortified something might happen to her.
She held a breath and her eyes widened, her heart beating at a very high rate as Sokka caressed her cheek, leaning in to kiss it warmly, their foreheads touching afterwards. The kiss didn't last longer than 5 seconds but to Suki it felt a lovely eternity.
"Please come back" Sokka whispered, caressing her face, Suki took in his hand and melted in his warmth, briefly forgetting they were on a mission as she kissed his palm back, leaning into it as they keep in touch in every way possible except, the one they yearned the most.
Electra looked at them charmed, secretly proud of Sokka taking the initiative. Love and war wasn't fair, she figured, might as well take this opportunity and blame it on the adrenaline rush. She was sure the firelord would be understanding.
"Scram, we are taking too long" Toph interrupted, worried about her being caught.
Sokka and Suki crossed their eyes one last time, unable to physically move. She nodded and as if breaking a spell, she grabbed Toph's hand and began walking away, straight for the battle.
Electra and Sokka stood there for some minutes, with Sokka's heart getting away from him. He grabbed Electra and walked to the mental route Toph told him they had to avoid, with the Yuyan archers following Toph and Suki to make it more believable, they were now alone.
Sending silent prayers to the goddesses that they would be victorious.