sokkazula

[sokkazula]

I failed… because I needed you far more than I needed safety and peace.

I will come to you. I will see you again. I will set you free, even if you don't want me to do that. I will meet Hotaru, too. I will hold the two of you, and I'll never let go of you again, come what may. The world won't get in the way again. I know it won't.

So, here are my favorite lines from Sokka's letter to Azula. To read to full letter, you need to visit Chapter 345. I liked so many parts of the letter, but it would be too many edits. So I decided to share the ones I liked the most.

I would never fight you, not in this way. I would never let anyone bring you harm, either.

I hold your necklace every night

Every day spent recovering, waiting, preparing my next move, is a day I grieve over how badly I need to be near you again. To think we've as good as spent a whole year apart, Azula… the very concept is unthinkable. I could barely survive a day without you. You mocked me for it many times, didn't you? Even when you didn't, you would tell me I needed to learn to live without you, or so… turns out I haven't, believe it or not, even after a year. I can't shake off this anxiety. I can't shake off the fear of failure. I can't put aside my dread that I won't ever see you again.

… you have a place in the Southern Water Tribe, should you want it. There's so much I should be able to share, but I'll run out of parchment at this rate. Believe it or not, you've become the Tribe's hero in many ways.

I was terrified that you'd be alone, but if she's there, that's at least one small respite,

Her mother is safe, by the way. So is her fiancé. Him and his friends stand with me now. I know that might come as no relief for you… but it might be good for you to know they escaped the Fire Nation's reach. Maybe we'll fulfill our old promise still, huh? Maybe we'll be able to share another meal, the four of us, once again. Guess we might be more than four people by the time we can meet again… but you know what I mean, right? Of course you do.

Hell, this stupid parchment should be longer. They told me it was the biggest one they had. I don't buy it. This is frustrating. Everything is without you. I wish you could answer, but I know that's impossible. I settle for believing, for hoping, that you'll be able to read this letter and know that I'm still thinking of you, across every single day of this miserable life without you. I won't ever stop longing for you. My energy resonates with yours still. I feel you deep inside me, underneath my skin, in my heart and soul. I don't know if you feel me the same way… but I can only hope so. I can only hope that I'll see you in my dreams again. That soon, those dreams will become reality once I hold you in my arms again. The one hope that keeps me afloat, amid all this darkness, is that I'll be returning to your light one day.

I love you. I'll always love you. Don't forget that, no matter what comes next.

#edits #gladiator #gladiator moments #hotaru

[sokkazula]

I tried animating lmao will never attempt it again 😂

#fanwork

[sokkazula]

hehe

#fanart

[sokkazula]

Azula didn't know what made her reach out for his hand right then. Sokka froze when he felt her grip on his wrist, and he turned to look at her, surprised. A mild blush tinged her cheeks, and she refused to meet his gaze. - Chapter 76

Happy Gladiator 11th Anniversary @seyaryminamoto

Glad that I had the chance to make this story part of my life almost 11 years long and hopefully longer. I was a teenager back then, now I am nearing my thirties.

This moment is one of my favorites and one of the one's that is stuck in my mind, because I think about it often. Seeing the whole scene would have been so amazing, but I'm not advanced enough in my drawing abilities.

So, I have my third Sokkla hands sketch and fourth Gladiator-based sketch. I have a colored version, but this one was better. This being said, art is not easy. This is not comparable with professional fanarts of course and miles away from flawless, but I wanted to share it anyway.

He seemed to notice her mind had drifted just now, and he placed a hand on hers, squeezing it a little and bringing her back to reality with that.

"Get some rest, alright?" he said, smiling kindly again before standing up.

Azula didn't know what made her reach out for his hand right then. Sokka froze when he felt her grip on his wrist, and he turned to look at her, surprised. A mild blush tinged her cheeks, and she refused to meet his gaze.

"J-just… it's not really like… like we've never done this before," she muttered, weakly. "There's no need for you to sleep on the floor downstairs. You could just…"

Sokka's eyes widened, his heart drumming in his chest upon that proposal. Soon enough, a smile spread over his features. He slid his wrist out of her grip, but only to clasp her hand with his.

"You sure?" he asked. "You don't think your uncle might peek here in the middle of the night…?"

"He sleeps like a rock, you've seen that yourself," Azula muttered, releasing his hand before dropping on the bed, curling with her back towards him so she wouldn't face him anymore. "Do as you wish… but you can stay here, if you want to."

Sokka lowered his head, his smile widening. For Azula to allow him to share the bed with her, despite their latest conflicts, was a bigger relief than he expected to get. She still wanted to be with him, it seemed… and as much as she was right to say he was an idiot, he wasn't stupid to the point of refusing her offer.

-Gladiator Chapter 76: Pairs Tournament Arc 5

Sokkla Hands 1 Sokkla Hands 2

#my art

[sokkazula]

Fic-to-Art #39: Gladiator's ELEVENTH Anniversary! (+ BONUS: Fic-to-Art #36...)

And here we are! March 26th arrived and I did not forget about it, but I paid for my ambitious madness with my wrist and forearm. Somehow, I finished my intended pieces on time, but I do not advise that you ever try to make 9 artworks in 3 days. No, sir. Bad life decisions, that's what that was... but this fic, as anyone knows, moves me to do things I never thought possible, starting with writing the fic itself!

It's really crazy every time it hits me that I've been doing this for as long as I have. It's been a complicated, chaotic journey, with its many ups and downs, but ultimately, it has been our journey. For some people, this is just one more fic in the pile: for me, it's been the best adventure of my life so far. Everyone who has ever been touched by Gladiator, who has ever cherished this story, who's looking forward to the big conclusion, who wants to see how the chaotic war is going to end... you're all part of this crazy adventure along with me, and I can only thank you for joining me.

This year, I had no time to make as big a project as I usually go for. Thus, I did a sort of free-for-all edition of Fic-to-Art over at Patreon and challenged myself to draw as many scenes as I could, out of their suggestions. I even sprinkled in a few scenes I impulsively wanted to draw because I loved writing them or because I look forward to writing them... and this is the result!

In order, the scenes are as follow:

Sokka combing Azula's hair, a common occurrence throughout the story.

Azula watching over a convalescing Sokka in the Chase of Jeong Jeong arc.

The outcome of Sokka's final battle in the Superior Gladiator League, namely a moment where Sokka and Azula more or less gave away their relationship's true nature to the public by raising their hands towards each other...

And now, spoiler territory! Some were by my choice, some by Patreon requests:

An important moment shortly after Sokka and Azula reunite.

Azula confronting her father, with a LOT of backup.

Xin Long's long-awaited freedom.

The aftermath of the final battle.

The full-blown confirmation of their relationship to the general Fire Nation populace.

Sokka, Azula and Hotaru's first night together

And the big final one is ACTUALLY Fic-to-Art #36 but hahaha woops I didn't post it here on time because it was super hard to finish since I had a LOT of things going on... but here it is now! :'D it's a glimpse VERY far into the future of this fic's timeline!

Alright, that should be enough talking and explaining. Some things are vague, some things aren't, but ultimately I really hope you guys will be looking forward to the scenes you haven't seen yet, and to Gladiator's eventual outcome.

So now... with all this being said and done, I'm gonna go take a trip down memory lane and watch my Tenth Anniversary video once more! Feel free to do the same thing if you'd like to commemorate the fic, I think it's a good way to experience Gladiator all over again, hahaha.

Thank you if you read all this, and if you read all THAT: 5 million word landmark, here we come! Thanks for hanging out with me across ELEVEN years of Gladiator!

#fic to art

[sokkazula]

"Always. Everything… for Azula"

Sokka breathed deeply, closing his eyes… knowing he had held back with Iroh, whom he despised deeply. Knowing, too, that Ozai merited a hatred and resentment he'd never be able to withhold. If Ozai survived… even if that happened, Sokka would never be able to exist anywhere near him without feeling an unstoppable surge of rage, urging him to hack the bastard's head off.

And yet…

The thought of Azula stilled that fury. The thought that ever stopped him, back when life had been so much simpler… the knowledge that she would be anguished, destroyed, should the man she loved do something as painful, if necessary, as killing her father. She had wanted any other choice, too… in that, she was alarmingly similar to her mother. Even if her heart had changed across the year they'd been apart, there was a chance that Azula would still harbor some misplaced, undeserved affection towards her father… if she did, Sokka's hand would be certain to waver. Inflicting more pain upon her, more reasons for her heart to break? He would never want that. Perhaps Ozai would make it necessary, yes, but if he didn't…

He couldn't keep hurting Azula. She had been hurt far too many times as it was.

His stricken expression, the trembling of his fists, confused Ursa as Sokka breathed deeply and met her gaze earnestly.

"If… if a possibility exists, I'll honor your wishes," he said. Her eyes widened, tears spilling down her cheeks in shocked relief. "Not for his sake… not even for yours, I'm afraid. But…"

"For hers," Ursa said, with a heartfelt, broken smile. "For Azula."

"Always. Everything… for Azula," Sokka said, firmly, eyebrows drawn into an emotional frown as tears bloomed in his eyes as well.

-Gladiator Chapter 335

#edits #gladiator moments

[sokkazula]

had a rough couple of weeks, coped by drawing more sokkla 🫠

#fanart

[sokkazula]

Not a secret :)

#fanart #gaang

[sokkazula]

happy valentines day!! have some assorted sokkla ❤️

#fanart

[sokkazula]

The same with this blog=))

I listed all my work here. With one click on the link on my blog "My Work", it's clearer. There are surely many edits missing, but most of the important entries are tagged.=)

Fanfiction:

My Love, My Enemy

Sokkla Saturdays 2020

Sokkla Saturdays 2021

Sokkla Saturdays 2022

Sokkla Saturdays 2023

Independend Stories (One-Shots)

Artworks

Edits

Events:

Gladiator Week

Gladiator Week 2

Gladiator 200th Chapter Celebration

Gladiator 300th Chapter Celebration

Azula Appreciation Day

... to be continued

[sokkazula]

Sokka. Don’t tell me you’re still bitter over seeing me shritless… There are ways to get even on that, you know??

Azula: What are you talking about??

Sokka: Well, you saw me shirtless, now I should see you topless and everything would be fine!!

Azula: I’m sure you’d like that, wouldn’t you, savage??

Gladiator Chapter 14

[sokkazula]

He smiled to himself, closing his eyes as his hand tightened around the necklace, pulling it towards his heart.

"I'm coming back for you, Azula," he said, gently, with as good as a whisper, speaking to himself, as though trusting she would hear him regardless of the distance between them. "Just wait a little longer… alright? I'll get there, no matter what, so give me some time… and wait for me. I'm coming back for you. - Gladiator

I feel like this is the quote for part 3. It definetely is one that'll stuck in my mind. Both of them carrying the other's necklace is something I really like. It's something I always wanted to happen, for Sokka especially to always carry a posession of her with himself.

Also, this scene is powerful. It gives hope and pushes everything forward. So that the lovers will finally meet again.

While reading these lines I immidiately imagined Sokka in this scene. So I started drawing it, and thought Azula with his necklace has to be in the same frame. I love that no matter what, the first thing Sokka wants, the thing he wants to most is going back to Azula. And I'm very pleased with this version of Sokka!!

"Well, then… off we go," he said, raising the necklace: for a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to think he should leave it here, safe and sound… but a slow smile spread upon his face as he realized he wanted her to have it, to wear it, as soon as possible. And she would, once they'd defeated Ozai… once the world was on the right course once more.

Thus, once again, Sokka fastened the necklace delicately over his glove, concealing the pendant underneath his armguard. Feeling protected by guaranteeing Azula would stay close to him this way, Sokka closed his eyes and stepped forward, through the curtain that hung on his bedroom's archway…

[sokkazula]

Sokkla - Ember Island

Okay ... first of all, I already had respect for Fanart Artists, but after trying this, my respect grew even more.

This is Azula in Ember Island kissing Sokka instead of Chan. It is my first coloring ever. I tried to be satisfied with the outcome instead of getting annoyed all the time. It took me longer but it is still not near perfect. But it's still Sokkla and it brings a smile on my face eveytime I see them.♥

[sokkazula]

"Their fingers brushed softly when he put the handle of the sword on her hand."

Gladiator Chapter 9 @seyaryminamoto

And another beautiful moment I wanted to draw, again in Chapter 9 (ohhh this chapter). Sokka handing his Space Sword to Princess Azula and their fingers brushing*-*. I just love such little moments. I was unsure of coloring it, but I decided to give it a try.

[sokkazula]

"He never felt such great love for someone other than his family before. Never did he think a single person would mean almost everything to him. Especially her. She was the most beautiful human in his life...

Never would've she thought he would be her's and she would be his. The way he looked at her and treatet her was enough to make her heart trust him...

They found true, deep and real love for the very first time. After all these years... They left their teenage years behind after their ways crossing each other so often. And now, now their ways united in one way, to the same and only direction. They were sure to never let go each other. He was sure to be the best for her from the moment he knew, their hearts and their bodies were destined to be together. He was the happiest with her and the happiest when he saw the same counted for her."

I've chosen the wrong brush, what lead me to be not satisfied with the coloring. But it was too late and I just accepted it like this. Sooo, let's just pretend Sokka has a scar on his face.;)) It will heal soon. Don't know how it happened. Maybe he fell from the ice or boat while trying to show Azula some water tribe tricks. I have no idea how the urge to write something for this came from to be honest...

[sokkazula]

"Hand that thing over, then," said Azula, taking his crutch from him as he supported himself with his hand on her shoulder.

"Let's do this," he said, wiping the sweat off his brow as he took another step.

Azula slipped a hand around his waist, making him stare at her in surprise. Azula blushed slightly before turning her face away from him quickly.

"It's easier like this."

"Oh, really now? So you're not just groping me?" he asked, smirking mockingly at her.

Azula's eyes flared with rage, but before she could tell him there was nothing grope-worthy about him, ...

Gladiator Chapter 19

[sokkazula]

"Sokka," she called out to him, and he stopped on his tracks, surprised. He turned around and looked at her from over his shoulder. "Get as much rest as you can. We will be arriving to Ember Island early tomorrow, if the sailing continues as intended."

"Got it," said Sokka, nodding. "And the fight is tomorrow too, isn't it?"

"Yes, three hours after noon."

"Huh…" said Sokka, surprised. He had always fought under the midday sun… he wondered if this would change his odds somehow. "Well, I'm fine with that. I'll see you around, then, Azula…"

Gladiator Chapter 9

This is the first time Sokka calls Azula by her name in Gladiator. These Chapters are so special and wonderful in their own ways. I want to draw my favorite moments. I thought I could wait until the Anniversary arrives, but three months are a bit too long for me to wait to post this. While drawing, I decided to not color it, but to post it as it is. Sometimes a pencil sketch can look better than a colored work. I really loved this moment. The way they start to get allies and more comfortable with each others presence, so here is it.