Avatar: The Book Of The Phoenix

The Crimson Tide

The sun beat down mercilessly on Xanadu, the once-proud Fire Nomad stronghold now a shadow of its former glory. Within a canvas tent, draped against the blistering heat, sat Azula and Rokkun, their faces etched with worry.

"I can't bear the thought, Rokkun. The thought of our children, out there. Alone. Without us." Azula lamented, her voice trembling with anguish. Two nights had passed since the unthinkable had occurred – the kidnapping of their sons, Sozin and Viszla. Sleep had eluded them both.

"We will find them, my love," Rokkun assured, his voice firm, though a flicker of doubt danced in his eyes. "And when we do, I will punish those responsible. I swear it on the honor of my ancestors."

Azula, however, was beyond comfort. Her composure, once her defining trait, had shattered. Tears streamed down her face, hot and relentless.

"Azula, my love," Rokkun knelt beside her, his arms gently encircling her. "We will find our boys together. I promise. Right now, I need you to stay strong. For them. Can you do that for me?"

Azula, through sobs, managed a weak nod. Rokkun held her close, stroking her hair, attempting to soothe the tempest within her.

Their tender moment was abruptly shattered by the entrance of General Shoka, Rokkun's father. He stood tall, his face grim, yet resolute. "Rokkun, Azula," he began, his voice grave, "I have something to show you."

With a heavy heart, Rokkun and Azula followed Shoka to the docks. As they approached, a breathtaking sight unfolded before them. A massive fleet of Fire Nation ships, hundreds strong, was converging on the harbor, their sails billowing in the wind like a crimson tide.

"Father," Rokkun exclaimed, bewildered, "what... what is this?"

Shoka smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "My dear boy," he chuckled, "did you truly believe I would willingly go into exile, without being prepared for a day like this?"

Rokkun and Azula exchanged bewildered glances.
"I have been gathering forces," Shoka explained, "anticipating the day I would return. These ships, these men... they are loyal to the Nomads, loyal to me. And now, they are at your command."

Rokkun was speechless. The implications of Shoka's revelation were staggering.

"Do not cry, Lady Azula," Shoka said, his gaze softening. "We will find those boys. And when we do... we will raze Ba Sing Se to the ground." His voice hardened, a chilling resolve settling over him.

Azula, despite her grief, felt a surge of icy determination. Shoka's words, though brutal, ignited a spark within her. Vengeance, for her sons, would be theirs.