"Verbal speech"

'Thoughts'

(TIME/LOCATION CHANGE)

Maraxus: Hello readers. I'd like to make a more personalised intro this time rather than a segment with the characters. The reason for the delay for this chapter is both because I am unable to step away from real life, and find things to focus on in the world of fiction. Between climate change, Brexit, being sick (twice), career and financial long term plans, the fires in Australia, I could go on but you came here to read a chapter in a story not listen to problems you yourself might be dealing with.

Lilandra: Yeah, maybe just let me do this one.

Maraxus: Okay, long explanation short, real life getting in the way, please read the closing segment for more info on the future of this story.

Lilandra: Cover art for this story by daughterofthestars on deviantart, please check it out to show support for the artwork that inspired this story series. No ownership of ATLA nor its characters, all of whom have been modified to be of legal age, claim only this story etc.

(FIRE NATION CAPITAL)

Azula paused, choking on the smoke now filling the room from her relentless incineration of her shackles. Her lungs burned for oxygen but she could only manage a hacking cough through the fumes in the cellar. Doubtless the smoke would be seeping under the doorway at the top of the stairs, prompting her captors to investigate which would allow clean air to flood the room and allow her to strike.

There was a thud from upstairs along with several voices in argument followed by more thuds. A fight?

She examined the damaged chain holding her arm against the wall. The metal had almost been cut through by her flames. Gritting her teeth she wrapped her fingers around the chain, straining against the other three chains for leverage, and pulled.

Her body, wrecked from imprisonment, drugged by her captors, and now struggling to find oxygen to stay alive, howled in agony as her muscles, long since exercised, strained to obey her will. Pull. Pull. Pull.

The smoke was starting to dissipate as indeed it seeped into the house above, allowing her a quick gasp of air before she resumed her struggle. The remaining link in the chain was giving way, she could see, or believed she could see it.

CRACK!

The chain snapped, her arm falling down by her side. Pressing her lips tight together to prevent any sound of pain from passing she lifted her free hand to the chain holding her other hand and this time channelled her pain and anger into two fingers. Small at first but building in power two azure flames grew from her tips. She summoned her thoughts of Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee, her mother, the fire building in her as the hatred burned through her veins and the flames seared into the metal.

A slam broke her concentration and her eyes turned wildly to see Ty Lee and two of her sisters descend the stairs into the cellar. Her former friend's eyes held the terror she had so often glimpsed, the terror she used to control the acrobat. But the moment quickly passed as Ty Lee led the charge, her terror being replaced by hatred.

Diverting from her attempt to escape to focus on the traitor, Azula abandoned subtlety and a solid stream of yellow flames roared from her palm.

Ty Lee swiftly twisted to one side, her sisters diving to the other. She closed the gap between herself and her former tormentor, seizing the arm before it could fire again. A furious series of jabs to the pressure points and Azula's arm hung limp at her side.

The two stared at one another; Azula hanging on the wall gasping for air but her eyes burning with murderous intent, Ty Lee coldly meeting her gaze with cruel conviction.

"Say your farewells while you can, Ty Lee." Azula's eyes moved to the identical sisters waiting by the stairs for instructions. "For your sisters will suf-"

Two solid fingers pressed themselves into the middle of her throat, cutting off her speech and leaving her gagging.

"The only one who is going to suffer is you, Azula." Ty Lee's tone sent a chill up the restrained former princess's spine even in the heated cellar. There was no fear, no love, no constant cheerfulness, only hatred burned. "But clearly this isn't going to be a suitable location. So we're going on a trip."

Azula opened her mouth to make some form of incoherent sound but instead Ty Lee slammed a fist into the side of her head. She didn't even have time to feel it before everything went dark.

(OUTSIDE)

A pair of eyes watched. They had been watching for quite some time now and yet the watcher felt no need to move, no need to look away. They simply waited. Until the sun was setting and evening moved in.

They spied through a small window in the door as Master was attacked by those claiming to be allies. Their eyes clearly spotted the trusted Ty Lee standing with the identical attackers. Now they watched as boards were pulled around windows and the doors were locked from the inside.

Hawky lifted from his perch across the street, flying to an upstairs window that was so small it hadn't been sealed off. Too small for a human to fit, but not for a hawk.

He worked his way through the hole and into the house. There was a distinct smell of smoke from downstairs mixing with the smells of multiple people.

Cautiously, in his element as a hunter, he hopped from room to room, alert for any sound of the traitors or Master. After clearing the top floor he descended to the ground floor.

Master's scent was stronger here, in the hall by the door, and then in a nearby room. Hawky moved into the room. There was no other way out of the room, but judging by an imprint on the wall, a wooden casing had been moved. There was a gap. Hawky peered through the gap and noticed the clear shape of a tunnel descending down into the earth.

Unable to move the casing by himself he understood his next actions were urgently required. He turned from the gap, unfurling his wings and shooting into the air. He soared back upstairs and squirmed through the open window before launching into the sky.

(FIRE NATION CAPTIAL/UNDERGROUND TUNNELS)

"Wake up." a sharp pain caught him in his side.

"Ugh" Sokka waved a hand at the pain, "Five more minutes, no make it ten."

"Is this really the peasant who so expertly fixed my hair?"

Sokka's eyes snapped open in horror. His pupils dilated at the smirking face of Azula lying on the ground beside him. "Hello, Sokka."

"AAAAAHHHH!" He scrambled backwards and up to a vertical stance, or tried to at least. It was only as he attempted to stand that a sudden jerk pulled him right back to the ground. His eyes quickly located the problem. He had a set of shackles around each wrist, which were connected to Azula's wrists, and quickly looking down confirmed matching situation for their ankles. There was enough slack to partially move apart but if one was lying down the other wouldn't be able to go much above a crouch.

"Figured it out have you?" Azula's smirk faded to be replaced by a scowl. "We're stuck together." They both moved into a sitting position.

Sokka had a brief glimpse of his life shackled together with Azula. Then he looked at his arm and wondered how long and how painful it would be to chew through it.

"I'm hurt." Sarcasm dripped from her words, "We just got together and you already want to separate."

"It's not you." Sokka offered with a grin. "I just don't like being tied down."

She rolled her eyes but there was certainly a twitch towards a smile. "And here was me thinking this was so romantic, us chained together in a cell, underground, held prisoner by my former friend."

"You held me prisoner remember? Think of it as the universe getting back at you."

"You're here. Why?"

"The universe hates me. I'm locked up with you… again!"

A sly grin teased into place on Azula's face. "It wasn't all bad was it? Admit you enjoyed my attention."

"Of course, I loved constantly being scared for my life while being held against my will."

"Really? From what I heard Ty Lee certainly enjoyed your stay in the cells."

Sokka promptly turned his head away from her teasing grin. "Maybe we should be trying to escape."

"Oh no. I want to hear your side of it. I'll kill Ty Lee later, but first I want some details to throw in her face." Azula's hand drifted down his front to his waistband. "Or maybe I should show her how it's really done."

Warning alarms went off in Sokka's head and he looked to her in disbelief. "We're in shackles! In a cell! Being held prisoner!""

"Correct on all three. Now, are you fond of that outfit or will I just rip it off?"

"Hold on, hold on." Sokka hastily held his hands between them. "What is going on here?"

Azula let out a groan of impatience and something else he couldn't quite figure out, "I have been locked up either in an asylum or by my former friend. I haven't had a chance to exercise at all. And I have most certainly not had any intimate relation since I kissed Chan at that party!"

Sokka blinked, "Ooookay? What has that got to do with me?"

"Let me put it to you this way." She reached up to grip his head, "I need a vigorous workout session to get myself moving again, and because I want to see if your swordsmanship is good not just on the battlefield." She looked thoughtful for a moment. "Oh, and also to throw it in Ty Lee's face."

"So, you just want to use me to get yourself into shape again?"

"If it makes this any easier on you I do admit a certain attraction to someone close to my equal. Tell anyone I said that and I'll burn your manhood to ash."

Sokka glanced at the cell door, "I just want to be clear. This is to help us both escape? One time thing? No conditions or secret arrangements?"

Azula's fingers flexed impatiently, "Yes, fine, whatever. Sokka, do you agree to engage in intimate relations with me with no conditions beyond this encounter?"

"Yes, I d-" he was interrupted as her mouth mashed hungrily against his, her arms already wrapping around his shoulders and dragging him to the ground.

(TUNNELS)

"Everything is ready?" Ty Lee looked up from her map as Ty Lat joined her.

Casually tugging the yellow headband she wore, her sister replied rather uncertainly. "Yeah, but don't you think this is getting a little out of hand?"

"Just a little?" Ty Woo snorted as she emerged around a corner, her green headband glittering faintly in the candlelight. "This whole thing has been going wrong since it started. Between your boyfriend getting involved and Azula almost escaping we're lucky to still be on track."

Ty Lee scowled. "They're locked up with each other and shackled together. If I know Azula she's probably strangling him by now."

Hurried footsteps echoed along the hallways. Seconds later Ty Lum slid into view, her blue headband almost slipping off in her haste.

"What's happened?" Ty Lee raised an eyebrow, "Did Azula kill him?"

"No." Ty Lum pointed back down the tunnel, "They're…"

"Fighting?"

"Arguing?"

"Conceiving a plan of escape?"

"No, they're-"

A loud and very sexually charged cry of "SOKKA!" reverberated down the tunnel and rang around them. Ty Lee felt a blush rise against her will while her sisters had varying expressions of embarrassment, confusion, and in Ty Lat's case, deep interest as she peered down the tunnel as though hoping to get a glimpse.

"I don't believe this." Ty Lee rubbed her brow wearily, before thinking about Sokka's record of charming ladies and reconsidering. "Actually I do believe this. We're going to go in now and get Azula. Immobilise them both but don't harm Sokka, for now."

Ty Lat looked back at her sister. "Shouldn't we, you know, let them finish?"

Muttering under her breath Ty Lee pushed past her sister. "Follow me."

(CELL)

Brief but satisfying moments was all they had time for before the door was flung open and four of the sisters strode inside. They hesitated momentarily at the sight of Azula bouncing up and down over Sokka, sweat streaming over both their bodies as his hands, clamped on her waist, were either guiding her with greater force, or were desperately seeking something to hold onto in this storm of pent-up sexual energy.

Azula looked over her shoulder with a sneer. "Wait your turn." She gasped.

Ty Lee's eyes followed a trail of sweat as it rolled down Azula's body. "I'm surprised you'd touch a peasant, Azula."

Without even seeming put off by so many witnesses, Azula replied, "I'm making an exception for a skilled swordsman and tactician."

Sokka on the other hand was finding the whole situation more insane by the minute. He was shackled to a naked Azula who was battering his body with a barrage of bounces while Ty Lee and her sisters stood staring as spectators. Whether it was the absurdness of what they were watching, or some unspoken interest, none of the captors made a move to interfere.

"Thought so." Azula gasped, her sneer back in full force. "That's what this is all about, Ty Lee. It was never you."

The face went pink as her outfit. "I don't know what you mean."

"Constantly by my side." Azula swivelled so now her back was to Sokka as she faced Ty Lee, finally slowing her pace. "Constantly praising me, hoping I'd be flattered by your words."

The pink was fading into cold fury now.

"Oh, so desperate for my approval." The fire was building in her eyes now as blood pumped furiously through her veins, "You would have let me kill Zuzu and Sokka if it got me to notice you at last."

"Hey!" Sokka lifted his head, about the only part of him currently able to move. He was blatantly ignored.

"And so you kidnapped me. What was your plan Ty Lee? Keep me locked up like a pet? Stage a rescue so you'd be my hero? You didn't think this through at all did you?"

There were nods of agreement from the other members of the family. Clearly they weren't thrilled by Ty Lee's vendetta.

"Of course, your biggest mistake was abducting Sokka." Azula's tone was nothing short of victorious, "After all, he has a secret weapon that would have spotted his capture."

Ty Lee's face twisted into puzzlement for a brief moment. "What are you talk-?"

There was a powerful screech as Hawky swooped down from the passageway and yanked a clawful of hair from Ty Lat before wheeling in the air and flying back down the tunnel, four of the sisters in pursuit.

Once they had vanished from sight Azula opened her mouth wide and unleashed a stream of blue flames at her captor, who dived aside and rolled out of the cell before jumping to her feet and slamming the door shut.

"I'll be back to deal with you later." Ty Lee locked the cell door and raced after her siblings.

"I suggest we get dressed." Azula slid off Sokka and reached for her clothes. "It would be unsightly for our rescuers to find us in this position. We will finish this later."

Sokka at this point had stopped questioning the absurdity of the situation and instead decided to just go along with it. Though he did end up putting his shirt on backwards as her final sentence resonated in his brain.

(HALLWAY JUNCTION)

"Get that bird!" Ty Lat jumped off the wall and made a grab for Hawky but missed as he twirled in mid-air.

They were fast approaching the entranceway to the tunnels where hopefully Ty Lin, Ty Liu, and Ty Lao were waiting and would be able to ambush the bird.

But as they charged around the corner they skidded to a halt.

Lin, Liu, and Lao were unconscious and tied up on the floor, surrounded by about twenty members of the Kyoshi Warriors in full battle dress, shields and swords drawn. Their leader stepped forward, Hawky settling onto her shoulder.

"So tell me." Suki's face was not one that indicated mercy would be forthcoming. "And I might let you walk out of here mostly intact if you do, where is Sokka!"

The sisters all turned and pointed as one as Ty Lee finally caught up to them. "She did it!"

Ty Lee took in the sight of three of her sisters already defeated, the other three giving up, and the look of rage twitching on Suki's face as she set her sword and shield down before cracking her knuckles with clear intent.

(SEVERAL DAYS LATER/FIRE NATION PALACE/HOLDING CELLS)

"So you're a prisoner here now?" Sokka sat down at the table.

Azula nodded glumly. "Zuzu claims he's being protective, or wants to help repair whatever bond we have. Either that or he wants me in a more secure position in case someone tries to free me again."

"And what is this?" he indicated the teapot and modest spread.

An attempt to scowl was half genuine and half amusement. "My uncle sometimes visits to drink tea with me. He claims that it will help the healing."

"Is it working?"

She shrugged. "We've only tried seven different types of tea so far. I'll let you know if we ever try them all and one actually works."

Sokka nodded politely and took a large sip.

"As I recall, the last time we were here you were my prisoner." Azula looked around the cell thoughtfully, "You and Ty Lee obviously had no taste for setting."

The tea caught in his throat as he coughed, and after a moment of spluttering and chest pounding he replied. "What about that underground tunnel?"

"You're right. Location isn't that important." Azula swept an arm out and knocked everything off the table. "This will do nicely."

Sokka jumped off his seat in surprise. "You said one time only!"

"Doesn't it flatter you that I enjoyed the first time so much I want to experience it again?" Azula rolled her eyes, "It is very boring down here, Sokka. Surely two warriors such as ourselves can engage in contest on occasion."

"Well," he adopted a thoughtful expression. "I suppose it the interest of keeping you from boredom, and additional exercise."

A hint of a grin twitched on her lips. "Don't think it's going to be that easy." At his raised eyebrow of confusion she flexed her fingers. "Contest first."

Grinning mischievously he lifted his hands while moving his feet apart into a ready stance. "Are you sure you can handle a Southern Water Tribe barbarian, princess?"

The grin turned into a smirk as her eyes gleamed, "Wouldn't be the first time."

Sokka peered out the cell door window and spotted Hawky sitting on the floor outside. "We may need some privacy."

The bird gave what almost was a salute with a wing before flapping away from his guard position outside the cell door. As he reached the base of the stairs where four members of the Kyoshi Warriors were standing guard he landed and hopped towards them, cooing while nodding his head towards the stairs.

"You want us to leave?" one of them asked.

Hawky nodded.

There was a distinct thud of someone colliding with the cell door echoing down the corridor along with a moan. The Kyoshi Warriors looked down at the bird.

"Are they fighting or making out?"

Hawky nodded again.

"GIVE ME A ROYAL TREATMENT YOU BARBARIAN!"

The Kyoshi Warriors turned on their heels to begin climbing the stairs, "Alright, we'll be upstairs if you need us."

With the guards now gone from the area Hawky returned to his spot outside the cell to keep an eye on his master. Injuries were to be expected but he could tell the female meant his master no lasting injuries. His master needed a mate to match him in both words, action, and intelligence. This female was indeed the ideal mate for Sokka.

Satisfied with the outcome of the situation Hawky settled down to savour the sounds of his master being happy.

Maraxus: Hang on, did we just conclude with Azula being the perfect girlfriend for Azula?

Lilandra: No, that's Hawky's perspective, speaking of, why is that bird such a big character?

Maraxus: Hawky is awesome! He could have been a great addition to the team so I wanted to give him more 'screen time' in my story.

Lilandra: Okay so… is this it?

Maraxus: I think so… let's be honest there's only so many different ways this can be spun and I have been running out of inspiration.

Lilandra: Then this is the end of the story?

Maraxus: I will say for now. In time I may happen across a new piece of art or story that inspires new chapters. However! I do want to issue thanks to all my readers who have made this story an immense success and still my most viewed and read story each month despite the lack of updates. So, thank you all for your support, your patience and reviews made this all worthwhile.

Lilandra: There is a sequel/spinoff in the planning stages. The Legend of Korra. We've been re-watching it and thought that a certain councillor Sokka and a certain chief of police…

Maraxus: Spoilers! Anyway, please review readers. Let me know if you'd like the sequel/spinoff to go ahead or to leave it here. Feedback is appreciated. Thanks.