"There it is!" Katara beamed happily as she pointed in front of herself. "My village! It's right there!"
Katara had thought that Hama would be happy now. As they stood at the deck of the ship and finally home was in sight here at this early morning. But the old woman was silent and Katara turned her head only to face Hamas shocked face expression.
"Is that…. It?" Hama asked. Her eyes growing misty. "Is that all there is left?!" a slow anger started to rise in her throat.
It put Katara a little on guard as she held up a hand. She had made sure to take Hama to the deck as much as possible since they had entered the South pool water. But it was still a risk. Katara had to stay close to Hama at all times and even then… Katara already knew what a formidable waterbender Hama was.
Even if Hama was old, her skills were as precise and deadly as any young water bender.
It really was something Katara had come to realize… Benders didn't get weaker with age. Well yes their bodies would become weaker. But it seemed like as bending was second nature to benders, the bending itself would compensate and always grow. Especially among true bending masters such as Bumi… Master Pakku… Iroh… and Hama.
Still though Katara looked towards her tiny village. Which to her filled her with warm feelings but… It was all she had ever known. Then she glanced at Hama. "What was it like…" she hesitated. "When you lived here."
Hama closed her eyes. "Before the fire nation came… Walls. Made of pure glistening ice. A dock for the ships. Holding both fishing ships and war boats. Buildings… made in ice."
"So… A lot more like the north pole." Katara concluded.
"Then the fire nation came." Hama said darkly. "They broke down our ice walls and buildings. At first we could rebuild pretty easily. But then they started to take away water benders one by one.. And without water benders it became harder. Even impossible. To rebuild the constructions that the fire nation had destroyed… Without any wood or metals at these shores. We relied on water benders to build our very city. I can see even now you relied on skins and furs for tents and snow for walls and huts. Tusks and bones for the supports for the tents." she said. "We are a people of the ice and snow. We always had to make due with what we got unlike those other nations whom had so many resources handed to them."
Katara closed her eyes. Trying to imagine her little village being an actual city… But she had to admit it was impossible to imagine and she chewed her lip as she looked up and then she gasped. "That one is new!" she pointed and Hama looked up to true enough see a large building made in Ice as well as a brand new ice wall.
Hama frowned. "That is not a south pole design. Must be North pole."
"Wow you can tell that by just looking at it?" Katara asked in a gape.
"The southern school of water bending does have differences from the north pole." Hama lectured. "While they often concentrate on raw power and seize we have more finesse." she said. "Also there's the fact that the north pole are all a bunch of sexiest who only allow female water benders to practice healing arts while male benders has to do all the construction and fighting." she commented dryly.
"So the south pole wasn't like that?" Katara asked.
"We didn't have that luxury." Hama informed. "Anyone who was a bender had to do their bit. You know how it is here at the south pole. Everyone must carry their own weight. It doesn't matter who you are, the rest of the tribe will depend on you not dragging them down." she quieted. "That must have been more true than ever after there were no water benders left."
"Well… yeah." Katara looked. "The moment I learned how to walk I also had to learn how to sew and cook. Sokka was out hunting before he could even spell his own name. And then all the men left… And the only ones there to cast our fishing nets and pull them back up were women and children. Same goes for animal traps… With no men there was no one to hunt for bigger animals. I mean Sokka would love to do it himself but even he had to admit it was just to dangerous when only him. And I suppose some of the women could act as hunters but… They were the only ones left to look after the small children. We couldn't risk it. So we concentrated on making the nets and traps.. Throwing them out. Everyone was needed."
"It sounds like a harsh life." Hama commented.
"Well… I suppose it was." Katara said. "But… Everyone was there from each other. If a tent got destroyed in a storm no one would have any issue taking that family in and help them repair their tent. Who-ever made dinner would make it for everyone. When we were low on food everyone would share and work together. It was nice." she smiled warmly. "You know that was one of the oddest thing to me when traveling the earth kingdom and fire nation! People living right next to each other and they didn't even know each other! That was strange! Especially in the cities." she said. "And people who had to lock their doors because someone might come by to steal stuff! Then again I guess if anyone tried to steal something from someone else at the south pole… they would be figured out pretty quick. There really isn't anywhere to hide is there? Everyone knows each other."
"That at least is the same." Hama smiled gently as she looked towards the approaching village. "We wouldn't lock our doors either and always be ready to lend our things to those who needed it. Everyone needed to work together to survive at these shores."
And Katara smiled lightly. Glad that not everything had changed.
It was with a deep groan that the ship sailed up on the ice and Hama was waiting on the deck with Katara… Almost holding her breath as slowly the tip of the ship started to open up allowing them a passage out.
Slowly… Ever so slowly it opened and then created a big metallic bridge going down into the snow and there… Was a whole group of people wearing blue. All with either blue or gray eyes and Hama gasped.
Gently did Katara touch Hamas arm and then touched it. "Come on." she said and slowly they moved forward. Fire nation soldiers walking right behind them closer and closer to the group of people in blue standing in front of them and then… Right before they were about to step into the snow they stopped just as a man stepped forward to meet them.
"Chief Hakoda?" The fire nation soldier asked.
"Yes." Hakoda replied.
"We hereby transfer the prisoner Hama to your care." The fire nation soldier informed. "The rules are as following. Hama is not allowed to leave the south pole. Is she spotted at either earth kingdom or fire nation territory it will warrant her arrest and if you wish her return after that you must re-enter negotiation on her behalf. What you decide to do with her here within the south pole is outside of our own jurisdiction and we bear no responsibility for her actions after the transfer. Is all of this understood?"
"I understand." Hakoda said.
"Please sign this document Chief Hakoda." The soldier asked offering Hakoda a scroll which Hakoda accepted and throughout read before nodding and swiftly signed his name before handing it back. Then turned to Hama who looked up at him with wide slightly wondering eyes. "Hello." he spoke kindly. "My name is Hakoda. Chief of the South Pole. I have been told a lot about you and it pleases me to welcome you home." he said offering Hama a hand.
Hama hesitated but finally accepted and took her first step into the snow. As Hama stepped out into it she gasped, almost surprised by the way she sank into the whiteness under her.
Then an old woman rushed forward and gasped. "Hama. Is it really you?"
Hama looked up to see the old wrinkled face and she frowned. "Do we… Know each other."
The old woman smirked. "I'm Kanna." she informed.
"Oh." Hama blinked. "You look old."
"What can I say." Kanna shrugged. "I am old enough that my grand children were the ones to save the entire world."
"Ah yes. Katara and Sokka." Hama turned to Katara and then she swallowed, she covered her mouth with her hand.
"It's okay now." Katara assured. "You're going to be okay."
"Oh Hama." Kanna breathed as she moved forward. "Your poor thing. I am so sorry." she said.
"I am too." Hakoda said. "We thought all the water benders were dead. We should have looked more. And never given up. I am so sorry."
"My brothers and sisters are free." Hama said as she looked up and gasped just as the glaciers groaning. "They are here! I can hear them!" she reached out her arms. "Tulak… Estrid… Kima… their souls made it home." she smiled as she rested her hands over her chest. "I'm very glad."
"You must be exhausted." Kanna helpfully put a hand on Hamas shoulder. "Come on. We set up a tent for you. With nice warm furs. Oh and we prepared a good old fashioned traditional Southern water trip dinner."
Hama looked up. A small smile on her face. "With real sea prunes?" she asked.
"With real sea prunes." Kanna nodded. "They used to be your favorite… I do remember. You could never get enough of them."
"Yes…" Hama breathed. "Kumquats almost taste like sea prunes if you stew them long enough… Almost." she said. "I tried to prepare them so many ways but it was never quite right."
"I see." Kanna said. "Don't worry. I made sure to make enough." she said as she lead Hama away. Just in time for fire nation soldiers to come down with several box's.
"So erh… Where can we put this?" The fire nation soldier asked.
Katara smiled lightly. This fire nation vessel wasn't just to transport one single prisoner oh no… Anything the Fire nation had managed to raid from the south pole was to be returned.
Like Zuko said… It wasn't like they were using these things! These artifacts were just collecting dust in the basement!
Also Zuko had insisted upon reparations. Even though Hakoda had assured it wasn't necessary. But it was a show of good will to both of the polls so Hakoda had finally agreed to just accept some materials for rebuilding.
And lastly… There were experts among the fire nation soldiers there to help dismantle and neutralize any old Fire nation wreckage's along the landscape.
They were going to stay here for a bit.
Just then Katara was attacked from the left. The moment Kanna had taken Hama away and the fire nation soldiers were down. Hakoda could let go of his role as Chief and immediately went for the hug. "Katara!" he grinned warmly.
"Dad." Katara looked up a warm smile on her face and hugged him back before letting go.
"How was your trip?" Hakoda asked.
"It was good." Katara smiled. "The fire nation soldiers treated me really nice. I mean… Not that they would dare anything else. I am the Avatars water bending master and his girlfriend and a close friend to the fire lord."
"My kids sure has made it their way up in the world." Hakoda shook his head.
"Is Sokka here yet?" Katara asked. "Aang said he would give Sokka a ride."
"No they are not here yet." Hakoda said. "I'm sure they will be soon though. Having a flying bison sure is convenient." then he quieted. "So that was her. Hama."
Katara nodded.
"It's hard to imagine." Hakoda said in a sad tone. "I wasn't born either when she was taken away. When I was born there were no water benders left…. And for all that time." he sighed.
"You didn't know. You couldn't have dad." Katara said.
"No. No I guess not." Hakoda shook his head. "And all other water tribe prisoners taken in the raids."
"Dead… yeah." Katara said. "Zuko, Sokka and I searched high and low. In all of the prison records just to make sure that we hadn't overlooked someone. Well mostly Sokka and I cause… Zuko has so much to deal with all ready. He did want to at least help a bit too though. But no. She's the only one." she said. "And for all its flaws the Fire Nation has great filing systems so… I don't doubt it."
Hakoda sighed deeply. "Well… I suppose the good thing is that it's over now." he crossed his arms as he looked towards the ocean. "No more raids. No more war. We'll have all the time in the world to rebuild. And make something new."
"It's a little weird isn't it?" Katara asked. "No looming threat out there."
"Yes." Hakoda had to admit. "It is though a good day. I truly wish Kaya could have been here to see it too. She would have been so proud of you."
Katara nodded as she swallowed. "Thank you."
Hakoda squished Kataras shoulder. "It's a fact. She would have been so proud. Just like I am."
And Katara smiled then finally allowed her father to lead her towards the village.
"How does it taste?" Kanna asked carefully as she watched her old friend who had been seated on the furs in her own tent. Her incredible thin and frail looking hands.
"Like…" Hama breathed. "I couldn't even recall it in my dreams." she swallowed. "It's truly incredible." she said.
Kanna smiled softly. "I'm glad you like it. Eat as much as you like and then rest as much as you want."
Hama nodded slowly, it still seemed like she was in a dream like state as the tent flap slightly opened and Kanna frowned annoyed. "What part of giving us some space is it you didn't understand?" she asked.
In the opening was an older man, long white hair though bald on top and he frowned annoyed. "I just wanted to greet a fellow water bending master!"
Hama blinked then looked up to see the other man. "But… Katara was the only water bender at the south pole. That is what she told me."
"He's from the North pole." Kanna informed and sighed. "Hama. I would like you to meet my bone headed fiance Pakku. Pakku, this is Hama. The South poles last water bending master until Katara arrived."
Pakku hesitated then bowed slightly. "I heard of your plight." he said. "And I am truly sorry to hear of the horror you went through. That the north pole didn't aid you when we should have… That is on us."
Hama looked down. "I suppose there is no use thinking of what could have been." she said.
Pakku hesitated a bit. "I'm a water bending master and a teacher. Several of my students has come with me here to help rebuild the south pole. You would honor us all deeply if perhaps some times. You would offer us a lesson." he said. "It is being said that the school of waiting bending from the south pole is different than the one in the north pole. I believe both I and my students could greatly benefit." he said. "And… It would truly be a tragedy if this art was to be lost."
"Pakku really?" Kanna asked. "She barely even got here."
"Yes." Hama gasped tears dripping from her eyes. "Yes! The things my father taught me! I want it to be passed on. I want it to be remembered!" she said. "You have young students. Let me teach them please! The words of my father and my gran parents. Water benders of the South Pole."
Kanna quieted suddenly realizing that Pakku probably had indeed known what he was doing.
"You honor us." Pakku said. "Though I must insist that there will be no blood bending." he said in a stern tone.
Hama smirked. "Even if I tried to teach it it would be unlikely any of your students could. Only a true protege would be able to master it." she said.
"So it's true." Kanna breathed.
"It was the only way." Hama said. "I simply did what I had to do."
"I… Understand." Kanna lowered her head.
Hama looked at Pakku. "For how long will you stay at the South pole?" she asked.
"Oh he'll be staying here." Kanna said. "We are getting married. My son is the chief of this tribe. Here, in the south pole. I am not going anywhere! I'll be where my son is. So I told Pakku that! That if he indeed intend to marry me he'll be staying here too."
Pakku smirked. "You are as stubborn as when we were young." he commented. "Katara has it from no stranger." he sighed.
"She's making me proud." Kanna informed.
"You're truly getting married?" Hama asked.
Kanna smirked. "Even at my age. Can you imagine?" she asked. "I suppose it goes to show. Even though we are old. Things can still happen. Who knows?"
Hama smiled lightly down at her sea prune stew but then quieted.
"Hama." Kanna said more seriously. "I know… Our time is almost over. It's my gran kids who are ready to take on the world now. But I think it's truly worth it to make the best out of what we got. I'm having a romance at my age, and I am quite enjoying it too. I could never have imagined you would be at my wedding, but it makes me happy." she said.
Pakku nodded as he quietly stepped in and then sat down on his knees next to Kanna. Then reached over and took her hand. "Not everything has to be too late." he said. "Even an old fool like me could still change."
Kanna smiled then kissed him on the cheek. "Who would have thought?" she asked.
"I thought I had lost my chance of ever having a family." Pakku said. "But now… The love of my life. And two gran children I am allowed to adopt as my own." he sighed deeply. "Sokka I could live without. But I suppose it is what it is." he shrugged.
"Hm. Family?" Hama asked. "At the South Pole the entire tribe is your family Master Pakku. But I suppose Kanna is already teaching you all about that."
"Yes indeed." Pakku said. "Now. I believe I was asked to leave you alone. I shall be looking very much forward to be taught by a fellow water bending master." he said as he stood up and bowed respectfully then finally left.
Hama looked after the closed tent flap. "He seems nice." she observed.
"Apparently Katara beat some real sense into him." Kanna commented. "I would have loved to see it. To think he would even respect a female water bending master like this."
"Ah yes. The chauvinist ways of the north pole." Hama commented. "You told me how infuriating it was."
"Well. Looks like they are changing their ways now." Kanna said. "The entire world is indeed changing." she looked up. "To think I would even be alive to see the day."
Hama nodded. "That is quite the miracle." she had to admit then ate another spoonfull and swallowed, then sniffed.
"Are you quite all right?" Kanna asked.
"Forgive me. This is just…. So good." Hama whispered and Kanna smiled.
"It's okay." Kanna assured. "I understand."
And Hama continued to eat in quiet, then finally was allowed to rest in the furs. Exhausted but also content.
If it was a dream or not, it didn't matter. All that mattered was that she was home.