Sokka followed the gang and Joo Dee grumpily, his arms crossed over his chest and his lip stuck out in a deep pout. They were wandering around Ba Sing Se in search of Aang's sky bison, Appa. But from the moment they got to the city, the population seemed… strange. There was no mention of the war, and Joo Dee, one of the escorts forced upon them, blatantly ignored Sokka's requests to see the king immediately, and told them they had to wait at least a month. After hearing this everyone agreed it was probably best to begin the search for Appa while they waited.

He sighed heavily, letting his arms drop to his sides as he trailed behind everyone. Aang's questions about where the flying bison could be located were turning up fruitless, and Sokka wondered if Joo Dee had something to do with it. He fell behind a little further, a plan formulating in his mind.

Sokka grinned to himself and slowed a little more. If he could get away from Joo Dee he was sure the questions would entice better answers.

As the gang began to turn a corner, Aang at the lead, dragging his feet somberly, Sokka quietly turned and walked in the opposite direction. He continued like this for a minute, and then turned sharply and suddenly into a nearby ally. He stood there for a time to be sure the group hadn't realized his absence, and then continued on to the monorail, marching with his chest puffed out, pleased with his brilliance.

Sokka wandered around Ba Sing Se's Lower Ring in search of a person who looked like they may know the whereabouts of the black market. As he scanned the faces of the residents of Ba Sing Se he spotted someone familiar.

"Jet?" He gasped. Sokka was not sure what the boy was doing here, but he knew Jet, and he knew that trouble followed the rogue wherever he went. Sokka stood back a ways out of the boys sight. It was probably best for him to wait and watch to see what mischievous teenager was up to.

For a few minutes, Jet stood outside a small teashop, peaking through the blinds occasionally. Suddenly he jumped back as hot liquid was thrown out of the window. He scowled and seemed to hold a debate with himself before stalking away quietly.

Curious, Sokka drifted to the teashop and opened the front door. He looked around warily, not seeing anyone in the room. Well this was pointless. He concluded, a bit cross as he seated himself. A cup of tea sounded nice anyway, so he picked up the menu and began reading it carefully. After a few moments he had his choice down to two teas, but couldn't decide.

"May I help you." Someone grumbled at his side, not really asking, just reciting.

"Yeeaaahhhh…" Sokka said slowly, still scanning. "Would you recommend the Coconut Oolong or - " He stopped abruptly and slapped down the menu, mouth gaping. "ZUKO?!" He shrieked, leaping from his seat and grabbing for his boomerang. Didn't that just figure. The universe could never let Sokka win. Of all the things, running into the firebending prince was the last thing he expected.

Zuko had been looking away, and didn't realize who he was serving until he heard his name screeched. Quick as lightning he grabbed Sokka's wrist, stopping his hand from reaching the weapon. The air was tense as the two stared at each other, and a flash of fear swept through firebender's eyes.

"What are you doing here?" Zuko hissed, shaking his head forcefully in an attempt to hide the weak emotion. "And refer to me as Lee!"

Sokka wrinkled his nose at the request and shook Zuko's hand away. "Lee? Hmph. What are you doing here, Lee?" He snapped, rubbing his sore wrist. The prince had an unpleasantly tight grip.

Zuko let out a groan and ran a hand through his shaggy black hair. "Listen, whatever your name is-" He started. Sokka scoffed, offended, and attempted to hide his hurt. The firebender had been chasing them for how long? And he didn't even know his name! Zuko continued, ignoring Sokka, "I don't want any trouble. Uncle and I are here for a new start." Sokka rolled his eyes, and Zuko snapped in response, "You'd better not mess this up!"

"Well," Sokka said matter-of-factly. "I can't really say I believe you." He looked the fire prince up and down, noting the apron tied around his waist and the plain clothing he wore. "Are you… in hiding?"

Zuko scowled. "Does it matter? How about you just leave." Zuko grabbed Sokka by the arm and dragged him out of the building. "Hey, hey, hey! Watch it!" The Water Tribe warrior shouted.

"Listen, kid." Zuko said forcefully as he let Sokka go outside the teashop. "I'm dead serious. Uncle and I are trying to start a new life, and we don't need you and the stupid Avatar around drawing attention to us!"

Sokka brushed non-existent dirt from his shoulder, cocking an eyebrow. "First of all the name's Sokka!" He glared sharply at Zuko, the prince's golden eyes meeting his own icy blue. "And like Aang would willingly come within a hundred miles of you!" Sokka sighed and crossed his arms, contemplating. Even if Zuko was up to something, it wasn't like Sokka wanted to take him on alone. Finally he continued, "I still don't trust you, but I'll leave, Lee." He turned on his heel and began to march away, then shouted back over his shoulder, "You'd better not be lying!"

Sokka slumped onto the futon in his room back at the hut that Joo Dee had led them to before the search for Appa had begun. He stared at the ceiling, torn about what to do in regards to Zuko. The gang had yet to return, which left him some time to decide. He groaned smoothing his hand over his hair. Zuko seemed dead serious. Then again, Sokka had never seen him looking anything but. The boy rolled onto his side, remembering the look of fear that had appeared in the prince's eyes. "Well…" Sokka mumbled, sitting up. "Maybe I'll keep checking in on him." It felt wrong to alert the gang and blow Zuko's cover if he really was telling the truth. Knowing Katara, she'd go flying down there on a tidal wave. Sokka fell back onto the futon again, letting his head slap his pillow with a loud thump. It was decided. There was definitely no need to alert anyone yet.

A few days later Sokka carefully slinked out of the residence provided to them by the Earth King. Joo Dee had returned after a short disappearance, claiming she went on a vacation to Lake Laogai. She was now distracted, scolding the rest of the gang for the posters of Appa they'd hung the day before. Sokka wandered to the monorail relishing the cool air of the morning; still a bit miffed as he thought about the underappreciated painting he'd done of the bison from memory.

As Sokka purchased a ticket to the lower ring he wondered what Zuko would be doing now, and what Jet must have been up to. As he sunk into a seat on the monorail, realization hit him. Jet hated the Fire Nation. Zuko and Iroh were Fire Nation. Jet had a vicious and manic desire to end the lives of all Fire Nation, whether they innocent civilians or the Fire Lord. Zuko and Iroh were Fire Nation. Sokka slapped his forehead angrily. That stupid Freedom Fighter would be the end of him. If Zuko really was trying to start a new life, Jet would surely ruin that chance.

Sokka jumped suddenly, realizing he was feeling bad for the evil prince that had been trying to capture them for who knows how long. But still… He sighed, biting his lip. He couldn't just let Jet ruin Zuko's new life.

As Sokka's stop arrived, he stood and exited the monorail, still unsure of exactly what he was going to do when he made it to the teashop. He walked slowly and pondered whether or not to tell Zuko of Jet's presence. He finally made it to the teashop and once again seated himself. He waited patiently and, as expected, Zuko walked to his table like there was a stick in his ass.

"What are you doing back here?" He growled.

Sokka shrugged in response, smoothing his hand over his hair nonchalantly. "Just checking up on ya." He eyed the waiter nervously, but the quickly added, "I haven't told anyone you're here, but I don't think I'm the one you should be worrying about."

Zuko scowled and stared at Sokka, silently demanding him to continue.

"Well, ya see," Sokka said slowly, glancing around. The tea shop was empty. "I noticed this guy, Jet, skulking around here the other day. I'm positive he knows you're not just some refugees."

Zuko's eyes widened and he quickly brushed some hair out of his eyes. Sokka followed the movement, a bit distracted. "You're sure about this?" The prince's voice was hushed and menacing, but it didn't disguise the fear that once again danced across his golden eyes.

Sokka shrugged, his attention returning to the matter at hand. "I mean Jet's not stupid. Look at you. Dark hair, yellow eyes, giant scorch mark on your face-" Sokka winced a bit, realizing that may have been a little harsh. "What I mean to say is, it wouldn't be hard to figure out that you're Fire-" Zuko's hand slapped over Sokka's mouth, and the Water Tribe boy felt his cheeks flush a bit.

"Okay. I get it." Zuko was practically whispering as he let his hand drop. "What am I supposed to do?"

Sokka was a little taken aback by the question. He had no idea, and hadn't really thought about it. "U-um…" He stammered. "I dunno… We're just here to find Appa…" Zuko slumped into the seat next to him, then shot a look in his direction.

"The bison?"

Sokka nodded, mentally slapping himself for giving away their reasons for being in the city, as well as a weakness. The two boys were silent for a moment, until Zuko finally said, "I could help you find it."

Sokka looked at him, suspicion filling his thoughts. "What could you possibly gain from doing that?"

Zuko shrugged, unsure himself as to why he'd volunteered. He had heard some beggars talking about a big fluffy monster being kept a few blocks away, and the suggestion had popped out before he thought about what he was saying. The prince decided to think a moment before responding this time. "Perhaps… If I help you find the Avatar's pet, your group could handle Jet." Zuko shrugged after, as if that had been what he was thinking all along. "I've heard mention of your bison around town, anyway."

Sokka contemplated this deal, resting his elbows on the table. "Well… I dunno…" This was really the best lead the gang had found since they arrived. And Sokka learned that if Zuko was good at anything, it was tracking. "How do I know this isn't just some trap?"

Zuko sighed heavily, his frustration apparent. Sokka noticed the temperature around them rise slightly, and he scratched his ear nervously.

"I am not lying." The prince growled.

"Well… Gah!" Sokka was flustered and frustrated. He shut his eyes and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I mean, would you trust the guy that's been trying to capture you and your friends for months? Sorry Zu -Lee- but you're a pretty scary guy." Sokka tugged at the collar of his shirt and looked over at the firebender. "Uh… Is it getting hotter in here?" He squeaked, catching the glare Zuko was giving him.

"No." The prince said flatly. He took a deep breath, and waited until he got his temper in check before continuing. "There's really no way I can convince you I'm telling the truth. I have a lead on the sky bison. I don't know what else you want to hear."

Sokka sighed. Zuko was right. There really was no way to know the truth, and with no other leads, the gang was stumped. But there was no way he could recruit his friends into doing this. Aang maybe, Toph maybe, but Katara- no way. Sokka was getting tired of all this thinking. He'd have to go with Zuko alone, and that was dangerous, but if he was telling the truth… The boy from the Southern Water Tribe stared up at the prince of the Fire Nation skeptically. "Alright. When do we set out?"

Zuko looked surprised for a moment, but it was quickly covered up with an emotionless mask. Sokka noticed and wondered why, but didn't care to ask for fear of being roasted.

"I have to work for another hour." Zuko muttered, standing up in a hurry, remembering he what he was supposed to be doing. "Can I, uh… Get you something."

Sokka smirked. Hah! Being served by the prince of the Fire Nation. This was a chance he was not willing to miss."Coconut Oolong sounds just lovely."

Zuko growled and stalked off to the back room of the teashop.

"Alright, are you ready?" Sokka asked as they stood outside the shop. Zuko nodded silently, slinging a pack and a sheath over his back and stalking off. Sokka followed, already exasperated.

The prince led him a few blocks away, to a large barn. They crept in quietly, and scanned the scene. It was huge and empty. Sokka frowned examining the ground and finding big tufts of white hair. "Oh yeah. Appa was definitely here." He muttered, tossing it back to the ground. "But where did he-"

"Well, hello there, youngin's!" An old worn voice exclaimed. Sokka and Zuko both jumped and spun around, finding a raggedy old man holding a large broom. "Can I help ya?"

Sokka was clutching his chest and breathing heavily, his eyes wide. "Why'd ya have to go and sneak-!"

Zuko cut Sokka off, slapping his hand over his mouth. "We're looking for the animal that was here. Where did he go?"

"Oohhh…" The man said slowly. The prince removed his hand, shooting Sokka an annoyed glance. "They took it off to some island. Whale Tail or sumthin' ridiculous like that… Some rich folk bought him up, I suppose."

Zuko nodded, thanked the man, and left the barn, Sokka following grumpily with his arms crossed.

"That island." Zuko murmured as they walked down the crowded street. "It's very far."

"Yeah. I guess I'll have to tell the gang what-"

"Sokka?" Someone questioned, grabbing his shoulder. The Water Tribe boy jumped, spinning around. "Why does this keep happening?!" His screech was piercing and garnered a number of glares from surrounding citizens. After recovering from the second upsetting surprise the Tribesman realized who had approached them. "… Jet? Uhh, w-what are you doing here?" Sokka eyed Zuko nervously.

"I found this poster." Jet said, pulling some paper out of his pocket. "I figured I could help… Who's the dude with the scar?"

The other two boys frowned at each other. "Help…?" Zuko questioned, unsure about Jet's sudden forgetfulness.

Suddenly another voice joined the confusion. "Jet! Jet!" Two kids, who Sokka recognized as Jet's companions, Longshot and Smellerbee, strode up to them. They were looking at Jet with worry in their eyes. "Where have you been?" Smellerbee asked. "We saw you get arrested by the Dai Li, and then you disappeared for days!"

"What? I haven't been arrested! I was here the whole time! I've been working and living peacefully." Jet looked as confused as his two companions and Sokka cocked an eyebrow at him.

Living peacefully? That didn't sound anything like Jet. He eyed Smellerbee and Longshot, noting the deep concern in their eyes. Something suspicious was going on here. Both seemed dead serious, and the Dai Li… Everything surrounding that organization made Sokka suspicious. Something was definitely not right. How could Jet forget being arrested? …Wait.

"Jet's been brainwashed!" Sokka shrieked, jabbing a finger in the rogue's face.

The rest of the kids, including Zuko looked unamused, and Sokka realized just how ridiculous he sounded, but Smellerbee recovered and grabbed Jet by the arm. "Let's get him out of here." She said flatly. Jet protested but the group managed to grab him and drag him into an abandoned building nearby.

"The Dai Li…" Zuko said slowly. "They are a dangerous organization."

Sokka nodded. "I never did trust them."He turned to Jet, who was sitting on the floor, surrounded by the other kids. "We need to jog your memory."

Everyone was silent, unsure of how to proceed.

"Think of something that stimulates powerful emotions." Zuko suggested, waving a hand nonchalantly, as if this ordeal was draining his patience.

Smellerbee kneeled next to Jet, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Think of your parents, Jet… Think of what happened to them."

"My parents?" He muttered, clearly confused. Sokka wondered if Jet remembered anything, and was a little pleased that the Freedom Fighter had at least remembered his name… Unlike Zuko. Sokka crossed his arms with a loud humph, eliciting strange looks from the people around him, except Jet, who held handfuls of his own hair in his balled up fists.

"I can't!" Jet finally gasped, wincing as he hugged his knees. "It's too painful!"

"Okay…" Smellerbee said soothingly. "Think about us, the Freedom Fighters. Then try and remember what happened when the Dai Li took you."

Jet buried his face into his knees and for a long moment he was silent. Sokka observed the boy as his white knuckles dug into his temples, buried by tousled brown hair.

"Ah… A-a lake." Jet growled. "The took me on… a vacation." He hissed these words, picking his head up. "We went underwater and… I don't know. That's all I can really make out…"

Sokka's eyes widened as he heard Jets broken story. It sounded all too familiar. "A vacation?" Sokka exclaimed. "To a lake? They took you to Lake Laogai! They must have done the same thing to the lady who was keeping an eye on us!"

Jet stared at everyone, wide eyed. "Lake Laogai…? That's it! That's where they took me!"

"We should see what those jerks are up to." Sokka decided. "They might be the ones who took Appa."

"No way." Smellerbee said, Longshot behind her, nodding in agreement. "We came here for a fresh start, right, Jet? They already grabbed you once."

Jet looked up at the small girl, his ridiculous eyebrows in a deep furrow and his mouth turned down in a sharp frown. He seemed to be holding a furious debate with himself as he glanced between Sokka and Smellerbee. "Alright." He decided. "We're keeping out of it. This time." Smellerbee and Longshot both let out a sigh of relief.

Sokka turned to Zuko hopefully. The prince was staring at the ground deep in thought. He'd told Sokka he would help find the sky bison, but Jet was no longer a threat, seeing as he clearly had no idea who Zuko was. Despite this Zuko felt guilt sprout in his stomach at the idea of leaving the Water Tribe peasant to infiltrate the Dai Li on his own. Sokka was clearly not the sneaky type, and he didn't seem particularly skilled in hand-to-hand combat. Especially against potential earthbenders. Besides, it would be dishonorable to leave the boy to his own devices without holding his end of the deal up.

"Alright. I'll go." Zuko said finally.

Sokka grinned, catching the prince's eye, but quickly coughed to cover up his excitement. Totally not manly. "Awesome. So Smellerbee… Would you guys mind doing me a favor?"

The girl stared at him blankly.

"Oooookaayy…" Sokka continued unsure. "If we've been gone for a couple days, would you mind telling Aang and the others what's up?"

She continued to stare, but eventually gave a sharp nod. Sokka quickly explained where to find his friends and thanked the girl profusely, a little intimidated.

"Would you also mind informing my uncle?" Zuko asked, meeting the girl's eyes. She nodded. And replied, "We know where he is." The prince didn't care to respond, not really surprised.

"Welp. What now?" Sokka asked Zuko, placing his hands on his hips. Normally Sokka was the plan guy, but he'd been feeling lazy today… And he had no idea where to start. So there was that.