Time Heals Most Wounds

Chapter 4

It's six months before I see Sokka again.

I'm furious as I step off of the ship. My cheeks are hot even as they're exposed to the cold wind of the south pole. The guards struggle to keep pace with my quick steps toward the center of The Southern Water Tribe. Passersby glared at me with distrust. Peace is fragile.

"Stay out here," I command my guards as I walk into Chief Hakoda's office. Aang is there as well. I bow to them both, Hakoda seems angry and Aang stressed. "Cheif Hakoda, I am incredibly sorry for the behavior of my troops."

Those fools decided they wanted to stage a coup in the middle of the night, not knowing The Avatar was in town. Even without Aang, did they really expect to successfully destroy the water tribe with three people?

Hakoda stands from his desk, "Firelord Zuko, I don't blame you or your nation for the actions of a few." I'm relieved that this won't start a full-blown altercation but I am incredibly angry. I finally trust a few troops to be polite to The Water Tribe for a few days and they injure five civilians and kill a water tribe warrior. "I do however think we need to find a better way of bridging the gap between our two peoples." Hakoda continues.

"What do you suggest?" I ask, open to any suggestion that could possibly make up for this. "I was thinking that you could add a Southern Water Tribe representative to your pool of ambassadors," Aang suggests, It's a good idea. We could take cultural practices into account, and keep a good relationship with the tribe, but... "An ambassador has to be a Fire Nation citizen and be there multiple times a week for meetings alone. Whoever this ambassador would be would have to move to The Fire Nation." I explain to Hakoda. He nods and takes it into account, he has the same thinking face as Sokka.

Damnit. Lately, my mind keeps drifting to thoughts of Sokka. No matter what I do I can't get it to stop. It's like he's a parasite that's taken over my every thought.

"I will tell that to anyone considering the role. Until then, I'd like you to stay in town and speak to the people." I agree.

Two troops lead me to where I'll be staying. I wish I didn't have to get so behind but how this issue is dealt with is vital to the future relationship between our two nations.

The wooden cabin is small but it's warm and that's all I care about right now. There's an open room with a fireplace and sofa on one side and a small table and wood stove. Then there's a hallway that leads to the small bedroom with a bed big enough for two people and a wooden dresser. I wasn't expecting so much wood in the south pole, trade with the Earth Kingdom must be going well. Across the hall from the bedroom is a bathroom.

It's not as ornate as the palace, I think that's what's so nice about it, or it's the fire in the corner keeping me from freezing to death.

I hear a knock at the door. I'm reluctant to answer, this is the first time I've had to myself all day, but I open the door anyway. It's Aang, Katara and... Sokka. "Hey, Zuzu." Katara smiles, giving me a hug. Ever since she heard the nickname she insisted on using it, I used to think it was annoying but I like it. She's like the little sister I always wanted, that I wished I could have with Azula.

"Hey, it's been a while." She looks mad when we pull away. "Yeah, it has been," she's pointing her finger at my chest "You haven't even met Bumi yet! He's nine months old!" "Sweetie, relax. It's not the end of the world." Aang reasons, Sokka just rolls his eyes, walks past us and sits on the couch setting a few bottles on the coffee table.

"Why don't you guys come in." I change the subject and gesture them inside closing the door afterward because it's fucking cold out. "Speaking of the little monster, where is he?" Sokka asks handing a bottle to Katara. "Toph decided to kidnap him for a few days." Aang says "You really want Toph around him while he's learning to talk?" I joked, Aang and Katara gave each other a worried look. Sokka leaned over and talk-whispered "You're gonna give them heart attacks." I laughed and took the offered bottle.