Chapter Text
“Silly girls. Unworthy of my leadership. I’ll find new followers, a new place to rule.”
“I always do.”
Azula turned and walked away, starting into the forest all on her own.
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In the Fire Nation, it never snowed. Instead they received massive rain storms with winds that could send objects flying into the air. Anyone native to the Fire Nation understood that when you saw the beginning signs of a rain storm, especially this time of year, you got somewhere where you’d be dry and safe.
Sokka, not being a native of the Fire Nation, did not know this. Therefore, when a massive storm directly hit him while he was traveling through the Fire Nation, he did not know to go seek shelter quickly. In his defense, he didn’t know rain could be this bad or bring with it such horrible winds. Though he did race through the forest once he realized it was only going to get worse.
Thankfully, he wasn’t too far from a nearby village—something he spotted before the rain hit him too badly thanks to the lanterns that shined brightly in the darkness—and was able to get there. He was soaking wet and shivering when he arrived but at least a village was better than being all alone in the forest.
“Hello!” Sokka called, “Anyone?”
A nearby two story building with a bright red door, red roof and made up of gray stone began to make some noise as an old woman opened the door. She had short black and gray hair with glasses and a long red outfit on.
“What are you doing out there?! Get inside, boy!” She yelled.
“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Sokka said, running into her building, “Thanks.” He was still shivering and wet but at least there was a nice warm fire inside.
“Of course. What were you doing out there?”
“I was walking through the forest when the storm hit. Guess I should have expected that I’d get soaked in a rain storm.” He let out a half chuckle.
“You should have. My name is Hana.” She smiled, grabbing a nearby blanket, “What’s your name?”
“Sokka.”
“Sokka. That name sounds familiar.” She mumbled, “Old age. Did you live in this village before?” She asked.
“No.” Sokka chuckled, shaking his head, “I’m actually from the Southern Water Tribe. I came here with this guy. You might know him. He’s the Avatar.”
Hana’s eyes shot open. Despite her age, she knew exactly who this kid was now, “You’re one of those kids who ended the Hundred Year war!” She cried.
“That I am.” Sokka proudly smiled. His smile fell when he noticed Hana continue to look shocked, “Ummm….should I leave or…” There was sometimes a chance that people were actually mad at him and his friends for what they did. He didn’t expect a fight from Hana but there was the chance he’d be kicked out.
“Spirits, no! No, you don’t have to go anywhere. I’d be honored to provide you with a room for the night. You’re in luck, actually, because I run an inn!” For the first time since entering, Sokka looked around.
He was sitting on a decent chair in what looked like a lobby. There was a small room next to him with a large table and cupboards where Sokka assumed food and dishes were held. Next to the kitchen was a staircase leading up to, what Sokka assumed, were bedrooms.
“That is lucky.” Sokka nodded, “Could I get a room?”
“Certainly! How long will you be staying?”
“Only a day or two. I need to keep moving.”
“Oh? Avatar business?” She asked, going to the desk to find a key for one of the rooms.
“Not exactly.” Sokka sighed, taking the key from Hana, “Thank you.”
“Of course. There should be a pair of spare pajamas upstairs. Feel free to use those while your clothes try off.” Sokka gave her a soft smile and nodded.
He made his way up to the room. It was small with a single bed and a window. When he thought about it, this room wasn’t that much bigger than the room he’d stayed in when they were with Hama. Sokka changed his clothes, lifted the covers to his bed and collapsed onto the mattress.
He was asleep in seconds.
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After a good two years away from the asylum, Azula had finally mastered how to brush out her hair and style it to perfection. Well, she always knew how to brush out her hair but styling was where she wasn’t so strong. Now, three years after the Agni Kai, her hair had completely grown back and styling it was easy again.
Once her hair was perfect, she dressed in her robes and headed out to the village. The feeling of the sun gently hitting her face and lighting up her inner fire provided her with a wave of calmness and pleasure.
“Azumi!” A voice called.
Azula turned towards Hana with a large smile. Even if she had to give the village a fake name, hearing someone so warmly and kindly call for her made her feel so good. The old woman smiled when she saw the eighteen year old, rushing over to greet her.
“Hello, Hana.” Azula greeted, “Good morning. How did you sleep?”
“Good morning to you too! I slept very well! Any plans today?”
“Just my shift.”
“You should stay out with me tonight then. We could sit in the inn and talk and-“
“No offense Hana, but I don’t think I’d be able to keep up with you at any topic. You know too much.”
“You have such excellent manners, Azumi. That’s such a kind way to say I’m old.”
Azula chuckled, “Thank you. I should be getting over to Po’s though.”
“That man is working you too hard. You should have a break, come and meet my new guest. He’s-“ Hana said.
“I can’t. I have to get to work.” Azula gave her a soft smile. The old woman really was amazing. She reminded Azula of a kind version of Lo and Li, “I’ll meet him tonight.”
“Or maybe I’ll send him your way for lunch.” Hana called.
“Okay!” Azula was really only half listening because she was also focused on getting to her job on time. Po’s wasn’t far from Hana’s inn but Azula knew he would snap at her if she was even a second late.
Azula slipped into the restaurant without being detected, making sure to get past the wait staff that was already present until she could grab her uniform and slip into the back to change. The uniform was nothing too bad: a simple golden shirt with a red smock and her hair tied up into a tight bun.
“Azumi! You made it!” Po smacked a hand on her shoulder, “I was getting worried, kid.”
Azula fell into an apologetic bow. Honestly, she was pretty proud of herself for being able to bow to a peasant and make it look so authentic, “My apologies, sir. It just takes me some time to get here from my home and I-“
“Just try to at least get here ten minutes before your next shift. You can’t keep coming in with two minutes to spare.”
“Understood, sir.”
“Good. Go start your shift. Can’t have one of my best waitresses late.”
Azula turned towards the tables—only two or three customers were present—and walked towards them, ready to get another day of this over with.
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The night Sokka had arrived, he hadn’t gotten a chance for dinner. He was a little more focused on staying alive and making it through the storm. When he finally arrived, he was so exhausted that he collapsed onto his bed and slept for hours and hours. By the time he woke up, it was already lunch time.
“You should go to Po’s!” Hana told her, “Ask for Azumi when you get there. She’s about your age, sweet girl.”
“Okay. I will.” Sokka nodded as he headed out the door.
The restaurant was, thankfully, not that packed. Sokka was able to get a nice table and the menu was spectacular—meat at such low prices. This village was really shaping up to be the perfect place to end up after a storm.
“Welcome to Po’s. What can I- you! ”
Sokka’s eyes shrank. He knew that voice, “ You! ” He hissed. He stood up, his hand on his sword, “What are you doing here, Azula?”
Azula pushed him back down towards his chair. Her golden eyes were staring at him with a glare that yelled at him to be quiet, “I’m working.” She said in a hushed voice, “And my name is Azumi.”
“Really? You changed your name by two letters?” Sokka asked.
Azula rolled her eyes, “Listen, I’m not doing anything wrong here. I’m just working. You can’t arrest me for that.”
“You’re you! You have to be doing something!” Sokka said.
“Feel free to follow me around if you wish, but all you’ll see is my work day and then me enjoying a nice bowl of fire flakes before I go to bed.” Azula said.
“Sounds like a step down, princess.”
“It’s an honest life. It’s not the palace, but it’s…pleasant.” Something about her tone made Sokka hesitate. It was clear she didn’t love being reminded that she was technically a princess—Zuko never removed her title—but she also clearly believed her words, “Don’t take that away from me.” She hissed.
“I won’t.” Sokka promised, “I won’t say a word unless you give me a reason to.” He held out his hand which Azula shook.
“Thank you, Sokka.”
“Sokka?” Po called. His sudden appearance made Azula and Sokka go defensive. How had such a big man managed to sneak up on them? “Like the kid who traveled with the Avatar?”
“The very same.” Sokka confirmed.
“Oh! Hey, everyone! One of the members of Team Avatar is here!” He called. Most, if not all, of the people in the restaurant turned towards Po. Most of them looked shocked and a few narrowed their eyes. Like they were trying to tell if they could physically see Sokka’s lie.
“I knew that name would catch on.” Sokka smiled.
“What are you doing here?” Someone asked.
“I-”
“It’s obvious what he’s doing here!” An old man cried, “He’s here to slay the monster!”
The entire restaurant erupted with cheers and confirmation of the man’s words. Sokka just froze. Did he say monster? Why was there a monster? Why did they want him to slay it?! He just wanted some lunch. Was that too much to ask?
“Monster?” Sokka asked.
“A couple weeks ago this horrible monster moved into our forest. It steals out animals, steals our metal and jewelry and anything shiny it can find, and has even come into the village. We always manage to scare it off though before it can hurt anyone. It comes out at night and sleeps in the forest during the day.” Po told him, “I have a feeling we won’t be able to hold it off for long.”
“This sounds like a spirit. I should send a letter to Aang and he can-”
“The Avatar won’t arrive in time.” Someone said, “That beast will destroy our village soon. We can hear it in the forest every night, roaring and destroying the entire area. You’re a member of Team Avatar. You have to do something.”
“But I can’t if it’s a spirit. Only the Avatar-”
“Can you at least get a good look at it?” Someone asked.
“I-”
“We can pay you!”
“Go on.” Sokka said.
“If it’s a beast, you slay it. If it’s a spirit, go call the Avatar.” Sokka really didn’t want to slay a beast or walk into a, potentially angered, spirit’s territory looking for a fight. He had a good feeling that that would serve as a great way to meet his death at only nineteen. However, the villagers were clearly upset and scared. Something was affecting them and they would only feel safe again once he acted.
“Alright. I’ll go into the forest and deal with this.” Sokka promised.
The restaurant, as well as the entire village when they all eventually heard the news, erupted with cheers and joy. The monster would be slayed. They wouldn’t have to live in fear in their own home anymore. They could take peace knowing that their forest was now safe again.
Oddly enough, the one person Sokka noticed was not happy about his promise was Azula.
—-----------------------
As the sun began to set that night, Sokka gathered whatever he would need. He had a letter ready for Aang in case it was a spirit, he had his sword, a couple smaller weapons, and water. If he couldn’t find it tonight then he would have to search tomorrow or maybe it was better to look during the day when the thing was asleep. Too late to turn back now. Sokka stood up, everything packed, turned towards the door and moved out into the forest.
The last bits of sunlight left the sky when Azula felt her heart pound in her chest. Despite happening for at least three weeks now, she was not used to the spirit’s power taking her over every night. She probably would never be used to feeling it. Thankfully, she had gotten to her cave already and hidden inside before anyone could see or hear her. Her screams filled the air, her eyes remained shut to avoid crying or screaming anymore than she already was, but around her everything was peaceful and quiet.