Chapter 1: A Long, Long Way to Ba Sing Se Part 1

The Southern Water Tribe's tundra was vast, bearing bright beginnings. Capital City was a beacon of promises, a guarantor of rising futures. The talk of the town was the growth of new residences, bustling bazaars, numerous schoolhouses, and snow parks. Several other projects were under way, the most ambitious of them being the renovation of existing buildings and businesses.

The only downside to this otherwise welcoming wave of change was the cost that reminders of the past had to pay. The unfortunate igloo of one Kya Urumiq was one such example. From the perspective of the government, the outdated residence was no match for the benefits that would accrue with the wine stall that was to be constructed in its place. But to one particular man of twenty bearing youthful blood that boiled with struggle and strife, this meant the destruction of home, of warmth, of Mom. Even so, he could do nothing except kneel in the midst of his abandoned childhood home in front of his mother's portrait hours before the scheduled demolition. He could do nothing but breathe in the fragrance of the incense that he lit for her, swallowing the bitter truth that this would be the last time he would be in this space.

"Sokka?"

The young man didn't turn to the voice calling out to him but knew it belonged to his mentor and swordmaster, Piandao. The middle-aged, bearded man stepped into the room, his footsteps slow and careful. "It's time to leave, son. We can't be here for very long. Katara and Aang sent a message saying they will meet us with Masters Bumi and Jeong Jeong at Full Moon Bay."

The mention of his sister and brother-in-law stirred Sokka out of his thoughts. He nodded, briefly scanning the room one more time, turning in the direction of his old bedroom and then taking a brief look at the room his mother and sister used to share. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, holding back the moisture in his eyes as he took his mother's portrait and carefully furled it up.

"You know you are not allowed to have your mother's picture if you choose to go through with this mission."

"I know," Sokka placed the furled portrait in his coat pocket, "I'll give it to Katara when we meet her."

Piandao stared at the empty shell of a young man in front of him, "You've never looked more like your father than you do at this moment."

Sokka swallowed, "I was hoping you wouldn't say that."

"It's not all bad. Your mother would always say that even though are Hakoda in looks, you have her heart."

Which extracted a weak smile from him but did nothing to ease his impending burdens. The older man sighed, for he was not a stranger to the considerable complications in Sokka and Katara's relationships with their father, an unfortunate consequence of the man's association with the Hounds. Hakoda Urumiq, however, had no intention to join a gang at first; he had originally taken up shipbuilding lessons with Master Pakku in the wake of an economic recession, but under the master's tutelage, those lessons had morphed into secret meetings resulting in Hakoda receiving all information and inside details of what was described to him as a "prestigious organization for helping to restore justice" that demanded "utmost dedication." Hakoda quickly and unknowingly found himself neck-deep in the gang's activities, and whether he truly cared about furthering the group and its violent philosophy, the ample proceeds from their activities tempted him given his desire to care for his wife and children. Kya, however, felt utmost discomfort at raising the family from the proceeds of criminal activities, citing the physical and moral well-being of their young children.

Hakoda's priority was clearly family, but his subsequent attempts at extricating himself from the Hounds were useless, swept away by the tides of demand and danger. He and his wife continued to reside together with Hakoda promising to keep his activities a secret from the children and Kya taking up a more honorable profession as a teacher, but in light of Hakoda's increasing involvements, the couple was eventually forced to live in separate villages altogether so Kya and the children will not be associated with Hakoda and, therefore, not be swallowed up by the Hounds' opposing forces.

The man who sought to provide for his family found himself trailblazing like a lifeless machine through the organization for the mere purpose of protecting his family. He was forced to shed all reminders of his family so he would not expose them. Over time, he earned the title of the Grand Wolf and went on to be the pride of the Hounds, but his suffering was evident, manifest clearly on his face yet having gone unacknowledged given Pakku's zealous efforts. There, were, however, moments where Hakoda would allow shafts of life into his dead gaze— rare new-moon nights every few months in which the darkness gave way to the small, secluded igloo in the corner of the capital. The plethora of gifts he would bring with him for his children who seldom acknowledged his existence, the warm bed he would crawl into even if for a few hours, the shaky passions he would share with his beloved, the quiet tears he would shed in her arms, the kisses he would leave on his sleeping children's foreheads as he departed before the rays of early daybreak.

Perhaps it could be said that Hakoda and Kya's suffering was eventually, though tragically eliminated; their bodies, drowning in blood, were found together in the very igloo to be demolished, indicating a struggle against aggressors moments before their death. Katara was spared of that fate as she had been in healing school at Whaletail Island, and Sokka was spared given his studies at Ba Sing Se University, but they were not free from the forces weakened by their father.

"It was the Snake-Bloods," Pakku had insisted, referencing the symbol of a snake that was drawn into the couple's mingled pools of blood. The old man had looked at a grieving, sixteen-year-old Sokka dead in the eyes, "Katara is young, but you could've prevented this if you hadn't been a mama's boy hightailing off to University like your mother wanted. You could've protected Kya if you had stayed behind and gotten initiated. The Hounds would have equipped you with superior skills. You could've stopped your father from coming to rescue her and getting his life snapped away in the process. Hmph, no use crying about it all now."

And that was the straw that had tipped the boy over.

"You have a sister you need to protect," Jeong Jeong had emphasized. "The Snake-Bloods have tripled in number the past year. The one advantage we have is that they have no idea who you and Katara are. Not yet, at least. But once they do, they will come for you. So wake up to the reality and grow up. Leave your foolish teenage fantasies behind."

Following that devastation came Sokka's immediate initiation as a Hound. The boy processed his grief through extensive combat training, convincing a devastated Katara to finish healing school as he worked as a weaponsmith on the side. Four years later with Katara now married to Avatar Aang, the master of all four elements— that, too, a pacifist despite his unbelievable power— Sokka felt somewhat at ease, and the path that lay before him now was an obligation to not be the grenade that would put his sister and brother-in-law's lives at risk. To eliminate the threats in his own way.

"Sokka, you don't deserve this. Just say the word, and I'll tell Pakku to stop his nonsense. The fight against the Snake-Bloods is our fight. We are stuck in this path, and we are unable to leave no matter how hard we try. But you are still young. You can turn back now." Piandao placed his arm around the young man, "Nothing will make your mother happier than for her to see her dear son be successful and admired by all. So go on. Finish University. Follow your heart."

"To further the Hound Philosophy, you must be heartless," boomed Pakku's voice, the man's already-gruff demeanor displeased further by Piandao's "indoctrination." "To destroy the Snake-Bloods, you must be heartless." Turning to Piandao, "Hakoda's soul will not rest in peace until the boy takes on his path. You should recognize this."

The swordsman frowned, "The Grand Wolf himself wasted away in his barracks, pining for his wife and children—"

"Yet no matter how tempted he was, he was staunch in his mission. For who? For his wife and children. Hakoda is the pillar of the Hounds; his legacy must be honored."

"You honestly think he would want a fate like that for his son?" Piandao demanded.

"Sokka doesn't have a wife and children. He is dedicating his life to this cause. Those heathens took his parents' lives, and he's not going to stand back like a coward." Glaring at the rugged young tribesman, "Am I right?"

Sokka took a deep breath, nodding.

"It is not cowardly to back away from a life that you know consists of struggle and anguish. Let the boy make an honest choice—"

"He has already made his choice, Piandao—"

"I am his and Katara's guardian," the swordsman hissed. "Hakoda chose me and not you for a reason."

Which deepened Pakku's glare.

"I only want what is in the children's best interest. Even if it means asking my boy again and again—"

"I have to do this Master," Sokka ended the conversation then and there. "I don't want us to talk about this again. Please."

"Beautiful, now let's get moving," Pakku barked. "The Red Fang is on his way to the city."

"Hahn's here?" Piandao asked, bewildered.

"Snake-Blood activity has been reported in the outskirts. It has to be connected to his arrival. We need to investigate further to know what he wants." Turning to Sokka, "Let's hope he doesn't know you exist."

Moonlight blanketed the ferry station that overlooked Full Moon Bay and the waters of the East Lake. Sokka prepared to depart with Piandao, Bumi, Jeong Jeong, and Pakku, but he didn't fail to spend a few moments with Katara and Aang.

"Alright, Baldy, it's the usual. Take care of my baby sister. You break her heart, I break your balls."

Aang's frown, which he had sported since seeing Sokka at the station, did not change, "I don't like where any of this is going, Sokka. Bumi told me everything."

"That old bastard can't keep his mouth shut, can he?"

"I always tell you," the monk insisted, "Let your anger out, and then let it go. And then come back home."

"There won't be a home anymore."

"It's not the igloo I'm talking about. Aren't Katara and I home? For Spirits' sake, Sokka, don't ruin your life with those hooligans. I spent a majority of my life trying to convince Bumi to leave, but that idiot just won't get it through his thick head!"

They both took a brief look at the old earthbender, who was snorting and cackling for a reason only Spirits would know as he kept clapping an unamused Jeong Jeong's back.

"You need to remember you have family waiting for you," Aang told his brother-in-law.

"Aang, I'm leaving so I can protect my family—"

"As long as I'm alive, I'll make sure nothing touches you and Katara. So please, just jump the ship already—"

"I made my choice, Aang," Sokka insisted, his throat burning with flames of guilt, "I need to do this. I could've prevented all of this, but I didn't. I need to regain my honor."

"Sokka, this isn't your fault…" but upon seeing Sokka's continued stubbornness, he shook his head, "But no matter how many times I tell you, it's not going to go through your head, will it?" Folding his arms, "If she finds out about this, you'll be the one breaking her heart, and I'll be the one breaking your balls. You better shove this secret under the rug and reach out every once in a while so she won't be suspicious. If you're that hell-bent on not abandoning this."

"Master Piandao will reach out for me," Sokka assured. "But you need to promise me that no matter what happens, do not— and I mean, do not— come to Ba Sing Se. Don't bring Katara, don't bring yourself, don't bring anyone."

"I'm the Avatar. I can't avoid Ba Sing Se. I have a duty to help the city. The lower rings especially."

"There's nothing you can do to a city that doesn't want to be helped," Sokka croaked. "Aang, please, keep yourself and my sister safe. You're the only person I trust her with—"

"NOW TAKING ALL PASSENGERS TO BA SING SE!"

Aang sighed, turning to his brother-in-law, "The Southern Air Temple keeps its doors open for you at all times, Sokka. All things considered. Whenever you need us, whenever you just want to see us, you don't even have to give notice. Just let Bumi or Piandao know, and they'll handle everything." Frowning, "And this isn't a goodbye. I have people watching you."

Sokka couldn't help a smile as the airbender hugged him. By the time they let go, Katara was waiting for them, surrounded by a protective circle of senior Hounds. By now, the platform was bustling with travelers, a majority of whom sought new lives in the promises contained behind the walls of Ba Sing Se. Katara believed her brother to be one such seeker of new beginnings, exercising great care and caution as she handed him a collection of scrolls secured in a canister box.

"These are your certificate scrolls. I even had your records from Ba Sing Se University sent in. Everything's in here; keep this box safe at all times."

Sokka nodded, taking the box but not saying anything.

"Ba Sing Se has plenty of opportunities to help people continue their education," Katara continued. "Just show them these scrolls, and they'll let you finish your last semester. Worst case scenario, they'll make you go through an extra year, but you'll still be able to sit for the exams. You were at the top of your class for the longest time, so it shouldn't be difficult for you."

"Yeah, it shouldn't."

Her hand rested on his shoulder, "Mom's proud of you wherever she is, but she'll be more proud of you if you leave this Hound nonsense behind. If you become the engineer you always wanted to be. The next time I see you, I need to see you as engineer Sokka. Got it?"

"Yeah..." Sighing as he changed the topic, "So, what are you thinking of naming my niece or nephew?"

Her hand resting on the expanse of her ballooned stomach, "If it's a boy, it's going to be Gyatso. For a girl, it will be Kya."

He softened his eyes, "And what if you have twins? Two girls or two boys?"

"We haven't thought about that, actually," she said, a sting of bitterness shooting through, "I'm not naming any of my children Hakoda, I can promise you that."

From afar, Pakku's frown of disapproval caught the master waterbender's eye. She huffed in disdain and turned back to her brother, "I don't trust Pakku's judgment one bit. Why can't you take only Master Piandao with you? He's the most sane and rational out of everyone here."

Shrugging, "Pakku isn't too bad—"

"He's determined to wreck your life, and you don't seem to see that for some reason," came her worried glare. "Remember. You told me you wouldn't be involved in this nonsense—"

"I'm not, I'm not. I'm leaving it for good. That's why I need to get out of this city," he attempted to reassure her panicking form, "I'll try to get back into University like you said. Master Piandao said he'll hit me up. I'll do a bit of blacksmithing on the side…" Patting her shoulder, "Katara, be safe, okay?"

"Yeah."

"Promise me?"

"Promise."

Her arms flew around him as she hugged him, "We'll miss you, too."

"I'll miss you, too."

"Keep us updated—"

"ALL ABOARD FOR BA SING SE!"

Pakku approached the siblings, impatient but holding it in before Katara. "It's time to go, Sokka. If we miss the ferry today, we'll have to wait another week."

Katara gave the old man a death glare, but she was drawn back to Sokka as her brother placed a portrait of their mother in her hand.

"Keep this safe for me? I've got another copy anyway," he lied.

"Yeah."

"And also…" he swung his boomerang sheath off of his shoulder, handing it to Katara, "I want you to have this."

"But Sokka, your boomerang…this is your favorite."

"It's not for you," he clarified, a soft hand resting briefly on her belly, "It's for my niece or nephew." Swallowing the lump in his throat, "I'm not sure when exactly I'll be able to see you guys, so…

He could see the conflict and fear unfolding on her face. He added with a soft sigh, "I'll try to make time to visit, but I'll be busy trying to clear my exams…And also, don't look at this as something Dad gave me. Think of it as a piece of me that I'm giving to my niece or nephew." Attempting a smile, "You better tell 'em all of my coolest stories—"

And Katara couldn't stop the tears that raided down her face as she hugged her brother again, an unknown worry peeling her heart away. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he blinked them away. "Hey, it's okay. Sis, it's okay."

"It's okay, Sweetie," Aang said, his hands wrapped around his wife's shoulders as she let go of her brother. No matter how strong she told herself to be, Katara couldn't help it. Her brother was no longer who she knew him to be. His eyes were hollow, always bloodshot these days. His signature wolf tail was long gone, replaced by a long mesh of overgrown hair. His stubble was rugged and uneven, a testament to his lack of all care and concern, his abandonment of all charm. His arms, covered in cuts and burns as they held her with all softness possible— he had insisted the wounds were caused by weapon-making accidents, but Katara was no fool.

"Promise me you'll make a life for yourself," she commanded him. "Promise me."

But Sokka didn't get a chance to answer. By then, Pakku, annoyed by the master waterbender's waterworks and concerned that Sokka would change his mind, dragged him away, citing the immediacy of the departure. The young warrior watched as his sister and brother-in-law stood by the platform, watching the ferry even as it jutted off into the water. They waved despite not knowing if he saw them, and he waved back long after they became silhouettes in the distance, long after they went from specks of orange and blue to disappearing from sight completely.

"Sokka, from this point forward, under no circumstances are you to communicate with anyone other than fellow Hounds," Jeong Jeong told him. "The Kyoshi Warriors have opted in to join the mission. Bato and his men will regularly meet with us to provide updates on the Snake-Bloods. Apart from them, under no circumstances are you allowed reach out to anyone else about anything."

Pakku, who had been checking to make sure they were not being watched or observed, suddenly reached for the box of scrolls in Sokka's lap and threw the box into the water.

"PAKKU!" Piandao bellowed, his ferocity shaking their private compartment, "What have you done?! You threw the boy's entire future out of the window—!"

"Keep it down," Pakku hissed. "And I told you that he already made his choice. These scrolls will only be distractions—"

"He needs to be able to have the option to opt out of this! Do you plan on making him a slave to this…?!"

Sokka was bereft of all energy to stay and listen. He shoved aside Bumi who was in his way before retreating to his sleep cabin. A ray of moonlight wafted through the window, casting its light on his black string necklace, lighting up the half-moon engraving on its tiny metal pendant.