Bathed in Red
The day of the final battle.
It was the day to decide the fate of the world as we knew it. In a couple hours we would be splitting up to go fight our respective battles. Aang will be facing his destiny...if he ever showed up and Sokka, Suki, and Toph would be taking down the fire nation air fleet. My mission is to return to the fir nation and take back what is rightfully mine. I thought I would be doing it alone, with my uncle having to stay behind and fight alongside the white lotus society, but Katara volunteered to go with me. I could not be more thankful.
I sat in my tent meditating when I heard movement behind me and a presence sit down to my left. I cracked my scared eye open to see who had disturbed me only to find Sokka waiting patiently and looking at me very seriously.
"What can I do for you Sokka?" I rasped out. Initially he just continued to stare and I stared back. If I was to rule a nation i had to get used to people staring. Finally he spoke,
"Zuko, I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done for my family. Saving my dad and Suki and giving Katara closure in our mother's death. I am eternally grateful." Then he did something totally surprising. He bowed to me. I didn't know what to say and in my silence he looked up and I nodded knowing he would understand.
"I do however have 2 favors and a warning for you." Of course. It wouldn't be Sokka if there wasn't some outrageous requestor idle threat.
"Sokka, I swear I will not find you a matching man purse in the fire nation if we survive e this!" I growled out.
"No Zuko, this is much more serious than that. I...um...if I die today...I want you to make sure my tribe is taken care of when you claim the throne."
I was honored that he trusted me with his tribe, his family. Something I know nothing about.
"The second thing is that I know Katara is going with you to the Fire nation to help you fight your bat-shit crazy sister. Azula is ruthless and I know Katara is a master waterbender but sometimes she's blinded by saving the ones she cares about. Please protect her Zuko."
"I will protect her with my life." I said without hesitation. Sokka gave me a weird look that was slightly unsettling, but he pressed on.
"Finally, my warning to you Zuko is if we all survive this and anything happens to my little sister I will blame you and I will hurt you. I can promise you that." Sokka said in the most threateningly low voice I had ever heard him use and a chilling glare accompanied that warning.
I gulped, took a breath and nodded. Sokka held out his forearm and we shook the warrior's handshake. He nodded and left. As I was left alone again I thought to myself that I really would do everything I could to protect Katara.
I didn't know how long I was left sitting there before the flap to my tent was pulled back and Toph stepped in.
"It's time to leave Sparky." She said sullenly. Toph was tough, but she was still a kid and I could tell this was weighing heavily on her. Over the time that I had joined the Gaang Toph became the little sister I've always wanted and wished Azula could be. I know she wouldn't like it but I decided she needed it and I strode over to her with purpose and gave her the biggest hug I could muster. To my surprise she returned it fiercely before pushing me away and threatening to encase me underground if I ever told anyone.
We both headed outside to the others. Suki, Sokka, and Toph would be heading off to the Earth Kingdom and Katara and I would be taking Appa to get to the Fire Nation faster. We said our good byes and we were off to start the battles of our lives.
