The Wolf and the Dragon

This story takes place in an alternate storyline in the Avatar universe. Instead of the Fire Nation being the aggressors in the 100 years war, it was the Earth kingdom that attacked and wiped out the Air Nomads. The war raged on for almost a hundred years, and the numbers of the Earth Kingdom army were too much for the Fire Nation and the Water Tribes to handle separately. Faced with imminent defeat, these two groups, longtime rivals, hold a secret, desperate meeting to discuss the possibilities of an alliance…

Prologue

Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe was a master at sailing. Nobody in his tribe could weave ships through icebergs like he. "Keep her steady, men!" he cried, as his ship swung its' way towards the dock. "Why did the meeting have to take place here?" he thought. He gazed up at the huge volcano that protruded from the small, crescent shaped island. The ship finally stopped, and ropes were used to tie the ship to the dock. "It seems both Arnook and the Fire Nation delegation have already arrived", he said, after taking notice of the other Water Tribe longboat and the Fire Nation cruiser already stationed at the dock. He told Bato, his second in command, to hold the ship, and then he slowly walked his way towards the tent that had been set at the base of the volcano. He lifted the tent flap, and moved his way inside.

"Our navy holds the Earth Kingdom at bay, for now, but sooner or later, they will overwhelm our ships", a man dressed in Fire Nation attire said. "My brother is held captive by the Earth King after his failed assault against Gaoling, and his son, my nephew, was killed in an sabotage attempt at Ember Island. Our situation is dire, which is why we turn to you, Arnook, and you, Hakoda." Hakoda stayed silent, making the conncection that this must be Prince Ozai. Arnook stood up, nodded at his equal from his sister tribe, and spoke.

"Prince Ozai, our two nations have always been at odds with each other" Arnook said. "We have no reason to trust each other; and only desperation has led me and Chief Hakoda to this meeting."

Ozai nodded gravely, and replied, "I understand your trepidation, Chief Arnook. That is why my father, Fire Lord Azulon, has authorized me to make this deal. He suggests an alliance, both militarily and economically, sealed by a twin marriage. I have both a son and a daughter, and understand that Chief Hakoda has the same. Let my heir Prince Zuko be bethrothed to Hakoda's daughter, and Princess Azula betrothed to his son."

Hakoda was shocked by this. The Fire Nation nobility was typically among the most elite in the world. They almost never wed outsiders, especially poor Water Tribesmen. Hakoda thought, "They must be truly desperate."

Chief Arnook looked as though he was considering the deal. "Prince Ozai!" he said, "Might Chief Hakoda and I confer?" Ozai nodded and left the tent. "Hakoda, I know you must be shocked by this turn of events, and I know you don't want to sacrifice your children. But we need this alliance. Our survival is at stake." Arnook said.

"I understand. This is my duty as chief." said Hakoda. Hakoda then left the tent, and walked to his ship in silence. The crew looked at him expectantly. "Bato, set sail for home. We have a new ally." The crew cheered and went about their tasks with renewed energy. "Kya will not pleased with the alliance terms" he whispered to his first mate and best friend, "But this will ensure that we will survive this war."