The Dragon Princess and the Wolf Warrior

Chapter 9 [~|~] We're Screwed

They were pushed into a large room, a king and guard standing by the throne. Azara looked up at the king in surprise as she was forced to kneel in front of him by the guards.

"Your majesty, these juveniles were arrested for vandalism, traveling under false pretenses, and malicious destruction of cabbages," a guard listed as the cabbage merchant jumped forwards.

"Off with their heads! One for each head of cabbage!" he demanded, waving his fists in the air as Azara raised an eyebrow at him.

"Silence! Only the king can pass down judgement. What is your judgement, sire?" the guard asked, holding a hand up to the merchant. The king stared at the group, contemplating for a moment as Azara stared nervously up at him.

"Throw them . . . a feast!" the king announced, as everyone in the room exchanged confused expressions. They were led into an equally grand dining room, each taking a seat along a long table piled with various dishes.

"The people in my city have gotten fat from too many feasts, so I hope you like your chicken with no skin," the king stated as he grabbed a chicken leg from in front of Aang.

"Thanks, but I don't eat meat," Aang replied as the king turned to Sokka.

"How about you? I bet you like meat," the king smiled as he shoved the chicken leg into Sokka's mouth. The king takes his seat at the head of the table as Azara stares down at her plate, unsure of what to say in this situation. "So, tell me, young bald one, where are you from?"

"I'm from . . . Kangaroo Island!" Aang lied.

"Oh, Kangaroo Island, eh? I hear that place is really hopping," the king stated as an awkward silence fell over the group. Sokka suddenly burst out laughing as his friends turned to him with confused expressions on their faces.

"What? It was pretty funny," he shrugged as Azara shook her head.

"Well, all these good jokes are making me tired. Guess it's time to hit the hay," the king trailed off, leaning to the side. Suddenly, he sat up, sending two chicken legs through the air, one directed at Aang and another at Azara. Aang caught his in a small air bubble as Azara burned the chicken leg before it could hit her.

Azara's eyes widened in surprise as she lowered her arm sadly, knowing that her identity was now revealed to everyone. "There's an airbender and firebender in our presence, and not just any benders. The Avatar! And Princess Azara of the Fire Nation!" the king accused as he stood up. "Now, what do you have to say for yourself, Mr. Pippinpaddleopsicopolis?"

"Okay, you caught us. I'm the Avatar. Doing the Avatar thing, keeping the world safe. Everything checks out," Aang smiled sheepishly, moving to look under the table. "No firebenders here. Well, except for Azara, but she's good. Verified." Aang wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they wore identical nervous smiles. "So, good work, everyone!" Aang pulled Katara and Sokka into the hug, the group moving to leave. "Love each other, respect all life, and don't run with your spears. We'll see you next time!"

The guards behind them interlocked their spears, preventing them from leaving. "You can't keep us here! Let us leave!" Katara demanded as the king looked at her weirdly.

"Lettuce leaf?" the king asked, picking up a lettuce leaf and chewing it loudly.

"We're in serious trouble. This guy is nuts," Sokka whispered as the king finished eating.

"Tomorrow, the Avatar will face three deadly challenges. But, for now, the guards will show you to your chamber," the king announced, as the guard next to him looked confused.