Avatar Zuko

Chapter 31

Jet sat on board the ferry, watching as Ba Sing Se slowly came into view. It was the start of a new life, he was sure of it.

“Impressive, isn't it?” Mentioned an older man who had just appeared next to him, holding a cup of tea.

“Yes.” Jet agreed, not protesting when the man sat next to him.

It was quiet, everyone now in bed, with only the tranquil waves splashing against the ferry to accompany his thoughts.

“You seem lost.” Commented the man, who was also looking at how the city’s wall was so prettily lit against the night sky.

“Not anymore, this is my new life.” Disagreed the non-bender, clutching the ferry’s railing.

“Is that why you stole that food last night? As part of your new life?” He asked, not unkindly but still angering the freedom fighter.

“Wha- I do what I need to.” He grumbled, not looking at the other man.

“Okay.” Replied the strange refugee, and Jet could see a light smile dancing on his lips.

“You… Aren't going to report me to the captain?” He asked a little sheepishly, scared he might get thrown off the ferry for his thievery.

“I believe everyone deserves a second chance.” The man shook his head slightly as he spoke, his tone warm and full of kindness.

“Ha, sounds like you're talking from experience.” Jet let out a quiet, humourless laugh and then focused back on Ba Sing Se, that was getting closer by the second.

“Yes, I suppose it does.”.

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Azula sat in the control room of her drill, Ty Lee and Mai either side of her, listening to War Minister Quin drone on about the feat of engineering the drill was. The Princess was barely paying attention, knowing Quin to be an imbecile, but was keeping a close watch on her two companions, neither of which having seemed particularly enthusiastic about the mission she'd brought them along on.

“-This drill is almost completely impenetrable, the reinforced steel alloy-” The man boasted, whilst Azula clenched her fists and considered killing him simply for boring her.

“So can those guys do anything to hurt it?” Asked Ty Lee innocently, actually sounding like she was interested in the drivel Quin had been spouting.

The gymnast was pointing to some earthbenders that were coming at them, who were bending large boulders, and seemed pretty miffed.

“Of course not, this drill is completely invulnerable to earthbending-” He started boasting once more and Azula held up a hand to silence him.

“If you don't mind, War Minister, I'd feel safer if Mai and Ty Lee went out to deal with the problem. Girls?” At her words her companions nodded and jumped up, heading towards where the earthbenders were coming at them.

The two would make short work of them and then she could get into Ba Sing Se, unless the avatar showed up, in which case she'd have to capture him and then take down Ba Sing Se. Either way, by the time this day was done, the Fire Nation would have won a great victory.

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“Okay, I'm going to fly ahead to try and find Appa, I'll meet you guys inside the city.” Promised Aang, receiving a hug from Katara, before opening up his glider and flying off, Momo clutching his back.

That left the rest of them to walk, well, except Zuko who had decided to just use the air scooter thing because he was sick of walking. This seemed to annoy Sokka and Katara, and had confused Toph.