Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

She snapped closed her pocket watch. The train should be arriving right on time.

Sitting upright on her horse, she leaned her head to the left, “Ty Lee, you remember the plan?”

“Of course, ‘Zula! Mai activates the dynamite, we break down the door, and rob the train and bring it into the next stop near camp.” Ty Lee cheerily listed.

“What’s that mean for tonight?”

“We get to eat and drink all we want and we’ll be able to play to our heart’s content in whatever city or town we choose! With a warm room to cap it off!

“I knew you were ready for the ride.” Azula praised. 

“I got in the saddle didn’t I?” Ty Lee gave a playful smirk back to Azula.

Azula cocked her head to the right. “Ladies, I think it’s time.”

Mai huffed and swung her legs over the saddle and the other two followed suit. The three led their horses a bit to hide from view and tied them up. Mai ran her hand along the horse, from neck to the side of the saddle so as not to startle it. She stopped when she reached what she needed: her recurve bow. She rubbed the smooth red painted backing as she reached into the quiver beside it and pulled out a black and white feather fletched arrow. She had made sure the arrows were sharp the night before. Holding it near the tip she walked up to the edge of the cliff where Azula and Ty Lee were looking down. 

“Can you light this?” Mai tipped her hand towards Azula. She could hear the gasp come from Ty Lee and knew her eyes were lit up in anticipation. She loved seeing Azula use her fire in unique ways.

Azula had a smirk grow across her face with a little blue flame chasing across her lips. She breathed in to spit out a ball of blue, hitting the tip of the arrow. It glowed and rippled a cool sky blue. Mai’s shoulders lightly jumped in a chuckle, smirking as she knocked it to the bowstring. Ty Lee excitedly pumped her fist, but ultimately kept quiet, knowing Mai needed her concentration to shoot.

Getting into her stance, Mai stood parallel to the target, the pile of dynamite they left on the track. They didn’t have to risk each other by having it connected to a wired detonator, they could use their firebender to light an arrow on fire for their shooter to use. 

Making sure the arrow fit the bow Mai breathed in as she lifted the bow straight up. Slowly breathing out she pulled the string back to her nose. Closing one eye she made sure her arrow arced right in the center of the dynamite. She let go.

Mai didn’t relax her bow until she was blinded by the light of the explosion, feeling the impact blow her hair back and forth. She turned her head toward Azula and Ty Lee with the same neutral expression she usually had on. They knew she was holding back from how impressive that was.

Ty Lee excitedly shoved her elbow into Azula’s ribs, “Let’s go rob a train!” Jumping up and down she ran back to hop on her horse calling for the other two to follow.

The train had screeched to a halt and confused screams and frustrated murmurs and conversations could be heard from the windows of the train. Reaching the back car the girls hopped on the caboose back.

The sound of silver and gold spurs clicking made the back car simmer down. No one had seen them hidden below the tracks. Good, they could surprise them in broad daylight. 

“Ty Lee, knuckles.” Azula commanded.

Reaching into her pack looped on her belt Ty Lee pulled out one pair of brass knuckles. Putting it on she used it to punch off the lock on the sliding door. A shriek was cut short.

Azula slid the door open and took slow confident steps inside, making sure her spurs were heard with each step. 

The sun came in a bright ray giving the trio a bright backlight.  It was a passenger train, with the windows curtained perfect for hiding their deeds, that was carrying precious cargo and greenbacks throughout. Passengers turned towards the shadowed figures outlined in the afternoon western light, peering over newspapers, suitcases, and hats to see who would derail a train. 

Mai and Ty Lee filed in behind Azula. Mai rested her hands on her tan leather belt, her long black coat swaying as she walked in, towering over her other two outlaws. Ty Lee tried to look as intimidating but her pink button up with the rolled up sleeves and suspenders made it hard to look the part, and her wide open face and hint of a smile. The glistening brass did though. 

The back car wasn’t going to have any treasure but it did hold trouble. 

“Don’t worry we’re only here for gold, money, and creature comforts that cowboys dream of.” Azula smirked, sauntering through the car aisle. 

As they walked down people avoided their gaze, hiding in their newspapers and hats. Except a burlier man in a bowler hat at the door leading out to the next car. He stood up and rolled his shoulders back, itching for a fight. 

They stopped a few feet in front of him. Azula clapped her hands together. “And you must be either this train’s hero or our first example of what happens if you try.”

He looked down his nose and mustache at her, huffing. “You’re not gonna rob this train little girl.”

Ty Lee leaned towards Mai and whispered behind her hand, “Uh oh he touched her sore spot.”

“Well we are older than her.” Mai said back, matching Ty Lee’s tone. 

“I remember baby’s first saloon trip like it was yesterday though.”

Azula’s shoulders tensed up. The train felt hotter. Her clasped hands wrung tighter. “We’ll see about that.” Snapping her fingers she motioned for Mai. 

“Finally, some fun.” Mai slid a hand further along her belt until she reached a smooth handle. Pulling it out of its holster, she let it bounce in her hand. The blade on the other end caught the light. The man’s eyes went wide. “Oh, don’t worry.”  She let the knife fly, knocking off his hat, attaching it to the wall behind him. The knife rang against the wood. 

“I’m just knocking you out.” Mai threw her fist back, winding up, and hit the man in the side of his head. A crash was felt more than heard as he hit the floor of the train. Flexing her hand Mai turned her head back to Ty Lee. “Those lessons are paying off.”

Ty Lee clapped her hands. “Very nice!” Skipping over the man’s body she gave Mai a bear hug. The taller woman let out a sigh, a routine she wasn’t going to fight anymore in public. “We can practice killing shots next!”

Azula gave a sinister satisfied smile to the two. Moving to follow through the train she stopped, a newspaper open in the booth where the man was sitting caught her eye. Picking it up she scoffed. Turning the paper around she pointed at the offending section. “Ugh, he was a bounty hunter. Our wanted posters are right at the top! I thought I told them they never get my face right.”

“We do have high bounties, Zula. I like that we’re the heading.” Ty Lee ignored whatever was supposedly wrong, she quite liked all their wanted sketches.

“High bounties deserve high respect Ty Lee!” Azula let the offending newspread crumble to ash in her hand. 

——————

“They robbed another train!” Wanted posters of the notorious ladies trio were slammed down on the table. 

“Katara, we’ll catch them next time, this was unexpected! Their moves got muddled under the usual saloon fights.” Aang tried comforting Katara. 

“We do call them dangerous ladies for a reason.”

“I think that’s just you Sokka,” Toph countered.

           Katara had begun pacing the room, the wooden floorboards creaking under her weight. The four had rented a room in a cow town. They picked the cheapest hotel they could find, not planning on staying for long in any one place anyway. At least it was a bustling town they could blend in. Sokka and Toph were sitting on the bed while Aang sat on top of the table that now featured the wanted posters of the targets they’ve been keeping tabs on. Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai pillaged, robbed, and fought all throughout the West. And each one had a $20,000 bounty on their heads. 

      “Are they near? We’re strapped for cash we could use the bounties.” Aang asked Katara. 

      Katara stopped. Her brow scrunched and she started to shake her head and smile. “The train was heading for this town next.” Turning towards the group she said, “I bet you they’ll come here to spend the money.”

    “Don’t they have money, isn't Azula’s daddy a big fat railroad baron guy?” Toph asked, throwing her hands in the air. Sokka made a face seconding Toph. 

   “Yeah I’ll keep that in mind when I put her behind bars. Maybe we can get more than the bounty.” Katara said. 

    “Well maybe we can be fine with doing the right thing too! Locking them up and getting the bounty, then they won’t be able to plunder again!” Aang added with a smile. 

“Or we could always have money for food by taking extra.” Toph said.

A loud grumble went through the room. “Okay yeah let’s get that food money.” Sokka said holding his stomach.

——————-

Cheers erupted through the saloon. Boots stomping, spurs clicking, clapping and shaking of shoulders. 

“Come on Ty, we’re betting everything on this one!” Mai uncharacteristically shouted. The three robbers had made it to the next town to go prancing all over and spending their new loot. Mai was hovering behind Ty Lee, who was in a heated battle with another saloon goer. They were in the midst of one of their favorite cons.

It wasn’t a secret to Mai and Azula on how strong Ty Lee was. Her pink shirt and friendly demeanor masked the fact that she was the muscle of the three. She could fight anything and anyone bare handed, she told people. After they laughed and derided her they would hit the floor in the next second. 

Off job they’d use her muscle to make more money. Right now, they had challenged the whole establishment to beat Ty Lee at arm wrestling. No bets were off. So far she had won every single one, gathering a crowd, who was shouting and pushing them. Rye whiskey was flowing through the bustle of people. The bar might have to ask for more from next door. 

Azula was counting all the bills they had gotten so far. Ty Lee caught a smile tugging on her lips out of the corner of her eye. She didn’t usually show excitement in the same way as most people, but Ty Lee could tell she was thrilled, unwinding in the hazy atmosphere. 

Ty Lee gave the outlaw a wink before turning back to her opponent. She had been toying with him so far, only to look long enough at Azula, and for Mai to cheer her on. She liked to say that Mai had a cowboy’s habits but she personally wouldn’t usually indulge. Getting drunk on the prairie moon was enough. And humbling a saloon full of cowhands all to make extra money to afford a big, fluffy, feather bed covered in furs, cushioned with pillows with a view to share with her partners in crime. That too was worth it all. She adored the star-studded canopy, campfires, and low down nights listening to the sizzling of coffee and food surrounded by the closest people in her life, but goddamn nothing beat a bed that didn’t have a snake in it in the morning.

Faking a yawn Ty Lee slammed the guy’s hand on the table. “I think we’re done here, hehe, nice try though.” 

Hands and drinks went in the air. Shouts and taunts were launched their way. The man looked from her to his beaten arm. His head fell on the table in unknown shame. The smirks and smiles grew larger on the three’s faces. 

“I think we have enough to go shopping tomorrow.” Azula said, flipping through the last few crumpled bills that the hands worked half the year for. They usually blew through a town that was hellbent on touring all the saloons and other places over the tracks. 

“Really!! A new bow for my hair would be nice, ah and my horsey needs a new blanket and—“

“And?” Azula raised a brow at the girl in pink. “You didn’t forget, did you?”

“And the biggest, softest, feather bed this side of the West!”

“Of course.” Azula leaned into Ty Lee.

“You spoil her, you know that?” Mai crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. Ty Lee began to pout.

“Like you don’t.” Azula rolled her eyes back at Mai. “If you want to sleep in the dirt again you can be my guest.”

“Oh no, those two days were enough, my back is killing me. I’m not above a warm bed either.” 

Ty Lee giggled at Mai. “Can we get out here then? I need a bath I'm covered in dust!”

Katara led the way through the crowded streets full of shouting groups of dusty men and ladies dressed in the fashion of last year. Horses neighing and stomping through the open roads, kicking up dust in the faces of passersby. It smelled like liquor and leather and the train that had left not too long ago. She was heading straight towards the baudiest saloon. She had a gut feeling that they would be there causing a ruckus. 

Hearing people talk about a strong arm woman beating up men left and right, taking cash out of the pockets of everyone in the building she knew she was heading in the right direction. 

“Katara, do you really think they’re gonna be here,” Sokka asked, trying to catch up with his sister’s stride. “I know we got some backup on our side looking out for anything, but it could just be some run of the mill gang.”

“Still money regardless,” Toph quipped.

“Remember we are trying to be better about building damage this time around,” Aang noted. 

“As long as said building isn’t harboring them.” Katara finished. Aang sighed but accepted that Katara was more than determined to turn in the fire outlaws. Not that he wasn’t upset, they took their stagecoach with his perfectly crafted painted portrait of his trusty steed Appa on the side of it. He silently hoped he might be able to take it back. 

Katara made a noise of recognition. She stopped right in front of the swinging saloon doors, moving Toph out of the way so she wouldn’t get hit by the leaving patrons.They were loudly talking about how they were going to the bar across the way to drown their sorrows with the little money they had left.

“That short one looked like a scheming cat counting all those bills.”

“That tall one wasn’t even drawing from that pile to spend money on drinks!”

Toph swiveled her head to listen to the conversation. “Sugar Queen was right, they’re definitely here. I mean those guys sounded like weak losers anyway, but still a scheming cat fits the description of the $20,000’s bounty leader.”

“Everyone remembers the plan,” Sokka checked.

“Of course,” Katara answered as she pushed through the doors. Taking in her surroundings she found the place packed with rowdy drunks, carousing card tables, and a half hearted performance coming from the music stage. Smoke gave the whole place a glowing haze. 

The tall one must be Mai. If she’s been partaking in the saloon we could take her down first. One last guard to deal with. One with a belt of sharp objects.

“Toph come with me we’re going to the bar to take one out,” Katara was already herding them over before she could finish her sentence. 

“I guess we’ll deal with the rest,” Sokka sighed. “Come on Aang.” Sokka looked down to where he swore Aang had been standing less than twenty seconds ago. “W-what?” Sokka sighed again and strode forward, as the trio clearly wasn’t near the doors. Guess I’ll go along with the hires , he thought.

Katara lowered herself and whispered to Toph, “Distract her and knock her off her feet. Make sure she doesn’t run off.” Toph cracked her knuckles in response, a devious smile spreading across her face. Katara nodded her head in proud approval.

Mai was useful in long range combat but here in a crowded bar we can knock her down. 

Raising herself back up she scanned around the bar. She saw a woman that ranked next to or towered over the rest, leaning over trying to sneak a bottle from behind the bar. They got her. Katara pushed Toph towards the empty space next to Mai. Toph was tasked with causing the tall outlaw to be put off guard. Toph would then twist the earth around her feet while they take her out. 

Sidling up next to Mai the short earthbender opened, “Hey wanna split that bottle and commit some fraud?” 

Blinking, the woman slowly dragged the bottle up to the other side of the bar, as if she wasn’t stealing it, and quizzically looked down at the devilish girl. “I don’t know, I can get tired of fraud pretty quickly. You have something fun in mind?” Mai popped off the cork, took a swig, and handed it to Toph. 

Toph took the bottle and gave Mai a smirk.

Remember Aang, Katara had told him before leaving, Ty Lee can block your bending in just a few quick jabs. Take her by surprise and keep your distance as much as possible. She’s quick and agile. She’ll be crucial for our goal. Aang kept low as he flitted and squeezed through the crowd. He didn’t want to be caught by her before he could even start his part of the plan. Tightening his neck scarf he kept moving deeper into the dusty saloon. Circling around a pillar he heard a high pitched bubbly giggle. Looking towards the source of the laughter he found a familiar braid tied with a pink bow and pink shirt that matched each encounter they’ve had and all wanted poster descriptions. Ty Lee. 

He watched to make sure Ty Lee wasn’t near the other two. Ty Lee must’ve giggled at something Azula said before walking off. Ty Lee sat kicking her feet, propping her head in her hands watching every move of Azula’s. Good, he didn’t have to worry about a two front fight. Bonus that Ty Lee was zoned in on Azula, but she probably was just going to get something then come back, he had a limited window. 

Sokka had put forth the idea of hiring some extra muscle. They hadn’t caught them just as the four yet so why not bring in some others. Hire for the job and give them a cut. Either way they’d all still have more money than they could dream of. This support gave him more confidence as he laughed and caroused his way towards one of their targets. He was surprised she wasn’t flanked by the tall, bored one and the pink, bubbly part of their trio. Surprised, but not ungrateful. Peeking out of the corner of his eye he found Katara watching Toph out of Mai’s sight. They were about to initiate their phase. He had already tried looking around for Aang but shook it off, he needed to focus on his part, he trusted his friend to handle himself. If things went wrong, they’d hear it and come to help. 

The muscle they hired were two people he knew. Two people he broke out of a prison with, who else could he call to bring in the largest bounties plastered on every train station and town this side of the mountains. He felt their presence circling an outer skirt of people. He was getting closer and closer to the firebender they needed to catch. He put himself out there before she saw the bar. Saw Mai with Toph. Before she could see Mai become incapacitated and have her burn the building down before he could taste $20,000. 

Throwing himself in Azula’s path he planted his feet to keep his balance but she stopped before she could crash into him. Looking up under the brim of her black cowboy hat he saw a flash go across golden eyes before it simmered. “Oh, sorry, miss, these guys push rather than pardon themselves walking by.” Come on guys come on out. He hoped he didn’t look as sweaty as he felt.

Brushing off nonexistent dust from her shoulders Azula said, “Right.” Her voice dripped with annoyance. She went to sidestep around Sokka who held his arms out to block the firebender. 

“Hey, um, where did you get that blue striped shirt? I like blue.” Sokka tried not to facepalm himself. He might start a whole barfight to get this over with. She has blue fire, don’t give her a reason to show it!

“You’re not gonna get anywhere with me. I suggest you move out of the way.” Her voice made suggestions sound like one choice options. He’s just glad she doesn’t recognize him yet. Or is just not acting like she knows who he is.

Katara gave out a whistle, the sign for Toph to twist the earth around Mai’s legs. Toph didn’t waste a beat, she gathered up the dust and dirt caked on the floorboards, walls, and the trail covered men and women in the building. She pushed it all towards Mai’s feet and wrists, pinning her to the bar and in place on the liquor soaked floor. 

“Wh- Hey!” Mai tried to fight against the earthen bonds.

“I had fun committing imaginary fraud with you mountain mama.” 

Mai drew her brows together. Is she with… Mai tried to think of a way out. She drew in a breath and raised her voice up, “Bar fight!” Her voice was quiet as is but it didn’t matter just as long as those near started throwing glasses and punches. The bar was the most volatile, she knew.

Toph’s smirk grew, to her surprise, “You do know how to have fun!” Toph laughed. 

Mai groaned in response, straining against the rock. At least people started to punch and shake each other.

Azula’s eyes grew slightly in alarm. Sokka heard a tumbling of rocks and the word “barfight,” and knew the first hit was coming. Azula pushed him out of the way to see Mai chained to the bar. She made eye contact with her that Azula read as fight first save later.

Sokka felt the heat rising. He reached for his boomerang the same moment he saw one of the hires jump out behind Azula. 

A golden fan hit Azula’s arm causing her to wheel around. “Oh, not you guys again. Didn’t lose hard enough last time.” She taunted. 

“Suki!” Sokka gave her a wide open smile, as if he wasn’t in the middle of a bar fight.

A ball of fire erupted next to Azula, who moved out of the way in the nick of time. 

“Next time, Zuzu, aim. Did you guys even coordinate or was that prison escape just for show?” 

Zuko stepped out of a darkened spot, his Blue Spirit bandana pulled tight over his face, only showing his eyes glowering at the other firebender. He clenched his fists together, smoke emitting from them, and got into another fighting stance.

“Move faster next time,” Zuko said, cocking his head to the side from where Azula had walked from. 

Azula stood ready for any attack from the three sides her opponents stationed themselves at. She thought Zuko was just bad at taunting her until she let her eyes move for just a second to find Ty Lee. She hadn’t gone very far, she would’ve seen her get circled. She could’ve been held up by her own troublesome bounty hunters. When her eyes scanned the table they were at she couldn’t find a single trace of pink or a cheeky smile. She didn’t let her worry show, the quickening heart rate, the cold stone that dropped in her stomach. She blocked a hit from Suki, turned and unleashed a kick across a boomerang, and sent a fistful of fire towards Zuko. 

She had an opening to keep scanning the floor. Craning her neck she swept her eyes over the now complete and open fight in the saloon. Was there a braid flying, brass knuckles, someone swinging from the flaming chandelier? Nothing. She felt numb. She wouldn’t leave them. What did they do? She tried to remember her breathing from all the training she’s done to be as good as she is. This fight was nothing. Not when Ty Lee was missing.

She needed to get out and find her. She swept her feet under Sokka, taking him off balance and falling into Suki, who was aiming for an incapacitating shot at her. Stomping a table on it’s side to block another shot from Zuko, she let it catch fire. By hook or by crook she won’t let this go unanswered. She lit a fire in both hands, touching random spots in the completely wooden structure. Cause an even bigger uproar, throw the whole building and town into confusion, grab Mai, sneak out, and chase down whoever thought they could steal Ty Lee and get away with it . 

Blue fire licked its way up the wooden pillars and across the floor. Men had started to notice and quit their cowpunching on each other and run out the doors. Smoke started to dowse the whole place in a murky gray fog. Azula slipped her way over to Mai, breaking the rock restraints. She heard a shout for a Katara to put out the fire. It didn’t matter, they were alive and well and could run out with the crowd. Hopping on their saddles they headed across the tracks, into the vast night, into the dusty red rocks. 

Taking her was unforgivable. She could barely stop herself from burning the leather reigns. 

Chapter Text

He couldn’t believe he had done it! He swung the sack on his shoulder, despite his smaller, lithe frame, his airbending helped keep the sack light. The sack with a notorious criminal in it. He hadn’t been spotted by either of her gang and he was able to escape to the meetup point. All according to Katara and Sokka’s plan! 

He’s glad Sokka mentioned bringing on the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors because they had access to a stagecoach. He sadly didn’t spot his stolen stagecoach but Appa was still happy to be of use as the getaway steed. Aang hopped into the driver’s seat and held the reins in anticipation. Katara had told him that they’d be fine, once they all did their parts they could rush out to him. He thought he’d have more of a fight but he got the upperhand. 

Ty Lee was squirming and crying out. Aang shifted in his seat, maybe he could at least let her see. 

“Hey, I’m not gonna do anything, just we need to trade you and the other two in for some money. You guys have plenty and are worth a whole lot!” Aang tried soothing her fright. He shifted the curtains of the stagecoach to reach down and open the bag.

“We’re wanted dead or alive!” The outlaw screamed in his face. “Can we just do like a trade?” She lowered her voice and gave him a nervous smile.

“Hmmmm.” Aang tapped his cheek in thought. He would need to bring it up to the others. They were a team. But he liked that idea more than the other option.

Screams ripped through the cheer of the nightly streets. The smell of smoke quickly filled the hidden stable. Appa stirred and made his uneasiness vocal.

           “Woah, woah, buddy! It’s okay!” Well, he thinks it’s okay. No doubt it had something to do with his team and their targets. “They’ll be here soon, but we can’t let others be here either, ” Aang finished in a whisper.

“Azula!” Ty Lee said in awe behind him. Maybe they underestimated Ty Lee’s leverage.

Aang could barely see through the clapboards, just flickers of light and the sound of pounding feet. Shouts of “Fire!” and “Water!” went up, bells ringing for people to put it out. Aang didn’t think he could sit for much longer without going in and picking up everyone himself even at the risk of Ty Lee calling out to her guard dogs.

“Appa, nudge open the doors buddy!” Aang whispered again to his friend. He needed to see what was going on. 

Appa gave a gruff noise in response and placed his forehead on the wooden doors to open them a crack. In the rafters above Momo scurried down to join them, not keen on possibly being left behind.

“We’re just trying to see what’s happening outside Momo, did you see anything from up there,” Aang held out his arm a bit to give Momo some space to climb up to his shoulder. Momo started to chatter in his ear, flapping his wings. 

Appa was able to open the door wide enough to poke an eye out until a door seemed to open all on its own. 

“Appa! Careful we don’t want the mean ol’ outlaws to get the real you,” Sokka said, patting the side of the beast’s head. They had made it and were filing in, rapidly, into and on top of the stagecoach. 

Katara filed in next to him, a stagecoach’s driver seat being large enough for the two of them, “Let’s get out of here. Now.” 

“Yip Yip!” Aang motioned the reins forward. Appa reared and rammed through the doors, speeding off in the opposite direction of the smoke, fire, lights, and the town. Aang was surprised that Ty Lee hadn’t said anything, she seemed like a talkative person. She must’ve ducked hearing them come in. He was still mulling over her trade offer. He could bring it up once they weren’t in the middle of a life or get burned chase.

The wheels on the coach came to a creaky stop, the noise almost sounding like one of gratitude. They had been going for what felt like hours, hoping to hide their tracks. Appa had started to trip over his paws in exhaustion, that was enough for Aang to call it. 

The last stretch led them up a mountain path that looked more like a deer crossing than anything else, but a path they had used before that brought them to a hidden site nestled into the crevice of towering rocky hills. 

Hide out here then get the bounty before being caught. 

“You sure that blaze of smoke wasn’t a big deal Katara?” 

“Aang, it was…fine, we all made it out here. Plus we got what we needed.” Katara jerked her head in the direction of Ty Lee.

The rest were filing out the back of the coach, taking down the supplies up top to set up for camp. Or in Sokka’s case just grabbing his sleeping bag to pass out as soon as he was allowed. Katara said she and Aang would handle the sack.

Sokka and Toph stood guard at the doors of the coach, making Suki and Zuko hesitate. Aang and Katara blocked their view but they could hear another voice from inside. Shuffling and grunts also gave them pause.

“Hold her still! She can’t get away here!” Katara told Aang as she tried to bound the chi fighter’s hands and feet. The burlap sack wasn’t a long term option. Ty Lee did her best to fight against her situation but the cramped coach wasn’t a great place to fight, and seeing the doors have two waves of opponents made her still just long enough for Katara to get the ropes around her. She gave an annoyed huff, partly to fix her crazed bangs, partly to give attitude to her kidnappers.

Aang gave her a small sympathetic smile, hoping to convey the fact he was going to bring up the offer. Ty Lee more than likely just said that to get out of this, and he doesn’t blame her, but he hoped everyone could keep up the bargain.

“Alright you don’t need to be here all night,” Katara said, pulling Ty Lee up to her feet. She led her out and guided her down the worn and rusty steps that bounced and squeaked with each step.

When Ty Lee looked up at who was there she remembered the painted Kyoshi warrior, the cute water tribe boy and the earthbender that briefly reminded her of Mai. She almost fell flat on her face when her eyes met Zuko’s. Their eyes widened at the same time, Zuko’s mouth ajar. He started shaking his head.

“You guys kidnapped Ty Lee?” Zuko’s voice went high at the end, he tried to keep their presence quiet but it was hard seeing what they had done. What he had helped them with. “No, no, no.”

“Yeah, it was a big part of the plan. Did we not mention it to you guys,” Aang asked innocently.

“She can take away bending! Whatever about firecracker, Katara can take out her flame with a drop of water but her-” Sokka pointed at Ty Lee for emphasis, “She can be used for leverage.”

“Leverage?” Suki questioned the line of logic. She’s made the trio break a sweat fighting her but why not take all three to get the reward. 

“Yeah, over the course of our run-ins with them it’s been pretty obvious that their firecracker outlaw leader has a weak spot for her.” Toph jerked her thumb at Ty Lee who didn’t know what else to do but stand dumbfounded and tight lipped. At least she made it onto the prairie grass without falling.

“She might be a weak spot for the whole trio,” Katara added. Crossing her arms and cocking a hip she continued, “Remember that one time when Azula got really mad when Appa tripped this one here  into the running stream. She was talking about how Ty Lee doesn’t like to get cold.”

“She made Mai take off her poncho and give it to pinky here.” Toph giggled. Ty Lee scrunched her face in embarrassment. “She fussed to sparky about it but wrapped her up in it anyway.”

“She didn’t like when we busted them at some restaurant and ruined the meal Azula had got her. Of course with their recent robbery.” Suki joined.

“Oh! They couldn’t keep their eyes off each other in the saloon!” Aang remembered from a few hours earlier.

“Can’t believe I can’t hear sparky’s heartbeat all the way out here.” Toph snarked.

Ty  Lee knew her face was probably all pink at this point. Was it that bad? “Hey! So what!” Ty Lee interrupted the conversation. “She didn’t want me to get sick or go hungry or have some random cowhand come up in the saloon.” She puffed. “We protect each other.”

“See! No, no, no you need to get your reward now-” Zuko argued, Ty Lee squeaked at hearing that, shifting her eyes toward Aang.

“Why,” Sokka asked.

Pebbles and rocks vibrated, the trees shifted without the wind. A boom went across the ground up their legs. A blue light emitted across the night. A shot of fire, or an explosion, could be seen off the horizon over Zuko’s shoulder.

“My sister is why.”

Mai had been trying to calm her down for over an hour. She nearly spooked her horse off when the heat from her hands nearly singed its mane. Mai noticed the firebender’s reins didn’t look much better either. The last fiery outburst had simmered down, leaving smoke and hot air hanging around the woman lingering like the dog days of summer in the night. 

Mai rubbed her temples, “Are you good now?”

“How are you ,” Azula’s voice sounded like a smoldering flame, “It was a dirty trick to take her like that. They only took her,” a broken laugh escaped her lips, “To what? To use as bait to capture all of us easily, to get all $60,000.” Azula turned towards Mai. “I’ll never let that happen.”

“Again. Are you good now? I get we couldn’t get caught in town but we can track them down now, in the dark, if you can keep it dark,” Mai waved a hand in Azula’s direction nodding towards her blue flame. “I think anyone could’ve seen that last burst for leagues. Including your little honeybunch.” 

Azula’s face went red. Mumbling she asked, “She’s not your honeybunch too?”

“Not my nickname for her.” Mai shrugged. As much as she was ragging on Azula for her anger she had a nervous energy running through her blood too. Buzzing beneath the surface. “Don’t act like we both wouldn’t do whatever it takes for her.” 

Mai wiped the dust off her pants as she stepped towards Azula. Framing her face softly but firmly in her hands Mai lowered her voice, “Azula, she’ll be fine.” 

Azula gave her a nod. 

Mai touched their foreheads before pulling away and headed for her horse. “Get on yours before I talk about how deep Cupid’s arrow is in your heart the whole ride.”

Mai watched Azula grind her teeth, in embarrassment and frustration at a loss for words, she thought. She thought Azula would call out her soft spot for the martial outlaw at the very least.

“We can continue this after our mission,” Azula put her spurs in the side of the horse, speeding off. “Back to town! I’m sure they left a trace.”

Mai coaxed her horse into motion. “At least she’s done blowing off steam.”

Azula motioned for them to pull up their bandannas. Blame the dust for it, she wasn’t interested in getting chased for burning down a saloon right now. They slowed down to a strolling pace, after getting past the saloon rubble she pulled up alongside Mai. 

“They must’ve ran off in the opposite direction than us,” Azula scanned her eyes across the lingering night crowd. “Lots of people too they must’ve had enough horses to make their own trail or—“

“Or a large bison and a stagecoach.”

“Right.” Azula furrowed her brows at Mai’s interruption. 

Behind a corner Azula noticed a building with its two barn doors strewn about the ground. Inside were glowing lanterns and hay, the smell leaking onto the main street.

“We didn’t break a stable did we?” 

“I’m surprised you didn’t actually, since you believe your horse shouldn’t degrade itself by getting hitched on public posts,” Mai said.

“Well, she shouldn’t be,” Azula mumbled to herself and scratched the mane of her horse, making sure Mai wasn’t looking. 

Moving closer they inspected the area. The stable looked big enough to hold something like a large bison. Big enough for a bison and something with wheels. Sliding off the saddle, Azula got close to the ground and lit a small flame. Hay and splintered wood laid about but so did fur. Fur and paw prints in the middle of track indents from a wheel and a smattering of boot prints running towards the building. 

Smirking, she strided back to Mai, “They gave us a marked trail straight to them.”

“And that’s why we were riding those mine carts.”

“I had you on the ropes that time,” Suki told Ty Lee across the campfire.

“Pfft, as if.” Ty Lee raised a playful brow at the Kyoshi warrior. 

“You’re acting real big for your situation.”

After the initial shock from the explosion, when nothing came after nor did Azula or Mai jump up from behind the rocks, they started to settle into camp for the night. She was placed in between Toph and Katara, who were her designated guards until they could turn her in. 

She tried to shake off her ropes but to no avail. So, she decided to at least not be bored and talk with everyone. She wanted to know the other side to their scraps, so what. She was having more fun than she thought.

Looking over at Aang she raised her brows and moved her tied hands in an up motion hoping to give the hint that he needed to bring up their new trade deal.

He looked confused for a beat before a wave of recognition swept over his face, bringing the group’s attention to him. “Hey, I have a new proposal for the final step of the plan.” Ty Lee gave him two thumbs up.

“What kind of proposal?” Sokka prodded.

“Well, maybe, instead of turning Ty Lee in, who is wanted dead or alive, we can barter for a bag of loot and give back Ty Lee,” Aang’s voice went high at the end, shrinking into his shoulders. “I bet they have something worth $20,000 too.” Ty Lee vigorously shook her head in the positive.

“What about $60,000,” Katara’s voice went cold and she gave Ty Lee a look. “What about them being behind bars?”

A giant burlap sack landed near the group, sending up a cloud of dust. Through the dust two shadowy figures appeared, the sound of spurs and the crackling of the campfire the only signs of life in the rocks. Before the dust settled hands poked out and grabbed Ty Lee. The rest of the circle quickly got up into defensive positions. The figures became known as the dust settled. Azula held Ty Lee while Mai swiftly cut the ropes cleanly off their missing partner.

“There’s all the gold you outpaced cowpokes could hope for,” Azula said pointing at the sack. “We can play jailbird some other time.”

Putting Ty Lee back on her feet Azula cupped Ty Lee’s face, “Are you okay?” Looking for any injuries she patted her down, “Were you fed at all? Did they treat you alright?”

“Azula.”

“Cold? Ugh, I’ll make sure you get superior fire and food tonight.” 

“Azula,” Ty Lee giggled. “Azula, dear, I’m fine.” Ty Lee put her hands around Azula’s face making her stop in her tracks. Looking at Ty Lee with wide eyes and a red face she nodded her head silently.

“Good, good, I missed you.” Azula quietly admitted to Ty Lee.

“She was going to burn down the whole town to find you,” Mai whispered over Azula’s shoulder. 

Azula elbowed Mai, “As if you weren’t going to either, jerk. Now give her your poncho, she’s cold.”

Ty Lee felt fine but let herself be fussed over anyway. She liked it and wasn’t going to tell them to stop anytime soon. Grumbling at Azula, Mai tore off her poncho and wrapped it around her. Patting her and pulling her in for a light hug, Ty Lee knew Mai had missed her. Mai squeezed her hand and let her go. Standing next to Azula, Ty Lee sunk into the warm poncho, Azula bumped their shoulders together, Ty Lee leaned over and kissed the firebender on the cheek. “How sweet of you two.”

Azula closed her eyes and ignored the burning sensation all over her face, she turned to look back at the others. “Don’t bother us. Don’t follow. And don’t say anything.”

“I think sparky’s heartbeat is saying something different,” Toph quipped.

Azula squeezed her fist and glared but didn’t say anything back. Herding Ty Lee and Mai back towards their horses, they left without a fight.

Ty Lee turned and gave a knowing wink to Aang.

Did she know all along, Aang thought.

“They’re not going to fight,” Suki asked cautiously.

Sokka stepped forward and kicked the sack over and out came gold, jewelry, stacks of cash, and other precious metals and rich items. Did this come out of the train? “She wasn’t kidding, this will keep us fed and warm for the rest of the year for sure.”

“Are we really gonna let them go?” Katara questioned the group.

“Or we could keep doing this bargain,” Suki suggested as she inspected some of the jewels. “Might look the other way. Although it is fun to slam the bars in Azula’s face.”

Zuko stepped forward and made sure the fire was still alive. Katara looked directly at him. “Did she get all this stuff from your robber baron father?”

Zuko shook his head. “I can’t even get anything, banished from the family home.” Zuko moved a log over, breathing flames on it. Sparks flew into the night sky, red stars twinkling out against the white ones. The smell of smoke clinging to their clothes. “From what I heard, she left the home too a few years ago. Burned it down in fact. With those other two helping.” 

Everyone turned their attention to Zuko now. Katara’s brows were raised.

“This is genuinely stolen loot.”