Archive of Our Own ^beta

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.

—------------------------

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.

——————————

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.

————————————

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.

Chapter Text

“Come out, monster!” Sokka called.

The only sound Sokka could hear was the sound of his footsteps against the forest floor and the distant calling of birds. So far there was no monster to be seen. Sokka continued his trek through the forest, careful to not be seen or too loud, but there was nothing here except a lot of sleeping animals and bugs.

Finally, he picked up the sound of a river. A lifetime of hunting lessons with his father suddenly came back to him. If he was tracking a monster, then this monster would have natural needs just like any other animal.

“Even monsters have to drink.” He mumbled. It was as good a place as any to wait for a monster to show up. Sokka took his place at the river, sitting down next to the water.

The good news was that this spot was probably visited by the monster thanks to its proximity to the village. The bad news was that the sound of the water gently rocking back and forth lulled Sokka to sleep. His eyes grew heavy and his mind grew empty.

It didn’t take long for his body to collapse against the ground, light breathing coming from his mouth as he fell asleep. He didn’t know how long exactly he’d been out. The moon was beginning to retreat from the sky but the sun hadn’t appeared just yet. 

That didn’t change the fact he was woken up by something gently pressing against his face. 

“Momo, stop.” Sokka mumbled. Whatever it was kept pressing, so Sokka was forced to open his eyes.

He was greeted by the sight of a massive creature. Something with big golden slit eyes. Something with a light blue face. Something monstrous.

“AH!” Sokka screamed.

Without thinking, he grabbed his sword and swung. 

The creature let out a pained roar, stepping back from the warrior. The light from the village didn’t reach this far but the moonlight was more than enough to show Sokka what he had hit. 

A dragon. A real dragon. She had bright blue scales with a blue underbelly, dark blue wings and a black mane with a little tuft of black fur on the end of her tail. At the moment, she was curled up, hissing and growling at Sokka and showing off teeth and claws that sound easily slice him in half. The cut on her arm didn’t look bad, but Sokka suspected he’d be pretty angry too if someone cut him.

Sokka quickly grabbed his sword and held it up, “You’re a-a dragon. I thought Zuko said all of you were extinct.” The dragon dropped its anger for a moment when Sokka mentioned Zuko, tilting her head to the side in confusion, “Well, clearly you’re not extinct. You’re a dragon and you’re right here in front of me.” Sokka nervously laughed, trying his best to remain calm and not think too much about the fact that a living dragon was in front of him.

The dragon turned her attention to the sword in Sokka’s hand, “My sword?” Sokka held it up, getting a growl from the dragon, “Okay. Okay. That’s fair. You don’t want to get stabbed. I can understand that. I’ll just…” His eyes landed on some nearby bushes and he tossed the sword into them. 

The primary weapon now away from him, the dragon approached him again. She wasn’t a huge dragon, smaller than Appa, but Sokka still didn’t like that such a big predator was coming towards him. She had to be at least 25 feet long and 20 feet tall. Her golden eyes looked at him with curiosity, “Hey! I don’t stab you and you don’t barbeque me!” He warned. 

With a small jump, the dragon pinned him down under one of her paws. Sokka began to shake and sweat, fearing this was it. This was how he would die. Eaten alive by a dragon and no one was even around to notice how cool of a death that was. 

The dragon sniffed at him, pushing his hair to the side with her snout. She stared at him as if trying to remember something. It didn’t look like a face that said “I’m debating whether or not you’d taste good” and seemed more like a “I know you from somewhere. Are you good or bad?” Rather than kill him, the dragon rolled her eyes and turned around.

“That’s it? I thought dragons were supposed to be violent and dangerous.” Sokka said.

The dragon turned towards him and hit his legs with her tail, snorting out a chuckle when Sokka fell, “Hey!” The dragon made a low guttural noise that Sokka swore was more laughter. The dragon was laughing at him, “You’re not a very scary dragon, you know that?” Again she made a laughing sound. This time when she did, she pressed her paw to the ground and let out a cry of pain.

“Your arm.” The dragon growled as Sokka tried to approach her, “It’s okay. It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.” The dragon sent a puff of smoke at him, “I won’t hurt you more than I already have. I’m sorry about the cut. You just surprised me. Can I at least try and help?” Sokka asked.

Reluctantly, the dragon offered him her paw. Sokka took one of his knives—which made the dragon hiss in alarm—and cut his shirt, wrapping it around the dragon’s injury, “See? A nice bandage for your arm.” Taking a second to examine his work, the dragon then turned back toward Sokka and nudged him with her muzzle, purring loudly.

“You’re welcome!” Sokka smiled, “So, you’re the scary creature that the town is worried about? You don’t seem that scary to me.” The dragon seemed excited by his comment. She ran around him with, what looked a smile, painted on her face, “Tell you what, I’ll tell the village that you flew away and you promise never to disturb them again? Because I am not killing a dragon.” Now he had a whole different letter to write to Aang and one to write to Zuko.

The dragon gave him a funny look, not exactly understanding what he was talking about but she did seem to understand when he said he wouldn’t kill her. Once again, purring filled the space and the dragon chirped—Sokka didn’t even know dragons could chirp—with delight. 

“You’re a really sweet little ‘monster’” Sokka made sure to use air quotes around the word. The dragon hissed a tad at the mention of the word so Sokka shook his head, “No, no, no! You’re not a monster. I was saying it like it’s ridiculous that they would ever think that because you’re clearly not a monster or an evil spirit.” 

The dragon gently pushed her head into Sokka’s chest. The gesture made him laugh and hold up her head so that they were eye level. Thanks to growing up in the South Pole, Sokka the soft spot for most animals was on their neck or between their shoulder blades. It was best to make sure all the animals saw you so that you didn’t get your arm bit off—Sokka learned that one the hard way when he tried to scratch a polar dog and the pup almost took a bite out of his arm. The dragon became like putty in Sokka’s hands. Her purring filled the forest yet again and made Sokka laugh.

“Your mane could use some brushing. Did you know that?” The dragon answered with a soft grumble, not really caring about his words, “When the sun comes up in a few minutes I’ll be able to go to the village and get you a brush and-“

The dragon’s head suddenly shot up, her eyes looking around in fear. 

“Woah! Woah! What’s wrong?” Sokka asked.

Without any warning, the dragon took off running into the forest. Sokka ran after her, yelling for her to stop and slow down so that he could keep up but she either didn’t hear him or chose not to because she did not slow down. Eventually, Sokka completely lost her.

“A dragon. There’s a dragon in the forest.”

————————————-

Azula could feel her limbs shaking and her head seemed unable to concentrate on one single thing. The only thing she was able to repeat in her mind was one word, “safe, safe, safe”. It was the same word that came to her every morning. 

“Safe.” She repeated, “I’m safe. I’m safe. I’m-“ Azula cut herself off because she had gone to hold herself when she felt a strange fabric on her arm. It was some kind of blue cloth, “This is Sokka’s.” She whispered. Why was this on her? Unless-

He wasn’t supposed to find her! She was supposed to stay hidden! 

Azula took one of her jackets and threw it on, making sure that it would hide the new piece of cloth on her arm. Once it was securely covered and she was properly dressed for the day, Azula stepped out and walked to Po’s like she did every morning.

Usually the town was quiet, which was one of the reasons Azula liked it so much, but now everyone was out of their homes and talking. Of course, they were talking about only one thing: Sokka. They were talking about his supposed duel with the monster, how he vanquished it, how he saved them, how much of a hero he was. It took everything in Azula not to roll her eyes. That idiot? A hero? Yeah right. 

It’s why she was so shocked to open the door to her workplace and hear Sokka’s voice say, “I didn’t slay the monster.” A silence fell over everyone. No one knew what to say next. 

Then Azula spoke.

“Too difficult for you?”

“Azumi!” Po snapped.

“Because it’s not a monster.” Sokka said.

“Is it a spirit? Do we need to contact the Avatar?” Someone asked.

“No. It’s a dragon!” Everyone looked at him either with blank stares or with looks that said ‘how much cactus juice have you had?’, “It’s true. I saw her. She’s a small dragon but still a dragon. My plan is to contact Fire Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang so we can get her out of here and somewhere safe.” Sokka said. 

“But it will be removed from our forest?” An old man asked.

“Yes.” Sokka confirmed, “I don’t think Zuko had any intention of letting a dragon just run wild in the Fire Nation countryside.” 

That certainly got people happy. Sokka adding that Zuko and Aang were going to be contacted must have given him a sense of trustworthiness because the second he uttered those names, everyone seemed on board with his plan. Everyone except Azula.

“Azumi?” Sokka asked, grinning at the use of her fake name, “You don’t seem happy.”

Azula didn’t respond. Rather, she looked at the ground like she was trying to piece something together. When she was done, she stared up at him with eyes Sokka swore he’d seen before.

“Azula?” He whispered.

“I need to speak with you.” She said.

“Yeah.” Sokka chuckled, “Go with you to a place away from witnesses. Like that’ll happen.”

“I’m serious. I need to tell you something and I don’t want anyone overhearing.” She hissed, grabbing his hand and dragging him towards the back.

“Woah! I’m not going anywhere with you until you tell me what’s got you so uptight.” Sokka said.

“Sokka, this is not a joke. I need to speak with you about what you saw in the forest.”

“Oh!” Sokka’s eyes suddenly went dark, “Azula, if you even think of going anywhere near that dragon-“

“Might be a bit difficult.”

“I’m not kidding.” A small part of Azula could admit that Sokka’s voice did scare her a little. She’d never heard him sound this serious. Even when he yelled at her during the invasion, he wasn’t this scary. Maybe that was because he had the Avatar and Toph behind him, so he didn’t feel the need to be at 100%. The two powerful benders behind him could do the heavy lifting. Or maybe it was because at the time he was just angry and yelling and Azula knew that he didn’t mean any of his empty threats. 

“I don’t think you are, but I do think you’ll be interested in what I have to say.” Azula removed her coat, being careful not to hurt the fabric that was so nicely wrapped around her arm.

The second Sokka saw his fabric on Azula’s arm, his eyes grew. He looked between her and the fabric again and again and again.

“You’ll get it in a moment.” Azula promised, smirking at how dumbfounded he looked.

“YOU’RE THE DRAGON!?!”

—-----------------——————

Sokka suddenly felt Azula grab him by the arm and pull him into a nearby room, slamming the door shut. It wasn’t soundproof by any means but it should muffle their voices enough so that no one could hear what they were saying.

“Not so loud, you idiot!” She hissed.

“You’re the dragon!?” Sokka shrieked.

Azula threw her hand over his mouth, “I’m going to talk and you are going to have to go two seconds without shrieking like a child. I left my group of Fire Warriors a couple weeks ago and came to this forest. When I arrived, I met a spirit who offered me power like that of the dragons and, in exchange, he only wanted to see what would happen. I agreed. That night, I turned into a dragon, but, whenever I’m a dragon, I don’t remember a thing. The only reason I know I’m a dragon is because I see myself turn into one every night.” By now she had removed her hand.

“Why didn’t you go back to the spirit?”

“I tried! I told him I didn’t want to be some mindless beast and he could have it back. All he told me was that I wasn’t a mindless beast but my dragon side is run entirely by my subconscious.”

“So…the dragon from last night is still you, but-”

“But everything that makes up the majority of its mind is in my subconscious during the day.” Azula finished.

“And I assume the spirit also refused to take the curse away?”

“You got it. He said I was stuck with it until he determined otherwise.” She said.

“Ohhhh. Yeah. That’s not a good curse.” Sokka winced.

“Really? I love this so much!” Despite her tone, Azula’s face was cold and annoyed. She turned away from Sokka to hide her face. She’d shown too much emotion, given too much away.

“Maybe I can help.” He offered.

“Why would you help me?” Azula asked.

“Dragon you is kinda fun to be around.” Sokka joked.

“Goodbye.” Azula grumbled.

“No, no-Azula.” Sokka put his hand on the door before she could open it, “You need some help. Your dragon self is going to get killed-“

“These idiots will never actually hurt me.” Azula said.

“They could. All it takes is one cut on your wing and then you’re pretty much dead meat.” Azula hated how much he was right, “Let me help. I can’t reverse this but I could hang out with you at night and make sure the villagers don’t find out about you.”

“And what about those letters to Zuko and Aang and ‘relocating’ me?” Azula asked.

“That was before I knew the dragon was…you.”

“I have to admit, I’m surprised that doesn’t want to make you tell Zuko even more. Get the Avatar down here to make me into a mindless creature day and night and then Zuzu can ship me off to some island or keep me locked in a cage.” Sokka’s heart broke at Azula’s tone. From the way she spoke, Sokka had a sneaking suspicion that she believed he would do that.

“No. I won’t tell them anything unless you’re okay with it. For right now, I will be the only one who knows about your curse.” He promised.

“I still don’t know why you’re doing this but…thank you, I guess. And my apologies for the stupidity of my dragon form that you’ll have to deal with.” Azula grumbled the ending but Sokka pretended not to notice.

“Come on! It’ll be fun!”

“Yeah. Sounds like so much fun.”

Chapter Text

That next night was different. That next night Azula had company in her cave as the sun began to set. It felt…weird to have someone with her but in a strange way it was also comforting. Something she would, of course, never say out loud. Sokka was sitting on a nearby rock, his legs rocking back and forth while Azula paced the floor.

“Does it hurt?” Sokka asked.

“Not as much as you’d expect. I certainly feel it but it doesn’t feel as horrible as it looks.” Azula answered, “Besides, I’m never fully there long enough to really experience it anyways.”

“Ah.”

“Let’s go over the plan one more time.”

“Ugh! Azula, we’ve done this-“

“Twenty times, yes, but it’s not your head the villagers are calling for, is it?” Azula asked. That shut him up, “Anyways, your job tonight is just to keep my dragon self from going into the village. I’ve figured out that the only reason I go there is to steal food or because I’m bored, so you have to make sure I don’t go over there.”

“Why do you steal their food when you have an entire forest of animals?” Sokka asked.

“If you had a choice between a free buffet where everything was already in a nice little cage or catching your own meal, wouldn’t you want to be at the buffet?” Azula asked.

Sokka nodded. She did have a point, “I will keep your dragon self in the forest.” He repeated.

“Perfect.” Azula nodded. The sun was almost gone, “Alright, boomerang boy, let’s see if you can do your job.” Like clockwork, the second the sun disappeared from the sky, Azula felt the curse take over her. Exactly like she told Sokka, it didn’t hurt too bad, but it certainly felt weird and uncomfortable. She always had to close her eyes to keep herself from seeing the changes—sometimes they were just too much for her. 

Within seconds, Azula’s eyes changed from her regular golden human eyes to golden slit eyes. Sokka, who had winced and closed his eyes during her transformation—because despite everything he’d see in war seeing a human body twist and turn like that was not natural or something he wanted to watch—fully looked at the dragon in front of him. Azula turned towards him and put her face only an inch or two in front of his own. Now that he could fully see her, Sokka noted that her scales were bright blue with her underbelly being a bright shade of white. She had black fur on her neck and going down her back and two hard white horns on her head.

“Hey, Azula.” Sokka chuckled, “Remember me? Your friend Sokka?” He couldn’t explain it but the word friend seemed to make Azula both happy but also suddenly suspicious of him, “I’ll take that as a yes. Listen, we need to stay in the cave tonight.” 

Azula rolled her eyes then made a beeline for the cave entrance, “Azula!” Sokka cried, “Azula! Stop! You can’t go to the village.” Without much effort, Azula stepped over Sokka and calmly walked out of the cave, “You’re gonna get an arrow to the heart if you keep walking!” He warned. 

The dragon turned back towards him, making a gesture with her head in the direction of the river. Sokka's eyes grew when he understood what she was getting at. 

“Ohhhhhhhhh. You’re just…you’re just getting some water.” With a smile, Azula nodded, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” Azula gently hit him with her tail the same way a person would hit someone on the shoulder.

The two walked through the forest side by side in silence. It wasn’t like they could really have a deep conversation with Azula only being able to respond with growls and small roars. So the walk down to the river was a quiet one. However, that quiet walk and now knowing that the dragon was Azula and not just some random creature did make Sokka notice a couple things.

She was trying to be quiet—her footsteps were as silent as she could make them and her wings and tail were almost frozen—and she was constantly scanning her surroundings. 

“Worried about something coming after you?” Sokka asked.

Azula looked down at Sokka. She growled a tad in response to his question but, of course, Sokka couldn’t understand a word of what she was saying.

“I don’t understand any of that, but you shouldn’t be worried. You’re probably the most dangerous thing here.” Sokka told her. Azula seemed to take his comment into account and nodded in agreement.

When they arrived at the river, Sokka took the time to get himself some water as well. He was halfway through his eighth sip when he saw Azula shift. She lowered herself down, almost in a pouncing position, and suddenly shot forward, pushing her face into the water. It was only when she came back, her face soaking wet and a fish swam away, that he realized what she was trying to do.

“Ah! Leave the fishing to me.” Sokka smirked, “I’m basically the fishing master.” Azula gave him the dragon equivalent of raising her eyebrows but laid back so that he could try and fish.

He fashioned a spear out of some nearby material and leaned over the side of the river. This would have to be quick and precise. He lined the spear tip up with the fish and sent it flying. 

It missed.

Azula made a small laughing noise, earning her a glare from Sokka, “I can get this.” He proclaimed.

Azula, seeming rather content with watching Sokka try and fail to catch a fish, rested her head on her paws so that she was in a comfortable position for the rest of the show. Sokka tried again and again and again but no fish was caught. Every time they would dart away from him. Not to mention that, with all the movement he was making, less and less fish were coming towards him. 

“Okay. Maybe I can’t get this.” Sokka nervously chuckled. After all his attempts, he laid down against the grass now soaked to the bone thanks to having fallen into the river. Azula stood up from her spot and crept towards the river. Once again, like lightning, she pushed her head into the water. This time when she came back she had a fish in her mouth.

“You’re a dragon. That doesn’t count.” Azula swallowed the fish—whole—then repeated the action and showed off a second fish, “And now you’re just showing off.” More laughter.

“So, what do you do all night? Just fish?” Azula placed a claw to her chin, trying to remember everything she’d done before Sokka’s appearance. Despite that, she just shrugged, lying back down next to him, “Maybe only yes and no questions.” Sokka mumbled to himself.

Azula, with amazing dragon hearing, heard him and her head perked up, excited to finally have a conversation with someone when she was stuck like this, “You told me in town that your dragon form is run by your subconscious but you still know who I am, right?”

She nodded.

“And hopefully I’m not in your subconscious as an enemy.” Azula shook her head, “That’s good. I guess. You’ve been stuck like this for the last few weeks?”

She nodded.

“What do you do during the night? Do you fish?”

She shrugged.

“Fly?”

She shook her head.

“Sleep?”

She shrugged.

“….Any friendships with the other animals?” He asked.

She shook her head.

“Can I ask a question without you burning me alive?” Azula shrugged, now looking at him with narrowed eyes, “I know you’re alone out here and you don’t venture into the village that much-I mean except to steal from them but that doesn’t count and-“

Azula blew some smoke into his face. Her face screaming ‘get to the point’

“Are you lonely?” Azula blinked in surprise. Of all the questions she expected him to ask, that was certainly not one of them. Sokka himself didn't really know why he'd asked that question. Could it have just been the first word he came up with? Perhaps he got a bit of confidence that pushed him to ask the question....or maybe it was because he was a little lonely after the war and wanted to know if she felt the same way out here in the forest. 

Given that he wasn’t burned alive, Sokka took that as a sign to look up at the princess turned dragon for some kind of answer. Azula kept herself looking down at the ground, thinking over his question.

“Azula?”

The dragon gave a tiny nod.

“Well, now you have me.” Azula couldn’t explain it but his words made her feel good. Her mind leapt for joy. She wasn’t alone! She wouldn’t be alone!! Azula pushed her head against Sokka’s chest, getting a laugh from the tribesman while he gave her a small hug then pushed her head away.

“If you’re open to it, I have an idea.” A small roar came from the dragon as she tilted her head to the side.

——————————————

Sokka had to cover his ears when they returned because Azula let out a massive roar when they were back at the cave. He believed that was her way of laughing without having to concentrate on the sound she was making. 

“I told you rabbit chasing is fun!” Sokka laughed, “Must be even better when you’re a giant apex predator.” Azula let her body lay against the floor. 

“I’m glad you had fun. Hopefully we can keep having this much fun every night so that you don't have to go into the village. Or I could just bring you shiny things." Azula rolled her eyes at him, “I'm serious. I’ll spend nights down here with you so that you don’t have to be in the forest all by yourself.” Sokka expected a couple things. Another eye roll, another tiny wack from Azula’s tail, or smoke blown in his face. Maybe all three. 

What he didn’t expect was for the sound of purring to fill the room and for Azula to nuzzle against him. Who knew dragons purred this much? Sokka opened his mouth to comment about how cute this was when sunlight filled the cave.

“Sun’s here.” Azula gave one final purr before letting the sun hit her body. 

Similar to before, the transformation looked like Azula could feel everything that was happening but she didn’t cry out in pain or yell. She winced and closed her eyes but nothing more. This was also the moment Sokka realized that there was a reason she brought a pair of clothes with her into the cave.

“COVER YOUR EYES!”

“Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!” Sokka kept screaming while running out of the cave, “I’m sorry!”

————————————

“A dragon does not purr.” Azula stated.

“You did.” Sokka said, “I heard it and you started nuzzling me.” Azula didn’t even look up from the dishes she was washing. Sokka got to go in the kitchen because of his reputation and, oddly enough, the little space where Azula worked was hidden enough that they could talk.

“If you’re going to lie to me, I would advise coming up with better lies than this.” She said.

“I’m not lying! I swear! I think dragon you is…” He trailed off. His nerves finally seemed to be returning and telling him how bad of an idea it was to tell Azula this much.

“Is what?” Guess there was no turning back now.

“Is lonely.” He finished.

“That’s ridiculous. My dragon self is just about as alone as I am and I’m fine.” She said, “I think you’re making this up so that you can have a little fun on your boring nights.” She said.

“Trust me. Rabbit chasing with you was not boring, especially when you slammed into that rock.” Sokka chuckled.

“I guess that explains why my nose hurts.” Azula muttered.

“You were not happy to lose that rabbit. You practically started digging into the ground trying to get it.”

“Why would I do that?” Azula asked.

“Well you weren’t very talkative at the time but I think it was because I was about to win and that was the last rabbit you needed to beat me.” Sokka suggested.

Azula nodded. That sounded right. Even as a child, she hated losing any kind of game. Whenever she would play with Lu Ten or Zuko or Mai and Ty Lee, she always wanted to be the winner. She took pride in the fact that she wasn't a sore loser, but that didn't mean she wasn't ready to try anything to win a game.

“My dragon self is competitive. Good to know.” She said.

“So….what do you want to do today? Your shift is done at 2, right? Maybe we could get something to eat or go to the little local theater or-“ Azula stopped washing the dishes and turned her body to face Sokka.

“Sokka, let’s get this straight right now. We are not friends. You are helping me because….I honestly don’t know why but that’s it. We see each other at night and then in the morning so you can give me a report. Nothing more, nothing less. Understood?”

“I-“

“You should want to have your afternoons free anyways. Aren’t you exhausted? You can sleep all afternoon and then have enough energy to spend with me at night.” She said, returning her attention to the plates.

“You don’t want to do anything?” Sokka asked.

“With a member of the team that ensured my defeat? Not really.” Azula gave him a smirk that told him it was time to go.

“Fine. Fine. I’m leaving, but I’m taking some food with me.”

“Please do. Your money helps keep this place afloat which keeps me employed here.”

——————————-

Sokka collapsed against his bed the moment he returned to his room. He didn’t want to listen to Azula, but she was right that he desperately needed this time to sleep and rest after being up all night. He rolled over in his bed and came face to face with his paper and ink. 

A fresh piece of paper was lying on his desk ready for him to write to Zuko and Aang about Azula, her deal with the spirit and her curse. It would be so easy and Azula would never know until it was too late.

What would he say? 

“Dear Zuko, I found your sister. The one who escaped a couple years ago and kidnapped your even younger sister. Guess what? She’s been cursed. Every night she turns into a dragon that both acts like her and doesn’t act like her. Anyways, do with this information what you will, but I’m staying down here. Why? I don’t really know why. I just came here for some good food and a warm place to sleep. I did not expect to get wrapped into whatever this is but….” Sokka froze, letting out a sigh, “…but I think your sister needs some help.”

He wasn’t going to send that letter. He couldn’t. He promised Azula. And, not to mention, Azula had won last night at rabbit catching and he couldn’t let that stand so he would need at least two more nights. One to even the score and then one to beat her. 

Sokka crumbled up the paper he’d been writing and tossed it into the trash can. With his mind made up, Sokka returned to his bed and pulled the covers over him, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Chapter Text

That night, Azula was in the process of getting herself ready. While doing so, she heard the sound of footsteps running towards her cave. Her blue fire lit up in the palm of her hand as she got ready for a fight with whoever had followed her out here.

“Hey! Glad I got here in time!” Sokka’s voice caused a wave of relief to wash over Azula. She didn’t feel like having to fight someone and threaten them after a six hour shift, “I brought you something.” He said.

“It’ll have to wait until morning. The sun is almost gone and I’m about to transform.” She said.

“No. It’s for dragon you.” Sokka said.

Well, that was certainly weird, “Oh?”

Sokka reached behind his back and pulled out a hairbrush, scissors, and what looked like a bottle of hair lotion, “Your mane was getting tangled because of how long it is-“

“I don’t exactly have a way to use scissors in that form.”

“So I brought a hairbrush and scissors to give you a little haircut.” Sokka finished, “I don’t know if this hair lotion works with dragon hair but I figured that if it doesn’t then you can always use it yourself.”

“I suppose that’s a good idea. Just don’t mess up my hair. I don’t know how much your work on my dragon mane will affect my hair.”

“Don't worry! I used to help with hair all the time in my village. By the end of the night you will look amazing!” His smile kinda reminded her of Ty Lee when they used to have sleepovers and the young acrobat would compliment her.

“Hmmm, then thank you. I guess.”

“You guess?”

“I don’t know. No one’s ever helped me with my hair before.” She lied.

“Is that why your hair was so messed up after the war? You tried to do it yourself?” Sokka asked.

Azula pressed her lips together. Her memory of that day was not a pleasant one. Nor were the memories of most of the days that followed it, “Yes, I know. I’m not destined to be a hair stylist anytime soon.”

Soka lightly chuckled, “Probably not. But once I help your dragon self I could show you how to style your hair as a human!”

“You would teach me?”

“Of course!”

“…..I….thank you, Sokka.”

“You’re welcome!”

Within the next five minutes, the sounds of a dragon filled the cave. The familiar blue dragon looked down at Sokka with her same golden eyes. Sokka opened his mouth to speak only for Azula to place her neck in front of his hands and give him a soft roar. 

“I swear you like me more as a dragon than a human.” Sokka chuckled but got to work and brushed out her mane. Cutting some of the knots proved to be an issue because they were really stuck, but Sokka pushed forward, “It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m just cutting the knots.” He would say whenever Azula hissed. She seemed to like the reassurance so Sokka continued to say it.

“Azula?” He received a soft growl in response, “Why didn’t you go back to the palace when you got cursed? The spirit isn’t forcing you to stay here so why not return home? Zuko’s very anti dragon hunting so you wouldn’t risk being killed by him and you-” Azula let out a low growl that actually sounded dangerous for a change. Sokka snapped his mouth shut and resumed focus on her mane until he felt her tail tap his shoulder.

With her claws, she drew a picture of something in the dirt. It took him a few moments, but he was able to quickly put together that this was the institution she’d been placed in directly after the war. Once he understood that, Azula swiped her claws at the drawing, sending four large claw marks into the earth.

“Oh!” The realization hit him like a brick, “You think Zuko will send you back there?” She nodded, lying her head down on the ground and looking….sad? Didn’t Azula hate Zuko? Why would she be sad?

“You know Zuko shut that place down.” Sokka mentioned. Azula’s eyes widened and she let out a surprised roar. Clearly she didn’t know that, “After your whole… Kemurikage incident, Zuko got in contact with the families of those other girls and went to the institution to see how you were able to release them all without anyone noticing. When he got there, Zuko saw the place in a whole new light. People were chained up, force fed, thrown in solitary for days on end…he shut the place down that day and checked everyone’s files. If someone was there for a real medical concern then he sent them to the hospital, but if it was just their parents wanting to get rid of them then he provided them with some money and a place to stay.”

Azula turned away from him, making smaller dragon noises that Sokka suspected she was only making because she was deep in thought—which she was. While she did that, Sokka, believing he had said enough, resumed his focus on her mane. He was almost done when Azula nudged him with her snout.

“Yeah?” He received a bunch of roars as a response, “You need to start being more talkative when you actually have the ability to talk.” A puff of smoke covered his face, “Is it about Zuko?” She shook her head, “Me?” She shook her head, “The girls from the institution?” She nodded.

“Your Kemurikage friends?” She nodded.

“We haven’t seen them. The last sighting was a couple weeks ago when they all attacked some outpost where Ty Lee was stationed.” Azula let out a sigh of relief. They were safe. 

But that just brought her back to her main thought: was Sokka lying? Did Zuko really shut down the institution? If he did then, why? It could be as Sokka said and Zuko did it out of the goodness of his heart—it certainly sounded like Zuko—but that left a bad taste in Azula’s mouth. How come he’d only done it after she had been stuck there? He never noticed that being in a straightjacket wasn’t normal, that she clearly was getting worse after having been there, that the nurses forced makeup on her before meeting him to make her look presentable, that-

“Hey.” Sokka reached out and gently brushed her fur out of her face, “Are you okay? You’re making a weird noise?” Azula looked up, Sokka was giving her a concerned expression which just served to confuse her more. Why did he care!? Why did Zuko care!? Why couldn’t Zuko have cared years ago!?!

“Azula! Azula, it’s okay!” In her anger, she must have stood up and started swinging her tail around because Sokka was ducking for cover and her wings were about to spread like she was about to take off. She returned to her sitting position. Sokka slowly uncovered himself, “How about we avoid the topic of the institution for a few days?” She nodded, “Can I finish with your mane?” A far more enthusiastic nod followed.

—--------------------------------

At some point after finishing up with Azula’s fur, Sokka fell asleep. He was resting against Azula, who was also asleep. Their second night together proved to be a quieter one. There was no game of rabbit chase or venturing out to find something to do, just a night in the cave and talking—or Sokka talking and Azula responding as best she could. Right before sunrise, Sokka felt something gently tapping him. He rubbed his eyes open to see Azula staring at him.

“Azula? What’s wrong?” She gestured to the incoming sunlight, “Oh. Sunrise. Well, I hope your fur feels better. And…just so you know, Zuko does want you to come back.” Azula rolled her eyes, “He does. Unless he’s changed his mind in the last 2 weeks since I last saw him, he does want you back in the palace. There’s a reason you’re still the princess.” A surprised roar filled the cave.

Sokka chose to wait on responding to Azula because a few seconds later the sunlight hit their cave. Learning his lesson from the night before, Sokka covered his eyes when Azula turned back into a human. He kept his gaze down on the ground to try and leave, only for Azula to stop him.

“What are you doing?” Azula asked.

“Performing basic human decency?” Sokka said.

“Well, thank you for shielding your eyes but you’re not going anywhere.” She said.

“I’m not?” Sokka asked.

“No. My shift doesn’t start until this afternoon so you will remain here and keep your promise.” Oh! Right! He promised her that he would show her how to do her hair. 

“I can do that.” 

“Let’s hope.” After a few more seconds, Azula tapped his shoulder, “You can open your eyes now.”

“Good. I kinda need to see to show you how to do your hair.” Sokka chuckled, “I’ll do it once and then do you want to try?”

“Sure.” Azula allowed, “So…what happened last night?” She asked.

“Do you remember anything?” Sokka asked.

“I told you I don’t remember anything from when I’m a dragon. It’s like I’m asleep that entire time.” She forced herself not to shudder. She hated admitting that she wasn’t in control of her own body. That she had to rely on Sokka to tell her what happened the entire night.

“Well, I cut and styled your fur for you which dragon you liked. Then we…or I guess I talked about Zuko and the institution for a bit and then we just fell asleep.” Sokka told her.

Azula held up a hand and pulled her hair away from the Water Tribe nonbender, turning around so that she could look him straight in the eyes, “What did you say about Zuko and the institution?”

“Are you sure you want to hear?” Sokka asked, “Dragon you didn’t-”

“Whatever you say to my idiotic dragon self, you can say to me. Tell me.” She ordered. Sokka could tell by the look in her eye that it was more than an order, it was a plea. A plea to know about what was going on back home. 

“Zuko shut down the institution. All the girls are either being sent off to a  hospital or being provided with housing and some money to get back on their feet. No one has spotted your Kemurikage friends-“

“Did I ask about them?” Azula snapped.

“No, but dragon you did. You seemed really worried about them and-“

“I don’t care about them! They deserted me! Betrayed me! I don’t care if they do get sent back to that place or someplace worse.” Azula grabbed hold of one of her bangs when she spoke, trying to keep herself on point, “What else did you say?”

“Not much. Dragon you didn’t really want to hear much more. I was telling you about how Zuko had kept your title for you when the sun was coming up.” Sokka noted.

“What?” She whispered.

“You’re still the princess.” Sokka told her, “Princess Azula of the Fire Nation.”

“You mean he didn’t give my role away to that brat?” Azula asked.

“You mean your sis-“

“She is not my sister. I don’t want any more siblings who exist only to take away everything I’ve worked for.” Azula snarled.

“If you are talking about Kiyi then no. He hasn’t made her a princess. She’s going to the Royal Academy from what I’ve heard but that’s the only Royal thing about her.” Sokka said.

“Good. Her peasant blood shouldn’t taint the royal family.” Azula said, “What about my mo-What about Ursa?”

“Still living in Caldera with Ikem and Kiyi.” Sokka noted, “I spoke with them before I left.”

“Hmm.” Azula turned her gaze down to the floor of the cave.

“Azula? Ursa and Zuko do miss-“

“I don’t care about them!” Azula yelled, “They aren’t worth my thoughts. Just-just show me how to do the top knot.” 

He did. He brushed out her hair for her then showed her the step by step process for how to get the perfect top knot. When he was done, he took it all out and helped Azula do it herself, acting as her mirror. 

Her first attempt was bumpy and uneven.

Her second attempt was less bumpy but still uneven.

Her third attempt was just uneven.

Her fourth attempt was basically perfect.

“I-Thank you, Sokka.” Azula whispered, “Your work is not horrible.”

“Wow. Such high praise, Princess.”

“It’s the best compliment you’ll ever get from me so cherish it.” She said.

“I will.” Sokka chuckled, “Hey, do you want to go into town for some breakfast?”

“I suppose a plate of eggs wouldn’t be a bad spending of some silver pieces.” Azula said.

“Is that your Azula way of saying ‘yes’?” Sokka asked.

“I think you can figure that one out yourself.”

Chapter Text

After a couple weeks of working with Po, Azula had gotten used to a job of customer service. She was used to the comments, lousy pay and the coworker incompetence in general. One of the things she would never be used to though was when Po decided to keep her throughout lunch and dinner. 

“Sokka, you need to order something.” Azula told him.

“I’ll be fine. If you’re not eating, I don’t want to eat.” Sokka said.

“Why? You must be hungry and it’ll be hard to hunt in the forest.” She said.

“Hard, but far from impossible.” Sokka said, “A dragon is probably a pretty good hunter.” Azula suspected that he was right but she didn’t know. The only thing she ever knew she had eaten as a dragon were some of the cattle from the village and there wasn’t too much hunting involved in that. Since Sokka obviously would keep her dragon self from hunting farm animals then she would have to find something in the forest to eat.

“And if not, I’m not horrible.” Sokka grinned, “Either way, we will not starve tonight.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” Azula said, “Who knows? Maybe my dragon self will eat you if you can’t catch food.” 

“Nah. If there’s one version of you I’m worried about attacking me, it’s not your dragon self. She’s way too sweet.” Azula winced at his words. They weren’t hurtful or rude at all but they just reminded Azula about how different she was from herself as a dragon, “You okay?”

“I’m fine. And, even if I wasn’t, you don’t need to concern yourself with helping me.”

“Isn’t that what I’m doing right now?” Sokka asked, “Helping you?”

“What you’re doing right now is more so just helping me for yourself. I imagine when my curse is finally broken you will write a letter to Zuko, telling him all about how you found his deadly sister and where he can find me. Then you may collect a cash reward for your efforts. I admit I don’t quite know about that last part, but I’d assume you would receive some form of reward for aiding in my capture.” Azula spoke so simply, so matter a factly, that it made Sokka grow sadder and sadder with every second.

Azula honestly didn’t believe anyone would want to help her. They would only assist her if it meant that they ultimately gained something. Remembering back to how Zuko talked about his childhood, he guessed that it made sense. Ozai wasn’t exactly father of the year.

“I’m not going to tell Zuko anything.” Sokka said, “He will never know about your curse unless you tell him.”

Azula raised an eyebrow, “You’re a decent liar. I’ll give you that.”

“I’m not lying. You’re not hurting anyone and you and your friends haven’t exactly done anything too….violent in a long time. I have no real reason to tell Zuko.”

“You don’t feel like collecting the prize for my capture?” Azula asked.

“Zuko has a prize for information about you. Not your capture. Actually, I think if someone did try to capture you then Zuko would end up throwing them in jail.” Sokka let out a soft chuckle, “I’m not going to betray you, Azula.”

It was quick, but Sokka swore he saw Azula look shocked and hopeful before scoffing, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” She said.

“Well you’ll see it!”

“Hmm.” Azula muttered.

“Azumi!” Po yelled, “Come here.”

“Coming!” Azula called, turning and walking over to the man. Their conversation was not a long one. It was over in the span of maybe one or two minutes before Azula returned to the table.

“I need to tell you something.”

“Yes?”

“Po wants you to order or get out.”

———————————

Sokka had to give Azula credit. As a human, she was very good at hiding her hunger. She didn’t utter a single word about being hungry their entire walk to the cave, only nodding and making mild agreeing noises when Sokka talked about being starved. As a dragon however? Azula was not good at hiding how hungry she was at all.

“I know, Azula, I know.” Sokka said when Azula hit him with her snout again, “But I can’t find anything in this forest. Trust me I’m just as hungry as you but we can’t eat the trees.” 

Azula rolled her eyes and turned her attention to a less cleared part of the forest. As a human, Sokka couldn’t easily go over there. As a dragon, Azula had no trouble leaping into the area and running through the vines and brush.

“Azula! Azula!” Sokka called. Truth be told, she was probably fine. Nothing in this forest was going to compete with a dragon, but that didn’t mean other creatures couldn’t do some kind of damage.

Nothing.

“AZULA!” Sokka screamed again, “AZULA! WHERE ARE YOU?!?”

Nothing.

“AZULA!” Sokka’s scream was getting desperate, “PLEASE! COME BACK!”

A dragon roar could be heard coming closer and closer. He felt a sense of relief flood his body once he was sure it was Azula. Eventually, Sokka saw Azula racing back toward him with something in her mouth.

“What is that?” Sokka asked.

A dead deer-boar was dropped in front of him. Azula’s teeth and claws were covered in blood from, no doubt, a fight with the creature. Sokka looked from the creature to Azula a couple times.

“Well….I guess that’s dinner.”

————————————

Azula hated having to wait for Sokka to finish cooking the deer-boar. She wanted to eat more but Sokka was very insistent that they had to heat it up first. He said this slow burning fashion was the correct way to eat. Azula wanted to argue that as a dragon she could eat her kill however she decided but chose to remain silent. So she was forced to sit and wait for him to slowly cook it and then cut himself off a slice. 

“Here you go.” Sokka placed the stick down in front of Azula and pulled it out, leaving the meat of the deer-boar as the only thing in front of her. Azula sniffed at the smoking animal once or twice, “I promise it’s good. I know I’m not the best cook but even I-“ 

Sokka was cut off by Azula grabbing the animal in her jaw, throwing her head back and, within a few bites, devouring the entire animal. She licked her lips when she was finished. It made sense that she would eat more so in the way a dragon would, especially since she lacked the fingers to hold any kind of silverware, but seeing her down the entire thing and then look at him like nothing had occurred was a shock to say the least.

“Uhhhhh…Wow.” Sokka managed to sputter out.

Azula let out a small roar. She must have realized how weird her eating habit was because she put her face down behind her paws, in a small attempt to hide herself.

“No, no, no-I-I didn’t mean it like that.” Sokka quickly said, “Sorry, it’s just that I’ve never seen someone eat as much as me.” Azula’s ear flickered at that, “Usually I’m the one who eats that fast and that much. You’re going to give me a run for my money, but I still think I’d beat you.”

Azula, finding some comfort in Sokka’s words, raised her head, giving off a kind of chattering noise, “But you have to be a human if we compete.” Sokka said, “I’m not fighting a dragon in an eating contest.” Azula rolled her eyes, “Despite what your human self may believe, I’m not an idiot. I’m not going up against an apex predator in an eating contest. You can find a porcupine-bear or something to challenge.”

Sokka began to eat his own meal. At a slower pace than Azula had but still quickly. Who knew that deer boar cooked by dragon’s fire could be this delicious? He was one or two bites away when he heard Azula making drawn out growing noises from the river.

“Azula?” Sokka asked, showing the last two pieces into his mouth, “Everything okay?”

Azula lifted her paws out of the river and showed them off to Sokka who held her paw. The first thing he noticed was that they were far bigger and sharper than any other claws he’d ever seen. Just holding them made his heart start to race. The second thing was that they were covered in blood. Azula nudged her claws a little, trying to get at the blood underneath them and whining a touch when she couldn’t.

“Oh!” Sokka realized, “I can help you. Put your paws in the river.” Azula did as she was instructed, “And then I can…” Using his shirt as a rag, Sokka was able to clean out her claws until they were flawlessly clean again, “All done!” 

Azula purred in happiness, nuzzling Sokka a bit before splashing him with water. Given that her paw was bigger than his head, Azula managed to splash a decent amount of water on Sokka. Despite the clear disadvantage, Sokka was not about to let Azula’s actions slide and jumped into the river to splash Azula as well. 

“You’ll never win, princess! I-“ Azula stood up on her back legs then slammed her front paws down into the river, sending a very large amount of water straight at Sokka, “That is just cheating.” Azula laughed in response.

When the dragon laughed, Sokka decided to use this as his opportunity and managed to splash her directly in the face. The nonbender, knowing his days were now numbered, took off running with Azula not far behind. He continued to run down the river until he reached a lake and leapt into it. Azula jumped in after him only to immediately drag her body out of the water.

“Dragons can’t swim, huh?” Sokka chuckled, simply floating at the water’s surface, “That’s humans 1, dragons 0.” He smirked.

Azula playfully snarled at him, walking into the forest and tearing down a tree. Sokka stopped floating, mostly because he was curious about what Azula would do, and tried to get a look at what was going on in the forest. Suddenly, Azula came running back to the lake with a giant tree in her mouth and slammed it onto the top of the water then pushed forward, sending a powerful wave straight at Sokka.

“Azula!” Sokka yelled right before the wave slammed right on him. The space filled with dragon laughter and the sound of Sokka gasping for air, “That’s enough playing around in the water for today.”

The following morning, Azula shook Sokka awake, “Okay. Okay! I’m awake!” Only when Sokka actually sat up did Azula leave him alone. Once Sokka did sit up, he noticed Azula had the largest smile on her face, “What are you so happy about?”

“The curse is ending!” Azula cried, “Maybe not soon, but eventually.”

“What makes you say that?” Sokka asked.

“I remember!”

“You remember what?”

“Last night! I remember we ate dinner together and then we played in the river and the lake.” She said, “I’m remembering.”

“And you think that means that the curse is ending?” 

“It has to mean something. For three weeks I couldn’t remember anything from when I was a dragon, but now I do! That has to mean something.”

“Hopefully. Should we talk to the spirit?” 

“And let him try and strengthen my curse again?” Azula asked, “No way. If this curse is wearing off, I’m not giving him the chance to change that. We’ll just have to document the changes on our own.”

“Alright.” Sokka nodded, “I’ll start a journal or something.”

Chapter Text

Something Sokka had noticed in his time with Azula is that her dragon self and human self were very much two different beings. Her human self was on guard constantly, always prepared for anything that might come her way and insanely intelligent—which Sokka already knew thanks to the failed invasion but it always amazed him whenever they would play Pai Sho or talk about the war or any other topic and Azula showed off her intelligence. That wasn’t to say she was dumb as a dragon—despite what Azula believed—, far from it, but she seemed to have an almost unbeatable intellect when she was a human. 

As a dragon she seemed more laid back, more open and trusting as if years of Ozai’s abuse didn't matter anymore. As a human, Azula was only starting to warm up to the idea that she and Sokka could be potential friends. As a dragon, Azula wanted Sokka to be her friend. At least that’s what Sokka had discovered in his few days and nights with Azula. 

Then a few days turned into a week which turned into two weeks. Every day Sokka and Azula spent time together in the village—usually staying in Sokka’s room in the inn for privacy—and every night they were in the forest.

“How have you never seen snow?” Sokka asked, “That’s something everyone should see! Even Zuko has seen it!”

“The Fire Nation doesn’t have snow days and when I went to the Earth Kingdom it was spring. Not exactly prime weather for a blizzard.” Azula said.

“Some day you need to come to the South Pole then. I think you’d really like the snow if you got the chance to see it.” 

“You know I can’t go to the South Pole.” Azula muttered.

“Oh…right.” 

“The joys of being a wanted criminal.” The princess tried to chuckle but she was clearly distressed by her current situation.

“You’re not a wanted criminal.”

“My wanted posters would say otherwise.” Azula argued, “Sokka, I know what I am. If anything, this curse has done a good job of showing me how my efforts have been completely meaningless. All those years, all those plans for the throne…it was all pointless.”

“Plans for the throne?”

“Right, you weren’t there. After I ran away from all of you while we were looking for Ursa and returned as the Kemurikage I told Zuko that I wanted to make him into the Fire Lord I thought I was destined to be. That I wanted him to rule through fear.” Azula let out a sigh, “Spirits, it was so stupid.”

“Then…why-”

“Because I wanted the throne!” She snapped, “Because I worked my entire life, put in hours of blood, sweat and tears, suffered too many years of abuse and agony to just have the throne be given away to someone else.” 

“But it wasn’t given away.” Sokka argued, “Zuko was the better person to be Fire Lord.”

“You’re saying that if you worked for years, poured your heart and soul into showing your father that you could be a good leader of your tribe while Katara ran off with Aang, then you’d be perfectly okay with your father handing leadership of the tribe to Katara the day she returns and casting you aside.” Okay, she did have a point there. If that actually did happen, he would be pretty upset and angry with Katara.

“I see your point.” Sokka admitted, earning a bit of a shocked look from Azula.

“I’m not saying I was right to kidnap those children. Spirits, that whole attempt now just feels so sad and pathetic. It doesn’t even sound like me.” He also had to agree with her there. When Sokka finally heard the entire story, he was shocked to hear Azula did all that. It didn’t sound like her at all, “I just-I…”

Sokka reached out a hand to grab Azula’s, gently holding it in his own. Azula looked up at him, “You were angry and sad and felt like everything had been taken away from you.”

“That’s one way to put it.” Azula shrugged, “I must admit, I never thought you would understand where I was coming from. I assumed everyone would believe I was crazy and a monster and throw me in prison since the institution is no longer an option.” 

“We-...most of us don’t want to do that.” Azula kept herself from saying anything else. She wanted to believe him, she truly did, but she couldn’t. Not after everything that had happened.

“Why don’t we switch to another topic?” Azula suggested, “I heard you talking to one woman in the restaurant about how you’re good with swords.”

Sokka gave her a big smile, knowing that she wasn’t quite ready to talk about going back home yet so the best he could do was talk about something else, “I am! Trained with Master Piandao myself.” Azula allowed herself to look surprised.

“He doesn’t take many students.” She said, “How did you convince him?”

“With my wit and charm.” 

“And?” She raised an eyebrow.

“And by pretty much getting on my hands and knees and begging him and telling him I’m nothing too special but asking for the chance.” Sokka finished.

“Honesty. He admires that.”

“How do you know?” Sokka asked.

“Do you believe my brother was simply born with the knowledge to use swords?” She asked.

It took a second but Sokka’s eyes quickly widened when he put the pieces together, “Your brother trained with Master Piandao!”

“He did. I would go with him from time to time and observe the lessons. They were…decent enough to watch.” That was a lie. She found weapons to be almost as fascinating as bending. A couple of times she had almost asked Piandao to teach her how to use a weapon but always refrained. Her father wasn’t against weapons—he wanted his children to be as strong as possible—but he was very clear that Azula could only learn what he allowed and was never allowed to pick up any kind of hobby on her own.

“Wow. When I go back to the palace, I have to ask Zuko about his time with Piandao. Maybe he could teach me some new moves.” Sokka was so busy thinking that he didn’t notice Azula’s gaze shift down to the ground.

“We should go.” Azula said, “The sun is going to set soon and I’d rather not destroy Hana’s inn.” 

“You sure? We still have about an hour or so until sunset. We could stay and keep talking and-”

“I’m sure.” Azula snapped, “I’m going to the cave. You’re welcome to stay here if you wish.” She didn’t make it to the end of the hallway before Sokka ran to catch up with her, flashing her a smile that made her stomach twist in knots. What was this water tribesman doing to her?

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

It wasn’t unusual for Azula to sometimes go into the forest after transforming, but her leaving Sokka behind certainly was. For the first couple of days, she did so or, at minimum, she would check and see if he could keep up. By now she normally let him travel on her back as they went into the forest and farther away from the village. Tonight, when she finished transforming then ran off, Sokka was left utterly confused.

“Azula!” Sokka yelled. He tried to keep up with her running pace, but, as it turned out, dragons were faster than people and Sokka quickly lost her, “AZULA!” He screamed.

Nothing.

“Stupid dragon.” Sokka muttered, “Azula, I’m going back to the cave!” He yelled.

Nothing.

Sokka began to make his way back but the more he walked the more worried he grew. He didn’t recognize anything around him, he couldn’t even see the village, and there were definitely a lot of things out there that would love to take a bite out of him. Sokka kept a good grip on his sword, scanning the forest for any creature that was lying in wait for a midnight snack.

The sound of growling made him stop. The noise was close by and, somehow, Sokka knew it was being made by something bigger than him. 

“Azula, I swear to the spirits if that’s you-” Sokka didn’t get to finish because that was when a giant armadillo bear emerged from the woods, roaring at him, “Armadillo bear!!”

The animal let out another large roar, swiping its massive paws at Sokka. An armadillo bear was about the size of Appa so Sokka really wasn’t trying to get hit with a paw bigger than his face. Strategically, he knew that his best option was to hide somewhere where the armadillo bear couldn’t teach him and would eventually grow bored and leave. The problem was that there was nowhere around him that the animal couldn’t just break and grab him in his jaw.

“AZULA!” Sokka screamed, “AZULA! HELP!”

Nothing.

“Fine.” Sokka muttered.

Swiftly, he turned his sword on the armadillo bear. Thanks to how fast he was, he was able to cut the animal across the chest. The armadillo bear let out a roar of pain, giving Sokka the chance to cut him two more times. The good news was that the armadillo bear was starting to back away. The bad news was that Sokka wasn’t hitting any major spots so the animal was still very much able to attack him.

And attack him it did.

Sokka went in for a fourth strike only to have his sword hit out of his hands by the armadillo bear’s paw. Sokka tried to get his sword back but it was no use. The armadillo bear knew he had taken away the weapon that was injuring him and moved in for the kill. It pinned Sokka down beneath its paw, putting enough pressure on him that Sokka couldn’t get free. The armadillo bear growled at him as it began to open its jaw.

“This is how I go out? Killed and eaten by an armadillo bear? Maybe Katara will change the story when she finds out. Maybe she’ll say I was killed by Ozai Loyalists.” Sokka nodded to himself. That was a better way to die than this. He hoped she did that.

He waited for his end to come only to hear another large roar. Was that another predator coming to eat him? It certainly wasn’t uncommon for predators to fight over meals but why did he have to be the meal? The armadillo bear backed up, growling at the intruder. The second his paw was off of Sokka, the warrior sat up just in time to see Azula place her paw right in front of him.

“Azula?” 

The dragon roared at the armadillo bear. Her mouth began to glow light blue as she unleashed flames on the creature. It curled up into a ball to protect itself but Azula refused to let up. Finally, the bear uncurled and swiped its claws at Azula. The fresh cuts sliced through Azula’s shoulder. She growled at the armadillo bear with a renewed anger and jumped on his side. 

Thanks to the amount of force she put behind her jump, she was able to push the creature onto his side which left his stomach perfectly exposed. Azula kept him pinned down with her paws then opened her jaw and bit down hard on his stomach, pressing her teeth into the creature’s soft stomach.

“Azula! Azula, he’s dead. You’re done.” Sokka called.

As if finally hearing Sokka, Azuka pushed herself away from the dead creature.

“Wow. That was crazy. You took down an armadillo bear. Are you-” Sokka didn’t get to finish before he was tackled by the dragon. She pushed her head into his chest, purring and nuzzling him while wrapping her body around his, “I’m okay, Azula. I’m okay. Thanks to you.” Sokka continued to gently pet Azula’s fur, hugging her as tightly as he could to thank her for saving his life.

He did not expect to suddenly feel his friend turned dragon lick him, “Oh. You’re going to hate yourself for that tomorrow.” Sokka laughed.

—-------------------------

“DID I LICK YOU!?!”

Sokka didn’t stop laughing for a good hour after that. Azula’s threats be damned. Her reaction was too hilarious.

Chapter Text

Po’s restaurant was decently crowded for an early lunch time. Sokka actually had to wait a few minutes before he could be seated at a table in Azula’s section. Whenever she had come over to get his order or drink, he never spoke for too long because it was obvious she was busy. It was only when she brought him his lunch that he decided to say something.

“The way you carry my food to my table is fabulous.” He smirked, leaning on his elbow and looking up at her.

Azula rolled her eyes at the Water Tribe man, “Maybe next time I'll be very careful to not drop it on you.” With a quick innocent smile, the plate slipped from her hands and fell on his lap. Sokka grabbed a couple but the majority of the dumplings fell to the floor.

“Oh! You didn’t have to bring the dumplings into this!” He cried. His poor dumplings. They didn’t deserve this end.

“Relax.” Azula leaned into his ear, “You’ll get more for free now.” She whispered.

“Wait. You’re getting me free food? You like me.” He realized, “I knew you liked me!”

“It’ll be a cold day in the Fire Nation when I don’t find you annoying, Sokka.”

“Finding me annoying does not mean that you don’t like me.” Sokka said.

“Yeah, yeah. So, what are we doing tonight?”

“What-What are you talking about?” Sokka asked.

“I mean I get off work in a few hours. Sunset won’t be for at least 6 or 7 hours after that and you were talking early about how you wanted us to do stuff together…” Azula pressed her small notepad close to her body. She refused to let her nerves show up, especially now. But talking to Sokka wasn’t the same as Chan. It felt more…real.

“You want to do stuff….with me?” Sokka asked.

“Are we not allowed or-“

“No! No, we can do stuff. Do you want to go to the little theater they have here? Or we can go to the library?”

“The library sounds really fun. I remember your plans during the invasion. Spending my evening picking your brain about that and other military strategies sounds intriguing.” She smiled.

“It’s a date!” The second the words left his mouth both of them became quiet and turned away from one another. Was it a date? Were they even friends? They hung out a lot like friends did and talked almost everyday, but did that really make them friends? 

Sokka had never imagined that he would ever be friends with Princess Azula of all people, but she was…nice. When she was blasting him and his team with lightning that is. If her dragon self really was run by her subconscious then it was clear she was hiding a lot of stuff from people. There were a lot of walls she had put up.

“I’ll see you this evening.” Azula slipped away from his table and walked towards Po without another word.

It was probably not a coincidence that Sokka had another waitress for the rest of his lunch.

—-----------------------------------

Azula arrived at the library first. She sat herself down at a table in the back, after collecting a few books to read. As the minutes ticked by, she felt her foot begin to shake—a small habit she had picked up since the war ended. It appeared that, without her father around, her body felt more free to act in whatever way it pleased. This included her foot shaking back and forth when she thought she was about to be stood up.

Her anxiety disappeared when Sokka came running inside and spotted her. A giant smile on his face made her inner flame grow stronger. Internally, she scolded herself. What was wrong with her!?

“I’m so sorry I’m late.” He whispered, “People were stopping me and asking when Zuko and Aang would get here.”

“To handle the dragon.”

“Yeah. I guess people still know you’re in the forest. Even though you haven’t stolen anything or hurt anyone, they still want you out.”

“What did you tell them?”

“That I wanted to get more information on the dragon before I sent the letters. But I do think we need to find some kind of cure and fast.”

“You think they’ll come into the forest?” Azula asked.

“I…I don’t know. Right now I don’t think so.” Sokka admitted, “But it’s probably best that you don’t give them a reason to.”

“That’s your job.” 

“Yeah, yeah. So…umm…” Sokka’s face suddenly turned a light shade of pink, “You said you wanted to talk about military strategy?” 

“It’s okay. We really should talk about the curse and finding a cure.” Azula pushed the books she had gotten to the side of the table and stood up. She had only taken a few steps before Sokka grabbed her hand.

“Hang on.” He said, “We have time. We can take one afternoon to talk about something that isn’t the curse.” 

“And you want to talk about military strategy and Fire Nation history and things like that. I know those topics have a tendency to bore people and I wouldn’t want to be annoying or boring.”

“Are you kidding? I love that stuff! Sit back down. Let’s talk. I want to know what you thought about Long Feng’s coup in Ba Sing Se.”

Azula gave him a gentle smile before sitting back down, “You mean my coup that worked.” 

“It only worked because we didn’t even know you were in the city.”

“It’s called being sneaky. A needed tactic in war.”

“Sneak attacks don’t count. When you attacked with the drill we beat you.”

“We?” Azula chuckled, “Last I remember it was the Avatar and his waterbender doing all the work.” Or, at least, that’s what Ty Lee told her. She said that the waterbender and earthbender had been pushing the sludge back into the drill and forcing the pressure to build up.

“Hey. I’m the one who told them what to do.” Sokka argued, “They wouldn’t have figured it out without me.” Technically, Aang did change the plan in a way that allowed them to be successful but he wouldn’t have been there without Sokka’s original plan.

“Then how would you have suggested I take over the city? Since sneak attacks don’t count and the drill failed.” Azula asked, raising an eyebrow and leaning in towards Sokka.

How weird was this? The Princess of the Fire Nation was asking him how he would invade Ba Sing Se and, as she looked up at him with her bright golden eyes, Sokka felt his heart pound in his chest and his stomach twist. His fifteen year old self would probably hate him.

“Okay, picture this, you, Ty Lee and Mai go to the outer wall disguised as injured refugees-“

“How is this different from us being disguised as Kyoshi Warriors?” Azula asked.

“I’m getting to it. Now, you, Ty Lee, and Mai are disguised as refugees-“

—————————————

The sun was just starting to set when Sokka let out a quick yawn. Thanks to the past few weeks, his sleep schedule had been a bit off so he was getting more and more tired earlier in the evening because he would take naps to counter staying up all night. The books he and Azula had read through, most of them dealing with topics the two found interesting, were all over the table. In his tired state, Sokka couldn’t help but think that they looked like pillows.

“Don’t fall asleep on me.” Azula said.

“I’m not.” His stretch and yawn were a bit misleading, “I promise I’ll stay awake.” 

“You better. I need to hear the end of that cactus juice story.”

“You’re still on that?”

“You never told me the ending! I want to know what happened.”

“I eventually came out of it. The cactus juice just wore off.” Sokka shrugged.

“I don’t believe that for one second. You did something embarrassing while you were still under. I refuse to believe that ‘it’s the quenchiest’ was the most embarrassing thing you did.” Azula crossed her arms and stared down at him. He had to wonder if Azula still knew she had the look of an angry Fire Nation prodigy despite being away from the palace for so long.

“I might have seen an explosion in the distance and started waving my arms around and said, ‘it’s a giant mushroom! Maybe it’s friendly!’ if that’s what you’re digging for.” Sokka heard Azula laugh before. Most of them were evil laughs that he was sure she heard from watching her father. This one was different. This one was sweet and kind and he half expected her to snort, “Seems like it was.”

“Oh, I need to get some cactus juice and see that for myself.”

“I’ll drink some if you do.” 

“You got yourself a deal.” 

Azula turned her attention towards the sky, noticing the disappearing sun, “We should go. We have a little less than two hours before you know what appears.” She said. Sokka nodded, standing up and offering her his hand. Slowly, Azula took it. The only thing was that Sokka didn’t let go. 

The two walked, hand in hand, out of the library together and towards the cave. Sokka continued to talk, telling her more about their adventure in the desert and with the sandbenders. Although Azula wasn’t listening. Instead, the princess could feel her cheeks heating up and wanted to ask so badly if he meant to do this. Finally, she forced herself to rip her hand away.

Sokka’s smile fell. The entire walk into the forest became silent.

“I think tonight will be a cave night.” Sokka mentioned.

“Oh?” Azula asked.

“It’s going to storm.”

It was quick. If you blinked you would miss it. But it was possible to notice Azula’s eyes shrink and then return to normal.

“Storm?” She asked.

“Probably not a large storm but definitely some lightning and thunder it looks like.” Sokka shrugged, “We’ll be okay as long as we stay in the cave.”

“And how do you know that this storm will absolutely hit? Didn’t you come to this village in a huge rainstorm?” 

“I can accurately predict them. Not how long they’ll be.” Sokka chuckled, “There’s going to be a storm. I just don’t know how long it’ll last or how bad it’ll be.” 

“Great. Great. That’s great.” Azula rubbed her hands together, forcing herself to remain calm. 

“Are you okay?”

“Me? I’m fine. I’m simply annoyed that we have to have a night inside the cave. I was looking forward to getting some exploring in.” She said.

“Is that what you do when you walk off into the forest?” Sokka asked.

Azula shrugged, “Sometimes…I think. My memory has been getting better and better. I think my dragon self is-” She made it a point to look away from Sokka before finishing her sentence. It was clear that she realized the ending was not something she wanted to say in front of Sokka, “she wants to explore.”

“Okay. I’ll try to find something fun to do tonight then.” Sokka said.

“Good luck to that.”

—-------------------------------

By the time the two arrived in the cave, the sun was nearly gone and the clouds were growing closer and darker. A storm was coming. There was no doubt about it now. Azula pressed herself against the farthest part of the cave, trying not to seem rattled as the rain began to fall.

“Azula?”

Azula almost jumped at Sokka’s voice. Almost being the key word. She got a grip on herself before she did and composed a simple, “Yes.” In response.

“Are you okay? You seem nervous.”

Azula looked away from him, “I’m not nervous.” She said.

“You sure?” Sokka asked.

“Yes, Sokka. I’m sure. Now, do you have any idea about how to keep dragon me in the cave all night because it seems like I’m one sighting away from getting an arrow to the heart.” 

“I’ve been able to handle it for the last few weeks. I think I can do it again tonight. Shouldn’t be an issue.” Sokka said, plopping himself down next to the princess, “What’s wrong?” He asked again.

Sokka’s body right next to her somehow made Azula start to trip up. She never tripped up before. Even when her father would put her through torture stimulations, she never gave away a thing. It shouldn’t be that Sokka sitting next to her and looking at her with soft blue eyes was making her feel…safe and comfortable and free enough to admit the truth. But it was.

“I don’t like storms. I don’t like the lightning and thunder.” 

“Really? The lightning princess doesn’t like lightning storms?” Sokka asked.

“It’s lightning I can’t control. I can generate it just fine but if it’s out in a storm then there’s nothing I can do to fight against it and, when I was younger, my father always told me that if I disobeyed him Agni would send a bolt to strike me down. I didn’t believe him for the longest time until the Avatar took his bending. If the spirits can give a person that much power and they clearly like the Avatar then who’s to say they won’t try to strike at me.” 

Sokka didn’t say anything for a few minutes. He really didn’t know what to say. This was the first time Azula had ever shared something that intense. Slowly, he wrapped one arm around the firebender, ready to backtrack if Azula glared at him or burned him. Only, she didn’t. Rather she accepted his comfort and scootched closer to him.

“They won’t try to strike you. Lightning doesn’t have a direct target.” Sokka told her, “And, if it did, I would go straight up to Agni and ask him why he didn’t use it on Ozai. Fire spirit thinks he can sit out the entire war and then kill one of the best members of the Royal Family, he’s got another thing coming.” Azula chuckled a little.

“One of?” Azula asked, “Why am I not the best?”

“It goes Fire Prince jr, you, Zuko, Iroh-”

“Back up, back up, who’s Fire Prince jr?” Azula asked, “Don’t tell me Mai and Zuko have a heir already?”

“No! No! No!” Sokka laughed, “No. Fire Prince jr is what I named one of the baby turtleducks at the palace. He-”

Azula held up her hand, moving away from Sokka to look him straight in the eye, “Hang on. I have two questions here. What happened to Fire Prince sr?”

“We don’t talk about it.”

“....Okay…Then onto my second question, how am I ranked below a turtleduck!?!” She yelled.

“I’m sorry! He’s adorable! I can’t help it!”

“I think you can.” Azula said.

“I really can’t. Just wait until you see him. Then you’ll understand.” Sokka promised.

“See him?” Azula asked, “Sokka, I…I can’t go back to the palace.”

“But I already told you, Zuko got rid of the institution-”

“You think the Fire Nation doesn’t have more prisons?” Azula asked, “You think Zuzu won’t bend to his advisors when they demand he throws me in prison for the rest of my life?”

“Zuko wouldn’t do that.” Sokka argued.

“Can you promise me that? You can swear, on my freedom, maybe my life, that I wouldn’t be put in prison, or executed or stripped of my bending if I returned to the palace?” Sokka fell silent. His gaze fell to the floor, “That’s what I-” A large blast of lightning and thunder filled the cave. Without thinking, Azula pushed herself towards Sokka.

“It’s okay. It’s okay.” Sokka whispered, his arms holding her close to him, “I got you.”

“Sokka.”

“It’s just some thunder and lightning. I promise it will pass soon.”

“Sokka!”

“There’s gotta be something else we can talk about. Maybe-”

“SOKKA!” Azula yelled.

“What?”

“The sun has set.”

—---------------------------

Turns out, as Sokka quickly found out, Azula as a dragon didn’t like storms anymore than she did as a human. The second Azula heard another thunder blast, she was pressed against the back of the cave. Her wings were pulled into her body and her tail was wrapped around her. When the thunder hit the cave again, she buried her face under her wing. Her whole body was shaking like a leaf in a storm.

“Hey, Azula.” The dragon remained curled into a ball, “Azula?” The dragon finally looked up at him. Golden eyes stared up in fear and panic until Sokka grabbed Azula’s chin and pulled it up, “Boop.”

Azula lifted her head, cocking it to the side and giving him a soft roar, “Boop.” Sokka’s booped Azula’s snout again, chuckling at her confused expression, “Gotta say I’ve never booped a dragon before.”

Azula pulled out her own claws and brought them close to Sokka’s face. He quickly crawled off, “No, no, no. Bad idea. Bad idea. Why don’t we put those giant claws away and focus on something else? Maybe another story. You loved my cactus juice one. Do you want to hear about the time Aang infiltrated a Fire Nation school and taught them to dance?” 

The blue dragon nodded happily. She undid her curled up position and laid down so that Sokka could rest against her side. Her head found its way onto his legs. Her eyes closed when he began to gently pet her mane.

“So, we had just landed in the Fire Nation and decided that it would be better for us to blend in than hide out. We all got Fire Nation outfits to help us blend into the public and it worked like a charm. The only problem was that Aang picked a school uniform. The guards found him so fast and dragged him off to the nearest Fire Nation school because they thought he was playing hooky….”

Sokka told story after story until the two had fallen asleep inside the cave. The storm, which was dying down, became less scary and more peaceful. The rain provided a sense of calmness that lulled the two into a pleasant rest. Sokka’s eyes blinked open an hour after the storm had finally passed. The moon was starting to disappear—they probably had 2 more hours or so until sunrise if Sokka guessed—but the clouds had finally parted, allowing the moonlight to cover the forest.

“Azula. Azula.” Sokka whispered, shaking her face. 

Azula’s opened her eyes, letting out a loud yawn that showed off all her razor sharp teeth, before turning towards Sokka, “The storm is over. Do you want to go take a walk?” He asked.

The dragon looked outside the cave. She turned towards Sokka and nodded. She stood up then lowered herself down.

“You’re letting me…” Azula rolled her eyes, gesturing to her back, “Okay. Whatever you say. Wait-...Are you just doing this because you think I’m slow?” She nodded, giving off a small dragon laugh, “You’re a great friend, do you know that?” 

The forest walk wasn’t anything too new. Thanks to Azula’s presence in the forest for the last two months, she had carved herself something of a path. Most of the walk consisted of the two just going down that path and Sokka talking to her about different things. Occasionally, Azula would chime in with a growl, purr or some other dragon noise but otherwise she was silent, save the glances and glares she gave him. They were at the end of the trail when something caught Sokka’s eye.

“Wait, stop.” Sokka jumped down to the forest floor. He and Azula walked into the forest brush until Sokka found what he was looking for and pulled it out, “Azula, we need to get back to the cave. Now! Back to the cave!” He yelled. He hardly had a second before Azula took off running towards the cave. Thankfully, he had enough time to get back on her back.

The princess turned dragon didn’t stop running until she was back inside the cave. Sokka then jumped down, grabbed his sword and stared at the front of the cave. He remained that was for the next hour, watching and waiting for someone to strike.

“Sokka?” Sokka turned to see Azula looking at him with concern, “Are you okay?”

“We need to find a cure for you, Azula. Now. We’re out of time.”

“What? Why? I didn’t go into the village last night.”

“No, you didn’t.” Sokka shook his head, “But do you remember me stopping our walk because I found something.”

“Yes. You then yelled that we had to return to the cave.”

“Because I found a dragon trap.” Azula’s face went pale. It didn't take a genius to know what that meant.

“Oh, no.”

“Dragon hunters know you’re here.”

Chapter Text

“Sick?”

Po let out a sigh, “Yup. Poor thing was looking a little green this morning and then she threw up right before lunch hour, so I sent her home. She tried to say she wanted to stay until you came in but I told her that she had to return home. You know where she’s staying?”

“I have an idea.” Sokka nodded. Did Azula get sick from being out in the storm? Maybe her body was finally realizing that spending most of her time in a cave in the forest wasn't great for her immune system? Or she could have just caught something. 

“Good. I think you should go visit her. She could really benefit from seeing a friend right now.” Po said, “Or, maybe something more?”

The war hero’s face turned bright red, “What are you talking about?” Sokka shrieked.

“I’m not blind, kid. I see how you are with Azumi. You clearly care about her and she cares about you. I’ve seen her eye the window around lunchtime just waiting for you to come and then she practically sulks whenever you don’t show up. Everyone can see that you two like each other. You should ask her out. If you want I can keep the restaurant open late so you two can have a nice private dinner and watch the sunset.” 

Sokka wanted to laugh. Unless Po was ready for a dragon to destroy the building and eat everything inside that wouldn’t exactly be possible, “No thanks, Po. And Azumi and I don’t like each other. We tolerate each other at most.”

“Tolerate?” The older man rolled his eyes and walked off, “You two are the most lovesick teenagers I’ve seen in decades!” He made sure to yell that line so that all the customers turned and looked at Sokka. 

Now that he was completely embarrassed, Sokka fled the restaurant and began making his way towards the forest. He was about to leave the village when a thought occurred to him. Turning around, he eyed Hana’s inn and smiled, “Azula will love this.”

—-----------------------

Azula had returned to her cave a little before noon. Based on the sun, she’d argue that she had been back for about an hour, maybe two. Where was Sokka? Po should have told him where she was? Maybe Po didn’t tell him? Maybe Sokka thought she was at the library? Maybe he fell asleep?

“Or maybe he doesn’t care that you're sick.” She spat, “You have nothing to offer him. Why would he care that you’re sick? You’re useless. A pathetic, worthless, cursed, disgraced princess. Of course he isn’t coming. You already force him to spend every night with your cursed form. Why would he want to be around you anymore than he has to?”

Azula’s spare clothing acted as her pillow and her second pair of spares acted as a blanket. It was horrible but she didn’t have a choice. She couldn’t really stay anywhere else. Besides, if Azula was honest, this wasn’t much worse than what the Royal Fire Academy had her to for wilderness training. The only difference was that she had never had to experience wilderness training sick. 

The princess rolled onto her side, her face looking at the cave opening, when she heard the sound of footsteps coming towards the cave.

“Azula!” Sokka called, “You in there?”

“Sokka?”

“Hey!” The Water Tribesman smiled at the princess while dragging in a mattress and holding three bags of items, “Sorry I wasn’t here sooner. It took a lot of convincing to get Hana to let me leave with this.”

“You took a mattress?” Azula asked before coughing violently into her arm.

“Well, I brought you a mattress.” He corrected, “You’re sick. You shouldn’t be sleeping on the ground.” Azula climbed into the mattress once he had set it down and dressed it. It had been a while since she got to sleep in a nice bed and feeling the soft fabric against her skin and setting her head against the pillow almost made her fall asleep right then and there.

“I also brought some medicine, food, water and books.” 

“You…got all of this for me?” Azula asked, “Why?”

“...Because you need it.” Sokka spoke as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, “I want you to feel better because…you know.”

“Oh. Yes, the dragon hunters.” Azula instantly regretted nodding because her head began to ache, “I assume you have a plan for them.”

“We can talk about that later.” Sokka said, “You getting better is more important.”

“Sokka, I’m perfectly capable of planning even in this state. Just tell me-” Azula let out another couple of violent coughs. She instantly fell against the pillow afterwards with a groan.

“You know when Zuko was chasing us I got sick for a while myself.” He said. Azula raised an eyebrow, “I thought I was an earthbender.” She laughed.

“Zuzu got so sick once he threw up into his tsungi horn.” She chuckled, “Mot-Ursa took him and rushed off while myself and our music tutor were left to deal with it. Well, him more so than me.” 

“Why do you do that?” Sokka asked.

“Do what?”

“You’re about to say mom or mother but then you change and call her Ursa instead. Why?”

Silence filled the cave. Azula’s face wasn’t angry or sad or even one in deep thought it was just…there. Sokka was about to take back his question. To tell her that she didn’t have to say anything if she wasn’t ready, but that’s when she spoke.

“She doesn’t want me.” 

“What are you talking about? Ursa loves-”

“She doesn’t love me, Sokka. She abandoned me!” She hissed.

“Your father forced her to leave. She didn’t want to leave you.”

“She didn’t even try to stick around! No one knew she killed Azulon! No one would have asked! And, of course, she did everything for her precious Zuzu. I bet if Azulon had called for my head that night, she would have cheered him on.”

“Azula, that’s not true!”

“Oh? And how do you know that?” Azula asked. Her voice was growing more and more hoarse the more she yelled, “Were you there? Did you live through what I did?”

“I’ve talked to her and Zuko. I’m not saying your family was perfect, but it seems like most of the problems were caused by Azulon and Ozai. Ursa was-”

“SHE WAS MY MOTHER!” She screamed, “What kind of mother makes their child think they’re a monster!? Makes them feel like no one ever loved them!? Abandons them!? She left me! She abandoned me!! Everyone abandons me!” Her eyes widened when she realized what she said. Clearly, Azula didn’t mean for that little line to slip out. Without another word and turned on her side and faced away from Sokka. Not only that but her voice seemed to give out by the end of her yell. She grabbed the nearby water Sokka had brought her and nearly drank the whole bottle, falling back against the mattress. 

Oddly enough, getting to finally yell that—although she didn’t really want Sokka to be her audience—filled Azula with…joy. At the temple, her words didn’t feel real because she didn’t really know what in the temple was real. Everything she said to her mother, while things she had wanted to say for so long, felt empty since she was just talking to a spirit. Finally being able to say all that in front of someone was freeing.

Sokka, on the other hand, did not feel any of those emotions. He felt shocked, embarrassed and a little guilty. In a way, he understood Azula’s pain. Ursa was her mother. Azula had relied on her for so much and, clearly, something had gone wrong to the point that Azula felt like no one loved her. On the other hand, was everything Zuko and Ursa told him about their family wrong? Azula’s pain was very real but so was theirs.

“Azula?” Sokka whispered.

She didn’t respond.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been talking like I know more about your family than you do.”

No response.

“I…I’ll go.” He stood up and turned towards the front of the cave. He was about halfway to his feet when he felt someone grab his shirt. Azula still wasn’t looking at him but she had grabbed hold of him with two fingers.

“Stay.” She whispered.

“Okay. I’ll stay.” Sokka nodded, taking a seat back down, “.....You know I once got two fish hooks stuck in my thumb.”

“....Two?” Azula asked.

“I tried to get the first one out with a second one.” He explained. Azula’s laughter, albeit hardly audible, filled the room, “And where was my little sister with healing abilities. Nowhere to be found. Yup. She just left me to deal with it all by myself. Oh! And remember when I said I got sick and thought I was an airbender-”

“You said earthbender.”

Sokka smiled. She was paying attention, “Right. Sorry. Anyways, Aang’s medicine for me: sucking on frozen frogs.” Azula turned to look at him.

“That can’t be true.” She gave him a half smile before coughing again and holding her head.

“I swear on my boomerang-I swear on meat! It’s true. Me and Katara had to literally suck on them to get better.” While talking, Sokka handed her some medicine he got from the village.

“I’m telling you right now I’m not sucking on any frozen frogs.” Azula said.

“You shouldn’t have to suffer through that.” Sokka nodded, “You know you were telling me yesterday about how you crafted the plan to counter the invasion. I’ve been thinking about it since then and I’m curious about something: what was your plan if we had found Ozai first?”

Azula perked up at that question, changing her position so that she was sitting on the mattress, “First of all, you never would have found Ozai first. That’s why we switched bunkers.”

“Wasn’t he in Zuko’s bunker? What if we decided we wanted to go attack Zuko and then the Fire Lord?” Sokka asked.

“There’s no reason for you to have done that.”

“But what if we did.”

“You wouldn’t have. You would have wanted to use all your possible time during the eclipse against my father, not Zuko. If you had run out of time and decided to attack Zuko’s room to have a hostage or something like that, then it doesn’t matter because my father would have just threatened to bomb the other invaders and you would have left.” Azula said.

“You’re not answering my question though. What if we did? What if I just randomly said ‘I want to attack Zuko for what he did during Ba Sing Se’? What would have happened?”

“You would have never said that.”

“You’re not very good at what if scenarios, are you?” Sokka asked, chuckling a little.

“I’m amazing at realistic what if scenarios.” Azula grinned.

“Fine. Fine. How about this: do you think we would have won if you didn’t know about the invasion?” He asked.

“Now that’s a good question.” 

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

One by one the days passed by. Sokka continued to go between the village and the cave, gathering supplies for the entire week they spent in the cave together. The worst of it was during the middle of the week. The entire day Azula hardly spoke and was constantly wanting more and more medicine. Sokka eventually just had to take the whole pack away from her. Her dragon form wasn’t much better. Sokka got a bit of a burned butt when he refused to give her more medicine. Finally, after a week of being sick, Azula was back to normal.

“You’re okay?”

“I think so. My headache is gone, my throat feels good, I’m not coughing and I haven’t thrown up in at least 48 hours.” 

“That’s always great to hear.” Sokka said, sitting down next to her, “Hey…I know we’re trying to fix your curse and everything but do you want to keep this mattress?”

“It’s Hana’s. I can’t steal from her.” Not Hana. Anyone else but Hana. It would be like kicking a blind polar dog.

“I’ll pay her to get a new one.” Sokka offered, “Sleeping on the ground can’t be comfortable.”

“I’ve survived worse.”

“Yes, but you shouldn’t have to.” Sokka corrected, “Please. Just take it.”

“Fine. If you insist then I’ll have this cushy, comfortable bed.” 

“Thank you for your sacrifice, Princess.” Azula smiled. The laughter died down as she and Sokka continued to look up at one another.

“I…”

Sokka placed a hand on Azula’s cheek. His eyes and hers began to close while he was bringing his lips closer and closer to hers. Both of them had kissed before but something about this time felt so much different. Their lips were an inch away from one another when Azula pulled away.

Sokka’s eyes opened widely, “I-I’m sorry. I thought-“

“I want you to leave, Sokka.”

“What?”

“I want you to go. Go back to the palace, the South Pole, Ba Sing Se, anywhere that isn’t here.” Azula wrapped her arms around her body and turned away from Sokka.

“What, why? Because we almost kissed? I don’t get it. Did I do something? I’m sorry if I moved too fast. I really thought-“

“Stop. Just stop.” Azula snapped, “I want you to go. I don’t know how much clearer I can be.”

“You need to be a lot clearer because I don’t know why you want me to leave. We were sitting together last night and laughing so hard that water came out of my nose. How can you now be asking me to leave?”

“Simple. Leave!” 

“Why!?”

“I don’t have to tell you why! I want you to go!”

“I think I’m owed something of an explanation, Azula! I spent the last almost four weeks helping you and protecting your secret! You need to tell me why you’re suddenly done with me!”

“Because I don’t want to kiss you, Sokka. I don't want to date you, I don’t want to be your little girlfriend, I don’t want anything to do with someone who ruined my life! You’re one of the reasons I was cursed in the first place! Why would I ever want to be with someone like you!?”

“I didn’t ruin your life-”

“Look around! Almost everything that’s happened to me is either the Avatar or Zuko’s fault and you helped them both!” She yelled, “So leave! Leave this place! I don’t want to see you anymore!”

“You can’t just tell me to leave a village!” Sokka yelled.

“Fine. But I don’t want you coming to see me in the forest anymore. I don’t want you anywhere near me even when I’m a dragon! Our little agreement is over! Go!” Sokka could only stare at her like she was insane. His eyes were wide and his lips started to tremble. Azula could feel her stomach tighten. 

His voice was so low, “Azula-”

“I said go!” She screamed, “I don’t want to see you anymore!”

Without another word, Sokka turned and left the cave, leaving Azula all alone. She waited for him to leave, for his footsteps to get further and further away, before collapsing against her mattress and putting a hand over her face to halfheartedly hide the fact that her body was shaking with sobs.

“You monster.”

Chapter Text

That night, Sokka remained at the window, staring at the sunset, until the sun was completely gone from the sky. If he looked carefully, he swore he could still see the cave where Azula was hiding. This would be his first night away from the cave and Azula while she was a dragon. But going back to the cave meant a possible fireball that Sokka really didn’t want to deal with right now. 

“Knock. Knock.” Hana said, opening the door, “May I come in?”

“Come on in, Hana.” Sokka called, “You got the money I gave you for the bed, right?”

“I did. I would like to know how you lost an entire mattress though.”

“That’s a story for me to know and you to find out.” 

Hana gave him a soft laugh, “I suppose that’s fair.” She then noticed that his belongings were in the room anymore. He was packed up, “Are you leaving?”

“I….don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” Hana asked.

“I feel like I should go, but I also feel like it’s better for me to stay. I really don’t know.” 

“Care to explain?” 

“I can’t.”

“Sokka?” He looked up at her, “Does this have to do with Azumi and the dragon? With her being the dragon?”

Sokka’s jaw dropped, “You know!?”

“I’ve lived a long time and I’ve lived next to that spirit for a long time. Azumi is not the first person to be on the receiving end of one of his deals.” Hana said, “I never said anything because I felt like it was none of my business. Azumi seems to be a very smart and capable person. I figured she could handle herself.”

He snorted at that, “Trust me. She can. She can handle herself so much that she kicked me out and told me to leave the village.” Sokka leaned against the railing on his window, staring out at the village below him. 

“Ohhh.” Hana realized, “She told you to leave but you want to stay and be here for her.” 

“Basically. I-I don’t know why but I do care about her and I don’t want anything to happen to her. She just doesn’t want me to care. She doesn’t want me around anymore.” 

“Well, speaking as an old lady, I can tell that you do know why you like her. You know exactly why you like her. That’s why you can’t leave. That’s why you haven’t completely packed up and already hit the road for some other town.” 

"And what makes you think I know why I like her? Because I don't. Simple as that," Sokka said, crossing his arms. 

Hana laughed loudly. "Then leave. But we both know you won't. Whether it's attraction, lust, or love, you care for Azumi. Why are you denying the truth?"

“Because…I knew Azumi before she came to this village. She and I weren’t exactly what you would call friends. In fact, I’d call us enemies. She disappeared and I never really thought of her at all until finding her here, but these last two months have been…amazing. I’ve really had fun with her and gotten to know her. She’s not a bad person. I…I think…”

“You like being around her?”

He nodded.

“You want to stay?”

He nodded again.

“I think you should stay then.”

“But she told me to-“

“Sokka, you like her. You care about her. I think you want to stay. Am I wrong?”

“I-I mean I-….I don’t want to leave.” Sokka finally admitted, “I’m just scared that there’s no point in me staying. That she won’t like me back or gets angry when she finds out I stayed. I’ll have sat around this village for no reason.”

“Well, not for no reason. You’ll have kept me company.” Hana said. Sokka chuckled a little at her joke, “As for Azumi, I’ve seen the way she acts around you. She likes you.”

“Yeah, right.” He scoffed.

“I’m serious. I’ve seen how she acts around you. Everyone has. It’s obvious that she likes you.” First Po and now Hana. Did he really miss all the obvious signs, “She doesn’t know how to admit that to you or herself.”

“What do you mean?”

“People who make deals with the spirits are rarely in a good place in their lives. They’re scared, lost, searching for anything familiar and the spirit promises to give that to them.”

Hana took a deep breath, looking down at the people below them. The village was growing more and more quiet by the second. Now that it was officially night, people were starting to end conversations, close shops, and head home.

“I admit I don't know why Azumi made that deal, but I’m willing to bet good money that she did so trying to cling to something familiar. To a false promise the spirit gave her.” 

“To a chance to go home.” Sokka whispered.

“What?”

“Nothing. Nothing.” Sokka shook his head. He brought a hand to his hair and rested his elbow on the railing.

“Again, this is all the opinion of an old woman, but, if you ask me, Azumi is holding onto this familiarity, to whatever the spirit gave her that made her into a dragon, that it’s become so hard for her to accept any new changes or emotions. It’s hard for her to accept you.”

“Wow.” Sokka whispered, “You know you should have another business where you offer people advice and counseling?”

“I should?”

“You’re good at it. You’re good at reading people.”

“It’s not reading people. It’s being old and wanting to hit your head against the wall watching young people wasn’t the time they have. I’m just happy you seem to be listening to my advice.” Sokka smiled at her.

“It’s good advice. You remind me of this other person I know. He gives some good advice. And great tea.”

“Sadly I’m not gifted at making tea, but I make some delicious dumplings.”

Sokka faked a gasp, placing a hand on his chest, “And you waited until I was almost out the door to tell me.”

“I’ll make them for lunch tomorrow as an apology. How about that?”

“Works for me.”

A sigh escaped from the old woman's mouth, “Sokka, Azumi’s deal was a desperate one, yes, but it was one she made because she was alone. She didn’t have anyone when she came to town and, as much as she tried to brush it off, she was very lonely. Now she has you.”

“I-“

“And, if I’m not mistaken, hasn’t her deal with the spirit been getting weaker?” Sokka’s eyes grew. Was she saying…? 

“You mean I-“

“I don’t know anything for sure, but you might be the key to Azumi being free of her deal.” 

Sokka’s heart was pounding. Could he? Could he be the reason Azula was free of her curse? Was he the reason it was getting weaker or was that just how spirit deals worked?

“Hana-“ Sokka stopped talking when a noise filled the air. When it stopped, a different kind of noise—one that sounded more human—appeared.

“What’s the noise?” Sokka asked.

“It sounds like yelling.” Hana whispered.

The two walked out of the inn and poked their heads around, searching for the source of the commotion. The screaming and shouts were growing louder and louder and so was the sound of something big hitting the ground. Something like dragon footsteps.

“Oh, no.” Sokka whispered.

Azula jumped over one of the stores, landing right in front of the inn and Sokka. The second she saw him, she pushed her head against him, “Azula, what are you doing here? You can’t be in the village.” She gave him a sad look, pressing her head against him again.

“Azula?” Hana asked.

“I’ll explain later. This is Azumi.” Sokka said.

“Azumi?” Azula gently touched her snout to Hana, purring loudly, “Hi, dear. It’s good to see you too.” Hana smiled, placing a hand on Azula’s chin.

“Azula. You have to leave now. Go back to the forest. Get out of here before-”

He wasn’t able to finish. Someone tossed a spear through the air and it landed directly into Azula’s leg. The dragon let out the largest roar she possibly could, turning back to face her attackers with blue fire at the ready. Her fire came blasting out, sending many shops ablaze. A couple men tried to come at her again, throwing spears her way. One or two made contact, resulting in Azula roaring in pain again, but the dragon also used her tail to whack them to the side.

“Azula! No!” He jumped in front of the dragon, “You can’t attack them! Just follow me! We’ll get you out of here. I-” Once again, Sokka was cut off. This time by a net. Someone had managed to find an ocean fishing net—probably not a big ask for a village in the Fire Nation—and threw it around Azula. She roared in distress when she was forced to the ground. Three men ran past Sokka, pushing Azula’s snout down against the ground to prevent more firebreathing.

“STOP!” 

“Why? We got it! We captured the dragon!” 

“Release her now!” Sokka screamed.

“Why would we do that?” Someone asked.

“I spoke with Fire Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang. They said that should any harm come to this dragon this entire village would be overrun with angry spirits. Right now I’m looking at an injured and freaked out dragon. I’m sure the spirits wouldn’t like this at all.” Sokka threatened.

“You said you would get in touch with Fire Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang weeks ago! How do we know you’re telling the truth!?” 

Hana suddenly ran to Sokka’s side, “I can confirm that the Fire Lord and Avatar want this dragon unharmed. Fire Lord Zuko said that he plans to move her to the mountains near Caldera.” She lied, “The reason they are late is because no device is big enough to hold a dragon. They had to make one.” Sokka couldn't help being surprised. Hana could be a good liar when she wanted to be.

“This dragon just burned some of our stores to the ground! Screw what the Fire Lord says!” One of the villagers grabbed a spear out of someone’s hands and went running towards Azula.

He didn’t get anywhere near her. Sokka had grabbed his own sword and pushed him back. The villager stumbled but managed to keep his footing and charged at Sokka once more. Sokka didn’t have years of experience like some masters, but he certainly had more than this guy. It didn’t take long for him to force the man to the ground and place his sword at his throat.

“You’re protecting that dragon more than us!” The villager yelled, “You only care about that thing! That monster!” 

“Kai, stop!” A few people yelled, “He beat you!”

“Say another word.” Sokka growled, his sword now pressing harshly against his throat, “One more.” He didn’t, “Good. Release the dragon now!” 

It didn’t happen at once, but bit by bit the villagers untangled the dragon from the net. The second she was free, she jumped over Sokka, placing an arm in front of him and growling at the villagers.

“I’ll take her back into the forest. I swear to you that she won’t return to your village.” It was obvious that no one believed him. Why would they? He promised the dragon would be removed by now and tonight she had come into their village and burned down buildings and injured people. True, Azula was defending herself but they didn’t care.

“To show you that I’m serious about staying and making this right. All my money that I have will be given to the village to help you rebuild your stores.”

Given the fact that Sokka had about 300 gold pieces—courtesy of Zuko and his insistence that Sokka have plenty of money for his travels—this more than pleased the villagers. Especially when Sokka added that he would work as free labor during the day to help them rebuild. With everyone mostly pleased, Sokka started to lead Azula out of the village which wasn’t difficult at all.

“You just had to come running after me, huh? I know you’re not fully yourself like this but straight into the village? It’s like you were trying to get killed.” Azula sent a huff of smoke into his face, “Don’t get mad at me. You told me to leave. Well…your human self did but still.”

When they returned to the cave, Azula laid down against the side, clearly exhausted. Sokka, who was also very tired, was ready to lay down next to her and fall asleep until he noticed her eyes were squeezed shut and she was making a quiet yowling and hissing noise.

“Oh, spirits, the spears.” Two of them were still stuck in her. One was in her leg and the other was in her back less than an inch under her wing, “Azula, I have to pull these out, okay?” The dragon hissed when he touched one, “I know, but you can’t change back with these things still stuck in you. Just…don’t barbeque me and we’ll be okay. Here we go. One…two…and-” 

Azula roared when he yanked it out, “That’s one! Now for the second one.” He grabbed the second spear just as Azula began to hiss again, “Last one, I promise. One…two…and three!” 

Hana, all the way back in the village and in her bed, winced as the sounds of pain of the dragon. 

—----------------------------

“You’re sure?” The man asking the question was big. He was easily 6’6 and dressed in very fine Fire Nation clothing. Compared to Kai, one could tell that he was taller, bigger, more wealthy and more dangerous, without either of them having to utter a single word.

“I’m positive.” Kai said, “A dragon. A real dragon. I saw it. We had it captured earlier tonight but that Sokka kid refused to let us kill her.”

“Why? Doesn’t he know how much a dragon’s head is worth?”

“He doesn’t seem to care about worth. He said Fire Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang want the dragon relocated. Everyone in the village is fine with that so they just rolled over and freed her.”

The big man let out a loud laugh, “They freed the beast? I guess that just means there’s a dragon out there for us. You said the dragon is blue? A beautiful scale color. It’s been a while since my family killed a blue dragon.”

“But…Daiju, sir,” He turned towards one of the other men in the room, “if Fire Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang know about this dragon then maybe we-”

“Relax, kid. We only get in trouble if they manage to prove we committed a crime. Fire Lord Zuko is soft. As long as we can kill her, sell her parts, and do all it quietly and quickly. Then there’s nothing he can do about it.” Daiju chuckled, “Get the gear and get everyone together.”

Kai spoke up, “How long will it take for you to rid my village of this dragon?”

“We should be there in about two days. It’ll only take a night or two to capture this beast and less than that to get her out of the Fire Nation. Relax. We’ll be there.”

The villager nodded, “Two days. Got it.”

Chapter Text

The next morning, Sokka was woken up by someone tapping his shoulder. He groaned and turned on his side, hoping whoever it was would leave him be. That only got the person to grab both his shoulders and shake him until he was fully woken up.

“I’m up! I’m up!” He cried, “Wha-What’s going on?”

“Good morning.” The events of last night hit Sokka’s like a brick. His eyes snapped open and he looked over at Azula, who was sitting down in front of him, “I think we need to talk.”

“I agree.” Sokka said, sitting up as well, “Do you-Do you want to start?”

She nodded, “You saved my life. You could have let them kill me, but you didn’t. And you helped me back to the cave and took care of me and-and…why? I don’t get it! It doesn’t make any sense.”

“What doesn’t make sense about it?” Sokka asked, “I couldn’t let them kill you and of course I’m going to help when I realize you have spears in your body. What heartless person would just leave you to die?”

“Everyone! Everyone would leave me to die if they got the chance. One more monster out of this world. The only reason they’d keep me alive is to throw me in prison and be able to say they’re morally superior.”

“You’re not a monster.” Sokka said, “And I wouldn’t leave you to die. I care about what happens to you.”

“But why?!” Azula demanded, “Why?”

“I like you!” 

The silence that filled the cave was intense. Sokka had to give Azula credit. She was amazing at blank stares to conceal her emotions. He really couldn’t tell if she was mad, happy, upset, or anything. Her expression was completely blank. His not so much. Obviously Sokka couldn’t see his own face, but he wasn’t really trying to hide how nervous he was.

“You…like me?”

“Yes.” He admitted, “You’re smart, funny, an amazing fighter, beautiful, and I’ve just really grown to like you these past few weeks. I thought I made this clear when I tried to kiss you."

A dark blush grew on Azula’s face, “I still can’t say I understand why, but…thank you.” 

“You’re welcome.”

“Sokka, I…I don’t know or-I mean I think I might…” The princess bit down on her lip. Her mind was pulling her in so many directions that she didn’t know what to say.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t feel the same way.” He said, “I don’t want to force you into anything.”

“You’re not forcing me into anything.” Azula said, “But I don’t think I want to talk about this anymore.” If they did, she would screw it up. She’d say the wrong thing and Sokka’s feelings would be crushed. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him anymore than she already had.

And speaking of that, “I’m sorry by the way. For yesterday, I shouldn’t have yelled at you or told you to leave. Clearly, my dragon self was not ready for you to go.” She said.

“I did find that kind of sweet.” Sokka chuckled.

“Sweet or incredibly stupid?” Azula asked.

“Sweet. You ran right into the village to try and find me then tried to protect me from the villagers. If I wasn’t so busy trying to keep everyone from killing you, I would have savored the moment more.” 

“And I got hit in the leg and back by spears. Dragon or human, that does not feel good.” 

“How are your injuries by the way?” Sokka asked, “I did what I could to bandage your wounds last night. Is it still working?”

“The banadages are fine. It still hurts to move around too much though so I think I’ll be staying here for the day. Po will understand that I’m sick or overslept.” Azula shrugged, leaning her body against the wall and making sure to not lean against her injury.

“Do you…want me to stay here in the cave with you?” Sokka asked.

“Do you?”

“I think we established that I do.” Sokka smiled, “The question is, do you want me to stay?”

Did she? Did she want him to stay? It would get pretty lonely without someone to keep her company and Sokka was good company. But would saying yes be a signal to him that she might like him? She wasn’t ready to say that yet. Azula mentally hit herself. How was she making this big a deal over a simple question? She made military decisions with people’s lives on the line in less time than this. Yes or no. Did she want Sokka to stay in the cave with her?

“Yes. I’d like that.”

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

Azula had a secret. A secret even Ty Lee and Mai didn’t know about. It was one of those secrets where you’d sooner die than ever let someone find it out. The secret? She loved romance novels. All those sickly romantic novels where you could see the ending coming a mile away. Where the dialogue was so predictable but you couldn’t put the book down. Azula knew they were bad but it didn’t stop her from forming a secret collection and hiding them in her room.

It was one of her greatest secrets and now Sokka knew.

“You’ve read A Flower’s Dream?” Sokka bellowed out the loudest laugh his body could make, “You?!?”

“I have an appreciation for fine literature. What’s so wrong about that?”

“We-We are talking about the same book right? Written by that Anonymous author? With the two people making out on the cover?”

“I thought you weren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover. Isn’t that what everyone says?” A stupid saying in Azula’s eyes but Sokka didn’t need to know she found it ridiculous.

“I think we can ignore that in this case. How did you even find the book?”

“I was taking a walk through the palace one day and one of the servants left it behind. I started reading and couldn’t stop so I took the book to my room to finish it.” Azula explained.

“And?”

“….And proceeded to buy the whole series.” Azula muttered to Sokka’s laughter, “Okay! Okay! I said my embarrassing thing. Now you have to say something.”

“I don’t think I have anything as embarrassing as that.” He smirked.

“I guarantee that you do Mr. Got-two-fish-hooks-stuck-in-my-thumb.”

“Let me think. Let me think.” He leaned back against the cave wall. There had to be something that he could tell her that he hadn’t said already. A lot of his best material had already been used when Azula was sick, “Oh! Here’s something I never told anyone.”

“I’m listening.”

“Suki and I broke up a little after the war because we couldn’t find any time to be together. We broke up so fast because we were both busy with our responsibilities that I never got the chance to really talk to her. Since I couldn’t talk to Suki, I decided to talk to a tree in the palace garden and I talked to it…like it was Suki.” Azula’s lips began to tremble, “Bottom line, I just said all the things I wanted to say to Suki to the tree and then hugged it and thanked it for its help.”

“I’m sorry. How is this less embarrassing than liking a book genre?” Azula laughed, “You were talking to and hugging a tree.”

“And I’m not done.” Sokka winced, “One of the servants saw me and I panicked. Guess what I told the servant? I told him that the tree was my girlfriend. To this day, I still remember the man looking at me like I was insane and then shaking his head and walking away. Needless to say, I never returned to that tree again and spent the next three weeks in terror that he would tell Zuko I was insane.”

“First girlfriend was a tree and your current crush turns into a dragon every night. Scoreboard isn’t looking so good for you.” Azula said.

“Hey, hey, my first girlfriend turned into the moon.” Sokka corrected, “My second girlfriend was Suki, third girlfriend was tree Suki and my current crush is you.” His cheeks still blushed whenever he called Azula his crush. It felt so weird to admit it so openly.

“Wait. Your first girlfriend turned into the moon?” Azula asked.

“That’s a story for another time.” Sokka shook his head.

Without another word, Azula understood his message, “So, how long did you and tree Suki date? Was it serious?”

“Oh, so serious. I was about to meet her parents actually.”

“Poor thing must have been crushed.”

Sokka let out a small sigh after chuckling at Azula’s joking tone, “Hey…ummm…When I went into town to get some food, they said that there’s going to be a Harvest Festival tomorrow.”

“Really? Even after I burned down their stores and attacked people?” She asked.

“They want to have one anyway. It’s a festival to honor the spirits and, according to them, it’s not the best time to be disrespecting the spirits with a dragon in their forest so they’re planning on celebrating it as best they can. The festival starts an hour before sunset which would give us enough time to enjoy it and-”

“Wait, wait. Are you…asking me out?” Azula asked.

“Well, I-I mean…kinda?” Azula blushed, “We don’t have to call it a date or anything! It can just be two friends going to a festival together and you eating all the food with the word flaming in the tit le because I cannot.”

“Sokka, I…I don’t know-”

“Please, Azula. You deserve to have a little fun. When was the last time you got to actually have fun, even with your Kemurikage friends? We don’t have to stay long. Just long enough for some good food and for me to beat you at some games.”

“If we’re staying until you beat me in any kind of game then we’ll be there forever. I don’t lose.” She grinned.

“And there’s the competitive streak Zuko, Ty Lee and Mai told us about.” 

“I’m not competitive. I just don’t like losing so I make sure that that will never happen….Okay. I hear it.”

“What do you say?” Sokka asked.

Azula offered Sokka a smile, nodding at him, “Alright. I’ll go. Let’s go to the Harvest Festival!”

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

Dragon hunting had been a dead sport long before Zuko took over. Iroh was said to have killed the last dragon years ago, right after Ozai came to power. When news spread that there were no more dragons, dragon hunters took up different jobs and forgot about the sport altogether. 

Daiju had been a hunter when Iroh announced his victory. He, like all other hunters, hung up his sword and spear and turned to another line of work. But he couldn’t ignore the rumor that a dragon was alive and living in a nearby forest. When Kai arrived and told him it was true, he knew he had to be the one to claim the monster. Iroh might believe he killed the last dragon but Daiju would be the one to truly have that honor.

“Daiju, don’t we need more men?” Someone asked, “We’re going to fight a dragon and we only have 4 people.” 

That’s true. His crew consisted of 3 men, including himself, and 1 woman. One of the men was his brother, the other was his nephew—a young and scrawny kid—and the woman was a former dragon hunter as well looking for another kill.

“We’ll be fine. This creature is on its own. She has no flock, no mountain to hide in and we’ll be attacking on a clear night so no clouds to fly into either. What we have to make sure of is that we attack at the right point. If we go in too early we risk sending her into the village and that’ll cause too much commotion. We need to handle this quickly and quietly.”

“You’ve told us that thirty times now.” The woman groaned, rolling her eyes, “Come on. Let’s just get going. This dragon isn’t going to kill itself.”

“Alright. Let’s load up! We will attack tomorrow night. I want a few hours to get the lay of the land.”

“You ready?” Daiju heard his brother ask his son, “Your first dragon kill.”

“I…guess. What if someone sees us? What if we get in trouble?”

“No one will see us.” His brother told him, “And, once we’re paid, I’ll buy you that gift you’ve been wanting.”

“Tickets to Ember Island?!” 

“Yup. A whole week of you, me and your mom on the beach and living easy. Then we’ll use the rest on a new house, better clothes-“

“Don’t go spending it all too fast.” Daiju advised, “This is the last dragon. There won’t be any more kills after this.”

“I’m sorry but how much did you say we could get for just one horn?”

“If I’m using past numbers then 500 gold pieces per horn. For the last dragon we might be able to get 600 gold pieces.” The boy’s jaw dropped. 

“I don’t foresee money being a problem in any of our futures after this.” The other hunter said.

“It won’t be as long as we get the job done. Get the ostrich horses moving. We’re heading to that village to kill us a dragon.”

Chapter Text

The village had little red lights strung across the buildings, leading to the center where they all came together and hung around a fire statue. The stores, homes and other buildings were also adorned with red lanterns to light the entire place up. All this combined with the various lit torches made the entire village appear to be bathed in a beautiful red and orange light, especially given that the sun was beginning to lower.

“What’s first?” Azula asked.

“How about this game?” Sokka gestured to the closest game to them: a game where the person was given a small metal ball and made to knock down as many stacks of flattened stones—placed in the shape of a wall—as possible.

“Alright. This is a good game to destroy you in.” Azula decided, picking up one of the balls.

“Knock them all down, you get one of the big prizes. Knock down some, you get one of the tiny ones. Knock down a few, you get nothing.” The person, a boy the same age or a year younger than Sokka, behind the booth told them.

“What’s the difference between some and a few?” Sokka asked.

“That’s for me to know and you to find out.” He shrugged, grinning a little, “Alright, pretty lady. Let’s see your throw. I’ll give you an extra ball or two if you need it.” He added.

Azula narrowed her eyes at the man, “Thank you for such a kind offer. Could I get them now?” 

“Of course.” He placed three metal balls in front of Azula. At first, she picked one up and moved it between her hands, acting as though it was too heavy for her, “Do you need some help? I can show you how to get the perfect throw.” He said, leaning towards her.

Azula wanted to gag at the smell of his breath, but she had far more control than that, “I think I can do it.” She let out her best ‘Ty Lee’ giggle, “I just need to…” Within a second, she grabbed all three of the balls and tossed them at the walls, hitting everything dead center and forcing the tiny stones to fall to the ground.

“I-but you-how-you-”

“And I don’t need any of the giant stuffed animals. I’m only doing this to prove a point.” She said.

“No, no, no, she’ll take the giant fire ferret.” Sokka quickly said, “That big red one up there.” The boy, still in too much shock to argue, grabbed it for Sokka and handed it to him, “Thank you!”

“Sokka, we don’t need that.” 

Sokka ignored Azula’s words and hugged the giant stuffed animal, “Yes, we do. It’s soft and giant. It’s perfect. Besides, maybe in a few hours you’ll change your mind.” Azula’s eyes widened and she nodded. That’s why he wanted it. He wanted to see how her dragon self would react to them, “Come on. You won this game but I guarantee that I can win the next one.”

“In your dreams.”

“Just pick the game, Azumi , and I will win.”

“Alright. How about….that one? It has water. Maybe you’ll channel your inner waterbender energy.” She was pointing to a game with fifteen cups all filled with water. At the bottom of the cups were tiny plastic toys and, at the table where people walked up to, was a bottle of tiny throwing balls. Based on what Sokka saw, it looked like the goal of the game was to throw the balls into the cups and you would get the prize inside.

“It’s a smaller prize.” Sokka muttered.

“No reason not to play. We’re playing for the wins, not the prizes.” She reminded him, “Unless you’re too scared to play. I understand. I am a difficult adversary to beat. You shouldn’t feel bad.”

Sokka did not take lightly to Azula’s challenge. Prize or not, he would show that he could beat her, “Oh, you are on.” 

The two ran over to the game. Sokka grabbed a nearby cup filled with small balls as light as a feather and began to aim them over the cups. One by one, he hit cup after cup after cup. Then, on his final throw, the ball rolled on the side of the cup before falling down to the ground below.

Azula raised a fist in victory, “YES! I have defeated you for all time! You will never rise from the ashes of your shame and humiliation!” 

“....Zuko really downplayed the competitive edge you have.” Sokka said, “And we’re not done. There are more games to play and we have some time before we have to be at the cave.”

“If you wish to be humiliated and shamed more then I won’t stand in your way.” She smiled, “Let’s go!”

“Slow down! I gotta get some snacks!”

—--------------------------------

After an hour of playing games and grabbing as many snacks and candies as they possibly could—Sokka had enough cookies, fire gummies and flaming fire flakes to last for a week—, the two collected all their winnings and treats and began walking back towards the cave. As they were leaving the village, Azula stopped.

“Azula?” Sokka asked, “We have to go.” 

In her arms, Azula held a few snacks and one tiny dragon plushie that she had honestly found really cute and hoped her dragon self wouldn’t destroy. However, in front of her was a mother trying to quiet her young daughter who didn’t win a single prize the whole night. Azula took the small plushie and knelt down to the daughter’s level.

“You don’t have to-”

“Here.” She whispered.

“Thank you!” The little girl cried, hugging the plushie, “Mommy! I got a plushie! I got a plushie!”

“Thank you.” The mom whispered.

“You’re welcome.” Azula turned back towards Sokka and the village exit. They resumed their walk for all of five minutes until Azula had had enough of Sokka staring at her, “What?”

“You’re a big softie.”

“I am not.”

“You are.” Sokka chuckled, “You’re a softie.”

“I am not a softie. I just couldn’t stand hearing that girl cry anymore.” Azula snapped.

“No. You’re a softie.” 

“There’s no changing your mind, is there?”

“Nope.”

“It serves me right for trying to do a good deed.” Azula said, “Oh! I almost forgot. I overheard from some of the villagers that they’re doing a fireworks show tonight. I think we should head east to the mountains over there and watch the show.” She suggested.

Sokka looked to where Azula was pointing. There were a few mountains not far from them but she was pointing to a midway point. If they didn’t have to go too far then Sokka liked the idea of watching the fireworks from their own private area.

“Sure! Sounds like fun!” Sokka grinned. He stopped walking when he noticed some men walking into the town. Quickly, he pulled Azula aside as they watched the group enter, “What do they want?”

“They’re dragon hunters.” Azula whispered, sensing Sokka’s confusion she continued, “Father used to have them in the palace because he still believed there were a few dragons left. He wanted to be the one to claim the head of the final dragon and show that he deserved the dragon title as well.” 

“Maybe we should stay in the cave tonight.”

“Why? I can handle a couple idiots walking around with spears and so can you. We shouldn’t let them ruin our fun. Besides, we’ll be hidden up in the mountains. They won’t find us.” She shrugged.

“Azula…”

“We’ll be fine, Sokka. If it looks like there’s trouble then we’ll go back to the cave, okay?” She offered.

Sokka let out a sigh and pressed his lips together but it was clear Azula wasn’t moving on this topic, “Okay, okay. Let’s drop this off then see some-“ The young war hero cut himself off when he noticed the position of the sun, “Sun’s gone.”

“Hold this.” Azula handed him her box of snacks as she wrapped her arms around her body. As he always did, Sokka looked away while Azula transformed. He only reopened them when he felt warm air hit his face.

“Hey, Azula. Still up for the fireworks display.” The dragon happily nodded, grabbing Sokka’s jacket in her mouth and trying to drag him up there, “Wait! Wait! I gotta put the stuff in the cave first.” She rolled her eyes in response, “Yeah. Yeah. I’ll be quick.” 

Sokka ran to their cave and tossed the items under the mattress. Hopefully, that would keep them safe from wild animals that might want to break in and get something to eat. Even though this whole exchange took him three or so minutes, Azula was right outside the cave, roaring in annoyance. 

“I’m coming! I’m coming!” He called, “The fireworks won’t start for a bit. Why don’t we just walk up to the cliff?” Azula took some time to think his words over and then nodded.

“Listen, I was thinking about the curse.” Was it the best idea to talk to her while she was a dragon? Probably not. But it seemed better to bring up the conversation now, “It’s still happening every night and, aside from you remembering now what happens at night, nothing is really changing. I think it’s time to go back to the spirit.” Azula froze in her tracks, “I know you don’t like the idea of facing him again, but I do think that it’s what’s best. If you show him how much you’ve learned and changed then maybe he’ll be willing to end the deal.”

She growled at him, stomping her paw on the ground and shaking her head, “Azula, I know you’re scared that he’ll make it worse but we really don’t have any other options here. We have to do something, especially with hunters nearby.” 

That got an eye roll from the dragon, “Yeah, I know you think you’re invincible but against a spear and an arrow or a well placed fireball you’re not. Plus the villagers will start to get antsy again and I…I can’t lose you, Azula. Please, please talk to the spirit. You can’t be a dragon anymore. It’s too dangerous.” 

Azula still gave him a soft growl but walked off after that, turning her attention to the cliffs. Sokka followed next to her in silence for a couple of steps, unsure of what to say next. They continued to walk along Azula’s already made road, hearing the distant noises of the festival and the sounds of forest animals. 

Finally, the pair arrive at a nice little spot on the cliff to watch the show. Azula laid down on her side while Sokka laid down against her stomach.

“I bet you the first color is red. It’s always red.” The young dragon, head now resting on the ground, rolled her eyes, “You know I’m right.” He chuckled, placing a hand on her head.

Suddenly a twig snaps behind them. They don’t hear it. They’re too engrossed in each other's presence and the magnificent artwork filling the night sky. Even if they did hear it, the two would shrug it off as a nearby forest creature. 

Then Sokka hears the snap of an arrow being released.

And Azula’s roar of pain.

“AZULA!” Sokka cried. He instantly looked at the arrow in her back. It wasn’t anywhere life threatening but having an arrow in your back probably wasn’t very comfortable.

“Secure the dragon! Get her wings and muzzle her!” A man yelled. Someone appeared next to him with rope and a muzzle fit for a large dragon.

Sokka pulled out his sword while Azula stood up, growling at the men despite her pain. Her fire was starting to heat up in her mouth. Blue flames threatened to spill out and burn anyone who dared to get close to her.

“Get away from her!” He yelled.

One of the hunters jumped forward with his own weapon—a guan dao—and charged at Sokka. Unlike the man Sokka had fought only a few days ago, this hunter was trained. Sokka was fast and his sword was better quality but the man had more experience. Azula tried to go to Sokka and protect him only to feel a sharp pain in her side.

“Go to sleep, girl, just go to sleep.” Daiju whispered as Azula collapsed to the ground. The effects of the shirshu-spit darts taking effect. Daiju patted her face, making sure that she was really out of it. Based on her not taking his arm off, he wagered that she was.

“Azula!” Sokka’s few seconds of distraction cost him. Daiju sent one of the darts into his leg and watched as Sokka collapsed onto the ground, “Azu…la.” His eyes slowly closed watching the hunters gather around the fallen dragon, “No.”

“Get her in the cage.” Was the last thing he heard.

Chapter Text

“Ugh.” Sokka’s whole body hurt. His head was pounding and his muscles were aching. It felt like Appa just sat on him or something.

“Sokka.” Someone whispered, “Wake up.” A figure was leaning over him and, he thought, putting a hand on his head.

“What-...” His mind was foggy only for a few more seconds before he remembered everything, “AZULA!” She was gone.

“Sokka, it’s okay. Calm down.”

“Hana?” The old woman smiled.

“I saw those men celebrating something in town and then leaving. I decided to come out here and check on you kids but I couldn’t find you or Azula…until now.”

“Azula. They took Azula! I have to find her. Where did they go!?” Sokka began to scan the area around them but there was no indication of where they could have gone

“They left the village a few hours ago and headed west. There’s a bigger village not far from us where they might be heading for. It’s located near the coast.” She told him, “If you start running now, then you should be able to get there within three hours.”

“Three hours!? Azula might not have that long. Is there any way to get there faster?” He asked.

Hana placed a hand on her chin. She narrowed her eyes while trying to think of a possible answer, “There might be.” She said.

That way turned out to be a dragon moose. Hana had one that she had gotten when the animal was just a baby and raised it. The moment the dragon moose saw Hana, he got up and ran over, wagging his tail.

“Good boy.” Hana whispered, “You better bring him back, Sokka.” 

Sokka had come face to face with the Fire Lord but somehow Hana was more terrifying to him in that moment, “I will.” He promised, getting on the animal’s back, “Thanks, Hana. Let’s go!” Sokka yelled.

The dragon moose took off without another thought, racing through the village and then out the exit straight towards the other village. 

—--------------------------

Azula had been up for hours. Only using one dart on her when she was dragon size meant that she only out for an hour or two as opposed to five or six like most would be. When she woke up, she was in some kind of cage with chains on her legs, around her stomach, on her wings and a muzzle wrapped tightly around her mouth. These were definitely experienced hunters. 

“Dragon’s up!” Someone yelled.

“Fine. Leave her be. As long as she doesn’t escape we’re okay.” Daiju shrugged.

Azula decided to ignore the conversation that had started up around her and turned her attention to the cage door. Her subconscious mind knew she had to escape but that would be difficult. She was completely chained to the cage and her mouth was slammed shut. Even if she did break out, she couldn’t use her fire against anyone and she didn’t even know where she was so if she ran into the woods she risked getting lost and found again. 

And hunters didn’t need the dragons alive.

Eventually, they stopped in another village, placing a large cover over her cage after moving her into a large tent. Azula could smell the sea water and food not far from them. It wouldn’t be long before they sent her away if she didn’t do something now. 

“The sunlight!” She suddenly realized, “The sun will come out soon!” And when it did, she’d shrink out of everything and be able to walk right out of the tent and back to the village and Sokka. She just had to wait for the sun.

Outside, she could hear the hunters talking about what they could do now that they had her. Deciding she didn’t want to hear them speak about her like she was a piece of merchandise, Azula curled up and wrapped her wings around her body. The sun would be here soon and she’d be able to escape or Sokka would come for her. She really hoped Sokka would come for her soon.

—----------------------------

With the dragon moose, Sokka had an excellent time. He ended up arriving at the village just as the sun was rising over the mountains. Now all he would have to do is look for Azula. Since the sun was up, she should be somewhere around here having already escaped. However, he couldn’t find her anywhere in the village and no one had heard about a girl matching Azula’s description.

“We got the beast.” He quickly moved behind some nearby boxes to keep himself hidden, “She’ll be ready to move out by tonight.”

“You’re sure you got her?” Another voice asked, “A dragon isn’t going to go quietly.”

“Don’t worry. We knocked her out before bringing her here and she’s plenty chained up.” 

“Whatever you say.”

Sokka slipped away from the men. If they still had Azula drugged then it would make sense that she hadn’t escaped. He had to find wherever they were keeping her and do something to wake her up. Thankfully, Sokka was able to see the man who had been talking—recognizing him as one of the men who attacked him and Azula—walk away and towards a tent near the coast. 

There were rocks behind the tent that hid his body perfectly from view. He only had to wait a few minutes until the man left once more and headed back to the village.

“Azula? Azula?” Sokka whispered, opening the tent. His face fell upon coming face to face with a giant covered cage in the middle of the tent. At least he didn’t have to search for her. Sokka pulled back the covering, “Azula?” Azula was in the tent but she was still a dragon.

The dragon quickly rose up and pressed her face against Sokka’s hand, “Why are you still a dragon? The sun’s up.” Azula cocked her head to the side. Relief and happiness was replaced with fear and panic in her eyes, “One problem at a time. We have to get you out of here.” 

Opening the cage did not prove hard—especially with Azula slamming her face against it—and when Sokka got in, after stealing a nearby dagger, he was able to remove her muzzle, “Are you okay?” Azula leaned her head against Sokka, “It’s okay. We just have to get these chains off and then you’re home free.” 

Azula pushed Sokka out of the cage and back into the tent as far as she could. Only when he was far away did she turn her head back towards her chains and unleash blue fire on them. Her chains being made of iron they soon snapped under her fire’s intense heat.

“Have I mentioned how awesome it is that you have blue fire?” Azula blew smoke in his face, “Do you think you can fly out of here?” 

Azula looked back at her wings, moving them a touch but still keeping them mostly pinned at her side, “Azula, we have to fly out of here. We won’t get out without you flying.” The princess turned dragon was clearly hesitant but let Sokka climb on her back. 

The two slipped out of the back of the tent. Azula’s bright blue and white coloring made her an easy target under the sun. The two only made it a few feet from the tent before someone started screaming about a dragon.

“He’s stealing our dragon!” Someone yelled.

“Azula, fly now!” 

Azula opened her wings to their full length and slammed them up and down as she’d seen the birds do outside her cave. As a human and dragon, she would watch birds fly around and take notes on their wing patterns when they did so. Not that she had many plans to fly before this but it seemed like it wouldn’t hurt to have a tiny bit of knowledge. 

Now that knowledge was coming in handy because Azula soared into the sky. She wasn’t high in the air or keeping a good balance but she was flying.

“Woah. This is not like flying with Appa.” Sokka mumbled, “Any chance you could not wobble or get a little higher-” Azula roared in response, “Right. Right. Never flown before. I’ll shut up.”

Suddenly, the sound of arrows and spears being launched filled the air as the weapons flew right past them. Azula did her best to maneuver around them but the fact that there were so many and this was her first time in the air worked against her. 

“Azula!” Sokka yelled, “You have to fly higher! Fly higher!”

“You got a good shot?” Daiju asked.

His brother smirked, “I got her.” 

He released his arrow and it soared through the air.

Right into Azula’s heart.

“AZULA!” Sokka screamed.

The arrow still perfectly lodged into her, Azula began to fall out of the sky. With the last bit of strength she had left, she pushed Sokka to her stomach and held him close with her paws then wrapped her wings around him from extra protection. Her back violently hit the ground seconds later, creating a giant line of dirt as she slid across the earth. No matter the pain, Sokka remained closely held and wrapped up in her wings. It was only when Azula was sure she wasn’t moving that she allowed herself to let him go.

“Azula!” Sokka yelled, running up towards her face, “Azula! Azula, come on! We have to go.”

Azula looked up at him with weak eyes and hardly any breathing. She nudged him with her snout, gesturing to the trees and away from the hunters, “No! No, I’m not leaving you. We can still get out of here. You can’t-You can’t die here.” 

Azula took a look at the arrow in her heart and gave Sokka a knowing dragon smile, “Azula, please. Please. I-I’m not leaving you.” Tears began to hit her face but Azula had no more strength to hold her head up. She laid it back down against the ground and took a final breath, “Azula? Azula, please. Please get up.” Sokka sobbed, his face leaning against her own. He could hear the hunters getting closer and closer but nothing could have persuaded him to leave Azula. If they wanted her then they’d have to kill him.

“Move, boy. We don’t want to hurt you.” Daiju said.

Sokka didn’t answer.

“You deaf now? I told you to move!”

No response.

“We killed her and we’ll kill you if you don’t move. All we want is our prize. We’ll take it and be out of your hair.” Daiju said.

When he was met with more silence, Daiju rolled his eyes, “Move him. We need to get her on the ship.” His brother took one step forward, about to grab Sokka and toss him to the side, when a bright light flashed straight into his eyes. Sokka, noticing the light all around him, turned around to see what had happened.

The light dimmed, revealing some kind of human-like spirit. Though based on his horns, claws and multiple arms and eyes it was clear he was not a human. He turned first towards Sokka. The Water Tribesmen grabbed the smaller dagger he’d managed to steal and put an arm in front of Azula.

“Don’t touch her.” He threatened.

The spirit didn’t seem fazed by Sokka’s threat at all. Rather, he turned towards the hunters once more. Daiju, rattled by the spirit’s presence but not about to give up his prize, grabbed his weapon as well.

“Move around this thing. Grab the dragon!” He ordered.

The spirit narrowed his multiple eyes, holding up a single arm and snapping his fingers. Smoke circled the four hunters, keeping them in their place. 

“What-What did you-” Sokka never finished his question. When the smoke vanished, the clothing of the hunters fell to the ground and four tiny lizards popped out. The lizards took one final look at the spirit before fleeing into the forest, “You’re the spirit who made the deal with Azula.” Sokka realized.

The spirit nodded, “I am.” He finally spoke. His voice was quiet yet also possessed a booming sort of presence, “I admit I did not expect this end result when I made a deal with the Princess of the Fire Nation. Although I shouldn’t be shocked, the Royal Family has hardly ever bored me with their choices. The young princess was no different.”

“I-I know she made a deal with you, but-”

“She did.” The spirit said, “A binding deal.”

“Please.” Sokka’s voice began to break once more, “I-I can’t lose her. Please. You can give the deal to me if you have to. She….she doesn’t deserve this.”

“Death or our deal?”

“Both.” Sokka admitted.

“Hmmm.” The spirit looked down at the dead dragon in front of him, “There is something to be said for the last few months you two have spent together and I can’t say I won’t miss you two running around in my forest.” Before Sokka could process the spirit’s words, his multiple eyes blinked all together.

Suddenly, Azula’s entire body lit up. She looked similar to how the spirit did when he first arrived. Sokka could see her body shrink down back to human size. The arrow simply fell off of her when she did and landed on the ground. When the glow was gone, Azula was completely human. Now dressed in simple red robes.

“Sokka?” Her eyes blinked open. 

“Azula!” Sokka cried, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her.

“Sokka, you’re crushing my ribs.” 

“Oh, sorry! Are-Are you okay?”

“For having been hit with an arrow and killed? I feel pretty good. What happened?”

Sokka turned to look at the spirit but the figure was gone, “Huh? I think your spirit deal is over.” He told her.

“And what happened to them?” Azula asked, pointing to the hunter’s clothing.

“They’re tiny lizards somewhere in the forest.” 

“Wow. You miss a lot when you die.” She said, smiling softly.

Sokka brought a hand up to her hair, gently cupping her face, “Azula, I-I-” Azula cut him off by launching forward and kissing him. Not about to stop her, Sokka leaned into the kiss.

Only when they both broke away from one another did Azula try to say anything more, “I want to go home back to Caldera, back to the palace. I-I need to see all of them again and face that.” She whispered, “Would you come with me?”

“Of course. I told you before: I’m not leaving you.” 

“I think I’m ready to admit that I like you.”

“Oh?” Sokka chuckled, “After saving my life and dying in front of me, you’re ready to admit? You couldn’t have admitted your feelings at the festival or before the fireworks?”

“No, I had to die first before I could admit anything.” She said, standing up and taking Sokka’s hand in her own, “It’s a thing in the Royal Family. We have to take the most dramatic option.”

“You’re impossible.”

“And yet you like me.”

“I do. I really do.”