Chapter Text
Chapter 1
*Sokka, northern water tribe.*
Sokka watched the figure of his sister wave from the back of the flying bison become smaller and smaller. He felt a pang in his chest, different from the
normal fresh ache of loosing yue. He turned to see her parents standing together solemnly in the doorway. A pang of guilt he thought, for not being able to bond with Katara more. Walking towards the couple, he could see the tears welling up in her mother’s eyes.
“Come on, lets go inside where it’s warmer” he grimaced, casting one last look at the horizon.
*Zuko, fire nation palace.*
Ozai’s smile didn’t reach his eyes as he looked down at zuko, who tapped his fingers nervously. This was the first time in two years he’d been back at his fathers court, he wouldn’t make another mistake.
“So my son, how are you finding it back home?” Ozai asked, clearly not caring too much about the answer.
“Well father, it’s good to be back.” Zuko nodded.
“Hmm, I see,” he replied cooly.
“I have a task for you. After Admiral Zhao’s failed attempts on the northern water tribe siege, I want you to go there and have a better word put in for the fire nation. You’re there under the pretence that you’re learning about their culture and to be an ambassador.” Ozai gestured with his one hand.
“However, what I actually want you to do is find as much intel as you can, I want somebody to be there if we choose to attack again. Have I made myself clear prince Zuko?” He finished
Zuko’s head ran through a hundred thoughts, before looking back up at ozai.
“Yes father”
Ozai nodded, “you’re boat leaves tomorrow at sunrise, be prepared to leave”
Back in his room Zuko tossed aside the princes hairpiece he wore and felt sparks flicker around his hands, his face flushed red.
“Agh, does father not even trust me? After all I’ve done?” He said angrily, throwing his hands up. His shoulders tensed at the sound of azula’s voice behind him.
“No, of course he trusts you zuzu, he just wants you to keep an eye on one of your many mistakes.” Azula smirked from the doorway.
“Go away Azula” Zuko said, not bothering to look behind him.
“Tch tch, you’re so grumpy. I’ll be glad when your trapped under a layer of ice.” She sneered, walking away.
The next morning the sun shone brightly over the horizon, turning the sky pink as Zuko took his place on the deck of the ship. It has been a while since he’d traveled north. “I wish uncle were here, then this stupid boat wouldn’t have been so quiet” he thought. A wave of regret hit him, he tried to push it to the side.
*Sokka, northern water tribe*
“Chief Arnook, you cannot be serious about letting the fire nation prince stay with our tribe?” A random council member tried to reason. Sokka watched patiently from his seat at the table, he looked absentmindedly over at the window where he knew katara was waiting outside. Arnook shook his head.
“Caato, I am serious. I don’t want to have to ally with the fire nation but it might be a good opportunity for us to get on the fire lords good side.” He said.
“Plus it’s not like we have much of a choice, he could be useful to us. I don’t exactly want to let this happen but it’s a tactical move. Arnook looked around the table at the others pensive faces.
“Alright, it’s settled then. We will host the prince, he will be here in one week. Until then I want you to review security mesures.” Arnook nodded and stood up from his chair. He walked over to sokka.
“Hey, things are going to take a bit longer over here, I have some documents to sign. You be home for dinner, and tell Esbaat im sorry I’ll be late.” He glanced over at the window where katara stood.
“Oh and your, sister too. She’s a welcome guest anytime.” He finished, patting sokka on the shoulder
“Yes chief” Sokka smiled as Arnook walked further into the building. Sokka headed outside to meet Katara, still waiting for him.
“So, what’s the news?” She asked him as they both walked back home.
“They’re letting the fire lord send his son prince zuko here, as some sort of study/ambassador type” sokka grimaced. Katara’s eyes widened and she furrowed her brows,
“What! Is he serious? Does Chief Arnook even know how bad of a plan that is!” She said, using wide arm gestures. Sokka felt his cheeks go pink.
“Shhhhh, what are you doing! The people can’t know that anything’s amiss.” He said hiding his hands in his long sleeves.
“That snob zuko is coming in a week, and I’m not sure chief wants us to say anything about it.” Sokka lowered his voice as they passed by a crowded bridge.
He felt bad shushing Katara, he knew she probably wouldn’t mind, with them being siblings and all but he still felt awkward. Yue never had any problem with speaking her mind in public, but then again she was raised to be a quiet and calm princess.
“Sokka, it all just seems a bit off. We know what the fire nation is like and,” she trailed off, looking out to sea.
“And what?” Sokka asked, tilting his head and letting strands of his white hair fall in his eyes.
“And I don’t trust it, I feel like it could backfire easily”. She finished, looking him straight in the eyes. Sokka pursed his lips,
“I know, but I don’t have much say in the matter. So long as his royal flame-ness leaves me alone, I’ll be happy.” Sokka joked, Katara cracked a small smile.