Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar. Not one bit.
Just a oneshot that's been bumping around in my brain. It may turn into a full story if I feel it's worth it. Read and enjoy!
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A stir brought him back to the present, his awareness sharpened. Blue eyes scanned the cave, searching for the distraction.
Sokka smiled gently. Katara had turned over in her sleep, bringing her hand to her face just like she did when she was little. He stood up from his post by the cave's mouth and walked to her side. Leaning over, he pulled the furs back up around her.
The dim light from the dying fire brought out the rich Water Tribe color in their skin.
"What are we doing out here, 'Tara?" he murmured against the night. "What are we doing out so far from home?"
He glanced at their companions. Never would he have thought two children to be the most powerful benders he would see. One so pale, his skin captured the translucent quality of his element. The other possessed jet black hair that reflected as much light as her eyes could see.
"You don't belong here either, do you?"
Toph squirmed; he feared she had heard him. Quickly he stepped over their sleeping forms to his post. Silently, he gazed out over the enemy territory.
They had finally made it to the Fire Nation and for all his warrior's courage, he was afraid. Oh, spirits, he was afraid. It was all so unfamiliar, so vastly impossible. How could four kids save the world?
Katara moved again. Instinctively he looked back to her. She had power he couldn't imagine, but here she was, his little sister, just sleeping. She was beautiful, and for that he had always known he would have to fight somebody off of her. Never did he dream that he'd be fighting an entire nation.
But I will. I'll fight them off for you, Katara. We lost our childhood, but I won't lose you. Not you, baby sister. I won't lose you.
"I'll fight for you, Katara."
She stirred again, this time her eyes half opening. "Sokka? Where's Daddy?"
Sokka smiled wanly, she wasn't awake yet, but her heartache wasn't left in her dreams. He walked back to her side, smoothed her blankets and held her hand. He sang quietly, self-conscious, but it calmed her as she drifted back to sleep.
"I won't lose you."
