Book I: Waves

Chapter IV: Battle of Taqqaq Village

Somewhere on the shores of Taqqaq Village, Southern Water Tribe

After a long and ardenous journey, the Redeemer had finally made it on the shores of Taqqaq Village. The long metal ramp of the ship landed on the hard, cold Zuko, already adorned in his royal battle armor, was briskly walking down the ramp with some of his men. His eyes darted back and forth desperately searching for any sign of the Avatar. He then called out to his men. "I want a thorough search of this area! Leave no bit of snow unturned!"

The men eagerly complied with his order.

The royal prince was more than a little nervous. For one, he was in enemy territory far away from his home in the Fire Nation. The Water Tribes and Fire Nation still considered one another as enemies. The only reason that the First War ended in the first place was because the Fire Nation had underestimated the sheer tenacity and fighting spirit of the people of the Water Tribes. The warriors and benders of the Tribes may not have had advanced military equipment on their side, but they knew the lay of the land and how to fight the firebending armies in their homeland. The warriors and waterbenders of both the Northern and Southern tribes had essentially fought the Fire forces into a deadlock. For every waterbender or warrior lost, the Southern and Northern armies made sure that the Fire Nation lost ten times as many men. At that same time, the Fire Nation was also engaging in a war with the Earth Kingdom. The Fire Nation was a nation with an advanced military and land plentiful in resources, but its resources were not unlimited. Ten years of warfare continued between the two countries until Fire Lord Azulon, Chief Dekka of the Northern Tribe, and Chief Noataoq of the Southern Tribe eventually called the Great Truce. This put an end to the war officially.

However, there were still skirmishes between the navies of the Southern Tribe and the Fire Nation. The Northern Tribe, however, had practically chosen to isolate itself from the war after hostilities ended.

The second reason was Zuko's own self-doubt. It was common and believable knowledge that the Avatar had been shot dead in the ocean. Word had passed through all four nations of his death. He and his sister Azula were the only ones who believed differently. Zuko had always heard theories from certain circles in the Fire Nation that the Avatar could have possibly survived his fall into the ocean and seeked refuge somewhere. The ship that shot him hadn't bothered to verify if he actually drowned in the water. The royal family of the Fire Nation especially subscribed to this belief. Fire Lord Sozin never truly believed that Kuzon had drowned in the ocean that day. As for Zuko, the failed Agni Ki duel against his father years ago had cost the young boy his place in royal society. He not only suffered a massive burn on his left eye, but was banished from his only home. At the young age of thirteen, the Fire Lord gave his son a choice before he left. He could try to capture the Avatar in order to regain his honor as a royal. Zuko jumped at the second chance he had been given. He was given a ship and a small contingent of men as a result and sent on his way. His uncle Iroh had volunteered to go with him. That is how he ended up in the Southern Water Tribe.

That is the only reason I am in this frozen hellhole. I need the Avatar. I can't return without having him in chains. Zuko rubbed his hands together urgently to warm them up. He blew a bit of hot air on them.

Suddenly, a soldier called out to him. "Prince Zuko! I have found someone who may know where the Avatar is!"

Everyone then looked in his direction.

The soldier had picked up a young girl by the scruff of her parka. She looked to be around the age of six. She was desperately trying to wriggle out of the soldier's grasp. "Let me go! I have to go back to my mother!"

Prince Zuko gave the soldier a firm nod. "Good job soldier! We'll have her tell us where the nearby village is!"

Taqqaq Village

Moments later

A young mother quickly ran up to Katara.

The waterbender was busy washing clothes by the river. "Katara! Katara!"

The girl turned her head curiously at Suyu. "What is it Suyu?"

Suyu had a horrified look on her face. She looked as if she was going to burst into tears. "I-It's about my daughter Noloni. She ran off this morning when I wasn't looking. She usually comes back after a while. She hasn't returned."

Katara put her hands on the woman's shoulders and gave her a warm smile. "It will be alright. I'll gather some of my friends and we will go look for her." The young mother gave the waterbender a nod. "Thank you."

Kuzon and Aang's tent

A moment later

Kuzon, Aang and Sokka were busy talking amongst one another in Kuzon and Sokka's tent.

Sokka had a gleeful look on his face. "I'm telling you Aang. You could definitely become a match for Kuzon. You may only be an airbender, but you could kick some serious firebender ass."

Aang let out a nervous chuckle "I sure could Sokka."

The airbender sent Kuzon a worried glance.

Kuzon merely gave him a half-shrug. "He does have a point airhead. We all need air to breath. He then ignited a small flame in his hand. "Fire feeds on air in order to grow stronger. If there is no air, there can be no fire."

Aang gave him a nod. "You have a point. I'd never attack you though."

Kuzon gave him a firm nod. "I wouldn't attack you either."

Katara then walked in. The three boys all turned to look at her.

Sokka was the first to speak. He noticed the creased brow on his sister's face. Something is up. She only gets that look when something is up. "What's up sis?"

Katara gave her brother a sad look."Suyu's daughter is missing. She said she walked off and hasn't returned. I need you three to come with me to help find her."

Kuzon gave her a nod and a traditional bow. "I'd be honored to help."

Aang gave his own bow. "As would I."

Sokka gave her a firm and understanding nod. "No time like the present. Let's go."

Katara smiled at all three of them. "Thank you. She can't have gotten far."

Suddenly all four of them heard a scream. It sounded like a little girl's scream. They all ran out to the village entrance. There was Zuko along with a number of his men. He had Noloni up by the scruff of her neck. Everyone in the village was watching the royal prince with a look of horror in their eyes. Zuko then spoke in a authoritative tone. "Listen here you snow peasants. I am Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. I am the son of the great Fire Lord Ozai, grandson of Fire Lord Azulon and great-grandson of the great conqueror Sozin." He then pointed up at the sky. " I saw the beam of light project in the sky. I know that the Avatar is alive. I demand that you bring me to him." He then created a fire-blade and held it up to the little girl's neck. She let out a whimper. "If you refuse, I will kill this girl. I suspect she is a member of your tribe!"

Kuzon then noticed the royal accessory on the boy's head. That accessory. There is only one family in the world who wears that golden topknot. The royal family of the Fire Nation. Chills went down his spine. Memories of what happened a century ago flashed in his mind. The death of his father and grandfather. The moment went he saw the Royal Guard burn them alive.

Katara let out a frustrated grunt and narrowed her eyes at Zuko. Damn. I could try to fight him. But I am nowhere near talented enough to handle an entire army alone. She clenched a fist in frustration. What do I do? She then turned to Kuzon, Sokka and Aang. "We have to do something. He's going to kill Noloni!"

Sokka immediately got out his boomerang. "I'm right ahead of ya sis!" He was about to charge headfirst at the firebending royal when he felt Kuzon's hand on his shoulder. He turned to glare at the firebender. "What do you think you think you are doing hothead? I'm the warchief of the tribe. It is my duty to protect our people from harm."

The firebender gave him a serious look. "Listen to me Sokka. That is not the usual type of firebender. He is a member of the royal family. In my time, the royal family were noted for their mastery of firebending and quirk for destruction."

Sokka then glared at him. "I don't care if he's royalty or not! I'll still kick his ass!"

Kuzon stared at him directly in the eyes. There was a newfound intensity in his eyes that Sokka had never seen before.

Sokka felt himself grow a bit nervous. Ok. Hothead is kind of scaring me.

Kuzon took a breath to calm himself and put his hand on the warrior's shoulder. "Listen to me! It is me that he wants. I've already lost my family because of my birthright. I won't lose my friends. Please let me handle this."

Sokka opened his mouth to protest, but gave his firebending brother an understanding nod. "Alright I'll follow your lead brother. I got your back in case you need help." He then threw up a wolf sigh to his fellow warriors to prepare for battle. They prepared their weapons for combat.

Kuzon gave him a grateful nod. "Thank you." He then turned away from Sokka and started to walk off.

Aang then put a hand on his shoulder. There was a steely gray look in his eyes "I'm coming with you. I promised you I'd never let you fight alone. I meant that."

Kuzon merely gave him a nod. "Thank you Aang."

Katara then threw her arms around the firebender and held on for dear life. Tears were rolling down her face. Kuzon felt himself grow red in the face. I'm still getting used to all this affection. I-I don't know to take it.

Katara then let out a sad sigh and looked him in the eyes. "I don't like the idea of you facing down that maniac all alone. Please promise me that you will be careful. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you."

Kuzon managed to calm his fiercely beating heart and took in a deep breath. Is this what having a sister feels like? He then pried her arms from around his neck and took them in his. He then half-smirked at her. "Don't worry. I'll be fine. You forget that I'm the Avatar. ''

Katara let out a sigh and sadly shook her head. "That may be true but you are still just one person." She then cupped his face in her hands and gazed at him with a serious look in her eyes. "No matter what happens, the people of this tribe are behind you. Never forget that."

Kuzon gazed at her with a stunned look on her face. "T-Thank you." He then removed her hands and began walking towards Zuko and his men. "Hey you wanted the Avatar right? Well I'm right here!"

Katara glanced at him with a determined look in her eyes. I'll protect him with my life. That I swear on my mother's grave.

Zuko then saw Kuzon walking towards him. There's the traitor! "So traitor! You finally have the courage to show your face after all these years!"

Kuzon didn't say a word back. He just conjured up his fire daggers as he approached the firebender.

Zuko continued, "Kuzon Lin Sho, son of the disgraced soldier Lin Sho and grandson of Mokabi Sho, one of the greatest firebenders in Fire Nation history. You could have lived the life as a royal you know. My family had a need for your power. If your family had chosen to stay in the Fire Nation and pledged you to the service of the royal family, we could have had mercy on them. Nobody would have had to die at that godforsaken temple and you would've been hailed as a hero in your homeland!" He continued on, his voice becoming even louder and more boisterous, "You could have had a hand in forming the greatest and most glorious empire this world has ever seen!" Zuko then took a deep breath and calmed himself down and deviously smiled at him. "That is why I come to you with an offer young Avatar."

Kuzon glared back at him and got into a firebending stance. "What in the hell could you possibly offer me?"

Zuko then slowly walked towards the young firebender. He shot a quick glance at Katara and Sokka with a look of disgust in his eyes. "You don't belong here with these snow peasants. You belong with your own countrymen in the Fire Nation. I'm not here to kill you. I'm here to help you redeem your family name." He then gestured to Katara and the rest of the Water Tribesmen. "I want you to prove your loyalty to the Fire Nation and assist me and my men in killing everyone here. Complete this task for me and I promise you that the Fire Lord will reward you handsomely. Your grandfather will be hailed as a hero in the books read by future generations of Fire children. I will personally see to it that your father will have a tapestry made in his honor. He will be hailed as one of our nation's greatest warriors! You will be given every benefit of royal life and will have the honor of leading the Fire Nation's conquests all over the world! With your help, our armies would be unstoppable!"

Kuzon gazed at the firebender with a shocked expression.

Katara, Sokka and Aang did as well. Kuzu would never do that to us. We gave him a home and cared for his wounds.

Aang stared at the ground. Kuzon is a child of air. He wouldn't betray the Nomads. My people gave him a second home.

Zuko then put a hand on his shoulder and smiled warmly at him. "Come now my brother in flame. It is time for you to return home where you belong. I'm giving you a chance to redeem your family name."

Kuzon went silent for a moment. He not only has the gall to talk about my family as if they were traitors. He even offered for me to come back home for the price of betraying my friends. To hell with him! Fueled by a newfound sense of anger, Kuzon then kneeled the royal firebender in the gut and sent a blast of flame towards the firebender. It knocked him off his feet and sent him tumbling to the ground.

One of Zuko's men ran at his side and helped the boy up. "Prince Zuko! Are you alright?"

Zuko paid the man little attention. He was glaring daggers at Kuzon. "How could you strike at me? I am one of your comrades in flame."

Kuzon looked at him with a death glare in his eyes. "You are no comrade of mine." He then glanced at all of Zuko's men. "None of you are. I was cursed with the destiny of being the Avatar and you all tried to kill me for it. I lost my family to you and your ancestors. The Air Nomads took me as a child and gave me a home when I had none." He then gestured to Katara and Sokka. "When Aang and I were in danger of freezing to death, these "snow peasants" saved our lives and gave us food, water and shelter. I owe both of them my life.

Katara gave Kuzon a warm smile. Thank you Kuzu. I won't forget what you've done for my village on this day. I am in your debt.

Sokka felt like a proud dad. Katara and I are lucky to have him on our side. He's a hell of a guy.

Kuzon continued, "I want you to know this, you royal pissant! I will not rest until your entire empire is ashes!"

Zuko then got back up on his feet and dusted himself off. "I see. You have decided to align yourself with the enemies of the Fire Nation." He let out a sad sigh. "I thought you of all people would understand my pain. The pain of leaving your home. I thought you shared my passion and love for our beloved countrymen."

Kuzon shook his head. "Why would I have love for people who tried to kill me? Why would I have reverence for a nation that committed genocidal massacres on a peaceful race of monks?"

Aang then jumped in beside his longtime friend. I want answers. His hands were trembling from the inner rage he was trying to hold in. He locked eyes with the Fire Prince. " I want answers. Why? Why did your great-grandfather attack the Air Nomads? We were no threat to your people."

Zuko sneered at the airbender and pointed a finger at him. His tone was one that was ice cold. "The Air Nomads were slaughtered because they were weak. They never understood the importance of the concept of self-preservation and defending themselves against potential enemies. Your peoples' pacifism was the beginning of your undoing as race. The strong will always dominate the weak. This is the way of the world. The destiny of the Fire Nation is to rule this entire world." He then narrowed his eyes at the airbender. "My great-grandfather made it his mission to drive the Air Nomads out of existence. It's time that I finished his work."

Aang readied his staff in defense mode. He spoke in a threatening tone, "Come on then ashmaker! I'll give you the first shot!"

Katara felt her temper flare up again. How dare he call Aang a coward! She was practically glaring ice daggers at the royal prince. "You firebenders invade our homelands, plunder them for whatever you can get your hands on, and then act like it is all part of some grand destiny. Do you have any idea what your drive for glory has cost the other nations?"

Zuko then noticed her presence and stared at her with a cold look in his eyes. "I do not know and I do not care snow peasant. You and your entire Tribe of primitives will learn your place as subjects of the Fire Nation."

Kuzon decided that he finally had about enough of the royal jerkoff in front of him. There was a look of pure anger in his eyes. I'll kill him! I'll kill them all! He then ran at the prince and began launching a flurry of flames his way.

Prince Zuko was barely able to dodge each strike. Damn it all! This peasant is quick! If it weren't for all the training Uncle gave me, I wouldn't be able to dodge his attacks. Aang leaped in and landed in the middle of a group of Fire soldiers. They all looked at him with confused eyes. Aang then took this chance to swing his staff at them. This caused a huge gust of wind to hit them straight on and send them tumbling and screaming down a snow hill.

Sokka whistled and widely grinned to himself. "Not bad airhead." He then shot an expectant look at Nodoliq and the rest of the Southern Warriors. "Come on warriors! We can't let the outsiders have all the fun!" He then ran towards a group of soldiers with his sword drawn. "For the Tribe!" He and his fellow warriors then clashed with a group of firebenders and soldiers.

Katara, meanwhile, was gazing at the airbender with an almost dreamy look in her eyes. Oh. He is so much more impressive that I ever imagined. I think I'm going to enjoy watching him work. She had a slight blush on her face.

More firebenders moved to surround the young airbender. Aang felt a bead of sweat go down his brow as they started to close in on him. He darted his eyes around. I can't find a way out! I'm trapped! Nervousness was flowing through him. I'm still learning how to fight with my airbending. I can't take on all these Fire Army soldiers alone!

The massive group of firebenders prepared and then sent a massive stream of flame towards the airbender.

Aang suddenly felt his whole body start to tremble. He stumbled backwards and fell on his rear. There was a horrified look on his face. No. It can't end like this. I can't defend against that much flame.

That was when Katara jumped in front of him and raised a water wall to counter the bursts of flame. The flame collided with it and instantly fizzled out. This resulted in a massive amount of steam covering everyone. Katara was breathing rather heavily. That was a lot of effort. I barely managed to get enough water in time. She then turned towards Aang with a concerned look in her eyes and kneeled down to his level. He doesn't seem burned. I managed to get to him in time. Thank the spirits. She then felt the tension release from her shoulders. She then took his hands in hers and helped him up to his feet. "Are you ok?"

Aang realized that he had been zoning out and mentally smacked himself. Say something you idiot. "I-I'm fine. I'm just shaken up is all. I'm not used to using airbending as an offensive art. I-It's kind of intimidating. I think I killed those men." He then stared dejectedly at the ground. "What have I done? I've taken a life and betrayed the ideals of my people."

Katara gave him a sympathetic look. It makes sense that he is so shaken up. Air Nomads weren't really known for being warriors. They never were known for their fighting prowess. There was a faraway look in the airbender's eyes. This is all wrong. What have I done?

The waterbender then turned his face to meet hers. There was a serious yet sympathetic look in the girl's eyes "Hey look at me. You did nothing wrong. This is war. We have to learn how to defend ourselves." She then pointed at the group of firebenders in front of them with a glare in her eyes. They were all on the ground screaming trying to wipe the steam from their eyes. There was a deadly edge in Katara's voice. "They came to your temple and burned it down to the ground. They massacred your people in front of you. They killed my mother. They brought this battle on themselves."

Aang stammered, "I-I understand that. I want to set things right and avenge my mentor. I-I just don't know how. I wasn't trained to fight."

Katara then half-smiled at him, gave him a small kiss on the forehead and put her hands on his shoulders. "Don't worry about it. Just follow my lead." She then took him by the hand and led him towards the chaotic battle.

Aang nodded. "A-Alright then!" She kissed me again! I'm not-what is this feeling?

Meanwhile, Kuzon and Zuko were fighting blow for blow. The battle was getting so intense that the upper part of Kuzon's Fire gi had long been burnt off his body. This left a number of bruises and bruises all over his body. He was also breathing heavily. Damn. I'm hurt all over. If it wasn't for the adrenaline in my system, I'd have keeled over by now.

Zuko wasn't without his injuries either. Though he had battle armor on, there were burns all over his hands and face. The heated metal has left painful imprints on his skin. Every step felt like a chore. The two firebenders almost matched each other in both their bending ability and the ferocity in how they fought. It seemed as if the fight would never end.

Kuzon leaped up and tried to land a massive barrage of fire blasts against his firebending opponent. Zuko countered them with his own. That tears it. Time for the trump card! Kuzon then used the Fire Cloak technique and surrounded himself in a large ball of flame.

This drew everyone's attention to him. Zuko shot him a suspicious glare. "What technique is that? I've never seen it before."

Kuzon gritted his teeth in order to deal with the pain. He then stared up at the prince with a death glare in his eyes. "This is the Flame Cloak technique. It's a secret family technique that my family invented generations ago." He then gave Zuko a wicked grin. " The way it works is that I allow my inner flame to engulf me whole and empower my offense and defense tenfold." He then let out a cry of pain and fell on one knee. He forced himself back up.

Aang's eyes widened. Oh no. He can't be serious. "Don't use that ability Kuzon! It will kill you!"

Katara shot him a horrified look. "Are you serious? What is that form? I've never seen it before." Sokka bonked one last soldier on the head and called out, "Me neither. It seems beyond any firebending technique I have ever seen."

Aang shook his head sadly. "I heard about this. He told me about the Fire Cloak ability a long time ago. It has been held in his family for generations. Before they were exiled, the Sho family were once known for being one of the best families of warriors in the Fire Nation. It was due to the Fire Cloak ability. It can boost Kuzon's abilities and the power of his bending tenfold. It also provides an impenetrable wall of flame around the user that keeps him safe from all incoming attacks."

Sokka grinned to himself. "That seems really handy." Aang sighed, "Such strength, however, comes at a terrible cost. The technique feeds on a firebender's inner flame. If Kuzon doesn't finish fighting Zuko soon, he will die due to the lack of his inner flame."

At that point, Kuzon's Fire Cloak had collided with the many fire blasts Zuko had sent his way. This caused a massive explosion that sent the two firebenders tumbling hard into the ground. Both were now unconscious.

Katara and Sokka exchanged horrified looks on their faces. Oh no!

Katara quickly activated her healing hands and frantically ran towards the firebender she considered family. "Hold on Kuzu! I'm coming!"

Aang and Sokka quickly followed behind her. The waterbender then cradled the young Avatar in her arms. There were burns and bruises all over his body. She was trying desperately to jolt him awake. She brushed a few stray hairs from his face. There were tears in her eyes and she was starting to sob. "Come on! Don't die on me! Please!"

She rested her head against his chest. There's still a heartbeat. Thank the spirits!

Zuko's armor was now completely burned off. There were third degree burns all over his body. Uncle Iroh had managed to get to the village in time. No! Zuko! I can't lose you! His eyes widened and he shouted at the remaining men. "Retreat immediately. We must get the Prince to Whale Tail Island so he can recover" The remaining men complied and hurried and picked up the limp body of the unconscious prince over their shoulders. They then firebended themselves over the village entrance and hurriedly retreated towards the Redeemer. Uncle Iroh did the same.

Sokka let out a frustrated grunt and glared at the retreating firebenders. "Damn it all. They are getting away!"

Katara then cried out his name, "Sokka we need to retreat as well! Kuzu is hurt badly! We need to take him to the healing oasis in the middle of the village!"

Sokka let out a sigh. Katara is right. I don't like letting the enemy go. But we can't afford to lose the hothead. He is the only chance we have of ending the war.

Sokka kneeled down and gave her a nod. "Alright let's go." The two siblings, the airbender and the warriors of the Southern Water Tribe then made their way to the hidden oasis. Katara and Sokka both carried Kuzon on their shoulders.

Aang was looking on with fear in his eyes. I should have tried to calm him. Now it may be too late.

Read and review!

Sorry for the long wait.

Work was rough this week.