Golden Wolf Warrior Redux
By: Agent-Ayu
Chapter 3: The Southern Water Tribe - Part III
Disclaimer: Disclaimer from Prologue still applies.
A/N: Finally after nearly a year and a half. It's finally being updated! I apologize profusely for the delay. Muse was taking a long break. Updates will still be fairly slow, but definitely not a year and a half slow ever again. I'm entering Senior year of college and prepping to join the Navy. So, updates still won't be a frequent. Yes, I'll probably be updating KazemaruHaruka's Drabbles more often since they're really short drabbles that bounce around in my head.
I didn't realize how much I would be changing or adding that effects the later chapters in character and story development. However, I am part of a writing challenge with a group of friends. I'm using that as a motivator to keep writing for GWWR and Wanted. I have to write 30K words in 30 days. It'll be slow, but I have a motivation to keep me in check of updating more than I have the past year and a half. Thank you so much for everyone who has stuck around. And welcome new followers as well!
She didn't want this to happen. She didn't want to be the reason the tribe is being broken up. Azula sat on the wall with her legs drawn up to her chest and her head resting on her knees. She could still hear the families who were leaving the tribe still gathering their belongings. The meeting with the council didn't go as smoothly as most had hoped.
When the council declared a warning as a punishment, the parents who were against having her objected. Many threatened to leave the tribe, but were surprised when Hakoda said they could leave if they so desired. Most of those families are still hoping Hakoda isn't serious as they continued packing.
Azula looked up at the stars. Even after being here for three years, she still wasn't used to it being dark majority of the day during the summer and light during the winter.
"Hey." Sokka sat down next to Azula. "What are you doing up here?"
"Staying away from everyone. The last thing I need to remind them why they are leaving."
"They're leaving because they want to though. You heard Dad and the council, they're not going to stop them."
"Yeah, but they're leaving because the council sided with me! They would rather leave the tribe than be part of it as long as I'm here. They have more right to be here than me anyways. They made it very clear I don't belong here."
The two fell silent. Azula quickly wiped away any tears that were threatening to fall.
"I GOT IT!"
"Got what?" Azula mumbled.
"Why don't you participate as part of an ice dodging crew? That's the perfect way to get accepted by the tribe!"
Azula raised her eyebrow at her sparring partner. "What's ice dodging?"
"Oh, right… you don't know about that. Well, basically it's when a Water Tribe boy becomes a man. On a boy's fourteenth birthday, he, his father, and two other people the boy trusts to help him run the boat!"
"That's the problem! No would trust me enough to help!"
"I think Tsukihiro would. He'll be able to participate in ice dodging in a few years."
"But I've never been on a boat that wasn't powered by firebenders."
"Trust me it's not that hard to pick up. Come on, get up!" Sokka pulled on Azula's arm to get her to stand. "I'm hungry and dinner is ready. Mom wouldn't let us start eating without you."
"All you think about is food, isn't it?"
"Yep!"
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Azula was sitting on the wall again as she tried soaking up the warm feeling of the sun. Today was the Winter Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Southern Water Tribe. The firebender didn't understand how this was possible since she remembered it always being the shortest day of the year back in the Fire Nation.
She leaned her head back to look at the sky. It's been four months since the tribe was split. Four months since she was last able to firebend. Everyday she tried to produce a small ball of fire like she was able to back in the Fire Nation and every time she failed. Azula closed her eyes hoping to feel the warmth she remembered having when she produced fire.
"Hey!" The firebender slightly jumped when Katara placed a hand on Azula's shoulder. "What are you doing up here?"
"Trying to feel Agni."
"Who's Agni?"
Azula opened her eyes. "Agni is the sun spirit. I'm slowly remembering what little firebending lessons my uncle taught me. I remember him saying that it's because of Agni firebenders are able to bend. I haven't been able to bend since I punched Makku."
Katara leaned against the wall and looked up at the sky. "It sure is quieter with some of the tribe gone. They forgot that as a tribe we're supposed to look after everyone like family."
"They did. I just wasn't considered part of it. Sokka thinks if I participate in Ice Dodging, I'll finally be accepted by everyone else who is still here."
"Oh, is that why you've been hanging out with Tsukihiro lately? You can do it. This is your home and we're your family, it'll make it even more official!"
The firebender nodded and closed her eyes while smiling. As Katara continued talking, Azula began to feel warmer. For the first time in a while she began to feel her inner fire.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
"Hakoda?"
The Southern Water Tribe chief turned towards his adopted daughter. He and Bato were busy packing up the rest of what they used for training today.
"What's wrong, Azula?
"Um..." She held out her hands and concentrated until she was able to produce a small fire ball. "I'm able to firebend again."
Hakoda knelt down so he was about Azula's height. "What's wrong with that? I'm thrilled you're able to bend again. I can only imagine what it was like not being able to bend for these past three years."
Azula dropped her hands and looked down at the ground. Hakoda looked at Bato silently letting his best friend know this might be a while and to finish taking the equipment back to the village. Bato understood completely. He trusted his best friend, who was practically his brother. That's why he immediately stood with Hakoda in defending Azula when the council was debating what to do with the incident between Azula and other children.
"Azula, be honest, what's wrong?"
"I don't want the tribe to split up more because I'm able to firebend again! I hate the Fire Nation! I hate being a firebender!"
The two of them stayed quiet as the let the words the girl shouted sink in. "Do you really hate being a firebender?"
Blue eyes met gold.
"No... I don't like others hating me because of where I was born and what I am. I didn't do anything."
Hakoda pulled Azula in for a hug. "No, you didn't. You're still a child and couldn't have done anything with the war. But it is hard sometimes to look past anyone from the Fire Nation not being for the war and trying to take over the other nations. We've been at war for nearly a hundred years. Everyone is tired and want it to end. The only thing that I can think would have happened to you if you were still in the Fire Nation is that you would inherit the same problems that all the other children before you had to deal with since this war spans through several generations."
Azula just nodded. Since she couldn't remember her family she could only imagine what she would have done if her family wasn't attacked and she was still in the Fire Nation. Would she have been in the Fire Nation's military attacking Earth Kingdom villages and cities? Or would she be a female diplomat and probably working under her Fire Lord?
"Do you remember any firebending lessons you might have had?"
"Just a few forms and breathing exercises. All I know is that it's opposite from water bending. So whatever Katara does I have to do the opposite."
"Hmmm..." Hakoda pondered. "Being a firebender is part of who you are. I think you have as much right as Katara does to be able to freely practice and improve as well. Either way I'll think of something for you to be able to practice and have it satisfy the rest of the village. Everything will be alright. I promise."
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
"Good, you're doing well, Katara." Kanna praised her granddaughter as they moved through various waterbending forms. "Now, let's see if you can bend the water from the ocean."
Azula watched as Katara practiced her waterbending. After they made their promise to be the best benders in their elements, Kanna had taken it upon herself to train Katara as best she could from what she was taught. While Kanna wasn't a waterbender, she had many friends who were before the Fire Nation raided their village years ago. There was only so much Kanna could teach though. Azula was there for moral support and to figure out firebending for herself.
With fire and water being opposite elements, she thought it be best to watch Katara's waterbending training. Whatever Katara did, Azula would have to do the opposite. She gave a supportive smile to Katara when the ball of water burst and fell back into the ocean. "Katara, don't force it. Feel it." Azula encouraged.
Katara pouted towards Azula. "It's not the same with you! You can feel the sun!"
Azula chuckled. "Yeah, but I still have to be able to feel it. I might not be a waterbender, but I am a firebender. I able to bend again because I can feel it again."
"She is right, Katara. All of my friends always reminded us to feel as if the water and us were one. Even if we couldn't bend. Try again, Katara." Kanna patted her granddaughter on the back before turning her attention back to Azula. "And you. How is your firebending coming along?"
The firebender straightened up into attention as if she was with the other Wolf Warriors right now. This was the first time Kanna asked about her firebending or shown any concern for her.
"Well... I can hold a ball of fire longer than I had a month ago. There isn't much I can do until Hakoda finishes making the training area. But, they're having trouble finding a place that the rest of the village will be satisfied to allow me to practice."
Kanna sighed. "Firebend towards the ocean." Azula didn't move. "I'm not joking, I want to see you throw a punch towards the ocean and see fire."
Azula looked at Katara who looked just as confused at Kanna's reaction. "Okay, Kanna." She dropped into a fighting stance and through a reverse punch towards the ocean with a small fireball leaving her fist. "That's about as good as it gets at the moment."
The elder Water Tribe woman smiled. "It'll get better in time you two. Just keep practicing. Oh, and Azula... call me 'Gran Gran.'" With that she left the two girls to continue practicing.
"Katara, what just happened?"
Katara beamed at Azula. "Gran Gran just accepted you, Azula! She considers you part of the family!" She gave the stunned firebender a tight hug.
"Thank you, Gran Gran." Azula whispered to Kanna's retreating form.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Another three years have gone by Azula and Katara's bending improved greatly. Along with her firebending, Azula had been getting help from Hakoda in using her broad swords for fighting as her weapon of choice during Wolf Warrior training. She was finally able to hold them and practice with them for the whole training session without taking a break. At the age of eleven, Azula had become the youngest participant in helping out with Ice Dodging.
"The spirits of the water bear witness to these marks. For Tsukihiro, the mark of the wise. For Teruko, the mark of the brave. And for Azula, the mark of the trusted." Tsukihiro, Teruko, and Azula all looked at each other the three of them now had a bond with each other that couldn't be broken.
By the time the sun had set the whole village was gathered around a huge bonfire in celebration of Tsukihiro's Coming of Age. Azula normally would have sat with Kya, Sokka, and Katara, but today she sat with Teruko and Tsukihiro close to where Chief Hakoda and the Southern Water Tribe councilmen sat.
Once everyone had a little bit to eat Hakoda stood up earning the silence and attention of everyone.
"Today is a special day for another member of our tribe. To Tsukihiro and his crew members in the success of his Ice Dodging Ritual." With that Tsuhikiro, Teruko, and Azula stood up as the village cheered for them.
Tsukihiro's father walked up to Tsukihiro and handed his son a wolf warrior's battle uniform.
Hakoda continued after Tsukihiro's father took a seat. "Tsukihiro." Tsukihiro turned his attention to Hakoda with pride. "Should the Water Tribe go to war, may the spirits help us not, you are to come with us to defend your tribe. For this day forward, Tsukihiro is a Wolf Warrior!"
Everyone in the village cheered. Once everyone calmed down Hakoda spoke up again. "Not only is this a celebration for Tsukihiro, it is a celebration for Azula as well."
Hearing what Hakoda said shocked everyone. "Azula." Azula walked up to Hakoda like Tsukihiro had down seconds before her.
"You are of Fire Nation birth. You were brought here six years ago and in those six years you have grown up with us and learned about our traditions and customs. Today you helped Tsukihiro with his Ice Dodging Ritual by controlling the jib. You received the mark of the trusted, and that makes you a member of our tribe. If you want, the Southern Water Tribe can be your home."
Everyone continued to stay quiet not sure what to say. It's uncommon for someone outside the water tribe to be declared a member. Azula thought carefully of what had just been announced to the whole tribe.
"I am honored to be considered a member of the tribe now. When I first came here I didn't know how to express myself to anyone. So much has happened to me and even though I have no memory of it, I do know that with the patience and kindness I received here in the past six years, I've always felt comfort and can't imagine anywhere else but here of being my home. Thank you Chief Hakoda." Azula finished her speech by bowing to Hakoda.
Azula sat back down next to Teruko as Hakoda continued his announcements. "One more thing for this celebration. Tonight we also celebrate the Winter Solstice. Happy Solstice everyone!"
"Happy Solstice!" Everyone cheered before going back to eating and celebrating the three special occasions.
For some reason Azula looked over to Katara and just stared at her, admiring the fire light and moon light's glow on her. Suddenly Katara looked over at Azula and gave the firebender a warm smile. Azula blushed and continued eating her food to keep herself from staring at Katara again. Her stomach felt a different. It was warm and jittery. She didn't know what this feeling meant, but she knew it was caused because of Katara.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
One year later the Fire Nation ships were sighted on Southern Water Tribe waters. Even though the Fire Nation wasn't attacking any villages all the men thought to play it safe and ambush the ships before setting out to the Earth Kingdom to help end the war.
All the men including Tsukihiro were all packed and getting ready to leave when Sokka came walking up to one of the boats struggling to carry his sleeping bag and gear. Azula was closely following her training partner with sympathy in her eyes knowing that Sokka will not be able to join the rest of the men.
Hakoda saw the two walking up towards them. "Sokka.
"I'm coming with you." Sokka claimed.
Hakoda sighed knowing what he was about to say was going to hurt his son. "You're not old enough to go to war, Sokka, you know that."
"I'm strong! I'm brave! I can fight! Please, Dad!" he pleaded.
"Being a man is knowing where you're needed the most, and for you right now that's here protecting your sister." Hakoda explained while placing his hand on Sokka's shoulder.
Azula was able to tell from Sokka's voice that he was on the verge of tears. "I don't understand." Sokka said weakly.
"Someday you will." Hakoda said.
With that Sokka dropped his gear and hugged his father. "I'm going to miss you so much." Hakoda finished as he returned Sokka's hug.
Once they parted Sokka picked up his gear and started to walk quickly back to the village.
"Azula."
"Yes, Hakoda?"
"I have a favor to ask you. Please look after Sokka and help him look after the village. This is probably going to be hard on him. You and I both know how much he wants to go."
"I will." Azula promised. "Um… would there ever be a chance for Sokka and I to ever help fight?"
"Maybe for Sokka, but Azula I hope you will never have to. I know we bent the rules and allowed you to train with the rest of the men, but I don't want you getting hurt. I don't have a definite answer for you. I'm sorry." Hakoda said truthfully.
"I understand." Azula gave Hakoda a hug before leaving to go find Sokka.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Later that night everyone in the village gathered around the shore holding lanterns watching the men leave the Southern Water Tribe to go off to war.
"This isn't fair we stayed out of the war for so long." Katara said quietly as she held her brother close.
"What's not fair is that I should be going too." Sokka said sadly.
Azula placed her hand on Sokka's shoulder. "You'll get your chance. It just wasn't time for us to go."
Once the boats were out of sight everyone began walking back to the village. Azula, Katara, and Sokka all walked quietly back to their igloo with Kanna and Kya following closely behind them.
"Alright, off to bed all three of you." Kanna said as they entered the igloo.
"Yes, Gran Gran."
It didn't take long for all three of them to prepare for bed and under the covers of the many fur blankets. Sokka fell asleep immediately. Azula was close to falling asleep when Katara woke her up.
"Hey, Azula." Katara said quietly not trying to wake anyone else in the igloo.
"Yeah."
"Do you think the Avatar will ever return?"
Azula opened her eyes and looked at the igloo ceiling. "I don't know Katara. This war has been going on for nearly a hundred years. You would think the Avatar would have done something to stop the war. We know that the Avatar should have been born into the Air Nomads one hundred years ago, but they were wiped out. And if the Air Nomad Avatar were killed when the other Air Nomads were, a Water Tribe Avatar would have been born.
"Unless the Fire Nation had killed the Water Tribe Avatar within the last hundred years the Avatar would start off as an Earthbender. And if the Fire Nation did kill the Earth Kingdom Avatar, next would be the Fire Nation Avatar. Granted the could have probably found them and saving him or her as a secret, but if they didn't, the cycle has nowhere else to go without the Air Nomads." Azula speculated.
"So, that means you don't think the Avatar will return." Katara whispered sourly.
"I didn't say that nor did I imply it, I just speculated for a possible reason to why the Avatar hasn't helped stop the war yet. There's also the possibility that the Avatar hadn't shown themselves is because they hadn't mastered Airbending." Azula defended.
"The Avatar will return, and will know how to airbend. He or she has to." Katara finished before turning over telling Azula their conversation was done.
"If the Avatar does return knowing how to airbend, I'll teach you how to kick Sokka's butt the warrior's way so he has something to sulk about." Azula promised before turning over in her sleeping bag as well.
"That would be great. I'll hold you to it."
The two of them didn't know that two years from that day Azula would have to go through with that promise. "Seven years."
"Huh?" Azula looked over at Katara confused.
Katara looked back at Azula. "It's been seven years since you arrived here. This has been your home for over half your life already... Are you alright?"
Azula looked up at the ceiling. "Seven years... I can't believe it's been that long. To be honest, I almost forgot about it."
"Oh! I'm sorry for bringing it up."
The firebender shook her head. "No, it's fine. It doesn't hurt as much as I did in the past... Even though I don't remember them, I still miss them. I miss Lu Ten."
The waterbender reached out and held Azula's hand. "Can you tell me more about him from what you remember?"
Azula gently gave Katara's hand a squeeze before telling her all that she could remember about her cousin. The two quietly talked until they fell asleep. As they slept, like her first night, Azula never let go of Katara's hand.