Chapter Text
It's been ten years since the end of the 100-Years-War. The world is at peace. The Nations are finally working together. Most importantly, the Fire Nation is trying to atone for its past sins. Sokka, now a Water Tribe Ambassador, sits in his workshop tinkering with a new invention. Suddenly, a Dragon Hawk dressed in red and golds typical of the Fire Nation perched on his window. Sokka grabbed the attached letter.
“Huh, that's the Fire Sage symbol, but I’m not required back for duties for another few months.” He opens the letter and immediately grabs a go-bag.
Something is wrong. Sokka doesn’t know how or why the Fire Sages had his current location. (He is supposed to be on retreat for Spirits sake.) Frankly he doesn’t care. All he knows is that he was summoned to the Fire Nation Royal Palace at ‘his most immediate pace’. And that doesn’t sound good. So, now Sokka is on a trip to the palace in his newly crafted Southern Water Tribe hot air balloon. “What a way to do a first test” he states as he lights the flame and the balloon takes off.
Sokka enters the Fire Nation air space within three days, and by mid day he’s already reached the palace. He notices Appa out in the fields below, “Alright I’ll come see you later buddy,” he mumbles, pushing open the palace door.
A young attended perks up as she rounds the corner. “Ambassador Sokka! I thought you weren’t due back until the end of the season?”
“Oh, hello,” For the life of him Sokka can’t remember the girls name, “Yes I wasn’t required back for another few months, but I have been summoned by the Fire Sages. Have you seen where my sister and Aang ran off too?”
The girl nods, “Oh yes of course. You must be here for His Majesty the Fire Lord. He is in his quarters resting. Your friends have joined him there.”
Sokka nods to thank the girl before leaving towards Zuko’s room. On his way down one of the many long hallways he sighs. Zuko resents the ‘your majesty’ crap. He would rather be called by only his name, or just as the ‘Fire Lord’ no need for the insistent formalities. And why have the Fire Sages summoned the whole group together? Has someone died? What is there is an issue with the peace treaties. But, just as Sokka files that thought away to the back of his mind he hears the tell-tell voices of Aang and Katara from down the hall.
“I know you're worried about him but lets just wait for Sokka to get here before I try to see what's going on, okay?”
“Yeah I know you’re right Katara.”
Sokka rounds the corner.
“Hey twinkle-toes, Sokka is here you can calm down now.” Toph says.
Sokka stops just in front of all of them.
“Good you’re here. Come on, we should all go see Zuko.” Katara states matter-of-factly.
Sokka stops and grabs Katara’s arm. “Wait, what do you mean,” Sokka does air quotes, “go see Zuko? Is he okay?”
“Sokka,” Aang says nervously, “The Fire Sages stated in their letters that Zuko has been really sick lately.
Sokka scowls. “What do you mean sick? I didn’t see that in my letter anywhere.”
“Come on Sokka even I knew that Zuko was sick and I can’t even read.” She waves a hand in front of her eyes.
Come to think of it, Sokka didn’t even read the whole letter. He just saw the seal and ‘immediate pace’ and bolted to the palace. “Uh I guess I didn’t read the whole thing. But I'm here now! So let's just go find out what is going on, okay guys?”
The group nods and Sokka opens the door to Zuko sitting up in bed. There are several documents splayed across the comforter but otherwise the Fire Lord seems content.
“Uh Zuko?” Aang asked, confused. “The Fire Sages told us you were sick.”