Chapter 35: Mine

She had kept it. All these years. And at the base of her throat, where it would be protected at all times. It even made sense on why she kept denying the numerous other necklaces he had arranged for her; they weren't like this crude carving. They weren't made by him. He found it so heartwarming to see her get so possessive over the carving- one he originally thought she would never turn back to look at in a million years- the one he thought symbolized how they couldn't be together when in reality, it held all of Yue's love inside of it. So as he whisked her off through the outside world, he was delicate and patient.

She, on the other hand, didn't think he could be so firm and yet so light to the touch despite the fire that raged inside of him. In fact, the force in his hand was eroded away, and his fingers cushioned her arm carefully like she was a fragile piece of glass. He led her through the dark, his eyebrows furrowed and his glare towards the passing guards unwavering. Those who happened to spot them were quietened by the sober look on the chief's face and decided not to question why in the world he was with a woman, but Yue could see it all- the gossips that would spread through the city faster than flames. Through the midst of all the emotions that invaded her, she couldn't help being thankful that the darkness concealed her milky hair.

They came to a long, narrow pathway through the most remote of the citadel's courtyards, slowing down as they reached a small wooden door. He reached into his tunic pocket and pulled out a key, his free hand still gripped around Yue's arm. He hesitated for a moment; the last time he had set foot in the Spirit Oasis was when Zhao slayed the moon, and ever since, Sokka had vowed to never come back. The painful memories washed over him, but he was rejuvenated as the tiny carving in his hand reminded him of his resolve. He hastily unlocked the door and tugged her forward.

A warm, pleasant breeze hit them. The surroundings were completely dark but were lit to a degree with a dim, white glow that radiated from the pond. The eclipse sky continued to churn, awkward patches of lighting flaring in the sky. He led Yue across one of the bridges and finally let go of her hand once they made it to the pond- the same place where they stood in their final moments together.

"This place is important to us. You can't hide anything from me here."

He sounded more casual than demanding. She took a deep breath.

"Look at me."

She didn't dare.

"Please?"

She knew she'll give in the moment she looked at him. "I can't."

He sighed, leaning down a little and peering up at her. His cerulean eyes danced with melancholy mischief as they roved for hers. Their noses almost touched. "How about now?"

He was smiling. A smile that dangled on the border between amusement and pain. What in the world…? She grew flustered and irritated. "You think this is funny?"

"I think it's sweet...that you kept my fish."

The more she stared at the carving in his hands, the more she felt like a thief who was caught. She admitted it was wrong to be selfish, but she couldn't control herself. She still brooded over the tiny, crude artifact after all these years of keeping it in possession. Just because he made it. A spirit attached to a carving- of course she would have problems in being attached to the man who gave it to her. And here she was, weeping on the inside because it no longer hugged her neck. She crossed her arms defensively.

"You think I had nothing else to do everyday other than stare at you like a creep from the sky?" she bursted, feeling pressured by his knowing smile. "You think I ignored my duties just to make sure you don't do something irrational? You think I constantly thought about you by wearing this...this…" she trailed off awkwardly.

"I never said that," he said warmly.

"You think that. I can tell." She sighed, highly embarrassed. "And stop looking at me like that. I told you not to stare."

His smile widened. "You know...you're cute when you try to deny things."

"Sokka, please," she strained. "Be serious." She forced herself to make eye contact. Her face was sickly and pale. Exhausted even. A panic attack hit him for no apparent reason. He was reliving it all- the moment when she had simply faded from his arms the second the koi fish glowed and flailed with life. He reached for her palm, holding it tightly as a reminder that now, she was here. To his relief, she didn't protest. She couldn't protest.

"Then tell me," he breathed soberly.

So susurrant, she noticed. It was intriguing how sensitive Sokka could really be. She was having a hard time believing it was him. "What do you want me to say?" she said brokenly. "That I still have feelings for you? That I always liked you too much?"

"That's a good thing," he coaxed gently.

"No. It's not."

"I don't understand. Why wouldn't you want to keep having feelings for me?"

She stepped back, ushering his hand away. For you, she wanted to say so badly. For you, your sanity, your honor, your reputation.

"You kissed me," he reminded her, yearning. "When you became a spirit...you kissed me. You weren't afraid to show your affections for me then. You weren't so worried about this attachment nonsense...back then..."

Her gaze lingered to the spot where he had held her that night when they sulked hopelessly from Tui's death. The spot where she lost her life and collapsed in his arms. The spot where he had been sitting when she kissed him goodbye. Her surroundings persuaded her all the more to convince him to let her go. He didn't deserve this pain. "It was a goodbye. That doesn't count."

"Then why are you pushing me away?"

"How would it benefit you even if I answered?" she asked crossly. "There is no way we can be together whether I push you away or not, and you know that. Why keep trying?"

"So...you want me to stop trying?"

"Yes. Please. Stop torturing yourself with these silly thoughts of being with me." Even though holding onto your carving is silly. "What's love going to do for you? What am I going to do for you?"

He frowned. "How positive."

"I'm serious." She stepped back. "You know what people are going to say about you if you keep this up? You know what they're already saying about you?"

"I don't care what people think of me."

"But I do." Her eyes burned with emotion. She composed herself quickly, though. "It's time you forgot me," she said calmly. "I know I sound ridiculous by saying this since I'm the sappy, cheesy one here, but really...just let everything go. Do what everyone's telling you to do."

He groaned, irritated. "If we can't be together, then fine. Leave. Go do your duties and stop worrying about me. But don't tell me to move on."

"You don't know what you're doing to yourself by developing your feelings." Her heart pounded. "You have to grasp the knowledge that I'm... gone."

His patience shattered. "Gone?"

"At least that I don't exist in human form."

He gave her a good long look before scoffing. "Seriously, I don't need your advice. If you came to see me for this, you might as well leave." Of course, he didn't mean that part.

"Avoiding it won't get you anywhere."

"I don't care. I'll figure this out on my own. I don't want you to convince me to do something that I don't want to do."

"People are looking at you like you're a fool-"

"Then I like being a fool."

"Don't say that."

"Don't say that?" He repeated. "Why? Why can't I say it? Because it hurts you, right? You know what hurts me? When you're so insecure and have this notion that we can't be together."

Her heart jumped. "It's physically impossible-"

"If two totally opposite spirits found a way, what's with us?" Because I'm human? "But no, there's absolutely no possible way we can be together according to your book." He panted, glaring at the ground.

"You don't see it, do you?"

"See what?" he retorted brusquely.

"Family." Her eyes softened. "You've always wanted a family, haven't you?"

He grunted, not amused at all.

"If you marry, you can have a family," she cajoled. "A very big, very happy family." Her eyes lit up despite housing a painful disappointment. "You know...a beautiful wife who is skilled in everything, even combat and cooking and sense of humor. Your perfect match..."

It pained him so much. He couldn't figure out how she was able to envision his future without her in it. While he watched her focus on everything but him, he skimmed over the "fish" he carved all those years ago. When he first carved it, he remembered feeling elated and anxious and proud of it. It wasn't perfect, but it would be perfect anyway because it was for Yue. She just had to look at it for it to become priceless. Through his tears, he saw how tragic she appeared at this moment- once a demure princess who was cushioned by comfort; an attractive young lady who found amusement in the slightest things. Now? She was a woman. A strong woman who cried when he was in pain, laughed when a smile was painted on his lips, loved him in more ways than he could ever love her, and cherished this crude artifact...and yet, she wanted him to forget her?

"And kids? Lots of boys, lots of girls. Warriors. Rambunctious and protective. Heirs to the Southern Water Tribe…tiny representations of your culture and heritage…"

His hands flew to the back of his neck and fingered his white Water Tribe necklace given to him by his father. Sokka never had the chance or the situation of taking it off, and it had clung to his neck ever since he received it in his early childhood. And though he didn't always acknowledge it, he had subconsciously considered it as a part of his identity. A relic of his Southern blood. A fleeting memory of Hakoda began to race in his mind.

"Katara seems...different," Hakoda said.

Sokka tore away from the crescent moon in the sky and looked towards him. "Because you haven't seen her in a while…"

"Obviously." He paused. "She's a woman, now."

Sokka shrugged.

"She…hardly talked to me since we met up again."

The warrior cleared his throat. His sister was complicated at times, but lately, he felt like he understood her the best, especially since Aang was down. "Katara is going through...more...than what we're going through right now."

"I can see that," Hakoda sighed. "Clearly she cares for the young Avatar. Honestly, though, I'm afraid."

Sokka frowned. "Why?"

"You don't see why?"

Sokka wasn't going to lie by saying he wasn't perturbed at all, but a part of him actually understood where Katara's pain and paranoid dedication was coming from. She was so shaken when Aang fell, perhaps even more so than when Kya passed away, and that caught Sokka completely off guard. He always knew Katara's affection for Aang was predominantly fueled by a combination of blushing at the airbender's compliments, splashing around in magic water with him, and giving him pep talks and hope speeches and occasional kisses on the cheek. Sokka knew those two were inseparable, but at this particular moment in time, they were just...unstoppable...in the extents they would go for one another. At any rate, Katara was definitely lucky in Sokka's eyes. She didn't have to experience the pain or helplessness of losing someone and not being able to do anything about it.

"Maybe that's her way of being strong. Knowing that he'll make it."

Hakoda raised his eyebrows.

"She might seem like she's starting to lose it," Sokka continued. "She never steps out of his room, not even for a break. She even eats while sitting next to him...if she eats at all. But the thing is...she's actually stable because of all this."

"So you're saying this is good?"

"Not necessarily...well, I don't know." Sokka paused, sipping his tea and looking back up at the moon. "It's more like a coping mechanism. Aang's like...her foundation. Since he's hurt and all, she gets her satisfaction from being next to him all day and building him up. You know...so she'll be next to him in case anything was to happen."

"I suppose you speak from experience?" Hakoda said skeptically, gazing at the sky with him and not quite understanding his son's fascination for the moon.

Sokka hesitated before blurting out, "There was this girl I met at the Northern Water Tribe."

A momentary stillness.

"Yue." The name beautifully rolled off of his tongue.

Yue. Meaning moon. Hakoda pondered over the name. "Was she someone special to you?" In reality, Hakoda didn't have to ask. He could tell by the darkness that took over his son's bright eyes.

"I felt something for her." I loved her.

"I see. Did she like you?"

"Yeah." He grew silent.

"What happened?" Hakoda asked carefully.

"Long story," Sokka said. "But in the end, she became the moon."

"Oh."

For a long moment, Hakoda debated on if Sokka was serious or speaking figuratively, but upon noticing the intense look in the young warrior's eyes, Hakoda was convinced of the former. While he didn't get the jist of the situation, he definitely recognized that the incident involved her loss.

"I was in charge of protecting her," Sokka added. "But she sacrificed herself and...there wasn't anything I could do."

Hakoda nodded in understanding. "You know… I felt similarly when we lost your mother. To this day, I regret not being close to her during that raid."

Sokka shivered from the awful memory and noted Hakoda's weary look. "But you were defending the tribe. You had a job to do." He sulked. "I didn't. I was just...there."

"You can't help what happened."

Sokka leaned back against the deck of the ship. Since Yue's sacrifice, he had always wondered what kind of spirit would give someone life just to demand it again. The universe was just...unfair.

"Would you have waited for her?"

"Huh?"

"If she had still been alive. You would've had to leave with Aang, but...would you have waited?"

She was engaged, he wanted to say, but he realized it wasn't worth mentioning. Inside of him was a tiny satisfaction- however twisted and cruel- that Hahn met his doom. Besides, if Arnook trusted Sokka enough to let him be Yue's bodyguard, wouldn't the chief have considered Sokka as a suitor for Yue at least in the future?

"Yeah. I would have."

But he was tired of waiting. He was probably never going to see her again like this- normal, human, tangible, filled with life- so he wasn't going to wait around any longer to make the promise and commitment he had always wanted to make. Without hesitating, he unclipped his Water Tribe necklace. He studied the miraculously intact clip behind the wooden figure and clipped the carving tightly to the necklace. How convenient- as if this necklace was meant to be made this way. The moon was being completely devoured by the sun, merely inches away from reaching total cover. The koi fish in the pond began to circle each other faster than ever.

"Everyone will look up to you," she continued aimlessly. "No more sympathy, no more gossip. You'll be known as Councilman Sokka, Chief Sokka, the amazing, respected warrior Sokka-"

He cut her off by holding the necklace up to her. She gawked at him, dazed. "You wouldn't."

"I'm putting an end to our tragedy."

She felt a menacing lump in her throat. She tried to speak, but no sound came out. She shook her head, her eyes turning moist.

"You know you want to be mine." His eyes were glistening. Focused and determined.

Her palms cupped his callous cheeks, her tears brewing. "Go home, Sokka," she whispered. "Right now. Leave all of this behind, and I'll take care of anything that happens. Be safe. Be happy."

"You know I won't."

She couldn't hold it back anymore. She grabbed his tunic, agitated. While completely immersed in his pupils, she tried not to let him completely seduce her soul. This was her last chance. "Move on, Councilman. Please."

Her electrifying voice and torn eyes only lit his passion aflame. He brushed her hands aside effortlessly with all the boldness he had left in him. Just before his heart sank with impatience, and just when the moon was being completely covered, he clipped the necklace against her neck. He caught a lot of emotions running wild in her dazed look, but he held onto the one he liked best: contentment. A part of her was content.

His betrothed.

She tugged at him like breathing- a vital necessity than a worldly want. His lips trailed to her forehead and planted a kiss. Hoarsely and softly, brutally and mercifully, savagely yet pleadingly. He kissed her eyelids and her cheeks so urgently as if he wouldn't live without doing so, and before long, he crashed his lips against hers. She felt his blazing hot tears brush against her cheeks. She could feel his heartbeat pounding against her chest, humming through her body as if they were really one being. And she kissed him back.

Suddenly, a sharp pang of pain raced through her body. The complete absence of moonlight gripped her tightly. She ignored it, too captivated to let him go.

His fingers tingled against her cheeks, feeling their warmth being sucked away. Her skin turned freezing cold. He pulled away.

"What's wrong?"

Her face was ghostly pale, and her vision started getting blurry, but she shook her head, holding his hands. "Nothing."

"No, something's wrong." His heart jolted at how cold she was. He wrapped her cloak more tightly around her. "Is it the eclipse?" he asked worriedly.

She didn't get to respond as her head began spinning. She staggered in his arms.

"Yue!"

Both of them sank to the grass. She was limp and weak, barely conscious. Instantly, she began to glow. The glow pulsated against her body crazily. Her heart rate simply disappeared as she turned opaque again.

"No. NO!" Frantic glowing meant something bad. He had seen it often with Aang. He shook her, trying to get her to stay awake. "Hey…hey...stay with me!"

He clutched her close as she shivered despite her transparency. She moaned his name in pain, burying herself in chest. He hastily brushed his tears back and made sure to keep her warm, scanning the sky angrily and helplessly.

"Stupid eclipse, stupid spirits," he cursed.

A more prominent white glow in the form of smoke emanated from the pond. Sokka cradled Yue protectively, glaring at the glow in hurt and hoping for some kind of miracle. The mist took the shape of a woman clad in pearlescent white. Her expression was a strange combination of intimidation and serenity. A dark spirit, resembling her male counterpart, formed next to her. He was definitely the harsher one. Both spirits bore glows of the opposite colors on their chests.

Yue took in the spirits' appearances, attempting to speak, but she was slipping. Sokka held her tighter than ever.

"Stay back!" he yelled at them.

"Humans," La spat despite being intrigued by the warrior's protectiveness. "Ungrateful and so quick to judge."

Sokka fumed as Tui knelt before them and took Yue's hand. He tried to yank the spirit's arm away, but Tui's piercing look of assurance and La's menacing death glare told him otherwise. Besides, what if she was going to help?

"Tui?" Yue mumbled in reverence and confusion.

"I grant you life, Yue."

Sokka froze. Was this a dream? Was he so highly bent up in hallucinations again?

Yue was too weak to question the purpose of all of this. There could be a chance that she was going crazy from all of this inner chaos, but her eyes held the glint of inquiry nevertheless.

The spirit placed her hand on Yue's forehead, her eyes closing. "Our bond is severed. By choosing attachment, you are no longer worthy of being my successor."

Guilt and hatred and anger hit Sokka all at once as he saw Yue's expression turn from pain to heartbreak and self- loathe. His ecstasy was wiped out. No longer worthy? At that moment, Yue's eyes fell dead with despair.

Who are you to talk about her worth? he wanted to yell. But he contained himself. Yue's life was in Tui's hands.

Yue no longer felt her physical pain. Shame conquered her thinking. Mutely and internally, she faded away. She watched her pulsating glow come to a momentary pause, dishonor overwhelming her as she was stripped of her title and immortality. Her identity. She lost consciousness, sinking deeper into his arms before she could feel anything further.

"Yue-"

"She'll be fine," Tui assured.

Was this a good thing? Sokka was in a dilemma. Of course. She was back. Back to him. Forever his. But his blood boiled at the insult she received. He didn't know what to feel, though, other than tear up as he felt her heart beat again and her transparent silhouette gain form and skin. The crazy on-and-off glow didn't subside, but feeling her come alive in the very arms he loathed for not protecting her...that was enough for now to make him feel strong. The happiness in his eyes moved the spirits, more so the Ocean Spirit.

Tui's dim glow strengthened to match La's. The Ocean Spirit squeezed her hand, feeling more powerful than before with her by his side. He sensed her sorrow in dismissing Yue so harshly. It's for her own good, he reminded with his gaze.

The spirits looked down at the lovers one last time, and before Sokka could say anything, they faded into their respective forms in the water.

The warrior never knew that one could sob from relief, but he experienced the feeling right there, right as he held Yue, his emotion speaking volumes.