Prompt used: Doubt
"Shadows"
Sokka knows what it is to doubt in his skills.
How could he not, when his sister is the last waterbender in his tribe, the girl who can move glaciers when she gets angry. When he knows that no matter how high he builds his watch tower she will always be able to raise it higher or bring it lower. So he worked his own skills, learned how to hone his own abilities, how to be the best tribesman he could be.
Sokka knows what it is to doubt in his perceptions.
How could he not, when his best friend is the Avatar, the bridge between the worlds. Things no longer follow the rules he grew up with. Up can become down and black can be white. Light, can become dark. Sokka knows that no matter how he tries he cannot assign logic to what Aang brings into his life, and he is forced to do whatever he can to survive enemy soldiers, angry benders, and furious spirits.
Sokka knows what it is to doubt in his strength.
How could he not, when the girl of his dreams can outfight him with both arms tied behind her back. A girl who can take on an entire prison and come out on top, the girl who can face down threats that make him want to cower in fear and she'll still take the day. So he trains his weapons and sharpens his aim, he finds new masters to learn from and he keeps throwing his boomerang until it hits the bull's-eye.
Sokka knows what it is to doubt in himself.
How can he not, when his father left him behind. When he was left with the knowledge that he wasn't strong enough, with the knowledge that he wasn't old enough. When he was left with the feeling that he wasn't good enough. A feeling that has, and he knows that it will, follow him for the rest of his life. So he does everything he possibly can to improve himself. When he plans, he leaves openings to deal with complications he hasn't foreseen. When he travels, he keeps in mind the budget and what supplies they have when everyone else forgets. When he fights, he uses every tool he can get his hands on and he does so with ruthless efficiency.
Sokka knows what it is to love his family, his father. But he stills feel that shadow of doubt linger over his heart. And when he's being honest with himself, he knows he doubts the love he has for his father, and that he'll never be able to forgive that one moment of doubt that started it all.