Chapter 21: The Twilight of Ba Sing Se Part Three

Back again, this was such a difficult chapter to conjure but I did it. I finally did it. A bit stretched out but I'm sure you people will swallow it whole. I've been thinking and I would like to know by my readers if I should add a date and time before each new point of view? Or is everyone following the timeline accurately and there is no confusion whatsoever.

If not then kudos to me

If so then I'll have to do some editing on all my work.

Let me know in the comments.

Don't forget my fanfiction readers to leave a review on your way out if you enjoyed the story, would love to get some feedback from you people.

Until next time.

The group stepped inside Jeong Jeong studied their faces before speaking. "I take it you've all come to grips with our reality."

Zuko gave a firm nod. "We have."

But the moment the words left his mouth, he shook his head, "I was an idiot to believe you were actually planning to retake the palace." His golden eyes flicked toward Jeong Jeong, frustration bubbling to the surface. "All this time, we've been running, retreating, barely holding on—and for what? You never planned on anything beyond that."

Jeong Jeong met his glare without hesitation. "We were never going to win this through brute force, Prince Zuko." He then sighed, folding his arms." And what would you have done if I had told you?"

Zuko didn't hesitate. "I would've gone to save my uncle."

"And you would have been captured or killed before ever reaching him."

Zuko's nostrils flared, his anger barely contained. "That wasn't your choice to make."

Jeong Jeong's expression remained steady. "No, but it was my responsibility. You are not the only one who cares about General Iroh."

Zuko exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "So , what will you do after you leave the city?"

Jeong Jeong regarded him for a long moment before finally saying, "After all this is done, I will stay here."

Zuko's eyes widened slightly, whatever response he had been ready to throw back disappearing before it could reach his lips. "What?"

"You heard me," Jeong Jeong said. "Once we ensure the others escape, I will stay behind, and together, we will rescue your uncle."

Zuko stared at him, as if searching for any hesitation, any doubt—but there was none.

Jeong Jeong's gaze didn't waver. "I made a promise."

For the first time since the conversation started, Zuko's expression shifted—still guarded, but no longer entirely combative.

Sokka, who had been watching the exchange in silence, let out a breath and crossed his arms. "Well, I wasn't expecting that."

Jeong Jeong glanced toward him and Suki, as if shifting the focus back to the mission at hand. "Now come, we have no time to waste." Jeong Jeong continued. "Master Akee has informed me that a large force has just passed the metal factory."

Suki tensed. "Great. So we've lost that too."

"Not exactly," Master Akee interjected. "We demolished the building as soon as we gathered all the metal."

"But that still means we will soon be in battle once more," Jeong Jeong said grimly. He turned his sharp gaze toward Sokka and Suki. "The two of you are to make haste. Not far from here, to the east of the tram station, there's an open field the Fire Nation has turned into a makeshift prison. Your goal is to disable the alarm system and free the prisoners."

Sokka folded his arms. "Disabling alarms won't be a problem. Freeing all the prisoners, though… that's another story. We can't fight an entire garrison."

Jeong Jeong's eyes flickered toward Zuko. "That's where Prince Zuko comes in."

Zuko straightened as Jeong Jeong continued. "He, along with Akee and Hulo, will wait for your signal. The moment you give the word, they'll move in and escort you and the prisoners out."

Before anyone could say another word, the tent flap rustled open, and a soldier hurried inside, his expression tense but eager. He gave a quick bow before addressing Jeong Jeong.

"Master Jeong Jeong, Toph has requested your presence at the tram station."

Jeong Jeong narrowed his eyes slightly. "What is it?"

The soldier hesitated for only a moment before shaking his head in quiet awe. "She's finished. It's amazing—you all should come see. I've never seen bending like that before."

A small flicker of interest crossed Jeong Jeong's face before he turned to the others. "Let's go."

Without hesitation, he strode toward the exit, the rest of the group following close behind as they made their way to the tram station.

Sokka, Suki, Zuko, Katara, and Jeong Jeong arrived to find a crowd gathered, their eyes fixed on the station's entrance. White Lotus members and Earth Kingdom soldiers stood side by side, murmuring among themselves. all their attention towards the young earth bender in front of them.

It was Toph.

She stood near the front, arms crossed, head tilted slightly as if listening to something only she could hear. Before her, an enormous metal barrier stretched across the station's entrance. It wasn't complete—there was still an open section at the far end where people could pass through—but what was already in place was impressive. Thick, reinforced metal, shaped and secured in a way no one had ever seen before.

Earthbenders worked alongside her, reinforcing the structure in whatever way they could, though it was clear that none of them truly understood how she was doing it. Metalbending had been thought impossible. And yet, here she was, bending steel as easily as others bent stone.

With one last motion, Toph pushed her hands forward, sending a final layer of metal plates into place. The sheets groaned as they locked together, forming an unbreakable wall.

Then Toph let out a satisfied exhale, wiped her hands on her tunic, and hopped down from the rock platform she had been standing on.

A few scattered claps broke the silence. Then, gradually, cheers began to rise from the crowd. Some of the earth kingdom soldiers stomped their feet in approval, murmuring in awe.

Toph smirked. "Not bad, huh?"

"No, This will do just fine." Jeong Jeong's eyes moved up the tall metal structure." What a talent you have, Toph Beifong."

Jeong Jeong stepped forward onto the raised platform beside her, He let the noise settle before he spoke again.

"I had not planned to give a speech," he admitted, his voice carrying through the station. "But given the circumstances… it feels appropriate."

His gaze shifted to Toph, standing beside him. "First, let us acknowledge the work of this young warrior." He gestured to the towering wall behind them. "Metalbending—a feat once thought impossible. And yet, here we stand, with proof before our very eyes. Let this moment serve as a reminder that there will always be those who push past the limits of what we believe to be possible. Perhaps, one day, She will not be the only one."

Then Jeong Jeong's expression darkened, his voice lowering into something more somber. "Now. Listen. You have all fought bravely. You have fought hard. I have never seen such courage in these recent days than in all my years of service and I will be forever grateful to have fought amongst you."

The gathered soldiers remained silent.

Jeong Jeong exhaled. " I know many of us have lost friends, brothers, and comrades in battle. We all knew what we were stepping into when we chose to fight, but that does not make these losses any easier to bear. The resistance forces of Ba SIng Se had hoped for a victory. We all did. But sometimes, fate does not grant us what we seek. Because of the setbacks we have faced, we are forced to consider another path."

Jeong Jeong turned to the Earth Kingdom soldiers specifically. "But now that the battle is coming to an end, know this—the Order of the White Lotus has not abandoned you. Nor should you abandon your city." His gaze swept over them, hard and firm. "You have shown outstanding courage in battle, but now, I will ask something more from you for there will come a time when your strength must be shown through patience, through perseverance rather than force. Indeed, we have failed to reclaim this city, but that does not mean the war is over."

There was a shift in the atmosphere. A quiet determination settling in.

A few soldiers straightened, gripping their weapons just a little tighter.

Then, Jeong Jeong turned to the White Lotus members.

"Brothers, our time here is at an end. Soon, those of us who remain here will be completely at the mercy of the Fire Nation. And to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, once the rest of you reach the outer walls, you must leave the city. Return to your homes and families. Protect them and let this battle not claim more than it already has."

A murmur of unease spread through the ranks. Then, one of the White Lotus members stepped forward, his voice loud.

"And what of the wounded?"the man pointed out.

"The wounded will be taken care of by the people of Ba Sing Se," Jeong Jeong assured him. "We've ensured they will receive the aid they need." He paused for a moment before adding, "But there is still one more matter to attend to."

He glanced at Zuko. "Our Grandmaster, General Iroh, remains in the palace—along with others still trapped under Fire Nation control. We cannot abandon them. We will not."

Jeong Jeong took a small pause before continuing. "The Fire Nation will expect resistance, which is why the few of us who stay behind must move carefully. We cannot fight them head-on. We must blend in. Which means…" He glanced around the gathered White Lotus members. "Our robes—our symbols—must be left behind."

Silence fell.

It was an unspoken understanding. They could not remain fighting under the banner of their order, not if they wished to continue this war . Their robes—symbols of their order—would have to go.

For the first time in their lives, they would not fight as masters—but as ghosts within the city they once sought to reclaim.

Prison Camp.

2 hours later.

Sokka and Suki moved through the makeshift prison camp, careful to keep low and avoid the roving searchlights that passed over the open field. The cold night air carried the low murmurs of patrolling guards, the occasional clink of armor breaking the silence.

"You know, I've been meaning to catch up on sleep," Sokka muttered under his breath, scanning the camp's layout with tired eyes. "But instead, I'm sneaking through a Fire Nation prison, disabling alarms, and hoping my partner doesn't jump ahead before I give the signal again."

Suki shot him a sideways glance. "Oh, we're bringing that up again?"

"Yes," Sokka deadpanned. "Because it was kind of important."

She huffed. "You were distracted."

"I was gathering intel."

"Yeah, right." Suki rolled her eyes. "And what exactly did you gather? That the Phoenix King hasn't been seen for weeks? How does that help us?"

Sokka blinked. His stomach twisted uncomfortably. The Phoenix King?

What?

That's not what he heard.

His mind raced. He could still hear the soldier's voice echoing in his head, clear as day. The Fire Lord is ill. She hasn't been seen in public for some time.

But Suki… she hadn't heard that at all.

She'd heard something completely different.

Suki didn't notice his reaction. She kept her eyes ahead, her tone casual. "Either way, it's not our problem. We just need to—"

"Suki." His voice came out more rigid than he intended.

She turned to look at him, brows knitting together. "What?"

Sokka wet his lips. "That's what you heard?"

She frowned. "What do you mean? You were right there with me."

Sokka didn't answer. He couldn't.

Had he misheard? Had his mind filled in the blanks with something that wasn't real?

"I was, wasn't I?" He manages to say.

"You should really get some rest."

"I should."

Sokka exhaled through his nose, deciding to let it go—for now. Instead, he refocused on their mission. They were near the first alarm station now, a tall metal post with a mounted warning bell and a lever mechanism. Two guards stood in front of it, speaking in hushed tones.

Sokka and Suki exchanged a glance. No words were needed.

In perfect sync, they moved. Sokka swept low, knocking one guard's legs from under him while Suki delivered a sharp chop to the other's throat, cutting off his breath before he could shout. A moment later, both guards were unconscious on the ground.

Sokka immediately went to work on the alarm, carefully disengaging the mechanism. A moment later, the lever clicked into place. The first alarm was disabled.

Suki wiped her hands against her tunic. "That's one. There should be two more. We can split up—cover more ground and meet back at the main prison camp."

Sokka hesitated for a moment but ultimately nodded. "Alright. But stick to the plan, please."

Suki glared at him but said nothing.

With that, they parted ways, disappearing into the night.

Sokka stuck close to the shadows, weaving between empty carts and supply crates as he moved through the open prison field. The terrain was wide and exposed, forcing him to stay low and follow the patterns of the patrols ahead of him.

His limbs felt heavy. More than usual.

He had been running on fumes for days now, but tonight, it was worse. His body was sluggish, his mind clouded, his thoughts dragging like stones through a riverbed. Everything around him felt just a little off—like a dream he wasn't fully awake in.

His second target was ahead—a wooden prison cell block with a small watchtower. He trailed a pair of guards as they entered the building, waiting behind a broken section of the perimeter fence. Moments later, they exited, speaking casually, their silhouettes vanishing into the night.

Sokka took his chance, slipping inside.

The interior was bright, the stench of sweat and damp wood in the air. Empty metal bars lined the walls—this block was nearly abandoned. Nearly.

The second alarm sat near the far end of the room. He moved quickly, silencing the mechanism with a few swift motions. Two down. One to go.

Then- A low groan came from behind him.

Sokka stiffened, fingers twitching toward his sword. He turned slowly, eyes narrowing as they landed on a lone figure lying in the farthest corner of the room.

A single prisoner.

Sokka hesitated. Something felt… off. Why was there only one person locked in here, separate from the others?

The person stirred, another quiet groan escaping their lips. Even in the poor light, Sokka could see bruises on different parts of his torn shirt, the person looked familiar.

Something was off.

Without fully thinking, he took a cautious step forward. Then another.

He reached out, grasping the figure's shoulder to turn them over—

His breath caught in his throat.

He was looking at himself.

Sokka stumbled back.

He couldn't breathe.

He couldn't think.

There—slumped in the corner of the prison cell—was himself.

Beaten. Bruised. Motionless.

His chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths, limbs curled in on themselves as if trying to ward off the cold.

Sokka's pulse pounded in his ears. His mind scrambled for an explanation, but no matter how he looked at it, the scene before him refused to make sense.

Footsteps echoed against the stone—calm, unhurried.

Then she entered.

Azula.

Sokka's body locked up. His limbs refused to move.

She didn't look at him. She didn't even acknowledge his presence.

Her golden eyes were fixed on him.

But not the one standing, watching in paralyzed disbelief.

The one on the floor.

She approached without hesitation, lowering herself beside him with a grace that felt almost out of place in such a bleak setting.

For a moment, she simply watched him.

Then, to Sokka's horror, she reached out—

Fingertips grazing the bruised skin of his face, brushing aside damp strands of hair that clung to his forehead. Her touch was careful, as though handling something fragile.

Her voice came next, quiet, gentle.

"Shhhh, its okay now, you're alright." she whispered, her fingers lingering against his cheek before tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. "It's all over, remember?."

Sokka's other self flinched, a faint tremor running through his body. His lips parted, barely managing to form a word.

"…Cold."

And suddenly—

A blanket was in her hands.

It hadn't been there before.

But now it was.

She unfolded it slowly,draping it over his trembling form, tucking it securely around his shoulders.

"There we go," she murmured, adjusting the edges, smoothing the fabric down with gentle strokes.

Her hands lingered, pressing warmth into the material, her thumbs rubbing small, soothing circles near his arm, as if trying to will the warmth into him herself.

The other Sokka breathed out shakily, his body unfurling ever so slightly, sinking deeper into the comfort.

Azula shifted, pressing just a bit closer, and for a moment—just a moment—it seemed as though he leaned into her presence.

The tension in his shoulders loosened.

The shivering lessened.

Her hand moved slowly, trailing down the blanket-covered arm before resting lightly over his wrist.

She didn't speak again.

She didn't need to.

A long silence stretched between them.

The sconce light flickered.

Then another whisper.

"…Thirsty."

Azula didn't hesitate.

A waterskin was suddenly in her grasp, as if it had been there all along.

She uncapped it and gently pressed it to his lips, tilting it just enough for him to drink.

His other self swallowed a few sips before his body trembled again. A small trickle of water dribbled down his chin, and without a word, Azula wiped it away with the sleeve of her robe.

"That's enough for now," she said, tucking the waterskin away.

Moments passed and as they sat there, quietly Azula gently stroked his hair, her voice soft. "I hope all those bad days are behind us."

Sokka's hands curled into fists.

It will never be behind us.

His thoughts churned, clashing violently against what his eyes were seeing.

This never happened.

She never said any of that.

Azula wasn't capable of this. She wasn't.

She was cruel, inhuman—she had stripped him down to nothing and laughed while doing it.

yet-

No.

That's who she is. That's all she is.

His other self exhaled, body going slack as exhaustion took hold again.

Azula adjusted her position, supporting more of his weight.

"Do you think you can walk?" she asked gently.

His lips parted slightly, but no words came. Then—weakly—he shook his head.

Azula exhaled, looping an arm around his waist.

He tensed, then gave the weakest shake of his head.

Azula didn't press further.

Instead, she eased him upright, her arms firm yet careful as she guided him to his feet.

"Lean on me," she said, adjusting her grip. "I've got you."

And just like that—

They started towards the door.

Sokka stared.

His chest felt tight, his thoughts racing in a direction he couldn't quite catch up with.

This wasn't real.

He was just tired.

He Needed rest.

But it felt real.

The way she held him, her voice soft and patient—none of it made sense.

And that was the part that infuriated him the most.

It reminded him of memories he could not quite shake off. feelings he could not bring to light.

Sokka took a step forward, his body breaking free of its paralysis.

No.

She's a monster.

She doesn't get to be anything else. She doesn't deserve anything else.

His jaw tightened as he moved, anger building like a flame in his chest.

He reached for them—

For her—

To rip them apart before they could disappear through that door.

But then—

A sudden whoosh—a searing heat—

A blast of fire tore through the apparition, passing straight through Azula and the other Sokka as if they were nothing but smoke.

The hallucination shattered instantly.

Sokka barely had time to process it before the fire struck him, knocking him backward. A sharp, burning pain licked across his arm as he hit the ground hard, his vision flashing white for a second.

A voice rang out.

"There you are."

Sokka's head snapped up, his vision reeling. The world around him was no longer distorted—just a simple prison cell, now flickering with orange light as flames grew on the walls.

He gaze went to the Fire Nation soldier standing in his doorway, and then he moved his first forward in a sharp movement.

Sokka rolled to the side just as another blast came, the heat searing past his shoulder and slamming into the far wall. Wood splintered, embers scattering as the flames spread.

The whole place was catching fire.

The only way our was through the fire bender. He scanned the room again.

A window.

The firebender didn't hesitate, stepping forward as he swiped his arms in a controlled arc. A wave of fire swept toward Sokka, stretching wide, cutting off the exit entirely.

Sokka's eyes darted, calculating.

No time.

Then dove for the only opening he had, twisting midair as the heat seared past his back. He hit the ground hard, the force rattling through his bones.

Behind him, the watchtower exploded.

A wave of heat and smoke billowed out as the structure collapsed, sending shards of burning wood in every direction.

Sokka groaned, pushing himself up slightly. "Oh man… that was rough."

Strong hands grabbed him before he could recover, yanking him up roughly. The world tilted as the two guards hauled him out of the building, dragging him across the dirt toward the camp's main holding cell.

Suki crouched low behind a pile of broken wooden beams. The watchtower had gone up in flames just moments ago, and the explosion was probably heard throughout the camp. She clenched her jaw. That had to be Sokka.

She held her rope dart close as her eyes scanned the prison camp. There—just beyond the smoldering remains of the tower—she spotted him. Two Fire Nation soldiers had him by the arms, dragging him across the open field toward the main holding area.

Her stomach twisted.

So much for subtlety.

The whole garrison would've heard that.

She thought about the firework rocket Zuko had given her, to send the signal.

But she hesitated.

Because before she could light it, another explosion rang out in the near distance. Then another. And then—faint but unmistakable—shouts of battle.

She exhaled sharply, realization dawning.

Zuko and the White Lotus had already taken the watchtower explosion as their signal.

They were here.

No more waiting. All the alarms had been disabled.

Suki moved swiftly, eyes locked onto the two soldiers hauling Sokka away. With a quick flick of her wrist, she sent her rope dart flying.

The first soldier barely had time to react before the sharp, weighted tip struck true, piercing his neck. He let out a gurgled sound before collapsing.

The second soldier dodged just in time, twisting away as he sliced through the rope with his blade, severing the weapon's spike.

Suki cursed under her breath. No time to retrieve it.

She reached for a throwing knife instead, her movements precise and quick. Before the soldier could retaliate, she threw it, and It struck true, embedding itself straight into his forehead. The Fire Nation soldier froze, his eyes widening in shock before he crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

Suki exhaled sharply, already moving toward Sokka.

She reached for him—but just as her fingers brushed against his sleeve, a streak of fire roared between them, the heat forcing her back.

Sokka had managed to twist away as well, barely dodging the blast as he stumbled to his feet.

She turned her head sharply, eyes narrowing.

A Fire Nation bender stood a few paces away. His attention flickered between the both of them, assessing.

Suki shifted her footing. If she could get close enough, she could take him down.

But the firebender wasn't giving her a chance.

A second blast shot toward her, faster this time. She sidestepped, the heat licking dangerously close. He followed up immediately, sending another sweeping strike, forcing her further back.

She needed an opening.

Dodge. Step forward. Get in close—

He anticipated it.

With a sharp movement, he conjured a wall of flame between them, halting her advance.

Suki barely had time to register the movement before he struck again. Fire erupted from his hands in a concentrated arc, heading straight for her—

A sword cut through the attack.

Sparks scattered in the air as steel met flame, diverting the blast just enough for Suki to drop low, rolling out of range.

By the time she looked up, the firebender was already falling—Sokka's blade buried deep in his side, just below the armpit where the armor was weakest.

The firebender hit the ground with a final, sharp gasp.

Sokka stood frozen, gripping his sword tightly, his breath heavy. The blood dripping from the blade caught the firelight, glinting crimson.

Suki looked at him, her expression unreadable.

Then, without a word, he let the sword fall from his grip, the dull clang barely registering over the distant sounds of battle.

Suki didn't hesitate.

She stepped forward as well, wrapping her arms around him without a second thought.

Sokka exhaled shakily, his arms coming up to hold her just as tightly.

Her fingers curled into the fabric of his tunic, anchoring herself there, feeling the solid weight of him against her. For the first time in what felt like forever, he was here—real, warm, alive.

A moment passed before she whispered, "You're okay."

Sokka let out a slow breath, his grip on her tightening slightly. "Yeah," he murmured, his voice rough. "I think I am."

They held onto each other as the battle waged around them. For now, nothing else mattered.