Burnings of the Heart

Chapter VII: Sokka's Trial

Sokka stood still and silent in the light green stone walled office off of Governor Liu Yin. The office was large and perfectly squared with a brown marble floor and light brownish-green walls. Within four feet and perfectly aligned with each corner stood a brown marble pillar, in the back was a large window that took the entire top half of the back wall, was divided by two short pillars, and held an astonishing view of the town. Sitting a few feet in front of the center portion of the back wall facing the door, was a light brown, dark brown outlined desk, with a dark brown armless chair. Upon the desk lay five neatly stacked blank strolls sitting in top right corner and half-used scroll sitting in the center just before the chair. The center of the floor was blanketed by a dark red rug bearing the Fire Nation emblem. On both sides of the door stood strange, yet exotic looking big leafed plants sitting in dark brown clay pots, and lined up against the center of the left wall were three bookshelves, each one almost completely filled with scrolls of different sizes.

His face hidden by cloak and mask, Sokka stood silently with his eyes locked upon a man in his early thirties, in the sleek, refined dark red robes of a Fire Nation governor. He had short brown hair, and fair skin. He was looking out the window when Sokka entered the office and the attendant who escorted him announced his arrival before leaving and returning to her duties.

Lord Liu Yin stood quiet and still and Sokka waited patiently.

"It's beautiful isn't it," Liu Yin said with his hands behind his back as he looked out over the large town. "It's hard to believe that it was filled with nothing but pain and suffering a month ago. The people all really pulled together to make Yuyiko what it is today, and none of it would have been possible if not for his lordship. The people of Yuran are forever in his debt. If he hadn't come here this entire town would still under the control of vandals and slavers." He breathed deeply with a smile. "His lordship turned this once out of the way province into a bushel of activity. There are so many merchants doing business here these days that we've had to expand the roads. The people are so much happier than I've ever seen them been. Whenever I inspect the streets with the guards I always see smiles on their faces." He then finally turned to Sokka with light brown eyes, "And as the governor it is my duty to see to it that those smiles remain." He walked up and sat down in his chair. "Sorry to keep you waiting, I take it you're here about the job."

"Yes…ah…yes," Sokka said slightly deepening his voice.

"And just who are you?"

"My name's…" Sokka started. He went into quick thought and then smiled beneath his mask. "You can call me The Black Fox."

"The Black Fox, catchy," the governor said. He looked at Sokka from top to bottom. "Well, Black Fox, the job I have for you will not be an easy one, and it will be dangerous."

"Just tell me what it is and I'll tell you if it's dangerous," Sokka said bravely and seriously, trying to act like a professional mercenary.

"Very well," Liu Yin said, impressed by Sokka's act, "In the past couple of weeks a small group of bandits has begun plaguing or merchants on the road. At first the acts were merely ones of intimidation, but in recent days they've begun to steal from whoever they attack, leaving their victims more or less unharmed."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Sokka asked.

"Yes and no," Liu Yin replied seriously. "Though I am pleased that the victims are unharmed, I also feel that these attacks are more than simple acts of thievery. I was fifteen when this region came under the control of criminals. So I know from experience how real bandits really are and these thieves that are attacking our merchants are anything but real bandits."

"What makes you think that?"

"Because of the way they're operating. When these bandits first revealed themselves they were only trying to intimidate never really hurting anyone or taking anything. Now a week later they've started to actually take the merchants' cargo. Also, the son of the former governor, Lord Giyuto Hujino has suddenly begun to denounce my rule and has been claiming, rather confidently, that if he were governor the bandit attacks would stop."

"So let me guess, you think this Lord Giyuto is behind the bandit attacks?"

"Yes," the governor replied. "My reasons for thinking such are because of his father, Lord Shyton Hujino, who used to govern Yuran before his lordship came. During the aftermath of the liberation, one of the captured bandit chiefs in a desperate bid to save himself said that he and others had made a deal with old Lord Shyton that if they left the nobility in the region alone and gave him a quarter of their profits he would make them the region's guard. This in turn allowed them to conduct their activities without worry of prosecution. At first his lordship didn't act because it was only one person's word, but after hearing the same thing from seven other bandits, and the finding of slaves in Lord Shyton's home during an investigation, his lordship personally arrested Lord Shyton ordered him executed for crimes against the people. His son, Lord Giyuto, said nothing out loud about his father's death, but he was furious when he learned that he would not be given what believe to be his birthright, the governorship of the province. He was even angrier when he heard that I, common man of common birth, was being appointed to the position. Had he made vow for revenge or threat I could have arrested him for treason."

"But he's trying to denounce your rule and get you removed. Isn't that enough of a reason to arrest him?" Sokka asked.

"I could, but that would be the tyrant way of doing things, also the people have shown doubt that he'd rule better than me because of his family's history, and though I personally believe it is wrong to judge a man by the legacy his father; I have to say it pleases me because it buys me the time I need to deal with this matter, but I must hurry for if blood is split," he blinked slowly and was silent for a well with a sad face. "The people will start to listen to Giyuto's lies."

"So what is it that you want me to do?" Sokka asked.

"Though I can have Giyuto arrested on the charge of attempted disruption of order. It would be better if could prove he's behind the bandit attacks. A paid informant, one of Giyuto's servants, informed us that Giyuto's been communicating with the bandits via massager hawk, and that he was planning to meet with the bandits personally tomorrow night," Liu Yin explained. "The opportunity couldn't be more perfect. I want you go to the bandits' camp and catch him in the act. Watch the bandits until he shows up and then single the regional guard. The guards will then move in and capture both Giyuto and the bandits. However--"

"Wait a minute," Sokka interrupted, "So basically you want me to be a scout for you, right? So why do you even need me at all? Couldn't you use one of your own men for this?" Sokka questioned.

Liu Yin went silent for a while and closed his eyes. "You're right. I could just send a member of the Regional Guard to handle this assignment; however, if the bandits see the guards coming they may try to escape with Giyuto as hostage, making him a victim and not a collaborator." He looked at Sokka. "After you single the guards I want you to attack and wound Giyuto, not kill, wound, and if necessary protect him from the bandits, until the guards arrive. Know that if you kill him I won't be upset, because the act be easily blamed on the bandits, but you're payment we will be halved. The reason I want him alive is because I would like to make an example of him to show the rest of the nobility in the region what will become of those who think they can hold themselves above the law because of their status. Also, to answer your earlier question, if I were to send one with an affiliation to the guard and he failed to wound Giyuto and the noble escaped, Giyuto could claim that I tried to assassinate him which would put me in a very difficult position with the rest of the nobility especially those who are already displeased by the very fact that I hold power. Furthermore because I was born a commoner there's a good chance they could petition the Fire Lord to remove me from power and replace me with someone who's more interested in the desires and needs of the nobility over the needs of the common people. That is something I cannot allow, and it is for that reason that I asked Sing to help me find someone who can handle this job." He breathed slowly and Sokka stood still with his heart beating faster than normal.

"I won't lie to you. This mission will be dangerous. Giyuto is more than likely to have his private guard with him to protect him from possible betrayal. Wounding him will not be easy. You will likely have to first quickly take out his guards and then move to deal with him in confusion of the attack. There is also the possibly that you will have to contend with the bandits as well, depending on how you go about you're mission. You're attack will have to be swift and decisive. There can be no room for error." Liu Yin explained seriously. He then reached into drew in his desk and pulled out a small rough leather pouch and tossed it to the end of his desk were Sokka stood, who in turn looked at in confusion. "That pouch, holds twenty silver coins. It's your advance payment of two hundred coins, should you still desire to take the job, and if you succeed in your mission, with Giyuto alive, you may name the rest of your payment."

Sokka looked at the bag of coins. Their group was low on money and they could really use some new equipment and perhaps a comfortable sleep in actual beds. Something that was a rare occasion for them, but…he was afraid, for that pouch had a viper's tail to it. The mission he would have to undergo would indeed be dangerous and would be like nothing he'd ever done before. If he was hesitate and made even the most minor of mistakes, he was doomed. But they needed the money, they needed the information. But was he up to it? Was he truly up to the task that was being asked of him? He closed his eyes for a moment and thought back on all of his adventures up until then. He was rarely at the front of the fighting. He was the team's thinker, their planer, their...idea guy.

He gripped his fists, opened his eyes and looked at the pouch. He reached for it, but then stopped for a moment and closed his eyes in hesitation, and then opened them and snatched up the pouch…there was no going back now…

Liu Yin nodded closed eyed and breathed slowly. "The operation will not commence until the sun starts to set tomorrow. For the time being Return to Sing's shop and wait. Someone will come retrieve you when it's time."

Sokka nodded and left the governor's office. Outside in the hall he stood still and quiet. He looked at the pouch and gripped it in frustration. He then loosened his grip, breathed a sighed and tied the pouch to his waist and left the town hall.

As he was told, he went back to Sing's shop, but found a sign that read closed upon arriving, and was surprised when he found the door open. He entered and the closed the door behind him and locked it. The shop was silent. The windows were covered up by curtains blocking out the sun from entering and the room instead was relying on candles for light. Sokka walked forward a little his heart beat steadily but nervously.

"Sing!" he cried. "Are you here? The governor told me to come back here to wait?"

There was no answer. Sokka started worry. He placed his hand Fox Tail's hilt and headed for the back room. He passed through the curtain and looked around. The backroom was small and held a forge in the corner next to a stone, roofless box filled with coal. Sokka looked around and was surprised when he found another door he hadn't noticed when he was there earlier. He walked to the door and slid it open. Behind it were some stairs leading down. He followed the stairs and they led him to a large room lit by touches on the walls. Light and shadow warred for dominance as he gazed about it slowly. All was silent.

Then suddenly, his heart started to quicken and a feeling of distress started to befall him. He knew this feeling well. Yes. He knew it very well. He had felt it often during his hunts for the group. The feeling grew stronger and his heart pace quicken. He then hear breathing echo behind him and intimately drew his sword turned around and held it up with his free hand supporting the point of the blade as the sound steel hitting steel echoed throughout the room. All was silent Sokka held his sword up as he held back the blade of his attacker, when a familiar voice suddenly spoke.

"Well done boy," the voice said.

Sokka's heart suddenly calmed, "Sing…"

The old man lifted his long sword off the Fox Tail and then stepped back to allow Sokka to get a better look at his assailant.

"It is you, what the hell do you think your doing scaring me like that?" Sokka asked angrily his heart still slighting racing.

"Sorry, boy, I had to test you. To see where you were at and you have a lot to learn and little time to learn it. You're senses are weak at best, boy, but that is because you allowed fear into your heart, and when you let in fear you let in hesitation and that can lead you to death. You need to block out all emotions, boy, or you'll not return alive from tomorrow's mission. You also need to improve your skills with a sword. Because Giyuto will have professional guards and they will be your greatest threat. The bandits themselves are just local thugs looking for a fast coin. They're combat skill are self-taught and basic at most, but they'll still have the advantage of numbers," Sing explained. He blinked slowly, light and shadow reflecting off his face. "Now ready yourself boy, because you have a lot to learn."

Sokka didn't say anything he just took a stance, and Sing attacked again…


Night of the following day had come almost like a shot dream for Sokka. All day yesterday he trained with Sing learning more and more about the Jien style. He had to learn how to block out his emotions and act quickly and swiftly. He had to memorize the location of human vital points. He had to learn how to better follow his instinct and through doing so greatly improved his senses. One exercise, he remembered, during a sparing match with Sing. The old man attacked him fiercely as if he was trying to kill him. During that time Sokka felt his heart race like never before. It was a frightening experienced that lasted only for a short while at most before Sing knocked the frighten Sokka's sword from his hand and put his own to the boy's throat. This excise was repeated four times until Sokka was able to maintain control of his emotions and keep calm in the face of wild aggression.

For the last day and half he had been training hard and long and had not seen the light of day until a member of the regional guard came for him and guided him to their camp in the forest that separated Yuran from the outside world. After learning the location of the bandit's camp, which stood at the edge of the forest, he made his why there quietly not knowing of the shadowy figure that followed and watched him from high above.

He stood in a tree hovering over the bandit's camp. There were five bandits in total and they had yet to detect him, but even the slightest move could alert them to his presence. He watched and waited as the sun bid the day farewell and the moon rose to say hello to a new evening. Then finally his patience paid off a when regally decorated carriage pulled by ostrich-horses drove up at the edge of the camp and from it stepped a man in his early thirties wearing noble red robes outlined in gold, had black hair, a cold deceitful expression, and ambition in his black eyes. Exiting from the carriage after him was a man in leather armor and armed only with a single sword at his side. They were joined by the carriage driver who was also armored and armed only with a sword.

Sokka watched as the three men approached the bandits and stood a few feet away from the campfire in the center. He listened carefully, but nervously to what they were saying.

"So how's it going boss," one of the bandits asked.

"Not so good, my words are being ignored and those of the nobility who want Liu Yin gone don't act because he's done nothing that they could exploit and is still popular with the common folk," the noble replied.

"So what do you want us to do, Lord Giyuto?" a bandit asked.

"I want you to kill," Giyuto replied. "From here on when you attack all are to be left dead except for one badly injured survivor to tell the story of his friends' demise. That should convince the people that Liu Yin is an incompetent fool. Who needs to be replaced," he gave off an evil grin, "for the good the province."

One of the bandits smiled. "Don't worry, will get the job done. Just remember you're end of the bargain."

"Don't worry you will be well rewarded for your efforts."

Sokka had heard enough. He knew then what he had to do. His ears picked up the light sound of night creatures fleeing out of the way of something. The regional guard was near. He reached into a small pouch at his side and pulled out a small ball made of parchment with a fuse poking out the top. He then reached into his pockets and pulled out a couple of small flints, which he used to light the fuse. He then stood found a clear path trough the breaches and then threw it into the air. Within moments a bright light filled the sky and alerted and bandit's and noble's attention.

"What was that?" Giyuto asked fearfully.

Sokka gripped the Fox Tail's hilt and closed his eyes. He knew what he was about to do. His heart hung heavy with the regret of not being to able see his sister one last time.

"Something's not right here," Giyuto said worryingly. "Let's get back to town. You men know what to do tomorrow. I expect good results."

"Don't worry my lord we won't let you down. You just make sure that we get our reward when the time comes."

"As I said before you'll—"

Just then something hit the fire and a bright light blinded all within the camp. Sokka jumped from the tree, smashed through the five bandits flipped over the campfire and charged for Giyuto on the other side of the camp. But his path was impeded by one of the noble guard's who'd gained back enough of his sight to see him and attack. Sokka dodged the assault, but had little time to waste. The guard was still partially blinded and the young man took advantage of that to strike him down. He drew his sword and knocked the guard's weapon from his hand and delivered swift stabbed to his stomach.

All was silent for Sokka. The guard's still warm blood rushed through the newly opened hole like water through a creaked dam and followed down the blade and onto his hands. Sokka then pulled his sword from the men's stomach just as his partner was about to strike him. Sokka blocked the assault and fought with him for but a short moment before he knocked the man's sword away and slashed his chest. Fox Tail's blade cut through the guard with ease and blood sprayed from the opening as the guard feel to the ground motionless. The first step of his mission complete Sokka turned to Lord Giyuto who had finally regained enough of his site to see what was going on. He shook in frightful panic at the sight of his two dead guards and turned for his carriage only to find a dark figure wearing a black cloak and, fox mask standing in his way. The noble trembled in fear as the figure raised his blade and slashed his leg forcing him to let out a cry of pain that echoed throughout the forest. The noble lay on ground clinching his teeth and gripping his wound. He looked up to see his attacker only to find that they had fled.

Sokka had sheathed his sword and returned to the tree from whence he came. He watched from there as the regional guards charged into the camp and arrested the bandits with little struggle and captured the wounded noble. He watched the guards force the corrupted noble and his five bandits into the carriage and drove away back towards town.

The fire had been dosed before they left, but Sokka didn't need the light to see his blood covered hand shaking. Everything had happened so fast that he had little to no time to think about it, until then. He looked at his hands as they trembled and gripped them in frustration, but they wouldn't stop shaking. He had taken the lives of not one but two men, whose bodies were till lying on the ground for whatever beast that desired the taste of human flash. He pulled out the white air-bison calling whistle and blew on it. Silence rolled through the air and he jumped down from the tree and removed his mask and hood and sat down with his head buried in his arms.

He stayed that way for the longest until he felt a large blast of air rush by him. He raised his head and stood, to find Appa bearing three passengers he knew very well: Katara, Aang, and Toph.

"Sokka!" Katara cried joyfully. She jumped from Appa's large saddle and ran to him and hugged him. "I was so worried. When you didn't come back from Yuyiko I thought..." she went silent when he didn't return her hug. She relinquished her hug and held his forearms gently. She looked into his eyes. Something had happened. She could see it. She could feel it. Something inside of him had suddenly changed. His eyes were filled with sorrow and regret, and he seemed to had hardened somehow. "Sokka, what's wrong? What happened?" She asked concerningly.

Sokka was silent and blinked slowly, "Nothing, Katara. I'm just tired that's all." He walked passed her and climbed up into Appa's large basket like saddle and sat in silence, his mask held in hand.

"What's wrong with him?" Toph asked.

Aang looked at his friend. "I don't know, but I think we should just leave him alone for now. He'll tell us what happened when he's ready."

Then he and Toph claimed up onto Appa.

Katara followed, but then stopped when she spotted the two shadowy bodies lying on the ground and went to them. She touched one of them gently. These deaths were recent. She then looked up at her brother fearfully, yet sadly. "Oh Sokka…you…"

"Hey Katara come on. The Earth King's waiting," Aang yelled.

Katara climbed aboard and went to brother and sat next to him. She looked at him, and tried to speak, but no words came out of her mouth. All she could do was dry the small tear that dripped from his eye.

But as they drove away, they didn't notice the two shadowy cloaked figures that landed into the now empty camp from the trees. The two examined the bodies and nodded to one another. Then one picked up a stick lit it with some small flints from his cloak and set the two bodies ablaze. Then one of them blew on a silent reed whistle and a hawk flew from the sky and landed on his arm while his partner pulled out a piece parchment and some ink and started writing a message…