I'm going to be honest, I dreaded finishing this. I think I ended up being pressured to get certain chapters out sooner and feel like this story is not as good as I wanted it to be. I'm posting the last two chapters together to end it, though I'm not happy about that either. This chapter is all on Sokka's POV. Next chapter does have a small hint of a ship but nothing too big. Tried to stay more gen here.
The ride on Appa was silent. Sokka kept his boomerang out, ready to attack Long Feng if needed. Even though Long Feng was knocked out. And tied up. And gagged.
But that didn't matter, not really. Long Feng took control over Zuko to the point where Zuko heard nothing but Long Feng. He knew nothing but Long Feng. He would do nothing except what Long Feng said. Sokka didn't like any of it. A person should be free to make their own decisions, not controlled like Zuko was. It didn't matter if Zuko was once the enemy, no one deserved what Zuko was going through.
Sokka opened his mouth to say something-anything really, something to fill the void-but couldn't find it in himself to say a word. He couldn't be sarcastic or funny when Iroh was holding his nephew for dear life. He couldn't mention any part of Ba Sing Se since King Kuei was right there. Not to mention, Sokka felt it might have been partly their fault for losing the city. If they weren't focused on Zuko and Long Feng, maybe they could have saved the city.
Maybe not.
Maybe it would have been worse.
"We're almost to the camp." Aang called out from atop Appa's head. "I can see it from here."
Everyone, except Toph, turned to look at Aang as he spoke and then turned to the ground to see the camp from where they were. Sokka should have been excited to see his dad again, to see their Tribe again. Yet, he wasn't. He dreaded it. He hadn't seen his dad in almost three years and only found out the Tribe was nearby in the middle of this mess. Now, he would have to face his dad when they failed to protect the city and failed to protect their friend.
Sokka sighed. "When we land, wait before getting off of Appa. Let me talk to dad to let him know of…" Sokka waved his hand at all of them, not sure what he was trying to say. "The last thing we need is them attacking Iroh because he's Fire Nation."
Katara nodded and reached over to squeeze his hand. "Thank you."
Sokka knew she meant because he's taking care of things, he's being the leader, so he nodded back. He jumped off Appa before another word was spoken and searched for his dad.
It didn't take long to find his dad as he was already headed to Appa as Sokka jumped off. Sokka stuck to the basics of Ba Sing Se had fallen, Zuko being brainwashed, Long Feng is evil, and all hope is lost. Thankfully his dad didn't say question him. He just held Sokka close and said it would be okay. They would find a way to take care of everything. Even though Sokka doubted it, being in the arms of his dad comforted him in a way he didn't want to admit.
It took a while, but they managed to settle everyone in. Thanks to his dad and Iroh's quick thinking, they were able to take control of a Fire Nation ship. Iroh showed them where they could hold Long Feng. Even though Sokka was buzzing with nerves, his dad said they should all rest. Sokka wanted to fix everything right away, but it was pointless. Long Feng wasn't awake so they couldn't make him undo what he did. Zuko wasn't awake either so if they could get Zuko unbrainwashed, how would they know if it was fixed or not?
The more Sokka thought about it, the more frustrated he became. It seemed like they were at a standstill and nothing could be done. Sokka wanted results now!
As much as he didn't want to, he felt himself drift off to sleep. Every time he felt his eyelids close, he shook his head to keep himself awake. He needed to stay awake in case something happened.
"Sokka, I know you're still awake." Katara's voice echoed in the room, making it seem larger than it was. "I know you're probably thinking about… all of it." Sokka refrained from commenting. His sister knew him so well. "Don't. It'll be okay. We got Zuko away from the Dai Li and Azula. We can figure the rest out."
"But what if… what if things aren't better? What if they're worse? What if Zuko is stuck like this forever? What if-"
"Sokka." Katara interrupted. "I don't know the answers to that and neither do you. But worrying about them now and stressing yourself out is not going to help us. We'll worry about those problems tomorrow. For now, we're okay, we're with dad, we have Zuko-we can figure the rest out. Okay?"
Sokka nodded as she spoke. She seemed to make sense. Between him and his dad, they should be able to figure out something. Not to mention Uncle was with them too. Uncle wanted his Nephew back more than anything. "Okay." He finally whispered. It wasn't long after he found himself falling asleep.
In the morning, Sokka felt a little better. He knew this day was going to be rough but he felt better about it. Things were going to look up for them, he was sure of it.
He was hoping for a quick breakfast before finding Long Feng. That was until he noticed his friends, his dad, Uncle, and Bato all together. It seemed everyone else was ready to do the same thing he wanted to.
The only words spoken during breakfast were "here's some food" and "when you're done, we'll go over". Other than that it was silent. Normally Sokka would want noise, would want someone to talk, but not this time. He wanted silence. He needed to think to come up with a plan. Which so far… he had none. He couldn't think of a single idea. He hadn't thought of one the night before. Nor while he ate. Nor on the way to the prison hold where Long Feng was being held. He felt so useless that he couldn't think of a single thing.
After eating, all of them went over to where Long Feng was being held. Sokka ended up tuning a lot of what was being said out. He knew the gist of it all. Try to make Long Feng release his hold on Zuko. None of their ideas were working. It wasn't until Uncle said he would do whatever it took to get his nephew back did Sokka focus.
"Is that supposed to scare me General Iroh?" Long Feng snarled. "I assure, it does not."
"You don't know what I'm capable of." Iroh replied and Sokka was forced to remember that no matter how sweet and innocent Iroh appeared, he was still the Dragon of the West.
Long Feng stood up from his seat and walked closer to the bars in his cell. He stared long and hard at Iroh. "I assume you plan on torturing me if I don't comply. I'm sure there are so many ways you'd like to hurt me, the man that took your nephew and erased all memories of you and his life." He smirked. "I would recommend you change your mind."
"I won't repeat myself."
Long Feng shrugged and turned towards Zuko, who stood in the corner. Sokka hadn't been sure it was a good idea to have him in the room or not, but it was good to see if Long Feng's hold was released. "Li, I order you to burn yourself."
Sokka felt his heart stop after Long Feng's command. Iroh paled as Zuko obeyed Long Feng's command. The group was not quiet as Zuko burned his arm, crying out in anger and fear. Zuko was the only one quiet as burn burned himself.
"I told you General you don't threaten me. Whatever you do to me, I will make sure your nephew suffers the same."
"Zuko! Stop!" Katara cried out as she placed her water around Zuko's hands to prevent the burning. "Stop burning yourself."
"He won't listen to you girl. He listens to me." Long Feng said. "Your attempts at stopping him are futile. Li, burn harder, burn more."
The fire increased around Zuko's hand as it spread down his arm. His arms moved to cover the rest of his body. Sokka couldn't take much more of the pain of seeing Zuko hurt himself, the smell of burning flesh, the heartache and desperation on his friends faces, or how little water Katara had remaining. He threw his boomerang at Zuko and thanked Tui and La it hit its mark and knocked Zuko out.
The room became too quiet once Zuko hit the floor. Sokka took the time to walk over to pick up Zuko. "You are a despicable man and don't deserve to live." Sokka glared at Long Feng. "Whatever Uncle and dad have in store for you, it's too good." He turned to Katara. "Come on, let's heal Zuko of these burns."
Sokka watched as his sister healed Zuko the best she could. Aang was frantic but refrained from hovering like he no doubt wanted to. Toph was not around but there was plenty of loud noises banging around in the ship that could have been from her. Iroh, Bato, and Hakoda were not present and Sokka didn't doubt they were doing what they could to Long Feng. Sokka didn't regret leaving them there or rushing Aang and Katara out of the room. No matter how much of the war they both had seen and live through, they did not need to see what happens with prisoners.
By the time Katara was finished healing Zuko, Iroh found where they were. Zuko still had small burn marks on his arm but they would fade in time. At least, Sokka hoped they would fade in time.
"How is he?" Iroh asked as he ran his fingers through Zuko's hair.
"I've done what I can for now. I can try to heal more later." Katara said. "But I don't know if he'll still try to burn himself when he wakes up. If he does, I can't keep healing him."
"I thank you for doing what you have been doing for my boy." Iroh gave a small smile. Sokka could tell he was trying to be brave for Katara and Katara was trying to be more optimistic, but the truth was, things were not great. They couldn't keep Zuko unconscious and Katara couldn't keep healing him. Wait…
"You can heal him!" Sokka exclaimed, happy to finally have a plan forming.
"Sokka, I just said I can't keep this up."
"No, his head! You can heal him!" He put his hands on Katara's shoulders, excited to explain his plan.
"No Sokka." Katara brushed his hands off. "We tried this before and it took too long to get a small piece of him back. The way he is now, I can't guarantee I can do much."
"No, no. You can. Your spirit water." He held onto her hands. "I know you were saving it, but I think it would help. If you want."
"You think it could work?" She looked off to the side, lost in thought. Sokka hoped she was thinking about if it could work. She was, after all, the healer.
"If you did use your spirit water, Master Katara, I would be forever grateful and in your debt. I also understand if you choose not to use it. My nephew has not always been the kindest towards you." Iroh did not look up from Zuko as he spoke.
Sokka wondered what would happen if they couldn't get Zuko away from Long Feng's control. It didn't seem like Long Feng would ever release control over Zuko. Zuko would never do anything without Long Feng's approval. Would that extend to eating and sleeping? Possibly. If Long Feng desired, could he starve Zuko? Would Zuko end up being this husk of a person with no knowledge of what was going on? With no way of being able to communicate with anyone? If he wasn't healed, would they have to take him out to save him? Would they be responsible for killing him? Or saving him?
For that and for Iroh's sake, Sokka hoped Katara would be able and willing to heal Zuko. If not… well, he didn't want to tell her what might have to happen.
"I'll try. I don't know if it'll work or if it'll help Zuko much but I'll try my best." Katara took the vial out and held it in her hands. "I can't guarantee it'll do much. I can't promise it'll heal Zuko completely, or if at all. But I can't not try because I'm afraid it won't work."
"And you would be okay with using it to heal Zuko?" Sokka asked. Even though it was his idea, it was her spirit water given to her. It was her choice on what she used it on.
"Yes. I'd rather try and be unsuccessful than not try and be left wondering what if. No one deserves to be in a situation like Zuko."
Sokka nodded in agreement and watched as his little sister took the spirit water in her hands, the glowing water surrounding her fingers, and press them against Zuko's head. He wasn't sure if it was doing anything or if Katara could tell a difference but he hoped it would. It didn't appear to be any change and he wasn't sure if it worked or not. All too soon Katara removed her hands and the healing water. Was that it?
"Did… did it work?" Sokka tried to keep the optimism out of his voice but he could hear the hope in it.
"I'm not sure." Katara frowned. "I did what I could. It… it feels different." She ran her fingers through his hair. "The only way to be certain is when he wakes up. I'll wait here until he does."
"You should rest. Save some strength."
She gave a small smile to Sokka. "I appreciate the concern but if it doesn't work and Zuko wakes up, I need to be here in case…" Katara glanced to where Iroh stood next to her and turned back to Sokka. It was a quick movement but Sokka saw her hesitation. "In case he isn't healed." She sighed.
Sokka realized what she meant and paled. If Zuko wasn't healed, if Zuko woke up and was still under Long Feng's control, he could still attempt to burn himself. Katara would need to be there to heal Zuko from any burns. She couldn't keep it up forever though. They would have to keep Zuko unconscious-which would not be good for him-or… Sokka didn't want to finish the thought. He prayed to Yue that Zuko would be healed.
"I'll make some tea while we wait." Iroh said. Sokka wasn't sure if Iroh really wanted tea or wanted something to do while they waited. Probably both.
None of them left the room. Toph sat beside Zuko with one hand on him. Aang fluttered around the room, his anxiousness on display. Katara and Iroh were both watching Zuko and drinking tea. On occasion they'd run their fingers through his hair, if that would comfort him. Sokka sat and thought. His mind wouldn't stop thinking of plans and ideas and what ifs. He needed to stop as each one was worse than the previous.
It was after the third cup of tea that Zuko started to move. All stopped what they were doing to stare at Zuko. Would he be okay? Would he be the same?
Sokka edged closer to Zuko. He watched as the firebender blinked open his eyes. He should have given him space-they all should have given Zuko space-but they didn't. They all stepped closer to him.
Zuko moved his eyes around before settling them in Iroh's direction. "Uncle?"
"Oh my boy! My nephew!" Iroh reached out and pulled Zuko in a tight embrace, tears filling his eyes. "You're back!"
"I don't remember much." His voice was muffled from Iroh's clothes. "I don't know how much I'm back."
"It's okay my boy. We can help you with that." Iroh broke away from the hug and held Zuko's face in his hands. "You're awake. You're speaking to me. That's all that matters right now."
"I'll need to know how much you remember." Katara cut in. Sokka almost rolled his eyes at how quick she was to break up the reunion, but she was a healer. She had to focus on her patient. "How much has been healed."
Zuko frowned. "I wasn't myself. I don't know why."
"Do you remember your name?"
"It's…. Zuko…?" He asked, as if he wasn't sure.
"It is." Katara smiled. "Is it okay if I check how you're doing?"
Zuko nodded and Katara continued her questions while checking out his head. Sokka tuned his sister out as this was healer talk. Instead, he turned to Iroh who had a huge grin on his face.
"He's back. My nephew is back." Iroh whispered.
"Katara will still have to heal him more to get him back to normal. And we'll have to make sure he won't be controlled again." Sokka whispered back, listing the problems they might have and need to fix. "We'll have to test the phrase again. And-"
"I know." Iroh interrupted. "It won't be easy moving forward. He still has a long way to go. But my nephew is talking. He knows his name." Iroh cleared the tears that fell from his eyes. "Even if he is unsure of his name, he knows it. Considering where he was yesterday, or even this morning, it's an improvement. I know you want to be logical and plan ahead. Let me have this moment of happiness right now. Let me be happy my nephew is coming back. When I thought he was lost, when I thought I'd have to…" Iroh shook his head. "My nephew is back Sokka. Nothing can bring me down now."
Sokka nodded as he took Iroh's words in. This was a vast improvement. This was a step in the right direction they needed. "You're right Uncle. Pretty soon he'll be yelling at everyone on the ship and talking about honor." Sokka smirked.
Iroh chuckled. "I never thought I'd be excited to hear that."
"Me neither." Sokka shook his head. He never thought he'd agree to that. Then again, there were a lot of things he didn't think were going to happen that did. As he took Aang and Toph out of the room, he thought maybe things were looking up for them. Maybe it was starting to go their way. Anything was possible.