I haven't left a place so fast like I did.
"Is there anything I can do to help the city?" My voice would be unrecognizable, compared to how I spoke some minutes ago.
"General, please take a seat, the council will be held any second. We are glad you could join us this soon" his words and demeanor are not matching.
Is something wrong?
The people gathered around me, these are new faces. I can't recognize anyone in this place other than the mayor
"You are not in trouble general Suki" The lady with an intense…stare, says. She is not helping at all.
"Why would she be? General, we have this information retrieved by some of the whisperers close to the fire nation" The youngest man in the room comes forward to me, bowing at first "While we understand this are private matters, we are worried about your security"
"My security?" I scratch my head. What on earth are they trying to say? What is this chat ab-
"Yes. General, there are some strong, ahem" why is he clearing his throat- Oh- oh no, no no, please don't make this what I think this is going to be "whispers that the firelord and you are having an affair"
I laugh, grabbing my stomach in the process. I probably look like a lunatic but oh the irony.
"Don't be ashamed if that's true!" Okay, lady, you made my fit of laughs stop "We are seeing first hand the effects of this. The fire nation, republic city, the earth kingdom have been really generous thanks to your aid. We all wanted to thank you for achieving that for us"
"It doesn't matter if it's by-"
"Don't you dare speak another word" Fuck you, what the fuck. What. the. fuck "My achievements and the island opening it's borders are not correlated. In fact, how dare you insinuate that my soft skills are the only thing that opened the economy here?
Maybe it's the fact my warriors and I have been touring the continent? Have any of you thought about not undermining their feats?"
"Please don't walk out" The mayor tries to stop me. I should still be respectful, so I stay "We are sorry if we insulted you. We wanted to give you our blessings in case you decide to formalize or not, your relationship with the fire lord"
"Do you realize he has a fiancee? That you talked to some minutes ago?" How dense can he be? What about our fucking morals and….
shit, even they are moving forward with how they view interrelationships.
Or they are happy with how much money it's coming here. Judging by this new council hall and the fanciness around the seats.
"How all of you decide to arrange the relationship is not of our concern" He stands up and bows lightly "We…just are fond of you. After how your dad led some groups out, we realized how hard it hit you when he…perished in battle…thanks to the fire nation…"
"What does that have to do with this?" I can't express enough disappointment in that topic. They don't even know how my dad was killed.
"Loving someone from the fire nation….it's hard to accept it after one of them ended your last family"
I clench my jaw, they won't shut up about this. I take a deep breath, trying to not emote anything at all. Their eyes seem to calculate whether I'll cuss them or anything else.
It's not worth it.
"My warriors are my family. Each day it passes the family ties get stronger" My tone surprises no one, I'm glad they are aware of how fucking stupid they sound. "His life, or rather his death, don't play a part in how I live today. Thank you for your concern, but I'll retire from here with dignity before any of you continue to insinuate I'm a doxie"
Which I intend to stop being…I think so. They don't need to know.
Air, I need air.
"Suki, we will love however you intend to bring here to marry. Whatever nation, or position. We care for you too"
I will darken if I continue hearing any of this.
"Have a great night, I'll continue mine with my friends and team" I excuse myself, not waiting for a reply as I bolt out of the hall.
Is my face freezing or why is it soo rigid when I try to relax or breathe? I can't believe I haven't moved an inch of my fricking face. Azula did make this look easier.
Azula…that bitch. I still need to reach out to Mai and discuss their little plan that seemed to work.
I need to talk to Electra but I'm not sure if her seeing me like this will scare her? She seemed too drugged the first time, to even understand I'm not mad at her anymore, that she is safe.
Weighted down, even without the suit, I drag my feet throughout the shrine, unable to enter the room after all that was said.
I kneel by the statue, I feel…lost. Again.
"What am I supposed to keep doing?" I whisper to her, whom I know won't appear again. It would mean I'm famished again. "I never wanted my achievements to be associated with a man…now it seems it's all that defines me"
Darkness, sweet darkness. I breathe, trying to calm myself. The eeriness of how empty this area is makes me want to sleep. Just succumb and never wake up.
"I don't know how to stop being selfish, please, I need any type of guidance…."Stop it Suki, you just don't want to face what you need to. You chained yourself to this lifestyle.
You couldn't be alone, now you'll always be in an empty home. A small circle you couldn't break off of.
But will it be any better running away from it?
"Sorry, I'll come up here another time"
Shit! I bolt up straight, my tears shit, hoping he doesn't see them. "Chief Hakoda, is nice talking to you again" I need to use my mask again, smiling.
"Pleasure is mine, Suki. I can come down here any other time" He tried to leave me some space. Guess my visit to Electra will need to wait.
"You can go, I was looking at the shrine" well what else could I be doing here? That's a stupid reply.
"On the contrary, I can see you miss this" He smiles sadly. I feel the knot in my throat forming. How I wish this was what I needed it, to be here and be cured.
But I don't even miss it.
"Change it's good" I reply, barely. "I still need to go and start packing up"
He knows something, I'm not sure what, but his face seems so…empathetic? Wouldn't be the first time he sees me distraught. What a shame. What an impression.
"Alright. I hope you know that even after all that happened, we are here for you if you need a shoulder" He patted mine and waited for a reaction.
I hate to thank that bitch. Without her training I would be bawling my eyes out to Hakoda.
"I appreciate you for welcoming me into your family" I smile, forced of course. "I'll swing later to talk to Electra"
He nodded and continued walking, I stood there, almost petrified to move.
I need to keep living, do something with my life. Maybe it's not that I'll be attached to Zuko, maybe it's just helping the city flourish? That's why I met everyone and why I can't be with Sokka.
But seeing him so close to disappearing…
Walk, Suki, Walk. Karina first, duties second. She is your priority now.
I should have visited Electra with my dad. Not wait here with Toph until Katara feels better.
She shouldn't have eaten too much too soon, of course she would puke it all out. She hasn't learned anything from the last time we ate at home!
"Sokka, can we go?" I glance at Toph who is completely closed, talking about her posture at least.
"Just let me check on Kat and we'll leave" I stand up and walk towards the room, knocking it lightly. "Kat?"
"I'm fine! Do you need anything?" Does she seem worried?
"Are you sure?" I ask, just to make my mind feel lighter. He still has Aang there, I suppose as he hasn't been seen in the main room.
"Yes, do you need anything?" Okay, I feel like I'm stressing her more.
"Toph and I will check on Electra then head down to the falls" I explain, of course I move quickly. I don't want her to scold me for leaving her alone and not bugging her with our presence.
At least I'm not the only one bugging her! Dad is there, Suki should be too, and now we'll go.
We can agree, without saying it, that we keep watch due to our failure.
And that it can be scary just laying down there with people you don't know.
"Let's go, I know it's faster but PLEASE don't pull the floor up again" We have our bellies full, we really don't need to get all dizzy going up and risk puking it all out.
"I don't want to take the hill" Of course miss Beifong will object to it.
"Stretching your legs will do you good before entering the waters" I pat her back and urge her to walk "C'mon"
"Ughh" groaning like a child, she drags her feet away and follows me. "But on the way down we'll slide"
I'm glad all of this has made Toph gentler. For goodness it's hard to reason with her when she is mad.
I still need an apology
"Are you going to say something or are we snarking the whole way up?" I push for it, annoying her.
"I need to hold my breath for my way up, no thanks" Ahh cmon!
"You said some interesting words, multiple times, during the mission, when we arrived, at the cen-"
"Hush" Oh Toph, you really know how to get on someone's nerves "I said what I said, do you need me to write a letter?"
"I need you to apologize, all of that was uncalled for" OOp, her face it's not what I expected. Surprised? Why would she be surprised?
"Apologize?" And there goes the beast "you should be kneeling down besides Electra all the time, instead of playing fighting with your fling and eating with your dad. You don't deserve any of that"
A sting, a hard sting I haven't felt in a while. Her scowl aggravates instead
"Speaking of the devil, why are you even visiting?" Who is coming down-
Suki, of course.
"Watch your mouth" She says walking past us, bumping Toph´s shoulder. Not that Toph is interested in captivating someone's attention but I do!
But this is not the time.
"Really? Are you going to ign–"
I drag Toph upwards, just walking straight like a horse. Might as well just ignore her if she really wants her space.
"Hey!" close, I look at Toph with disdain. "I know you and her are complicit at everything you do but you can't expect an apology-"
"We all failed Electra, Toph. The plan was made by five people. Including you" I can't bear the weight of this alone.
I failed her, I know it. I am working to do it better, we all are. But Toph really needs to let go of that grudge. And also get off that fucking high lizzard she is in.
"And what did I tell you that day at the dinner? When you were moping at the table after they announced that ball? It would be your fault" She pushes me and walks up quicker.
"I am trying Toph! I did something to fix it, we are doing it" keeping up with her was easier than I expected "You should direct that anger towards the people that mauled her and tortured her"
I must have lost it because I don't remember being this close to her face before, at least not in this position. Screaming at each other.
"Move before I hurt you, Sokka" She dared me, I am the oldest one, I should be calm. "She is here alive, thanks to me and Katara, not you" Stepping back I continue my walk.
None of us told a lie, it was true that we should have been more cautious, I shouldn't have altered Suki with my feelings. It is also true that Katara has been taking the weight of fighting and healing, alongside her.
I thought I could do this.
I am quite enjoying the silence this time, not bothering to talk to Toph anymore. Just waiting for my last judgment.
Electra didn't want to open her eyes after everything she saw or felt.
At this moment she wasn't sure if she was alive, in a limbo or completely drugged, played with again.
She could see Sokka and Toph talking with each other, the melody of their voices unable to reach her ears. It has been hours and she wasn't sure what was happening, why she couldn't hear them,
She couldn't even speak, eating dirt would be gentler than what she felt in her throat. Strained, tired, dry and coarse.
"It's been so long since I muttered a word " she thought, fully opening her eyes, the lights were low enough for her to form the silhouettes of her worried lovers. Or ex lovers.
Toph must have been saying something she couldn't understand, deciding to nod along. As her hand traced her skin, she inhaled, scared.
The earthbender immediately retired her hand, she had been too rough. Sokka tried to do the same thing, reaching for her arm. With bad luck, she reacted strongly, twitching in pain and taking a deep sigh.
"The Rhino must be wearing off…" Toph concluded, barely gracing her bruised skin again. "Nurse! We need to keep up with the medicine"
"I'm sure her dosage it's pretty soon, that's why we were allowed to enter ... .right?" Sokka asked his dad, who nodded along.
"She is barely awake, I wouldn't agree with all of us visiting at once but I can comprehend why that is," Hakoda said from his seat, asking him to sit beside him. "You need to fill a report"
"We will complement it with what Katara advises us to," Sokka replied "Besides…I wanted to talk to her, we just saw her sleeping"
"Is there something else other than meat and women in that head?" Toph mocked "Can you say how many days it took you to finally be awake?"
"I…"Sokka hushed, rolling his eyes "OKay. I still wanted to see she is doing fine"
He reached for hand, which was quickly swatted away from her thanks to Toph
"Let me try something" He barely explained, turning his back to his dad. His hand touched the water and Electra's skin, concentrating in lowering the uncomfortable sensation she had.
"Son? What-"
"What is happening?" Toph angrily asked, trying to feel if they were in danger of if Sokka was doing something stupid.
Which would explain their erratic heartbeats.
"Touch her hand again" Sokka asked Toph, who shrugged and gently reached for her hand.
Electra didn't react to it anymore, feeling at least the touch as a feather and not daggers.
"What did you do?" Hakoda reached Sokka, touching every part of his body and face. "You shouldn't be able to…"
"To what?" Toph asked surprised, her hand never leaving hers.
Electra, although feeling better, wished she could hear what they were saying. Sokka and Hakoda got closer to her.
She wanted to reply, she probably could.
"She is not in condition to do so" Hakoda patted their backs "We need to give her more time"
Sokka kept his gaze fixed in her body. For the first time in years, Electra felt ashamed. He continued talking, and judging by his arms, was asking them the same thing she was asking her.
He began using his hands to communicate. "Two blinks yes?" Electra thought, willing to do that.
C an you hear us?
With horror in his face, running towards the exit, he decided to reach for an expert to cure what was happening.
She couldn't hear anything. It was either a side effect or she was severely beaten up to the point of no return.
"Hey! Don't leave like that!" Toph screamed to him, kissing Electra's hand and sliding towards him "Were have your-"
"Nobody gives a flying boar fuck about that Toph" Sokka interrupted upset and desperate to reach them "Electra is deaf"
"Or maybe she is completely busted that she can't speak right now!" Toph replied "It has been less than three hours she is awake and she is drugged"
"I am not taking chances anymore" He continued his run, reaching the city and running towards their house.
Toph sighed, lifting the floor and speeding besides him, picking him up on her way towards the house.
Aang and Katara giggled, unable to believe their news.
Until they opened the doors desperately, Sokka's pleading eyes alarming her.
"Can we talk?"
She barely dodges my attack, her eyes firm and face serious.
"Don't you have any privacy in this village?" I frown at not listening when she entered the room, unless I left the door open. But I swear I closed it, she must have sneaked in.
"None, in fact, we all sleep with our windows and doors open" She replies sarcastically with a matching smile "But as we are speaking woman to woman…what's the deal with Zuko?"
"Same old, building his own harem setting so he can't be held accountable. I thought you would be so proud of him" I mock standing up, her hands on her hips is an indication she is not happy either, as if she really cared.
"I'm enthusiastic actually" She grins "especially after your friend told me about the little planning you made with her. To usurp the throne"
What?
"No sassy remark? I thought you were a fast spitter" Her dark stare kept getting close. Is she referring to Azula doing the matchmaker?
"Zuko has free will to choose, he deemed you not suitable for the public. You can't pin that on us, especially with the manners you have" I look suspicious at her, what does she mean by that?
I should talk to Ty Lee. She probably knows the same or more than Suki.
"Manners you thought me, Azula made sure to reinforce it" I need to smirk, she is fuming inside "Your plan on making me back down is unsuccessful, I will not leave Zuko"
"Your plan is way better than mine" I smirk finally at her eyes waving "You even got a search warrant and detention. I wonder what were you caught doing with him"
"I did my part, other than eating and deceiving, what else did you do for the team?" She frowned, walking out the door, finally.
"Fight with Zuko actually. It annoys me how loyal and in love he seems with me"
She giggles, she has no rebuttal to that.
"For now, I tried to talk to you as a woman and asked your intentions…." Suki's jaw tensed.
She knows something, Zuko knows something, why is no one bothering to fill the blanks for me? We stare at each other, she sighs.
"I know you love him a way I could never do"
Obviously
"How far would you go to protect him from himself?"
"Why should I answer any of that?" I feel my chest hard, she clearly didn't expect that answer "You are no-"
"I don't want a new recipe or anything" Does she even make sense? "I want to see your intentions. Why are you suddenly okay with being a firelady with a concubine?"
We are way beyond this point.
"Suki, please leave the room. You are in a power high, don't embarrass yourself any further"
"He doesn't know Azula, Ty and you conspired in breaking us apart. Imagine his surprise when I tell him this information"
That fucking grin has Azula writting all over her face.
"That's what I thought"
"I just wanted him to…Ugh!" Fuck "This is not personal, it never has been personal against you. I love him and I'm willing to play along, even with my feelings, so he is not looked down as weak or an utterly idiotic firelord for choosing a foreigner who is more of a whim than a lover"
Of course she had to touch that point right in the middle of nowhere where I'm already overwhelmed.
"While that's adorable to hear, it will make him realize that you being the firelady is a mistake….if a paper tips him off what has been planned behind his back" what?
"You won't blackmail me Suki. It wouldn't be the first time we break up, contrary to your relationship with him that is on thin air now that you are parading with your ex in front of everyone"
I know that must have hurt, but I cannot let her think she had the upper hand in this. How did she even figure it out?
"Oww, I must have hit the mark have I? " Any step closer and I will shove her "I want him to be safe from your friend's paws. I'm willing to trust you as a sister and not as a foe"
I want to puke, I hate that saying of being sisters and bla bla bla
"I don't want to even be related to you. As I said, nothing personal. We are just too different" Maybe this will bait her into lowering her guard
"I thought so too, but in the end, we are just women delegated to do their duty. That's what your father must have taught you, just like my mother did"
I clench my jaw. What else can I reply to that?
"I've planned something, help me do it and I think we can all be with Zuko safely" She opens her bag and hands me a new…prototype of a gauntlet? "Whoever he chooses to be with, at least the menace will be gone"
"Menace?" I look at the gauntlet, her eyes inspect me. I refute it and she places it back in her bag "Is someone attempting to hurt him?"
Her eyes almost dance of joy, I might have bit the bait.
"Due to you being in talks with Azula, I can't say anything else" What? But I have NOT done any of that….not to the extent she believes "But after all of this, maybe I will step down and let you be the sole firelady"
"What are you saying?" This can't be real. She promised Zuko to love him ,she promised me to try harder to love him. I feel my blood boil
"It's in talks, don't get me wrong. I am doing all of this for him" her eyes have a tint of smirk that reminds me of Azula and I-
"what are you doing?"
Now this will get better
"Talking about our firelady duties per your request. You emphasized how urgent the matter was"
She learned how to be a good liar
"I'm glad you dropped your puppy at the dinner table" I giggle, that was a good nickname for Sokka. "So Mai told you already. There shouldn't be more animosity between us"
She turns to me, her eyes gentler than before "It never has been, we just needed to sit down and talk"
"Relax Sokka, the sudden hearing loss can last up to weeks. With all the drugs forcing her to sleep to recover, it can take longer to hear clearly"
Could that be all of it?
"She has a lot more things…not looking right" I don't have enough words to describe what I saw and how I saw her but..
"Relax" I feel Aang's hands on my shoulders, shaking me "I know its hard to imagine it, but she is safe here"
He knows how to do a good massage, I slump down on the sofa, sighing.
"See? No one knows we are here, in Kyoshi" He smiles at me, I smile too. You can always count with Aang for that "we just need to give her time"
I'm so glad my baby sister has an amazing husband, also that he is part of my family now.
"But braindead didn't listen to me and just took off" I sighed annoyed, I really really want to punch Toph.
"Toph" Kat don't do it "Is there something you want to tell Sokka?"
"I'd rather eat fire" She sat besides me, OW
"Was that necessary?!" I stand up and walk towards my sister, nursing my arm. I lean on her shoulder.
"It's my way of saying I was being too harsh on you" What fucking excuse is that?
"Toph"
Katara does resemble a mom everytime she scolds her "FINE. Sokka, I'm still upset at you. I have been mean to both of you, sorry"
"Fucking finally" I grin, hugging Katara and pressing a strong kiss on her cheek
She giggles as I make a break to the dining room, reaching for one of the sweet moon cakes offered at the table. Sitting down, I decide to eat it slowly, enjoying the taste for once.
Who am I kidding? I put all of it in my mouth. Closing my eyes, delighted
"SON"
I cough forcefully, almost choking on my cake. What has happened?
"Sorry I didn't mean to scare you" too late now, as I spit the part of the cake that, sadly, was not able to be eaten.
Rest in peace small fragment of cake that-
Why is my dad in such a rush?
"Dad? What happened?" And everyone is at the table. Thank god Mai is not nosy, or doesn't show it as much. Sis looks so frightened too
"I…I need an explanation. You just took off after that happened" OH. He must be referring to…that.
"What happened back there that made pops so anxious Sokka?" Now Toph, if I were you…"What did you do to her body?"
"Nothing bad, actually" He is comforting her, great "But Aang, you might actually want to look into it"
All eyes on me, I involuntarily gulp. Even if I decide to explain it, it doesn't mean they would believe me. And I still don't know how it works.
"What did you do?" Aang is the first to ask me, with that serious Avatar mode face.
"I…" I don't have words honestly, it's not bending, that's for sure. "I-I might have helped Electra"
"You didn't modify her medicine, right?" NO sis, that's way out of my reach.
"No, I j-just lent her a hand. I placed my hand above hers and it helped her with something I t-think" Why am I stuttering? Hopefully it's not because I….
I sound like a lunatic
"What happened?"
NO please not you also here.
"Nothing, Sokka created something and he doesn't want to tell anybody"
"You are not helping Toph! " Tell her Sis! But…oh the pressure. I glance at Suki's equally curious eyes that get closer. "Sokka? What do you mean by lending her a hand, describe it please"
Shit
"I…I rather show you?"
That was supposed to be a reply…UGHHH
We were coming here later but oh the dramatics, Sokka sure adores the attention. His story is not making sense and…Dad's not telling anything.
Why are they so secretive?
I'd rather not have a lot of people here, so it is a good thing Suki didn't bother to take Mai and Zuko out of their chambers. We are a crowd already.
He seems nervous to enter the water and it was…out of the ordinary to say the least.
I glance at Aang who never stops observing him, waiting for something or someone? Is he going to take out something or not?
"Well…let's begin shall we?" About time. He is glancing at Dad and…of course. Who else?
I
I- am speechless.
Why is he glowing? his eyes? Was he cursed?!
"Again…"
I turn to Suki who looks scared, stepping towards him. Again?!
"Sokka!" I shout, he smiles awkwardly, waving. "What's happening?!"
"I am not sure myself but…." He was completely in shock too, we can see the light beneath the waterfall. "I guess I am a star?"
"Suki I would advise not touching the wa-"
Of course she touched after Aang told her not to!
"I am trying to prove something here" I step closer cautiously to see what she is doing.
Maybe she knows her way around curses? It's not something that is-
Why would they be cursed? Unless they STOLE the water.
"You didn't ask them for permission…" Thank you dad for clarifying my theory, I won't say he is cursed but…
"Sokka why would you steal from the gods!" Aang is on duty now. He is the link after all "You always need to acknowledge them before taking anything from them"
"We did talk to them," Suki said ... .did they? She glanced at Sokka and then to me "We promised to give it back once the worst had passed"
"But you didn't ask, you just took it!" Oh sweetie, I know this stresses you out because it's more work… "How were you supposed to create more water?"
"Aang, calm down" Brother, this is not the way to calm anyone down "I…Yue talked to us. She touched me? I'm not sure how it happened but I…I floated and now this happens. At least in bodies of water"
"You glow in the water, nothing to worry about" Suki you shouldn't even be smiling that big for this.
"Kids, calm down" my dad butts in, stepping closer to the edge with us "Sokka…seemed to cure Electra up there"
He BENDED?
The gods rewarded Sokka for stealing?
"Huhhh?!" They said in unison, looking at Sokka. I most assume I looked as equally as shocked. Tui and La, this is too much information.
"You are a water bender?!" Toph said beyond shock "So no more three plus sokka"
"Is this really your concern right now Toph?" My sweetie is so upset right now, he surely knows more about this than any of us. Which surprises me why they are only surprised and not afraid.
"You just heal right?" I asked. I also need him to show me.
Suki must have thought the same because she pulled out a knife, with no notice and cut her hand.
"Suki!" Aang, babe I can see where this is going. I place a hand on him and squeeze it. He looks startled and stressed.
Sokka reaches for her bloody hand, placing him above her. He locks his eyes towards the wound.
He healed someone, with no proper training.
Spare us please, Tui and La.
Sokka is going to be INSUFFERABLE.
The shocks in everyones faces (including Toph, due to context) made the world stop for a second.
Aang liked to think he knew everything about bending and how someone, spiritually, could obtain and open their pathways.
He couldn't believe it would be due to a blessing. That would mean Princess Yue could have been a waterbender, due to being blessed by the moon.
"Is someone going to enter the falls too or do I get out?" Sokka asked awkwardly, floating. Suki and Katara couldn't keep her eyes off her hand, who seemed fine. Nowhere in sight was the cut she did a few seconds ago.
Hakoda shot him a look, making him get out of the water as quickly as he could. Climbing up the falls all drenched, once reaching his friends he took out his clothes. They were all intimate after all, it shouldn't matter.
"What? I'll catch a cold!" He excused himself at Aang's glare. "So…does that explain what happened?"
"It leaves us even more confused," Katara replied, walking towards his hands to inspect them. "We'll try to teach you how to bend, right now"
"Isn't it a little late?" Hakoda asked, shutting up with Katara's glare "okay, I'll grab some dry clothes for him"
"Thank you" Sokka replied and Suki whispered, unable to concentrate on Sokka without looking at his body.
"I hope this sudden change in-"
Suki clamped Toph's mouth, earning a slap at the back of her head.
"Hey!" She complained, pushing the earthbender further "Calm down before I throw you at the Unagui"
"If you calm yourself first" She grinned, making Suki roll her eyes.
Sokka hadn't thought about this discovery and neither did her sister. He just assumed it would be temporary until he returned the water and she thought it would only be used to heal, a property of the Oasis
Both of them lost their breath at the scene.
Sokka finally made a water bubble, the same Katara used to struggle with when they were younger. Sokka's eyes kept shining as he held the water bubble.
"Am I dreaming?" Sokka whispered, letting go of the ball, seeing it splash at his toes. "Sis?"
Katara felt troubled. Would it be a good thing for him holding this power or will it help him fall?
"No…you…you are a waterbender." She whispered, tearing uncontrollably.
"What's wrong?!" Aang and Sokka got near her, looking for more space, she kept them at arm's distance. She looked up at her brother with her lips quivering
"Kat?" Sokka asked worriedly, unable to hug her or comfort her.
"I am no…no longer the last waterbender of the South" She smiled, crying uncontrollably. Hakoda managed to hear the last of the conversation, rushing to hug his kids whom shared a hug of comfort. "Mom would be so happy"
"She is happy you two are together" Hakoda comforted "Her prayer always involved your happiness and bond as siblings to be together, through good and bad"
While the scene was heart melting, Suki turned around to give them more privacy. Toph, as much as she wanted, couldn't offer the same comfort, she could still see them.
"Now that's a surprise" Toph commented, trying to ignore their crying and motivational speeches "I wonder why he was blessed or touched to be a waterbender after…those letters and feelings"
Suki couldn't reply at all, immersed in her thoughts. "There must be a catch to him being a waterbender, suddenly"
"Suki?" She heard Katara and realized that Toph had moved towards the center. She walked too, smiling worriedly. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah" She lied, glancing at Toph. Her fist ready to punch her if she wanted to say a joke about lying. Surprisingly she didn't, making her relax for a minute until she heard what they wanted to say. "Did you want to tell us something?"
"Well…yes. I expected Zuko and Mai to be here too but they seem to take their time" Katara replied, a bit frustrated. "There has been some news"
"More news? I don't think they can top Sokka the new waterbender" Toph mocked, earning a glare from Aang. "But we are more than ready to hear it if it's good ones"
"Hey, did someone tell Mai and Zuko we will be coming here?" Sokka asked, remembering she asked them to remind her "Otherwise I don't think they are showing themselves"
"Or we can just meet them at the house?" Suki suggested, smiling awkwardly at Katara's smirk "Or I can get them? It's not that far from here"
"Get who?" Zuko said, approaching them with his bathing suit and robe. Seeing them without any water gear made him feel like an idiot, blushing "Well, Mai certainly lied when she told me this would be a water party"
Suki giggled, Sokka and Aang snickered and Katara coughed.
"It was, but we changed it to a sudden meeting due to Katara having some news," Hakoda explained with a sympathetic smile. "Come here"
He jogged towards Suki's side, making the woman sigh uncomfortably. Aang and Katara detached from the closeness of the group, with half a smile on their faces.
"The news is…" She glances at Aang, their hands enterwinding as their friends await their news.
"We are expecting a baby" Aang said, memorizing their expressions.
"YOU ARE WHAT?!" Sokka was the first to react in his disgusted playful manner "WITH WHO?!"
Suki, after the initial shock, ran to hug them. Happy that at least someone from their group had moved on from the war. Hakoda was next to congratulate them, Sokka and Zuko followed afterwards, with playful slaps and hugs to Aang.
"But but you have been overworking yourself then!" Sokka said upset "We need to leave the healing to someone else"
"Someone blessed" Suki continued the sentence, posing her eyes on his for a second, before returning her gaze to Katara "You should not expose yourself anymore"
"I know. We weren't sure if it was the exhaustion or this until today. I still have some months left before I can't work properly, but it should cover Electra's and Karina's recovery" She explained, the warriors nodded.
"Well, this is also worth celebrating" Hakoda said "We should go inside because it's getting pretty cold here"
"Also?" Zuko whispered to Suki, whom sighed. Unsure why she felt pathetic.
"You should ask Sokka '' She barely finished before he, himself, reached out to him with an outstretched hand.
"Hey they-"
And a water bubble fell on his head, splashing him. Zuko rolled his eyes annoyed, until it hit him.
"Did you do that?" He asked shocked, realizing Katara was ahead of them. "How?"
"We will be in a more fair playground" Sokka jokes, with his eyes glowing and a hand full of another water bubble.
"You are a waterbender…" Zuko couldn't process it, Suki tapped his shoulder so he could continue walking "Suki, those are some amazing news"
"I wouldn't be too happy" She whispered "It was after we stole from the spirits…I need to get more info of that"
Zuko placed a hand on his face, thoughtful "You're right, but we should leave this to Katara and Aang, who seem to grasp better how waterbending works"
"Or we could go to the library and read about it" She suggested, taken back by his annoyance "Zuko he is our friend"
"Yes, and he seems pretty excited to finally be able to bend" He reminded her "I wouldn't want to rain on his parade"
Suki decided to continue the walk in silence, hesitating to feel entirely happy about this. Upon reaching the house, her face lit up like Zuko hadn't seen in months.
Katara was pampered by Sokka and Aang, the latter already massaging her to release much of the stress she had been holding. Sokka brushed part of her hair, blabbering about how his niece would be the most spoiled child in the whole world.
Hakoda was already writing a letter to his partner, with a fresh smile that no one could ever take back.
Mai walked to the scene, surprised at everyone's attention to Katara.
"You missed some big events Mai" Zuko said with a grin, letting either Aang or Katara tell the news.
"I just heard all the comotion and forgot we were meeting at the waterfalls" She replied bored. Suki smirked
"Sokka is a waterbender now and Katara got pregnant" Toph said disinterestedly, leaning her head backwards with a big smile.
"You are shitting me" Mai whispered, incredulous "Congratulations Katara and Aang" she glanced at Sokka who smiled.
"We can't believe it either, both things" Hakoda said, still confused but happy.
"Well, I need to catch some sleep before finishing packing" Suki apologized, walking towards the couple. "I won't tell you how to celebrate…so please continuing enjoying the island"
"This is not an island anymore, this is a lovely city" Katara said hugging her "Thank you and have a safe trip"
She smiled at them, she avoided smiling too long at them and him, walking right out towards the streets.
Zuko and Mai saw how troubled she looked walking out, for a minute, he considered following her. But the town could have opened an old wound. So he let her cool down before approaching her.
"I also need to pack" Sokka apologized, kissing his sister's cheek. "Once I finish I'll come down here again if any of you are still awake"
"What else can we do in this town?" Toph mocked, resting in the couch "We'll be here for sure talking a lot"
He smiled, jogging upstairs to continue his packing. He is a waterbender and he will have a niece or nephew. Either way, he will be an uncle.
And as much as it disgusts him, he couldn't wait to share the news with Electra. Both. She would probably tell him how it could help him gain more advantages or how to nurse that baby.
Grabbing the nearest backpack available, he just threw his clothes over there. Frantically searching for the rest of his stuff or anything that could be useful to their journey at Republic city, although it was short, they were still on the run.
He quickly turned to see who showed up at his door, surprised at seeing Mai, of all people, there.
"Whats shacking?" He asked with a happy uptone, annoying Mai who entered the room. "I guess a lot, please enter the room and sit in my bed"
"And I thought Ty Lee sucked with comebacks" She mocked, walking closer to him. "So are you a waterbender now?"
"Apparently" Sokka said, ignoring her presence, roaming through the drawers in search of anything that could distract him from facing her. "Wish I could explain this better but I can't"
"Not expecting you to" Mai cut him, stepping closer "But I did come here…to ask you to intervene"
Sokka stopped his search, curious. "With what?" Facing her, waiting for an answer.
"You know with what" Mai usually wouldn't beat around the bush, but being here with Sokka she had to be careful with what to say. Otherwise she would lose her chance of obtaining information
"There is a lot happening here" Sokka excused himself, figuring out what Mai was asking of him. "And I'm busy with other priorities right now"
"Sokka, I wouldn't even talk to you in another situation if I didn't know how serious this was" Mai confessed, sprinkling a bit of emotion to give the full effect.
He inspected her, frowning. "I…" He sighed "What's happening?"
"She is falling into her disease thanks to the Fire Nation influence" She needed to be convincing, crossing her arms. "She is unhappy and relapsing"
Sokka's face softened, sighing. "I already handed her my therapist in the city. I can't help her more than that"
"That's what you think" Mai said with a lot of restraint "I know you will travel back to see her sergeant in the city. Try to get her to…confess her burden or worry. This is affecting Zuko too"
Sokka tried to think like Electra. What could Mai gain other than Zuko being happy? She could probably get rid of Suki and help Azula be in power…Or she just wanted her out of the map.
Or maybe, she was trying to do the right thing.
"I can't promise you it'll work" He replied unsure "if anything changes you'll see it"
Mai nodded, making her way out of the room with a grin.
She would not let herself be manipulated by Suki.
Blue. The color that seemed to follow her everywhere in her life. In her eyes, in his clothes, in her feelings.
Unable to catch any type of sleep, she decided to get ready to leave. Preparing Appa should be easy so when he came they would just ride away. And not chit chat or do anything else.
"Are you leaving so soon?" his voice. In an empty house. She glanced at the window, trying to guide herself under the position of the stars.
It wasn't long since she ate with the group, so why was she hearing his voice?
Taking a last sight at her room, she closed the door. "Ignore it"
But how could she? She was in love with a waterbender. The same thing that killed him.
Now he was haunting her in their home, mocking her. The other option, that suddenly everyone loved, was marrying a firebender.
The firelord of all people.
"I'm sure you are wishing I stay here so you can laugh harder" She said to the air, upset. Pocketing some fruit that would perish if left there, she walked out from the backdoor, speeding for some seconds.
"No one is behind you Suki, calm down" She said with a sigh. She should have visited Electra before taking off, but…was she even needed there? Sokka probably took her declaration of what happened.
"Hey buddy" Suki greeted, offering him a yellow apple. Appa groaned happily, eating it in a single bite. "Let me brush your hair before packing everything"
Relaxing, for some minutes. Before it weighed it down again, the grieving of not having a goal after everything ends.
She would remove Azula from holding any type of influence, then what?
She would have Zuko's babies? Was that really what she wanted? Fight for the rest of her life to not be seen as less than?
Then what?
Again, what would she have if one day she couldn't keep being a warrior?
"But, if you do something to fill a void, that's the way directly to failure" Karina's voice resonated in her head, confusing her.
"What am I trying to fill? Absences? Love? Admiration? None of that works" She thought to herself, introspecting.
She wasn't the happiest woman in the world, but she could have it way worse. She had a job, has, she reminded herself. She just changed her position.
She has someone that loves her unconditionally. She has the highest achievement possible in her island-
She has a family…not hers. Technically.
"CRAP" Suki realized she had been tugging too hard at Appa's hair, apologizing. Placing her head on his leg, she exhaled. "Sorry"
Intimacy. Vulnerability.
She was lacking both. She couldn't trust anyone as deeply as she used to do with him. After the second time she was lost.
Zuko was something she couldn't imagine being real, only to realize that in fact, it wasn't him.
Suki's eyes teared, attempting to make herself cry.
But she had forgotten how to cry, how to be vulnerable.
"This used to be easier" She thought, cleaning the remaining tears. Appa groaned sadly, obviously, feeling Suki's darkening. With a last sob, she decided it was a good time to pack Appa's saddle.
Reaching for her bag behind her, her eyes met a concerned Sokka watching that upon realizing, he turned around to leave her alone.