A Search within the Force and Flame

XI

The cold chill of night had fully settled over the island of Hira'a. After a short but weighty discussion—and the collective agreement that they all needed to decompress after the fight with the wolf spirit—the group had set up camp to rest until morning.

Appa's massive form lay curled on the ground, his head resting on top of his front legs. His deep, rhythmic breaths echoed gently through the trees as he slept. Aang sat cross-legged atop Appa's head, calmly meditating, letting the stillness settle around him. Nearby, Katara slept curled beside one of Appa's legs for warmth. Momo was nestled against her side, his wings tucked in tightly, chest rising and falling in soft puffs.

Across the fire, Sokka and Zuko sat on opposite sides of the glowing embers. The campfire was slowly burning down, casting flickering shadows over their weary faces. Just behind Zuko, beneath the thick roots of an old tree, Azula was curled up in a tight ball. She used the roots as a pillow, her arms wrapped around herself. Her body shivered involuntarily as she murmured fragments of thoughts into the cold air.

"...my own mind... you've turned my own mind... against me..."

Unseen on the other side of the tree, Logan lay quietly on his side, arm tucked beneath his head for support. His back faced the camp, breaths slow and even, like a man too used to stillness to call it sleep. Back by the fire, Sokka leaned over and squinted past Zuko's shoulder, eyeing Azula with a mixture of suspicion and unease.

"After everything that's happened, you're still gonna let her sleep with her hands unbound?" Sokka asked, voice laced with cautious concern.

Zuko didn't look at him. He kept his gaze fixed on the fire. "She saved us from the moth-wasps, didn't she? And when she and Logan had their little 'misunderstanding' on Appa, she didn't hurt him." His voice was steady, unwavering. "I'm giving her a chance."

Sokka folded his arms. "That's a lot of chances for someone who tried to fry you."

"It'll be fine," Zuko said simply. "Aang, Katara, and I agreed to take turns watching her through the night."

Sokka raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you still up?"

Zuko finally turned to look at him.

"I could ask you the same thing."

Sokka scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. "Drank a bunch of water trying to get the taste of moth-wasp outta my mouth. Now my bladder's on high alert."

Zuko grimaced. "I get the picture. Thanks."

Sokka glanced over at Katara, her face peaceful in sleep. A small, warm smile softened his features. "Little cold tonight, huh?"

"I thought you Water Tribe folks liked the cold," Zuko replied dryly.

Sokka stood and carefully unfurled a blanket bundle. "Yeah, maybe we've been away from home too long." He gently draped it over Katara and Momo before walking back and sitting down beside Zuko.

Zuko gave him a sideways look. "After all the snowballs to your forehead, you still look out for her."

Sokka shrugged, his grin never fading. "I throw witticisms at her. She throws snowballs at me. That's the relationship. It works."

"Seems like you're getting the short end of that deal."

"Katara's my sister," Sokka said, tone suddenly serious. "When it comes to her, I don't mind getting the short end."

Zuko's expression shifted at those words. Slowly, his gaze drifted over his shoulder—toward the dim silhouette of Azula, still curled under the tree.