A/N: Almost done...
Victory is Subjective Part 2
A band of warriors met the tiny sailboat on the coast of the Southern Water Tribe. The men didn't know what to expect and were prepared for whatever. When Sokka and Katara got off the boat, looks of ready anticipation for a battle turned to enthusiastic joy. Hakoda's children…The heroes of the war have returned! The warriors heard and saw firsthand how the young teens who supported and traveled with the Avatar used strategy and wits to land heavy blows on the Fire Lord and his armies.
Some who thought of the Avatar's abandonment spit in the snow in disdain. They were ashamed that they put their trust in such a young boy who was at best minimally trained and untested in battle. They knew he wasn't ready for any type of responsibility of that magnitude but to not show up at all? To not try when he had the most to lose? That was cowardice to them.
At the happy reception Suki, Toph, and Zuko disembarked from the vessel. The warriors gave the girls a respectful and warm nod acknowledging them as fellow heroes of the war but at the sight of Zuko the men drew their spears, and some had their clubs at the ready. A fire bender! What was this scourge doing with the chief's children? Sokka stepped between them shouted,
"No, wait! Don't hurt him; Zuko is our friend! He fought with us and saved Katara's life." He said breathlessly plumes of condensation forming around his head. Zuko stood with his arms up to show he wasn't a threat though he shivered violently from the cold.
A fire bender on their side? The men eyed Zuko warily and stared at Sokka and then Katara to confirm the story and Katara nodded with tears in her eyes. The men immediately lowered their weapons and nodded. One warrior spoke out over the others. It was Uncle Bato.
"It sounds like we need to have a council meeting. Men let's get our family and friends out of this cold. Hakoda will be glad to see them." he said with a slight smirk. Katara ran over to Zuko and took his arm in hers.
"Don't worry Zuko; this is a good thing. If it wasn't, you'd be dead already," She said confidently.
"Outstanding…" Zuko whispered trying to keep his teeth from chattering. The council stared in surprise and shock at the motley mix of heroes representing three of the four nations. These children fought entire armadas and even the infamous princess of the fire nation herself?
If it weren't for the fact that the warriors saw some of the battles to confirm it they wouldn't have believed such a fantastical tale. The council shook their heads and clucked their tongues at the reports of the Avatar's disappearance. This did not bode well for the world.