"No." Sokka's voice filled the room as he shouted at his subordinate.
"Sir, we have to move out. If we don't the rebels-"
"I gave you my answer. We're not moving out. Not until Suki gets here."
No one dared to say anything after that. Sokka was stubborn and once he had his mind set on something, no one would be able to sway him.
It had been nearly ten years since the war ended, and during that lull, a rebel force grew and eventually began to attack Earth Kingdom colonies as they were trying to rebuild. Already they were attacking three smaller villages, but Sokka wasn't going to let them get any further than that.
He was nervous though. He had dealt with battles before, but he felt out of the loop: for the past 6 years he'd been focusing on his political career, and he foolishly believed the war was over. But apparently the rebels planned for just that. They wanted everyone to believe everything was over for their attack, and it worked: the second everyone thought it was safe was the second they reappeared, and it took everyone by surprise.
Suki, on the other hand, focused more on the tactical aspects. She was always out there fighting the good fight, helping others. Her skills never dulled like Sokka's. Then again, she could never run a city like he did.
Finally, Suki and the rest of the Kyoshi Warriors arrived. Sokka rushed over to Suki to hug her. "I'm so glad you're here," he said.
"Of course I am. But you didn't need me," she told him.
"I did. I do. I can't do this without you."
"Yes you can, Sokka. I know you can." As she spoke, a loving hand caressed his cheek.
"Even after all these years, you're still so nervous. You are such an amazing leader, and you come up with the best plans. You just need to have confidence in yourself.."
He leaned into her touch, happy to be near her once more. "I know, but I still feel better with you here. I feel stronger."
That statement made Suki blush. "Sokka…"
"Suki, you and I make an amazing team, at home and on the battlefield, and it wouldn't feel right to go into battle without you."
"Well. Now you don't have to." Suki grinned. "Let's go show those rebels who they're messing with."
Sokka smiled in return, feeling much better about his plan now that Suki was there. She was his partner, not only in life, but also on the battlefield.