Disclaimer: I own no part of Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor make any money from it. This is merely a fanfiction.

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Book Four:

Air

Chapter Seven:

The Black Wedding

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The Southern Water Tribe – Night

The waves lapped at the icy shore as the figure walked along the harbor. The figure wore a furry blue coat and a hood over her head, masking her face. She sighed as she stared up at the twinkling stars and the nearly full moon. In a day or two, the moon's full glory would shine down upon them.

The woman breathed and exhaled. She slowly raised a gloved hand, and the water on the seashore began to lap in and out. She swayed her body, feeling the all-too-family push-and-pull of the water.

These were her nightly routines.

She dared not go out in public during the day.

Not because the Southern Water Tribe forbid women from Waterbending. Oh no, they did not have the same patriarchal culture as the north, so she had nothing to fear on that end.

It was another secret. If she was discovered, it would result in her banishment. And she couldn't stand the thought of being away from her home again.

And so she enjoyed the moonlight, allowing its power to surge through her in private, allowing her to Waterbend freely. This was the only time she felt truly at peace.

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The woman returned to the outer edges of the Southern Water Tribe. Her home was shabbily put together, mots likely constructed by herself. She was a private person and she wanted no one to disturb her. She sighed as she entered the hovel, drawing back her hood and scarfs.

That's when she noticed a candle burning.

That was odd. She was quite certain the candle was out when she left …

Drawing her furs about herself, she carefully stepped further into her house.

She saw a shadow from the corner of her eye. "Who's there?" With a wave of her hand, she drew some melted snow into the air, streaming it around her body. "Show yourself, before I turn you into my latest ice sculpture!"

A figure emerged from the shadows. "Good evening …"

The woman lowered her arms, mouth open. "Chieftain …" She bowed respectfully.

Hahn smirked. "You're out late …"

"I don't understand why that concerns you. Doesn't an old woman deserve some fresh air?"

"I've been watching you," Hahn remarked. He sat down on a yak-skin chair, arm reclining on its back as though he owned the place. "I was curious as to why an old woman never reveals herself during the day. Why she goes on isolated walks at night to practice Waterbending. Interestingly, the Coalition has contacts across all four nations … it wasn't difficult to find out you're a wanted woman …"

The old woman sighed. "… so you know. I tried hard to cover-up my identity … to flee from my past." She looked up, tears in her eyes. "Will you oust me? Am I to become castaway from my home?"

Hahn smirked. "I understand your plight. If the rest of the Tribe were to find out about your past, they would freeze you solid and send you out into the icefields in a canoe … you would never be allowed back home. But neither of us wants that to happen, now do we?"

The old woman looked up at him. "What are you saying?"

"I have ambitions. As acting Chieftain, I plan to carry on my legacy. I've had my eye on somebody … and you are going to ensure she becomes my future wife."

The old woman glared at him. "I don't understand …"

"I am going to wed the Chieftain's daughter."

The old woman stuttered. "K-Katara? She'd never agree to this. She's too strong-willed, too independent."

Hahn leaned forward in earnest. "And that's why I need your talents. I need someone who can … override … that independent streak of hers. Deny her free will."

"I will do no such thing. Once I returned here, I vowed I would never do anything of the sort again!" The old woman walked past him towards her kitchen. "You know where the door is…"

Hahn sighed. "I thought you'd say that. But when I leak the truth about what you've done, where will you go? The Northern Tribe will never accept you. When the Fire Nation released you, they made you agree you would never return on pain of death. Will you wander the Earth Kingdom … cut off forever from the tribe you love so much?"

The old woman remained silent. Her head was bowed.

Hahn stood up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. He spoke directly into her ears. "But if you do as I say, I will personally ensure you will never be taken away from the Southern Water Tribe again. You will always have a place here. I will make it law that anyone who speaks against you be exiled. You can sit at my right hand, feasting with me in the banquet halls for the rest of your days. There will always be a place for you here. How does that sound? What say you?"

The old woman remained silent. Then, finally, she spoke.

"What," Hama asked, "do you want me to do?"

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The sun had barely risen. Shasa's Dad was busily snoring away on the docks. He had been appointed the duty of watching the harbor for any incoming shifts.

A boring job that he wasn't even getting paid for!

Ah well, this was his punishment. The tribe still hadn't forgiven him for the whole Nanuk incident. So he got buzzed on cactus juice, hallucinated a monster attack and led the whole tribe on a wild goose chase deep into a blizzard, so what? It could've happened to anyone!

But now he sat there, on an icy chair, his mouth slack, a bubble forming from his nose as his snoring droned on.

The bubble popped. Something landed on his arm and was now ferociously jabbing him. "No! My mother-in-law! I left the North to get away from you, you old scow!" He woke up and stopped flailing his arms. He saw two beady eyes and a yellow beak staring at him.

He blinked back.

A messenger hawk was sitting on his arm, poking him with its beak and talons. There was a little satchel around it that contained a roll of parchment. "Is that the morning news?"

The hawk cocked its head. Shrugging, Shasa's Dad removed the parchment and unfurled it, reading it softly.

"A letter! To the Chieftain's children! Well this is exciting! Huh? But who in the world is Iroh?"

The hawk squawked. Shasa's Dad rolled his eyes. "Of course I'm reading their mail."

Another squawk.

"No I don't have the right to! But I'm bored!"

The hawk screeched and began pecking at him and clawing him with his talons. "Alright, alright, I'll get it to them, just buzz off already!"

The hawk gave him the stink-eye and took flight. Shasa's Dad shook his fist at it. "Yeah, yeah, I'll give it to them." He eyed the chair he was sitting on and felt his bones creak. "I'll give it to them. Just as soon as I rest for a minute …"

Within moments, Shasa's Dad was snoring loudly again, the letter from Iroh tucked safely in the pocket of his breeches.

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The mid-day sun now shone high as the Southern Water Tribe went about its business. Katara moved through the hustle-and-bustle, carrying supplies. She was running late for her teaching sessions with Pakku. She sighed as she took in the sights.

Within a matter of days, Hahn had consolidated his power as acting Chieftain. But now he was not just dictating decrees to the Northern Water Tribe. He was dictating to the South. Hakoda took it in stride, but begrudgingly of course. He knew the World Peace Coalition would need the support of both tribes. Any falling out between the South and the North would have a destabilizing impact on the Coalition. And on the world.

And so Hahn began remaking both tribes over in his image. He was enforcing Northern social customs on the South. The Southern Water Tribe warriors were required to run drills for the North … but they acted as merely dummies for the Northern Warriors to practice on.

Thankfully, she had the teaching sessions with Pakku to take her mind off of things. Shasa's training as a Waterbender was really coming along well and Katara was positive that she would master it within a few months. She had already outdone several boys.

Katara came to the training circle, where Pakku was already drilling the boys on their Waterbending. She placed her supplies on the ground, ready to get started. Pakku paused and looked at her with questioning eyes. "Katara …? What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to assist you in teaching the next generation of Waterbenders," she said slowly. "Like I do every day …"

Pakku raised a glove his eyes. "Then you haven't heard …"

"Heard what?" Her eyes roved the group of young Waterbenders. She noted that there were only boys. "Pakku … where's Shasa?"

"With the women. Learning the art of healing."

"What? Why?"

"You didn't hear the decree from Chieftain Hahn?"

Katara had a sinking feeling in her stomach.

Pakku continued. "He's enforcing the Northern customs down here on the South. He's segregated the men and the woman. As of last night, girls are not allowed to learn combat from me. They can only learn healing from the women."

Katara clenched her fists. She could feel a rage rising. "He can't do that! He has no right! He is not the Chief of the South! My father will –."

"Your father ratified it this morning," Pakku lamented.

Katara was stunned. "No. He couldn't have."

"I am afraid he did."

"He must've misunderstood what he was signing …"

"Your father is a good man, Katara," Pakku replied. "But he is also an idealist. He realizes what must be done for the greater good."

"The greater good? How can this possibly be for the greater good?"

Pakku turned to his boys. "I have to get back to training these warriors. Please, don't be too angry with your father. He is only doing what is best, after all."

Katara whirled around, fist clenched and stormed off. "We'll just see about that!"

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Katara nearly tore through the flap leading into her father's tent. Hakoda was standing there with Bato over a table, poring over several maps. "Katara," Hakoda said, surprised. "I wasn't expecting to see you 'till later." He noted the look on her face. "Bato, will you excuse us?"

"Of course."

As Bato left, Hakoda sat down, a concerned look on his face. "Katara … I know what you must be thinking. Please, try to understand -."

"How could you, Dad? How could you allow that little dictator to push you around! The women aren't allowed to learn Waterbending? I'm not allowed to teach bending?!"

"Katara, please -."

"What did he say? What did he promise you that would make this all worth it?!"

Hakoda sighed. He leaned forward, hands clasped between his knees. "In truth, he didn't offer me anything."

"What? So you just went along with this?"

"Please, you don't understand the position I'm in."

Katara folded her arms. "Then make me understand. Go ahead, Dad. I'm waiting."

Hakoda shook his head sadly. "Things are delicate right now. Ever since the end of the war, all of the nations have been at each other's throats, ready to tear each other apart at the slightest provocation. The World Peace Coalition is now the world's only stabilizing factor." He looked up at her. "Do you understand what happens when a war like this ends? There's still so much hatred between the nations. Tensions are ready to boil over, especially as disputes between territories and reparations grow. And the slightest provocation from either side may very well boil over into another war. They say war is madness but I say Reconstruction is even worse. We need this alliance between the North and South. We can't destabilize the Coalition."

"And how does this justify Hahn's actions, hmm? What next, Dad? Will you sell me off in marriage to keep the peace?"

"Katara, please …" Hakoda ran a hand through his hair. "We only have to keep Hahn thinking he's in control until he returns up North … or until Chief Arnook recovers."

"And who knows how long that'll take?" She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Dad. You can try to appease that monster all you want, but I will never bow to him or submit to his stupid decrees!" She turned on her heel and stormed off.

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"Stupid Hahn."

Sokka emerged from the outhouses covered in dirt and grime, a wash pail in his hands. Katara stormed past him, practically bowling him over, nearly overthrowing his wash pail. "Watch the merchandise," he scowled. He noted the furious scowl on Katara's face and jogged to keep up with his sister. "Sooo … you heard about Hahn's decrees, didn't 'ya?"

"Yup." She continued scowling.

"And you heard about how he's banned women from learning fighting?"

"Sure did!"

"And also about how he's planning your wedding?"

Katara whirled around. She was in no mood for Sokka and she grabbed his shirt. "Okay. Talk."

Sokka looked up helplessly at his sister. "Hey, I only heard it this morning. Apparently he's been spreading the good word about the wedding all morning!"

Steam practically shot out of Katara's ears. "That arrogant, no good, lousy, self-important, chauvinistic -."

Sokka held up a hand. "Katara, I agree with everything you're saying, but can you please stop shaking me each time you say it?"

"Oh. Sorry." She let go of his shirt and he collapsed to the ground, wheezing.

Dusting himself off, Sokka stood up. "I've half a mind to really show him a lesson or two." He began karate-chopping the air. "Give him some ol' fashioned Tai-Sokka-Do!" He grinned cheesily.

Katara rolled her eyes. "Well here's your chance, Sokka." The two watched a procession of Northern Water Tribe warriors marched through the new town square, Hahn in the middle, head held high, wearing ornate chieftain robes.

Hahn, however, noticed the siblings. He raised a hand for his entourage to stop and he marched over to the two of them, smirking.

He bowed low in faux-respect. "Good morning, Katara. Shonta."

"For the millionth time, it's Sokka!"

"That's what I said!"

Katara, however, had lost her temper. She began angrily poking Hahn in the chest. "I don't know who in the heck you think you are, but boy have I got some things to say to you!"

Hahn gently took her hand in his own, and kissed it. "Perhaps you would care to tell me tonight over a candlelight dinner? I know the perfect spot where the moon shines so bright -."

"What? No!" She wrenched her hand out of his grasp. "I'm talking about you and your stupid decrees about women! And the cherry on top – why are you telling everyone I'm going to marry you?!"

He shrugged. "I'm just stating facts."

"I would just as soon marry a Wood Frog!"

Hahn took a dangerous step towards her. "Katara – it's not like you'll even have a choice in the matter." There was a dangerous gleam in his eye.

Sokka got in between them, protecting his sister. "Alright, buddy. I think it's time for you to go. Unless you me to kick-a-pow you right across the square, then I'd leave right now."

Hahn clenched his fist. "I'd like to see you try!"

"Oh. Have you forgotten the butt-kicking I gave you the other day?"

"Don't get in my way, Soda." He bumped Sokka in the shoulder. "People who do tend to have unfortunate accidents."

Sokka's eyes narrowed. "Like Chief Arnook?"

Hahn merely grinned.

Sokka pointed an accusing finger at him. "I know it was you, Hahn."

Hahn raised his hands in defense. "Believe what you want."

Sokka's voice was rising and everyone in the square could hear him. "I know you poisoned Chief Arnook and I am going to prove it!"

Hahn motioned for his soldiers, now acting as his official bodyguards. "There a problem here?" a burly one asked.

Sokka grabbed Katara's and stormed past them, a sour look on his face. "No problem. We were just leaving."

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Katara walked to the far outskirts of town, holding a tundra-lily tightly to her chest. She reached the edge of the town, and found it.

A headstone, marked with the symbol of the Water Tribes. Katara kneeled down and placed the tundra-lily on the grave.

"Hi Mom. I'm sorry I haven't been around lately. Things have been pretty crazy this past year … Sokka's become a powerful swordsman, though he's still a knucklehead. He managed to get Dad jazzed up on cactus juice, you should've seen it …"

A cold wind rustled her hair.

"We did it, Mom. Well, Aang did it. He defeated the Fire Lord and ended the war. You received justice, Mom. I think." She removed her glove, and ran her fingers through the snow above Kya's grave.

"How did you do it, Mom? How did you find the strength to stay home while Dad would go off fighting? Were you content with your life, Mom?" Tears streamed. "Were you happy? You seemed to be, but was it all a front?"

She sighed, and the tears brimmed. "The war ended, but many things in the world still haven't changed. There's still fighting, but now it's just different players at war with each other. People are still fighting and stealing and killing. Tyrants are still rising and trying to subjugate all under their will. I don't want to see the Southern Water Tribe devolve into civil war with the North … but I won't stand for what Hahn is doing to my people. Our people!"

She placed the glove back on her hand. "I wish you were still here, Mom. You would know what to say and do. You were always strong." The snow was stained with tears. "Please, Mom … pass some of your strength on to me. Guide me …"

Wiping her eyes, Katara turned and left.

A few second passed, the only sound being the frozen wind.

An old woman appeared and traced the outline of the headstone with her fingers. Hama stood there, watching Katara walk into the distance, before looking down and reading the headstone.

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Hakoda was in his tent, pouring over several documents on a table. He heard the tent-flap open. "Katara? I'm sorry for earlier. It's just -." He stood up. It wasn't Katara.

"Did I get you at a bad time?" Hahn asked.

Hakoda shook his head, grasping Hahn's arm in salute. "Not at all. What can I do for you?" He offered Hahn a seat. Hahn remained standing as Hakoda sat back onto a fur-chair.

"Have you had time to think over my proposition yet?" Hahn asked.

"I have."

"And?"

Hakoda shook his head. "My daughter is not a piece of meat to be sold off, Hahn. I am afraid Katara will make her own choice as to who she weds. I cannot – no – I will not make that decision for her."

Hahn's face didn't stir. "I had a feeling you would say something like that. But have you really thought through the implications?"

Hakoda remained resolute. "Why don't you remind me?"

At this, Hahn's face twisted in a proud sneer. "You worry about the alliance between the North and South. You worry about destabilizing the World Peace Coalition … but I can harm the Coalition in many more ways."

Hakoda raised an eyebrow. "No offence, Chieftain. But it sounds like you're threatening me."

"Not you personally. Just the world."

"What you talking about?"

Hahn was pacing now, his ceremonial furs trailing behind him. "The world is changing. The Coalition is still unsteady … still finding its feet. Our alliance dissolving will have a disastrous impact on the Coalition, that's true. But how much more will the Coalition fare with outright warefare?"

Hakoda stood up. "You would incite a civil war … all over my daughter?"

"You're the one who would start that war, Chieftain Hakoda," Hahn spat back. "Your stubbornness will cost the lives of countless Water Tribers. But civil war is only the beginning." He laughed. "You underestimate my resolve to get what I want. Civil war is only the beginning. I'll target the Coalition itself."

"You can't possibly – they have the backing of the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation armies!"

"There are more ways to wage war than open conflict, Chief Hakoda. If I am denied, then I will simply pull the Northern Water Tribe out of the Coalition. I will shut down the Northern Seas, end the open trade routes. Any merchants that try to take our trade routes will be sunk by the Water Tribe navy." Hahn's eyes grew more devious. "I will seal the North Pole off – permanently. All nations that rely on our natural resources will be denied. The Coalition will fall. It'll be a slow, stagnant death, but it will fall nonetheless. And what will you do in that day, knowing you could have prevented it here and now?"

Hakoda's eyes were downcast.

"Think over my proposition," Hahn continued, heading for the door. "After all, the Coalition is already wobbly. All it'll take is a gentle push before it collapses in on itself. And I'm prepared to be that wrecking ball."

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Katara was walking home from her mother's gravesite and was shocked to find decorations being set up all around the Southern Water Tribe. An icicle altar had been constructed on the edge of the harbor, brilliantly reflecting the light of the sun and moon.

Katara grabbed a guy off the street. "What's all this about?"

The man grinned toothlessly and muttered incoherently. "Hur hur, Chief Hahn, hurdy-durdy, midgleton, espionaoza, Hakoda daughter … hurhur … marriage, dur."

"Okayyyy, I'll ask someone else."

"'He's sayin' the Northern Water Chief is getting' hitched," the toothless man's wife yelled across the square. The toothless man grinned and nodded.

Katara looked up at the sky. "Please … let him have found someone else … someone who could put up with him long enough to say yes …"

"Oh yes," the toothless man's wife agreed. "He got a real looker … if not a little scrawny. Chief Hakoda gave the blessing this morning. He's to be wed to Hakoda's daughter, Katniss!"

The toothless man shook his head and corrected his wife. "Katara."

"Wait, you can say my name, but nothing else?" Katara sighed. "Hahn never gives up." She watched as the toothless man and his wife walked away. "Wait a minute," she said, stamping her foot. "I AM NOT SCRAWNY!"

She grabbed another onlooker. "Is this true? Did Chief Hakoda grant Hahn his blessing for a marriage?"

The onlooker – a nearly blind little old man – squinted up at her. "Why yes, my 'lad. He sure did! Wedding's tonight! I sure hope that Sokka kid still has some of that cactus juice 'cause grampy's getting jiggy wit it tonight!"

Katara grabbed the nearly blind old man. "I am not a lad! And I am NOT marrying Hahn!" She stormed off, leaving the little old man to smile to himself.

"'What a nice young man." He toddled off.

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Katara entered Hakoda's tent. She didn't even stop to say hello. "Is it true? Tell me now! Did you give Hahn your blessing to marry me?"

The look on Hakoda's face told her everything she needed to know.

"How could you?!"

She turned and ran out the tent flap.

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"I can't believe it. I just can't believe Dad would sell me out like that." Katara's eyes watered as she sat at a table with Sokka. Gran-Gran was ladling some hot soup into their bowls. Katara looked up at Kanna.

Sokka looked nauseauted. "I can't believe that jerk is going to be my brother-in-law! If he thinks he can borrow any of my warrior clothes or weapons, he's got another thing coming. And he is not getting any of my world-famous cactus juice smoothies! Did I mention I'm getting it patented?"

Katara looked up at her grandmother desperately. "Gran-Gran, how can you let Dad do this? Won't you talk some sense into him?"

Kanna ladled some more soup into Katara's bowl. "No."

Katara was aghast. "No? What? But Gran-."

"You're a woman," Kanna said. "And it's high-time you started acting like one."

Katara couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Are you suggesting that because I'm a woman, I have to marry that creep?"

"What? Nothing of the sort!" Kanna sighed. "You're a woman. More than that, you're a Southern Water Tribe woman. We don't back down. We don't give in. And we certainly won't let some Northerner tell us what our place is!" Kanna sat down at the table, taking Katara's hand in her own. "I left the Northern Water Tribe because they wanted to tell me who to marry … because the men had my whole life planned out. My wants were irrelevant. Did I take it standing down? Never. I came down here. I made several friends … some mighty powerful Waterbenders. I married Pakku eventually, that is true … but it was on my terms! Because I wanted to!" She smiled at her granddaughter. "You have that same choice. Will you follow your heart, Katara? Or will you submit and live as though behind a mask?"

She stood up, humming to herself. Katara sat there, resolute. Her mind made up. She stood up. "I'm telling that creep exactly where he can stick his lousy wedding!"

Sokka grabbed Katara's arm. "You many not have too!" He jumped up and planted a big smooch on Gran-Gran's cheek. The old woman bleched. "Gran-Gran – you're a genius!"

"Yes, I know."

Sokka's eyes were big. "Gran-Gran's given me an idea!" He chuckled. "I've got a plan! A brilliant plan! One that will get Hahn off your back, Katara! And the best part – make him look like a big old idiot at the same time! But I need you to play along!"

He ran out the door, arms flailing, laughing maniacally.

Kanna made the "crazy" gesture with her finger.

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Hahn was standing in his own tent, an artist painting a portrait of him. He stood there, bow in hand, the string pulled back, his chest out. His eyes were closed and his lips out, proud.

The tent flap opened. "Hahn. Might I have a word?"

Hahn smiled. "Katara … how nice to see you."

The artist lost his temper. "I tol' you don' move!" he shouted with a thick accent.

Hahn waved him away. "Flavio, take five." Scowling, the artist disappeared out the tent. Hahn folded his arms. "So have you come to beg me to reconsider? To give me some emotional speech about freedom and not being forced into marriage? If so, please save it." He pulled his ceremonial wools around his shoulders. "I'll have none of it."

"Actually," Katara began. "Just the opposite really."

Hahn did a double-take, not quite sure he was hearing right. "What?"

"I've had a change of heart. Seeing you stand up to my brother like that … I never realized quite how handsome you are."

The grin on Hahn's face was unmistakable. "Handsome? You're right."

"Any girl would be lucky to have you," she said. "Wil you accept my apology?"

"Well this is a first. I've courted many girls, Katara. I could've even had Princess Yue. I never had one refuse a marriage proposal, then take it back and beg me to marry them."

Katara's temper almost flared. "I'm not begging -." She caught herself. Clearing her throat, she said "I would be honored to be your wife."

"Then we make it official." Hahn opened a small box. Inside was a betrothal necklace. He looped it around Katara's neck. "Tonight," he said, "we become husband and wife."

Katara grinned, holding down the urge to throw up all over Hahn's furs.

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Night came quicker than anyone expected. The Southern and Northern Water Tribers congregated together. Massive benches were set up before the high altar. Hahn stood there, in his chieftain robes, flanked by warriors from the North. A holy man stood there.

As the crowds filed towards the wedding area, Sokka ran through them. "'Scuse me. Pardon me. Chieftain's Son coming through. Come on, I just want to get the best seats in the house!" He nearly bowled over a little old lady who gave a slight yelp. "Sorry." He stood up, proudly, taking in the high altar. "Not bad. Not bad at all for such a short-notice wedding. Eh, Dad?"

Hakoda joined him. The man looked worse for wear. His face was grim. Sokka was still talking. "I can't believe you actually agreed to this? Did he threaten you? Well don't you worry, Dad. I've got the perfect solution!"

Hakoda didn't seem to hear him. As the last of the congregants came in, music began to play. Hakoda finally clenched his fist. "I can't watch this…" He got up and left.

Sokka called after him. "Oh, you're getting up? Would you get me some blubber poppers? I want to savor every last minute of this!" His face was devious.

As the music began, the bride appeared, wearing ornate blue Water Tribe clothing. A wooly headdress and veil was covering her face and she was carrying several icicle-flowers. Sokka's grin grew wider.

The bride stood at the altar. Hahn took it all in, gloating. "I've been waiting for this moment for a long, long time. Ever since I laid eyes on you a few days ago." He grinned.

The holy man cleared his throat and the noise in the congregation quieted down. "Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today to -."

He was interrupted as the sound of footsteps echoed across the harbor. Everyone turned to see Chief Hakoda marching towards the altar, followed by Bato and several Southern Warriors. A stoic and determined look was on Hakoda's face.

"What is the meaning of this?" Hahn scowled. "You're ruining my special moment!"

"I cannot – and will not – allow this to happen!" Hakoda yelled. There was a hush that fell over the entire congregation.

"Daaaaaad!" Sokka whined from the front row. "Dad stop! You're ruining everything!"

Hahn stared Hakoda down. "So this is it? You march on my wedding with soldiers, risking open warfare? I hope you're ready for the consequences of your actions tonight."

Hakoda looked over at the bride and nodded, a small tear forming down his eye. "Yes. Yes I am." He spread his arms out. "But it doesn't have to be this way, Hahn. You're the one threatening open warfare. You were the one threatening to pull out of the Coalition and shut down free trade if I didn't give you your way!"

Murmurs came from the crowd. "He what?" "Disgraceful!"

"You threatened civil war," Hakoda continued. "You're only a teenager. Are you really ready to lead your men in war? Are you really confident they'll follow you to death over a simple marriage?"

Sweat beaded down Hahn's face.

Hakoda continued. "I don't know if you're ready to go to war … but I am. I will go to any lengths to protect my daughter! What lengths will you go to get what you want, huh Hahn?"

Hahn was silent.

"And what about when Chief Arnook wakes up?" Hakoda asked. "Will he share your sentiments? Are you confident enough that he will continue this war – that he will side with you? Or will he revoke you as next in line for starting a civil war?"

For a moment, it seemed Hahn was considering Hakoda's words.

But then … "Men – arrest Chieftain Hakoda!"

The Northern Warriors brandished their weapons and descended the altar. Hakoda nodded to Bato and the other warriors, and they prepared for battle.

Hahn turned to the holy man. "Get to the part where I kiss the bride!"

The holy man flipped through pages of a holy book, and prepared to recite. Hakoda jumped unto the altar. "I don't think so!" He grabbed the bride, standing between her and Hahn protectively.

In the confusion, the bride's veil fell off … revealing the little old, nearly blind man Katara had accosted earlier.

Hahn's eyes narrowed. "What is this? Deception?" His anger grew and he drew a machete. "Treason!" he shouted.

Sokka was yelling at his dad from among the congregation, which by now had descended into pandemonium. "Dad! You ruined my plan!" He frowned. "I almost had Hahn marry that old man!" He pointed at the holy man. "It would've been official, right? No takesies-backsies?"

Below the altar, the Southerners and the Northerners were at each other's throats, battling ferociously. Hakoda drew a machete in defense. "Last chance, Hahn."

With a roar, Hahn charged at Hakoda, and the two dueled on the altar.

KABOOM!

A firecracker went off, and everyone paused what they were doing. They watched as Kanna, face grim, marched up to the altar, followed closely by Pakku.

"Enough!" She stormed up the steps of the altar, stepping between Hakoda and Hahn. The little old man tottered off in his wedding dress, holding it up in front of him delicately so as not to soil the hem.

Kanna scanned the entire harbor. "You should be ashamed of yourselves. All of you! Brother against brother, and for what? Two days ago, both sides were eager to get along, form an alliance for the common good! And now you're at each other's throats and for what? For him?" She pointed at Hahn. "He's only the acting Chieftain! His authority does not supersede Chief Arnook's! Chief Arnook wanted to see peace between both tribes – he wanted us to see each other as brother's and sisters! You dishonor him and his wishes!"

There was silence.

Kanna continued. "You can all stand here, fighting and killing each other. We can further decimate the Water Tribes. Or, we can all join together. We can rebuild what the Fire Nation has taken away! We can come together and build a new and prosperous world for our children! Who will stand with me, and help me build this future?"

Hakoda lowered his machete. "I will!"

"So will I!" Bato announced.

There were other voices, both from the North and South.

"Me too!"

"Count me in!"

And all around them, both tribes lowered their weapons, tossing their spears and machetes aside. They were patting each on the back, apologizing.

Sokka was in the middle of chewing a Northerner's ear. He apologized, helped the Northerner to his feet and dusted him off, grinning.

Katara darted out from among the crowd, practically jumping into Kanna's arms. "Gran-Gran, that was beautiful!" She turned to her father, tears in her eyes. She sprang into his arms. "Dad … I'm sorry for everything I said." She looked up at him. "Thank you. Thank you for coming to my rescue … even if it would have been more fun to let Sokka's plan play out."

Hakoda drew his daughter in tightly. "No. I'm the one who's sorry. I never should've agreed to this in the first place. Fear of what might happen consumed me. I will never put your well-being before anything else ever again."

Hakoda turned to Hahn. "You're alone now, Hahn. But you don't have to be. You want to be Chieftain? Now's your chance to prove you have what it takes. You can help me lead our people to a new era of prosperity! What say you?"

Hahn sneered. "What do I say? I say I haven't lost yet!"

Katara opened her mouth to say something, but suddenly lost all feeling in her tongue. And in her jaw.

Something odd was happening. She could feel something from outside of her, manipulating her body.

Like a puppet.

Against her will, she took a step forward.

And another.

She fought with everything she had, but it was no use. To everyone's utter amazement, Katara kneeled before Hahn in absolute submission.

Hahn shot Hakoda an evil grin. "Well, it looks like the young lady has made up her mind after all!"

Hakoda placed his hand on Katara's shoulder. "Katara … it's over! You don't have to marry him."

With a sudden jerk, Katara slapped his hand away.

Kanna shook her head. "Something's not right …"

Hahn whirled around to the holy man. "Get to the 'I do' part!" As the holy man flipped through the holy book, Hahn looked down at Katara. "You don't have to say anything. Just nod your head for 'I do'."

Sokka stared ahead in horror. Katara seemed under some kind of a spell. But what was going on? This all seemed familiar … but from where? He peered past Katara's head and his eyes fell on the moon. It was full.

That was it!

Sokka leapt to his feet. "Dad! Filibuster! Tell jokes! Do not let her say yes!" He then disappeared into the crowd to Hakoda's consternation.

Scratching his head, Hakoda turned to the holy man. "Before we proceed, I'd like to say a few words."

"No words!" Hahn yelled. "We do this now!"

The holy man shrugged. "It's customary for the father to give the daughter away with a few words."

Hahn facepalmed as Hakoda began talking to the entire congregation. "Soooo … a Pai Sho player, a Fire Sage and the Earth King walk into a bar …"

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Sokka darted through the crowds. "Scuse me … pardon me …" He came to the rear of the congregation, looking around. Whoever was controlling Katara had to have a vantage point … be able to see everything.

His eyes narrowed as he scanned a line of buildings near the edge of the Tribe … there! A shadowy figure was on a roof, moving its hands like a demented puppet-master.

It couldn't be!

Gritting his teeth, Sokka tied a rope to his boomerang. Measuring the distance and wind velocity, he hurled with all his might. The boomerang flew past the figure, before turning in midair, returning to Sokka. The rope looped itself around the figure, pulling it off its feet. With a yelp, the figure was drawn by the rope off the roof and dragged to Sokka.

He looked down. It was the old woman he had bumped into earlier. But more than that. He pulled back the hood to reveal Hama.

"You!" He shrieked.

A horrified gleam appeared in Sokka's eyes as Hama slowly rose to her feet.

"Oh cripes!"

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"… and then the rabaroo says 'hey, that's my banana!" Hakoda looked at the congregation left to right, his grin wide. "Get it?!" The congregation booed him and threw fruit, vegetables and refuse at him.

"ENOUGH!" Hahn screamed. He grabbed Katara's hands and turned to the holy man. "It's over, it's finished, just let us say I do!"

In an instant, Katara felt whatever was controlling her lose its grip. With control of her body restored, Katara pulled a wave of water from the harbor. "Hey Hahn – I do – NOT!" Hahn's eyes widened as he was washed right off the altar.

"YAAAAAGHH!"

A body was thrown clean across the harbor. Sokka landed in a pile of snow, his body disjointed. "Medic," he whimpered. Katara and Hakoda ran over to him.

"Sokka!"

Katara helped her brother up. He looked at her, terror clear in his eyes. "Katara – it's Hama! She's here and she's back to her Bloodbending tricks!"

Katara's fist clenched. "I should've known!"

A jet of water struck Sokka, knocking him clean off his feet. Then another threw Hakoda's out from under him.

"Hama!" Katara yelled. "I know you're here! Show yourself!"

A soldier suddenly lost control of his body. "Hey, what's happening?" He was hurled like a rag doll at Katara, who froze him in place to keep him from getting hurt.

"Stop this, Hama!"

Another soldier was thrown at her, with Katara freezing him.

"This is between you and me, leave the rest out of this!"

From the crowd, the old Bloodbending witch appeared, her face twisted. "Hello again, Katara. How is my favorite little Bloodbender?"

Whispers flew through the crowd. Kanna was visibly struck as she looked at her granddaughter from across the harbor. "Did she say 'Bloodbender'?"

"Why don't you tell them, Katara?" Hama sneered. "Why don't you tell them what you've really become?"

Katara remained resolute. "I am not a Bloodbender. Not like you."

"You learned it," Hama cackled. "You learned at my feet. I taught you everything I know. How could you squander such a gift?"

"It's not a gift! It's an evil!"

Katara and Hama continue to circle. "You're outnumbered, Hama," Katara was saying. "The jig is up … why prolong it?"

"Because … you are going to Bloodbend tonight! In front of everyone!" She glared at the rest of the tribe. "I no longer care who knows that I'm a Bloodbender … they can all exile me. But you'll be exiled too, Katara! You'll be exiled with me, and all you'll have is me! Two Bloodbenders in a pod!"

"I don't think so, Hama!"

Hama pointed her hands at Hakoda and Sokka. The two levitated off the ground. Cackling, no longer caring about hiding her secret, utterly lost in her madness, Hama forced Hakoda to draw his machete and Sokka to draw his sword. Everyone gasped in horror, watching the two, like ragdolls, charge at Katara, blades pointed straight at her heart.

Katara leapt over them, and they landed harmlessly in the snow.

They flew up, weapons at the ready. Hama was cackling.

The rest of the two tribes stood there, perplexed by the horror that was playing out before them, terrified for themselves to make a move against the old witch.

How do you fight an enemy that can control you from the inside-out?

Hama raised her hands, forcing Hakoda and Sokka to levitate again. "Do it, Katara! Bloodbend! It's the only way to save them!"

"Please," Katara pleaded. "I won't! Don't make me!"

"You have no choice! Do you want to save them? Then Bloodbend like you did in those Fire Nation woods!"

Katara's arms hung limply at her sides. "I had hoped that you would have changed … after the war … I had heard that the Fire Nation released you along with the rest of their prisoners." She stood proudly, resolute. "The war is over! You no longer have to do this!"

"This is who I am, Katara!" Katara was struck by the sudden change in tone in Hama's voice. She sounded almost … sad.

"But it doesn't have to be!" Katara replied. "You can change! So many people I've met have! The son of the Fire Lord hunted us all last winter, trying to get to Aang! Now, he's our best friend! He trained Aang! He was able to change! So can you!"

Hama faltered. "I -. No, this is who I have become. I am a monster, Katara."

"You can be forgiven! No one is irredeemable! The Tribe will accept you if they see you've truly changed … you were just never brave enough to give them that chance!"

Hama faltered.

"Hama!" A voice came from the crowd.

Everyone watched as Kanna parted through the crowd, making her way towards her granddaughter and her adversary.

"Hama," Kanna said. "It's me … Kanna!"

Hama stared at the old woman. "It can't be…"

Kanna's eyes brimmed with tears. "We were friends, once. Years ago when we were young, when I came to here the south. We used to go for walks together. Talk about boys. You were a fierce Waterbender, the likes of which I never saw. You were so proud, and I respected you. I liked that Hama … and she's still there. Buried under the ice that now encompasses your heart. But you can melt it, bring her back! … I'd like to meet her again. Be her friend again."

Hama faltered. "Kanna … can it be?"

"I forgive you," Kanna said. "If you are truly penitent over your crimes, I should very much like to have you over for tea. I will not let you be exiled. Perhaps we can even be friends again …"

Hama sunk to her knees. Sokka and Hakoda fell into a pile of snow.

Hama was crying. Her tears dripped down into the snow. Kanna knelt down beside her, embracing her. "It's okay," Kanna was saying. "I'm here for you, my old friend." Hama's hand found Kanna's wrist. Kanna drew her into a hug. Their tears mixed.

.

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Hahn was simply outraged. "No! This is not how this is supposed to go! I am the Chieftain!"

Sokka came up behind him and knocked him out with the butt of his club. Hahn crumpled to the ground in a heap. Sokka drew a warm fur blanket around him.

"Nighty-night, little baby."

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.

That morning, Katara rose up bright and early. Sokka was snoozing away in his bed. Katara smelled something exquisite. She entered the kitchen to find Gran-Gran busy cooking breakfast.

"That smells good, Gran."

Kanna smiled. "Go set an extra place at the table. We're having a guest for breakfast."

"Please tell me it's not anyone political or in any way affiliated with Hahn."

There was a firm knock on the door. Kanna beamed. She opened the door, and there was a smiling Hama with a basket.

"Good morning," Hama beamed. "I brought some fresh sea prunes!"

Katara drew the old woman in and warmly embraced her.

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"Cripes!"

"Cripes! Cripes! Cripes!"

Shasa's Dad ran through the snow, absolutely horrified. He burst into the front door of Katara's house.

Katara, Sokka, Kanna, Pakku and Hakoda were enjoying a nice breakfast with Hama, although Sokka chose to sit far away at the other end of the table.

Shasa's Dad panted. Everyone sat there, watching him expectantly. "Soooo …. I may have forgotten a thing …"

He handed a letter to Katara.

Katara read it and as she did, her eyes opened.

"Lemme see," Sokka whined.

"It's a letter," Katara was saying, "from Zuko's Uncle. Long Feng's escaped, and Aang is heading for the Fire Nation … Aang may be in trouble!"

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.

Hakoda, Pakku and Gran-Gran watched sadly as Katara and Sokka packed up a small Water Tribe boat.

"Are we sure we can't persuade you to stay?" Hakoda asked.

Katara shook her head. "Aang needs us. As you always say, Dad – we need to keep the world from destabilizing."

Sokka raised a finger. "Besides … if it'll put distance between me and Ham-head Hahn, I'm all for it."

Kanna drew both of her grandchildren into her arms. "Then go," she said, her eyes misting with tears. "Go and save the world. Again."

Sokka saluted. "Will do Gran! We'll promise to write … if only Hawky were still around!" He glared at Katara, before boarding the ramp of the boat.

"Bye everyone," Katara waved at last. "I love you all!"

She began up the ramp when a voice called out to her. "Katara! Wait!"

Katara stopped to see Hama sprinting up to her. "I wanted to give you something for your journey … something to show my apologies … and to inspire you!" Hama opened a cloth in her hands.

"Your comb," Katara replied, remembering it from within Hama's chest back in the Fire Nation. "I can't accept this, Hama."

"Please," Hama requested. "A small token of gratitude. Do an old lady this favor?"

Katara smiled warmly, placing the comb in her hair.

Hama smiled. "It looks perfect on you!"

Waving goodbye, Katara joined her brother on the boat, ready to embark, once again, on a brand-new adventure to save the world …

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