The next couple of days Sokka and Zuko woke with the sunrise and headed for the mansion to practise their swordsmanship only to get back by late evening.

Zuko got to observe many of the lessons to try and think about Piandaos teaching style and Sokas solution to a lot of his challenges were…

They were very very Sokka.

When Sokka had to create his own signature he smeared his face down on the paper, his drawing of the great waterfalls were… Very much like how Sokka drew.

He really found a way to tackle the rock garden with minimal afford… Seriously. Just lay down and relax. Why fix what wasn't broken huh?

And then Sokka and Zuko would spar against each other with wooden swords.

Only for Piandao to call out Zukos name… Which didn't distract Zuko at all and he didn't allow Sokka the opening. And then Piandao tried the same with Sokka and he totally fell for it allowing Zuko his opening and Sokka found himself down on the ground.

"When in battle." Zuko smirked. "Always keep your eyes on the opponent. Don't get distracted."

"Hey who's teaching the lesson here?" Sokka asked.

"No Zuko is right." Piandao said. "You would be wise to take notes from one of my star pupils."

Sokka sighed deeply as he sat up with crossed legs. "How am I supposed to compare to Zuko in the short amount of time we have?"

"Well… You can't." Zuko said.

"Not helping Zuko." Sokka commented.

"That's not what I meant Sokka." Zuko sighed as he sat down in front of Sokka with similar crossed legs. "Look. I've been training since I was eight years old. Of course you are not going to be on my level in a week." he said. "The thing though is…. I am never going to be on your level either."

"Huh?" Sokka asked.

"Your way of thinking." Zuko said. "It is so… you!" he stated. "The way you solved all your problems. I would never ever think to solve any of those problems those ways. And that's just so typically you! You think of things nobody else ever would. And sword fighting is an extension of yourself. You are unlike anyone else I ever met. So your sword fighting will be unlike any other sword fighting. Therefore… You wont ever be as good as me and I wont ever be as good as you. It's like comparing apples and oranges."

"Yeah! I am an orange!" Sokka grinned.

"Erhm right… sure." Zuko said. "And… Now that you know you are an orange in a world of apples. Use that to your advantage."

Sokka grinned. "You are getting better at the proverb thing Zuko!" he laughed as he stood up. "Let's go again!"

Zuko sighed deeply as he stood up too. Though first he faced Piandao. "Sorry for taking over the lesson." he exclaimed.

"Never apologize for that." Piandao said. "You were his teacher first and will continue being his teacher when you two leave! I am glad I got a glimpse into your way of teaching Prince Zuko. It makes me very optimistic as I suspect you will have many students in the future."

Zuko was just about to answer when suddenly he was violently attacked from the side by Sokka. Who bunked him on the chest and got Zuko down on the ground now with the tip of his wooden sword at Zukos throat.

"I thought you said to always keep your eyes on your opponent." Sokka grinned. "And you know. Not get distracted."

Zukos mouth fell open… Sokka got him there. He actually got him and Piandao laughed while Sokka grinned.

Then Zuko turned back to Sokka. "Well Sokka." he said in a dry tone. "You asked for this."

And Sokkas eyes widened. "Oh oh."

And then Zuko made a kick pushing Sokka back. Sprung back up on his own legs and came after Sokka as he screamed turning around and did the smart thing… He ran.

"You're not getting away Sokka!" Zuko yelled as he came after him.

"Help! Help! Zuko has returned to his old ways!" Sokka shouted as Zuko jumped up and propelled himself forward to land in front of Sokka who just managed to black.

And then they both smiled while trying to keep up pretences that they were mad at each other while they ran around. Their wooden swords clashing, and each trying to get a kick in.

Suddenly Sokka grinned as a light came into his eyes, they moved past one of the tables and then… Sokka grabbed the table cloth and throw it over Zuko who stumbled around.

Only for Sokka to come and grab the cloth tangling it around Zuko now grabbing him from behind.

"Hey… HEY!" Zuko shouted from under the cloth.

"In a world of apples… BE AN ORANGE!" Sokka laughed as he was holding Zuko down from behind.

"Well if you're going to use dirty tricks." Zuko exclaimed from somewhere behind the cloth and then suddenly the cloth was on fire and Sokka screamed as he jumped back as Zuko threw off the cloth.

"Hey no fair!" Sokka shouted.

"You started it." Zuko stated and then jumped forward now finally having Sokka pinned to the wall. "So what do we say? Sokka!"

"Sorry! Sorry!" Sokka laughed. "I give up!"

Zuko smirked as he stepped back removing the wooden sword.

"If you hadn't used fire bending I would totally have won though." Sokka said.

"Keep telling yourself that." Zuko snorted.

"If you could have gotten out of that without fire bending you would have done it! Just to be a smug asshole about it." Sokka stated.

Zuko looked at Sokka. "If it's a rematch you want. We can arrange that."

"I am sure you two will have plenty of rematches in the future." Piandao commented as he suddenly calmly came walking towards them and both boys stood up to bow for him respectfully.

"Seem to me that if it wasn't for your fire bending Zuko… Sokka would have won that one." Piandao commented only for Zuko to gape. But barely kept himself from talking back. "How-ever Sokka. You already knew that Zuko was a fire bender. You have a clear advantage here already knowing of Zukos skills. You should have been able to take all of that into consideration when fighting him. Like you just showcased. In a fight it is about using all tools available. In a real fight you can't just accuse your opponent of cheating. Everyone will be using the tools they have."

Sokka nodded seriously. "I understand."

Piandao nodded. "Come with me. I think it's time for the next step."

"huh?" Sokka asked.

"Oh you're going to love this." Zuko smirked. "This part is really cool!"

Soon they were inside of a familiar forge and Sokka gasped. "Are we… MAKING A SWORD?!" he asked in a shout.

Piandao smirked. "I heard you were quite the inventor. Zuko said you were quite skilled at crafting and building."

"Well… I do enjoy making things." Sokka said then he halted. "I all ready got a sword though." he pointed out. "See?" he pulled out the sword he had gotten at Ba Sing Se.

"Yes. Quite." Piandao said. "This time how-ever. The sword will be an expression if yourself. You will make a sword which is the embodiment of yourself and thus as you wield it be an extension of you."

Wide-eyed Sokka looked up and then nodded.

"Zuko. If you wish to make a new pair of blades. You are also welcome to start the process." Piandao said.

"Thank you master." Zuko said. "How-ever. The swords I wield now carries more meaning then just being another pair of blades. They are a gift, from King Kuei of the earth kingdom. They represent the hope that our two nations one day may have a good and peaceful relationship. I cannot replace these blades in good conscious. They represent far to much."

"Very well." Piandao nodded his head. "They are very good blades. Not as good as mine of course. But good. And suites you well."

Zuko smirked amused. "Thank you master."

Then Piandao moved forward to the table. "Sokka. The first thing you need to do will be to pick out the material for your sword." he spread out his hands to show several different blocks of metal. "Each material will have its own sets of benefits and advantages. Remember, the material you choose must be an expression of you. So choose with care."

Sokka swallowed as he stepped forward and picked up the first block. He tested it, weighed it in his hands and then put it down to move along to the next one.

Zuko observed as Sokka went over each and every block. Examining them, weighing them… Even tasting them and biting them. But each and every time he frowned as he put the block back down.

"Not finding anything?" Zuko asked.

Sokka frowned deeply. "None of these feels right." he said. "All of these are apple metals. I need the metal for an orange."

Zuko looked blankly at Sokka… Was this their thing now? Seriously?

Piandao how-ever nodded. "Perhaps you need time to reflect upon your choice."

"Yeah." Sokka nodded. "Thank you master."

Who could have known. The answer came to them that same night… Crushing down from the sky.

A big… massive meteor.

Zuko felt it first. His inner flame reacting in a strange way like some sort of huge burst and then a massive crash like an earth quack. But Toph insisted it wasn't an earth quack but rather something that had fallen from the sky.

By the sight of it Sokka had screamed in delight. "THAT'S IT!" he shouted. "That's my sword! It's right there!"

Zuko could only help but look at Sokka… Who would look at a meteor and said. Yeah I need to make a sword from this.

Sokka. That's who. Of course it was and Zuko shook his head. He really should have figured.

It took all of them to transport the big meteor up to Piandaos mansion and as Piandao got to look at it he lifted an eyebrow. "Well. In a world of apples that certainly is an orange." he commented and Sokka grinned.

Curiously everyone observed as Sokka worked on his sword. He used an chip axe to chip out the pieces. He melted them down and created the fire to make his sword.

It was important.

Sokka worked from dawn to dusk and then… It was finished. A shining black sword. Unlike any sword Zuko had ever seen.

It suited Sokka a lot and Zuko smiled as he walked forward putting a hand on Sokkas shoulder. "That's amazing. I could never have made a sword like that."

And Sokka smirked then looked up at Zuko. "I could only do it thanks to you buddy." he stated and then pulled Zuko in for a brotherly hug as they smirked.

How-ever as they let go Zuko turned to what remained of the meteor. Sokka had used over half of it and Zuko hesitated. "You're not going to use any more of that right?" he asked. "Can I…"

Sokka blinked. "I don't think there's enough for dual blades dude."

"It's not for dual blades and it's not for me." Zuko said. "There's… This person I know." he said. "And I think… A dagger like that would suite her a lot."

"Wait.. Her?" Sokka asked and Zuko blushed deeply as he turned his head away. Sokka smirked. "You do know normally guys give jewellery and flowers to the girls they like."

"Oh… yeah." Zuko said. "I erhm… I don't think Mai like that kind of stuff though."

"Mai?" Sokka asked and then his eyes widened. "Oooooooh." he realized. "I had no idea that was your relationship. Wow you're right. That kind of dagger would suite her a whole lot."

"Heh." Zuko blushed. "I am honestly not sure what our relationship is." he admitted. "But… I do think about her… A lot. And erhm. I think she would really like it so."

"Go nuts." Sokka grinned. "Give your deadly girlfriend a deadly dagger! Now that shows you trust her." he chuckled.

Zuko could only return a nervous chuckle not really knowing what to think of this. All the same though. Next day Zuko went to work and soon stood with a slim beautiful dagger in his hand. Black and with a golden handle… It screamed Mai and Zuko smiled as he drew a finger across it.

Mai was going to love this. For sure.

The day after Zuko and Sokka stood in front of Piandao both smiling proudly as Piandao returned the smile.

"These days has indeed been a pleasure." Piandao said. "You have both done well and excelled in amazing ways. Now there is just one thing that remains."

"What's that?" Sokka asked in a blink.

Wisely Zuko took a step back as Piandao drew his sword and then smirked.

"Final exam." Piandao stated.

"Huh?" Sokka asked and then Piandao was all over him not even giving Sokka any time to draw his blade.

Zuko could only smirk as Sokka was now running for dear life and finally Zuko himself walked over to one of the chairs sitting down as he leaned back.

This felt nice. He wasn't the one being chased around for a change. Still he was curious as he observed and with a smirk saw Sokka do what Sokka did.

He was smart and unpredictabled. Using every item he had to his own advantage in unique and weird ways.

He used the bamboo to let it smack back at Piandao. Kicked soot up in Piandaos face to blind him. Hid behind rocks to perform a sneak attack.

He was actually keeping Piandao on his toes for a good fifteen minutes before finally Sokka was nailed to the ground.

"So erhm…." Sokka swallowed. "How did I do?" he asked.

Piandao removed his blade. "What do you think Prince Zuko?" he asked and Zuko stood up.

"Considering how little training Sokka had. I would have to say… Pretty amazing." Zuko smirked. "I had to train for at least three years before I was on his level. And the way his mind works remains unique. His ability to translate quick planning into action is also quite something."

"Wow. That's so nice of you Zuko." Sokka smirked.

"So perhaps you can have a little bit more confidence in yourself now." Zuko commented amused. "Trust me. When I say you are absolutely invaluable to the group I mean it! Taking down the drill outside of Ba Sing Se's outer wall. Commandeering a fire nation vessel. Hiding out at the fire nation itself. That's all you. So no more feeling like you aren't needed all right?"

Sokka grinned. "Right back at you." he stated.

Zuko smirked amused as he shook his head.

"You've both come far." Piandao said. "Sadly it is now time to bid goodbye. For now that is."

"Yes. Thank you for everything master." Zuko replied then he halted. "All though I was wondering if maybe you could tell me." he reached into his pocket and pulled out his white lotus tile. "What's this thing about?" he asked. "My uncle gave it to me and told me I needed to keep it on hand just in case. Do you have any idea what he meant by that?"

Piandao smirked as he looked at the tile. "Indeed. Keep that tile close to your person." he said. "You will find you have many hidden allies all across the world. And their way of recognising each other as true allies across the nations and borders. That." he pointed.

"Woah. You mean like some sort of secret club?" Sokka asked. "You and Iroh are in the same secret club?!"

"Sometimes you are a bit too perceptive for your own good Sokka." Piandao commented dryly.

"The last time we were separated from Uncle. He said he had been contacting some old friends." Zuko commented looking down at the tile. "Did he mean?" he looked up at Piandao.

"I… May have received a letter or two." Piandao at last admitted. "I was told to stand ready. The time is nearing."

Wide-eyed Zuko looked up at Piandao.

"No more questions now." Piandao asked. "Keep that tile safe. And know that others who bears it will be your allies. Do not fret. You are not as alone as you think." he said.

At last Zuko smiled as he bowed. "Thank you master."

And Sokka bowed as well. "Master."

As Zuko and Sokka finally met with the others they all cheered. Embracing and yelling.

"So this means you guys are actually going to stick around in day time hours too now right?!" Aang asked. "I'm getting behind in my fire bending training and things are so boring without Sokka." he cried.

"Oh you're not getting rid of us that easy." Sokka smirked. "So what have you guys been up to?" he asked.

"I've been going to school!" Aang beamed.

They all silenced then Zuko turned to Aang.

"Excuse me what?" Zuko asked.

"Yeah. Fire nation school." Aang asked. "Zuko that place is terrible you have to change that when you are fire lord! They teach garbage!" he exclaimed. "Did you know they have been teaching people that the air nomads had a military?! That's a total lie! We are all pacifists! I don't even eat meat! You have to change that!"

"Errhm… Okay. Sure." Zuko said. "Well maybe you should help out when it comes to… Teaching what is actually true about the air nomads."

And Aang gasped. "That's an amazing idea!"

And Zuko sighed deeply. Oh boy… Schools. He would have to reform the entire school curriculum didn't he? And he couldn't even begin to know what was actually true and what wasn't in those school books.

"We should probably leave this island like… Right now though." Aang then admitted in a innocent smile. "I may have… gotten a bit of unwanted attention."

Zuko looked up at Aang. "What?" he asked.

"Don't ask." Katara said. "Let's just… Move on." she said. "We've all done what we came here to do right?"

And finally Zuko nodded. "Yeah…" he turned a last time towards the village and the mountain which had the big mansion on top. "It was nice re-visiting this place." he smiled. "I guess I'll see you around." Zuko whispered under his breath so no one could hear. "Lu Ten." and finally he turned with the others to pack things and get it on Appa so they would be ready for the night where they would leave this island and continue their journey.