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Chapter Text

PROLOGUE

After the end of the Civil War, the United States of America entered a period of reconstruction. The conquest of the West resumed, and the gold rush on the West Coast drew thousands of young and old in search of the precious metal that might lift them out of the poverty into which they were born. And although, at first, the journeys by wagon across the vast plains were long and dangerous, things changed in 1869.

On May 10th of that year, in Promontory, Utah,
The Central Pacific line from Sacramento and the Union Pacific from Omaha were joined. That day, railroad workers drove in the golden spike that united the rails, and the locomotives of both lines rolled toward each other. At the point where the golden spike was placed, the two engines met, and the vast continent was linked by long tracks of steel.

Not far from there, several miles east in fact, lay the town of Boiling Rock. If not for the fact that it was built less than a mile from the train tracks, this town would have faded into obscurity. But thanks to that detail, it became a sort of stopover for railroad travelers. In that town, there was an inn called “The Dragon of the West.” Its owner was a man of about fifty named Iroh. His son and nephew had fought for the Union in the Civil War, and after the war, they moved far from Ohio in search of a better life in the West, settling in Boiling Rock. While Iroh ran his inn, his nephew Zuko became a lawman, maintaining order in that small town…

CHAPTER I:

SEPTEMBER 1870

After spending six days out of town chasing a thief until he finally caught him and turned him in to justice, the young ranger rode back into town on his horse. With a steady gait and his hat shielding him from the sun, Zuko looked toward the horizon, watching as the town drew nearer. He was tired and needed a bath. The growing signs of human activity as he approached confirmed he had reached his destination. People greeted him, and he returned the greetings more out of politeness than pleasure. Wagons and pedestrians crossed the streets. He began to hear the hawkers in the nearby market and stopped his horse in front of the inn. He tied it to the post and went inside.

Once through the doors, he saw some customers drinking, playing poker, or just chatting. Zuko spotted his uncle cleaning glasses behind the bar while giving orders to one of the servers.

"I'm back," Zuko said, removing his hat and placing it on the coat rack.

"Welcome, nephew. Want a drink?" Iroh asked as Zuko approached the bar.

“Lemonade? I don’t want any liquor right now, Uncle,” he replied. “I just want something refreshing.”

Iroh poured a glass of lemonade for his nephew, who drank it in one gulp.

"Thirsty, nephew?" Iroh commented with a small laugh.

Zuko ignored him, finished his lemonade, picked up his hat, and said before leaving, “I’m heading to the sheriff’s office to see what needs doing. I’ll be back later.”

Zuko put on his hat, left the inn, untied his horse, and led it a few meters to the office, where he tied it again. Upon entering, he saw one of his colleagues asleep in a chair, hat covering his face, feet on the desk, snoring loudly. Zuko grabbed a metal cup from the desk and banged it against the bars of the cell to the man’s right, startling him awake.

"Everyone to your posts! We’re under attack!" the poor man shouted, leaping from his chair and drawing his pistol. Seeing who had made the noise, he calmed down and holstered his gun. Zuko just stared at him, unimpressed.

"Sleeping on duty, Jee?" Zuko asked sarcastically. "I assume there's a good reason for this."

Jee straightened up and replied while standing, "There wasn’t much to do, boss. It’s been quiet today, so I took a few minutes to nap. Anyone needing the law knows where to find us."

Jee had a point—the town was very quiet, in large part thanks to Zuko’s work.

"Anything new, Jee?" Zuko asked, inspecting the place as he waited for a response.

"The usual. Same old drunks as every night," Jee said casually. “Oh, and boss, you got mail. Two ladies brought it by yesterday afternoon. I told them you were likely back today,” he added while rummaging through a drawer.

He pulled out an envelope and handed it to Zuko. Zuko immediately recognized the sender, opened it, and read it silently:

Dear Zuko,
I hope you’re reading this before I’ve left your town. Ty Lee and I arrived two nights ago and I ran into your uncle. He told me you were out and would be back soon.
I’d really like to see you and catch up. Look for me at the PT Barnum circus after the 6 o’clock show. It’s on the way to the train station.
Mai.

Finishing the letter, Zuko asked Jee, “So the circus is in town, huh? Maybe I should go enjoy the show later. What do you think, Jee?”

Zuko was excited. He’d see his old love again. Though he didn’t understand one thing: what the hell was she doing in a circus? He figured he’d find out soon enough.

“You should, boss. Great place to spend the evening—and it’s the first time the great PT Barnum’s come around here. You go on, I’ll hold down the fort,” Jee said with a wide grin.

Zuko left the office and headed back to the inn to clean up and look presentable for Mai.

Several hours later, Zuko approached the location she had mentioned, and sure enough—it was the PT Barnum circus. Set up near the railroad tracks for quick assembly and takedown, Zuko could hear a man calling to passersby:

“Step right up to the PT Barnum Circus! All kinds of wonders await! Be amazed by the greatest magic and acrobatic acts you’ve ever seen! Meet animals from the most distant corners of the globe! Speak to the man who knows 30 languages! Hear war stories from a great Cherokee chief—and much, much more! All for just ten cents! Come one, come all!”

People were buying their tickets and entering. Zuko took a seat in the third row and waited for the show.

After several acts—some of which were genuinely impressive to him—a familiar female figure began swinging across the trapeze.
Zuko recognized her immediately.

“And now, all the way from the distant lands of Siam—Ty Lee!”

The crowd applauded as the girl swung between trapezes and finally landed gracefully on the ground. The audience was amazed by her performance. Zuko simply clapped in appreciation of the feat.

After Ty Lee’s act, the ringmaster returned to the center of the ring.

“Hope you’re ready to be amazed, folks, because this next act will blow your minds!” he exclaimed enthusiastically.

Zuko’s eyes widened as he saw Mai stepping into the ring. The lighting revealed Ty Lee tied to one of the tent poles with an apple on her head. Although she was smiling broadly, Zuko could easily tell she was nervous.

“She calls herself the lost granddaughter of Jim Bowie! Ladies and gentlemen—Mai!”

Mai gave a bow and pulled several small knives from her wide sleeves. The audience applauded, and she signaled for silence with a graceful flick of her wrist. The crowd went quiet as Mai took one of her knives and threw it at a target a few meters above Ty Lee’s head. She continued throwing knives, each one landing dangerously close to her friend, until only one Bowie knife remained in her hand.

She held it with determination, took a deep breath, and threw it at the apple sitting atop Ty Lee’s head. Ty Lee, trembling with fear (for good reason), watched as the blade flew in a perfect arc and struck its mark. The knife embedded itself in the post, the apple pinned beneath it.

Ty Lee sighed in relief—her friend hadn’t missed, and if she had, it might have meant her death.

Zuko applauded both girls as they thanked the crowd. Once the show was over, he set out to find Mai, who was near a tent practicing her knife throws at a target mounted on a telegraph pole. Around her, lions roared, horses neighed, elephants trumpeted, and Ty Lee laughed at one of the clown’s jokes. Zuko approached, struck by how beautiful Mai looked.

She’s even more beautiful than I remembered.

“So, you’re related to Jim Bowie now? And Ty Lee is from Siam?” Zuko asked with a slight smirk.

Mai stopped what she was doing, turned to face him, and crossed her arms.

“Barnum says it gets the crowd more curious—whether it’s my act or hers.”

She picked up a knife and walked closer to Zuko.

“Where the hell is Siam anyway?” Zuko questioned.

“It’s a country in Asia, near French Indochina. That’s all I know,” she replied. “What did you think of the show?”

“Very impressive, honestly. Especially your act with Ty Lee. I just never imagined you in a circus,” Zuko chuckled quietly, and Mai sighed.

“I had to make a living somehow. And I’m not alone—I’ve got Ty Lee with me, and we travel all over the country together. We’re probably heading to San Francisco in the next few weeks,” she said, tapping her chin with her finger.

“So I guess you’ll be in town for a few more days, right?” Zuko ran a hand over the back of his neck and looked down. “We could go to a lake I know, not far, about five kilometers north. What do you think?”

But Mai looked down at the ground, then back up into Zuko’s eyes. The young ranger could see the immense sadness and nostalgia in her honey-colored gaze.

“Zuko… I’m getting married.”

Mai raised her left hand to show him the engagement ring on her finger.

Zuko was stunned.

“What? To who?” he asked, alarmed. “This has to be a joke, Mai.”

“It’s not a joke, Zuko,” she said firmly. “I got tired of waiting for you all these years. First the war, then you moved west, then you became a ranger. Where did that leave me? Did you really think I was just going to sit around waiting while you played hero, chasing bad guys? Well, you were wrong.”

Zuko didn’t know what to say. Finally, Mai sighed.

“Zuko, I love you. But you were never around. That’s why I joined the circus with Ty Lee. I enjoy my time here. And besides, Kei Lo is kind to me. He loves me, and he’s not going to abandon me.”

Mai smiled sadly as Zuko stepped closer to her.

“Mai, I’m sorry I wasn’t the man you deserved. I was distant and just assumed you’d always be there. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“It’s too late for regrets, Zuko,” she said with sorrow, nearly crying.

“Well, I guess I should go then,” he muttered, feeling the lump in his throat and the sting of tears behind his eyes threatening to spill. “Goodbye, Mai. I wish you all the happiness.”

He turned to leave.

“Zuko, wait.”

He stopped and turned back just in time to see her throw herself at him, hugging him tightly and kissing him passionately. Zuko was surprised but kissed her back and held her close.

They were both crying, knowing it would be their last kiss.

A farewell kiss.

After a few minutes, they pulled away, both flushed with emotion.

“Goodbye, Zuko,” she said through tears, brushing his scar.

Zuko gave her one last gentle kiss and left, nodding at Ty Lee, who—seeing the deep sorrow on his face—realized he had already found out about Mai’s engagement.

At the inn, cheerful music filled the air. The customers were drinking and chatting as Iroh and his staff did their best to serve them. Even though the place wasn’t packed, the atmosphere felt as lively as a full house.

At one of the many tables sat Zuko and Jee, both drinking. Jee stared into his glass of whiskey, holding it in his left hand, while Zuko rested his head on the table—completely drunk—with his right hand wrapped around a shot of tequila and his left hand pounding the table like a drum.

“Jee! Tell the old man to bring me more! I want another drink!” he shouted in desperation. “What, you're not gonna serve a little booze to your beloved nephew, Iroh?” he cried out, then slumped his head back into his arms. “She left me, Jee. She left me! And do you know what’s the worst part? She left me for a damn clown!”

Zuko lifted his head and stared at his deputy, who looked horrified by the scene. He had never seen Zuko drink this much in one night—not even on special occasions.

“I think you’ve had enough, boss,” said Jee, gently sliding the glass away from Zuko.

“Shut up, I’m your boss! You see this scar?” Zuko shouted, pointing at his left cheek. “This is what I got for fighting for this damn country! Look at the old man!”—he pointed at Iroh—“His son! Poor Lu Ten! He died at Gettysburg! Died in my arms! And then a damn bomb blew up near my face!”

Zuko continued ranting and lamenting incoherently until he eventually passed out on the table. Jee and another man carried him upstairs to his room and tossed him onto the bed before leaving him alone.

The next day, Zuko was at the sheriff’s office going through the new “Wanted” posters that had arrived with the morning mail. Jee had brought them in, and after reviewing them, Zuko asked him to post a few around town while he pinned the rest on the fugitive board by the front porch.

Jee reluctantly went off to do his job, and Zuko began tacking the posters onto the wall. He was surprised to see so many fugitives listed—it looked like a whole gang. But his attention focused on the leader’s poster, which he guessed by the amount of the reward.

“Wanted Dead or Alive: Jet, leader of ‘The Freedom Fighters.’ Charges: Theft, Cattle Rustling, Murder, etc. Reward: $8,000. Wanted in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and the Utah and Wyoming Territories.”

Zuko read the poster aloud to himself as he hammered it in place.
“No doubt about it… you guys are real pieces of work,” he muttered with a smirk.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

“Sheriff! The Lord has blessed us with another beautiful day, wouldn’t you agree?”

It was Aang, the local reverend. He and his wife Katara had arrived in town a few months ago, and as soon as they settled in, they became beloved by the community. Katara worked as the schoolteacher and also helped deliver babies. Both had medical knowledge and were a great help to the town’s doctor. They were old friends of Zuko’s, and he greatly appreciated their presence. In fact, he often had dinner at their home once a week.

“Aang, stop calling me that. How many times do I have to ask?” Zuko grumbled, not even looking at him. “What brings you here?”

Aang sighed.

“There’s been trouble with some of the farmers—myself included. Someone’s been stealing cattle the last two nights. At first I thought it was bad luck, but this morning three cows were missing. One is a fluke, but three?”

He looked distressed. “Can you look into it, Zuko?”

Zuko gave him a serious look.

“Of course, Aang. Don’t worry. Oh, and tell Katara I won’t be joining you for dinner tonight,” Zuko added as he sat in a nearby rocking chair and began rolling a cigarette. “Although there’s one thing I don’t get. Why are you so concerned about cows when you don’t even eat meat?”

“They’re my favorite cows, Zuko! They give me milk, butter, and cheese. Their names are Appa, Oogi, and Lola. God forbid anything bad happens to them,” Aang said, crossing himself.

Zuko struggled to keep from laughing.

He knew his friend loved animals and believed they were also God’s creatures. That’s why he admired the Native tribes, who lived in harmony with nature and considered the buffalo sacred. He even adopted a stray cat named Momo to guard the church from mice. But naming his cows like that? That was a bit much.

Zuko’s attention shifted the moment he saw a stagecoach race down the street. The drivers were firing shots into the air, spooking a poor cabbage vendor’s horse. The startled animal kicked out, knocking over the cart and spilling cabbages everywhere.

“No! My cabbages!” cried the poor vendor, clutching his head and dropping to his knees. Aang rushed to help the man, and Zuko shook his head, got up, and went to assist in cleaning up the mess along with several passersby.

Chapter Text

Chapter II

July, 1861

The war had been underway for several months. Hundreds of young men enlisted daily to fight for the Union, but that didn’t stop the people of Dayton, Ohio, from celebrating the Fourth of July.

A large local celebration was being held not only to honor the nation’s independence but also to pay tribute to the men heading off to fight against Dixie. Still, war was the last thing on the mind of a sixteen-year-old boy who was far more interested in devouring all the delicious food the fair could offer.

“Look at that roast veal, Aang! God, I can’t wait to eat it!” Sokka exclaimed, licking his lips. Aang rolled his eyes.

“I already told you, Sokka, I don’t eat meat. I’ll be fine with some cooked vegetables or apple pie,” replied Aang, who was about fifteen at the time.

“Didn’t they ever feed you meat at that orphanage where you grew up?” Sokka asked, curious.

“No, and listen—according to the Bible, even animals are God’s children. That makes them our brothers. Would you eat a brother?”

“Of course not, but I only have a sister. And the Bible also says we can enjoy all the animals at our disposal. So, if there’s a good steak nearby, I’m going to eat it—with mashed potatoes on the side, of course,” Sokka said, practically drooling just thinking about it.

“Guys! I’m glad I found you!” Katara called out as she and Toph joined them. “We’re exhausted from work,” she sighed as Aang stepped forward to give her a hug.

“Speak for yourself, sweetheart,” said the green-eyed girl, giving Katara a friendly pat on the shoulder.

“If you’d like, I can carry you home on my back,” Aang offered Katara with a playful grin, which didn’t go unnoticed by Sokka.

“I heard that, Aang,” warned the dark-haired young man, a bit annoyed, as he took Toph’s arm.

“Oh, how chivalrous!” Beifong said, feigning offense and slipping out of Sokka’s grip, leaving him visibly uncomfortable.

He stopped paying attention to the others and focused instead on several familiar faces exiting the enlistment tent, looking thrilled.

“Hey, Sokka!” one of them called out, approaching the group. “We just signed up—we’re heading out to kill some rebels. Have you guys enlisted yet?” he asked, looking around at the group.

“No, not yet,” Sokka replied, lowering his gaze. “Right now, we just want to enjoy the festival.”

“The pay’s good, fellas. Think about it,” Kinto said as he walked away with Han. Sokka watched them go.

“‘The pay’s good, fellas. Think about it,’” he mocked. His friends chuckled softly, since the two men were still nearby.

This distraction kept Sokka from noticing the girl rushing toward them—until it was too late.

The girl collided with him, and he barely managed to catch her before she hit the ground. They ended up in a rather compromising position as two other girls—one with a long brown braid and the other with two long locks—hurried over.

“Are you okay?” Sokka asked, staring directly into her golden eyes while holding her in his arms. The girl looked annoyed.

“Let go of me, peasant! You have no idea who you’re dealing with!” she snapped, pounding his chest with her fists.

Sokka grinned wickedly.

“Whatever you say.” He let her go, dropping her square on her rear.

“Azula!” Ty Lee exclaimed, while Mai watched the scene with indifference.

Sokka felt a twinge of guilt and offered his hand to the girl on the ground.

“I’m really sorry. Let me help you up.”

Azula blushed at the sudden act of chivalry but eventually accepted his help.

“Thanks...” she mumbled, taking his hand and getting to her feet.

“You’re welcome,” replied the dark-haired boy, smiling despite still being a little offended by the insult. Her friends hurried to her side, and Ty Lee approached Sokka.

“Thank you so much for stopping our friend. We wouldn’t have caught up with her otherwise.”

She smiled warmly at a confused Sokka.

The three girls quickly walked away from the group, while Sokka could only stare at the girl who had just been in his arms.

“Looks like someone’s falling in love,” Toph teased, elbowing him. Katara and Aang burst into laughter, which only irritated Sokka further.

“Oh, shut up! She called me a peasant—and I’m not even a farmer! You know what? I’m out of here! I’ll go see if the pig has flown*,” he muttered grumpily, waving his arms and stomping off in the opposite direction from where Azula had gone.

“Good luck with that!” Aang shouted, laughing, as Katara grabbed his arm.

“What exactly did he mean by ‘see if the pig has flown’?” Toph asked, stroking her chin.

“It means he’s going to wander around,” Katara explained, walking beside Aang. “I just hope he makes it back in time for dinner. He wouldn’t miss that for anything. Anyway, Toph and I need to go get dolled up for tonight,” she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she turned to her boyfriend. “You’re picking me up, right?” she added with a smile.

Aang’s cheeks turned red, and he smiled too.

“Of course! I’ll be there. See you at sundown,” he stammered.

Katara kissed him on the cheek, just as she felt someone tugging on her arm.

“Easy there, Lightfoot. You’re not going off to war. Yet,” said Toph, starting to drag her away.

“Bye, girls!” Aang shouted, waving.

After losing sight of them in the growing crowd, Aang sighed happily and walked home.

Meanwhile, not far from there, three well-dressed girls were walking down the street, distancing themselves from the embarrassing encounter.

“Don’t you think that guy was really handsome?” Ty Lee said, breaking the silence with a beaming smile.

Mai simply rolled her eyes while Azula remained deep in thought.

“I think sneaking out of the house has addled your brain, Ty Lee,” Mai replied. “You swoon over any guy who makes eye contact.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that!” Ty Lee huffed, pretending to be offended. Azula listened silently as her two friends bickered about the boy who had just held her.

“How dare he!” she thought. A filthy peasant had touched her, then dropped her, and had the gall to help her up. Didn’t he know who she was? Yet... she couldn’t stop thinking about those determined blue eyes.

Azula blushed again at the memory. If looks could kill, she’d already be six feet under.

“Mai,” she interrupted, “Have you heard anything from my brother? Don’t say no—I know that ever since he ran off to live with my uncle, he’s been visiting you more often. Answer me.”

“Zuko and your cousin enlisted over a month ago, Azula. He promised to write me every day, but I haven’t received a single letter,” Mai replied seriously. Ty Lee’s expression darkened at that.

Though the war had started back in April, there hadn’t been any major battles yet. But knowing that her best friend’s boyfriend had gone off to fight still terrified her. The idea of comforting Mai when she eventually heard that Zuko had died in some southern field wasn’t pleasant.

“You have to admit that guy was cute, Azula,” Ty Lee said, trying to change the subject. The golden-eyed girl turned to her, visibly annoyed.

“What are you suggesting?” Azula snapped, blushing at the mere thought of the boy.

“You should look in a mirror—you’re red as a tomato,” Mai commented with a slight smile.

“No, I’m not!” Azula cried, pressing her hands to her face. Ty Lee and Mai burst into laughter.

“Azula’s got a crush on the peasant! Azula’s got a crush on the peasant!” they chanted, clapping in unison.

“Shut up!” she barked. Still, she couldn’t deny she was enjoying it all.

“Fear not, my fair lady! Your peasant has come to the rescue!” Ty Lee cried in a mock-masculine voice, hugging Mai by the waist.

“My hero!” Mai replied with a dramatic sigh, mimicking Azula’s tone.

“Hey! I don’t sound like that!” Azula protested, redder than ever.

Her friends kept teasing her for a few more minutes until they finally tired of laughing. But even then, she couldn’t get the handsome peasant out of her mind.

Maybe her friends were right after all. Who would’ve thought? Azula, heiress to a wealthy family, falling for a humble peasant.

Sokka rode toward the party dressed in his finest Sunday clothes. He could almost pass for a high-society gentleman in that outfit.

Suddenly, he spotted Aang approaching, heading toward the siblings’ house.

“Off to get Katara?” he asked, blocking Aang’s path with his horse.

“Um, yeah. That’s exactly what I’m doing,” Aang admitted nervously.

Though they were friends, Sokka was very protective of his sister. He smiled but shook his head.

“Take care of her, and don’t try anything funny, Aang. I know where you live,” he warned. Aang flinched a little but nodded in understanding.

“Don’t worry, Sokka. By the way, could I borrow your horse? I don’t think it’s proper for a lady to walk nearly a mile to a party,” Aang asked, practically begging. Sokka clicked his tongue in mild annoyance and dismounted.

“Fine. Take good care of him, too. Do you even know how to ride?” he asked, but Aang was already galloping off toward his beloved’s home.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Sokka muttered with a sigh, then headed toward the town square.

As he neared the center of town, the mayor’s voice grew clearer, indicating that the main speech was underway. Sokka only caught bits and pieces—words like freedom, democracy, President Lincoln, the war, the South, slavery. Just as he reached the plaza, the mayor was wrapping up.

“Happy Fourth of July!” the mayor shouted, officially starting the celebration.

Fireworks lit up the night sky, the crowd cheered, and music filled the air. People began dancing while others made their way toward the food tables—Sokka included. As he helped himself to some roast and mashed potatoes, he felt a tap on his back.

“Already eating? The party just started,” Toph teased, raising an amused brow.

“If I’d waited any longer, all the best food would be gone. Go bother someone else and let me eat in peace,” he grumbled, mouth full of meat.

“I just came to tell you that your ‘girlfriend’ is over there,” she said, pointing toward Azula and her friends chatting quietly. Sokka began choking on his food.

“You should ask her to dance. She looks awfully bored,” Toph added.

“She’s not my girlfriend!” he coughed, flustered. “She called me a peasant!”

“Well, maybe go show her you’re more than that,” Toph said, giving his shoulder a pat. He looked at her and then toward Azula.

“She’s really pretty. I saw how she looked at you this afternoon. This might be your chance. Go on, Sokka.”

He hesitated, then smiled and began walking toward the trio of girls.

“This is so boring,” Mai murmured, arms crossed. Ty Lee rolled her eyes.

“Well, at least we’re not stuck at Azula’s house listening to old men drone on about money while trying to impress our fathers with marriage proposals,” she pointed out, disgusted. Azula and Mai nodded in sync.

“You have to admit, your parents have found you some decent suitors,” Azula said.

“I don’t want to get married—not yet. I’m only fifteen! I want to see the world, and if I do get married, it’ll be for love,” Ty Lee replied just as a modestly dressed young man approached.

“Would you honor me with this dance, miss?” he asked.

Ty Lee blushed, offering her hand. “I’d be delighted.”

He led her off, leaving Mai and Azula to themselves.

“Well, at least you’re still here with me,” Azula muttered, only to see Mai’s expression suddenly light up with joy.

“Zuko!”

Mai leapt up and threw herself into the arms of a young man in a striking blue uniform. Zuko caught her, lifting her off the ground and kissing her passionately. Azula turned, shocked to see the scene unfold.

“What are you doing here? I thought they’d already sent you off to war,” Mai asked between happy tears, showering his face with kisses.

“Lu Ten and I got leave for the Fourth of July. I have to report back tomorrow evening, so I’m yours until noon,” Zuko replied sweetly. Then, noticing the girl behind Mai, his smile faded.

“Hello, Azula,” he said flatly.

“Hello, Zuzu,” she answered with equal coolness. “The uniform suits you. Father must be proud.”

“What Ozai thinks or says doesn’t matter to me anymore. He stopped being my father a long time ago,” Zuko said bitterly. But despite the tension, the two siblings embraced.

“It’s good to see you, Zuzu,” Azula whispered, still holding him.

“You too, Azula.” Zuko pulled back. “Look at you. All grown up. I bet the whole town’s wrapped around your finger.”

Mai chuckled quietly, remembering the afternoon incident.

“If only you knew…” Azula’s cheeks flushed as she too remembered that boy.

“Well, if you’ll excuse us,” Zuko said, offering Mai his arm. She accepted it gladly, and the two disappeared into the crowd.

Azula watched them vanish, then sat down, now completely alone, as the party swirled around her.

“Stupid peasants,” she muttered and began whistling “Turkey in the Straw.”

She didn’t notice someone approaching.

“Enjoying the party?” came a voice, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“Does it look like I am?” she replied without looking.

“You seem too bored to be having fun,” the voice said as its owner sat beside her. Azula recognized him instantly.

“You! What are you doing here?” she demanded, trying to hide the blush rising to her cheeks.

“Just came to say hi, check how you were doing, and, uh, apologize for dropping you earlier. That wasn’t very gentlemanly of me—sorry,” Sokka scratched the back of his neck nervously. She noticed it.

“Well, hi and bye. I’m fine. Apology accepted. Is that all, peasant?” she snapped sarcastically.

She wanted him gone… but part of her didn’t. Part of her wanted him to stay.

She was scared. What if I hurt his feelings? What if he walks away and I never see him again?

Sokka didn’t know what to do either. Part of him wanted food. But part of him wanted to stay.

He looked at her. Damn it, she was beautiful. That crimson dress matched her pale skin and coal-black hair perfectly. She clearly came from wealth.

Am I insane? How would a girl like her ever look at someone like me? But this was a public party, and tonight everyone looked their best—including him. Even some soldiers were celebrating. He didn’t look like a peasant tonight. For once, they were equals. Social classes didn’t matter. At least not here.

It was just the two of them. To hell with everything else. He gathered his courage and broke the silence.

“By the way, I’m Sokka. Rhymes with ‘oca.’” He smiled, mentally kicking himself.

You idiot, he thought.

But to his surprise, she laughed.

“That was funny, Edgar Allan Poe,” she said, still giggling. “I’m Azula. Rhymes with ‘mula.’”

“Nice to meet you, Azula. Forgive the intrusion… I’m just a lost traveler, nothing more,” he said theatrically.

“Wait, you’ve read Poe?” she asked, intrigued. Her eyes lit up—The Raven was her favorite poem.

Most of the suitors her father paraded before her were all wealth and no culture. Finding someone who appreciated literature was rare. If Sokka had caught her curiosity before, now he had her full attention.

“Yes, he’s one of my favorites,” Sokka admitted. “Why? Thought I couldn’t read?”

“Most people around here are illiterate, Sokka. You’re an exception.”

He wasn’t sure whether to feel flattered or insulted.

“Well, you’re right. My sister and I had to teach a friend to read. Now he’s a bookworm.”

They both laughed.

They chatted about everything and nothing for ten minutes. Sokka wanted to ask her to dance, but he was enjoying just talking. Her voice, her laugh, her wit—he was enchanted.

And Azula, surprisingly, felt the same.

Something inside her said: You should dance with him.

The music played on. Friends and family all around them celebrated the night.

“Would you like to dance?” Sokka asked suddenly. Azula’s lips parted in surprise, then curved into a mischievous smile.

“Sure. I’ve got nothing better to do,” she shrugged.

He offered his hand. They rose and walked toward the dance floor, drawing curious looks from strangers and acquaintances alike.

They bowed, took their places, and began to dance in perfect rhythm.

They looked into each other’s eyes, stepping in time, silent but content. Neither felt awkward. Just lost in thought.

Sokka couldn’t believe his luck. This beautiful girl, here, dancing with him on the Fourth of July. Her smile, her golden eyes, her pale skin glowing under the lantern light.

Then his stomach growled.

Damn it! he cursed inwardly. He was hungry again but didn’t want to ruin the moment. Better to wait for the song to end and ask her to eat with him—make it seem chivalrous.

After a moment of silence and a particularly loud growl, he spoke.

“Would you like to get something to eat after this song?” he asked as he twirled her.

“Sure, I’m getting hungry too,” she replied.

When the song ended, they left the floor and headed toward the food tables.

They tried a new dish from New York—something called a hot dog**. Sokka found it delicious.

They sat on a bench, watching the crowd as they ate.

“Mmm, this is amazing,” he said with a mouthful. “Never had anything like it.”

Azula nodded in agreement. He was right—it was delicious.

“You’re a good dancer, peasant,” she said, smirking. Sokka gasped in mock offense.

“And you’re quite the dancer yourself, princess,” he replied, just as sarcastically.

“So now I’m a princess?”

“Why wouldn’t you be? You look like you come from money. Am I wrong?”

“No, you’re not. My father’s a rich man. But he can eat shit, for all I care. He’s been a bastard ever since my mother died. He even kicked my brother—his firstborn—out of the house for disagreeing with him. Now my brother lives with our uncle and cousin. I used to hate him for going against Father, but later I realized I was angry because he didn’t take me with him… But anyway, that’s life, right?”

Sokka didn’t know what to say.

“Wow… That’s rough,” he said, defaulting to the only words that came to mind.

Azula nodded, looking at the ground, hands on her cheeks.

Sokka watched her, heart pounding. She turned and caught him staring. Their eyes locked, something flickered between them.

Then Sokka, nervous, broke the silence.

“Some night, huh?”

Azula sighed. “Yeah. Some night.”

They stayed there for a moment before Sokka stood and offered his hand.

“Come. There’s a place I want to show you.”

Azula blushed but accepted. He led her away from the crowd, the party, even the town.

They walked in silence until they reached a small clearing with a large tree and a pond.

It was beautiful. The full moon made it magical. She never knew such a place existed so close.

“I come here when I want to be alone,” Sokka murmured. “Maybe it’ll help you too.”

He stepped closer until only inches separated them.

Crickets, cicadas, and frogs filled the air—until an owl hooted, startling Azula, who immediately clung to Sokka.

“Easy now,” he chuckled softly. “Just an owl. Not Poe’s raven. You’ll be fine, princess.”

But she didn’t let go. Instead, she clung tighter. Sokka began to hum.

“I hate owls,” she confessed, face buried in his chest.

Then, as she looked up at the moonlit water, she heard him sing:

Away, away, come away with me
Where the grass grows wild, where the winds blow free
Away, away, come away with me
And I’ll build you a home in the meadow…

As he sang, she looked into his sky-blue eyes.

He leaned in. She blushed but met him halfway.

Their lips touched—soft, brief, sweet.

Then they pulled back. She rested a hand on his chest, feeling his pounding heart.

“S-S-Sokka?” she stammered.

“You’re so beautiful, Azula,” he whispered—and kissed her again, this time more deeply. She returned it.

It was both their first kiss. Neither knew what they were doing. They just followed instinct.

Azula wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her waist, pulling her closer. She moaned softly.

Then he kissed her again, more fiercely, his tongue brushing her lips—she parted them, inviting him in.

She followed his lead, her body burning with a fire she had never known. And she liked it. Because that fire came from him, the humble boy she’d mistreated just hours ago. Part of her regretted that—but another part was thankful. That incident had led her here.

And Sokka felt the same. It was love at first sight. Even the blind could see it.

He pulled away to breathe, planting gentle kisses on her cheek. She opened her amber eyes, losing herself in his.

Then her heart raced—he had kissed her. She let him. What now? Deny it? No… she couldn’t forget her first kiss. Her first love?

She looked down, hands on his chest, gently pushing him back.

“Well… that was… interesting,” she whispered, red-faced and breathless.

“It sure was, princess,” Sokka agreed.

They lay in the grass, watching the stars. As they talked, Azula eventually fell asleep in his arms. He kissed her forehead and, without waking her, covered her with his coat.

Then, lulled by the crickets, he drifted off too.

Chapter Text

JULY 1861

Several hours had passed since dawn when the sounds of farm animals nearby woke Azula, who was startled to realize where she was. She had slept out in the open with the peasant! That meant trouble. She hoped her friends had covered for her absence for a while, but they’d probably forgotten all about her, busy with their own affairs. Especially Mai, who was most likely snuggled up in her brother’s arms by now.

Azula took a moment to assess her surroundings. It was just her and her young lover, who was still sound asleep. Reluctantly, she pulled away from him and stood up. Looking around more carefully, she realized the place was even more beautiful than she remembered from the night before. The spring seemed to beckon her in; its waters were so clear and undisturbed… but she didn’t have time to admire the scenery—she needed to get home now!

She brushed the dirt off her clothes, splashed water on her face from the spring, and turned to wake Sokka.

“Wake up, Rip Van Winkle,” Azula said, shaking him lightly. Sokka gave a slight jolt at the sudden touch but calmed down when he saw the pretty girl and let out a yawn as he stretched.

“Good morning, gorgeous,” he murmured with a smile before giving Azula a quick kiss. She returned it but immediately pulled back.

“Do you know what time it is? I need to get back home right now! Get up, we have to go,” she ordered with a hint of worry as she got back to her feet. Sokka stood up too and checked the time on his pocket watch before putting it back in his coat.

“Relax, it’s only nine twenty-three. Everyone’s probably still asleep. I’ll walk you home,” he said, trying to calm her nerves.

“Nine o'clock!” she shrieked, alarmed. “We have to hurry, take me back to town and I’ll guide you to my house, okay?”

“Alright. Come on, follow me, it’s this way,” Sokka replied, gently taking her hand and leading her back.

Once in town, Azula gave him directions toward her house, which wasn’t far but was in an area unfamiliar to him. After all, only wealthy people lived there, and he rarely came around unless it was for work. When they got close enough, Azula stopped.

“This is far enough. Look, I live in that house,” she pointed toward the building. “I had a great time last night. I’m glad I met you. I hope we can see each other again sometime,” she said softly as she gave him a small kiss on the cheek and began walking away.

“I’ll be by the town square tomorrow!” he blurted out without thinking. Azula stopped and turned around. Sokka instantly regretted his outburst—why had he said that so suddenly? He lowered his gaze to the ground, trying to play it cool. “I mean… if you, uh…” he stammered nervously, unsure of what to say.

Azula fought the urge to laugh at Sokka’s pathetic attempt at asking for another meeting—suddenly so shy and awkward, despite the passionate kiss they had shared just hours earlier.

And yet, it was kind of cute.

“I suppose a walk through town could be nice,” she replied with feigned innocence.

Sokka grinned playfully, fully understanding what she meant.

“Can I see you tomorrow at eleven? At the square?” he asked, blushing. She nodded.

“I’ll see you there, peasant,” she said, turning her back and walking away.

“Yeah… that sounds nice,” Sokka murmured to himself with a dreamy sigh. He turned on his heels and headed toward his own house—although maybe he’d go find Aang first to get his horse back.

Suddenly, his stomach growled, and that’s when he realized he needed to eat breakfast first—or he might die of hunger on the way.

Azula entered her house with all the discretion she could muster, but she had no idea what awaited her in the place that was supposed to be her home.

“Where the hell do you think you were?!” an aggressive male voice demanded.

The girl froze. Her breath trembled just hearing that voice, and she clenched the fabric of her skirt tightly in her fists, trying to hide the suffocating fear that overtook her.

“Ty Lee’s parents threw a party at their house. I spent the night there,” she answered without looking at her father, who was seated a few meters away in an elegant armchair. Ozai stood up and approached Azula with a dangerously threatening stride.

“Don’t lie to me, girl. Ty Lee’s family didn’t have any damn party last night. They were here at the party I threw, the one you and your damn friends ran away from.” Without warning, Ozai grabbed her right wrist tightly and with his free hand began squeezing her neck. “Now answer me, you stupid lying bitch! Where the hell were you?!” he demanded as he choked his daughter.

“Ugh!” she gasped in pain. “I... I was with my friends, Father,” she replied desperately, struggling to break free from her father’s grip with her left hand. Her nails clawed painfully at his wrist, pleading for mercy to make him let go, but all her efforts were in vain.

“You’re lying!” he roared before throwing her to the floor. Azula hit the ground hard. “I’m sure you went off to mess around with some bastard from the town, like the whore you are! Yes, that’s what you are — a whore! Just like your damn mother!” Ozai asserted.

“Don’t speak about my mother like that!” Azula protested, not raising her eyes from the floor and starting to cry. She tried to get up, but Ozai kicked her in the back, causing her to fall face down again.

“Shut up, slut! I’ve been very generous with you, but you’re going to learn to behave, and you will marry a man who will take care of you. I promise you that. But first”—he paused, savoring the thought of what was to come—“you will have to be punished for your bad behavior.”

Ozai grabbed a wicker rod that had been prepared beforehand next to the armchair. Azula’s horror grew as she saw it—she knew what awaited her. She wanted to escape, to run away, but her father’s kick had left her badly hurt. She couldn’t get up; even breathing hurt, and she was completely defenseless.

“No, Father! No, please! Have mercy! For Jesus’ sake, I beg you!” she pleaded through tears, trying to crawl away from her father.

“Jesus doesn’t save whores like you…” Ozai spat with disdain, a macabre smile twisting his face. He tore her dress and delivered the first blow to the girl’s bare back.

Then the second, third, fourth… each hit harder, angrier, and more violent than the last. Azula was crying, begging the man she called father for mercy.

“Aaaaagh! Noooo! Please! Help! Help…” she implored, but couldn’t finish her plea because Ozai kicked her in the mouth, leaving her dazed. He kept beating her until the rod broke, leaving the young woman’s pale back red with the blood from her wounds.

The man left her lying in the hallway and walked away as if nothing had happened, abandoning a battered Azula broken down in tears and bleeding.

“Help…” she whimpered.

At that moment, Mammy, the family’s maid, approached her.

“My girl!” the older woman exclaimed, completely horrified. “What happened? Did your father do this to you?”

Azula couldn’t answer; she was so exhausted she only nodded and collapsed into the woman’s arms. Mammy set about taking her to her room to tend her wounds and care for her as needed.

However, she managed to hear her mistress’s last whisper before falling into total unconsciousness—a word unknown to Mammy but very familiar to the young girl.

“Sokka…”

—Sokka’s in love! —Toph teased, laughing out loud. Aang and Katara couldn’t believe it.

After the party, everyone went to their own homes, but there was no sign of Sokka until the next morning. It was already past noon and the four of them were eating at the siblings’ house.

—Could you speak a little quieter, Toph? —Sokka muttered, a bit annoyed.

—There’s nothing wrong with being in love, little brother —Katara said, glancing sideways at Aang—. What’s funny to us is who you fell for. Wasn’t it the same girl you had that incident with yesterday afternoon? The one you even got upset with?

—Yeah, it was her. So what? I liked her from that moment, and it seems she likes me too. We saw each other again last night, talked, danced, ate, and had fun, that’s all —he declared.

—He’s telling the truth, I saw them dancing last night, they were pretty close —Aang added innocently, and Toph laughed again.

—And after that? We didn’t see you again, where did you go? Don’t tell me that... —Katara asked before being abruptly cut off by her brother.

—None of that! —Sokka exclaimed, blushing—. We just went to my hideout to enjoy the night sky, we kissed and fell asleep there —he clarified, red as a tomato.

—You kissed her?! —Toph shouted excitedly—. And she kissed you back? Wow! Congratulations, Sokka, now you’re involved with Mr. Ozai’s daughter —she proclaimed with laughter, patting her friend on the back.

—Mr. Ozai’s daughter? Sokka, that man is one of the richest in town —Katara doubted—. I don’t think he’ll be very pleased to find out his daughter fell for you. He’s gonna kill you! —she warned.

—Don’t scare Sokka like that, my love, he’ll figure out how to win that man over —Aang reassured, kissing his girlfriend on the cheek to his brother’s annoyance—. And now that you mention it… We already know him, a while ago, your father, Sokka, and I worked at his house. But you’re right, he’s a very powerful man —he commented, rubbing his chin.

For the rest of the meal, the three friends kept teasing the dark-skinned boy about his recent romance with Azula, who coincidentally was known to Toph. They had both attended the same school for rich girls, and although they weren’t close, Toph had some affection for her.

The blue-eyed young man told everyone he was going to see her the next day at noon and was very excited. His friends and sister encouraged him and wished him luck.

The next day, Sokka left work at his friend Teo’s workshop to go to the town square to wait for his beloved, but she didn’t show up.

Sokka was surprised but figured maybe she forgot, considering she was a busy person.

He went back to work and at the end of the day went to his hideout to rest a bit, returned home just in time for dinner, and went to sleep without saying a word to his family. And although he didn’t mention anything about it, Katara found it strange.

—Sokka… —Azulan whispered weakly.

“Calm down, ma’am, you’re going to be fine,” Mammy said, looking at her sadly. “Your wounds healed quickly, but you’re still weak, you need to keep resting.”

“And my father?” the girl asked as she settled into her bed.

“He left on a trip a few hours ago, heading to Kentucky. He didn’t say when he’d be back,” the older woman replied.

Azula smiled a little at the news; she could be free for a few days until Ozai returned.

That was her life.

Since her mother died when she was eight, her father had become a completely different person, and since Zuko was gone, she bore Ozai’s wrath. Her thoughts were interrupted by the woman accompanying her.

“Well?” Mammy asked. “Who is that boy you kept crying out for?”

“What are you talking about, Mammy?” Azula hesitated, raising an eyebrow. “There’s no boy.”

“Really? Then who is Sokka, and why did you keep saying his name so much?” the black woman pressed, very interested in finding out the truth.

“Sokka? Sokka, Sokka!” the young girl exclaimed, realizing the truth. “What day is it today?”

“Today is July seventh, miss.”

“Oh no, damn it! I was supposed to meet him at the square yesterday. I hope he doesn’t think badly of me for not showing up,” she murmured, rubbing her temple.

“Tell me about this Sokka,” Mammy requested. “He must be very handsome to have caught your attention.”

“Uff, he really is, Mammy,” the girl said, biting her lip. Azula blushed as she began remembering the moments she spent next to the humble young man.

The girl started telling everything that happened with the attractive boy.

The next day, Sokka was working hard at Teo’s workshop.

“So she’s Ozai’s daughter?” Teo asked, sipping some coffee.

“Keep your comments to yourself, okay?” Sokka grumbled, trying to tighten a bolt. “I’ll go look for her tomorrow; she probably had some rich people stuff to attend to.”

“Or maybe her father convinced her you’re not on his level,” the younger one replied. “Friend, be realistic; girls like her don’t look at guys like us. At best, we might rescue some prostitute from a brothel, and that’ll be the charity work of our lives.”

“You speak for yourself, Teo, but I know Azula is different. I felt something really strong with her from the first moment I saw her, like when you hammer a nail and it fits perfectly, you know?” Sokka said excitedly.

He finally finished tightening the bolts and handed the mechanical part to his partner.

“Done. Tell the idiots at the factory that if they force it again, it will explode and kill them all,” he asserted.

“I’ll tell them, don’t worry,” Teo said, taking the part and leaving. Sokka was left alone with his thoughts.

“Hey, peasant.”

Sokka turned startled but smiled when he realized the owner of that sweet voice was the girl who had him in love.

“Azula!” he exclaimed excitedly, holding himself back from rushing to her. “I didn’t see you the other day, I thought I wouldn’t see you again. How have you been?”

Azula just smiled and hugged him tightly. The young man was surprised by the gesture but gladly returned the hug, wrapping his arms around her.

“I missed you,” she admitted, hiding her face in his chest. Sokka kissed her hair and continued holding her.

“How did you find me?” he asked.

“Toph told me.”

“You know Toph?” he asked, surprised.

“Yes, from school and also because I’ve been to parties at her parents’ house. She told me you work here,” Azula stopped talking when she started looking around and pulled away from Sokka to explore the workshop a bit.

“Interesting,” she commented, impressed. She had never seen so many mechanical things in her life. “What exactly do you do here?” she asked, curious.

“I fix boilers of all kinds,” he answered. “Though I’m not the owner here, I’m just another helper,” he laughed nervously.

Azula kept looking around with curiosity. Sokka decided it was a good time to be with her somewhere other than the workshop.

“Hey, Azula, would you like to go for a walk?” he asked, nervously running his right hand through the back of his neck. She turned and gave him a smile.

“Sure, let’s go.”

Sokka offered his arm and she gladly took it. They both left the workshop and headed to the town square where they talked about themselves, their dreams, and hopes. Although it didn’t seem like it, Sokka suspected Azula was hiding something. He felt something was wrong but wasn’t sure what or why he sensed it.

They enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon, and as the sun went down, the young man took the girl back to her house.

“I had a lot of fun today, Sokka,” Azula said, smiling slightly.

The boy felt proud and happy inside.

“Do you want to go out tomorrow? We can ride horses and go for a ride in the countryside,” he asked.

“I’d love to,” Azula answered, excited.

“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow then.” Sokka approached her and gave her a short kiss on the lips. Azula blushed at the gesture and gladly returned it. Those lips had something that made her want more. They had to separate against their will and said goodbye, eager to see each other again.

The next day, just as planned, they both rode horses and wandered through the green fields and meadows of Ohio, talked, laughed, and competed to see who was the better rider—a challenge Azula won because she had learned horseback riding, while Sokka learned the hard way, working as a mule driver when he was younger.

At sunset, he took Azula back home, and on the porch of the Ozai mansion, under the indiscreet gaze of a hidden Mammy, they kissed again with fervent passion.

Despite the short time they’d known each other, it seemed they already cared for each other deeply and showed it as the days went by. They started meeting more often, and it was common to see them walking together around town or sitting in the square under the shade of a tree. Sometimes, they even hid out in Sokka’s secret spot to enjoy the scenery or swim in the lake, and it became normal for Aang and Katara to have Azula join them at lunch or dinner, sitting next to Sokka, of course.

Hakoda and Kya welcomed the girl with open arms, and she felt very welcomed in the dark-skinned boy’s family. For the first time in a long while, she felt part of a family again, something the premature death of her mother, her brother’s exile, and her father’s bad temper had taken away from her. Azula’s friends were happy to know the girl was very happy with that boy.

But unfortunately for Mai, things were not as joyful.

Around that time, Zuko’s regiment was sent to Virginia to fight Confederate troops at Bull Run, a battle the Union army disastrously lost on July 21, 1861.

For several nights, Mai was worried about her beloved’s fate, until early August when she received a letter from Zuko, informing her he was okay and hoped to return home soon to be with her. Azula understood her friend’s pain and worry since, after all, Zuko was her brother and she wouldn’t want to hear about his death.

On the other hand, Ozai began to suspect his daughter, since it was unusual for her to be cheerful, happy, and almost absent daily. Mammy did everything she could to cover for her and prevent the girl from being scolded, but her ideas were running out.

Mid-September, 1861

“The Union captured two Confederate forts in North Carolina! Extra! Extra! The Union captured two Confederate forts in North Carolina!” —shouted the paperboy selling newspapers at the corner.

Sokka and Azula were walking nearby and could clearly hear the boy’s shouts announcing the latest news, which varied a lot. Some days the Union won, other days the Confederacy.

Although neither cared much about the war, it was common for Sokka to accompany Azula each week to the train station to see if her cousin or brother had arrived among the wounded or dead somewhere near the Potomac or the Mississippi. Fortunately, that hadn’t happened yet, which relieved the blue-eyed young man. The girl held her boyfriend’s arm; her dress was stained with street mud—it had just rained, and they had to take shelter nearby.

When they arrived at the station, Azula approached the soldier in charge of the roll call for arriving men.

“Good morning, I want to know if…” —the soldier hurriedly interrupted her.

“You’re here to ask about Lieutenant Lu Ten and Sergeant Zuko. They didn’t come on this train. They’re fine; they’re fighting somewhere in Virginia. Don’t worry about them, okay? Things aren’t as bad as they seem.” Right then, a coffin was delivered to a family. The mother and wife of the unknown soldier burst into tears over the wooden box. The soldier looked away, and Azula decided it was a good time to leave. She grabbed her beloved by the arm and pulled him toward the street. Once away from the station, the girl gathered courage to speak.

“Sokka, promise me something,” Azula demanded.

“What is it?” he asked curiously.

“That you won’t go to that damn war,” she begged. “I couldn’t bear it—I don’t want to see you injured or inside a coffin. I don’t want to bury you; I don’t want to lose you!” she exclaimed anguished.

The young man gently took her hand, kissed it, then caressed her cheek.

“Don’t worry, I won’t enlist. I’m more useful here with my work. I won’t be any good over there. I’ll stay by your side,” he vowed.

“Do you promise me, farmer?” she asked anxiously. The young man smiled and gave her a passionate kiss, not caring about the onlookers passing by.

“I promise you, princess,” Sokka said confidently as they parted. She smiled back with complicity, and they continued walking back to his house to have dinner with his family.

Several days later, Sokka, Azula, Aang, Katara, and Toph were returning from a pleasant day in the countryside and were walking down a windy street in town. Azula’s hair was a mess, and she was trying desperately to fix it but just couldn’t manage.

Sokka noticed and started looking around the shops for something useful. Finally, they found a haberdashery, and the young man went inside, coming out with a simple but beautiful yellow ribbon.

“Look what I found. I hope it helps you fix your hair,” Sokka said happily as he handed Azula the ribbon. She accepted it, blushing happily, and tied it in her hair. She looked beautiful, and Sokka’s heart leapt with joy when she smiled at him after putting on the ribbon.

“Thank you, Sokka. I love you,” Azula declared sincerely. Sokka gave her a tender kiss on the lips.

Ozai and Azula were having breakfast in the dining room. Mammy stood nearby, ready to assist. Father and daughter ate in silence until Ozai decided to start the conversation.

“I’ve noticed you’ve been going out quite often. May I know why?”

Azula stopped eating as soon as she heard her father’s stern words.

She knew if she told the truth, her father would beat her mercilessly. If he had banished her brother for speaking his mind, what would await her for dating a young man with less money than her father? A young man who, despite everything, worked hard to be someone — cultured, intelligent, loving, romantic, thoughtful, and very handsome. A young man who had won her heart from the very first moment, and she gladly accepted it. God, how she felt just thinking about him!

Azula snapped out of her thoughts and answered her father.

“Well, lately my friends and I have started spending more time with Toph Beifong. You know how her parents are—they want their daughter to have more social life and all that,” Azula lied calmly.

Ozai raised an eyebrow suspiciously and decided to ask an even more dangerous question.

“Nice ribbon, I hadn’t seen it before. Who gave it to you?” he interrogated. Azula was trapped, not knowing how to answer, but luckily Mammy noticed the situation and decided to speak to protect the girl.

“With all due respect, and if I may speak, Mr. Ozai, it was me. I thought it would be a nice gift for Miss Azula. I saw it and decided to buy it for her,” Mammy replied, lowering her head to her master. Ozai glared at her severely.

“Look me in the eye when you speak to me,” he roared. Mammy obeyed.

“I gave the yellow ribbon to Miss Azula, sir,” she said firmly. Ozai nodded and took a sip of wine. Azula looked at the woman gratefully.

“Fine, I’ll allow it. If it’s a way to show gratitude to your employers, I’ll accept it,” he said disdainfully, wiped his mouth, and turned his gaze back to his daughter.

“I have good news for you, Azula—you’re getting married,” he suddenly announced. His words hit her like a bucket of cold water.

“Eh? What do you mean?” she asked, surprised. She didn’t understand what was happening. Ozai looked at her seriously and smiled maliciously.

“His name is Zhao. He’s an important man from Kentucky, interested in you as soon as I mentioned you. Also, he has a lot of money and a big cotton plantation. He’ll come these days so you can meet him,” he declared arrogantly.

“Meet him?” Azula asked fearfully.

“Yes. I’ll throw a party here in his honor, and your engagement to him will be announced as well. Any questions?”

“No, father,” Azula replied resigned.

She never thought her father would do such a thing—give her away to the highest bidder as if she were an object.

Immediately, she thought of Sokka. What would she say? “Hey, Sokka, you and I can’t be together anymore because I’m going to marry some stranger my father found.” No, she couldn’t do that to him. Sokka was a great guy, and despite everything, she wanted to be with him.

But her father wouldn’t approve.

He’d send her away or worse, kill her before letting her marry a humble young man like Sokka. If only she’d run away with her brother when she had the chance, maybe she wouldn’t be facing these problems now.

What the hell was she supposed to do? Face her father and stay with the young man she loved? Or comply with Ozai’s wishes? She was definitely in a very difficult dilemma.

Katara and Sokka were eating with their parents in the dining room of their house. That day, Kya had prepared a delicious chicken soup, and her children devoured it as if it were their last meal. Their husband Hakoda decided to break the silence to speak with his eldest son.

“Sokka, who is your girlfriend’s father?” asked the middle-aged man with curiosity. The boy swallowed his food and answered.

“He’s Mr. Ozai. I know him from afar but never talked to him. I guess because I know he’d forbid me from seeing his daughter,” Sokka said, laughing awkwardly at the end. “Why do you ask, dad?”

“Son,” he said hesitantly, “I heard before coming home that Ozai is throwing a party on Saturday. I didn’t think much of it until I heard the reason for the celebration,” he admitted worriedly. Sokka raised his eyebrows and looked nervously at his father.

“What’s going on?”

“Sokka, the reason for the party is…” he sighed, “…Azula’s engagement. It seems they’re going to betroth her.”

“What?” Sokka exclaimed, standing up from the table. “To whom? Do you know anything else? Please, tell me!” the young man begged, completely mortified.

“I couldn’t say, but I think you need to talk to her,” Hakoda answered to calm his son.

Sokka didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t go look for Azula to ask for an explanation at that moment. The only thing left was to wait until the next day to see her and talk.

He didn’t understand what was happening. She was supposed to love him, and he loved her—so why was she getting married?

Then a dark idea crossed his mind.

Maybe she wasn’t marrying by choice; she was probably being forced, either by her father or the other man.

Sokka ran his hands through his hair, got up from the table, and went to his room to think about what he could do to not lose Azula. It was Thursday, so time was running out.

“Did what?” Ty Lee asked, astonished. Azula visited her right after finishing lunch with her father to ask for advice about her situation and the matter with Sokka.

“What you heard. My father is going to marry me off to a complete stranger. I’m scared of what kind of man he might be.”

“Well, knowing your father, you can imagine,” Ty Lee murmured, consoling her friend. “Will you tell Sokka?”

“I don’t know, Ty Lee. God, this is so complicated. I love Sokka, believe me, but I don’t want to break his heart like that. I knew this would happen sooner or later, having to give in to my father’s interests—I just hoped…” Azula sighed sadly, “…I could be free from Ozai’s yoke, like my brother. Damn Zuko, I should’ve left with you when I had the chance.”

“He doesn’t exist anymore, Azula. Don’t keep regretting the past. You have to focus on the present and what might come next,” Ty Lee said wisely. “What do you plan to do? You have to tell Sokka about your ‘engagement,’ and you’ll both find a solution—even if that solution forces you to dishonor your father. But anyway, from what he did to your mother, your brother, and you, he already dishonored himself. So I don’t think you’ll hurt him much. If you’re going to make a decision, make it now,” she emphasized. Azula smiled at her friend and replied:

“You’re right. I’ll talk to Sokka and see what we’ll do. Thank you so much, Ty Lee. You’re really smart when you’re not running away from home, joining circuses, and chasing boys,” Azula teased, laughing softly.

Sokka was finishing greasing a printing press, and although his body was there, his mind was flying towards Mexico.

He had heard a little about that country and had even gone to the library to research more about it, finding interesting towns like Monterrey, San Luis Potosí, Saltillo, Zacatecas, etc. Even though he learned that country had just gone through a civil war, the idea of moving to the other side of the border, having a farm, and living there with Azula didn’t sound bad. He knew he’d have to convince her to run away from Ozai and everything she knew, and he would also have to say goodbye to his family… Damn, what would Katara say? What would his parents say?

He couldn’t just leave and abandon his family, so he came up with the brilliant idea of taking them all—his parents, Katara, Aang, and probably Toph too. But he had to talk to Azula first—what if she didn’t want that and preferred to marry the other man?

Sokka was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn’t notice a dark-haired girl standing next to him watching him contemplate the immortality of the crab, how the virgin spoke to him, how he counted flies—in other words, he was spacing out.

Well, the point is Azula was there next to him in silence until she decided to break it.

“Sokka!” exclaimed the dark-haired girl, making the blue-eyed young man jump in fright, almost spilling the can of grease in his hands. It looked like his soul would leave his body from the scare.

“Azula! Oh God, don’t scare me like that again, please. I think you should wear a bell, so I’ll know when you’re near,” he said, putting the can on the table and then wiping his hands with an old rag.

Azula chuckled quietly at him. God, how she loved the idiot, but she had come to talk about something serious—there was no time for games.

“Sokka, there’s something I have to tell you…” but he interrupted her.

“Me too, Zula,” he said, approaching her.

“Shut up and let me talk first,” she ordered, slightly annoyed—she hated being interrupted. “My father wants to marry me to some Zhao. He wants to throw a big party, and he will, but the truth is I don’t want to marry him. I… I love you, Sokka. I want to be with you, only you, no one else. So I came to propose we run away together, far from here, very far. I’ve read about the West—it could be a good option; we can start over, my love,” Azula said hopefully.

Sokka was surprised—it was exactly what he was going to propose to her, and Azula didn’t even know he knew about the engagement. Well, it seemed things might turn out easier after all.

“Looks like you read my mind, princess. I was going to suggest the same thing,” Sokka laughed, stealing a kiss. Azula happily returned it but pulled away immediately.

“Wait, you knew about my ‘engagement’? Well, it doesn’t matter anymore. I have a plan. On the day of the party, after they announce I’m marrying Zhao, you and I, Sokka, will leave this damn town.”

Chapter Text

October 1861

—So, what do you have in mind, princess? —Sokka asked with interest.

—Honestly, I was thinking we should go as far away as possible, to a place where no one can find us, not even my father…

—Azula—Sokka interrupted, running his right hand over the back of his neck—uh… can I bring my family? You know, my parents, my sister, who will probably want to take Aang with her… —he stammered nervously. Azula looked at him in surprise.

—Of course they can come with us, but not now, darling. First, we have to settle down, and then we’ll send your parents a letter with enough money so they can join us wherever we end up—Azula placed a hand on her beloved’s chest—Sokka, I care a lot about your family, and I know you love them too, they are an important part of both you and me…

Sokka smiled and replied.

—Follow me, there’s something I want to show you.

The young man led her to Teo’s father’s office, a rather pleasant place, and opened a large book on the desk. He searched for a specific page and pointed at a map of the neighboring country to the south.

—Mexico could be an option. I’ve read a bit about it and it’s a very large place—pointing to the Sierra Madre Oriental—We could go to a town located in these mountains, Monterrey, Saltillo, or Zacatecas. According to this book, they’re small cities with prosperous crops and mines. I could work there, or we could get a farm—he said, smiling at his girlfriend—What do you think, princess?

—I think it’s a good idea to start over. I speak Spanish fluently, so I could be a teacher at a school—Azula agreed, her right index finger pointing at the map—but there’s one detail, Sokka. How will we get to Mexico? —she wanted to know, raising an eyebrow. The boy looked at the map and sighed.

—That’s true, the first option… —he analyzed with concern—is to cross through the south, but I don’t think the Confederates will let us pass freely. We could also head west and then turn south to enter Mexico through El Paso, or we could go to a nearby port, either New York or Boston, and board a ship to some Mexican port, then head to our destination—he said thoughtfully.

—I think the last option is the best. Just imagine it, you and me on a ship headed to unknown lands—Azula whispered dreamily, moving closer to him, and Sokka embraced her.

The young man began to place gentle kisses on the girl’s hair, which slowly moved toward her face, which was carefully lifted by the strong hands of the blue-eyed boy. He kissed her lips softly over and over until he completely claimed them, as if wanting to satisfy all his hunger with the girl’s delicious mouth. She parted her lips, allowing her beloved’s tongue to enter and seek hers, intertwining and melting into one. Their bodies began to tremble from the electric shocks they felt with each kiss; they desired each other wildly and didn’t want it to end. When their lips separated to breathe in some of the surrounding oxygen, words escaped from Azula’s mouth that made the boy’s heart skip a beat.

—Sokka… I like you… I like you a lot—she stammered, lowering her gaze.

The young man looked at her with infinite tenderness, lifted her face, saw the sparkle in her eyes, and saw her with total determination.

—Azula, my princess, will you marry me? —he asked.

Azula responded without hesitation—Yes! Of course, my peasant! —she said between kisses.

Then he fiercely brought his lips to hers and kissed her passionately, sliding his hands down her delicate back and holding her tightly against his body, feeling the body of his beloved beneath that dress, which made his manhood react immediately. Meanwhile, Azula violently opened the boy’s shirt and slipped her small hands through it, feeling the dark skin of the boy. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around the young man’s back and slid her hands down to the start of it, as if wanting to take her caresses to an unexpected and forbidden place.

By this point, Sokka was biting the pale neck of the girl, mixing these caresses with fervent kisses that quickly descended to her shoulders.

Without stopping kissing her exquisite skin, Sokka leaned and slipped one of his strong arms under the girl’s legs and knees, lifting her. She wrapped her arms around the blue-eyed boy’s neck and began placing burning kisses on his neck, while the young man closed the office door.

Sokka and Azula stayed on the floor of that room, kissing with passion and enthusiasm. He briefly separated his kiss from the girl’s lips to lie down next to her, supporting himself on one elbow, which made him realize the sublime moment and helped him control the desperation he felt to have her, to possess her… He took a deep breath to calm the desire building in his body; he wanted the first time with his beloved fiancée to be perfect.

He began to carefully untie the simple dress and expose the small garment that clung to the fragile yet well-proportioned body of the girl. He filled his blue eyes with the sight; this delicious woman waiting for him to touch her.

Azula offered no resistance, she desperately wanted to feel dominated by this young man, to feel tamed by this manly and amazingly addictive boy.

The girl raised her hand to caress the boy’s cheek while a warm smile appeared on her face; he lay down completely on her to feel the delicate touch. She traced the warrior’s lips with one of her thin, pale fingers; in response, Sokka smiled back as he kissed and licked her small sweet finger, causing indescribable chills to run through his already burning body. A new tear rolled down the girl’s cheek; the blue-eyed boy leaned in to drink it and prevent such a precious jewel from vanishing.

—Why are you crying? —he asked worried.

—I don’t know… Maybe because for the first time I feel… free? —she whispered as another crystal tear slid down her rosy face—Sokka, I have never... been with another man before—she murmured, not taking her eyes off him.

—God… she’s a virgin—he thought—Please, help me do this right, not hurt her, please—he prayed to himself.

The dark-skinned boy tasted the crystal salty drop with the tip of his tongue that flowed again from her amber eyes, then kissed her forehead, eyes, small nose, and warm cheeks, until he feverishly deposited kisses on the girl’s reddish lips. She waited for him with her mouth open and responded with fervor to his kisses, deepening them as she tangled her arms around the boy’s neck.

He began to caress her slowly along the side of her small body, becoming aware of the fullness of her breasts, the curve of her slender waist, and the soft roundness of her hips. He slid his strong hand over her belly, gently brushing the black-haired girl’s crotch, which made her shudder and tremble; Azula had never felt so many emotions in her body and couldn’t believe this humble farmer was the cause of them.

Sokka slowly raised his hand to the start of her breasts, and without stopping, he moved up one of them, feeling through the thin garment its firmness; then he began to gently press it with his restless hand while playfully nibbling and licking the girl’s earlobe, provoking strong gasps from her and a wave of indescribable excitement running through her fragile body from head to toe. The man’s virility also reacted and began to throb with unusual anxiety.

—Simply perfect —he exclaimed in a husky voice from desire—You are everything I need.

She quickly freed her arms and wrapped them around the dark-skinned boy’s shoulders, under his shirt, to violently strip off his well-endowed body of the annoying garment, and began to deposit furious kisses on her beloved’s neck and shoulders, accompanied by burning caresses with her skillful hands. Sokka’s fiery hands had already captured Azula’s glorious breasts, and their breathing grew ragged due to the burning passion caused by the delicious contact and friction between their bodies.

The young man fiercely slid his hands over the girl’s wet skin toward her face, grabbed it firmly, and pulled it close until their lips joined again to steal the breath from her mouth, to start a fight over which one dominated the other; both felt sweat running down their cheeks and tasted it, licking it with uncontrollable need. Again, the blue-eyed boy marked a path with his burning lips down to his princess’s chest, to claim each one with his fresh mouth, to satisfy the hunger those forbidden fruits awakened in him, and kissed them furiously. The girl stifled an exclamation, and an uncontrollable urgency to have him inside her began to grow in her belly.

—Sokka, I need you —she moaned, breathing heavily; she felt her heart was going to explode from the furious passion she was feeling for the first time in her life.

Sokka placed the tip at the girl’s wet entrance. Azula held trembling onto the fabric of her dress, which served as a barrier between her naked body and the cold floor.

She was nervous, having heard from Mai that it hurt like a thousand demons. How would he manage to make that piece of flesh enter her?

When instinctively Azula arched upward to receive him, the young man entered. Waves of excitement ran through both bodies from the sublime internal contact as the dark-skinned boy began to give gentle thrusts. The girl felt waves of pleasure shake and shake her body; she felt like she was going to lose consciousness from the endless sensations that the boy’s touch caused in the nerve endings inside her.

Strong moans began to emerge from the girl’s mouth, which were drowned by the deep, eager, and wild kisses the boy gave her; overwhelmed by the exquisite sensations, the girl began to rhythmically move her hips to the pace of the dark-skinned boy’s thrusts, while taking possession of the blue-eyed boy’s well-formed rear with her hands, causing him to become even more aroused and his movements to become faster and more energetic. At the same time, he could no longer stay silent; hoarse cries of pleasure began to come out of his mouth, mixing with the sobbing that she repeated his name with.

—Sokka, I desire you, I desire you so much —she said with a broken voice while she didn’t stop caressing and kissing him— I love you, I want you only for myself —she sobbed.

Sokka shuddered, increased his pressure and the speed of the thrusts, which brought their desire to incomparable levels. Azula let out a muffled scream, and with the man’s last furious thrust, both bodies felt shocks of ecstasy that made the blue-eyed boy finally release all the pleasure he had contained for so long inside her.

The young man collapsed on his beloved’s fragile body, resting his face on her neck to begin licking and gently kissing it.

—I love you so much, Azula.

She kissed him.

—And I love you, Sokka.

After their very pleasant encounter with Sokka, Azula returned home.

Upon entering, she noticed the absence of human activity and assumed Ozai had gone to lock himself in his room or study and was most likely drunk and unconscious. The girl didn’t give it much importance and went to her room to sleep.

The next morning, Mammy woke her with the news that Zhao would arrive at any moment and that she had to be ready to meet him, so throughout the day and against her will, Azula was getting ready to finally meet that stranger.

Zhao was many things, most of them not good. At forty-six years old, he had committed all kinds of misdeeds to keep amassing money, power, and wealth. Some "legal," others not.

For example, in 1836, at twenty years old, he infiltrated Santa Anna’s men and mingled with the Mexican army a few days after the Battle of the Alamo. When the troops were sleeping at San Jacinto, he went to inform the Texan rebels, causing them to ambush, massacre, and capture Santa Anna and his men. For this vile act, he was rewarded with money, land, and black slaves.

Eleven years later, he marched with the U.S. army through Mexico, fighting at Buena Vista, Monterrey, and Churubusco. During his journey, he robbed, raped, and murdered every Mexican man, woman, child, or elderly person who stood before him. At the Battle of Churubusco, shortly after the heroic Mexican troops surrendered, Zhao approached General Pedro María Anaya and asked him where the park, gunpowder, and ammunition were. He replied: "If there was a park, you wouldn’t be here." For this answer, Zhao ordered his execution along with a group of Irishmen who had switched sides.

Returning home with military honors and loot dripping with innocent Mexican blood, Zhao married an anonymous woman of good family. The girl died two years into the marriage of “unknown causes.” Shortly after, Zhao remarried another woman from a good family; however, she died from a “complication” during the pregnancy of their firstborn, and the baby did not survive either.

By the time the Civil War began, Zhao owned a large cotton plantation with fifty slaves at his disposal and could afford to mingle with high society and do as he pleased without consequences. Still, he knew his money was not eternal, and that was when he met Ozai. He saw a great opportunity.

After doing his homework and researching his business partner, he discovered that Ozai’s family had wealth dating back to the beginning of the century and only had one heir, his daughter Azula, who was already of marriageable age. So Zhao, being the vile opportunistic rat he was, took advantage of the moment when Ozai was drunk to ask for his beautiful daughter’s hand—a request the man granted.

Zhao snapped out of his thoughts and focused on the landscape passing by the window of his carriage.

That very night he was going to get engaged to her, and possibly be married by Christmas. He licked his lips just thinking about the girl: young, beautiful, virgin, and full of life. It was only a matter of time before he took care of her and claimed the sizeable inheritance of her father. After that, he would push Ozai aside and become the richest and most powerful man in Kentucky and Ohio. It was a perfect plan without flaws.

Once the carriage stopped at his partner and future father-in-law’s house, Ozai and Azula came out to meet him as he descended.

Azula immediately tensed upon seeing the man, a chill running down her spine. Something told her he was no good, and she couldn’t understand how her father had been fooled by him.

—Ozai —Zhao greeted him with a slight smile as he shook his hand.

—Zhao —Ozai replied seriously— You’ll enjoy your stay here; I had a room prepared for you. Everything is arranged, my friend.

Zhao stopped paying attention to Ozai and turned his gaze to the girl beside him. His eyes gleamed when he saw her. She wasn’t like the others; she seemed to have character, and it would be difficult to tame her, although with patience and time he would succeed.

Their eyes met, and he felt aversion from the girl, which was logical—her father had promised her to him without knowing him first. But Zhao had a plan; he would win her over, and she would learn to love him in time. He would probably give her one or two heirs and then get rid of her. When their children asked what happened to their mother, he would tell them she died in a tragic accident, was hysterical, or simply left. He had it all coldly calculated.

Azula noticed that man’s gaze and knew something was wrong; however, she forced herself to calm down because she knew they only had to keep up appearances until nightfall.

During the party, she was going to run away with Sokka.

The girl asked Mammy to pack a trunk with clothes and money and discreetly send it to Sokka’s house. On the other hand, the young man would take care of the journey; she was sure that, by that moment, he must be buying the train tickets.

—Miss Azula, I suppose… Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Zhao —the man said, kissing her hand— You’re more beautiful than I imagined, as lovely as a sunset in my native Texas —he commented nostalgically.

—Thank you very much, Mr. Zhao —Azula said with sadness. The man offered his arm, which she reluctantly accepted, and the three began walking toward the house.

—Everything is prepared for tonight, my friend. The engagement will be announced before dinner, and the wedding will be held in a month to handle some legal matters like changing the will and such —declared Ozai.

—Don’t worry, good Ozai, I’ll use these days to get to know my future wife —he smiled, feigning kindness— Tell me, Azula, do you know Kentucky*? —he asked, turning to look at her.

—I’m sorry to say I haven’t had the pleasure, Mr. Zhao, but I’ve heard it’s a beautiful place.

—You’ll know it soon. You’ll fall in love with the large plantations of my home; I have many slaves at my disposal —Zhao declared disdainfully, looking at Mammy over his shoulder, which made the woman uncomfortable— I suppose your slave will fit in well having more negroes** to keep her company.

—Mammy is not a slave; she is a free woman, Mr. Zhao —Azula replied with some annoyance— She works for me, and I would like her status to be respected if she accompanies me to Kentucky with you.

Zhao was surprised by her response and smiled awkwardly.

—Anything for a beauty like you, Miss Azula. I will make sure Mammy is not mistaken for just another slave and receives a fair salary —he lied, as Zhao hated free black people.

It was no secret that Zhao openly supported slavery and the Confederacy, because he believed that without slavery, the South would not survive.

The group entered Ozai’s house, and Zhao went to settle into his room. Ozai went to his study, and Azula and Mammy were left alone in the kitchen. The silence was uncomfortable; the girl saw the anger in Mammy’s eyes, and it was Mammy who decided to speak.

—I hate that bastard —Mammy said with reasonable anger.

—Welcome to the club —the girl agreed with a sigh— I hated him even before I met him —she laughed— Hey, Mammy, how did it go with the thing I asked you? —Azula asked discreetly.

—Everything went well, miss, your things are at Sokka’s house, and he is preparing everything else. He told me the train leaves at eleven at night; he wants you to meet him outside his house at ten-thirty —Mammy declared— I wish you lots of luck, Miss Azula; you have been very good to me. I hope young Sokka and you are very happy and prosperous —she wished, though with small hints of worry in her voice. Azula took her hand and comforted her.

—Don’t worry about me, Mammy, I’ll be fine. I’d rather take the risk and be happy with the one I love than be that man’s slave —she said with total certainty.

After the conversation, Azula went to finish getting ready for the night, while Mammy and others prepared the house’s hall to receive the guests, who began arriving at eight o’clock in the evening.

Sokka had received Azula’s things throughout the day. Aang offered to help him take them to the train station, and together they tied Bonzu to the cart, loaded the trunk, and headed that way. The cart entered the town; Sokka held the reins while Aang sat beside him, taking in the surroundings.

“So, I trust you to take care of Bonzu while I’m gone?” Sokka asked, looking at his horse. Aang nodded with a smile.

“Of course, friend, he’ll be in good hands. You know I love him; he’s a great horse.” Bonzu let out a small whinny upon hearing the praise. Sokka chuckled a little.

“Did you hear that, boy? Aang and Katara will take good care of you. It’ll only be for a short time; we’ll see each other again,” whispered the dark-skinned boy hopefully.

“I still remember the look Katara gave when she heard your crazy plan,” Aang said with laughter, “but it’s good your family supported your decision. I can’t wait to meet the little Mexican town where you’ll settle,” he added.

“Yes, I hope it’s soon, although it’s more likely they’ll hear from us in six months,” Sokka said. “Zula and I want to avoid drawing too much attention so Ozai and Zhao don’t find us. If that happens, we’ll have trouble,” he warned somberly.

“Relax, everything will be fine. They won’t chase you,” Aang said, patting his friend on the shoulder. “We’ll make sure they never find you.”

“Thanks, Aang, you’re a great friend,” Sokka replied, hugging him.

After that, they arrived at the train station, did what they had to do, and returned to Sokka and Katara’s home to eat. When finished, Sokka began to get ready for the night.

The party had been going on for a while, yet Azula still hadn’t gone to the hall. From her room, she could hear the music and voices of the guests. Everything had to go well. Before ten-thirty, she had to feel unwell and discreetly slip out of the party to meet her beloved outside and leave that cursed place, but she was scared—what if things went wrong?

Azula drank a glass of water and calmed herself a little. At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

“Come in,” she exclaimed, thinking it was Mammy, but was pleasantly surprised to see Ty Lee enter accompanied by Mai, who closed the door behind her. Azula hugged her friends warmly.

“I’m really glad you came,” she said sincerely.

“We wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Ty Lee replied. “I suppose you have everything ready. I told Mai about your situation, and she said we should create a distraction to give you more time to escape.” Mai winked, and Azula smiled conspiratorially.

“Thank you so much, girls. I’ll write to you when I get a chance. Mai, good luck with Zuko, take good care of him.”

“We’ll be fine, Azula. I wish you the best with ‘the farmer,’” Mai said, teasing her friend. Ty Lee couldn’t hold back laughter remembering the incident where Sokka and her friend met, their later conversation, and how that same night they fell in love. Azula rolled her eyes with some annoyance.

“I already told you, I don’t talk like that, not even at our last meeting you don’t stop mocking me,” the girl played offended, and Ty Lee gave her a break.

“We love you a lot, Azula, come here, give us a hug.”

The three friends joined in a big, warm embrace amid giggles. Azula would miss them, that was certain—the quirks of Ty Lee and Mai’s sarcasm and seriousness. After the hug, the trio headed to the hall where Ozai’s daughter was already expected, and he had just started drinking.

Zhao marveled at the girl in that black and red dress and elegant hairstyle. The girl smiled gracefully at the guests who were hypnotized admiring her. The vile man approached her and offered his hand.

“May I have this dance?”

“Of course,” she granted. Taking his arm, she began to dance with him.

From the start, she felt the difference between that man and Sokka. Zhao’s movements were more dominant and aggressive, while when she danced with her beloved blue-eyed boy, she felt they flowed freely together. It was only a matter of time to leave that place. She looked around and saw her father drinking and getting drunk, Mai talking to an army officer probably asking about Zuko, Ty Lee chatting cheerfully with another guest, and her friends’ parents dancing. There were about thirty guests approximately. She checked the clock—it was ten minutes to ten.

“I wish time would move faster!” Azula thought; she would keep dancing with Zhao for a while longer.

“You’re very beautiful, Azula,” Zhao whispered, interrupting her thoughts. “I can’t wait to make you my wife.” He licked his lips while his right hand tightened around the girl’s waist. Azula felt uncomfortable.

“Good things take time, Mr. Zhao.”

“I think I’ve been waiting too long,” he replied, sliding his hand along her waist. That made her very nervous, and she shot a pleading look to her friends, noticed by Ty Lee, who came to her rescue.

“Azula! Excuse me, sir, but I’m going to take her away for a few minutes.” The girl took her friend by the hand and led her away.

“Thank you very much, Ty Lee, I owe you one,” Azula said gratefully.

“He’s a disgusting man. God, why did your father think it was a good idea to promise you to him?” Ty Lee asked angrily. After those words, Azula saw her father drunk, chatting with some guests.

“Probably for all the free liquor Zhao gives him. I’m going to the bathroom, Ty Lee, stay alert,” Azula said and left the hall.

Sokka said goodbye to his family; Katara gave him a strong hug and wished him good luck. Leaving his house, he mounted Bonzu and rode to Azula’s house. Upon arrival, he stopped his horse and checked the time on his pocket watch—it was ten ten. He hoped Azula would be with him as soon as possible.

Coming out of the bathroom, the girl encountered Zhao, who seemed to be waiting for her. Azula was surprised to see him and horrified when he pinned her against the wall and kissed her by force.

She could feel his rough tongue licking her lips and teeth, trying to violate her mouth. She tried to free herself, but it was useless; Zhao held both her arms...

“I want you, Azula,” he growled hungrily, leaving wet marks along her neck. Azula kept struggling with him.

“Zhao... Let me go... Please...” she begged, but he ignored her.

“No, you’ll be my wife. Why don’t we start practicing for the wedding night?” he smiled authoritatively against her skin. The girl could smell the whiskey on the man; he was drunk.

She kneed him in the groin, and Zhao instantly let go from the pain. She took the chance to break free and hit him on the head with a nearby candelabrum. After the first blow, Zhao screamed in pain and tried to rub the wound but got hit again, falling to the floor. Azula threw the candelabrum at him.

“I would never marry a monster like you! You’re disgusting! I hate you!” she shouted, kicking his head.

She ran to the door, praying not to meet her father. Passing the hall, she noticed Mai and Ty Lee entertaining the other guests, so she sighed in relief and headed to the house’s entrance. She opened the door and, upon stepping out, admired the beautiful night sky—there was a full moon, and the stars shone beautifully.

She hurried under the moonlight’s shadow toward the gate of her house, and in the distance, she saw Sokka mounted on his horse, waiting for her.

Sokka noticed his beloved approaching and dismounted Bonzu to help her get on. He opened the gate, not caring about the noise, and went to Azula.

“Azula!”

“Sokka!”

They shouted excitedly, and when they finally reached each other, they hugged and kissed passionately.

“Let’s go, Sokka, please let’s go,” she sobbed. “I don’t want to stay here another minute.” Her words were interrupted by an older man, and a chill ran down the girl’s spine.

“Well, well, what do we have here? So this is the reason you hit me? Huh? You prefer this vile farmer?” Zhao asked furiously, approaching the couple.

“Who are you?” Sokka asked, stepping protectively in front of Azula.

“Oh, forgive my manners, I’m Zhao, Azula’s fiancé!” he declared arrogantly.

“No, I never agreed to marry you!” Azula protested angrily.

“She doesn’t love you, Zhao. Go back where you came from and leave her alone,” ordered Sokka.

“How dare you order me around, disgusting farmer? Azula will be mine! Get out of my way!” he shouted angrily, pointing at them.

“You’ll have to go through me,” Sokka said, looking at his beloved. “Go away, Azula; I’ll come after you later.”

“I’m not leaving without you, Sokka,” she refused determinedly.

Sokka stood his ground. Zhao lunged at him, and they began to fight. Both landed punches to the face, chest, stomach, and arms. Azula watched in horror as Zhao managed to knock Sokka down and began hitting him in the face. The dark-skinned boy managed a knee to get him off and stood up to kick Zhao while he was still on the floor.

“Finish him, Sokka!” Azula shouted.

Sokka grabbed his opponent’s lapel and began landing left hooks to his face until Zhao bled profusely from his mouth and nose. With each blow, Zhao became more dazed, his head hanging backward. Zhao drew a revolver and tried to hit Sokka with it.

However, the boy realized and struggled again to prevent a disaster. Zhao tried to aim at Sokka, but the latter deflected the weapon. They ended up on the ground, grappling and rolling until a finger pulled the trigger, and a shot rang out in the silence of the night. Both men froze.

“No!” Azula screamed desperately, thinking the shot had wounded Sokka, but to her surprise, the young blue-eyed boy was fine.

He was on top of the older man, and she noticed Zhao lying with wide-open eyes, blood pouring from his face and chest.

“Calm down, Azula! I’m fine!” Sokka exclaimed, standing while looking at the man’s body. The murder weapon was in Sokka’s right hand, which he immediately dropped to the floor.

“Zhao is…”

“Dead,” Sokka finished. Azula hugged him, and he wrapped his arms around her.

“I thought I was going to lose you, fool,” she complained, tears falling.

At that moment, several guests, including Mammy, Mai, and Ty Lee, came out of the house upon hearing the shot and approached to see the scene. Two police officers also arrived and pointed guns at Sokka as soon as they saw Zhao’s body.

“Hands up!” Sokka obeyed. “Boy, you’re under arrest,” said a policeman, handcuffing him. Meanwhile, the other guests were bewildered by the scene, and Azula was in shock.

“I’ll be fine, Zula, don’t worry, I’ll be fine! I’ll come back for you! I swear!” he said as they took him away. Ty Lee approached her friend to comfort her.

The next morning, Sokka was in a local jail cell after being accused of Zhao’s murder. Despite declaring himself innocent and claiming self-defense, the police kept him in custody. It wasn’t until around nine in the morning that the judge came to speak with him.

“I told you, Your Honor, I’m innocent,” Sokka repeated.

“Son, you killed that man. There are witnesses to confirm it, so you have only two options: jail or the army. Your choice…”

Sokka stared at the judge, thinking over his response.

Azula sat in her house’s living room with Mammy as her only company. The silence between them was interrupted by Ozai’s voice; he had just woken up and seemed unaware of what had happened the night before due to his drunkenness.

“Azula! Where is Zhao? I can’t find him anywhere,” he shouted, suffering a terrible hangover as he approached his daughter. Mammy got up and left the room.

“He won’t be back; Zhao is dead,” Azula answered, giving him a hateful look.

“What? That’s impossible,” he said incredulously. “What did I miss last night?”

Azula stood angrily from the couch and faced her father.

“If you didn’t spend all your time drinking until you passed out, maybe you could have realized everything that happened, Ozai! That bastard tried to rape me! And he got what was coming to him! Do you know who killed him? It was the man I truly love with all my heart! Sokka killed Zhao! He did it! He defended my honor! Something you wouldn’t do for all the money and whiskey in the world! You want to know something else? I’m leaving with him! I’m leaving forever! And you can’t stop me! You have no power over me anymore, Ozai! I hate you!” she shouted at the top of her lungs. Ozai responded with a slap.

“Ungrateful bitch! I gave you everything! And this is how you repay me?” He grabbed his daughter by the neck and threw her to the floor, leaving her stunned. “Did you think I would let you get away with this? You’re a stupid whore!”

Ozai took a metal rod and dangerously approached Azula.

“If you’re not Zhao’s, you won’t be anyone else’s! Understand?” he roared.

“I’ll see you in hell!” Azula spat from the floor. Ozai laughed devilishly.

“Dear daughter, that’s where I’m sending you right now.” Azula watched in horror as her father raised the rod, only to see Ozai suddenly choke, clutch his chest, fall to the floor, and begin to agonize.

“Ugh! H...Help, please...” he stammered, writhing on the floor. Azula got up and just watched.

Ozai kept writhing and clutching his chest until he finally stopped moving. Azula stared at her father’s lifeless body. It was certain: after a life of excess, Ozai had died.

Azula ordered Mammy to call the family doctor and lawyer to take all necessary measures following her father’s death. The doctor performed the autopsy and concluded Ozai died of a heart attack.

The funeral services were held, and Ozai was buried the next day. Azula made sure her uncle Iroh, Lu Ten, and Zuko were informed of her father’s death, but none of them attended the funeral.

After the burial, Azula met with the family lawyer, who revealed that her father had left her the entire fortune after expelling her brother from the house.

Azula was rich.

She smiled after hearing that—she was finally free from her father’s yoke, and best of all, she kept his material possessions, the house, and all his money.

For her, that was justice.

Three days after Ozai’s death, Sokka visited Azula at her house. He had been released but under one condition that annoyed the girl—when she went out to greet him, she noticed her young beloved wore a beautiful blue cavalry uniform.

Sokka had enlisted in the army. He asked why she hadn’t come to visit him at the jail, and she told him about her father’s sudden death, which was why she couldn’t visit. Sokka understood.

The girl saw several cavalry soldiers mounted on horses outside her house, waiting for Sokka.

“So, you’ll be riding to the front?” Azula asked sadly.

“I didn’t want to go to prison for a crime I didn’t commit. Besides, it won’t be so bad; good Bonzu will go with me,” he said, pointing at his horse. Azula smiled at him.

“I’ll be waiting for you, Sokka,” she said as she hugged him and whispered in the blue-eyed boy’s ear, “You know, I’m very happy because we are free now; no one else will bother us. Promise me you’ll come back, my love.” She kissed his lips.

“I promise you, princess.”

“Here, take something to remember me by.” Azula took the yellow ribbon from her hair, tore a piece, and gave it to Sokka, who tied it around his left wrist.

“Let’s go, Sokka! We have to report to the barracks!” a corporal shouted.

“I have to go, Zula,” Sokka said, giving his beloved a last goodbye kiss. They separated, and he headed to his companions.

“I love you, Sokka!”

“And I love you, Azula!”

The other soldiers laughed, and when they saw the piece of yellow ribbon, one of them said:

“Look! He’s got the yellow ribbon!”

“What does that mean?” Sokka asked as he mounted his horse and waved goodbye to his beloved in the distance.

“That a girl is waiting for you at home!” another soldier answered with a smile as they began to move away.

“Just like in the song, Sergeant!” another exclaimed.

“Yes! Sergeant, permission to sing it!” one requested.

“Permission granted, soldier. Sing the cavalry hymn,” the Sergeant ordered humorously. The young soldier cleared his throat.

“How does it go, friends? One, two, three…”

They began to sing as they rode down the road away from Azula’s house. The wind was pleasant, and a beautiful sunset shone behind them.

Round her neck she wore a yellow ribbon,
She wore it in the winter and the merry month of May,
When I asked her, "Why the yellow ribbon?"
She said, "It’s for my lover who is in the Cavalry"
Cavalry (Cavalry), Cavalry (Cavalry)
She said, "It’s for my lover who is in the Cavalry"
Cavalry (Cavalry), Cavalry (Cavalry)
She said, "It’s for my lover in the U.S. Cavalry."

Chapter Text

1862

"War never changes" — that’s what an old, wounded soldier told Sokka as he helped carry the man’s stretcher to the field hospital during the Second Battle of Bull Run in late August 1862. Despite being a cavalryman, most of the time Sokka was assigned to other duties. Still, he made sure to never stray far from his loyal horse, Bonzu.

Life in the Union Army had become monotonous for Sokka: one day he was fighting, the next he was cleaning up the bloody mess left behind. Seeing the wounded disgusted him—most died painfully in the field hospitals. One of the few things keeping him sane was the constant correspondence with Azula. She longed for his return so they could finally live a happy life together. Every time Sokka read one of her finely written letters, he sighed with longing and hope. It was the closest he could be to her. Her words gave him a reason to survive, and every night, he prayed to return home to her.

Things remained that way until the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, when he unexpectedly reunited with an old friend.

"They keep sending men straight ahead like this, Lincoln’s going to run out of an army!" shouted Sokka, running from enemy fire while carrying a wounded soldier.

"Don’t worry, Bill, you’ll be fine! I’m getting you to the medics!" he said to the injured man as they moved forward. "Almost there!"

They arrived at the field hospital, passing rows of screaming wounded while overwhelmed surgeons did their best to save lives—or at least save limbs.

"I’ve got Lieutenant William Harper here! He needs treatment now!" yelled Sokka.

Some orderlies rushed over. Bill whispered, "Sokka, I’m not a lieutenant."

"Relax, Bill. It’s just to get you in faster. Look, here they come." Bill gave him a grateful look before being taken inside.

As Sokka turned to leave, a familiar voice stopped him.

"Sokka! Buddy! It’s been ages!" Aang called out as he ran toward him.

"Aang! Man, I can’t believe it’s you! I never thought you’d enlist!" Sokka said, pulling him into a hug.

"I’m a chaplain. And I help with the wounded, too—you know, to help them make peace with the Lord," Aang explained.

He looked older, more mature. Sokka patted him on the back. "Knew you’d end up helping people somehow. How’s everyone back home? Last I heard, Azula moved in with my parents."

"Things are good. Azula helps your mom and Katara with the chores. We write often—I’ll tell her I saw you. She’ll be over the moon," Aang said with a big grin.

"Good to hear," Sokka said wistfully, then noticed one of his officers approaching. "I gotta go, Aang. Hope we meet again soon."

"Back to the front?" Aang asked.

"Someone’s gotta teach Johnny Reb a lesson," Sokka quipped, chuckling as he jogged off.

1863

June 29, 1863

"ATTENTION!" shouted Captain Lu Ten as he rode up to the group of soldiers awaiting orders. Sokka stood among them and immediately straightened up at the call.

"The Rebs are approaching Gettysburg. General Meade wants more men. This company is headed there, under the command of Lieutenant Zuko Olson," the captain said as Zuko stepped forward to address the troops.

"Men, this mission is crucial. The Confederates are moving fast, and we have to stop them. Saddle up—we leave immediately."

The men saluted, mounted their horses, and prepared for the march.

"Lieutenant," said Lu Ten.

"Captain?"

"Keep morale high. Have them sing."

"Any song in mind, sir?"

"'I Left My Love,'" Lu Ten replied.

Zuko smirked. "Yes, sir. Sergeant!"

"Lieutenant?"

"Get them singing ‘I Left My Love.’ Orders from the captain."

"Aye, sir!" The sergeant passed the order down the line, and the drummer began to beat a rhythm.

"Alright boys, you heard the man!" shouted a subofficer. "Sing like you mean it!"

The voices of the cavalry rang out:

I left my love, my love I left a-sleepin’ in her bed...

Sokka immediately thought of Azula. Was she still sleeping, curled up in the same bed he left?

I turned my back on my true love when fightin’ Johnny Reb... 

He remembered kissing her goodbye at her doorstep, mounting Bonzu, and riding off into an uncertain future.

I left my love a letter in the holler of a tree, I told her she would find me in the U.S. Cavalry...

The whole column joined in:

Hi-yo! Down they go, there's no such word as "can't"!
We'll ride clean down to Hell and back for Ulysses Simpson Grant!

Zuko raised an eyebrow. "Did they just say we’re riding to Hell?"

Lu Ten chuckled. "They’ll be lucky if the Rebs don’t get them first."

I left my love, my love I left a-sleepin’ in her bed...

The voices grew louder.

Hi-yo! Down they go, there's no such word as 'can't'!

A sergeant yelled, "Louder, men! I want Robert E. Lee to hear us tremble the heavens!"

The drummer pounded harder, and the men sang with renewed gusto.

I left my love a letter in the holler of a tree...

Suddenly, a younger private leaned toward Sokka and asked, "Sarge, why are we singing about riding to New Orleans if we’re heading to Gettysburg?"

Sokka didn’t miss a beat. "Because it rhymes better than ‘Gettysburg,’ now shut up and sing."

"Yes, sir," the private grinned.

We'll ride clean down to New Orleans for Ulysses Simpson Grant! 

Sokka smiled as the horses trotted beneath the summer sun. Tired, uncertain of the battles ahead, but their voices were strong, and their hearts were full.

They sang not just for duty—but for the ones they left behind.

And for some, like Sokka... they sang for love.

Upon reaching the outskirts of Gettysburg, the tension in the air was palpable. The Confederates were already there, and the fighting had begun. Zuko immediately caught up with the other officers and then began issuing orders to the company. Sokka and his unit obeyed and quickly headed to the front to join Union forces.

“Defend these positions!” shouted Zuko as gunfire rang out around them. Sokka and the other soldiers entered the primitive trenches and prepared to withstand the enemy assault.

The battle escalated quickly, with both sides fighting fiercely for control of the terrain. Sokka’s cavalry unit was deployed to carry out reconnaissance and swift attacks, using their mobility to harass the Confederate forces.

“Never thought it would end like this!” said Sokka, breathing heavily as he helped a wounded comrade to safety.

July 2, 1863

The second day of the battle was even fiercer. Confederate forces launched multiple assaults at various points along the Union front. Zuko led his unit in a fierce defense at Little Round Top, a key strategic position.

“Hold the line! Don’t fall back!” ordered Zuko, wielding his saber as bullets whizzed around him. Sokka and his comrades fought with determination, defending every inch of ground.

The fighting at Little Round Top was particularly intense. Sokka and his unit faced waves of Confederates, using their knowledge of the terrain and training to repel the attacks. Despite the casualties, they managed to hold their position.

“We can’t let them overrun us!” shouted Sokka as he pushed back an enemy who had infiltrated their lines. The battle continued into the night, with both sides exhausted but neither giving in.

July 3, 1863

The third and final day of the battle was the most crucial. Lee, determined to break the Union lines, ordered a massive assault known as Pickett’s Charge. Sokka and his unit prepared to face the onslaught.

“They’re coming at us! Get ready!” Zuko shouted as the Confederates advanced en masse.

Union artillery opened fire, creating a hell of explosions and screams. The Confederates advanced bravely, but the Union defense was relentless. Sokka fired his rifle repeatedly, feeling the tension and weight of every shot.

“We can’t let them through!” exclaimed Sokka, urging his comrades to hold strong.

At some point, Sokka and his companions ended up in no man’s land, fighting face-to-face against the Confederates.

In the midst of the chaos, Sokka found himself face-to-face with a Confederate officer. The two stared at each other, both armed with rifles, and began to fight. The seconds felt eternal as the enemy struck Sokka with repeated bayonet thrusts.

The open wounds pulled painfully at his skin, the discomfort of the fabric sticking to him from the blood seeping out from deep bayonet cuts. At some point, Sokka was disarmed and began fighting hand-to-hand against the grey-uniformed rebel.

He had lost his weapon in the fight, and now his opponent had injured him so badly that his body itself was at risk of giving in.

Sokka struggled to stay on his feet, resisting the sharp blade’s blows to his body as best he could. His opponent was clearly in better condition, and Sokka doubted how much longer he could last.

His breath tore at his lungs, his throat was dry, and he was short of oxygen. He began to feel dizzy from the blood loss.

“How much longer do I have to keep this up? Just give up already, damn it,” he thought.

His vision blurred, he felt the pounding in his ears, and his legs began to want to give out.

“I’m going to die. I can’t go on. This bastard’s going to win and kill me.”

Then, the image of the girl he loved so much came into his mind. The girl with honey-colored eyes and dark hair. Skin pale as the finest porcelain and the most pink, kissable lips in the world.

Azula.

Oh, heavens, how he missed her. He longed to hold her in his arms, to kiss her until his lips burned.

“Damn it. I can’t die. Not here, not now. I have to see her. Even just one last time—I have to see her before I go, and I won’t if I fall in this godforsaken field.”

He took a deep breath, gathered his last strength, and with a shout, grabbed a saber he spotted nearby, slashing his opponent’s neck without hesitation.

Sokka threw the enemy’s body aside and crawled a bit back toward the friendly lines. He could barely move, and for a few moments, he considered just staying there forever.

Until a familiar voice’s shout pulled him from his thoughts.

Lu Ten saw the chaos erupting on the battlefield and quickly rode toward Zuko.

“Zuko, we’ve got them where we want them. We have to strike the final blow,” he said, euphoric.

Zuko understood the message and ordered a cavalry charge with the remaining units still on the line.

“Charge!” shouted Zuko, and the bugle began to sound, signaling the cavalry charge.

The men rode toward the battlefield and, upon arrival, overwhelmed most of the remaining Confederate forces. Lu Ten was beside Zuko, and in the Confederates’ last desperate attempt to maintain their advance, they fired their rifles, and several bullets struck Zuko’s cousin, causing him to fall from his horse.

“Lu Ten!” Zuko shouted. He stopped his horse, dismounted, and ran straight to his cousin. Upon arriving, he saw he had been mortally wounded in the chest and stomach—he needed immediate help.

“Medic! Help! Please!” he cried, weeping while comforting his cousin in his arms. Lu Ten began coughing blood and muttered weakly.

“Z… Zuko, w… where’s my father? Where’s my mother?” And with that, he exhaled his last breath.

Zuko stayed there for a moment, trying to process the death of his relative. He considered him his older brother and a role model. He held him in his arms, unaware that a bomb had landed dangerously close by and exploded, injuring Zuko on the left side of his face.

“Aaaaaaagh!” he screamed in agony as he writhed in pain. He had suffered a severe burn and shrapnel had embedded itself in his face and left arm. That was when an unknown figure approached him.

“Lieutenant!” exclaimed Sokka upon seeing his superior in agony. With the little strength he had left, Sokka lifted a dying Zuko onto his back and slowly walked toward Union lines.

“Let go! Leave me here! Let me die!” Zuko ordered.

“I won’t leave you here, Lieutenant. You have to go back. We have to go back. I just want to go home and be with my Zula,” Sokka answered with determination.

“What did you say? Say that again,” Zuko said, coming back to himself after hearing his comrade’s final sentence.

“Zula—that’s what I call my girl, though her real name is Azula,” Sokka replied wistfully. Zuko’s eyes widened at hearing that. He knew his sister had a boyfriend, but he never imagined he’d meet him—let alone on the battlefield at Gettysburg.

“It’s you… You’re my sister’s boyfriend,” Zuko whispered before fainting, unaware that Sokka had indeed heard him. The latter was also surprised to learn that he had just saved the life of his beloved’s brother. Sokka looked back and saw the Confederates retreating. After that, he continued toward the medical post where both he and Zuko would be treated.

Pickett’s Charge turned out to be a disaster for the Confederates. The Union lines held firm and repelled the assault, inflicting heavy casualties. By the end of the day, the Battle of Gettysburg was over.

Three days later, with his wounds treated and nearly healed, Sokka—exhausted but victorious—allowed himself a moment of reflection. He went to see his faithful horse.

“We made it, Bonzu. We survived this,” Sokka said, stroking his horse’s neck. He thought of Azula and the future that awaited them, grateful to have survived one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

As the sun set over the battlefield, Sokka rejoined his comrades.

Zuko was transferred to a military hospital; his injuries were treatable but he needed time to recover. A few hours before his transfer, Sokka went to see him.

Zuko’s left arm and the left side of his face were partially bandaged. The burns and wounds would heal, but scars would remain for the rest of his life. According to him, he could still see out of his left eye.

“So you’re leaving?” he asked weakly from his cot.

“The war’s not over for us yet, Lieutenant. We’ve been assigned new officers and will be sent somewhere else—they haven’t told us anything yet,” Sokka replied with concern.

“That’s how it goes, Sokka. As for me, I’ll be sent off somewhere to recover, and most likely, they’ll stick me behind some desk in a headquarters until the war ends,” he complained. He was tired of lying in bed and wanted to fight again, but his injuries wouldn’t allow it.

“Don’t let it all fall apart, Lieutenant,” Sokka responded. Zuko looked him straight in the eye.

“Sokka, promise me one thing—that you’ll take care of my sister, and that you’ll come back safe and sound to her. That’s my last order as your officer,” Zuko commanded.

Sokka nodded, hope in his heart. War never changes, but the men who fight it do. And he, Sokka, knew he would return home, to Azula’s arms, with the certainty that his sacrifice had not been in vain.

“I will, sir. I will,” Sokka replied. He saluted his former officer and walked out toward an uncertain fate.

1866

—When the cattle are prowlin'
And the coyotes are howlin'
Under the western sky
The cowboy is singin'
His spurs are a-jinglin'
As on the trail he rides
Woo...hoo, hoo hoo
Woo...hoo, hoo hoo hoo, hoo hoo hoo
Woo...hoo, hoo hoo hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo hoo, hoo, hoo
Singin' this old cattle call—

That was what the cowboys accompanying the caravan heading west were singing, where Sokka, Azula, and the rest of their family were. Aang, Katara, and Kya were peacefully sleeping in the wagon while Azula was holding the reins of the horses, and Sokka and Hakoda rode on horseback. It was a sunny day, and judging by the position of the sun, it was already past noon. Azula adjusted the hat that her husband’s mother had given her and sighed softly, amazed by the vast plains before her—miles and miles of open land. Some of the caravan’s cattle were grazing freely, and Azula knew there were also bison herds around; she wanted to see them up close.

On the other hand, Sokka was deep in thought. They were heading toward their new life in the newly founded town of Boiling Rock, Utah. There, Sokka would work on building the railroad as a mechanic and would also buy a ranch to devote himself to farming and raising livestock. They had plenty of money, so it wouldn’t be too difficult.

“Hey, Sokka! Don’t these fields remind you of Gettysburg?” asked Aang, trying to make conversation with his friend while holding Katara in his arms.

“Mm, yeah, now that you mention it… except there are no trees, we’re comfortable, and there’s no one flying through the air thanks to Confederate artillery, but yeah, Aang—now that you say it, it’s just like Gettysburg,” Sokka replied sarcastically.

“Yeah, sure,” said Aang.

“Dad, hit him for me,” Sokka grumbled. Hakoda gave his son-in-law a light smack on the head while chuckling.

“Thanks,” Sokka added.

Time passed, and at sunset, the caravan stopped so people could rest. Sokka’s family sat around the campfire while he and Azula went to sleep in the wagon. They got comfortable, cuddled up, and stared at the beautiful starry sky.

“You know? I never thought this would happen,” said Azula.

“What do you mean?” Sokka asked with interest.

“Well, that I’d be on some prairie with the love of my life, staring at the stars on our way west,” she replied before giving her beloved a kiss.

“Who would’ve thought, huh?” said Sokka with a smile. He remembered the night they shared their first kiss and began singing softly to her.

—Away, away, come away with me. Where the grass grows wild, where the winds blow free…—

Sokka was interrupted by Azula’s sweet voice, who finished the song:

—Away, away, come away with me. And I’ll build you a home in the meadow.—

They both laughed before kissing again. Azula nestled against Sokka’s chest and fell asleep there, comfortably in his arms.

They arrived at Boiling Rock several days later.

Once they reached the town, they immediately bought five acres of land and built their home and ranch there. At the same time, Sokka worked on the railway construction, and Azula occasionally helped Katara at the school.

They hired several workers to farm the land and tend to the small herd. Sokka did everything he could to make sure Azula felt happy in that little town.

During those days, they discovered that Zuko and Mai had also arrived in town, as Zuko had been appointed the town’s Sheriff. However, over time, their relationship deteriorated, and Mai eventually left him to join Ty Lee in the circus.

Chapter Text

September, 1870

After helping the cabbage merchant pick up his wares, Aang went back to his daily tasks, and Zuko walked into the sheriff’s office to catch up on paperwork. He had a backlog of duties ever since handing command over to Jee. Stressed out, he poured a shot of whiskey into his tin mug and drank while reviewing the documents, letting out a long sigh.

"Pepe!" Sokka shouted as he approached one of his workers. Over time, his farm had prospered enough to hire field hands and a few cowboys to manage the cattle.

"Mande patron?"* the young Mexican man replied, handing out wages to the other workers.

"I'm heading into town to buy a few things. You're in charge while I'm gone," Sokka said with a grin, heading toward the house. Inside, the smell of simmering beans filled the air. Kya was stirring the pot over the hearth, Hakoda was patiently shelling corn at the dining table, and Azula was in the sitting room teaching some of the workers' children how to read. When she saw her husband come in, she put the book aside and stood up to hug him.

"I heard you're going to town. Bring sugar and coffee, please," Azula said after kissing him.

Sokka smirked and gently caressed her cheek.

"Got it. I’ve got it written down up here," he said, tapping his temple with his index finger. Then he grabbed his hat, his gun belt, and headed to the porch to mount Bonzu. Azula followed him, catching up just before he got on the horse.

"Be careful, Sokka. I love you."

"I love you too, Azula. I’ll be back later," he replied as he mounted up and rode off toward town. Azula and Kya watched him ride into the horizon, until a sudden chill ran down Azula’s spine.

Town was bustling. Sokka went straight to the market for the usual items, greeting familiar faces as he passed. He heard the whistle of the train heading west to California while kids ran around excitedly with circus masks from the show still camped outside town. But the noise felt different this time. When he noticed a commotion near the sheriff’s office, he went to check it out.

"I’m tellin’ you, sheriff, those bastards slaughtered my cattle and killed two of my men! God knows what they’re gonna try next!" ranted old Martin, red with fury.

Zuko listened with a furrowed brow. Aang and Katara stood among the crowd and waved at Sokka from a distance.

"I’ll do everything I can to find them, sir. Just calm down. You’ll get justice," Zuko replied.

"We need to hunt them down! Make ’em pay for what they did!" someone in the crowd yelled.

Zuko rubbed his face and adjusted his hat with a sigh.

"You’re right. We’ll form a posse and bring those sons of bitches to justice," he said firmly. "Any volunteers?"

Silence. Only Sokka raised his hand, followed by Aang, Martin, and Jee.

Zuko raised an eyebrow and joked,
"That’s it? What a fine squad… a preacher, a farmer, my brother-in-law, and Jee, who can barely fire a gun without shaking. A squad worthy of the Seventh Cavalry."

"Hey! I can shoot!" Jee protested.

"Yeah—at the ground. Or the sky. Never the damn target," Zuko replied dryly.

There were a few nervous chuckles. Zuko turned toward the sheriff’s office.

"Alright, brave men. Grab a rifle, some bullets, mount up, and follow old Martin. He knows where they went."

"Be careful, love," Katara said, giving Aang a quick kiss. He hugged her tightly and joined the others.

In less than twenty minutes, the five riders were on their way to Martin’s ranch. From there, they followed the trail of the stolen cattle, heading deep into the arid plains.

"Just hope Azula doesn’t get mad I’ll be late for dinner," Sokka quipped, breaking the tense silence.

Aang grinned.
"What’s for dinner?"

"Chili con carne. So you’re missing out."

"The chili your mom and my sister make is damn delicious. Save me a plate, will ya?" said Zuko.

"You could come eat with us. Azula would be happy to see you more often," Sokka replied. Zuko looked away.

"Boss… look there," Jee interrupted, pointing toward the horizon.

In the distance lay a cluster of dead cows. The wind carried a foul stench of charred flesh and rot. Flies swarmed, and several of the carcasses were gutted.

"Dear God... that’s Appa!" Aang cried, his eyes wide. He galloped ahead and leapt off his horse to kneel beside the animal’s corpse. He caressed its head as tears welled up.

"No… it can’t be…" he whispered.

Zuko dismounted and covered his nose. The smell was nauseating.

"What the hell is this…" muttered Sokka as he dismounted too.

"Looks like we found the stolen cattle, boss," Jee said grimly.

"Aang, how do you know it’s Appa?" asked Zuko.

"He has his collar and bell… his name’s carved in it. That’s how I know," Aang replied between sobs.

Jee leaned toward Zuko and murmured,
"Old Martin confirmed the others are his. The ones without brands were Aang’s."

Zuko stared out across the desolate landscape. Sokka felt a chill in his gut. First Aang’s ranch, now Martin’s… and by pure logic, his would be next.

He remembered what some of his workers had said days earlier—suspicious folks wandering nearby. They’d told Pepe. Sokka swallowed hard. Something felt off.

"Hey, Sokka…" Martin said, pointing southeast. "Ain’t your ranch over that way?"

Sokka turned and saw, beyond a ridge, a black column of smoke rising into the sky.

"Huh…?" he mumbled.

"Probably just the chimney from your house," Aang offered, not very convinced.

"That’s way too much smoke for just that," Jee said.

Sokka didn’t wait. He jumped on Bonzu and took off like the devil himself was chasing him.

"Sokka, wait!" Zuko shouted, mounting Druk.

"We have to follow him," Aang said, galloping after them.

Zuko looked at the other two.

"Jee, Martin. Go back to town. Alert my uncle. We’ll meet at Sokka’s ranch at dawn."

Jee nodded, and he and Martin turned back toward town.

Sokka arrived just at dawn. He’d had to slow down a few times to keep Bonzu from collapsing, but the horse had held up like a true champion. When Zuko and Aang arrived shortly after, they both froze in shock.

The ranch was a war zone.

The main house partially destroyed, smoke billowing from the windows. The barn still smoldering. The stable in ruins. Corpses on the ground: some shot, others with arrows sticking out. The air reeked of death.

Sokka jumped off his horse and ran like a madman.

"Azula! Mom! Dad! Pepe! Where are you?!"

Zuko intercepted him.

"Aang, don’t let Sokka go in!" he shouted. The young preacher tackled his friend to the ground and held him down.

"I need to see her! I NEED TO SEE HER!"

Zuko entered the house. Inside was a nightmare. Hakoda lay dead in the living room, riddled with bullets. Kya was nearby, taken down on the staircase. Their bodies were cold.

Zuko walked out, face hard as stone. Sokka had broken free and was heading up the stairs when Zuko punched him to the ground.

"Don’t go in!"

"Is Azula in there?!"

"No."

"HEY! Someone’s alive!" Aang shouted.

They rushed over. Aang was kneeling beside a dying Pepe, three arrows lodged in his chest.

"Lo siento, patrón... nos tomaron por sorpresa..."

"¿Dónde está Azula?" Sokka asked.**

"Se la llevaron... escuché al jefe decir... que valía más viva que muerta..."

"¿Where?" Zuko asked***

"I only heard one name... Jet..."****

"¿Jet? ¿Are you sure?"

But Pepe couldn’t respond. He exhaled one final breath.

Aang closed his eyes, made the sign of the cross, stood up, and removed his hat, followed by the other two men.

"Lord, grant him eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon him. Rest in peace."

"Amen," Zuko and Sokka murmured.

Chapter Text

September 1870

The three men who had witnessed the destruction stood silently, holding their hats and staring at Pepe’s lifeless body. The crackling of the burning wood still echoed around them. They remained frozen until a woman’s voice brought them back to reality.

“Aang! Sokka!”

It was Katara, arriving with Iroh, Jee, and Martin. Zuko’s uncle paled at the sight of his nephew’s face and immediately understood what had happened.

“My God…” he said, removing his hat. The others followed his lead.

Katara rushed to her husband and brother, who held her tightly to keep her from seeing her dead parents.

“Tell me what happened!” she cried desperately, hitting her brother’s chest in an attempt to break free. Aang hugged her from behind, gently pulling her away. Meanwhile, the other men approached Zuko and Sokka.

“Kya, Hakoda, and the ranch workers were killed,” Zuko said, his voice tight with emotion. Iroh’s eyes widened, fearing the worst for his niece.

“And Azula?” Iroh asked quietly, while Katara’s sobs echoed in the background.

“They took her. Those damn bastards took her,” Sokka replied angrily. “We have to find her, Zuko. God knows what awful things they might do to her. We have to save her!” Jee placed a calming hand on his shoulder.

Iroh turned back to his nephew.

“The worst part, uncle, is that I know who—well, who took her. It was Jet and his gang. Just yesterday morning I put up wanted posters for them at the sheriff’s office. Damn it, if I’d gone after Aang’s cows earlier, none of this would’ve happened,” Zuko said, running his hands over his face.

“It’s not your fault, nephew. You couldn’t have known this would happen,” Iroh said, trying to calm him. Zuko was upset, but Sokka was even more so. With Jee and Martin’s help, he began digging graves for the dead.

“Reverend, I think you’ll need to prepare for a service. Let me take you and your wife home,” Iroh said, approaching them. Tearful Katara and Aang nodded and mounted the reverend’s horse, preparing for their parents’ funeral. Iroh accompanied them. Meanwhile, the four men who stayed behind continued digging graves and gathering bodies.

The funeral was brief, held at sunset. The bodies were buried, and Aang led a simple but solemn service at Sokka’s ranch. The tension in the air was thick. Sokka was anxious and desperate. Although he took time to mourn and bury his parents, he wanted everything to end as soon as possible so he could go find Azula. She was the only thing on his mind.

“You may go in peace,” Aang said, closing the service. Sokka immediately put on his hat and got ready to mount Bonzu.

“Where are you going?” Zuko asked, approaching.

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m going to find my wife,” Sokka replied, mounting his loyal horse.

“You won’t go alone. I’m coming with you,” Zuko said firmly.

“I’m coming too,” Aang added, stepping closer.

Sokka smiled sadly, relieved he wouldn’t be alone, and nodded.

“All right. Let’s catch those bastards,” he said. Zuko and Aang mounted their horses. The sheriff turned to his uncle.

“Uncle, take care of the town while I’m gone. Jee, Martin, come with me.”

Iroh nodded and took Katara back to town. Before leaving, she gave her husband a quick kiss and wished him all the luck she could. Meanwhile, Jee and Martin mounted their horses and rode out, following the trail left by the bandits. Unfortunately, nightfall and the new moon forced them to stop and rest until dawn. Zuko lit a campfire in the darkness, and the group gathered around the flames.

“You know, Sokka? This reminds me a bit of when we were at war,” Aang said with a nostalgic tone.

“Oh yeah? Me too. Before Fredericksburg,” the blue-eyed young man replied with a nervous laugh.

Zuko took a sip of whiskey and offered some to his brother-in-law, who accepted without hesitation.

“Remember the song we used to sing on the way to the front?” Aang asked. “Was it ‘Dixie’s Land’?”

Sokka smiled faintly and started humming, quietly singing the tune:

“Away down South in the land of traitors, rattlesnakes and alligators, right away, come away, right away, come away…” For a moment, the memory cheered him, but he quickly returned to reality.

“We have to find Azula soon,” he said with determination. Zuko and the others nodded.

The five men rested in shifts until dawn approached. They got up and resumed the search, crossing a river and moving northward. They had traveled nearly fifty kilometers and still found no sign of Jet or his gang.

“This is pointless. We’ve been riding for hours and haven’t found a thing,” Martin grumbled. Zuko gave him a sharp look, and Martin immediately fell silent.

“Look, there’s someone over there!” Aang exclaimed, pointing to a hill. “Looks like an Indian—probably Lakota.”

The group stopped to watch. Zuko stepped forward and gave a Native greeting, signaling they meant no harm. The stranger urged his horse and disappeared over the hill.

“Looks like we’re in Indian territory,” Jee said nervously, fanning himself with his hat. It was midday and very hot.

“Something’s not right,” Sokka said suspiciously, scanning the area.

“Funny, I didn’t think there’d be Sioux Indians around here,” Zuko said, unsettled. He kept staring at the hill, waiting for something.

“Hey, Zuko, I think we should turn back,” Aang said, tightening his hat with his bandana. Several “Lakotas” were closing in from the flanks. “Hey, Martin, you okay with crossing back through the river?”

“Don’t worry, Reverend, I’m already baptized,” Martin replied with solemn sarcasm.

The group turned and slowly began riding back as more Indians approached.

“At my signal, everyone gallop toward the river,” Aang ordered. The others nodded, preparing themselves.

“Now!”

Suddenly, all five broke into a full gallop toward the river. The Indians chased them, yelling wildly. Some fired rifles, others shot arrows, and bullets whizzed dangerously close.

“We’ll have to face them when we cross the river!” Jee shouted. “If not, those damn fools will follow us all the way to Texas.”

“You heard Jee!” Zuko called out.

The five managed to lose the pursuers and crossed the river. They dismounted and took defensive positions behind rocks, logs, and bushes.

“I hope we’ve got enough bullets to scare them off,” Martin complained, settling atop a rock.

“Jee, can you pray?” Aang asked, shouldering his rifle from a fallen log.

“Why?”

“Well then, get the hell out of there or you’re gonna get shot!” Aang shouted, kicking him to take cover. Jee obeyed instantly.

The Indians stayed on the opposite side, shouting and waving weapons. One blew a war horn as they started advancing through the brush.

“They’re coming!” Zuko shouted, firing the first shot. The battle had begun.

Sokka aimed carefully and shot down the first man to cross. Aang, wielding his Winchester, took down two more. Jee managed to hit one in the leg, knocking him off his horse. Zuko was a machine: his aim was deadly and his nerves steady. He took down five without changing expression.

Martin tried to aim his revolver but got hit by an arrow in the stomach and fell backwards, screaming in pain. Another stray bullet grazed his arm.

“Damn, I’m hit!” he groaned, crawling behind a rock.

Zuko and Aang took turns firing while Sokka protected Martin.

“You want to die, you sons of bitches!” Zuko yelled as he reloaded, fired, and dodged bullets and arrows with quick, sharp movements.

Finally, after one last failed attack, the Indians retreated. Some of their men lay dead or wounded on the other side of the river. Silence returned to the forest.

“They’re finally gone,” Aang said, standing and brushing dust off his pants.

“Is everyone okay?” Zuko asked.

“Not me!” Martin shouted. The poor man had an arrow in his stomach and a gunshot wound in his right arm. Jee hurried to help him.

“He needs medical attention, boss. We have to get him back to town,” Jee said, worried.

Zuko looked at Martin, then at Sokka, who was staring into the forest.

“Sokka, Martin needs help. We can’t leave him here to die,” Zuko insisted. Sokka looked back at him.

“I won’t go back to town until I find my wife,” he replied angrily, mounting Bonzu.

Zuko was about to speak, but Aang tapped his shoulder.

“Go with him, Zuko. Jee and I will take Martin back to town. We’ll handle everything while you’re gone.” Zuko looked at the reverend and his assistant, sighed, and lowered his head.

“All right. I trust things will go well and we’ll find Azula soon,” he said, mounting Druk. He set off to catch up with Sokka, who had already crossed the river again.

At dusk, they stopped to rest and Zuko lit a campfire.

“We have to find Azula,” Sokka said seriously. “Do you think she could still be nearby?”

“We won’t rest until we find her, I promise. We will find her, as sure as the earth keeps turning,” Zuko replied.

Chapter Text

October 1870

Sokka and Zuko were desperately searching for Azula, who was lost, and that’s why they were putting all their effort into finding her. Several weeks had passed since that tragic morning, and they still had no sign of her or her kidnappers; it seemed they knew how to hide very well. Our two heroes were pushed to their limits. Food was the first thing to run out, and they had to hunt to feed themselves, which stopped being practical once their ammunition was gone. To drink, they stopped at streams or rivers, gathering as much water as they could before continuing on until it was necessary to refill their canteens. To avoid overworking their horses, they made sure to let them rest between meals and throughout the night. As they pushed further south, the desert began to dominate the landscape, which worried Zuko, who hadn’t bathed in days; his mustache and beard were starting to look unkempt and dirty.

They had traveled many miles around Boiling Rock, even reaching Salt Lake City with no sign of Azula. It wasn’t until one day, when Zuko realized they were out of ammunition and money, and both desperately needed rest, that the sheriff convinced—an elegant way of saying he forced—his brother-in-law to return home for a few days before continuing the search. Sokka didn’t want to return to town, but he had no choice; if he refused, Zuko could arrest him and drag him back.

The night before returning to town, they sat by a campfire cooking some hares they had hunted with great difficulty. Both were weary, and an uncomfortable silence hung over them. The distant howls of coyotes and the nearby hoots of owls could be heard. Sokka noticed the owl sounds and thought of his beloved.

“Do you know why Azula hates owls?” he asked, staring into the flames.

Zuko stopped eating and looked at him attentively.

“Huh?” he said, mouth full, swallowing his bite. He paused for a few seconds, then answered, “When we were kids, there was an owl’s nest somewhere around the house. Once Azula bothered them and an owl attacked her.” Zuko couldn’t help but smile. “It chased and pecked her all over the yard; they had to scare the poor thing away so it would leave her alone,” he said, laughing at the memory of those childhood days.

Sokka gave a faint smile, imagining the scene.
“Well, that explains a lot,” he said, looking at his brother-in-law, then back to the fire. “It reminds me of that time we were headed to Boiling Rock and got too close to a herd of bison. She wanted to see one up close, and we both went to look. She managed to pet one, was amazed, and talked about it for days.”

“I still wonder how you two ended up together,” Zuko interrupted with a raised eyebrow.

“I guess it was love at first sight. We were at the Fourth of July party, and well, everything happened then. Later, I found out about the hell she lived through with your father and decided to open my home to her. My parents adored her; she even told me she was free with me,” Sokka said nostalgically.

“When I saw her again, they were already living in Boiling Rock. I asked what happened with Ozai, and she told me everything. I felt ashamed because I never got her out when I could. My uncle could have helped her like he helped me, but I looked the other way. And honestly, Sokka, I’m very grateful you took her out of that house. I can’t imagine my sister with anyone else,” Zuko said optimistically.

“So you don’t hate me?” Sokka asked, surprised.

His brother-in-law sighed.

“Of course not, man. I just felt bad and powerless because you did what I couldn’t and should have done: give her a home, a family, and be there for her when she needed it most. That’s why I’m here with you—I want to make up for my mistakes as a brother,” Zuko clarified with determination.

“It would also help if you visited us more often. I mean, we’re practically neighbors. Like I told you the other day, Azula would be really happy to see you; she cares about you a lot, Zuko,” Sokka said.

Zuko smiled faintly and took a sip of whiskey.
“By the way, Zuko, what happened with Mai? Azula told me a bit, but I’d like to hear your side,” Sokka asked curiously.

“After the war, our relationship fell apart. I became a workaholic and neglected her. One day, she was just gone. She left me a note saying she was going to work at the circus with Ty Lee. I didn’t see her again until the circus came through town. That’s when she told me she was getting married, so all my hopes of getting her back evaporated,” Zuko answered sadly.

“I see,” Sokka said.

The rest of the night passed quietly. Both friends went to sleep, and the next morning they continued their journey back to town. They arrived after two in the afternoon and went to take a much-needed bath at Iroh’s inn. After freshening up, Sokka stayed to chat with the old man while Zuko went to the sheriff’s office to catch up with Jee.

Entering, he took off his hat and looked around; it was as if he hadn’t been gone for so many days. Jee was a bit surprised to see him.

“Any news, Jee?” Zuko asked.

His subordinate, sitting at the desk, shook his head.

“Nothing, boss. Since you left, cattle rustling has stopped, although the reverend set up night patrols with some volunteers to try to catch something, but they’ve had no luck,” Jee answered apologetically.

Zuko sighed heavily. The hope of finding his sister was fading day by day, but he didn’t want to disappoint Sokka.

“All right, keep me informed. Sokka and I will restock and head out again tomorrow morning,” he replied, putting his hat back on. As he was about to leave, Jee stood up.

“Boss, do you think you’ll find her? The cold is coming, and riding through snow will be very hard,” Jee asked.

“That’s why it’s imperative to find her as soon as possible, Jee,” Zuko responded, turning his back and leaving.

After that, Zuko went to the church. He entered, sat on a bench, and clasped his hands to pray.

“God, I know I never ask you for anything, but please help me find my sister,” he thought anxiously.

During the night, Sokka took Bonzu and Druk to Aang’s stable so they could eat and have a warm place to spend the night. On the way back to the inn, Sokka couldn’t stop thinking about his wife, and pleasant memories began to flood his mind.

“Seriously, you never read Oliver Twist?” Azula asked, amazed. She was sitting leaning against a tree, a book in her right hand, while stroking Sokka’s hair with her left.

“No, I didn’t think it was that good,” he replied. “Keep reading—I want to know what happens to Fagin,” he said, closing his eyes.

“Of course,” Azula responded, leaning in to give him a short kiss before continuing to read.

...
“Finally, the daughters of the Cid marry the princes of Navarre and Aragon,” Sokka said solemnly. “And so ends The Song of the Cid.”

“That’s it?” Azula asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes,” Sokka answered.

“Wow, I didn’t think you liked Spanish literature,” she said, looking at him playfully.

...

Suddenly, Sokka imagined himself dancing with her that Fourth of July. He smiled nostalgically and realized he had returned to the inn. He entered and saw Zuko at the bar talking with Iroh. There were few people, and the player piano was silent. He stood beside them and ordered a whiskey. His brother-in-law looked at him and offered a cigarette. Sokka accepted without hesitation and lit it with a nearby candle. After a drag, he took a sip and stared at the ceiling.

“What’s wrong?” Zuko asked, touching his shoulder with his left hand.

Sokka couldn’t hold back the tears any longer.

“I miss my wife,” he said, collapsing into tears at the bar.

Iroh and Zuko simply comforted him.

Early the next morning, Sokka and Zuko were at Aang and Katara’s house having coffee. Both had restocked provisions and ammunition and were preparing to go out again to search for Azula. Aang was giving them new information.

“A few days ago, a telegram arrived from the Seventh Cavalry Regiment. It said they rescued several girls who had been kidnapped by the Indians or sold to them. If you’re interested, you can go to Fort Adams to see if Azula is there. It’s not certain, but at least you can check,” Aang said seriously.

Sokka’s eyes lit up, while Zuko looked worried.

“Let’s hope she’s there,” Sokka replied, finishing his coffee and standing up.

“Aang, come help me prepare the horses so we can leave as soon as possible,” he said anxiously, signaling him to follow.
Aang stood, and both left the kitchen, leaving Zuko and Katara alone.

Katara watched as Zuko kept staring at his coffee without drinking.

“What’s wrong?” she asked calmly.

“What if Azula is there? Do you know what the Indians do to white women they capture? I don’t want to imagine Sokka’s face if he finds Azula among those women and realizes the woman he loves no longer exists,” he answered worriedly.

“If we find her there, this will all have been in vain, and I will have failed Sokka more than you know. It will be my greatest failure as a law officer—not being able to protect even my own family,” Zuko stood up and turned his back to Katara. “I’ve lost everything, Katara: my mother, my cousin, the woman I love—I have nothing left. Finding Azula safe and sound is my only hope to prove I am good. And if Azula is broken or dead, I will have failed as a man and as a brother,” he said, trying to hold back tears.

Katara stood, approached Zuko, looked him directly in the eyes, and gently stroked his scar.

“Zuko, there is still hope. You are a good man, never forget that. You’ve been supporting Sokka on this odyssey and giving him the strength to carry on. You will rescue Azula and bring her home,” she said, then kissed his unscarred cheek and hugged him.

“Good luck,” she whispered before breaking the hug.

Zuko blushed slightly and smiled.

“Thank you, Katara.”

Zuko left the house and headed to the stable. Katara followed and approached Aang. Sokka mounted Bonzu, and Zuko mounted Druk.

“Good luck, friends,” Aang said smiling, hugging Katara by the waist. “I’ll pray for you and wait for you here.”

“Let’s hope God answers your prayers, Baldy,” Sokka joked.

Zuko couldn’t help but laugh at the joke and adjusted his hat.

“Shall we go?” the sheriff asked.

“Of course, let’s go, Bonzu!” Sokka exclaimed, urging his horse forward as it started to gallop. Zuko urged Druk and galloped after Sokka. Aang and Katara watched as they disappeared into the horizon.

“Don’t worry, Azula, I’m coming to find you,” Sokka thought.

They left at dawn. The roosters crowed. They faced two long days on horseback, hoping to bring Azula back safely to her loved ones.

Chapter Text

In a meadow, there was an “Indian” camp—or at least, that’s what it seemed. Inside one of the makeshift tents, Azula was tied by hands and feet and gagged with a rope. She had been living for several days on minimal rations of food and water and could barely stay awake. Her health was so poor that she thought she was hallucinating when, after being dragged from her hiding place and thrown to the ground, she saw her husband in person—visibly beaten, wounded, and kneeling on the floor, surrounded by his captors.

“Sokka!” she screamed in horror upon seeing him.

Sokka responded with a smile.

“Hello, Zula. I finally found you.”

The kidnappers began laughing openly, and the bandit leader approached Azula.

“So, you know this man?” he hissed with disgust, caressing her face with lust.

“Get away from my wife!” Sokka shouted.

One of the kidnappers struck him with the butt of a rifle to silence him.

“Your wife?” the thug laughed. “If you knew all the fun she’s given us while she’s been here… too bad you won’t get to see it.”

Azula’s eyes widened with fear at hearing that.

“Jet, please, don’t hurt him. Let him go, and I’ll stay here. Please, I beg you!” Azula sobbed.

Jet smiled disdainfully.

Sokka watched in rage as Jet treated Azula and his blood boiled even more.

“I swear, if you do anything to Azula, I’ll kill you, Jet!” he shouted.

“What a fine joke, Sokka. Really, a fine joke,” Jet replied with laughter.

Sokka glared at him, and Azula looked at her husband with anguish.

Jet turned to Azula with a twisted smile, sending a terrible chill down her spine, then casually drew his revolver and shot Sokka in the chest, knocking him down instantly.

“Sokka!” Azula screamed as her beloved Sokka fell backward to the ground, writhing with his last strength.

After that, Jet stepped closer and shot Sokka two more times at point-blank range, and he stopped moving after the last shot. Azula was completely horrified.

“Well, I suppose I can’t bother making another widow in this sad world,” Jet said as he approached Azula.

Horrified, she tried to escape but could not due to her bindings.

Jet trampled her chest and placed the barrel of his revolver against her forehead. He cocked the gun and pulled the trigger.

Azula woke immediately from that nightmare. She couldn’t believe she had dreamed it. Her heart was racing, and she was sweating cold. She began taking deep breaths to calm herself. Looking around, the landscape was the same: she was still held in a kind of Sioux tent. She had lost track of how much time had passed since she was taken from her home. She hoped her husband was safe and searching for her.

The last she had known was that the gang who kidnapped her had confronted the Boiling Rock authorities by the river. Sokka was probably there.

During her captivity, Azula met other women who reassured her that everything would be alright and told her not to worry. In those days, she discovered that the “Indians” who had kidnapped her were actually Jet and his gang, about thirty people strong. They posed as Sioux to evade the authorities. It made sense: no one would suspect a nomadic tribe wandering the Wild West, but in reality, the only one who looked more Indian was their leader, Jet. From what she had heard, they had been observing her and her family for weeks before attacking the ranch.

Azula tried to escape several times, but her attempts were thwarted to the point that they confined her to the tent where Smellerbee, Jet’s lieutenant and Longshot’s wife, slept. Longshot, Jet’s right-hand man, was tall and thin, very taciturn, unlike Jet, who never stopped talking.

Smellerbee became a kind of shadow to Azula. She never left her alone, not even to bathe. Azula felt very uncomfortable with this, but it was the price for having tried to escape too many times. Her clothes were replaced with Indian garments, which she eventually got used to, as there was nothing better. Smellerbee taught her Sioux words so that, if approached by authorities, she could respond in that language. She knew that if she spoke English or tried to call for help, things would get ugly.

Every time the camp broke up and moved to a new location, Azula was blindfolded, tied, and placed on a cart to prevent escape. But what troubled her most was the way Jet looked at her. Even Smellerbee noticed. One day, she took Azula aside and said that if Jet hadn’t touched her, it was because he wanted to court her; he was merely waiting for the right moment, as Azula was too wild to respond to any advances from the gang leader.

Smellerbee advised her that it would be best to reciprocate Jet a little so she could have a bit more freedom, but Azula always refused, arguing that she was already a married woman and loved her husband, who was probably looking for her at that moment. Smellerbee discouraged her, saying her husband had considered her dead, and that any life before the gang no longer existed; all she had left was Jet and them.

Azula tried to keep her faith and hope in Sokka’s rescue, but over time these began to wane, and she became more withdrawn, stopping her escape attempts after Smellerbee hit her so hard in the last attempt that she was unconscious for two days.

Azula began to dissociate from everything; nothing mattered anymore. She ate and drank the minimum to survive, but her mind tormented her. Sometimes, she hallucinated Ozai’s severe punishments, hearing her father call her a prostitute. In one of her many nightmares, she dreamed that Jet took her by force and that Sokka rejected her, calling her broken and adulterous. Even though nothing had actually happened, Jet’s lascivious glances caused her anxiety.

One afternoon, after raiding a stagecoach whose trunks contained several books taken as loot, one of them was The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. by Washington Irving. Smellerbee asked Azula to read Rip Van Winkle, since she couldn’t read. Azula began reading the story, and during the reading, she remembered sometimes calling Sokka the protagonist of that tale, especially when he didn’t want to get up in the mornings. Nostalgia overwhelmed her, and once Smellerbee left her alone, she curled up on her knees and began to cry.

“Sokka, where are you?” she whispered between sobs, hiding her face in her arms.

Sokka and Zuko arrived at Fort Adams around eight in the morning. Once they entered the palisade, a lieutenant came out to meet them. Both dismounted to introduce themselves.

“Good morning, sirs. I’m Lieutenant Callum Harrow, Company E, Seventh Cavalry Regiment,” he said, giving a very formal military salute.

Zuko merely glanced at him while Sokka approached.

“Sokka Hakodson, pleased to meet you,” he replied, returning the salute.

Zuko rolled his eyes in annoyance.

“Captain Zuko Olson, Company B, First Cavalry Regiment. How old are you, son?” Zuko asked, saluting.

The young lieutenant looked astonished.

“Sir?” Callum was a bit perplexed seeing these two men; they looked hardened and tired, probably having seen it all.

“Answer, Lieutenant. How old are you?” Zuko pressed.

“Twenty, sir.”

“It shows. Now, take us to see the rescued girls.”

“Yes, sir.”

Sokka laughed inwardly at the awkward moment, especially since his brother-in-law hadn’t even turned thirty, but he was right: both were veterans of the Civil War, and it was clear that this lieutenant had not seen action or killed anyone yet.

The three men went to a barracks, and upon opening the door, Sokka and Zuko were surprised.

There were at least twenty women of all ages.

“All right, time to find Azula among these women,” Zuko said as he began walking and removed his hat.

Sokka sighed and approached a girl. Meanwhile, Callum stayed at the entrance.

“Azula? Has anyone seen Azula?”

Sokka approached a young woman sitting on a bed, and when he touched her shoulder, she attacked him, almost biting him. He avoided her, and she merely growled from her bed. He continued searching.

“Some are broken. They lost their minds after spending time with the Indians,” Callum commented from afar.

“Oh my God…”

Zuko’s face darkened hearing those words. He knew there was a chance Azula might be here. He continued walking between the bunks and, fortunately, did not find the person he was looking for. He returned to the entrance, where Sokka was already waiting.

“She’s not here,” Zuko said to his brother-in-law.

“All right.”

They left, followed by Callum, and headed to their horses.

“Thank you very much, Lieutenant. If anything comes up or you need something, find me at Boiling Rock,” Zuko said, saluting.

Sokka had already mounted Bonzu and watched them.

“The pleasure was mine, Captain,” the young officer replied, smiling and returning the salute.

Zuko mounted Druk, and both left the palisade while the rest of the soldiers conducted riding exercises.

“And now what do we do?” Sokka asked.

“There’s a town called Rejection, a few miles east of here. We’ll go eat and gather information,” Zuko replied, pointing toward the rising sun.

He spurred his horse, and they rode off.

Upon arriving in Rejection, a smaller town than Boiling Rock, they tied their horses to a fence and entered the saloon. They sat at a table and enjoyed a good plate of beans with pork. After finishing, Zuko went to the bar while Sokka stayed seated, digesting.

“A double whiskey, please,” he ordered.

The bartender served it, and Zuko took a sip.

“Tell me, bartender, have you heard of a man named Jet?”

The bartender’s eyes widened at the name. Zuko smiled maliciously.

“So you have heard of him. Do you know where I can find him?”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t know where he is. Only Jim Goblin could help,” the bartender stammered.

“Who?”

“He’s the man in that corner,” he replied, pointing to a table where an Irishman was playing poker with two others.

Zuko signaled for Sokka to follow, and they approached the table.

“Jim Goblin?”

“Who’s asking?”

“Someone seeking information,” Zuko said seriously, dropping five dollars in front of him.

Jim smiled smugly.

“You two, back off.”

The other players left, and Sokka and Zuko took their seats. Jim noticed Zuko’s hidden sheriff badge.

“What do you need to know, Sheriff?”

“The whereabouts of Jet and his people,” Zuko growled.

Jim frowned.

“I think you’ll need more than five dollars for that info. Some bounty hunters might pay over a hundred.”

Zuko glared at Jim, and Sokka leveled his revolver.

“Oh, really? Because as I see it, five dollars is enough, you bloody Irish fool,” Sokka replied, staring him down.

Jim nervously put out his cigarette in the ashtray and looked at both men.

“Hmm… all right, friends. No need for violence,” he raised both hands. “If you’re so desperate for information, I suppose it’s personal against Jet, am I right?”

Both shook their heads.

“I understand. I can guide you to his camp. He buys supplies from me sometimes. Wait outside, and I’ll leave after I finish my poker game.”

“We’ll pay you once you’ve brought us there,” Zuko said, handing over the money.

They left the saloon and prepared their horses.

“How did you know we’d get information here?” Sokka asked.

“Rejection is a refuge for bandits. There’s no law here,” Zuko replied, spitting on the ground.

Sokka mounted, and shortly after, Jim mounted his horse.

“Follow me, friends. This way.”

Sokka and Zuko stayed behind Jim for caution, weapons ready.

They rode nearly an hour until they reached a hidden valley, needing only to cross a creek. Jim stopped as two “Indians” emerged.

“Calm down, friends! Goblin here!” he exclaimed, raising his hands. “These two want to speak to Jet. They come in peace.”

The two sentries looked at each other and then allowed them through.

Jim stopped.

“This is as far as I go. If Jet sees me, he’ll kill me,” he said fearfully.

Zuko handed him the money plus extra and stared him down.

“Goblin, if we’re not back in Rejection by sunset, go to Fort Adams for Lieutenant Callum Harrow and to Boiling Rock for Officer Jee. Bring the cavalry if needed. Tell them Sheriff Zuko Olson sent you. Understood?”

Goblin looked hesitant but solemnly nodded.

“Of course, my friend. Thank you very much.”

They turned away. The sentries placed themselves in front and behind Sokka and Zuko, leading them to the camp under the scrutiny of some bystanders. Once there, a disheveled man approached. Sokka recognized him immediately: he was the leader of the “Indians” who had attacked them at the river before.

Zuko gave a Sioux salute, which was not returned, something that seemed strange to him.

“Hau, Zuko emáčiyapi, hé miyé thibló. Wolakota eyápi kte, taku wówašte kte uŋ. Tókheča wówašiča uŋgná,” Jet said in Lakota.

Jet’s eyes widened in surprise.

“You speak Lakota very well for a white man.”

“And you speak English very well for a Sioux,” Zuko replied disdainfully.

Jet smiled sarcastically and invited them into his tent. Inside, Sokka and Zuko noticed three women with their backs turned but ignored them and sat opposite the leader.

“What brings you here?” Jet asked with interest.

“Nothing in particular. We’re just passing through,” Zuko replied cautiously.

Jet squinted, not entirely convinced. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on a rough table made of poorly cut logs, and rubbed his dirty, bearded chin.

“Two well-armed strangers, with fine horses and Eastern accents… just passing through?” he repeated with a crooked smile. “What are you really after?”

Zuko and Sokka exchanged a quick glance. Sokka shrugged and forced a light laugh.

“I suppose we like the view.”

Jet did not laugh. His eyes passed from one to the other, evaluating them. Then he snapped his fingers.

“Bring the chicha!”

One of the women moved, still with her back turned, and went to a clay jug in the corner of the tent.

Zuko watched her with curiosity. There was something in her walk, in the stiffness of her movements, in how she kept her back straight, even in how she lifted the jug—with too much elegance for someone who had spent months among outlaws.

Then, when she turned her face briefly to call another woman, Zuko felt his blood freeze.

Sokka noticed. He tried to stand, but Zuko’s left hand gripped his leg to prevent him from doing something foolish.

Azula.

No doubt. She was there, alive, breathing, and only a few meters away. Her hair tied in a loose braid, sun-tanned skin, a dusty dress that didn’t hide her proud posture. It was her.

“All right?” Jet asked, frowning at Zuko’s distraction.

“Yes,” he replied immediately. “It’s just hot in here.”

Jet let out a brief chuckle but continued to watch him.

“Yes, it can get stifling,” he said, taking a sip of chicha. “So tell me, have you heard about army caravans? Some pass near here… loaded with supplies, weapons… gold.”

“Do you want to know if we’re spies?” Sokka asked, crossing his arms.

“I want to know if you’re worth my time,” Jet replied.

Azula continued moving in the back, serving cups, murmuring without looking up. Zuko knew she had recognized them.

Everything was a ticking bomb.

“What are you really here for?” Jet interrogated.

Sokka and Zuko were nervous.

“We want to sell some weapons we stole from the army a while ago to get rid of them,” Zuko replied firmly.

“You want to sell weapons?”

“Yes,” Sokka answered.

“Buying stolen weapons, especially army ones, is a crime,” Jet responded.

“We know,” Zuko said.

“We’ll pay a fair price and keep quiet if caught. We just want to sell them and leave for Mexico,” Sokka clarified.

Jet looked at them and smoked his pipe again.

“What kind of weapons?”

“The usual: about twenty Winchester rifles, thirty Colt pistols, with ammunition. It’s a small shipment, but several marshals are after us. If you buy them, no one will suspect an Indian tribe, and you can dispose of them as you see fit,” Zuko said seriously.

“How much do you want for them?” Jet asked.

“Five hundred dollars for all of it,” Sokka replied.

“Seems like a fair price,” Jet said. “Where are they?”

“Jim Goblin will bring them at dawn. We’ll make the deal then. Can we camp nearby to wait for Goblin and rest?” Zuko asked.

Jet stared at them and agreed.

Once outside, away from his ears, they took their horses as far as possible and, once in a safe place, Sokka dared to speak.

“Did you see her?” he asked, trying to contain his excitement.

“Yes. We finally found her.”

“But now we have another problem, Zuko. Where the hell are we going to get those weapons?”

“In case you didn’t notice, Sokka, I said that to buy time. If Goblin has any conscience, he’ll bring Callum and the cavalry to rescue us.”

“I think you trusted him too much. What if he forgets and the reinforcements don’t arrive?” Sokka asked. “If they realize this is a trick, they’ll kill us. We came to rescue Azula, not get into

more trouble.”

“And rescuing my sister is still the priority, but if we can handle Jet and his people, we’d kill two birds with one stone. Or have you forgotten they destroyed your house and killed your parents?” Zuko inquired.

Sokka’s expression changed.

“You’re right. We have to finish those sons of bitches,” he replied, clenching his fists.

The problem was they didn’t know they were being watched by Longshot and Smellerbee, hiding behind bushes. To make matters worse, six more Indians accompanied them.

Longshot aimed his bow at Zuko, nodded to the others, and they prepared their weapons. Longshot drew the bow and fired. If Zuko hadn’t moved slightly, the arrow would have struck him in the right arm, embedding itself in a nearby tree.

Sokka and Zuko immediately realized the ambush.

“Shit,” Zuko muttered.

Sokka drew his pistol instantly. The attackers began emerging from hiding, firing bullets and arrows.

Zuko aimed and managed to take down two while retreating. Sokka held firm, shooting until his magazine was empty, but the enemies seemed to multiply. They had no choice but to abandon the fight, mount their horses, and flee as Longshot fired arrows, injuring Zuko in the right shoulder.

“Damn, I got hit!” Zuko yelled in pain.

Despite it, he stayed conscious long enough to ride back to Boiling Rock.

Upon arriving in town, they went straight to Aang’s house for Katara and him to tend to the wounds. Iroh and Jee went to the reverend’s house to see what happened, and the innkeeper was horrified to see his nephew injured.

Sokka and Jee placed Zuko on the bed while Aang and Katara prepared to treat him.

“Will Zuko be all right?” Iroh asked worriedly.

Aang patted his back. Katara had already removed the arrow from Zuko’s shoulder, who groaned in pain.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Iroh. The wound is superficial. He’ll be fine in a few hours,” Aang reassured.

Sokka convinced Iroh and Jee to step outside for a few minutes. Outside, dusk was falling, and twilight loomed over them.

“We found Azula,” Sokka said.

The other two men were surprised.

“Really? Where?” Jee asked, shocked.

“Near Fort Adams. They were so close all this time,” Sokka replied, clenching his fists.

“And why didn’t you bring her with you?” Iroh asked.

“They discovered us, and there was a shootout. But don’t worry, Zuko convinced an Irishman to bring the cavalry from Fort Adams to get you and Jee. Once they arrive, we’ll all head there.”

“Sounds like a good plan,” Jee commented.

“At first I didn’t think so, but now we just have to trust and wait,” Sokka said hopefully.

“Trust and wait.
Trust and wait.”