Avatar: The Book Of The Phoenix

Rokkun Returns

The flickering oil lamp cast dancing shadows across the tent's woven walls, illuminating swirling dust motes. Azula sat on a crimson rug, delicately wiping black pigment from her eyelids, her golden eyes stormy in the dim light.

Nearby, on a low bed, Sozin gurgled happily, his auburn curls framing his chubby face as he swatted at a colorful feather toy. In his crib, Viszla slept, his soft breaths a quiet counterpoint to the camp's distant clamor.

The tent flap flew open, and Khan Rokkun burst in, a whirlwind of dirt and animal hides.

"Guess who just bagged the biggest hog monkey in the valley?" he boomed, grin wide and wicked.

Sozin squealed. Rokkun dropped his bow with a clatter and pounced, scooping the boy up and tickling him mercilessly. "Caught you, little firecracker!"

Viszla's wail cut the moment short. Rokkun laughed, softer now, and lifted the baby against his chest. "Easy, Viz. Daddy's home."

He crossed to Azula in two strides, pressed a kiss to her forehead, and let it linger. "Missed you, my fire lily."

Azula arched an eyebrow, wiping a streak of dirt from his cheek. "You're a mess."

"And victorious," he countered, eyes dancing. "No rabbits. Just like my queen commanded."

She allowed herself half a smile. "Good boy."

Rokkun chuckled, setting Viszla gently in his crib. He moved to a small mirror, wiping grime from his face with a rag. Azula watched, her playful demeanor fading as she studied the scar—a stark reminder of their enemies. Beneath the dirt and scars, she saw the fierce warrior, the devoted father, the man she'd chosen. But a shadow crept into her thoughts: General Shoka's arrival.

"Your father came today," she said, her voice flat, the warmth gone.

Rokkun paused, rag in hand, and turned. "And?" he asked, tone casual but guarded.

"Doesn't it concern you?" Azula pressed, suspicion sharpening her words. "Even a little?"

Rokkun's grin sharpened. "Concern? The old wolf wants to talk. Says he's got wisdom to share." He shrugged, theatrical. "I told him wisdom's overrated. Fire works better. He's family."

"Family?" Azula scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "After how he treated you? After you exiled him?"

Rokkun's eyes hardened, the rag stilling. "He was wrong," he said, voice low, dangerous. "But he's paid for it. He's here to prove his loyalty."

"Loyalty?" Azula's laugh was sharp. "To you, or to his own ambitions?"

Rokkun exhaled, his anger ebbing. He crossed to her, pulling her into a warm embrace. "Let's not dwell on the past," he murmured, his voice regaining its calm. "Focus on us—Sozin, Viszla, our life here."

Azula nodded, her eyes on the floor, but Shoka's presence gnawed at her. His arrival was no coincidence—a calculated move in a game she didn't yet understand. She was determined to uncover his true intent.

"I've grown fond of this life," she said softly, almost to herself. "You've made peace with King Xuo. The southern provinces are ours. Do we really need to invade the Fire Nation? To chase that crown?"

Rokkun's gaze fixed on the lamp's flickering flame, his expression hardening. "Azula," he said firmly, "this is our destiny—mine, yours, our sons'. To unite the world under Fire Nation rule."

"Our future is here," Azula countered, her voice rising. "With our boys, together. The crown's a burden, not a prize."

Rokkun's temper flared. "How can you say that?" he roared, the tent trembling with his voice. "After all we've sacrificed? The crown is ours by right! Ozai promised it to you, until your brother stole it!"

Azula's eyes flashed. "You forgave Shoka, let him return from exile," she shot back, sarcasm biting. "But Zuko's mistakes are unforgivable?"

"Enough!" Rokkun bellowed, his fist slamming the table, sending Sozin's feather toy tumbling. Sozin wailed, startled, and Viszla's cries joined his brother's.

"Look what you've done!" Azula snapped, scooping up her sobbing sons, her anger flaring.

Rokkun's chest tightened with guilt as he watched his boys cry. He wanted to apologize, but words failed him. "Go," Azula said, her voice low, dangerous, nodding toward the tent flap. "Sleep alone tonight."

Rokkun's jaw clenched. For a heartbeat he looked ready to argue.

Then he turned, cloak swirling, and stormed out without another word.

Azula held her boys close, rocking them as their cries slowly quieted.