Finally got the second chapter up. Get this, I finished typing most of this chapter up, only to have lost the file because I accidently saved it in an unsafe document. So I had to write most of this chapter again. :( On other hand, I happen to think my second attempt came out much better than the first.
Original characters belong to Bryke.
Morning has started. The sun shines its rays over the metropolis known as Republic City. Serving as the capital of the United Republic of Nations, founded by Avatar Aang and Firelord Zuko, the city is rapidly growing in population and has a thriving economy. Skyscrapers as tall as the statue of Avatar Aang are slowly forming a skyline of the city, while homes are spreading towards the mountainside. It now stands as one of the biggest cities in the world, rivaling Ba Sing Se. Hard to believe it used to be a small town two decades ago. Like other cities and towns, Republic City, as well as the nation itself, is governed by laws served by the United Republic Council.
On the top floor of a high rise building facing Yue Bay, there was the home for the chairman of that council. His name is Sokka.
"Rise and shine," he would groan sarcastically to himself. It is morning, the start of another weekday. Time to start his regular routine of waking up and preparing for work. He slowly got up, went to brush his teeth, took a quick shower, put on some formal clothing, and made breakfast.
As he sits alone, eating from the bowl of rice noodles in front of him, he would contemplate life. It is actually common for him to do so on a typical weekday mornings. Might as well be one of his morning routines.
Having broken up from a relationship a few months ago, he's been quite lonely lately. Council meetings have been tiring, but he would usually arrive home just to be busy himself with more papers or physical workouts. He hasn't had much time to talk with his friends or families lately, but he does have the occasional job of dropping off or picking up Lin and Tenzin from daycare, Kya from school, and Bumi from sword practice. Seeing the smiles and joyful personalities on these kids faces is what helps make his life less boring. He can't resist the cute, pouting faces on Tenzin and Lin that gives him no choice but to buy them toys. Seriously, those pouting faces are definitely a trick. Kya is now becoming 'a big girl,' as she would call herself. But that adorable face would not be maturing away from him anytime soon.
Bumi, a maturing teenager, is the one Sokka has a deep connection with. Bending wasn't his trait, and that serves as his insecurity. His father is the Avatar, his mother is a master waterbender, his sister is a waterbender, and everyone recently discovered that his brother is an airbender. What about him? That is when Sokka's instincts come in. Both uncle and nephew would spend time together. Sokka would teach his nephew about how to use a sword, the techniques that would defend and attack, and most of all, he would explain to Bumi about how bending could never serve as an advantage for one person. It is how one uses his skills that is important.
Thinking about his young ones always warms his heart. However, now and then, he would think about that dreadful day.
Sokka looked off gloomily towards the island of Kyoshi, getting smaller and smaller as his airship gets further away.
Once the island can't be seen, the warrior sat there, tears slowly forming. "I can't believe it," he quietly murmured to himself. Memories of her flood in his head. All the good memories. Where have they gone? Why does it have to end like this? He did what he hadn't done in years, cried. It was like he could have died from this pain.
He knew where his next destination is now. The Firelord's palace. He wasn't in the mood to tell his sister and his best friend. Katara and Aang could hear about this later. Now is not the time
Zuko was his best friend too, and over the years they have gotten really close. They would help each other through tough times, whether it's job-related stress or emotional struggles. They've always been there for each other like brothers, and that's exactly what Sokka needs now. A brother.
As time passes, he realized he has approached the Fire Nation. Guess the hours fly by quickly when you have sadness and oncoming depression to distract you
Again, Sokka tries his best to pay no attention to that disastrous event. It's unforgettable, but he tries his best to push it towards the back of his mind. Although he admits, he'll be lying if he said he wish she wasn't by his side right now. Heck, even Ty Lee tried to convince him to get back with Suki a few months after their separation, but that's all pointless now.
What's done is done, he would tell himself.
After breakfast and contemplation was over, the former Water Tribe warrior put on his coat and headed out his apartment. He could really use a distraction from his thoughts. Besides, he's actually looking forward to today's council meeting. Zuko will be there.
Resolving issues in the council can be quite tedious. It seems that every city or town needs to consult together in order to establish agreements, which then allowed the sharing of goods. There seems to be needs for supplies everywhere.
"The Fire Nation is willing to export some armory and steam powered vehicles to Republic City," the Firelord addresses to the council. "There are some towns within the nation that we're still trying to negotiate peace and business with, but I'm positive there are no tense troubles."
"Agreed," adds Chin, the Fire Nation councilman. "The number of occurrences pertaining to Fire Nation rebels are dwindling. It seems Ozai's mark on the nation and the people is vanishing. All that's left to do is settle some agreements between the Fire Nation and the United Nations."
Sokka was pleased to hear the Fire Nation is slowly making its way towards unity, thanks to Zuko's rule. "That reminds me, the Southern Water Tribe is also low in vehicles too. They can definitely use an adequate supply to support the growing population."
"So does the Northern Tribe," adds Tao, representative of the Northern Water Tribe. "The newly built trains have been dealing with overcrowding issues."
"The Fire Nation will surely be on it," replies Zuko. "By the way, Heng, has the Earth Kingdom send any shipments lately?"
The Earth Kingdom representative responded, "Oh yes, they are on that. I apologize for the delays. Our companies were so focused on catering to the Air Nation's wishes that they didn't have the proper amount of goods to ship to the Fire Nation just yet."
"Yes, I see..." The Firelord understood this predicament. The Air Nation, with its nomadic lifestyle, could really use some help with particular modes of transportations for acolytes and tourists alike. However, the Fire Nation is also in need of certain manufactures made exclusively in the Earth Kingdom. It's too bad Huan, the Air Nation acolyte and representative, was not here today to discuss such matters.
Noticing the disappointed look on his face, Sokka had an idea. He assured his friend, "Don't worry Zuko. I had a talk with Aang last week. He and Huan discussed the conditions of the temples and Huan will be heading to Ba Sing Se to establish some negotiations with the city's representatives. Aang already discussed the issue with the Earth King. Let both those nations handle each other only."
Zuko was confused, "But what about the Fire Nation, Sokka?"
Chin also added, "Yes Councilman Sokka. Our nation is in need of these supplies now that some of our machinery are running scarce after the Hundred Year War."
"That's where my idea comes in," the chairman assured. "The United Nations is having no shortage of any manufactures or goods. With our booming economy and growing productions, certainly our nation can help provide for the Fire Nation."
The Firelord questioned, "You sure about this Sokka?" The rest of the councilman surely awaited his reasoning.
"Of course Zuko, Republic City and the nation as a whole have been mostly receiving imports from other nations that help build this thriving economy. Now, it wouldn't hurt for the nation to start exporting."
"I agree," Tao added. "The United Nations can certainly help provide for the Fire Nation. There's never been any complications with productions around here."
"That's right Tao," Sokka spoke positively. "And besides, with more exports means more agreements. In a matter of time, Republic City will be a global superpower."
The councilmen exchanged surprised glances. Surely the chairman was headed somewhere in this direction. They all gave him a smile and nodded.
"So it's settled then, the United Nations will start sending shipments to the Fire Nation. All in favor?" He asked the rest of the council.
They all rose their hands.
Sokka smiled, and so did the Firelord.
"Good," Sokka said contentedly. "We'll discuss more details about the shipment, but as of now, evening is approaching. We're done for today. Have a goodnight gentlemen."
As everyone got up and said their typical 'see you tomorrow' farewells, Sokka retreated to his office to organize some papers before he leaves.
"You did it again didn't you?"
He turned around to see Zuko in the doorway, not noticing he followed.
"Yet again, Sokka, chairman of the council and Southern Water tribe representative, comes up with a brilliant idea yet again."
Sokka smiled at his compliment. He's glad that he's succeeding as chairman. It is certainly not an easy job, but it's promising to know he's good at what he's doing.
"Thanks Firelord," he responded happily. "Just another day in the life of Councilman Sokka."
Zuko laughed softly. "Yes indeed. And I know exactly what Sokka needs on a typical day. I'm thinking Hong's Restaurant?"
Pausing for a second and looking at Zuko in an excited manner, Sokka could hear his stomach starting to growl. "You don't have to ask me twice."
The Firelord and the former Water Tribe warrior were completely full. Nothing is more satisfying than Hong's, one of the most upscale restaurants in Republic City. Tonight's special was hot pot served with fried dumplings and egg noodle soup. Both men surely made us of that special. They were also glad they sat in a private area, so no signing autographs or obsessive fan girls trying to ruin their delicious meals like last time.
"So..." Zuko started the next conversation."Haven't seen you in four months. Tell me about yourself now? Anything you need to open up too?" Zuko could clearly use a brother-to-brother conversation with his best friend. They always had each other's back and still maintain contact from afar. Thank goodness for messengers hawks and mailman, and rapid development in transportation in aiding that process.
Sokka had no hesitation to talk to Zuko at all. He was glad his best friend was here, for he had things to say in order to get it off his chest. "Well, here's the biggest news. I broke up with Hu Li over two months ago."
"No way! Really?!"
"Yes..."
"Honestly Sokka, I'm glad."
Hu Li was a married woman with two children, one a fifteen-year-old teen boy and the other a nine-year-old girl. Sokka met her two years ago after dropping Bumi off at sword practice. He then found out that she was the wife of Bumi's mentor. As a matter of fact, her son is close friends with Bumi.
Sokka and Hu Li started having casual conversations with each other. Later, they would find a place to eat while waiting for their young ones to finish practice. Eventually, they're conversations got deeper. He would express his feelings of loneliness to her, and she would vent about how unsatisfied she feels in her marriage. That is when a relationship formed. What started off as an emotional relationship turned sexual also, until Sokka finally ended it.
"I just couldn't be with her anymore. Yes, we had happy times and the sex was good, but I would see her with her kids. I remember attending one of Bumi's competitions, when her son Ronin won first place that day. His family was so proud of him. Hu Li was smiling, tears in her eyes, arms around her proud husband with their daughter sitting on his shoulders. They were a happy family. Yet, the husband has no idea of his wife's infidelity, and the kids do not know their mother was having an affair."
Sokka stayed quiet for a second, until speaking in his shameful tone again, "And what would Bumi think of me? It's like I had different purposes for dropping Bumi off and picking him up. It's like I was taking advantage of him too."
Zuko noticed how Sokka regretted that relationship through his tone. It was definitely not something to be happy with at all, playing with another family and taking advantage of loved ones. Luckily, Zuko felt relieved that Sokka finally took full notice on the error of his ways.
"Well Sokka. I'm glad you finally realized how damaging it may be, whether betrayal is noticed or not. And I'm glad you ended it, because things could have got ugly."
"Thanks Zuko." Sokka was glad to have told Zuko about this relationship. He was the only person that knew. Obviously, Zuko was against it the first time Sokka mentioned of it. He couldn't blame him, but Sokka just couldn't help but continue his relationship at the time. Zuko, running out of ways to convince him out of it, had no more options except for hope that Sokka will realize the consequences of his actions. Anyway, Zuko knew of Sokka's intentions at the time.
"I know exactly why you chose to pursue that relationship."
Sokka was not surprised that Zuko knew. It was probably obvious.
The Firelord spoke again, "It's cause she reminds you of Suki doesn't she? Light purples eyes, auburn hair, vanilla skin, and a charming personality."
Yep, it was obvious. "You're right Zuko... You're right."
"Well like I said, I'm so glad you finally took the mature choice and ended that relationship. You prevented the possibility of ruining a family."
"I'm glad I ended that relationship too," Sokka continued. "I mean, I was lonely, and I always let that get the best of me. In my late twenties, I wanted to be loved again. I would focus on meeting new girls, dating and all that. Never felt content. Then, once I turned thirty, I realized I needed sex. I still dated and slept around, yet no satisfaction, except for the physical enjoyment of sexual intercourse and oral sex. Oh yeah and that threesome I had! Wow I'm the man aren't I? I should totally respect myself." Sokka clearly didn't respect himself. Surely, falling into the temptation of women turned into a habit for quite awhile. Being an attractive man at his age, opportunities for temptation sure lingered around him.
"If it makes you feel better Sokka," Zuko added. "Counting up all the woman you've slept with, should be less than twenty right? Not that much compared to some douche bags around here. You're not a total man whore."
Sokka looked at the Firelord with an annoyed look. His best friend sure did not have quite the most comforting comments.
"Anyways," Sokka continued again. "What I'm saying is, I can get pretty lonely sometimes. I can really use someone to love. Why is it so hard finding the right woman? You would expect me to be happily married and have a child by now right?"
Zuko was surprised with that question. Oh Sokka, you have no idea what Aang has told me.
Noticing the Firelord giving no answer, Sokka answered for himself, "Just what I thought, the answer is no." He took a deep breath and looked at the empty plate in front of him.
Now it was Zuko's turn to speak. "Look, I know your life may seem like a cabbage cart spiraling out of control..."
Oh great, another genuine analogy. Zuko definitely does not possess the same unique trait as his uncle, but Sokka listened anyway, anxious to see what his best friend has to say.
"But you have to take your mind off of things that do not matter much, and focus on things that actually do matter. When was the last time you talked with your sister?"
Sokka thought to himself, Wow, I haven't talked with Katara in awhile.
"And Sokka, what about your nephews and nieces, and Lin too? When was the last time you actually had a meaningful conversation with any of them?"
Sokka again thought about it. Oh man, maybe I have been neglecting them whenever they try to talk to me. But I was busy though.
Zuko knew of Sokka's distraction lately, Aang has been aware of it and told him everything.
"Sokka... I know you want someone to be with you, but instead of drowning yourself in your works, why don't you talk with your friends and family more? Yes, it's good keeping up a positive image within the council and the city, and even the world, but don't let that dictate your life."
"So being responsible with my duties is bad? Is that what you're saying?" Sokka asked lowly.
"No no! Not at all!" Zuko made sure he wouldn't offend Sokka in this conversation. He tried to keep his tone kind and respectful. "I'm just saying, know that the people who love you want to be sure you're okay. They also want to be around you more Sokka. It's good that you're successful in your duties, but don't let your drive for success get to you."
Sokka all of a sudden froze at that comment. His mind flashed to a particular memory.
"You let your desire for success take over you! You want everyone to know you're a great leader and you're captivated by the idea that people would look up to you and spread good words of you."
"All you care about is becoming a successful leader, and you're so preoccupied with your 'duty' that you don't care about your wife."
"It's hard being in a marriage where your spouse isn't willing to commit as much as you are."
Zuko noticed Sokka's sudden trance, worried he had said something wrong.
"...Sokka? You okay?"
Snapping back into reality, given a headache and feeling offended by Zuko's advice, Sokka just couldn't be here now. "I have to go home and rest. Night Zuko." And with that, he stood up and walked away rather quickly.
"But wai-" Zuko didn't get to shout back at him in time. He was just as fast as a mongoose lizard.
Darn it. Did not expect this to happen. And I still didn't get the chance to trick him into meeting Suki. Maybe Aang can help.
So basically, what I'm attempting to do is have the wait for each chapter ranging from one to two weeks (maybe three if things get hectic with school). This is because weekends are the only times when I can write fanfiction. I try to write during school too but classes get busy, and I only have time to outline chapters. Also, any tests during the week may cause delays. As of now, I have a statistics and organic chemistry test coming my way and unfortunately, I have to put that above fanfiction first. What I'm trying to say is, during weeks where I barely have any tests, chapters are posted quickly. Weeks with lots of studying to do, updates may take quite awhile. But I do take my story seriously.
Reviews are awesome. Again, any suggestions are welcome, but please go easy on me haha.