A/N: This chapter is kind of a bridge between Book 1: Water and Book 2: Earth. I wanted to do something for after the battle and all of that. I will also take a moment to mention I am posting an uncensored version of this story on AnOth3r site. It is under the same name there. I will warn you, should people choose to browse other stories there, heed the tags. I do what I can to make sure there aren't any bad surprises in a story.
I am writing this story in a way you can skip the NSFW scenes if you want and you won't miss any of the main story. This means over there I will have breaks before and after scenes. Any dialogue and such, important to the story will be written outside of scenes.
It also means you won't really miss main story if you stick to this version. I see the sex scenes as kind of like the cheery and chocolate syrup on a sundae. This story here will still be really good ice cream with whipped cream on top though.
I know this fic is rated M, but you aren't supposed to have sex scenes on this site ever. Not detailed ones at least. M means you mention sex in more depth and such, but you aren't supposed to have full on sex scenes.
I know many stories will have full sex scenes here and some are very graphically detailed and filled to the brim with fetish content. That isn't supposed to happen here. It isn't too heavily enforced, but there have been purges on this site in the past. I'm not going to tempt fate too much here with such scenes.
I will sort of hint at what took place in the scene maybe, but for the most part the scenes will be "fade to black" or "off camera" here. This is the first chapter where there are differences between the two versions of the story which is why I have this Author's Note.
Chapter 9: After Action Report
After the Battle for the North, there was a memorial service. It honored those who fell in battle and Princess Yue for her sacrifice. Harry, Aang, and Katara were in attendance. Harry was disappointed Sokka was absent, even if he understood Sokka's reasons for not attending. Harry could only imagine what it was like to watch the last moments of life for your first love. It still felt wrong Sokka wasn't seeing her off one last time and honoring the others.
The day after the ceremony the celebrations began. At the first feast of celebration Harry and Aang were both made honorary members of the Northern Water Tribe. Additionally, Harry was honored for his contributions to the battle and heralded as Savior of Blood Moon. The title was for the lives he saved during that moment of almost complete weakness.
"Are you alright, Aang?" Harry asked as the feast was coming to an end. Aang seemed distant the whole night.
"Yeah. I know I seem all sad and such, and I am, but it is more La's influence having rubbed off of me. I think it will pass in a few days," Aang said.
"You were merged with a powerful ancient spirit. It doesn't seem surprising there would be after effects," Katara said.
"The strange thing is I feel like it was some sort of living dream," Aang said.
"I hope you'll be okay, Aang," Harry said as he placed hand in comfort on his friend's shoulder.
Aang nodded before sighing. "I think I'll head back early. I don't want my mood to ruin the atmosphere."
"I'll come with you," Katara said.
"Are you sure?" Aang asked.
"I have to look after Sokka anyways," Katara said neutrally. She wanted to join in with the fun, but she did have to take care of her family.
"Do you want me to come?" Harry asked.
"No. If anyone deserves to enjoy the celebrations, it's you, Harry," Aang said with a slight smile.
"Okay," Harry said. He was actually relieved to hear that. He kind of felt he should get to enjoy this part of the battle, since Aang put him on the front-lines. He learned a lot as a result, but the situation still upset him. "Be safe you two," he said as they left.
Shortly after they left, a beautiful and smiling girl took their place. Harry had to take a moment before he smiled to her and said, "So. This is what you look like off the battlefield, Nakoye."
"I do believe we promised to meet each other at the celebrations, Harry. Or should I refer to you as Savior of Blood Moon?" she asked while giggling.
"Harry is just fine. I don't mind the title and appreciate receiving it, but strutting around and telling people to use my title, isn't my thing," he said as he looked her over.
Harry had to admit Water Tribe girls were beautiful. He loved their brown skin combined with bright blue eyes. It was very sexy. Nakoye was also wearing her dark hair in a lovely braid and had on a really nice Water Tribe dress.
"So, Harry. What do you think of the celebrations so far?" Nakoye asked.
"I've been enjoying them. I like how we had a service for those no longer with us first though," Harry said.
Nakoye nodded to that. "It does help to have grieved them some already. There is talk of having the day before the battle ended called Yue Day. A time we remember those who have sacrificed themselves and in particular Princess Yue. The day afterwards will be a day of celebration. No, title for it yet," she said.
"That's good to hear. Has Master Pakku heard what all you and your friends did yet?" Harry asked grinning to her.
Nakoye giggled. "I think he is getting tired of hearing about it. A lot of people are talking about how timely we ended up arriving in many cases. Some have joked he might run away to the south so he doesn't have to hear it anymore," she said and giggled again.
"I've heard a rumor he's thinking about going to the South Pole. Supposedly to reconnect with Kanna and help their Waterbenders. The thing is… Katara is pretty much the only new Southern Water Tribe Bender currently. So, you just might be right about him running away," Harry said winking as Nakoye laughed.
The two enjoyed the celebration feast together after that. Harry got to meet the other girls who jumped in like Nakoye. They all got a good laugh out of their attempts to seem manly and not blow their cover, despite usually failing to do so.
"Nakoye first helped me out with a tank. I could tell with the excessive armor, obviously deepened voice and clearing of her throat she had to be a girl instead," Harry said.
"You didn't mention that when we met up later," Nakoye said with a mock pout.
"In my defense… We were a little bit busy," Harry said in a joking manner.
It was later Nakoye whispered into Harry's ear, "Want to follow me to my home? I'll show you a little hidden talent female Waterbenders have."
Harry blushed but grinned. He didn't care people would probably say he was too young or what not. He just survived a huge battle. He could enjoy some fun afterwards. He whispered back to her, "I like the sound of that. Just remember. I do have to leave with Aang and the others when they do."
"I get that. Doesn't mean we can't have a great time celebrating our victory together first," she said.
"With that out of the way. Lead the way, milady," Harry said with an exaggerated bow causing her to giggle.
"This way, oh Savior of Blood Moon," she said in reply with a mock curtsy and a giggle. Harry shook his head with a small smile and followed a little behind her at first. She had a very nice backside.
[-] [-] [-]
Harry couldn't help but grin as he looked over Nakoye's beautiful naked body lying next to him when he woke up the next morning. They didn't go all the way or want to, but the night was amazing… He never thought he would see a girl squirt like that. Hidden talent for female Waterbenders indeed. He heard a little about that stuff, but it always seemed like it was a rarity. Apparently, that wasn't the case with Waterbending girls and they seemed to really enjoy it as well and maybe even pride in it.
Harry gave a stretch as he sat up in the bed they shared. Nakoye took in a deep breath as she got more comfortable in her rest while wrapped around him. He decided waking up next to a beautiful naked girl was probably one of the most wonderful experiences you could have.
He ran a hand along her side causing her to stir a little. She looked up to him and grinned. "Last night was pretty amazing," she said to him.
"Glad you think that. Because I think you were amazing," Harry said to her.
She gave a stretch and sat up. Harry gave her kiss which she returned. He then asked her, "Ready for day two of the celebrations?"
"Only if you keep me company," she said with a grin to him.
Harry chuckled. "I believe I agreed to that a few times last night," he said as they got ready.
The second day was a lot of fun and Harry got to enjoy plenty of time with Nakoye and other soldiers from the battlefield. It was nice getting to see them outside of battle. They were all plenty thankful to him. He was a little embarrassed, but he actually liked it. This wasn't like when people thanked him for defeating Voldemort back home. He actually did something here. Something more than just surviving as a baby thanks to his parents' sacrifice.
He made some time to visit Katara and the others as well. Nakoye and him decided to take a bit of a break after a while before meeting up aagin later. As he made his way to their shared quarters, he heard Katara huff as she stepped outside and blew at her hair loopies in frustration.
"Oh... Harry…" she said and blushed. She wasn't sure why but meeting like this felt a little awkward. Something seemed different about Harry. Maybe it was because he fought in the battle while they did the whole Spirit Oasis thing. It might be enough time passed to actually recognize the change.
"Hey. How are they doing?" Harry asked her.
Katara sighed. "Sokka is being overly broody about it all. I understand, but he seems to be going a little too far down the whole sad road. Aang is a little… detached… I'm not sure how to describe it. He's better than yesterday, so that's a plus," she said.
"That's good at least. I'm not sure what to do about Sokka. They weren't really dating or anything officially, but he was way into Princess Yue and they were close," Harry said to her as she nodded in agreement.
"How are the celebrations?" Katara asked.
"They're great! I fought by a lot of these people. It's nice to celebrate by them instead. You should go and enjoy the celebration as well," Harry said.
"I want to. I really do… I just feel I can't leave these two be. There's no way Sokka will leave the hut or even take care of himself," she said as she looked back to the hut in worry.
"I'll try to think of something for tomorrow at least. It will be the last day of the celebrations you should all get to enjoy them. I suppose if nothing else I can take over Sokka Duty for the day, but I don't think that would be the best option," Harry said.
"I'd appreciate that," Katara said.
Harry dropped in and said hello for a bit, but it was excessively gloomy inside. He really didn't want to put up with that right now. It was actually upsetting to him a little. Aang was excused because it was something else causing him to be this way, but Sokka was different. He really got it. He did. But Sokka wasn't the only one to experience loss.
There were sons and daughters who wouldn't get to see their fathers again. Some wives were now widows. Princess Yue was the princess for the whole tribe, so all of them were experiencing that heavy loss. Sokka seemed to be taking it too hard in Harry's mind, if that made sense.
If Princess Yue had lived, nothing would have happened between them. She was engaged to someone else, even if she didn't like it. Sokka would leave as soon as Aang was ready for a new Bending Master. Princess Yue also got to go out on her own terms. That was something rare in life Harry had come to realize quickly during the battle.
She was probably the only one who got that luxury during the attack. She became one with the spirits and would get to continue watching over her people. Her sacrifice should be celebrated. She did a miraculous thing. Before that, she was gifted sixteen years of life more than she originally had. Harry was probably being a little callous, but Sokka would have to snap out of it soon. He might as well do so sooner, that way he got to experience some of the joys of victory and not just gloom of battle.
[-] [-] [-]
It was before sunrise on the last day of Celebrations at the North Pole. Harry was looking around in awe as Nakoye led him into the Spirit Oasis. He asked her to do so last night. He wanted to honor the spirits and thank them as an Airbender and survivor of the battle. It was amazing how warm the place was. It was also very peaceful and he could almost sense the energy. It was no wonder Princess Yue brought Aang here to help him crossover.
He and Nakoye were the only ones there for the moment. Many of the Water Tribe took breaks from the festivities to thank the spirits here over the last three days, but none were here yet. Harry gave an Airbender bow and knelt as he thanked the spirits.
He heard a gasp from Nakoye. Harry looked up and blinked as he saw Princess Yue standing before him. "Princess Yue?" Harry couldn't help but ask in shock.
"It is I, Harry. I have a request of you," the Spirit of Yue said.
"Whatever I can do be of service," Harry said to her as he remained kneeling, but looked up to her.
Princess Yue smiled to him. "I want you to get Sokka off his butt already," she said.
Harry couldn't help but laugh at her phrasing as Yue's spiritual form giggled in reply. "Tell him I am happy where I am now. I will always be by his side and with my people. I want him to get over this phase and enjoy this time of celebration. The Sokka I loved was fun loving and easy-going. He was not excessively broody, as his sister puts it," she said.
Harry bowed and said, "I will do what I can, Princess Yue."
"That is all I ask," Princess Yue said as she seemed to retreat back up into predawn sky.
"That was Princess Yue's spirit…" Nakoye said in awe.
"So it was," Harry said to her. He then got an idea. "I want you to come with me to meet the others," he said. He was thinking it would do Katara some good to be around girls her age for a change. Girls who defied the tradition of no females practicing Waterbending.
"Okay… I don't know what good it will do," she said as she followed him.
[-] [-] [-]
The sun was up now, so Harry didn't bother being too polite and just entered their quarters without any ceremony. "Hello, Harry… and," Katara said as she looked over to the girl with him.
"Katara. This is Nakoye. We fought together during the battle. I've decided you three are not spending another day in here and missing out on the final day of celebrations. I figured you would like to meet her and her group female friends. Despite everything, they came out and fought by our side," Harry said.
"Really?" Katara asked with interest.
"We did. We may not have been allowed to learn from Master Pakku, but we taught ourselves some moves and how to fight. We were all very impressed with how you showed him," Nakoye said with a smile.
"I still lost…" Katara said.
"Maybe. But you pretty much won as far as we're concerned," she said.
Harry marched right over to Sokka as the girls greeted each other. "Hey, Sokka," he said.
"What? Leave me alone…" he said grumpily.
"Nope. Not doing that. You need to get over this already. Brooding Sokka doesn't suit you," Harry said.
Sokka frowned. "I lost the love of my life…" he said.
"I hardly believe that. I would say you two really liked each other and maybe she was your first real crush, but you didn't know her for more than a couple of weeks at most. You also aren't the only one to have lost someone you know," Harry said.
"You didn't," Sokka said.
"Not here at least. But I did have to see other people die on the battlefield. Husbands. Fathers. Sons," Harry said.
Sokka blinked to that and felt a little ashamed that he hadn't even thought of that.
"You didn't even go to the memorial service where Princess Yue and the others were honored," Harry said.
Sokka frowned. He really should have done that.
"I'm not saying to forget her or anything. But brooding like this… is more for yourself than her memory," Harry said.
"So…" Sokka said a little stubbornly.
"I was all for you two being together, Sokka. But the Sokka she came to love and care for wasn't a Mr. McBroody Pants," Harry said.
Aang chuckled to that name as he overheard their discussion.
Sokka frowned at Harry.
Harry placed a hand on his shoulder. He gave a Sokka a smile as he said, "Besides… I just got back from visiting the Spirit Oasis. Princess Yue came to me and asked I get you off your butt."
Aang laughed again. It was funny thinking of a spirit using such phrasing.
"She did?" Sokka asked.
"She did. She told me this is a time to celebrate. She told me she'll always be with you, but the Sokka she loved was a fun loving and easy-going guy," Harry said.
"I guess I have been carrying on too long…" Sokka said coming around to Harry's words.
Aang grinned to Sokka. "Sometimes the best way we can honor those we lost, is to live our lives to the fullest," he said.
"You heard, Aang. If the Avatar says that, we kind of have to listen to him. He is the bridge between this realm and the Spirit realm. If anyone knows what's best in this regard, it's him," Harry said grinning to Sokka.
"Okay. Let's go then. I have been sitting down for too long," Sokka said as he got up and groaned as he stretched.
"You're coming as well Aang, Right?" Harry asked.
"Of course, I am! I'm more or less back to normal now," he said as he hopped up excitedly. He really wanted to see what all the Northern Water Tribe did for fun to celebrate.
"Let's all get going then," Harry said as Katara and Nakoye nodded in agreement.
[-] [-] [-]
Katara giggled happily as she bent a couple of small streams of soda in an interlocking design before bringing them on her open mouth. It was a game Northern Waterbenders played. They tried to see how fancy they could bend drinks without taking too much time and effort. Adults played the game as well, but their drinks usually involved alcohol. Surely, just for the added difficulty.
The girls around her cheered as she completed her round. "This is actually a lot of fun," Katara said with a smile. She still wasn't too sure about Nakoye and wondered if Harry only knew her from the battlefield now. At the same time, she didn't dwell on it too much. It was kind of nice not being the only girl for a change.
"So, all of you fought in the battle?" Katara asked.
Nakoye nodded.
"Do you think it will change anything?" Katara asked.
"It already has. Chieftain Arnook is talking about changes to the training programs. A lot of the men are in support of it, since we did help out in the battle. It was more than just us you see here," Nakoye said.
"What about the whole arranged marriage thing?" Katara asked.
"It won't really make a difference there," Nakoye said.
"That's too bad," Katara said.
"It isn't too bad. Apart from a few exceptions, the arranged marriage thing is mostly a formality now. We date guys and such and when we find a guy we want to marry and who wants to marry us, the parents set things in motion. It isn't common for there to be anything truly forced on us," Nakoye said.
"But it's still an arranged marriage," Katara said with a frown.
"We know how you feel, especially with your grandmother's experience. The thing is most of us wouldn't really care about that part," Nakoye said.
"How can you just accept it though?" Katara asked.
"Like I said. Most of the time it is merely a formality. I'm not saying anything bad about your grandmother, but she was very different on this than most Northern Tribe girls," Nakoye said.
"But it still wrong! Especially in Yue's case," Katara argued.
"I'll give you that, but I kind of think her father knew her destiny already and that is why he accepted it. Hahn's family won't complain. They got Arnook to allow Hahn to be engaged to her and he did. There wasn't anything in the deal about it only going through after the ceremony took place," Nakoye said.
"That is so wrong though!" Katara said in a huff. The other girls looked to her in question.
"Maybe one day it will be different, but letting us have proper training is a bigger deal. It is much more important. I'm not really in the mood to keep arguing about this, Katara," Nakoye said with a frown.
Katara huffed, but decided to calm down. She didn't want to make a fuss about this anymore either. It wasn't like she had to follow their traditions anyways. She would be leaving here soon enough with the others. If they refused to see how wrong it was? That was for them to worry about, not her.
The next girl took her turn in the game. Katara decided to just enjoy the fun soon after the next round started, even if she disagreed with the whole arranged marriage thing.
[-] [-] [-]
"You know. This is actually a lot more fun than I thought it would be," Sokka said as he grinned a little. "I thought there would just be stuff for Waterbenders. I didn't think they would have a boomerang contest among other things," he said as he stuffed his mouth with a kale cookie. He didn't win the contest but it was still fun and kale cookies were pretty tasty. They were handed out to those who participated in the contest.
"Glad you two are finally getting to enjoy the fun. What is the point of surviving a battle, if you aren't going to enjoy living life afterwards?" Harry said.
"That's some pretty good advice. I've always kind of felt that way. It's part of why I can keep going after everything," Aang said happily.
Aang had been bouncing around excitedly the whole day. There were so many things to do during the celebrations. He even briefly joined in on a snow cone toss. It was a game where Waterbenders were tossed snow cones and had to catch them with their bending and place it in the cone they held. It was both fun and tasty!
"I kind of wish I hadn't been brooding for so long now," Sokka said.
Aang nodded and grinned, "We'll just have to make the best of this last day!" He then created an air scooter and hopped on to it. "Come on guys! Let's go!" he called to them before zooming off.
"He does realize you haven't learned that move yet, right?" Sokka asked.
Harry chuckled. "At this moment, he realizes it as much as he does you aren't even capable of attempting to make one," Harry said as the two laughed and followed at their own pace.
[-] [-] [-]
With the Celebrations over, it was back to business and training for the group. Aang and Katara were doing their bending training. Sokka went to warrior training again. Harry was furthering his Airbender training and decided to add in some magic training as well.
He decided to further his magic abilities after realizing some of his basic spells didn't need incantations now. He was able to do a good bit with his magic during the battle. He first tried using simple levitation a few times just to be sure.
Harry looked at a pile of rocks and pointed his wand at it. All of the rocks started to hoover as one. He wanted to make sure it wasn't just a fluke during the middle of a battle. "This seems a lot easier now," he thought to himself.
"I wonder…" Harry said as he put his wand away. He had a feel for the spell and was able to sense the magic it used. Maybe his improved senses as an Airbender were having another a positive effect. Maybe it was having that damn soul shard gone.
The prophecy said he would be Voldemort's equal. No doubt the evil man found wand use for basic spells annoying. Harry should learn to stop needing a wand as well. He needed to be as strong as he could be to face Voldemort.
Harry concentrated on the rock at the top of the pile. He thought the spell in his head. He felt magic in his hand. It was a bit wild though. It made sense really. A wand served the purpose of being a focus for magic. That's what made magic so usable. The incantation was stating your intention with the spell.
Harry tried calming his mind and entering his action mode as he called it. "Focus. Focus…" he muttered to himself. He felt the magic in his hand settle.
He opened his eyes as he felt it, but he needed to do more than this calm it in his hand. The rock remained unmoved. "Not bad for a first attempt…" Harry said as the magic dispersed.
Harry then focused on his Airbender training. He needed to improve it further. More of the Fire Nation knew he was an Airbender now. Many might have pushed it to the side because of the giant spirit beast though.
There was also a working theory he had. Airbending didn't need a focus. He did use a staff to amplify it, but it wasn't needed for bending. Harry was thinking if he improved his bending, it might as a bonus help him with wandless magic.
As the days passed, Harry's magic training improved. He could use a few spells wandlessly now, but they needed the incantation and had to be up close. He focused more on spells he figured would be of use in a fight. These spells included Stupefy, Expelliarmus, and Protego. He would still need his wand for the more advanced version of that last spell he used during the battle though.
His Protego was good for a quick one time use this way. In a battle, that was all you could really expect with how chaotic it was. It would still be useful.
Expelliarmus was pretty good to use, though Harry expected the blast backwards was probably the best he could get when it came to benders. It had the advantage of being easy to use and couldn't be countered by bending attacks. It had more of a limited range wandlessly though, but it was still an option.
Stupefy would be very handy, but mostly when one on one or as a finisher before leaving the area. Still, it would be very good for smaller fights. It had to be done at almost point blank, otherwise it could be avoided with ease. Harry would have to remember someone could be revived after being stupefied, even if it wasn't as easy here. There wasn't a quick Rennervate spell everyone could cast in this world.
[-] [-] [-]
When it was finally time for Aang and the others to move on, they were surprised Master Pakku approached them. "Master Pakku," Katara said into him in surprise.
"Katara," he replied.
"Are you here to see us off?" she asked.
"Not exactly. I've decided to travel to the South Pole. A few other benders and healers will be coming with me. We want to help our sister tribe, especially after the aid you and your friends gave us. We will be staying with you a little longer. It will be a little while before your bison can fly without worry of not finding resting places," Master Pakku said.
Katara smiled to that. "We'd appreciate that. What about the female Waterbenders up here though?" she asked.
"I did say others were coming with me. They have done remarkably well, but even the best of them have rather haphazard skill sets. I intend to start them from the basics first to see where they stand, and give personal attention. They all have healer training, which can help our sister tribe. We figured this way if there are other Waterbenders in hiding, as you were, they can join us and not feel too far behind. Most of them are staying here and will be learning from those who have long since graduated my classes. The more gifted will be coming," he said.
"I'm just glad they can get training too," Katara said with a smile.
"It was rather astonishing how many had been training in secret. They were very helpful. We do not want to cast aside all of our traditions, but some need to be amended, so to speak. It will take time though," he said.
"Well. Hopefully, you all have that time now. I don't think the Fire Nation will be trying another attack on the North anytime soon," Katara said.
"That is all we can hope for. We did suffer heavy loses. It may not be the best of reasons, but I feel that helped sway our tribe into teaching all Waterbenders how to fight, if they wish. The healing classes will be opening up for men as well. Some do not wish to fight again, but still want to help. Healing is always important," Pakku said to her.
"That sounds good. Will you be teaching Aang anything else on this trip?" Katara asked.
"I believe the young avatar has learned all I can teach him without further pushing back your plans," Pakku said.
"He still needs to master it though," Katara said more to herself.
Master Pakku gave a smile, "Perhaps he should get used to referring to you as Master Katara."
As they got ready to leave, Katara couldn't help smile at that.
[-] [-] [-]
Zuko and Iroh arrived at a very well-known Fire Nation resort spa. The place didn't have a super impressive name or anything, but it was a very popular destination. The place was called Cherry Blossom Falls Resort. It had a large number of cherry blossom trees and the resort was built above an impressive waterfall.
The two were lucky to make it this far in all honesty. They were adrift for three weeks without food or water on the make shift raft Uncle Iroh made. Luckily a small Fire Nation patrol ship picked them up and the crew on it were at one time Zuko's men. After the failed invasion of the North Pole, they and many others were reassigned.
Zuko wasn't happy. The two of them weren't even at square one now. They no longer had a ship. They no longer had a crew. It was just the two of them. He planned to keep mostly to himself while his Uncle enjoyed the resort before they left again.
Part of him felt his Uncle deserved it after getting them out of the North Pole. Zuko had been too tired to do much himself in that regard. The fights with Katara and the blizzard and the confrontation with Zhao had all piled up on him.
[-] [-] [-]
What Zuko and Iroh didn't know is there was a Royal Fire Nation ship making its way to them. Princess Azula was on her way to confront her uncle and Zuzu. She already had a plan to get them to come willingly. Uncle Iroh was nothing more than a fat old man now. Zuzu had never been the brightest and was often too trusting.
She would simply tell them part of the truth. Should no one speak out of turn, the two would come willingly. If someone did, she would deal with the situation along with her uncle and brother as well.
Princess Azula even had a plan should it all go the South end of a North bound ostrich horse. She didn't think that would happen, but she was never one to rely on luck. Plans upon plans were important. Things could change in the blink of an eye. Anyone with half the IQ of toddler should know to always be ready for the worst.
"I wonder how things have gone for Zuzu, since he left," she wondered to herself. She might just make a little small talk with him. That would build a little trust and give her key information. Yes. She would talk to Zuzu a little before he faced his fate.
A part of her almost looked forward to reuniting with her brother. If nothing else, it would be fun to annoy him yet again. He could never really do anything about it. Every time he tried to act tough, he ended up failing miserably. Sadly, such moments happened so often they lost a good bit of their amusement.
"I'll never understand why Mai likes him so much," she hummed in thought.
So called love was hard for Azula to grasp. It was such a silly notion really. Even if you believed in such things, why would you settle for someone weaker than you. Wasn't the purpose of marriage and such to further your legacy? Would you not want to only strengthen it?
It was for those reasons Azula had a standard for such things regarding her life. She'd refuse to ever be with someone who hadn't bested her in combat, or at least come close. She was both a Princess and a Firebender prodigy. She deserved someone who wouldn't hold her back.
There was knock on her door.
"Enter," she demanded.
The door opened and one of her guards walked in and bowed. "It is the time for which you requested I approach, Your Highness," the guard said.
"Good. Gather the men on deck. Get my carriage ready. I will address them shortly," Azula ordered.
The guard bowed again and left. He didn't say anything in dismissal. Azula preferred action to unnecessary words. Proper etiquette was of course followed when necessary, but this was not such a time.
Azula stood up and fixed her hair once again. There was only one strand almost out of place, but she was a Princess. She always demanded Beautiful Perfection of herself in all things. A hair out place would not do. Just as slacking off in her training wouldn't either.
She was a Firebending prodigy, but that didn't mean she could or would take it easy. She was one the best, therefore she must hold herself to the highest of standards. Zuzu foolishly believed everything was handed to her. She trained extensively with all of her gifts. It would be a waste not to do so. Besides…
Beautiful Perfection in all things.
A/N: Some might not like Harry getting with a different Water Tribe girl, but you have to realize he isn't going to be with Katara in this story. I can see that pairing working, but only if Harry were to stay permanently in the Bending Countries. He will not be doing so here. His time with Nakoye is also just a fling while at the North Pole, both of them agreed to, if you didn't catch that.
Katara has too much to keep her in the Bending Countries, so she wouldn't leave permanently. She has her brother, her tribe, her grandmother, and now Master Pakku as well. That's if you don't have her end up with Aang in the future on top of everything else.
I have said this to some people in PMs, but any girl Harry ends up with will either be back at Hogwarts, or not have much reason to stay behind in the Bending Countries. They would also have to cross-over into his world in some fashion if that was the case.
I'm not saying I won't have some cosmic magic happen to bring ATLA characters over temporarily later in the story. I have toyed with the idea some already. It could be pretty cool to have Aang come over and go full Avatar mode to kick some Death Eater ass in the last battle.
I more or less have the pairing in mind for this story, but I won't be saying who yet. There is a chance I could still change my mind. I have written more than one version, or path as I call it, of early chapters taking place after Harry returns because of this. I will add the pairing later, once it becomes part of the story proper.