Puzzling Pieces 2/2
sokkla100
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender, which belongs to Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
Puzzling Pieces
Note One: These are written for my fellow Sokka/Azula "shippers" (what a weird term) at sokka_x_azula and sokkla100. Or whoever.
Note Two: The drabbles are obviously nonlinear.
Note Three: The poor things are subject to random editing. Also, thanks for reading. :)
Wordcount: 50x100 (100x100 total)
Part One
051: PRISONER
Winter was, ironically, the “warmest” time of year in the South Pole, but occasionally there were still blizzards.
Tonight, Azula was literally a prisoner among the entire water tribe in the communal snow dome, huddled in five or six blankets.
Horrifying as the situation was, watching them act out stories in song around the small fire for the enjoyment of all was an interesting experience. Especially when Katara and Sokka took a turn.
Sokka’s slightly flat voice, yet compellingly animated acting was nothing compared to the grace and melodic quality of his sister.
But Azula found it far more entertaining.
09/02/2008
052: CHANCES
The dice game held little appeal to Azula. Sokka, on the other hand, could be entertained by anything, and was willing to try it out.
Unfortunately, no game of “chance” lacked the element of skill completely.
“Just like life,” Azula commented.
“Not so,” Sokka said. “Everyone has to take chances in life. Skills are used to form a decision, but the result always involves chance. No one can know the future.”
“I disagree. Results are predictable, depending of the decision-maker’s ability to predict the actions of other relevant parties.”
Sokka glared. “People aren't as predictable as you think they are.”
09/02/2008
053: CONFESSIONS
He found her completely soaked and wondered if she was lucid.
“Azula, what-”
She held a finger to her lips. “Watch. You’re the first to know.”
A column of blue fire spiraled around them, blending with the rain. There were even other colors in the flames, like gold and white.
“Why are you showing me this?” Sokka asked, amazed.
Something swelled inside him when her eyes became vulnerable.
“Part of this sentence is true,” she said, “I love you, you stupid boy.”
It was the heat of the moment, and he shouldn’t have done it, but Sokka kissed Azula anyway.
09/02/2008
054: FIRE
The siblings played in the canyon.
“I heard an explosion-”
Sokka grabbed his sister’s shirt and pulled her down before she exposed them.
The incensed Katara was distracted by what Sokka was watching.
“What are they doing?”
“Playing some sort of game. Fireball... ball?”
They watched Zuko and Azula play their high-speed firebending game.
“Did she just cheat?”
Sokka shrugged. “She does that.”
“Who’s winning?”
“Don’t really know.”
Katara glared. Firebenders tended to remove most their clothing during rigorous practice. It probably caused Sokka’s glazed expression as he only watched Azula.
She flicked him in the ear before she left.
09/02/2008
055: ICE
Sokka had a new invention. It would provide the perfect dessert for their winter solstice celebration. Using seacow milk and alpine sweet syrup, and Katara’s ability to make the snow into chunky ice, he made iced sweet cream.
Why anyone would want a frozen dessert in a frozen wasteland was beyond Azula.
Later, as she nibbled on the cream, she thought about earlier, when everyone was taking turns rolling the double compartmented contraption back and forth across the snow, making up the game as they went along.
Distracted by the memory, she suddenly realized she was on her third helping.
09/02/2008
056: RED
The night sky over Gaoling was blood red from fire and smoke. Consequently, everything was hued in crimson.
There hadn't been a Fire Nation rebellion this devastating in years. Gaoling must have been targeted because it was Zuko’s final stop on his tour of the Earth Kingdom...
Must... have... been...
He must have looked scary brandishing his sword because he barely noticed the rebels throwing themselves out of his way.
He finally found Ursa barely conscious with a gash next to her ear.
“They... took Azula...” she whispered.
Sokka gently lifted her from the rubble, and fought down the fear.
09/02/2008
057: WARRIOR
They were all about to ambush rebel headquarters. Of course she would be decked out in armor. But Sokka hadn’t seen her in her full Fire Nation fighting regalia since... well, since the hundred year war.
Seeing her walking up to them with her warrior stride and cold mask contrasted with the warm young woman he knew.
Azula saw him involuntarily stiffen when he saw her and smiled, guessing the reason for his discomfort.
“Would it help if we made-out?” she whispered so only he could hear.
Sokka smiled gratefully at her familiarity. “No,” he teased, “No it would not.”
09/03/2008
058: PRINCESS
There was an ancient story of a princess who lived in the moon, who fell in love with a peasant and put him into deathless sleep for all eternity.
Azula stared up at her rival, a contemplating look on her face.
Ursa told her the story of Princess Yue, as told to her by Iroh. But Azula never connected the “peasant boy” to Sokka until she saw the way he gazed at the full moon that evening.
“You can’t have him,” she told the moon.
The wind blew, and Azula shivered when she heard the sound of a woman sigh.
09/03/2008
059: BLUE
She dreamed of a wolf with blue eyes.
She maneuvered out of his grasp, up trees, and over streams, her black hair streaming behind her.
Eventually it was her turn to chase him.
She was worthy. She wasn’t sickly and weak, she was a warrior. She could free herself of her father’s spirit, even if she had to rip herself apart first.
She woke with a fever and felt Katara’s cool hands.
When Sokka came to visit them, she felt him gently push her hair back. She looked through the haze, into his blue eyes, and fianlly admitted she wanted.
09/04/2008
060: COLD
“I brought this scarf for you,” Katara said, “Wrap this around your face. And pull your hood tight.”
Emerging into the terribly cold sunny day, Azula found everyone huddled around three sleds tied to teams of polar-bear-dogs. Sokka was giving Zuko pointers.
“You’re racing with me,” he informed her. “I packed extra blankets-”
“I’m expected to ride in that?”
He rolled his eyes. “We only do this when the weather is clear during the warmer season. Come on, you’ll have fun.”
The race was noisy and frigid. But it was unlike any other experience and Azula admitted she had fun.
09/04/2008
061: FOOD
Obviously food was a way to his affections.
“I want you to teach me to cook.”
Katara almost checked Azula for fever, but didn't when she saw her expression.
“Why?”
“Because I don’t know how, why else?”
“Don't people usually cook for you?”
Azula shrugged. “I may not always live in the Fire Nation palace. I might need the skill in the future.”
“But why me? Why not ask a Fire Nation-”
“Cooking is cooking,” Azula said, flushing. “It doesn’t matter what nation it’s from.”
Katara, surprised at her uncharacteristic emotional display, gave into the proposition, however suspicious it seemed.
09/05/2008
062: BOOK
Aang’s diplomatic embassy to Wan Shi Tong went well. Zuko’s promise to restore the Fire Nation section seemed to placate the owl spirit, not to mention Aang’s “intriguing” spiritbending ability.
Azula wandered through the endless stacks in the restored Library, awed by so much knowledge in one place.
Then she discovered Sokka’s strange kleptomania habit when it came to books.
He was strewn in a pile of tomes and scrolls. Occasionally he stuffed one into his sack.
She carefully snuck up behind him.
“What are you reading?” she asked, right next to his ear.
His startled yelp was almost charming.
09/05/2008
063: SONG
“You’re writing a tribal song... about me?” Azula asked after she perused the stolen parchment.
“About us,” Sokka corrected, snatching back his paper. He was blushing.
Azula learned enough about traditional Water Tribe song to know they were usually personal stories.
“What about ‘us’?” She languidly moved her arms around his neck in a half-heartened attempt to steal the song again. Sokka held it high above them.
“Our enmity, our rivalry,” he paused when she kissed him lightly, “our affability.”
She laughed. “That’s going to be a long song.”
She’d make him promise to sing it to her one day.
09/05/2008
064: LIGHT
“Philosophers call Fire the element of Light,” Azula explained.
“Do they?” he said sleepily, not opening his eyes.
“One of the forces of balance. Each of the elements embodies one,” she said. “...Do you know which is Water?”
“I might.” Sokka wanted to peacefully enjoy the rest of the warm, sunny afternoon in sweet, lazy silence.
But his companion wanted to wax philosophic. Or play mind games.
“I suspect,” Azula continued, “it’s why people say water tribesmen are great lovers-”
“That isn’t what those philosophers meant when they called Water the element of Love.
“Not that the former isn’t true...”
09/06/2008
065: DARK
It was a bad idea.
But she needed a closer look.
Apparently, Sokka had lost this sword at least four times, all “life-or-death” situations. Which is why it remained wrapped up and locked in a case.
Azula picked the lock and carefully unwrapped the sword.
It was so dark, the polish barely gleamed. She couldn’t even see her reflection in the black blade.
It had a reputation, able to cut easily through metal and ice.
It was a powerful weapon and Azula liked powerful...
She quickly put the sword away.
She had to find a healthier hobby than stalking Sokka.
09/06/2008
066: MIST
“I don’t want to talk to you,” he irritably told her.
“A woman to challenge him, to cherish him, to help lead his tribe in peace and prosperity.”
Sokka looked up, shocked, at Azula.
Her hair was meticulously braided, and she was wearing the colors of his tribe. That, and she was mist. All pointing towards an apparition brought on by The Swamp.
“Not you,” Sokka said to the dream, “you hated my home.”
“The tribal family, the belonging, the love, I crave it. I lived my life too long without it.”
He shook his head. “Impossible.”
The vision left.
09/06/2008
067: STRING
“Hey you! Come help me!”
Knowing better than to incur the wrath Ursa, Katara, and Zuko by upsetting the unstable princess, Sokka complied and walked into the palace courtyard.
“What should I do?” He sat down.
“Hold these,” she said, eyes full of childlike mischief.
Sokka carefully held the ends of several pieces of string, waiting patiently as she braided them in a pattern only Azula could understand.
“Now hold out your wrist.”
Suspicious, Sokka did.
Azula tied the braided string around him like a bracelet.
“There! Now we’re best-friends.”
“Oh,” Sokka said. “Um, yay. Just what I’ve always wanted.”
09/06/2008
068: SUNSET
The sun was finally setting.
Sokka didn't sleep, but he was grateful Azula did. He looked down at the girl sleeping on his thigh. He dreaded waking her, if her mouth felt as dry and painful as his. But one mouthful of water now was worlds better than a liter in the heat of the day.
“Azula,” he whispered, “we should start walking towards Misty Palms.”
Azula shifted, blinked, and looked up at him, gold eyes shadowed with sleep and dehydration.
“Sokka, you should know. If I could... I would shoot lightening. For positioning purposes.”
He smiled wearily. “Thanks Azula.”
09/06/2008
069: SUNRISE
They followed the stars until the sun rose.
The sun bathed the sand in orange and red. Sokka watched the morning light strike against the silk and skin of the princess walking over the dune before him.
She glowed, as the sun did.
Sokka felt in this light he could see a new side of her. A girl that wasn’t stubbornly argumentative-
“What are you staring at?” she demanded.
Spell broken.
“Just the beautiful sunrise.”
She looked towards it.
“It’s not so great,” she said, crossing her arms.
“I don’t know,” Sokka said, catching up, “It all depends on context.”
09/06/2008
070: TREE
They were hidden, though the situation called for full body contact.
So they didn’t fall.
Sokka never thought he’d say this.
“I think we’re moving a bit... fast.”
“Shut up, Sokka.” She used her teeth to kiss him again.
Sokka shifted, causing them both to fall forwards on the branch. Between that and the trunk, Azula was shifted into his lap.
She raised an eyebrow.
Sokka flushed.
“Seriously, though-”
“Now is not the time to talk.” She smiled wickedly. “Unless it’s dirty talk you’re after. I could recite centered square numbers. 1, 5, 13, 25...”
She was right, it wasn’t the time to talk.
09/06/2008
071: SNOW
After the blizzard, Sokka was up checking the depth before anyone else, and did a test jump off the two-story fort.
“I doubt our guests would be into-” Katara started.
“If the great Avatar is willing, I don’t see why a bunch of stuffy nobles wouldn’t be.”
In fact, Zuko and many others were perfectly willing to try.
Azula, however, thought the activity was foolish.
Since she couldn’t firebend, Sokka decided to grab the snobbish woman and jump off with her.
He realized, on the way down, that scaring the wits out of Azula wasn’t a good idea at all.
09/07/2008
072: SAKURA
This time she forgot her mother had come back.
Azula hit the beloved sakura tree in Ursa’s courtyard with her fists, causing a rain of pink and white. “Leave me alone!” she shouted at her mother. “Why can’t you leave me at peace?!”
Everyone carefully blocked off the exists so she couldn’t bolt.
Sokka watched, wishing, again, that he could go home. But he wouldn’t leave without Katara. Katara, the healer, needed to be there.
“Father says drill, father says obey, father says fight, father says-”
Exhausted, the poor girl fell, curling into herself and mumbling. Sokka exhaled in relief.
09/07/2008
073: CHARM
Like Zuko, Azula expressed the perfect etiquette of a noble. It was probably supposed to be charming, but Sokka saw how acerbic she could be in the guise of manners.
“You don’t have to be so... polite. We’re all family here,” Sokka said crossly, after she played a circular logic trick on poor Toph.
He didn’t want to fight, but they were flying across the desert, and he didn't want Toph unintentionally causing angry sandstorms and blinding Appa.
“Oh? Which part of your ‘family’ am I?”
“What?”
“Sister? Daughter? Cousin?”
“Does it matter?!”
Azula looked away. “Obviously not to you.”
09/08/2008
074: LIPS
Azula folded her arms, tired and upset, as Sokka continued to yell at her.
It wasn’t her fault his sister was so sensitive! She was more touchy than Zuko...
Besides, it wasn’t her business. Azula was perfectly capable of a “healthy relationship-”
Sokka was so angry. She watched without listening, watched the way his body, his lips, moved. Her subconscious response was an ache instead of a joy.
“You’re not even listening!”
“I don’t know why it’s so important to you,” she said coldly.
His crestfallen look, and the way he left, told her she would have if she listened.
09/08/2008
075: HOME
“We should think about returning home.”
Azula agreed. They’ve been away for over four months. Zuko had places to go, people to see, countries to run.
Sokka had been distant since they fought. Was fighting with your boyfriend different from fighting with your friend?
He had kissed her that morning. She didn’t know a kiss could be so sad...
“Don’t hold it in.”
Azula looked at Zuko.
“Don’t hold it all in, ‘Zula. You don’t have to bottle your emotions anymore. No one will call you weak for being human.”
So Azula went to him, and cried on his shoulder.
09/08/2008
076: CARPET
On a day he didn’t sleep in, Sokka found Azula watching the sunrise over Ba Sing Se, practicing a game of Pai Sho.
Since no one else was up, Azula skipped pleasantries, and ignored him.
Instead of taking the hint, Sokka offered a game.
“You know how to play Pai Sho?”
“Of course I do.”
Azula shifted on the carpet, tucking in her bare feet, to make room for him.
Thirty minutes later, it was obvious Sokka was going to win.
Instead of impressing her, like he hoped, it made her angry at him for the rest of the day.
09/08/2008
077: CONFUSION
“‘Rescue me’?”
“Okay, not rescue,” Sokka said, backtracking and confused, “Actually, you know what? I’m just happy you’re safe.”
Azula smiled slowly. She didn’t need a hero, but she had one anyway.
“I have intelligence on the insurgence base in the Fire Nation.”
“Good,” Sokka said weakly.
Since he found her walking back to Gaoling, they had inched closer together during their awkward conversation. Until Azula finally launched herself into his arms.
She watched the smoke rise from the city behind them, as Sokka kissed the side of her face, and decided nothing would come between them again. Even herself.
09/09/2008
078: NOISE
Toph picked at her toes, humming. Home life was so entertaining with her friends there.
Especially those friends.
It didn’t matter where they were fighting. She could feel the way their voices shook the marble and stone walls. The drama was better than any play.
So she eavesdropped. But then she paused, and held a hand to the floor.
Did he just... push her against the wall?
Wait a minute...
Toph moved her hand to the wall.
Well, this is different.
Toph chuckled. What a secret! Maybe she’d keep her newfound knowledge to herself... until she met somebody she knew.
09/09/2008
079: CORSET
“Not all kimono dresses need an obi, Azula,” Toph said.
“Tighter,” Azula breathed out.
Katara yanked it in more. “Can you even breathe?”
“Just tie the belt.”
“I hate parties,” Toph muttered, “Why my parents need to throw a party our first night here-”
“Networking is the way of nobility. They have to show they’re personal friends with the Avatar,” Azula said, examining herself in the mirror.
It was slightly hard to breathe.
“Are you going to be ‘networking’ in that dress?” Katara asked.
I’m going to seduce your brother.
“In a way,” Azula said vaguely, twirling a hair ornament.
09/09/2008
080: TWILIGHT
“People of the Twilight,” Azula read.
Wan Shi Tong’s section on the Water Tribes was deserted, just like she needed it to be. She could study their history in peace... and secret.
It was a different account than the Girls Academy’s.
Azula was pulling another book off the shelf when she was interrupted.
The fox-spirit stared.
“What do you want?” she demanded.
It whined.
“Wait your turn. I had it first,” Azula said, waving the book.
Though she already knew it didn’t have what she wanted. That wasn’t going to be in any book.
Maybe she should look for him.
09/09/2008
081: MIDNIGHT
In the cool midnight, Azula was overcome with the desire to not sleep alone.
She didn’t find him in his room, but asleep in the library, sprawled on a cushion under a skylight. Carefully, she leaned her body into his and settled her head on his chest.
Part of her wanted him to wake. She wanted to look into the impossible blue of his eyes, wanted him to touch her face. Part of her didn’t, wanted to hide how vulnerable she felt in that moment.
She felt him breathe, listened to his heartbeat.
Slowly, peacefully, she was lulled to sleep.
09/11/2008
082: MOON
On the full moon, they would fight the rebels.
The night before, Azula found Katara practicing on the beach, the light of the almost-moon shimmering over the water.
That beach held strong memories for Azula.
What would it reveal tonight?
She promised Sokka she would make peace. But this was also important to her. No matter the past, no matter what foolish things an intelligent woman did, Azula owed Katara a debt.
“May I spar with you?”
Suspicion, melting into mischief, in blue eyes.
“A little one-sided, don’t you think?”
Azula formed a stance. “I think you can handle it.”
09/11/2008
083: SUN
“Teach me,” she demanded, standing and stripping off her tunic.
Sokka reddened as he watched her muscular back become visible from underneath her shirt.
“It’s a two-person drill-” Zuko started.
“We’ll just move in a circle,” Aang interrupted, “It’s great Azula wants to learn the Dancing Dragons.”
“A firebending move originating from the legendary Sun Warriors,” Azula said, stretching, “What firebending prodigy wouldn’t want to learn it?”
Azula, Sokka noticed, had a particular grace his friends lacked when tributing to the dragons...
“What did you think?”
“Well, it’s always been my favorite dance-”
Azula glared. “It’s not a dance, Sokka.”
09/11/2008
084: DANCES
King Kuei threw a grand affair for Zuko and his party. Enthusiastic, he had many Fire Nation traders perform cultural festivities, including fireworks and native music.
Azula stifled a yawn. “This music must be over a hundred years old.”
“It’s wonderful dancing music,” Aang replied, “Want me to teach you?”
“Why, Avatar Aang,” Azula said, in teasing mockery, “I'd love to.”
Sokka bristled, but repressed it. There’s nothing wrong with two friends dancing together. (Though he sort of wished he was that friend...)
Katara seemed cool.
“That doesn’t bother you?” he demanded.
Katara smirked. “What’s interesting is it bothers you.”
09/11/2008
085: NIGHTMARE
She stood in battle. Despite how loud everything was, the sounds were muffled, like being underwater.
This time she ran, but she didn’t make it.
This time she saw him fall.
Azula woke up with a start.
Sokka’s breathing was finally unlabored. Not moving much, not wanting to worsen his injuries, Azula looked at his face, traced the air over the bruise marring it with her finger.
She selfishly wished he would wake up.
Katara was asleep in a chair. Beside her, at the window, was Aang.
“A little crowded for a sickroom.”
Aang smiled. “Family support isn’t a crowd.”
09/12/2008
086: STORMS
The storm came suddenly and violently.
When Azula reached for someone’s hand through the sandstorm, she didn’t know who it was. But she gripped it with both of hers.
She couldn’t hear. She kept her eyes tightly closed.
She knew it was Sokka after a few seconds, using deduction. It was a male hand. It wasn’t Zuko because it lacked a firebender’s heat. It couldn’t be Aang because he’d be able to bend the air and sand.
The wind pushed them back.
Where was Aang and his Avatar stormbending powers?
They finally found a dune to hide behind. And wait.
09/12/2008
087: SOFT
Sokka watched as the longest layers of her hair brushed along her waist as she walked. It was very straight, very fine hair. It was probably soft too...
Sokka tripped on a branch and toppled into the swamp.
“Can't you walk for three minutes without tripping over your feet?!”
He would be calm, collected. He would be polite.
Sokka carefully picked himself up and purposefully shook off some water next to Azula.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
Then the real fight started.
Oblivious to their four friends, the shouting escalated and continued, even when the tribesmen arrived to meet them.
09/12/2008
088: BLANKET
Not being able to firebend also affected Azula’s ability to regulate heat. She had too much pride to say this when her family first arrived at the South Pole.
Everyone caught on quickly though.
Katara took the coat she gave her and sewed in another pelt to insulate it. Azula wouldn’t say it, but it was better.
She hardly said a word since she arrived.
Tired of the cold weather, Azula walked back to the dome she was staying in.
Sokka crossed her path.
“These are for you.
"And your mother,” he added.
Azula took the blankets.
“Thank you, Sokka.”
09/12/2008
089: TWISTED
She never saw it happen, which in retrospect was a good thing. Not knowing who the specific assailant was probably saved them from rash death instead of a proper trial and execution.
But she heard Katara crying.
When she turned around, she saw that Aang had enough of trying to be reasonable. And got out of the way.
When she found him, she was so shocked she couldn’t make a sound.
Instead she fell to her knees, trying not to look at the twisted limbs, only his face.
She whispered Sokka’s name, willing him to hear her, and to stay.
09/12/2008
090: CEREMONY
“This is really stupid,” Sokka had said.
They finally agreed on something.
Azula picked up one of the bones between her thumb and forefinger and, grimacing, tossed it into the fire.
Aunt Wu raised her eyebrow, watching her movements.
“The last few years were troubling-”
“I don’t really remember them,” Azula said, with a yawn.
Aunt Wu shifted, annoyed. “But you are in a nexus. Despite being a woman of personal ambition, you are beginning to open your heart to love and family.”
Azula stayed perfectly neutral.
Aunt Wu smiled. “Don’t fear love, my dear. It could bring you fulfillment.”
09/13/2008
091: BATH
Azula would snidely thank the peasant for using the creek instead of tying up the Bei Fong washroom.
But no sounds came out of her mouth when she tried. Because Sokka was shaking water out of his hair with his fingers and returning Toph’s greeting.
Azula glared at her. She would have known Sokka was walking towards them.
“Are you okay, Azula?” Toph asked mockingly.
Azula watched as droplets fell from the ends of Sokka’s hair onto his bare shoulders.
“I’m fine!” Azula yelled, walking off.
“What’s her problem?” Sokka asked, bemused by Toph’s laughing.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
09/13/2008
092: PRAYER
They stopped at the Southern Air Temple. Aang wanted to pray with the Ancestors in the inner sanctum.
Azula found standing on such tall peeks, over the clouds, a unique experience.
She looked out at the world.
When they reached Kyoshi, she, her mother, and Mai were planning on returning to the Capitol.
Azula decided she would stay with Zuko.
He refused to travel with the procession, just a small escort. So it was going to be unlike any other excursion.
She figured the friends that were traveling with him wouldn’t care. Except maybe one.
But who cares about Sokka.
09/13/2008
093: NATURE
It was hard to forget something second nature.
Azula frequently forgot she couldn’t firebend and the unfocussed fire she tried to create usually backfired, exhausting her tenuous mind and body in the process.
“You have to stop doing this.” Sokka tried to keep her from clenching her burnt hands while Aang went for Katara.
“What do you know? You’re nobody,” Azula said, shaking her head. She pulled back at her hands.
“That’s right, I’m nobody. Haven’t you heard strangers give the most objective advice?”
Azula kept shaking her head. “Nobody cares about me.”
“By your logic, that means I do.”
09/13/2008
094: PERFUME
The first thing that registered was her perfume.
“Azula,” he whispered. She was there.
He felt her warm hand brushing his hair back. He opened his eyes and saw her smile.
“You’re awake.”
“How long was I out?”
“Four days, seven hours... twenty minutes.”
She actually blushed.
Sokka smiled. “Sorry to worry you.”
“I’ll go get your sister.”
“No,” Sokka said, wanting to take her hand, finding he couldn’t, “stay with me.”
Azula hesitated, then moved to crawl into the bed next to him. Sokka sighed at the feel of her warmth. Halfway back to unconsciousness, she kissed his cheek.
09/13/2008
095: PROMISE RING
“You’re leaving.”
It wasn’t an accusation. She was stating a fact.
Sokka nodded.
The looked over the balcony together, clasping hands.
“I’m coming back for you, Azula.”
She looked up at him, her face was open and full. “Sokka, don’t-”
“I will,” he said. Then he smiled. “Hold out your wrist.”
Suspicious, she did.
Sokka tied a bracelet made of string to her.
“Wherever did you get that ugly thing?” she asked, laughing.
“I mean what I say, you know.”
“You better,” she answered, “Either way, I’m coming after you.”
He took her face in his hands and kissed her.
09/13/2008
096: THOUGHTS
They had found them, thankfully together, and not at each-other’s throats.
Actually, they seemed a bit shy around each-other.
Aang watched his two friends with interest as they all flew back. Both were grimy and exhausted after over a day in the desert. But neither seemed interested to talk about it.
Azula would glance at Sokka when he wasn’t looking. When she looked away, Sokka would glance back at her.
Aang thought perhaps they found a way to settle their discourse, discovering mutual ground.
Thank the spirits. Never in the years he’d known Sokka has someone riled him like Azula.
09/13/2008
097: ECLIPSE
“You cheated!”
Sokka laughed. “Whatever.” Then he kissed her, before dodging the jet of flames from her left hand.
He was quick, but Azula was quicker. Soon she had the swordsman cornered.
“I like this new game.” Then she kissed the smirk off his face.
Many things about him were interesting treats to Azula. The texture of his hair in her fingers, or the way his eyes changed color depending on his mood. How his muscles felt as they tensed and relaxed under his skin.
How every time they came together, it eclipsed the last emotional threshold they were at.
09/14/2008
098: REQUESTS
Hearing noise to his left, Sokka turned to watch Aang throw Katara into the clouds so that she could free-fall back into his arms. Her laughter carried on the wind.
Try not to freak out.
Sokka looked down, smiling. He saw the pair had another watcher.
“Wait Momo,” Sokka said, grabbing the critter by the tail before he could join Aang, “I think you should hang-out with Azula for a bit. She looks lonely.”
The lemur chirped curiously, then complied, flying down to the other cliff.
Sokka would do it himself, but he’d probably get a warmer reception from Mai.
09/14/2008
099: WEDDING
“We don’t even know them,” Azula whispered angrily, “Why are we still here?”
“They invited Aang so they invited the visiting Fire Nation royalty. Just smile, Azula,” Zuko answered.
Azula rolled her eyes.
“I love weddings!” cried an enthusiastic young man. “Three cheers for the happy, panda lilly-lovin’ couple!”
At least Sokka was finally having a good time in Makapu, Azula thought, watching as he led the villagers in a toast.
“Are you single?” asked a girl with a basket of flowers, and rather odd hair.
“What?”
She thrust a panda lily into Azula’s hands.
“For good luck,” she said.
09/14/2008
100: DEATH
“Life isn’t linear, death isn’t the end. It’s not a circle either. Think of it more like a web. Everything you say and do is a strand, and it resonates with every part of your life. The past, present and future.”
The sun was setting, the battle would start.
Both of them were thinking about what Aang had said.
“I want to tell you...”
Azula turned away from the sunset, looking at him.
“I love you too,” Sokka said.
She took his hand. She hoped that touch was a strand that resonated. Past, present, future.
It’s wasn’t really The End.
09/14/2008
Thanks for reading! ♥ ♥
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender, which belongs to Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
Puzzling Pieces
Note One: These are written for my fellow Sokka/Azula "shippers" (what a weird term) at sokka_x_azula and sokkla100. Or whoever.
Note Two: The drabbles are obviously nonlinear.
Note Three: The poor things are subject to random editing. Also, thanks for reading. :)
Wordcount: 50x100 (100x100 total)
Part One
051: PRISONER
Winter was, ironically, the “warmest” time of year in the South Pole, but occasionally there were still blizzards.
Tonight, Azula was literally a prisoner among the entire water tribe in the communal snow dome, huddled in five or six blankets.
Horrifying as the situation was, watching them act out stories in song around the small fire for the enjoyment of all was an interesting experience. Especially when Katara and Sokka took a turn.
Sokka’s slightly flat voice, yet compellingly animated acting was nothing compared to the grace and melodic quality of his sister.
But Azula found it far more entertaining.
09/02/2008
052: CHANCES
The dice game held little appeal to Azula. Sokka, on the other hand, could be entertained by anything, and was willing to try it out.
Unfortunately, no game of “chance” lacked the element of skill completely.
“Just like life,” Azula commented.
“Not so,” Sokka said. “Everyone has to take chances in life. Skills are used to form a decision, but the result always involves chance. No one can know the future.”
“I disagree. Results are predictable, depending of the decision-maker’s ability to predict the actions of other relevant parties.”
Sokka glared. “People aren't as predictable as you think they are.”
09/02/2008
053: CONFESSIONS
He found her completely soaked and wondered if she was lucid.
“Azula, what-”
She held a finger to her lips. “Watch. You’re the first to know.”
A column of blue fire spiraled around them, blending with the rain. There were even other colors in the flames, like gold and white.
“Why are you showing me this?” Sokka asked, amazed.
Something swelled inside him when her eyes became vulnerable.
“Part of this sentence is true,” she said, “I love you, you stupid boy.”
It was the heat of the moment, and he shouldn’t have done it, but Sokka kissed Azula anyway.
09/02/2008
054: FIRE
The siblings played in the canyon.
“I heard an explosion-”
Sokka grabbed his sister’s shirt and pulled her down before she exposed them.
The incensed Katara was distracted by what Sokka was watching.
“What are they doing?”
“Playing some sort of game. Fireball... ball?”
They watched Zuko and Azula play their high-speed firebending game.
“Did she just cheat?”
Sokka shrugged. “She does that.”
“Who’s winning?”
“Don’t really know.”
Katara glared. Firebenders tended to remove most their clothing during rigorous practice. It probably caused Sokka’s glazed expression as he only watched Azula.
She flicked him in the ear before she left.
09/02/2008
055: ICE
Sokka had a new invention. It would provide the perfect dessert for their winter solstice celebration. Using seacow milk and alpine sweet syrup, and Katara’s ability to make the snow into chunky ice, he made iced sweet cream.
Why anyone would want a frozen dessert in a frozen wasteland was beyond Azula.
Later, as she nibbled on the cream, she thought about earlier, when everyone was taking turns rolling the double compartmented contraption back and forth across the snow, making up the game as they went along.
Distracted by the memory, she suddenly realized she was on her third helping.
09/02/2008
056: RED
The night sky over Gaoling was blood red from fire and smoke. Consequently, everything was hued in crimson.
There hadn't been a Fire Nation rebellion this devastating in years. Gaoling must have been targeted because it was Zuko’s final stop on his tour of the Earth Kingdom...
Must... have... been...
He must have looked scary brandishing his sword because he barely noticed the rebels throwing themselves out of his way.
He finally found Ursa barely conscious with a gash next to her ear.
“They... took Azula...” she whispered.
Sokka gently lifted her from the rubble, and fought down the fear.
09/02/2008
057: WARRIOR
They were all about to ambush rebel headquarters. Of course she would be decked out in armor. But Sokka hadn’t seen her in her full Fire Nation fighting regalia since... well, since the hundred year war.
Seeing her walking up to them with her warrior stride and cold mask contrasted with the warm young woman he knew.
Azula saw him involuntarily stiffen when he saw her and smiled, guessing the reason for his discomfort.
“Would it help if we made-out?” she whispered so only he could hear.
Sokka smiled gratefully at her familiarity. “No,” he teased, “No it would not.”
09/03/2008
058: PRINCESS
There was an ancient story of a princess who lived in the moon, who fell in love with a peasant and put him into deathless sleep for all eternity.
Azula stared up at her rival, a contemplating look on her face.
Ursa told her the story of Princess Yue, as told to her by Iroh. But Azula never connected the “peasant boy” to Sokka until she saw the way he gazed at the full moon that evening.
“You can’t have him,” she told the moon.
The wind blew, and Azula shivered when she heard the sound of a woman sigh.
09/03/2008
059: BLUE
She dreamed of a wolf with blue eyes.
She maneuvered out of his grasp, up trees, and over streams, her black hair streaming behind her.
Eventually it was her turn to chase him.
She was worthy. She wasn’t sickly and weak, she was a warrior. She could free herself of her father’s spirit, even if she had to rip herself apart first.
She woke with a fever and felt Katara’s cool hands.
When Sokka came to visit them, she felt him gently push her hair back. She looked through the haze, into his blue eyes, and fianlly admitted she wanted.
09/04/2008
060: COLD
“I brought this scarf for you,” Katara said, “Wrap this around your face. And pull your hood tight.”
Emerging into the terribly cold sunny day, Azula found everyone huddled around three sleds tied to teams of polar-bear-dogs. Sokka was giving Zuko pointers.
“You’re racing with me,” he informed her. “I packed extra blankets-”
“I’m expected to ride in that?”
He rolled his eyes. “We only do this when the weather is clear during the warmer season. Come on, you’ll have fun.”
The race was noisy and frigid. But it was unlike any other experience and Azula admitted she had fun.
09/04/2008
061: FOOD
Obviously food was a way to his affections.
“I want you to teach me to cook.”
Katara almost checked Azula for fever, but didn't when she saw her expression.
“Why?”
“Because I don’t know how, why else?”
“Don't people usually cook for you?”
Azula shrugged. “I may not always live in the Fire Nation palace. I might need the skill in the future.”
“But why me? Why not ask a Fire Nation-”
“Cooking is cooking,” Azula said, flushing. “It doesn’t matter what nation it’s from.”
Katara, surprised at her uncharacteristic emotional display, gave into the proposition, however suspicious it seemed.
09/05/2008
062: BOOK
Aang’s diplomatic embassy to Wan Shi Tong went well. Zuko’s promise to restore the Fire Nation section seemed to placate the owl spirit, not to mention Aang’s “intriguing” spiritbending ability.
Azula wandered through the endless stacks in the restored Library, awed by so much knowledge in one place.
Then she discovered Sokka’s strange kleptomania habit when it came to books.
He was strewn in a pile of tomes and scrolls. Occasionally he stuffed one into his sack.
She carefully snuck up behind him.
“What are you reading?” she asked, right next to his ear.
His startled yelp was almost charming.
09/05/2008
063: SONG
“You’re writing a tribal song... about me?” Azula asked after she perused the stolen parchment.
“About us,” Sokka corrected, snatching back his paper. He was blushing.
Azula learned enough about traditional Water Tribe song to know they were usually personal stories.
“What about ‘us’?” She languidly moved her arms around his neck in a half-heartened attempt to steal the song again. Sokka held it high above them.
“Our enmity, our rivalry,” he paused when she kissed him lightly, “our affability.”
She laughed. “That’s going to be a long song.”
She’d make him promise to sing it to her one day.
09/05/2008
064: LIGHT
“Philosophers call Fire the element of Light,” Azula explained.
“Do they?” he said sleepily, not opening his eyes.
“One of the forces of balance. Each of the elements embodies one,” she said. “...Do you know which is Water?”
“I might.” Sokka wanted to peacefully enjoy the rest of the warm, sunny afternoon in sweet, lazy silence.
But his companion wanted to wax philosophic. Or play mind games.
“I suspect,” Azula continued, “it’s why people say water tribesmen are great lovers-”
“That isn’t what those philosophers meant when they called Water the element of Love.
“Not that the former isn’t true...”
09/06/2008
065: DARK
It was a bad idea.
But she needed a closer look.
Apparently, Sokka had lost this sword at least four times, all “life-or-death” situations. Which is why it remained wrapped up and locked in a case.
Azula picked the lock and carefully unwrapped the sword.
It was so dark, the polish barely gleamed. She couldn’t even see her reflection in the black blade.
It had a reputation, able to cut easily through metal and ice.
It was a powerful weapon and Azula liked powerful...
She quickly put the sword away.
She had to find a healthier hobby than stalking Sokka.
09/06/2008
066: MIST
“I don’t want to talk to you,” he irritably told her.
“A woman to challenge him, to cherish him, to help lead his tribe in peace and prosperity.”
Sokka looked up, shocked, at Azula.
Her hair was meticulously braided, and she was wearing the colors of his tribe. That, and she was mist. All pointing towards an apparition brought on by The Swamp.
“Not you,” Sokka said to the dream, “you hated my home.”
“The tribal family, the belonging, the love, I crave it. I lived my life too long without it.”
He shook his head. “Impossible.”
The vision left.
09/06/2008
067: STRING
“Hey you! Come help me!”
Knowing better than to incur the wrath Ursa, Katara, and Zuko by upsetting the unstable princess, Sokka complied and walked into the palace courtyard.
“What should I do?” He sat down.
“Hold these,” she said, eyes full of childlike mischief.
Sokka carefully held the ends of several pieces of string, waiting patiently as she braided them in a pattern only Azula could understand.
“Now hold out your wrist.”
Suspicious, Sokka did.
Azula tied the braided string around him like a bracelet.
“There! Now we’re best-friends.”
“Oh,” Sokka said. “Um, yay. Just what I’ve always wanted.”
09/06/2008
068: SUNSET
The sun was finally setting.
Sokka didn't sleep, but he was grateful Azula did. He looked down at the girl sleeping on his thigh. He dreaded waking her, if her mouth felt as dry and painful as his. But one mouthful of water now was worlds better than a liter in the heat of the day.
“Azula,” he whispered, “we should start walking towards Misty Palms.”
Azula shifted, blinked, and looked up at him, gold eyes shadowed with sleep and dehydration.
“Sokka, you should know. If I could... I would shoot lightening. For positioning purposes.”
He smiled wearily. “Thanks Azula.”
09/06/2008
069: SUNRISE
They followed the stars until the sun rose.
The sun bathed the sand in orange and red. Sokka watched the morning light strike against the silk and skin of the princess walking over the dune before him.
She glowed, as the sun did.
Sokka felt in this light he could see a new side of her. A girl that wasn’t stubbornly argumentative-
“What are you staring at?” she demanded.
Spell broken.
“Just the beautiful sunrise.”
She looked towards it.
“It’s not so great,” she said, crossing her arms.
“I don’t know,” Sokka said, catching up, “It all depends on context.”
09/06/2008
070: TREE
They were hidden, though the situation called for full body contact.
So they didn’t fall.
Sokka never thought he’d say this.
“I think we’re moving a bit... fast.”
“Shut up, Sokka.” She used her teeth to kiss him again.
Sokka shifted, causing them both to fall forwards on the branch. Between that and the trunk, Azula was shifted into his lap.
She raised an eyebrow.
Sokka flushed.
“Seriously, though-”
“Now is not the time to talk.” She smiled wickedly. “Unless it’s dirty talk you’re after. I could recite centered square numbers. 1, 5, 13, 25...”
She was right, it wasn’t the time to talk.
09/06/2008
071: SNOW
After the blizzard, Sokka was up checking the depth before anyone else, and did a test jump off the two-story fort.
“I doubt our guests would be into-” Katara started.
“If the great Avatar is willing, I don’t see why a bunch of stuffy nobles wouldn’t be.”
In fact, Zuko and many others were perfectly willing to try.
Azula, however, thought the activity was foolish.
Since she couldn’t firebend, Sokka decided to grab the snobbish woman and jump off with her.
He realized, on the way down, that scaring the wits out of Azula wasn’t a good idea at all.
09/07/2008
072: SAKURA
This time she forgot her mother had come back.
Azula hit the beloved sakura tree in Ursa’s courtyard with her fists, causing a rain of pink and white. “Leave me alone!” she shouted at her mother. “Why can’t you leave me at peace?!”
Everyone carefully blocked off the exists so she couldn’t bolt.
Sokka watched, wishing, again, that he could go home. But he wouldn’t leave without Katara. Katara, the healer, needed to be there.
“Father says drill, father says obey, father says fight, father says-”
Exhausted, the poor girl fell, curling into herself and mumbling. Sokka exhaled in relief.
09/07/2008
073: CHARM
Like Zuko, Azula expressed the perfect etiquette of a noble. It was probably supposed to be charming, but Sokka saw how acerbic she could be in the guise of manners.
“You don’t have to be so... polite. We’re all family here,” Sokka said crossly, after she played a circular logic trick on poor Toph.
He didn’t want to fight, but they were flying across the desert, and he didn't want Toph unintentionally causing angry sandstorms and blinding Appa.
“Oh? Which part of your ‘family’ am I?”
“What?”
“Sister? Daughter? Cousin?”
“Does it matter?!”
Azula looked away. “Obviously not to you.”
09/08/2008
074: LIPS
Azula folded her arms, tired and upset, as Sokka continued to yell at her.
It wasn’t her fault his sister was so sensitive! She was more touchy than Zuko...
Besides, it wasn’t her business. Azula was perfectly capable of a “healthy relationship-”
Sokka was so angry. She watched without listening, watched the way his body, his lips, moved. Her subconscious response was an ache instead of a joy.
“You’re not even listening!”
“I don’t know why it’s so important to you,” she said coldly.
His crestfallen look, and the way he left, told her she would have if she listened.
09/08/2008
075: HOME
“We should think about returning home.”
Azula agreed. They’ve been away for over four months. Zuko had places to go, people to see, countries to run.
Sokka had been distant since they fought. Was fighting with your boyfriend different from fighting with your friend?
He had kissed her that morning. She didn’t know a kiss could be so sad...
“Don’t hold it in.”
Azula looked at Zuko.
“Don’t hold it all in, ‘Zula. You don’t have to bottle your emotions anymore. No one will call you weak for being human.”
So Azula went to him, and cried on his shoulder.
09/08/2008
076: CARPET
On a day he didn’t sleep in, Sokka found Azula watching the sunrise over Ba Sing Se, practicing a game of Pai Sho.
Since no one else was up, Azula skipped pleasantries, and ignored him.
Instead of taking the hint, Sokka offered a game.
“You know how to play Pai Sho?”
“Of course I do.”
Azula shifted on the carpet, tucking in her bare feet, to make room for him.
Thirty minutes later, it was obvious Sokka was going to win.
Instead of impressing her, like he hoped, it made her angry at him for the rest of the day.
09/08/2008
077: CONFUSION
“‘Rescue me’?”
“Okay, not rescue,” Sokka said, backtracking and confused, “Actually, you know what? I’m just happy you’re safe.”
Azula smiled slowly. She didn’t need a hero, but she had one anyway.
“I have intelligence on the insurgence base in the Fire Nation.”
“Good,” Sokka said weakly.
Since he found her walking back to Gaoling, they had inched closer together during their awkward conversation. Until Azula finally launched herself into his arms.
She watched the smoke rise from the city behind them, as Sokka kissed the side of her face, and decided nothing would come between them again. Even herself.
09/09/2008
078: NOISE
Toph picked at her toes, humming. Home life was so entertaining with her friends there.
Especially those friends.
It didn’t matter where they were fighting. She could feel the way their voices shook the marble and stone walls. The drama was better than any play.
So she eavesdropped. But then she paused, and held a hand to the floor.
Did he just... push her against the wall?
Wait a minute...
Toph moved her hand to the wall.
Well, this is different.
Toph chuckled. What a secret! Maybe she’d keep her newfound knowledge to herself... until she met somebody she knew.
09/09/2008
079: CORSET
“Not all kimono dresses need an obi, Azula,” Toph said.
“Tighter,” Azula breathed out.
Katara yanked it in more. “Can you even breathe?”
“Just tie the belt.”
“I hate parties,” Toph muttered, “Why my parents need to throw a party our first night here-”
“Networking is the way of nobility. They have to show they’re personal friends with the Avatar,” Azula said, examining herself in the mirror.
It was slightly hard to breathe.
“Are you going to be ‘networking’ in that dress?” Katara asked.
I’m going to seduce your brother.
“In a way,” Azula said vaguely, twirling a hair ornament.
09/09/2008
080: TWILIGHT
“People of the Twilight,” Azula read.
Wan Shi Tong’s section on the Water Tribes was deserted, just like she needed it to be. She could study their history in peace... and secret.
It was a different account than the Girls Academy’s.
Azula was pulling another book off the shelf when she was interrupted.
The fox-spirit stared.
“What do you want?” she demanded.
It whined.
“Wait your turn. I had it first,” Azula said, waving the book.
Though she already knew it didn’t have what she wanted. That wasn’t going to be in any book.
Maybe she should look for him.
09/09/2008
081: MIDNIGHT
In the cool midnight, Azula was overcome with the desire to not sleep alone.
She didn’t find him in his room, but asleep in the library, sprawled on a cushion under a skylight. Carefully, she leaned her body into his and settled her head on his chest.
Part of her wanted him to wake. She wanted to look into the impossible blue of his eyes, wanted him to touch her face. Part of her didn’t, wanted to hide how vulnerable she felt in that moment.
She felt him breathe, listened to his heartbeat.
Slowly, peacefully, she was lulled to sleep.
09/11/2008
082: MOON
On the full moon, they would fight the rebels.
The night before, Azula found Katara practicing on the beach, the light of the almost-moon shimmering over the water.
That beach held strong memories for Azula.
What would it reveal tonight?
She promised Sokka she would make peace. But this was also important to her. No matter the past, no matter what foolish things an intelligent woman did, Azula owed Katara a debt.
“May I spar with you?”
Suspicion, melting into mischief, in blue eyes.
“A little one-sided, don’t you think?”
Azula formed a stance. “I think you can handle it.”
09/11/2008
083: SUN
“Teach me,” she demanded, standing and stripping off her tunic.
Sokka reddened as he watched her muscular back become visible from underneath her shirt.
“It’s a two-person drill-” Zuko started.
“We’ll just move in a circle,” Aang interrupted, “It’s great Azula wants to learn the Dancing Dragons.”
“A firebending move originating from the legendary Sun Warriors,” Azula said, stretching, “What firebending prodigy wouldn’t want to learn it?”
Azula, Sokka noticed, had a particular grace his friends lacked when tributing to the dragons...
“What did you think?”
“Well, it’s always been my favorite dance-”
Azula glared. “It’s not a dance, Sokka.”
09/11/2008
084: DANCES
King Kuei threw a grand affair for Zuko and his party. Enthusiastic, he had many Fire Nation traders perform cultural festivities, including fireworks and native music.
Azula stifled a yawn. “This music must be over a hundred years old.”
“It’s wonderful dancing music,” Aang replied, “Want me to teach you?”
“Why, Avatar Aang,” Azula said, in teasing mockery, “I'd love to.”
Sokka bristled, but repressed it. There’s nothing wrong with two friends dancing together. (Though he sort of wished he was that friend...)
Katara seemed cool.
“That doesn’t bother you?” he demanded.
Katara smirked. “What’s interesting is it bothers you.”
09/11/2008
085: NIGHTMARE
She stood in battle. Despite how loud everything was, the sounds were muffled, like being underwater.
This time she ran, but she didn’t make it.
This time she saw him fall.
Azula woke up with a start.
Sokka’s breathing was finally unlabored. Not moving much, not wanting to worsen his injuries, Azula looked at his face, traced the air over the bruise marring it with her finger.
She selfishly wished he would wake up.
Katara was asleep in a chair. Beside her, at the window, was Aang.
“A little crowded for a sickroom.”
Aang smiled. “Family support isn’t a crowd.”
09/12/2008
086: STORMS
The storm came suddenly and violently.
When Azula reached for someone’s hand through the sandstorm, she didn’t know who it was. But she gripped it with both of hers.
She couldn’t hear. She kept her eyes tightly closed.
She knew it was Sokka after a few seconds, using deduction. It was a male hand. It wasn’t Zuko because it lacked a firebender’s heat. It couldn’t be Aang because he’d be able to bend the air and sand.
The wind pushed them back.
Where was Aang and his Avatar stormbending powers?
They finally found a dune to hide behind. And wait.
09/12/2008
087: SOFT
Sokka watched as the longest layers of her hair brushed along her waist as she walked. It was very straight, very fine hair. It was probably soft too...
Sokka tripped on a branch and toppled into the swamp.
“Can't you walk for three minutes without tripping over your feet?!”
He would be calm, collected. He would be polite.
Sokka carefully picked himself up and purposefully shook off some water next to Azula.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
Then the real fight started.
Oblivious to their four friends, the shouting escalated and continued, even when the tribesmen arrived to meet them.
09/12/2008
088: BLANKET
Not being able to firebend also affected Azula’s ability to regulate heat. She had too much pride to say this when her family first arrived at the South Pole.
Everyone caught on quickly though.
Katara took the coat she gave her and sewed in another pelt to insulate it. Azula wouldn’t say it, but it was better.
She hardly said a word since she arrived.
Tired of the cold weather, Azula walked back to the dome she was staying in.
Sokka crossed her path.
“These are for you.
"And your mother,” he added.
Azula took the blankets.
“Thank you, Sokka.”
09/12/2008
089: TWISTED
She never saw it happen, which in retrospect was a good thing. Not knowing who the specific assailant was probably saved them from rash death instead of a proper trial and execution.
But she heard Katara crying.
When she turned around, she saw that Aang had enough of trying to be reasonable. And got out of the way.
When she found him, she was so shocked she couldn’t make a sound.
Instead she fell to her knees, trying not to look at the twisted limbs, only his face.
She whispered Sokka’s name, willing him to hear her, and to stay.
09/12/2008
090: CEREMONY
“This is really stupid,” Sokka had said.
They finally agreed on something.
Azula picked up one of the bones between her thumb and forefinger and, grimacing, tossed it into the fire.
Aunt Wu raised her eyebrow, watching her movements.
“The last few years were troubling-”
“I don’t really remember them,” Azula said, with a yawn.
Aunt Wu shifted, annoyed. “But you are in a nexus. Despite being a woman of personal ambition, you are beginning to open your heart to love and family.”
Azula stayed perfectly neutral.
Aunt Wu smiled. “Don’t fear love, my dear. It could bring you fulfillment.”
09/13/2008
091: BATH
Azula would snidely thank the peasant for using the creek instead of tying up the Bei Fong washroom.
But no sounds came out of her mouth when she tried. Because Sokka was shaking water out of his hair with his fingers and returning Toph’s greeting.
Azula glared at her. She would have known Sokka was walking towards them.
“Are you okay, Azula?” Toph asked mockingly.
Azula watched as droplets fell from the ends of Sokka’s hair onto his bare shoulders.
“I’m fine!” Azula yelled, walking off.
“What’s her problem?” Sokka asked, bemused by Toph’s laughing.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
09/13/2008
092: PRAYER
They stopped at the Southern Air Temple. Aang wanted to pray with the Ancestors in the inner sanctum.
Azula found standing on such tall peeks, over the clouds, a unique experience.
She looked out at the world.
When they reached Kyoshi, she, her mother, and Mai were planning on returning to the Capitol.
Azula decided she would stay with Zuko.
He refused to travel with the procession, just a small escort. So it was going to be unlike any other excursion.
She figured the friends that were traveling with him wouldn’t care. Except maybe one.
But who cares about Sokka.
09/13/2008
093: NATURE
It was hard to forget something second nature.
Azula frequently forgot she couldn’t firebend and the unfocussed fire she tried to create usually backfired, exhausting her tenuous mind and body in the process.
“You have to stop doing this.” Sokka tried to keep her from clenching her burnt hands while Aang went for Katara.
“What do you know? You’re nobody,” Azula said, shaking her head. She pulled back at her hands.
“That’s right, I’m nobody. Haven’t you heard strangers give the most objective advice?”
Azula kept shaking her head. “Nobody cares about me.”
“By your logic, that means I do.”
09/13/2008
094: PERFUME
The first thing that registered was her perfume.
“Azula,” he whispered. She was there.
He felt her warm hand brushing his hair back. He opened his eyes and saw her smile.
“You’re awake.”
“How long was I out?”
“Four days, seven hours... twenty minutes.”
She actually blushed.
Sokka smiled. “Sorry to worry you.”
“I’ll go get your sister.”
“No,” Sokka said, wanting to take her hand, finding he couldn’t, “stay with me.”
Azula hesitated, then moved to crawl into the bed next to him. Sokka sighed at the feel of her warmth. Halfway back to unconsciousness, she kissed his cheek.
09/13/2008
095: PROMISE RING
“You’re leaving.”
It wasn’t an accusation. She was stating a fact.
Sokka nodded.
The looked over the balcony together, clasping hands.
“I’m coming back for you, Azula.”
She looked up at him, her face was open and full. “Sokka, don’t-”
“I will,” he said. Then he smiled. “Hold out your wrist.”
Suspicious, she did.
Sokka tied a bracelet made of string to her.
“Wherever did you get that ugly thing?” she asked, laughing.
“I mean what I say, you know.”
“You better,” she answered, “Either way, I’m coming after you.”
He took her face in his hands and kissed her.
09/13/2008
096: THOUGHTS
They had found them, thankfully together, and not at each-other’s throats.
Actually, they seemed a bit shy around each-other.
Aang watched his two friends with interest as they all flew back. Both were grimy and exhausted after over a day in the desert. But neither seemed interested to talk about it.
Azula would glance at Sokka when he wasn’t looking. When she looked away, Sokka would glance back at her.
Aang thought perhaps they found a way to settle their discourse, discovering mutual ground.
Thank the spirits. Never in the years he’d known Sokka has someone riled him like Azula.
09/13/2008
097: ECLIPSE
“You cheated!”
Sokka laughed. “Whatever.” Then he kissed her, before dodging the jet of flames from her left hand.
He was quick, but Azula was quicker. Soon she had the swordsman cornered.
“I like this new game.” Then she kissed the smirk off his face.
Many things about him were interesting treats to Azula. The texture of his hair in her fingers, or the way his eyes changed color depending on his mood. How his muscles felt as they tensed and relaxed under his skin.
How every time they came together, it eclipsed the last emotional threshold they were at.
09/14/2008
098: REQUESTS
Hearing noise to his left, Sokka turned to watch Aang throw Katara into the clouds so that she could free-fall back into his arms. Her laughter carried on the wind.
Try not to freak out.
Sokka looked down, smiling. He saw the pair had another watcher.
“Wait Momo,” Sokka said, grabbing the critter by the tail before he could join Aang, “I think you should hang-out with Azula for a bit. She looks lonely.”
The lemur chirped curiously, then complied, flying down to the other cliff.
Sokka would do it himself, but he’d probably get a warmer reception from Mai.
09/14/2008
099: WEDDING
“We don’t even know them,” Azula whispered angrily, “Why are we still here?”
“They invited Aang so they invited the visiting Fire Nation royalty. Just smile, Azula,” Zuko answered.
Azula rolled her eyes.
“I love weddings!” cried an enthusiastic young man. “Three cheers for the happy, panda lilly-lovin’ couple!”
At least Sokka was finally having a good time in Makapu, Azula thought, watching as he led the villagers in a toast.
“Are you single?” asked a girl with a basket of flowers, and rather odd hair.
“What?”
She thrust a panda lily into Azula’s hands.
“For good luck,” she said.
09/14/2008
100: DEATH
“Life isn’t linear, death isn’t the end. It’s not a circle either. Think of it more like a web. Everything you say and do is a strand, and it resonates with every part of your life. The past, present and future.”
The sun was setting, the battle would start.
Both of them were thinking about what Aang had said.
“I want to tell you...”
Azula turned away from the sunset, looking at him.
“I love you too,” Sokka said.
She took his hand. She hoped that touch was a strand that resonated. Past, present, future.
It’s wasn’t really The End.
09/14/2008
Thanks for reading! ♥ ♥