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Courtyard

It was supposed to be a standard affair, as far as executions went. Granted, it wasn't every day one got to watch a shinobi get executed. After all, they were supposed to be nigh uncatchable, with their ability to get out of impossible situations attributed to some form of trickery or otherworldly means. That being said, the one now kneeling in front of him clearly used up all his luck and seemed resigned to his fate.

On the other hand, the girl standing in the back with a brush and book in hand puzzled him slightly. She was from the Yamada Clan, of that he was sure, but her reasoning for being there was not revealed to him (not that he cared, of course). Turning his attention back to the execution at hand, he expected the former shinobi's head to be rolling on the ground.

However, what he did not expect was a sigh that could only be interpreted as a bored eye roll as his head remained firmly attached to his neck with nary a scratch. Thinking that he must be hallucinating, the executioner swung his sword over and over again, but instead the blade shattered. Shocked, the judge quickly called off the event and had the prisoner sent back to his cell. Meanwhile, the Yamada Clan girl merely jotted down some observations in her book. ---------

Prison Cell

Why can't I just die?

I don't have anything left to live for.

So why?

Lost in his thoughts, Sokka didn't hear the door open, nor did he look up at his visitor. In fact, he thought of her as a nuisance, a persistent bug much like the mosquitoes who, absent the lack of ability to be squashed by his palms courtesy of his chains, would not stop pestering him with question after question.

"Your name is Sokka, correct?"

"Last I checked it was, I think. Unless you've somehow found a different name that I don't know about."

"You were raised since childhood to be a shinobi, correct? I heard that for every ten boys who undergo the training process, only three make it out alive."

"Your point?"

"Those who survived develop superhuman bodies. Like being able to break blades with your own flesh."

"Big deal. Besides, you and I both know that swordsman was a complete fucking amateur. I didn't even have to use ninjutsu."

"You can use ninjutsu? Could you show me some of your techniques?"

"And here I thought you were here for my good looks. I'm hurt." he replied, making sure to double up on the sarcasm.

"Perhaps in a different life, I suppose. Unfortunately, you do not interest me in the slightest in your current iteration. In any case, you did not answer my question."

"What could ninjutsu from a condemned shinobi possibly be of use to you?"

"Research, I suppose. It's not every day you get the chance to interview a shinobi."

"Nope, not a chance lady. My secrets die with me and that's the end of it."

_______________

The next day…..

"Look, I promise you, I really am not trying to resist. If anything, I wish you'd kill me instead of those half assed jokers."

"Mmm."

"If you're gonna look away, then why not ask the guards to give me a fresh change of clothes?"

When she ignored him, Sokka responded "Oi, I'm talking to you. Didn't your parents teach you to look at someone when they're talking to you?"

"Mmhmm." she replied as she scribbled some more observations in her book.

"And?"

"I'm here to record the events as it unfolds. Your present state of undress is of no concern to me."

"And yet here you are averting your gaze. Afraid of being seduced?"

Choosing to ignore his question, she instead asked "Tell me more about your background."

"Here we go again. For the one hundredth time, I've told you my background isn't interesting."

"I have a job to do."

"Ugh..fine. No wonder you're not engaged yet, I pity the fool who has to marry you."

"My current relationship status is of no concern to you." she replied, a bit too quickly.

"Nailed it." he smirked.

"I swear by the spirits you're just like my bro-never mind. Tell me about your background."

Deciding that her unwittingly letting slip that she had a brother was sufficient exchange for his information, he obliged her.

"To be honest, I don't know much. I was told that the chief killed them and adopted me and my sister. As for dreams, nope, I don't have any. Shinobi like us aren't to concern ourselves with the bigger picture, merely to concern ourselves with the killing of whoever the chief deemed needed to be eliminated."

"I see. Do you know why you were caught?"

"Hmm….it was a set up. I tried to leave and word got out to the chief I suppose. No one can be allowed to leave our village."

Keeping her golden eyes fixed on his, she asked "Why did you try to leave?"

Unfortunately, she did not get an answer, only being met with a long silence. Deciding that she had probably overstayed her welcome, she got up and left.

________________________

A few days later…

Staring at the sky, Sokka busied himself by picking out shapes of clouds in the sky while the magistrate's men worked to attach ropes to his legs to two bulls, whilst the magistrate himself, a rotund bald man with an ego larger than his body size would allow for, cackled with delight as he was worried that news would get back to the shogunate that he was not capable of a performing a simple execution and thus, risk his neck being the one on the chopping block.

Alas, his efforts came to naught as instead, a tug from Sokka's ankles brought the bulls crashing into each other instead of splitting him apart. At this, the magistrate lost his temper and began to bark orders to his men.

"Don't you think it rather strange?" the girl approached him, her now signature notebook and brush in hand poised to record more notes.

"No, why?" Sokka asked

"It seems to me that despite your statements of wanting to die, your actions contradict them. Why would someone with no reason to live, clin-never mind. You never did answer my question the previous day."

"Who gives a shit about your questions, just kill him already!" the magistrate fumed.

Waving her hand, she replied "I'm working."

"What about the-"

"Later. Now, would you answer my question or not?"

"Tsk, so demanding. Fine, whatever."

"I'm listening."

"I was the best shinobi in the entire village. I had his word that my sister would be well taken care of while I remained his best blade. Surprisingly, he kept his word. Still, keeping her ignorant of the wider world for much longer was not an option, as was seeing her married off to some shinobi like me who has only seen the ugliest the world has to offer. That is no way to live. As her only surviving relation, how can I do that to her and still claim to be the protective big brother? I'd be spitting on my parents' grave if I did so.  And so that's how I ended up being captured, set up by the chief who forbade anyone from venturing beyond our village. There you have it. Happy now?"

"Thank you for your answer."

_______________________

Later that night….

"Perhaps it's not my place to say, but a young pretty woman like yourself should not get any closer to someone like him." one of the magistrate's men commented as they made their rounds.

"Thanks for your concern, but I can handle myself. I am from the Yamada clan, afterall."

"Do you know his name?"

"Of course, it would be silly if I hadn't. His name is Sokka, former shinobi of Iwagakure."

"I mean his other name. Sokka the Hollow. An emotionless monster, he slew twenty men when he was arrested. Rumour has it that the shinobi of Iwagakure drink some sort of potion of immortality, that's why they are unkillable. That potion comes from Shinsenkyo."

"Potion huh…." she pondered, her golden eyes.

"Forget I spoke such nonsense. In any case, he's a dangerous man and you would be wise to be on guard."

"If he really is as hollow and emotionless as you say he is, then why did he fight back so hard as he did? You don't fight like that, not unless you have something to live for."

A week later…

When the attempt to condemn Sokka to death via boiling oil failed once more, this time with casualties to his own men, the magistrate was on the verge of tears and was about to snatch the sword in his office and either kill Sokka himself or commit seppuku.

"You know, I'm ready any time." she reminded him.

At this, the magistrate's expression changed, as if he had suddenly stumbled upon an epiphany.

_________________

Two days later

"So, what's it going to be this time? Explosives? Poison? Or maybe…a combination of both?" Sokka sarcastically asked as he was escorted to some form of room at the end of a tunnel.

"You'll see."

Entering the room, Sokka saw her seated, her hands resting on her thighs while her face wore an expression of meditation. When she looked up, she untied the ribbon from her shoulder and redid her hair before standing up.

"What is this, are you going to fuck me to death or some shit? This has got to be some sick joke, stop fucking around."

"Oh ho, you think she's just some inspector from the shogunate huh? No, she is no mere inspector, she's a sword tester sent here straight from Edo." As he said this, he could see her draw her katana from her scabbard, her familiarity with the weapon evident.

"She is the executioner Yamada Asaemon Azula. Her family has served the shogun as sword testers and executioners for generations. All of their clansfolk are trained in the art of swordsmanship."

"You-you're an Asaemon?"

"Yes, that is correct. Sokka the Hollow, you said you wished for your execution. Today, I shall grant you that very wish." she answered, her golden eyes narrowing to a singular focus, that being the removal of his head from his body.

Well fuck me to tears, this girl's the real deal, his mind told him. Instinctively, he flexed his his wrists and broke the chains that bound his hands, shattering them into mere firewood.

"Azula-dono, kill him!" the magistrate screeched.

With a lunge, she thrust forward, landing a nick on his neck as he dodged and rolled away to the side.

"Why did you dodge my blow?" Azula asked, her voice quizzical.

"I-" Before he could respond, she leapt at him once more, forcing him to leap away to safety.

Do..Do I really not want to die? Sokka thought to himself, as she took a deep breath and reset herself.

"I've executed many criminals throughout my time. Some put up a brave front, right up till just before their death. Some beg for mercy, others deceive themselves and say they have accepted their fate. Sokka the Hollow, I can sense that the void in your heart is indeed larger than anyone here in this room, of that I am sure. But you still want to live, that I am sure."

At this, memories of his sister flashed into his mind, making him see red. In a flash he snatched a katana from one of the guardsmen and lunged at her before the hapless man knew what had happened.

"Admit it, you kept on living for her." Azula calmly responded, as their blades clashed and gold eyes met blue.

"And yet you lie to my face every single time I visit, telling me that you have no attachments to this world and that you're ready to face death."

"Shut the fuck up! You know nothing about me! Nothing!" he screamed, before launching into a series of vicious strikes that caught her off guard and had her on the defensive, only just being able to parry the multitude of strikes that would have dealt any lesser swordsman a killing blow multiple times over, as echoes of his promise to his sister just before he left on that fateful mission repeated over and over like a broken record.

"LISTEN TO ME, THERE IS A WAY OUT!" she shouted, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Unfurling a scroll, she showed him the decree "This is an official pardon, straight from the shogun himself. With this, you are a free man and are untouchable; not me, the magistrate or your village chief could harm you. On one condition."

"And that is?"

"You will travel to the Underworld and retrieve the Elixir of Immortality."

"What do you mean, travel to the Underworld? Doesn't that mean you'll just kill me? How does that work?"

"No. For centuries there was believed to be a land free from pain and suffering, a land teeming with abundance and joy, far to the southern seas. For centuries sailors and explorers have scoured the far oceans for such a place, and now, they have found it, just as the scripts have described it. There, it seems, one can find this immortal life giving elixir. Many have tried on orders of the shogunate in Edo, but none came back alive. Those that did return, looked barely human at all."

"That sounds like a bunch of mythical bullshit you feed to toddlers."

"That's what I thought too…until I saw the bodies first hand. I came here, looking for candidates with a burning passion to live and skills to back it up. On my way here, I heard that your sister is still in Iwagakure, waiting everyday by the village entrance for you."

"I….."

"One last thing, you will not be going in solo. There are other Asaemon pairs who are also jockeying for a chance at redemption.Thus, I now offer you this choice; accept this mission and win not only freedom for yourself, but also for your sister or die a criminal's death here and now."

"This is ridiculous. The shogun couldn't possibly have issued this decree. He is but one of many, what makes him so special? Guards!"

Closing his eyes, all Sokka could see was the face of his sister, waiting anxiously at the village entrance for his safe return.

Katara…I'm coming back…I promise…

In a small voice, he asked "Azula….remember when you asked if you could see ninjutsu?"

"Yes?"

"Then watch and learn." he calmly replied, his mind moving into a trance like state as flames emerged from his body, the heat causing her to raise her arms while the brightness made her blink as she heard him whisper: Ninpo - Ascetic Blaze.

In a flash of light and smoke, six charred bodies lay in a pile, atop which Sokka sat as small embers danced on his fingertips.

"Impressive. I hope that you would be willing to teach me some of your tricks during our travels."

"Sure, whatever you say. Where do we go from here?" he replied as she resheathed her katana.

"Edo."

"What? Why not head straight there?"

"You do as I say or the deal's off."

"Alright alright, calm down, I'll do as you say."

Once upon a time, in the Fire Nation, Azula was known as a powerful and feared assassin. She was feared by many but respected for her skills and cunning mind. One day, she was assigned to take out a powerful Water Tribe warrior named Sokka. As she tracked him, she discovered that he was being targeted by a group of rogue assassins who sought to overthrow the Fire Nation.

Sokka was caught off guard, but he was a skilled fighter and managed to hold his own against the attackers. However, just when it seemed like he was about to be overpowered, Azula appeared, taking down the assassins with ease and saving Sokka's life.

Sokka was shocked and grateful to Azula, who told him that she was there to protect him, not to harm him. Sokka was skeptical, but as they traveled together, he began to see a different side of Azula. She was not just an assassin, but a complex and multi-dimensional person who had been driven to her profession by circumstances beyond her control.

As they journeyed together, Sokka and Azula formed an unlikely friendship. They discovered that they had more in common than they ever could have imagined and came to understand and respect each other's perspectives. They also worked together to stop the rogue assassins and prevent them from overthrowing the Fire Nation.

In the end, Sokka returned to the Water Tribe, but not before Azula had saved his life and changed his view of the world forever. He would never forget the assassin who became his friend and ally, and the lessons he learned about the power of friendship and understanding

********

Prompt 2: There was only one bed (Fate Stay Night)

Once upon a time, in the city of Fuyuki, Shirou, Rin, Sakura, and Artoria were on a mission to stop an evil sorcerer from summoning a powerful demon. They had been traveling for days, and finally arrived at the sorcerer's lair, exhausted and in need of rest. However, to their surprise, there was only one bed in the room.

At first, everyone was hesitant to take the bed, not wanting to appear greedy or rude. However, Artoria, being a true leader, offered to take the floor, insisting that the others take the bed to rest and recover for the battle ahead.

But Rin and Shirou wouldn't hear of it. They both offered to take the floor instead, not wanting the King of Knights to sacrifice her own comfort. In the end, it was Sakura who settled the argument, offering to share the bed with Artoria.

At first, the three were unsure how to fit on the small bed, but they soon found a comfortable position, with Artoria in the middle and Rin and Shirou on either side. As they lay there, they began to talk and laugh, sharing stories of their adventures and experiences. They bonded over their love of justice and their determination to protect those they cared about.

Before they knew it, the night had passed and it was time to face the sorcerer and the demon. But as they prepared for battle, they felt a new sense of strength and unity, knowing that they had each other's backs.

In the end, they defeated the sorcerer and the demon, and returned to their homes, proud and grateful for the memories they had made on that fateful night, when there was only one bed.

****

Short update: ChatGPT cannot give us the sexy sokkla

Present day

Temple Hall

Royal Palace, Caldera

"Princess Azula, do you reaffirm before Agni and the Spirits that you will remain faithful to this man for as long you live, whether in sickness or in health, in wealth or in poverty, in good times or bad times?" 

"I do." she answered, looking into the deep blue eyes of the man she was proud to call her husband.

"Councilman Sokka, do you also reaffirm before Spirits of the Moon and Sea that you will remain faithful to her Highness for the rest of your days, whether it be in sickness or in health, in wealth or in poverty, in the good times and difficult times?"

"I do." the man replied as he too, gazed into her honey-gold eyes, unable to keep a smile from appearing on his face.

"May the Spirits' blessing continue to pour on your marriage and may Agni's light guide your paths. You may now-" the old sage proclaimed, before he was rudely cut off by the duo immediately launching into a loud wet kiss that echoed through the empty halls. Deciding that he should probably put a stop on things lest they re-consummate their marriage right then and there, he coughed loudly and  quickly sent them out of the temple.

Wrapping her arm around his, they walked in a comfortable silence back to their quarters, exchanging small kisses between themselves. Turning a corner, they bumped into Zuko on his daily walks with Druk.

"Well this is something I never expected." 

"Whatever were you expecting, Zuzu? Us going at each other's throats?"

"C'mon now, you know we always go at each other." Sokka teased as he poked her, making her turn as red as Druk, who watched the whole scene unfold before him with bored beady eyes from atop his perch on Zuko's shoulder.

"I don't need to know what you and my sister have been up to in your alone time. Hell, I don't even want to know what sort of nasty shit y'all get up to."

"Wow, such a caring big brother I've got. Shouldn't you be concerned about what this big bully does to your poor defenseless sister every night?" 

"Hey hey hey, if I remember correctly, your exact words last night was -"

"Shut up right now Sokka or I'll make sure you won't be celebrating Father's day next year."

"Do that, and I'll make sure you won't either Zuzu."

"What's going on here?" Suki's voice interjected, one hand cradling Izumi whilst the other fanned her with a metal fan.

"Your husband was threatening my husband."

"Zuko!" 

"I wasn't, I swear!" 

"You should know better than to fall for your sister's bait." she chided, shaking her head. "Anyways, you should have told us you were coming instead of just appearing suddenly." Suki continued, now pointing the folded metal fan at Sokka.

"We wanted to have a private ceremony, don't want or need a whole lot of attention. Especially from Kuei. Remember the last time we told you guys we were coming?"

"Oh." Both Suki and Zuko replied, as long repressed memories came back to the surface involving Druk, Bosco and an unexplained fire that ravaged some of Kuei's more hardline ministers' quarters but left the rest of the delegation's quarters untouched. 

"Yeah.

"I'll be honest, I thought both of you were on the verge of killing each other the last time we visited." 

"Which was how long ago? Just because you got to marry for love and we didn't doesn't mean we can't find love too, Zuzu. I mean, show me someone who'd be thrilled to be in an arranged marriage."

"Alright alright, you got me there. I'm happy that both of you are happy with each other."

"If that's all, we'll be heading back now, see you at dinner time."

"Okay-wait why? Do you have plans for the afternoon or-"

"Look Zuko, as much as I'd love to tell you first off, I'd like to not traumatize little Izumi here and secondly, I doubt my ex wants to know what type of bedtime manoeuvres I pull on my brother-in-law's sister. Now if you'll excuse us, we'll be taking our leave."

As they disappeared round the corner, Zuko turned to Suki and asked "Just what did Sokka mean when he said 'bedtime manoeuvers"?"

Rolling her eyes, Suki sighed and replied "Do I really have to spell it out for you?"

"I just don't want her to get hurt."

"Trust me Zuko, you'd be the one being hurt if you ask too many questions." Suki shuddered, remembering the time she accidently walked into the wrong room to find Sokka in the middle of railing Azula, who was at the time was blindfolded and bound to one of the pillars of said room.

"But Sukes-"

"Don't make me break out the metal fan." ******** ********

Darling 夢が叶ったの

Darling, my dreams came true

お似合いの言葉が見つからないよ

Even if I can't find the right words to say it

Darling 夢が叶ったの

Darling, my dreams came true

愛してる

I love you ********* ********

たった一度の たった一人の

Just this once, just for me

生まれてきた幸せ味わってるんだよ

I'm grateful to have been born

今日がメインディッシュで 終わりの日には

Every day with you feels like the main course, and when the day finally ends

甘酸っぱいデザートを食べるの

I'll have a sweet and sour dessert to end

山も谷も全部フルコースで

It's a full course meal, complete with peaks and valleys

気がきくような言葉はいらない 素晴らしい特別もいらない

I don't need platitudes, I don't need any special gifts or treatment

ただずっと ずっとそばに 置いておいてよ

All I ask is that you'd let me stay by your side forever

僕の想いは歳をとると 増えてくばっかだ

My love for you only grow stronger with time

好きだよ わかってよ わかってよ

I hope you understand my hints

Nine years ago…

Apartment

"So this is it huh. Forever consigned to be your arm candy at your stuffy dinners and public engagements." Azula sighed as she surveyed the rather spartan furnishings of Sokka's penthouse, already missing the rich trappings and decor of her palace room. 

"I'm insulted that you'd think I would treat you like a piece of arm candy."

"Then do pray tell Sokka, what is it that you would have me doing? Certainly not a menial secretary job, right?"

"....." "You cannot be serious." 

"If you have better suggestions I'm all ears princess."

"I'll…I'll think of something, just you wait!"

"Mmm sorry, but I don't have all day. There's work to be done and I'm already behind schedule. Oh, one last thing, please don't mess with the stuff in my workshop. It's for your own safety."

"Bold of you to assume you can stop me, Sokka." 

"Does everything need to be a contest Azula? Spirits you're going to send me into an early grave."

"You're welcome." she smiled.

"Tui and La, would it kill you to not be so….you? I mean, I don't expect us to get all lovey dovey and shit on day one but for crying out loud, at least work with me a little here."

"You're asking me to be…not me. Which is impossible. That's like asking you to not crack lame jokes or abstain from eating meat."

"Tui and La give me strength." Sokka muttered as he threw his hands up in exasperation. ************

Two years later…

Midnight

Having finally put Kya to sleep, Katara was looking forward to getting some rest herself when she heard a series of loud knocks on her door. Grabbing a water skin just in case it turned out to be an intruder, she was shocked to find Azula kneeling on her doorstep, panting and gasping for breath as she cradled Sokka in her arms.

"Get away from my brother!" Katara screamed, ready to lash out against her. Instinctively, Azula flinched and moved to cover Sokka, lest her whip miss her mark and hit her brother instead.

"Please just listen to me! Sokka-he he needs your help! I need your help! His fever won't go down no matter what I've tried and-" 

"Why didn't you-never mind, here, I'll take his right, you take his left." With each one under his arms, they supported him to a nearby guest room, where they laid him on the bed. 

"Don't try anything funny. If you so much as hurt a single hair on his body…" Katara warned, before moving to grab her gear from the medical wing, her heart feeling a mixture of uneasiness at leaving her brother in Azula's hands.

Rushing back to the room, she overheard Azula's sobs as she begged and pleaded for Sokka to wake up from his fever, her sobs mixed with confessions and promises as her tears soaked the front of his shirt. Pushing away her feelings of suspicion and guilt for interrupting what was an intimate moment between the duo, Katara gave the door a couple of soft raps, before entering and withdrawing a small stream of Spirit Water, which she hovered over her brother's body as Azula looked on expectantly, hoping that of all people, she could heal him.

Putting the water back into its vial, Katara turned to her and replied "Sokka's fine, he'll make it. As for you, I have…many questions. About you and your relationship with my brother. If-if you want to spend the night here, that's fine. There's a sleeping mat in the cupboard."

"Katara….thank you." she whispered. 

******

The next morning , 

"So let me get this straight, this is all Zuko's idea?"

"Yes. How many times must I tell you?" 

"It still seems so stupid and ridiculous. And you're sure Sokka went along willingly?"

"First off, the fact that he answered Zuzu's request should be an indication that he went along willingly. Second of all, he had at least a week to think over the decision before he came to my chamber and said yes. Lastly, our marriage certs are still in the Royal Archives, do feel free to look it up the next time you're visiting my dumdum brother.."

"You can always fake certificates." 

"Then ask Suki. She was there. Look, I know you don't trust me, and you'd be right. I'll admit…I don't have the best track record when it comes to being honest and..we'd probably never get along in a million lifetimes but-" Azula replied, before she was cut off by the sound of a door creaking open to reveal a rather dazed and confused looking Sokka. 

Immediately, Azula leapt off her stool and enveloped him in a bear hug, burying her face in his chest. "You have no idea how worried I was, Sokka. Don't you ever do that again. Ever. Promise me Sokka."

"I promise. Sorry about that." he sheepishly replied, stroking her hair and back. Glancing up, he saw that he was in fact, not in his apartment but in his sister and Aang's living quarters.

"Oh uh, hi sis…long time no see?"

"Be thankful I'm not freezing you to the wall, your wife here would be very angry if I did considering she dragged you from your apartment to my place in the middle of the night to ask me for help."

"Azula…I-wait you told my sister? She knows-"

"I still can't believe you didn't tell us that you got married in the Fire Nation to her Sokka! You'd think to let us know about something as serious as that." 

"Well, it wasn't the right time. There was..a lot of things we had to work out and-"

"And when would that have been? Bumi has been bugging me for the past two years asking me when uncle Sokka was coming over to visit. Two whole years, Sokka."

"Well, you can tell him that uncle Sokka is here. Guess I'll stay for a while, if that's okay with you 'Zula?"

"Yes, Sokka. I think…we can stay for a bit."

"I still can't believe it. You and her. It-it doesn't make sense. I mean it does..but no, it doesn't." Katara shook her head. "Tui and La it's too early for this shit."

"I don't know what else to tell you. I mean, I suppose we could consummate our marriage right in front of you if it makes you happy. " Azula shrugged.

"EWWW NO!"

"Wow 'Zula, I didn't know you had an exhibitionist streak in you." Sokka teased, making her turn a deep shade of pink.

"Sh-shut up Sokka." she huffed and swatted him.

"You're not denying it, which makes me wonder, just what other naughty little thoughts are there to be discovered in that brilliantly sarcastic mind of yours?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Azula whispered sultrily in his ear as she rubbed against him.

"Mother of La, could you both not have sex in my living room! Go back home then if you two are-are going to-gah!"  Katara shrieked again, waving her hands in the air.

"Relax Kat, we weren't planning on sullying your living room. That's just gross and disgusting."

"You two better not, I'll freeze both of you to the seawall if you. Also, when are you going to tell Dad?"

"I suppose I could pay him a visit. What do you think, Azula? How does a honeymoon trip to the South Pole sound to you?"

"That sounds like a horrible place for a honeymoon. Can't your dad meet us somewhere like Ember Island?"

"Ember Island sounds so cliche and cheesy." Sokka whined.

"Then what do you suggest?"

"What about Shu Jing?"

"I suppose that is…acceptable."

"Then it's settled then."

"Sokka you didn't answer my question, when are you going to tell dad that you and Azula are married?"

"Can't you see my wife needs me right now? I'll get to it when it get to it Kat. Now shoo, we're having a moment here." "Mother of La, give me strength to deal with these two idiots."

"These two idiots can hear you." Azula shot back. "Just...try to keep things appropriate, okay?" *********** ***********

ねえ darling 夢が叶ったの

Hey darling, my dreams came true

お似合いの言葉が見つからないよ

Even if i can't find the words to say it

Darling 夢が叶ったの

Darling my dreams came true

愛が溢れていく

My love is overflowing for you

Five years later ….

Sokka's bedroom 

Republic City

As the sun made its slow ascent across the skyline of Republic City, Azula found herself reluctantly being roused from bed by its rays tugging on her inner fire. Through bleary, half lidded eyes, she tried to stretch, only to find herself locked in position by Sokka's arms. Frowning slightly, she tried to wriggle free, only to find that he held on to her tighter than before. In addition, she could feel him rubbing against her, making her let out small gasps and moans. 

"Mmm 'Zula, ss-s-so warm." Sokka moaned as he nuzzled her, his stubble tickling her as his legs locked with hers, completely trapping her in his embrace. Sighing, she resorted to giving him a stinging pinch, which immediately released her from his grasp.

"Ow Azula!!" he yelped, releasing her from his arms and nursing the raw area where she pinched him. 

"Sorry, but you were half way to squeezing the life out of me. Here, let me." she replied, kissing the spot where she pinched, putting on her best sorry face. 

"Better?" 

"Mm hmm." 

"You really are such a big baby." she sighed.

"And you're still so mean to me."

Rolling her eyes, Azula replied "You're lucky you're cute. Fine, I-I'm sorry. Okay?"

Seeing his brows furrow, she immediately recognized the threat for what it was and attempted to put a stop to it. "Whatever it is you're planning Sokka, knock it off. I mean it."

Pretending to consider her opinion for a moment, Sokka replied "Mmm….how about..no.", sticking his tongue out at her.

"Sokka…"

"Tickle attack!" he yelled, catching her by surprise as his fingers went for her sides before hitting other spots on her, making her jerk and arch as her laughter filled the air between them, sounding to Sokka's ears like the most beautiful voice in the world. 

"M-mercy Sokka…stop..please…" she panted, her face close to resembling a tomato in terms of colour while she caught her breath.

"Please what?"

"N–no-no-more tickles Sokka, please?" she pleaded weakly.

"Alright, but only because you said please. Here, drink some water." Sokka replied, handing her a glass of water as she sat up against the bed frame while Sokka patiently knelt in between her legs. Placing the glass on the bedside table, she saw that Sokka was staring at her with hungry eyes.

"Like what you see?"

"You know I do." he breathed, admiring the way her body almost glowed in the soft rays, the lacy babydoll she wore to sleep last night revealing as much as it concealed. Crawling up into his lap, she rocked her hips against him, feeling his hardness rub deliciously against her.

"Already hard for me? Spirits Sokka how many rounds can you go?" 

"As many rounds as you want me to, princess." he growled as his hands moved to liberate her body from the confines of her dress. As soon as her dress hit the bedroom floor, Azula locked her legs around his waist and flipped them both over onto Sokka's back.

"My turn." she purred, before yanking his pants off him, letting his hard cock spring loose. Cradling it in her hands, she rubbed and teased his head, smearing precum all over his shaft as he gazed into her eyes.

"So hard, just for me."

"Always and forever." he panted, a groan escaping his lips as she continued to stroke him from tip to hilt.

"A-A-Azula, I want-no, I need you now, please…" he groaned, as her strokes were definitely going to have him exploding in her hands if she kept up the pace.

"So demanding." she tutted as she moved to place her folds above his, teasing him as she only let the tip enter her.

"What's the magic word Sokka?" 

"Please?"

"Please what?"

"Please will you ride me, princess Azula?"

"Why of course, my dear husband." Slowly, she lowered himself down on his smooth heat, her eyes rolling in the back of her head as the sensation of being oh so filled by him sent her mind racing with pleasure. Splaying her hands on his chest, she wiggled and adjusted her position until she was satisfied that he was going to hit all the right spots in her when she rode him.

"Spirits Azula, that was hot."

"Really, Sokka? Is hot the only phrase in your vocabulary?"

"You are a firebender after all."

"I believe the phrase you're looking for is absolutely, devastatingly sexy." 

"Well then, I want you to absolutely and completely ride me like your life depends on it, princess. Think you can do that for me?" Sokka asked as he sat up, littering her neck with multiple love bites and nips.

Pushing him back down, Azula gathered his hands above his head and snapped and ground her hips into him. "Let's see how long you can last." she smirked, before setting off on a blistering pace that left him breathless as she rolled and bounced atop him, her hands pinching and teasing his chest as she moaned and cried out his name.

" 'Zu-'Zula, you're hnggh -so tight and wet for me." 

"Just for you Sokka, just for you… " she gasped. 

"D-Do you trust me Sokka?"

"With every fiber of my being." 

"Tell- tell me if-if it gets uncomfortable, okay? I just want to please you." 

"Pretty sure all of you pleases me, princess."

"I'm serious Sokka." she folded her arms, stilling her hips.

"I…I want you to tap my arm if it gets too much okay?"

"What do you have in mind?" he asked, sitting back up before she pushed him back down, her hands going to either side of his neck before she started to apply pressure in small increments while her hips resumed their routine, slamming up and down on his cock with loud wet smacks that filled up the space between them.

"Oh." 

"Um…we-we- could just go back to what we usually do if-" she nervously replied, her hands moving away when Sokka stopped her.

"We could try something new…I suppose. Change up the pace a little." 

"Are you sure? I mean, I've never done this before.:.." Azula trailed off.

"I won't know if we like it until we try it. I trust you Azula." 

"If-if you say so…" she gulped. "Here goes nothing." With Sokka guiding her hands back onto his neck, she steadily applied pressure onto his throat little by little, while her hips resumed their grind, taking him deep within her over and over again until they reached a comfortable pace, their eyes glazed over with pleasure and satisfaction as they took in the other's nude forms.

"Mmm princess, wha-what other kinky thoughts do you have in that pretty little head of yours?." Sokka panted, as his hands rubbed circles on hers. 

Leaning over his ear, she nibbled and teased "That's for me to know and for you to find out.", sending  a tingle of excitement and want flowing down his spine.

Suddenly, he could feel the steady pressure she had been applying to his throat ramp up, the point of her nails making their presence felt as she bucked and arch atop him. As his breathing shallowed, he could feel her core squeezing and soaking his length, edging him ever closer to the finish line.

" 'Zula….ke-keep that up and I'm go-…oh- hnhh !" he stuttered and jerked his hips into her, his hands frantically tapping her arm as his vision started to blur and his head was feeling slightly woozy. In a flash, the pressure on his throat was gone, replaced with soft kisses as she collapsed on top of his chest, his orgasm sparking a chain reaction in her that had her cumming within seconds.

"So-sokka, are you okay? Sokka, talk to me. I-I didn't mean to hurt you, I thou-" she asked, her voice fraught with concern.

"J-just need a minute…." he stammered, drawing in deep lungfuls of air. Slowly, he sat up on his elbows, as she stared at him with wet honey-gold orbs, worry and concern etched on her face while grabbed some pillows and placed them behind his head.

"Stop-stop scaring me like that, I was so worried that-that I hurt you again." she mumbled into his chest, as he stroked her back.

"Shhh it's okay, it's a learning experience. By the way, where did you get that idea from?"

"I, um, well…I was at the bookstore with your sister last week…and um…there was this novel th-that had some title like.. No Big Deal or something and-Agni it's embarrassing." she blushed, feeling the tips of her ears grow hot at the memory.

"Well, I suppose it must really have you all hot and flustered if it made you want to recreate a scene from the novel. Who knew Princess Azula of the Fire Nation could be turned on with just words on paper?" he teased.

"If you ever so much as squeak about what I told you….."

"Don't worry, my lips are sealed. After all, we wouldn't want the world to know that you like shoved up against walls, now would we?" he smirked, the memory of them making hot passionate love under the tunnels of the palace with her shoved against the bare rock wall unwittingly turning him on again.

"You just love shoving me up against hard surfaces, don't you?"

"That's because I know how much it turns you on, princess." he poked, to which she pouted and swatted his chest.

"Anyways, I feel all sticky and sweaty and a nice hot shower sounds really nice right now."

"Mmm… how about a long soak in a hot bath? Between last night and just now, my muscles are sore all over and I don't think I'll be able to walk straight for the next two days."

"Oh no…."he mockingly replied, "You're just looking for an excuse to get me to be your one man palanquin, aren't you?"

"Guilty as charged."

"You're under arrest." Sokka replied, imitating one of the metalbenders that made up Republic City's police department.

"Officer, it's my first time…couldn't you let me go with a warning? I promise I'll be a good girl. Please don't arrest me…" Azula blinked coquettishly at him, putting on her best puppy face as she played along with Sokka. 

"You know, we should do that sometime, I can always get a set of uniforms and handcuffs from Toph."

"I suppose we could try that next time Sokka. Now, if I recall, there was talk about you setting up a hot bath for your princess…"

"One hot bath coming right up." ************

While Sokka set about setting up the bath, Azula made sure he wasn't looking and crept away to their pantry, where she pulled out a bottle of sparkling wine and some glasses before returning to their bathroom.

"I think it's all set Azula, do you want to-what's this?" he asked as he turned around to find her holding said bottle and two glasses.

"Well…I thought, um since, well….it's our wedding anniversary today and um..maybe we should do something special?" she rocked back and forth on her heels, her face turning a rosy pink as she still found it difficult to vocalize her love and adoration for Sokka, preferring instead to display it through actions.

Placing the drinkware on the sink, he pulled her into a passionate kiss and an equally intimate hug, telling her just how much he appreciated her gestures and how proud he was of her.

"S-Sokka..can't breathe…owww." she mumbled into his chest.

"Sorry." he replied, letting his arms slacken around her.

"You get in first, I'll handle this." 

"No, you get in the bath first. That's an order from your princess Sokka."

"Don't mind me if I do." he replied, letting himself sink to the bottom as the heat and oils lapped away at the weariness in his bones. Seconds later, Azula joined him, handing him a glass as she too, happily sank into the warmth, snuggling up to Sokka as she took a sip from her glass.

"Azula?"

"Yes, my dear husband?"

"Thank you. Happy anniversary, Azula." he toasted, before setting aside his glass and wrapping his arms around her.

"Happy anniversary to you too, Sokka." she replied, landing a sideways kiss on his lips as she mewled and purred like a satisfied kitten, letting herself be held in his arms, wishing the feeling would stay forever. ******** ********

君が僕を忘れてしまっても

If one day, you don't remember me anymore

ちょっとつらいけど それでもいいから

It'll hurt, but that's okay

僕より先に どこか遠くに

I'll never let you go ahead of me

旅立つことは絶対 許さないから

I won't ever let you leave before me

生まれ変わったとしても 出会い方が最悪でも

Even if we're reborn and meet in worst possible way

また僕は君に恋するんだよ

I'd gladly fall in love with you all over again

僕の心は 君にいつも片思い

My heart will always be chasing after you

好きだよ わかってよ わかってよ わかってよ

I love you, do you understand?

Darling 夢が叶ったの

お似合いの言葉が見つからないよ

Darling 夢が叶ったの

ねえ darling 愛してる

Chieftain's residence

Southern Water Tribe

Standing on the balcony, Azula looked out to see that despite the cold, there was still a hustle and bustle on the streets below that reminded her of Republic City as the residents gathered last minute items for the winter solstice festival. Feeling a familiar pair of arms wrap around her, she immediately back herself into him, greedily sucking his body heat as she wove her fingers into his hands. 

"Whatchu thinking about, princess?" he asked, resting his head on her shoulder.

"Y'know Sokka…there's something I've always wanted to ask, if you don't mind."

"Ask away."

"I know it sounds like I am questioning…us..but just hear me out for a minute. I don't know what life was like for you prior to us getting married, but it seems like you were willing to throw away everything you've built and had and hitch yourself to someone like me who…isn't like Yue…or Suki..?"

"I…Spirits don't roast me for this..but I guess it was a small twinge of pity that kind of got the ball rolling. I mean, comparatively speaking Zuko had done a lot worse than you, like kidnapping Aang, kidnapping my sister, betraying us to the Fire Nation on top of the usual antics of trying to kill us everytime we met, yet we gave him another chance and just..it didn't seem fair to not offer you that same chance. Besides, we were all young and didn't know any better back then."

"But clearly you must have seen something to convince you to take that leap."

"I guess…the more I thought about it, the more my mind kept flashing back to what happened back in the North. Did Zuko ever tell you what happened?'

"I heard bits and pieces of what happened, but not the whole story." 

"Well, the Moon Spirit was once a person named Yue. If I had to guess, she was probably the same age as you were and just as devoted to her people and her duty as you were, though I guess she was more gentler about it than you are. Anyways, turns out, the reason she had white hair, and I mean white like fresh snow, was that she had the Moon Spirit living inside her when she was a child."

"Okay…but I'm not sure how this relates."

"I'm getting there. Anyways, we hit it off, only to discover that she was bound by arranged marriage to some jackass named Hahn, and-"

"Hold up, you tried to steal someone's fiancee? Agni Sokka, you really have no limits to your promiscuity don't you?"

"In my defence, I was young and dumb okay?!"

"The mess you made yesterday says otherwise." 

"That's why I have you to help me clean up my mess." he smirked, earning himself a decent nudge to his gut from her." 

"Oww!" 

"Serves you right, you big man-child." she huffed.

"You mean, your big man-child."

"Unfortunately."

"Moving on, turns out the reason Zhao went after the Northern Water Tribe was because he found a map showing all the spiritual hotspots of the Four Nations. He was planning to kill both the Moon and Ocean Spirit in one blow."

"I knew Zhao was a dumbass, but even he knows there'd be severe consequences for fucking around with Spirit beings."

"Clearly he didn't, cuz he killed the Moon Spirit. And-and the only way to save it was…was for Yue to give back the life she gotten from the Moon Spirit all those years ago. I watched her die in my arms that night." Sokka paused, as Azula turned around and hugged him, rubbing his back as the memories threatened to overwhelm him.

"The longer I thought about it, the more I started to..see I guess you could say, you being stuck in a similar situation, and it just..felt unfair. The night before I was supposed to head back to Republic City, a freak storm came out of nowhere and hit Caldera, grounding all airship routes."

"I remember that. I couldn't sleep the entire night, the wind kept me up." 

"Same, I couldn't sleep that night because of the wind so I got out of bed and asked Yue if..if this was a sign and-well, she appeared to me. Told me that while the choice was ultimately mine to take, she'd give her blessing and protection for what it's worth if well, I agreed to Zuko's plan to marry you to keep you out of Kuei's hands. I suppose she saw something between me and you that convinced her. Plus, if I'm being honest, you certainly did fit my type. Beautiful, intelligent and totally capable of kicking my ass into next year. Yeah, I was kind of crushing on you…just a little. Does that answer your question?"

"Yes, it does. I suppose I too should come clean and tell you that I kinda sorta…was falling for you as well."

"Oh ho, and when was that? Come on, I promise not to tell anyone." he winked and teased her.

 "After the day of Black Sun, I…couldn't stop thinking about you and-and I imagined what it was like…to um well…Spirits Sokka it's so embarrassing to say it out loud." 

"I am well aware of the effect I have on your decision making abilities. You're welcome, by the way. In any case, aren't you glad you have me so you don't need to rely on your imagination anymore?"

"You're lucky you're cute." she huffed into his shoulder.

"Point noted. Anyways princess, do you want to head in? It's getting chilly out here."

"Weak." she poked, sticking out her tongue at him.

"Having you as my personal space heater certainly hasn't helped." 

"Wow Sokka, is that all I am to you? A personal space heater? I don't know whether to slap you or kiss you."

"How about I make that decision for you?" he replied, tilting her chin up to meet her lips. As they deepened their kiss, Sokka's tongue licked her lips, filling him with the taste of cherries and honey before she allowed him access. In return, her tongue crossed over into Sokka's mouth, exploring every inch of it as they held their kiss. When they finally broke for air, Azula couldn't help but smile at the man she was proud to call her husband.

"Alright Sokka, let's head back in, it is getting a little cold." ***********

As they crawled under the sheets, Azula burrowed her way into his arms and nestled her head against his chest. 

"Sokka?"

"Hmm?"

"I love you." she whispered.

"You shouldn't be out here. Don't want you falling off the battlement because you weren't paying attention."

"Yeah."

"Today's that day huh?"

"...."

"I know exactly how you feel, Sokka. Trust me." 

Wordlessly, he locked his fingers in hers, telling her how much he appreciated her presence. Turning him away from the battlements, she led him back to the beach, where the both of them sat down, though her hand never left his. 

"Azula?"

"Yes?"

"I-I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For trying to kill you on that day. I…I think that was the closest I've come to actually killing you and- I was so blinded by rage and emotion that-that…" he choked, holding her tightly against him. Letting him sob in her embrace, Azula rubbed circles on his back, as he told her through hot tears how much he was sorry for what he did. When he finished, Sokka asked in a slightly hoarse voice "Aren't-aren't you going to-"

"There's nothing I can say that would make this pain go away completely. You have no idea Sokka, how much it pains me too to see the man I love hurt so, so much. But what I can offer you, is a shoulder to lean on and a person to hold close to you when it gets too much. Just like you've done for me. I can tell, you've never really talked about this with your sister, or Aang or even your dad huh?"

In response, Sokka shook his head.

"Figured. If..if it's one thing you taught me all those years ago, was that you're not alone. That I wasn't alone. Sokka, you're not alone. I'm here. For you. Always." 

"Azula…..thank you." he whispered after a long pause.

"You're welcome, Sokka. Let's head back okay? It's been too long since I checked on Risa and Miska. Agni knows what kind of trouble they got up to now. I'll need to have a talk with Zuzu about how Izumi is a bad influence on them."

"That's assuming your sister doesn't actively encourage them. You know she spoils them rotten."

The fact that he had made it this far without incident (that she knew of) spoke volumes to the fact that he still was not someone to take lightly despite having been supposedly retired from the scene for the past ten years. Ten long years in which his moniker of the Ijiraq was spoken off in hushed whispers around private tables at many a Sankan establishment, his deeds taking on mythical status as he too became myth.

Yet now, the Ijiraq was here in the flesh, no longer words on paper but a real physical being and she found herself hopelessly taken by him, even if his already battered body now sported more scars and scrapes, the largest of which ran across his abs after some amateur decided to toss their hat in the ring and attempted to blow up Sokka and claim the reward for themselves. Deciding that sleeping on the bed was much more comfortable than on the chair or sofa, she threw caution to the wind and crawled up next to him, letting sleep wash over her after expending countless hours fixing every gash and scrape on his body.

The first thought that hit Sokka as he slowly came to was the fact that one of his hands was bandaged, whilst the other was definitely tangled up in some female's hair. Steadying himself with deep breaths, he slowly looked around before settling on where his other hand was entangled in said female's hair. 

"Su-Suki?" he whispered hoarsely. In response, the head on his chest stirred slightly, to which Sokka realised that it was not, in fact Suki laying her head on his chest but rather someone else. Taking a few more deep breaths to calm himself down, he tried to recall what had happened yesterday, only to find that he could only remember bits and pieces.

Shaking his head, he opted to kick that particular can down the road and instead figure out who the mystery girl was and how to extricate himself from under her. Clearly, she wasn't of Water Tribe stock, which left either Earth Kingdom or Fire Nation that much he was certain. Gingerly, he lifted the hand that was slung over his chest when he noticed the beginnings of a tattoo on her wrist. Flipping it over, he saw that it was a red and blue dragon intertwined around twin lightning bolts.

Why does this tattoo look so familiar?

Where have I seen it before?

Caldera? Fire Fountain? Ugh my head hurts.

Placing the arm back down, he took in his surroundings, looking for something that could conceivably be used as a shank. 

Just in case. 

Soon enough, the mass of hair rose from his chest to reveal two amber eyes staring back at him.

"Good morning?" he ventured.

"Mmm..seems like it. You sleep well last night?"

"I…my head hurts. Wait…why am I naked?"

"A bit too late to be bashful now, isn't it?" the mystery girl smiled and Sokka felt his heart skip a beat at how incredibly beautiful she looked, the way the soft streams of sunlight made her face glow much like a princess. Immediately, a wave of guilt hit him like a freight train as he felt he was disrespecting Suki's memory, a small frown appearing on his face that she immediately picked up on.

"What's wrong?"

"No-nothing…just…never mind. Did-did we do anything last night?"

"Chivalrous aren't you? Nothing happened between us last night, if that's what you're concerned about."

"Your sheer nightgown seems to suggest otherwise."

"Like what you see?"

"Perhaps, though as it stands my heart already belongs to someone else."

"Then we'll just have to keep it a secret."

"The only way to keep a secret between two people is if-"

"- One of us is dead. Heard it a million times before."

"You're not from the Continental, are you?"

"The Continental? What's that?" she feigned, praying he didn't ask further

"Nothing-just..I don't want someone as pretty to get caught up in my problems. It never ends well."

"I can take care of myself, you know. I'm not just a pretty bimbo."

"Clearly, you aren't. After all, I doubt some airhead knows how to perform field surgery." he replied, pointing to the neat row of stitches that ran across his abs.

"Whoops, guess you caught me. Whatever shall you do?" she teased.

"Whatever shall I do, huh? Spirits, you have no idea…."

"What's the matter, did my beauty break your brain hmm?" she teased, snuggling closer to him as Sokka felt her hand wander dangerously close to his groin area.

Throwing caution to the wind, Sokka murmured a private apology to Suki and cupped her face with his good hand, bringing her in for a searing hot kiss as she cupped his member and began to stroke, making him groan in pleasure. Breaking their kiss, he slipped a hand through her nightgown and returned the favour, finding her already wet for him.

"Someone's been a very naughty girl."

"You're no goody two shoes yourself…" she panted, as Sokka's fingers moved from teasing her clit to entering her. With each searing kiss, more of their clothing ended up on the floor till all that was left was their birthday suit. Sitting in between his legs, Azula drank in his body, starting from his rugged looks down to his lean physique, culminating in his rather large member that she knew would definitely have her waddling like a newly hatched turtleduck by the end. 

"Like what you see?"

"I could ask the same about you."

Cautiously, she climbed on top and began to tease him with each snap of her hips, the entrance of her folds teasing his head. 

"Mmm, just like that princess, just like that." he moaned, hands caressing her hips as he let her find a comfortable pace. 

"My eyes are up here, Sokka." she panted, as she tracked his deep blue eyes that settled on her breasts, which swayed back and forth as she rocked her folds across his member.

"I suppose it can't be helped, the way your tits move is just…hypnotizing."

"Bet you can't wait to see them bounce when I ride you into the ground, don't you?"

"It's that obvious?"

"Mmm hmm."

"Then what are we waiting for?"

"Just the words I was waiting to hear."

Wrapping her hand around his cock, she positioned her entrance and slowly took him, a satisfied purr escaping her as Sokka filled up every inch of her, hitting all the right spots that made roll her eyes when she finally sank down to his hilt.

"Agni you're big." she breathed. "Need…a moment."

"Take your time, princess, whenever you're ready. We've got all the time in the world to do this right."

If only you knew Sokka, if only you knew. Azula thought to herself, as she rocked back and forth in a steady trot, every moan and gasp that escaped her lips a sign telling her just how fucked she was. Clasping her hand in his, he guided her to her left breast, giving it a rough squeeze and a tease that only served to reinforce that inconvenient fact.

"Oh Sokka…soo good..you're going to make me cum…Hnnnggggh.." she whispered sultrily, as her muscles tightened and she soaked his member in her love juices. While she was recovering her breath, he moved her hand from its perch on her breasts down to her sex, where he toyed and rubbed her clit while he bucked into her, seeking to give her a back to back orgasm.

"So tight and wet, just for me." 

"Y-y-yes…. oh Sokka there, right there-" she moaned, her back arching once again as he catapulted her into another wave of orgasmic pleasure, leaving her only capable of fragmented speech and soft pants. Sitting up against the headboard, he pulled her in close and peppered her face with tender kisses that left her wanting more.

"You close?"

"Mm hmm."

"Me too, princess, me too." he breathed into her ear, giving it a small nibble that set off tingles down her spine. 

"Cum for me Sokka, cum for me…..please…"

"Wh-where?"

"Do you really have to ask?" she huffed, as she wrapped her legs tightly around him.

"I don't want to-"

"Shhhh, not now. Don't ruin the moment, please." Azula replied, before capturing his lips in hers, their tongues exploring each others' mouths as Sokka responded to her needs by pulling her in close and wrapping his arms around her back, locking her in position.

With one last thrust, Sokka went in as deep as he could before releasing his seed in her and setting off her orgasm, her muscles greedily milking him dry as she too smothered his cock in her own wetness. Holding each other in their arms, both of them buried their heads in the crook of the other's neck as the post coital haze descended over them.

"You know, I never really got your name, princess."

"Do I really need to when you can call me princess?"

"It's only fair, you did ask for mine after all."

"If you insist, you can call me Sakura."

"Sakura huh… a pretty name for a pretty little dragon like you."

"Thank you." she blushed.

"You're not too bad yourself." 

"Just you wait."

"Is that a promise?"

"That's a guarantee, Sakura. I swear."

"You best bet I'll take you up on that." she replied, laying her head on his chest. Turning her head, she looked at the clock and sighed, the time telling them that they had more or less spent almost half the day in bed.

"Am I making you late for work?" he asked with a tinge of concern in his voice.

"No, it's fine, don't worry."

"If you say so."

Gingerly, she lifted herself off Sokka, a gasp escaping her lips as she missed having him in her already, a small white trickle running down the inside of her thigh.

Seeing her stagger to the door, Sokka was about to get out of bed when she responded "I-I'm fine."

"Shaky legs?" he smirked as he leaned back.

"Cocky aren't you?"

"I'm not the one who almost stumbled into the cupboard is all I'm saying." he shrugged. Finding no retort, she instead replied "Just…stay where you are. I'll uh..clean you up."

"Sure."

*********

Standing in the shower, Azula let the hot water splash over her as she cursed herself for falling head over heels with her target. Not only did she start copping feelings while reading his dossier, she had to go and make love to him.

Agni Azula, what the fuck where you thinking opening up your legs like some slattern?

Not everyone can say they fucked the Ijiraq and lived to tell the tale though. Besides, what's wrong with having a little fun on the job?

Everything!

"Fuck." she cursed, pounding the bathroom wall with her fist. At this rate, you might as well dig another grave for yourself, it's only a matter of time before they find out and put a bounty on your pretty little head.

"Agni Sokka, what have you done to me, you little shit?" she huffed, before slumping down on the floor, letting the shower rain on her. With a deep sigh, she turned off the shower and stepped out. Wrapping a towel around herself, she grabbed a small basin and filled it up with some hot water and grabbed a washcloth, before heading back to her room.

Stepping in, she saw him muttering something while staring at the locket that he wore around him.

"What's that?" she asked, as she sat beside the bed and wiped him down with the washcloth.

"Something from a long time ago in another life."

"Sorry."

"For what? You weren't the one who-never mind. Point is, it's not your fault." 

With that, she continued to work in silence, cleaning him up. When she brushed against his cock, she saw Sokka wince slightly.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, just….well…having a pretty girl like you half naked is…well, rather arousing and um…"

"What's the longest you've gone back to back?"

"Sakura! You can't ask questions like that out of the blue!"

"Why can't I? Besides, we already had sex once, it's not like we have anything to hide."

Lies, you definitely have something to hide. He may not but you sure as hell do. When are you going to come clean to him?

Shut up self. Not now.

Dropping the towel, she once again swung herself on top of him.

"Guess we're going to find out together huh?"

"Spirits Sakura, you're going to fuck me to death aren't you?"

"Well…if that's what you want, that can certainly be arranged." she purred while stroking him in her hands, feeling Sokka grow turgid in her hands before she once again sank down on his length. 

********

"Sakura?"

"Hmm?" she stirred in his arms.

"I wasn't too rough, was I?" he asked, placing a kiss on her forehead. 

Shaking her head, Sokka continued "I wish we could just stay in this bed forever."

"Me too."

"I think…I might, no, I've definitely fallen ass over kneecaps for you."

"Must be the sex talking. After all, we did how many rounds?" she smiled, poking him in the nose.

"Don't ask me, I didn't keep track. And no, I don't think it's just the sex talking, though it certainly got the point across."

"I suppose I too, am falling for you." she whispered back, the words leaving her mouth before her brain realised what she just said.

"Well that makes two of us." Sokka replied, caressing her face.

"Should we get cleaned up?"

"We should. I feel sticky and sweaty all over. Oh, and we definitely need to change the sheets."

"Yeah."

Sliding off the bed, they both supported each other to the bathroom. Taking a seat on the edge of the tub, Sokka ran some hot water while she rummaged for some waterproof dressings. Removing the old dressings, she gently wiped it down before applying the new ones, making sure it was wrapped tightly around him. Satisfied, both of them slipped into said tub, where they immediately started to lather soaps and shampoos on the other before rinsing.

Draining out the now filthy bathwater, Sokka ran a second round, letting it rise up to his knees before shutting it off. Letting the hot water soothe their tired muscles, both of them savoured the feeling of being securely wrapped in each other's arms. As the water finally grew cold, both of them reluctantly released each other from their respective embraces and stepped out from the tub. Grabbing a towel, they both dried each other off, before slipping on a bathrobe and exiting. Making their way to the living room, Sokka heard a growl come from her.

"Hungry?"

"I wonder who's fault it was, hmmm?"

"Now now Sokka. you were just as eager if I recall correctly."

"Guilty as charged."

Clearing out the table turned operating space, Azula put back the medical supplies and cleaned off any blood stains in addition to making sure that Sokka didn't catch anything that would lead him to believe that 'Sakura' was anything but what she said she was.

"Anything in particular you're wanting ?"

"Surprise me."

*******

Half an hour later, Azula was beginning to seriously consider dragging him off to the nearest priest and making him her husband, consequences be damned. After all, not only had he shown to be far and away the best sexual partner she could ever ask for or want in bed, he was also talented in the kitchen as her tastebuds exploded with flavours in every bite she took of his food. Even so, in the back of her mind a veritable war raged between her rational and emotional selves. 

Agni Azula, are you really going to let yourself be swayed by some Water Tribesman with a big cock and chef grade cooking skills?

I'm so fucked aren't I ?

You still have time to salvage this.

But what I don't want to? 

This man is going to be the death of you.

"Sakura?"

"Yes?"

"You're spacing out again. Is something on your mind?"

Shit, he noticed. 

Gotta make a choice now. 

"No. Yes. I mean…it's complicated."

"Clearly." 

Walking over to the drinks cabinet, she grabbed a bottle of wine and poured herself a glass, downing half of it before coming back to the table.

"Are you okay? Th-"

"I'm not-my name isn't actually Sakura."

"I figured as much."

"And you're the Ijiraq." Instantly, she saw his deep blue eyes turn from an inviting cerulean to a dark angry blue.

"Congratulations, you found me." he snarked, placing his utensils on the table as he knew there was no point in trying to fight. Not when she could immediately electrocute him before he even got anywhere close to her. 

"I suppose you got the telegram from the Continental?" he asked, to which she merely nodded.

"Fourteen million dollars is a lot of money. So why-" 

"-did I save you? I've been asking myself the same damn question ever since I hauled your bleeding ass into my safehouse."

"Why even save me if you're going to kill me anyways?"

"I told you I don't know!"

"Then answer me this….do you have feelings for me?"

"Yes."

"Please don't lie to me."

"I can't, Sokka. I can't. Not about this." she choked, as tears started to form in the corner of her eyes.

"What is your real name?"

"Az-Azula."

"Tell me Azula, do you have feelings for me? Or is that all Sakura and the real you wants nothing more than to claim that bounty?"

"I told you already."

"But I want you to say it as Azula, not as Sakura."

"I do Sokka, I do. Fuck I'm so lost and confused and gah!" she screamed, hurling her glass against the wall before breaking down in tears, the waterworks coming out in force.

"This was supposed to be my last job,but you-you had to just go and make this complicated!" she sobbed.

"I don't want to kill anymore Sokka, I'm done."

"Then you don't have to."

"If-if they found out I-they'll kill my baby sister if I don't kill you. You know the rules."

"How old is your sister?"

"'Sh-she turns twenty two in two months."

"Do you love her?"

"Are you asking me to choose?"

Kneeling in front of her, he placed her hand on his chest and replied "The world would be a better place, a more peaceful place if someone like me were removed from it. But family, you hold on to that for dear life, no matter the cost." 

"I've already come to terms with my past. If I die, I'll see her again. But if I live, I'll only cause more pain and misery. You pulled me out of that bomb blast didn't you? I remember now. How many innocent people died just so some piece of trash gets a payday?"

"Sokka-"

"Azula, please, if-if you feel anything for me-no, if you love me you'll listen to me and do what I tell you to. Sacrificing your sister to spend the rest of your life with a dead man walking is pointless. There's plenty of fish out there in the sea."

"But none of them are the Ijiraq. You are one of a kind."

"As is your sister."

"There has to be another way Sokka, there has to be. I don't care how high the cost."

"I-fine. I know one last method. But first, we need to escape the city. Okay?" Getting back up on his feet, Sokka pulled her close and kissed her forehead.

"We'll make sure your sister is safe, I promise."

******

Two weeks later

Agna Q'ela International Airport

Ticket Booth

"Good morning, how may I help you?"

"We'd like to purchase two tickets to Ember Island please. First Class, if possible."

"Can I see your passports?"

Pulling out two passports from under the coat, the man handed it over to the clerk. Glancing at the couple and the passports, she asked "Sir, could you take off your sunglasses?"

Obliging the clerk, the man took it off briefly, squinting as he did before putting it back on.

"He has sensitive eyes."

"I see." the clerk replied, the scepticism evident in her voice.

"That'll be six hundred talents please."

Slipping a gold coin across the counter, the woman replied "Keep the change."

"S-sure." Hastily printing their tickets, she sent them off on their way, not wishing to draw too much trouble to herself.

******

One hour later

First Class Cabin

Airship 'Soaring Phoenix'

"Well that was a breeze. I almost thought she was going to call security on us." Sokka sighed in relief as he arranged their baggage in the spacious cabin, which afforded them not only an en suite bathroom but also a spectacular view of the outside, the former of which was paramount on their list as they wished to avoid socializing with the passengers as much as possible. After all, there was no telling if there were Continental people on board said craft.

"Now, dear husband…what shall we do to pass the time?" she teased, her deft fingers working their way into the hem of his pants.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toph's house

"And you're one hundred percent about this?" Toph asked.

"Why would I lie about something that could potentially get Risa and her brother killed?" Suyin responded.

"Maybe you should have thought about that before dragging them into this mess."

"In my defense, she was the one who said yes without hesitation."

"Doesn't absolve you of your charges, of which there is more growing by the day from my officers, to say nothing about what your sister has you written up for."

"....."

"There's only so much I can do as chief of police. You get me intel, and I'll see to it that your records are sealed away and marked classified for the next 80 years. However….."

"What's the catch mom?"

"I'll have to send you away to live with your grandparents after this whole case is over and done with."

"H-how long would that be?"

"Until I say it's okay for you to come back."

"Which is?"

"That remains to be seen. Actions have consequences."she replied, walking over to the cabinet where a bottle of hard Earth Kingdom rice wine sat on the top shelf. She was definitely going to need the liquid courage to make some hard phone calls after this. Sensing her daughter was walking away, she called out "Suyin?"

"What?"

"I-I"

"Save the apologies. I know I'm not the perfect daughter like Linny is."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sokka and Azula's apartment

Having decided on a plan, each of them agreed that Sokka would deal with Risa while Azula would deal with Miska and talk them through what the next steps were going to be. As they stood outside their rooms, they gave each other a brief glance, before simultaneously knocking on their doors.

"Risa?" "Miska?"

"Can I-"

"-come in?"

Anxious seconds passed, before they each replied "yes."

Once in, both of them found the other seated on the floor, the order to pack their belongings for the stay with their relatives unheeded.

"Risa-"

"Miska-"

"I thought we told you to-"

"No. This was our mess to begin with and we'll stay here and clean it up. You taught us to take responsibility for our actions-"

"-so why are you telling us to shrug it off and throw it to you to clean up?"

Clearly, the twins had decided amongst themselves that they would not seek refuge, but face the threat head on. Sensing that they would get nowhere by arguing, both Azula and Sokka decided to bring them out to the living room and have the conversation both did not want to bring up.

"Risa, Miska," Sokka began once all of them were in the living room "before I begin, I just want you both to know that we really do love you, which is why your mother and I decided that sending you off to live with your aunt Katara and uncle Aang is because we don't want to see you hurt, not because we think that you are less capable than us."

Turning the floor over to his wife, Azula took a deep breath and continued "While the fact that you survived a no rules bending cage match repeatedly is a testament to how well I trained you, using it to take a life is a totally different scenario. Your father and I,we….we were children of our time, forged in war and as a result, we have…. blood on our hands. That stays with you and it's a very, very heavy burden to carry for the rest of your life." 

Placing a hand on each of her kids, she choked slightly "Me and your father don't ever, ever, ever want that for either of you. At all. Your father and I aren't going to stop you if you want to stay and fight, just…I don't want to see either of you regret your choices.", her golden eyes slightly glistening with tears.

Stepping forward to join his wife, Sokka put his arm around her waist and ruffled the hair of his twins without saying a word, having nothing that he could add to make his wife's point heard and that it was up to his kids now to make the choice for themselves. 

Seeing their mother come this close to tears, their resolve to stay and fight alongside their parents wavered and for a moment, they came close to acquising to their parents' wishes to be spirited away, safe from harm. Taking a deep breath, Miska gave his sister's hand a squeeze before replying "I-I understand, but I will not walk away from this fight. Mom, dad, you taught me a long time ago that actions have consequences and that we should be responsible for the actions that we take. If I run now, I….I think..I would disappoint you both even more that me and sis already have."

Now, blue and gold eyes turned on Risa, who slightly withered under her parents' gaze but swallowed a gulp and added "I believe Miska said what we both are thinking." 

"I guess there's nothing we can do to change your minds. I will make the call to Toph and get the necessary arrangements done. In the meantime, could you and your sister make something for us? It's been a long day."

As the kids rushed off to the kitchen, Sokka pulled her into himself, letting her release her tears on his shirt.

"Sokka," she mumbled into his chest, "I hope we made the right choice. For their sake."

"Spirits princess, for their sake I hope so too." he whispered back, stroking her hair

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that evening

"Bout time you called Snoozles, was thinking you weren't gonna call at all." Toph replied when he called.

"Did Suyin tell you-"

"About a bunch of ashmakers plotting a life on your precious little prince and princess? I fucking called it that afternoon. I'll dispatch the plainclothes unit to beef up security first thing tomorrow."

"What about Suyin?"

"She'll be heading back to gather more intel."

"Okay hold up, aren't you worried about her safety?"

"That's for me to worry about. In the meantime, what are you and that purple platypus bear of yours going to do?"

"Just so you know Toph, I'm right here." Azula interjected.

"Good, at least I don't have to make a separate call to your office tomorrow. Anyways, we've spent enough jibber jabber here; what are you guys going to do?"

"We're staying put, if they come for us we'll handle it. That is, if they get past your boys."

"Works for me. You gonna send your kids to Twinkletoes' place till the heat dies down?"

"No, they're staying as well."

"Your kids got balls, I'll give 'em that. Question is though, what if they get hurt or-"

"That will not happen if we have something to say about it."

"Please, you and I have been through enough situations to know that isn't the case."

"I'd rather them stay here than risk them pulling off something irresponsible if we send them over to Aang's."

"Point noted. What are you going to do with Suyin?"

"Probably send her off to live with her gramps once this whole kerfuffle is over and the meatheads put behind bars."

"That's some grade A parenting."

"I don't tell you how to raise your kids. I'd appreciate it if you and sparky would do the same."

"Noted."

"Anything else?"

"Keep us informed if there's updates."

"Grade A parenting indeed." Azula muttered.

"One day that shit is going to come bite her back in the ass, I just know it."

"Look Sokka, she's got her reasons for doing so. At the end of the day, how she raises her kids is her business."

"Yeah, and look where that led? Our kids are now mixed up some underground fight scene because of her."

"Let's just focus on what we can do and control, okay?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two nights later,

Locker room

Warehouse 8

Taking a breather after two gruelling back to back matches, Somchai was getting tended to by his gang when the door burst open and a hand tossed a brown bag into the room before the door slammed. Divvying out of the cash, they pocketed the cash while Somchai counted out his cut before putting some away, as he planned to make another trip to the information broker to gather more intel on his target.

Seeing him count out and divide his winnings into neat stacks, one of them asked "What's that money for?"

"You'll see." was his reply.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dining table

"Dad?" Miska asked.

"Yes?"

"Do we really have to go to school?"

"Neither me nor your mother put our education on pause even though there was a war going on in full swing, so there is no excuse. Especially given your mother and I tried to kill each other. On multiple occasions."

"Are you sure both of you didn't sneak off and make out like jackalopes instead?" Risa smirked.

"I would rather you pay more attention to what your textbooks have written down versus unsubstantiated rumours and hearsay." Azula replied, though the slight blush in her cheeks only served to confirm her daughter's allegations.

"But mom, you and dad are practically Oma and Shu but actually with a happy ending! Though I do wonder, which one between you was the initiator" she asked, placing her chin on her hands and glancing between her father and mother.

"It's too early in the morning for something like this, sis." Miska pleaded weakly, his face turning a shade of green.

"Pfft, do you know how many times I came back home only to hear you and Kaie sucking each other's face? Did you ever think about what kind of physical, emotional and spiritual trauma you and Kaie put me through? Me, your poor sister having to endure sappy face sucking noises from her innocent younger brother?" she shot back, the memory of her walking in on her brother's makeout session one autumn afternoon making her stomach churn slightly, though outwardly she maintained a posture of poise.

"We-I-You weren't supposed to be back! And-and-and it was only that one time!" he blustered.

"Sure it was." she retorted, enjoying the spectacle of watching her brother implode in slow motion while digging his own grave in front of their parents.

"Miska, why were we not informed about this….relationship of yours?" Azula asked.

"Be-because we uh…uh..weren't ready yet?"

"And when do you both think you will be ready?" Sokka asked.

"Well….we're were um, hoping to well…get around to it sometime during the full moon festival?" he replied hesitantly.

"See to it that you do." Azula ordered. " As for you young lady, don't think we've forgotten about you."

"Me?" Risa answered innocently.

"Yes you Risa, don't give us that look of innocence here. If your brother here managed to keep his dalliance under our noses for this long, I shudder to think what you have been doing behind our backs as well." Azula sternly replied, her mind already thinking of a suitable moment to have a one on one talk with her daughter. 

Before Miska could reply with incriminating evidence of his sister's follies, Sokka looked up at the clock and noted "Wow look at the time, hurry up or you'll both be late for school." 

"But dad!" both of them uttered.

Fixing them both with his displeased glare, Sokka put his foot down and replied "Both of you told me that you'd take responsibility for your actions. This is part of it. Now go and get ready, no more ifs, ands or buts. If I and your mother were able to finish our education in the midst of the war, when we were actively trying to kill each other no less, there is no excuse for either of you to miss school. Do I make myself clear?"

Seeing that their father was in no mood to negotiate and with their mother firmly in their father's camp, the twins reluctantly scarfed down their food and rushed to get ready for school. After they left the apartment, Sokka turned to Azula "Come to think of it, how did we find the time?"

"I don't know Sokka. I really don't know."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back room

Po Chi Lam Apothecary

"You should really learn to let it slide." the old man spoke as he leaned back against his chair and took a few puffs from his pipe.

"I didn't ask for your opinion, old man." Somchai retorted.

"Tsk, firebenders and their tempers." he shook his head, pouring himself a glass of herbal tea before reaching for a file in his cabinet. Placing it on the table, he swiped the beads on his abacus, sipping intermittently while Somchai devoured the contents. When he had what he needed, he closed the file and placed it on the table.

"How did you-"

"I do not ask from whence you earn your living nor how you spend it. I suggest you do the same regarding my sources." Putting down the abacus, he picked up a brush, dipped it in the inkwell and filled out a chit, which he handed over. 

"That's a lot more than what we agreed upon."

"Accurate and reliable information always has a steep price tag. Whatever it is that you seek to do, I hope, for your sake, is worth the cost."

Stuffing the chit in his pocket, he stood up and made to leave the room. When he was at the threshold, he turned around and replied "What something is worth is up to the individual to determine, not some outsider."

"Suit yourself."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Classroom 5-Szeto

Republic City Academy of Science and Arts

"Look, I think she's going to be more worried about why you weren't at school yesterday than…whatever it is you had planned until your winnings got confiscated. Also, why weren't you here yesterday?" Hyun-woo asked.

"Yeah, why weren't you here yesterday?" Berkut added on

"No comment." Miska replied, his mind running at a thousand miles a minute. 

"Can't say or won't say?"

"Can't talk about it."

"Sounds like you got yourself in some serious trouble."

"Well I would be if you guys wouldn't stop speculating, so stop speculating and help me figure out how to break it to her!"

"Break what, exactly?" A familiar feminine voice interjected. 

"Shit."

Immediately, Berkut and Hyun-woo exited stage left, leaving him alone with Kaie. 

"That's not exactly the greeting I was expecting to get, but I'll let it slide for now. Anyways, what is it that you were planning to tell me? Nothing too groundbreaking, I hope."

Deciding that it was probably a better idea to come clean instead of beat around the bush and earn himself a verbal ass beating, Miska explained that while he still intended to do something nice for their two year anniversary, the initial plan of a fancy night out would have to significantly be scaled back due a sudden lack of funds to support said night out due to his his mother confiscating his funds and the current threat of disgruntled street fighters gunning to place his head on a pike and do unspeakable things to his twin sister.

"....so uh, yeah, that's why I wasn't here yesterday." he finished, swallowing a nervous gulp as she processed the information, her brows furrowed in thought.

"Kaie?"

"I need a moment to process. We'll talk during recess, okay?"

"You're not-"

"Not unless you give me a reason to. Which you haven't, if that's what you're thinking."

-------

-------

Classroom 5-Yangchen

While Miska was getting grilled by his friends, over in Risa's classroom she was getting a similar grilling from her friends, who by now were starting to ask a lot more uncomfortable questions such as her recent injuries and the fact that she was slowly starting to look like a panda, of which their concerns were noted.

"Risa?"

"Yes Maki?"

"Somehow I get the feeling that there's a lot more that you're not telling us, girl."

"A girl's gotta have secrets y'know."

"Look, when you've been showing up for the past month and a half off and on with these bruises we can't help but be concerned for you. Is your brother-"

"C'mon Anju, do you really think Miska can take me on one on one?"

"Miska? Nah. But still, is everything okay with you?"

"I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."

"Seriously?" Ji-Min asked, her face a mix of scepticism and incredulousness.

"Okay maybe not the last part, but seriously I can't talk about it. Not unless each of you promise to keep it to yourselves and only to yourselves. Especially you, Ty Lin." 

"Hey!" she protested.

"In any case, are you joining us later after school?"

"About that…I uh, got grounded." Risa replied, the last part said in a small voice.

"You what?!" Ty Lin yelped, slamming her hands on the table and sticking her face into Risa's personal space, making her scoot back and almost tip over her chair, drawing the attention of everyone in the class.

"Personal space Ty!" she whispered loudly.

"Heh, sorry." 

"You must have seriously fucked up for your parents to ground you." Jin Woo commented.

"You don't say."

"So…you won't be joining us later?" Ty Lin asked.

"What do you think?"

"How long will you be-"

"I don't know. Could be a week, could be a month, could be forever really." she shrugged. 

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few minutes later, Sokka opened the door and immediately sensed something was not right.

"What's going on?" he asked, turning to his wife, who gave their kids a small nod to begin.

"You're gonna have to sit down for this one dear, it's going to be a while." Taking up a seat beside her on the sofa, Sokka listened to his two kids explain how they got roped into a seven match no holds barred underground bending tournament in the naive attempt to help relieve a substantial debt that Suyin owed to some of the local triads. When they were finished, both of them hung their heads low, unable to meet their parents' gaze. Turning to his wife, he led her into their bedroom where they could discuss the next steps out of earshot of their kids.

"So what next?"

"I-I don't know, honestly." Sokka replied, still trying to process the facts. "Is this how Toph feels every time Suyin's name is mentioned in the police reports?"

"I don't know Sokka, but we've got to do something. I mean, we can't let them think they can get away with it. Actions have consequences. What if some fighter decided to pull a hit on Risa because they lost? What if Miska gets kidnapped on the way to school?"

"I don't know 'Zula, but I'm not sending them to the juvenile detention center, that's for sure."

"Agreed."

"Here's what we'll do for now, me and you take shifts working from home while they're grounded from leaving the house for this month. I'll need to get Toph to send their CID guys over to take statements so we know where to go after the triads running this."

"I've already forfeited their cash prize which will be donated to charity. I'll get in touch with the school and let them know that they'll be absent this month. We can split the subjects between us."

"I'm thinking….since they'd like to fight, what do you say we have them face off against us?"

"That sounds like a terrible idea Sokka, you're supposed to be punishing them, not encouraging them."

"Look at it this way, we're giving them exactly what they want. If they're eager to prove themselves in the ring, we'll make sure to teach them why they are severely misguided. Unless, of course, you're worried that our precious daughter will outperform you."

"That won't happen."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fifteen minutes later,

Sparring room

"Ti-time out mom, dad? Please?" Miska asked, swallowing a gulp while his sister lay in a tired heap beside him, panting and gasping for breath after trying to fend off a series of well placed strikes from Azula that allowed her husband to slip and temporarily disable her chi paths, sending her crashing ungracefully onto the mat. 

Throwing up a hasty wall to block a jet of flame, he felt a few quick raps with the flat of his father's training sword on his calves, making him kneel on the mat.

Arms folding across their chests, Sokka and Azula looked down at their sorry forms before Sokka remarked "I hope both of you learnt your lesson. The next time any of you get some smart ideas about trying to sneak off in the middle of the night to join some fight club I'll make sure to tell Toph to have you both spend a few nights in the local juvenile detention center. Consider yourselves warned. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes dad." both of them groaned in unison.

"The chi blocking should wear off in about an hour's time, which I think is plenty time to reflect on your actions. Effective immediately, both of you are grounded for one month while we sort this out. There will be some officers over to take statements and I do expect full cooperation." With that, Sokka and Azula left the room.

Turning to his sister, Miska glumly said "We've done fucked up, haven't we?"

"Yeah, I guess we did."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that afternoon,

After informing the school as to why they would not be coming to school that day, Sokka turned his gaze to the living room, where two of Toph's officers were taking statements under Azula's supervision. 

"First time, huh Snoozles?"

"No shit Toph." he replied, taking a sip from his drink.

"What are you going to do with Suyin?"

"....."

"You know you can't keep shredding those reports."

"I'll deal with it later. Right now, my job is to dismantle this ring. Who knows if some dumb son of a bitch with more ego than brains tries to pull a hit on your daughter because his sorry ass got trashed by a high school teenager."

"Fuck you're not helping." 

"I'm just telling you in case your beloved Princess Zappy didn't already tell them. You should go check on her, I can't imagine she's taking it too well either seeing her angels turn out to be not so angelic."

"You're right. Still, you didn't exactly answer my question. What are you going to do about Suyin?"

"I suggest worrying about your own kids first before worrying about mine." was Toph's reply, telling Sokka in no uncertain terms that any further questions regarding her daughter could jeopardize the current standing of his own son and daughter.

After they left, Miska asked "Dad?"

"Yes?"

"We're going to jail, are we?" he asked, trying to keep a calm voice though he was anything but.

"No, you and your sister are not going to jail. However, should you both end up in a similar situation like this, your mother and I will let you both face the full brunt of the law as much as it hurts us to do so. Actions have consequences."

"Then..then would Suyin be arrested?" Risa asked.

"That…is a question only Toph can answer herself. What she chooses to do is her choice, as is ours."

"Isn't it unfair though, that she gets away scot-free while we get punished?"

"Last I checked, actions have consequences. You're both sixteen, you should know what is right from wrong or me and your mother would have failed completely as parents. Sooner or later things will catch up to her."

"Does…does this mean we can't be friends with her anymore?"

"Until this whole mess cools down, both of you are not to contact her or answer any of her requests. If she calls, inform either me or your father. In the meantime, take the time to think over your actions." 

While Azula and Sokka were lecturing their kids, down on the opposite street an intense discussion was happening in a Satomobile.

"You sure this the correct address?"

"Sure as can be. I mean, look at the PD cars outside."

"Shit they weren't lying about this chick being some councilman's kid. We still gonna do this?"

"Don't tell me you're pussying out at the last minute." 

"I'm just saying we should maybe reconsider the plan?"

"There is nothing left to consider, not after that bitch stole what was mine." one of them in the front seat angrily replied, the venom in his voice evident as the sting of defeat last night still echoed in his mind. 

"Look man, I get it but now's not the best timing; not with the cops still nearby." 

"Fine. We'll try again."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Speakeasy

"It's been a while since I last saw you missy, feeling lucky today?" the doorman asked when he saw her come through the door.

"We'll see what the cards have to say." she winked back, placing a few bills in the man's pocket before slipping behind the counter. Grabbing a drink, she sat and watched the goings on for a while as she evaluated which table she'd like to try her hand at. Fixing her eyes on the cards table, she was about to walk over when a group of people half stormed into the joint. Sensing trouble, Suyin kept her head low and ordered another drink, trying to eavesdrop without being noticed as she recognized one of them from the previous fights.

As it happened, the bundle of trouble decided to take up a spot beside her, which on the one hand allowed her to listen in but on the other hand, the risk of her being caught eavesdropping and stirring up trouble was the last thing she wanted. Deciding that it was less suspicious if she was at a games table instead of hanging around the bar longer than most people and drawing attention, she took her drink and slid over to the nearest game table that still allowed her to pick up on trouble and relay it on to Risa.

Focusing on the vibrations, she picked up some chatter, none of which sat well with her.

"...no pussyfooting around…"

"....five sticks of blasting jelly…"

"..the boy? He gets the chop, the broad's mine."

"...parents?"

"One them a nonbender, he'll go down easy…."

"If you say so.."

Tossing back the rest of her drink, she slipped away from the place and made her way to the nearest phone, glancing back every so often to make sure she didn't have a tail.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that evening…

"Miska?" Risa asked, having decided to curl up upside down on the armchair opposite her brother, who was staring at the ceiling as if held all the answers to their current predicament.

"Yes?"

"I'm bored."

"What makes you think I'm not?"

"True."

"Aren't you like, suppose to automagically know what I'm thinking?"

"Who gave you that birdbrained idea?"

"I mean, we're twins right?"

"And?"

"I don't know, telepathic powers or some shit?"

"See brother, this is why you've been bombing the absolute shit out of biology."

"Says the one who cheated on the last three physics quizzes."

"Contrary to popular belief, I am not some airheaded bimbo. I did score full marks on the last math quiz."

Gesturing at the ceiling, Miska waved his hand around. "After this though? I beg to differ."

"Mistakes were made."

"Did I hear someone cheating on their quizzes?" Sokka interjected, the tone in his voice suggesting he was anything but pleased.

"Dad, Miska's bullying me!" 

"The fuck did you come to that conclusion?" Miska snapped.

"The next swear word that comes out of your mouth Miska, I will personally scrub your mouth out with soap powder, young man." Azula warned as she stepped out from her office. Taking her place beside Sokka, both of them folded their arms and shot looks that all but screamed I am very sad and disappointed in you.

Under their gaze, the siblings wished to do nothing more than to melt into the floor and disappear. Sure, they had gotten up to some minor mischief during their teen years but never anything serious. Just then, the telephone in the living room rang, the shrill voice drawing all attention to it. 

Being the closest one, Miska picked up the phone and answered "Who is this?"

"It's me, Su. Is your sister there?" Suyin replied.

"Spirits you sure couldn't have chosen a better time to call." Miska hissed. 

"Who's that?" Azula asked.

Shit, Miska cursed internally. 

"Is that Suyin on the phone?" Sokka asked, his stern voice expecting an answer. Taking a gulp, he could only squeak out a pathetic sounding "yes dad." under his gaze.

"Hand it over."

Surrendering the mouthpiece to Sokka, Miska and his sister waited with bated breath, expecting their father to just unload on her and they felt a small twinge of pity for Suyin, having seen just how terrifying their father could be when incensed. 

"Suyin?"

"Yes?"

"What business do you have with my kids? Is not putting their lives on the line for your profit dangerous enough? What else do you want?"

"I need to talk to Risa."

"You can talk to me, or I'll make sure your mother puts you in a cell for the next eighteen months."

Sighing internally, Suyin figured this was about as kind as uncle Sokka was about to get considering what could have happened to Risa if she didn't perform back in the ring. Of course, while she was the one who pitched the idea as a half joke, Risa was the one who took her seriously as a way to help her clear her tab. 

"Some sore loser from one of her last fights wants to even the score. With blasting jelly."

"How many guys?"

"Five, I think? One of them is kinda iffy about the whole deal, you might be able to flip him."

"I need more info than just five randos."

"That's all I know."

"I see. Thank you."

Hanging up the phone, Suyin turned to head back to her house, making sure there wasn't a tail behind her.

Putting down the phone, Sokka turned to his family, who were looking at him with bated breath.

"What's going on?" Azula asked?

"Some people didn't take too kindly to being thrashed by our daughter here, so they want to even the score with explosives and Spirits knows what else."

"Risa?"

"Yes?"

"Just how much damage did you inflict on them?"

"A few bruised ribs, slightly charred eyebrows and some blisters? Miska was there, he saw that match." she replied, earning a why the fuck did you have to drag me in look from her brother.

"Miska?"

"Uh, sis got him good, I think? I mean, she didn't like, zap him with lots of lighting. Which she totally should have. I mean, he was totally checking her out and calling her names and stuff. You should have fried him sis. Actually wait, she did zap him with lightning in the second round in the nuts. Also I'm pretty sure you done cracked one of his ribs."

"Not. Helping." Risa gritted, giving her brother a stinging pinch.

"Miska, while it is good to know that you are looking out for your sister, I do not think that encouraging her to commit murder due to catcalling and some petty insults is a good thing to do." Sokka chided. 

"Let's give Toph a call and have her send a couple of squads over to beef up security while we work out a plan." Azula suggested. 

"In the meantime, both of you pack a couple days worth of clothes. You'll be staying with your aunt Katara and uncle Aang until this all blows over."

"No, it's only right that me and sis stay. We started this mess, we're going to clean it up."

"Absolutely not." Azula interjected. "It is too dangerous. You and Riri are going to stay with your aunt Katara for the rest of the week. That's an order."

"But-"

Locker room

Warehouse 8, West Port

Republic City

"I'm starting to think that you get a kick out of bossing me around." Miska sighed, as he bent the water back into the waterskin, glad to be done fixing up the myriad of cuts, scraps and sideburns that his sister picked up after a night of street bending tournaments. 

"Only took you twelve years."

"I swear by the spirits if half the boys knew what the real you looked like, they wouldn't be simping for you as hard as they are now."

"Don't forget who set you up with her. You owe me for that." 

"At least she doesn't volunteer you for underground bending cage matches."

"So boring." she tutted.

"I'd like to not spend the night in the police holding cell, thank you very much. Besides, even if the cops don't get us, dad would skin us alive, to say nothing of what mom would do." Miska countered, a shudder running down his spine as to the myriad possibilities that awaited them should they be caught.

"If they find out."

"You think they wouldn't know?"

"We'll be fine. Besides, I've got standards to maintain and you've got someone to support."

"You make it sound like she's like my wife or something."

"Wouldn't you want to put a ring on that finger?"

"Well….I mean, yes, but we're like sixteen so no?"

"But there's a plan right? Because if you don't and break her heart…."

"Umm yeah you're not breaking anything, not in the state you're in."

"I hate it when you're right." Risa mumbled, reluctantly conceding the small victory to her brother.

"Once again, the younger sibling provides a voice of reason and rationality as the Spirits intended." 

"Whatever makes you happy." 

"Was that metaphorical or an actual question? Because if it is, I'd be really happy if we got paid about right fucking now."

Before Risa could come up with an equally snarky retort, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts and she immediately reached under the bleacher, where she stashed a throwing dart in case anyone wanted to even the score post match. 

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Su."

"Come in."

"You look way too tense for someone with a seven straight win streak. You should be proud of yourself." she commented, arms folded across her chest as she surveyed the scene, pleased with how the match results turned out.

"I don't like that tone of yours. Where's the cash?"

"About that….."

"Don't play fuck fuck games with me. I sure as hell ain't putting my neck on the line for seven nights for free. Do you or do you not have it?"

"Did your brother ever tell you you've got a hair-trigger temper?"

"I'll answer your questions as soon as we get paid and we're all out of this joint, I can't shake the feeling some sore loser is going to do something stupid."

Shaking her head, Suyin tossed a small bag of cash to them.

"It's all there, I swear on the badgermoles."

"Pretty sure I saw more cash exchanged hands than this." Miska snorted as he counted out the money.

"Well y'know, I had to pay off my debts and all that jazz as well. Plus, do y'know how much coin I had to front for each of your matches?"

"For a Beifong I thought you were supposed to be good with money." was Risa's reply.

"Ha ha very funny. I held up my end of the bargain, you did yours so I'd say we're done." With that, Suyin exited the room, to which they both breathed a sigh of relief.

"Could you stand up?"

"Please, I'm not that fragile." 

"Then don't come looking for me the next time you get into a scrap. Now let's go home and pray to the spirits mom or dad aren't still up."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forty-five minutes later….

"No we're not taking the elevator."

"Why not?"

"You do realise the elevator goes directly to our front door right?"

"And?"

"What if mom or dad is awake?"

At this, Risa put on her kicked puppy face and pleaded "My legs hurt."

"Sucks to be you."

"Pweese?"

"Fine….we'll take it up to the second last floor. That's it."

"Are you-"

"Absolutely not."

"I'll pay you extra ten yuan."

"Thirty."

"Fifteen."

"Twenty-five, plus forty percent of my share up front."

"Such an extortionist." she grumbled, reluctantly pulling out her brother's cut. Guess that fancy dress will just have to wait, she sighed internally.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next morning,

Risa's door

Having mentally consoled herself in the shower by settling for a new set of earrings and a pair of heels instead of the outfit that she'd been eyeing for over a month, Risa flopped onto her bed and fell fast asleep, tiredness hitting her like a sledgehammer. Consequently, she didn't hear her alarm clock screeching at her in disapproval, nor the knocking on her door by Azula, who was rather concerned that her normally punctual kids were nowhere to be seen when it was time for them to catch the tram.

Whilst Miska was relatively easy to rouse from sleep, she knew that her daughter was in some respects, an equal to her own temper if her sleep was disturbed. Granted, she had mostly grew out of it but the scorch marks that Sokka somehow managed to disguise as part of the wall painting was a reminder that there was a fire-breathing dragon under her Water Tribe features.

Then again, it takes a dragon to tame a dragon.

"Risa, wake up or you're going to be late."

"Risa!"

"I'm coming in on three. One, two…"

Bursting into her daughter's room, she found a mass of blankets and pillows rising and falling steadily atop a large bed. Striding purposefully, she walked over to shake her awake when out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a large thick envelope sitting on her dressing table that looked suspiciously like money. Filling that away for later, she firmly grasped her daughter's shoulder and shook her, earning a groan and a clumsy attempt at swatting away the rude intrusion on her sleep.

After two minutes of constant nagging and shaking, Azula decided enough was enough and she ripped away the protective layer of blankets, exposing her to the nippy autumn air, which seemed to have done the trick. On the downside, Azula was definitely sure she and her daughter were going to have a long talk about the usage of certain words given her parents' status, namely chieftain and princess respectively in addition to being councillors of Republic City.

With having been so rudely (in Risa's opinion) awakened, her instinct was to hurl a fireball at the offending part while cursing their family lineage, she reluctantly sat up and blinked a few times before the images that her eyes were beaming back registered in her mind. It took a few seconds more to realise that her mother was in fact, not looking very pleased and a few more precious seconds to grasp that she had essentially cussed out her mother, who was currently rolling said fireball back and forth between her fingers like a coin.

"Oh shit." 

"Oh shit indeed, young lady. I ought to wash that mouth of yours with extra strength detergent."

Taking a gulp, Risa did not dare look her mother in the eye and mumbled an apology, half expecting her mother's palm to make contact with her cheek at any moment. Instead, she heard the sound of the door closing and her mother's footsteps heading in the direction of the dressing table.

"So…care to explain to me exactly what this might be?"

"That's….um…money?"

"Indeed, it is." Pulling out the wad, Azula briefly counted before placing it back on the dressing table. "Care to explain how exactly it is that a sixteen year old is suddenly in possession of what, nine thousand yuan if my count is correct?"

"I-well, there was-"

"Based on the eyebags around your eyes, the half healed bruises on your arms and legs and your overall state, I'd wager you were in an underground bending match last night? I can recognize your brother's healing work, so don't lie. Did you or did you not compete in such matches?"

"Y-y-yes mother."

"And what made you decide this was a good idea?"

"It seemed like a good idea at the time." she replied, embarrassed by her own answer. 

"Come again?"

"I said it seemed like a good idea at the time." Risa repeated, her face in her hands, half expecting her mother to go ballistic from her answer.

"Tell me the truth, Risa. Who set you and your brother up? Look, I won't lie that I am very very disappointed with what you've done but I need to know to protect you from any potential blowback."

"Su-Suyin did. She needed my help with-with some money problems and-well, she promised me a cut."

"And it didn't cross your mind that maybe there was a catch or that you could be seriously hurt?"

"That-that's what Miska was for."

"So you thought far enough ahead to rope your brother in as a healer but not that you'd get seriously hurt or Agni forbid, killed in one of these matches?"

"I didn't think about it. I mean, you're like the world's best firebender, s-so so um…yeah I really, really, really screwed up didn't I?" Risa answered, face still hidden in her hands while internally cringing at the very words exiting her mouth. 

Taking a deep breath, Azula weighed her options. Either she could discipline her daughter and son the way she and Zuko were when they were kids or use a different means of getting the point across (the means of which was yet to be determined, but definitely Sokka was getting roped in; they were his kids as well after all). Mulling in silence, she contemplated the pros and cons of each decision, whilst Risa stewed in nervous silence. 

"Y-y-you're not going to disown us or kick us out of the house, are you?" her daughter asked timidly, unable to bear the silence any longer. Hearing her voice, she could almost picture the nervous quiver in her lip and tears that were held back but only just. At this, motherly instinct took over and she embraced her, patting her on her back while she sniffled and sobbed. 

"Not in a million years, your father and I will never do that."

"Really?" 

Eighty Six AU

*I'm alone. 

Again.

Tired.

So very tired.

Why am I the last one standing? Why?

Is this some cruel joke? The ferrier of the dead, always bringing others to rest, but never his own.

-Wake up, snap out of it.-

-Wake up!-

-I said-

With a start, Sokka woke up with a jolt, the surge of adrenaline now receding as he began to take stock of his surroundings. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the last reminder of his sister, just out of reach on the floorboard surrounded by bits and pieces of screen. Stretching out his hand, he tried to reach for it but the five point harness that prevented him from smashing his head into the main display now held him back from picking up that fragment of the past. 

Huffing and puffing, he strained with all his might against the harness, before letting out a yell of frustration that was cut short by the intrusion of a most unwelcome voice. Turning his body, he saw to his left, a lone Legion scout unit, casually approaching his stricken mecha and he swore he saw a glint of satisfaction in the unfeeling robotic eye that stared back.

Did you really think that was the end? How utterly naive.

No, no, no it's not supposed to end like this!

Be honest, this is exactly why you accepted this mission. Always hovering on that edge of life and death, unable to cross over and find peace or truly savour life to the fullest. 

Fret not, for now I have come to bring you…deliverance.

His mind now working in overdrive, he glanced frantically for anything that he could use to end his life. Instinctively., he reached for his thigh holster, only to remember that he had given his sidearm to Kiyi. Just as the scout unit raised it front leg to pierce his cockpit and him along with it, it exploded into a million pieces, the voice in his mind terminated in an instant as he saw a girl running towards him, dressed in the colours of his former homeland, the Republic of San Magnolia with a rifle slung on her back, mouthing words that could not be heard as the onboard speakers were shot to hell when his mech was flung a good hundred meters from the exploding sentient railgun. Waving her hand, she however did not get a response.

Gritting her teeth, she held back her angry tears and half stormed off, when Sokka pressed the push to talk button on one of his remaining control panels:

"You're from the Republic of San Magnolia."

At this, the girl turned and replied: Yes, yes I am? Who are you with? Unfortunately for Sokka, the external mics were completely toast, forcing him to to rely on the lip-reader-to-text program.

"I'm with the 177th Mechanized of the Giadian Federacy. My unit was tasked with conducting a deep strike into Legion territory to support frontline operations. Thank you for your support."

Thanks, but are you…..alone? Just you and your Feldreß alone, making your way through God knows how many Legion units?

"Thank you for your concern. The main bulk of the forces should be coming soon, I'll link up with them."

At this, the girl's face visibly relaxed. For a moment, Sokka allowed himself a little leeway to give her a once over. Not too bad, she could've given some of the ladies back in Spearhead a run for their money.

"Will you follow me back to the Federacy?" he asked.

Having been caught off guard by his question, Azula raised her eyebrows. Letting out a sigh, the pilot continued "Look, you're just what, one major and possibly a handful of aluminium trash. We've got more than enough units to spare to take care of you."

Immediately, her mood changed. Who was this ignorant, stuck up Giadian pilot who thought he knew everything about her, treating the people that fought and died under her command like the sacks of useless officers back in District One!

"No." she rebuffed. "I will stay here and fight until my last dying breath. Even if I'm not strong enough to come out on top, I will still give my all."

"Sounds like someone drank too much kool aid." Sokka retorted. "Are you that eager to throw your life away? If so, you should have just stood by and watched."

With his words now successfully getting on her nerves, Azula was fairly certain she would bust that shitty tin can open and emasculate the pilot via her rifle. And she could care less which end she used. Preferably both. 

***As she did, an olive green Juggernaut scuttled up to her, warning her to step away. Instead, she signalled for her to pause and instinctively reached for the Para-RAID device behind her head. Unbeknownst to her, Sokka's earpiece was reverse engineered from the same Para-RAID device and thus, was able to listen in on her conversation between Azula and the other Juggernaut.

"What do you think you're doing?! If something happens just make a break for it, I'll cover you!"

"No. Besides, we don't know if there's going to be a fight to begin with. If there's going to be a fight, I'll face it head on, come what may. To back down, is to insult the memories and sacrifices of those who did. That is why I fight, so I can finally catch up to those who went before."

Listening to her, Sokka's brain whirred into action as he realised that the voice sounded very familiar to him.

"I am Captain Azula, the acting commander-in-chief of the Republic Defense Forces. And I will never, ever run from this war!"

At last, the final pieces clicked in his mind and he blurted out "Ma-major?", prompting a shocked "Huh?" from Azula. 

"Those whom you speak of, they're long gone. What duty do you have to mere bones and rusted machines?"

"Because they told me to not forget." was her simple answer, triggering a raft of memories that he kept sealed away.

"They warned me about the Legion's assault. They wanted me to fight, to survive so we could meet. That is why, I want to live up to their expectations, to honour their wishes and show them what the end of the war looks like." Pulling out a sketch of a pig dressed in aristocratic uniform and an old faded polaroid from her battle dress, she stared at it for a moment, tears starting to form at the corners of her eyes before turning it around and showing him.

"And also….because he..he told me to not forget him. That he wanted to meet me someday."

One year ago,

Spearhead Squadron Mess Hall

"You think she'll find it?" Zuko asked, seeing him place the polaroid and the drawing in the top drawer of the table.

"Of course. She's a smart cat, she doesn't miss anything."

"Sounds like someone's catching feels."

"Whatever you say buddy."

"....you and I, we're the same. We both fought till the very end, that's why we're here now. You should be proud of yourself, for surviving that long."

At this, the tears that he was holding back all this while burst forth, the pent up emotions over the last year and a half rushing to the forefront, leaving him unable to talk as he opened the hatch of his mech, cursing it for opening as slowly as it did.

As the late afternoon sun flooded his cockpit, he could see the uniform of the major that he left behind all this time when he and the survivors of Spearhead were tasked with the special reconnaissance mission. Unfortunately, just as the hatch was about to reveal their identities to each other, the ear-splitting electronic wail of the autonomous killing machines known as the Legion cried out in Sokka's earpiece, forcing him to shut his hatch as the olive green Juggernaut pulled up beside her.

"Captain, they just reported large movement of Legion outside the walls again!"

Immediately, Azula turned to face the Reginleif opposite her and pleaded " You have to come with us!"

"No."

Before she could respond, the familiar crump of artillery was felt in their bones, before shells burst on the horizon like fireworks, followed by the contrails of rockets screaming over head as helicopters emblazoned with the Giadian coat of arms, a crowned double headed phoenix facing both east and west landed in their vicinity. Once the symbol of expansionist ambitions, now it represented a nation that was looking both east and west to help and make right their wrongs.

"Good job captain. We'll take it from here. Just a heads up, you might want to let the rest of your team know you survived."

"Tha- wait, there were…..survivors?"

"Bruh, that should have been the first question you should have asked." Zuko chided. 

"Ty Lee over here was crying her eyes out." Aang smirked. "You were the only one she couldn't contact."

"Was not!" Ty Lee's voice sniffled, her hoarse voice betraying her.

"I did warn you what would happen if you made her cry." Suki's voice warned, her voice promising him anything but a good time, sending a slight shiver down his spine. 

"Don't just write us off ya know?" the sergeant major added, as a chorus of men resounded behind him.

"Look, no one's gone ahead of each other. So rest easy."

As the choppers departed, Kiyi took a seat on one of the legs of his mecha. 

"You're a dumbass, you know that?"

"So I've heard."

"After all this time, you still want to be a mystery man to her? She was your commanding officer in the Republic y'know?"

"I never told you about her." he snapped.

"You didn't need to, true. I stole a peek into your memories. That is my power, or did you forget?"

"That shock and surprise when she gave her name, who would have ever thought the stone-cold Reaper of the Eastern Front was a big giant softie?" she giggled.

"I'm glad…she caught up to you. She really cares for you and respects you. Don't you want to tell her who you are?"

"I…I can't. Not in this current state. Not when there's still a war going on. What she should see is not the carnage of war, but a world at peace."

"My God, just admit it, you're in l-o-v-e with her. Seriously, what is it with boys and their irrational need to put on a tough guy act?"

Hopping off the mech, she continued "Besides, you've already found your answer for living."

Briefing room

Rüstkammer Base

Walking into the briefing room, he saw his friends snickering at him while Gretel had a large smirk on her face. 

"What?" he asked. "Here's the after-action report you wanted."

Keeping the smirk on her face, Gretel simply flipped the tablet around and played an audio recording from his conversation with Azula. Sauntering up to him, she snatched the report from his hands and chuckled while Sokka turned beet red, the tips of his ears feeling red hot.

"So..how did she look?"

"Did you get to see her face?"

"What's she like in person?"

"I didn't get a clear look." Sokka lied.

"Bullshit."

"Hand on my heart, I swear." Sokka insisted. No way in hell am I going to share that with y'all. She's mine.

"Sure you didn't. Just like how you sure aren't a sappy romantic under that cold exterior, hmm?"

"Knock it off, or I'll knock you out."

"Whatever you say big man, whatever you say."