Avatar the Last Airbender: Final Destination

Chapter 18: Back to Ba Sing Se

   The wall came into view as Appa flew on for the third day. Aang had been waiting to see that wall since he had gotten Azula's letter nine days beforehand. Katara was just ahead, all he had to do was see her and he could bring her back with him. Zuko had been worried about leaving the Fire Nation but Aang assured him the country would be okay in Iroh's capable hands. As they got closer, Aang could see where the wall had been previously penetrated by the drill the Fire Nation had built years beforehand. He supposed that even Ba Sing Se was still rebuilding after the war.

"So what's the plan once we get inside the wall?" Zuko asked.

Aang sighed, he had thought about this of course but he didn't want to mess up any opportunities he had to get Katara and run.

"We'll go to our place in the upper ring and wait until sunset. After that, we'll head to the catacombs and find Katara. Once we've found her, I'll distract Azula and you grab Katara and get her to safety. I'll be behind you as soon as possible. 

Zuko nodded in agreement. He wanted Katara back just as much as Aang did. She had helped him through times he didn't think he would get through and he was eager to help her escape Azula. 

They flew over the wall and headed towards the upper ring. After climbing off of Appa, the two entered their apartment. Zuko ran his fingers along the wall. 

"I remember the last time we were here. Uncle and I had just gotten the new tea shop. He was so excited to be here and I was terrible to him. So much has changed since then."

Aang looked at him with a mixture of pride and sorrow. He too remembered the last time he was in an apartment like this. Toph had blown out a wall in an act of defiance. He smirked at the thought. He had also changed since the last time they were there. He had now grown both physically and intellectually. He thought of how he felt when Azula captured Katara the first time they were in Ba Sing Se. Low and behold they had found her in the same catacombs he was about to go fight for her in. Before he could sink any further into his thoughts Zuko spoke up.

"So what happened? With Maya, I mean." 

"I realized she was crazy. She kept pushing me to do things that just weren't me. It wasn't long before Toph told me she had been lying the whole time."

"That's rough, buddy," Zuko related.

Aang could sense an undertone in his voice. There was something that Zuko wasn't telling him. He wasn't sure if he wanted to know what it was. 

"Listen, Aang there's something you need to know," Zuko started. Oh no, Aang thought, here it comes. "Katara and I kissed on the balcony not too long ago."

Aang's heart sank. Katara had moved on while he was away. She had the same feelings for Zuko that Aang had for Katara. He was at a loss for words.

"Look, Aang, I didn't mean for it to happen. She just turned around and kissed me. When we pulled away she ran off and barely talked to me. She still hasn't spoken to me other than advice for the reconstruction."

"That's okay," Aang said. But it wasn't. He needed to get away. He needed air to think. Katara doesn't love me. She moved on and I came back thinking we could pick up where we left off. Grabbing his staff, he walked to the door. 

"I'll see you in the morning, Zuko," he said solemnly.

"Aang, wait..." Zuko started but the door had already slammed.

Katara looked around the catacombs where she had been held captive five years ago. She looked at the crystals thinking of how she would admire them had she not been in her current situation. The wall in front of her crumbled to reveal three rogue Dai Li agents. Behind them stood both Sokka and a pregnant Suki. Katara rushed to them but was stopped by one of the agents. 

"You are not to communicate with the prisoners. They are here to ensure you that we indeed do have your family and will not hesitate to eliminate them shall you not defeat the avatar," he stated in a monotone voice. Behind him, a fourth man appeared although not dressed in the Dai Li robes. He walked forward and placed himself in front of Katara.

"Young bender, I am here to bestow the ancient art of Zhandou upon you. You will only speak the ancient tongue and you will fight with techniques of the eldest warriors. This advancement will help you to defeat the avatar and save your brother. Once you win, your language and skills will return to normal. Do you understand?"

Katara looked him in the eyes. He had dark amber eyes that looked capable of taking her life if she did not allow him to perform the ritual. She looked away before nodding her head. 

"Wonderful," said the stranger before placing his hand on her head. When she flinched away from him, he roughly grabbed her and held her in place. Katara felt a pinch before he removed his hand.

"Did that hurt?" he asked. 

Katara opened her mouth to respond but couldn't understand what came out of her mouth. The man gave her an evil smile before turning to leave. The Dai Li agents pushed Suki and Sokka out of the room next and followed behind them, rebuilding the rock wall with one hand. 

Katara sat in silence for a few moments before standing up. Her arms and legs had been burned but healed for the most part since Azula told her she would have to fight Aang. Her hair however had been singed to just at her shoulder blades. She moved her arms and in a swift motion had captured the water from the air in front of her. 

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and prepared for the battle before her.

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