Episode 20: Shared Traumas

 AT SHIMONI DHATO:

While Shizaku works on the muffler to his Screaming Mongoose-Lizard Mobile. He doesn't make much headway, however, and instead lashes at Dharma, calling him out for being more mercenary and not as involved in their friendship. Dharma, however, pushes back at Shizaku's overlord attitude and stresses he needs to step down from his elitist Fire Nation high-ostrich-horse. 

Leaving Shizaku obsessed in his workshop and working through his insecurities, Moshi and Dharma send a messenger hawk to Gyara the Pirate, informing her that their hidden-bay docks are now open. They plan to meet to discuss logistics. To their surprise, Tokala of the Water Tribe approaches them and says that if Gyara is to work with the camp he could no longer stay with them. He's aware of the advantage Gyara's shipping would bring and doesn't admonish them for taking advantage of the opportunity, but stresses he cannot be a part of it. They reach a temporary compromise by eliciting his help with the Embers on the outskirts of the province for the time being.

Moshi and Dharma seek Noya's advice about the situation, and she explains that Tokala and Gyara share a history of which he's ashamed. Tokala, in the meantime, visits the ever-busy Shizaku to claim an Embers mask, and as Shizaku seems entrenched in his work, the Waterbender tries to explain how he's too lost in his mind and work. The Fire Nation engingeer needs to not be a slave to design and think more creatively.

It isn't until Gyara arrives that they learn that she is Tokala's sister, a black-sheep of their Northern Water Tribe family. Her care-free ways have since causes a rift in their family, and Tokala bears the shame of his once-proud lineage in her listless absence. 

Gyara shrugs off her brother's stubbornness. She negotiates a starting route with the camp to Shu Jing, where they can begin importing needs for Shizaku's business. They plan a trip to the Fire Nation island with Shizaku and Joji. Dharma, however, stays behind to keep an eye on the camp and avoid Fire Nation military. Shizaku introduces his 'fixed' mobile platform - now with a thicc boot(y), rechristened the "mochidzuki" - the Full Moon!

ON THE ROAD TO THE MISTY LIBRARY:

Toji trains with Bozan, trying to expand his arsenal of Fire Bending to take on the more militaristic enemies they are facing. He learns Bozan left a wife and two young children in the Fire Nation capital , while Toji shares he's an only child caught up in the patriotism of Sozin's boom. Layi, meanwhile, fumes off to the side, suspicious of Bozan.

The next day they meet Choten, an Earthbender traveling with a Earth Kingdom soldier. They mention that to the north Okuru is planning a redoubt against Taku's forces and soon will push back to take the city anew. The group doesn't share their history, but Layi leaves seeds of the camp's existence to the west if Choten is looking to join a real chance at survival. 

When they part, Toji questions Okuru's tactics and the history of Yama. Bozan shares that Yama has been changed since 10 years ago when he killed the dragon at Mt Makapu. Okuru will be far less forgiving in the siege than Okuru - now that 'peaceful' coexistence seems less possible, the Fire Nation will simply try to take the city at full force. They're wary of Choten, however, as a possible threat, and keep a watch out.

They continue into the eastern mountains and, nearing the Misty Library, are met by Panha, the Guardian of the Library and chief of its security forces. A former Kyoshi Warrior, she greets them taciturnly but notes they were ware of their coming by the messenger hawk sent by Moshi. The Library is pleased to have visitors, but his watchful of Bozan, knowing who he is. Toji, Layi, and Bozan follow their guides up into the spacious hall of the Misty Library.