Chapter Rating: T (Language)

A/N: It's been a while. Perhaps not as long as you thought from the afterword and definitely not as long as I indicated.

But I came to a realization about myself: I know I didn't end this story well; I know I can do better, and I know I have the chance to go fix it.

And knowing that I can fix it, is tearing away at me more than having to end it prematurely.

I want to write something else, but my brain won't let me because it keeps reminding me that I didn't end this ok my own terms, and I can still fix it.

If I couldn't fix it, this nagging feeling wouldn't be here. But I can fix it, so this nagging feeling won't go away until I do.

So, I need to fix it.

Thank you for everyone who wished me well, I'm doing better, and as of right now, I'll do a lot better if I can continue to write for you. I haven't had another panic attack since, and have been able to ground myself again.

Here's my attempt to do right by you, my readers, and to do right by me. I don't know how many more chapters this story has, but I promise to not make it unnecessarily long.

But please, if chapter 15 was a good ending for you, don't read any further. I love the metaphor I was able to end on, and I know I won't be able to use it again.

Thank you.

Published on 09/04/2020

Chapter 17: Comfort and Warmth

…The next day…

Sokka stood in line with other guests as he had just days before under Ozai's regime, only this time it was under Zuko's rule, Sokka wasn't in uniform, and the people that stood next to him weren't guards—they were his friends. He stood at attention as Firelord Zuko rose from his throne in the firelit throne room. Azula kneeled before her brother, her head bowed, her eyes closed.

"As a reward for your actions, Princess Azula," Zuko's voice boomed through the throne room. "I ask that you serve as Primary Advisor to the Firelord, and that you provide me with the insight necessary to guide our nation into this new era of peace." Zuko bowed and placed a red crowd onto his sister's head.

"It would be my honor to serve you, Firelord Zuko." Azula replied and bowed her head lower.

Applause grows from the guests present in the room to witness the ceremony. Zuko placed his hand on Azula's shoulder, she stood and hugged her brother.

"Today will mark a new holiday in the history of our nation! Today we celebrate the Festival of the Rising Sun!" Zuko announced to the roar of the crowd.

…

The meeting was dismissed but the announcement seemed to have been made ahead of time; even as the night sky grew dark above, the streets of the capital shined with the glow of a sunrise.

Sokka leaned against the great gates of the palace, eyes wandering among the stars and moon even as the bright glow of the streets radiated below. He waved by the others as they passed him and moved on to enjoy the festivities.

Katara and Aang walked by, with Aang eager to show her the traditional Fire Nation foods and customs that he hadn't experienced in a century—and she hasn't ever experienced.

Zuko was dragged out of the palace by his attendants, but soon dismissed them himself and took Mai's hand, dragging her out with him. To Sokka, she didn't seem as enthusiastic, but who knew what she really thought? He didn't.

"Waiting for me?" Azula's voice made his heart jump. He turned to her, dressed in a long red robe, her beauty still taking away his breath every time he gazed upon her.

"Congratulations," Sokka bowed. "Would you join me?" He held his hand out.

"How kind of you to ask," Azula replied and placed her hand in his. "It would be an honor to join you for tonight's festivities, Sokka."

"The honor is all mine, Princess." He smiled and met her eyes. "Look, I even dressed up!" Sokka moved his hand as if he were presenting his outfit to her, a blue tunic with white trim and a long pair of pants with a similar white-furred trim.

"Where'd you get that?" Azula gave a light giggle behind the fabric of her robe.

"Appa's fur." He laughed.

"Inventive." She gave him a smile and took hold of his arm.

…

They walked through the crowded square lined with shops, the air was filled with the mouthwatering aromas of different roasted meats mixed with the eyewatering sting of mixed spices. The sounds of laughter and cheers came from every game stand that either required—or simulated firebending. Within the crowded fairgrounds, Sokka felt like just another face, even with the Fire Nation's Princess holding onto his arm.

"What's so funny?" She whispered to him.

"I'm just wondering what Aang is going to eat," Sokka replied. "He's a vegetarian, after all."

"He's smart, I'm sure he'll figure it out." Azula pulled out a few gold coins from her robe and dropped it into his hand. "Feel free to try something," her head shifted over to a stage, "we can watch a play after you're done. Or would you rather do something else?"

The mention of a play flooded Sokka's memories and brought heat to his face.

"No, we can do that. Do you want anything?" Sokka looked over the menus from the various shops. "Spicy fire noodles, spicy fire dumplings, spicy fire flakes, spicy flame-roasted duck, spicy flame-roasted komodo chicken…" he let out a breath. "Is there anything in this menu that isn't spicy?" He shrugged.

"Allow me." Azula snatched the coins from his hand and stepped up to the counter. Her orders were out of earshot, but soon she came back to him, with two bowls and a cup of cool liquid. Sokka helped her move to a table where they sat down. "You were right about one thing; everything is spicy," Azula passed a bowl and cup to him. "The milk tea is for you if it gets too spicy."

"You're telling me you won't need this?" Sokka took a sip from the refreshing beverage that even chilled his skin amongst all the burning torches around him.

"Firebenders can control the heat in their bodies. Including spicy food."

"Benders are special, aren't they?" Sokka grinned. "So, you're telling me that you won't need this?" He continued to drink from the tea.

"I won't need it." Azula grinned with confidence and ate a piece of pork drenched in spicy hot oil. Sokka watched her chew the meat. Her eyes widened. Azula's mouth began quivering, she let out a breath that burned like steam, and her eyes began watering. Sokka watched her swallow the piece of pork and could almost feel the pain written on her face as it rolled down the back of her throat and crashed into her stomach.

Azula froze, eyes watering, mouth quivering, and heavily breathing.

"I—I don't…" Azula stuttered.

"You don't have to prove anything to me." Sokka saw the pain that twisted Azula's features and passed the tea to her.

Azula snatched up the cup and drank from the cool tea like it was her only savior from the pain she felt. She wiped away the remnants that dripped down the sides of mouth, her breaths came in heavy gasps.

"You okay?" Sokka placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I—I don't understand." Azula stammered.

"It's alright, sometimes these things happen." Sokka helped her up. "You want to go watch that play now?"

"Sure," Azula answered as the heat died down, but Sokka felt a hint of doubt in her voice. He led her to the stage, and they took a seat just as the play began.

The flames that served as the stage lights dimmed, and a figure stepped forward, her voice—oddly—boomed through the crowd with an almost supernatural power and it seemed like the rest of the noise from the festival died away.

"People of the Fire Nation!" She wore an emerald dress, and her eyes were a piercing ruby hue. Sokka raised an eyebrow

"Hey, is that—"

"Yes," Azula moved closer to him and held his arm tighter. Sokka felt her shiver against him, as if she was cold.

"Okay." He nodded and moved closer to her.

"Today, we present to you a play written in honor of this new festival!" The woman on the stage indicated towards the two figures behind her with a flourish, "The Ember Island Players present: 'Protector of the Dragon!'"

The two figures from behind stepped into the spotlight, one wore the mask of a dragon, the other, the mask of a dog.

"Fear nothing, Princess!" The man with the dog mask shouted. "I will protect you from everything that threatens you, even at the cost of my very life!"

"Why would a dragon need to be protected by a dog?" Sokka whispered to Azula.

"...Perhaps the dragon is just feeling lonely and needs someone to be with?" Azula moved closer to Sokka and leaned her head against his arm.

"You…wanna do something else?" He leans his head against hers.

"No, this is nice." She closed her eyes. "It's warm here."

The play ended soon afterward, and Sokka accompanied Azula back to her room in the palace. He helped her into bed, opened the door to his old room, and fell into his bed, his head hit the pillow and sleep took him.

"Sokka," Azula's voice came to him in the dark. He opened his eyes, and she stood in his doorway holding a candle, her face barely lit by the weak flame it carried.

"What's the matter?" He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

"I—I need you." Azula placed the candle on a small table, walked up to him and took hold of his hands.

Her hands were as cold as the snow from the South Pole.

"Please," Her voice shook as she spoke.

"Hey...It'll be alright." He rose to his feet and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm right here." He whispered and sat down. Her arms wrapped around him with a desperate, fearful grip, they were freezing cold at his back, but Sokka bit his lip and laid down. Azula hugged him tighter. "Let's go to sleep, we can figure it out in the morning." He did his best to reassure her.

She said nothing but held him through the night as his eyelids became heavier.

Then the sun rose. The candle that sat on the table had lost its flame during the night and still stood tall.

Sokka felt warmth returning to him but opened his eyes to see Azula sitting on the side of his bed. Her face hidden in her hands and shaking.

"Hey…" Sokka rubbed his eyes. "Everything okay?" He sat up, blinking.

"No, Sokka." Her voice was grim as she turned to him.

"What's wrong?" Azula reached for the candle and placed a finger at its wick. She nodded to him. He raised an eyebrow, ready to see a flame light the candle.

But nothing did.

A/N: If I had one criticism for myself, I would say that I'm more of a "moment author," when I think up of ideas, they're expressed better as one moment, because a lot of ideas I have never carry through to the end, they're good now, but they may not reappear afterward.

Maybe it's because I publish chapters as I finish them. (that may have to change)

Regardless, I hope to give you at least one more "moment" as I finish this story.

Thanks for reading.