Fic: Sokka's Mistress

[c3childs]

Bingo Prompt: AU (genderBender)

Word count: 918

Characters: Piandao, Sokka, Fat

A/N: Two more prompts to go:)

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Sokka took note of the grand gate of the sword master's palace. Though it wasn't as big, it was just as fancy as the Earth King's. Apparently, there was good money in sword making. He grabbed the ornate knocker and knocked the door a few times.

He slumped against the door after a few seconds and wondered if anyone was home. The shopkeeper had said that the sword master in the big castle. If it was even half the size of Toph's place, it'd be surprising if anyone had even heard him.

"If you're gonna have a house this big," Sokka grumbled, grabbing the knocker again, "then there should be people to open the door. That should just be their sole job."

Sokka stepped back, crossed his arms, and glared at the gate, willing someone to open it. If this had been urgent, like someone was coming to kill him, these people would find his corpse desperately clinging to the knocker; Sokka grabbed both of them in a fit of frustration and banged them like there was a horde of firebenders coming after him.

The right one opened, and Sokka stared at the woman on the other side. He registered that she was pretty in the same manner that he'd noted Ty Lee was; and it deeply disturbed him for almost the same reason. That was quickly followed by the thought that she was probably as old as his dad. She was darker than most Fire Nation people he'd seen and with gray eyes. Those eyes glanced over him, and an arched brow raised.

"May I help you?"

Sokka quickly straightened up, taking on a serious disposition.

"I've come to train with the Master."

"The Master hasn't trained anyone in a long time," the woman said. "Many have asked, many have been turned away. What have you brought to show your worth?"

A lost expression flashed across Sokka's face as he did a quick mental inventory.

"Uh…"

"I see." She sighed. "Follow me then."

The woman led him through the expansive courtyard. The castle had a huge tower, and he wondered just how long it'd take to get from there to the door. The front door was about thirty yards from the gate. Yeah, these people definitely needed a door keeper.

She showed him into a large room with tall windows, displaying an impressive view of the lush valley. On both walls, rows and rows of candles were lit, and a small table set directly in between. The woman held out a hand, and Sokka stopped short.

"What is your name, young man?"

She walked on to the table and brushed back the dark, split robe, revealing a sword at her side he hadn't noticed before. She removed the sword as she sat facing Sokka and placed it next to her.

Oh.

He snapped out his surprise quickly enough.

"My name is Sokka, Master, and I wish to be instructed in the way of the sword."

"Sokka. How uncommon."

"Really? Uh, 'cause where I come from, it's just lousy with Sokkas."

"Hm. You didn't know the Master Piandi was a woman," she observed, and Sokka couldn't tell whether she was amused or insulted. "If I were to accept you, would that be a problem for you?"

"Oh, no, ma'am. Girls have come closer to killing me more times than I like to think about."

"Is that so? Well, I'm not sure I would want to train a boy who gets beat up by girls."

Okay, that one had to be a joke.

"It's not just me. They beat up grown men too."

"Interesting as that is, my dear boy, why should I train you? Regale me with your heroic feats of might and strength. Make me want you."

Yeah, he wasn't going to dwell on that last statement.

He swallowed. "Well, I've been all around the world."

Lady Piandi's face fell into a flat expression. Disappointment bloomed in his chest, seeing that she obviously wasn't interested. Knowing how big the people were on respect and tired of standing, Sokka dropped to his knees.

"And I've learned that I have a lot to learn."

She tilted her head. "I'm not sure you understand the concept here."

"I do, it's just…" he shrugged. "There's nothing I can say to prove I'm worthy because I don't even know if I am."

"My dear boy," she smiled suddenly, "I do believe she shall see just how worthy you are."

Sokka watched dumbfounded as the Master rose and planted the tip of the scabbard on the red carpet.

"I'll train you," she clarified.

A huge smile lit up his face, and it was all he could do stop himself from jumping up and down clapping. The door opened behind him, and he twisted around to see a droopy-looking, old man enter the room.

"Ah, Fat," Lady Piandi said. "Where were you? I had to get the gate myself."

The old man bowed shortly. "Apologies, my lady. I was in the tower."

"You should get a door keeper," Sokka couldn't help but add. "Or I guess a gate man."

Master Piandi blinked. "The idea has merit. Fat, look into it and take…Sokka to change clothes."

"I get new clothes?"

"Indeed you do. And perhaps a sword when you are ready."

His grin spread wider. "You are the best master ever."

She breathed a short chuckle. "Wait to judge me until I've actually begun training. We'll see if your opinion changes."