drunkenpandaren (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
drunkenpandaren) wrote2009-09-05 05:31 pm
drunkenpandaren) wrote2009-09-05 05:31 pm
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Power Rangers A.D.S. - Chapter 17 "The Winter Solstice Part 2"
Took a while but after Dome Dolls, I'm ready for more ADS to be written.
The Winter Solstice Part 2
“Don’t worry, everything’s under control.” Said Doctor Toph.
“HOW do we get FALLING under control?!” demanded Sokka moments before Appa swooped under the falling people, catching them in his harness. “Oh. Right. Sky Bison.”
“So you just teleported us out of the way, right Aang?” said Zuko, rubbing his head from where he fell on it.
“I’m not entirely sure,” admitted Aang. “When Roku told me about this ability, he said it made a bridge between sacred places.”
“So you just teleported blind, possibly HALFWAY across the world and for what?” demanded Sokka.
“Shush,” chided Katara. “Doctor Toph?”
“I have some good news and some bad news.” Said Toph. “What do you want first.”
“The good news,” chorused Zuko and Sokka automatically.
“The good news is that we’re out of danger but still in the North Pole.”
“Oh, and I figured that freezing minus fourty weather wasn’t bad,” grumbled Zuko, rubbing his fingers.
“And the bad new?” asked Katara.
“I can’t get a link to my satellite, and I’ve checked every system possible. There’s nothing wrong with my computer—there’s something wrong with the WORLD.” Toph looked up, and lifted her VR headset. “I cannot detect any sign of technology within a thousand mile radius.”
Silence. And then Sokka ran up to Aang, grabbed him by the shirt and demanded, “WHAT. DID. YOU. DO?!”
“Sokka! Stop it!” yelled Katara, dragging her brother off Aang. “What do you mean no technology?”
“All technology gives off energy, signals no matter how far you go,” said Toph. “And considering I’m unable to get a link to my satellite, something I launched and built myself, we’re in a bind. The signals coming from the Fire Nation and Ba Sing Se are NON-EXISTENT. It’s like there’s NO technology that gives off this frequency.”
“So does that mean we’ve been displaced in time?” asked Zuko.
“No. If we did, I would have noticed. My laptop is on a special clock that can determine where and when we move forward and backwards in time. I did tests and experiements on time before anyhow.” Toph scowled. “This is something else.”
“Hey, I see something,” said Aang as he swooped overhead.
“Engaging cloak,” said Toph automatically and the Bison shimmered before vanishing.
As the Bison swooped overhead, the passengers stared. “It’s… the Northern Water Kingdom,” said Zuko at the bustling city. “But it’s not ruined…!”
“Time travel, I’m sure of it,” said Sokka.
“No… I don’t think so,” said Katara slowly. “I can’t put my finger on it, but this must be the same day. Aang, can you get us a closer look?”
“You got it. C’mon Appa, yip yip!” The great bison soared overhead, carefully and slowly as he lowered them to the ground, skimming rooftops.
“No signs of technological advancement so far,” mused Toph. “Aang, put us down in a secluded area.”
“You got it.”
After locating a secure area and ensuring the cloak was up around Appa, the five peeked over a wall at a villager who was snoozing in the warm sunlight. “You people hung clothes up in this weather?” inquired Zuko, a little surprised.
“If you hang them up inside over a fire, they become stiff and then immediately become brittle. Not good for fur jackets,” replied Sokka.
“We’ll have to blend in, so we don’t arouse suspicion,” said Toph, carefully tapping her foot. “Perfect. There’s enough ground here that I can see.”
“I don’t like it,” said Aang. “We shouldn’t really be stealing anything—“
“I call dibs on the cat-mink coat!” exclaimed Katara, darting out of their hiding place.
“… well if that’s how we’re doing it—I call the uniform!”
“Great. Now we get to add Grand Theft Clothesline to our list of adventures in the Northern Water Tribe,” groused Zuko but he too stole a coat and a few items big enough for himself.
“Sokka?”
“Hmm?”
“Lose the beard,” instructed Katara.
“Aww, but I wanted to cultivate a proper disguise in the Water Kingdom,” groaned Sokka, stroking the greyish beard he sported, complete with fake eyebrows and mustache.
“Yeah, but the first idea you had for a name was Wang Fire,” pointed out Toph.
“What’s wrong with Wang Fire?” retorted Sokka. “it’s a perfectly good name.”
“Oh there’s so much wrong with it, I can’t begin to count down the amount of things horribly wrong with any idea you come up with,” replied Toph, making Sokka pull the beard off in irritation, complete with tearing sound.
“We need to find lodging until we can figure out what we’re going to do right now,” said Katara as she pulled her hood up. “Everyone hoods on.”
As the group made their way out of the back alley, Zuko rubbed his face. “I never realized how cold it could be in the daytime.”
“At least you can walk normally,” replied Toph. “At the rate I’m going, I may as well be a snail-fly.”
“Was wondering why you’re clinging to my arm Toph,” said Aang who was blushing just a little.
“Ice isn’t a good place for an earthbender at all, and I’m sure that even with the frozen tundra at my disposal, the rest of this place is going to throw all of my senses off. That and I hate walking on ice.” Replied Toph shortly.
“First I think we need to split up so we can cover more ground after we secure a place in town. This’ll do.” Pushing the door open to an inn, the group headed inside as she dropped a few pieces of silver on the table. “Can this get us a few days?”
The man examined the coins, picked up one and bit it. “Yeah, it’ll do. Was kind of puzzled at the markings on the silver pieces but they’re good. You kids travelers?”
“That we are,” replied Katara. “We’ve come from the south and purchased these coats on our trade routes.”
“Huh, didn’t realize the merchants came so soon,” replied the man. “Your rooms are up to the left. The first three doors on the left.” He glanced at Zuko who then shifted in his hood. “sorry about the burn son. Did you run into a Firebender?”
“No uh, was working on something. And it exploded in my face,” replied Zuko lamely.
“Oh I getcha.”
Once upstairs, Toph stamped the ground a little before flopping down on the skins that made up the closest bed. “I’m going to stay here for most of our trip,” she said opening her computer. “I’ll be devoting most of my time trying to figure out a way to get Aang to send us home.”
“In the meantime, we should make certain to avoid as much contact as possible, but still listen into conversations in each of the major populated areas,” said Katara.
“I’m going with Aang then,” said Sokka. “We need to make sure Appa stays undercover.”
“I’ll take the market,” said Zuko. “It looks like no one really notices the scar unless they’re staring me in the face.”
“Good idea. And in the meantime, get us a little food too,” said Katara, handing Zuko her wallet. “I heard that the food here in the North Pole markets were always the freshest around this time of day.”
“Yay for natural fridges,” smirked Zuko as he pulled his hood up. “I’ll be back.”
“There you go son,” said the elderly woman who handed Zuko a small basket of food. “Be sure to return the basket when you’re done with it.”
“I will,” replied Zuko. “Thank you again ma’am for your help.”
“A handsome thing like you? I wouldn’t dream of not helping,” said the woman, waving her hand and Zuko chuckled. Bowing, he turned around and headed away from the shop.
Looking up into the air, he sighed. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a blue sky…”
Rounding the corner, he bumped into a figure and almost spilled the food. “Sorry!” exclaimed the other as they scrambled to keep the heavy basket upright.
“No, it was my fault for not paying attention. My apologies.” Zuko blinked and then lowered the basket to look the person in the eye. “Sokka? What are you doing in the market?”
The teenager looked up at him and then without warning, backpedalled in alarm before tearing off at a incredible pace, leaving Zuko puzzled. “What was that about?”
Sokka HAD been in the middle of a massive mope about Yue in the market when he ran into the most unlikely person dressed in Water Tribe clothing. But there was no mistaking the voice OR the scar that was so prominent on the other’s face. A wave of panic flooded the teen and he tore off back for the castle, nearly slipping off the ice blocks that made the street up a few times.
Bursting into the room that he shared with Katara and Aang who were in the middle of an incredible sulk as well, he exclaimed, “GUYS! WE’VE GOT A PROBLEM!”
“No kidding,” grumbled Katara. “Stupid Pakku.” She chorused with Aang.
“No I mean BIG problems. I just saw Zuko in the market posing as a Water Tribe guy!” The others sat up in alarm and Sokka added, “And he was carrying food too. I didn’t notice him at first cause the basket was so huge but there he was! I got a good look in his face so I ran for help before he could burn me alive!”
“We need to tell the chief that we’ve got a situation,” said Katara, standing up.
“No wait. Mobilizing the guard on them will only alert Zuko that we’re onto him,” said Aang. “We should go deal with him ourselves.”
“No. Zuko doesn’t know where you guys are currently, especially Aang.” Said Sokka. “It’s time for the hunter to become the hunted; Southern Water Tribe Style.”
The day was getting infinitely weirder from the perspective of the citizens. As Zuko went around town with his arms full of groceries or other such items picked up for his team, there went Sokka, stealthily creeping around corners, hanging from the roof, and often hiding in crockery before he was bodily thrown out of the building for being a nuisance.
Every time however Sokka would follow Zuko to the inn where a few minutes later, he would go out on the request of someone. Once in a while he’d stop and talk into some kind of object he wore on his belt; no doubt communicating with Fire Nation troops Sokka surmised.
After about a half a day of this, Sokka returned to the others who were waiting expectantly. “Okay, he’s working out of this inn on the main street. Every so often he goes out to get something, but he always stops by a empty lot. That’s when we can ambush him!”
“Sounds like a plan,” said Aang. “Let’s try not to hurt him too badly.”
Zuko was actually enjoying the afternoon. Too bad it went all to pot when a whip of water smacked the hot tea he purchased from a vendor out of his hands. “HEY!”
Spinning around he blinked at the trio who had weapons upraised. “Uh… is this about the last fig?”
“Give yourself up Zuko!” demanded Aang. “We don’t want to hurt you!”
“Hurt me? Have you guys gone totally insane?” demanded Zuko.
“Your tricks won’t fool us Zuko,” replied Katara. “You’re cornered and there’s nowhere to run.”
“Yeah. This time? The hunter becomes the hunted! Prepare to meet your doom—Water Tribe style!” added Sokka.
“You have got to be kidding me,” deadpanned Zuko moments before he dodged a wave of water that gushed out from Katara’s movements. “HEY! THIS ISN’T FUNNY YOU KNOW!”
A blast of air from Aang made Zuko dart to the side as he gripped an awning and pulled himself up to the roof of the nearby building. “Guys QUIT IT!”
“Don’t try to act so friendly with us!” yelled back Sokka as he threw boomerang and Zuko ducked the simple attack. “Get em Aang before he can Firebend!”
“Aw crap.” Taking off in the opposite direction, Zuko leaped over the gap between buildings as Aang took off after him. “I hate airbending,” he groaned as Aang easily overtook him, blasting a horizontal attack that knocked him off the building. Recovering into a fall break, Zuko hit the ground running, darting through the market.
Using the natural obstacles aka people, he ducked through them having long experience in dodging Grinders in the same fashion. Rounding the corner, he sliped on the ice and hit the water.
Swimming through the canals, he pulled himself up on the opposite side and rolled as a wave of crashing water splashed past him. Katara had caught up to him and she bent another wave after him. Zuko scrambled to his feet and tried to get away, but the water rushed up his legs, freezing him in the spot.
Tugging at his leg, he heard a keening whine behind him and he turned. “I hate boomerang,” groaned Zuko moments before it impacted in his face, knocking him silly, his morpher clattering to the side from the impact.
“Hey has anyone seen Zuko?” inquired Aang, walking into the room and uncovering his head. “He went out to get supper and hasn’t come back yet.”
“Not since he left,” replied Katara. “Were you able to reach him on the morpher?”
“No I wasn’t able to,” replied Aang, shaking his head. “It’s weird cause he always picks up after two rings.”
“Guys!” exclaimed Sokka, bursting into the room. “We’ve got a problem. Zuko was captured.”
“What?! WHY?!” demanded Katara, leaping to her feet.
“I was in the market when I heard some of the tribe soldiers talking about a Fire Nation prisoner. Looks like in this place, Fire Nation’s the enemy and they’ve been at war for like a hundred years. He was hauled to the prison they have specially kept for Fire Nation soldiers, so he’d be unable to bend.” The others sighed and Sokka nodde.d “Yeah that’s what I said too.”
“Clearly a mix up in this world,” remarked Toph as she closed the laptop and removed her VR headset. “But one that’ll set our chances of getting back home. I’ve analyzed the energy wave left by Aang, and I believe that in time, we’ll be able to return home.”
“That’s the good news, so what’s the bad news?” inquired Katara.
“The bad news is that we’ll have to return in roughly the same place we arrived and with all of us. Thus being said? We need to break Zuko out of jail.” Replied Toph.
“I knew it would come to that,” sighed Aang. “Well, let’s hope it won’t get worse.”
“Is this the leader of the fleet?” inquired the mechanical general as Zhao was brought upon his flying ship.
“It is,” replied one of Zhao’s personal guard.
“Unhand me you monstrocities,” growled Zhao. “I will melt you all into ingots for my fleet!”
“That won’t be needed,” said the robot at the front as he turned around. Zhao’s eyes narrowed and then widened in surprise. “I see you notice our resemblance. May I assume that your name is Zhao?”
“What matter of being are you?” demanded Zhao. “You wear my face but you are of no fleet or station!”
General Zhao chuckled, a mechanical noise. “I am Zhao, War-Bringer General of the Azulon Forces. Welcome aboard my ship, the Warhawk. I have a proposition for you; one that will turn the tide of your little assault on the Water Nation.”
“I’m listening…”
“I really don’t feel right sneaking into this place at night,” whispered Aang to Katara, the two designated break and enter people. They were dressed in dark clothing as Katara broke the lock on the door. “What if someone hears us?”
“That’s why we stay QUIET,” whispered back Katara. “And don’t let any of the waterbender guards catch you Aang; our power is much stronger at night. And it’s almost the full moon.”
“Joy.”
Creeping through the hallway, they flattened themselves against the wall as a couple of men walked by, chatting. Once they passed by, the pair snuck around the corner and started to peek into the rooms. “Find anything?”
“Nothing yet,” replied Aang. “They really aren’t keen on prisoners.”
“If you’re looking for prisoners, I’m over here you clods!” hissed Zuko from the far end. The pair glanced at each other and scampered over to look at Zuko literally trapped in ice, his hands bound. “Nice to see you again. And for the record? I could hear you two all the way down the hall.”
“Hold still.” Bending the cage doors open and pulling the ice off him, Aang undid his hands as Katara put her hands on her hips. “The hands I can understand but the ice too?” She asked.
“They obviously want to keep me from firebending. Not that I can actually firebend outside my suit,” replied Zuko. “And it’s not like uncle has the time to teach me.”
“We need to get out of here before the guards come.” Just then, the sound of men coming down the hall made the trio jump. “Uh oh…”
“That’s never a good sound,” grimaced Zuko. “There’s only one way in and out too.”
“We need to hide!” exclaimed Aang.
“… I’ve got an idea.” Stated Katara, lifting her hands.
Minutes later, the men looked into Zuko’s cage and he stated, “Hi,” from his position frozen to the neck.
They looked at him and shrugged before heading back down the hallway. Once out of sight, Katara and Aang peeked out from behind him and Katara liquefied the ice. “Thanks for giving me some kind of warning,” grumbled Zuko.
“Thank me later; we need to jailbreak and fast.” With that, Katara bent a hole in the wall of the building and the pair slipped through before she bent it closed. “Figured we’d take the easy way out.”
“And you had to sneak in why?” inquired Zuko as they took to the rooftops.
“Easy! We didn’t know where you were being held. Good thing there’s only one wing of prison cells huh?” grinned Aang.
Zuko grumbled but followed his friends to freedom.
“We’ve got a problem,” said Sokka the next day.
“Not now Sokka, we have to go see Chief Arnook,” said Katara, savagely tossing things aside in search for her left shoe.
“Zuko’s missing. He must have escaped last night.” Aang and Katara looked up in alarm. “Here’s the weird thing; there was no sign of escape other than a length of rope and it showed signs of being untied rather than cut or burnt off.”
“So… he has help then?” said Aang.
“Maybe. But this is puzzling people. No one in the public knew of Zuko’s arrest since Chief Arnook kept it under wraps.” Sokka sighed. “Look, I’m gonna go check out the scene of the crime. You two go deal with that waterbending thing.”
“Just what we needed,” sighed Aang. “What a morning this is turning out to be.”
The day had gone so well, for Master Pakku at least.
While he was still angry at Aang for defying the traditions and his orders not to teach Katara, the girl showed such promise and had softened his stance on teaching women. And as time progressed, she learned at an astounding rate, within leaps and bounds.
Little did they know that her first true test of her skill would be pre-emptied by the shimmering of the air around Pakku and his students as a horde of monsters in red appeared all around them.
The alarm went up as Pakku bent the water at the surging horde of enemies in Fire Nation red, only to realize that the enemy was not human at all, but beasts of gears and strange weapons.
“Fall back students!” ordered Pakku. “That includes you two!”
“No! We’re staying!” exclaimed Katara as she used her new skills to bend the water into sharp icicles and hurled them at the attackers who continued to move after being pierced in many places.
Aang leaped high into the air and swung his staff, a blast of air rocketing out at the opponents. It struck an enemy, driving it backwards into several opponents with a metal crashing noise. “They’re not alive!” he exclaimed in shock as the ones who survived the impact got up with a whir.
“What are they? New Fire Nation weapons?” Katara screamed as a volley of lasers tore through where she stood, only to be blocked by a wall of ice that Pakku formed around her.
“Light. Deadly light.” Pakku swallowed as he blasted three more, only to find them being replaced by more attackers. “Where’s the guard?”
“Up there!” exclaimed Aang as he pointed at the stairs where more minions had charged up, engaging the guard in a battle. Ice and snow and water surged and warriors clashed with the enemies. The attackers lifted their sticks and light surged from them, striking many who cried out, smoking holes in their armor.
“Retreat!” yelled Pakku, shoving forward as a huge wave of water washed across the opponents. “Retreat to the second level!”
Sokka, who had heard the alarm, turned to Yue who watched the fight in growing horror. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you,” said Sokka to Yue.
“Behind you!” Sokka reacted immediately as he threw boomerang at the enemy, the machine dropping with the sharp weapon imbedded in his head. “They’re not alive, they’re machines!” Yue swallowed. “Where… where’d they come from?”
“I don’t know,” said Sokka, wrenching boomerang from its head. “Maybe the Fire Nation discovered how to make soldiers now.”
Aang blasted another row of enemies as he, Pakku and Katara were surrounded. They lifted their weapons and he grimaced. “I can’t beat them all,” he said, breathing heavily.
Katara reached behind her and squeezed Aang’s hand as the end of the enemy’s sticks glowed.
Suddenly, a group of them exploded and a loud cry of “SEI-KYAH!” roared through the group as a form dropped out of the sky, followed by several more. The first attacker slammed into the first enemy and toppled several others in a oh-so familiar series of movement that Aang realized was Firebender martial arts.
“ZUKO?!” exclaimed Katara, shocked that Zuko would save them.
“Talk later!” Series Red bit back. “Now’s not the time!”
“He’s right,” said a voice to Katara’s left as a tsunami of water slammed into the ranks and a second blast of water sliced through the nearest three or four enemies. Katara gaped as her own face smirked back at her. “This isn’t the time for it.”
“So we talking or fighting?” quipped Series Black from their left. The teen was effortlessly moving through the attackers, kicking and punching as a small girl raised her hands and the earth beneath her heaved. Enemies were crushed by huge chunks of frost-covered earth.
“An earthbender!” realized Pakku.
“Not just any earthbender; the best,” smirked Toph. “Stand back you three; this is going to get hairy in a moment. Rangers!”
A series of clicking was heard as they threw out the devices they pulled from their belts or clicked on their arms. “A.D.S.!” they roared as one. “MAX DRIVE!”
Green, Yellow, Black and Blue light erupted around the four and the trio gaped at the newcomers who were dressed in gleaming, if tight, armor.
“AQUA SABER STRIKE!” roared Series Blue as she pulled a blade of water from the air before swinging it at the opponents. Appearing behind them, she continued to carve through the enemies as a whole swathe exploded.
“GLIDER STAFF!” Leaping high into the air, Series Yellow glowed yellow as he passed through a pack of enemies, leaving a trail of explosions behind them.
“EARTH CANNON!” Toph slammed her hands on the ground, the entire ground shattered in a shockwave that blew several more into scrap.
“METEOR SWORD!” Swinging his blade that glowed a brilliant red light, Series Black swung the blade and a whole group exploded as a meteor lanced from the sword and impacted in a furious explosion of power.
“Whoa…” swallowed Aang. Who were these people who wore their faces? And—
THUD. Aang looked up at Series Red who had slammed his fist through one of the attackers with astounding force. Shaking it off his hand, he turned to Aang. “Pay more attention to your surroundings,” he instructed. Looking up at Sokka high up on the third level, he added, “Watch their backs. I’m going to help.”
Running up the stairs, weaving around attackers, he slammed into several more, knocking them aside as Water Tribesmen stared at the actions of the Fire Nation boy. Leaping high, Series Red let out a yell as he slammed into another attacker. Sokka yelped and Yue shrieked in surprise as Series tore the Grinder’s head off. “What the heck are you doing here?” demanded Sokka.
Series Red held out his hand. “Fine way of thanking me. My Morpher. GIVE IT.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about—“ denied Sokka but Yue held it out. “Yue!”
“Here. You saved us.”
Series Red smiled, took it and slotted the Engine Cell in. “Thanks.” Then, leaping out of the balcony, he yelled, “A.D.S.! MAX DRIVE!” and in a blast of red light, dropped to the ground as he yelled “DRAGON SWORDS!”
Fire blasted from the weapons as he carved his way through the ranks. With expert motions, he hurled fireball after fireball, striking the attackers that were against the Water Tribesmen.
Making his way to the lower level, Series Red crossed his blades and they glowed with fire. “DRAGON DANCE!”
Blurring into a series of afterimages, Series Red passed through the ranks. The attackers suddenly burst into pillars of flame as he stood up, a smirk apparent under his helmet. “That felt good.”
With the aid of the Rangers, the attackers were pushed back and what remained of the Grinders vanished from the Water Nation. The men and women let out a cheer as the Rangers regrouped. “We should get going,” said Toph. “We’ve overstayed our welcome.”
“WAIT!” Turning, Katara, Aang and Pakku stood there as Chief Arnook stepped forward. “Wait please,” said the Chief. “Strangers from another land, you aided us and saved the lives of our people.”
“It’s what we do,” said Series Blue, bowing. “We are but travelers from distant lands. I doubt we will be seeing each other again.”
“But…” protested Katara. “Your face. You wear my face but…”
Aang stepped forward. “You all risked your lives to save us, despite our actions.”
“Yes,” said Pakku. “And I am not so blind to notice my teachings in the girl in blue.” Series Blue shifted, embarrassed. “Chief Arnook?”
“If you will strangers,” said the Chief.
Looking at each other, Toph finally said, “Fine. Rangers? Power down.”
In flashes of light, the five stood there and jaws dropped. Aang stared at his counterpart and said, “You have hair?”
“I kinda like it,” admitted Series Blue as Katara gazed at herself.
“It’s like looking into a mirror,” said Katara and Series Blue smiled.
“They wear the faces of people we know,” mused Pakku. “This is a strange day indeed.”
“I think we should be explaining everything then,” said Toph. “I am Doctor Toph, and I can answer everything you ask.” She stepped forward and nearly slipped, lunging forward and clinging to Aang’s arm who blushed. “Sorry. I can’t walk on ice.”
“N-No problem,” stammered Aang.
“It is… a strange tale,” said Chief Arnook after listening to their explaination. “Another world entirely apart of the Spirit World.”
“As much as it sounds like fantasy, it is quite real,” said Toph now comfortably situated on a fur-covered stool of ice. The girl had replaced her visor and was typing rapidly on her computer. “I surmise that in our attempt to move from sacred locaton to location, Series Yellow, OUR Aang, opened a gate to another world. However this allows us to follow the trail back.”
“And in your world, Zuko’s NOT trying to kidnap the Avatar?” demanded Sokka.
“Nope,” said Series Red, folding his arms.
“Hey, I can vouch for my bud here,” said Series Black and his native counterpart stared at him. “He’s saved my butt as well as the butts of everyone in Ba Sing Se and then some.”
“And what of you, Avatar Aang?” inquired Pakku. “Surely you have not abandoned your duty, have you not?”
Series Yellow shook his head. “I have not, but I have a ways to go. Already I have secured a master of waterbending and earthbending, though I have yet to approach General Iroh to find a master of firebending.”
“The situation Aang is under is unique,” said Series Blue, speaking for her fellow Rangers. “Avatar Roku has left him a great task and burden, but also has given us the people, the means to fight alongside the Avatar on equal footing. Or so we have been told.”
Toph held up her wrist displaying the Rev Morpher. “Avatar Roku was a scientific genius, and was capable of great things. With his skill, he built the devices we all use to become A.D.S. Power Rangers.”
“A.D.S.?” inquired Aang.
“It is short for Avatar Drive State.” The others jumped in surprise and Toph allowed herself a smirk. “Avatar Roku indeed built these devices, AND intended them to be a match for the fully realized Avatar State.”
“So that’s what A.D.S. stands for…” mused Series Blue and her native version looked at her.
“You mean you never asked?” asked Katara.
“It never came up?” shrugged Series Blue, laughing nervously.
“Quite a tale. And these enemies that appear to be Fire Nation, they were called Grinders correct? Such dangerous machines.” Said Chief Arnook.
“Yes. The only way to defeat a Grinder is to destroy it. And obviously it takes skill and confidence to muster the ability to defeat one. However, now that I know that there are Grinders here, it means that the attack ship we detected on the way towards the North Pole has also been brought in via proximity of Avatar Aang’s method of transport.” Typing, Toph added, “I expect that the attacker will soon come with reinforcements. The machines are as cunning as humans are, and if there is an attack planned on the Northern Water Nation, and then they will be here.”
“Which leads us to the fact that we will most likely have to deal with an assault on two fronts,” groaned Sokka.
“Tell me about it,” muttered Series Black. “Grinders are bad enough. If the leader of the attack vessel sends more than one attack bot at a time, all bets are off.”
“Doctor Toph, are you able to defend us against these new enemies?” asked the chief.
“Yes, and most likely long enough for our Aang to send us back to our world AND drag the enemy with us. We are attached with a type of tether together. Where one of us goes, the other does.” Toph sighed. “I am truly sorry for this trouble we’ve brought down with us, but Aang will not be able to gather the energy needed for another day or so, when the moon reaches the full phase.”
“I suggest,” said Toph finally, “That we wait, and be patient. And prepare for a full scale invasion.”
Series Black stared at Sokka who stared right back. Fingers twitched and teeth were bared. Somewhere someone was whistling The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
“BEGIN!” commanded Yue and the two Sokka’s descended into a feeding frenzy as plates began to pile up.
“Does this happen often?” asked Yue of Katara and both of them nodded.
“Sokka’s got a habit of challenging people to eating contests,” said Series Red as he watched the pair rack up the food dishes. “And it never ends well.”
“I see. How much longer?” asked Yue and Series Red held up his hand.
“TIME!” he called out and the two Sokka’s let out simultaneous belches.
“Eeew,” chorused Katara in stereo.
“And the count is…” Series Red made a quick count and said, “10 plates a piece. It’s a tie.”
As one, the two Sokka’s fell over groaning. “Well now we know that we can both eat the same amount,” groaned Series Black and his companion nodded, letting out a belch.
“Hey Aang,” said Katara, sitting down next to him. “Oh you’re the other Aang.”
“It’s okay,” chuckled Series Yellow as he patted his belt. “Just like you’re the other Katara.”
“Yeah.” The pair stared at the sun that was beginning to dip as she sighed. “You know? All this time I wondered to myself; is there anything out there? And here you are, from another world entirely.”
“I know. It makes you wonder just how vast the universe really is. Back in Ba Sing Se, you can see the night sky all the time, but the sky in the day is artificial.”
“Arti…ficial?” asked Katara, stumbling over the unfamiliar word.
“It means it’s made by people.” His expression fell a little. “The sun is so harsh outside the dome, and the land is ravaged by countless years of war. The people need the warm blue skies, instead of the harsh yellow light of the outside.”
“That’s so sad,” said Katara. “Not being able to see the sky for what it truly is.”
“Yeah. But that’s why I fight; to make a world safe for the people to wander free without the threat of the machines and the Azulon virus.”
“It’s strange,” said Katara, “how things are so similar between our worlds and so different.”
“Yeah.”
“Oh hey Aang—oh! You’re the native one.” Series Blue sat down next to Aang who looked at her.
“Hi Katara. Those are unique clothes you’re wearing,” he said, gesturing to her black jacket, blue shirt and black pants. “Where’d you get them?”
“I was wearing them under my old jacket when we arrived here,” said Series Blue. “It’s pretty much a uniform so that people know who we are when we’re wandering around Ba Sing Se in civilian garb. That and I figured that we all need to know who the other one is, so I told everyone to go back to regular clothing.”
“You look pretty in it, and I like your hair down” said Aang, blushing a little.Series Blue blushed a little. “So um, you said earlier you were the team leader?”
“Yeah, I’ve been team leader for a long time now, even when it was me and Sokka. He fell to pieces addressing people, so I took over in his place. But Sokka comes up with some of the best plans so I defer to his advice.” Series Blue giggled. “It’s like that with your Katara and Sokka right?”
“Yeah, Katara’s always telling us what to do, but it’s Sokka who plans our trip and reads the maps.” Agreed Aang.
“Then we’re not too dissimilar. I see that your Katara is a beginner waterbender. She’s learing from Master Pakku right?”
“Yeah! Are you learning from Master Pakku too?” Series Blue nodded and Aang’s expression lit up. “That’s so great! I’m glad to know there’s a Pakku in your world as well.”
“Yeah, he and Gran Gran are seeing each other.now that they were reunited.” Series Blue laughed a little. “I hope I’ll be able to call him Grandpa soon.”
Aang nodded. “Hey, do you want to go Penguin-Sledding with me? I found a flock of them a ways away.”
“I haven’t done that since I was six! Sure, I’ll come!”
“You can come in,” said Toph as she continued to tap at the keyboard, her feet propped up on a slab of ice. “I can sense your movement from the door.”
“Oh.” Stepping into the room, Yue sat down next to Doctor Toph. “I just thought you’d like some company.”
“It’s appreciated,” said the normally reclusive doctor. “I suppose you came to ask me about my world? Everyone else does.”
“Actually I was wondering about that device you’re using. What did you call it earlier?” asked Yue.
“It’s called a computer, and I’m able to access my files from it which is like little scrolls bundled together inside a container. What I’m doing now is searching the North Pole with a small remote satellite that I launched into the area, looking for that attack ship. If it’s out there, I can find it.”
“So you’re looking for the ship now without moving? That’s amazing,” said Yue. “I wouldn’t know the first thing about tracking or hunting.”
“This is similar, but on a different level,” replied Toph. “It takes skill and a bit of interpretation of signals.”
“Can you show me a little of this? It sounds interesting.” Asked Yue.
Toph took off her visor and said, “You sure? This is pretty hard stuff.”
Yue smiled. “I’m a fast learner.”
Toph regarded the girl and then nodded, replacing her visor. “Sit by me, so I can explain what I’m doing—in laymans terms.”
Appa looked at Aang. And then looked at Series Yellow. And then he rumbled, placing his front legs over his eyes. Aang rubbed his friend on the nose. “It’s okay buddy; it’s confusing.”
“Oh! Appa!” exclaimed Series Yellow. “I almost forgot that we’ve kept his cloak up!”
“Cloak?” inquired Aang. “What kind of cloak? A warm one for flight or something?”
“No I mean it makes him invisible. One second.” Pulling out a Bison whistle, Series Yellow blew on it and called out “Aaaa-paaa!”
A shadow passed over them, circled and landed with a thud as Series Yellow pressed a button on what looked like a keychain. There was a chirp and Appa faded into the visible spectrum, making Aang jump.
Appa regarded his other native self, Aang and Series Yellow, rumbled questioningly and Series Yellow rubbed his nose. “Yeah I know it’s confusing,” said Series Yellow. “Appa meet your brother!”
Appa thumped over to the first Sky Bison and the pair sniffed each other before the first one licked the second. “They like each other,” grinned Aang.
“Well they are each other,” grinned Series Yellow, equally wide.
Aang looked up at the saddle and leaped up to it. Poking the large mechanical devices on either side, he asked, “What are these?”
“Hyper Jump boosters,” replied Series Yellow, earning a confused expression from Aang. “Um, they make Appa go REALLY fast. Like here to Ba Sing Se in like 10 minutes fast.”
Aang’s jaw dropped. “Appa can fly that quickly?”
Appa grumbled and Series Yellow laughed, patting his friend. “Yeah but Appa doesn’t like to go that fast unless we’re in a real hurry.”
Aang looked at Series Yellow and then the pair chorused “Wanna race?”
Zuko stood on the balcony, watching the water in the canals swoosh by. “I thought I might find you here,” said Chief Arnook.
“It’s not hard to find me,” admitted Zuko, the teen still bundled in his stolen jacket. “Not too many people here that has such a distinctive scar.”
“I noticed,” replied the Chief. “I heard stories that the Prince of the Fire Nation in our world possesses such a scar. I was wondering…”
Zuko grunted. “It’s actually not much of a story. I was locked away in the Southern Air Temple during the Azulon occupation, when I managed to break out. I had heard that they were doing experiments on a child they found, so I saved him. Turned out that it was Aang. Before I managed to escape, there was a flash of light, and an explosion caught me in the face. I was lucky to even retain use of my eye.”
“You risked your life to save him, and you didn’t know who he was?” inquired Arnook.
“All I saw was a child who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s what anyone would do.” Replied Zuko.
“To think a Prince of the Fire Nation could be so trusting of the world.” Arnook smiled a little.
Zuko chuckled a little. “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket sir; my counterpart could be a mean jerk or something.”
“Oh I have no doubts about that, but if you’ve turned out so well, then there is a little hope here and there.” Admitted Arnook. “Come to dinner tonight: everyone is invited. Oh, and please return that jacket—I’ll get you a new one.”
Zuko nodded. “It is kind of ill-fitting.”
“Not to mention stolen,” put in Arnook and Zuko rubbed his head, embarrassed.
“GOT IT!” exclaimed Toph, making the people in the room look up. “I found the attack ship, and it’s a doosy.”
“Well?” asked Series Black. “How bad are we looking?”
“Well the good news Series Black is that its design hasn’t changed since the last time we saw it. The bad news is that it’s the Warhawk.” Series Blue gasped and Toph nodded. “Exactly.”
“What’s this Warhawk? Some kind of ship?” asked Sokka. “Like a boat with a lot of catapults?”
“A giant FLYING ship to be precise. It boasts several air to land weapon pods and a crew of at least two thousand Grinders and a compliment of about ten attack bots,” replied Toph, and not more than one person in the room paled. “And since it’s the Warhawk…”
“Then General Zhao is there too,” replied Series Blue darkly. “The leader of the attack forces.”
“You have a Zhao as well?” inquired Aang.
“I haven’t seen him myself but…” looking at Series Blue, Series Yellow added, “But I get the feeling he’s pretty bad.”
“Bad is a relative statement,” said Series Black darkly. “He wiped out the Southern Water Tribe and barely any of us escaped. That ship, the Warhawk is one of the strongest Azulon attack vehicles. We’re going to need zords.”
“Unfortunately deployment right now will be difficult with a lack of fuel and resources,” replied Toph, tapping furiously on her keyboard. “We’re going to have to save those until the time is right.”
“Great so we’re reduced to sitting around. I’m going to get some air.” Series Blue stormed out and Katara followed after her.
Catching up to her, Katara watched as her counterpart angrily yelled once out of earshot of the room and with waterbending, ripped an entire wall out. “Zhao killed mom, didn’t he?” asked Katara as Series Blue slumped to the wall, burying her face in her hands.
Sinking down next to Series Blue, Katara pulled up her knees as the other girl barely held back tears. “When I was five, there was a raid on my town as well. It came without warning. Mom died in that attack.”
Series Blue squeezed her eyes shut. “I’m sorry,” she choked out.
“I don’t like talking about it either but in these days and all…” Looking over at the other girl, she wrapped one arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “I’m sorry…” Tears leaked out of her eyes.
Series Blue sniffed as she was hugged by her counterpart. It was warm and inviting but she could feel the tensing of Katara’s muscles as she continued. “I don’t know the name of the attackers who killed my mother, so in a way, I guess you were vindicated that you know who took yours away.”
“She’s our mother,” replied Series Blue, holding back choked sobs. “And I’m sorry too.”
As the girls held each other, Sokka turned to Series Black who wore an expression on his face between concern and anger. “It’s the same wherever we go, isn’t it?” asked Sokka. “Has it ever gotten better?”
“Sometimes yes,” replied Series Black. “But Katara still remembers everything. She saw mom die.”
“… Katara did too,” said Sokka. “I never got to see: dad never let me. Sometimes I don’t even remember her face anymore.”
“I’m sorry.” Reaching into his back pocket, Sokka pulled out his wallet, flipping it open to gaze at a faded photo. “Katara knows I carry this, so I won’t forget. Maybe this’ll help.”
Taking the picture, Sokka swallowed. A loving family was clustered around the front of their home. Katara. Sokka. Hakoda. And Kya, their mother. “How was…?”
“A camera,” replied Series Black. “It’s one of the inventions of our world. Basically it copies an image down on a special paper and with it you can make copies, preserve memories. It’s the only thing I managed to save from the attack on our Tribe. The last thing I remember is watching the glacier being blasted into a thousand pieces.”
Sokka stared at the picture, brushing a bit of dampness from his eyes. “Keep it,” added Series Black, taking his wallet back and pulling out the picture. “I’ve already made a copy of it, so you can have this one.”
“Are you sure? It’s of you and…” began Sokka and Series Black smirked. “Right, we’re identitcal. For all intents and purposes, this is a picture of our family.”
“Yeah. And as such, I’m going to teach you how to fight.” Series Black smirked at Sokka’s expression. “C’mon, I’m gonna show you how to kick Grinder butt – Sokka Style.”
“We’ve got incoming,” reported Sokka as he landed Appa, Yue hot on his heels. “Soot mixed with snow.”
“That means the Fire Nation’s on its way – and looks like there are a lot of them,” remarked Katara, gazing out at the dark clouds that marred the horizon.
“Undoubtably there’ll be an attack preceeding the Fire Nation reaching the Water Tribe,” reported Doctor Toph as she stood up and clasped her computer closed. “I’ve detected movement from the Warhawk. It looks like they’re here to start the invasion.”
“Rangers,” added Toph to the war council. “I will require Series Black, Red and Blue to attack Zhao’s forces directly in the sky with zords. Series Yellow and I will remain behind to contain the Grinder invasion. You are all a go for A.D.S. Megazord configuration. Series Yellow: put your zord on autopilot for configuration into the Bison Fortress Megazord.”
Series Yellow nodded. “Right.”
“I’m sure everyone’s gotten their assignments by now,” added the Doctor, “So I’ll make this quick. Grinders are dangerous, but cannon fodder. Unleash as many killing blows as you must to disable them. A flurry of martial arts or bending helps too. If you must, disarm them and use their own weapons as well. That goes double for any non-bender warrior in your tribe Chief Arnook.”
“I will be certain to impress it upon the troops,” said the chief sagely.
“One last thing: Attack bots have a very unique appearance, modeled after various household and non-household devices. If you see one of these mechs, contact the Rangers immediately. Take them at range if forced to engage: you can’t risk getting within arms length of one of these things or the results could be fatal.” Toph cracked her knuckles. “Call your war meeting Chief. We’re about to go to war.”
The Winter Solstice Part 2
“Don’t worry, everything’s under control.” Said Doctor Toph.
“HOW do we get FALLING under control?!” demanded Sokka moments before Appa swooped under the falling people, catching them in his harness. “Oh. Right. Sky Bison.”
“So you just teleported us out of the way, right Aang?” said Zuko, rubbing his head from where he fell on it.
“I’m not entirely sure,” admitted Aang. “When Roku told me about this ability, he said it made a bridge between sacred places.”
“So you just teleported blind, possibly HALFWAY across the world and for what?” demanded Sokka.
“Shush,” chided Katara. “Doctor Toph?”
“I have some good news and some bad news.” Said Toph. “What do you want first.”
“The good news,” chorused Zuko and Sokka automatically.
“The good news is that we’re out of danger but still in the North Pole.”
“Oh, and I figured that freezing minus fourty weather wasn’t bad,” grumbled Zuko, rubbing his fingers.
“And the bad new?” asked Katara.
“I can’t get a link to my satellite, and I’ve checked every system possible. There’s nothing wrong with my computer—there’s something wrong with the WORLD.” Toph looked up, and lifted her VR headset. “I cannot detect any sign of technology within a thousand mile radius.”
Silence. And then Sokka ran up to Aang, grabbed him by the shirt and demanded, “WHAT. DID. YOU. DO?!”
“Sokka! Stop it!” yelled Katara, dragging her brother off Aang. “What do you mean no technology?”
“All technology gives off energy, signals no matter how far you go,” said Toph. “And considering I’m unable to get a link to my satellite, something I launched and built myself, we’re in a bind. The signals coming from the Fire Nation and Ba Sing Se are NON-EXISTENT. It’s like there’s NO technology that gives off this frequency.”
“So does that mean we’ve been displaced in time?” asked Zuko.
“No. If we did, I would have noticed. My laptop is on a special clock that can determine where and when we move forward and backwards in time. I did tests and experiements on time before anyhow.” Toph scowled. “This is something else.”
“Hey, I see something,” said Aang as he swooped overhead.
“Engaging cloak,” said Toph automatically and the Bison shimmered before vanishing.
As the Bison swooped overhead, the passengers stared. “It’s… the Northern Water Kingdom,” said Zuko at the bustling city. “But it’s not ruined…!”
“Time travel, I’m sure of it,” said Sokka.
“No… I don’t think so,” said Katara slowly. “I can’t put my finger on it, but this must be the same day. Aang, can you get us a closer look?”
“You got it. C’mon Appa, yip yip!” The great bison soared overhead, carefully and slowly as he lowered them to the ground, skimming rooftops.
“No signs of technological advancement so far,” mused Toph. “Aang, put us down in a secluded area.”
“You got it.”
After locating a secure area and ensuring the cloak was up around Appa, the five peeked over a wall at a villager who was snoozing in the warm sunlight. “You people hung clothes up in this weather?” inquired Zuko, a little surprised.
“If you hang them up inside over a fire, they become stiff and then immediately become brittle. Not good for fur jackets,” replied Sokka.
“We’ll have to blend in, so we don’t arouse suspicion,” said Toph, carefully tapping her foot. “Perfect. There’s enough ground here that I can see.”
“I don’t like it,” said Aang. “We shouldn’t really be stealing anything—“
“I call dibs on the cat-mink coat!” exclaimed Katara, darting out of their hiding place.
“… well if that’s how we’re doing it—I call the uniform!”
“Great. Now we get to add Grand Theft Clothesline to our list of adventures in the Northern Water Tribe,” groused Zuko but he too stole a coat and a few items big enough for himself.
“Sokka?”
“Hmm?”
“Lose the beard,” instructed Katara.
“Aww, but I wanted to cultivate a proper disguise in the Water Kingdom,” groaned Sokka, stroking the greyish beard he sported, complete with fake eyebrows and mustache.
“Yeah, but the first idea you had for a name was Wang Fire,” pointed out Toph.
“What’s wrong with Wang Fire?” retorted Sokka. “it’s a perfectly good name.”
“Oh there’s so much wrong with it, I can’t begin to count down the amount of things horribly wrong with any idea you come up with,” replied Toph, making Sokka pull the beard off in irritation, complete with tearing sound.
“We need to find lodging until we can figure out what we’re going to do right now,” said Katara as she pulled her hood up. “Everyone hoods on.”
As the group made their way out of the back alley, Zuko rubbed his face. “I never realized how cold it could be in the daytime.”
“At least you can walk normally,” replied Toph. “At the rate I’m going, I may as well be a snail-fly.”
“Was wondering why you’re clinging to my arm Toph,” said Aang who was blushing just a little.
“Ice isn’t a good place for an earthbender at all, and I’m sure that even with the frozen tundra at my disposal, the rest of this place is going to throw all of my senses off. That and I hate walking on ice.” Replied Toph shortly.
“First I think we need to split up so we can cover more ground after we secure a place in town. This’ll do.” Pushing the door open to an inn, the group headed inside as she dropped a few pieces of silver on the table. “Can this get us a few days?”
The man examined the coins, picked up one and bit it. “Yeah, it’ll do. Was kind of puzzled at the markings on the silver pieces but they’re good. You kids travelers?”
“That we are,” replied Katara. “We’ve come from the south and purchased these coats on our trade routes.”
“Huh, didn’t realize the merchants came so soon,” replied the man. “Your rooms are up to the left. The first three doors on the left.” He glanced at Zuko who then shifted in his hood. “sorry about the burn son. Did you run into a Firebender?”
“No uh, was working on something. And it exploded in my face,” replied Zuko lamely.
“Oh I getcha.”
Once upstairs, Toph stamped the ground a little before flopping down on the skins that made up the closest bed. “I’m going to stay here for most of our trip,” she said opening her computer. “I’ll be devoting most of my time trying to figure out a way to get Aang to send us home.”
“In the meantime, we should make certain to avoid as much contact as possible, but still listen into conversations in each of the major populated areas,” said Katara.
“I’m going with Aang then,” said Sokka. “We need to make sure Appa stays undercover.”
“I’ll take the market,” said Zuko. “It looks like no one really notices the scar unless they’re staring me in the face.”
“Good idea. And in the meantime, get us a little food too,” said Katara, handing Zuko her wallet. “I heard that the food here in the North Pole markets were always the freshest around this time of day.”
“Yay for natural fridges,” smirked Zuko as he pulled his hood up. “I’ll be back.”
“There you go son,” said the elderly woman who handed Zuko a small basket of food. “Be sure to return the basket when you’re done with it.”
“I will,” replied Zuko. “Thank you again ma’am for your help.”
“A handsome thing like you? I wouldn’t dream of not helping,” said the woman, waving her hand and Zuko chuckled. Bowing, he turned around and headed away from the shop.
Looking up into the air, he sighed. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a blue sky…”
Rounding the corner, he bumped into a figure and almost spilled the food. “Sorry!” exclaimed the other as they scrambled to keep the heavy basket upright.
“No, it was my fault for not paying attention. My apologies.” Zuko blinked and then lowered the basket to look the person in the eye. “Sokka? What are you doing in the market?”
The teenager looked up at him and then without warning, backpedalled in alarm before tearing off at a incredible pace, leaving Zuko puzzled. “What was that about?”
Sokka HAD been in the middle of a massive mope about Yue in the market when he ran into the most unlikely person dressed in Water Tribe clothing. But there was no mistaking the voice OR the scar that was so prominent on the other’s face. A wave of panic flooded the teen and he tore off back for the castle, nearly slipping off the ice blocks that made the street up a few times.
Bursting into the room that he shared with Katara and Aang who were in the middle of an incredible sulk as well, he exclaimed, “GUYS! WE’VE GOT A PROBLEM!”
“No kidding,” grumbled Katara. “Stupid Pakku.” She chorused with Aang.
“No I mean BIG problems. I just saw Zuko in the market posing as a Water Tribe guy!” The others sat up in alarm and Sokka added, “And he was carrying food too. I didn’t notice him at first cause the basket was so huge but there he was! I got a good look in his face so I ran for help before he could burn me alive!”
“We need to tell the chief that we’ve got a situation,” said Katara, standing up.
“No wait. Mobilizing the guard on them will only alert Zuko that we’re onto him,” said Aang. “We should go deal with him ourselves.”
“No. Zuko doesn’t know where you guys are currently, especially Aang.” Said Sokka. “It’s time for the hunter to become the hunted; Southern Water Tribe Style.”
The day was getting infinitely weirder from the perspective of the citizens. As Zuko went around town with his arms full of groceries or other such items picked up for his team, there went Sokka, stealthily creeping around corners, hanging from the roof, and often hiding in crockery before he was bodily thrown out of the building for being a nuisance.
Every time however Sokka would follow Zuko to the inn where a few minutes later, he would go out on the request of someone. Once in a while he’d stop and talk into some kind of object he wore on his belt; no doubt communicating with Fire Nation troops Sokka surmised.
After about a half a day of this, Sokka returned to the others who were waiting expectantly. “Okay, he’s working out of this inn on the main street. Every so often he goes out to get something, but he always stops by a empty lot. That’s when we can ambush him!”
“Sounds like a plan,” said Aang. “Let’s try not to hurt him too badly.”
Zuko was actually enjoying the afternoon. Too bad it went all to pot when a whip of water smacked the hot tea he purchased from a vendor out of his hands. “HEY!”
Spinning around he blinked at the trio who had weapons upraised. “Uh… is this about the last fig?”
“Give yourself up Zuko!” demanded Aang. “We don’t want to hurt you!”
“Hurt me? Have you guys gone totally insane?” demanded Zuko.
“Your tricks won’t fool us Zuko,” replied Katara. “You’re cornered and there’s nowhere to run.”
“Yeah. This time? The hunter becomes the hunted! Prepare to meet your doom—Water Tribe style!” added Sokka.
“You have got to be kidding me,” deadpanned Zuko moments before he dodged a wave of water that gushed out from Katara’s movements. “HEY! THIS ISN’T FUNNY YOU KNOW!”
A blast of air from Aang made Zuko dart to the side as he gripped an awning and pulled himself up to the roof of the nearby building. “Guys QUIT IT!”
“Don’t try to act so friendly with us!” yelled back Sokka as he threw boomerang and Zuko ducked the simple attack. “Get em Aang before he can Firebend!”
“Aw crap.” Taking off in the opposite direction, Zuko leaped over the gap between buildings as Aang took off after him. “I hate airbending,” he groaned as Aang easily overtook him, blasting a horizontal attack that knocked him off the building. Recovering into a fall break, Zuko hit the ground running, darting through the market.
Using the natural obstacles aka people, he ducked through them having long experience in dodging Grinders in the same fashion. Rounding the corner, he sliped on the ice and hit the water.
Swimming through the canals, he pulled himself up on the opposite side and rolled as a wave of crashing water splashed past him. Katara had caught up to him and she bent another wave after him. Zuko scrambled to his feet and tried to get away, but the water rushed up his legs, freezing him in the spot.
Tugging at his leg, he heard a keening whine behind him and he turned. “I hate boomerang,” groaned Zuko moments before it impacted in his face, knocking him silly, his morpher clattering to the side from the impact.
“Hey has anyone seen Zuko?” inquired Aang, walking into the room and uncovering his head. “He went out to get supper and hasn’t come back yet.”
“Not since he left,” replied Katara. “Were you able to reach him on the morpher?”
“No I wasn’t able to,” replied Aang, shaking his head. “It’s weird cause he always picks up after two rings.”
“Guys!” exclaimed Sokka, bursting into the room. “We’ve got a problem. Zuko was captured.”
“What?! WHY?!” demanded Katara, leaping to her feet.
“I was in the market when I heard some of the tribe soldiers talking about a Fire Nation prisoner. Looks like in this place, Fire Nation’s the enemy and they’ve been at war for like a hundred years. He was hauled to the prison they have specially kept for Fire Nation soldiers, so he’d be unable to bend.” The others sighed and Sokka nodde.d “Yeah that’s what I said too.”
“Clearly a mix up in this world,” remarked Toph as she closed the laptop and removed her VR headset. “But one that’ll set our chances of getting back home. I’ve analyzed the energy wave left by Aang, and I believe that in time, we’ll be able to return home.”
“That’s the good news, so what’s the bad news?” inquired Katara.
“The bad news is that we’ll have to return in roughly the same place we arrived and with all of us. Thus being said? We need to break Zuko out of jail.” Replied Toph.
“I knew it would come to that,” sighed Aang. “Well, let’s hope it won’t get worse.”
“Is this the leader of the fleet?” inquired the mechanical general as Zhao was brought upon his flying ship.
“It is,” replied one of Zhao’s personal guard.
“Unhand me you monstrocities,” growled Zhao. “I will melt you all into ingots for my fleet!”
“That won’t be needed,” said the robot at the front as he turned around. Zhao’s eyes narrowed and then widened in surprise. “I see you notice our resemblance. May I assume that your name is Zhao?”
“What matter of being are you?” demanded Zhao. “You wear my face but you are of no fleet or station!”
General Zhao chuckled, a mechanical noise. “I am Zhao, War-Bringer General of the Azulon Forces. Welcome aboard my ship, the Warhawk. I have a proposition for you; one that will turn the tide of your little assault on the Water Nation.”
“I’m listening…”
“I really don’t feel right sneaking into this place at night,” whispered Aang to Katara, the two designated break and enter people. They were dressed in dark clothing as Katara broke the lock on the door. “What if someone hears us?”
“That’s why we stay QUIET,” whispered back Katara. “And don’t let any of the waterbender guards catch you Aang; our power is much stronger at night. And it’s almost the full moon.”
“Joy.”
Creeping through the hallway, they flattened themselves against the wall as a couple of men walked by, chatting. Once they passed by, the pair snuck around the corner and started to peek into the rooms. “Find anything?”
“Nothing yet,” replied Aang. “They really aren’t keen on prisoners.”
“If you’re looking for prisoners, I’m over here you clods!” hissed Zuko from the far end. The pair glanced at each other and scampered over to look at Zuko literally trapped in ice, his hands bound. “Nice to see you again. And for the record? I could hear you two all the way down the hall.”
“Hold still.” Bending the cage doors open and pulling the ice off him, Aang undid his hands as Katara put her hands on her hips. “The hands I can understand but the ice too?” She asked.
“They obviously want to keep me from firebending. Not that I can actually firebend outside my suit,” replied Zuko. “And it’s not like uncle has the time to teach me.”
“We need to get out of here before the guards come.” Just then, the sound of men coming down the hall made the trio jump. “Uh oh…”
“That’s never a good sound,” grimaced Zuko. “There’s only one way in and out too.”
“We need to hide!” exclaimed Aang.
“… I’ve got an idea.” Stated Katara, lifting her hands.
Minutes later, the men looked into Zuko’s cage and he stated, “Hi,” from his position frozen to the neck.
They looked at him and shrugged before heading back down the hallway. Once out of sight, Katara and Aang peeked out from behind him and Katara liquefied the ice. “Thanks for giving me some kind of warning,” grumbled Zuko.
“Thank me later; we need to jailbreak and fast.” With that, Katara bent a hole in the wall of the building and the pair slipped through before she bent it closed. “Figured we’d take the easy way out.”
“And you had to sneak in why?” inquired Zuko as they took to the rooftops.
“Easy! We didn’t know where you were being held. Good thing there’s only one wing of prison cells huh?” grinned Aang.
Zuko grumbled but followed his friends to freedom.
“We’ve got a problem,” said Sokka the next day.
“Not now Sokka, we have to go see Chief Arnook,” said Katara, savagely tossing things aside in search for her left shoe.
“Zuko’s missing. He must have escaped last night.” Aang and Katara looked up in alarm. “Here’s the weird thing; there was no sign of escape other than a length of rope and it showed signs of being untied rather than cut or burnt off.”
“So… he has help then?” said Aang.
“Maybe. But this is puzzling people. No one in the public knew of Zuko’s arrest since Chief Arnook kept it under wraps.” Sokka sighed. “Look, I’m gonna go check out the scene of the crime. You two go deal with that waterbending thing.”
“Just what we needed,” sighed Aang. “What a morning this is turning out to be.”
The day had gone so well, for Master Pakku at least.
While he was still angry at Aang for defying the traditions and his orders not to teach Katara, the girl showed such promise and had softened his stance on teaching women. And as time progressed, she learned at an astounding rate, within leaps and bounds.
Little did they know that her first true test of her skill would be pre-emptied by the shimmering of the air around Pakku and his students as a horde of monsters in red appeared all around them.
The alarm went up as Pakku bent the water at the surging horde of enemies in Fire Nation red, only to realize that the enemy was not human at all, but beasts of gears and strange weapons.
“Fall back students!” ordered Pakku. “That includes you two!”
“No! We’re staying!” exclaimed Katara as she used her new skills to bend the water into sharp icicles and hurled them at the attackers who continued to move after being pierced in many places.
Aang leaped high into the air and swung his staff, a blast of air rocketing out at the opponents. It struck an enemy, driving it backwards into several opponents with a metal crashing noise. “They’re not alive!” he exclaimed in shock as the ones who survived the impact got up with a whir.
“What are they? New Fire Nation weapons?” Katara screamed as a volley of lasers tore through where she stood, only to be blocked by a wall of ice that Pakku formed around her.
“Light. Deadly light.” Pakku swallowed as he blasted three more, only to find them being replaced by more attackers. “Where’s the guard?”
“Up there!” exclaimed Aang as he pointed at the stairs where more minions had charged up, engaging the guard in a battle. Ice and snow and water surged and warriors clashed with the enemies. The attackers lifted their sticks and light surged from them, striking many who cried out, smoking holes in their armor.
“Retreat!” yelled Pakku, shoving forward as a huge wave of water washed across the opponents. “Retreat to the second level!”
Sokka, who had heard the alarm, turned to Yue who watched the fight in growing horror. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you,” said Sokka to Yue.
“Behind you!” Sokka reacted immediately as he threw boomerang at the enemy, the machine dropping with the sharp weapon imbedded in his head. “They’re not alive, they’re machines!” Yue swallowed. “Where… where’d they come from?”
“I don’t know,” said Sokka, wrenching boomerang from its head. “Maybe the Fire Nation discovered how to make soldiers now.”
Aang blasted another row of enemies as he, Pakku and Katara were surrounded. They lifted their weapons and he grimaced. “I can’t beat them all,” he said, breathing heavily.
Katara reached behind her and squeezed Aang’s hand as the end of the enemy’s sticks glowed.
Suddenly, a group of them exploded and a loud cry of “SEI-KYAH!” roared through the group as a form dropped out of the sky, followed by several more. The first attacker slammed into the first enemy and toppled several others in a oh-so familiar series of movement that Aang realized was Firebender martial arts.
“ZUKO?!” exclaimed Katara, shocked that Zuko would save them.
“Talk later!” Series Red bit back. “Now’s not the time!”
“He’s right,” said a voice to Katara’s left as a tsunami of water slammed into the ranks and a second blast of water sliced through the nearest three or four enemies. Katara gaped as her own face smirked back at her. “This isn’t the time for it.”
“So we talking or fighting?” quipped Series Black from their left. The teen was effortlessly moving through the attackers, kicking and punching as a small girl raised her hands and the earth beneath her heaved. Enemies were crushed by huge chunks of frost-covered earth.
“An earthbender!” realized Pakku.
“Not just any earthbender; the best,” smirked Toph. “Stand back you three; this is going to get hairy in a moment. Rangers!”
A series of clicking was heard as they threw out the devices they pulled from their belts or clicked on their arms. “A.D.S.!” they roared as one. “MAX DRIVE!”
Green, Yellow, Black and Blue light erupted around the four and the trio gaped at the newcomers who were dressed in gleaming, if tight, armor.
“AQUA SABER STRIKE!” roared Series Blue as she pulled a blade of water from the air before swinging it at the opponents. Appearing behind them, she continued to carve through the enemies as a whole swathe exploded.
“GLIDER STAFF!” Leaping high into the air, Series Yellow glowed yellow as he passed through a pack of enemies, leaving a trail of explosions behind them.
“EARTH CANNON!” Toph slammed her hands on the ground, the entire ground shattered in a shockwave that blew several more into scrap.
“METEOR SWORD!” Swinging his blade that glowed a brilliant red light, Series Black swung the blade and a whole group exploded as a meteor lanced from the sword and impacted in a furious explosion of power.
“Whoa…” swallowed Aang. Who were these people who wore their faces? And—
THUD. Aang looked up at Series Red who had slammed his fist through one of the attackers with astounding force. Shaking it off his hand, he turned to Aang. “Pay more attention to your surroundings,” he instructed. Looking up at Sokka high up on the third level, he added, “Watch their backs. I’m going to help.”
Running up the stairs, weaving around attackers, he slammed into several more, knocking them aside as Water Tribesmen stared at the actions of the Fire Nation boy. Leaping high, Series Red let out a yell as he slammed into another attacker. Sokka yelped and Yue shrieked in surprise as Series tore the Grinder’s head off. “What the heck are you doing here?” demanded Sokka.
Series Red held out his hand. “Fine way of thanking me. My Morpher. GIVE IT.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about—“ denied Sokka but Yue held it out. “Yue!”
“Here. You saved us.”
Series Red smiled, took it and slotted the Engine Cell in. “Thanks.” Then, leaping out of the balcony, he yelled, “A.D.S.! MAX DRIVE!” and in a blast of red light, dropped to the ground as he yelled “DRAGON SWORDS!”
Fire blasted from the weapons as he carved his way through the ranks. With expert motions, he hurled fireball after fireball, striking the attackers that were against the Water Tribesmen.
Making his way to the lower level, Series Red crossed his blades and they glowed with fire. “DRAGON DANCE!”
Blurring into a series of afterimages, Series Red passed through the ranks. The attackers suddenly burst into pillars of flame as he stood up, a smirk apparent under his helmet. “That felt good.”
With the aid of the Rangers, the attackers were pushed back and what remained of the Grinders vanished from the Water Nation. The men and women let out a cheer as the Rangers regrouped. “We should get going,” said Toph. “We’ve overstayed our welcome.”
“WAIT!” Turning, Katara, Aang and Pakku stood there as Chief Arnook stepped forward. “Wait please,” said the Chief. “Strangers from another land, you aided us and saved the lives of our people.”
“It’s what we do,” said Series Blue, bowing. “We are but travelers from distant lands. I doubt we will be seeing each other again.”
“But…” protested Katara. “Your face. You wear my face but…”
Aang stepped forward. “You all risked your lives to save us, despite our actions.”
“Yes,” said Pakku. “And I am not so blind to notice my teachings in the girl in blue.” Series Blue shifted, embarrassed. “Chief Arnook?”
“If you will strangers,” said the Chief.
Looking at each other, Toph finally said, “Fine. Rangers? Power down.”
In flashes of light, the five stood there and jaws dropped. Aang stared at his counterpart and said, “You have hair?”
“I kinda like it,” admitted Series Blue as Katara gazed at herself.
“It’s like looking into a mirror,” said Katara and Series Blue smiled.
“They wear the faces of people we know,” mused Pakku. “This is a strange day indeed.”
“I think we should be explaining everything then,” said Toph. “I am Doctor Toph, and I can answer everything you ask.” She stepped forward and nearly slipped, lunging forward and clinging to Aang’s arm who blushed. “Sorry. I can’t walk on ice.”
“N-No problem,” stammered Aang.
“It is… a strange tale,” said Chief Arnook after listening to their explaination. “Another world entirely apart of the Spirit World.”
“As much as it sounds like fantasy, it is quite real,” said Toph now comfortably situated on a fur-covered stool of ice. The girl had replaced her visor and was typing rapidly on her computer. “I surmise that in our attempt to move from sacred locaton to location, Series Yellow, OUR Aang, opened a gate to another world. However this allows us to follow the trail back.”
“And in your world, Zuko’s NOT trying to kidnap the Avatar?” demanded Sokka.
“Nope,” said Series Red, folding his arms.
“Hey, I can vouch for my bud here,” said Series Black and his native counterpart stared at him. “He’s saved my butt as well as the butts of everyone in Ba Sing Se and then some.”
“And what of you, Avatar Aang?” inquired Pakku. “Surely you have not abandoned your duty, have you not?”
Series Yellow shook his head. “I have not, but I have a ways to go. Already I have secured a master of waterbending and earthbending, though I have yet to approach General Iroh to find a master of firebending.”
“The situation Aang is under is unique,” said Series Blue, speaking for her fellow Rangers. “Avatar Roku has left him a great task and burden, but also has given us the people, the means to fight alongside the Avatar on equal footing. Or so we have been told.”
Toph held up her wrist displaying the Rev Morpher. “Avatar Roku was a scientific genius, and was capable of great things. With his skill, he built the devices we all use to become A.D.S. Power Rangers.”
“A.D.S.?” inquired Aang.
“It is short for Avatar Drive State.” The others jumped in surprise and Toph allowed herself a smirk. “Avatar Roku indeed built these devices, AND intended them to be a match for the fully realized Avatar State.”
“So that’s what A.D.S. stands for…” mused Series Blue and her native version looked at her.
“You mean you never asked?” asked Katara.
“It never came up?” shrugged Series Blue, laughing nervously.
“Quite a tale. And these enemies that appear to be Fire Nation, they were called Grinders correct? Such dangerous machines.” Said Chief Arnook.
“Yes. The only way to defeat a Grinder is to destroy it. And obviously it takes skill and confidence to muster the ability to defeat one. However, now that I know that there are Grinders here, it means that the attack ship we detected on the way towards the North Pole has also been brought in via proximity of Avatar Aang’s method of transport.” Typing, Toph added, “I expect that the attacker will soon come with reinforcements. The machines are as cunning as humans are, and if there is an attack planned on the Northern Water Nation, and then they will be here.”
“Which leads us to the fact that we will most likely have to deal with an assault on two fronts,” groaned Sokka.
“Tell me about it,” muttered Series Black. “Grinders are bad enough. If the leader of the attack vessel sends more than one attack bot at a time, all bets are off.”
“Doctor Toph, are you able to defend us against these new enemies?” asked the chief.
“Yes, and most likely long enough for our Aang to send us back to our world AND drag the enemy with us. We are attached with a type of tether together. Where one of us goes, the other does.” Toph sighed. “I am truly sorry for this trouble we’ve brought down with us, but Aang will not be able to gather the energy needed for another day or so, when the moon reaches the full phase.”
“I suggest,” said Toph finally, “That we wait, and be patient. And prepare for a full scale invasion.”
Series Black stared at Sokka who stared right back. Fingers twitched and teeth were bared. Somewhere someone was whistling The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
“BEGIN!” commanded Yue and the two Sokka’s descended into a feeding frenzy as plates began to pile up.
“Does this happen often?” asked Yue of Katara and both of them nodded.
“Sokka’s got a habit of challenging people to eating contests,” said Series Red as he watched the pair rack up the food dishes. “And it never ends well.”
“I see. How much longer?” asked Yue and Series Red held up his hand.
“TIME!” he called out and the two Sokka’s let out simultaneous belches.
“Eeew,” chorused Katara in stereo.
“And the count is…” Series Red made a quick count and said, “10 plates a piece. It’s a tie.”
As one, the two Sokka’s fell over groaning. “Well now we know that we can both eat the same amount,” groaned Series Black and his companion nodded, letting out a belch.
“Hey Aang,” said Katara, sitting down next to him. “Oh you’re the other Aang.”
“It’s okay,” chuckled Series Yellow as he patted his belt. “Just like you’re the other Katara.”
“Yeah.” The pair stared at the sun that was beginning to dip as she sighed. “You know? All this time I wondered to myself; is there anything out there? And here you are, from another world entirely.”
“I know. It makes you wonder just how vast the universe really is. Back in Ba Sing Se, you can see the night sky all the time, but the sky in the day is artificial.”
“Arti…ficial?” asked Katara, stumbling over the unfamiliar word.
“It means it’s made by people.” His expression fell a little. “The sun is so harsh outside the dome, and the land is ravaged by countless years of war. The people need the warm blue skies, instead of the harsh yellow light of the outside.”
“That’s so sad,” said Katara. “Not being able to see the sky for what it truly is.”
“Yeah. But that’s why I fight; to make a world safe for the people to wander free without the threat of the machines and the Azulon virus.”
“It’s strange,” said Katara, “how things are so similar between our worlds and so different.”
“Yeah.”
“Oh hey Aang—oh! You’re the native one.” Series Blue sat down next to Aang who looked at her.
“Hi Katara. Those are unique clothes you’re wearing,” he said, gesturing to her black jacket, blue shirt and black pants. “Where’d you get them?”
“I was wearing them under my old jacket when we arrived here,” said Series Blue. “It’s pretty much a uniform so that people know who we are when we’re wandering around Ba Sing Se in civilian garb. That and I figured that we all need to know who the other one is, so I told everyone to go back to regular clothing.”
“You look pretty in it, and I like your hair down” said Aang, blushing a little.Series Blue blushed a little. “So um, you said earlier you were the team leader?”
“Yeah, I’ve been team leader for a long time now, even when it was me and Sokka. He fell to pieces addressing people, so I took over in his place. But Sokka comes up with some of the best plans so I defer to his advice.” Series Blue giggled. “It’s like that with your Katara and Sokka right?”
“Yeah, Katara’s always telling us what to do, but it’s Sokka who plans our trip and reads the maps.” Agreed Aang.
“Then we’re not too dissimilar. I see that your Katara is a beginner waterbender. She’s learing from Master Pakku right?”
“Yeah! Are you learning from Master Pakku too?” Series Blue nodded and Aang’s expression lit up. “That’s so great! I’m glad to know there’s a Pakku in your world as well.”
“Yeah, he and Gran Gran are seeing each other.now that they were reunited.” Series Blue laughed a little. “I hope I’ll be able to call him Grandpa soon.”
Aang nodded. “Hey, do you want to go Penguin-Sledding with me? I found a flock of them a ways away.”
“I haven’t done that since I was six! Sure, I’ll come!”
“You can come in,” said Toph as she continued to tap at the keyboard, her feet propped up on a slab of ice. “I can sense your movement from the door.”
“Oh.” Stepping into the room, Yue sat down next to Doctor Toph. “I just thought you’d like some company.”
“It’s appreciated,” said the normally reclusive doctor. “I suppose you came to ask me about my world? Everyone else does.”
“Actually I was wondering about that device you’re using. What did you call it earlier?” asked Yue.
“It’s called a computer, and I’m able to access my files from it which is like little scrolls bundled together inside a container. What I’m doing now is searching the North Pole with a small remote satellite that I launched into the area, looking for that attack ship. If it’s out there, I can find it.”
“So you’re looking for the ship now without moving? That’s amazing,” said Yue. “I wouldn’t know the first thing about tracking or hunting.”
“This is similar, but on a different level,” replied Toph. “It takes skill and a bit of interpretation of signals.”
“Can you show me a little of this? It sounds interesting.” Asked Yue.
Toph took off her visor and said, “You sure? This is pretty hard stuff.”
Yue smiled. “I’m a fast learner.”
Toph regarded the girl and then nodded, replacing her visor. “Sit by me, so I can explain what I’m doing—in laymans terms.”
Appa looked at Aang. And then looked at Series Yellow. And then he rumbled, placing his front legs over his eyes. Aang rubbed his friend on the nose. “It’s okay buddy; it’s confusing.”
“Oh! Appa!” exclaimed Series Yellow. “I almost forgot that we’ve kept his cloak up!”
“Cloak?” inquired Aang. “What kind of cloak? A warm one for flight or something?”
“No I mean it makes him invisible. One second.” Pulling out a Bison whistle, Series Yellow blew on it and called out “Aaaa-paaa!”
A shadow passed over them, circled and landed with a thud as Series Yellow pressed a button on what looked like a keychain. There was a chirp and Appa faded into the visible spectrum, making Aang jump.
Appa regarded his other native self, Aang and Series Yellow, rumbled questioningly and Series Yellow rubbed his nose. “Yeah I know it’s confusing,” said Series Yellow. “Appa meet your brother!”
Appa thumped over to the first Sky Bison and the pair sniffed each other before the first one licked the second. “They like each other,” grinned Aang.
“Well they are each other,” grinned Series Yellow, equally wide.
Aang looked up at the saddle and leaped up to it. Poking the large mechanical devices on either side, he asked, “What are these?”
“Hyper Jump boosters,” replied Series Yellow, earning a confused expression from Aang. “Um, they make Appa go REALLY fast. Like here to Ba Sing Se in like 10 minutes fast.”
Aang’s jaw dropped. “Appa can fly that quickly?”
Appa grumbled and Series Yellow laughed, patting his friend. “Yeah but Appa doesn’t like to go that fast unless we’re in a real hurry.”
Aang looked at Series Yellow and then the pair chorused “Wanna race?”
Zuko stood on the balcony, watching the water in the canals swoosh by. “I thought I might find you here,” said Chief Arnook.
“It’s not hard to find me,” admitted Zuko, the teen still bundled in his stolen jacket. “Not too many people here that has such a distinctive scar.”
“I noticed,” replied the Chief. “I heard stories that the Prince of the Fire Nation in our world possesses such a scar. I was wondering…”
Zuko grunted. “It’s actually not much of a story. I was locked away in the Southern Air Temple during the Azulon occupation, when I managed to break out. I had heard that they were doing experiments on a child they found, so I saved him. Turned out that it was Aang. Before I managed to escape, there was a flash of light, and an explosion caught me in the face. I was lucky to even retain use of my eye.”
“You risked your life to save him, and you didn’t know who he was?” inquired Arnook.
“All I saw was a child who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s what anyone would do.” Replied Zuko.
“To think a Prince of the Fire Nation could be so trusting of the world.” Arnook smiled a little.
Zuko chuckled a little. “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket sir; my counterpart could be a mean jerk or something.”
“Oh I have no doubts about that, but if you’ve turned out so well, then there is a little hope here and there.” Admitted Arnook. “Come to dinner tonight: everyone is invited. Oh, and please return that jacket—I’ll get you a new one.”
Zuko nodded. “It is kind of ill-fitting.”
“Not to mention stolen,” put in Arnook and Zuko rubbed his head, embarrassed.
“GOT IT!” exclaimed Toph, making the people in the room look up. “I found the attack ship, and it’s a doosy.”
“Well?” asked Series Black. “How bad are we looking?”
“Well the good news Series Black is that its design hasn’t changed since the last time we saw it. The bad news is that it’s the Warhawk.” Series Blue gasped and Toph nodded. “Exactly.”
“What’s this Warhawk? Some kind of ship?” asked Sokka. “Like a boat with a lot of catapults?”
“A giant FLYING ship to be precise. It boasts several air to land weapon pods and a crew of at least two thousand Grinders and a compliment of about ten attack bots,” replied Toph, and not more than one person in the room paled. “And since it’s the Warhawk…”
“Then General Zhao is there too,” replied Series Blue darkly. “The leader of the attack forces.”
“You have a Zhao as well?” inquired Aang.
“I haven’t seen him myself but…” looking at Series Blue, Series Yellow added, “But I get the feeling he’s pretty bad.”
“Bad is a relative statement,” said Series Black darkly. “He wiped out the Southern Water Tribe and barely any of us escaped. That ship, the Warhawk is one of the strongest Azulon attack vehicles. We’re going to need zords.”
“Unfortunately deployment right now will be difficult with a lack of fuel and resources,” replied Toph, tapping furiously on her keyboard. “We’re going to have to save those until the time is right.”
“Great so we’re reduced to sitting around. I’m going to get some air.” Series Blue stormed out and Katara followed after her.
Catching up to her, Katara watched as her counterpart angrily yelled once out of earshot of the room and with waterbending, ripped an entire wall out. “Zhao killed mom, didn’t he?” asked Katara as Series Blue slumped to the wall, burying her face in her hands.
Sinking down next to Series Blue, Katara pulled up her knees as the other girl barely held back tears. “When I was five, there was a raid on my town as well. It came without warning. Mom died in that attack.”
Series Blue squeezed her eyes shut. “I’m sorry,” she choked out.
“I don’t like talking about it either but in these days and all…” Looking over at the other girl, she wrapped one arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “I’m sorry…” Tears leaked out of her eyes.
Series Blue sniffed as she was hugged by her counterpart. It was warm and inviting but she could feel the tensing of Katara’s muscles as she continued. “I don’t know the name of the attackers who killed my mother, so in a way, I guess you were vindicated that you know who took yours away.”
“She’s our mother,” replied Series Blue, holding back choked sobs. “And I’m sorry too.”
As the girls held each other, Sokka turned to Series Black who wore an expression on his face between concern and anger. “It’s the same wherever we go, isn’t it?” asked Sokka. “Has it ever gotten better?”
“Sometimes yes,” replied Series Black. “But Katara still remembers everything. She saw mom die.”
“… Katara did too,” said Sokka. “I never got to see: dad never let me. Sometimes I don’t even remember her face anymore.”
“I’m sorry.” Reaching into his back pocket, Sokka pulled out his wallet, flipping it open to gaze at a faded photo. “Katara knows I carry this, so I won’t forget. Maybe this’ll help.”
Taking the picture, Sokka swallowed. A loving family was clustered around the front of their home. Katara. Sokka. Hakoda. And Kya, their mother. “How was…?”
“A camera,” replied Series Black. “It’s one of the inventions of our world. Basically it copies an image down on a special paper and with it you can make copies, preserve memories. It’s the only thing I managed to save from the attack on our Tribe. The last thing I remember is watching the glacier being blasted into a thousand pieces.”
Sokka stared at the picture, brushing a bit of dampness from his eyes. “Keep it,” added Series Black, taking his wallet back and pulling out the picture. “I’ve already made a copy of it, so you can have this one.”
“Are you sure? It’s of you and…” began Sokka and Series Black smirked. “Right, we’re identitcal. For all intents and purposes, this is a picture of our family.”
“Yeah. And as such, I’m going to teach you how to fight.” Series Black smirked at Sokka’s expression. “C’mon, I’m gonna show you how to kick Grinder butt – Sokka Style.”
“We’ve got incoming,” reported Sokka as he landed Appa, Yue hot on his heels. “Soot mixed with snow.”
“That means the Fire Nation’s on its way – and looks like there are a lot of them,” remarked Katara, gazing out at the dark clouds that marred the horizon.
“Undoubtably there’ll be an attack preceeding the Fire Nation reaching the Water Tribe,” reported Doctor Toph as she stood up and clasped her computer closed. “I’ve detected movement from the Warhawk. It looks like they’re here to start the invasion.”
“Rangers,” added Toph to the war council. “I will require Series Black, Red and Blue to attack Zhao’s forces directly in the sky with zords. Series Yellow and I will remain behind to contain the Grinder invasion. You are all a go for A.D.S. Megazord configuration. Series Yellow: put your zord on autopilot for configuration into the Bison Fortress Megazord.”
Series Yellow nodded. “Right.”
“I’m sure everyone’s gotten their assignments by now,” added the Doctor, “So I’ll make this quick. Grinders are dangerous, but cannon fodder. Unleash as many killing blows as you must to disable them. A flurry of martial arts or bending helps too. If you must, disarm them and use their own weapons as well. That goes double for any non-bender warrior in your tribe Chief Arnook.”
“I will be certain to impress it upon the troops,” said the chief sagely.
“One last thing: Attack bots have a very unique appearance, modeled after various household and non-household devices. If you see one of these mechs, contact the Rangers immediately. Take them at range if forced to engage: you can’t risk getting within arms length of one of these things or the results could be fatal.” Toph cracked her knuckles. “Call your war meeting Chief. We’re about to go to war.”
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In flashes of light, the five stood there and jaws dropped. Aang stared at his counterpart and said, “You have hair?”
“I kinda like it,” admitted Series Blue as Katara gazed at herself.
Did you mean Series Yellow instead of Blue?
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