ATLA: Azlua

Phoenix city Part One

The blimp glided smoothly through the azure sky, its massive frame casting a long shadow over the verdant Earth Kingdom landscape below. Inside the passenger compartment, Ty Lee stood near a small, circular window, her wide eyes taking in the rolling green hills, lush forests, and glimmering rivers stretching as far as she could see.

"It's so beautiful," Ty Lee murmured, her voice tinged with awe. "The Earth Kingdom... it's like the land itself is alive."

Zira, her newly assigned guard, stood a respectful distance behind her, her arms crossed over her chest. The Imperial firebender, clad in light but practical armor, was a sharp contrast to Ty Lee's flowing pink robes. Zira's expression softened slightly as she stepped closer, peering out the window with her friend.

"It has its moments," Zira replied, her voice steady. "Though I wouldn't get too attached. This region hasn't been peaceful for long."

Ty Lee turned to face her, a playful grin breaking through her thoughtful expression. "Come on, Zira. You're supposed to be helping me hype myself up, not reminding me of how dangerous it is!"

Zira smirked. "You don't need me to hype you up. You've got this. Besides," she added, her tone lightening, "I wouldn't have volunteered to guard you if I didn't think you'd make it."

Ty Lee's eyes sparkled with gratitude. She'd specifically requested Zira for this assignment, knowing she needed someone she could trust. The Fire Nation soldier had been a steady presence during their shared time in the palace, and Ty Lee couldn't imagine stepping into her new role as overseer without her.

As the blimp continued its steady course toward Phoenix City, Ty Lee took a deep breath, straightening her posture. You've got this, she told herself. You've trained for this. You can do it.

The comforting hum of the blimp's engines was suddenly shattered by a distant, rhythmic thudding sound. Ty Lee turned her head sharply toward the noise, her heart skipping a beat as Zira moved instinctively to her side.

"What was that?" Ty Lee asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Before Zira could answer, the blimp lurched violently. A deafening crack echoed through the cabin as a massive boulder slammed into the side of the vessel, tearing a jagged hole in the metal hull. The wind howled through the breach, sending papers and loose objects flying.

"Earthbenders!" one of the crew members shouted, his voice barely audible over the chaos.

Ty Lee stumbled, gripping the edge of a seat for balance as the blimp tilted dangerously to one side. Soldiers scrambled to their posts, shouting orders as more rocks hurtled through the air. Another impact shook the blimp, sending a shudder through its entire frame.

"Ty Lee, stay down!" Zira barked, her fiery demeanor taking over as she placed herself between Ty Lee and the breach. She ignited her fists, sending jets of flame out of the hole to keep the attackers at bay.

The blimp groaned ominously, its engines sputtering as the pilot fought to maintain altitude. Ty Lee's heart raced as the floor seemed to tilt beneath her. The world spun as the blimp began a slow, spiraling descent toward the forest below.

"Brace for impact!" someone yelled, the panic in their voice clear.

Ty Lee tried to grip something—anything—to steady herself, but the force of the crash threw her forward. She felt Zira's strong arms wrap around her, shielding her as the world erupted into noise and chaos. The blimp plowed through the canopy, its metal hull screeching as it tore through trees and branches. Then, with a bone-jarring crash, it hit the ground.

Ty Lee's eyes fluttered open. Her vision was blurred, her head pounding as if it had been struck by a hammer. She was vaguely aware of the sounds around her—screams of pain, the crackling of distant flames, and the shouted commands of soldiers.