A/N: For reasons I can't explain, I just now realized that I've actually gone way more canon divergent than I originally thought. For some reason I thought Avatar Day was a S1 episode when in fact it was a S2 episode. -_- interesting blend of the timeline here. But I think it hits two birds with one stone. We can't expect our adult characters to be where they 12-16 year old versions of them were.
Omashu was one of my favorite locales in the ATLA universe. It's been even more brilliantly depicted by other artists. For reference, please look at the brilliant masterpiece by Daniel Lieske called Kingspeak.
This is a much much lighter chapter in parts than the ones before it, but there's some angst. Also... citrus. Lemon. Smut. Read at your own peril.
Kingeddie16ne: Thank you! I hope you continue to enjoy it. I thought about dragging it out more but honestly I'm not too good with writing extended will they/won't they. Probably too impatient myself tbh.
Lily: Thank you! I was a little afraid the conflict resolution would seem rushed, but I'm really glad you liked it, that made me feel so much better about it.
Guest: Haha I'm not GRRM enough to start whacking off main characters... but I can't promise that Sokka and Azula won't have more trials up ahead :)
Redshoulder85: You know I agree with you 100% when you say you're not sure that Azula really would care that her mom was a cheater, it's not like she likes Ursa... but she's always valued the power of her blood, and finding out that she might possibly be illegitimate would be a huge blow to her, even if she hates Ozai right now
Animulal: LOL honestly watching Kevin Hart getting his clothes blown away by Gwendoline Christie would be pretty hilarious. I'm so glad you asked me this. If I was M Night Shyamalan, obviously Azula would be Frieda Pinto since he made the Fire Nation South Asian. But in reality, if I was casting my OLDER characters with actors in their mid 20s to mid 30s, rather than the young ones in the canon, it would probably be:
Azula: Kristin Kreuk is literally a mature Azula by face, even though she's near 40 now. If you watched Smallville, IYKYK. If not, gimme Arden Cho
Sokka: Avan Jogia (I know he's not Inuit or Native American, but I couldn't think of any actors from that background immediately). Mena Massoud could also pull it off just on looks.
Katara: no clue Aang: no clue,
Zuko: Lewis Tan. Other people that are 100% must casts IMO:
Ken Watanabe as Ozai - this is a 100% perfect actor to role match IMO
Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa as Long Feng - again 100% perfect actor to role match, bonus points if they have him say "fatality" in any way shape or form
Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Iroh
Jason Momoa as Hakoda
HMU with more suggestions, we'll see if Netflix pays attention
Bilbos'sbags: Suki definitely has a bigger role to play, although it may not come all at once.
SkeenTheDream: Thanks! Hopefully it's not like I'm jumping from tone to tone every time.
Units: There's actually a sort-of kind-of logical reason I didn't go there right now but bad bitch Kyoshi is for sure going to make appearances.
Therecklessone: I can neither confirm nor deny Sokka's canon love interests throwing a wrench in the happy couple's plans ;)
Javier: Haha it's kind of hard to write 10k+ words and leave it on a cliffhanger. Even I want to get to the resolution already.
mwyzknight: Wow, thank you. To even be mentioned in the same sentence as Gladiator and some of the other Sokkla hall of fame fics is a big deal. I really appreciate the kind words.
AGAIN WARNING: LEMON. BEYONCE'S SIXTH STUDIO ALBUM. CITRIC ACID.
Chapter XXII – Tansy, Wormwood, and Mint
It was mid-afternoon when they finally left Chin. Suki convinced the group to allow her to accompany them to Omashu, and while Aang wanted to decline, Sokka urged him to accept.
"Look, Aang, the Princess and I aren't at our best right now. We'll need some time to heal up from all the damage we took against Vachir and his men. Either way, we could use the extra help."
"Sokka has a point," Azula mused. "King Bumi is insane, not stupid. The Omashu Guard will have the city on lock down given how close the Fire Nation armies are to it right now. Unless we want to sneak into the city, the Captain may be our best way in."
Suki nodded. "I can get you guys in. Commander Haru knows me, and I have to take my next set of orders from him anyway. Hey, even if the King isn't the person you're looking for, Commander Haru might be able to train the Avatar! He's a pretty talented earthbender."
Sokka winked at her. "Sounds dreamy."
One of the Kyoshi warriors behind Suki giggled, which gave Sokka all the evidence he needed. "Ooh... Captain Suki's got a crush on the cute Earth Kingdom commander!"
Katara shoved her brother playfully. "Can you be any more infantile, I swear by all the gods and all the spirits," she muttered exasperatedly. "You're such a child at times, what the Princess sees in you I can't even begin to comprehend..."
"Alright, Suki, you'll come with us," Aang said between chuckles. "If only so that we can give you a chance to see the dreamy Commander Haru," he added wickedly.
"Not you too! You don't even know if he's cute." cried Katara. "It's like traveling with a day-care in tow. At least Azula's a mature adult."
"I also vote we give the Captain a chance to meet her beloved in Omashu," Azula said, smirking. "Is he, by the way, Captain? Cute?"
"He's easy on the eyes," piped up one of the Kyoshi warriors behind Suki. "Though he has a weird mustache, but I think the Captain likes it..." Suki, for her part, looked nothing short of mortified, which only made Sokka and Aang laugh harder.
Suki wheeled on her chatty subordinate. "When I get back from Omashu, I'll deal with you!" she declared, but even as the younger warrior continued to giggle, Suki found her anger dissipating. "While you're here, Moza, you're in command. Keep the villagers safe and help out with the rebuilding efforts."
"You got it, boss." The chatty girl slapped a crisp salute and took her leave.
Before they left the town, Azula and Sokka sought out the innkeeper who'd given them meals on the house and lodging. Lai told them her inn had gone up in flames, and would have to be rebuilt. Sokka thanked her for her hospitality.
"It's no bother, my dears. How many innkeeps can say they sheltered a waterbender, a war hero, the Avatar, and a royal under one roof! And the war hero and the princess in the same room, on top of that," she said, giving the two a sly wink, making Azula blush and Sokka laugh nervously.
"We'll visit once you've rebuilt the place, Lai," Sokka offered.
Azula nodded. "Keep a tally of the costs you incur when rebuilding the inn, if you would. When the war is over, you have my word as Princess that I will reimburse you in return for the hospitality you showed my friends and I."
That made Lai smile radiantly, and with a few more 'sorrys, thank yous, and good lucks', they parted ways with Chin.
XXXXX
It took them a week and a half to fly to Omashu. The trip went by uneventfully, which, after the mess that had happened near Chin, all of them were glad for. There was a definite lack of privacy aboard Appa, and though Suki was as unobtrusive a traveling companion as one could ask for, it was still a little strange to have so many on board Appa's saddle, at least for the first few days. Suki found her fit within the group, and after finding a comfort zone, she and the others found they rather enjoyed each other's company. Even Momo warmed up to Suki, who made sure to feed the lemur nuts.
Azula was still a little wary of the way Suki looked at Sokka, despite her supposed crush on the Earth Kingdom commander waiting for her at Omashu. Nevertheless, Sokka always put her pangs of jealousy to rest whenever he pulled her in close at night, sharing a blanket in their little corner of the saddle that had become their home. Whether Suki had eyes for him or not, he only had eyes for her, and that was enough to quell the beast.
While they were traveling, Hawky caught up with them, bearing a letter from Hakoda for his children, and one from Gran-Gran specifically for the Princess.
My children,
You don't know how happy I am to hear that Katara saved you from the ship, Sokka, as well as our tattooed friend. I'm glad that her hunch about the 'other girl' was correct. She may be a useful ally in the war effort. Always remember, keep your eyes and ears sharp, like on a hunt, as I have always taught you. Sokka had frowned upon reading this part, deciding not to show it to Azula.
Sokka, as Katara must have told you with my last letter, I have been made High Chief of the South. I don't know how this will go over with the North. Technically, we have always been under the North's authority, but that was only by letter of the law. Our cultures and practices have diverged so much that we are truly two sister tribes now, rather than one and the same. The North may take it as an affront that we have a High Chief of our own. I will attempt to negotiate with Arnook, the Northern Chief, who I know to be a good and reasonable man. But, my children, if you should make your way North before I do, watch yourself. Make sure our people are not being mistreated. There are still old grudges.
My children, I am incredibly proud of you both. Your name is legend in parts of the Earth Kingdom, and I believe even the Northern Tribe has heard of you, Sokka. As for you, Katara, tales grow of a Waterbender from the South who travels with the Avatar, quenching the Fire Nation's destructive flames and bringing peace and healing with her. Both your names will carry weight. You must act in accordance with that, and use that power to ensure the survival of our people. One day, I will be gone, and Sokka will take my place as High Chief. And yes, while Katara wrote to me in desperation hoping that you wouldn't be a prince, I don't see why you wouldn't be, or why Katara wouldn't either. Our people have not held to titles in the past, but it is a new time, one that demands strong leadership and symbols of unity. Arnook has a daughter who is styled Princess of the North. So, my son, Prince of the South, Warchief of our village, Nightwolf of the Pole, I am proud. My daughter, Princess of the South, Waterbender of our village, healer, I am proud. Kya - your mother - would be proud of both of you too. She loved you so much, as do I.
Love,
Dad.
Sokka opened the letter from Gran-Gran for Azula, and handed it to her. Her eyes grew huge as she read it, and her face turned beet red. She promptly threw it into the air, causing Sokka to cry out, but luckily Aang was able to airbend it back into the saddle, directly into Sokka's hands. He struggled to read it silently as Azula shrieked and jumped at him, trying to get the scroll back into her hands.
My dearest Azula,
For your travels:
Boil two cups water over high heat,
Add: 1 finger pinch tansy,
2 finger pinches wormwood,
1 finger pinch mint,
a spoon of honey (for taste),
one drop of pennyroyal.
Steep for five minutes. Drink the morning after, always. Do not wait more than one additional night. Any herbalist will carry the ingredients.
Please pass on the recipe to Katara should she require it.
Love,
Gran-Gran.
P.S. - if you should forget to do it, do not fret, my child. I always wanted a bigger family.
"Wh-what on earth?" Sokka muttered, scratching his head.
"GIVE IT BACK, PEASANT!" shrieked Azula, finally managing to wrestle the scroll back into her hands. She promptly set it alight with blue flames and cast the ashes into the wind.
"Hey Kat, why would Gran-Gran give us a recipe for tea? What's tansy, mint, wormwood-" he was unable to get any more out, as Azula jumped onto his back and wrapped her hands around his mouth.
"Enough. talking. Sokka," she hissed at him.
Katara looked at them strangely. "Tansy, mint, worm- oh." Her face turned beet red. "Oh. Honey and pennyroyal?"
Azula fixed her with a terrifying glare. "Katara, don't you dare say it. The recipe was for you too. I'll tell Aang." Katara immediately swiveled her head back around and pretended she couldn't see nor hear Sokka's protestations. Aang looked back from Appa's reins with a confused look on his face.
Suki looked up quizzically. "Wait, isn't that the recipe for moon-"
"NOT ANOTHER WORD, CAPTAIN!" Azula shouted shrilly.
Suki pretended to busy herself with something interesting in her pack.
The letters they sent Hawky back with contained love for Hakoda, but for Gran-Gran, Katara wrote a specific message:
Dear Gran-Gran,
Why are you the way that you are? Sometimes I hate so much about the things you choose to be.
Azula was actually mortified. I've never seen her so frightened or shrill before.
Sokka read it but didn't understand. Thank the gods and spirits for small mercies. I think Azula would toss herself off the bison if he ever figured it out.
Love,
Katara
P.S. - Azula passes on her love. She asked me to thank you for inducting her into the family before we left.
P.P.S - I'll make sure she takes it if ever necessary. I don't think the occasion is far away. I'm not ready to be Aunt Kat just yet.
XXXXX
After ten days, when they finally arrived at Omashu, Aang brought Appa to a rest away from the city. They marched over the long, jagged stone causeway that lead to the city. Sokka tried his best not to gulp when he stared over either end of the walkway, down to the rocky valleys below.
Omashu sat nestled atop a mountain amidst other mountains. It was a gorgeous, breathtaking sight, designed to look just like a mountain peak. It seemed so natural in its environment that one had to appreciate the ability of Earthbenders to design a city to look just like its native surroundings. There was a strong, well built wall ringed with towers and battlements that had bronze color roofs. The wall ringed the entire lower level of the city that sat at the base of four large peaks. Three were minor peaks that jutted out and around a large central peak, which shot up into the sky - all the peaks were terraced and well developed with houses and towers. The buildings inside the city were multicolored, but had alternating green and bronze roofs in beautiful tile. Despite being atop a mountain, there was vegetation everywhere. Small gardens were built into the terrace and onto rooftop parks. Arching bridges connected the peaks with each other, and there were giant semi-circle tubes that extended from the top of the city to the bottom. Four large bronze pipes traveled up the large peak, splitting off as they connected to the smaller peaks. They ended outside the city walls, jutting out into the air and releasing water down into the river valley below.
"Gods and spirits," Sokka said, letting out a large breath of air.
"I've always read of its glory, but to see it is something else. A wonder of the world indeed," Azula remarked.
"How can so many people live in one place?" Katara looked bewildered.2
Aang and Suki seemed a little less overwhelmed - Aang claimed to have been here before, several times, while trips to Omashu had become frequent for Suki in order to meet with superior officers in the Omashu military.
"Aang, do they pump fresh water up from under the mountain and then down the pipes?" Sokka asked. Azula turned on him, surprised that he'd managed to figure it out just by looking at the system.
"Yes, they do... how did you know?" Aang said, his interest piqued.
Sokka shrugged. "I mean... isn't it obvious? The pipes start at the top and deposit water out the side of the lower wall, down into the valley below. The water has to come from somewhere, and I don't think it rains here all that much, so they must have hidden pipes drawing water to the top before the large bronze pipes distribute water down throughout the city, one for every peak. I bet that the city has sewers that pool underneath and get thrown back down into the valley with the unused water..."
Azula stared at him intently. "Did you take an engineering course at the University of Ba Sing Se when I wasn't looking, snow-brain?"
He smiled, a little embarrassed. "Hey, it was just a guess. I figured it would be wrong."
She shook her head, a proud little smile gracing her features. "No, in fact, it's exactly correct. I've only read about it, and it took you five seconds of staring at the damned place to figure it out."
A satisfied smirk spread over Sokka's face. "Hey, look at me. Sokka the engineer," he said, self-importantly. Everyone in the party rolled their eyes.
When they arrived at the gates, they passed by a harassed looking cabbage merchant who had just been refused entry to the city. Suki hailed the guard and said something to him they didn't quite overhear. The guard simply gave her a nod and gestured to one of his fellow guardsmen, who signaled for the gate to be open. The guards didn't move to let them through.
Instead, a man came through the gate. He was slender, but not skinny. He wore a fine leather cuirass that had been beautifully molded into the shape of lean muscle, giving him a wiry appearance. There were no pauldrons, but his arms were wrapped shoulder to wrist in grooved leather sleeves that covered and protected every inch of skin. There was a small mail skirt that sat under the cuirass, guarding his thighs, and he wore tight olive breeches that ended in brown leather boots.
His long brown hair was tied up. He wore no helmet, but a green headband graced his forehead. His eyes were the color of moss, and despite appearing every inch the somber warrior, his face had a hint of friendliness to it. There was no trace of an alleged mustache, though.
Azula had to admit that the man was indeed handsome. If this was Commander Haru, Suki had good taste.
"Long time no see, Suki," he said, with a smile. "You've brought friends?"
"Hi, Commander Haru. It's been a while. I've missed y- I've missed getting...uh... orders, from you. You..uh... shaved." Suki's voice came out a few octaves higher than its usual tone, and Azula bit her tongue in an attempt not to giggle. She glanced slightly in Katara's direction. She was nearly overcome with laughter when she saw the Waterbender looking back at her, trying to suppress her own mirth.
Haru just laughed, stepping closer to Suki and putting an arm on her shoulder. "I did. The mustache was getting itchy. How are the rest of the Warriors?"
"The girls are fine," she squeaked out. "They're at Chin, helping with the rebuilding. Moza's holding them until I got new orders from command."
"You could have sent a pigeon," Haru said.
"I know, but I figured I'd escort our important guests here. Let me introduce you."
Suki introduced Aang and Sokka to Haru, who shook both their hands. Aang's exploits at Chin had only recently reached Omashu, but Sokka's name was well known, even though Omahu was far from the coast and many thought he was just a tall tale. She introduced Katara as well, though she hesitated a little when introducing Azula.
"No need for shyness, captain. Commander. My name is Azula, and I am Princess and rightful Fire Lord of the Fire Nation." Sokka was always a little awed at how quickly she switched between being regular Azula and taking on all the weight and authority of her title.
Haru gave her a little bow, though there was a clear element of distrust on his face. Regardless, news of Azula's little revolt had also spread from Chin via messenger birds, and whoever was in command higher than Haru had given him the order to admit Azula, as he gestured to the gatekeepers.
Omashu's gates weren't iron, but instead sheer rock, managed by a team of benders who controlled exit and entry from the city limits. They lowered their gates for the party to pass through.
Haru and Suki spoke at length, but after they made it through the gate, he turned to address the group. "I'm very pleased to have you all here in our city," he said. "Unfortunately, I will have to pry the Captain away from you for some time. You are expected at the Citadel." He gestured to his left, where a large rotunda building with a green roof was. "That is Citadel Station. A tram will take you from the bottom all the way to the palace. When you get there, simply inform the guardsmen that Commander Haru vouches for you, and that Shen owes me 50 bronze dragons," he said, winking at them. "They'll get the message. Will you be able to find your way?"
Aang assured him that they'd manage, and with a bow, Haru left them. Suki gave them all a hug - even Azula - and told them to not leave the city without saying goodbye first. After receiving assurances, she took off after Haru.
"Five dragons says the Commander and Suki are stepping into the nearest inn to 'receive new orders' if you catch my drift," Sokka said slyly, winking at the group. They were silent for a second before bursting into laughter.
"Did you hear how her voice squeaked when he spoke to her?" Katara said, in between wheezes. "Oh gods and spirits, it's worse than Sokka when he stares at the Princess."
"She nearly said I miss you!" Azula cried, tears spilling as she tried to contain her laughter.
Aang simply grinned. "We laugh, but Suki's getting some action and we're out here joking about like a bunch of losers." Sokka burst into laughter so loud that passerby turned to look at them, though Katara turned red, and Azula only smirked.
"How do you know Sokka and I aren't engaging in any action?" she said, challengingly.
"Because if you were, we would hear it. The walls aren't that thick, Princess," Katara said, her expression green, as if she was going to be sick at the thought. It was Azula's turn to go red in the face now.
Sokka cleared his throat pointedly, clearly discomfited by the idea that Katara had overheard some of his and Azula's private conversations and deeds. "How about we get to the palace and meet Aang's one hundred and sixteen year old friend?"
XXXXX
The tram was a slow thing, but it was efficient, fitting up to a hundred people at once. Despite the surfeit of space, however, they were the only four aboard. As the tram climbed higher and higher, Sokka whistled.
"This view is something else, huh?"
Aang nudged him in the ribs just a little. "You see those open half tubes going down from the top to every part of the city?"
"Yeah. What are they? Still can't tell, but it must be some kind of delivery system. I doubt people actually use it to go down."
"Ha!" crowed Aang. "Well, they're not built for that reason, but Bumi and I used to ride the carts from the top to the bottom at full speed. It's actually a mail delivery system."
Katara looked at the half tubes. "I don't know, it seems pretty scary, to be honest. Look how steep some of the declines are..."
"That's what makes it fun," Aang said teasingly. "Also... airbender. I can control the cart's speed. Sue me."
Azula cleared her throat. "While your hundred year reminiscence is fascinating, Aang, I think it's best if we discuss our plan of action with regards to the King. I'm not sure how much you remember of your friend, but King Bumi in the present is... rumored to be insane, actually."
"Insane-insane, or just... royalty insane?" Sokka asked.
Azula fixed him with a glare. Sokka laughed nervously. "Insane-insane, and I don't like the implication in your question, peasant."
"Actually, it's Prince now, Dad said so..."
"Well, that makes you insane too," Aang offered.
That left Sokka scratching his chin.
"Anyway, I'm not sure what to expect from him. He may help us, or he may actually be hostile. We should be on our guard either way," Azula muttered.
"Could King Bumi try to... capture you? Turn you over to the Fire Nation in exchange for a truce?" Katara asked.
Azula looked out the tram's window before responding. "It's possible, though I'm not sure the Fire Nation would take me for any other reason than to execute me. Surely news of my rebellion is beginning to spread, which means my father will hear of it. I don't know if he'd rather have my head on a platter of if he'd subject me to torture to try and re-mold me into the thing he wants," she sighed.
Sokka's skin crawled at that. He thought of the cruel gleam in Azula's eyes on the barge. His hands balled into fists - not out of a desire to hit or strike, but in rage at how deeply buried her personality had become thanks to her father's abuse.
He wanted to murder Ozai, and he made no excuses for feeling that way. Woe befall the man or woman who got between him and Azula.
"It's sometimes difficult to predict what the Earth Kingdom leaders will do," Azula continued. "The war has weakened Ba Sing Se's central authority, and each piece of the Earth Kingdom operates separately or as part of a coalition with other provinces. Each leader has a different underlying motive. King Kuei's authority hardly stretches outside his own walls, and if there's any truth to the rumors, I don't think his authority reaches further than his own fingertips."
"What do you mean?" Sokka asked quizzically.
"We don't have time to talk about it here, but there is an organization in Ba Sing Se that wields far more power than anyone suspects. I believe that its leader is currently the defacto power in the city, and that the Earth King is just a puppet." She saw the discomfort in Sokka's eyes when she said that.
"So we verify if he's my friend from a century ago. If that's the case, we can secure an earthbending master for me - if not, we make sure he doesn't capture or try to capture Azula as a bargaining chip," Aang mused. "Sounds like a plan!"
Aang busied Katara with stories of his Omashu escapades from a century ago, so Azula sat next to Sokka on the bench. He looked a little troubled, so she wrapped her arms around him and buried her nose in his shoulder. It must have been the injured one, because he winced a little, though she didn't pull away.
"Sorry. What's on your mind?" she whispered.
"Nothing... just... the thought of secret societies bothers me more than it should, given that I'm a member of one myself." That elicited a laugh from Azula.
"Yes, my knight in shining armor, that you are. But there's more on your mind than just that," she ventured.
"Do you put any stock in me being a Prince?"
She seemed a little startled by that question. "Sokka, I only tease you about being a peasant still. I didn't know it bothered you so."
"No, that's not what I mean. And I think I'd have an aneurysm if you stopped calling me peasant," he joked. "What I really mean is... do you think it bears any weight?"
"Well... you are the son of the High Chief, Sokka. Even if 'Prince' is exaggerating just a little, you are your people's future, though you elect your Chiefs rather than passing the title down hereditarily. There's no one else who could lead them. Why the second thoughts?"
He looped his arm around her shoulder and drew her in closer. "It's just that... I'm going to have to become a political creature, now. And I'm not sure I'm any good at that. I watch you and I can see you maneuvering through court intrigue like it's second nature. I can see you knowing how to leverage people and favors to maintain a grip on power. But me? I'm just a soldier, Azula. I'm not sure I'm cut out for the court game. Dad's letter warned me that I might have to play it when I got to the North. Hell, I may have to play it in front of King Bumi."
Azula was quiet for a while. "Sokka, what do you think power is?"
He looked a little perturbed by the question. "Power is... authority. Control. The ability to inspire and lead others."
She shook her head. "Power is an illusion, Sokka. People often confuse it for strength or charisma, which can make you seem powerful, but they are not power by themselves. Power is a funny thing. It's a trick, like a shadow on a wall. It resides where people believe it resides. Like a shadow, it can be bigger or smaller than you - but it's all a trick of the light anyway. It's belief that makes it real." She poked his chest. "You can be powerful. You have the strength and charisma to cast a long, long shadow, but you won't ever cast one until you believe that you have the power. Only then can you make others believe it too."
He seemed to mull over her words for a while, before pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Sometimes you scare me," he said softly. "That a mind like yours should be mated to so much skill and talent. It's almost unfair."
She giggled slightly. "Are you frightened of me?"
He leaned his lips towards her ears. "Hardly. Aroused, yes. Your strength gives me a head rush. You make me feel powerful," he growled softly.
A thrill shot down her spine and settled in her belly, spreading into her chest and down between her legs. She might have jumped him then and there if Aang and Katara weren't on the tram. Her eyes traveled to the Airbender and the Waterbender, whose backs were turned to them. She swiftly bit onto Sokka's earlobe and give it a little nuzzle, drawing the softest groan from his mouth. "I've always wanted a man I could dominate the Earth with," she hissed into his ear.
"Don't make me face the King of Omashu with an erection," he moaned softly.
"Don't give me ideas," she shot back slyly, her hand brushing his thighs gently. "If your sister and the Avatar weren't here, I'd tear off your clothes right now."
"Please, no need to stop on their account. They're the ones who'll have to look away," he mused, making her laugh quietly.
"They can shut their eyes, but I don't think they'll be able to un-hear the noises we'll make," she whispered.
"Mmm... I'm glad you know I'll be making you scream."
In the end, when the tram arrived at the palace, he realized it was rather likely that he would have to face King Bumi with an erection.
XXXXX
They were shepherded by guards to the front gate of the palace. Like Haru instructed, Aang requested entry. A few guards laughed and one groaned, tossing a sack of coins to another man. They allowed them in through the palace doors.
The hall inside was distinctly Omashu. Everything was tinted green - even the flames on the torches had a lime-like color to them. There were no doors in any of the hallways - though Sokka quickly realized like many of the gates in the city, the doors must be solid rock, operated only by Earthbenders.
They were led into a large antechamber by a servant. A chamberlain met them and greeted them all with a deep bow, addressing each of them by their titles. Sokka was slightly surprised that news had made it this far, but he realized that Hakoda must have communicated his actions in advance with some Earth Kingdom leaders as they were war allies. His gaze lingered uncomfortably on Azula, as if trying to evaluate whether she was friend or foe. Azula felt Sokka stiffen next to her, as if suddenly on guard. She did not expect treachery, but it wouldn't hurt to have Sokka at his most vigilant just in case.
Instead, the chamberlain only informed them that the King would be with them when he was disposed. Azula frowned at that - was there some truth to Bumi's insanity? Or perhaps age had finally caught up with the old man, striking him down and leaving him bedridden.
Thirty minutes passed, and then an hour. It was only the four of them in the chamber, along with another steward who sat quietly in a corner at a table, playing a game of Pai Sho by himself, muttering to himself as he arranged the pieces and worked on his strategies.
A light went on in Sokka's head.
He sauntered over to the steward and began collecting the pieces in silence. The steward said nothing, only gathering the pieces left behind by Sokka. Sokka pulled out the Lotus tile Iroh had given him. He thanked the spirits for whatever had compelled him to take it out of his pack before leaving Appa outside the city.
Just like Iroh taught him, he placed the White Lotus in the center. The steward now looked at him sharply. "The White Lotus gambit. There are not many who still cling to the ancient ways."
"Those who do can always find a friend," Sokka replied soflty. And thus began their dance.
The other three companions crept slightly closer, now entranced by how Sokka and the steward seemed to be hitting move after move on the pai sho table. Quickly they arranged all the tiles, until there was only a blooming lotus and the White Lotus at the center.
The steward stood up, as did Sokka. Sokka gave a slight bow first, as a sign of respect; the steward was likely not an Initiate, and any rank was higher than his. The steward returned it.
"The white lotus opens wide to those who know our ways. I will go and inform King Bumi, Initiate. How fortuitous is your arrival," he said, with a friendly, genuine smile.
"What just happened?" Katara asked, her voice mingling concern and curiosity.
Sokka smiled and shook his head. "I got us an audience with the king." He began to reassemble the tiles from their lotus shape and pocketed his own white lotus tile. He knew Azula saw the shape, though, and she gave him a bemused smirk that seemed to say fine, keep your secrets. He gave her a knowing wink.
"With a game of Pai Sho?" Katara countered.
"I think you'll find that Pai Sho is more than just a game," Sokka said, laughing.
A large door at the front of the antechamber opened, and the steward returned with two guards flanking him. He bowed again to Sokka and the group. "Prince Sokka, Avatar Aang, Princesses, - this way. The King will host you in his private chambers."
The steward led them down a maze of hallways, each turn growing more and more confusing as they passed through earthbending doors. He could sense the apprehension in the others' steps, as they realized they were being led into a labyrinth that none of them knew how to manipulate, but the white lotus tile in Sokka's pocket gave him a sense of security that he couldn't share with the rest.
After what seemed like an eternity, they were finally led into a large room that served as the King's solar and as an antechamber to his sleeping quarters. A wizened old man sat in a chair around a round table, where four other chairs had been drawn up. The table was laden with fruits, meats, and vegetable dishes, the second of which made Sokka's mouth water. They hadn't seen such fare since the feast before the siege.
The wizened old man certainly looked the part, at least. He was tall for his age, and if he wasn't hunched over, he would have been even taller. White hair sprung out in wild tufts, and one eye was perpetually larger than the other, giving him an expression of manic glee. His gaze positively twinkled upon seeing Aang, who gave him a sheepish grin when he saw Bumi.
It was Sokka he addressed first. "Who knocks at the guarded gate?"
"One who wishes to eat the fruit and taste its mysteries," Sokka replied. He knew the answer varied upon rank, but this is what Iroh had told him to say as an initiate.
The old man grinned wildly. "An initiate, oh my. Fresh blood like we haven't seen in decades. My lotus has four leaves, yet it pleases me to see a new lotus with only one." In the code of the Lotus, Sokka realized that the King had just identified himself as a Master Lotus, only below Iroh in rank. Sokka bowed to him in respect, and the King returned it, inspecting Sokka as he did so.
"Yes, you have all the makings of a fine Knight... I see what the Grand Lotus saw in you. Surely he directed you to the master who will mold you well. We shall speak more, later, but for now allow me to greet an old friend." His eyes flickered to the tattooed Airbender behind Sokka, and they began to glisten slightly.
"It's really you, isn't it?" Aang said hoarsely, his mouth spreading into a wide smile. "A hundred years later..."
"Did you ever get the chance to go to Kangaroo Island?" the King said. Everyone but Aang looked bewildered at the question; the Airbender's grin only grew larger. "I hear it's hopping."
There was pindrop silence in the room before Sokka let out an amused snicker. Katara and Azula glared at him with equal intensity, and he shrunk back a little, giving a noncommittal shrug. "What? I thought it was pretty funny..."
Aang and the King seemed lost in their own world, as Aang took a long step forward and embraced his old friend with a heavy sigh. "Oh Bumi."
"For someone who's a hundred and eighteen years old, Aang, I'm upset you look better than me," Bumi said as he pulled away from his Airbender friend. "What's your secret? Is it moisturizer?"
Aang laughed. "Try freezing yourself in the ice for a hundred years. You'll come out of it with radiant skin."
The two friends shared a laugh, and whatever tension there was in the room seemed to dissipate. Sokka saw Katara smiling ear to ear, with a glint of a tear in her eye - no doubt she was incredibly happy for Aang to find a piece of his past. Even Azula's bemused expression seemed a little more wistful than usual.
"Aang, I know why you've come. You seek an Earthbending teacher, don't you?" Aang only nodded in response.
"I would be honored to teach the Avatar, but you have a long and difficult road ahead. The world has changed in the hundred years that you've been gone," said Bumi, shaking his head. "The war is at my doorstep. Only yesterday, the last of my armies was defeated in battle, and soon the Fire Nation will lay siege to Omashu."
"What will you do?" This time, it was Azula who asked. Bumi shifted his attention to her, smiling not unkindly.
"Princess. If but we had the time, I would enjoy sparring with you a great deal. Your reputation precedes you... as does your desire to create change."
"Thank you," Azula said, with a curt nod of her head. "But it appears your reputation was rather unfounded, King Bumi. You're much more sane than the stories would have it."
Bumi cackled. "Oh, ignore my lucid moments. I'll be raving and ranting in no time. But that reminds me... we truly are short on time. Soon, your father's armies will be here, and I must stay to surrender Omashu."
Sokka started at this. "What? Surrender Omashu? You could hold this city for years with a few hundred men."
Bumi smiled at him. "I could. With commanders like you, Prince Sokka, I'm sure I could hold out for a decade. But there are things going on in this world..." His attention turned to all of them at once. "You must make it your priority to go north, to the pole. Ensure that the Avatar learns mastery of waterbending."
Aang gritted his teeth. "By then, Omashu will have fallen. You'll be a prisoner - or worse, executed."
Bumi cackled yet again. "Aang, you are aware of jing, yes?"
"Positive for attacking, negative when defending - what of it?"
"Oh, but there is a third type of jing - neutral jing. Where you do nothing!" the old man laughed more, and Azula began to doubt that her judgment of his sanity held any validity.
"Your Earthbending master must have mastered this. And for the same reason, I must stay here and do nothing... if only to bide my time. But first, you must master waterbending. As I have said, the path ahead of you is long, and fraught with peril. It's the duty of the Avatar to restore balance to the world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai. You have much to learn. You must master the four elements and confront the Fire Lord. And when you do, I hope you will think like a mad genius. But it looks like you're in good hands," he said, smiling graciously at the companions. "Now, Prince Sokka, we must speak. Lotus to lotus. Please, eat - the Prince and I will rejoin you shortly."
Another door opened behind Bumi, leading down a dim staircase. Sokka started after him, but Azula fixed him with a hard look. If he didn't know her, he would have thought it anger, but he did know her and knew it was concern. He gave her a soft smile, as if to say I'll be fine.
XXXXX
He followed Bumi down the path, and the earth door behind him shut, encasing them in the soft glow of the room. At the bottom of the staircase, the tunnel opened into a larger room, dusty, but well used. Maps lay strewn about, and there was old regalia everywhere. Everything bore the symbol of the White Lotus.
"Being a member comes with some perks, huh?"
Bumi fixed him with a wicked grin. "Oh, you have no idea, boy. Now come, there are some things I must tell you. Whether you tell your companions or not is your choice, but I would think twice before doing so."
Sokka nodded, and the two men took their seat around a long table with a well carved map of the Earth.
Bumi said nothing for a moment before he began. "The Grand Lotus shared his suspicions with me and the Grand Council that our ancient enemy was not defeated and buried like we thought."
Sokka's eyes flared with understanding. "You mean... the Temple of the Sacred Flame?"
Bumi nodded. "The Grand Lotus was recalled to the Fire Nation with his nephew, the Prince, in tow. He has been there only a handful of weeks, but he sent missives to the Council informing us that he believes the Temple is still active and has infiltrated the Fire Nation government and nobility. He has not yet determined the identity of the ringleader, but he believes they plan to take over the Fire Nation."
"Would that change anything?" Sokka asked.
"It would change everything, boy. Think for a moment."
Sokka was silent. "In whatever territory the Fire Nation has already conquered, there would be large scale purges..."
"Exactly, Initiate. For better or worse, Ozai is the lesser evil between the two. And the Grand Lotus does not seem to think that Ozai is aligned with the Temple. He is a power-mad animal, but his motivations are base and selfish. The Temple has always believed in something much more sinister."
"I understand, Master. But what does this-"
"Have to do with you? The Grand Lotus, among others, seems to believe that you are full of potential, enough to possibly lead an invasion of the Fire Nation and install the Princess as the new Fire Lord. With the Avatar in tow, we bring an end to the war, and we root out the Temple once and for all."
"Do you think the Temple will make an attempt on Azula's life?" Sokka blurted out.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they did, Initiate." Bumi's eyes twinkled. "I'm mad, not blind. I see how you look at each other. She is a talented warrior, as are you, I've been told. Between the two of you, Aang, and your Waterbender sister, you'll be fine. You must go North with the Avatar, but your mission is different from his."
"And what is that, master?"
"You must unite the Water Tribes. There is someone there who will help you, a Master of our order. When you identify yourself, he will reveal himself to you."
"Unite the Water Tribes?" Sokka scoffed. "Likely easier said than done. The North won't take well to having to treat Southerners like equals, and I don't even know how their Chief will react to having a usurper challenge his authority."
"He will have to find a way to live with it, I presume, or else your people shall be utterly destroyed," Bumi said somberly.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that in short order, the Fire Nation will dispatch three fleets - an entire armada - to conquer the North Pole, where your Southern refugees are headed. I have sent a hawk to your father, asking him to leave Chameleon Bay and head to the Pole. There is no point in him guarding that waterway if Omashu falls, as it will soon."
"Three fleets?" Sokka asked, the color draining from his face.
Bumi nodded. "There is one more thing. Has Aang managed to commune with his predecessor?"
Sokka shook his head. "He had a weird reaction to seeing Roku's statue at the Southern Air Temple, and occasionally he gets all glowy and powerful, but... not that I know of."
Bumi grinned, as if holding a great secret. "It is something he must learn. And when he does, you must ensure that Princess Azula is nearby, for it concerns her too."
With that, their meeting concluded. Bumi guided him back up to the feast, where his companions were heartily enjoying their meal. Azula looked at Sokka, and he could not help but reveal the weariness in his eyes at all the news he had received. When he took his seat next to her and started picking at the meat, she squeezed his knee under the table, which at least chased some of the weariness away. He gave her a smile that he hoped conveyed his love and thankfulness.
XXXXX
"Tell me a story," she whispered, burrowing deeper into his embrace. He smiled and pulled the covers over both of them. It was unusual for him to sleep under such light coverings, having grown used to the heavy piles of furs and thick quilted coverlets of home. They were necessary there, to protect from the cold, but it was much more temperate in the Southern Earth Kingdom, even in the mountains of Omashu. The room he and Azula had been given was spacious, comfortable, and well furnished, as King Bumi insisted that they stay one night in Omashu before resuming their journey.
Under the light cotton sheet, their bodies touched, their exposed legs and arms tangling around each other in a sweet embrace. Azula loved the contrast of their appearance as she traced a porcelain finger over Sokka's tawny arm.
"Any story?" he asked, bemusedly.
"Mhm. Something your mother must have told you. I'm not all that well versed in Water Tribe culture, even having lived among you for a month. Kanna mentioned something to me that I didn't inquire about. Iji- oh, what was the word? Ijiraat?"
"Mhm. The shapeshifters."
"Shapeshifters?"
"Mom used to love telling me this to scare me to sleep, but after a while I learned to love it. She never told Katara, I think. Katara was always a little more of a wuss - one scary story and goodbye sleep for the next week. She kicks in her sleep too, so her misery would become mine."
Azula laughed and nuzzled his chest, softly kissing the burn scars she had left on him - the one to cauterize his wound as well as the ones from their first battle. "I forget that you and Katara grew up in much more cramped conditions than Zuko and I did," she said. "It makes me jealous, you know. How close you and her are. You're probably the first healthy sibling relationship I've ever seen in my life, even with all your flaws."
"Well, with a brother like yours..."
"Oh, Zuzu wasn't always bad. In fact, he was a goody two-shoes compared to me before his exile. He's not that Zuzu anymore. It's... strange to see what he became."
"Mm. And I imagine Iroh and Ozai weren't best friends, either."
"No," Azula muttered. "Father hated Uncle for being born first. But looking back... Grandfather Azulon always preferred Uncle anyway, even though Father was much more like him in his vindictiveness and anger. Uncle was a better warrior then. And he was the heir. But anyway, about the shapeshifters?"
"Ah, yeah. Well, in our stories, Ijiraat are people who can change into any arctic animal at will, but they can never disguise their red eyes," Sokka said, his voice lowering to an ominous whisper. "No matter what form they take, you'll always be able to tell. Travelers from village to village often report at night that among the wolves or the caribou, they'll find one that has red eyes, and they know it's not really an animal, but one of the Ijiraat. If you survive contact with one, you're supposed to tell everyone you can about it, because your memory of the event will fade and eventually vanish."
"That's… mildly terrifying."
Sokka laughed. "Well, it's always debated whether the ijiraat are malicious. Some people think they are – something like that must be inherently monstrous."
Azula frowned. "What do you think?"
"I think they're misunderstood," Sokka shrugged. "They don't hurt people in every story. Imagine having that power, and everyone views you as a threat. If people treat you like a monster, and tell you you're a monster… it's rare that a person can escape that mental prison to become anything else." He became quiet for a second. "When the raiders attacked my village and killed Mom, I wanted nothing more than to be an ijiraat, like in her stories. I thought if I wanted it badly enough, I would become a direwolf - not like the usual arctic wolves, but the wolves of legend the ones as big as rhinos or bear dogs or polar leopards. The ones the Lords of Winter rode into battle. I wanted to kill the people who took her from us. But it was no use. I'm no ijiraat. I'm just a man. It's why I chose the wolf as a moniker - if I couldn't shapeshift into one, I'd become one. Stupid, I know."
"No, I don't think so. I'm sorry, again, about what happened to your mother."
He lowered his head, so that their noses were touching. "It's ok, Azula. Sometimes it's hard for me to remember her, you know? If I try, I can almost imagine her, but then her features change and I see..."
"See who?"
"Spirits, it'll sound strange, but... Katara."
Azula smiled. "I don't think that's strange at all. Kanna once told me that Katara is the spitting image of your mother. Like I am of mine. I suppose they live inside us, now."
He laughed huskily. "I know you thought badly of Ursa, but if she was anything like you, she must have been nice at some point in her life."
A coil of warmth sprang to life in her chest. "Why do you say things like this?"
"Sorry," he said with a grimace.
"No, it's not bad, it's... You have a preternatural ability to say just the right thing. And because your big dumb sapphire eyes are a dead giveaway, I know you're not lying.
"If you were a shapeshifter, what would you even become?" Sokka asked, after a minute. "And don't you dare say wolf. That's my thing."
She became quiet, tracing his jaw and chin with a porcelain finger. "You'll think it's childish," she whispered.
"I unironically dress up like a wolf in front of other adults. Try me."
"I'd be a dragon."
He snorted, which caused her to narrow her eyes at him. "Not laughing because it's silly, Princess. It's just... so on brand for you. Powerful."
She rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Sokka. You know, the last dragon died when my uncle killed it. It's why they call him the Dragon of the West."
Sokka seemed taken aback at that. "That sounds... out of character for Iroh, to be honest. You should have seen his face light up when I told him about Appa. He made it sound like a hidden wonder of the world had been rediscovered. It seems sad that something so majestic no longer exists in the world now."
"I know. It was one of the things that always made me sad when I was little. I had a little bit of irrational anger at Uncle for it. Uncle was likely a different man when he slew the last dragon. He was like a conquering Phoenix King of old back then. I used to be scared of him, but then he would be himself around Lu Ten and I could see the gentle human underneath. It always made me wonder, because Father was never like that with me or with Zuko."
"Your cousin Lu Ten? You don't really talk about him," Sokka observed.
She nodded. "I think he was the closest I had to a real brother, even with Zuzu in the picture. I loved Lu Ten before I knew what love was, and it was only after he was gone that I realized that I missed him so badly." Her voice cracked a little, and Sokka saw her eyes glisten. When the tears fell, he wiped them gently from her eyes. "I said some horrible things after he died because I felt so numb. I just reverted into the little mindless animal my father was turning me into. When I found out Lu Ten was killed at Ba Sing Se, I started talking about succession, Sokka. Who does that when they find out the only person who they loved and who loved them back died?" She buried her face in his chest. "When I think of how Mother reprimanded me for bringing it up, I can't blame her for having thought me a monster."
Sokka rubbed the back of her head, stroking her hair gently. He was quiet, and for a terrifying moment Azula thought he might be disgusted into speechlessness.
"Azula, how old were you?"
"Nine. Almost ten," she sniffled.
"And in those ten years, did anyone ever teach you that it was okay to grieve, to show emotion, to show love?"
"...No, but.."
"Did you ever see your father and mother be affectionate?"
"No."
"What did your father say when your brother went to cry in your mother's arms?"
"He called him weak, pathetic, foolish..."
"So your father, the only one you felt was on your side in your fucked up family, constantly ripped apart any show of affection or emotional reliance, and you're surprised that you reacted that way? You think you were born like that, Azula?" he asked softly. "For ten years, your idiot parents and your uncle shaped you into a weapon. Your father got what he wanted because your mother and your uncle refused to believe that you weren't already made that way. It's not your fault at all. You were abused. You were neglected. Your father abused you and your mother thought it was natural. The only monsters in your story are your parents," Sokka said, his voice harsh.
They were quiet, spending a moment in silence, before Sokka said something else.
"I think I should tell you what Vachir said to me."
She shifted, turning to look at him more directly.
"He told me that your mother had a lover in Hira'a."
Azula rapidly backed away from him. He had to suppress a wince at the sudden distance. "What?" she asked hoarsely.
"That's it. It was just a stray mention, but he said that you might not even be..."
She pulled in closer, suddenly realizing that jumping away from him as if he was leprous made him unwilling to share. She kissed his collarbone, and let out a soft "sorry," a whisper that he wasn't even sure he'd heard. "Please tell me, Sokka."
"He said that you might not be Ozai's child. And that Zuko might not be, either."
A still silence filled the room, festering as it rotted between them.
"What else did he say? Tell me everything, Sokka." Her voice was absolutely flat and emotionless, and it worried Sokka.
He told her everything that Vachir had told her, and she lay quiet for a second.
"If what Vachir said was true, then I believe my father would have hired him to assassinate Ursa's supposed lover. Father is no stranger to assassinations." She looked up at him. "If we ever find the excuse to go to Shu Jing, we'll stop by Hira'a. It's nearby. I need to know, Sokka." Her voice cracked again.
Bastard child, sneered the Ozai voice, returning in full force. Now you see why I couldn't love you. You are the seed of another man and your unfaithful whore of a mother.
Azula, my dear, pleaded Ursa's voice. Don't listen to him. I only ever loved you.
Lies. Bastard.
I love you.
Lies. Whorespawn.
Azula, please...
When I capture you, I will inflict the most delicious agonies upon you. The marks on your back will become the least of your concerns. Whore, just like your mother.
Azula shut her eyes tight, rocking back and forth as the tears began to spill unbidden from her eyes. Soon all composure was gone, and her body was racked with sobs.
She heard another voice, but it was in her ear, not in her head. Was it real?
"Listen to me, Princess. Listen to my voice. My voice is real."
She wanted to listen so badly. She felt like a drowning swimmer trying to find anything to latch on to for survival.
"Azula." She became aware of twin blue sapphires looking at her with love in them. They were the most precious gems she'd ever seen.
"Azula, I'm here. I'm real. You're real. Come back to me now."
She blinked through the tears, and she became aware of the cinnamon colored face the sapphire eyes were attached to. She put her hand on his face, and surely he felt real. There was a slim nose, high cheekbones, a powerful jaw, and the softest lips she'd ever touched.
She blinked again, and Sokka's face became clear as day to her. The voices retreated, and she only heard him.
"Oh Agni, Sokka, I'm... I'm so sorry. I don't know what-"
"Hush." He held her tightly, so tight that he feared he might squeeze her to death. "You don't have to say sorry to me, ever. Gods, Azula, I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now, but I'm here to help you carry it. You're not alone. You don't have to listen to the voices inside your head. They're not real - they're just the worst parts of your subconscious punishing you for not living in the extremes." Her rapid, shallow breaths calmed, and she began to aspirate normally, taking deeper breaths to steady herself.
She clung to him as if he was her tether to reality. "Can I tell you something, Sokka?"
"Of course," he said, pressing his lips to her forehead.
"I never cried before I met you. Maybe once or twice in my life, and the first time after Ozai beat me after bending practice - but he beat me so hard again after that, I never cried again. But around you it's like all my walls are gone and I'm making up for every tear I held back throughout my life."
"I- I'm sorry, 'Zula," he stammered.
"Don't be. I don't know how I was living with all of this inside me for so long. I think I would have gone mad if I had stayed at home. They would have wheeled me into an asylum, or I would have done something mental, like..."
"Try to conquer Ba Sing Se by yourself?"
She laughed gently, as he wiped the last of her tears from her face. "I was going to say cut off my hair with rusty scissors or start talking to mirrors. Ba Sing Se isn't bad either. Could you imagine?"
"What's scary is, I can. Not much can stop you when you put your mind to it. You're terrifying and wonderful like that."
"Most people just think it's terrifying."
"Not me."
Silence, for a few moments.
"Sokka... what if I am illegitima-"
"Don't go there, Azula. You can't think anything yet. But no matter who your parents were, you are who you are. Nothing can change that." His eyes bored into hers. "You are amazing, wonderful, powerful, thrilling, enchanting, and beautiful, and I'm not just talking about looks. Looks come from your parents. Who you are is also beautiful, and that's something that's unique to you. No one can take that away except for you. And frankly, fuck Ozai. He's a right cunt who never deserved to be your father anyway."
She flushed at the passion in his outburst.
"Sokka... I can't promise you that this won't happen again. I'm terrified of myself."
"Like I said. You don't scare me one bit, Princess. I'm here for the long haul," he said.
Moonlight crept through the small window in their room, bathing everything in a coat of silver. Azula looked at Sokka for a while. Then she knew he meant every word, and she knew what she wanted to do.
She slipped over him, straddling his hips, and bent down to kiss him passionately. Their lips crashed, and their tongues warred with such intensity that she felt she might shoot lightning from her fingers and toes and set the entire room ablaze. When they pulled apart, Sokka breathed heavily, his eyes unfocused. When his senses returned, he looked at her. "'Zula... we... I feel like I'm taking-"
"Shut up." She grabbed his hands and pinned them over his head. "You're not taking advantage of me. I know what I want, and I want you. I need you, Sokka. You're all that's real to me, so be real for me. Be everything for me tonight."
And with that, she brought her lips to his again, and the world once more caught on fire. With a strong swipe, he freed his hands from her grasp, and let them roam over her body. They traced her shapely thighs before traveling up to her hips. One hand stretched back to massage her bottom, which caused her to sigh and smile in between their kisses, while the other hand traveled through the folds of her night robe and unbuckled the small little tie she'd made in the front. The two halves of the garment split away, revealing her body to him.
"Mine," he growled, and she purred in response.
"Yours."
He tore the night robe off her and she, in turn, yanked his tunic over his head. Soon, all their clothes lay in disarray around the room, flung as near as the foot of the bed and as far as the door on the other side. Sokka could feel the Princess's wetness against his groin, and she let out a soft moan as both his hands traveled to her hips, lifting her and placing her pussy right by his manhood. He wiggled his hips a little, and the friction generated by that little ministration caused her to gasp loudly.
"Fuck, Sokka..." she had never felt so warm before. Her inner fire was always bright, but now it burned like an inferno, threatening to consume her and him together. She wanted to let it. She looked into his perfect blue eyes, and found a hint of mischievousness in them, the same impish glint she'd learned to love.
"I want to try something."
"Wha-" she barely had time to ask before he flipped on top of her, pinning her down now instead. His kisses trailed from her lips to her jaw, trailing soft presses down her neck mixed with licks that sent bolts of lightning down her skin. He traveled down to her chest, his mouth pausing over the hardened pink nubs in the center of her breasts. His warm breath, mixed with the soft scratch of his stubble over her sensitive skin, was driving her insane.
With a jerk, she pushed his head down, and mouth opened, taking her breast and nipple into a warm, wet caress. She moaned loudly now, not caring if anyone heard, as he began to lick over the hardened nipple in rhythmic motions, mixing flicks with swirls in a unpredictable pattern that made her wetter and hotter than ever. She wrapped her legs around his hips, pulling his manhood in closer, and she gasped as the head of his cock teased her wet folds. His mouth gave attention to her other breast too, before trailing further and further down, past her navel, to the soft fuzz between her legs. She looked down at him, and he looked back up at her. Her golden eyes were hazed over with pleasure, lust, and love, and he knew now that he was hers and she was his.
"What're you... oh, OH!" she lost all sense and reason as he ducked his head between her thighs and began to lap at her folds, which were already sweet and slick for him. "Oh, Sokka, fuck. Right there!" she cried. His tongue traced her inner lips, darting softly inside, and then moving in patterns, as if he was tracing something into her skin. She wanted to melt right there into the sheets. She no longer felt like a solid thing.
The melting sensation was replaced by lightning as he found a center of pleasure, a small little button that sent her own bent lightning down through her body whenever he grazed it.
"Spirits, Azula, you taste so good," he growled. She was too lost for words, so instead she only trailed her fingers through his hair, begging him to continue his ministrations. Her moans pierced the night, like a soft orchestra to the stillness of the moonlight.
She gasped as he slipped a finger inside her. She'd always thought it would be a rough intrusion, but his care had made her so sopping wet that it slid in with little resistance. His finger curled gently inside her, in a 'come hither' motion, caressing some spot that she didn't even know existed, and combined with his tongue carving his initials onto her folds, she panted and moaned as her pleasure built to an exhilarating crescendo before bursting like a firework.
She screamed and saw stars, and his ministrations became more gentle, bringing her down from the heavens gently as she twitched and spasmed from the feeling. Her mind was on fire, her limbs were jelly, and the only thought, rational or otherwise, traveling through her mind right then was that she desperately needed him inside.
He crawled up her again, kissing and licking the same spots he'd paid attention to before, even stopping at nipples for a moment, before kissing her. She loved her taste on him, the mixture of his soft lips and the coating her juices provided them.
"See how good you taste, little dragon?" he asked her, hazily. She simply nodded before grabbing his hips and pushing them down.
"In me. Right now, my wolf. Take me and make me yours forever." She wasn't sure how she formed the words, or if it was really even her speaking. All she saw was the beautiful man whose brown hair splayed all over the shaved sides of his head. And in turn, he saw the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, face flushed, her raven locks stuck to her face by the mixture of their own excitement and sweat.
She guided his cock down to her folds, and again she suppressed a shriek of pleasure as his head tickled her folds, passing through them ever so softly to position itself at her inner entrance.
Their eyes met, golden on blue, and he smiled. For all the lust that had overtaken them, her heart beat even faster for having seen it, because his love broke through.
He gently but firmly stroked in, tearing something small in her - but it was far less painful than she thought it would be. He suppressed her cry by kissing her, and she wrapped her legs around him, trying to accommodate him as he stretched her out so deeply.
"Is it okay? Can I-?"
"Yeah. Be gentle, love," she said, between gasps.
He began to move his hips, gently, using her sighs and moans as benchmarks of how much to stroke inside. She was grateful for his talented tongue and his finger - she was so wet and ready for him that the pain was very quickly eradicated by the pleasure of feeling oh so filled by him.
As his instroke and outstroke quickened, she began to lose herself in the mindless haze, her fingers tracing his back, clawing new scars into him, marking her territory as a tigress would. He was hers, all hers, and he would bear the signs of her ownership proudly. Their moans, pants, and breaths became one, as she found his rhythm, bucking her hips up to meet his downthrusts. Her legs tightened around his waist, and as their pleasure built towards climax, she held his face above hers, their eyes meeting again.
"Wh-where?" he managed to gasp out, in between thrusts and kisses.
Her legs tightened in response. Inside, savage. Come inside me and make me yours for eternity.
An evil grin spread across her face. "Tansy..." she gasped. "Wormwood..." again. His brow furrowed in a way that made her want to laugh.
"Mint."
She could see the realization flick on like a newly lit torch inside his head, and his smile became as wide as hers.
"Yes, my dragon."
He brought his lips crashing into hers, and the inferno of their kiss finally sent them both over the top, spilling down into pleasure. Crying each others names, loudly into the night, he spilled inside her, leaving her feeling warm and filled in her womb as she saw the stars once more and the world dissolved into a silver haze. To his credit, he didn't immediately become a heavy rock upon her, continuing to support his weight on his shoulders and knees, looking directly into her eyes. As the post coital glaze began to lift, they both began to smile, their faces flushed and red. He pulled out of her gently, and she gasped as he left her feeling suddenly empty.
"Sorry."
"You'd better be. I think I might waddle tomorrow."
He laughed, and she joined him, silly as the image was for both of them. He fell to her side, but instead of falling asleep, like she feared, he pulled her into him, their noses touching.
"I love you." They both said it at once, which made her giggle and him beam, and he kissed her once more. She thought she was spent, but the familiar tingle traveled from her lips to her toes when he did.
He made a faux serious face. "Is this because I'm a prince now? You think I'm more worthy all of a sudden?"
She rolled her eyes. "That's exactly it. Idiot man."
His fingers traced around her taut belly, roaming in idle circles.
"So... tansy."
She laughed, pushing his chest a little. "Yes, moron. This is what it's for."
"Mmm..." He lay on his back, head facing upwards, and she curled into him, laying her head on his chest. "One day you won't need it."
He didn't elaborate, but she offered a silent prayer to Agni and whatever other spirits and gods that existed in this world that one day she wouldn't need it at all.
A/N: Well here we are, after ingesting quite a bit of lemon near the end. Just as a heads up, this fic probably won't become a total smutfest, but I figured the first time needed to be nice and detailed.
Tansy, wormwood, and mint are the "ingredients" of the fantasy moon tea in GRRM's Game of Thrones series, if any of you were lost about what it was, though I tried - hopefully successfully - to try to hint at it anyway. Obviously, do not try to replicate at home. I don't think it's real.
I know this fic has it all: gory battles, fluff, smuttiness, and humor. I hope it's not tonally all over the place. Maybe it kind of is, but w/e yolo
There will be an update Monday, maybe earlier. All hail the schedule.
I know I cut out all the challenges - I felt like that was a little bit too much on the childish end for this story. Besides, what with Sokka being an OWL initiate, I figured Bumi would skip all the bullshit and get straight to business. It is so much fun to write the OWL and secret societies in general.
Also, unless I'm misremembering my stories from middle/early high school, this is the first smut I've ever written.
Bonus points to anyone who can guess who Azula paraphrased for her little monologue about power.