TheOrderOfTheWhiteLotus

8/4/12-8/25/12

I always finish what I start… Just another Sokkla Fanfic, takes place after 100 year war and Promise Part 2. (After Promise and before the Search).

I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Chapter: 3 "Into The Dragon's Lair"

It was still dark out when Sokka had left earlier that morning after being abruptly woken up by a servant who had brought him his freshly done laundry. Upon stepping out of his room after changing back into the clothes he wore the previous day and freshening up, he was rushed to the airship yard and commenced with a quick and brief goodbye from the Zuko, Suki, Aang and Katara. As he was saying his last goodbyes Zuko apologized to him for his actions yesterday and told him that he was actually grateful that Sokka was even willing to attempt to help his sister. He just believed that Roku's so called idea of letting Azula loose was too dangerous and that he wanted what was best for her. That included staying in the asylum until a better solution could be reached. Sokka nodded to his words. Zuko then asked him if they could continue being friends and Sokka half heartedly answered yes. And like that he was off after the other three said their final goodbyes, as he walked up the ramp to the airship. He observed them getting smaller and smaller as they roamed higher and higher into the cool dark early morning sky.

…

Sokka was standing on the bridge of the giant airship observing the captain and his engineers work the ship. He vaguely remembered the last time he operated a vessel such as this during Sozin's comet. But this was a good refresher. As he stood there he saw that they were getting closer and closer to the large island where the asylum was located at. From the sky he could make out the entire compound, it was not as large as the boiling rock; no not by far. But it was similar in design. The walls were of the same metal like make but were only about half the height of the walls of any other fortified center of the Fire Nation. They covered three sides of the asylum leaving one side uncovered because of the very high cliff that faced the ocean. That was where the airships and naval ships were docked. Instead of two buildings for housing prisoners, there was just a lone building. The asylum ground was paved with grey shaded bricks and at one side had the Fire Nation insignia decorating it. The asylum had just a single triple story building at the center of the compound that was made of the similar metal make of the giant walls and such. Aside from that there was relatively nothing much, except for a few guards posted along the four guard towers on the wall and the movement of guards, workers and healers alike.

Soon they landed at the ocean cliff face airship docking platform and he proceeded to step off the massive air vessel as soldiers and workers unloaded the extra supply cargo that they had brought with them. Waiting for him as he walked off the ramp was a medium build middle aged man in a Fire Nation healer uniform. He wore the look of a wise man as he was graying and wore glasses, both signs of definite knowledge. Though he looked friendly at first the man scowled when he saw Sokka moving towards him. Sokka stopped in front of him and searched through his pack before producing the large pouch of Fire Nation money that Zuko had provided for him in case he wanted to visit the nearby town and a simple scroll tied up with a red ribbon. Putting the pouch away he quickly walked up to the healer and bowed quickly before introducing himself and presenting the scroll. The old healer took it and changed his attitude immediately producing a strained fake smile aimed at Sokka as soon as his brown eyes set upon the royal seal that embedded itself onto the bottom of the letter. He knew better than to question the Firelord's authority. Firelord Zuko may have not been as harsh as his father but he still ruled their great nation with an iron fist. He just wondered what this young Water Tribesman could possibly be here for; he let the thought pass as he turned back towards Sokka. "Hello and welcome to Capital Island the Fire Nation's most exemplary mental institution. My name is Senior Healer Ching. How can I help you Master Sokka?" Sokka grinned ear to ear at hearing himself being called master. Even now as he was literally at Azula's doorstep his ego was bigger than ever, not only that he was feeling better than he had in a long time. The short trip here from the Capital City had only increased Sokka's excitement. He was excited that he had successfully begun his new adventure and that he had put those obstacles in his past. Even as the sun rose up across the horizon and his tiredness set in; Sokka was awake and alert as ever with energy and enthusiasm. Seeing that Sokka wasn't about to respond as he had his classical facial expression of excitement on he politely continued. "May I inquire what Firelord Zuko has had you doing here?"

"Oh yeah! Of course." Spoke up Sokka, being brought back from his zoning out. "Ah, Firelord Zuko" It was weird for him to call him that. "Has me here to help with the rehabilitation of his sister; the former Princess Azula." Ching's mask turned into a look of bewilderment and surprise.

"Oh? What do you mean by help?" He asked the young Water Tribe Warrior suspiciously.

"I've been asked to personally attend to Azula's care. Firelord Zuko has approved me to evaluate her situation and to report back to him immediately." Supplied Sokka with an air of importance, he was starting to feel pretty official. Ching took in this information for a second before realizing what Sokka meant by his reply.

"Well I can assure you Master Sokka," He found it ridiculous that he had to call this boy by the title of master. "the former princess is in good hands. My team and I have been personally watching over her during her stay here this past year and a half and I can say that she has had made significant improvement. She has fully recovered from her mental breakdown and has been in a sane stable state for the past year now. Although she does have some improvements to make, such as her attitude and anger; I feel that she is recovering wonderfully." Sokka nodded towards the Senior Healer's last comments before opening his mouth to speak.

"I'm sure you and your staff here at Capital Island Mental Institution are doing a great job at helping Azula recover." Stated Sokka. "I mean you are the professionals, right?" Asked Sokka motioning with his hands towards the Fire Nation man, who nodded at this. "But Azula's near full recovery is suddenly of big concern to the Firelord and to the Firelady. Her well being is of high priority to the Royal Family, therefore they've asked me to come here to observe her and to help out anyway I can. I promise that I won't get in you and your medical's teams way Healer Ching." Ching was satisfied with his answer. As long as Sokka wasn't here to pester him about his job then he would be fine with the young man snooping around. Plus he didn't really have much of a choice anyways seeing that he had the royal seal and besides he could use the help.

"In that case then we should get started." Said the Healer with a renewed friendliness, a true friendliness not the mask that he had put on earlier.

He waited for a moment as Sokka pulled his pack and Water Tribe sleeping bag up from the stone floor before they proceeded together towards the large building in the center of the compound. They entered through the front doors and stopped as the guards ushered them through Sokka could easily recognize the architectural design of the asylum. It was indeed very similar to the layout of the Boiling Rock with three stories of open foyer ceiling with cells on the outer lying sides of the building, as well as a basement floor for the most dangerous occupants, all finished off with the superior metal craftsmanship of the Fire Nation. Healer Ching turned towards Sokka before speaking up. "Would you like to see the Princess now or would you like to make yourself more at home?" It suddenly dawned on Sokka that he would have to see the former Princess Azula up close in personal. He knew that he would have had to confront her the whole time but he had been putting it in the back of his mind. Realizing this he decided that it was better to settle in first; as it was also a chance for him to delay for a few more precious moments.

"Ah, can I see my quarters first?" Asked Sokka timidly.

"Of course this way please." Replied Ching as he led the young man down a hallway at his left. They soon entered an area that was indefinitely the living quarters of the workers and guards of the facility. The main room they stepped into was a mess hall and cafeteria of a sort, something that interested Sokka immensely as his stomach rumbled. Then they continued through the large room to towards another dark hallway on the opposite side of the room. Once Sokka and the Healer stepped into the next hallway Sokka began to see that there were doors on each side of the hallway; each leading into dormitories and barracks of sorts. Ching came to a stop in front of the fifth door on the left. It was closed and Ching opened it for Sokka to enter; as he did so Sokka dropped his pack and bed spread on the bed before looking around to observe his new room. It was dark and made of metal work just like most Fire Nation facilities. There was a single bed by the far wall with a red Fire Nation blanket and insignia on it, as well as a small drawer and table with a chair. The room rather sickened Sokka as it was rather plain besides a burning candle that was resting on the table opposite from the bed next to the drawer. It also the whole Fire Nation theme that Sokka wasn't too fond of.

Ching seeing that Sokka had stopped to observe his surrounds motioned to leave the young man alone. "I'll leave you now so you can settle in." Stated the Senior Healer. "When you are ready you can come to my office down the hall." He paused as he noticed the boomerang that was strapped to his back. "Oh and no weapons allowed please." He said. And with a nod of acknowledgement from Sokka he left closing the door behind him. Sokka stood there for a moment before he walked over towards his stuff. "What have I gotten myself into?" murmured Sokka complaining to himself as he unpacked his belongings. He opened his sack pack to find that the remainder of his seal jerky was in good shape. He decided to dump the entire contents of the pack onto his bed, in doing so he created a large mess; but as he was Sokka he could really have cared less. Sprawled out on his bed were his jerky, some scrolls and books that he intended to read, the large pouch of money from earlier, his water hide, his change of attire and his map of the world. With a sigh Sokka attempted to arrange his stuff into comfortable positions on the table and drawer but quickly give up soon after he started. To be honest his conflicting feelings of guilt and excitement for helping Azula were back again after the last few days of peace.

More than that was the fact that he was having doubtful feelings about the whole idea of seeing the former Princess again; he had no idea what she was like now or what she was capable of. If he could base her off anything from the past, he would have to say that she was probably just as evil and a "dangerous lady" as before. Which didn't add any positivity to the thought of "visiting" her. No he was not going to enjoy this he thought, but he couldn't turn back now. Turning back this far down the road was impossible; he had made a promise and plus he was beyond the point of no return.

Deciding to get it over with once and for all he made his way towards the closed door, but then remembering the Healer's request for no weapons of any sort. Sighing for the second time he lazily stalked his way back towards his bed and pulled off the holster for his boomerang, as well as removing the machete that hung on his belt at his hip. Carelessly tossing them onto the bed along with his other possessions he finally made his way out the door in search of the Senior Healer.

…

Sokka and Ching made their way out of his office and back towards the open foyer main cell unit directly outside of the guard's café and mess hall. Although there were no windows to be seen in the main areas of the facility; Sokka assumed that it was nearing dawn and that the sun must have begun to rise. He could tell this by the sudden frantic movements of the asylum staff and guards. Workers were rushing in the new supplies that had arrived with Sokka towards the cafeteria kitchen that they had just come from; as hungry guards and workers alike also headed in the same general direction, no doubt in preparation for their hearty breakfast. A thought occurred to Sokka as he watched the commotion unfurl in front of him. "Do the prisoners eat in there?" Asked a curious Sokka with a questioning look on his face. The elder man looked over at the young Water Tribesman and gave him a very amused smile at the idea before replying.

"What? Oh no!" Laughed the Senior Healer. "I prefer to call them our patients. And no, the cafeteria is for staff only. The patients eat by themselves mostly as this prevents potential violence and makes it easier on us as they are mostly emotionally unstable."

"Huh I guess it was pretty silly. Wasn't it?" Laughed Sokka back with a slight smile.

"Yes it was pretty ridiculous." Said Ching with a smile on his face, he thought that he might come to like the boy. At first glance he seemed to be an annoyance, but Sokka seemed to have a certain charm to him that was enjoyable to be around. It sadly reminded the man of his son whom he had lost during the war. Not wanting to dwell on sad thoughts Healer Ching continued on, leading Sokka along behind him.

They had walked across to the other side of the 1st floor cell block unit until they came across another hallway. This hallway was exactly opposite of the one that they used to enter the cafeteria. (Cafeteria left of entrance/Hallway to basement right of entrance) Continuing down the hallway they eventually came across a flight of stairs that went downwards into an ever darkened basement of a sort. Ching could tell by the look on Sokka's face that he was wondering where they were going. He thought that he might explain a little bit. "You see we keep our most dangerous patients in the basement cell block for obvious safety measures." Sokka nodded in understanding.

"And let me guess… that's where the former Princess is."

"That's right." Confirmed Ching with a small smile. "So continue on should we?" They continued on down the stairs after a slight nod of the head from Sokka.

After reaching the bottom of the flight of stairs Sokka looked around the dark hallway, trying to decipher what he was seeing. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to his dark surroundings but when he did he could tell that they were in an underground small short hallway of a sort. The hallway floors were of a smooth blackish stone but the walls and ceiling were of the same metal fashion as the rest of the facility. Other than that the hallway was very similar to the others of the asylum. On each side of the hallway were doors to cells along with a torch every five cells. Sokka estimated that there might have had been fifteen cells on a side; at least thirty cells in the maximum security area.

As they walked down the hallway towards their destination they came across a lone guard standing at his post at the midpoint of the hallway as well as a young nurse pushing a cart of what Sokka assumed was the prisoner's breakfast. The guard who was dressed in identical uniform as those of most Fire Nation prisons was a tall and muscular man of mid twenties. He wore his black hair in the typical top knot fashion of most Fire Nation men and wore what looked like a stern unfriendly face, though Sokka couldn't be sure as his face was covered by his helmet visor.

The nurse on the other hand was a pretty young lady of about late teens with straight dark black hair and grey eyes. She was dressed in the nurse's uniform dress of grey and red similar to those of the female royal servants at the palace. She had a look of concentration on her face as she poured the contents of the steaming cauldron into smaller bowls. Sokka watched her as they approached and he could tell right away that the "breakfast" was nothing more than jook, a poor quality of hot rice porridge.

When the two had finally met up with the facilities employees Ching introduced Sokka to them both saying that he was here on an official mission from the Fire Lord. The guard frowned but gave a slight bow to Sokka, the nurse followed his example but with a small friendly smile upon her face. Sokka in turn returned the favor by sporting his classical goofy grin to both of them. Sokka knew that the Fire Nation had some pretty uptight people because of the way they were raised, but this was just too awkward for him. He could tell that the guard wasn't very excited to see him most likely still mulling over the past and that the young lady was probably just as uncomfortable. Unfortunately for Sokka the only way to escape this confrontation lay behind a metal door in one of these cells. Thinking that he might as well get it over with he turned back towards the Senior Healer.

"So…" he began awkwardly, he didn't quite know how to ask if he could see the most evil person in the known world; side from Ozai of course. "Where is she?" He asked hesitantly. The other two showed looks of slight confusion but remained silent knowing better than to speak up; Ching on the other hand knew exactly what the young water tribesman was asking for.

He gave Sokka slight nod in understanding before he turned once again towards the other two; this time addressing the guard. "The Princess is this way." He then noticed the jook that was to be served to the inmates and recognized a perfect opportunity to help Sokka. Reaching over to the cart the elder man grabbed one of the already filled bowls of porridge and stuck a crude wooden spoon in the bland white soupy contents. Turning back around to Sokka he handed the bowl along with its contents to a bewildered Sokka.

"What is this?" Asked a confused Sokka. He was wondering why this old man had suddenly stuck a bowl of boiling hot slop into his hand.

"That is the former Princess's breakfast, my friend." Stated Ching simply. "And you are going to bring it to her." Sokka stared back at the Healer with both eyes and mouth wide open.

"Well first of what do you think this will accomplish?" Said Sokka scratching his head, after overcoming his slight moment of shock. "And why do I have to do it?"

"Sokka if you bring in her breakfast it will seem less strange for you to be seeing her. And that is what we want, after all we don't want to stir her emotions do we?"

"I guess not." Replied Sokka thoughtfully.

"Besides it will make it easier for you and her." Stated Ching, motioning towards the young nurse who had returned back to her work. She then poured a wooden cup full of cold water and handed it to Sokka as well. Accepting the cup Sokka took a glance at both objects in his hands realizing that the idea wasn't so bad after all. Besides it wasn't like he had anything particularly good to say to Azula at the moment; so a conversation starter and a reason to be there in the first place was a welcoming sight.

"Fine I guess your right. I mean how bad could it get? I've always wanted to share a meal with Azula after all." Said Sokka sarcastically earning him a slight laugh from the newly embarrassed nurse.

With that settled Ching motioned his hand to the guard who led the way towards their final destination. Sokka followed close behind clutching the two objects in his hands nervously. Soon they stopped in front of a cell door on the left side near the back of the basement hallway. So far away from the stairs leading out; Sokka reckoned that it was the most secure place in the entire mental institution. The guard pulled out a pair of keys and stuck the keys into the keyhole, at the same time turning to Ching waiting for the order. Ching in turn was looking at the young warrior behind him. "Are you ready?" Ching asked. Sokka took a deep breath and gulped before giving him a slight serious nod; signaling that he was in fact ready. This was it thought Sokka, there was no turning back now. He winced as the lock was turned and the door screeched open. Taking a step forward he passed the Senior Healer and the guard, and with another he passed through the doorway.

As the metal door slammed shut behind him, he scanned the small dark dingy cell that housed the world's most dangerous woman. He looked around still holding onto the bowl and cup; scanning for Azula. His eyes found her, a small red mass on top of the bed that was pushed into the far right corner of his position. Problem was that she had found him as well. Her golden brown eyes of rage, anger and hate staring back into his eyes of blue. Sokka had entered the dragon's lair; and right now all he could think was that he had made a big mistake.

I hate having to come up with new characters because it kind of losses the authenticity of the story, but I really didn't know what to do… so now introducing Senior Healer Ching! If you guys have any ideas I would love to hear them. Just post them in the review section cause I do read them. And sorry that it took so long to write this one, nearly a month! Schools about to start and I've been pretty busy these past few weeks. Thanks for reading and if you have anything to say please comment.