Post by lordquas on Apr 10, 2013 21:49:39 GMT -5
So, the gist of this thread is that I'll use this thread to post my random scenes and ideas for the series, and hopefully get some feedback, see if they can be used at some point in some form or another.
I'm the guy that wrote this, by the way.
A Slightly Different Approach
“Hey, cutie.”
Well, well, well. Sokka was having the increasingly uncommon pleasure of being eyed-up by two beautiful girls. Wait, scratch that. One cute girl, the other one might have been cute she didn't act like she would rather have been anywhere else at moment; she was fairly plain, as it stood. Still, opportunities like these didn't come around often, and Sokka didn't intend to squander this one.
Sokka looked around. No Aya, no Aang, no Toph. Perfect. “Ladies, ladies, to what do I owe your presence on this lovely evening?”
The cute one spoke first, of course. Doe-eyed, with gray irises; a color that would've been weird to Sokka if she weren't so tempting. “We were just looking for a nice, cute boy to hang out with. You're a sight for sore eyes, and exotic too.” She looked up at her friend, obviously expecting her to agree; a couple of light nudges loosened her lips. “Right, Buella?”
“Oh, yes,” she said, in the most droning, neutral tone Sokka had ever heard. “we would be just ever so honored if a young man of your...stature would join us for a cup of tea.” And then she rolled her eyes, just to top it off.
“Why, of course.” Sokka snuggled between the two girls, draping one of his arms over each of their shoulders. One wiggled closer to him, the other remained as stiff as a piece of hardwood. “I, Sokka, would be more than honored to escort both of you lovely ladies. And what would your names be?”
“Joi.”
“Apparently it's ouuch!”
Sokka raised an eyebrow. “Your name is ouch?“
“No, it's Buella, like I just said five seconds agoouch!” 'Buella' shot a nasty glare towards Joi, and huffed loud. “Whatever. Escort us already, Sokka.”
“As you wish.”
Personally, Sokka could see why the girls had latched onto him. Somehow, he had discovered a town more mind-numbingly boring than the being at the South Pole; no small feat. Old and middle-aged people shuffled around streets that looked like every single Earth Kingdom street ever made: a couple of ostrich-horses picking feed from an overturned barrel, shovels leaning against brown walls, and wind chimes hanging in front of every door. How boring.
Sokka knew he was exaggerating a bit. The girl that had been following them around made the town more interesting by herself, though he figured it was the wrong kind of interest.
“By the way,” Sokka thought he'd ask about it, while they had time. Aya wouldn't be able to call him a complete idiot when he told her what he'd been doing. “have you guys seen a girl sneaking around town? Hazel-eyes, really formal robe, a little shorter than me?”
“Haven't seen her,” Joi said.
Buella shrugged. “Probably from a Fire Nation colonist family. I wouldn't worry to much about her.” She pointed at her own eyes, which were more dulled hazel. “Trust me, most of them are complete weirdos.”
“So, you're from the Fire Nation?”
“No, I'm from a little coastal Earth Kingdom town that's so inconsequential they didn't even bother to name it. My parents are from a Fire Nation town of the exact same importance.”
Sokka shifted towards Joi. “And you?”
“Umm...same?”
“Good, good,” Sokka sad. “Well girls, allow me, my big strong arms, and my handsome face to accompany you to the nearest tea shop...”
-----------------------
Aya couldn't believe this. She absolutely could not even begin to fathom how, even though their lives were quite possibly in danger, her idiot brother and his idiot friend: the so-called 'all-wise and all-powerful' Avatar, could even start to think that it was a good idea to romp around town. As opposed to, you know, getting out of said town immediately. When a potential assailant follows you to multiple places, and you're traveling with a person around half the known world is trying to either capture or kill you, you're supposed to put as much space as humanly possible between yourselves and said assailant as soon as possible.
Right? Idiots.
And Toph. Aya figured with another girl in the group, she'd have at least some support against those pea-brained morons. Nope. Turns out she's a pea-brained moron as well. Figures.
She tried to calm herself down, leaning against a nearby wall. Perhaps it was just some beggar too shy to ask for a handout. Or something. They were pretty common around these parts, right? Regardless, they needed to leave. Staying in one place for too long, barring potential stalkers, was extremely good for any potential Fire Nation patrols that happened to pass through and see them.
Aya slapped herself on the forehead. Stupid. When were things ever that simple? She could only hope that, wherever those idiots were, they weren't doing anything too stupid.
----------------------
'Hey kids, wanna see a trick?' Aang frowned. Aya would kill him if she saw him doing that, no matter how much he wanted to show the nearby group of kids his new-and-improved air cartwheel. Maybe they would think he was a magician or something, who knows? It didn't necessarily have to be Airbending. And even if they discovered his identity, so what? Aang wanted people to know there was still an Avatar out there trying to make things right.
Sighing, Aang tried to think of what Aya would do in this situation. Probably trying to find him and Sokka, and then recommending they leave town as soon as possible. Easier said than done, as the town was about two or three times bigger than Aang originally thought it was.
“They're cute, aren't they?”
A figure stepped beside Aang. She pulled the hood of her robe down, black locks of hair falling past her shoulders. “I've always wanted to have a family of my own. When I'm a little older, of course.”
Aang rubbed the back of his head nervously. “Yeah. I think I might be a little young to worry about that, though.”
“Oh, I don't know about that. One-hundred and twelve seems as good an age as any.” The girl gave a warm smile, her hazel eyes seeming to lighten. “I'm Azara, by the way. Princess Azara of the Fire Nation. Would you mind joining me for a quick cup of tea, Aang? I've heard the shops in this town are quite renowned throughout the Earth Kingdom.”
Aang figured, if he was smart, he would've been about two street lengths and counting away from Azara right now. On the other hand, she hadn't tried to blast him into a smoldering pile of ash yet. Better than Zuko. Aang always liked giving people chances; if worst came to worst, he was a Master Airbender, a skilled Waterbender, and he could bend a rock about two paces in any direction. He could take her.
“Sure,” Aang said. “I...guess we could do that.”
“I'm not going to hurt you, if that's what you're worried about. All I want is to talk.”
The tea shop Azara chose was one of the bigger ones in town, though not with an abundance of people, surprisingly. It was also the only one, as far as he could tell, with built around the side of a massive tree. A warm, soothing aroma was heavy in the air; it almost reminded Aang of the flowers that grew on the side of the mountaintops at the Southern Temple. The monks always told their students to stay away from them, as they happened to grow in precarious positions; the smell of the living quarters after training always seemed to outweigh the boys' common sense, though.
Aang saw bags hanging from the ceiling; he pulled one down and smelt it, inhaling the fragrance. He decided to take it with him, as he figured Appa would appreciate the smell as well.
They sat at a little, yet sturdy wooden table alongside the window. Aang noticed another tea shop across the street, of about the same size and structure. Weird.
“So, Aang,” Azara said. “what brings you to this town? I'm sure there's more important places for a person such as yourself to be.”
Aang shrugged sheepishly. “Aya told us that we needed to stop for supplies. She's good at keeping up with that stuff.”
“Aya...is that the thin girl who's traveling with you?”
“Yeah.” He searched his surroundings for a second, looking for any sign of her. Aya would yell at him for getting into this situation, but regardless, Aang wasn't about to pass up her help in this situation. “I was actually waiting for her before you showed up.”
“Oh, I'm sure she'll be along soon.” A playful, mischievous smiled wiggled across her lips. “Perhaps she can even join in. The more, the merrier.”
Somehow, Aang felt the conversation between Aya and Azara would begin with one of Aya's famous ice daggers being held at Azara's throat. “...how do you know so much about us, anyway?”
“A girl has her ways.” Azara looked towards the window. “I think this shop, and the one across the way are called the Entwined Vines.” She pointed towards a mass of tangled branches and vines that passed high over the street separating the shops, joining with the tree the other shop was built into. “See. That's so fascinating.” She sighed. “I think I'm going to move here once the war is over. The Fire Nation is so boring compared to here.”
“And when do you expect the war to be over?”
A waitress shuffled up to the table; Azara took the pleasure of ordering for the both of them. “We'll have the house special, please.” She continued once the waitress left. “But, yeah, either when you join us or Sozin's Comet passes by, I would think.”
“Wait, once I join the Fire Nation?”
“Yeah, you're going to join us, Aang.”
Believe it or not, it wasn't just Azara saying Aang was going to join forces with the Fire Nation that worried him. No, it was her saying those words with absolute confidence that really jarred him. “So...what makes you think that I'm going to join the Fire Nation? I'm just curious.”
“Because you genuinely want to help the world, Aang. You're just misguided right now.” Aang started to speak, but Azara raised her hand. “I know, I know, from your position this sounds completely crazy. Just hear me out. Please.”
Aang didn't know what possible argument Azara had that could sway him; nevertheless, he raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. I'm always willing to hear any point of view, I suppose.”
“Good.” Azara gave a heavy sigh. “Look, I know my country has done some awful things, Aang. The Air Nomads, most of us agree that Sozin went too far. The War, it's taken a terrible toll on the world, I know. But it doesn't mean that the Fire Nation is wrong.”
“My father's plan is this, Aang. All of the atrocities you've seen so far? They're intentional. As in, ordered by the Fire Nation High Command. That's why you've seen them occupy villages and raise unreasonable taxes, take Earth Kingdom citizens as slaves, and cause unjustified destruction.” She took a dagger from her robe, engraving two small circles in the wood of the table, one twice the size of the other. “The Earth Kingdom's rulers sit inside their cities and ignore the war, not caring what goes on outside the walls as long as they remain safe.”
Then, she made a sharp cut through both circles. “My father expects the Earth Kingdom people to break., Aang. Their kings either can't protect them, or simply don't want to. His message is to the citizens of the Earth Kingdom is that they would be better served under the rule of the Fire Nation.”
“I don't agree with my father's plan, but I can't change his mind. All I can do for you, and the citizens of the world is end it as quickly as possible.” Azara pointed the tip of her dagger towards Aang. “And that's where you come in.
“Aang, once you help us end the war, all of the atrocities stop. No more slavery, no more broken families, no more needless conflict. Once you help us end the war, we can usher in the era of prosperity and peace that my great-grandfather Sozin dreamed of.
“That's why you're going to join us, Avatar. Because you want a quick end to a war that will inevitably end in a Fire Nation victory. Because you're sick of seeing the world suffer endless violence. Because you want to secure a safe future for your children, for future Airbenders, Aang.”
She flipped the dagger so that the tips of her fingers grasped the flat of the blade, the hilt facing Aang. “So, what's your answer?”
Aang slid back from the table, standing from his seat. “No. I'm sorry, you seem like a nice person, and you seem passionate, but I can't join you. Not after everything the Fire Nation has done. I'm going to defeat the Fire Lord, and bring balance back to the world. No amount of fancy speeches are going to change that.”
Mentally, Aang was preparing for a fight. He expected Azara to jump up from the table at any moment, and he wouldn't be taken off-guard. But...her attack never came. Azara simply sat, unimpressed, watching Aang with a wistful stare as her chin rested on the middle of her palm.
“I told you I wasn't going to hurt you, didn't I?” She laid her dagger on the table, beckoning Aang with a few quick curls of her index finger. “Come, sit. Let's talk more.”
After watching Azara for a moment, waiting for an attack or any signs of a trick, Aang sat. “There's nothing you can say to me that will convince me to join the Fire Nation, Azara.”
“Aang, listen, you're not thinking this through. Push your grudge against us aside for a moment. Think about the dangers you'll have to face trying to 'restore balance', The Avatar is to consider what's best for the world, correct? And not just what's best for himself or the people around him.”
Aang thought it over for a second, then gave a slight, grudging nod.
“Well,” Azara said. “how will you bring your people back if you keep endangering your life fighting against us?" The waitress skirted up to the table, placing a porcelain tray with two full tea cups onto the table. Azara thanked her with a short, curt bow before taking a sip from her cup. "You should try this, Aang. It's really quite delicious."
"No thanks."
"Suit yourself." Azara took another sip before continuing. "Aang, my father doesn't care about the survival of the Airbenders or their culture. If you try to fight him, he will kill you, and the Airbenders will be gone forever.”
“But, if I don't stop your father, the world will be unbalanced forever.” Aang shook his head, dismissing Azara's words as even being an option. “I was at the North Pole during the Fire Nation's siege, Azara. I've seen what happens when we try to mess with forces we have no business messing with.
“And Zhao only tried messing with the Moon Spirit. Imagine what happens if the Fire Nation wins the war, and they unbalance all of the spirts, forever.” Joining the Fire Nation was unthinkable to Aang. It was simply insanity. “I'll put the survival of my people at stake over the survival of the entire world any day, thanks.”
Surprisingly, Azara didn't seem disappointed. Everything about this girl was throwing Aang off, especially after being on the receiving end of standard Fire Nation diplomacy for so long: throw fireballs first, ask questions later. '
“I need more time to convince you.” Azara lazily pointed her finger towards the window. “Look across the street, Aang, at the tea shop. In the second window from the left.”
Aang looked, not seeing anything at – wait, Sokka was sitting with two girls. Laughing with them; probably telling that one story about the time when that mother seal-bear thought Sokka was one of her cubs. Aang could've sworn they weren't there when him and Azara first came here.
“Do you see the girl looking out of the window, with the hazel-eyes, acting like she'd rather be anywhere else right now?” Azara motioned towards the girl; the girl pulled a small blade from her tunic. Then, Azara picked up her dagger... “She's looking directly at us. All I have to do is face her,” ...and ran it in a mock line across her throat. “and make this exact motion. If I decide to do that, your friend will die.”
“You said – !”
Azara raised her hand. “I said that I wouldn't hurt you.” She took Aang's hand into her own, caressing it gently. “I didn't think I'd be able to turn you to our side with a little tea and stimulating conversation, Aang. Like I said, I need more time.”
She noticed Aang shaking, his fists clenched, and a vicious leer directed towards her. “Oh, come now, don't look at me like that. You honestly didn't think that I would catch you and then simply throw you back into the pond, did you?.”
“I thought you would keep your promise.”
“And I did,” Azara said, reaching to grab one of the bags hanging from the ceiling. Several rattling, metallic clanks rang out from the bag as it fell against the table. Aang's eyes shot wide open. Chains. “I'll need to put these on you quickly, Aang. Our boat leaves the harbor at sunset.”
I'm the guy that wrote this, by the way.
A Slightly Different Approach
The point of this scene is basically showing the reader just how much of a different beast Azara is compared to Azula. Azula was clever, but she certainly never hesitated to use a more hands-on approach. Hopefully, these scenes will show while Azara may take a different approach, it makes her no less dangerous.
This would take place sometime after 'The Blind Bandit', and would begin a major divergence from the original plot. My idea for the episode that this scene would be in is basically a more social version of 'The Chase'. I'm leaving Sokka's scene where it is for now, but in the actual chapter I would probably move it more towards the beginning with some more scenes between his and Aya's, as Azara's last line to Aang would be the end of the chapter.
Oh, and I guess Azara's just going to be a tea connoisseur like Uncle.
Enjoy.
“Hey, cutie.”
Well, well, well. Sokka was having the increasingly uncommon pleasure of being eyed-up by two beautiful girls. Wait, scratch that. One cute girl, the other one might have been cute she didn't act like she would rather have been anywhere else at moment; she was fairly plain, as it stood. Still, opportunities like these didn't come around often, and Sokka didn't intend to squander this one.
Sokka looked around. No Aya, no Aang, no Toph. Perfect. “Ladies, ladies, to what do I owe your presence on this lovely evening?”
The cute one spoke first, of course. Doe-eyed, with gray irises; a color that would've been weird to Sokka if she weren't so tempting. “We were just looking for a nice, cute boy to hang out with. You're a sight for sore eyes, and exotic too.” She looked up at her friend, obviously expecting her to agree; a couple of light nudges loosened her lips. “Right, Buella?”
“Oh, yes,” she said, in the most droning, neutral tone Sokka had ever heard. “we would be just ever so honored if a young man of your...stature would join us for a cup of tea.” And then she rolled her eyes, just to top it off.
“Why, of course.” Sokka snuggled between the two girls, draping one of his arms over each of their shoulders. One wiggled closer to him, the other remained as stiff as a piece of hardwood. “I, Sokka, would be more than honored to escort both of you lovely ladies. And what would your names be?”
“Joi.”
“Apparently it's ouuch!”
Sokka raised an eyebrow. “Your name is ouch?“
“No, it's Buella, like I just said five seconds agoouch!” 'Buella' shot a nasty glare towards Joi, and huffed loud. “Whatever. Escort us already, Sokka.”
“As you wish.”
Personally, Sokka could see why the girls had latched onto him. Somehow, he had discovered a town more mind-numbingly boring than the being at the South Pole; no small feat. Old and middle-aged people shuffled around streets that looked like every single Earth Kingdom street ever made: a couple of ostrich-horses picking feed from an overturned barrel, shovels leaning against brown walls, and wind chimes hanging in front of every door. How boring.
Sokka knew he was exaggerating a bit. The girl that had been following them around made the town more interesting by herself, though he figured it was the wrong kind of interest.
“By the way,” Sokka thought he'd ask about it, while they had time. Aya wouldn't be able to call him a complete idiot when he told her what he'd been doing. “have you guys seen a girl sneaking around town? Hazel-eyes, really formal robe, a little shorter than me?”
“Haven't seen her,” Joi said.
Buella shrugged. “Probably from a Fire Nation colonist family. I wouldn't worry to much about her.” She pointed at her own eyes, which were more dulled hazel. “Trust me, most of them are complete weirdos.”
“So, you're from the Fire Nation?”
“No, I'm from a little coastal Earth Kingdom town that's so inconsequential they didn't even bother to name it. My parents are from a Fire Nation town of the exact same importance.”
Sokka shifted towards Joi. “And you?”
“Umm...same?”
“Good, good,” Sokka sad. “Well girls, allow me, my big strong arms, and my handsome face to accompany you to the nearest tea shop...”
-----------------------
Aya couldn't believe this. She absolutely could not even begin to fathom how, even though their lives were quite possibly in danger, her idiot brother and his idiot friend: the so-called 'all-wise and all-powerful' Avatar, could even start to think that it was a good idea to romp around town. As opposed to, you know, getting out of said town immediately. When a potential assailant follows you to multiple places, and you're traveling with a person around half the known world is trying to either capture or kill you, you're supposed to put as much space as humanly possible between yourselves and said assailant as soon as possible.
Right? Idiots.
And Toph. Aya figured with another girl in the group, she'd have at least some support against those pea-brained morons. Nope. Turns out she's a pea-brained moron as well. Figures.
She tried to calm herself down, leaning against a nearby wall. Perhaps it was just some beggar too shy to ask for a handout. Or something. They were pretty common around these parts, right? Regardless, they needed to leave. Staying in one place for too long, barring potential stalkers, was extremely good for any potential Fire Nation patrols that happened to pass through and see them.
Aya slapped herself on the forehead. Stupid. When were things ever that simple? She could only hope that, wherever those idiots were, they weren't doing anything too stupid.
----------------------
'Hey kids, wanna see a trick?' Aang frowned. Aya would kill him if she saw him doing that, no matter how much he wanted to show the nearby group of kids his new-and-improved air cartwheel. Maybe they would think he was a magician or something, who knows? It didn't necessarily have to be Airbending. And even if they discovered his identity, so what? Aang wanted people to know there was still an Avatar out there trying to make things right.
Sighing, Aang tried to think of what Aya would do in this situation. Probably trying to find him and Sokka, and then recommending they leave town as soon as possible. Easier said than done, as the town was about two or three times bigger than Aang originally thought it was.
“They're cute, aren't they?”
A figure stepped beside Aang. She pulled the hood of her robe down, black locks of hair falling past her shoulders. “I've always wanted to have a family of my own. When I'm a little older, of course.”
Aang rubbed the back of his head nervously. “Yeah. I think I might be a little young to worry about that, though.”
“Oh, I don't know about that. One-hundred and twelve seems as good an age as any.” The girl gave a warm smile, her hazel eyes seeming to lighten. “I'm Azara, by the way. Princess Azara of the Fire Nation. Would you mind joining me for a quick cup of tea, Aang? I've heard the shops in this town are quite renowned throughout the Earth Kingdom.”
Aang figured, if he was smart, he would've been about two street lengths and counting away from Azara right now. On the other hand, she hadn't tried to blast him into a smoldering pile of ash yet. Better than Zuko. Aang always liked giving people chances; if worst came to worst, he was a Master Airbender, a skilled Waterbender, and he could bend a rock about two paces in any direction. He could take her.
“Sure,” Aang said. “I...guess we could do that.”
“I'm not going to hurt you, if that's what you're worried about. All I want is to talk.”
The tea shop Azara chose was one of the bigger ones in town, though not with an abundance of people, surprisingly. It was also the only one, as far as he could tell, with built around the side of a massive tree. A warm, soothing aroma was heavy in the air; it almost reminded Aang of the flowers that grew on the side of the mountaintops at the Southern Temple. The monks always told their students to stay away from them, as they happened to grow in precarious positions; the smell of the living quarters after training always seemed to outweigh the boys' common sense, though.
Aang saw bags hanging from the ceiling; he pulled one down and smelt it, inhaling the fragrance. He decided to take it with him, as he figured Appa would appreciate the smell as well.
They sat at a little, yet sturdy wooden table alongside the window. Aang noticed another tea shop across the street, of about the same size and structure. Weird.
“So, Aang,” Azara said. “what brings you to this town? I'm sure there's more important places for a person such as yourself to be.”
Aang shrugged sheepishly. “Aya told us that we needed to stop for supplies. She's good at keeping up with that stuff.”
“Aya...is that the thin girl who's traveling with you?”
“Yeah.” He searched his surroundings for a second, looking for any sign of her. Aya would yell at him for getting into this situation, but regardless, Aang wasn't about to pass up her help in this situation. “I was actually waiting for her before you showed up.”
“Oh, I'm sure she'll be along soon.” A playful, mischievous smiled wiggled across her lips. “Perhaps she can even join in. The more, the merrier.”
Somehow, Aang felt the conversation between Aya and Azara would begin with one of Aya's famous ice daggers being held at Azara's throat. “...how do you know so much about us, anyway?”
“A girl has her ways.” Azara looked towards the window. “I think this shop, and the one across the way are called the Entwined Vines.” She pointed towards a mass of tangled branches and vines that passed high over the street separating the shops, joining with the tree the other shop was built into. “See. That's so fascinating.” She sighed. “I think I'm going to move here once the war is over. The Fire Nation is so boring compared to here.”
“And when do you expect the war to be over?”
A waitress shuffled up to the table; Azara took the pleasure of ordering for the both of them. “We'll have the house special, please.” She continued once the waitress left. “But, yeah, either when you join us or Sozin's Comet passes by, I would think.”
“Wait, once I join the Fire Nation?”
“Yeah, you're going to join us, Aang.”
Believe it or not, it wasn't just Azara saying Aang was going to join forces with the Fire Nation that worried him. No, it was her saying those words with absolute confidence that really jarred him. “So...what makes you think that I'm going to join the Fire Nation? I'm just curious.”
“Because you genuinely want to help the world, Aang. You're just misguided right now.” Aang started to speak, but Azara raised her hand. “I know, I know, from your position this sounds completely crazy. Just hear me out. Please.”
Aang didn't know what possible argument Azara had that could sway him; nevertheless, he raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. I'm always willing to hear any point of view, I suppose.”
“Good.” Azara gave a heavy sigh. “Look, I know my country has done some awful things, Aang. The Air Nomads, most of us agree that Sozin went too far. The War, it's taken a terrible toll on the world, I know. But it doesn't mean that the Fire Nation is wrong.”
“My father's plan is this, Aang. All of the atrocities you've seen so far? They're intentional. As in, ordered by the Fire Nation High Command. That's why you've seen them occupy villages and raise unreasonable taxes, take Earth Kingdom citizens as slaves, and cause unjustified destruction.” She took a dagger from her robe, engraving two small circles in the wood of the table, one twice the size of the other. “The Earth Kingdom's rulers sit inside their cities and ignore the war, not caring what goes on outside the walls as long as they remain safe.”
Then, she made a sharp cut through both circles. “My father expects the Earth Kingdom people to break., Aang. Their kings either can't protect them, or simply don't want to. His message is to the citizens of the Earth Kingdom is that they would be better served under the rule of the Fire Nation.”
“I don't agree with my father's plan, but I can't change his mind. All I can do for you, and the citizens of the world is end it as quickly as possible.” Azara pointed the tip of her dagger towards Aang. “And that's where you come in.
“Aang, once you help us end the war, all of the atrocities stop. No more slavery, no more broken families, no more needless conflict. Once you help us end the war, we can usher in the era of prosperity and peace that my great-grandfather Sozin dreamed of.
“That's why you're going to join us, Avatar. Because you want a quick end to a war that will inevitably end in a Fire Nation victory. Because you're sick of seeing the world suffer endless violence. Because you want to secure a safe future for your children, for future Airbenders, Aang.”
She flipped the dagger so that the tips of her fingers grasped the flat of the blade, the hilt facing Aang. “So, what's your answer?”
Aang slid back from the table, standing from his seat. “No. I'm sorry, you seem like a nice person, and you seem passionate, but I can't join you. Not after everything the Fire Nation has done. I'm going to defeat the Fire Lord, and bring balance back to the world. No amount of fancy speeches are going to change that.”
Mentally, Aang was preparing for a fight. He expected Azara to jump up from the table at any moment, and he wouldn't be taken off-guard. But...her attack never came. Azara simply sat, unimpressed, watching Aang with a wistful stare as her chin rested on the middle of her palm.
“I told you I wasn't going to hurt you, didn't I?” She laid her dagger on the table, beckoning Aang with a few quick curls of her index finger. “Come, sit. Let's talk more.”
After watching Azara for a moment, waiting for an attack or any signs of a trick, Aang sat. “There's nothing you can say to me that will convince me to join the Fire Nation, Azara.”
“Aang, listen, you're not thinking this through. Push your grudge against us aside for a moment. Think about the dangers you'll have to face trying to 'restore balance', The Avatar is to consider what's best for the world, correct? And not just what's best for himself or the people around him.”
Aang thought it over for a second, then gave a slight, grudging nod.
“Well,” Azara said. “how will you bring your people back if you keep endangering your life fighting against us?" The waitress skirted up to the table, placing a porcelain tray with two full tea cups onto the table. Azara thanked her with a short, curt bow before taking a sip from her cup. "You should try this, Aang. It's really quite delicious."
"No thanks."
"Suit yourself." Azara took another sip before continuing. "Aang, my father doesn't care about the survival of the Airbenders or their culture. If you try to fight him, he will kill you, and the Airbenders will be gone forever.”
“But, if I don't stop your father, the world will be unbalanced forever.” Aang shook his head, dismissing Azara's words as even being an option. “I was at the North Pole during the Fire Nation's siege, Azara. I've seen what happens when we try to mess with forces we have no business messing with.
“And Zhao only tried messing with the Moon Spirit. Imagine what happens if the Fire Nation wins the war, and they unbalance all of the spirts, forever.” Joining the Fire Nation was unthinkable to Aang. It was simply insanity. “I'll put the survival of my people at stake over the survival of the entire world any day, thanks.”
Surprisingly, Azara didn't seem disappointed. Everything about this girl was throwing Aang off, especially after being on the receiving end of standard Fire Nation diplomacy for so long: throw fireballs first, ask questions later. '
“I need more time to convince you.” Azara lazily pointed her finger towards the window. “Look across the street, Aang, at the tea shop. In the second window from the left.”
Aang looked, not seeing anything at – wait, Sokka was sitting with two girls. Laughing with them; probably telling that one story about the time when that mother seal-bear thought Sokka was one of her cubs. Aang could've sworn they weren't there when him and Azara first came here.
“Do you see the girl looking out of the window, with the hazel-eyes, acting like she'd rather be anywhere else right now?” Azara motioned towards the girl; the girl pulled a small blade from her tunic. Then, Azara picked up her dagger... “She's looking directly at us. All I have to do is face her,” ...and ran it in a mock line across her throat. “and make this exact motion. If I decide to do that, your friend will die.”
“You said – !”
Azara raised her hand. “I said that I wouldn't hurt you.” She took Aang's hand into her own, caressing it gently. “I didn't think I'd be able to turn you to our side with a little tea and stimulating conversation, Aang. Like I said, I need more time.”
She noticed Aang shaking, his fists clenched, and a vicious leer directed towards her. “Oh, come now, don't look at me like that. You honestly didn't think that I would catch you and then simply throw you back into the pond, did you?.”
“I thought you would keep your promise.”
“And I did,” Azara said, reaching to grab one of the bags hanging from the ceiling. Several rattling, metallic clanks rang out from the bag as it fell against the table. Aang's eyes shot wide open. Chains. “I'll need to put these on you quickly, Aang. Our boat leaves the harbor at sunset.”
