Archive of Our Own

If asked, Sokka would’ve insisted he wasn’t thinking. That he’d acted on impulse to protect Katara, without thought to the consequences. 

But Sokka couldn’t lie to himself. He thought hard about what he did, harder perhaps then he considered anything in his life. Thousands of thoughts flew through his mind in those slant few seconds he had to do something. Hundreds of ideas and plans, calculations on what would get him and — more importantly — his little sister out alive.

That’s not to say he predicted everything that had happened. Even the smartest people could not see the future. But he’d known the risks. He’d known how badly it could — and probably would — end for him. In that moment he’d honestly been ready to die.

It started with black snow, the kind that was almost a Spirit's Tale to the younger members of the tribe but was all too real to the elders. The kind of snowfall that heralded disaster even beyond the worst blizzards. Sokka had been playing with Katara. When the ash started to fall she’d gone to run to their home. 

He almost didn't follow her, eager to join the men of the tribe and fight. But they’d been playing on the outskirts of the village, farther than they were supposed to. So instead of going straight for the shoreline, he went to make sure Katara stayed safe.

He didn’t regret that. He’d never regret that. Because when they reached the village the invaders had already swarmed. Maybe if it had been just Katara she could’ve slipped by unnoticed, maybe she wouldn’t’ve. There was no use entertaining what ifs.

The reality is that they were spotted. Sokka threw his boomerang at the man then grabbed Katara’s hand and ran. He’d been sure even then that they’d not make it far, they might’ve been more used to running through snow but the man chasing them was twice their height and each step he took melted the snow away from his feet. Within a minute he could feel fire nipping at their heels.

Katara tripped, dragging Sokka down with her. They scrambled to their feet but the man was right behind them. He would’ve gotten them both then if Katara hadn’t bent snow into his face as they scrambled to get up. They took off running again. Sokka barely made out the man growl, “Found you.” before the raider was after them with renewed vigour.

They were chased right to an ice cliff. The man had managed to herd them away from the village where the men were still fighting. Shouts and the sound of metal and bone clashing still reached Sokka’s ears but he knew his voice had no hope of carrying over the din. 

“Now we're gonna do this nice and easy kids. Which one of you’s the waterbender?”

That’s when Sokka made his decision.

He pushed Katara away from him toward the village, “Go. Go get dad! Hurry!” She stumbled off. The man turned to follow her and Sokka’s blood went cold. 

“Hey!” He shouted. “You’re looking for a waterbender?” Shoving his arms out the way he’d seen Katara do during hundreds of snow fights, he pushed himself back into the ice wall as hard as he could.

See, Sokka’d known they’d need a distraction, and while he’d have gotten to the village faster there was no way he would leave Katara alone with this man, especially if he was looking for her in the first place. But if they were after waterbenders the only thing he could count on to be a good enough distraction was finding one.

Sokka was a non-bender. He couldn’t move ice with his mind or spirit or whatever mumbo-jumbo benders used. 

But he could still make snow move.

The ice wall they’d ended up by was one of the places all the village children had been warned about. Heavy snowfalls would build up at the top until even the smallest disturbance would send it crashing down in an avalanche. So when Sokka threw all his body weight against the ice all the snow at the top dislodged, hurtling down on both him and the raider. 

Unfortunately the man was far enough from the wall that he escaped most of the mini avalanche. Sokka dug himself out — having also avoided getting crushed by pressing flat against the wall — in record time. He tried to run, trying to buy time for his father, or anyone to rescue him, but he was halted in his tracks by a fireball hurling through the pile of snow he’d made.

A hand latched onto his upper arm, “Cute,” The firebender growled, as Sokka struggled against the searing grip, kicking up snow. “Not much of a bender are you? I expected more of a fight.”

The firebender dragged Sokka back to the shore, looping around the village, hand over Sokka’s mouth to stop him from calling for help as they passed by. Only when he reached the big metal ship did the man pause, “Everyone back to the ship! We got what we came here for!

Take a good look kid. This is your only chance to say goodbye.”

Sokka didn’t go easily, he fought the whole way up the gangplank, watching as the warriors of the village struggled to reach him, getting bombarded by fireballs whenever they got too close. 

“SOKKA!” At last Sokka locked eyes with his father, the rest of their family behind him. As the gangplank rose he could see his dad run towards the ship even as it moved away. Hakoda would’ve jumped into the frigid water if he wasn’t grabbed by Bato. 

Then he was dragged below deck and tossed in a freezing metal cell. The raiders must not’ve considered him very threatening because he was left alone, not even one man was left to watch him. He could hear yelling above him and he tried to listen but he couldn’t make out much. He thought he heard something about “supposed to kill.” and he stopped wanting to listen anymore.

At least it wasn’t Katara. It was the only comfort he had but it was one he held onto. He didn’t know what was going to happen to him. He just knew he would suffer any fate if it kept her safe; it was his job as her big brother. No matter how much they fought or any jealousy he’d had over her magic water powers.

It was hours — probably — before anything happened. A new man, a different one then the one who’d taken him came down. “Alright squirt, here’s how things are going to go. You get to live and when we get back to civilization we're going to see if we can get some extra money for you so we can make the trip to this Agni forsaken hunk of ice worth it. Any funny business however and we go back to the original plan.”

Sokka had a feeling he knew what the ‘original plan’ may have been so he just nodded. The man — he was wearing more fancy armour than the other man, maybe he was the captain? — tossed him a piece of bread and turned on his heel to stalk out, muttering about a waste of rations.

Sokka stared at the piece of bread as his situation finally sunk in. He saved Katara and now he was never going to see her again, or any of his family, his tribe. He started crying. Eight years old and he was never going to go home again. He’d be sold off to some Fire Nation person and… he didn’t know, he didn’t know what they could possibly want with him and he didn’t think he wanted to.

Alone in a strange ship that was colder than the most frigid of days in the middle of the dark months, Sokka cried himself to sleep. 

Sokka had long given up on trying to keep track of time by the time they made it to land. He wasn’t able to track days by when he was fed — given that they did it so rarely — but he tracked progress by how he’d gone from cold to warm to hotter than he’d felt in his life, forcing him out of the parka he’d been wearing and into his underclothes. 

He’d assumed he’d be marched off the boat as soon as they hit the Fire Nation, but he stayed for what must have been days on the still ship, long enough that he started to wonder if he’d been left to rot.  Until they came for him in the night.

Arm bound in a thick rope and feet bound together he was carried onto a row boat and taken to a small cove. While the opportunity to run when they tried to take him off the ship had been lost — Sokka never should have let his guard down, even if he’d had to wait longer than he thought — he wasn’t going to give up.

 When they tossed him on the ground he took the opportunity to let out a grunt pretending he hit his head and passed out. Dad had always told him information was the best weapon and Sokka hoped he’d find out more if they didn’t know he was listening. Anything would work, even if he didn’t know much about anywhere outside the South Pole knowing a name or something would help him if he could get ahold of a map.

‘Things are never as lost as they seem’ his Gran-Gran had told him a hundred times, ‘you just have to know how to look.’ Even if he couldn’t ever go back home — he decided that on the ship, if he was followed Katara and his family would be in danger all over again — he wouldn’t just roll over like a wounded orca-wolf pup. He’d find a way to fight.

So he listened as the captain joked about how weak he was for passing out. He listened as a new man arrived, handing over a large sack of money. He learned that this new man wasn’t the one technically buying him, but was here for his ‘master’. He also found out that the Raiders had no idea who they even just sold him to and that they definitely weren't supposed to have kept him alive to sell.

He forced himself to stay limp as they loaded him into a wagon but the trip to where-ever they were going was quiet, the only sounds other than the creaking of the wagon were yawns from the man up front. Sokka tried to get an idea of the lay of the land based on the ride, or at least memorise the route back to the cove. However, the best he could figure out was that they were going uphill, everything was far bumpier than he was used to and while he knew what direction they turned when they did he had no real way of telling by how much.

The sun was rising by the time they finally stopped and Sokka decided to take the chance to try and escape. He continued to feign sleep right up until the man opened the back of the wagon. Ignoring how tired and sore he was from the long night, Sokka sprung up, headbutting the man right in the nose. 

“Ha!” Take that! He took him out even with his arms tied behind his back. He could hear the man swearing behind him so he knew he had to move quickly, which was hard because his legs were still tied together. Slush, he should have tried to at least loosen the ropes while he was in the wagon.

Still, he couldn’t waste this chance. Awkwardly he started to shuffle away, but he wasn’t gonna get very far like this, he was only barely not tripping as it was. It was a hit to his pride but he'd move faster on his knees. He knew he wouldn’t make far before the man recovered so his best bet was to make it to the trees. If he had more time he’d be marvelling at the sheer amount of plants that were everywhere; there was so much green.

“What happened out here?” A new voice sounded out behind him and Sokka dared a glance back. The scene behind him was almost comical. The new man, who had darker skin and was dressed in nice robes, stared in slight shock while the other — fairly short looking man now that he had a comparison — swore up a storm, clutching his nose in a hunched over position.

Sokka and this new man stared at each other. Given his clothes, Sokka assumed this was the ‘master’ who’d bought him off the raiders. Well jokes on him, Sokka had no plans being the easy target they thought he was. He was a Southern Tribe Warrior! Speaking of, he should probably continue making his escape while they were still distracted.

Welp, that could’ve gone better. He knew it was a bit of a long shot, but at least he hadn’t gone without a fight. The servant whose nose he’d broken had an iron grip on his shoulder as he was led into the large building, but Sokka kept his head held high.  No matter what, he’d be brave.

“That was quite the arrival.” The ‘master’ almost looked amused. “Fat, if you could untie our guest please.”

Fat looked as unsure of this as Sokka felt, there was no way they were going to untie him just like that. To his surprise however, the ropes were untied. Fat almost looked shocked that Sokka did bolt right then and there, but Sokka wasn’t an idiot, they wouldn’t have untied him if they thought he’d be able to escape. He also didn’t say anything, a Southern Warrior shows no fear or weakness. 

The ‘master’ gave him what almost passed for a smile, “I’m sure this all must have been scary for you.” Sokka glared at him for that, what was the man playing at?

The man sighed, “Perhaps I should introduce myself, I am Lord Piandao, although most refer to me as Master Piandao.”

This broke Sokka's silence, “You’re no Master to me!” He shouted, trying not to let any of his fear show. Warrior’s are brave, he won’t cower.

Piandao took a deep breath, “You misunderstand, the title ‘Master’ refers only to my skill with a sword. I assure you I mean you no harm.”

Yeah, that was a load of Bull-Hogwash and Sokka made it very clear he knew that by doubling the glare he sent the man. 

“I assure you I only dealt with those men to insure you ended up safe. Not everyone in the Fire Nation stands by this war’s atrocities. I will not hold you here, though I do suggest you remain until I can arrange passage for you back to your home.”

“No!” Piandao looked shocked at Sokka’s outburst, “You want to bring me back home for what? So you can use me as bait against my tribe? I won’t let you hurt them, there’s nothing even there to take! You already took all the waterbenders, m- I’m the last one; and I’m not even good at it,” he added quickly, “because there was no one to teach me.”

He hoped that would be enough to cover him for a bit, there wasn’t exactly snow for him to use here. He had to find a way to fake bend again, if anyone realised he wasn’t a bender then they’d go after Katara.

“That’s quite noble of you,” Piandao looked almost contemplative now, “To give up your home to protect it is not a choice many would have the strength to make.”

“Well what would you ashmakers know.” Sokka sneered.

“You can’t talk to Master Piandao that way!” Fat was practically steaming by now, apparently at the end of his patience with Sokka’s ‘insolence’.

“Calm yourself Fat,” Piandao scolded, before returning his attention to Sokka, “I have many connections, both inside the Fire Nation and out. As I said, I will not hold you here. If you wish to leave I will help. However, if you are willing, I can use those connections to forge you an identity here, and take you on as my student. That is, if you are willing to learn from a Fire Nation man.”

Fat began protesting again, “You said you were retiring, you hardly take students any more.”

Sokka ignored the old butler and considered his options. If — and this was a huge if — this Piandao could be trusted then he could do more or less what he originally planned. He could make his way to the Earth Kingdom and figure things out from there, possibly without having to be worried about being hunted down again by the Fire Nation. 

But… if Sokka were to take it on faith that Piandao was truthful then wouldn’t it be smarter to remain here. No Fire Nation soldiers chasing him at all, plus a place to stay and, presumably, free food. There would be less chance that someone would realise he wasn’t a waterbender as long as he could fool Piandao. Not to mention the training! Real serious training if Piandao was a master.

Of course it was still far more likely that this was a trap. Even if his explanations sounded possible he was still Fire Nation! If he really disagreed with the war then why was he just hanging out in his huge house instead of fighting! Sokka didn’t buy it, even if he was telling something close to the truth there had to be more he wasn’t saying.

In the end it seemed like there was only one option, “I’ll train with you.” Sokka said. Putting his pride aside for a moment, Sokka was honest with himself. If this was a trap then he wouldn’t get far calling them on it, it would more than likely get him killed. If he tried to make a run for it he’d probably be caught.

So he’d stay. He’d stay and keep his guard up. If this was some elaborate Fire Nation plot he’d be ready for it. He wouldn’t let himself be lured into giving up any information about his tribe, and especially that he wasn’t the last waterbender. He’d continue to protect his home and family by remaining far away. 

In the meantime he’d learn. If they wanted to try and trap him by offering him lessons then he’d take everything he could from them.

Watching, and being consulted in Piandao forging a cover story had done a fair amount to convince him the man was being sincere. He was still wary of course, but it did seem like an awful lot of work if it was all a ruse, he might not understand all the paperwork involved but he knew the Fire Nation was large enough that a new face wouldn't be nearly as out of place as in the Water Tribe. 

In the end the fake story was this: Sokka — or ‘Lee’ as ‘Sokka’ was too Water Tribe — was Piandao’s nephew from his family in the Earth Kingdom Colonies. He was sent to the Master to apprentice under him, both in combat and smithing. ‘Lee’ was obviously a non bender, but Piandao told Sokka he could practise his ‘waterbending’ in the manor’s private garden so long as he was careful.

It was all surprisingly simple, apparently even after a hundred years the Fire Nation still had trouble keeping track of the colonies and winning a war, so no one really questioned a new face from them like they would someone claiming to be from the main Nation. Another potential snag they’d been lucky to avoid was people releasing he wasn’t related to Piandao, as he’d apparently didn’t come from an important family, having gained a noble title through his mastery of the blade.

That was more or less it, when he wasn’t having lessons with Piandao or there were visitors Sokka pretty much had free rein or the house. He wasn’t watched at all times nor was he even forbidden from going into the nearby village once Piandao was convinced he wouldn’t get lost or say something stupid that would give them away. 

This gave Sokka plenty of time to start brainstorming ways to fake waterbend. At first the lack of snow caused issues as that was the thing he’d seen Katara bend the most, but eventually he decided that most of the Fire Nation probably didn’t have any better idea of what waterbending looked like then he did. Not to mention he could pass off most bending flaws as ‘inability’ given that he would have had no one to teach him.

So the goal was just to find a way to move water without it being obvious how. He spent a long time sitting by the Piandao’s pond watching the water move until he had his first idea. 

Ocean tides were moved by the moon — or at least that’s what Gran-Gran’s stories all said — ponds and lakes didn’t have tides, but the water still rippled along the surface, pushed by the wind. 

What he needed was his own wind.

That night Sokka snuck down to the forge, and hunted down the smallest bellows he could find. Taking it down to the pond he started experimenting with using it on the water's surface. Blowing it straight down made the biggest splash but what really looked like bending was putting it on the ground and stepping on it.

As the air rushed out of the bellows it pushed the water away from his feet in a small wave. Pair that with a crude mimikry of the hand waves Katara liked to make and voila, some fake water bending!

Bolstered by his first success, more ideas came quickly. Not all of them worked and he soaked himself fairly often but soon he'd jury rigged another contraption. 

He hid a water skin up his sleeve with a tube connected to it running up his arm so when he moved just right he'd squeeze the water skin and all the water would be forced up the tube and squirt out. The result wasn't impressive but it did its job to make it look like Sokka had to be manipulating the water’s flow and that was all he needed.

In a few years or so he'd also gotten good enough with the forge that he managed to make a couple of metal cylinders lined with an insulating material. He stole some of the ice Piandao would get and chipped it into makeshift daggers. With the right flick of the wrist he could pull it out of the tube so fast no one would be able to tell he hadn’t summoned it.

He’d been in the Fire Nation for three years when Piandao took on another student. Apparently the former Crown Prince suggested new Firelord Ozai send his son to train with Piandao before disappearing off on some mysterious journey. Publicly the Prince was coming to expand his skills as the new heir to the throne, privately Piandao had speculated Ozai’d just wanted his weaker child out of the way while he solidified his place of power.

Honestly Sokka really couldn’t care less about Fire Nation politics, he hadn’t known what to think about Prince Lu Ten’s death, quickly followed by Firelord Azulon’s passing and Princess Ursa’s disappearance. The only reason he paid any attention to these events at all is because it would be weird for a ‘Fire Nation’ citizen to not care about the royal family.

Now that he was faced with the new Crown Prince he was forced to realise that just like Piandao and the nearby village weren’t just faceless monsters, the Prince was a boy Sokka's own age. The recent deaths in the royal family weren’t just politics but his cousin, grandfather, and mother. The thought made him distinctly uncomfortable and Sokka tried to avoid the kid as much as possible. 

Unfortunately, his plan was thwarted by Master Piandao as he’d decided Sokka would make an excellent sparring partner for Zuko.  Although he had to admit, it was cathartic to have the clear advantage in their spars. Soon Sokka found himself bantering with Prince Zuko, finally having a verbal sparring partner as Piandao and Fat weren’t inclined to it.

Banter turned to tips on form, not just from Sokka but Zuko as well, pointing out areas where fire bending forms benefited non-bending combat. Sharing tips turned to casual conversation, turned hanging out outside of spars and by year's end Sokka realised he considered Zuko a friend.

Maybe it was that realisation that made him get careless. Sokka’d not touched his fake bending stuff since Zuko’s arrival but nearly a year after Suko arrived he snuck out to the pond after Zuko turned in for the night.  He was only intending to make sure he’d not gotten too rusty at the slight of hand some of his tricks needed but he got carried away trying to incorporate some of the forms Zuko had shown him.

“Lee! You’re a waterbender!?” Sokka swore and dropped his icicle. Zuko was an Agni-damned ninja, how did he keep sneaking up on him!

Sokka turned to face the friend he was just now remembering was the La forsaken Fire Prince, who’d just caught him ‘waterbending’. Ashes what now? He doubted he could deny it without showing Zuko how his tricks worked. But then he’d just ask why Sokka was doing this at all and even if he didn't, someone would realise that him being a non-bender meant that last raid missed the real one.

But if he didn’t deny it Master Piandao could get in trouble, plus Sokka would probably be executed. 

At least if Zuko told anyone…

“Zuko. At least let me explain.” He could believe he was going to do this, even two years ago he’d never have put his trust willingly in a Fire Nation person, much less a member of the royal family. 

Now here he was faced with the Crown Prince of the Nation that stole him from his home, faced with his friend . In all the time they’d trained together Zuko’d never said anything that indicated he was any less than loyal to his Nation. 

But he’d never actually said anything against the other Nations either. 

He was — They were both twelve! The war had been started nearly a hundred years ago, it was all either of them knew. Sokka'd lived in the Fire Nation for three years, the war was no different on this side then it was on the other. People get sent to fight, they suffer and they die, families get torn apart like his was, because they are told they have to.

To Zuko, to all the children of the Fire Nation, the soldiers of the other Nations are just as faceless as the Fire Nation men were to Sokka when he was eight; and the civilians and children never crossed their mind.

Maybe the soldiers should have refused to fight. Maybe there were people like the Southern Raiders who destroyed homes for the sick joy of it. Maybe the Firelords both current and past enjoyed causing violence and suffering. But Zuko wasn’t them.

Zuko was a dork who was nervous about accidentally hurting Sokka when they sparred.  He went on rants about how bad modern adaptations of plays were and cried over turtle duck hatchlings.

Zuko was Sokka’s friend and now he was going to have to trust him.

“My name’s not really Lee. It’s Sokka… Of the Southern Water Tribe. Four years ago the first raid in decades came, they’d heard rumours of a new Waterbender in the tribe. When they found me they were going to kill me.”

Sokka knew he needed to keep his story as true as possible, both because he was less likely to contradict himself and because Zuko could probably look up military records if he wanted to.

“I don’t know why they didn’t kill me,” But he still had to lie a bit. Piandao had saved him and Sokka didn’t want to repay that by dragging him down with him. “but they took me to the Fire Nation instead. I escaped from them when they brought me to shore. I wanted to go home but I couldn’t let them go back to my tribe. Without our benders we’ve barely survived, without me there’s nothing there the Fire Nation would want.

Please Zuko, whatever you decide about me don’t attack my home. I… I have a little sister, she’s still there, I can’t let her get hurt.” Sokka was begging now. If he was wrong about Zuko, if he was really as bad as his forefathers then all hope was lost. 

Zuko for his part looked like he was having to fit his whole world view back together. “I… uh… Your tribe hasn’t been attacking us right? I mean if you’re the last waterbender then they wouldn’t have the power to really.”

“No, we've been out of the war for years. I don’t think we were ever really in it aside from defending ourselves against the raids.”

“Then we don’t really have a reason to go there. I guess? If it’s all civilians.” Zuko looked incredibly uncomfortable, and Sokka wondered just how sheltered he’d been from the war. “It wouldn’t be honourable.”

That… was probably the best Sokka could get. But if Zuko turned him into the Firelord or some general or something could still decide to attack. 

“Uhm… Le — Sokka? If you escaped then how’d you end up with Piandao, didn’t Piandao say you were his nephew?”

“He thinks I’m a war orphan from the colonies. He calls me his nephew because I said all my paperwork had been lost when my ‘parents’ died and that was a lot easier than trying to replace it.” Now Sokka was glad he’d bothered to think up a cover for Piandao taking him in. Paranoia one: optimism zero.

“Oh.” 

The two boys stared at each other, an awkward silence stretched between the broken only by the chirping of firecrickets. This should have at least been a step up from being pelted with fire-balls but each long moment only stressed Sokka out more. Everything was up to Zuko now, and what kind of man he was. 

“So… what now?” Surprisingly Zuko seemed to hate the tense atmosphere even more and was the first to break it.

“I think that’s on you buddy.” Sokka half-joked. “I’m the one not supposed to be here, you could turn me in… Or y’know just fry me now.”

Zuko turned a little green, “I can’t do that! You’re not really doing anything wrong. You’re just living here. Right? You’re not spying or trying to attack us or anything? You’ve been here for years now right, you’re not really an enemy anymore then. Right Lee— Sorry Sokka.” 

Sokka should just agree. That was by far the safest option, it wouldn’t even be a complete lie! He didn’t have any plans to attack and who would he even be spying for? But agreeing would still feel dishonest. 

“Zuko, I'm going to be completely honest here. No, I’m not spying or going to attack from the inside or anything, but you’re soldiers stole me from my home. I can’t go back without putting everyone I love in danger. The people who live here might not be evil, but what your nation is doing to the world? I can’t support that.”

He didn’t know why he was risking everything like this… Except he wanted Zuko to see . The Fire Nation was destroying the world. It might not be Zuko’s fault but he would one day have to decide if he continued it. 

“I… There has to be a good reason they had to do that. Or… Or they were going against orders! The war’s to spread our prosperity! What happened to you must have been a mistake. I could go to my fath—”

“NO! Zuko, promise me you won’t tell anyone! I know you think this is a — a misunderstanding or whatever but if you’re wrong my entire family could die! Just…If you want to help me just promise you’ll keep this a secret.”

“Okay,” Zuko still looked conflicted but he drew himself up, “I, Prince Zuko swear on my honour that I will not tell anyone about you.”

This was a serious moment, Sokka did know enough about Fire Nation customs to know that swearing on your honour was a big deal… But Zuko was such a drama queen about it! Plus he was still in his sleepwear with his hair sticking up at ridiculous angles! He couldn't help it, between the image, and relief Sokka just started laughing.

“Hey!” Oh Tui now Zuko’s face was turning red too! “What’s so funny?”

“Sorry, sorry it’s just you look ridiculous.”

“Not as ridiculous as you did when you managed to faceplant in the kola-sheep pen! They seemed to like you, you were so surrounded you couldn’t wade your way out. I think they just liked chewing on your hair!.”

“We promised to never speak of that again!” 

A couple weeks later a letter came from the palace calling Zuko back. Sokka wasn’t surprised that this worried him, what was a surprise was that he was more worried for Zuko then he was that Zuko would let his secret slip. His friend hadn’t directly said anything against his remaining family but the things he didn’t say spoke volumes.

The evening Zuko left Piandao invited him for a game of Pai Sho.

As they began to play, Piandao said, “I wanted to make sure you are okay. I’m sorry that I could not give you a choice about Prince Zuko’s visit, I know it couldn’t have been easy to have a person who didn’t know about you living here.”

Sokka had ended up deciding not to tell Piandao that Zuko had found him out. One because he didn’t want the Master to confront Zuko himself — Given that that would ruin the ‘Piandao doesn’t know thing’— and two because he kinda doesn't want his teacher to know Sokka was so careless.

“Regardless I am proud you managed to put your circumstances aside.” He continued, “You showed great maturity and openness, most grown men in your place would be unable to afford such grace. Though if I am not mistaken you and the young Prince came to enjoy eachothers company?”

“Thank you Master, and yeah Zuko’s a good guy. He’s not his predecessors, he’s just another person caught up in this mess like the rest of us, y’know.”

“Wise words.”

Conversation quieted from there. Sokka had been improving steadily at Pai Sho and nowadays both he and the Master took their matches very seriously, both giving their moves all their attention.

The game ended with a narrow victory for Piandao and Sokka was already thinking of ways to counter his strategies as he got up to leave. 

“One moment please. I’d like one more game if you please. Fat, can you go get us some tea, we may be busy for some time.”

Sokka slowly slid back into his seat. “Alright.” There was no way this was just a request for another round, the last time Piandao had asked for an immediate rematch was when he needed to tell Sokka that the Crown Prince was coming to train; so what was happening this time?

He waited for Piandao to start speaking as they reset the board but nothing was said as Piandao made his first move, placing the White Lotus tile right in the centre of the board.

“Uh. Master, I don't think that’s a legal move.”

“This is what’s known to a select few as the White Lotus gambit, and you are quite correct it has not been a legal move since the standardised rules were put in place. What it is, is a symbol. I am a member of an organisation called the Order of The White Lotus, a group that spans the remaining three nations with the goal to bring balance back to the world.”

“O…kay. What does this have to do with me? This doesn't seem like the sort of thing you can just gossip about.”

“I am telling you this because in the four years since you came here against your will you have continually impressed me. Your loyalty and devotion to your home is true, even when it meant sacrificing yourself. Despite this and your many reasons to hate me and my people you agreed to be trained by me. During this training you displayed creativity, versatility, and intelligence. Then you looked upon the descendant of the family that caused you and the world so much suffering and you refused to condemn him for his ancestors' actions.

Sokka, I am telling you this because I would like to officially invite you into the Order of White Lotus.”

Sokka took this invitation with the utmost grace and promptly choked on his tea, “What!” He sputtered, “You can’t be serious, this is like a big deal right?! There’s no way I’m worthy of something like this!”

“You are more worthy then any man I have ever trained, I would not be sharing this with you if I didn’t have full confidence in you. You do not need to accept, although if you don’t I must still insist you never mention this conversation to anyone.”

“What would joining entail?”

“At your age and situation, not a great deal. Originally the Order was founded in an attempt to find and assist the Avatar but as they have been missing for a hundred years we simply do what we can to help ease the suffering of the world. For my part I provide forging services and offer shelter to anyone who finds themselves in the Fire Nation.”

Sokka considered this, working through the implications of a group like this. “Is this how you knew I was taken by the Raiders?”

Piandao nodded.

“Then this entire group knows who I am?”

“No. When you made it clear you were intent to remain to protect your home I decided to merely tell the Order that I had dealt with the situation and not divulge how. The Order only knows of my nephew ‘Lee’ whom I was considering inducting into the fold.”

“Can we keep it that way? The more separation between me and my Tribe the better if I’m joining a group that I doubt the Firelord would approve of.”

“Of course. Welcome to the Order of the White Lotus ‘Lee’. May the light illuminate your path.”

The next few hours were spent in a crash course of secret codes and secrets. Which would have been really cool! If they weren’t all flowers and Pai Sho. Who makes a badass secret organisation and themes it around flowers!

Piandao also tells him that General Iroh has recently come back from a journey into the Spirit World and that the Order has been debating recruiting him. Which seems a bit risky to Sokka but he can’t deny how useful having a member of the Royal family on your side could be. The plan’s apparently to invite him to the Manor so Piandao can make a final assessment and invite him if he is found worthy.

Piandao said he’d suggest Zuko accompany Iroh as Sokka could now keep him away from any sensitive discussions. Honestly, anything that gets Zuko away from the palace sounds good to Sokka. Maybe one day Zuko will realise the Fire Nation propaganda is Bull-Hog shit and join them too.

Given how brainwashed he is it’s a bit of a long shot, but hey, Sokka can dream.

Sokka was going to kill Ozai. Screw the White Lotus’ ‘balance’ talk about how simply executing the Firelord will just throw things further out of control. That Tui Cursed, Agni Forsaken, Ash-making Bastard, burned and banished his own son! If this were the South Pole he’d have been pushed off the nearest ice berg and left to La’s Rage, ‘leader’ or not! 

And this wild herring-goose chase! Zuko had to find the Avatar — who’s been gone for a hundred years mind you — to come home and ‘regain his honour’! Sokka nearly asked for permission to leave and accompany Zuko when he heard, but an indefinite boat trip around the world left too much risk of drawing attention. As much as he wanted to help his friend he couldn’t risk his tribe, he’d just have to hope Iroh would be enough for Zuko.

It was the cruellest thing Ozai could have done, giving Zuko ‘hope’ like that. Spirits knew how loyal Zuko was, if he’d just banished him maybe Zuko would be able to accept that his father was just an evil man, but now he’d probably spend the rest of his life trying to win back something he never had.

While Iroh was in touch for White Lotus purposes, Sokka wrote specifically to Zuko. He wished he could try and get him to realise just how awful his dad was Zuko couldn’t accept that what happened to Sokka wasn’t a misunderstanding and while he accepted Sokka’s perspective he wouldn’t budge on his own. All Sokka could do for him was be his friend, but even that was difficult when his letters just reminded Zuko that he couldn’t go home. 

Their tentative middle ground of exchanging letters that carefully avoided mentions of what was happening in the Fire Nation and anything about the war lasted nearly two and a half years. 

Until Zuko just stopped writing one day. 

Of course Sokka didn’t just let that stand and practically bombarded Zuko’s ship with the number of hawks he sent. Iroh would have informed them if Zuko was hurt so he figured Zuko was just having some sort of angst fest and he wasn’t just gonna let that stand. He filled his letters with every sort of joke and embarrassing stories he could think of, he figured Zuko had to respond eventually even if it was just to snap at him.

He did this right up until Piandao called him in for another Pai Sho Talk. Although this time he didn’t bother setting up a game or calling for tea. He just told Sokka to sit and began to speak.

“Iroh just sent an urgent message to all White Lotus members. The Avatar has been discovered.”

Okay maybe Sokka was glad there wasn’t tea for him to spit out this time because what? Zuko actually found the Avatar! Was that why he stopped sending letters? “Did Zuko capture him? Is he coming back? What’s the Order going to do then?”

Paindao raised a hand to cut off Sokka’s questions, “No Prince Zuko did not capture the Avatar. I will tell you what Iroh told me but I must ask you to try and remain calm.”

Sokka nodded though he couldn’t imagine what could have happened for Piandao to request that. Had something happened to Zuko?

“The Avatar was discovered in the South Pole.”

Oh. That’s why. Sokka felt sick, his tribe had been safe because there was nothing left worth attacking for. But if the Avatar was discovered there, was everyone still okay? Zuko was the one to find him right, surely he wouldn’t hurt Sokka’s village to get at them. Sokka knew how desperate Zuko was though, did he refuse to write because he hurt Sokka’s family?

“From what Iroh said no one in the village they found him in was hurt.” Oh thank Tui and La, “The Avatar surrendered so that the village would be left alone. However he was rescued by a waterbender. Iroh suspects they are heading north to find a Master.”

What? No! Nononono, Katara, that had to be Katara! How could she put herself in danger like that? Why hadn’t their dad stopped her, did he at least go with her to save the Avatar? Eight years, he’d spent nearly eight years here to make sure she stayed safe. He had to — he had to go find her. He —

“Sokka!” Oh, Master Piandao was right in front of him now, when’d he get there? “I understand this must be a shock to hear, but no one is hurt. As for this other waterbender—”

“It’s my sister. My sister’s the waterbender travelling with the Avatar. Master, I have to go protect her.”

“Your sister’s also a waterbender?”

“No. She’s the only one.” Sokka could feel tears on his face but he couldn’t even care to feel embarrassed. “I can’t bend. I pretended to be the waterbender so she’d be safe. So they’d go after me instead.”

Piandao’s eyes widened, “But I’ve seen you practise. How could you have done that without bending?”

“I had to make sure no one would ever realise I wasn’t a bender and go back for her. I use tubes and wind to move the water. I’m sorry for lying to you but even after I started to trust you I couldn’t risk her. If she’s with the Avatar now, every soldier in the Fire Nation is gonna be after her. I have to make sure she’s safe.”

To his credit Piandao processed this quickly, “Of course Sokka. I’ll have Fat start preparing for your trip and I’ll let the rest of the Order know you're coming to aid the Avatar, they’ll help you find them. You can be on a ship to the Earth Kingdom by tomorrow.”

It was a busy sleepless night for both of them, though Piandao encouraged Sokka to get what sleep he could in preparation for the long journey in front of him.

They stood at the manor gates, Sokka’s bag was already on his new ostrich-horse.  He turned to thank his Master for all he’d done for him but Piandao bowed to him instead.

“Sokka of the Southern Watertribe, it has been my greatest honour to be your teacher. You have overcome every challenge placed in front of you and proven yourself in every way.” Piandao presented an intricate scabbard, “Let all who see this know you have earned the title of Master Swordsmen.”

Sokka reverently took the scabbard. A Master? Him? He removed the Sword he forged a couple years ago from its scabbard and sheathed it in the one offered to him. “Thank you, Master. For everything.”

“May Agni and Tui guide you.”

Sokka mounted the ostrich-horse and set off to leave the Fire Nation for the first time since he was brought here eight years ago.

He was going to go find his sister.

Of course that was easier said than done when his sister was travelling with the Avatar on a flying bison of all things. While the Avatar’s group — who had apparently gained another member — did stop at OmaShu Piandao’s letter informing the Order of Sokka’s quest hadn’t reached Bumi in time. They were long gone by the time Sokka got there.

Despite Sokka wanting to set out in the direction they left in, King Bumi insisted he at least stay an evening so he could restock and rest; and give Bumi his ‘first decent challenge not over a dang letter in years’. Bumi’s words, not Sokka’s.

It did at least mean that Sokka got his first news of Katara. According to Bumi she had great waterbending potential and wouldn’t make a half-bad earthbender as well. She was healthy and strong and a ‘force to be reckoned with’. It did Sokka’s heart good to know that his sacrifice had been worth it, even if she’d gone and painted a target on her back otherwise.

He didn’t hit another good lead until rumours spread that the Avatar was helping a village who’d been plagued by spirits for the better part of a month. He made his way there as fast as he could. It was selfish he knew to hope the Avatar didn’t fix the spirit problem quickly, but if the spirits begrudged him some selfishness they could take that up with him themselves.

Sokka was never jinxing himself like that again. Fire Crescent Island? Really!? If the Avatar had to speak with a previous Avatar couldn’t he have chosen one that didn’t mean going straight to the Fire Nation!

There was no way Sokka would be able to catch up with them there before the rest of the Fire Nation did. He didn’t have a boat of his own and it would take a day or two to find one. Knowing Zuko though, he’d go there no matter how much of a colossal bad idea that was. Hopefully Iroh would be able to keep both of Sokka’s idiots safe, Sokka was just going to have to try and guess where the Avatar would end up next.

Pirates! Both Zuko and his sister had managed to run afoul of pirates! If Sokka was a firebender he would have reduced Iroh’s latest report to ash. He needed to catch up with them soon! Before they got themselves all killed!

Okay, he wasn’t actually that far from where they were. If he heads due north he has a decent chance of reaching them. Provided they don’t make any wild detours of course. Which is about a fifty fifty chance at this point really.

He was sooo hitting the Avatar over the head with a map when he got the chance.

They’re here! Finally! People had seen the bison land in this forest the day before and there hasn’t been any sign of it leaving. They had to still be here. Sokka's sister was in this forest somewhere and nothing was gonna get in Sokka’s way to find her.

Nothing except running across an injured man stranded in the middle of the forest. Whatever. This was fine, he could help the man to the nearby town of Gaipan then get back to finding Katara. 

Sokka helped the old man onto his ostrich-horse — who he’d named Primrose, maybe the flower theme wasn’t as lame as he’d thought when he was twelve —  and they set off at a steady place in the town. 

It was slower going then Sokka would have liked but he didn’t want to jostle the man’s injuries too much. Injurys he’d apperently gotten from a group of Earth Kingdom rebel terrorists who hid out in the forest. Great. Katara better not have gotten herself caught up in — Oh who was he kidding Katara was definitely involved with them somehow wasn’t she. 

Now he really hoped he could drop the old man off and get back to the forest quickly. They were making decent time, he should be back to the forest before sunset even at the pace he is at now. 

Of course things couldn’t be that simple. Sokka stopped when he caught voices coming from the edge of the forest. Telling the old man to be quiet for a minute he crept closer.

“But what about the people in the town, won't they get wiped out too?” 

“Look Duke, that's the price of ridding this area of the Fire Nation. Now don't blow the dam until I give the signal — got it?”

It was only years of training with Piandao and games of hide and explode with Zuko that Sokka ducked out of the way before he was spotted. He watched as a man only a year or two older than Sokka parted ways with a child and a tall lean man.

These must be the rebels the old man had mentioned, and it didn’t sound like they’d grown any sort of conscience since beating up and stranding an old man. He wanted to run and find Katara, to make sure she didn’t get hurt tangling with these thugs but it sounded like an entire town was at stake.

The old man confirmed it when he told him what he’d overheard. If Sokka knew the area maybe he could have stopped them from destroying the dam at all, but as it was he was one man facing unknown numbers. The safest play was evacuating the village.

The old man got off Primrose, “You won’t make it in time with me slowing you down. You have to go, I… I have a granddaughter in that village. Please make sure everyone gets out safely.”

Sokka wasted no time mounting Primrose himself, “I’ll let people know where you are as soon as everyone’s evacuated.”

“May Agni guide your way and may Oma and Shu clear your path.”

Sokka was worried that he wouldn’t be believed at first when he reached the village. He knew that even at sixteen he was still rather short and didn’t exactly look like someone people would listen to, but a guard spoke up for him.

“That sheath! You trained under Master Piandao didn’t you?” The soldier turned to the crowd that had gathered to see what all the commotion was about, “Everyone listen to him! My mentor trained with the Master, Piandao only gives those to those he considers Masters themselves.”

Evacuation moved quickly after that. A woman with a small child ran up to him in a panic because her father was missing. It was a relief that Sokka could assure them he was safe and had just stayed behind to let Sokka get there more quickly. In the end though people were forced to abandon their belongings, not a single soul was left in the village when the dam blew. 

Sokka watched the flooded wreckage from the safety of a hill with the villagers for a quiet moment. This was the first he’d truly seen the impact of the war since the South was raided. Though he was not spiritual, in that moment he prayed to both the patrons of his native tribe and the Fire Nation that the Avatar could truly bring an end to this.

In the end he hadn’t been able to catch up with his sister there. He’d watched the Avatar’s bison fly away from the forest in resignation while he led a group of guards to the old man. He told them to write Piandao for aid, writing his own letter explaining what had happened to be sent along with it; and then he was off again.

He managed to narrowly avoid getting caught in a huge storm that swept through and reached the area surrounding the Pohuai Stronghold.

Just in time to hear proclamations that ‘Admiral’ Zhou had captured the Avatar. There was no word on his companions which Sokka could only hope meant they were hiding somewhere and not — No. It was no use to dwell on that thought.

Guess Sokka had to break into one of the securest Fire Nation strongholds now. Par for the course really. Tui and La could the Avatar keep himself and Sokka’s sister out of trouble for a week?! Or at least wait until Sokka had caught up to them?!

The first step was dropping off Primrose at a stable. Whether this went well or not Sokka doubted he’d be able to come back for her. Second was actually breaking in.  

Thankfully there was a White Lotus guy at the stronghold. He was just a low level guard not a Yuyan Archer or anything, but he was enough to get Sokka the chance to slip in otherwise unnoticed. 

Inside he ran into a familiar unfamiliar face. 

He recognized the mask as the Blue Spirit of course, Zuko wouldn’t shut up about how good of an ‘anti-hero’ he was in ‘Love Amongst the Dragons’. Speaking of Zuko, yeah Sokka was not fooled, it was just like that drama queen to go full costume to raid a stronghold. Plus he recognised the Dao swords Zuko had forged with Piandao.

To Zuko’s credit Sokka only knew that because he knew Zuko. He doubted anyone else would figure it so easily. Sokka himself had switched out his too recognisable Master’s sheath for a plain one and put on traditional Water Tribe Warriors paint, not as strong a ‘disguise’ but his face wasn’t nearly as well known. 

At least Zuko seemed to recognise him, given that he let Sokka join him without a word.  Together they crept through the stronghold, Zuko incurable theatre nerd that he was, moved near silently and on occasion climbed the walls to get the literal drop on guards.

Sokka did not do this, Sokka was quite content to keep on level ground, thank you. Admittedly this did make for a hilarious moment when a guard rounded a corner, came face to face with Sokka who just pointed up. Poor guy didn’t even have time to scream. 

The duo took out the next two guards that came to investigate, then rushed the door. The last remaining guard launched a fireball at them but Zuko picked up a water bucket and threw its contents at the ball to defuse it! Sokka was so proud; his little firebender was waterbending!

The poor Avatar looked more than a little intimidated when Zuko decided to come at him with swords swinging to break his chains; because Zuko had no chill whatsoever when it came to dramatics. 

Unfortunately the rest of the rescue didn’t go quite as well. At least once the Avatar nearly got side tracked trying to grab frogs? Sokka would have been impressed that Zuko didn’t scream in frustration at that if he didn’t know that Zuko wouldn’t break character for anything when he was in ‘theatre mode’.

Between that and getting spotted as they tried to get over the three outer walls of this place, getting out proved to be significantly harder than getting in. Which, wasn’t this place a stronghold? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? 

Between Zuko and Sokka’s sword skills and the Avatar’s airbending they managed to make it to the last wall without being turned into arrow-cushions. On the other hand they were still on the wrong side of the wall and had about fifteen arrows pointed at them so that whole not being an arrow-cushion thing might not last much longer.

“Hold your fire! The Avatar must be captured alive!”

Well that’s good to know… and Zuko’s already got his swords at the Avatar’s throat… of course. Not that it's a bad idea — as proven when the admiral reluctantly orders the gate open — but Sokka doesn’t think the Avatar got the memo, then again it would take a lot of trust to be ok with anyone holding swords to your throat.

Still they make it out, Zuko and the Avatar relax a bit but Sokka keeps his guard up. They're too far away to make out words being said but Sokka sees Zhou’s mouth move and barely manages to duck out of the way of an arrow. 

Zuko’s not so lucky.

The Avatar blows a cloud of dust up to cover them from more arrow fire. Sokka is about to grab Zuko and run but the Avatar gets there first. Zuko’s mask must have been dislodged by the arrow because the Avatar slides it off and gasps. Sokka almost does too. He knew about the burn and the scar but seeing it made his blood boil. Forget the Avatar, Sokka was going to take Ozai down himself.

For a moment Sokka thinks that’s it, the Avatar’s gonna run off and Sokka’s going to give up following for a bit to get Zuko out himself, but as Sokka hoists Zuko up the Avatar pushes them both forward with a gust of air. By the time the dust behind them settles they’ve disappeared into the forest.

Reaching a clearing the Avatar quickly gathered a bed of leaves with his airbending then leapt up into a tree. Sokka laid Zuko down on it gently, he’s starting to get a bit worried, it couldn’t have been a full minute yet but being knocked out for more than a few seconds could mean brain damage.

“So are you two friends?” Sokka looked at the Avatar —who’s like twelve, which explains so much and Iroh really needs to start giving less vague reports, Sokka would have liked to know this sooner.

 “Yeah. I am.” Sokka answered.

“But you're watertribe?” The kid paused as Zuko groaned and began to stir but then continued, “I used to have Fire Nation friends, me and Kuzon used to get in and out of so much trouble together. If you guys are friends do you think if we knew each other back then we could have been friends?”

That last part was directed at Zuko who jumped up and — “Oh no, you don’t,” Sokka grabbed the firebender’s wrist, “No firebending with a concussion, I’m pretty sure that’s like rule one.”

Zuko looked at him with wide, uneven —that was a bad sign — eyes, “Lee, what’re you doing here?”

“Same as you, hunting down the Avatar.” 

Ouch, Okay, bad joke, Zuko looked betrayed and the Avatar looked like he was about to bolt, “Sorry. I’m not looking for the Avatar exactly. I’m here to find my sister, Katara.”

“You’re Katara’s brother!” The Avatar shouted, “Oh man, she’s gonna be so happy to see you! Wait! She and Suki are still sick, We need to get more frogs!”

Sick? Frogs? What under Agni and Tui’s shared light did those have to do with each other? Zuko seemed just as confused, though that might have also been the concussion. 

Speaking of, “I can’t just leave Zuko here with a concussion.”

Zuko took offence to this, “I can take care of myself just fine!” 

“Dude if I leave you to wander back on your own, and you manage to hit your head again and make things worse, Iroh’s going to have my head.” 

The Avatar looked contemplative, he clearly didn’t want to make Sokka miss meeting up with Katara, but was understandably wary of Zuko. “Zuko… could come with us? Just for a bit! If he promises not to try and capture me again.”

“Like at all?” That would be a big ask, Sokka respected Zuko’s privacy and wouldn’t just tell this kid why Zuko probably wasn’t just gonna give up, but he knew what the stakes were for Zuko and he knew he wouldn’t be able to promise that.

The kid's face fell at the implication in Sokka’s tone that Zuko wasn’t just going to be his friend now. “I guess just until he gets back to his ship.”

“It is a long way to the pier and Zuko really shouldn’t be moving too much. Not to mention I bet Admiral Jerk will go right to Zuko’s ship to blame him for your escape. It would be safer to go with you.” 

“Stop talking about me like I’m not here.” Zuko grosed.

“Well, would you be willing to call a truce? I’m going with you either way but if it’s not with the kid it’s going to have to be town to send Iroh a letter because I am not dressed like someone who belongs in a Fire Navy port.”

“You’d go with me either way?” Okay, Sokka had to conspire with Iroh to get Zuko some self esteem because concussion or no, he should not look so confused by the idea that someone was prioritising his safety.

“Zuko, you are my friend. Yes, I’m sticking with you until I know you’re safe. Plus I owe you one for keeping my secret.”

For a moment Sokka thought being called his friend may have broken Zuko. He just kinda stood there and stared for an uncomfortably long time. He must have just been lost in thought though because he suddenly straightened.

“I swear I won’t harm the Avatar until I get back to my ship.”

“You mean it? Thanks buddy!” 

Sokka threw his arm around Zuko, careful of his concussion of course. Zuko just stiffed and Sokka wondered how long it had been since his friend was last hugged, surely Iroh hugged him right? 

The kid of course ignored the awkwardness, grinning widely like Zuko had just agreed to be best friends. “We're in some ruins on that mountain,” he pointed, “I have to get more frogs but I’ll meet you at the base to help you get up.”

“Sounds like a plan.” The Avatar sped off and Sokka and Zuko started making their way to the mountain ruins. 

He could hardly believe it, he was going to see his sister again. It didn’t feel real — well the mosquito-hopper bites felt real. He hardly remembered what any of his family looked like, he’d almost spent more of his life in the Fire Nation.

“Your sister working with the Avatar?” 

Well there went most of his good mood.  He knew what Zuko was getting at.

“Apparently.”

“And you’re joining her?”

“Yeah.” 

They were officially on opposite sides of the war.

“I understand,” Zuko said, “It’s your family. You have to be loyal to your family. I — I have to be loyal to my family too. ” His speech was starting to slur, “I have a duty. I have to capture the Avatar. I — won’t right now, I gave my word , but I have to later. Father said — I have to get my honour back. I want to go home.”

Sokka really didn’t know what to do with the almost pleading tone in Zuko’s voice, because honestly he got it. If their positions had been reversed Sokka couldn’t say he wouldn’t have done exactly what Zuko has. He remembers idolising his father, and while his dad is a thousand times better than Zuko’s he didn’t know if that would have made a difference when that's all you knew. He knew what it was like to be trapped away from home.

And Zuko still agreed to a truce so Sokka could see Katara sooner. 

The two — former?— friends reached the base of the mountain. Once Sokka was sure Zuko would remain upright without his support he pulled back and bowed to the exiled prince, 

“Crown Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation, you have my deepest thanks for everything you have done for me.” Said prince looked shocked, which was fair given Sokka'd never used his full title before after all, “You aided me even when I was an intruder to your country and are even now helping me find my sister. I can not promise to aid you or even not work to stop your quest for the Avatar but you have my word that if you ever need me for anything else I will give you my aid.” 

Ugh, all those letters with the White Lotus have clearly infected him but he wanted Zuko to know that Sokka would stand by him as much as he could. He was his best and only real friend Sokka’d had for the past eight years, and Sokka owed him like a million favours.

He didn’t even know if Zuko'd remember this conversation as he’d started to list to the side again, forcing Sokka to rush forward to catch him. His eyes were open if glazed a bit, and sokka hoped it was just exhaustion. He waved his hand in front of Zuko’s eyes, he  was still responsive so the concussion still wasn’t too serious, though Sokka'd have to keep an eye on it for a bit longer to make sure it was getting better and not worse. 

“Hey!” The Avatar showed up in a whirlwind, moving faster than a kid that short had any right to. “Is Zuko okay?”

“Aside from your shouting, giving him even more of a headache? Yeah he’ll be okay. Just be careful getting us up this cliff alright.”

The Avatar nodded seriously, then they were being scooped up by a strong wind and deposited partway up the mountain. Then again, and again. It was fast but as Sokka could do without the swooping feeling making his stomach threaten to lose his lunch.

“I’m Aang by the way! I don’t know if you knew that or not so I figured I’d introduce myself just in case!” The kid seemed completely unaffected as he hurled them up a mountain, “You’re Lee right?”

“What? No my name's Sokka,” Agni it was hard to talk past the rushing wind, how’d the kid do it? 

At last they set down properly on solid ground, “Really? I thought I heard Zuko call you Lee?” 

Sokka was kinda glad to have the distraction as the ruins of a temple of sorts loomed in front of them, “Long story, he was told my name was Lee when we met. He knows my real name but I’m giving him a pass for forgetting because of the concussion.”

“How’d you and Zuko meet? Katara hasn’t said much about you, just…”

Aang kept talking but Sokka’d stopped listening. He’d worried so many times that he wouldn’t even be able to recognise his little sister anymore. Eight years was a long time after all. But he’d know those hair-loopies anywhere; he couldn’t believe she hadn’t changed hairstyle in all these years.

She was really right there, lying flushed with fever against an ancient, previously assumed extinct animal, surrounded by random odds and ends — was that a crown?— with the Avatar himself sticking a frog in her mouth. 

Somehow whenever Sokka’d pictured seeing his family again he hadn’t pictured this. 

Okay deep breaths, one thing at a time. Katara still looked pretty out of it, she hadn’t even noticed him yet, plus he still had Zuko half unconscious across his shoulders. 

So step one, he gently let Zuko down to lean against the ruin wall. Step two, sit down in front of his sister — and another girl, man she was actually really pretty — take some deep breaths. Try and think of what he was going to say to his sister. What she might say to him.

He probably shouldn’t hug her if she’s sick but honestly he didn’t think that was gonna stop him. 

Though those frogs really seemed to work. The flush disappeared from both girls' faces as the frogs melted and started squirming. They woke up shortly later and maybe Sokka’s first impression on them shouldn’t have been laughing, but the abject disgust on Katara’s face was hysterical. What kinda big brother would he be if he didn’t laugh at his sister sucking on a frog?

Katara’s eyes snapped to Sokka then to Zuko, who was still slumped against the wall — still conscious, that was a good sign — and back to Sokka. She rubbed her eyes, blinked a few times then, “Aang what kinda frogs did you put in my mouth? Because I think I’m hallucinating.”

“If you're seeing Prince Zuko and a man in wolf facepaint, then unless I’m hallucinating the same thing I don’t think you’re hallucinating.” Oh, yeah Sokka'd forgotten he had that on until the pretty lady — Suki the Avatar said?— mentioned it.

“Nooo. I brought Zuko here — But it’s okay! He promised not to attack until we get him back to his ship safely.”

“Aang that’s not—” 

“Sokka.” Katara’s whisper, quiet as it was, cut through Suki’s words. “Is that really you?”

“Yeah, yeah Katara it’s me.” Sokka was crying now, so was Katara. He caught her in a hug, “I’ve missed you. I missed you so much.”

Sokka could feel the other three watching them but he ignored them in favour of taking in his sister's presence. Once their tears had finally started to ebb, Sokka pulled back, keeping his hands on Katara’s shoulders, not willing to let go just yet.

“Katara for the love of Tui and La, what are you doing here? Why aren’t you home? How’d you end up with the Avatar of all people? Where are mom and dad?”

“Dad left to try and find you a couple years ago. Mom’s still at home with Gran-gran, she was hurt in the raid that took you so she couldn’t come with me and Aang.”

“She just let you go off alone!? You were supposed to stay home, where you were safe!”

“Oh was I now; and who then would have gotten Aang away from Zuko? Speaking of, why in Koh’s Lair is he here!? He’s been hunting us since the South Pole! Not to mention he’s the Prince of the Fire Nation! Y’know the people who kidnapped you!”

“That’s not — Okay maybe you had to help Aang but was there really no one to go with you? Even if dad and some of the other warriors left there must have been someone.”

“All the warriors left with dad. It’s just us women and children left in the village.”

“He didn’t leave anyone to defend the village?!” Sokka heard his voice crack but he didn’t really care, “At least tell me they took the time to train some of the women before they left.”

“Why would they do that? Fighting and hunting is man's work after all.”

Right, Sokka had almost forgotten about that. He vaguely remembered disbelief when he found out the Fire Nation had women in their army, but a few lectures from Piandao and Zuko’s stories about his sister and her friends had proved him wrong pretty quick. 

“I’m teaching you how to fight as soon as we get a chance. Course I won’t be any help with your magic water thing.” 

Sokka heard Zuko make a confused sound behind him but Suki started talking first, “I covered the basics with them. Katara fights with the fury of Kyoshi herself. Although I never could figure out that boomerang thing.”

Katara suddenly shot up, “Your boomerang! Oh my La, Sokka I’m so sorry! I found it after the raid, and when I left with Aang I made sure to grab it, just in case I found you. But I lost it in the earthbending prison.”

“Oh! I have that.” 

Well that caught Katara’s attention, and put Zuko in the unenviable position of experiencing her full death glare. He couldn’t even blame the concussion for that one Zuko had always had a knack for speaking up at just the wrong moment. Sokka should step in before his sister murders his best friend.

“Please don’t kill Zuko.” Honestly Sokka was starting to think she’d even be able to. He remembered how ruthless she could be when mad, if she actually had combat training now she’d be a force to be reckoned with. “I’m sure when we drop him off at his boat he’ll give it back. Right Zuko?”

Zuko nodded, wincing from either the pain in his head or Katara’s murderous vibes, Sokka couldn’t tell. But unfortunately for him he had the group's attention now.

“Remind me again why he’s even here?” Suki asked.

“He broke me out of prison with Sokka!” Aang answered, way too chipper for having been in that situation in the first place, “But he got a concussion and Sokka said it’d be dangerous to leave him alone. He agreed to not attack us so we brought him with us. Otherwise Sokka would have had to help him back to his ship and he wouldn’t have been able to get here with me.”

“Why would Sokka have been helping him back to his ship?”

Sokka sighed, this was not gonna go over well was it, “Because he’s my friend.” he said.

It took the next few minutes for Sokka to calm down hurricane Katara but he eventually got her to let him explain, “So after the raiders kidnapped me for ‘waterbending’—”

Aang gasped, “Katara didn’t tell me you were a waterbender too!”

“I’m not.”

Zuko’s brow furrowed, “You’re not? But I saw you waterbend.”

“I fake waterbent.” Sokka couldn’t help but smirk a little, he felt like he was allowed to be a bit proud of himself for coming up with ways to fake something most people saw as a gift from the spirits.

“What?”

“I faked being able to waterbend,” Sokka pulled up his sleeves to reveal his ‘waterbending’ rigs. Showing off the piping and explaining how each one worked. “I couldn’t have anyone realising I wasn’t a bender and going after Katara. Not that that kept her out of trouble.”

That revelation aside, the story he told them was about what he’d told Zuko back at Piandao’s. Basically saying he escaped and Piandao took him in not knowing who he was. Even if Piandao probably would be fine with Sokka telling them everything he figured it would raise too many questions that would lead to the Order. 

He told them about Zuko arriving and how they became friends. Making sure to emphasise that Zuko was a kid like Sokka and recent events aside had had nothing to do with him getting kidnapped and how he’d even protected Sokka by not telling anyone about him. He held off on regaling them with stories of just how much of a dork Zuko really was… for now.

It would be rude to do that while his friend was already in such a vulnerable state… Plus Zuko had just as many embarrassing stories about him and he wasn’t going to let Katara get ammo against him just yet. When Zuko was safely back with Iroh though, all bets were off. He’d get his sister to see the prince as the awkward turtle duck he was soon enough.

Looking around it seemed that Katara had at least been mollified by Sokka’s tale. Aang of course was all on board in terms of potential friendship with Zuko. Suki still seemed kinda sceptical but it was more directed to his recent actions rather than his friendship with Sokka.

It was a bit of a relief to see that there had been at least one level headed person travelling with his sister actually; and she seemed fine with Zuko joining them for a bit as long as he kept his word. Which meant Sokka officially no longer had to worry about anyone killing each other. Hooray.

Now he just needed to get to a village to send Iroh a letter to come pick up his nephew. Everything else he’d worry about later, like teaching the Avatar to use a map, or working with Iroh to get Zuko some self esteem again. But for now he was just going to focus on catching up with his sister.