ATLA: Azlua

Phoenix city part three

"That was brave," Zira said quietly. "And risky."

Ty Lee sighed. "I know. But what else could I do? They've been let down so many times. I needed to show them that I mean what I say."

"You did," Zira replied. "Now you have to prove it."

They reached the edge of the district, the sun dipping low on the horizon. Haran turned to face her, his expression still guarded but with a hint of respect. "You've got your work cut out for you," he said. "But you've got guts. That's a start."

Ty Lee nodded, her shoulders straightening. "Thank you, Haran. I won't let you down."

As they parted ways, Ty Lee felt a spark of hope amid the weight of her responsibilities. It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep her moving forward. Phoenix City wouldn't rise overnight, but it would rise. 

--

The streets of Phoenix City were quieter than usual as Ty Lee and Zira made their way back to city hall. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the cracked stone roads. Ty Lee walked with purpose, her thoughts still lingering on the factory and the people she had spoken to. Zira trailed slightly behind her, ever watchful, her repaired armor gleaming faintly in the fading light.

"Think they believed you?" Zira asked, her voice breaking the silence.

Ty Lee sighed, glancing back at her friend. "I think some of them did. The rest... well, it's a start."

Zira nodded, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her dao blade as her eyes scanned the empty streets. "A start's better than nothing."

Before Ty Lee could respond, the ground beneath her feet shifted abruptly. She staggered as a slab of earth shot up in front of her, blocking her path. Zira reacted instantly, flames sparking to life in her palms as she pulled Ty Lee back.

The ambush came quickly. Rebels emerged from the shadows, some armed with crude weapons, others bending chunks of earth that flew toward the pair with alarming speed. Ty Lee ducked as a jagged rock hurtled past her head, her heart pounding.

Zira wasted no time, stepping in front of Ty Lee and launching a torrent of fire at their attackers. The flames illuminated the street, casting the rebels' faces in stark relief. There were six of them—young and fierce, their eyes burning with anger. They moved with desperation, using whatever they could to gain the upper hand.

"Stay behind me!" Zira barked, deflecting a boulder with a precise fire blast.

But Ty Lee wasn't one to stay still. She darted forward, weaving between the incoming attacks with acrobatic grace. A rebel lunged at her with a wooden staff, but she twisted out of the way, delivering a quick series of strikes to his arms and torso. He crumpled to the ground, his body momentarily paralyzed.

Another rebel, an earthbender, stomped the ground, sending a shockwave toward Ty Lee. She leaped into the air, flipping over the attack and landing lightly behind him. A quick jab to his pressure points, and he too fell, groaning in frustration.

Meanwhile, Zira fought with fiery precision. She swept her arms in a wide arc, creating a wall of flame that forced the remaining rebels to scatter. One rebel tried to flank her, but she spun, her dao blade slicing through the air. The rebel dropped his weapon, backing away with a look of fear.

"Give up!" Zira shouted, her voice commanding. "You're outmatched!"

But the rebels didn't relent. One of them, a wiry woman with sharp eyes, bent a massive boulder and sent it careening toward Ty Lee. Zira saw it coming and hurled a fire blast at the rock, shattering it into smaller pieces.