Set: #2

Week 2: Memory

Genres: Hurt/Comfort/Romance

Rating: K

Setting: Forgetful Valley (AU after The Search)


Memory

When a sinister fog fell heavy during their search, the Avatar insisted the group halt their efforts. This was no ordinary fog – it came from the Spirit World… and it was dangerous. After it had finally abated, Sokka was certain Azula was a goner. No one has ever entered the Forgetful Valley and lived to tell about it. Thus, the wolf-tailed warrior was astonished to find the firebender sitting under a tree in the dead center of the Valley.


"A-Azula?"

She smiled innocently at him. "Do I know you?"

"It's me… Sokka…" This has got to be an act.

"Sorry, doesn't ring a bell."

"How about 'Water peasant'? 'Snow savage'?"

She laughed. "I think I'd remember you… you're quite handsome."

Okay. Definitely not an act. He gulped, faintly blushing.

"I think I'm lost… can you help me?"

He sat down next to her. "I hate to tell you, but you're a little more than lost… I think you have amnesia. Do you… remember who you are?"

Slowly, she shook her head.

Perhaps that's for the best.


On the first night, she awoke gasping for breath.

"Azula, are you okay?"

"I-I remember something! I can do this!" She formed two azure fire orbs in her palms.

He had seen her fire countless times before, but it never failed to mesmerize him.


The second night, a nightmare interrupted her slumbers. She jolted awake, screaming.

"What's wrong?!"

"There was a boy… with an arrow on his head. I… tried to kill him." Her body quivered uncontrollably. "Sokka… I wasn't… I'm not a good person, am I?"

He didn't know how to respond. So instead, he just held her close and rubbed her back.


It was uncomfortably cold the third night. They had to cuddle to stay warm, or at least, that's what he told himself.

"Sokka…" She turned to face him. "When we get out, do you think we'll still be friends?"

"Yes," he assured, gently stroking her hair. He didn't believe his own answer, as much as he wanted to.

"Good, because… I don't want this to end."

Me neither. That's when the overwhelming desire to kiss her took control. He closed his eyes and leaned in…

"Wait," she breathed. "What about your girlfriend?"

"I… never told you about her," he said shakily, wondering when she regained her memory. "Why didn't you tell me?"

She cast her eyes downward. "Because… then... everything would go back to normal. I'd be trapped… in a world where mothers abandon, where fathers and friends betray, where brothers lock you up alone in an asylum…"

"Azula…"

"I ran away to forget all the horrendous things I've done. Sokka, having you here by my side is the only reason I haven't run back. I-I'm not ready to face reality yet – "

"You don't have to," he whispered, pulling her head to his chest. For her, he would let her pretend a little longer that her past never existed, that life was forgiving. That she could be anyone she wanted to be.