now or never || an atla fanfic

𝔪𝔦𝔰𝔰𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝐈𝐈𝐈

The avatar felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple, his efforts fully exhausted towards bending the large piece of rock they all stood upon, propelling them up the grand staircase straight towards the grand palace of Ba Sing Se.

"We're almost there," Sokka encouraged, warily eyeing the security guards at the foot of the staircase, who had been trying in vain to catapult rocks in their direction. Once they reached the foot of the palace, they would be completely out of reach from them.

Toph inhaled, using her bending to propel the rock over the final steps, and together, the group set foot on the entrance of the palace.

Katara held the strap of her water pouch for comfort. She had always pictured herself traveling the world and once stepping inside the grand walls of Ba Sing Se's palace, meeting other nation's leaders, but never as a fighter--as a bender--seeking to reveal justice.

Aang took the lead in front of them, pushing open the doors himself and--quite literally--waltzing right inside the palace. Everyone followed suit, their instincts on high alert, scanning the entryway of the lobby.

There was not a single soul in sight.

They spread out, hiding behind the pillars, using the dark corners of the palace walls to take cover--except Aang.

He stood there in the middle of the entryway, hands clasped behind his back. It was eerily silent in his mind, somehow, despite the odds stacked against them, he maintained a somewhat collective facade.

Katara's back pressed against the back wall of the east wing, sparing a glance at the avatar's direction, noting a muscle twitch in his jaw.

His eyes flickered to hers--as if he immediately felt the weight of her emotions--for the briefest moment, before focusing on the empty throne in front of them.

A silent promise, a slip of comfort.

Katara slipped away down the corridor with Zuko, sending a silent prayer to the spirits. They would need all the prayers they could get today.

The avatar trained his eyes ahead, scanning the area for any threats. They would wait for as long as needed--they wouldn't be doing the chasing today.

After moments of silence, the faint sound of clapping echoed in the palace.

Suki concealed a grimace. Everything about her exerted confidence and authority, with an aura around her that would make anyone feel inferior.

Footsteps drew near, heels echoing on the marble floors as the Fire Nation princess came into view.

"Well done," she smiled, but the smile didn't touch her eyes. She was mocking them by clapping, as if they'd finished the final act of a performance.

They were just getting started.

"Where is the Earth King?" Aang asked.

Azula chuckled, and Suki worried that she would see through their facade. They needed to stall for time while Zuko and Katara found the Earth King.

Instead of responding, the princess raised a hand, and dozens of Dai Li agents stormed through the main hall, seizing the avatar by the arm, dragging him towards the throne.

Sokka nearly jumped up to stop them, and Suki immediately placed her hand on his arm to silently placate him. This wasn't in their plan they discussed yesterday.

Aang was forced to his knees before the Earth King's throne, where Azula sat upon, her chin propped up on her hand. A sharp click behind him locked the iron manacles around his wrists.