Darkness.
Ice.
The spirits are howling, twirling like eddies. Voices.
I can't see the horizon, but I sense it's there. A minute glimpse of light in the cold darkness.
In my heart, I pray to the Sun to show its face.
Oh Agni!
My arms are breaking, ripping right out of their sockets. If I let go, he'll fall.
He grabs at my upper arms, staring desperately at me with blue eyes. My nails and fingers dig into his jacket. I see the pleading in his gaze.
Azula, please!
The edge of the icy precipice cuts into my chest. My arms will dislocate or tear right off.
He's begging me to either let go and save myself, or to save his life. I'm not sure which. The howling in my ears increases.
No!
I will not let them win.
Gauging a foothold by means of the blue flames sprouting from my feet, I anchor myself to the glacier and pull. I pull with all my might, hauling him up.
He collapses into my arms, cradles me tight, kisses my neck.
"Azula…"
I open my eyes. The cone shape of the Water Tribe hut hugs us. Tiny flames flicker in the furnace.
"I had a nightmare." He wraps his limbs around me like a child.
I kiss him.
"It's all right, Sokka. I'm here. I'll always be here."