AtLA Rewritten: Edition 1

Chapter 29

"Phew! That was intense!" Sokka said, the grin disappearing from his face.  

"Intense?" Dai scoffed. "She's pathetic!"

"So, Mai is out of the question, then," Toph said.

"I have doubts," Aang argued. "If she visits Azula, why would she tell us? Think of it this way; if she's visiting Zuko's sister, Mai could have already done her part in... whatever."

Katara pressed her lips together. "I agree with Aang. I'm not so sure that she's totally innocent."

Athlea crossed her arms. "I want two guards to keep an eye on her and report to us in case of anything suspicious."

Zuko nodded to Athlea. "Of course. As for now, I think it's time we check on the mental facility; a surprise visit to see how their guards are doing."

"I don't trust her one bit." Athlea shook her head."

"Me neither," Zuko responded to Athlea. 

Aang glanced at Zuko. "I think that's a good idea." Zuko nodded.
"Great." Dai was more than eager to hop back on Isa.

Katara shook her head. "I think Dai loves Isa as much as you love Appa, Aang."

He chuckled. "Well, we have them for our entire lifetimes. There's a bond."

"Plus look as Isa," Dai laughed. "He's totally wicked." She kicked his sides and rode off.

The team made their way quickly to the mental facility. Aang was the first to hop off of Appa, glancing around. The mental facility was on the edge of an island. A wall with coiled wire at the top kept everyone inside. Sokka shivered. "What is this place? It looks haunted."

"It's not haunted," Katara laughed. "It's just to keep people safe."

Toph punched his arm. "Are you scared? Man up!"

Athlea led the way to the entrance, where the guards were clearly surprised to see their Lord and Lady. Athlea stopped, glancing between them. "Something wrong? There should be no problems." With a smile, she proceeded inside. Zuko gave her a quick, warm glance, and she returned it with a soft smile.

Sokka chuckled. "So... a place for psychopaths. Nice," he said, hands on his hips.

"Want a room?" Toph teased.

"Huh? I ain't crazy!"
Katara gave her brother a look. "They're not psychopaths," she said gently, "they're sick. Be nice."

"Right, right, my bad... Be nice, yes."
Dai scoffed at him. "Coulda fooled me. I say we leave Sokka behind."

"Hey!" Sokka protested. Dai smirked.

They went straight down the large entrance hall and through another set of doors, the guards bowing to them. Inside the main room, there were hundreds of levels with cells lined up around the room.

"Wow," Dai muttered. "Fire benders, huh?"

Zuko rolled his eyes at her. "We take all of the mentally ill, actually. From anywhere."

They walked through a few sets of doors with guards on either side of every one. At the center of the circular "prison" there was a round guard room. It was made of thick glass, and fire lined it. Two guards were stationed inside while others patrolled. "Guards," Zuko called calmly, making his way along a narrow suspended metal walkway. "I've come to visit my sister."

At the mention of Azula, the guards averted their gazes, as if nervous. "Interesting," Aang mumbled, raising an eyebrow. Katara caught it, too, and Dai leaned on her staff, eyes narrowed.

Athlea's eyes narrowed as well. "Why are you nervous? Did something take place?"
The guards looked at one another, then faced the Royals. "We've had some trouble with Princess Azula," one of them finally spoke.

"What trouble? And why weren't we informed about it?"
Zuko stiffened. Zuko spoke after Athlea, his voice low. "You have been told to no longer address her as the Princess," he added. "She is no longer a Royal and will not be treated as one."

The guard on the left itched his neck. "My apologies, Lord Zuko. You see, Lady Athlea, she has... well... disappeared." 

***

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