Wow, depsite all the studying I have to do, I still managed to find time to finish chapter 3. =D
Like I said , I'm trying to keep the wait between each chapter to be a week. However, if school gets busy with tests or acitvities, sometimes it may take 2 weeks for a chapter to be posted (maybe even 3 weeks but hopefully that won't happen). I'll also post this notice on my profile, and I might post some updates telling if I have the chapter outlined/ready and possible release dates. Keep an eye out on my profile!
Now, on to the story.
Original characters belong to Bryke. Other characters belong to me.
Evening is approaching. The sun sets over the island of Kyoshi. The sky is tainted with a light orange color, while the clouds have a shade of pink. The wind starts to blow, but the temperature remains moderate. This is the time where villagers finish their work and head home.
On a small hill, Lei sits on the soft grass and watches the sunset. Many thoughts flood his mind. Today is the day he visits Republic City for the first time. The day he visits other parts of his family he is not so familiar with. The day he visits his father, who doesn't even know he exists.
Suki had told him about her and Sokka's final interaction, though she never seemed to go in depth about it. All he knows is that his mother and Sokka were determined to stay away from each other, especially Sokka who yelled at her to stay away. Ty Lee had even told her that Sokka was not willing to see her again, no matter how much she tried to convince him. That is why Suki never told Sokka about Lei.
When he was a small child, Lei would ask about why he didn't have a father. His mother would tell him that sometimes, some children don't have fathers. As he would grow older and wiser, he would demand the truth from his mother. It was then when Suki finally told him the truth. At that time, Suki actually wanted Sokka to meet Lei. Yet, much to her surprise, Lei didn't want to. Growing up fatherless, he learned to accept that he did not need a father to guide him in life. His mother is already doing a perfectly good job at that task.
However, there are days when Lei notices his mother feeling sad. Lei would even have a hard time putting a smile on her face on those days. Now, with his mother claiming they are going to visit Republic City, he will not say no. He's doing this for his mother, and his mother only. Who knows, maybe she really needs to have a meeting with this man that Lei is suppose to call "dad."
"Shouldn't you be getting ready?"
Lei turned his direction to the delightful voice of his best friend, Jia. She has the looks of her mother, Ty Lee. On the other hand, her nose and hair color comes from her father, Haru. She is gorgeous, and Lei would always notice that.
"The ship leaves in less than an hour Lei, and you're just going to sit there? Get ready!"
"Oh chill Jia! I'm all packed, the stuffs in the house. I just need time to sit and relax... and think."
Jia knew exactly what's bothering him. She sat down next to the seventeen-year- old teen and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you may not be so excited for this trip, but things are probably not going to be so bad. As of matter fact, it could probably be better than what you expect."
Lei raised an eyebrow towards her, not so sure if she is going to be right with that statement. "You really sure about that? I mean, what do I even say when I meet him? Honestly, do I even want him in my life?"
"Lei, come on. Don't judge so much based on what you read from newspapers."
"Well it's good he's successful, cause that's probably what he cares about. Oh and he's probably a womanizer too right? Why else would ladies be flocking towards him? Probably sleeps with them or something too. Just the type of dad I need in my life," Lei addressed bitterly and sarcastically. The only way he knows about his father is through newspaper articles, and he and Jia would eavesdrop over conversations his mother and her parents would have about him.
Jia cannot relate to Lei's pain, but she sure did understood it. Her and Lei have been friends since childhood. They would vent about anything towards each other. Many villagers on Kyoshi Island know Lei as a helpful, courageous, kind, and ambitious young man. To Jia, he was much more to her than that. He is the type of guy who always knows how to put a smile on her face. The type of guy who cheers her up when she's feeling down. The type of guy she sometimes wants to punch in the gut. Overall, he's the type of guy who Jia wants in her life forever. And in times like this, she wants to be there for him.
"Lei, I know this is hard, but you must give him a chance. We all heard stories of the "Great Sokka." I don't think he'll be the type who will brush you off once you both meet for the first time."
Lei's face softened as he listened to Jia's comforting words. He looked into her eyes, he always found warmth in those light gray eyes.
Jia continued, "You must be patient with him. Be kind to him. Get to know him a little and try to understand him. Even forgive him if you find the need to."
"Oh yes," Lei adds sarcastically. "I should definitely do the last thing you just said."
Jia rolled her eyes and let out a small chuckle. "Just remember what I said? Okay Lei?"
Lei let out a small sigh. "Jia, I really don't know. I'm going to try to do what you say, but I wonder if I'll let my negative side get the best of me. Seeing my estranged father might cause that."
Jia frowned. She knows how Lei feels neglected because Sokka never even came back to his mother after the big fight. He neglected his mother, and thus, neglected the son who was born almost a year after he left.
"But Lei, he never even knew you were born."
"So what?" Lei responded back with an attitude. "He just left my mom crying, and never came back. He might as well abandoned me. Clearly he doesn't care about what goes on in my mother's life, and he missed out on my birth. So why should I even accept him in my life if he never even cared for my mom?" He looked away from Jia and closed his eyes. "He is not the type of man I want as my dad."
Lei can be quite the hothead when he's angry. That's the side of Lei most teenagers in the village try not to initiate. Jia on the other hand, sees it as another form of sadness. This time, she layed her head on Lei's shoulder.
Lei gave out another sigh and spoke softly, "Jia, I'm sorry."
"It's okay Lei. I know you're having a tough situation to deal with."
Lei just stayed quiet. She is right after all. That is why he is not looking forward to this trip at all.
"But like I said," Jia continued. "Things could end up being way better than you might think. Give it a chance. If anything, I'm always here for you."
Lei looked back to Jia and smiled, 'Thanks Lei. You always make me feel better."
"Just like how you always make me feel better. And remember, you're doing this for your mom right?"
Lei stayed quiet, and remember his purpose for this trip. "Right, I'm doing this for my mother."
Jia smiled. "Now this is the true Lei that Sokka needs to know. Come on, you should get ready."
Both the teenagers got up. Lei headed for his house while Jia went to her parents, promising him they'll be at the dock right before he leaves. Lei still does not look forward to his trip, but he finds solace in knowing that whatever may happen, Jia is there for him.
"Clothes, check. Toothbrushes, check. Fragrances, check. Purse, check. Money... oh goodness, how could I forget the money?" Suki grunts as she rushes back into her room to retrieve an adequate amount of cash for the trip. She didn't know exactly how long this trip will be, but she hopes what she packed was enough. If anything, Aang and Katara would surely help her out.
"Suki! You ready for me to bring all this luggage to the airship?"
"Just a second Koji!" She replies as she counts up her money. Koji is her ex-boyfriend who's currently helping her pack. They were in a relationship for four years. He was from the Fire Nation colonies in the Earth Kingdom. Some years after the war, he came to Kyoshi Island with his brother to settle down and open a restaurant. Their restaurant had a great reputation for having the best salmon, tasty noodles, and well-steamed rice.
Suki met Koji while eating at his restaurant with Lei when he was about ten years old. The three of them would have a nice chat now and then whenever Suki visits the restaurant. Later, Koji would ask Suki to have dinner with him in the restaurant after closing hours, to which Suki happily said yes to. He provided her with a delicious meal; cooked salmon with pork chops over steamed rice. As they ate dinner, they would talk about their lives, including the good things and the bad things that happened. They found comfort and enjoyment with each other, and a relationship soon formed. The couple got really close, and Lei even got along with Koji really well too. He would soon live in the house with Suki and help take care of Lei. Suki and Koji seemed like they were in love, at least that's how the whole village would looked at them. They looked like a happy family.
It wasn't until four years later when things were going downhill. Koji had to make multiple visits with his brother to other locations for business. Since his restaurant became a success, he was starting a chain. While Koji was away on his trips, Suki would feel neglected, similar to how she felt about Sokka whenever he was away. As both the couples were apart, they began to lose feelings for each other. Finally, they broke apart. Suki continued raising Lei on her own again, and Koji soon found someone else. Nonetheless, Suki and Koji still managed to maintain a friendship, and she is thankful for that.
"Okay Koji, I'm coming!" Suki puts the cash in her purse and heads out her room, going over everything she packed in her head.
Koji could see Suki stressing to see if she had everything she needed. "Suki, you need to relax. You have everything you need."
"Sorry Koji, I just want to make sure just incase..." She pauses briefly before continuing. "You know, I'm afraid things might not go so well with certain people, and I don't want Lei and I to end up stranded with little money."
Sensing that Suki is thinking about bad scenarios, Koji did his best to affirm her that everything will be alright. "Come on Suki, you're just overreacting. You had a talk with Aang and Katara right? They seem like the type who won't leave you alone, even when things go sour between you and Sokka."
Suki felt a little bit comforted. However, knowing that she'll meet Sokka again gave her a little tickle in her stomach. Not exactly the good tickle either.
"I'm nervous Koji, especially for Lei."
Koji placed both her hands on Suki's shoulders and affirmed to her once again, "Don't worry. We both know Lei is a strong fellow. Hope for the best. And when things don't go as planned, both of you will get through this. Both of you are some of the strongest people I know."
Suki smiled and gave him a hug. They may not be in a relationship anymore, but he was still a good friend to her. As of now, she wouldn't want it any other way.
"Come on Suki, let's get everything ready for the ship."
Koji went to go fetch Lei's luggage from his room, while Suki proceeded to take some of her luggage outside. She then noticed her son who just arrived home.
"Lei! Where were you?"
"Sorry mom, just had to take a little rest and talked with Jia a little."
"Well come on! The ship is going to leave soon! Go on and get you stuff!"
"Yes mom," Lei groaned. He went inside and headed towards his room. He stopped in his tracks to find Koji gathering his stuff.
Lei's face did not brighten. Here is the man, who Lei looked up to as a father figure once in his life, trying to participate in that role again.
"Uh Koji..."
Koji turned to see Lei entering the room. "Oh Lei! I was just helping you bring your belongings to the ship."
"I don't need your help Koji. I'm perfectly capable of handling my own luggage," he says as he snatches his bags back from Koji and grabs his sheathed katana from his closet. He headed out the room, his backpack on his back with his katana sticking out, while holding another bag with his hands. He didn't bother saying another word to Koji.
Koji was hurt once again. Ever since his relationship with Suki ended, Lei would ignore him. He never even came to the restaurant even once. Whenever he would try to talk with the boy, he would only receive a sour response. It pains him, because he used to look at the boy like a son he never he had.
Lei walked out of his house and saw his mother again. "I'm headed out first mom. I'll meet you at the dock," he says as he continues walking.
Noticing the quick change in her son's demeanor, she concernedly ask, "Everything okay sweetheart?"
"Yeah mom," he replied, somewhat annoyed. "I'll just handle my stuff and head out to the ship first. Jia is waiting for me there."
"Okay Lei, meet you at the dock." She watches Lei as he walks alone to the dock on the other side of the village.
Minutes later, Koji walked out of the house with Suki's last bag, a sad expression on his face. Suki noticed the look on Koji's face and puzzled together in her mind that Lei must have said something to him. She walked up to Koji and gave him another hug. "Don't worry Koji. Give Lei some time."
"It's been three years Suki," Koji replied faintly. "When will he stop hating me?"
"I'm positive he doesn't hate you Koji. You know teenagers, give them more time. Hopefully this trip to Republic City could benefit him." Suki smiled as she attempted to assure Koji. "Like you said, we'll hope for the best."
Koji smiled back softly, "Yeah, I guess you're right." He continued to carry another one of Suki's heaviest bags, leaving Suki to carry the light ones. "We should starting head towards the dock."
It took fifteen minutes to walk over to the dock. Suki and Koji could see Ty Lee and Haru waiting, along with a big ship behind them. It was the type of ship with a good amount of rooms to accommodate passengers on their long trips. Haru rushed over to their aid, helping them with the bags. "Here Suki, let me take this off your hands."
Koji added, "How about Haru and I take these luggages into the ship?"
"Sure," Suki replied. Both men headed towards the ship, Koji saying hello to Ty Lee briefly on the way. As both men were inside the ship, Ty Lee approached Suki and they both engaged in a small conversation.
"So, you ready Suki?"
"Not at all. Thinking about it makes me light headed sometimes. But like I said, I must do this."
Ty Lee smiled. Suki's reason for visiting Sokka is because she heard about Hu Li, the married woman who looked like her. Sokka trusted Zuko not to tell anyone, but Zuko had a talk about this with Mai since he was concerning over Sokka's choices. Mai and Ty Lee still keep close contact, and that is how Ty Lee found out. Mai and Ty Lee both thought Suki should know.
Suki still thinks of Sokka every now and then. Since he was in a relationship with someone that resembled her, there's definitely the possibility that Sokka still thought of her too. Plus, Sokka needs to know: he has a son. This is exactly why Suki decided to visit him. She never told Lei about Hu Li though. She could imagine the hatred for Sokka that would burst from him.
"Good job Suki. I know it may seem difficult, but me and you used to know Sokka. He'll come around."
"I sure hope so Ty Lee."
Ty Lee gave her a hug, comforting her. They were like sisters to each other.
Aside from discussing about Sokka, Suki went over what she plans to do in Republic City, especially what places to visit and what sights to see. Her first destination is Air Temple Island. Aang and Katara had a room ready for her and Lei. This would be the first time Suki see's the Avatar and his wife ever since her separation with her ex-husband. They would only keep small contact through letters for a short time, until the connection died off. It wasn't until recently when Ty Lee helped Suki contacted Katara. Her and Aang were surprised to hear from her again, and even more so when they learned about Lei. Suki had to explain to them the whole situation; her fight with Sokka and why she never told Sokka about Lei. Thank goodness the Avatar and the master waterbender seemed to understood, and they helped her set up a meeting with Sokka once Suki told them about Hu Li.
Both women noticed Haru, Koji, Jia and Lei walked out of the airship. Looks like everything is ready. As Jia and Lei said their goodbyes, the adults said their owns farewells to Suki. Each gave her a hug.
"Remember Suki," Koji reminded her. "Hope for the best. You'll be fine."
"You sure will be," Haru added. "Just know we are here for you," he says as he puts an arm around his wife.
Ty Lee, grabbing her husband's hand, assured her once more, "That is right. We'll never leave you alone Suki. Call us if you need anything."
Suki smiled contently. She was so blessed to have great friends. "Thanks you guys. I'm thankful for each and every one of you." She gave them each another hug.
Meanwhile, Jia had her last talk with Lei for the day. "You're going to listen to my command, right Lei?"
"Yes yes master Jia," Lei replied as he rolled his eyes. "Be kind, be understanding, and forgive if necessary."
Jia chuckled and gave him a small push. "Good job." She gave him a tight hug. "Call me okay?"
"Will do," he assured.
As Suki and Lei finished their farewells, Lei went over to hug Ty Lee goodbye while giving Haru and Koji handshakes. Suki gave a hug to Jia. After everyone officially said their final goodbyes to Suki and Lei, both mother and son walked into the ship.
"Have fun guys! Try and make the best of it!" Ty Lee shouted once more.
Suki looked back and smiled, giving her another wave. Lei continued walking, but stretched his arm up and gave a thumbs up for Ty Lee.
Once they were inside the ship and settled into their room, Suki talked to Lei about his feelings. "Lei, you're still okay with taking this trip right?"
Lei was quiet for a few seconds, but then spoke up. "Of course mom. It's a trip we must take." It was a half lie. He wasn't looking forward to this trip at all, but he knows his mother must meet Sokka again. Though he doesn't know why his mother decided to take this trip all of a sudden, he decided not to question it and let her handle the situation.
After the smalls groups of passengers were settled in, the ship began to leave the dock. It was going to be quite a long trip. They'll be arriving in Republic City in the morning.
Hopefully things work out for the best.
Sokka laid on his bed. It had just turned dark outside. He was not hungry, nor was he sleepy. The thought of what Zuko said to him at Hong's still lingered in his head.
Don't let your drive for success get to you.
Don't let your drive for success get to you.
Don't let your drive for success get to you.
That phrase is the type that haunts him. It makes him think about the horrible event eighteen years ago. He got up from his bed and decided to head to the nearest gym. A nice work out could probably take his mind off of things.
After changing his clothes and right before he left the apartment, his phone rang. Grunting, he went and picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Hey Sokka."
"Aang? What's up?" He was pretty happy to hear the voice of another best friend.
"Just wanted to invite you over to dinner tomorrow night. The acolytes will be serving a special for us. Plus, you haven't been on the island in awhile. Come on."
He could tell Aang was convincing him to come, and it seems he wouldn't take no for an answer. He was right after all, he hasn't been on the island in awhile. Tomorrow will be the start of a weekend, and he has no plans, so why not?
"Alright Aang," Sokka replied. "I'll come over tomorrow."
"Fantastic! Hey Katara! Tell the acolytes to start stacking all types of meat."
Sokka chuckled. Aang knew him well when it comes to food."See you tomorrow Aang."
"Looking forward to it buddy," he tells Sokka right before he hangs up.
Sokka is looking forward to it too. He needs to visit his arrow-headed best friend and loving sister more often.
But what Sokka didn't know is that Aang has something planned.