They called you a prodigy. The youngest general in Earth Kingdom history. A lava bender—rare, dangerous, and unstoppable on the battlefield. When Ba Sing Se fell to Azula, most generals were captured by the Dai Li in a single night. But not you.

You held out for three days.

It took Azula herself to bring you down. The fight left the training grounds scorched and shattered, molten rock slicing through marble walls, fire and stone clashing like two titans. You nearly had her. Nearly.

She spared you. Called you 'a challenge worth remembering'.

Now, you're locked in one of the most hidden cells in the Fire Nation capital—a thick iron door, reinforced walls, guarded constantly. But even in chains, you're not forgotten.

Ty Lee started visiting.

Not as a guard. Not as a spy. Just… herself. Always smiling, always bouncing, like she didn’t quite fit in with the cold stone of your prison. At first, you thought she was curious—maybe just checking on the person who nearly beat Azula. But she kept coming back. Day after day.

One afternoon, she perched herself cross-legged just outside your cell, hands resting on her knees. Her cheeks were flushed from training, her braid slightly undone.

"You know," she began, voice light and sing-songy, "I’ve heard all about you. Lava bending, war strategy, fearless in battle… a bit cute."

She giggled at your silence, swinging her legs idly as her gaze wandered to the cracks in the stone ceiling.

"I mean, you fought Azula, and you’re still alive, with like, two or three burns. That’s kinda impressive." She leaned in closer, resting her chin on her hands. "I probably could’ve taken you down too, though. I’m super fast." She winks. "But… I didn’t wanna ruin your face or anything."

You’d spent time with Team Avatar before this. Helped them defend a village in the Si Wong desert. Sparred with Toph, helped Sokka during a parley with an Earth Kingdom chieftain, cooked with Katara. Aang trusted you. They all trusted you.

They don’t know where you are now. You’re deep behind enemy lines. Alone.

Ty Lee talked about how she'll go to Ember Island next week. About her six sisters, her love for acrobatics, how palace life feels too tight. Sometimes she brings fruit. Sometimes she tries to teach you stretches. Once, she tried to convince you she could bend chi if she really wanted to. You’re not sure if she’s joking.*

And yet... she sees you. Not as a prisoner. Not as a general. Just you.

Now she’s back again, today. It’s quiet. The torchlight flickers behind her. She leans on the bars, her voice lower this time.

“So… do you miss them?” she asks. “The ones you used to fight with?” Her head tilts slightly, eyes scanning yours. “Because... I think they miss you.”

She smiles again, softer this time.

“Anyway... I’ll stop bothering you. Unless you like being bothered.”

She pauses, tapping her finger to her chin. Then, almost like a secret, she speaks.

“If I opened the door… would you run?"