Azula had been stowed on a Fire Nation cargo vessel for an incredibly long two weeks and they had finally arrived at their destination. It had been less than ideal holing up in a cargo box filled with goods to be traded and sold to the Water Tribe. Upon investigation of the goods, she'd found plenty of food to sustain her through the week. She'd also found a container full of clothing and lifted a thick black coat to sport over her ugly green robes.
It was easy to avoid the crew members during the week as they only checked on the cargo once a day, but that meant she was left all alone with only Ozai to keep her company. He'd been ranting the entire trip about her decision to hide at the Southern Water Tribe.
Truthfully, the most ideal location to hide would have been somewhere warmer, with plenty of sunlight and a thick population that she could easily blend into. A part of her agreed with Ozai. This was a stupid idea. She couldn't deny that.
But there was a larger part of her, a part that wanted vengeance, that urged her to wait in the Southern Water Tribe for the return of Katara. She wanted nothing more than to get her revenge on the goody-two-shoes bitch that forced her to her knees. She wanted to make her cry and beg for mercy. Moreover, she wanted to do it in Katara's element, to prove to herself that she was indeed the strongest. And after she'd had her way with the Avatar's whore, she'd make her way back to the Fire Nation to challenge Zuko to an Agni Kai and reclaim her rightful throne as Fire Lord. Maybe then, when everything she'd worked so hard for was finally hers, Ozai would leave her alone.
Azula could see her breath in the rapidly cooling air of the cargo box she was hiding in, the condensation dissipating into nothingness. There was a rumble and she recognized that they were on the move.
I don't remember your plans being this half-cocked, Azula.
She was irritated with Ozai's crass observations—her observations, of herself.
"My careful decisions and plans landed me in an icy hellhole for a year, father. Perhaps it's time to be a little more spontaneous," she mused uninterestedly. After several minutes of rumbling and jostling, the cargo box was dropped roughly onto the ground, tossing her about with the rest of the goods. She grimaced, rubbed her sore rear, and quickly ran to the front of the box. Using momentum, she agilely careened from shelf to shelf and perched right above the cargo doorway just as a vessel crew member entered.
She descended silently when his back was turned, darting out the door around the corner in a crouch. They had docked at what she assumed was the port of the South Pole. It was cold, but not as cold as her icebox. The coat was doing its job at keeping her comfortable enough, but she knew she'd need something thicker eventually. The chill was beginning to seep into her skin and the fire inside her crackled lowly.
There were several crew members sluggishly moving to do their jobs, cracking open cargo boxes and beginning to move merchandise out. They were too distracted to notice her darting in and out of the shadows, making her way out of the port and straight into towards the entrance of the Southern Water Tribe.
I hope your acting has improved, Ozai taunted as she neared tall, icy walls that unbelievably rivaled the height of the Fire Nation palace walls.
She was surprised at how large it was. She'd never needed to visit before but her childhood education of the Southern Water Tribe hadn't described the village as anything but peasantly and drab. It seemed that they had overcome the Fire Nation raids and somehow rebuilt. The walls were blocking her view, but she could see the tops of glassy structures and could hear the loud chatter of the people living within.
There were two water tribe guards standing at the entrance, dressed in thick blue pelts and holding barbaric weapons made with what looked like sharpened bones and wooden clubs. She softened her eyes and curved her mouth into an innocent smile.
"Oh, h-hello," she stuttered softly, giving the guards a short bow.
"State your business," one ordered gruffly. She laughed awkwardly, her hands wringing with feigned nervousness.
"I'm just a traveler passing through. I'd like to restock on resources and rest before moving on," she explained, gesturing at her worn clothing and hoping they'd notice her dire need for a bath.
"We don't just let anyone in, girl," the same guard dismissed. The other hesitated, his expression kinder than his partners. His expression was cautious, but clearly more understanding. She used that moment, her voice becoming even smaller as she approached timidly.
"Please, I won't cause any trouble. I'm not a bender, just a girl from the Earth Kingdom exploring the world. I promise."
The second guard sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "The Chief did mention that the village needs more tourists," he reasoned. His partner huffed irritably and considered his words before waving a dismissive hand at Azula.
"Fine, whatever. But if she causes any problems, it's on you."
Azula bowed, her hair shielding her calculating smile. "Thank you. You won't regret it."
"What's your name, girl?"
She put her mask back on, the warm smile returning.
"Call me Song."
"We shouldn't be trading openly with the Fire Nation, Chief. Just because you're friends with the Fire Lord doesn't mean our people don't remember how the Fire Nation nearly wiped us out!"
Sokka rubbed his temples and shrunk inwardly at his right-hand advisor Hakan's words. There was unrest in the South Pole since his agreement to begin an uneasy alliance with the Fire Nation. His friendship with Zuko wasn't as well-received as he'd hoped it would be. His people were still hurt by what the Fire Nation had done to their land and their people.
As it stood today, the Southern Water Tribe was finally getting back on it's feet. Master Pakku had returned to the South and brought along several other members of the North to help rebuild. Gran Gran was beyond elated to have her grandchildren back home—well, at least one of them for the time being. Katara was off on a little vacation with Aang.
Soon after the end of the war, Sokka was appointed as the new Chieftain of the Southern Water Tribe under Hakoda's insistence that he was ready. He was still hesitant about the sudden promotion. He didn't feel ready—especially since his first real chiefly decision had brought upon so much unrest. These were his people and he needed to ensure their happiness and wellbeing, but at the same time he knew the South couldn't flourish if it was going to hold onto grudges from the past. He had support from his father and a few members of this council, but the people were beginning to openly voice their concerns about the Fire Nation "invading" their land again. It was all Sokka could do not to rip out his own hair explaining the need for this alliance, the need for a positive change.
There was an uncomfortable silence amongst his council upon Hakan's outburst. They shifted in their positions on the floor, watching Sokka with open curiosity. This was the first time any member of the council had so passionately raised their voice against the Chief. Hakoda had been a gentle leader, rarely ever butting heads with his council.
"Look, I get it," Sokka sighed, his eyes meeting every member with visible understanding.
"This wasn't a decision I made lightly just because Fire Lord Zuko and I are friends. The South can't continue to condemn an entire nation because of Ozai's tyrannical decisions. We need to move forward and the best way to that is to encourage our people to mingle and get to know the other nations."
Hakan huffed, shaking his head. "We're going to lose the South to the very people that destroyed us just years ago. I'm sorry, Chief, but I don't agree with this."
"And that's okay. I'm asking that you give my way a chance. If the open doors to the South bring more trouble than good, I promise that we will close our doors to the outside world."
There was a low grumble of agreeance amongst the men before Sokka moved into the next item on their agenda. Several hours later, Sokka was rubbing his sore behind and stretching his tight limbs after the conclusion of his final meeting. He was just beginning to settle into his role as Chieftain, but his least favorite thing about the job were the weekly meetings. He wanted to be with his people, help them rebuild, and watch them thrive.
He was just about to make his way towards Gran Gran's for lunch before he was stopped by Lakota, a veteran warrior who spent most of his days guarding the South's entrance.
"Whats up?" Sokka asked as the older man approached him, huffing from the jog into the heart of the village.
"Chief, I have good news!" he exclaimed between breaths. Sokka patted his back, waiting patiently for the news.
Lakota grinned and continued, "… we have our first visitor from the Earth Kingdom! Well, she's actually a traveling nomad, but she's originally from the Earth Kingdom. Her name is Song."
Sokka grinned widely. Yes! Finally, his people could get to experience someone that wasn't from their small village. "Where is she?" he asked, his excitement palpable. He had to make sure that this girl had a good experience in the South and would spread the word as she travelled along. It was important to make a good impression.
"Makya is leading her in now. She looks like she's been travelling for some time now, poor girl probably needs a good night's sleep and a hot meal."
Sokka was already heading back towards the entrance of the village to intercept the girl. The South was much smaller than the Earth Kingdom and didn't have amenities such as room and board for visitors yet, but he was going to insist the girl stay at Gran Gran's. There would certainly be room for her and that guaranteed she'd have warm meals and a kind face to greet her during her stay.
It only took a few minutes before he saw Makya's familiar face in the distance walking alongside a short, slim figure in a black coat. He waved an arm to catch his attention and closed the distance between them.
"Chief? This is a surprise."
Sokka chuckled and rubbed his neck sheepishly. "I heard we have a visitor. Wanted to say hello," he explained, before turning his attention to the girl. She was a frail thing, only coming up to his chest. The coat she had on was clearly too large for her. He made a note to make sure she was given something suitable for the harsh cold of the South. Katara had plenty of clothes left behind, but he suspected those might even be too big for Song.
Her head was bowed down, her hair shielding her face from his gaze. He chalked it up to her being shy and he stepped forward, thrusting a hand into her line of vision.
"Song, was it? I'm Sokka… uh, just wanted to say hello and welcome you to the South in person. We don't quite have room and board for visitors just yet, but I was thinking it would be great for you to stay with my Gran Gran. She makes the best sea prune stew!" he rambled, growing more nervous as the girl continued to stand quietly.
After a few seconds, she reached forward with a pale hand and grasped his, giving it a quick shake. Her voice was soft and timid, head still bowed lowly. "Thank you, Chief Sokka."
He resisted the urge to bow down and put his face right in front of hers so he could properly see what she looked like. "I'll lead her to Gran Grans from here," he said, dismissing Makya with a thankful pat on the back.
The warrior nodded and made his way back to guard the entrance, leaving the two alone. Sokka started walking, the girl trailing just slightly behind him, her gaze glued to her feet. He continued to ramble on to fill the awkward silence, hoping she'd come out of her shell.
"So I hear you've been travelling for a while. Where have you been recently?" he prodded, nodding at the tribespeople he passed by. They eyed the new stranger warily, whispering amongst themselves. He bit back the irritation in his gaze at them. They would have to becoming more accepting of outsiders. He wasn't going to give them a choice.
Song hesitated, her hands wringing nervously in front of her. She didn't have any rucksack or obvious travel items with her. Had she been wandering alone all this time?
"Yes. I've come from the Fire Nation, actually. I spent a year there."
That was vague. He pressed for more information.
"Oh, so you must have met Fire Lord Zuko! He's a good pal of mine," he said with a proudly, his eyebrows waggling at the girl. "My girlfriend Suki is one of the Kyoshi warriors stationed to protect him."
Sokka's heart squeezed at the mention of Suki. It had been so long since her last visit and he missed her dearly. The long-distance relationship was difficult, to say the least.
"You must miss her," Song commented quietly, dodging the topic of the Fire Lord and turning it back towards him. Sokka nodded sadly. He changed the subject, too dejected to talk more about his relationship. He didn't notice the calculating smile on Song's lips, nor the subtle redirection of the conversation.
He continued to ramble on, telling her about the new structures and help from the North to rebuild their land. There were more people moving from the North to the South now that they were getting back on their feet. The population was beginning to swell and more waterbending children had been born in the last year than they'd had in years. Song listened quietly, keeping her head bowed and staying right on Sokka's heels.
They were approaching Gran Gran's and he gave the door a quick knock before entering.
Gran Gran was perched over a fire with a large pot of boiling stew over it. She stirred it, not needing to look at the door to know Sokka had entered. "You're late," she admonished.
"Sorry, Gran Gran. We have a visitor. This is Song," he announced and she perked up, immediately turning her attention to the travel-worn girl on her doorstep. "I was hoping she could stay with you for the time-being, maybe in the guest hut?"
Gran Gran nodded right away, reaching withered old hands out to grasp Song's pale fingers. "Welcome to the South, my dear. You look like you need a hot meal… and something warm to wear. I have just the thing," she chuckled. "Let's get you settled in. Oh, and you can call me Kanna."
Song offered a short bow as thanks. Sokka eyed her curiously as Gran Gran shuffled around, prepping for the girls stay. He could see pale, unmarked skin through her veil of hair. She seemed so frail under those bulky clothes, as though she hadn't had a hearty meal in months or longer. If she'd spent the last year at the Fire Nation, she should be… healthier looking. The food in the Fire Nation was to die for and there was plenty of sunlight and people to socialize with. So why was she so reserved now? Why was she so thin?
There was a flash of gold as her eyes met his through her veil of hair. There was something unnervingly familiar about them, but he couldn't quite place it. His curiosity grew and he stepped closer to her, trying to get a better look at her face. He was just inches away, his head cocked to the side as he gazed harder.
He saw her visibly tense and then relax, as though whatever anxiety and shyness she'd had moments earlier vanished. She lifted her head, meeting his inquisitive eyes with a cold, piercing glare. He recognized those eyes—they were the same eyes that had nearly killed him more than once. Those eyes belonged to the woman that had kidnapped Suki and trapped her at Boiling Rock Prison. He hated these eyes who looked down on him now as though he were nothing but a tiny bug to squash.
Fuck.
That was all he could think as he registered who was standing in front of him.
Azula is here.
His breath hitched in his throat and he moved his mouth as if to say something, but nothing would come out.
Azula is in the South, Azula is in Gran Gran's house, Azula is going to kill everyone.
He backed away several steps, bumping into the wooden table behind him and nearly knocking a chair over.
"Be careful, those things are older than you!" Gran Gran scolded, still busy preparing clothing and other things for Song—no, for Azula.
Sokka's head raced with the possible outcomes of this encounter. His first thought was to somehow get her outside and expose her identity, which would undoubtedly lead to a bloody fight in which he knew his men would be severely injured, or worse. He squashed that thought immediately, his mind defaulting to Master Pakku, wondering if the old waterbending master could take on Azula. He knew damn well he couldn't do this on his own.
Why the fuck is she smiling like that—shit, SHIT, stop panicking you idiot!
His hand moved towards the sword on his belt and Azula purposefully adjusted her gaze to flicker towards the old woman shuffling behind her, then back at Sokka. It was all he needed to take his hand off his weapon. Sweat beaded on his skin as they stood there, watching each other with wary recognition.
"Sokka, why don't you take Song to the back hut and show her around? I'll be over in a moment to draw her a hot bath—poor girl looks like she needs one."
Sokka tried to even out his breath as he laughed nervously and nodded, his eyes begging Azula not to hurt Gran Gran. "Right this way," he forced through gritted teeth, pointing her out the door.
Azula was calm, way too fucking calm for his comfort. She offered a soft, fake 'thank you' to Kanna before stepping out the door. He felt better now that she was out of the house, but only marginally.
"She's not wrong, you know. I do need a bath," Azula mused disinterestedly, eyeing the tiny ice hut behind the house. Sokka was quiet, stewing in his own stupidity for allowing this to happen. "What's wrong? Not happy to see me?"
She was taken aback when he grasped her wrist and yanked her towards the tiny hut, away from prying ears and eyes. "Unhand me, savage," she hissed. He was surprisingly strong, much stronger than the last encounter they'd had on the Day of Black Sun. Even with her bending disabled during the Eclipse just a year ago, she'd easily had the Avatar and his idiot friends running around like fools in search of her father. The peasant water tribe boy had been no exception.
She'd made a mistake. She realized that earlier when the warrior Makya led her through the gates only to be intercepted by the boy she'd completely forgotten about. He was so easy to forget—Katara's non bending idiot brother. She almost hadn't recognized him at all. He'd grown several inches taller and his boyish face had changed with him into adulthood. He was broader in the shoulders from what she could only assume was consistent training. The sword on his belt gave him away, no doubt crafted by Master Piandao himself. She'd always hated the master swordsman. He looked at her the same way her mother always had—like she was a monster. They weren't wrong, of course, but it still hurt.
How Sokka suddenly came into power as Chief of the South, she'd never know. Her plan to blend in with the village and wait for Katara's return was squashed the second she recognized him in the distance. The only way to get through this now was with deceit and false promises, and a lot of them. She had to play her cards right.
Sokka's iron grip on her wrist relented only when he'd nearly dragged her to the front of the ice hut. "You need to leave, now," he ordered lamely, pointing a finger back towards the entrance of the village. Azula burst into laughter, wiping tears from the corners of her eyes.
"You're joking, right?"
Sokka unsheathed his sword, pointing it at her throat. "You will leave, Azula. And you won't hurt anyone on your way out."
"Or what? You're going to call Zuzu and the Avatar to come save you from little old me?" she asked with a snake-like grin. "It would take at least two weeks for them to get here, peasant. How much chaos do you think I could create in that time? How many lowly savage lives can I take before I make my escape right before they arrive? You wouldn't want anything bad to happen to Gran Gran, would you?" Her voice grew soft at the end, dripping with feigned concern.
Azula smacked his sword dismissively out of her face and carefully examined the dirt under her nails. She felt the air shift from anger to fear as he realized what a disadvantage he was at. He was faltering.
"Don't underestimate me, Azula. I'm not the same kid anymore," he barked angrily. "We have waterbenders here that can take you, and our combined forces are more than enough."
Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "You're a terrible liar."
There was a moment of silence, neither party backing down as Gran Gran emerged from her home and slowly shuffled towards them. Sokka was quick to sheath his sword, awkwardly explaining that he was showing Song the new sword Piandao had gifted him. Azula's hard gaze softened and she smiled warmly at Kanna, smirking openly at Sokka when the woman's back was turned to them.
Kanna led them inside the hut and gave Azula a brief tour of the tiny room, showing her how to light the fire and dropping off a new set of thick blue furs along with a jar of what Azula assumed was homemade soap for her bath. Kanna then moved towards the corner of the room where there was a lifted stone bath. She showed Azula how she warmed a bucket of stones at the fire before dropping them into the water to warm the bath.
"You should get in soon, dear. It always gets cold too fast. This darned weather makes it impossible to enjoy a long bath," Kanna groused, shaking her head disapprovingly. "And give her some privacy!" she scolded Sokka, giving him a good whack on the head.
Azula played along, giving Kanna warm thanks and promising to have dinner with them (to Sokka's blatant horror) later that evening. After the kind woman left, Azula's mask dropped and she yanked the oversized black coat off her body, tossing it carelessly on the ground. Sokka was still in the room, refusing to leave her on her own.
"Are you going to watch me take this bath?" she asked, grimacing at the thick layer of dirt accumulating on her green robes. She couldn't wait to get clean, even with the Chief of the Idiots breathing down her neck. The prospect of having a man watch her bathe wasn't foreign. The guards had always leered when she sponged off in her cramped icebox. At least this time she could be warm.
Sokka's face grew red at the notion and he turned his back to Azula, taking a seat in front of the fire. "I'm not going anywhere, Azula. I can't trust you to be alone with my people."
"Since you can't see me, I want you to know I'm rolling my eyes," she drawled before shrugging out of her disgusting robes and climbing into the bath. She shivered. Kanna was right, the bath was already getting cold. Luckily for her, it wouldn't be a problem.
Sokka listened to the sound of water splashing followed by the sound of Azula's hands slapping against the side of the bath to heat the rocks. "You haven't killed anyone yet. That means you have some plan. What do you want?" he asked bluntly.
She sighed contentedly in the freshly warmed water, dunking her hair back and letting the homemade soap Kanna gave her sluice away two weeks' worth of grime and sweat. It smelled surprisingly good and she briefly felt bad for threatening the woman's life earlier.
Sokka's question was the one she'd been asking herself. She didn't know the answer to it—not yet anyway. Her plans depended on whether he would allow her to stay. If he chose to expose her identity and force her into a fight, she'd have to make a break for it and find another place to hide and wait. But if she could get him to let her stay under the guise that she wouldn't cause any problems for the time being… well, then the original plan to slaughter Katara and retake her throne could work.
You know what you must do, Ozai hissed.
Azula closed her eyes, her head rolling back and resting on the edge of the bath. "Let's make a deal, peasant."