Book I, Act III: Peace and Tranquilizers, Chapter III & IV

Edited by: Bieverdog

Book I, Imbalance

Act III: Peace and Tranquilizers

Chapter III

As twilight settled over the Fire Nation colony of Yu Dao, casting an ethereal veil of lavender and crimson across the sprawling landscape, Youke was preparing to leave the refinery. The fiery heat of the day still radiated off the sunbaked ground, and the memory of the grinding and hissing of the machines lingered in his ears. The promise of returning home to his wife's Flaming Fire Cakes, sweet and spicy, and waiting for him on Xingqiwu, teased his senses as he was about to lock up the factory.

Just as he was turning the final key, a tiny flicker caught his eye. A solitary candle flame was still dancing defiantly against the impending darkness upstairs. Sighing, he went back inside, climbing the metal stairs to extinguish the rebellious light. His mind was already drifting towards the peaceful evening ahead, laughter around the dinner table, his wife's tender smile.

His fingers pinched the wick, snuffing out the tiny flame that held the darkness at bay. A sense of finality washed over him. But the stillness of the moment was shattered by a startling crash. Suddenly, his heart hitched in his chest. Accompanied by the ominous sound of footsteps marching rhythmically over the metal floor of the workshop.

Fear sliced through his daydreams, and he cautiously moved to the edge of the landing. Down below, he saw five hooded figures, maybe others with their backs against the wall, near the entrance… He was trapped, their identities obscured by shadowy cloaks, their postures radiating an aura of foreboding.

Their murmurs, at first indistinguishable, slowly started to solidify into phrases that turned Youke's blood to ice.

A voice seeped into the silence, dripping with contempt. "Shouldn't they stay outside?"

Another, more polished voice hissed, "They are with me, rest assured. Are you certain we weren't followed?"

"I'm sure; this place is safe. Workers are gone by this time."

"This is outrageous."

"It's insane! Our new Fire Lord, a puppet on the strings of the Earth Kingdom!"

"No, he is a weak ruler who has been led astray by the Earth King and his lackeys. Those corrupt savages have always been more cunning than they've let on."

"Unrest is rampant; the capital is churning in chaos. We must intervene!"

"Now, now, my lords, let's remain composed. Panic will do us no good."

"Composed?! Our nation crumbles around us, and you advise calmness?"

"The banished prince, they call him. His father knew he was an odd one from the start."

A voice rose above the rest, calm yet commanding. "I propose a solution." A brief silence ensued. "My father and I have contemplated this scenario extensively. While we believe we may still be able to sway the situation in our favor, we must consider all options. Deposition might be our only recourse if His Majesty continues on this path."

"A bold proposal, yet one we should keep at hand, given the circumstances."

"My good lords, we still have two prime candidates for the crown, have we not?"

"My contacts say they are both kept under strict surveillance."

"I am aware of this, I trust that our current Fire Lord can still be steered to the right course. However, Zuko's knack for attracting enemies is… concerning. His reign might be as transient as a comet in the night sky, and for this we must be prepared."

"For the sake of our nation, we shall prepare, whatever it takes. Tell your father he has our support."

"Then it is agreed. I'll reach out to our allies in the capital."

Youke's breath hitched as the conversation washed over him. This wasn't a mere gathering of disgruntled officials; it was a clandestine meeting of treasonous conspirators. Fear coiled around his heart like a snake, squeezing tighter with every whispered word. The only thought that flashed through his mind was to escape, to return to his wife, to warn someone. But before he could turn, he accidentally knocked a small tool off a shelf, the resulting clatter echoing ominously in the silent factory.

In the deadly silence that followed, one of them looked up, his tone icier and more dangerous than the others. "Seems like we've got some company…"

He closed his eyes; he couldn't hear anything. Maybe they had just up and left. He peeked around the corner. Then, everything happened in a blur. Figures moved unnaturally along the walls, ascending towards him with an inhuman agility. He was frozen in fear, as if the sight of these shadowy beings had petrified him. He dared to glance around the corner, expecting to see the hooded figures. But they were gone.

Just as he risked another glance, his attention was drawn upwards. A rustling noise and then a swift descent of stone gloves. Youke's breath hitched, his eyes widened in terror. This was the last thing he would ever see.

Azula was wrenched from the treacherous precipice of sleep by a discordant clatter that punctured the eerie quiet outside her room. Fatigue clung to her like a second skin; her hands quivered like leaves caught in a sudden gust of wind, and her eyes, heavy with weariness, fluttered shut against her will. The somber mumble of conversation seeped through the dilapidated walls as if carried by the damp air clinging to them.

The tentative voice of a woman ventured from outside her cell. "She has refused to eat or drink anything for the past few days, sir." The words were frayed with worry.

"And?" Indifferent, leaving no room for comfort.

"Aren't you concerned that she might starve?"

The man's voice was cold and detached, as if discussing the weather or a mundane task. "Look, in my experience, it's just a ploy or some delirium of hers. If she dies, who's going to care? Just like all the others here, she's just another freak the world has buried here."

Azula strained against the muffling confinement of her room as each word pierced through her solitude, serving as a stark reminder of her hopeless existence. She was an afterthought in a world that had once revered and feared her. Her name, once spoken with terror and respect, was now a mere footnote in their clinical observations.

"I'm here to wait out my pension. Her? She's here because they think it's a good carpet to sweep their mistakes and inconveniences under. The way I see it, I'd rather die than be an inconvenience to society. Shows you what kind of rulers we have nowadays.

He waxed nostalgic. "In the good old days of Sozin, we just dissected them for study. Much more humane than watching them scream and giggle sixteen hours a day and mutter for eight hours more." But his recollections held no comfort for her. Fear tightened around her heart, constricting her chest.

A moment of silence lingered before he hummed in indifference. "Peace and tranquilizers, that's all they need. Go ahead; force her to eat if you want. It's not like that nut is going anywhere."

Azula was left in her whitewashed solitude. But not for long. The reluctant groan of the heavy door signaled an end to her isolation. Her scant refuge, already oppressive with its faded, moisture-stained padding, contracted around her, swallowing the dim light that dared to filter in.

The nurse coaxed her. "Young lady… you must drink something," her voice laced with urgency as she proffered a glass. She glanced nervously towards the door. There was an infectious edginess about her, stirring the calm surface of Azula's lethargy.

She drank eagerly, the water's tepid mundanity a harsh contrast to her parched throat. She choked, her voice emerging as a hoarse rasp against the quiet backdrop of the room.

Azula managed to whisper, "...What is this place?" the reality of her situation washing over her with the dull echo of the nurse's answer.

"You're in an asylum."

"No… No, no, that can't be. I was in my room and then my Mother… She–" The room echoed back her denial. She was Princess Azula, not some faceless patient. Yet, the cruel irony was that she was indeed a patient now, reduced to her base elements: scared, lost, and confined within an asylum.

"Calm down; they'll hear you." The nurse's words were a whisper, but the undercurrent of urgency sent a chill down Azula's spine. Her heart drummed a rapid, uncontrollable rhythm, echoing the quickening pace of distant footsteps.

The approaching footsteps sounded ominous, each metallic thud resonating within her like the tolling of a bell. The nurse whispered quickly, "Whatever you do, don't resist, or they'll keep you in here." Her words left a lingering trace of dread as she slipped through the door, her exit marked by the screech of unoiled hinges.

As the door groaned open once more, that old man from before stepped in, casting a long shadow across the room. His unyielding dark eyes pierced through her, and his polite, unassuming smile held an eerie cheerfulness that seemed starkly out of place.

His voice held an undertone of command. "Thank you kindly. I think another guest needs your assistance down the hall. Would you be so kind as to check on him?" The nurse quickly acquiesced, her gaze lowered in resignation as she stepped past him.

"Good morning, princess. I've brought a few friends; I do hope you don't mind. You won't even notice them, I promise." The man's smile held a haunting serenity, a twisted contrast to the chaos building within her. With a casual wave, he invited a parade of faceless strangers into her cell, their presence threatening to drown her within the confines of her room.

"I couldn't help but notice that Your Highness hasn't taken a bath in some time, so I've brought you a present. Only the best for the princess." He bowed slightly.

Azula swallowed hard, her throat dry and her voice barely above a whisper."Thank you…"

With a clap of his hands, he motioned for the women to guide her to the cold bath, the chill water eliciting a soft gasp from her lips. His next gift, a metallic band that he gently fit around her head, sent a fresh wave of fear coursing through her veins.

His voice had a forced cheeriness that did little to mask the chilling reality of the situation. "I need you to wear this if you don't mind; it will help you relax." As the metallic contraption connected to the covered object whirred to life, she felt her breath hitch in anticipation.

The water was freezing cold, but her body, already accustomed to the cold of the room. The man uncovered the object. It was a metal disc strung on a pole, with a handle on one side. Her breath hitched. As the man turned the handle, the disk began turning progressively faster, crackling sparks jumping from it. She gulped, her eyes widening in fear.

"Ah, I almost forgot. Here." He produced a wooden board, holding it out to her like a peace offering. "Bite down hard on this." Her heart raced as the man connected the lines to the machine.

Her body convulsed as raw electricity coursed through her, the scream lodged in her throat giving birth to nothing more than a silent plea, muffled by the wooden board.

Chapter IV

The summer afternoon sun painted the sky in a brilliant azure hue, dotted by small clouds as Appa soared through them with Aang at the reins. Aang's face was a study of introspection, his normally cheerful eyes clouded with worry. "I feel bad about leaving Zuko alone now," he admitted, his voice slightly troubled.

From his side, Katara offered a warm smile, her blue eyes brimming with understanding. "Yeah, me too. But he's got Mai with him.

Aang murmured, "I guess you're right…" His eyes trailing the green expanse below.

Sokka's grumble cut through their conversation, drawing their attention. He was sprawled awkwardly across Appa's saddle, his features contorted into a mask of feigned discomfort. "Can't you two lovebirds quit worrying for a moment? I'm trying to sleep here."

Suki, sitting across from them, chimed in after a thoughtful pause. "To be honest, I'm a bit worried too. Did you see Zuko?"

Toph shrugged, her eyes pointed towards them and her face artfully impassive, a deadpan expression in place. "Definitely."

Suki's cheeks flushed in a shade of pink. "Oops. Right, sorry." Her eyes darted away.

The Avatar's gaze wandered over his friends, his face softening as he observed them. "We're almost there. We'll stop by for some supplies before heading to Yu Jin. We can drop you off later at Kyoshi Island, Suki."

A sharp nudge from Suki roused Sokka from his slumber. "Wake up, Sokka; we're here."

"Huh, wha– Not now, Suks."

"What!"

Her surprised exclamation echoed around them, causing Sokka to jolt awake, his eyes wide with bewilderment. He fumbled. "Wha– What? I didn't say anything, I swear!" His gaze darted between their accusatory faces.

Katara looked on in awe. "Wow! Is that Yu Dao?"

Nestled in a rocky valley, the walled city dominated the horizon, and its goulash of green and red rooftops drifted into view. Fire Nation flags flapping proudly over the city walls. The sprawling city was teeming with life. The people's fashion matched its color scheme. Two large avenues bisected in the middle, creating near-perfect quadrants. In the center stood an arch headed by a statue of Sozin. The architecture was reminiscent of a time when the ambitious Fire Lord dreamt of a grand colonial blueprint.

Katara mused aloud, her voice hushed in respect. "This must be the largest colony…"

Unmoved by the spectacle, Toph merely gripped the saddle like a koala-kitten. "Cool."

Meanwhile, Sokka punched the air, a hint of mischief sparkling in his eyes. "Oh yeah, we're going shopping! ...For important travel stuff, of course." His excitement was barely concealed behind the guise of practicality.

His enthusiasm earned him a chastising look from Katara. "We can't waste this money on trinkets, Sokka; it's not even ours."

Sokka shot a finger into the air, grinning cheekily. "It is technically ours now. Plus, Zuko said that we should spend it on whatever we need." His justification was met with Katara's disbelieving gaze.

"Whatever we need for our journey, not extra monocle lenses."

He put on an air of gravitas. "What? We do need those! You never know when I'll have a case to crack!"

With a resigned sigh, Katara rolled her eyes, choosing to let the matter slide. The Gaang's arrival was met with an unusual silence. No welcoming party was present, no cheers of admiration for the Avatar. It was a stark contrast to their usual receptions.

Toph huffed a laugh. "They sure love you here, Twinkletoes."

Aang tried to shrug off the eerie quiet, forcing an optimistic smile. "Maybe they didn't see us."

Sokka playfully held his cheeks, mimicking fright. "Or maybe they are still evil and plan to murder you when you cross the gate." His teasing elicited a glare from Katara, which he waved off with a 'just saying'.

Looking between them, the Avatar shrugged. "Why don't you guys go ahead? The mountainside here sure looks beautiful; I'll go take a look."

Katara gave him a worried look. "Aang, what are you trying to avoid?"

"Nothing, nothing." Yet his eyes did not meet hers.

Her tone was soft, reassuring. "Come on; I know you."

With a reluctant sigh, Aang bit out, "It's just… It's just that I wanted to be alone to meditate for a while. I couldn't speak with Roku in the Fire Nation. He could have some useful advice, you know."

"You can't always ignore all your problems, Aang. How about I go with you? We can go see the mountains together and talk."

He nodded, then looked ahead. The others had already gone inside the city. As they flew over the landscape, the view took their breath away. Tall mountains rose above the dense forests, their peaks glistening under the golden light of the setting sun. A stream snaked its way across the landscape, its path leading to a large dam. Terraced paddies stretched across a steep hillside, their layered pattern resembling a giant ladder. As they moved closer, a building came into view at the top of a mountain, a Fire Nation flag fluttering proudly against the azure sky.

The late afternoon air was filled with the melancholic hum of cicadas as Aang released a heavy sigh, his eyes lost in the waning light of the horizon. The burden of the world seemed to hang heavily on his young shoulders, his brow creased with worry.

Katara, intuitively perceptive as ever, studied him with a soft look of concern. "You seem troubled, Aang. What's on your mind?" Her voice was the calm after a storm, radiating solace.

Aang's gaze remained distant. His words hung heavy in the tranquil air. "Do you think... Do you think it's our fault, what happened to those people?"

She shook her head confidently. "No. It wasn't Zuko's fault, either. Those people spent their whole lives at war. You cannot expect them to be happy, but it is the right thing to do."

"Roku kept telling me the same."

She raised a brow at his sudden confession. "Didn't you say that you hadn't spoken with Roku?"

Caught off guard, Aang quickly mumbled an apology before sighing. "It's just that it doesn't feel like the war has ended. I thought that if we defeated the Fire Lord, that would be it, that the people of the Fire Nation and the world would be happy. I just don't understand…"

She whispered, "When I lost my mother to the Fire Nation, my heart was filled with hatred for them. I couldn't understand how someone could be so cruel. It took me time to realize they weren't monsters; they were people. Just… raised differently from us. Remember that party in the cave? Those kids were so much like us, but they had been taught to despise the world, transformed into tools for their nation."

She took his hands, her voice brimming with conviction. "They fear and hate us because that is all they know. They think we can only have peace in a world where the other nations don't exist, but we will prove them wrong. We can show them a better way."

Aang seemed lost in thought, his eyes staring at their intertwined hands. He asked hesitantly, "Do you think… they can change Zuko?"

Her gentle voice broke through his insecurity. "Aang, you have to stop worrying about that promise. Yes, Zuko has struggled in the past, but he's proven himself to be different from his father."

"But what if--"

She tenderly cupped his face in her hands. "If anything comes to pass, we will deal with it together. You always worry too much."

Aang looked down again and sighed. "You're probably right… Thanks, Katara." And she smiled.

As they continued their flight around the mountains, the setting sun painting the horizon with its golden hues, they decided to return to Yu Dao. As soon as they touched the ground, an excited Sokka raced towards them. Toph and Suki trailed behind him, their expressions a mix of amusement and resignation.

"Guys! Guys, you won't believe it! The Boulder is here for a match. We cannot miss this! I've got us six tickets, front row and everything! This is going to be legendary!" Sokka's words spilled out like a runaway waterfall.

Katara threw up her hands. "Woah! Sokka, slow down." But Aang's face was alight with excitement. "Wow! When does it start?"

"In an hour! And they've got firebenders too. We have to be there, guys! This is our one chance."

Seeing her brother's fervor, Katara acquiesced. "Okay, okay, but just this once. Tomorrow, we have to leave for Yu Jin."

Following Sokka's lead, they reached a dilapidated factory on the outskirts of Yu Dao, where there were people already gathering outside.

An announcer perched on a barrel bellowed, "Tonight, The Boulder meets his arch nemesis, Fire Nation Man, for the Yu Dao Earth Rumble Championship. Then the Smoky Dragon faces Agni Guy in the final of the Dragon Brawl. Ladies and gentlemen, in our main event, the champions from both tournaments will clash in a Magma Meltdown! Fire and Earth! Masters of their elements! Who will prevail? Find out tonight!"

"Magma meltdown?!" Sokka's mouth was agape before forming a besotten smile.

Toph shrugged cockily. "Meh, they wouldn't stand a chance against me. Sadly, I had to retire early to help some bald guy."

"A magma meltdown?" Katara raised an eyebrow.

Suki shrugged. "It does sound interesting."

With a seamless transition from the dwindling twilight to the artificial glow of lanterns, the factory became a beacon of excitement. They wove their way into the growing throng of spectators, the hum of anticipation palpable. The second level of the factory was teeming with eager fans, their eager faces turned towards the battleground.

In the center of the building, a hexagonal pit stood, the platform in its midst ominously quiet. On its periphery, smaller fighting stages played host to minor clashes, the combatants' fiery determination mirroring the electrified crowd.

Katara turned to Sokka, her gaze questioning. "Sokka, are you sure you bought us first-row tickets?"

Toph smirked knowingly. "Told ya. First-row seats are always a scam."

Sokka's disappointment was briefly discernible before he slapped on a brave smile. "Look! Who cares; the arena is right there–" He gestured towards the pit. But before they could respond, their view was swallowed in a tidal wave of standing fans.

Suddenly, from the pit's heart, a pillar of stone erupted. Atop it stood a muscular man with flowing hair.

His voice echoed, silencing the crowd. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the Yu Dao Bending Championship! Let the fighting begin!"

He jumped off as the pillar descended to the ground.

The voice of the announcer seemed to resonate within the factory, a sonorous tune to the unfolding drama. "The earthbending rookies on the left corner are looking as confident as ever tonight. Will they be able to hold their string of victories? On the right-hand side, the earth rumble fighters prepare–" And the first rookie was unceremoniously flung out of the ring.

The Boulder, a rock-solid tower of muscle, created a mini earthquake across the ring, catapulting another fighter into the air. It was a scene of pure chaos. Fire Nation Man blanketed the ring with a shroud of dust, obscuring the vision but not the rampant energy of the fighters. The rookies retaliated, their lack of sight compensated by the swift and almost frantic hurling of small rocks. Amidst the blindness, The Boulder commanded a pillar of rock to swipe across the ring, sweeping his opponents away in a swift victory. When the dust settled, only two figures stood tall–The Boulder and Fire Nation Man.

After a dramatic pause, the announcer's voice resonated above the roars of the crowd. "Flying fire ferrets, what a thrashing! The pros made short work of the newbies. Only Fire Nation Man and Boulder remain standing!"

"The Boulder will crush you into ash then eat it for dinner!" His words were met with a chorus of boos.

In response, his opponent sang, "Oh Agni, save our gracious Fire Lord! Long live our noble Fire Lord! Fire Nation, Glorious above all!"

"The Boulder has heard enough! He will send you straight to Agni. In a rockalanche!

Fire Nation Man leapt from a bent pillar over his opponent and seized the initiative, pinning The Boulder with a barrage of rocks. Yet, The Boulder shattered his rocky shackles, meeting his opponent head-on. The ensuing struggle was earth-shattering, their titanic clash fracturing the very ground they stood on. A misstep from The Boulder, and Fire Nation Man seized the opportunity, blasting The Boulder off the platform with a hurled rock.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the announcer's voice echoed, "We have a knockout! Fire Nation Man deals a crushing blow to his nemesis!"

Toph blew a blue-raspberry. "Nemesis? Give me one minute, and I'll show them who's whose nemesis!"

Sokka recoiled in horror. "Boulder, noooo!"

As the defeated were cleared away and the ring restored to its former glory, the anticipatory buzz of the crowd swelled again. The announcer fueled the anticipation. "Yu Dao, prepare to witness a fire-breathing monstrosity: the fearsome… the dominating… Smoky Dragon!"

Recognition flashed across the group's faces and Aang pointed out. "Hey, isn't that the performer from the Fire Days Festival?" He was met with nods of agreement.

Adorned in his signature white outfit, the performer brought to life a funnel of fire that took the form of a dragon. The crowd's reaction was electric. As he bowed and waved, roses found their way to his feet.

Aang's eyes sparkled with delight. "That was my idea!" He pointed at him proudly.

Katara's mouth was a flat line. "I think he's a showoff."

"Ok, I'm rooting for that guy now. Go, Smoky Dragon!" Sokka flung his arms up in excitement, narrowly avoiding smacking Katara.

"In the other corner, the challenger: a dark and mysterious warrior of the Fire Nation, Aaaagni Guy!"

The warrior's entrance was as dark as his attire. The mysterious masked soldier, clad in black armor, held a gleaming steel trident, an ominous presence in the pit. The Smoky Dragon sent a scorching blast his way, only to see him slice through the fire, retaliate with a series of flame-fueled attacks, and finally pierce his cape. The performer faltered, stumbling backwards. Agni Guy ended his assault with a swift, brutal blast to the performer's chest

A collective gasp echoed throughout the factory, followed by an awestruck silence. The announcer's voice shattered the quiet, "What did I just see?! He did it! The challenger has overcome the odds! Don't leave your seats; we're in for a night full of surprises!"

"Round two!"

The performer looked livid, while Agni Guy remained composed, taunting Smoky Dragon with his spear. The performer retaliated with a fire dragon, only to see Agni Guy stand his ground, slashing it in half. The crowd was wild.

"Enough!" Driven by rage, the performer sent a cascade of fireballs over the pit, but the warrior evaded each strike with uncanny precision. As Agni Guy advanced, the performer's bravado faltered. One final, brutal thrust of his trident sent the performer crashing against the wall, leaving him unconscious.