A:N/ The two options for week 3 were Arranged Marriage or Touch. I went with the former. I hope you enjoy this AU in a world where there is no Avatar and their history is much different than the ATLA world we know! With no further ado whatsoever, cheers!
He was seven and she was five, the first time Sokka saw his betrothed. A slight girl, yet, bold and tempestuous, Princess Azula introduced herself with a smile after an encouraging nudge from her mother. When Sokka reached his hand out to grasp her forearm in the traditional water tribe greeting, she conjured a thin wisp of a flame that nearly charred his palm. She smiled sweetly at him and bowed low in the manner of the Fire Nation, a custom that Sokka had never seen before. She turned her back then and they only saw each other twice more briefly at dinners before Lady Ursa and General Ozai left the South Pole.
He was nine, no, nine and a half and she was celebrating her eighth nameday celebration, the second time he saw his betrothed. His sister told him to give her a nice doll made from the finest toymakers in the Southern Water Tribe. He spent the entirety of his allowance on the present. She had accepted it with all the grace befitting her royal bloodline. A smile played on her pale features before she incinerated the cloth plaything. He had never felt more dejected.
His mother tried to explain that sometimes young girls would tease and bully the boys that they actually liked, but it didn't feel anything like that to him. They stayed in Caldera City for three days after the celebration.
His father was absent, locked away in meetings with the Fire Lord and his generals. The war against the Earth Kingdom was going well, but there had been setbacks. A Northern Water Tribe Fleet had engaged their forces near the Western Air Temple. Only the quick thinking of Admiral Bato and the assistance of the Air Nomad's had been able to drive back the combined forces of the King Kuei and Warchief Arnook
Hakoda had told them the story of how he became lifelong friends with General Ozai, the second son of the late Fire Lord Azulon. It had quickly become one of his and Katara's favorites. Hakoda had been escorting a small convoy of Fire Nation troops to the siege of Omashu. They had been ambushed by a massive armada of reinforcements from Ba Sing Se. They fought their way through the ambush but their ship, the lone survivor, took heavy damage and sank off the coast near the Foggy Swamp. Ozai was knocked unconscious when the blasting jelly in the ship's cargo hold exploded, tearing the ship in half. Debris from the ship was large enough for Hakoda to pull Ozai aboard. After a few hours of being inert, adrift at sea, the Prince had awoken. The pair were able to successfully kick their way to safety using their makeshift raft. The mangroves of the Foggy Swamp kept them in the water, a little longer than they wanted.
His father told him about the hallucinations that the swamp had caused the pair. Ozai had claimed to have seen his grandfather, Fire Lord Sozin, as well as his young wife, Princess Ursa. Hakoda for his part could not deny that the hallucinations were very much a real phenomena. His father who had been dead for fifteen years appeared to him, guiding him towards the light. Eventually they had found a civilization of waterbenders in hiding. They had been attacked for many years by the Earth Kingdom, and had taken refuge further and further inside the swamp, where even the merciless troops of Kuei wouldn't come. The denizens of the swamp had led them to safety, alight with the prospect of helping one of their long lost cousins from the Southern Water Tribe. Hakoda did his best to not mention that they were also at war with their "cousins'' from the Northern Tribe.
The day after the feast in honor of his betrothed, Sokka had sought her out with his sister. The siblings found the Princess playing in the gardens with two of her friends that they had met at the celebration. The acrobatic young girl was practicing cartwheels while the other, much more sardonic one, sulked near the edge of a fountain. The Princess was located between them, playing with her firebending. Her flames were a strange mixture of blue and orange.
Sokka had seen blue fire of course, when the campfires burned their brightest, sometimes near the base of the pile, the flames would turn blue. He had only ever seen a few firebenders before and none of them had the capacity to make flames that were anything other than orange or various shades of red. Watching her bend was amazing. She was clearly a prodigy like his father had told him, like his sister was. Not for the first time, Sokka experienced jealousy at being unable to manipulate an element. At being lesser.
His mother Kya did his best to soothe his concerns, but even at his young age, he could see the swelling of pride in his mother's eyes when she saw Katara becoming an obscenely talented waterbender for her age. Hama, the greatest waterbender of their tribe retired from fighting on the front due to her advanced age and had been personally instructing his sister for two years now. Katara was able to best benders five years her senior. Meanwhile Sokka was stuck throwing around his boomerang and honing his skills with a club against tiger-seals.
Katara bended water out of the fountain, and the acrobat and the Princess looked on in fascination. It was probable they had never seen a waterbender in action before. Katara fashioned a whip before transitioning it into a set of eight octopus looking arms. She had just mastered that technique after a fairly lengthy struggle. She lifted the water above her and turned it into a sheet of ice. The ice slowly drifted over Sokka's head as he scowled at his sister. Living together in the South Pole, Sokka knew with great certainty what was coming. The ice turned back into water and fell to the earth, Sokka threw up his arms, but it was pointless against such a great deluge. He was drenched from head to toe. His sister and the two girls giggled. Even the quiet one sitting on the side of the fountain was smirking at him.
The Princess walked up to him and glared. He was almost a head taller than her, but she made him feel small. "Well?" She said expectantly. "Aren't you going to show me what you can do?"
Sokka looked down at his feet dejectedly. His sister jumped to his aid. "Sokka isn't a bender, like we are Azula. He's really good with his boomerang though! You should see it, he can hit anything. It's amazing." The raven haired girl looked at her fellow Princess skeptically.
"Meh, I'm not really interested in a savages' weapon." She figuratively spat.
Sokka gripped his boomerang that he had taken out excitedly in his hand. He stormed from the room, ignoring Katara's apologetic glance. Behind him as he exited the garden, he heard the acrobat scolding his betrothed. It made no difference to him.
He confided in his father, the day before they were due to leave the Fire Nation capital. Warchief Hakoda looked at his son with sympathy in his eyes. "I've got just the idea for you, kiddo."
"And what makes you think you are worthy of being taught by me, Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe? Just because you're a prince and the son of the chief doesn't mean I should waste my time on you." Piandao, the famous swordmaster glared down at the boy.
"I-I don't think I'm worthy Master Piandao, sir. But I have all these expectations on me, that I'll be the future of my tribe, that I'll protect them, that I'll keep my sister, and everyone else safe, and I can't do it. My sister's stronger than me, and she just turned eight. All I've got is a boomerang… I need to be better. I need to be able to protect her. I-I don't want Azula to be embarrassed by me either." He said the last sentence in almost a whisper.
Something in Piandao's eyes softened. "I train the young Prince Zuko, as well, maybe you've heard. He is very proficient with the dao blades. You may get the opportunity to spar with him on occasion when he comes to visit."
Sokka's eyes lit up excitedly. "Does that mean you're going to train me with the Dao Blades?"
"I think not, I've got something special in mind for you, young Prince."
He spent the better part of a full year residing at Piandao's mansion on Shu Jing Island. It was different being so far away from home for so long. He had traveled to the Southern Water Tribe's colonies of course with his father and mother. Kyoshi Island had a nice vacation home that their family sometimes visited when the chief was back from war. He and Katara would often play with the locals on the nice beaches. Yet, he had never been away from his entire family for so long.
His time with Piandao was exhilarating though. Zuko visited every other month for a couple weeks at a time. The Fire Nation Prince was much more talented with his blades than Sokka started out. Their training was so heavily one-sided at the beginning that Sokka began to despair that he was wasting everyone's time.
Slowly though, he improved. He lasted longer and longer in his spars with his master and against Zuko. Their movements and attacks gradually seemed slower, he began to anticipate rather than just react. Sokka began to realize what was a feint, and what was a real attack. Six months into his training, Sokka's jian caught a downward slash from Zuko, and knocked it from the elder boy's grasp. Faced with an adversary utilizing only one blade rather than his customary two, Sokka made short work of the Fire Prince.
His joy and exuberance at defeating his partner was short-lived. The next seven matchups went to Zuko, but the mental block had been hurdled. Sokka's improvements were more gradual afterwards, but as they neared the end of his year of training, he won just as often as he lost. The final week of his training was spent not practicing so much as it was preparing. Piandao outlined new lessons for Sokka to attempt to master when he had returned home to the South Pole. They also began working on a sword specifically crafted for the growing boy.
With Piandao, he crafted a new blade tailored for him and him alone. They were careful to craft it a little on the large side, anticipating that Sokka would naturally continue to grow into the weapon. The blade was normal steel, but when the process was almost done, Piandao coated the jian sword in an acidic solution. Sokka began to whine that they were ruining their hard work, but Piandao just laughed at him and told him to observe without being so hasty.
They let the solution lay dormant on the armament for three hours, where it had already started to rust. The weapon was then lowered carefully by Sokka, following Piandao's instruction to the T, into a vat of boiling water. When the sword was removed after a few minutes, the acid had been stripped off by the boiling water and the color of the blade had changed from a basic steel to a beautiful blue with hints of orange throughout. Sokka expressed gratitude to his master for such a unique gift. Sokka never told anyone that it reminded him of her flames.
Sokka traveled to the Fire Nation Royal Palace with Zuko after a year of training at Piandao's manse. His family was to gather him from there. There was hope that if they made good time they could make it in time for his tenth nameday.
Unfortunately, his nameday celebration was a muted affair. The tides endeavoured to keep them separated until after the important day had passed. Lady Ursa was kind and threw a small feast in his honor, even Fire Lord Iroh himself stopped by and said a few hospitable words. It felt different without Katara harassing him of course, without his mother's warm embrace protecting him from the cold of the polar seasons. His father missed his nameday's more often than not, as far as Sokka could remember. The war was every present.
His betrothed still treated him with a healthy dose of scorn, despite Lady Ursa's best attempts to set them up in situations for the pair to try and become friends. It was frustrating, being friends with Zuko was easy enough. The boy was slightly awkward and had been isolated from most contact with children his age other than his sister and her friends. It was strange at first, but the two princes became fast friends. This had only seemed to lessen his estimation in Azula's eyes. Her disdain for him was only matched by her daily annoyance at her older brother. No matter what he did, she wanted nothing to do with him, he was at least growing more and more used to her poisonous barbs. He didn't need to be a bender to be worth something. Piandao had taught him that.
Zuko and he took to the royal training grounds to pass the time. Outside of their master's instruction, the two still strived to best each other in every battle. The royal master-at-arms observed their bout with interest. From the corner of his eye, Sokka noticed that they had two hidden observers.
Not wanting to embarrass himself in front of the Princess, Sokka took a deep breath and plotted a strategy that he had been waiting to use against Zuko for sometime. Now seemed as an appropriate time as any. He couldn't look like a fool in front of her. She already thought he was weak, if he couldn't even beat Zuko now after all the practice over the last year, her estimation of him might never change. He wouldn't be, no, he couldn't be a failure.
Sokka was normally a patient fighter. Sussing out his opponents weaknesses and strategies was his most preferred method. He had, however, spent more than enough time fighting Zuko to know his standard techniques and opening moves. This would likely only work a singular time, the firebender would be aware and cognizant of the move ever after.
The Fire Princeling leaped forward aiming twin slashes high and towards his neck. Rather than step back and try to put some distance between himself and his opponent, Sokka dropped his new jian blade on the ground. It hit the cobblestone floor of the training ground with a clatter. He rolled under the slash and launched himself headlong into a tackle. A look of surprise crossed Zuko's face but by then it was already far too late. As Sokka dragged them both to the ground, the Dao blades of the firebender escaped his grip. A small knife was pulled out as they tumbled towards the ground and within seconds it was pressed lightly at Zuko's uncovered neck.
Scowling as the master-at-arms called the spar finished, Zuko pushed Sokka off of him and stormed from the grounds. He always was such a bad and ungraceful loser. From their spot behind a pillar, Azula and her friend Ty Lee eyed him. Sokka made eye contact with his betrothed, and gave a small wave. The Princess glared at him with an indescribable look. Sokka dared to dream that he had impressed her.
Kya and Katara came to collect him from the Fire Nation Palace three days later. Zuko had recovered from his ignominious defeat and the two friends had spent their last days together causing as much mischief as possible. They had even managed to find their way into Fire Lord Iroh's chambers through a hidden passage from the arboreum. Azula and Mai had come with them during that adventure. For some reason his friend acted weird around Mai. When he confronted the Fire Prince about it later, Zuko claimed that it was no different than how Sokka acted around Azula. As if.
He returns to the South Pole in two minds. He missed his good friend back in the Fire Nation and training everyday with Piandao provided structure and purpose. It was much harder to train back home, with the expansive duties already expected of him. With so many of the men gone fighting in the war, Sokka was one of the oldest remaining boys. A slew of the elder teenagers had just set off for Whaletail Island, the forward base of the Southern Water Tribe.
He was expected to train the youngest as best he could. He was expected to lead the hunts. He was expected to helm the fleet as they went to the fishing grounds in search of haddock and char. It was all so much pressure, for a boy that hadn't even seen his eleventh nameday.
Every day was a new struggle and new challenge for him. Being back in the south was definitely different. The luxuries and relaxation that the Fire Nation provided was gone, theirs was a much harsher living. At least the Water Tribe colonies provided raw goods and materials for the pole. Gran-Gran still told stories of when she was a girl, after she had escaped the ruthless Northern Water Tribe. The South then had been much smaller, confined only to the icy floes and snow swept lands of their tiny continent. The people truly eked out a living on the barest edges. Every winter there had been a chance entire villages would disappear and not survive the harsh climate.
His sister's waterbending had progressed to such an advanced level that they were able to practice together. She would bend spears of ice and send them hurtling towards him. Hama expressed dissatisfaction that Katara didn't spend more time working with the other waterbenders rather than her nonbending brother, but that didn't stop them.
Their playful bouts helped make up for the year that the siblings were apart. Sokka could tell that his sister was grateful for his new skills and their new bonding activity. She still threw snowballs at him, when he wasn't looking and he still tried to toss her into snow drifts whenever she let her guard down. It was almost like nothing had changed.
His first kiss wasn't with his betrothed. It happened when his family visited their vacation home on Kyoshi Island. His father was back for a few weeks rest from the front. He requested that the family meet him at their spacious bungalow near the beach. During the stay, Sokka and Katara interacted with a number of the locals. They even went to a party with a slew of islanders around their age.
Most of the residents of Kyoshi had a favorable view of the Southern Water Tribe. The Earth Kingdom had largely ignored the island for hundreds of years, it of course being so far away from Ba Sing Se. Under their father's rule, trade had increased dramatically and a small military base was set up on the island. There was a constant flow of goods and a second village was set up to house many of the sailors and warriors who would call the island home while they waited to deploy in battle against King Kuei's legions.
Hakoda had been very hands off. None of the customs of the island were banned and their support for their titular Avatar was not contested. The tribe just asked for taxation rights to be paid and for the towns to exist in harmony. The denizens of the island were more than hospitable to pay the increased taxes because their revenues had increased far more than the slight increase in taxation, due to trade and the growing population.
Katara had just turned thirteen, and his fifteenth nameday was still near a half year away. Their mother and father encouraged them to attend the party, likely to get the bungalow all to themselves. The thought made Sokka shudder. He would steer clear from sitting on any of the surfaces until after a servantone of the servants had done a thorough cleaning of the home.
The party was a raucous affair. It took place on the white sand beaches of the island. Three large bonfires were built and kept going strong by a pair of young firebenders who were on the island due to their warship being docked at the Water Tribe village for a spate of rest and relaxation. Two oaken barrels full of ale were procured by someone and the famous elderberry wine of Kyoshi Island was ever present. Sokka kept a meaningful eye on his sister throughout the night, but the young girl was having more than enough fun showing off her waterbending and facilitating a number of absurd drinking games that she thankfully wasn't partaking in directly.
"I know who you are." A soft voice said from behind him.
Sokka was standing alone by the smallest of the three bonfires. The firebenders hadn't been around to reignite this one in some time. They were barely standing in all truthfulness after the amount of wine they had ingested. He turned to see a beautiful teenage girl, roughly his age, maybe a year older.
He smiled softly at her, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. "Then I'm afraid you've got me a disadvantage Miss…"
"Suki. My name's Suki. We uhh, we actually played together when we were much younger, I was maybe five. It was at the beach by your family's home. I had wandered off and gotten lost from the commoners beach and your mother was kind and let you and your sister play with me for the day, until my parents were found. I've been scolded about it by my father every day since then. Us Kyoshi aren't meant to mingle with royalty."
Staring at her face, Sokka tried to recall the memory but was coming up blank. "It's okay that you can't remember." Suki said quietly and observantly. "For you it was just another fun day at your second or third or eighth home, whatever this place is for your family. But for me, it was seared in my memory. I played with the Prince and the Princess. I met the Warchief and Chieftess. It's not something that a little girl can forget." She finished with a chuckle.
"Well then," He began, looking into her blue eyes. (the girl clearly had some Water Tribe in her lineage) "I'll have to make up for my forgetfulness by making tonight worthy of remembrance." Suki laughed again, and Sokka felt a rush of excitement work it's way through his chest and reddened his face.
They spent the entire evening talking and dancing. They only played a few of the communal drinking games, and neither of them really imbibed a significant amount during the festivities. Content as they were with each other's company, it was one of the best nights of Sokka's young life. Talking to Suki was easy. It was enjoyable. She didn't attack him at every turn, instead she listened when he spoke about the stress and worries he had. She didn't make him question his worth or quality. She never made him feel inferior or weak during their conversations or by her actions. It felt wholesome being with her.
He walked her back to the Kyoshi native's village, once he made sure that Katara was safely making it back to their bungalow. Suki's home was on a small hill, near the outskirts of the town. He could just see the outline of the statute of Avatar Kyoshi in the darkness.
"Thank you for tonight." He said nervously. "I'm really glad you uhh- decided to talk to me. I promise I won't forget about today, like I forgot about the day we played together." Sokka grinned at her as she laughed.
Suki leaned in closer to him, and not even a young man as inexperienced as Sokka could miss the signs being given. He closed the distance and hesitantly captured her lips with his own. The girl sighed in contentment and they broke the kiss after a few seconds. They smiled at each other with uncertainty, before he pressed his luck again. This time the moment lasted far longer and some of the nervous energy was gone.
When they separated again, Suki looked up at him, a smile on her delicate features. "I've been wanting you to do that for hours, you know that?" she said.
"Err- Sorry for keeping you waiting then."
The islander giggled. "It's totally fine. Thank you for tonight, Prince Sokka."
A lantern turned on from inside the house, illuminating the pair. "Time to go, I guess." Suki said sheepishly as she dropped his hands and gave a small wave as she walked into the home.
"Bye." He said to no one in particular, she was already gone.
As he walked back to his family's bungalow, Sokka reflected on the evening. There was one thought that he couldn't shake. Suki said she had been waiting for him to kiss her for hours. The thought ran roughshod through his brain for the entire journey. If Azula wanted something she would go get it. The Princess wouldn't hesitate, she exhibits no restraint. Nothing like the softness and reticence of Suki. Sokka solemnly realized that he preferred the former. With a groan, he saluted one of the guards standing outside the home and sought out his bedroom, sleep claiming him at long last.
Sokka was only a year away from being of age to go to war. His father commanded that he return to finish training with Master Piandao. When Sokka protested that his duties at the tribe that he only now was growing into would be neglected, Hakoda simply smiled at him.
"Your sister is more than capable of handling those duties. Katara's had you teaching and leading for almost her entire life hasn't she? Unless you think you've done a poor job and set a bad example…?" The warchief trailed off, eyeing his son with a playful grin.
He shook his head. "Good, then you'll spend a half year with your Sword Master, honing your physical skills. The second half of the year will be spent in the Fire Nation. I've written to Iroh and asked him to include you in his counsels. Stay out of the way and do not irritate the Fire Lord, Sokka." His father shot him a knowing glance. "Learn from him. Observe his leadership abilities and qualities. He's a good man and a great leader in that order, mind you. When the year has run its course, I'll send for you to join us at one of the front's my son." Grasping his father's forearm, they bade each other a grave farewell at the thought.
His goodbyes with his mother and sister were much more emotional. Tears wouldn't stop flowing from his mother's eyes. Her shoulders heaved as she sorrowfully held him tight against her. He was almost a half foot taller than her now, but he never felt more small. It might be years before he saw the South Pole and his mother again.
"Come back to me Sokka. I already get a thousand grey hairs waiting for your father to return." He nodded, a lump forming in his throat, tears unbidden at the edges of his eyes. "You're so smart, my Sokka. I know you'll make the Tribe proud." Katara joined them in a bone crushing hug. Kya kissed his cheek before leaving her two children alone.
"Keep everyone safe sis. Watch out for Gran-Gran. She steals the seal jerky sometimes if you don't keep an eye on her." Katara's laugh was strangled through her tears.
"I'll keep it in mind. I'll only be missing you for a little while longer. Hama says I'm almost a master now. I won't let them keep me away from the fronts. Someone's gotta look out for you, when you get yourself into trouble."
Sokka sputtered out a half-hearted protest which caused his sister to only laugh harder.
"Please, remember how that whale almost ate you?"
"Cause I was trying to capture the seal-lion! That wasn't my fault!"
"Yeah, and you'd be in his belly right now if I hadn't pulled the ice floe you were on to safety." She smiled at him.
"I guess it's useful having a prodigious bender for a sister…" He smirked at her, kissing her forehead softly. "I'll try to leave the Northern Water Tribe unconquered, until you can join me sis."
"That's all I've ever wanted."
Training with Piandao was different when he returned. His spars were exclusively with his Master. Fat no longer proved a challenge, and only participated when they were trying to simulate combat against multiple opponents at once. Prince Zuko had stopped training with his Dao blades a few years back, as he grew more serious about his firebending. Sokka felt more alone, without his companion, but he had little time for rest. Piandao was a stickler for details, never harsh but constantly demanding the best of Sokka.
As they reached the final day that Sokka would be staying on Shu Jing, a sense of sadness overtook him. He had come to think of the manor as a second home, a place where he had stopped being the paltry non-bender he originally saw himself as and became someone who wouldn't be a liability to his people.
A lavish dinner was set out for the student and the teacher. Piandao discussed some drills and strategies for Sokka to hone and practice on as the young man would soon have to train on his own again.
"At this point, the only true teacher for you now is that of experience. I've passed on every piece of wisdom as it relates to swordsmanship that I know. You're a master in your own right now Sokka. At a far younger age than any I've ever had the privilege of teaching. Always wield your blade as if it is part of you. I wish you luck, and remember sometimes not swinging the sword is the harder choice." Piandao's last words echoed in his mind for quite some time.
Zuko wasn't at the Royal Palace when he arrived. The firebender had just reached the age of majority and was assisting his cousin Lu Ten's campaign to wrest control of Full Moon Bay from the Earth King. In fact, his betrothed and her friends were also absent, on a tour of the Fire Nation colonies with Lady Ursa and Iroh's wife Lady Lozami.
The days were passed by acting as a fly on the wall at the Fire Lord's war councils and various other meetings. A few were considered so top secret or pertaining to sensitive subjects that he was ushered out by the Fire Lord himself, but he was allowed to observe the vast majority of them as they related to the war effort. To his surprise, the Fire Lord would often ask him simple questions or inquire about what Sokka would do in certain situations. He was always careful and deliberate with his answers, not wishing to embarrass his father or the Tribe.
It was in the aftermath of one such meeting regarding how to manage a potential siege of Ba Sing Se, that the Fire Lord extended a personal invitation for Sokka to join him for tea in his parlor. An invitation from the most powerful man in the world was of course, no such thing, rather it was a firm command that Sokka had no choice but to dutifully accept.
The Fire Lord was already seated on a plush pillow when Sokka entered the room. A small table was directly in front of the monarch, upon which two ornamental ivory cups rested alongside a traditional clay teapot.
Beside the tea set was an ornate Pai Sho board. The Fire Lord was separating the pieces with a low hum when the man noticed that he had entered the room.
"Prince Sokka! Come sit with me. We've not had time to chat, just the two of us. Have we?" Iroh appeared genial and pleasant, but Sokka had seen the man rise to anger during more than enough meetings by now to underestimate how quickly his jovial mood could disappear.
"Only briefly, at my welcome feast." Sokka replied, clippedly.
The Fire Lord inclined his head in agreement. "Just so. I couldn't help but take note of the advice you gave today when prompted." Iroh carefully poured two equal cups of tea. When he finished, the monarch placed the cups on saucers and passed one to Sokka, a satisfied smile on his lips. "Your advice, quite frankly, was terrible."
Sokka flushed in embarrassment at first which quickly turned into indignation. The prince opened his mouth to defend himself but Iroh waved a hand cutting him off. "I think you're much smarter than you've allowed us to see in those meetings. Today, for instance you simply agreed with the suggestions of War Minister Quyin as it pertained to a siege of Ba Sing Se. War Minister Quyin's suggestions about military strategies are horrific. I utilize that man because he is a master of managing logistics and mobilizing our economy to help us in the war. His outlook one warfare, well it leaves much to be desired." Sokka tried to speak again but the Fire Lord was not finished.
"Simply put, young Prince Sokka, I can tell that you have real opinions that you want to contribute, but you instead choose to parrot and agree with whatever a different advisor has said that day. I see how keenly you observe all the information during our meetings. I don't think that's what you suggest is really what you have wanted to say. Which leads me to question why you are acting in this manner. Are you afraid that your ideas will be shot down? Are you worried that your suggestions will be ignored?" The Fire Lord waved his hand while sipping his tea, granting permission for Sokka to speak at last.
He inhaled deeply. The Fire Lord was far more observant than Sokka had given him credit for, he couldn't underestimate him. "It was a level of fear that held me back. I didn't want to speak out of turn or offer advice that might put me at odds with your counsel. I also worried about bringing shame to my Tribe by being impertinent, Your Majesty." Sokka bowed his head in shame.
Iroh observed him keenly before taking Sokka by surprise and laughing uproariously. "If only my advisers cared so much about bringing shame with their own counsels! Tell me, Prince Sokka, what would you really have said today in the meeting with no concerns of reprisal or fear of embarrassment." A servant came carrying a tray of biscuits and cookies that the pair accepted gratefully.
The Fire Lord was one of the few men in the world that Sokka found had an appetite to match his own. Sokka took a smile bite of the mint flavored treat while he considered his words.
"If you'll forgive my bluntness Sir, but the plans put forward were terrible as you said, and I'm sorry for agreeing with them rather than giving you my own thoughts. It won't happen again." Iroh nodded for him to continue. "If it makes you feel any better, I always tried to echo the least bad plan presented by your advisers." The Fire Lord almost spat out his tea at that confession, and Sokka involuntarily smiled slightly before continuing.
"I think we're looking at winning this war all wrong. Ba Sing Se isn't going to fall to a half-baked siege. There is still much of the Earth Kingdom that remains independent not counting their capital city. Sieging a place that is self sufficient, unless it can be stormed is an exercise in futility. Our efforts should be directed at defeating the remaining Earth Kingdom cities and towns outside of Ba Sing Se as well as finally removing their greatest ally, the Northern Water Tribe. Ba Sing Se itself should either be defeated as the final blow or brought low by some other means rather than an outright siege.
Minister Quyin's suggestion to have Zhao lead an assault against the Walls of Ba Sing Se, well it's lunacy. Zhao is responsible for two of the worst defeats our countries have shared in the last ten years. Putting him in charge makes no sense. Maybe it's Fire Nation politics, but I think you'd be far better off, if you choose to attack having your son or General Ozai lead the attack. They've proven far more competent than he."
The monarch looked delighted at his response. "Have you played Pai Sho before?" He asked Sokka abruptly.
Nodding while confused at the turn the conversation had taken, Sokka countered the first move of the Fire Lord. After ten moves had passed in silence, Iroh spoke.
"I'm glad to find you're more astute than you were leading me to believe. I've had much the same thought. I've planned on retreating our forces away from Ba Sing Se, forming a defensive perimeter along the Valu River. Your father's fleet could be repurposed then and sent north. If Warchief Hakoda agrees, our next combined assault should come against the Northern Water Tribe rather than beating our heads senselessly against the Walls of Ba Sing Se. It will take a few months to move the necessary troops around, but I think you're quite right about Zhao not being in charge. I'll have Ozai lead our forces. He's almost finished suppressing the rebellion in Omashu and will be more than capable. It's some time away, but your father gave me the discretion to send you to any of the warfronts when the time came. Would you be interested in seeing our…your plan through Prince Sokka?"
Sokka fumbled his move, accidentally placing the winter wolf directly in harm's way. Iroh responded quickly by jumping the piece with the rabid rhino. "You do me a great honor, Your Majesty." He said.
Iroh waved a hand carelessly. "Please, I'm placing you in the greatest danger. My only hope, my dream is that we can end this war decisively so no more lives are lost. It's gone on far too long already. I'm weary of it Prince Sokka. We didn't start this conflict, but we must see it through to the bitter end."
The old man did seem weary, until he gave an excited "OH-HO" and captured the last of Sokka's pieces with a deft maneuver that the Prince had not anticipated.
"You're quite good at this for someone so young, one day you may even be a master. I'm glad of this. When Ozai told me that he had promised Princess Azula's hand to the son of Hakoda, I was skeptical, never having met you or your father at the time. Hakoda was young then and only a Prince as you are now, your Grandfather still lived before the betrayal at Yu Dao, bless his soul, but Ozai was insistent. I'm grateful for it now. I dare say in time you will find just how lucky the two of you are to have such a fantastic life long companion." Iroh began collecting the pieces from the board and placing them back in their starting location.
Sokka grimaced at the last words and Iroh looked at him with confusion on his face. "If only, the Princess could think the same, Your Majesty." At this comment, Iroh chuckled softly.
"Yes, I'm well aware of her demeanor and actions towards you. Lady Ursa has more than once complained to me about how her daughter's been treating you over the years."
"Respectfully, Sir. I don't know if she will ever look at me as an equal. I'm not a bender and she's made it clear her feelings on the matter more than once I reckon." Sokka said, dejectedly.
The Fire Lord stared at him intently and Sokka couldn't break from his gaze. "Azula… is complicated. She has inherited more than a handful of the worst traits of her father. Vain, prideful, arrogant. The perfect picture of a Fire Nation royal." Iroh said with a self-deprecating laugh. "In a different world she may have been a terror, but her father, praise him has reigned in not just his own worst impulses but also hers.
She is talented and driven, that much there can be no denying, but she values something much more than bending prowess, young Prince." Sokka looked at the elder man skeptically.
"She holds intelligence in the highest esteem. The Princess is one of the most capable individuals I've ever met, she's a true credit to her nation in that regard. She would likely never find a bender capable of matching her, I'm not sure such a person exists, truthfully. But…" Iroh held up a single finger, cutting off Sokka's half-hearted interjection. "Azula might just find an equal that can match her mind, sharp as it is. That will be the only way you can win her heart young Prince as I suspect you want to."
Sokka felt heat rising to his face and mumbled his thanks. Talking about this with her Uncle, (the Fire Lord nonetheless!) felt awkward, but it was the best advice he had ever gotten in regards to the Princess. Katara was virtually no help, merely calling him a dunderhead every time he had ever broached the subject. His father was away more often than not, and his mother just offered platitudes and suggestions that might work on other girls, but were liable to see him fried to bits by Azula. Seriously. Send her flowers? Good luck to the fool who tried that.
A servant rushed into the room, exclaiming that the Fire Lord had urgent business due to an accident at a metal refinery just outside the capital. Iroh leapt to his feet, a spring in his step that belied his age. "Thank you for joining me today Prince Sokka. I look forward to your presence in my war meetings going forward." Sokka stood and bowed low in the customary Fire Nation manner that Piandao had taught him, thinking all the while of the discussion about his betrothed.
From that day on, he never wavered in his convictions when called upon to speak by the Fire Lord. A number of the ministers and officers of the Fire Nation looked perturbed that a young man was given such an accounting by their monarch, but none dared raise such a complaint either privately or publicly.
Iroh continued to invite him to tea at least twice a week. Pai Sho was their primary focus, but Sokka realized early on that the lessons conveyed by the Fire Lord were about much more than the game. Time flew by, between honing his skills with the sword and the constant barrage of planning and work as the two countries prepared their invasion of the Northern Water Tribe. His father had agreed to the change in strategy, the warchief however, was splitting duties between mopping up portions of the Earth King's fleet in Chameleon Bay as well as assisting Crown Prince Lu Ten in dealing with a resurgent assault emanating from Ba Sing Se.
Admiral Bato would command the Southern Water Tribe forces in the upcoming assault on their northern kinsmen, while Ozai freshly returned from pacifying another rebellion in the nascent Fire Nation Colonies would have the final control over the combined invasion force. Sokka was anxious to get underway soon. He had been invited by both Bato and Ozai to hoist his personal standard on both their ships. The white wolf, stitched on a dark navy blue ensign, expertly by Kya and Katara had come to symbolize Southern Water Tribe royalty and was always displayed prominently on the flagstaff of whatever ship they embarked on. Choosing begrudgingly to travel and fight from General Ozai's ship in order to facilitate better communication between the two nations during the course of the invasion, Sokka prepared for the feast that was honoring not just his departure but that of the entire armada.
Whether by luck or some greater stirrings of fate, Lady Ursa and Princess Azula had returned from their tour of the Fire Nation colonies and would be attending the feast tonight. The thought led to some trepidation on his part. He wasn't quite sure if he was ready to see his betrothed again. The last time they had been together, she had at least tolerated his presence and played games with him and Zuko. Spirits that felt so long ago.
Now, he was leaving the next day on the verge of a great war, that there was no guarantee he would return from. He worried that she wouldn't care, maybe the Princess might even feel liberated if he didn't come back. The thought filled him with dread.
The evening passed far quicker than he would have liked, as if time sped up in an affront to the soldiers who would be departing to the icy waste of the North Pole facing challenges and perils unknown. The only noteworthy event other than Bato stumbling drunkenly out of the hall escorted by three men who could barely hold him aloft was the argument between his betrothed and the Fire Lord. He noticed it because, well, it was a struggle to keep his eyes off of her. She had grown impossibly beautiful over the years. His brain had failed to come up with an adequate response when they were reintroduced early on in the dinner by Lady Ursa to his great shame.
The Princess stormed from the room, neither she nor the Fire Lord had raised their forces but the monarch had clearly dismissed her. She rushed past him heading out of the hall and taking a left hand turn before disappearing from sight.
"Prince Sokka." The Fire Lord beckoned him over. "I think a stroll in the royal garden might do you a world of good right now."
Sokka bowed low, noticing the mischievous twinkle in the Fire Lord's eyes. He made his leave with General Ozai and Lady Ursa before leaving the hall, rushing to the gardens as quickly as he dared.
When he reached the doors leading to the courtyard, he quietly stepped through, Azula had clearly already slammed the doors ajar. She stood by the small pond and the artificial waterfall that produced such tranquil sounds. The Princess was bending artfully. Her fire no longer had just flecks of blue mixed with orange. No, now it was a bright magnificent cerulean, close enough to the doublet he wore now. The colors of the Water Tribe.
The sight was enough to take his breath away. Her body twisted and contorted as she went through her forms. The blue of her bending contrasting vividly with the crimson dress she wore. He thought that he could watch her all night long and not need any other entertainment. He stepped forward quietly but in the semi-darkness he stepped on a twig. For a moment he thought the Princess might turn and blast him with a quick strike, but instead she simply turned off her bending, and spun to face him, a harsh glare on her face.
"Leave me alone savage. I don't want to have to deal with you or anyone else right now." Azula growled at him.
"I'm sorry." Sokka said, holding up his hands in a sign of submission. "I uhh won't bother you. Could I just watch your bending, it's one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen."
Azula looked at him inquisitively for a moment, before nodding and silently returning to working through her forms. Sokka stepped back and away, sitting himself on a wooden bench, facing her, alongside the edge of the pond. A pair of juvenile turtleducks were swimming in the pond, also observing the bending from a healthy distance.
He watched her artfully bend for quite some time. He didn't think he would ever tire of seeing her in action. Azula's flames were something wholly unique, he'd seen a hundred Firebenders, even the Fire Lord himself at practice and nothing could match the sheer brilliance of her prowess. She was a natural, a prodigy, something rare and wholesome.
The Princess finally finished with a blast that launched through the opening of the roof into the cloudless night sky, where the stars twinkled down from above in reply. She slowly turned to face him, he didn't know whether to clap or rush forward to praise her excitedly. Instead, he slowly stood and approached her.
"I'm surprised you managed to go that long without talking." She said snarkily, but some of her edge had appeared to come off.
"Well, I was treated to dinner and a show tonight. I can't really complain." Sokka replied.
Maybe, despite herself, the Princess laughed, a small smile on her lips. Sokka hadn't thought it was the best joke he had ever made but just seeing her face alight was worth every moment of waiting in silence.
She looked at him seriously and pointed towards the bench, she walked over to it and sat down before gesticulating at the far end of the bench, suggesting where she thought he should sit. Taking the very explicit hint, Sokka sat down beside her, a healthy distance between the two.
He didn't say anything, letting her talk about whatever she wished. "I assume you saw our little spat then tonight?" Azula asked.
Sokka just nodded in affirmation. Deciding to omit that Iroh had sent him out here after her.
"My Uncle." She spat the last word. "Has decided I'm still not ready to join our men and women at the front. My brother is gone and fighting and I'm ten times the bender he is. You've seen me now. You know it's true. At this point I think I could even defeat my Uncle if an Agni Kai if I had half the mind to challenge him. It's ridiculous how he holds me back, wasting my talents."
"I'm sure he's just trying to protect you." He said weakly.
Azula shot daggers at him with her eyes. "Do I look like a sweet little Princess in need of protection, fool?" She snarled.
"No. You don't." He answered simply.
Before she could respond, he continued. "My sister and an elder named Hama are the two greatest benders in our tribe. I don't, I haven't thought that women are incapable of protecting themselves since I was eleven and my ten year old sister kicked my ass in a spar. I think a lot of things Princess, but I'd never think you're one who needs protection."
She made a soft "hmph" sound which sounded like approval as she continued to stare at the turtleducks.
"I'd like it more if you were just a meathead, that way I could maintain my righteous anger at my father and uncle for agreeing to this match. It would make everything so much easier." Azula said lightly.
At this, Sokka chuckled. "I think you'll find if you talk to Katara again anytime soon, she'd agree with you. She's surely called me worse."
"Little sisters have that talent, I suppose." Azula crowed.
He nodded in acceptance, Azula sure did love to tease Zuko at every turn.
"I'm sorry the Fire Lord won't allow you to participate. I think you'll do the Fire Nation a great credit on the day you're unleashed on the world, Princess." She turned to face him and their eyes met at last.
Her cheeks seemed to flush and he couldn't tear his gaze away from her. She was a singular beauty, of that there was no denying.
"Thank you." She said softly.
"Would you mind it very much if I wrote to you while I'm at the warfront, Princess." He asked, a touch of nervousness in his voice.
Her normal haughty expression had returned and a flicker of mischief spread across her face. "Truly, I'm surprised. I didn't know that the men of the Southern Water Tribe could read, let alone write."
He rolled with her jab, as hope welled inside his chest. "That wasn't particularly a no, was it Princess?" Sokka teased back.
"Take it as you will then, Barbarian. I'm sure you're salivating at the chance to seem cultured in front of your fellow tribesman. It won't be long before you brag of the beautiful Princess you have waiting for you back in the Fire Nation." Azula rolled her eyes at him but then broke into a smile that lit the gardens just as easily as her flames did.
Sokka daringly stepped closer, until their faces were just a hair's breadth apart. "So you will be waiting for me then?" He said, his voice dropped low, in an effort to display some of his feelings.
He was rewarded with the cheeks of the Princess flushing bright red. The royal had an indiscernible expression on her face, as she leaned in drawing the two ever closer. Her hand rose slowly, her fingernails lightly tracing the dark skin of his forearm. Sokka had to stop himself from shuddering in anticipation.
The illusion was shattered as she sharply pinched his skin. She smirked at him before raising his hand to her lips and offering a chaste kiss. "That would depend on the manner of your letters, I suppose." Azula's golden eyes seemed as if they were burrowing into his soul. She dropped his hand and spun away, sauntering from the room with an elegance that defied description. Savage, fool, barbarian… he would be whatever she wanted him to be.
Agni above, he was in over his head.
Princess,
I pray to the spirits that your days are passing smoother than mine. Nothing could have prepared me for what I've seen here in just a few weeks of fighting. It's ironic how the North Pole is so similar to my own home, and yet I find it so harsh and unwelcoming. It shouldn't come as a surprise, I guess. We've come here as would be conquerors, haven't we? The elements themselves fight against us here. Our waterbenders and the men of my tribe are withstanding it well, but I worry for many of your own nation's people.
Your father of course has withstood the rigors of the cold and the darkness, as befits a General and Prince of the Fire Nation, but many lesser firebenders have seen themselves confined to the hospital barges, searching in vain for a remedy to their failing bending. I know the Fire Lord has barred you from participating, but I for one would feel much safer if I had a firebender as talented as you by my side.
My last letter to you, I wrote of our failed assault. The seaborne invasion we originally planned was a bigger catastrophe than we ever might have predicted. I can't stress how many soldiers of ours were saved by your father's decisive actions. We've settled in now for a protracted siege. Most of the days past monotonously, but we have had to fight off three different relief efforts from the smaller Northern Water Tribe villages. If nothing else at least, it's blessed me with the hours to write and rewrite this letter a dozen times. The Fire Nation fleet has set up a blockade, while the warriors of my tribe have encircled Agna Qel'a by land. They are completely cut off while we plan our next move.
I've worried I've enclosed too much classified information, if your father were to read this, he would likely burn off my writing hand. The days pass slowly, so far from all the things I most adore. One day I'll take you to Kyoshi Island and the home my family has there. It's restful and scenic, nothing like this wartorn hellscape. I hear it's similar to Ember Island, though I've not had the pleasure of visiting.
The sky lights here are different even. Back home it's mainly different shades of greens and yellows, but up here, at night the sky illuminates in the most brilliant shades of purples and blue. Some are even so blinding and pure that it reminds me of your bending, though no sight in the world can ever match that beauty, save perhaps your smile.
Faithfully yours,
Prince Sokka, the Barbarian.
Princess,
Our situation has somehow deteriorated to even worse than before. An entire relief fleet sent by the Earth King managed to slip by your cousin and my Father. I'm not sure how they managed to do so, but they took your father's force in the rear. General Ozai's ships fought them to a stand still before Admiral Bato and his armada were able to relieve us.
Bato was struck down by a projectile from one of Kuei's catapults. It seems wrong to bury a man at sea in this far corner of the world, so distant from his beloved home. He was my father's best friend. He taught me how to set a fishing line, and the best way to sneak up on seal-lions. Now he'll never get to see his children or wife again. This war has already taken so much from all of us. I know now, some of the grief that your uncle spoke of. Every man lost is a burden and a blow. These men would all one day call me Warchief, and now so many of them will never have the chance to live peacefully until an old age to do so.
It makes me sick and fills me with a rage. I've only been here for three months and I think I've seen enough warfare to last a lifetime. I can still see the light leave the eyes of the first man that I killed on the very first day of our assault. I haven't written to you about it. I didn't talk to anyone about it, but I felt sick for three days. Hell I truly don't even know if you read these letters or just incinerate them when my hawk arrives. I'd like to think that you do, it brings me strength and warmth, all these leagues from safety, from home, from you.
After Bato's passing, the chain of command for the Water Tribe forces isn't clear. Commander Tarkon, has the seniority, but Captain Kornan has command of Bato's ship and the loyalty of many of the other Captains because Tarkon usually served with my father and not with Bato's fleet. It's a nightmare and we can't afford this kind of petty infighting. Bato is likely rolling over in his watery grave… These clowns will endeavour to tear apart us from the inside and all of our losses will be in vain. Your father has intimated that he thinks I need to seize control of the Water Tribe forces as is my right as Prince. He's right in this, I'm certain. Tomorrow, I'll transfer my standard from your Father's ship to the Winter's Bite. It's time for me to take charge of this situation. As always, I strive to be worthy of the honor of being your partner.
Faithfully yours,
Prince Sokka, the Fool
Princess,
It's doubtful my message will reach you before the official Fire Nation dispatch will, but I still rushed to finish this missive as soon as I possibly could. Quite simply, all I can do is offer my sincerest apologies. I reached your father in time to save his life, but it's unclear whether his bending will return to him. The ice spear launched by Warchief Arnook took him directly in the chest, piercing his lung. Thankfully the shard was small enough to not kill General Ozai instantly, and some of our finest healers were able to save his life. The wound just missed his heart, spirits be praised.
Work on the internal organs is very difficult, and I promise they did the best they could in the circumstances. He is returning now to heal in the Fire Nation and I can only hope that your people's advanced medicines coupled with our healers will be enough to restore him fully to health.
The battle was a close thing, but we broke the outer layer of their defenses. We just await a slate of reinforcements that the Fire Lord promised he was sending to aid us in our final push. I believe I've concocted a plan that should end the siege of the North tonight and put a stop to all this bloodshed. Once they arrive, I'll lead the assault and see if I can't bring back Arnook's amulet as a souvenir for your father.
I know I've been training for this my whole life, yet I still feel nervous. I wouldn't admit this to anyone other than you. In front of my troops I must be strong. With your father returning to the Fire Nation, the other commanders have acclaimed me as the leader of the joint armada. It's a pressure beyond anything I've experienced. I hope I'll prove myself as worthy of you Princess. The Fire Nation reinforcements are arriving now, so I need to greet their Captain and prepare the troops for the final assault. As always,
Faithfully Yours,
Prince Sokka the Savage
Putting the finishing touches on the letter, Sokka folded it up in a tight roll before gesturing to his animal to come over with a wave. The bird scooted from its perch in the corner of the room, taking flight for a moment before settling on the small wooden desk. "Take this to Azula, won't ya boy?" Sokka smoothed the feathers on the back of the hawk's head and the messenger bird gave a trill of contentment as his master placed the letter inside the tube on the hawk's leg.
Sokka opened the door to the deck of the ship and stepped out of the Captain's cabin. The bird flew off sharply to the right, landing on the dock of the Fire Nation ship that was pulling alongside his own vessel and then vanishing from sight.
The hawk returned to his vision quickly with a loud screech, settling onto his shoulder. The bird's talons didn't dig into his skin thanks to the thick overcoat he was sporting. Sokka turned his head to scorn his earnest animal. Had a half year of letters never reached his betrothed because his bird was functionally useless? He grimaced as the bird pecked playfully at his hair. The tube that carried his letter was open and upon further inspection, his letter had already been removed.
"What the hell, Hawky? I let you live a life of luxury, and all I ask is that you make a few non-stop trips to deliver some correspondence. I said I'd write to her, and she didn't try to flame broil me. My luck, I find out I picked the most incompetent bird in the entire Fire Nation to carry my mail. I'm so dead." Sokka lamented aloud.
"You shouldn't berate your bird. He did exactly as you bade him." A female voice carried across the deck of the ship and Sokka spun quickly, almost tripping over his feet as he did so, on his shoulder the bird clutched tight, cawing in protest at the rapid shift.
His breathing hitched for a moment as he saw his betrothed standing with one hand on her waist and the other holding aloft the scroll he had just sent her. Sokka's eyes went wide and he failed to formulate a response for what felt like an eon. The Fire Nation battleship that the Princess had disembarked from was docked next to his Water Tribe frigate.
"How…?" Was all that he managed to formulate as she strode forward eagerly to stand in front of him.
"What can I say, when we heard that you were in charge of the entire armada, I was worried you'd blow it. The Fire Lord also figured you could use some help. So here I am." She gave a mock curtsy.
"I-I'm glad you could join us." He stammered out.
"I'd hope so, you did say, you'd feel much safer with me by your side, didn't you?" She smirked at him.
An indescribable emotion filled him. Looking back on it, Sokka would say it was akin to pure joy. "You read my letters." He uttered, happiness surely evident on his face.
Azula responded by simply rolling her eyes at him. "Don't we have an assault to finish planning and a city to conquer?"
"Well yeah… but you read my letters!" Sokka felt like a kid who caught his first mantaray-fish.
Groaning in dismay, even though Sokka saw a small smile at the corner of her mouth, Azula motioned for her Captain to join them. Sokka waved over his two primary subordinates and gestured them all to enter the planning room. They had a battle to win.
"You were here almost a year and you flailed around in the snow and ice, and I show up and we take the city in a day. For shame, dear Sokka." Azula teased him, but he didn't rise to the bait.
Just hearing her say his name made him feel a special sort of way. Besides, the mission wasn't quite over. The Palace was the last remaining bastion of resistance in Qel'a. The outer walls had come tumbling down at last, and the interior of the city fell as well. Thankfully the civilians had all retreated to inside the Palace where they huddled in the great hall. Troops secured the room and started orderly and kindly, Sokka commanded them, to prepare for the next phase. Sounds of fighting gradually died out throughout the city.
Chief Arnook had already been subdued and captured, ironically by Bato's eldest son. The universe sure had its share of funny coincidences. The last remaining adversaries were holed up in the Throne Room. A trio of firebenders blasted through the ornate doors, collapsing the wall inwards with the strength of their blasts.
Twenty or so men stood between them and the throne of Ice where a beautiful white-haired young woman sat regally. His own soldiers poured into the room, outnumbering them at least five to one. From her dais, The Princess of the Northern Water Tribe looked down over them. Her soldiers retreated slowly forming a semi-circle around her at the base of the stairs. Sokka stepped forward at the head of his own troops, fiddling with the hilt of blood-stained sword in his hand.
"Princess Yue, for pity's sake have your men throw down their arms. Your benders are defeated. The city is taken. No one else needs to die today. We aren't the Earth King, we don't slaughter prisoners. If your troops surrender now, I promise on my honor as Prince of the Southern Water Tribe that no harm will come to them or you. If not…" Sokka let the threat go unsaid, better to let her fill in the details with her imagination.
The warriors surrounding the Water Tribe Princess looked as if they were on the verge of doing as Sokka bade them, even without Yue's command. The bright blue flames dancing dangerously on Azula's fingertips added an extra level of menace to his unspoken ultimatum.
Sokka wasn't sure what came first, Yue's order to capitulate or the warriors yielding on their own. Either way it made no difference. A slew of swordsmen rushed forward to corral the last bastion of resistance in the Northern Water Tribe. He approached the fair-haired Princess, sheathing his weapon as he did so, Azula walked alongside him.
Bowing as he reached Yue, Sokka observed the tears in her eyes that the Princess refused to allow to fall. The Water Tribe Princess was composed and regal, refusing to appear weak even as the whole world came tumbling around her. In a different life, Sokka might have thought she was beautiful, the image of perfection. Yet, with the drums of war at her borders, Yue had stayed hidden. Guarded by soldiers who might have better used to defend their homeland against invasion at the front lines. Azula would never be sidelined or hide behind others if what she cared about was threatened.
"What's to be my fate? Imprisoned and shackled in the infamous Boiling Rock?" Yue spat venomously at the two royals.
"No, Princess. We aren't savages despite whatever you may think of us." Sokka said softly, while Azula chuckled at his remark, earning a sharp glare from Yue.
"We will escort you back to the Fire Nation where you will live as an honored guest in the Royal Palace. You won't want for anything. It's a fate far kinder than the destruction your people wrought on the Northern Air Temple, don't you think?" Azula said snidely.
At this pronouncement Yue's expression softened slightly. "A prisoner of course." Yue laughed bitterly. "And my people...?" She asked worriedly.
"Will be treated fairly. We will not allow you to remain in such great numbers here in your city of course. We plan on spreading your citizens throughout the Northern and Southern Tribes in much smaller groups. I'll make sure no families are broken up. You have my word Princess. A convoy of Southern Water Tribe settlers will arrive to take up residence alongside the lucky few that get to stay here in Qel'a. When the war is over… who knows, maybe we can allow you to return to your city." Sokka tried to say as kindly as possible.
"I won't hold my breath. If you'll lead me to my cell then… I grow weary of having to stare at the faces of those who defeated us ." The forlorn look returned to Yue's face.
"Captain!" Azula called out to a firebender behind her. "Escort the Princess to my quarters and place guards on the suite round the clock."
The masked warrior saluted but didn't take Yue away, instantly. Azula raised an eyebrow as the captain nervously stuttered a question. "Err- Princess, where will you stay for the trip home?"
Azula laughed aloud and directed a sly grin in Sokka's direction. "Why, with my betrothed of course, Captain."
Heat rushed to Sokka's face at the implication. His mind whirled. As Yue was led away she snarled at them. "You two deserve each other."
"I couldn't agree more." Azula purred, placing a hand on his chest.
He barely had time to react before she crashed her lips against his. He closed his eyes as their mouths wrestled for dominance. There was such fire in her both metaphoric and literal. He knew all at once that somehow, their families had picked the perfect counterpart for each other amongst the millions of people in the world, all those years ago. Just how lucky were they? This was never how he would have planned it, but nothing about his relationship had gone according to plan had it? Only his Princess would determine that the perfect time to share their first kiss would be in the aftermath of a great military victory.
Sokka felt the heat of her body as she pressed herself close against him. Azula filled his every sense, the thought of her was intoxicating. Having her with him was all that he had ever dreamed it could be. He tried to convey all of his feelings in the space of a single kiss. Sadly, he found it was impossible to express everything he felt, in such a short time, even if the kiss did stretch far longer than perhaps was appropriate. He did his best with it, though.
When they at last broke apart, Sokka gave a dissatisfied groan. Azula brought her hand to his face, wiping his lips, and removing the lipstick she had left there. He smiled at her, hoping that the look of longing was not missed by the Princess.
"Pity, I liked it when everyone could see I was yours" He said in a low voice.
"Oh, they'll know. They'll all know. This city has some of our people's most sacred temples does it not?" When Sokka nodded, puzzled at the question, she continued. "In that case, I figured we would need both a Water Tribe and Fire Nation wedding for both of our cultures. I see no reason we don't complete the first one here before we leave. That way no one can be upset or believe that you've besmirched my virtue… What do you say dear… husband."
Sokka gulped, realizing the enormity of what she was proposing. "Our families are going to kill us, you know?"
"Tsk, they'll have to do it after thanking us for conquering a nation that's withstood a hundred years of war. I think we've earned it. And besides," Azula leaned in close, whispering in his ear. "I'm going to ravish you, one way or another tonight. We might as well make it legal." Sokka fought off a shudder.
"I think I've figured the perfect wedding gift for you then, Wife." As they stepped out of the room hand in hand into the bright sunlight of the Arctic summer.
"Oh, do tell."
"I'm planning on taking you on our honeymoon to stay in the Earth King's palace in Ba Sing Se after we conquer it. I figure that's a gift worthy of my Princess." Sokka didn't have to imagine that he saw Azula quiver in excitement.
"That's my barbarian." She said, with a gorgeous smile stretching from ear to ear.
A:N/ Well there it is. My first major AU dabble. I hope you all liked it. This one got away from me a bit, I really wanted to write so much more but ran out of time. I had a whole relationship with Ozai and Sokka planned out and I had to cut the actual battles of the Siege of the North out. Either way I hope you enjoyed. It was a bit of a different take with Sokka and Azula definitely being a bit more grey. It's a much different world, no avatar exists basically. Just a war torn world. I tried to have a bit of world building while still leaving a lot unexplored!
If you ever want to chat about these one shots or War and Laughter or just ATLA or Sokkla feel free to message me on here or better yet talk to me on Tumblr at Deaddirector. :D thanks yall!