Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The Tournament

Chapter 1: An Idea

By : Bexsta


The afternoon sun shone through the placid scattering of clouds, creating a landscape of natural clarity. The Western Air Temple seemed to absorb the sun's energy. The strange and rather elegant buildings putting their aged appearance on display. Every crack and chipped stone was evident. Nothing hidden. Nothing kept. The echoes of laughter and chatter bounced off the naturally high walls of earth. The small lake distanced away from the cliff, reflected the faraway sky, on the smooth calm water. A lesser surrounding forest welcomed it's animal habitants, unaware of the children that strolled it's floors.

The day was crisp, clear, and encouraging.

A refreshing counterpart, considering what was or wasn't happening outside the curling fringe of the forest.

Contact with the outside world, apart from the views from the air, was minimal. There were no messengers, no stalkers, no assassins, no visiting familiar faces. At least, not from what they could tell. It would have been close to impossible for anyone to sneak past the children's attention. Every night and day, someone would be watching and keeping guard. Always listening. Always waiting.

They kept reassuring each other that no one would be able to get past their watch, but there was still the threat. Tension that still managed to stress even the most composed of the group. A warning nudging at the temple's perimeter. An eerie caution grazing their conscience.

What was happening? What were they planning?

Leaving wasn't a wise option, considering how frustrated and mad the burning Nation must be. The eclipse fight was exhausting and appeared to be a failure. An excellent plan, with worthy information gained, and a taste of what they were up against. But a failure nonetheless. However, not a regretful one.

Some of the kids secretly thought about packing up and going often. Facing everything once and for all. All alone. By themselves. The choice was a stupid one, so they didn't linger on the possibility long.

They were confined to the past Air Nation grounds. Staying in the one place that held relative safety. They tried to make what time they had useful. Practising their bending, improving their fighting skills. Constantly thinking of other ideas and plans to overthrow the Fire Lord. They'd get together and speak around the fire, before going to bed. The gatherings would sometimes continue late into the night, each plan looking not much better than the last. The debate's participants often lashed out at the ground in frustration. It was a frantic irritation. And time wasn't negotiable. The future comet arrival was closing in on them. The unspoken deadline, stressing the young fighters every moment.

But each were determined, and persistent. Sometimes laughing darkly at their own personal visions of the battle ahead, and the certain win in their favour. At times, someone would be scared, but his or her pride would quickly diminish the feeling. It was as if it wasn't even a questionable matter anymore. All they knew was that they were going to end this war. Another situation where that didn't happen, didn't exist to them.

Surprisingly, even with everything that was taking place around them, the girls and boys still found room for fun and enjoyed the little time they had to savour. At times they would try to act through their imagination. They pictured a setting with no danger, just a meeting of friends. Well, most of them would be friends.

Still, the doom of reality always taunted their consciousness, so the playful minutes would be followed by strict hours.

As the sun kept shining, brightening the moods of the benders and friends, the gentle breeze brushed the tips of plants and the water's surface. It was a great day.

Like all the great days the spirits would bless them, the children embraced the natural boost, and had fun.

In a slender clearing near the forest, a blind earth bender shared her rock throwing technique with an impressed looking older Earth Nation boy. A few feet away, in the trees, a small boy shouted happily swinging from branch to branch. Below him, a boy rolled his wheeled chair, his eyes twinkling with amusement. A little further off, a young water tribe warrior paced the edge of a lake, plotting his revenge on a tricky little lemur. His sister watched him from the middle of the lake, where she stood waist-deep in water, smiling to herself, as she manipulated the flowing element. She was unaware of the curious prince, who glanced her way cautiously, before quickly striding away.

Even if fun had lost it's some of it's meaning to the weary travellers, they did what they could.

At the edge of the cliff, facing away from his nation's temple, and his companions, sat a thoughtful boy, who stared defiantly at the distant horizon.

It was a great day.

Little did they know that the beginning of this day would trigger the start of a new kind of adventure.


"That's much better! You got it!"

"Wha-really?"

"Of course you need to work on your stance, watch your footing, watch where your aim, and control your chi flow a little better, but overall it was a pretty darn good shot." commented the blind bender.

"Oh," her student slumped.

She smirked at his obvious shock. What? Did he think he was perfect already? She thought, snickering at his apparent confidence. You're gonna have to earn that...

"Your feet need to be more squared off, and firmer. Like this," she stated, as she assumed the correct position.

"Right."

Haru mimicked her movements. Toph examined his stance with a critical vibration-prone-eye, before approaching him.

"You're too narrow," she stood beside him now, and nudged his left foot with her own. "Wider, and face your toes forward."

"How about now?" He asked, after he had followed her instructions.

"Should be fine," Toph stepped a few yards away. "Now go through the whole thing,"

She heard the older boy take a deep breath before he raised his arms. With the movement, came with it a generous sized boulder from the ground of the small clearing. She listened intently for his advancements. As always; much dependant on her heightened senses to be her uncharacteristic guide. Toph felt him slowly shift though the stance, raising the moulded earth in the air. His actions were steady, but his breathing was off. She sighed quietly when she noticed.

It wasn't entirely unexpected for him to be breathing heavily. They had been training for a while now, and her student was bound to feel some fatigue. However, with every element, the bender has to have some level of control over their breathing to properly deal with the attacks and defences.

I guess he needs lessons in how to breath too, she surmised.

He punched his hands forward, propelling the rock through the air, heading towards the earth wall Toph had created earlier. It hit the wall with a loud crumpling smack. The boulder broke into pieces at the foot of the obstruction. Although she may be blind, her senses painted a realistically clear picture of what happened in front of her. Her feet still felt the vibration of the shattered earth. The rock hit directly where Toph wanted it to. And she was pleased. She'd started tutoring Haru a few days ago. Just for something to do. He was a bit unsteady when she first duelled him, but he's improved a lot.

"Nice," she allowed, and went to where he was standing.

"Really?" She sensed him lift his hand.

Most likely to wipe the sweat from his brow, she thought. How fitting.

"No."

"What?" She heard the sudden deceleration of his heart beat and smirked.

"I was joking!" She slapped him on the back. She was glad to see that he didn't stumble forward. Unlike a certain air bender or a certain water bender or a certain water tribe buy. The comparison made her grin.

Steadiness is a trait of the Earth Nation, she recalled. But, in this case, a sense of humour isn't.

"Don't tell me you can't take a joke," Toph accused. Levelling her arms, then pushing them down, she forced the custom wall back into the loose earth of the clearing.

"Uh, I, um, am really serious about my, uh, bending," Haru replied, confused.

"So am I, but you don't see me acting like such a stiff board."

"I'm sorry..?"

"What are you sorry about now? Why are you even sorry?" She demanded. Toph made her made through the trees, leaving the flat plain, and heading towards the lake. She smoothly avoided the branches and tree trunks that crossed her path. Always acutely aware of the natural obstacles.

"For offending you?" Haru answered from behind her.

"What are you talking about?"

"I offended you back there, didn't I?"

She paused before saying; "Please don't tell me that you're one of those serious-I-never-smile-don't-be-ridiculous guys. 'Cause if you are, I'm not training you." She stated matter of factly.

She felt Haru stumble over a branch as he followed her.

"I don't-"

"I'm just gonna warn yah; that position is already taken by Princey-kins. And I'm sure you can see that not many people like him because of it. Especially Momo."

"I never-"

"I could really care less about what the guy does, but I'm not training a mopey little wanna-be, okay? I already have to deal with Sokka's lame attempts at entertaining us, while we sit around here," She waved a hand blindly in the air, indicating the forest and the Air temple that claimed it. "I don't really feel like spending my time with-"

"I-I don't want to be like him! I just want to learn as much earth bending as possible! Where'd you even get the idea that I-oh, nevermind!" Haru shouted, very offended and mildly shocked. "Anyway, I don't even know him," he grumbled.

"Fine by me, just loosen up a bit okay?" Toph stepped over the last bit of forest floor, feeling a granular texture under her feet. "I don't think I'll have to resort to the club-over-the-head-method, if you just relax a bit. Wait. On second thou-"

"Okay! I'll try," Haru agreed hastily. Toph laughed at how puzzled he sounded. Did he not know how to have fun? Or take a joke? Pathetic.

Everyone's getting too tense and serious around here. She groaned internally. It's slowly killing me.

Toph needed a bit of excitement. And she usually tried to skip through the moments of boredom with the expense of the others embarrassment. Herself acting as the instigator, of course. And everyone was a participant, or for the use of better word; victim, in her random pranks. The usual contender was Sokka. The best part being he wasn't shy of revenge. Although he usually failed with his attempts at a comeback. Which only added to the blind girl's amusement. But since he wasn't around, yet, she could settle for her somewhat, she decided right then; dull student.

And with this specific guy, she had a lot of useful...observations to play with. Or for the use of a better term; ammo to fire.

"And besides," she mused, as she sat down near the edge of the lake, "She gets all red in the face because she absolutely loathes him. Not because she's flustered or something. I think I should know. I was witness to the death glares she shot him as soon as he came. I admit I couldn't really see her face, but I knew she was glaring. You could feel it. Hard to explain. But, man, you missed some good stuff!" She folded her arms behind her head, and laid down on the ground, smiling. The sunlight warmed her amused face. Her dark bangs resting against her forehead. She was sure that if she was able to see, she'd be blinded by the brightness of the sun.

"Huh?"

"She hates him. So, if you want her to notice you, just be yourself. No I'm-serious-all-the-time stuff. She'll come around."

"Huh? Who? What are you talking about?"

Toph imagined his furrowed brow, and grinned in his general direction, feigning innocence.

"Why, Katara of course. You do like her don't you?"

"What!?"


Katara stood near the middle of the lake. Murky water flowing lazily around her bare waist. The thick wavy locks of her damp dark hair sticking to her back. The water was sparkling and calm, only ripping slightly when the gentle breeze brushed the surface, or when Katara moved. Small birds often flew overhead, making tiny chirps along the way. The sounds adding more lax to her peaceful state. Every so often she'd hear a deep rumbling, which she connected to Toph and Haru's earth bending. And although those noises were course and shocking a times, they were surprisingly soothing. They gave the waterbender a sense of amusing familiarity. Calming her.

Overall, it was very peaceful place. And that's what Katara wanted. Peace and quiet. Well, peace and semi-quiet, if you included the happy shouts from the forest.

Mostly likely Momo teasing Sokka and The Duke with the black stone berries I gave him this morning. She had resolved happily. They sure do make a mess...and really sting when they explode on impact.

If you put the unintentional interruptions aside, it was a perfect getaway. The cool water wasn't just soothing against her tanned skin. It eased her distressed thoughts as well.

She made a large flowing water whip that circled around her arm, head, and waist, over and over again. The bender dimly focused on her actions, the water's siren call only barely registering in her mind, so she could let her thoughts wander.

The chance to water bend was refreshing and acted as a temporary distraction. A distraction to everything that was happening around her. Her friends were always near, and that eased her stress, but to a point. Their presence, as reassuring as it was, as reassuring as best friends can be, didn't alter the constant tension that aggravated her mind and body. She thought it was only natural to feel this way. Inevitably, there was a huge battle ahead. The pressure of winning is tiring everyone. But it seemed anxiety's biggest victim, was Katara.

Everyone else acted aloof and indifferent to the whole thing. Which caused her to worry more. Wouldn't anyone take this seriously? She expected her brother to be his normal sarcastic self. But Aang? Even he was being his playful self. He should at least concentrate and take some interest in the matter. But she knew it was unfair to think that way. The avatar had always been happy, but he would still take vital situations seriously. Maybe she was being too paranoid. Did she expect him to be gloomy and silent? No. That would be worse. Still. She was worried about Aang. Then, again when was she not worried about Aang? Their adventure hasn't been the most pleasant, and she would remember the times when she felt frantic and over protective of the avatar. Whenever he was vulnerable, it brought out the worst in her. Or, at least, she thought it was the worst. Her brother had a different perspective.

But now, after the failure of the eclipse battle, the stress seemed to weigh her down. The loss made everything appear more real, and more threatening. Katara knew what she was getting into the moment she first decided to stay with Aang. But now reality came crashing down, smacking her right in the face, looking all the more intimidating.

She constantly urged herself not to have any doubts. We'll make a solid plan this time and win! She told herself. We will! We will! It will work. No doubts, Katara! Trust your friends. We'll win! We have much more people on our side now. We know what we're up against. We'll win! We will! We have too. The personal chant was her own motivation as well as a habit. A habit introduced when she felt the silent threat of doubts. Doubts about their mission, their potentially questionable success, even their safety.

The sleek water whip left it's normal circular path surrounding her body, and began to move sharply in front of her. Moving back and forth in a fast straight line. Mimicking the repetition and sharpness of her internal chant.

We will! We'll win!

She was vaguely aware that two green-clad figures were now sitting at the edge of the lake. Watching her or not, she didn't know. Her subconscious focus was on her bending, while her mind still roamed lingering thoughts.

For any plan to work, she understood that Aang needed to somewhat master all the elements before the comet arrives, and that just fed her troubles. He was a master of air bending, since Air was his relative nation. That's one. The lessons she would teach him were getting more and more complex. He was excellent at bending water, and was a great challenge for her. So, water bending wasn't really an issue anymore. That's another. From the conversations she had with Toph, and the glimpses she caught of his duels with the earth bender, he was improving greatly, but needed more time with technique. No problem really. With more practice he'll be ready.

Fire. This was what most troubled her.

Aang's supposed fire bending teacher, just happened to be the same guy who had been chasing them all over the world. He kidnapped, he fought against them, he lied, he deceived-! And if that didn't suffice, he also sufficiently betrayed her! Who would blame her for not trusting him?

"Katara!"

She tried not to be judgmental towards anyone, but this guy just makes it so damn hard. Katara admits she can be prejudice towards the Fire Nation. But, honestly, how could she not? They were the one enemy everyone else in the world - well, mostly everyone - had in common. They killed her mother. They were the reason her father had to leave. The Fire Nation quite literally ruined her life.

And this guy supplied plenty of more reasons to hate the Fire Nation.

She didn't notice that the water whip had began to turn into ice in front of her. The water cracked, and frosted into an irregular solid twist minutely, and stayed eerily still in the air.

How was she to know that Zuko wasn't still trying to betray them? That this whole thing was a joke to him? That he was secretly planning to trap them? That this Prince was honourable enough to admit his own wrong and generally help?

"Katara?"

Prince, she scoffed internally. Does he even deserve the title? If she were to imagine a prince, it would be someone who is charming and loyal. An eager young man who would command an air fair authority. Someone fairly considerate. Always learning and willing. She wouldn't go so far to say giving. But would it be too perfect to consider such a trait?

That was her version of a prince.

And in no way whatsoever was Prince Zuko even qualified to take on such a demanding role. He probably couldn't even handle being considerate. Too much good needed to be considerate.

Does he even know what the word considerate means?

Assuming he does, he certainly can't act upon it. The concept would be too different from his usual, well, evil.

"Katara?"

The former water whip was now a levitating piece of twisted ice. Sunlight penetrating it's surface, making the element shine with transparency. It probably would have looked like a deadly glass spear, if it wasn't melting from the late spring heat.

Stupid excuse for a...

"Katara?!"

"What?!" She snapped. Abruptly coming back to the present, she jerked her head up, to glare at the border of the lake, not really seeing the three people crowded on the sand.

The irritating thoughts must have still been fresh in her head, because the ice cracked under her agitation, before suddenly flying in the direction of the shouter.

And her sub consciousness had pretty good aim.

"What the-?!" Sokka yelped. He ducked just in time before the ice spear shattered against a tree behind him.

A short shocked silence followed, before Toph suddenly burst out laughing.

"Nice shot, Katara!" The amused earth bender hooted.

Katara blinked, frozen in place.

"Is it safe?" Sokka squeaked. He was still crouched on the ground, his arms covering his head. His vulnerable position just sent Toph over the edge. Her humorous laughter echoing of the lake's acoustics.

It took half a second for Katara's actions to catch up to her. For Toph's voice to reach her. Then she found herself waddling through water towards her brother. Did I just do that?

"Sokka! Are you okay? I'm so sorry!" She exhaled sharply.

"That was awesome!" Toph cheered, rolling on the sandy coast, still laughing. "Oh man, Sokka, I wish I could've seen your fa-!"

"I'm fine," he grumbled. He stood up, wiping the dirt from his clothes.

"And his little squeal! Did you hear him Haru? He sounded even more girlie than Katara!"

"No, I didn't!"

"I really didn't mean to, Sokka. I don't know what came over me. I was thinking about things, and I..." Katara explained, as she stumbled out of the lake, soaking wet, ignoring Toph comments. And what? Her cynical side questioned. What could possibly make you do that? She was at a lost for words.

"Don't worry about it," he said with a dismissive flick of his hand.

"-and I felt him crouching like a pathetic little-" Toph relayed to Haru who was sitting beside her on the ground. Katara glanced at Sokka. He was also looking at Toph, his eyes narrowed slightly.

Why did I do that? The water bender asked herself. She subconsciously bent the water out of her soaked garments. I could have seriously hurt Sokka. She was horrified at the thought of injuring her brother or her friends. She threw the water she had bent from her clothes to the lake's edge, not really caring how the sandy coast absorbed it all.

I better learn to gain more control. I can't let my emotions be so...demanding all the time.

"I'm so sorry." She apologized again. Still at a lost for what to say.

"Don't worry about it. I'll just get Toph to get your attention from now on," He stated. Purposely loud enough for the girl to hear. Who was still laughing with joy. "So I won't be the only greeted with such warmth. Everybody knows I like to share."

"That's fine with me, Snoozles," Toph said without hesitation. Katara could see the effort it took the small girl to regain composure. A smile playing around her pale lips. "I don't get enough excitement around here as it is." She paused, and then smiled somewhat thoughtfully. "I might even learn a few things from Katara. You never know,"

Haru laughed, while Sokka crossed him arms over his chest, and scowled at the Earth Nation kids. Katara smiled at her brother, knowing he wasn't truly mad.


"Is it a mouse frog?"

"No."

"A turtle duck?"

"No."

"Baby kangaroo rabbit?"

"No."

"Bee Canary?"

"Nope."

"Uh, is it a prairie mole?"

"No."

"Come on! We need more clues!" whined The Duke.

"Yeah, Toph, there's so many possibilities. We'll never be able to get it." agreed Haru.

"That's too bad." Toph said, while chewing a piece straw.

"That's not fair! I gave you guys plenty of clues!" accused The Duke. He seemed to be taking this guessing game pretty seriously. Sokka earned a confirmation when noticed the way he stomped his foot on the ground every so often. He was frustrated by Toph's aloof way of participating.

"Yeah, but yours was hard to guess," Teo verified.

"No it wasn't!" The Duke opposed.

"Uh, yeah it was."

"How is 'the king's bear having tea in the kingdom ball room' hard to guess?"

"Well, considering the thing itself, we're suppose to guess, is suppose to be a thing, as in singular. Like-"

"No, no, no, it doesn't matter! It makes the game more interesting. You guys are suppose to be more...perceptive."

"It's hard enough that we have to guess one thing that we have no idea about," started Haru "But you want us to decipher a whole sentence?"

"Well, yeah," The Duke muttered. Sokka smiled at the faint blush on the boy's cheeks.

"Nevermind," Teo sighed.

"You guys done now?" Toph asked. She was on her stomach, leaning on her elbows. Beside her, Katara sat on the temple's hard floor, watching the group with an amused grin. Something she shared with her sibling.

"Just one more clue!" The Duke begged, clasping his hands together.

"Hm, what have I told you guys so far?"

"It was something you saw near the lake today," The Duke answered.

"It was small," said Haru.

"And pathetic." added Teo.

"Also it was an interesting creature," noted Katara. Who, Sokka guessed by the giggle she shared with Toph, knew what the thing was. The fact that she was giggling at all, alerted him that something was up.

"Okay..." The Duke murmured, deep in thought.

Sokka leaned against a tall stone column beside the group. He was eating some nuts that The Duke and him had brought back from their forest walk. At times he would throw random pebbles at the small bonfire, just for something to do. Even when the game they were playing was so exciting.

The small group consisting of his friends and his sister, excluding Aang and Zuko, were seated around the fire, constantly bickering. It was near dusk, the sun lazily setting, dipping reluctantly over the horizon. The guessing game they were playing now had started quite a while ago. It was their successful attempt at passing the time, as they waited for Zuko and Aang to return from their training.

Sokka was slightly, although he'd never admit it, amused by Toph's indifference attitude as she played along. He had a hunch that she knew that by acting this way, it only frustrated The Duke further. The boy was certainly animated.

"Man, that guy is taking this thing way too seriously." Teo commented.

The Duke was too deep in thought to even hear Teo's comment, which made Sokka laugh.

"I know," Sokka assented, quite amused.

"Oh, I don't know Sokka, at least he makes an attempt a getting involved." His sister remarked.

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"How long did it take for someone to guess yours?"

"The first try," Toph answered, laughing.

"I think my choice was a good one." He disagreed. Liar, he berated himself.

"Are you kidding?" Katara laughed.

"I think Sokka's right, Katara." Toph said deadpanned. A warning to Sokka to brace himself. Insults were sure to follow. However, he kept his ground.

"What?" His sister turned to their friend, smiling.

"Certainly a rock is difficult to guess."

The girls broke into fresh coughs of laughter, while Sokka mumbled "whatever", and popped another nut in his mouth. In truth, he agreed with them. When it was his turn to play the game, he had been so bored that he didn't even know what he was doing. A rock was the only thing his distracted brain could come up with. Pathetic; he knew. So he agreed with them. But his sensitive ego wouldn't admit it aloud.

"I got it!" The Duke yelled.

His loud shout made everyone jump, except for Appa and Momo, who were sleeping near by.

"Okay, let's hear it." Toph demanded confidently, but with a doubtful expression.

"Is it a..." He paused.

Probably going for the dramatic approach, Sokka considered. I do believe that's my area of expertise.

"...bunny pig?"

"Nope." She replied, popping her mouth on the 'p'.

"What?!"

"I said nope." Repeating the popping noise.

"But, the, but-" he sputtered, before suddenly flopping on his back, arms flailing. "Oh, I give up!"

"Don't worry about it The Duke," Katara said, sympathetically. "if it makes you feel any better, I would have never guessed it if Toph hadn't told me. It's even harder than yours."

"I don't think so," said Toph, who was twirling the straw in her mouth, acting all the more casual and relaxed. Another warning sign.

"Well, now that I think about it, it's quite a good description of it," His sister smirked.

"Couldn't agree more,"

Sokka was positive that he wasn't the only one who was confused. But, he was probably the only one who felt slightly annoyed. He that feeling. The feeling that told him to brace himself. His sister called his feeling; his instincts. And his instincts were usually right. So his notice of the warning signs was bound to be right as well.

"Tell us!" Haru and Teo demanded. Sokka wasn't sure he wanted to know.

"You can't guess? Oh come on. You," Toph pointed at Haru. "of all people should know. You were there."

"I was?"

"Yep."

There was a short thoughtful silence, before Haru burst out laughing.

"That's a good one!"

"Tell us!" Teo repeated.

"Yeah, what is it?" Sokka asked. He unable to control his curiosity, even as the feeling grew larger. He was more than annoyed now, however.

"Sokka, it's you! Your the thing!" Katara cried happily.

The whole group was laughing, and it took only a moment for Sokka to figure out what his sister just said, and connect it to Toph's clues. Pathetic? I most certainly am not! A piece of ice was flying at my head! Give me a break. Pathetic? Isn't that a little harsh? He asked internally. But not exactly surprised at the fact. Toph didn't exactly hesitate to embarrass him.

Sokka scowled, as he remembered this afternoon's events, including his sister, her temper, and a flying piece of ice.

Yep. Royally insulted. Warning signs; check. Insult; check. Wounded ego; check. Recovery; come back in a few...hours. Revenge; damn right!

His friends were too busy enjoying the joke, to notice the two lone figures walking towards the fire.

"Hey!" Sokka called, recognizing the avatar and his new master.

"Hey Sokka!" Aang skipped to his side, smiling at the cheerful group, who were still laughing with gusto. "What's everyone laughing about?"

"A joke," he mumbled.

"Don't be so modest, Sokka!" Toph cried. "We were definitely laughing at you!"

Sokka turned his head away childishly, and saw Zuko standing on his other side. He was standing similar to Aang, but not as close. And not as casually.

"Hi," Sokka greeted the older (and not to mention; taller) teenager hesitantly.

Zuko only nodded in acknowledgement, his eyes glued to the small fire.

Like Sokka mentioned to Aang some time ago, this was weird.

Sokka wasn't as mean or judgmental to Zuko, as his sister was. Yes, he did notice the glares she sometimes gave Zuko. The warrior just didn't know what to think of the young prince. Their history wasn't the most comfortable, and anything but friendly. However, he could physically see that Zuko has changed. The guy was more cautious, and seemed to honestly want to gain their trust and comradeship. This, Sokka, could let him earn, but with some reservations.

He decided that Zuko need to prove his worth. Not only to the water tribe teen, but to everyone. Which was a lot to ask for. Since, in this case, the word 'everyone', happened to include Katara. That made him simultaneously weary and amused. Good luck bud...

This didn't stop Sokka from cracking the odd joke about their new group member. Directly at Zuko, or behind his back, it didn't really matter. The firebender's personality offered a lot to be ridiculed. It'd be a waste if he didn't take advantage of that fact. Something that Toph and himself were all too aware off. And Zuko didn't seem to mind being laughed at time to time. He was probably not used to being made fun of. Being part of a royal family and all. But with joining the Avatar's group, you were expected to suck it up, and let everyone have their fun. It was an unspoken rule. Or perk. Whichever way you decided to look at it. He just needed time to get used to everything and everyone. At least, that's what he told himself. Sometimes he would catch the prince narrowing his eyes, and avoiding their faces, but the tense moments would always pass. So, he didn't think anything of it.

It was at times like these that Sokka wished he could say the perfect thing to get Zuko to speak.

Unfortunately, talking in awkward situations, just wasn't one of his many talents.

"Aang! You're back!" Teo cheered.

"Glad to be back!" Aang announced with equal joy. "What'd I miss?"

"The usual." Toph sighed. "Katara attempting to cook-"

"Hey," Katara frowned. She glanced quickly at the unidentified brown mush that was in the iron pot near their fire. The surface of it seemed to be turning a darker colour, like it was hardening, or quite possibly burnt. Sokka didn't even dare to try that night's concoction.

"-Haru and Teo being nice, and eating whatever she makes. Animals asleep. And Sokka being oh so smart."

"And Toph being a-" Sokka started, planning to make a comeback.

"Toph told a really good joke." Haru commented suddenly.

"What was it about?"

"Nevermind, Aang," Katara said stiffly, as she got up. "We have to finish our water trench segment that I showed you yesterday. Remember?"

"Fine," Aang sighed. His shoulders drooping a bit.

"Oh, I never knew this was such a burden for you. You could at least pretend to be a little more enthusiastic." Sokka's sister huffed, as she sat back down. Sokka knew from experience, and sibling familiarity, that Katara wasn't truly mad. Just disappointed.

"I'm sorry, Katara, I'm just kind of..."

"He's tired." Toph observed suddenly.

"From what?" Katara asked, surprised.

"I've been training all day." Aang explained, as he planted himself beside Katara. "First Toph in the morning, and then Zuko all afternoon. We just started-"

"Well, maybe your fire bending teacher," Katara spat. Sokka could tell Katara didn't like saying the title, or even referring to their new member. Even as he stood with them. Which, Sokka was aware, seemed to make the referral that much more painful for her. He was certain he felt Zuko stiffen beside him. "should ease up a bit. We need you to practice all the elements, not just one. Balance is key for the Avatar. Isn't that what you said Avatar Roku told you?"

"Katara, I just started learning fire bending. And I need to somehow master it before this comet arrives. Which, I don't think I need to remind you, is soon." Aang replied. "And Avatar Roku tells me a lot of things. Can't really keep track of them all."

Sokka was a little surprised how exhausted Aang sounded.

He knew his friend was training hard, but it didn't seem worth all the work if Aang's energy was sucked out of him.

"Aang maybe you should rest tonight," Sokka suggested. Not liking the way his friend was breathing deeply.

"But, Sokka-" Katara started.

"Katara, look at the poor boy," He pointed. His sister looked down at the avatar, who was now lying on his back, his eyes fluttering, threatening with sleep. Katara's slightly furrowed brow and sympathetic gaze encouraged him to continue. "Aang's really tired and he needs some sleep. He's been bending all day. And I don't need to be a bender myself to know that when you train all day, it takes a lot out of you. He needs to rest. You can train him tomorrow."

"I guess," She still sounded unsure. His sister was always a hard one to persuade.

"Just give me a minute," Aang murmured, his eyes now closed.

"It's okay Aang. Just relax," Sokka said.

"I'll make our sessions shorter," Toph resolved. "Twinkletoes has been doing pretty well anyway."

"That'd be good," Katara commented.

"Most of us should take it easy with Aang,"

"I know, I know, I'll take it easy too." Sokka saw his sister's eyes narrow suspiciously. "What do you mean by 'most'?" She inquired after a pause.

"'Most' as in 'most'. Do I have to explain what most means?"

"Toph," Katara reproached.

"All I'm saying is that Aang needs to focus on some more important things," Toph waved her hand in the air. "and rest." She added.

"Right. I know that."

"So, we'll just be a little more lenient," Sokka heard the meaningful tone Toph gave Katara. But his sister was oblivious.

And so was Sokka.

"Toph, what are you talking about? We know all this." He said.

"I just think Aang should focus on more demanding things right now."

"Like?"

"Firebending." She answered, bluntly.

"We know that." Katara huffed.

Sokka noticed how his sister placed herself so she didn't entirely face Zuko. Subtle unease making her shoulders rise slightly.

He was ever mindful of his sister's firm dislike of Zuko. He's seen enough of her bad moods and sisterly spazzes to know when he's done something wrong. He's also seen enough of her mad decisive bending to know when someone else has done the same.

Sokka likes to refer to her tolerance as boundaries. And he knew that once you crossed a specific boundary, you better duck and cover. Too many past experiences, including him and his sister, and a mistake on his part, taught him that.

His sister was sensitive and always willing. Never judgmental. Most people she met would become her friends and blah, blah, blah, they stayed safely outside the stable boundaries.

Poor Zuko seemed to be born already past the line. And he didn't really deserve Sokka's sympathy.

"Maybe it'd be better if we stopped our practice with Aang, and let him and Zuko get more time to train." Toph suggested.

"What?" Katara yelped, quickly standing up. Aang's once half-sleeping form, jerked upright, now fully awake.

"He needs to learn a lot more than he knows now, Katara." Toph stressed, her glazed eyes staring knowingly passed Katara's shoulder. "How can you expect him to beat the Fire Lord without knowing how to firebend? And from our experiences, I'd say that they didn't just make him Fire Lord because of his apparent royalty. He's a master. Probably better. Ask him." She pointed at Zuko. "He probably knows more. Wouldn't doubt that I'm right. I usually am. Anyway, Aang needs to know just as much about the guy's element to beat him. As much as I hate to admit it, we can't always depend on other bending to win. Aang's tried that. Remember what you told me about what happened in Ba Sing Se? And that was just his daughter."

As Sokka listened to Toph's reasoning, which he approved of, he noticed Katara's anger wavering, her features slowing easing into realization. But at the mention of Ba Sing Se, and Zuko's crazed sister, her shoulders became rigid, with ocean eyes narrowed.

From what little he's learned of the underground fight at Ba Sing Se, Sokka presumed Katara had every right to be frustrated. He only knew the basics. That Iroh and Aang went to go rescue Katara and Zuko, and everything went fine before Zuko decided he still wanted the avatar. And he brought Azula along to get him. Big fight ensued. Which he regretted he missed. And Aang got hurt. Real bad.

He only knew the basics. And he didn't bother to pursue the subject. It was in the past. Nothing to be overanalysed.

However, Sokka had a feeling there was more to the story.

"Well? Do you remember?" Toph prompted after she didn't answer.

Katara glanced swiftly at Zuko. Her glare directed purposely, and at the same time, unwillingly, at the firebender. Sokka saw Zuko stare blankly back at her. Always the passive facade. No emotion visible. There seemed to be a uncommunicative accusation in his sister's gaze. And something more. Seconds seemed to pass, the tension brewing, before Katara returned her attention back to Toph.

"Yes," she hissed.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Aang wince slightly.

"Okay. Then you should see my point." Toph assumed, unperturbed by the mute exchange.

Katara crossed her arms over her chest stubbornly.

"That's what I thought." Toph said smugly.

"Alright. You may have a point." Katara allowed rigidly as she sat down. "And I agree that Aang needs to learn firebending."

"No doubt about it." Toph stated.

"Yes, unfortunately,"Katara kept her head down and stared at the flat stone surface. The swaying of the fire's flames casting dancing shadows along the walls and faces surrounding the burning element. Sokka observed how the fire reacted oddly with everyone's eyes. The natural light heightened the colours in the irises of his friends, making Katara's blues a darker indigo, and Aang's grey eyes dim, so they appeared less youthful. Almost aged. Toph's pale emeralds held a passive glaze. And Zuko's usually brilliant gold eyes, were somehow tense and foreboding.

Or maybe it isn't the fire at all, Sokka thought strangely. He resisted the urge to slap his forehead. What? Are you superstitious now or something? Come on Sokka, pull it together! Don't go insane now. You have plenty of time to do that later. Jeez! And I always accuse Katara of being paranoid...

"I think I agree with Toph," Aang sighed.

"Yeah," Sokka joined.

"Fine. So do I. Aang can focus on firebending." Katara admitted. "But," She raised her head to look at everyone. "I don't think he should stop his other bending all together."

"Katara," Aang groaned.

"Just listen to me." She held her hands out pleadingly. "I know you need to learn fire bending. Trust me, I know. I just don't agree with you completely ignoring our bending too."

"Why?"

"Because you need to know all the bending forms. Not just one."

"Katara, I've been practising waterbending longer than I have with any other element. You said so yourself that I'm more than good enough to become a master. Master Pakku even said I am one"

"That's not what I mean. And I know your good enough. Just don't block out all the other stuff we've learned. That includes your sessions with Toph as well."

"Who said I was going to block out anything?"

"Nobody. I-"

"He has a point." Toph interceded. "You and Aang have been together longer then him and I have. Not to mention Zuko and Aang just started. Don't you think he knows enough about water bending by now to get by?"

"It's not about 'getting by'." Katara disputed. "The avatar has to be a master of each element. He has to know what each of us know about each of our nations. Sometimes more than that. He has to know every nation's weaknesses and strengths. The difference between right and wrong in any given situation. Factors that affect his position and advancement with or against each element. Which bending form he should use against a difficult enemy. Anything. Aang has to learn to fit and hold in everything. It'll be hard. And we'll work on that the best we can. But he can't just favour one element and hope that helps."

"I didn't say that." Toph argued.

"You said we should stop our training with Aang. Did you not?"

"Yeah..." Toph grimaced.

"Right. Let's say we do. So when Aang's devoting all his energy to learning a new bending art, he'll forget all the stuff we taught him. Learning a new form takes all of your concentration. You know that. I know that. It's called determination. And, how we are right now; motivation. All of the stuff...he," She waved in Zuko's general direction. Avoiding absolute mention of Aang's fire bending teacher. "teaches him will be fresh and dominant in Aang's mind. And we can't have that. We can't stop our bending with him. It has to be consistent. Equal. There needs to be some sort of," She paused, squinting her eyes, as she searched for the right word. " balance."

Sokka thought about his sister's reasoning. She was right. Aang did need balance. He needs to learn all the elements. And be equally good at all four. Isn't that what the avatar was about? Keeping balance?

"Aangs also needs to rest. He can't possibly do all that. He'll be exhausted. We can't have him completely burned-out when he faces the Fire Lord." Toph rationed. "No pun intended." She grinned.

"Ha. Ha." Aang faked. His tone and expression containing no humour. Which was rare.

"True," Katara mumbled.

"But I agree with you, Katara. So what're we gonna do?"

Everyone became silent. Even Teo, The Duke, and Haru. Who, until a moment ago, were mumbling about something incoherent.

The hush that came over them was analytical and considerable. The still breath of the moment making the kids thoughtful, and gaining more questions than answers. All of them were staring off in separate directions, thinking and planning. Katara stared at their make shift fire. Aang gazed at the visible expanse of sky. Toph focused her eyes on the ancient ground. Sokka glanced at Zuko to see him looking unseeingly ahead. Sokka mutely contemplated his surroundings. Not really thinking about anything in particular. But all were quietly deciding what to do, and internally rephrasing what they could contribute to the conversation.

They needed a plan. Now more that usual.

None of them realized how the sky had darkened into evening. Dull stars twinkling suggestively. The relaxing songs of small insects introducing their portion to the night's frequent serenade. A seasonal breeze sashaying in-between their forms, manipulating the fire's sway. The cool smell of forest, lake, fire, and the slight distinct scent of night, rolled into one. All of it announcing the end of day, and beginning of night. Another day passed. Reminding them that less time was waiting for them.

Sokka didn't know how long they stayed like this. It only broke when a deep voice spoke hesitantly.

A very unlikely candidate to talk all together.

"Isn't firebending more important at the moment?"

All of them clamped their gazes on Zuko. Who stood still beside Sokka, with his arms crossed over his chest. The firebender's face was blank, revealing no emotion. Anybody could have doubted if Zuko had spoken at all, if it weren't for each of them recognizing his mellow voice.

It was Katara who chose to question him.

"More important?" She spat.

"Considering..."

The water bender's icy glare reflected hard dislike. And something else Sokka couldn't name.

"Considering what?" She demanded coldly. Katara still sat on the ground. Her body dangerously still and tense. Only her blue eyes moved soundlessly on Zuko. Sokka, he decided, didn't like the way his sister was acting. Even if she had reason to.

"You want to beat the Fire Lord." He stated, emphasizing the constituent.

"You mean your dad?" She grinned humourlessly. And, Sokka noted, mockingly.

There was a short silence that followed. His sister and Zuko stared at each other. Both unruffled by the other's offensive stature.

Sokka was watchful of his sister's actions, or lack there of, and slowly began to recognize the symptoms of tempted annoyance. He prepared himself to stand between the two, if it should resort to a confrontation. He knew Katara better than this. She wasn't one to be easily manipulated. She was always patient. So why was she always, so, unlike herself when it involved Zuko? Why did she always find something to ridicule Zuko with? The guy was already trying so hard.

The water tribe warrior was also receptive of how Zuko clenched his fists. His blank stare now obscured by the tense muscle in his jaw. Sokka quickly connected it to his sister's comment, and threw Katara a warning glance. You shouldn't mess with someone's parents. No matter where they come from, or who they are. Too many situations arose where it concerned their own parents. And the consequences were painful and regretful. Sokka should know. And so should Katara.

She didn't pay any attention to Sokka's glance, so he interceded again.

"Katara," he scolded. Her eyes flickered to him. He tried to silently urge her to calm down with a meaningful look. Only spirits knew why she was being difficult.

He was satisfied when he saw her shoulders relax, and her gaze return to the fire. Although the indistinct annoyance remained latched to her stare.

"We need a plan," Toph decided suddenly.

"Where I can learn firebending." Aang clarified.

"And make sure you keep meeting with Katara and I." The earthbender refined.

"And rest." Katara muttered, still tense.

"Rest is good." Aang said as he stretched his arms over his head, and opened his mouth wide to release a pretty impressive yawn.

"While keeping balance." Sokka added.

"How are we going to do that?" Katara inquired doubtfully. She flicked a small stone into the fire.

"When you figure something out let me know." The avatar sighed as he laid back on his elbows.

"Thanks for the input," Sokka said sarcastically. "You're so helpful."

"No problem, Sokka!" He piped happily, a genuine smile plastered on his face. "I try my best." Wait, he thought, is he being sarcastic? With ME? When did this happen?

As much as Sokka and the Avatar knew each other, and with all the adventures they shared, Aang proved more and more oblivious to the warrior's predicted sarcasm. And it wasn't very entertaining right now. Actually, it was never entertaining for Sokka.

"I'll just take a little nap, if you don't mind."

"Actually I do. Last time I checked; that thing that your lying on is my mat." Sokka accused "So if you wouldn't mind getting off," He pointed at the material under Aang, that was rightfully his.

"Oh, I didn't notice."

"Well, now you do. So..." He made a scooting gesture with his hands.

"Please Sokka!" Aang begged. "Yours is always so comfy."

"It should be, considering how much time he spends sleeping on it." Toph scoffed.

Sleep was a serious topic. At least it was for the blue eyed teen. He couldn't rest properly without his mat. Everyone should know by now that the water tribe warrior needed a good night's sleep. If he didn't, well, he's not exactly Mr. Sunshine. And he couldn't be held responsible for his actions in the morning, where the previous night's sleep wasn't achieved to it's full potential. Too many embarrassing circumstances validated that fact. One morning he actually managed to fall off a cliff. Yep. Fall. Off. A. Cliff. He just slept walked right over the edge. No scream. No protest. Luckily Aang was awake, and saved him before anything disastrous could happen. But he would of happily taken death since he had to suffer a whole day with Katara and Toph's lame zombie jokes. Imagine that; falling off a cliff. Knowing Sokka; it could be worse. Famous last words; it could always be worse.

And another time he accidentally whacked Toph with his boomerang. It wasn't exactly his fault, considering he was half conscious at the time. Seriously. But, nonetheless, he secretly enjoyed that little payback. That was until Toph accidentally made him smack face first into a tree the next morning, by accidentally earthbending the ground beneath him.

Another thing he learned was there were two types of accidents. There were accidents. And then there were accidents.

Therefore, sleep was something Sokka held within the same category as breathing, eating, drinking, and, well, let's just say; he needed his sleep. It was something like a priority.

So that's why he lifted his warrior's club from his belt and pointed it threateningly at his friend. Although, whatever came between Sokka and his sleep, even a person like Aang, could never be named as such. A 'friend' would never deprive another 'friend' of his priorities.

"Aang," he started "I'm going to give you to the count of-"

Katara rolled her eyes. "Oh for the love of-"

"No, no, no! I want to see where this goes!" Toph protested excitedly.

"As I was saying-" Sokka tried again.

"Just for a little bit?" Aang persisted.

"One," he began, and took a step towards the begging monk.

"Guys," Katara warned. She stared pleadingly at the temple ceiling. An all too familiar sign of exasperation and the subtle annoyance that Sokka was used to. After all, he was pretty much the cause for all of it.

"Okay, fine, I'll move when you have a plan." Aang crossed his arms behind his head, and reclined on the sleeping blanket. A satisfied grin played on his lips. Aang never really was good at offering a bargain.

"Whatever, I'll just steal Katara's." Sokka replied. Outwardly he might have been indifferent. But, inwardly, he was fuming. You don't get between Sokka, and his potentially good night's rest.

"No you're not!" Katara piped. Swiftly snatching her mat from the ground, and holding it behind her back.

"Fine, then tell Aang to give me back my sleeping mat."

"Tell Sokka to make a plan." Aang countered.

"Gu-uys!"

"Ugh!" Toph shifted suddenly. Both boys yelped as a rock pillar hit them square him the bottom. "Stop bickering! You're giving me a head ache!" Sokka rubbed his now sore behind, muttering a quick "sorry", before dropping on the ground. He heard a muffled groan, and turned to see Aang lying with his butt in the air and his face shoved in the mat. "Nevermind. Let's talk about this tomorrow." Toph said, sounding defeated.

Sokka wanted to forget about the current dilemma, and rest comfortably with his friends. Also with his mat. He wanted to enjoy what less stressful times he had left. No doubt, with his mat. Before they embarked on their final journey, he wanted some comfort. Which he could easily get with his mat. Hopefully it was their final journey. But in the way that secured their safety, and the welfare of the world.

He wanted to relax.

Unfortunately, Sokka's ever deductive mind wouldn't allow it.

They needed a plan. One that Aang could be comfortable with. And since Aang's personality was playful and amusing, it can't always be serious. One that was pleasing, but at the same time effective. Sort of like learning a lesson that was voluntary, but it was actually a great knowledgeable experience.

There were three things that were mandatory. One being Aang learning to fire bend. Obviously. And the others being that he still had to maintain his training with Toph and Katara, as well as get a generous amount of rest. Another factor that Sokka included secretly was that this plan had to occupy everyone else. He was sure the others didn't want to be bored, even if this was a serious matter. It wouldn't hurt to divert some attention away from the looming evil they were certain to face. Sokka wanted his friends to cheer up a bit.

Maybe they could make some sort of schedule to accommodate all of Aang's needs? A daily schedule. With time restraints and intervals. At different times a day they would allow for rest, and training. Like a routine?

No, Sokka thought. That would be too plain and boring.

But he liked the idea of intervals. Of different periods of time meant for different things. But how would he make it fun?

He had to incorporate everyone. Including the three idiots; Teo, Haru, and The Duke. Aang also had to learn all the elements. Toph for Earth. Katara for Water. Zuko for Fire. Aang for Air. But that was a no-brainer. What could Sokka do? He was a warrior. Could he teach Aang how to fight with hana-to-hand combat? That would be useful for the Avatar. Certainly bending is key for fighting against their enemies. But sword play and hand combat could be just as functional. If anything, it could give someone the advantage.

They were going to participate in a huge battle. Why not learn how to fight properly? Why not practice fighting? A duel amongst friends could be beneficial and fun.

They could have small duels with each other at different times of the day. One against one. Everyone included. Aang could use the skills he's learned against the masters who taught him. And those masters could critique and give advice while the battle progresses. Or after the fact. And in-between fights, Aang could rest.

This could be something...

They didn't call him the idea guy for nothing. Or did he just call himself that - oh, nevermind.

"Hey guys," Sokka began thoughtfully. Heads lifted to his marveling tone. "I think I have an idea..."


A/N: This idea has been haunting me for months. I'm planning to include some pairings later on, but it will take some time to add the right chemistry in there. So, patience. Sorry for it being so long, and anti-dialogue-ish. It won't always be like that, I promise. Oh, and the story is set just after The Firebending Masters episode (season three). Don't be too harsh with me about this story. It's gonna take me some time to get this plot on the right path. ;)

(Sorry if there's some bad grammar in this chapter...-too lazy to check (again)-)