AN: Enjoy!
Encounter with Embers
AZULA'S ARMY ATTACKED, as expected, a week and a half after Jeong Jeong and Ursa's arrival. The attack came as the sun began to creep above the horizon, casting the desert and walls of Ba Sing Se a golden orange.
Having expected the attack, but not quite this early in the morning, 'Team Avatar' stumbled out of bed to face their foe. Jet and Sokka both complained ceaselessly.
"Freaking Azula and her stupid-" Sokka grumbled, rushing to pull his boot on.
"I know! You'd think she have some common courtesy!" Jet interrupted.
Haru rolled his eyes. "Guys, this is a war. What'd you expect?"
"Shut up Haru!" Both boys yelled.
Haru rolled his eyes again, leaving them to grumble while his assembled his Earthbending division.
Mai reluctantly rose from bed and dressed for battle. Zuko had already risen before her, and had neglected to wake her. She rushed hurriedly to him, finding him instructing Jeong Jeong's army.
She waited patiently until he finished speaking, then unleashed her fury. "You didn't wake me?!"
Zuko sighed, and resigned himself to the tongue lashing he was about to receive. "You can't fight."
Mai frowned, crossing her arms. "I'm an asset to this war." She told him point blank.
"Yeah, you are. When you're not three months pregnant." Zuko argued. He crossed his arms and stood his ground.
Mai felt a rush of guilt. "I just want to fight by your side…" she protested feebly.
"You're safer here. I have Aang to watch my back." Zuko rested a warm hand on her shoulder.
"But he doesn't love you like I do." Mai whispered. She was feeling particularly emotional, and had she not had the hormones of pregnancy affecting her so, would have been downright embarrassed of her behavior. Of her open display of emotion.
"No one will. But he's a friend. And that's more than enough." He pressed a gently kiss to her forehead.
She bit her lip, which threatened to tremble.
Ursa, as a mother, couldn't help but overhear their conversation. "He is right, Mai. It's safer here for you."
"That's right, mother. That's why you're also staying behind." Zuko glanced at his mother as he spoke.
"What?" Ursa blinked.
"You heard me." Zuko replied, fiddling with his armor.
"I'm not pregnant." Ursa frowned at her son.
"But you're my mother, who I've only just gotten back into my life. I can't lose you. Not now, not ever again." Zuko remained calm, despite the turmoil in his heart. He just couldn't let either one of these women fight in his battles. They were his and his alone. He was reluctant to allow Iroh to fight as well, and was becoming tempted to keep him behind as well.
Ursa sighed. She understood her son's feelings. "I'll keep Mai company." She agreed finally.
He pressed a kiss to his mother's cheek and one final kiss to Mai's welcoming lips. "I'll be alright." And he left them to join Jeong Jeong's men.
THE BATTLE ITSELF was not an easy one. Battle never truly is. But it was brief in comparison to the previous battle of Ba Sing Se. this one only swallowed up half of the day, instead of the entirety of it. Azula's army once again retreated with their tails between their legs. Though the sound of Azula's cursing traveled across the desert.
Most of the Omashu army was still intact. And the members of the GAang were not seriously injured. A brief meeting was held to count heads, and Zuko took the opportunity to remind them to enjoy one another's company. And to inform them that they'd leave to attack the Fire Nation on August sixth. It would allow them three days time to reach the border of the Fire Nation. Everyone retired for bed with this news turning over in their minds.
The days leading up to August sixth were happy ones, spent with friends and family. But the eve before August sixth was one wrought with anxiety and emotions that were deeply hidden brought to the surface…
SOKKA HAD BEEN lost in thought all day. The knowledge of tomorrow's departure hung heavily upon his mind and shoulders. Surprisingly, Jet was the first one to make a comment to him.
"You okay?" he was chewing his patented stalk of grain, leaning against a tree in the courtyard of the palace.
Sokka was roused out of his thoughts, and smiled briefly at Jet. Funny, he used to hate the guy, but somehow, unbeknownst to him, Jet had become a good friend. Perhaps it was because he had relied on Jet heavily in battle? They both were non-Benders, so Jet had joined Sokka's army which consisted of the men from his Tribe.
They had accepted Jet with ease, simply because he was strong and was fighting for the same cause. And Sokka found himself accepting Jet as well.
"Yeah, just thinking." Sokka replied lightly.
"Tomorrow." It was barely a question, more like a statement. But Jet knew that's what was on Sokka's mind.
"Yeah." Sokka fell silent, glancing at Jet. Would Jet still be alive in three days time? Or would it be him that died? He kind of figured it wouldn't be so bad to die. He'd get to see Suki again… But Katara, his father, and his friends would grieve immensely. He wouldn't want any of them to be unhappy because of him. Sorry, Suki, you'll have to wait.
"It won't be so bad." Jet tried to convince Sokka. Or was it himself he was attempting to soothe? He wasn't sure which.
"Eh." Sokka could barely manage a reply.
"We'll win. And we'll come home, and drink excessively." Jet boasted.
Sokka chuckled. "Yeah?"
Jet nodded. "Yeah."
Sokka slapped Jet on the shoulder. "I'm holding you to it."
"Okay." Jet smirked. They shared another small grin and then jumped, startled, when Ty Lee was smeared with a pile of rocks.
"Toph! You need to go easy on her! She's not a Bender!" Katara's voice rang out in a scolding tone.
Toph only stood there laughing. Sokka couldn't help but grin at the blind girl's antics.
Jet felt slight panic, wondering if Ty Lee was alright, but to his relief, she dug herself out from the pile of rocks to launch an attack on Toph. He had been avoiding her ever since their late night kiss in the middle of the halls. He felt slightly guilty about it, but he was confused and felt that justified his avoidance of her.
Sokka observed the courtyard, taking note of Mai and Zuko. They sat beside the elaborate pond, feeding hungry turtle-ducks. They were close to one another, whispering and sharing gentle touches. He felt a slight tinge of jealousy.
That should have been him and Suki. They should have been able to sit beside one another and enjoy the sunshine. He should have had her in his arms. She should have been carrying his child.
He fought the sting of tears, kicking himself for being so emotional.
He turned his eyes to his sister, who was laughing and sparring with Haru. Yet another happy couple. Haru Earthbended a rock to trip Katara, catching her as she fell. She doused him with a wave of water, and they sat in the mud together, laughing.
Spirits, they were a mess, Sokka thought. He frowned as Haru caught Katara's lips in his own. He knew that they had become extremely intimate and the big brother within himself seethed at the thought of someone taking Katara's innocence.
But the other side of him was happy that Katara was happy. And safe. Haru loved her immensely and would never hurt her. He knew that once this war was over, Haru would make an honest woman out of her and propose. He'd already hinted to Sokka about carving her a betrothal necklace…
"Hey, Sokka?" Haru queried reluctantly.
"Yeah?" Sokka turned to face the young Earthbender.
"Can I…ask you…something?" Haru seemed slightly nervous.
"Um, sure." Sokka blinked, unsure of what was on the boy's mind.
"Well…it's about your customs." Haru began. Sokka remained silent, intent on listening to him, so he continued. "You're from the Southern Water Tribe, so I wanted to know how you guys handled the whole betrothal necklace thing…"
Sokka's eyes widened momentarily. Haru wanted to know this…because he wanted to marry Katara. Haru…and Katara…if he didn't want them to be together, now would be the time to say so. To deny Haru any information regarding the customs of the Water Tribes…
But he couldn't. "The Southern Water Tribe really doesn't do that. It's more of a custom of the Northern Water Tribe. They've retained more culture than us. But...it's customary to carve it from a beautiful stone. To spend a lot of time on it, and weave the silk for the band yourself. This is…it's meaningful." Sokka explained.
Haru smiled widely and Sokka couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. A pretty boy, actually. "Thanks, so much, Sokka!" He turned to run off, but Sokka grasped his arm.
"Be sure to ask my father, too." He advised.
Haru blinked, and then nodded. "Yes, of course." They both had a mutual understanding.
Sokka smiled and patted Haru on the shoulder. "Well, go on. Time's a wasting."
This conversation had occurred the day after Azula's attack on Ba Sing Se. Sokka wasn't certain if something had happened during the battle to scare Haru into wanting to rush the proposal. He and Katara had only been reunited for a short time…
But it had been the same for Suki and himself. He grinned. Love was love. It didn't need a lot of time. It was just there.
He sighed heavily, watching Katara giggle at something Haru whispered to her.
And he could see Aang's sadness over watching them as well. The poor kid, he never did get to confess his feelings…But Sokka couldn't feel too badly for Aang, because he knew there'd be other girls he'd like, other opportunities for love. He was still young, after all.
And so are you Sokka, he told himself. You can find another love…
But it felt so wrong. He couldn't even think of it. It would be a betrayal to Suki. I still love you, Suki. I always will. Always. He missed her so much. The sweet smell of her hair, the feel of her lips on his, the moans she made as he caressed her. The sweet depths of her as he buried himself to the hilt…
He shuddered and stood. No need to dredge up such feelings. Keep it on lockdown Sokka, he berated himself. He fled the courtyard, feeling the urge to be alone to his thoughts. To sulk, and mull over his sudden depression.
Toph noticed Sokka's urgent departure, and turned to Ty Lee. "That's enough for now…I'm going to go get something to drink." She excused herself hurriedly.
Ty Lee tilted her head at Toph's retreating figure and smiled broadly. She knew Toph had a big crush on Sokka. It was just so obvious. And she knew the little Earthbender would be good for Sokka. Give a little time for Sokka to cope with Suki's death and for Toph to develop into a young woman and they'd be perfect together.
Ty Lee sighed. How romantic, love was everywhere. Speaking of which…her eyes fell upon Jet. He had been stand close beside Sokka, exchanging pleasantries. She frowned softly, for she knew he had been ignoring her since the whole kiss incident.
That was okay. Soon enough he'd come to like her. She had to be patient, yielding, and demure.
Oh, the hell with that.
"Jet!" she cried, rushing to his side. He narrowly avoided her embrace.
"What're you doing, you crazy loon?!" Jet cried.
"I just wanted to say hi!" Ty Lee protested, chasing after him.
And Jet ran, beginning the race for his livelihood.
Mai and Zuko saw the madness unfold and couldn't help but chuckle to one another.
"Ty Lee has much more luck than Toph does." Mai commented.
"Are you kidding me? Jet hates her!" Zuko argued. Personally, he was routing for Sokka and Toph. They both deserved the happiness they could have together once they both settled their separate issues.
"There's a fine line between hate and love, dear." Mai patted his knee, smug in her womanly intuition. "And Toph and Sokka need to wait until A: Toph is old enough and B: Sokka finishes grieving."
"So they won't end up together?" Zuko inquired. He somehow knew Mai was right about her predictions. Women in general tended to know these types of things.
"No, they will. I predict sparks will fly in a year or two." Mai informed him.
"Oh." Zuko felt a chill run down his spine and he pulled Mai closer. He didn't want to know much more than she'd already told him. Some things were just better left alone.
TOPH FOUND SOKKA in his quarters. She, with her finely tuned hearing, heard his breath hitching, heard his soft sobs, and heard the anguish in those sobs.
Her heart broke for this young man who had already lost so much in this wretched war. She knocked, gently, on his door. She heard him jump and felt guilty for startling him.
"Wh-who is it?" he stammered, his voice muffled and embarrassed.
"It's Toph." She announced.
He was silent for a moment. Then, "What do you want?"
"To talk to you." She replied.
He was silent again.
"I'm sorry, I'll go-"
"No, come in." the panic of being alone after even the slightest brush with another person overwhelmed him.
She entered, slowly, to perhaps give him time to wipe his tears. Even though she couldn't technically see them, she'd know they were there.
"Hey Toph." He managed. He sat up in his bed, looking at the young girl. It was almost strange, but she seemed slightly taller, and didn't look quite as much of a little girl as she did a teenager.
"You okay?" she stood a bit of a way away from him. Her voice was uncharacteristically soft, almost soothing.
"I'm fine." He answered. It was a habitual response, built from the need to protect others.
"Really." Her voice dripped with doubt. Sarcasm. She arched a slim ebony brow.
"I just…" he felt ashamed.
She took a small step forward. "It's okay to mourn her." Toph murmured. Because she'd never known the loss of anyone that important. The idea of something horrible happening to Sokka was too much to bear. If something did actually happen…
"I…I can't protect anyone." He admitted glumly.
She strode beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "You've always protected me."
There was something in her voice that told Sokka she meant it. That he had indeed protected her and done the job well. And there was something else in her voice, it hinted at a deep emotion…he couldn't exactly put his finger on it, but it was there. "Toph?" he breathed her name.
She smiled lightly, and her hand rose to caress his cheek gently. "I just want to thank you for protecting me."
He wasn't sure what to say or do, for once. "You're…welcome, Toph."
She nodded, kissing his cheek. She didn't have the courage to tell him anything about what she thought or felt about him. "Rest up, we leave early tomorrow."
She retreated then, leaving him to wonder if that was really all she had wanted to say.
JET WAS QUICKLY running out of breath and Ty Lee was unrelenting. Finally he turned and bravely faced her.
She skidded to a halt so she would not knock straight into him. "What are you doing?" she questioned, confused.
"I should be asking that of you!" Jet shot back.
Ty Lee laughed sheepishly.
He sighed, smacking himself in the forehead. "Are you just stupid? Or are you crazy? Or both?"
Ty Lee found herself blushing. "Is that really what you think of me?" she felt slightly hurt, besides embarrassed. She fidgeted uncomfortably, refusing to meet his eyes.
There it was; the surge of guilt. "No, it's not that…I mean, it is, but…argh!" He always felt so much frustration when it came to Ty Lee. She made him into a stammering idiot who fled from her like a coward. What was going on here?
She flinched at his growl. "I'm sorry if I've been a pain in the butt, Jet. But…it's just…" she trailed off, feeling her heart pound like a drummer in her chest.
"Just what? What is it?" he demanded. He felt nervously suddenly. Ty Lee and he were in a hallway, alone, with nowhere for him to escape. He tried not to think of his impending death at her hands.
"I like you." She ventured to gaze into his eyes, hoping he'd see the truth in hers.
He felt dizzy. Really dizzy. Like his breath had been knocked out of him. "What?"
She took a step closer, sucking in a breath. To give herself time to build up the courage. "I. Like. You."
He rubbed the heel of his hand across his heart. "O-okay." He croaked. What the hell was this? Why was his heart going to explode? Good spirits, this girl really was going to kill him…
She took a step closer, wrapping her arms around him. A hug. Okay, Ty Lee was hugging him. It wasn't too bad…
He went lax, and unconsciously returned the hug. It seemed that whenever Ty Lee cornered him in hallways he always forgot himself and ended up doing strange things with a girl he wasn't sure he hated or liked.
"I know you're confused and a lot's going on right now, but I just wanted to tell you before…" she trailed off, implying the upcoming battle only a few days off. She tightened the embrace, burying her face into Jet's rather broad chest.
She inhaled his scent, taking note of it, filing it away in her memory banks. He smelled musky, like sweat and earth: a masculine scent.
Her embrace made him into mush. Just like her kiss did the last time…he still remembered it. He recalled the feel of her lips against his, her tongue delving into his mouth, her fingers fisting in his hair…
"Ty Lee…" his murmured her name, bringing a hand up to stroke her head. Her hair, although bound back into her braid, was silky and smooth.
She pulled away slightly, blushing. Strange, this girl could kiss the hell out of you, but would blush about admitting she liked you. "I know I can be silly at times…and annoying, and stupid and-"
He pressed a finger against her full lips to silence her. "Ty Lee…I don't know what to think. Sometimes I want to smack you upside your dumb head, and other times…" he sighed deeply.
"Other times…?" she pressed, curiously. She was dying to know what Jet truly thought of her…
"Other times I want to kiss you senseless." He admitted.
She grinned broadly, and threw her arms about him, kissing him deeply.
He yelped, struggling in her gasp, but then gave up. It was better to just let her kiss him senseless. For now.