Aang, Sokka, Katara, and Chiara spent the afternoon searching for food, but found little to eat. Chiara, her senses heightened, had been distracted feeling as though someone had been watching them for the last hour. Flashbacks of attempted robberies in the Earth Kingdom made her really regret not having her knife, and now especially her sword, and the recent attack by the pirates still had her on edge. She was not sure which of the Gaang she should approach first to tell of her suspicions. She initially wanted to tell Aang since he was the Avatar, but his age made her want to protect him more rather than worry him. Katara was her next thought as she felt more comfortable speaking in private with another female, but she worried that she might overreact. She suspected Sokka would be the best choice, but only if he could remain calm and be stealthy. Finally, she just decided to make a general statement.
"We need to stick together," she said. "I...I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about our surroundings."
"Huh, I think it seems pretty quiet," said Aang.
"Just don't let your guard down," she said.
"Goo' a'vice," mumbled Sokka with a mouthful of food, his attention inside a pouch he was carrying.
The path they followed led them to a sign board.
"This should give us a good idea of what's around here," said Katara while Sokka emptied the last crumbs of his pouch into his mouth.
"See if you can find a menu," he said. "I'm starving."
"You were just eating, Sokka," she said.
"That was snacking," he moaned making his sister roll her eyes.
While the Gaang was looking over the posters on the board, Chiara was staring at the woods still feeling wary.
"I bet we'll find something to eat here," said Aang pointing at one of the posters. "The Fire Days Festival."
"Really?" asked Chiara, her attention drawn away from the forest. She walked over to him. "I haven't been to that festival in years."
"Fire Nation cultural exhibits, jugglers, benders, magicians, firebending masters, puppet shows, and here's something for you, Chiara: plenty of fire to make you feel like you're back home in the Fire Nation," read Aang. She giggled. Aang looked at Katara. "This would be a great place for me to study some real firebenders."
"You might want to rethink that," said Sokka staring at a poster on the other side of the board. "Look at this."
They walked around to Sokka.
"Hey, a poster of me!" said Aang excitedly.
"A wanted poster," said Sokka. "This is bad."
Aang removed the poster and started reading it. Chiara was looking at the poster of the Blue Spirit and smiling to herself as she read it.
Wanted, by order of the Fire Lord: The so-called Blue Spirit. He is a thief, guilty of stealing the Avatar from the Fire Nation. He wears a traditional Earth Kingdom opera mask. His true identity is unknown, but disregard the rumors that he is a ghost. If you locate the Blue Spirit and attempt to apprehend him, you are advised to enlist as many forces as you can gather for the task.
"I think we better keep moving," said Katara.
"I have to learn firebending at some point and this could be my only chance to watch a master's up close," said Aang.
"If you want to see a master firebender, Master Jeong Jeong would be the one to speak to," said Chiara.
They turned to her as she pulled his wanted poster from the board and held it up.
Aang read it out loud:
"Wanted, by order of the Fire Lord: Jeong Jeong, former Admiral in the Fire Armada. He is a deserter, traitor, and coward. He is 61 years old with white-hair. Although he has taken the most wretched path of pacifism, he is a master firebender and should be approached with extreme caution."
"He's one of the most legendary firebenders," said Chiara.
"So there's a firebender out here who's not with the Fire Lord?" he asked excitedly.
She nodded.
"Do you know him?" he asked her.
"I met him years ago. He came to understand the destruction the Fire Nation was causing and he deserted the military for which I always admired him."
"Do you think he'll teach me?" he asked, his eyes wide with hope.
"He might once you master the other elements, but I imagine he'll be able to give you some insight and advice for now."
"I think we should find him," he said full of excitement.
"Keep in mind he's very strict," she warned. "He puts a lot of emphasis on discipline. He sees fire as destructive, which it can be if one isn't disciplined enough to control it. Fire is a powerful element, but it can also be life."
"How will we find him?" asked Katara.
"Good question," said Chiara. "He moves a lot so as not to be found by the Fire Nation."
"We can start at the Fire Days Festival," suggested Aang.
"I doubt a deserter hiding from the Fire Nation is going to be at a festival," said Sokka.
"I guess we could go check it out anyways," said Katara.
"What?" he said stomping over to her. "You want to walk into a Fire Nation town where they're all fired up with their...you know...fire?"
"We'll wear disguises, and if it looks like trouble, we'll leave," said Katara walking towards Appa while Aang happily dashed after her.
"Yeah, because we always leave before we get into trouble," said Sokka sarcastically.
"They have food at the festival," said Chiara still staring at the board.
"Well...maybe we could check it out," he said as he turned to follow Aang and Katara.
Chiara quickly ripped down the Blue Spirit wanted poster along with another deserter's poster and rolled them up together with Jeong Jeong's. Then she followed the others as they walked towards the town.
"You guys stay out of sight here while we go to the festival," said Aang to Appa and Momo.
Momo dove into a bush while Appa lay down behind it.
Chiara was laughing at Appa's huge form still completely in view. "You're so adorable, Appa."
"Ready disguises," said Aang.
Sokka and Katara put on cloaks pulling their hoods up over their heads while Aang pulled his shawl over his head.
"It's like you're a whole different person," said Sokka sarcastically.
"Everyone'll be wearing masks," said Chiara. "They give them out for free."
"Well, that's convenient," said Sokka.
"Let's go," said Aang.
It was dark by the time they arrived in the town.
"Get your genuine Fire Festival mask here!" called a merchant.
"Like I said, that's convenient," said Sokka as they walked towards the mask stand.
They each chose a mask. Sokka chose one that was smiling, while Aang's had a frown, so Katara switched their masks to match their own expressions.
"Hey, there's some food," said Aang pointing ahead.
"Finally," said Sokka as he ran towards the food stand. "What do you have?" he asked the merchant.
"Flaming fire flakes. Best in town."
"I'll take 'em," he said eagerly.
"Sokka, wait...," started Chiara as she ran up to him.
"Aaahhh! Hot! Hot!" he said as he started wiping the spice off his tongue.
"'Flaming fire flakes,' hot? What do you know?" said Katara sarcastically.
"Here, try this instead," said Chiara as she handed him a pastry from the merchant. "It's not as...flaming."
"Huh, never had fire flakes before?" asked the merchant.
"They're not as hot in Yu Dao," she said. "My cousins aren't used to them."
"Hey, look at this," said Aang, his eyes following a few kids hurriedly running by them.
They followed the kids towards a puppet show.
"Don't worry, loyal citizens. No one can surprise the Fire Lord!" spoke a puppet.
An Earth Kingdom general puppet started rising up behind the Fire Lord puppet prepared to attack him with a rock.
"Oh no! Look out!" yelled the kids fearing for their puppet Lord.
The Fire Lord puppet turned and blew fire at the Earth Kingdom puppet who went up in flames to the cheers of the children.
Chiara rolled her eyes. "Ugh," she whispered disgustedly. "This show's gotten worse since I last saw it."
They turned away from the puppet theater and Aang started following a crowd of people.
"Aang, hold on," said Katara. "Where are we going?"
"I don't know, but there's a big crowd so it must be good."
"Knowing the Fire Nation, it's probably an execution," said Sokka. "No offense, Chiara."
"None taken."
They approached a stage where a firebender was guiding balls of flame over the crowd until they clashed together and appeared to turn into birds that flew away.
"I got to learn that trick!" said Aang excitedly.
"Thank you," said Malu on stage. "For my next trick I need a volunteer from the audience."
Aang's hand was immediately up in the air. "Oh! Oh! Me! Me!" he yelled.
Sokka grabbed hold of him. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I want to get a closer look."
"It's best that you don't," said Chiara.
Despite his happy mask, the disappointment in his voice made it clear that his real face reflected Sokka's mask.
Katara leaned towards him. "It's better that we don't attract any attention to ourselves."
"How about you, little lady?" Malu pointing at Katara.
All four looked up at him, their mouths dropped open behind their masks.
"Uh...," started Katara as she backed away.
"Awww, she's shy," said Malu. "Let's give her some encouragement, folks."
The crowd cheered her on as someone pushed her towards the stage where Malu pulled her up.
Aang folded his arms in disappointment that he was not chosen to participate. "Awww, that could've been me."
Malu brought out a chair.
"This next trick is called 'Taming the Dragon.' You will be my captured princess," he said as he set Katara in the chair. He tied her to it before creating a dragon out of fire and guiding it around them. "Don't worry, young maiden. I will tame this fiery beast." Malu continued his act making it look as though he was losing control of the fire dragon. "It's too strong; I can't hold it!"
"We got to help her," said Aang worriedly, stepping towards the stage..
"No," said Sokka stopping him. "We don't want to make a scene."
"It's just an act," whispered Chiara. "Katara's safe up there."
"The rope, it's breaking!" Malu dramatically announced as he sent the fire dragon towards Katara.
When Aang heard Katara's worried cry he immediately jumped up on stage before Sokka or Chiara could stop him. He created a vortex of wind that dissipated the fire dragon above the crowd.
"Hey, you trying to upstage me, kid?" asked Malu from where he had fallen on stage.
Aang stood maskless before the crowd while everyone started booing him. With all eyes on him, he did a goofy little dance while Sokka and Chiara climbed up on stage to free Katara.
"Hey, that kid's the Avatar!" yelled one of the men in the audience.
Soldiers immediately started heading towards the stage.
"I think it's time to go," said Sokka.
"Follow me."
They turned towards the voice at the side of the stage where someone was motioning to them.
"I can get you out of here," he said.
"There they are!" yelled the guards.
The four of them ran towards the stranger calling to them. As soon as they jumped past him, he threw explosives onto the stage just as the soldiers were running after them. They ran through the streets following the mysterious man who saved them.
"Over there!" yelled another soldier as they passed.
"I'm calling Appa," said Aang before blowing on his whistle.
"I hope he can really hear that bison whistle," said Sokka.
"This way," said their rescuer as he turned down an alley. He stopped abruptly as guards came towards them from the other end. "Okay, not this way."
He threw a smoke bomb and then they turned down another alley where they came to a dead end. From behind soldiers cornered them with spears.
"Appa! Down here!" yelled Aang as the bison appeared overhead.
The soldiers started running away when the large bison flew down towards them. Appa turned himself around, and as he landed between the Gaang and the guards he brought his tail down creating a wind that threw the guards backwards. The group quickly climbed onto Appa who flew off before the soldiers could pursue them. Their new guest threw one last bomb towards the fireworks display setting it off and creating a beautiful show in the night sky and lighting the giant torches in the town to the delight and cheers of the crowd.
"Nice touch setting off the fireworks," said Aang.
"You really know your explosives," said Sokka.
"I'm familiar," said the stranger pulling his hood down.
"I'd say more than familiar, Captain Chey," said Chiara.
He looked at her startled that she knew who he was.
Sokka's eyes were wide. "You're a Fire Nation soldier!"
"Was," Chey corrected him. "Do I know you?" he asked Chiara.
"No," she answered. She pulled out the wanted poster and held it out to him.
He unrolled it and glanced at his image. "Yeah, I...uh...I'm a deserter," he said in a low voice.
"I wish more soldiers were as brave," she said.
Most people saw being a deserter as a stigma, and it took him a second to register her words. He raised his eyes to meet hers and smiled.
-------------------------------
After putting some distance between them and the town, they landed and set up camp for the evening. After starting the fire, Chiara pulled out the wanted posters and threw them in without unrolling them. The others soon sat around and began talking.
"I serve a man," said Chey. "More than a man really, he's a myth, but he's real, a living legend, Jeong Jeong the Deserter. He was a Fire Nation general..."
"Admiral," Chiara corrected him softly.
"Yeah, he was a...an admiral..."
"He was very highly ranked, we get it," said Sokka impatiently.
"Yeah, way up there," continued Chey. "But he couldn't take the madness anymore. He's the first person ever to leave the army—and live. I'm the second, but you don't get to be a legend for that. That's okay though. Jeong Jeong's a firebending genius. Some say he's mad, but he's not. He's enlightened."
"We got to see him!" said Aang as he eagerly jumped to his feet. "He can train me!"
"We're not going to go find some crazy firebender," said Sokka.
Taking offense to Sokka's insult of Jeong Jeong, Chey stood up. "He's not crazy! He's a genius. And he's the perfect person to train the Avatar. That's why I followed you into the festival."
"You were the one in the woods," said Chiara.
"Yes."
"Look, thanks for the help," said Sokka, "but we're leaving for the..."
"No, no, don't say where!" interrupted Chiara.
It took a second for Sokka to understand what she meant. "Uh...we're leaving in the morning."
"Sokka, this could be my only chance to meet a firebending master who would actually be willing to teach me," said Aang.
"I'm not so sure he will, Aang," said Chiara.
"But you said I should talk to him."
"I agree you should meet with him, but don't get your hopes up that he'll instruct you. There's an order in which the elements should be learned, and fire is very powerful. It requires discipline."
"Who else will instruct me then?" he asked.
"I'm sure you'll find a teacher once you master the other elements."
"So if he's not going to bother teaching you, we shouldn't waste our time," said Sokka.
"It can't hurt just to talk to him," said Katara noticing how anxious Aang was to meet the firebender.
"That's what you said about going to the festival! Why doesn't anyone ever listen to me?!"
He turned around to find a spear in his face as they were all suddenly surrounded by Earth Kingdom tribesmen. Chiara found herself automatically reaching for a sword that was not on her back before she took a defensive stance like the others.
"Don't move!" warned the leader.
Several of the tribesmen put out the fire.
"Now, go," said the leader pointing towards the woods.
The tribesmen remained around them as they forced them to move ahead through the woods.
"Jeong Jeong told you not to look for Avatar," said the leader angrily to Chey.
"Hold on," said Sokka. "You know these guys?"
"Oh, yeah," said Chey turning to them. "Lin Yee's an old buddy. Right, Lin Yee?"
"Shut up! Keep moving." He jabbed his spear at Chey forcing him to continue walking.
Chiara noticed that Aang, Katara, and Sokka looked worriedly at one another.
They walked on until they reached a small encampment.
"Go on," said Lin Yee to Chey motioning him towards a hut. "He sees you only."
"Is that where Jeong Jeong is?" asked Aang eagerly. "I need to talk to him right away."
He stepped towards the hut, but Lin Yee dropped his spear blocking the Avatar.
"No! You wait there." He pushed Chey ahead. "Go now!"
"Don't worry," said Chey nervously, looking back at them. "Everything'll be fine. He's a great man, great man."
He walked towards Jeong Jeong's hut while Lin Yee led the others to a different one. They all sat down, and soon all but Chiara were asleep.
--------------------------------
Later, Chey entered and quietly sat on the floor looking downcast.
Aang immediately woke up and looked at him anxiously. "What happened?" he asked. "Can I see Jeong Jeong now?"
"He won't see you," he said dejectedly. "He's very angry that I brought you here. He wants you to leave immediately."
"Finally," said Sokka rolling over. "Let's hit the road."
"Why won't he see me?" Aang persisted.
"He says you're not ready. Says you haven't mastered waterbending and earthbending yet," Chey explained.
"Wait, how does he know that?"
"He saw the way you walked into camp. He could tell."
"I'm going in anyway!"
Chiara stood up and stopped him. "Wait, Aang. Let me talk to him first."
He hesitated. He really wanted to confront the firebending master, but he nodded deciding to trust Chiara. She stepped outside of the hut where she found Lin Yee.
"What do you want?" he asked frowning at her. "Return to the hut."
"Please inform Master Jeong Jeong that Lady Chiara would be honored to engage him in a game of Pai Sho."
Aang, who had been peeking outside, heard what she said, and he was curious about her request. Lin Yee was clearly annoyed by it, and even more so that she refused to back down to his glowering. He let out a huff as he walked off to do as she requested. Several minutes later he approached her, frown still in place, and pointed his spear at Jeong Jeong's hut.
She gave him a polite bow before following the path to the hut. Parting the curtains, she stepped just inside the entrance.
"Master Jeong Jeong," she said seeing him sitting opposite a Pai Sho table. "It's an honor to meet you again." She bowed respectfully.
"Lady Chiara, what are you doing here?" he asked in a gruff voice filled with worry as well as curiosity. "Is General Iroh with you?"
"No, Master. He's probably looking for me."
"What happened? Why are you with the Avatar?"
"I was kidnapped by pirates intent on making a profit."
His expression darkened at her explanation and even more so when he noticed the bruise over her cheekbone.
"Avatar Aang and his friends saved my life," she continued. "I'm waiting to meet up with the General again, but for now I'm just a traveling companion."
"I see."
He pointed to the seat opposite him and she sat down.
"The guest has the first move," he said.
She placed a tile on the board and their game began.
"How is General Iroh?" he asked after making a move.
"He's been busy assisting Prince Zuko with his quest to find the Avatar. We've been at sea for years."
"Yes, I heard of the unfortunate punishment and banishment of the young Fire Prince after his defense of Fire Nation soldiers," he said darkly.
Tears came to Chiara's eyes. "The whole division," she said in a near whisper.
"And yet the Prince follows his father's orders?" There was displeasure in his voice.
She thoughtfully turned a tile between her fingers. "He feels it's the only way to restore his honor."
He shook his head. "Notions of honor among...most of the royal family has become corrupt."
"I can only hope he chooses the right path when the time comes," she said. She laid a tile on the board.
"It's such a strange turn of events that he searches for the Avatar and now you're his traveling companion."
She smiled. "As the General would say, Destiny is a funny thing."
His lip curled slightly upon hearing Iroh's words. "It will be dangerous for you to be caught by the Fire Nation with the Avatar."
"I understand. But I am my prince's loyal subject."
He looked at her curiously. "Then you help him on his quest?"
"He has my loyalty; however, I won't betray the Avatar. This world needs balance."
"I agree."
"I've asked that they say nothing of their plans, and I've said little to them about me in order to protect the General. My only goal is to return to him soon."
"Is Iroh aware of your situation?"
"I believe so. They told me Prince Zuko saw them when they escaped with me."
He looked puzzled. "You don't remember?"
"The last things I remember are pirates and fire, and then I woke up on the Avatar's bison."
He nodded in understanding, and they continued playing quietly for a while.
"So the Avatar wishes to learn firebending," he said thoughtfully as he made a move on the board.
"I suggested that he ask you for advice, but I've already told him that he shouldn't worry about firebending until he masters earth and water."
"There is little advice I can give him save what you have already given. It was clear when I saw him that he lacks discipline."
"I understand, but he may benefit just by hearing that counsel from you."
He nodded in agreement.
She made a move on the board before raising her eyes to meet his deep amber ones. "He fears that he won't find an instructor," she said. "But I know that when he's ready he'll find the right teacher."
"Iroh always said you were wise beyond your years."
They continued the game until Chiara made the final winning move.
"You are certainly General Iroh's protege," he said with a rare smile.
She stood up. "Thank you for honoring me with a game," she said bowing to him.
"It is always a pleasure, Lady Chiara."
She returned to the hut where Aang had been anxiously waiting for her.
"What'd he say?" he asked eager for news.
"He said I'm certainly General Iroh's protege," she said.
He cocked his head curiously. "What does that mean?"
"Nothing," she smiled. "He said you must first learn water and earth. Fire requires discipline."
He was instantly disappointed. "I already know that, but I don't want to lose an opportunity to learn fire now that I know a master."
"I'm sure he'll speak to you, but wait 'til he sends for you," she said. "Give him time to think about it."
She knelt on the floor getting ready to quietly meditate, but the rustling of the curtain and absence of Aang told her he was not willing to wait. She suspected the Avatar's impatience and impulsivity was not going to go over well with the master.
When Aang returned later that night, Chiara was surprised to learn that Jeong Jeong agreed to teach him. Finally lying down, she fell into a light sleep while thinking about Iroh and Zuko and wondering what they were doing at that moment.
------------------------------------
That evening, Iroh approached Zuko on the upper deck where he kept a constant vigil searching for any sign of the Avatar's bison heading inland.
"Eat some noodles," said Iroh holding the bowl out to him.
Zuko wanted to argue, but he reluctantly took the bowl and just held it as he continued scanning the sky.
"I don't believe I've ever seen you so downcast, Prince Zuko."
"I can't lose her, Uncle," he said sadly. "My mom left, my dad banished me, I've never been close to Azula. Chiara's always been there for me." His eyes fell to the empty deck. "Even when she was in the Earth Kingdom, she always wrote me. I can't imagine my life without her."
Iroh sympathized with his nephew. "I miss her too, and I know it is difficult not to worry, but we will find her."
As they stood there silently both staring at the sky, Zuko started slowly eating the noodles, and though he did not feel hungry, his body was thankful for the nourishment.
When it grew later, Iroh decided to go to bed.
"Do not stay up so late, Nephew," he said with a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure they have settled down for the night."
He turned and went inside. Zuko did not heed Iroh's words, and it was late into the night when he struggled to keep his eyes open that he finally went inside.
"Wake me immediately if you see any sign of Chiara or the Avatar," he said tiredly to the bridge crew.
"Yes, Prince Zuko."
He left the bridge.
============================
Early the next morning as the sun was rising, Iroh went to the bridge.
He was sure he would have been informed immediately if there had been any changes, but he felt it was necessary to ask. "Any sign of Chiara or the Avatar?"
"None, sir," answered Jee.
Iroh's brow furrowed when he noticed the empty upper deck. "Prince Zuko is not on deck?"
"I haven't seen him all morning, General."
Iroh hoped he was sleeping and decided to check on him. When he arrived at Zuko's cabin, he slowly opened the door to peek inside. There were no candles burning, and the dim light in the room came only from the rising sun. His eyes moved to the bed which he was surprised to find empty. He stepped inside the room to make sure he did not miss his nephew brooding in a corner. He flicked his wrist bringing the candles to life, but the room was completely devoid of another person. Iroh left the room, the candles extinguishing as he exited. Though he knew it was unlikely, he next went to the galley. As he suspected, he did not find him there, and he was disappointed that no one except the bridge's night crew had seen him before he had left the bridge late the night before. He continued his search in the ship's hold to see if his nephew might have left to search for Chiara by himself. He found the riverboat, but once again Zuko was still missing. Iroh was now getting worried.