TheOrderOfTheWhiteLotus

7/18/12-8/1/12

I always finish what I start… Just another Sokkla Fanfic, takes place after 100 year war and Promise Part 2. (After Promise and before the Search).

I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Chapter: 2 "A Reunion With Old Friends"

Sokka braced himself as Appa flew closer and closer towards the Fire Nation Capital City which was slowly coming into view as they approached. Aang was seated at the front on Appa's massive head holding the reins, guiding the giant sky bison toward their destination; the Royal Palace. Sokka and Katara were seated in the saddle as they slowly descended through the clouds. They all had donned on their warm weather clothing. Katara was wearing her typical short sleeved blue robed tunic and Aang was wearing an orange Airbender sash shawl with his favorite pair of Fire Nation pants and boots. Sokka also sported his new short sleeved robed tunic with Sarashi arm wraps that he had worn on his last visit to Yu Dao along with his Water Tribe Warrior pants and armored boots.

They had been traveling for almost a whole week during which they had only made three stops. They flew straight from the Southern Water Tribe to the Southern Air Temple, Aang's home, only stopping to make camp on the southernmost island of the Southern Air Nomad's land on their first day. After their second day of traveling they had reached the Southern Air Temple resting for a whole day. From there they made their way towards the Fire Nation stopping once at a small village. And eventually making their way towards the Capital. Needless to say everyone was exhausted, especially Appa.

At first Sokka's good mood that had only gotten better as they traveled closer and closer towards Zuko's home. His father was willing enough to let him go on this mission and Aang and Katara were both there to support him; though not so much the reason why he was going. He was on an adventure again just like old times and he was feeling excited and happy to be preoccupied with something to do. But now as they were almost there he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous about his upcoming confrontation with the new royal family.

The volcano that housed the Capital City was right in front of them and they soon began their decent. Momo chattered nonsense as Appa flew lower and lower towards the city below them. Soon they could see the tops of buildings and distinguish moving figures that were no doubt humans. By the time they landed in the center plaza in front of the Royal Palace, a small crowd had amassed. The crowd gathered due to Appa's presence; meaning that the Avatar was somewhere nearby. They cheered as the three slid off Appa's back walking towards the palace only to be met by a royal servant. He ran up to the trio and bowed. "The Firelord is expecting you Avatar". Aang nodded knowing this. "He's waiting for you in the throne room. I'm here to lead you there." Aang nodded again in understanding and they followed the man through the open gates.

Sokka noticed the royal guards guarding the front gate; he saw that they were armed to the teeth quite literally. They each wore their own distinct red armor of the guard, while clutching onto spears, each with a sword on their hip. Their swords reminded Sokka of his meteorite jian sword. "I miss you space sword!" he thought. He had found a decent replacement for his trusty boomerang after the war, but still hadn't found a replacement for his sword yet, not that he wanted one. He missed the sword so much that he often considered going to search for it in the Wulong Forest himself.

Soon the servant led them through the palace's massive front doors. The guards let them pass; Sokka eyed them and couldn't help to wonder if he had encountered any of these men during the war. But he soon waved the thought away as they stopped in front of another set of doors at the end of the hallway. The doors were pushed open by yet another pair of guards and they stepped into the throne room of Firelord Zuko. The room was dark as the flames that usually illuminated the room in front of the Firelord were no longer in use. Zuko sat on his pedestal awaiting his anticipated guests. The servant rushed to the front of the group and bowed to him. "The Avatar and his friends are here your highness."

"Thank you, you can go now." Said Zuko briefly. "Leave us alone." The servant bowed again and exited the room followed by the guards closing the door leaving them alone. Zuko waited for his men to leave before stepping down from the throne to address his friends with a friendlier manner. "Aang, Katara how are you guys? I got your message yesterday; I've been waiting for you."

"It's good to see you too Zuko." Replied the Avatar.

"How are things? How's Suki and the little one?" Asked Katara.

"They are fine. I can't believe that she's already three weeks old. She started crawling a few days ago. I'm telling you fatherhood is something great!" That's when Zuko noticed a familiar figure standing behind Aang and Katara, it was the outline of a particular young Water Tribe warrior, and he didn't understand how he hadn't notice him earlier. Zuko was suddenly hit with a few emotions as he realized who it was, Sokka; Zuko had no clue that he was here as well. The young Firelord was immediately fearful of how his friend would react to his previous statement as he didn't want to hurt Sokka's feelings. He and his wife hadn't seen or heard from Sokka since his early departure upon his separation from Suki half a year ago. In fact Suki had convinced Zuko to let her do the explaining to Sokka. Due to this action, Sokka had suddenly fled from their home not even saying goodbye to Zuko, not allowing Zuko to have any last words with him. Though he didn't blame the Water Tribesman. He did still feel a lot of guilt for what he and Suki did; but did not regret it, as he now had a wife and a daughter.

Noticing the look on Zuko's face as well as his sudden change of mood followed by the awkward silence, Sokka took it as his cue to enter the conversation. Stepping up from behind to stand side by side with his sister and Aang, he put on his best smile and addressed the Firelord. "Hey Zuko, how you been?" Zuko unable to comprehend what had just happened took a second to reply.

"Oh, hey Sokka, long time no see. Everything's great; just had a baby and everything. How about you?" Asked Zuko awkwardly, he was puzzled shouldn't Sokka have been angry with him. He didn't know but he certainly hadn't expected his friend to be so… so friendly? He wondered if Sokka had already gotten over his loss. No, he decided Suki meant too much to Sokka. That only left one possibility Zuko thought; that Sokka was attempting to avoid the subject, at least for this very moment.

"Ah, things been ok, I guess." Answered Sokka awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. The other two sensing the tension and awkwardness in the air tried to move the conversation towards a more favorable path. Aang spoke up.

"Anyways Zuko if we could talk, Sokka has quite a serious proposal to discuss with you about."

"We can talk about it over dinner." Stated Zuko. He was secretly relieved that someone else had spoken up. He didn't have much to say to Sokka at the moment and decided that it was best to delay any conversation between them. "I'll take you to go see Suki and the baby." Piped Zuko cheerfully.

"Oh, I can't wait to see little Ursa!" Squealed Katara gleefully.

"Yea me neither! Last time we saw her she was a new born." Added in Aang. The three turned and started for the door when Zuko noticed that Sokka had remained where he was standing.

"Are you coming?" Asked Zuko with a questioning look.

"No, I'm ah… going to check on Appa and Momo." Stated Sokka, he silently thanked himself for coming up with an excuse so quickly. All in all he under no circumstances wanted to face Suki, not right now, he just wasn't ready.

"Oh it's fine I'll get one of the servants to take care of them." Countered Zuko, he could tell that his friend didn't want to go. But for curtsey's sake he offered anyway.

"No, I forgot something important."

"Are you sure?" Asked a concerned Katara. She knew that he wasn't thrilled to see the royal couple together again but chose not to ask during the duration of their trip. She thought that it might ruin his recently good mood.

"Yea." Said Sokka simply. " You guys go ahead I'll catch up at dinner."

…

Sokka watched until they were out of his sight, turning a corner towards the living quarters of the royal family somewhere near the court yard. He waited in the throne room for another moment before heading back the same way that they took to enter. The guards all let him pass easily and soon he found himself outside the front of the palace. He saw Appa being led away by another servant towards what he assumed was the stables. He ran to catch up before stopping in front of the servant. "I'll take it from here." Sokka said to the servant. He gave Sokka funny look before opening his mouth to speak.

"I'm sorry but I have orders to take this sky bison to the stables."

"Then I'll go with you. Appa knows me." Stated Sokka patting Appa's massive head. Appa growled in response. The servant nodded his head respectfully and they set off towards the stables.

…

"Finally he's gone!" Said Sokka to himself. "I thought he would never leave!" He was standing in the stables watching Appa eat a massive pile of hay as Momo walked around looking for a meal as well. The stable was located a short walk away from the palace tucked away on the edge of the city. And with good reason; the place stunk. He had been in that stinky place surrounded by various animals for long enough he decided. As he made his way out he waved to Appa and Momo. "Appa's in charge." And with that he made his exit.

He started the short walk back to the palace smelling like something that died. His stomach grumbled as he walked through the city reminding him of how hungry he was. Then again he was always hungry. He hoped that Zuko would provide plenty of Fire Nation meat for them to eat during their dinner together. Suddenly he remembered about their dinner but more importantly who was going to be there, Suki. He wasn't feeling ready to face her. "Maybe I could go back and bathe then skip dinner altogether." He said out loud to no one in particular. "Then while they eat I can sneak out to grab a bite and be back before anyone can notice. I can explain everything tomorrow I guess." Sokka decided right then and there as he walked that that was what he was going to do. He told himself that his mission could wait till tomorrow when deep down he knew that it couldn't. Furthermore he knew that he was being a coward for acting the way he was. Still walking at a slow pace with ease he noticed how the low the evening sun was in the sky. Judging that he didn't have much time before night fall, he started to run back to his destination.

…

Upon his return to the Palace a servant was waiting for him along with his pack and showed him to his room, which was situated at the back of the palace along with the other guest rooms. Once he got into his room he immediately bathed, trying to rid himself of the stench of the stable. Sokka shook the remaining water off his body as he stepped out of the bathroom that was attached to his guest room with a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair was still wet and hung down clinging to his forehead covering his eyes. Annoyed he quickly dried it with another towel before getting changed into another set of identical clothes, except that this tunic was older and sleeveless. Pulling on his boots and tying his hair up into his signature wolf's tail, he reminded himself to ask the servants to wash the set of clothes that he had worn previously; which were scattered on the floor of his room. Looking at himself in the mirror for the last time he adjusted his necklace and opened the door to the outside. He stepped out turning left, the fastest way towards the exit. He was about to take his second step when a female voice behind him made him stop "Sokka?" Turning around in one swift motion he came face to face with the one and only, Suki.

"Oh, hey Suki." Said Sokka hesitantly. The sound of her name felt strange on his lips; what was weirder was the fact that she had manage to catch him right before he was about to make his escape. She hadn't changed much he noted to himself; she was a tiny bit chubbier around the face, but that was understandable as she had just recently entered motherhood. What was odd though thought Sokka was that she was wearing Royal Fire Nation robes. He was so used to her wearing green not red; it was definitely a new sight to him. What was an even newer sight to him was the white bundle that she clutched to her chest. Suki noticed the odd looks that he was giving her but chose to ignore it.

"How are you Sokka?" She asked uneasily. Although she hadn't seen him since their separation she knew him well enough to know that he was most likely still brooding over their break up. In fact she was actually concerned for his welfare; after a brief conversation alone with Katara she wanted to see Sokka herself. She wanted to confront him since he skipped their supposed meeting earlier. She felt that it had been too long since they last spoke and hoped that they all could forget about the past and that Sokka could continue a normal relationship with her and her husband as a friend. She wanted some closure so that they could move on with their lives.

"Me? Oh I'm great! Yea everything's great." He replied nervously. He hadn't been prepared to see her again and he was at a loss of words. Looking around searching for a subject to talk about his eyes once again fell upon the little bundle in her arms. "Is that her?" Sokka inquired nodding towards the baby.

"Yes. This is Ursa." Suki explained.

"She's named after Zuko's mother?"

"Yes, how did you know?" Asked Suki with a questioning look.

"Oh, I've heard the story."

"I see…"

"So…" Not knowing anything else to say she did the only thing she could think of.

"So do you want to hold her?" Sokka looked confused for a moment before he registered what she was asking.

"Oh sure, are you ok if I do?"

"Of course Sokka, you're not going to faint like you did when you saw that baby Hope in Ba Sing Se are you?" Asked Suki jokingly.

"Hey that time was different; that was the first time I saw a live birth." Countered Sokka in an attempt to defend himself.

"Yea sure." Said Suki sarcastically trying to provoke the fun side of Sokka. She handed over Ursa with extreme care. Sokka accepted her, placing one hand under her head and another under her back. He cradled her gently looking into her cute tiny face. He took in her features and saw that she resembled Suki greatly, especially with her auburn brown hair and light skin tone. She looked like a mini Suki he observed except for her eyes, which were a bright shade of golden brown; paying tribute to her unmistakable Fire Nation Royal linage. Ursa stared back at him with large curious eyes, silently studying his face.

"She looks like her mother, and has the eyes of her father." He stated dryly. Sokka looked back into her eyes; the eyes of the baby that had caused all of his pain. He asked himself if he resented this innocent child, after a moment of thought he decided no. How could he blame her? It wasn't her fault that things had turned out the way they did; besides he just wasn't that type of person. But he still didn't feel comfortable holding her either as it reminded him of the reason why he didn't want to be here in the first place. It was also awkward for him to be holding "their" child, he thought. He took one last glance at her golden eyes; those eyes, the symbol of the Fire Nation. The Fire Nation that had taken so much from him he thought bitterly. Suddenly he was feeling many of the feelings that he had experienced during the war and the past half year. Feelings of anger, sadness, betrayal and disappointment. He had long ago told himself that he wouldn't hold any grudges against the Fire Nation for what they did during the war. But now as he held onto this child he couldn't help but feel angry. They had taken so much from him, first his mother then Yue and now his Suki! And how could he call them his friends? He couldn't take it anymore, with his mood ruined he looked back up at Suki and extended his arms, handing back her child. Suki was slightly taken aback by Sokka's actions and mood swing, showed a puzzled look. "So what did you want?" Asked Sokka bitterly with a scowl on his face.

"Well Zuko asked me to get you; everyone is waiting for us to begin dinner." Explained Suki, she could tell that Sokka was angry. She still couldn't believe it though because his anger had show up out of nowhere. Having an idea as to why he had had his sudden mood swing, she decided to tackle the subject head on. "Sokka…" She began. "I know that you are angry at what we did; but nothing can be changed. I never meant for Zuko and me to happen, but we did. I'm sorry I hurt you but I love Zuko and my daughter; I just hope that you don't resent us. And that we can remain friends?" She let what she said set in for a moment before continuing. "Sokka, you need to move on. You need to let go of the past and move on with your life..." She waited for his response but was completely caught off guard by what he said next.

"Do you miss it?"

"What?" She asked confused at the sudden change of topic.

"Do you miss Kyoshi Island? Do you miss your home and the Kyoshi Warriors? What do they think about this?" Asked Sokka

"Of course I miss Kyoshi Island but this is my home now. And the Kyoshi Warriors support me in my decision to become the Firelady; I thought that you would know that." Replied Suki defensively.

"Well I didn't know you as well as I thought I did." Replied Sokka with venom in his voice.

"That's not fair Sokka. Besides I don't know why it concerns you. If you really want to know, it's not a problem. Zuko told me that his family used to visit Ember Island every summer season. But instead of Ember Island were going to visit Kyoshi Island instead." There was a moment of silence where she adjusted the position of Ursa against her body before Suki spoke up again. "Look Sokka-"

"Suki" Said Sokka briefly cutting her off. "I don't want to talk about this anymore." He continued on before she could protest while also noticing how dark it had gotten. He could see the sun setting through the window directly to his left in the dark hallway, reminding him of their expectancy. "Besides shouldn't we be somewhere?" Suki still stunned by his actions took a few moments to gather herself. She nodded her head and readjusted Ursa; trying to comfort her baby who was starting to squirm and cry at her discomfort. She then proceeded to lead the Water Tribesman to their destined location in silence.

…

The others were already seated at the large square table when they arrived at the dining room. Zuko looked over from the head of the table towards the entrance that Sokka, Suki and their baby came through, momentarily distracted from his conversation with Aang and Katara. He noticed the look of frustration on Sokka's face and looked to his wife with a questioning look. She answered with a shake of her head, indicating not to question it at the moment. Nodding in understanding he remained quiet, politely waiting for them to take their seats; Suki at his right hand with Sokka sitting next to her farther down towards the end of the table. Aang and Katara sat on the left side of Zuko with Aang closer and Katara farther from the head of the table.

As soon as everyone was seated Zuko summoned the servants and kindly asked for their meals to be brought in. The meals that were brought in were Fire Nation specialties; roasted meats such as roast duck, komodo chicken and komodo rhino. As well as various types of steamed and boiled fish, clams, crabs, squid and sea slug; all with a complementary platter of rice and vegetable dishes; all spiced with the signature Fire Nation chili. It was a dream comes true for Sokka who sat quietly soaking in at his end of the table; as he had grown quite a fondness of Fire Nation food from his days in the war. He quickly reached out and amassed his plate with as many morsels as possible, eating away with an unmatched fierceness. There were 3 reasons for doing this: first the food would provide a good reason for him to stay silent during their dinner as he didn't have anything to say to the royal family at the moment. Secondly, it would preoccupy him with something to concentrate on, hopefully making him forget about his confrontation with Suki and brightening his mood. And lastly, he really wanted to eat… he was starving despite his ruined mood.

The others at the table held a casual conversation as they ate, they all seemed not to notice Sokka's un-talkative mood as he was often like that when he ate. Sokka continued eating away, continuously gathering and adding piece upon piece of meat on his plate as the others were just ending their meals. In between their conversation Suki momentarily excused herself followed by a servant to put Ursa to sleep. Sokka had barely noticed the baby; she had remained in a happy silence throughout dinner and he had completely forgotten that she was even there. When Suki had returned from her brief absence Sokka had finally reached his limit and contently wiped his hands and mouth with a napkin. Zuko noting that everyone was finally done decided that this was an appropriate time to deal with the subject of the real reason of their visit. "So…" Said the young Firelord turning to Aang. "Suki and I were wondering why you guys decided to visit so early? We weren't expecting to see you for another three weeks till our next meeting with King Kuei in the former colonies."

"Yeah, that was our original plan as well. Katara and I were looking forward to a few weeks of rest at the South Pole." Answered the young Avatar, Katara provided a light nod to in support. "But we found out about something that we believe will interest you a lot." Zuko and Suki exchanged surprised and curious looks with the rest of them.

"Is it important?" Aang and Katara replied with nods of their heads with serious looks on their faces. "How important?"

"Urgently important." Replied the Avatar. The young Firelord nodded and turned to dismiss the few remaining palace servants, kindly asking them to leave their presence as he wanted total privacy. When they had left and closed the door into the small royal dining room Zuko turned back to his guest.

"Is it about the Colonies?" Asked a confused and concerned Zuko.

"No." Countered Aang.

"If it's not about the Colonies then what is it about?" Asked Suki.

"No, it's something more… personal." Spoke up Katara hesitantly with unease in her voice.

"If it's something to do with us it'll have to wait." Stated Zuko. "These final agreements between the Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation and these new independent states are much more important at the moment. These deals will finally end the conflict that my forefathers have brought to this world; and as Firelord it is my duty to redeem my nation and our people's past. This is my first priority to my country; not to mention that our internal affairs could be better as well. Our war driven economy has taken a turn for the worst as we demilitarize ourselves. I've already got a full plate I can't be handling some small personal issues that don't have to do with the Fire Nation or my direct family."

"You see it does have to do with your family Zuko." Katara replied.

"How?"

"I think Aang and I have said too much…" Aang agreed at this statement by Katara.

"Too much of what?" Inquired a bewildered Firelord. Suki moved closer towards her husband placing a hand on his right shoulder lending him her support, all while anticipating their response.

"I think we should let Sokka explain." Aang said rather bluntly. For the first time that night all heads turned towards Sokka. He had been rather quiet during their conversation during and after their dinner. He was trying to avoid contact but as they looked to him he realized that he would eventually have to explain everything, it was inevitable. "Sokka go ahead." Said the Avatar reassuringly showing Sokka that he still had his vote. Sokka nodded at this and stood up moving in front of the group. They royal couple focused at him with full attention at what he was about to reveal, while Aang and Katara stared with worry at how they might react.

"What I'm going to tell you has to stay between us. Is that understood?" Said Sokka. The Firelord and his wife exchanged bewildered looks of confusion at each other before turning back to Sokka silently confirming his request. "Five days ago I was visited by two figures of great importance. I was visited by her "lunar goodness" the Moon Spirit and the past Avatar Roku, Your great grandfather." Stated Sokka looking Zuko in the eye at the last part of his speech. There was a period of silence as he let the two ponder over what he just announced. Zuko and Suki's expressions suddenly changed from confusion to a combination of surprise and curiosity. Zuko was surprised at Sokka's claims about the Moon Spirit, even though he had been aware of their past relationship since his time infiltrating the Boiling Rock with Sokka He was also surprised by the fact that Sokka knew about his relations with Roku, as he had never told anybody else about it; save his wife, Mai and uncle Iroh of course and was curious at what the young Water Tribesman had to say. Suki was equally curious as her husband, though not as surprised as she already knew of his previous relationship with the moon, more so than Zuko. Aang and Katara on the other hand hadn't changed their expressions the slightest bit as much as the others, as they had already gone through a similar situation earlier that week, and they both knew that the worst was yet to come. Zuko broke the moment by opening his mouth to speak.

"You expect me to believe this?" He asked incredulously to Sokka. "I mean Aang sure, but you?" He asked motioning with his hands toward the Avatar.

"I know it sounds silly." Confirmed Sokka. "It was the first time I've met two spirits at the same time. But it wasn't the first time I've met a spirit in general. Although it was the first time I had had a conversation with Roku." Stated Sokka questionably. Seeing that Zuko wasn't buying it Aang rose from his seat to speak on Sokka's behalf.

"I know that this seems strange and sudden, but what Sokka speaks is true and I can vouch for their visits to him. I have spoken with Avatar Roku myself and he told me that the spirits have entrusted him with a task."

"What task?" Asked the young Firelord turning to Sokka.

"Well…" Started Sokka placing his right hand behind his neck nervously. He had been thinking of the best way to present the topic during their duration of the trip and if possible delaying it to give himself more time to think it over. But now he knew that there was no time to delay and there was no way he could go back on his promise, especially not to Yue. Deciding to just take it head on he continued on. "They kind of wanted me to help someone… someone who needs my help specifically. And none of us are in an exactly good relationship with this person."

"Well who is it Sokka?" Asked Suki impatiently, she was anticipating his answer.

"Well…" The room stiffened for a moment as they all waited for his response. Sokka shifted his position in front of the group uncomfortably. He turned towards Aang and Katara looking for support. They both gave him a half smile encouraging him to continue on. Normally he would have been annoyed with his sister acting so motherly at this moment, thinking that he needed help from his baby sister, but at that particular time he was glad that they had his back. With a renewed confidence he managed to speak up. "Well… It's none other than the one and only… Princess Azula of the Fire Nation." The room was silent as the shock of what Sokka had just revealed settled in. Aang and Katara observed the royal couple as they processed what had just been supplied quite bluntly by Sokka. Suki had a look of surprise and disgust on her face; they all knew that she wasn't very fond of her sister in law and that she might still have a grudge against her. They watched as Zuko's face of surprise turned into an angry serious scowl at recognition of what Sokka had just announced.

"WHAT! Is this some kind of joke?" Asked Zuko suddenly angry. "Cause it's not funny!"

"Zuko calm down." Said Suki. She had been in a state of shock but her husband's angry retort brought her back to reality. "I'm sure Sokka can explain. Right?" She asked turning towards Sokka.

"Right, look I'm as surprised as you guys are. Avatar Roku and Yue approached me late at night about five days ago. They told that I was selected by the spirits based on my past and that I was to help rehabilitate her back into society." Zuko seemed to consider what he said as Suki's face grew worried. "Look I'm not lying if that's what you think, right Aang?" Asked Sokka turning towards the Avatar for support.

"Yes, Sokka's telling the truth. Katara and I were skeptical at first but after a conversation with Roku in the Avatar state I'm certain that the spirits know what they are doing by choosing Sokka." He explained. "It's what your great grandfather wanted." Aang stated as he looked towards the Firelord. "He said that he's been burdened with the fact that he caused the entire world and his family's suffering by letting the war happen. He and the other spirits want Sokka to save Azula because her outcome wasn't entirely her fault. It had much to do with instabilities that your father and mother placed into her mind when you two were younger. And you know this." Said Aang directing the last part to the Firelord. Zuko sat quietly for a moment as he considered what had just been presented to him, just as Iroh and his father taught to him during his prison visits before he spoke.

"I have one question Aang, why didn't my great grandfather visit me instead of Sokka?" Asked Zuko.

"I don't have an answer to that Zuko." Stated the Avatar. "The spirits work in mysterious ways that aren't up to me. Remember I'm just the bridge between our worlds, not an actual member of the spiritual community." Said Aang half jokingly. Zuko nodded in acknowledgement at this. There was a moment of silence as Zuko reevaluated what had just transpired. A worried Suki broke the silence.

"Sokka" she started catching the attention of everyone. "Are you sincerely trying to help? Or is there something else?" She waited for him to respond but noticed that he didn't because he had frozen in place with a look of alarm on his face. In fact Sokka knew exactly what Suki was talking about, it was just what he had been trying to avoid the whole time. He just couldn't believe that she had chosen to bring it up here in front of all these observers. Suki seeing that he wasn't responding continued on. "Sokka, is this about us?" She asked. Sokka was fully aware as everyone else was in that room that by "us" she meant her and Zuko. This just confirmed his fears of encountering this subject.

"What? No no. This has absolutely nothing to do with that, its all over, ancient history." Replied Sokka momentarily, attempting to brush it off as if it were a silly remark. He was embarrassed to be having this conversation in front of all his friends and was trying to put on a mask of bewilderment and ease. He could tell from the new look of embarrassment and surprise on Zuko's face that he too was surprised by his wife's unannounced questioning and was uncomfortable with this discussion. Aang and Katara both had looks of sincere worry on their faces.

"Are you sure? This is the perfect time to talk about it." Asked a concerned Suki.

"Yes I'm fine!" Stated Sokka simply. He was starting to lose the feeling of embarrassment and feeling rather irritated because he had already told her earlier that he didn't want to talk about it. And now she was bring it up again right in front of everyone else! "Can we not talk about it?"

"Yeah, Suki lets not talk about it" Said Zuko. "Sokka's not comfortable discussing our past." He was secretly relieved that Sokka had denied Suki access to that conversation. He was also trying to avoid the subject of their past relationship and just wished for everyone to move on. But deep down he knew as his wife did that confronting Sokka about their marriage was the best thing to do in order to heal their friendship. He just didn't want to have to confront him right now. Suki ignored her husband and continued on, she was worried about Sokka. She knew that she had really hurt him when she abandoned him for Zuko. She also knew that he most likely was still brooding over it and that he still hadn't and probably never would forget about it, nor forgive her and Zuko for their betrayal to him and marriage.

"Look Sokka I know that we really hurt you when we got married. But I'm worried for you, that you might still-"

"Stop it." Said Sokka interrupting Suki. His irritation had turned into a slight anger. His mask of ease turned into a scowl partnered with a frown. He wasn't as mad as he could have been; as he was trying to contain his anger. Remembering that these were his friends and that he was in no position to argue at the moment as it might jeopardize his mission. Although he certainly had the right to be if he so chose so. Pausing for a moment to calm himself down he loosened his features; turning them from angry back to the semi-serious before he continued on. "Look I'm fine, I don't need your worrying, ok? I'm actually really happy for you guys." He said half heartedly to the Royal couple. "I made a promise, all I want is to help Azula and fulfill my mission. I don't have much of a choice; I owe it to Yue to complete it. Do you understand?" They all kind nodded even though they only partially understood his lecture.

"Yeah, Sokka has only good intentions. You shouldn't be questioning him like that. He's your friend." Spoke up Katara in support of her brother.

"Fine." Said Zuko, he was still skeptical of Sokka's "mission" but decided to hear it out. "I believe that you are here to help, you're my friend after all." He stated with a new smile on his face, as he was trying to ease and uplift the awkward tense mood of the room. "But how do you plan on helping her? She's in a mental illness asylum on an island not too far from here. She's attended to by healers and mental specialist and I visit her once a month to see how she's doing." He paused. "In fact she's been doing great since my last visit a couple of weeks ago."

"I know she's doing great an all. But all of her treatment isn't good enough." Stated Sokka.

"What do you mean? I've got all the help she needs. She's been stable for over a year now and she's no longer violent. The only problem is if she's released; how am I supposed to care for her? Should I let her live with me in the palace or should I keep her under care? Also how would the public treat her return?" Replied Zuko.

"Look what you've done is great an all. It's probably helped Azula recover, but what Roku wanted me to do is something completely different. He wanted me to personally get her out of her cell and help rehabilitate her and re-expose her to the world because what you're doing right now isn't enough for her."

"What?" Said Zuko turning towards Aang. "You can't be serious?"

"I'm afraid so Zuko. Roku told me that Sokka was chosen by the spirits to help her change her ways. She can change just as you have; all she needs is some support just like your uncle was for you." Supplied the Avatar. "He also stated that those who oppose you as Firelord might be quelled if Azula was to side with you publicly." Zuko seemed to consider this. "It could benefit you, your family and the world."

"Oh yeah I forgot about that." Said Sokka goofily, he was sure glad that he had Aang to back him up.

"Fine, I'll let you help her. Only because Aang's backing you up on this. But I won't allow you to let her out of the asylum; it's too dangerous for her safety and ours. Even though she's my sister I don't trust her out of her cell."

"But-"Started Sokka.

"Take it or leave it. That's the best I can do for you."

"Fine." Said Sokka with a defeated sigh. "At least I'll be able to talk to her. The spirits might not be happy but hey it's the best I'll get. Right?" Asked Sokka jokingly. He was just glad that it all had been taken care of and that it was all over with. Now he could relax and plan out his approach to Azula and prepare for their confrontation.

"Right." Confirmed the young Firelord.

"Thanks Zuko. I don't know what I'll accomplish but I will try to help the Princess." Stated Sokka with renewed energy. At that Sokka thanked them for the delicious food and hospitality; his usual self was returning as he was feeling good about not only successfully getting his passage to Azula but at temporarily clearing any awkwardness between him and the royal couple. He excused himself by saying that he had much to prepare for and that he wanted to leave the following morning. Aang offered to fly him there on Appa. But Zuko being Firelord offered to send him on an airship instead. Sokka thanked them all once again before making his way out the dining room, the others watching as he did.

…

Once Sokka was back in his room he summoned a servant to take his clothes away for washing and drying to be done by the next morning. Finally when he was alone at last he untied his hair letting it fall down and crept into bed. For he knew that tomorrow he was going to need every bit of energy he could muster in order to deal with a certain Fire Nation Princess. And with that on his mind he drifted off into a deep sleep.

Sorry for mistakes I'm not a professional writer. Also this story is pretty much my prediction for the outcome of Sokka and Azula during and/or after the series end and Promise and before The Search. I also try to make it as accurate as possible. Sorry it took so long to write this, I had a severe case of writer's block, making turn out not quite as I wanted it to. Don't worry I do intend on finishing this. Also decided to change numbers from numerical to written form as it looks better with the piece. And yes Azula will finally make her appearance in the next chapter.