The Last Firebender of Twin Island

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.

48. Episode 7: The Painted Lady (Part 2)

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Special shout-out to Longing Resider, who has gone through the trouble of leaving absolutely lovely reviews on every single chapter thus far. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!

---

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.

---

The Last Firebender of Twin Island

Based on Distorted Reality by Ogro

Written by Carrotine Clara

---

TW: Straight up horror elements in this one. Don't wanna spoil it but... be warned.

---

Book 3: Water

Episode 7

The Painted Lady Part 2

To meddle with the Beyond

---

Act I. – Fathers and strangers

---

Despite not being very familiar with this particular group of people, it seems Sigilyth is still a very good judge of character. And... you know. Anyone with a semi-mature sense of social dynamics is able to taste the tension in the room on their lips.

SIGILYTH: That is... if you are comfortable with me sharing this news right now.

Some raggedy looks are exchanged before it is non-verbally decided that Kenora needs to do the talking now.

KENORA: Well... dad...

A responsibility the young waterbender gladly passes on to the actual disruptive factor.

KENORA: Can you explain why you're here?

PUWATI: Uh... um, yes.

He clears his throat one more time, Azula crossing her arms as she sits slightly more upright.

PUWATI: As you all know, I uh... I used to be the Vice-Chief...

AZULA: Who hunted down me and my friends

CHI-CHI: Helped maintain slavery.

JURI: And a settler-colonial apartheid government.

SHU: And who paid criminals to perpetrate terrorism.

PUWATI (slightly angered): Okay-okay-okay! I get it!

Sensing that it is not the time to argue back at all these valid accusations, Puwati instead leans his weapon against the wall as he massages his face in frustration, not unlike Kenora often does, Azula notes.

PUWATI: Look... I am ready to atone for my crimes at some point. But right now, rotting in a Water Tribe cell for desertion is the last thing anyone needs, my daughter least of all.

AZULA: So, you expect us to just... forgive you for everything you've done?

Just before Kenora can cut in her father responds right away.

PUWATI: No.

An answer interesting enough to get Sig to raise an eyebrow.

PUWATI: I overheard Kenora's name while I was hiding out in the Fire Nation. I... may have been using some aura tracing to pursue you.

EVERYONE BUT SIG AND PUWATI: What?!

PUWATI: That is... something I haven't mentioned yet. But anyways, I'm here to help with whatever my daughter needs. After all... that wonderful young lady over there is not just her girlfriend, but also the Avatar.

Inaudibly, the Pirate Princess gulps while the aforementioned girlfriend is very clearly upset to hear that.

PUWATI: And if there's anything I can do now to help end the war, then it's helping out the Avatar.

He finishes off his nicely done speech with a wide grin, a gesture which his daughter imitates immediately as she looks over to Azula.

AZULA: Kenora. A word.

---

Cut to the hotel room's bathroom, which includes a nice shower, a bathtub, toilet-

AZULA (upset): Did you tell your dad I'm the Avatar?!

KENORA: Um... yeah? Kind of?

More so disappointed than angry, Azula sighs in a controlled manner while Kenora hastily rushes to fix things.

KENORA: Look, I-I'm sorry. I was... I-

AZULA: Can we trust him?

Which is really all the raven-haired girl needs to hear for now, her girlfriend nodding hastily, still clearly in distress and slightly tipsy.

KENORA: Yeah. I think we can.

After yet another exhale Azula finally shifts her focus more closely on Kenora.

AZULA: Are you drunk?

KENORA: No? Uh... I mean, I did... sort of threaten Gudgeon in a bar and-

AZULA: You did what?!

Concern more so than anger woven into her voice, Kenora rubs her face before answering.

KENORA: Look, it's... it's been a long day...

AZULA (softly): Okay, sit down first.

Gently placing her arm on the waterbender's shoulders, both girls slowly sink to the ground, leaned against the porcelain bathtub before continuing.

AZULA (softly): I'm sorry, Keno-no. I think about my destiny as Avatar all the time but... I think I neglected to consider how it affects you. Keeping you out of it and doing it all by myself must've made you feel horrible.

KENORA (softly): No, it's... it's my fault.

The girl takes a huge breather first before explaining further.

KENORA (softly): Back when... we were... you know...

AZULA: Enemies?

KENORA (softly): Yeah. Well... back then I... I saw myself as being better than you.

Which gets Azula to raise an eyebrow, more so humored than insulted.

KENORA (softly): I think... ever since we've... you know... been this...

AZULA: Girlfriends?

Kenora simply nods with a faint blush at this.

KENORA (softly): I... I think a part of me still thinks like that. Thinks that... you need to be protected. That I need to help you by doing everything myself.

Having finally uttered all of this, the Pirate Princess huffs out all her worries while wiping away some tears.

KENORA (emotional): That was so stupid. I'm stupid. You're the Avatar, Azula. I need to stop acting like it's my destiny.

AZULA (softly): You're not stupid. Come here.

Relief. An embrace as warm as soft embers on a mild summer's eve.

KENORA (quietly, emotional): Are we okay?

They sperate once again as Azula gently strokes Kenora's cheek, the waterbender leaning against it with a longing expression.

AZULA (whispering softly): We're great.

Yeah-yeah, they make out a bit after that. What did you expect?

After they're done kissing though...

AZULA: So, we keep your dad around as extra muscle against Gudgeon?

KENORA: Sure. Although Gerek actually claimed that she died when dad destroyed half the building.

A comedic, mutual look of skepticism follows.

KENORA: Yeah, I call bullshit.

AZULA: Right. I don't think anything can kill that woman. Pretty sure she's half spirit.

KENORA: Ah! Don't even suggest that! We already dealt with Katara last time. No need for repeats!

A chuckle, a squeeze of the hand, and the world seems more whole again.

Though as the two of them exit the bathroom, a lingering itch of pressure remains on Azula, as only now it truly dawns on her what being the Avatar entails on a personal level.

---

The door shuts once again while the rest of the room meets them, Puwati accidentally knocking his head on the chandelier before ducking slightly to the side.

Swallowing down that entire conversation for now, Kenora takes a seat on the bed while the firebender addresses their party, arms crossed and tone all business, despite not feeling nearly as balanced as before.

AZULA: Alright. Puwati can join us for now.

PUWATI: Yes!

AZULA: But we don't trust you. And when Gudgeon comes back, you're the first to fight her.

The hulking man pouts with a look that screams insult.

PUWATI: Yes.

AZULA: Anyways, Sig?

At her nickname being uttered, the tattooed woman steps forth as she smirks.

SIGILYTH: I'm glad you all figured that out so quickly.

---

A gasp of air so sudden and harrowing that it would make any unsuspecting soul flinch with dread. It took a few minutes to recover from everything. The floor under her feet giving in. The rubble burying her and Heiande. The surprisingly cold water washing her and the beast downstream. It shouldn't've taken her this long to recover.

Though eventually, a tendril of water, perfectly straight, impales a piece of rocky shore, turning partially ice before shrinking slowly down in size, pulling Gudgeon towards land, the flying fox hydra held in one arm, the other performing the pole-maneuver.

Finally ashore and save, the woman doesn't bother to dry herself first, busy and stressed to reanimate the creature in her arms not moving. Bending the water from its lungs is more pressing, and the uncertainty of not knowing whether or not it will make it ads to the distress. Traumatic memories resurface from a similar experience.

Luckily, the main head coughs up some leftover drops, the creature getting back on its hind legs, as well as the legs in the front upon which wings are attached. The two secondary heads now spit up water also, gasping for air as the right one mimics Kenora's voice from earlier.

HEINADE'S RIGHT HEAD (perfectly imitating Kenora): JUST A GOOD OLD FIGHT TO THE DEATH! FIGHT TO THE DEATH! DEATH!

A sigh of relief escapes the Vice-Chief's mouth. It could've replaced the creature with something else easily, but...

Well, suppose it'd be a waste.

Getting down on one knee, the woman pets the creature while it shakes the liquid from its fur a few times, much like any old cat or dog would do. She even allows a faint smile to show.

The sun has almost set by now, nighttime making the raging river as treacherous and deadly as the element of water can easily become. Getting back up again and hiding her body in her cloak, Heiande snuggles up to her leg while Gudgeon stares off into the distance, Jang Hui now a significant distance removed from her.

GUDGEON: That was all a bit unexpected, wasn't it?

HEINADE'S RIGHT HEAD (perfectly imitating Kenora): JUST A GOOD OLD FIGHT TO THE DEATH!

---

Seeing as there is no convenient desk to be placing a large map across, the double bed serves as a substitute for now, Sabachi still resting on one of the pillows while the rest of the party gathers around, Sig at the head.

SIGILYTH: That's Jang Hui.

Her finger slowly slides up the river, until meeting a bend with a small mountain in its center.

SIGILYTH: And that's Mt. Pyre. It used to be a place of spiritual importance during the time of the Sun Warriors.

PUWATI: Mt. Pyre was searched many times by the Tribe. All we found there was small trinkets and artefacts.

AZULA: That you preceded to rob and stash away in your museums.

PUWATI (angry): We didn't-

KENORA (reprimanding): Daaad...

PUWATI: I mean... go on.

Sig smiles at this, clenching a necklace dangling down her chest before continuing.

SIG: Naturally, it was plundered and swept clean over the past century. But, earlier today, I heard a pretty interesting rumor from a local source.

KENORA: A rumor?

SIG: Apparently, a few years ago two brothers went up to the top of Mt. Pyre in hopes of digging up some treasures that were left deep in the mountain.

CHI-CHI: And they... found the Ark?

SIG: No. But apparently, after digging for hours, the one brother suddenly went mad.

Appropriate pause to allow everyone to be scared for a moment, Sabachi waking up in a sudden flash, freezing like a cat before hastily climbing up Kenora's shoulder.

SIG: The way my source described it was... interesting. Apparently, the place was covered in fog out of nowhere, then his brother just... snapped. Started talking in a strange voice as if... possessed.

A suggestive look later and Azula composes her nervous exhale.

AZULA: You think a spirit possessed him?

SIG: You tell me. You're the Avatar.

Shockingly, the young girl only now realizes that not only does Puwati know of her secret identity, but the tattooed stranger as well.

KENORA: Was there anything in his description about jerky movements? Or maybe his eyes looking... hollow?

SIG: That is in fact almost the exact phrasing his brother used.

KENORA: Got it. Spirit then. Shouldn't be a problem, right?

Addressing her girlfriend, the raven-haired girl nods with hesitation.

AZULA: I'd be careful still. But... yes. We should be able to deal with it.

PUWATI: I can detect spirits with my aura reading. I'll be able to tell when it's coming.

CHI-CHI: And a spirit being there scaring away grave robbers could mean...

SIG: That it's there to guard the Ark of Prometheus. And that it only appears when someone digs too deep.

KENORA: It's a good lead. We'll pay you double once we have the Ark in our possession.

The tattooed lady smirks openly as she rolls up her map in a smooth motion.

SIG: Great. I'll even lead you there as a bonus. I know the path pretty well.

KENORA: Got it.

As Azula crosses her arms in unease, entirely unsure of how to tackle a spirit encounter like this, it is Kenora who captains it up with a deep tone and firm body language. Whether or not her inebriation has passed it unclear.

KENORA: Alright, here's what we'll do – Juri and Shu, you two stay here in Jang Hui. I know you're not too big on ghosts, Juri, so it's better you watch how things develop in town.

JURI (under his breath): Oh, thank fuck...

KENORA: Sabachi will stay with you two. If Gerek or Gudgeon show up again, you'll send her to warn us.

Upon being mentioned, the small creature immediately soars over to Shu, trying to grab the feather from his hat, though the waterbender pulls it away first, stashing it in his pocket while Sabachi chirps angrily.

AZULA: If anything happens to that lemur, I'll zap you both.

Chime.

KENORA: The rest of us go with Sig to Mt. Pyre. I'll transport the Ark downstream with waterbending and load it onto the detached ship. We'll all head back to the Hama and get to safer waters. Everything clear?

JURI & SHU: Aye-aye, captain!

Sabachi briefly snarls something which sounds vaguely similar to "aye-aye, captain".

CHI-CHI: Why am I coming along on the dangerous spirit mission?

KENORA: Additional muscle. A chi-blocker will be useful against Gudgeon if we need it.

PUWATI: A chi-blocker, you say? You truly hold command of a force to be reconned with, Kenora!

KENORA: Though... if we are attacked, dad will be sent first as cannon fodder. Just in case the rest of us need to escape.

The girl shrugs awkwardly at her old man who shrinks ever so slightly in shame.

Cue "Mt. Pyre (Exterior)" from the Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald OST.

As some last-minute nods and smiles are exchanged, Kenora's arm sneakily grabs Azula's hand, squeezing it as the young Avatar seems the most nervous yet.

SIG: Well... shall we?

---

Cut to the sun almost set, the GBA-soundfont track transitioning into a montage of our main group sneaking out of the city with rucksacks and supplies, hiking up the mountainside to the river's right, the body of water surrounded on both sides by steep hills.

Gerek is meanwhile occupied with rallying his soldiers all throughout Jang Hui, combing the picture-perfect tourist resort with the goal of eventually ratting out Captain Kenora and her foolhardy crew. This notably ruins most everyone's vacations while the acting Vice-Chief slowly loses his patience over the situation.

The actual Vice-Chief, dried clean and walking along the river shore with her pet, ponders on her encounter with both the young Avatar as well as Kenora. Why exactly did she give up on the bloodbending power struggle? Why did she allow the girl to threaten her in the bar? And would Hakoda truly be happy with her outsourcing her actual mission whilst going on a wild goose chase?

Back with our main group, Sigilyth quietly leads the pack, Kenora and her father trudging next to each other behind the woman. In the background, the Fire Nation sunlight fades away ever so slowly, drenching the rocky landscape in a somber absence of orange.

PUWATI: How did you get that scar?

KENORA: Which one?

He proceeds to point at her burned arm, a gesture the girl can still correctly identify despite it almost being nighttime now.

KENORA: Oh, right. Yeah, that was... Azula. But also... it... wasn't her.

PUWATI: What?

KENORA: Katara was actually possessed by this weird demon goop? I think it's called an Onryō?

PUWATI: An Onryō?! Hakoda allowed his own daughter to be-

The man using his staff like a walking stick grunts in thespian frustration, Kenora shrugging as she briefly pats his arm.

KENORA: Sucks when you think you can trust the person you work for only to find out they're a huge monster. Literally, in my case.

PUWATI: It's the reason I ran away. Gaoling was supposed to be handed over to the Earth Kingdom in an orderly retreat. Hakoda promised to suggest peace talks after that.

A fact that almost causes the girl's jaw to drop.

KENORA: Peace talks? You mean the Great Chief wanted to end the war?

PUWATI: Or so he told me. I'm ashamed to have believed him like a fool!

KENORA: So... you had nothing to do with the Ba Sing Se plot? Killing the Earth King and all?

PUWATI: Well... I was involved in a failed plot to kill General Fong...

KENORA: Oh. That's homophobic of you.

She snickers at her own dumb joke.

PUWATI: What?

KENORA: Fong he's uh... he has a husband. I'm... glad you didn't kill him.

Hm. Bringing it down to a more morbid tone for now.

PUWATI: I'm... glad I saw to my errors before it was too late.

KENORA: Too "late"? Dad, you were the Vice-Chief!

PUWATI: I know! But...

He ponders for a second, twiddling at his weapon's hooked end before continuing with a sigh.

PUWATI: I was honestly trying to end the war. First, I thought Yu Dao was the way, then the Golden City, and when those failed, Hakoda suggested the Gaoling strategy. We even freed this... revolutionary. Helped him get back to the Earth Kingdom.

KENORA: Wait... are you talking about Vaas? That... Liberation Forces guy?

PUWATI: Indeed. We captured him years ago and set him free on purpose to stir some trouble with the Earth King's army. Cause enough instability to force a peace treaty. Apparently Hakoda and his daughter had struck a deal with him also, again, without my knowledge...

The girl briefly stops, though it doesn't hold up their little entourage much, seeing as Azula and Chi-Chi are quite a distance behind the two.

KENORA: You know... I am really glad you're back. But... when the war is over... you have to go to prison, dad. At least for a while.

Acceptingly, the man nods, age carved into his features much like it is carved into the color palette of his beard.

PUWATI: I will. But I have to help end it first. For real this time.

Again, using his weapon like a hiking staff, Puwati marches on whilst Kenora keeps up begrudgingly.

PUWATI: I always saw Hakoda and myself as the rejects of the ruling elite. That the two of us were the ones who tried ending the war quickly while the rest of the Chief Generals foamed at the bloodshed. But I was wrong. Hakoda and the rest of that scum are eagerly awaiting Ogro's Return, and when it happens, the Avatar will need all of her might and all of the help she can get.

His daughter does find some solace in his words, relating to them somewhat as she too was once a tool of war used by evil.

KENORA: It's Dibuang, by the way. "The Golden City" is not its official name.

Silently, the hulking man nods as they pass over a mountain peak, their path leading downwards now, which is much more relaxing to walk on.

KENORA: And... I also want to thank you. Not just for helping but... thank you for being so accepting of me and Azula.

Puwati scoffs with joy at her words.

PUWATI: Only a fool would oppose a bond as strong as yours. I know most of the Tribe is still very old-fashioned when it comes to these things. Heck, they denied women of service until recently. And, you know, sexuality is fluid.

After all the serious talks and amends, Kenora does raise an eyebrow at the more... odd comment.

KENORA: I'm... sorry – what did you mean by that?

Awkwardly, the grown mean nods his head from side to side while his daughter nervously awaits his response.

PUWATI: Well... you know... after your mother left...

KENORA (embarrassed): Okay. Nope. I... heard enough. We are done talking.

---

Way further back, as Kenora in the front is speeding away from her dad attempting to keep up, Chi-Chi lets out a huff next to Azula.

CHI-CHI: What do you reckon they're talking about up there?

AZULA: Not sure. I wanted give her some space to reconnect with her dad.

CHI-CHI: That's sweet. I mean, I know he was a pretty big bad guy until recently but... it's nice to see them together like this now.

A moment of silence as Kenora and Puwati appear to comically argue about something, the girl even briefly covering her ears for a second.

AZULA: What about your parents?

CHI-CHI: Oh, I never knew them. Orphan.

Before the raven-haired girl is able to comment-

CHI-CHI: I know, boo-hoo. Poor orphan Chi-Chi. I'm fine, honestly. I had to work hard to get where I am in life. I know that.

AZULA: That's... good to hear.

Yet another few seconds pass with nothing being said. Until...

CHI-CHI: So... what about your dad?

AZULA: What did Kenora tell you?

CHI-CHI: Not to ask about your mom?

A quick scoff of amusement before the young Avatar continues.

AZULA: That's considerate. Mom... died when I was young.

CHI-CHI: I figured something like that.

Exchanging smiles, then more talking.

AZULA: Dad is... dad. He began rallying our village to fight in the war. He didn't do it out of compassion or a desire to improve our lives. He did it as a power move. Claim the throne once the Tribe is defeated.

That's when Azula remembers a certain detail worth mentioning.

AZULA: Uh... you know about the other world, right?

CHI-CHI: Worlds. And yes, Kenora told us. She's very open with these things.

Something the raven-haired girl smirks at before going on.

AZULA: In Aang's world... and... a bunch of others too I presume, I'm Princess Azula. And... dad's the Fire Lord.

Pause for dramatic effect.

AZULA: That just... makes so much sense. He was born to be a tyrannical ruler somewhere. And it also makes sense that I turn out evil in that scenario.

CHI-CHI: I'm sure there's a good Princess Azula out there too. Maybe even a Princess Azula who's also the Avatar! Who knows?

AZULA: Enya always says not to put too much weight on the other worlds. We are who we are here.

CHI-CHI: Wise words. Enya was the... lost Avatar lady you talk to, right?

AZULA: On point.

CHI-CHI: Great. Sorry, I don't always keep up with you two and your Avatar stuff.

Kicking a bit of shrubbery, the two girls also pass the hill peak before descending on a downward path.

CHI-CHI: You think in another world there's a Princess Chi-Chi?

AZULA (amused): What?

CHI-CHI: You know, like... my dad or mom is the evil Fire Lord, I'm sent away in order to hunt down the Avatar... it sounds fun.

AZULA Does it?

CHI-CHI: Not fun but like... interesting. No?

For a second the former servant does a silly impression of royalty, standing straight in a manner much like the real Princess Azula.

CHI-CHI (evil voice): So, you are alive after all, Avatar – just as I had anticipated! I had a hunch that you survived. But it matters little! I – Princess Chi-Chi – have come to defeat you once and for all!

Off-brand chime.

AZULA: You're really good at that.

CHI-CHI: Thanks. Juri, San and I do a little theater group on the ship twice a week. We thought about re-enacting your guys' entire adventure but... nah, that's too corny.

Amused and delighted by her newest friend, Azula is simply glad to listen for now. In part also because it provides the distraction she needs for their upcoming spirit quest.

AZULA: How do you think Princess Chi-Chi's story ends?

CHI-CHI: Don't know. My best guess is she's challenged by someone in an Agni Kai. Maybe even you?

AZULA: And then what?

CHI-CHI: Well... I'm guessing she does something really unfair to win but is beaten by one of your friends. Then, chained to the floor of a palace robbed from under her nose, she goes all crazy! Spews fire from her mouth, crying while her make-up washes off!

AZULA: That's a... horrible ending for her.

CHI-CHI: True. I haven't worked out the kinks yet. Maybe she does deserve a better ending.

---

With a final scene transition the song fades out slowly, as does daylight.

By the time the sun had been replaced completely by an illustrious moon, everyone had set up their own tent, Chi-Chi refusing to share while Azula and Kenora (of course) do. The adults of the group decide to stay up for now, huddling around a small little campfire, hidden behind a rocky hill as to remain invisible to Jang Hui and the present Water Tribe soldiers.

While Sigilyth sits down with a sigh of contentment, Puwati refuses to take his eyes off the harpoon end of his legendary weapon.

SIG: Beautiful night, isn't it?

PUWATI: Mhm.

Sensing some unspoken tension, the tattooed lady hugs one leg while talking with a pretty open smile.

SIG: I'm only here as a stranger, but I thought it was very sweet, watching a daughter reunite with her-

PUWATI: Are you a stranger, though?

At this point the hulking man, expression as sharp as his staff, points set item, harpoon end aimed directly at Sig.

SIG: I mean... I of course know who you are. The Pirate Princess isn't exactly discreet either.

PUWATI (cold): Speak. Or I will be more direct.

Despite his serious threat, Sigilyth merely chuckles with delight.

SIG: It's interesting that you think you could win in a fight against me.

PUWATI: I recognized those tattoos the moment I stepped into that room.

SIG: I suspect it wasn't an accident that you mentioned Azula's identity as Avatar then. Despite the fact that I, a stranger, was with you in the room.

PUWATI: But then again, you are no stranger.

Once again, a very unimpressed but still friendly woman meets him with respect and kindness, crossing her legs as her hand reaches for that necklace dangling down her neck.

PUWATI: You're a Lorekeeper.

SIG: You're a man of knowledge. And of legends.

PUWATI: And I know that, whatever you're wearing there, symbolizes something ancient. Something as old as Ogro.

Finally, Sig lets go of the piece of jewelry, a shimmering orb of green, in it, a symmetrical flame of sorts, carved into the material, itself very jagged. It's also glaringly obvious that the object is older than the two of them combined.

PUWATI: Your aura had the same color. Brilliant emerald. And it showed no sign of surprise when you found it Azula is the Avatar.

SIG: You ask me these questions as if I am the enemy. You can trust me, Puwati of Whale Tail Island. We are on the same side.

The former Vice-Chief merely growls quietly, still adamant to keep his weapon pointed at her.

PUWATI: Then what is it you want? Why are you helping Azula and my daughter?

In peace, Sig takes yet another look at her carved emerald trinket, her voice carrying much more age and seriousness with it as she continues.

SIG: There are three spirits more ancient than human. More ancient than Raava and Vatu themselves. Ogro the Leviathan, Ruler of the Seas. His counterpart Baithin the Behemoth, Despot of Lands. Finally, Ziz, the Longing Resider, Guardian of the Ozone. The only spirit powerful enough to calm the other two.

PUWATI (through gritted teeth): I know that.

SIG: Good. Then you know that harming the Avatar, or anyone close to her, is against my goals.

Having been pushed over the edge, Puwati rises to his feet, meteor staff now more openly aimed at the woman.

PUWATI (through gritted teeth): How can I take your word for that?!

In defiance, Sigilyth gets up as well, her face carrying nothing but compassion.

SIG: She is the bridge between our two worlds. And if the world of humans is to find balance again, working with the spirits is our path forward.

Puwati scoffs at her words, which seems to slightly insult the woman.

SIG: You laugh, but was it not the Beast Dog Shi Shi that spared your life? Showered you in golden flames that caused you no harm?

Without another word of protest, and with an open jaw, the harpoon hook is once again used as a staff, the image of Bato's body burning to a crisp within the blink of an eye resurfacing.

SIG: Trust me now, Puwati. Ziz has his eyes on you.

---

Act II. – Spirit of secrecy

---

Azula couldn't find any sleep. How could anyone with this much weight on their shoulders? It also doesn't help that, the closer to Mt. Pyre they get, the stronger that surge of spiritual tingle becomes. As if the environment itself was clawing at the girl, calling for her to step closer.

With Kenora sleeping like a brick, the plagued firebender exits their tent, pacing away quite a while before reaching a more removed peak, the sound of the raging river now absent completely. Sitting down in her usual meditative position, Azula takes a shaky breath before the scene changes, reminiscent of the brushstroke of watercolors.

She finds herself back in Jang Hui, the one from Aang's world. Muddy waters, shady housing and not a soul in sight. Well, other than Enya, standing this time with her back turned.

ENYA: You're afraid.

For the first time ever, Enya's voice sounds harsh and direct, a cold wind blowing through town as Azula gets up as well.

AZULA: The last time I encountered a spirit capable of possessing someone it didn't end well. Am I not supposed to be afraid?

ENYA (firm): Azula.

A sharp response, coming off very much so like a scolding as the elder turns to face her young protégé.

ENYA: I cannot help you if you lie to me.

Slowly but surely the girl's facade crumbles, her breathing feeling heavier by the second.

AZULA (emotional): What do you want me to say?

ENYA: The truth. Lying to me is the same as lying to yourself.

Finally, allowing for a wheeze of pain, some tears begin rolling down her cheek.

AZULA (teary): I'm scared of being the Avatar. I don't want the people I love to risk their lives for me.

ENYA: I'm afraid there is nothing you are I can change about that. Your destiny as Avatar takes precedence over your personal life. Restoring balance to the world may at one point cause you to lose someone you love.

AZULA (teary): NO!

Upon releasing that dreaded scream, the raven-haired girl falls to her knees, attempting to wrangle her distress. After a while, having calmed down a bit, she finds Enya seated in front of her, carrying an expression of pure empathy.

AZULA (emotional): It's why I don't want to find Aang. Or my friends. I don't want them to get hurt because of me.

ENYA: You are very much like Kenora. Thinking that doing everything yourself is how you protect the ones you love.

Azula scoffs, her gaze briefly fixated on the brown river below their wooden platform.

AZULA (emotional): I've been avoiding her as well. I made her believe that I'm perfectly ready to be the Avatar. But I'm not.

She switches to meeting Enya's eyes again, letting out a sigh of clarity.

AZULA: It's why you've shown me that vision of Katara running away from Aang.

ENYA: She too thought she had to do it all by herself.

Finally, the airbender takes Azula's hands, helping her back up again before a flash switches their location once more, now in that same version of Jang Hui during the day, with a clean river and happy townsfolk.

ENYA: As Avatar, you will need to put the needs of the world first. It will be difficult to balance this task with how you prioritize the people you love. The important thing is that you don't abandon love altogether. Many Avatars tried to fulfil their duties completely detached from a world that became more and more alien to them. You may be spirit in part. But that other half, your human half, is just as important.

A final smile later and the actual Azula, in her physical body that is, opens her eyes, briefly wiping her tears before returning to her world.

---

KENORA: Everything alright?

Azula could not be happier to find that beautiful waterbender awake, her curvy hair, slightly messy, dangling down to her shoulders, a stunning piece of body right below that.

AZULA: I had a talk with Enya.

A brief exhale later before Azula kneels down in front of her mildly confused girlfriend, taking her hands as Kenora blinks a few times.

AZULA: I've been distant lately. I tried keeping all my fears to myself instead of sharing them with you. I made you think I'm doing perfectly fine with my Avatar burdens instead of being honest.

The Pirate Princess nods, sitting upright too as she itches closer.

KENORA: Well, from my point of view you're always perfect, so don't worry.

A giggle from the firebender. Agni, is she gorgeous, Azula thinks.

KENORA: Look, you can always share everything with me, okay? I won't push you on anything, but... you need to know that I'll always be there for you. Always.

An affirmative nod to settle things, Azula hand now instinctively brushing Kenora's leg while the waterbender turns slightly red.

KENORA: You know... I remember seeing all those visions of the other worlds. There are sure as hell a lot of other Azulas, but... I'm not sure there's another Kenora out there. I mean, there has to be at least one. But... from my point of view... I may as well be the only one.

She scoffs, both girls now blushing very profusely as the leg stroking becomes more... intimate. Like... a lot, actually.

KENORA (blushing): I'm the only Kenora out there and I get to spend my time being with you. I couldn't be luckier.

Needless to say, they fiercely stumble into a kiss, falling over as they continue to... oh... OH. Oh, they're really going at it, huh? (Flips through the script) Is that... is that supposed to happen?

...

Oh...kay, I don't think I can describe this any further. Um... it's very lovely to know how far they've come and how close they... uh... WOAH. Nope. We're gonna cut to a different scene now. Please? NOW!?

---

Cut to the old hotel room, Juri and Shu now inexplicably tied to chairs, the waterbender of the two with a black eye and his hat knocked off, the room itself generally pretty trashed with scratches and broken glass.

Most notably, three people are present, a provisionary triumvirate after Gudgeon's supposed death. Gerek, who looks the most on edge, Oh, the green pirate, holding a struggling Sabachi by its neck, and Krekov, hands crossed behind his back, his priest staff missing. An unnamed, female soldier finally arrives, pounding her chest first before talking.

SOLDIER: We've searched the entire block. We couldn't find Captain Kenora or any other crew members.

A bit of news that causes Gerek to snap.

GEREK (angry): That's impossible! Search again!

The young woman accepts his orders before departing, Gerek letting out a grunt before addressing his prisoners.

GEREK (angry): Where is she?! Tell me where your captain went!

JURI: I can't tell you, man. I don't even know where they went.

A smug grimace and Shu rolling his eyes at the bad bluff.

GEREK: Perhaps I need to be a bit more... persuasive.

Forming an ice dagger, he itches it closer to Juri's face, the boy sweating as his body trembles with fear.

SHU: Leave him alone. He's just a kid.

Attempting to appear to be menacing, the very not-menacing Gerek steps closer to a pokerfacing Shu.

GEREK: I doubt either of you two will break easily. Your loyalty to your captain is outstanding.

The lieutenant proceeds to gut-punch his prisoner, the waterbender groaning with pain.

GEREK: But we will break you, nonetheless.

Before any more damage can be dealt, Krekov clears his throat, drawing Gerek's attention towards him.

KREKOV: Perhaps it easier to... go for weakest link?

It takes a few seconds to dawn on everyone, but a suggestive look later and the prisoners realize it is Sabachi he was talking about.

OH: Mmm, I bet this little thing tastes really good on the grill with some saffron.

In protest, with a pirate licking his lips and Gerek forming another ice shard, the lemur frantically tries to thrash herself free from human grip, unable to do so as its nervous howling gets louder and louder-

JURI (nervous): Don't hurt Sabachi! We'll tell you everything!

The creature's cries continue to go unheard before it is rudely stuffed in a burlap sack, still attempting to break free, Gerek smirking with glee whilst Shu lets out a disappointed sigh.

SHU (under his breath): Don't let them know it has a name...

JURI (nervous): They went to Mt. Pyre!

Getting on one knee, Gerek chuckles, Krekov nodding in the back and Oh smirking with devilish joy.

---

Early morning, some light fog at the foot of Mt. Pyre, the gang having reached this separate part of land thanks to some pelican sea horses provided by Sigilyth. All except Kenora, who chose to surf on water instead.

And now, after journeying together for quite a while, it seems as though their paths-

SIGILYTH: This is where I leave you. Good luck.

AZULA: You're leaving us already?

SIGILYTH: I was paid to tell you where the Ark is. I believe climbing a mountain is something you're capable of doing yourself, young Avatar.

A strange bow follows, one which Azula reciprocates way more confidently than she appeared yesterday.

KENORA: Thanks again for your help.

CHI-CHI: Will we see you again?

The tattooed woman merely smiles with humility, Puwati notably the only member of their party remaining silent.

SIGILYTH: I hope so. As long as you have each other, you'll be alright.

SIGILYTH (addressing the narrator and audience): And you won't be alone.

---

The climb itself probably took another half hour or so, the most significant attribute being that Chi-Chi and Puwati felt like they were third and fourth wheeling to a very cutesy Azula and Kenora, the girls acting extra frigging romantic around each other, a spark of adoration that the couple already possessed apparently lit to its maximum. At one-point Azula cannot contain her giggle turned full-on laughter at some silly motion Kenora does, the waterbender joining in, both blushing profusely the whole time.

PUWATI (quietly, addressing Chi-Chi): Are those two... usually like this around each other?

CHI-CHI (quietly): They are very cute together, but... this is even a bit much for them.

PUWATI (quietly): They seemed pretty normal last night, then this morning they're suddenly-

Both the man and the former servant make the same realization at the same time, sharing a baffled expression mid-climb.

PUWATI (quietly): Agree not to talk about this any further?

CHI-CHI (quietly): Yup.

---

The peak itself is more so a flat plane with several layers carved into the rock, connected by ancient stone stairs, most of it covered in short grass, a strange mint-green color. There is not much left of what was once a great Sun Warrior location, some leftover stones in the ground giving it the appearance of an abandoned graveyard, though most if it has been very much swept clean over the past century, perhaps longer before that.

At last, with what is left of the mountain's actual rock peak, the quartet reaches the outskirts of a dig site ahead, it too abandoned, equipment and tools left there by the last unfortunate souls that came before them.

KENORA: That must be where the brothers did their digging.

Having held hands the whole walk here, Azula leans her head on the waterbender's shoulder whilst scanning everything closely.

AZULA: You think the spirit came from in there?

KENORA: Don't know.

They finally turn around towards their companions, separating as Kenora crosses her bulky arms.

KENORA: Dad? You getting anything yet?

Her father the former Vice-Chief is so far the only member of their entourage keeping his guard up.

PUWATI: Not yet. But we should stay on high alert.

CHI-CHI: Maybe if we continue digging then...

As the girl kicks off her suggestion, a cover of fog quite abruptly descends upon the plateau out of nowhere, now everyone getting ready with Kenora attempting to bend away the liquid in gas form.

KENORA: My waterbending isn't working on it!

PUWATI: Of course it's not. This is something supernatural.

The four of them circle closer to each other, back-to-back, frightened with anticipation.

CHI-CHI (nervous): Dad?

PUWATI: I can't locate it! It's... it's like it's everywhere!

CHI-CHI (nervous): Well, be fast! I doubt my chi-blocking is gonna be very helpful against-

Her voice grows silent out of nowhere, posture switching to a relaxed stance as Azula's palm immediately produces a mild, violet flame, approaching Chi-Chi with-

SPIRIT: I suggest you leave now, humans.

Unlike with Katara and the Blue Spirit, this time the separation between ghostly entity and human body is as clear as day, the voice of the spirit that of a raspy, older woman.

KENORA: Let our friend go now!

Not-Chi-Chi smirks with her hands crossed behind her back.

SPIRIT: I promise you, I won't harm her. But all of you must leave. What lies within Mt. Pyre is not to be meddled with by mortal hands.

AZULA: What about the Avatar's hands?

This seems to intrigue the supernatural being. For a second Chi-Chi's body is engulfed by a portion of fog, concealing the girl's outline before revealing a brand-new appearance, that of a humanoid fox girl, orange fur, small black dot eyes, and a set of nine tails dangling at the bottom of her spine.

KENORA: Woah!

AZULA: You said you won't harm her!

Aiming her exposed palm covered in fire, the sly fox giggles as it begins to circle the human trio.

SPIRIT: She will not be injured. Removing me by force however, could cause damage to the body.

Seeing no other option, Azula extinguishes her fire, stepping forth as a tense duo of father and daughter prepares to strike in the back. Despite her own aversions, the firebender attempts to keep a cool head for now.

AZULA: Who are you?

KITSUNE: I am Kitsune, one of the few fire spirits who managed to remain free instead of being locked in that cursed Ark. I have made it my purpose to protect it from any more foul humans who mean to abuse its power.

An interesting piece of information Azula quickly latches onto.

AZULA: Are you saying humans have used it before?

KITSUNE: I tend to forget that in your world walls are as common as ignorance, and that lies come as easy as breathing. Yes, it has been used.

Kitsune erects its paw, a sharp claw pointing at Puwati and Kenora.

KITSUNE: By the Water Tribe. Which makes me suspicious why you brought those two here, so-called Avatar.

Catching a mean look from Kenora, Puwati groans in disgust.

PUWATI: I didn't know! One of the many things Hakoda lied to me about...

AZULA: You can trust them, Kitsune. They are fighting to restore balance in the human world.

The fox person resumes to stand straight with one hand behind its back, the other briefly admired like Azula often does with her nails too.

AZULA: And the reason we are looking for the Ark is because I need to return the Avatar Spirit to my body. Raava has been taken by another.

This gets the ghostly creature to stop staring at its hand, briefly scratching the pointy ears on its head before turning towards Azula again.

KITSUNE: I see. And I think I believe you too. Your energy is... remarkable to admire. You have something about you that no other human has.

As if to make a point, it takes a good glance at Puwati and Kenora again, halting the performance as Kitsune's eyes lock with Kenora's.

KITSUNE (addressing Kenora): I know you.

Baffled to hear this, the Pirate Princess lowers both her stance as well as her grimace.

KENORA: You... you do?

Curiously enough, the fox lady looks almost a little shocked, stepping closer to the girl with both paws behind its back again.

KITSUNE: You are the human that saved Shi Shi's life. The Beast Dog owes its continued existence to you.

Kenora tends to forget this detail from time to time, trying her best to look humble at the arguably very dangerous spirit interrogating them.

KENORA: Yes. I... will admit that my intentions back then were not particularly... noble. But... I did save him.

A few seconds pass where the Kitsune switches between looking at Kenora and Azula, eventually finishing in a scoff and an animalistic snarl.

Then, covering itself with fog once more, the puffy clouds as well as the spirit itself vanish instantly, leaving back Chi-Chi's body collapsing onto the grass, held up by Kenora right as the human girl opens her eyes again.

CHI-CHI (weak): What... what happened? Did it get to me?

In a scene that sends shivers down the former servant's spine, all three of her companions stare at her with blank expressions and widened eyes.

CHI-CHI: Guys? Please talk to me.

AZULA: The... spirit guarding this place gave us permission to retrieve the Ark, I think.

KENORA: But it uh... took over your body. And... well...

Sitting upright again, Chi-Chi's eyes widen too, shocked to discover via her tongue that her incisors, previously human teeth, have now taken the shape of a fox's fangs upon having been briefly possessed by the spirit.

CHI-CHI: My teeth! My teeth are-

AZULA: Chi-Chi?

Quite awkwardly and respectfully, the raven-haired girl gestures to her own head, signaling her friend to check out hers. Now, the girl hasn't changed her long, black hair much since Musho Ichi, but the set of orange fox ears now sticking out of it is definitely new.

CHI-CHI: WHAT THE FUCK?!

Now in overt panic, Chi-Chi hastily pats the new set of body parts growing from her skull, being able to move them freely, her human ears now missing (though with a full set of hair this is fortunately invisible to anyone but the girl herself).

KENORA: I-i-it's gonna be okay. We're... gonna fix this. Right?

The waterbender comically seeks reassurance from her girlfriend the Avatar, who can merely shrug and shake her head in unnerve as well.

CHI-CHI (panic): IT IS NOT GOING TO BE OKAY! I AM HALF ANIMAL! I HAVE FUCKING EARS ON MY HEAD!

PUWATI: It's barely noticeable.

Still enraged and frightened, the chi-blocker jumps to her feet.

CHI-CHI (panic): IT'S BARELY NOTICEABLE?! HOW IS IT-

Her frightened shock is swallowed the moment she and the others catch onto the third new feature of her person, three fluffy, orange tails remaining stuck to her back, waving around with adorable anime sound effects.

CHI-CHI (cold): I'm staying on the ship next time.

---

The unfortunate encounter transitions smoothly into yet another montage, this time including "Mt. Pyre" from the Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald OST.

After leaving Chi-Chi some space to adjust to her new... condition, the fox girl eventually helps along with the digging process, openly sulking whilst Azula and Kenora continuously share guilty looks in silence.

Working on a dig site is a shared job, circling from person to person to keep it somewhat fair. Realistically though, most of the manual labor is done by Puwati, partially for his physical strength and endurance, in part as, being a former member of the Water Tribe's military, it feels like a first bit of well-deserved prison labor to him. The second most amount of digging is done by Kenora, much to the pleasure of her girlfriend, who gets to enjoy the waterbender's muscle in action, something that makes the other two members of the party somewhat uncomfortable.

After another hour or so, a metallic noise echoes through the cavity, currently occupied by Puwati with a shovel and Azula providing light.

Clink!

The two share cautious looks with each other first, then with Kenora and Chi-Chi at the plateau, the former servant's new set of ears unfortunately giving her excitement away pretty easily.

---

KENORA: Okay. One. Two. Three!

With combined muscle power, again, mostly done by Puwati, the four of them lift the metallic plate a few inches, dropping it just far enough removed to leave the entry to the Ark's chamber open, yet another hole to descend down into.

KENORA (out of breath): Man... I wish Shahar was here.

AZULA (out of breath): What?

KENORA (out of breath): She's a metalbender. Would've made this part a whole lot easier.

All of them take a second to catch their breaths, all except Puwati, who climbs the cavity back up using a convenient rope, tied to Puwati's harpoon hook sticking out of the earth at the top.

AZULA (out of breath): Would've made the entire digging process much easier.

CHI-CHI (out of breath): Woah...

Busy with chitchat, it is Chi-Chi who dares to take a peek down first.

Though the massive room is mostly shrouded in darkness, a small part of it does see some sunbeams from above, the result of this being a spot of reddish bronze shimmering with clarity. Just to make sure they haven't been wasting a few hours of their lives, Azula additionally blasts a bright but harmless gout of violet flames, briefly revealing that the chamber below is entirely empty, made from stone, and only houses a rectangular object in the middle of it, one that matches Enya's vision pretty accurately.

KENORA: Is that it? Is that the Ark of Prometheus?

AZULA: Yup.

KENORA: How do we get it out of there?

AZULA: Me and Chi-Chi could climb down and tie it with rope. Then you and your dad lift it up.

CHI-CHI: Nope.

Cut the music out abruptly for comedic effect.

The couple switches to looking at a frowning Chi-Chi, whose fox ears are pointed almost all the way back.

CHI-CHI: I am not going down there. You can't make me.

AZULA (addressing Kenora): Right. How about your dad and I?

---

Which is what they ended up going with, Azula slowly being lowered down the cold, tall room, illuminating it with a little flame dancing on her palm the whole time. Puwati only uses the rope for half of it before performing an unnecessary jump in the end, admiring the Ark itself for a second with Azula by his side.

PUWATI: Quite a beauty to behold, isn't it?

For a second it seems as though the chest shimmers with a flare, as if the markings on it were somehow enchanted to perform. Obviously, the young Avatar is able to make out a strange sensation from it but... not nearly as much as she had anticipated. Far less than that little idol statue of Cataris.

AZULA: Can you read some kind of aura?

PUWATI: No. That's strange. It should be oozing with it.

The adult man shrugs, patting the raven-haired girl on the back twice in a reassuring fashion.

PUWATI: Let's lift it up first. We'll have plenty of time to examine it somewhere safe.

Surprisingly, the warrior she once fought to the death on his own ship now provides a decently calming presence.

---

Finally tying the Ark with a bunch of rope, it begins to descend upwards, apparently much lighter than it looks.

AZULA (calling upwards): You okay there, baby?

KENORA (from above, mildly struggling): Yup! It's not as heavy as I thought!

CHI-CHI (from above): I'm letting her do it alone!

Enjoying a moment of silence together, and while the Ark continues to be lifted out of the chamber, Azula decides to address the former Vice-Chief.

AZULA: Not that I trust you now but... thanks for all the help.

With hesitation, Puwati nods, pouting in a manner very similar to his daughter.

PUWATI: I might not ever make up for all of my mistakes but... if I can at least help Kenora, and her girlfriend, who seems to make her very happy, then that's the least I can offer.

Only a few seconds is all the firebender has before her gaze hastily switches up again.

KENORA (from above): Shit! Get down!

General noise of fighting ensues, the two trapped in the chamber jumping to action.

AZULA: We have to get back up!

An action the girl attempts but ultimately fails at, as halfway up the rope she crashes back down again with it, Puwati's signature weapon dropping down as well. Before the non-bender is allowed to act, he quickly drops his weapon again, using his arms instead to catch a howling Chi-Chi, who in the midst of battle has been dropped below, caught by the hulking man as the girl's pointy ears are fully erected with fright.

AZULA: Kenora! KENORA!

GEREK: I'm afraid she won't hear you.

Having hopped down into the initial cavity, landing on the thick, metallic platform previously closing off the chamber's entrance, Gerek is subsequently followed by a few more bulky Water Tribe jumping down as well.

PUWATI (through gritted teeth): I thought we already dealt with you!

AZULA (angry): Where is Kenora?

GEREK: Your precious captain is now my prisoner. Gudgeon's wild goose chase for the so-called Avatar is over. I will bring the Pirate Princess to the Great Chief himself, whilst the three of you will rot down here.

AZULA (angry): I won't let you get away with that!

The young girl prepares to fire off a lightning bolt immediately. However...

GEREK: I wouldn't try any of that. Or I'll present Hakoda with your girlfriend's corpse.

Left with no other choice, Azula grimaces sharply at the young waterbender whilst their tomb is slowly being closed via the thick metal lid. Chi-Chi manages one last, animalistic hiss before the trio is eventually engulfed in darkness.

For a few seconds, Azula letting out a hefty exhale that briefly grows her source of light to ginormous size, before shrinking down to a controlled little flame once again. The ceiling above them meanwhile begins to shake and rumble, Chi-Chi getting back on two feet and Puwati picking up his weapon again.

PUWATI: It sounds like they're closing the hole again. We'll be buried in here like the Ark was.

CHI-CHI: Great. Why didn't that fox spirit give anyone else furry ears?!

With Puwati and the other girl frustrated and out of options, Azula's mind races with something that had been bugging her all morning, stemming from their encounter with the ghostly guardian, who seems to have abandoned its post indefinitely upon granting Azula access.

While tracing one of the stone walls, she ponders an important question, in her mind first, then to her companions.

AZULA: The Kitsune said that other humans used the Ark before, right?

Puwati nods with intrigue whilst Chi-Chi's ears perk up.

Then, very quickly and without warning, Azula blasts the wall in front of her with lightning, shattering it as, on the other side of it, a hallway leads to a ladder going further into the mountain.

---

On their creepy descend down the completely dark, bunker-like structure the trio first comes across a set of little sleeping pots carved into the walls, most of them emptied completely, though some still having retained furs and blankets, one even including a handy little notebook that the sly chi-blocker girl snatches up before following the others to even grounds again.

Most of the architecture seems to be a stone-based variation of what Water Tribe ice buildings look like, multiple, round pillars present in every room and all the individual bricks coming in huge chunks, similar to an igloo. Most notably as a design element – everything is dusty, empty, full with ladybug-spider-webs, and generally very unsettling to walk around in.

AZULA: Well, dad, what is this place?

Suppressing a grunt at being called "dad" by all teens now, Puwati successfully keeps his serious side up.

PUWATI: It's no military outpost, otherwise I could tell you.

An answer at which Azula pouts a bit provocatively.

AZULA: You know, for being the Vice-Chief for so many years...

PUWATI: Does anyone even know what a Vice-Chief is? It's a military rank! We're the main enforcers for the Great Chief's strategic objectives. Other than a deciding vote in the Chief's Council we hold no administrative role.

AZULA: Got it. Different question – are you feeling that too?

PUWATI: It's practically roaring at me. There must be a spirit close by.

CHI-CHI: More than one.

The Avatar and the aura reader turn back towards the fox girl just as they pass through an emptied kitchen area, Chi-Chi rolling her eyes as she taps the little notebook she took with her earlier, which she had been reading this whole time, despite her lack of proximity to Azula.

CHI-CHI: I can feel it too, by the way. Also my sense of smell is heightened. And I was able to read this in the dark.

PUWATI: Fusing with that spirit might have transferred some of its abilities to you. You know... outside of its... appearance.

CHI-CHI: Bingo.

Finally, in a more than dramatic reveal, the former servant shows a random page, which includes a detailed drawing of a human test subject. Next to it, a drawing of a spirit creature which appears ape-like.

Then, in the final drawing, a creature half-human, half-ape.

---

Not long after, the trio enters what appears to be the main research room, a tall roof with air vents on the side, and a series of cylindrical glass containers either dusty or shattered, spread all throughout the hall, shards of glass in a few dozen spots, alongside minor leftover items of research, flasks and vials, calculating boards and a hell of a lot of sheets of paper. This room fortunately includes some leftover light crystals on the walls, drenching the creepy, abandoned facility in an ominous, almost nuclear shade of green, allowing Azula to turn off her fire whilst trying to make out where that spirit sensation is coming from.

CHI-CHI (reading the notebook): "July 5th. Our attempts to extract a viable spirit subject from the Ark have so far failed. Dr. Ishii recommends we instead capture smaller spirits in the Fire Nation for testing purposes, the ones that haven't been caught in the Ark."

The girl skims a few more pages, hissing (somewhat fox-like) at more of the illustrations of patients and... well, failed experiments. All whilst Azula admires a few intact cylinders, Puwati having laid down his weapon, sitting down quietly on a leftover stool, a face that bubbles in a hot mixture of guilt, shame, anger, and pure misery.

CHI-CHI (reading the notebook): "July 10th." This one is almost a year later. "Miraculously, we have managed to distill the one of the most powerful entities from the Ark, the Painted Lady. Her transfusion with a subject will produce similar levels of energy as the test subject provided by Great Chief Hakoda. If successful separation upon fusion is possible, our hard work may pay off soon."

AZULA: He's talking about Katara.

The realization comes so suddenly and naturally that the firebender didn't even need to ponder on it.

AZULA: That's what they were doing here. Hakoda tried to find a way to separate the Onryō from her.

CHI-CHI: But... Kenora told me Zuko just cut it out of you.

For some reason hearing her brother's name again sparks a sensation of discomfort within Azula, though the girl quickly pushes that thought aside as she steps next to Chi-Chi, reading the notebook alongside the chi-blocker.

AZULA: That's because it hadn't completely taken over yet at that point. When it had later, Aang killed it with the lightning he redirected against me.

CHI-CHI: So, with the spirit having taken over Katara completely...

AZULA: He built this secret lab to perform unethical experiments on people, yes. Probably involuntary subjects.

Flinching slightly, Chi-Chi more so, they turn to find Puwati having hurled an old desk against the wall with a pained scream, his huge back visibly rising and lowering with every panicked breath.

PUWATI (in tears): This was what I gave my life for. I served a monster doing spirit experiments on prisoners of war and his own daughter!

Breaking down at last, Azula dares to step closer while the former Vice-Chief tries his best not to cry too hard.

PUWATI (in tears): I could've been looking more for Laiya instead. I could've been a good father to Kenora.

AZULA: Look... I'm sure it's not easy to find out about all this. But... you have to stay strong, Puwati. You can help us undo the damage at least a little.

While not pulling him out of his pit fully, the hulking man at least has the strength to sit down on the same stool again, powering through as he wipes his tears and breathes more calmly.

PUWATI: What does the journal say after that?

Once again Chi-Chi skims a few pages and skips forward, getting to the important section almost immediately.

CHI-CHI (reading from the notebook): "February 6th. Subject's fusion with the Painted Lady successful. Separation procedure... unsuccessful. Subject died while spirit was removed again."

A few more sounds of paper being flipped before the girl continues reading from it.

CHI-CHI (reading from the notebook): "September 1st. Painted Lady escaped containment. We were unable to curb its vicious tendencies. Many good scientists dead..." This is where his writing becomes a bit frantic. "...sealed her and all the others back into the Ark. Collected spirits remain on the loose. Recommend abandoning project immediately. We are meddling with powers we do not understand."

Having gotten to the end point of that particular story, the fox girl returns to some earlier pages, eager to dig out some more details of the case.

PUWATI (addressing Azula): And you are sure that getting that Ark will help you get the Avatar Spirit back?

AZULA: Honestly, I don't think so anymore. What matters is that we do not just need to get back Kenora, we need to get the Ark as well. Otherwise, Gerek will hand it over to Hakoda, and who knows what will happen then.

CHI-CHI: Uh... Azula?

With her voice quivering slightly, it sends waves of shivers down the firebender's spine, Puwati finally getting back up again with widened eyes.

CHI-CHI: Didn't you say that your dad leads a rebel group in the Fire Nation?

AZULA: Why?

CHI-CHI: Well... it says here that... the subject that died in the Painted Lady experiment was a prisoner from that rebel group.

It was a hunch to be scared, a gut feeling informing the raven-haired girl that whatever, or whoever might be illustrated on those pages, may be too much. And that feeling was right. Her hand was trembling even before she held the notebook in her hands.

AZULA (teary, quietly): Lu Ten.

---

At this point the military presence in Jang Hui had become such a fuzz that even the rich vacationers were unable to ignore it. Especially when, through the middle of town, a girl in chains and a bronze chest are transported, with a line of soldiers on both sides to keep everyone intimidated and at a distance.

GEREK (addressing Kenora): You'll be pleased to hear that your other crew members have already been brought on board my ship. Alongside your little furry friend.

To his distaste, the young captain seems very little impressed by his attempt to come off as menacing.

KENORA: Okay. And?

GEREK: You must still be holding out hope that your beloved firebender will return to save you.

KENORA: Aren't you holding out hope that your beloved Vice-Chief will return?

Gerek scoffs at her insolence, giving the girl a moment to scout who the other two guys at his side are, one of them she of course knows already.

KENORA: So, Oh, how are things with your girl? Managed to patch it up?

In a moment of everyday humanity, Oh actually sighs before talking on eye-level with the girl.

OH: No, she broke up with me. Pretty bummed about it, actually.

KENORA: Hm. That sucks. Sorry to hear. Hey, different question, uh, why are you working for the Water Tribe now?

OH: Not really my choice, Cap. Gudgeon killed the old captain and the rest of us were conscripted.

KENORA: I see.

That's all the girl and her former crew member exchange before Oh paces a few steps away, leaving only one member of the triumvirate to her right.

KENORA: And who are you?

KREKOV: None of your concern, little lady. Маленькая куколка слишком много болтает.

KENORA: You speak a North Pole dialect? Hold on... Я надеру тебе задницу.

Krekov turns with a raised eyebrow at a smirking, bilingual waterbender.

KENORA: What? I grew up in a noble household. I can speak more than one language.

GUDGEON: Impressive. Most impressive.

In an abrupt and semi-silly fashion, the Water Tribe entourage halts, the commanding triumvirate all staring at their Vice-Chief with a gaping jaw, Heiande by her side barking a few times before the lady in her vampiric cloak steps forth.

GEREK: Vice-Chief, we... we thought you were dead.

GUDGEON: Apparently so, because otherwise your actions could be classified as high treason.

Uneasy as to where this conversation would lead to, both the lieutenant and Oh get ready to strike, though don't make an effort to draw any weapons yet.

GUDGEON: What have you been up to in my absence anyway? I see that you have finally managed to capture Kenora. That's something, at least.

KENORA: Outnumbered and ambushed. Not very fair.

Gudgeon smirks at nothing in particular, her positive expression fading the moment she spots the Ark, now having been put down as the entourage came to a standstill.

GUDGEON: What did you do?

GEREK: We found them at a dig site on Mt. Pyre. We trapped the others in the mountain and took this with us.

Getting more and more enraged by his ramblings, Gudgeon approaches him with a viciously cold expression, the angriest he had ever seen the woman, despite how little emotion she shows in that moment.

GUDGEON (quietly): Do you have even an ounce of an idea what it is you're transporting here?

For a moment even Kenora considers intervening in the scolding, Gerek completely unable to say anything at all. Exhaling in a manner very reminiscent of a disappointed mother or teacher, Gudgeon finally turns to address her crew, her body fully concealed in that ominous shape of dark fabric.

GUDGEON: I see that my orders to capture the firebender were ignored completely. At least you had the courtesy of waiting till I died.

KENORA: What? Disappointed to just have me?

GUDGEON: Not at all. You'll make for excellent bait. And I'm sure Hakoda would appreciate another deserter brought to justice.

Despite being in the position of prisoner, Kenora confidentially scoffs, attempting to assert her pride against the Vice-Chief, who has her back turned towards the Pirate Princess.

KENORA: This time tomorrow I'll be free. You can't keep me for long when Azula is still out there.

Few things are as intimidating as the speed at which Gudgeon turns to her.

GUDGEON: I would suggest you improve on your manners, child. You are still talking to an adult right now.

A consecutive scoff from the girl doesn't really go with that advice.

KENORA: Kiss my ass, Gudge. If you think you stand a chance against Azula, then you have-

It's not a move that makes the surrounding soldiers or bystanders any happy, the chocking noises coming from Kenora as Gudgeon's hand forms that bloodbending gesture, the mocking words literally stuck in her throat now. It seems even the stoic Vice-Chief has reached her breaking point, very openly and apparently frowning at her prisoner now while stepping closer.

GUDGEON: Careful. The Great Chief is not as forgiving as I am.

Finally standing in front of the girl, Kenora drops to her knees continuously chocking, the triumvirate and everyone else growing somewhat uneasy at the sight, the grimace on Gudgeon growing sharper and sharper while she bows down over the Pirate Princess, her fingers continuously preventing her from breathing.

GUDGEON (quietly, sharp): I have been far too lenient with you and your little girlfriend. Trust me. I thought two children like you would eventually give in and know your place but no, you have to talk back and get on my nerves ALL the time. It ends TODAY.

Just as her head turns slightly blue, Gerek finally has a bit of a hero flaring up inside.

GEREK: Gudgeon! Let her go! We need her alive!

A few more seconds of dangling the girl for oxygen and Gudgeon finally releases Kenora from her choke, the waterbender dropping to the floor, gasping for that precious air she had been missing the whole time.

GUDGEON (sharp): You'll learn eventually.

In a fell swoop Gudgeon switches to her trio of usurpers, eyeing them with much the same vitriol as the prisoner girl she just nearly suffocated.

GUDGEON (sharp): And as far as the three of you are concerned, we'll discuss your positions once we're back in the capital. Bring the girl to my ship and leave it anchored close to the city.

Gerek nods and pounds his chest affirmatively, though the uneasy looks he exchanges with Oh and Krekov are more than enough discourse to comment on the events unfolding. Luckily for them, Gudgeon turned to address the crowd of bystanders and soldiers while the weakened Pirate Princess is being dragged away.

GUDGEON: Listen up, people of Jang Hui. Your town has been infested by dangerous criminals. There is but one left for us to catch before you can resume your normal lives. Until then, please remain within your houses and shops.

She takes a few steps forwards, glaring at an unsuspecting cabbage salesman flinching with apparent fright.

GUDGEON: Do not get in our way and it will be over soon.

With no civilian or military personnel very happy about any of this, her orders are relayed regardless before a random female waterbender approaches the woman.

FEMALE SOLDIER: Vice-Chief, what about the Ark?

GUDGEON: We won't be returning it now. Get it to my ship. Hopefully Hakoda can find a suitable place on the South Pole to bury it forever.

Finally, with unease spreading across Jang Hui like a frightened fog, Gudgeon steps away from the scene, her cloak waving in the wind like the terrifying cape of a sorcerer.

Clang!

---

In a turn of staging, Azula is now the one seated on a stool whilst Puwati and Chi-Chi exchange concerned looks, bouncing back and forth which one of them should say something first. Eventually, with her pointy ears lowered, the chi-blocker dares approaching her grieving friend.

CHI-CHI: Azula... if you need some time...

AZULA (cold): No.

Wiping away her tears, the firebender finally gets back up, a harshness in her aura that causes Puwati to move back with unnerve.

AZULA (cold): There's nothing I can do to bring him back.

Taking a deep breath with all of her torso, Chi-Chi holds onto the journal for a moment, the raven-haired girl grimacing at her friends with nothing but complete seriousness in her cadence.

AZULA (cold): We'll head back to free Kenora and get the Ark. We'll kill Gerek and Gudgeon and anyone who stands in our way.

CHI-CHI: Azula, listen to yourself...

AZULA (cold): I'm listening, alright. There's plenty of other Azulas that don't take issue with murder. Why should I hesitate? Why should I spare the lives of those monsters?! Is it not my DESTINY to bring them to justice?!

In a moment such as this, Puwati feels strangely compelled and qualified to step forth.

PUWATI: My child... I too thought like you once.

AZULA (cold): Don't compare me to you! You were on their side!

Chi-Chi's head meanwhile moves upwards as her ears point straight upwards.

PUWATI: I was. And every act of bloodshed, every vile crime that I committed, I justified because my goal was to bring peace.

Finally standing over her, he places his massive paw on her shoulder as some tears escape the girl.

PUWATI (quietly): Do not go down the same path as I did. You will never find peace there.

CHI-CHI (nervous): I think we should actually find some peace real soon...

Following their foxy friend's motion, both Azula and Puwati move their gaze upwards as well, finding the tall ceiling, mostly shrouded in darkness, moving and quivering around like a liquid. Finally, with little flares of light, these objects so high up reveal themselves as the previously mentioned smaller spirits used for experiments. And, by the looks of things, it might be about a hundred or so, all different colors and forms, some shaped roughly like certain animals, some completely incomprehensible to the trio of humans below.

PUWATI: That's what we felt when we entered.

CHI-CHI: They're all fired up. They sound... angry.

AZULA: You can understand them?

PUWATI: Spirits are always affected by their surroundings. Especially human emotions.

And when one of the present humans openly voices their desire for murder...

AZULA: We need to get out of here.

---

For now it's back to Azula illuminating their path, Chi-Chi leading the way with Puwati constantly looking back in distress, the flock of ghostly creatures now chasing them like a pack of wolverine baboons.

AZULA: Chi-Chi?!

CHI-CHI: This way!

Going from hallway to hallway to occasionally racing through smaller rooms, insular light crystals here and there, it is actual thanks to the former servant's new animalistic features, specifically her sense of smell, that the trio is able to navigate through this abandoned shop of horrors.

AZULA (whilst running): You know... I don't like to say it but-

CHI-CHI (whilst running): The fox stuff is actually very useful, yeah. I don't want to think about that right now.

After a few minutes of running the girls halt, finding a defiant father standing his ground against the howling sounds of incoming mayhem.

AZULA: Puwati, let's go!

PUWATI: No. You two go. I'll hold them off as good as I can.

CHI-CHI: Great!

Accepting it right away, Chi-Chi doesn't hesitate for a second to keep running, Azula remaining for another moment with hesitation, even some fear.

AZULA: Puwati, no. I won't let you-

PUWATI: This is not a goodbye, kid. I promise to come back and find you two.

With some shining lights in the distance now, Puwati smirks as he looks back, say it with me: Much like his daughter does.

PUWATI: Save her, Azula. But don't sacrifice yourself for it.

Crunching her teeth and desiring protest, the firebender eventually leaves to chase after the chi-blocker, Puwati taking a deep breath as the ghostly army approaches.

---

SHRE-POW!

For a moment Chi-Chi had complained that their only exit was blocked by collapsed rubble, yet a swift lightning bolt never fails to impress or disappoint. Especially the one just fired, as it felt much more deadly and powerful than usual.

Exhausted and dusty, both girls catch a breath on the riverbank next to what is today a relatively calm stream, Mt. Pyre towering behind them, now carrying with it a very different sense of importance that it didn't possess before.

CHI-CHI (out of breath): You think Puwati is gonna be alright?

AZULA: We have something else to worry about for now.

Just a speck in the distance, Jang Hui appears to be covered almost completely in fog, a Water Navy ironclad anchored right behind as the least subtle foreboding sign ever presented to anyone.

CHI-CHI: Oh dear.

AZULA: No way Gerek did that.

CHI-CHI: You think Gudgeon is back?

Azula knows Gudgeon is back. Which is why the look of determination on her face is so unsettling to watch.

CHI-CHI: Azula... I know what you're gonna say. But Gudgeon is too strong even for you. And she has her whole army there with her!

AZULA: I won't let anyone else fight my battles for me. Not Kenora. Not Puwati. Not Lu Ten.

Fired up with a suicidal confidence, Azula turns to face her friend, finding anything but support for this madness.

AZULA: Go back to the Hama and get the rest of the crew just in case we need support.

She takes a stable but heavy breath in between this and her next words.

AZULA: I can do this. I have learned so much on my journey. Gudgeon is only the latest in the series of obstacles I have to defeat. Trust me. I'm the Avatar.

Once again, reading her ears alone says everything about Chi-Chi's emotional state, though the slight film of tears held back certainly adds to it.

CHI-CHI (emotional): Don't die. Please.

With that, the fox girl leaves, Azula mentally preparing to finally prove herself worthy of a title she feels the need to say out loud all the time. No more holding back.

AZULA: This ends today.

---

Act III. – Miracle of the Ark

---

An ocean of white smoke creeps and crawls across the gangplank streets of Jang Hui, a city now completely devoid of any life it had yesterday. A breeze occasionally tap dances around here and there, any shop items dangling from rooftops tuning their haunting jingle alongside the winds.

It's been far too long since Azula faced her fears head-on. It is what made her this powerful to begin with. A girl whose hunger for action was as hot and mighty as the element she wields. Being the Avatar now shouldn't change that. It's made her weak, in fact.

I have become weak. Too weak to deal with the Onryō when it finally took over my body. Too weak to deal with Gudgeon yesterday.

Perhaps the approach other Azulas take is the way to go.

After all, saving the world won't be achieved by kindness and compassion. That is a naive thought. I cannot fulfill my destiny with restraint. Nor can I defeat Gudgeon.

GUDGEON: Your willpower remains unmatched, young firebender.

Of course she would have to face the woman alone. Hidden within all this thick fog, clearly manufactured by waterbenders, Gudgeon is merely visible from her silhouette alone, a body completely shrouded in darkness, her cape forming a triangle where her body should be.

GUDGEON: But you are no true Avatar yet.

Getting into position, the raven-haired girl stares at the shadow for a moment, a blank expression carried by the Vice-Chief as she finally steps forth, revealing her entire person before their duel commences.

Perhaps to impose her dominance, Gudgeon chose to meet her nemesis on an elevated platform in the center of an empty square, the roof of a pavilion above them as Azula climbs the stairs carrying an equally fierce grimace to match the one of her opponent.

The initial first attacks are simply dodged by Gudgeon, ducked and countered via raising her arm whilst Azula's violet surges fly anywhere but where they are supposed to, though after a bit more pressure and quicker strikes the Vice-Chief is eventually forced to counter with a pouch of water, still remaining on the defensive for now, the firebender unleashing her arsenal and occasionally grunting with rage whilst throwing her punches and firing her fire balls through her fingers.

Both opponents eventually halt for a moment, Azula coming to the realization that she is being tested, toyed with even, keeping her guard up while attempting to read the pokerface of an opponent very much able to keep her at bay.

GUDGEON: You have learned much, young one.

Despite Gudgeon's attempts to keep a cool exterior, with every new word she utters that facade of ennui crumbles, replaced brick by brick with apparent rage.

AZULA: You'll find I'm full of surprises.

Some more attacks follow suit, more robust, more sharp, Gudgeon appearing exhausted with every new bolt of violet heat crashing in her direction, the woman's own defenses evaporating much like the water she uses.

All she needs is a clear shot. One bolt aimed at the right spot and the new Vice-Chief is defeated. Possibly dead. It matters little at this point. Puwati's failures stem from his false sense of justice. She, however, is the Avatar. Taking a life is as much her choice as it is the universe's.

And then, a weakness revealing itself, Gudgeon miscalculating the distance between herself and the edge of the wooden fence surrounding the two. It's her opportunity to strike – to end it, once and for-

Of course Gudgeon is faster. Of course she would make use of her bloodbending at the right moment. And once again, it matters little how far she's come, how much she's trained – that she's the Avatar. Against this, Azula is, despite all struggles, entirely powerless.

GUDGEON: You really didn't come here expecting a fair fight, did you?

With one swoop, a repulsive motion, Azula is flung against one of the wooden pillars. For a moment the sensation lessens, her grip over the girl loosening so perhaps she can-

The flame dies down as quickly as her hopes, another round of bloodbending keeping her frozen on the spot before flinging her against their arena's fence.

A final kick accompanied by a roar is, unfortunately, also useless, this time Gudgeon keeps the girl like that in place for a few seconds, really stretching her for maximum pain before hurling her down the stairs and onto the wooden square at large.

There is no pity left in the Vice-Chief, indulging in herself as she walks down the stairs towards the young Avatar struggling to hold herself on two feet, screaming internally from the pain and her inability to overpower the waterbender. In that moment by itself, it seems nothing but hopeless to stand up to Whakamaikuku Gudgeon.

GUDGEON: I am giving you one last chance, only because you are still a child.

A brief wince escapes Azula while the girl struggles to keep her guard up, struggles to outlast her enemy's stamina when Gudgeon hasn't so much as tolerated one hit.

GUDGEON: Give up NOW. Or else, you'll...

It makes no sense why the fog would suddenly disappear, and how quickly.

With the curtains lifted, several dozen Water Tribe soldiers react baffled and even embarrassed at their sudden visibility, exchanging confused glances as to why this is even happening in the first place.

GUDGEON (angry): What is going on?! Who is defying my direct-

Just barely is the woman able to block an incoming gout of flames attempting to devour her, though in her distress, Gudgeon merely managed to safe all of her skin, part of her iconic cape now partially charred. Needless to say, the woman fumes at this.

And so, with vengeance in her heart, Gudgeon unleashes her final round of bloodbending, grabbing the girl in front of her for... only a few seconds?

Yes, indeed Azula is able to wrangle herself free with each new attempt, every new instalment of bloodbending growing weaker and weaker, as if her body as a whole has suddenly grown resistant to it. Of course, any surrounding bystanders in their houses and soldiers are equally baffled by this.

By the fourth attempt Gudgeon's previously crooked fingers bawl to form tight knuckles, her glare shaping alongside it.

GUDGEON (angry): How?

AZULA: With all your fancy tricks you seem to have forgotten the basics.

Casually, smugly, arrogantly even, Azula points to the sky, clear blue and with a bright sun strengthening her bending and her person both at the same time.

AZULA: Sun. Firebender.

With that the clash appears over, singular soldiers carefully approaching the raven-haired-

GUDGEON (angry): EVERYONE STAND BACK.

Which they do, clearing the battlefield once again, leaving Azula alone to face Vice-Chief Gudgeon. What was previously an angry face growing more and more sinister has now indefinitely reached its high point.

GUDGEON (cold): You want your duel?

Click! With a simple button unhooked the partially burned cloak falls to the ground, leaving Gudgeon with more freedom of movement than ever before.

GUDGEON (cold): What do you call it in the Fire Nation again? An Agni Kai?

Meanwhile, violet daggers grow from Azula's own knuckles, her expression painted with as much hatred and violence as it can fit.

AZULA (cold): To the death.

Chime!

Clang!

GUDGEON (cold): To the death it is.

No longer holding back, Azula's darts are as fearless and quick as missiles, every time Gudgeon blocks one, it now shatters with sparks and smoke, besides also finally blowing up the pretty white pavilion from before.

From below tendrils of water all shot out diagonally, shattering the gangplank with explosive splinters. The tendrils themselves all turn ice immediately, forcing Azula to keep on her toes, so as not to be turned into spicy kebab. Serving as Gudgeon's crescendo, a wave ruptures from below within the blink of an eye, rapidly turning ice as well, possessing a series of sharp fangs, as if the body of water was a beast meaning to devour the girl.

SHRE-BOOM!

Lightning is the answer once more, the jaw shattering with force and noise as the bolt evaporates much the same, allowing Azula to switch over to a series of hyper-fast swings kicks and jabs, edging ever closer whilst Gudgeon is kept busy putting out fire after fire, as to avoid meeting a crispy demise.

The Vice-Chief follows it up with a spout of water catapulting herself upwards, very unlike Kenora's water pillars which are much thicker and stable. Drawing a series of ice shards from the body of liquid, Azula counters with her impressively drawn fire spiral, part floaty embers, which the girl subsequently closes via clenching both hands, the violet flames devouring any frozen projectiles and neutralizing them.

SWO-ISH-HRGH!

Dodging last second, an icicle impales the wood next to the firebender rather than her leg, Gudgeon briefly visible on top a second waterspout before disappearing below into the river again. Repeat this three more times, Gudgeon emerging like a bullet, ramming one, maybe two terrifying ice spears which Azula avoids successfully, the last one evaporated and exploded by fire as it flies right towards her.

Gudgeon's final emergence sees her impaling the ground in front of Azula on purpose, startling the firebender whilst the waterbender uses her momentum to draw herself towards the girl, shrinking her icicle before turning it into sharp blades, Azula blocking a few mean slashes either with her fire daggers or wrist protectors, eventually breaking one of the frozen weapons, Gudgeon forced to repurpose the other as a shield, a gout of fire produces by Azula's gaping mouth pushing the woman back significantly.

A final barrage of flames tossed is surprisingly blocked via Gudgeon performing a move Azula is very familiar with, partially rolling on the ground and extinguishing her fire with dance-like kicks.

AZULA: Aquatic capoeira, huh?

GUDGEON: No surprise in my use of that. Seeing as I'm the one who invented it.

The oddly coincidental piece of information causes Azula to be filled with a strange sense of glee, dark joy that translates into a sinister laugh, Gudgeon stepping closer while neither seems ready to attack for now, though certainly capable.

AZULA (cold): You are nothing, Gudgeon. I've beaten opponents who use aquatic capoeira better than you. I've beaten Vice-Chiefs before you. I've even fought Aang before. You are NOTHING.

GUDGEON (cold): You have faced quite the roster of people in your short life.

The woman finally stops, both benders now only two feet removed from one another, adult towering menacingly over the teen.

AZULA (cold): I'm the Avatar. What makes you think I should be afraid of anyone?

GUDGEON (furious): Because you haven't fought ME!

SWO-ISH-HRGH!

This time, the icicle growing from below is almost as thick as a person, barely failing to impale Azula whilst pinning her against a nearby, multi-level stone house, the girl holding onto it before another spear speeds in her direction.

SWO-ISH-HRGH!

Dodging this one with a jump, Azula decides to scale the building currently being damaged, holding on to windowsills and balconies whilst avoiding each new ice lance.

SWO-ISH-HRGH! SWO-ISH-HRGH! SWO-ISH-HRGH! SWO-ISH-HRGH!

With each icicle tossed her way, Gudgeon simultaneously uses it to keep herself in the air, a strange climbing process in which the Vice-Chief is always far enough away from the wall to protect herself from fire counters yet is continuously elevated by every single new ice spear drawn from the river, unclear to an outsider if this is an attempt to beat the girl or kill her.

SWO-ISH-HRGH! SWO-ISH-HRGH! SWO-ISH-HRGH! SWO-ISH-HRGH! SWO-ISH-HRGH!

Though in the end, as she reaches the top, Gudgeon's whole strategy is abruptly cut short, forced to block an incoming lightning bolt, causing her to be flung back across the square.

The woman manages to stick the landing thanks to a wave of water bent from one of the many parts of destroyed gangplank, Gudgeon glaring as she spots the roof now being abandoned.

SOLDIER: Vice-Chief! The girl has disappeared! Are we to search the city?

GUDGEON (cold): Do so, but don't engage. She's mine.

---

The sounds of fire and ice are eventually replaced by trembling boots, Gudgeon herself, looking strangely vulnerable without her vampire coat joining the search along her men and women.

It hasn't gone unnoticed that during their fight the usually reserved adult came off as overtly emotional and enraged, and while that did not at all impede her abilities at all, something about that fight struck a nerve that hadn't been touched in years, causing her to apply some breathing techniques to help calm her down.

Still, Gudgeon is and never was an idiot. She would not find the girl in a spot stacked with soldiers. An abandoned, narrow shopping district with a net for a roof, mostly fruits and veggies, with not a soul in sight. It's the quietest spot in the city so far.

Gudgeon smirks.

GUDGEON: Your masters have taught you well. I assume you were trained in the Golden City. Though I doubt you were a pushover before.

No answer from anywhere, though a gut instinct tells the Vice-Chief to keep going. Those instincts are usually how she gets what she wants.

GUDGEON: You could win this today. You might even get Kenora back. You certainly don't lack the skills.

Her boots marching onwards, the pace of her walk becomes slower and slower, Gudgeon folding her arms behind her back, now that the dark cloak is missing.

GUDGEON: But it's not just about today. Is it? Even if you win right now, the war continues. You can't stop an entire empire from conquest. You can't prevent Ogro's Return. And, even if you manage to kill me, someone else will simply take my place. You'll never be free, Azula.

Somewhere hidden, close by, the firebender is trapped with her thoughts, her guilt and the pressure, that horrendous pressure trying to squeeze her as much as possible

GUDGEON: You will always be on the run for as long as we hunt you. Even if you do stop the war, do you think your mission will be over? Do you think the Avatar can ever have peace?

A question that had been plaguing Azula before, now resurfacing with the weight of the literal, entire world pressed against her.

GUDGEON: You may have all this power but... others don't. The ones you love will... perish over time. You won't be able to save them all from certain doom.

Her mother. Lu Ten. Possibly Puwati. Her girlfriend is currently in chains, as are Juri, Shu, and Sabachi.

Gudgeon is right. Even with all the power in the world, there's nothing I can do against it now. It's like with her bloodbending. And, when it comes to dangers and my friends, this won't be the last time something happens. Something always happens. Who knows when someone else I love is killed, and I'm unable to stop it?

What if... what if it happens to Kenora?

GUDGEON: You think all that power will save you? No. Power can't save you from death. It...

Then, Sedni knows why, for but a brief second the image of Silla resurfaces. A girl embodying all innocence and peace on this planet. Gone.

GUDGEON (quietly): It will cost you everything.

AZULA (teary): NO!

The flames that follow lack no strength or heat or death. Previously exchanging a spectacle of skilled, elemental martial arts, now Gudgeon finds herself on the brink of destruction, using up all of her energy to prevent fire from reaching her skin and flesh. Despite Azula's showcase of bending matching angry flailing and thrashing, it is as though hell itself is bursting from the girl, tears covering her face whilst the violet deluge pushes Gudgeon back further and further, every counter she attempts evaporating, every icicle she tosses melted.

Perhaps this is like her Avatar State, and without Raava Azula still possesses an instinctive power boost.

Or perhaps, Gudgeon thinks, perhaps it is time I join Silla.

With a final blast of river striking from below, the waves are dodged very easily, Azula drawing her fingers around the air and...

SHRE-BOOM!

Gudgeon is knocked back by quite a distance, groaning with pain, some leftover sparks of electricity crawling over her body for a moment.

Caught in a rage she doesn't understand herself, Azula, with raised fingertips, approaches the injured Vice-Chief carefully, Gudgeon rolling over as...

A scar burned into her stomach. Not quite where the raven-haired girl has hers but... it's still a horrific sight to see. An injury very similar to her own.

This breaks her mania, calms the girl after all this havoc. Exhausted and tired, she falls down to her knees, breathing as heavy as teenager tasked with saving the world can. The market section in which she pummeled Gudgeon is now almost entirely on fire.

In spite of her loss and her pain, Gudgeon attempts to sit upright as well, on her knees now too before a splash of nearby water gathers at her palm, though with this bad an injury, keeping a steady focus is impossible, her attempt at self-healing shattering as she cries out in pain.

Her two symmetrical braids have become undone during the fight, an otherwise efficient bun now loose too, long, dark, onyx hair hanging down over her black features, the word here describing skin tone. A face once a fortress of stoicism is now sweaty and bruised and some of it covered in ash, besides very loudly expressing the pain shooting from her stomach.

As Azula watches her opponent suffer like this, she finds herself paralyzed to her core. No bloodbending needed.

GEREK: It's over.

Some time passes before Gerek arrives, Krekov, Oh, and a small army in tow. Notably, Heiande has also shown up to help, briefly whining like a proper dog next to his injured owner.

GEREK: I'm arresting both of you for almost destroying the city. Vice-Chief Gudgeon, you have repeatedly ignored the Great-Chief's orders to search for his children. You will be trialed for insubordination in the capital.

Because of her miserable state, Gudgeon mostly doesn't care about any of this, though she does finally bother to get back up on two feet, barely managing her balance in the process, one hand pressed to her stomach injury.

GUDGEON (in pain): You will regret this, Gerek.

The one creature who does show some open aggression is Heiande, growling at the usurper and his co-conspirators while preparing to leap forward.

GUDGEON (in pain): Heiande... stay.

It does not. And, unfortunately, while it is a fierce creature to behold, a simple ice shard flung by Gerek stops its brief attack, causing it to cry in pain like a regular pup, dying quickly on the floor next to Gudgeon.

GUDGEON (in pain, in tears): NO!

GEREK: Get them to the ship. And make sure to restrain her fingers.

Grieving and defeated, the Vice-Chief is carried away by two soldiers in quiet. Finally, with only one person left, Gerek decides to approach the static firebender on the ground, the man coming off as scared more than anything.

GEREK: Congratulations, girl. I finally believe that you're the Avatar.

---

In the process of being transported to Gerek's ship, Azula briefly passes out, a barrage of images pertaining to Aang, Katara, and their Painted Lady adventure, including healing the sick, destroying a strange, metal building and saving the town in the end, restoring its beautiful, pristine river, exactly the way it looks in this world. The vision ends on the actual Painted Lady spirit herself surprising Katara in the middle of the night, soft features on a pale face with red markings expressing gratitude.

PAINTED LADY: Thank you.

Abruptly, the girl's honey-colored eyes draw open again, tired and heavy from some of the most exhausting hours of her life.

KENORA (whispering): There she is.

Luckily a pretty lady is already there to meet the girl, Azula exhaling with a smile first before the guilt of her actions pummel back against her skull.

KENORA: You okay there? Need me to help you up?

The firebender shakes her head in silence, rising to a seated position herself, back leaned against the metal hull of a prison cell, complete darkness closely avoided by a series of generous, narrow slits on the wall across from her, as well as one on the bunker-esc door.

Sabachi reveals herself next, hopping onto Azula's lap as the teen girl pets the thing.

KENORA: I'm guessing it didn't go too well then, huh?

Tired and ashamed, her girlfriend responds with yet another head shake.

JURI: Where's Chi-Chi?

SHU: Did Chi-Chi come with you?

It seems as though the four of them (five counting the lemur) were all tossed in the iron box together for now, an escape plan made impossible by the cage alone.

AZULA: No. She uh... she went back to the Hama.

JURI: Aw, man. I wanted to see her fox ears...

KENORA: Where's dad?

Remembering that detail, it all comes crashing down even harder, though for some odd reason Azula can't seem to shed a single tear for now.

AZULA: He stayed behind in Mt. Pyre. We were chased by a horde of spirits. He said he'd be back though.

Surprisingly not that fazed by the news, a kneeling Kenora merely scoffs at this.

KENORA: Alright. Nothing he can't handle.

GUDGEON: Ever the optimist, I see.

At the sound of Gudgeon's voice Azula openly flinches, eyes trembling with fear as she switches her gaze to the left, a defeated Vice-Chief missing her cloak sulking in the corner far away from everyone else.

KENORA: Yeah... I was gonna tell you about that next.

Easily reading the apparent fear on Azula's face, Gudgeon conjures a smirk, powering through her minimally treated lightning injury.

GUDGEON: Oh, there's no need to worry. I'm quite harmless in this state.

Funnily enough, the ever-serious woman performs a decently comedic gesture via raising her hands, constrained in a metallic apparatus which locks her knuckles in place and binds her wrists together. Though, in all honesty, her style of comedy is, pardon the pun, very dry.

KENORA (addressing Azula): Don't be scared, baby. You already defeated her in the city, right?

Whilst Azula is unable to talk, Gudgeon scoffs in an over-the-top, thespian fashion.

GUDGEON "Defeated." Quite the understatement there, captain. Your little girlfriend almost killed me.

That's when all supposed friendly eyes turn to shock, even Sabachi getting off Azula and switching to Kenora instead.

GUDGEON: Yes. Your Avatar is mightier than I thought. My mistake. She also doesn't shy away from getting her hands dirty. I respect that. Sometimes it just... needs to be done. It isn't pretty, but necessary.

Throughout her speech, Azula couldn't decide on what to say, or think for that matter. Surely a monster like Gudgeon would've deserved it. Right?

AZULA (addressing Gudgeon): We found your little spirit lab in Mt. Pyre. We know you experimented with prisoners. Like my cousin.

Whilst Kenora and the others are shocked to hear all of that, for now the conversation switches to being another Azula vs. Gudgeon exclusive match.

GUDGEON: So you found Hakoda's secret project? It was bound to be discovered. I must say I'm surprised you even got out of there alive.

AZULA: How do you know about that? I thought the Vice-Chief is only a military position.

Gudgeon scoffs, finally bothering to meet Azula's eyes.

GUDGEON: My ties to Hakoda go much further than you think.

KENORA: You did experiments on her family and you're surprised she wanted to kill you?

For a bizarre twist, Azula actually doesn't appreciate being defended by her girlfriend right now, seeing as it pertains to attempted murder. In that moment "deserving it" comes off like an entirely alien concept.

GUDGEON: Not at all.

KENORA (angry): Great. Well, consider yourself lucky that she spared your life!

GUDGEON: You want me to thank her? Why? Because she's the Avatar?

AZULA (emotional): STOP IT!

Finally getting up and exhaling deeply, Azula turns to address both bickering waterbenders with a tremble in her voice.

AZULA: I did try to kill her. But... that was wrong.

Something that intrigues Gudgeon and gets Kenora to stand up as well.

KENORA: Azula, look at everything she has-

AZULA: Your dad was right.

Which gets her girlfriend to be quiet and listen.

AZULA: Gudgeon is right too. My destiny isn't accomplished when the war is over. If I start going down that path now, where taking a life is just... a routine, then I'll never know when to stop. I don't... I don't want to be that kind of... person.

Humbling words, causing Kenora to nod and sit down again, Gudgeon to quietly nod.

GUDGEON: Here we are talking about all these worldly problems, when really, we should consider ourselves lucky that we are still alive.

Cryptic words, drawing all eyes towards the woman.

GUDGEON: Mt. Pyre, the lab, the Ark... all of those supernatural things that we recklessly toy around with. I suspect Gerek and his cronies will open the Ark soon, just to make sure they have something of value to give to Hakoda. And when that happens, we're all doomed.

Chilling words, Azula's mind racing as she tries to find some wisdom in her foe's words.

GUDGEON: There are some things not meant for human eyes.

Finally, Gudgeon powers down, turning her back towards the crew as she allows herself to let out a pained grunt.

GUDGEON: Now leave me alone, please.

Sitting down again, the Hama crew edges closer to each other, Sabachi switching shoulders once again as Kenora grabs the hand of her beloved.

KENORA (quietly, addressing Azula): For the record, I also think what you said was quite noble. I just didn't want to mimic Gudgey.

A smirk, followed by a peck on Azula's cheek. Those might be her favorite.

SHU: So, if this Gerek guy opens the Ark and unleashes a bunch of spirits...

In a more comedic moment, Juri clings around Shu's waste, shivering comically as the former criminal lets out a sigh.

SHU: What do we do, is what I'm saying.

KENORA: Well... I don't want to repeat myself but... any ideas, "bridge between the worlds"?

With all eyes moving over to a more relaxed firebender, it takes her a few seconds of pondering before finally coming up with a smile, and an idea on top.

AZULA: Okay, listen up...

---

On a very small island nearby, a canyon leading to a nice, open area surrounded by yellow-ish rock offers the perfect area to test out this strange, bronze chest. Seeing as the entire crew, including conscripted pirates is present, it makes sense to bring the prisoners with them, all five tied to wooden poles not too far removed from the action, Sabachi back in her burlap sack also tied to a much smaller pole.

By now it had turned nighttime again, and whilst the sky remained covered in grey clouds, all below was illuminated by a dozen or so torches.

Down in the little chasm, Gerek, Krekov, and Oh are nervously surrounding the Ark, with the rest of the army curiously staring from below, the triumvirate elevated by a natural stone stage.

OH: Do we think it's a good idea to open this thing now and not back home? What if there's a bunch of gold and we start fighting each other over it?

KREKOV: Nonsense. Sun Warrior artefact. Maybe little spirit inside.

GEREK: Both of you, be quiet. I want to see it now. Just in case.

In reality, something inside Gerek claws to discover the Ark's secret first. Having seen Gudgeon's reaction to it up close, it gave him this silly idea that whatever is inside will make him a legend.

Slowly, carefully, and after a nervous exhale, Gerek places his hands on the Ark's lid, eagerly awaiting to open it in front of what would hopefully be his future crew. Vice-Chief Gerek does have a nice ring to it.

GEREK: One... two... THREE!

It came down pretty easily, landing on the rock with a loud clang, soldiers stepping closer whilst the triumvirate looked with greedy eyes.

From up the hill, Azula too stared down at the Ark, her being the only one tied up with metal chains, for obvious reasons.

Yet, with all this excitement and anticipation, little came of it. Krekov finally dug his hand into the actual chest, heaving up a pile of ash which he subsequently tossed with anger, Gerek pouting with frustration while Oh erupted into a cackle.

Azula exhaled with relief.

At first.

The whistling and howling is how it started, already a spine chilling effect on the soldiers below. Once the torches began combusting and dying after in a spectacular fashion, the firebender knew it was time. Looking towards her right, she exchanged nods with Kenora, Juri, and Shu, who all proceeded to close their eyes, taking calming breaths at the same time. Sabachi did the same in her burlap sack, though its not like the little lemur saw much from inside there.

Two people were now left staring at the scene below.

Gerek, Krekov, and Oh dared to step closer, listening with excitement as they spotted fog spewing from the Ark, covering their little rocky stage, the sounds of the Beyond growing louder.

Gudgeon herself had chosen to accept her fate, sighing with a heavy heart as she recalled all of her nice memories with Silla.

AZULA (whispering): Gudgeon.

Hearing the young girl's voice echoing with concern was the last thing the Vice-Chief expected.

AZULA (whispering): Shut your eyes, Gudgeon, don't look at it. No matter what happens.

Putting her trust in the most unusual place, Gudgeon follows suit, she and Azula now finally closing her eyes as well, Kenora to her right smiling briefly at the amount of compassion her girlfriend has.

Down at the stage, little lights finally emerged from the bronze box, a few soldiers running to the back of the crowd as they watched the flares take shape, spirits revealing themselves in all shapes and sizes.

One vaguely resembled a horse galloping around the air, silver flames where its mane and tail should be.

One a beast that could be a dog or a cat, perhaps a bear, it was mostly brutal and intimidating, pouncing from side to side with a plume of smoke stuck to its back.

Something shaped like a turtle, erupting embers and coal from holes in its shell.

A mix between a daruma statue and an ape, a wide grin plastered across its face.

Mighty wings attached to what looked like a cross between turkey and stork, pink flames beautifully crested like feathers upon its wings.

One of them appeared like a muscular man, though turned out to be a cat standing upright, smiling as it waved at the increasingly joyful soldiers, much like a maneki-neko.

At the helm, floating above the Ark itself, a small, controlled flame shining in all the colors of the rainbow, Gerek appearing the most excited about all of this.

GEREK (in awe): It's beautiful.

A dog-like creature, dark fur with horns on its head.

A gigantic moth, engulfed in orange flames flapping its wings.

A bundle of red flames forming a veiltail, two little lumps of coal resembling adorable little eyes.

In between all these creatures floated perhaps the most beautiful. A brilliant white dress, crested with a conical hat. Long, dark hair, not quite black, attached to a face as beautiful as an angel, red lines going across its features and exposed shoulders. The Painted Lady was not just the largest spirit present, but the most enchanting.

Despite all of this, Oh of all people kept up a skeptical facade. It didn't seem right. Why was it just this? Why was... nothing happening?

The Painted Lady briefly floated up the hill and circled around the prisoners, though ignored all of them before turning back towards the canyon, the human soldiers below enchanted and delighted by the spiritual spectacle.

Just as Oh had an urge to speak up, the Painted Lady floated over to the trio, her beautiful face very suddenly shifting and morphing, changing her appearance to that of a melting skull.

He was first to scream, a beauty he had witnessed turning ugly within a second, the rainbow flame floating across the Ark very abruptly changing its color to blood red, him, Krekov, and Gerek now frozen, unable to move or protest as they were also unable to take their eyes off the droplet of heat.

Previously dancing spirits entrapped the soldiers below, the stone ground beneath their feet turning ablaze as within seconds they all came to a horrific but quick death, a brief crowd of cries dying alongside any man or woman.

Oh kept screaming, he didn't stop or couldn't stop. Krekov looked as though his heart had stopped, and with a face expressing pure horror at the sight, it was subsequently squeezed and drained, a slim skull remaining on a standing corpse.

The green pirate saw his own head melting within seconds, still screaming with agony until bare bones were all that was left, a lower jaw dropping to the floor after.

Gerek himself felt both of these at once on the inside. Over and over again the bloodred flame showed Tarshall dying over and over again in the Golden City, the body of his little brother turned to a crisp hundreds of times before the lieutenant's head finally exploded with smoke.

Freed from their imprisonment, all spirits scattered and escaped the island, a final wave of fire turning all remaining soldiers into ash first, then just dust, the Ark of Prometheus eventually disintegrating, leaving the chasm below entirely empty and abandoned.

Once the remaining humans could feel their shackles having evaporated as well, they dare to open their eyes again, Azula first to climb down the canyon with Kenora following immediately after. Coming to a standstill right at the stone altar, the Pirate Princess practically snaps her girlfriend's hand in distress, Juri and Shu now having climbed down as well now and with Sabachi back on the firebender's shoulders.

KENORA (nervous): What the hell was that?

AZULA: Those spirits were used for Mt. Pyre experiments. Seems like they finally got their freedom. And justice.

JURI (sounding sick): Sure sounded like it...

SHU: Suppose everything is done now.

GUDGEON: Not quite.

The four of them assume combat poses immediately, even Sabachi hissing with spiked fur.

GUDGEON: Don't worry. Not today. Although my bloodbending would be much more powerful now.

Imitating Azula's sass from earlier today, the Vice-Chief nonchalantly points at a bright full moon, the ominous storm clouds from before having evaporated.

GUDGEON: Moon. Waterbender.

AZULA: I'm guessing this isn't the last time we'll see you. Or that you'll stop hunting me.

GUDGEON: You'd be correct on both. But for now, I'm injured, my animal companion is gone, and my entire crew... mysteriously disappeared. Shame.

With a blank expression Gudgeon turns her back, hand on her stomach injury as she walks the other way. However...

AZULA: And I saved your life.

Halting for a second, the adult ponders on her next words, a smirk remaining unseen by the Hama crew.

GUDGEON: And you saved my life.

---

The Hama itself guided by Chi-Chi came to pick them up not long after, and while some excitement came from the girl's new appearance, it was mostly tired faces and quick goodnights exchanged before their pirate vessel set sails once again. That night Azula and Kenora didn't sleep much once again, though the reason for that was a long conversation that may perhaps have helped the young Avatar more than anything.

Later that night it was just Chi-Chi on deck, the Hama now anchored and with a bright, pretty full moon imposingly floating up in the sky, the girl's new fox ears perking up before powering down again.

They perk up a second time right after, and while it was a gut feeling first, the brilliant white glow ingulfing her is more than enough to freeze Chi-Chi on the spot.

PAINTED LADY: Thank you.

The specter now back to its non-horror appearance, it floats closer to the human, waving its petite hand over Chi-Chi's, the fox girl finding herself holding a strange, compass-like contraption now.

PAINTED LADY: It will help the Avatar find Raava. Farewell.

Just as quickly as it came it disappears again, the former servant scoffing as she inspects the item in her palms.

CHI-CHI: Guess who we'll be finding soon?

---

A pristine hillside, early morning the next day. Some robust grass growing below, a singular flower dangling in the wind.

The flower is then trampled by a black boot belonging to a massive foot, the camera panning up as it reveals a pale man with no hair, not even eyebrows, wearing shiny armor, also black, and whose face caries a strange tattoo of horizontal rings growing up his skill until they eventually form a dot on the top of his head.

In his hand the man admires a small patch of white fur, just smirking at it without uttering another word.

---

Cue "The Man Comes Around" by Johnny Cash