A Search within the Force and Flame

XII

 Just outside the town entrance of Hira'a, the group dismounts from Appa as the sun sets. Momo sits a little off from the group, eating berries from a bush. Sokka drops a duffle bag on the ground, unzipping the top and pulling out Fire Nation clothing.

"We need to hide our identities," Zuko says, pulling up a red-and-gold hood.
"We'll get mobbed if people figure out we're the Avatar and the Fire Lord," he continues.

Azula stands next to Logan, arms crossed, retreating into herself.
Logan adjusts his jacket collar while Sokka tightens the arm guard on his Fire Nation attire. Katara cinches the cloth belt around her crimson-red dress as she looks at Aang in his outfit.

"Don't worry. After hiding from you all those months, we're masters of disguise!" Aang exclaims, extending his arms outward and downward.

"Aang, that headband of yours is cute, but it worked a lot better when you had hair," Katara says.

Sokka takes a handful of Appa's fur and styles it on his face.

"See? A fake beard made of sky bison fur! A classic!" he exclaims.

Azula cringes while Logan smirks and shakes his head.

"Get away from me!" Azula demands. "You smell like a wet possum-pigeon!"

Sokka sneezes, and the fur tumbles away.
Zuko scans the group and zeros in on Logan.

"Sorry, Logan, but you have to stay with our furry companions," Zuko says.

Azula immediately glares at Zuko.

"Excuse me?" Logan responds, almost offended.

"Your other outfit wouldn't cause attention. With this one, you stick out like a sore thumb," Zuko explains.

Before Logan can reply, Azula cuts in.

"That's ridiculous, Zuko. Even with his robes, he still looked out of place. He's just as much a part of the trip as I am. Where I go, he goes," Azula says, arms crossed in defiance.

"Let's go, Jedi," she adds, grabbing Logan by the collar and marching off.

Logan offers no resistance, looking back at the group and shrugging.

"Duty calls," he says.

The group looks amongst themselves, jaws ajar in shock.

"What just happened?" Sokka asks.

"I don't know, but this is not going to end well," Zuko says.

The four quicken their pace to keep up with Azula and Logan.

"If my sister insists on you being here, at least look inconspicuous," Zuko says to Logan.

Logan turns with a sly grin and gives a sarcastic salute.

"Iffirmative, person I'm traveling with," he says.

As the group approaches the town square, they notice a large crowd gathered in front of a stage under a tent.

"I thought Hira'a was supposed to be a small town? Why is it so crowded?" Katara asks.

They move into the crowd and look toward the stage.

"Looks like they're performing some kind of play!" Aang says.

"I recognize that scene! It's the final battle in Love Amongst the Dragons," Zuko says.

"Wretched water spirit!" Actor 1 shouts. "Now that I've escaped your curse and regained my true nature, you shall pay for your trickery!"

"Have you learned nothing from your time amongst the mortals?" Actor 2 counters. "By threatening me, you invite your own doom!" he exclaims.