For Flame and Redemption

By PurpleReignonHorses

This is a rewrite of my original ATLA story. It fixes up some plotholes and properly realigns Kuzon and Aang's personalities.

STORY LEGEND:

BOLD AND UNDERLINES- SCENE CHANGES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dialogue: "Dialogue"

Actions

Characters thoughts: Italics

Book 0: Awakening

Chapter III: The Start of the Hundred Years War

Somewhere outside the Temple Grounds, Southern Air Temple

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Taira was leading Kuzon somewhere outside the Temple grounds.

Kuzon was looking at her with a wary look in his eyes. "Uh Taira where are we going exactly?"

The girl looked back at him with a smile on her face. "We're going somewhere private so the two of us can talk. Just let me lead."

They finally came to a secluded place near the outskirts of the grounds.

Taira spoke with cheeriness inherent in her tone. "We're here!" She finally let go of Kuzon's hand and turned to face him. A thought came to her mind. Oh spirits! I never even asked for his name. She then cleared her throat and bowed respectfully. "I apologize. I don't think I asked your name."

Kuzon felt the butterflies rise up in his stomach. "I-It's Kuzon. My name is Kuzon Lin Sho."

Taira's eyes widened in awe. She spoke his name as if the words were taking all the breath she could muster. "Kuzon. That is a beautiful name."

Kuzon immediately felt himself go red in the face. He felt a lump in his throat and swallowed it down. "Uh thanks!" I don't know how I'm supposed to handle a compliment like that.

Taira clasped her hands together in a quick motion. "So tell me about yourself. Where does your family come from?"

Kuzon felt himself sweatdrop for a minute. "I-I'm from the Fire Nation. A long way from home."

Taira then gazed at him curiously and tapped a finger against her chin in deep thought. "The Fire Nation. I've never been there before. What's it like?"

Kuzon gave her a nervous grin. "I-I'm afraid I can't tell you much. I left the palace city when I was only three. It was pretty though. It seemed like it was always the season of autumn there. I have faint memories of lanterns, festivals, and just different hues of red everywhere."

Taira's face brightened at him. "Sounds like a fascinating place." She then slowly started to walk towards him and took his hands in hers. She then gave him a kiss on the cheek and flashed him a sweet smile.

Kuzon felt like his heart was going to melt. There were butterflies in his stomach and he could feel his face heat up.

"I'd love to go there. Maybe we can plan for it sometime?"

Kuzon suddenly felt a lump in his throat. "S-Sure."

Taira then beamed at him and led him by the hand. "Come on then. There is so much more I want to show you."

Outside the Sho Household, Southern Air Temple

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Later that night

Kuzon and Taira had spent practically the whole day together. They fed baby bison, ran all over the temple and simply marveled at the serene nature of the temple. The two were standing outside the Council's chambers.

Kuzon had a reluctant smile on his face. He had his hands in hers. "I had an amazing time Taira. I never knew frollicking around the Temple would be so much fun."

Taira flashed him a sweet smile. "I am glad."

Kuzon then let out a sigh. "I am sorry I have to cut our time short."

Taira just shook her head at him smiling. "It's quite all right. I'm content with the time we had on this day." She then planted a kiss on his cheek and gave him a respectful bow. "Until we meet again." She then walked off.

Kuzon again felt himself grow beet red in the face. She kissed me. Again. He was about to let out a yell of excitement when he realized where he had to be. Spirits! I need to get home!

Lin and Ling were watching their son from afar with great interest. "Look at him. He's grown up so fast." Lin nodded to himself. "That he has!"

Sho Residence, near the Southern Air Temple

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Fifteen minutes later

The four members of the Sho family were all hanging around the large fire in their small family home. They were all meticulously eating away at the tofu they were having for dinner that night. The family had used the special blend of spices they had been so focused on making earlier in the day and combined it with the meal.

Lin picked up another tofu with his chopsticks and eagerly popped it into his mouth. "So my son has found himself a little girlfriend. How fascinating!"

Kuzon immediately went red in the face. Of course they saw her! He eyed his father with a grimace on his face.

Ling let out a little giggle. My boy is finally growing up. "You should've seen me and your father when we first met?"

Kuzon was too embarrassed to meet his mother's gaze. So embarrassing.

Mokabi then cleared his throat and spoke with a sympathetic tone, "Alright enough with that Ling! You're making the boy blush!"

Kuzon then let out a sigh of relief. Thank you Grandfather!

Lin let out the deep breath he was holding and shook his head. He has a point. He shot his son a sympathetic look. "Alright I'm sorry Kuzon."

Ling gave her son a nod as well. "I am as well."

Kuzon let out a sigh of relief. He stared at the ground in order to hide his face and mumbled, "Thank you."

Everyone then let out a laugh and enjoyed the rest of their dinner for their night.

Sho Family Household, Southern Air Temple

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An hour later

Ling was busy tucking Kuzon into bed. The day had been long for her sweet boy and she wanted to ensure that he was comfortable and snug in his bed. The young boy was already fast asleep.

Ling brushed a stray hair away from his face and kissed his forehead. "Goodnight my sweet Kuzon! Sweet dreams!"

The lavender scent of her hair calmed him down and helped the boy fall asleep.

Kuzon mumbled some words in his half-awake state. "Goodnight Mom."

Council of Elders' Chambers, Southern Air Temple

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An hour later

An emergency meeting had been called between the Elders. Monk Gyatso had just walked into the room. The other elders were whispering amongst one another.

Gyatso raised an eyebrow at them. "What seems to be the problem?"

The other monks shot him worried looks.

Monk Pasang then spoke in a shaky tone. "I'm afraid we don't have good news, brother."

Monk Ashi closed his eyes and nodded. "Indeed. The Fire Lord knows we are hiding the Avatar and his family."

Monk Gyatso's eyes widened in horror. "What? How is that possible?"

Monk Fushin then let out a long sigh. "We send seekers out to the nearby village from time to time to ensure the Avatar remains a secret amongst the people of the nearby village. One of them reported seeing Fire Nation soldiers swarming the village. They were asking around about where the nearby Temple was and if any of them had seen the Avatar lately. Our seeker managed to hide himself and return to the Temple. It is evident to me that young Kuzon must be informed of his true heritage and that he must escape this temple safely."

Monk Gyatso gave his fellow monk a solemn nod. "I see." This is not good! The temple will come under threat soon! "We must evacuate everyone here and get them safely to the Hidden Temple. One of you must also go inform the other Temples that they are in danger as well. I will inform Kuzon and his family."

The three airbenders gave him a nod.

Gyatso added, "I also want Aang to go along with him."

Monk Pasang shot Gyatso with a confused look. "Aang? Why?"

Gyatso gave his old friend a warm smile. "Those two have an unbreakable bond. Aang's calm and serene nature keeps Kuzon in check. He will need that balance in order to become a fully realized Avatar. Kuzon also needs to learn airbending. It is part of fulfilling his duties as the Avatar. I can think of no greater teacher."

Monk Pasang then gave Gyatso a nod. "I agree." Monk Gyatso gave the monk a respectful bow. "Thank you old friend." He then glanced at every one of the monks. "You all have your duties. I will convene with you tomorrow morning."

Council of Elders Chambers, Southern Air Temple

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An hour later

The Sho family had been summoned to see the Council of Elders. Monk Gyatso was sitting across from them. One thing Kuzon found strange was that Aang was in the room. What is Aang doing here?

Monk Gyatso then cleared his throat. "Alright it is time now. We don't have much time before the Fire Nation discovers us."

Kuzon raised an eyebrow at the man. "What are you saying Monk Gyatso?"

"What I am saying dear boy is that you must leave this place. You are the Avatar. The Fire Nation is coming for you. They know you are a threat to their plans for world domination! You must leave this place!"

Kuzon eyes widened in horror. "W-What?"

He looked to his parents and grandfather. "He's lying! He has to be! The Fire Nation would never betray one of their own! That's what you both taught me! Family and honor above all!"

Mokabi then turned towards his grandson and spoke with a sorrowful tone. Poor child. "I'm afraid the monk has a point Kuzon. We lied to you."

Lin continued, "Our family was forced into refuge shortly after you had just turned three. When you cried one day, the four elements were drawn to you like a magnet. The water around our house thrashed around violently. The ground shook with such ferocity I was barely able to keep you in my arms. The air shook with such rage it felt like the roof was going to blow off our house. The lanterns exploded and almost set our house on fire. The only reason we still survived was because your mother managed to calm you."

Kuzon felt his jaw drop. I'm the Avatar. What does that mean? "So what does that mean? What am I supposed to do? Where am I supposed to go?"

Monk Gyatso then walked slowly towards the boy and put a hand on his forehead. "You must go with Aang to the Hidden Temple. There you will train in secret in order to face the Fire Lord."

Aang glanced at his airbending mentor with shock on his face. "What?"

Kuzon felt this entire body shaking. He felt like he was going to throw up.

Lin then put a hand on his shoulder and stared at him with a steely look in his eyes. "Stay with us son. We don't have a lot of time. The fate of the world is on your shoulders. Do you understand me?"

Kuzon's voice was suddenly shaky. "B-But I don't know how to be an Avatar! I'm just a sixteen-year old kid."

Ling then flashed a small smile at her son. She put a hand on his left cheek and stroked it soothingly. "You will grow into it. You have to my son. For our sake! For the sake of the world! You understand me?"

Kuzon gave his mother an understanding nod. "I...understand." Damn it all!

Ling then gave him a warm smile. "That's my boy. Let's get you all ready to go now." She then led him by the hand towards the family home. The rest of the family followed the mother and son.

Monk Gyatso then turned to his protege Aang. "You must accompany the Avatar Aang! You are the only one who can teach him airbending someday."

Aang glared at his mentor for the first time and shouted "I don't understand! What makes me special all of a sudden! Why do I have to leave? This is my home! I can't abandon it! I can't abandon you!"

Monk Gyatso let out a sad sigh. He kneeled before the boy and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Listen Aang. You are one of the few friends he has among our people. I've seen how the two of you interact with each other. You are like brothers. I need you to go with Kuzon in order to keep him safe from harm. No matter what happens in the future, you must remind the boy of his Nomad roots. I fear he will struggle in the future with his destiny. You must be his light in the darkness. Am I understood? You need to trust me! The fate of the world depends on it!" The monk's tone had suddenly become more stern.

Aang blinked his eyes at him. I've never heard Gyatso speak like that. He's always been so calm and serene with me. This must be serious. I hate abandoning my home. But I trust his judgement. I always have! He then let out a sigh and stared at the ground with a dejected look on his face. "I understand. I'll go with him."

Aang then started following the Sho family to their home. He then turned his gaze towards the airbenders behind him. "Tell everyone we are evacuating the temple immediately and heading for the Hidden Temple. We must get out of here before the Fire Nation attacks!

The other monks gave him a nod.

Sho Household, Southern Air Temple

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Two hours later

Kuzon was busy changing into his Fire Nation garb. His mother had made it for him just in case they ever managed to make it home. It was of a sleeveless design and was mostly made up of a variety of red tones. It also had a hood attached to it. There was a gold trim on the inside.

Kuzon stared blankly at it. He ran his hands over the fabric. It felt both soft and silky to the touch. I..I always wanted to go home. Just not like this.

Suddenly, Taira ran in the room. She looked as if she was running out of breath. "There you are! I was so worried! She then threw her arms around the young firebender.

Kuzon then spoke in a stunned voice. "Taira..where..how did you find me?"

The young airbender smiled at her newfound boyfriend. "Let's just say I followed the breadcrumbs here." She then shot him a concerned look. "Have you heard? The Elders are evacuating the Temple! They're taking us all to some kind of hidden temple somewhere! I don't understand it at all! Do you know what's going on?"

Kuzon felt like his heart was going to rip to pieces. She deserves the truth. I'll probably never see her again. So there's no point in hiding it anymore. "Why did you come here though? You should be joining your family with the rest of the Nomads?"

Taira was lost for words for a moment. A bit of apprehension came over her. Should I tell him? She then spoke in a timid manner. Her whole face went beet red. She then took his hands in hers and smiled at him. "Well I was going to ask if you wanted to come with me. I figure the two of us could have more alone time down at the Temple."

Kuzon sighed and pulled her hands away from his. Damn it.

Taira then looked up at him with heartbreak in her eyes. "What's wrong? Did I say something to upset you?"

Kuzon then looked her in the eyes and put his hands on her shoulders. "I'm the reason your people are abandoning your home Taira. I'm the Avatar. The Fire Nation is on their way here right now. They have come for my head." He then put on the rest of the outfit and sighed ruefully. "That's why you need to go. You need to get far away from me for your own good. You understand?"

The young girl started shaking a bit and shook her head at him with tears in her eyes. "I don't understand. You aren't making any sense." She grabbed on to one of his arms. "Please let's just go! Come with me! I don't care if you are the Avatar! I want to be with you!"

Before Kuzon could respond, his grandfather popped into the room. "Kuzon are you ready yet? We need to leave now!" He then saw that Taira was in the room. He let out a heavy sigh. "My beloved grandson. We don't have time for romance at the moment. You need to get moving now!"

Kuzon glanced at his father with anger in his eyes. "I know Grandfather! Just give me a second!" He then turned to face Taira and planted the most passionate kiss he could muster on her lips.

Taira was completely taken off guard. I...what.

Kuzon then finally let out the deep breath and smiled warmly at his girlfriend. "Alright my sweet wind. You've made your point. I need you to go ok? You go off with your family to the Temple. I will meet you there ok?"

Taira could only stammer out, "O-Ok but only if you promise to come back to me."

Kuzon then patted her cheek. " I do! Now go!"

Taira gave him an eager nod and ran out of the house.

Kuzon let out a sigh of relief. Whew. I wasn't sure if that would work. Whatever happens from now on, I will see her again. He then packed up the knife and the rest of his gear

Entrance, Southern Air Temple

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An hour later.

Aang, Kuzon and his family were all set near the entrance. As the airbenders around him started flying on their bison, Kuzon gave his parents a confused look. "How are we supposed to escape? We don't have a bison."

Aang then spoke up, "I do." He then pulled out his bison whistle and blew it. Appa then flew in front of him. The gentle giant let out a roar.

Then the five of them spotted the worst thing imaginable. They spotted the comet gleaming in the night sky.

Ling cast a horrified look at it and covered her mouth. "Oh no! We may be too late!" Unfortunately that was true. The group then saw a whole army of firebenders headed towards the temple. They were managing to reach the temple by levitating themselves with their firebending.

Monk Gyatso had a horrified look on his face. I never imagined that an outsider would one day reach the Temple.

Mokabi let out a frustrated grunt. His fist started to smoke. Damn it all! No matter what happens! We need to get Kuzon to safety! There is no time to waste! He then picked up the boy and threw him on Appa.

Kuzon landed on his side. He immediately picked himself back up and shouted at his grandfather. "What the hell are you doing?"

Mokabi looked at his grandson with a mournful look on his face. A tear rolled down the old man's eye. His usually gravely voice had a hint of regret in it. "I'm saving your life Kuzon. No matter what happens now, you must live to fight on! You must fight on for us! You have to fight on for your family and your country! You are the only one who can stop the Fire Lord! Remember our family motto! "Defend those who can't defend themselves!" He then threw the black and red pai sho tile at Kuzon. The boy managed to catch it in his hand. "That was melded by your great-great grandfather. It's the last heirloom our family has. Guard it well."

Kuzon felt the tears roll down his eyes. "I will!" He was holding back sobs at this point.

Lin then spoke, "I will stay with your grandfather to hold them off! It will buy you and your mother some time!"

Kuzon spoke through sobs. "I-I understand."

Lin then took out the green-handle dagger from his pocket and threw it at the boy. "This is a knife that my father gave me when I joined the Fire Army years ago. I'm giving it to you! Guard it well!"

Kuzon shouted back, "I will!"

Lin then put his hands on Ling's shoulders. "Take care of our son for me."

The amber-eyed woman gave him a nod. "I will."

The two then rested their foreheads against each other and had one last kiss.

They whispered to one another, "O eternal flame! Never let either of us burn out alone!"

Ling then climbed up on Appa and wrapped her arms around her boy. "It will be alright! I promise!"

Lin then called up to his son. "I love you my only son! Never forget that!"

"I love you too Father!"

Aang let out a sad sigh.

Monk Gyatso then called out to him. "Aang take this!" The elder monk pulled out a meditation necklace from a wooden box.

Aang's eyes widened when he saw it "That's a meditation necklace!"

Monk Gyatso gave his pupil a small smile. "Yes it is!" He then put the necklace around his neck. "You have reached the zenith of your training. You will need this in the future. So will Kuzon. Guard it well!"

Aang wiped the tears from his eyes and hugged his mentor tightly. "I will miss you Gyatso!"

The elder airbender rested a hand on the boy's head. "As will I Aang! Never forget our people and what we stand for!"

"I won't!"

The two then broke the hug.

Aang airbended on top of Appa. He then called out to Appa. "Alright boy! Yip yip!"

Appa let out a loud groan of understanding and flew away into the horizon.

Lin, Mokabi and Gyatso all let out sighs of resignation.

"I guess that is it then. My grandson is gone! I'll never see him again!"

Lin gave his father-in-law a nod "Yes. It's time for some payback!"

The two firebenders then glared daggers at the army of firebenders coming towards them.

Monk Gyatso noted the looks of determination on their faces. So sad. They would rather throw away their lives than run to live to see their family again. I've never understood the people of the Fire Nation and their need to fight.

He then gave the two men a bow. "I wish you both well. I do not intend to fight a losing battle."

The two firebenders gave him an understanding nod. "We understand. We wish you well Monk Gyatso. Thank you for shielding our family from harm all these years. We are in your debt."

The monk gave them a respectful bow. "It was my honor."

Somewhere close to the Southern Air Temple

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Fifteen minutes later

Kuzon, Ling and Aang were busy flying far away as fast as they could. As they were flying away, they noticed that the firebenders were blasting away at the temple. It soon became engulfed in flames.

Aang's eyes widened in horror. My home.

Many firebenders then landed on the temple grounds. There were still some Nomads who hadn't managed to get away in time. They got on their knees and begged the invaders for clemency. The firebenders glanced at them with cold looks in their eyes. They then burned the survivors alive. Aang could hear their screams of terror and pain. He watched as the charred corpses of the survivors then fell to the ground.

Monk Gyatso himself then appeared in front of the army. Spirits forgive me. But I can't just stand by and do nothing! There was an enraged look on his face. "You will harm my people no longer. I will take all your lives if I must!" He then raised his arms. The surrounding soldiers then felt all the air leave their lungs. They all collapsed to the ground dead. However, the Jinguro technique had left the aged man greatly weakened. He fell to his knees coughing. The levitating firebenders then saw their chance and blasted the aging monk with all their might."

Lin and Mokabi then tried to defend the monk and hold back the massive torrent of flame sent their way. Unfortunately for them, it was all too much and they were all burned alive.

Kuzon cringed when he heard their screams of agony. My family! He cradled his arms around his knees and went silent.

Aang felt a new emotion rise from within his being. Rage. My people surrendered peacefully and those bastards still killed them! My mentor is dead! I will make them pay.

Kuzon eyed his best friend with a sympathetic look in his eyes. "Aang I am so sorry. This is all my fault! I brought them here!"

The airbender glanced at the firebender with a serious look in his eyes. There was a coldness in his eyes that the firebender had never seen before. Aang!

"No! None of this is your fault Kuzon! You couldn't help being born as the Avatar!"

He then glanced down at the army of firebenders who had invaded his home. "It is theirs. They will pay for this! I swear that on the grave of my mentor!"

Aang then whipped the reigns. "Come on Appa! Let's go!" The air bison let out a roar of approval and began speeding up his flight path.

Unbeknownst to the three of them, three Fire Navy ships were tailing them. The captain of the lead ship then glanced at them through his binoculars and shouted an order.

"Fire!"

Three other ships across from his also spotted the escape attempt.

"Fire."

Suddenly, a massive wave of fire projectiles from both sides were fired at the air bison.

Aang let out a frustrated grunt. "C'mon Appa! We've got to go faster!"

The airbender and his bison then tried desperately to dodge the projectiles. Kuzon and his mother held onto each other for dear life.

They managed to dodge one. However, the two others managed to hit their target.

Appa immediately fell unconscious and began careening into the sea below.

Aang called out to Kuzon and Ling. "Hold on! We're going down!" All of them crashed into the water.

Starboard, Fire Nation Ship

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Two minutes later.

Captain Yao Dai of the Redeemer looked again through his binoculars. There's no sign of the Avatar! I've done it! The Fire Lord will reward me handsomely for this!A sense of monstrous glee then overcame the man.

That was until one of his men interrupted his little celebration. "Sir! Your orders?"

Captain Dai then marched up to the man and looked the man in his eyes. "Inform the Fire Lord that the Avatar is dead! Those are your orders!"

The man let out a nervous gulp. "Y-Yes sir!" The captain then marched off with a huff.

Under the Ocean

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A minute later

Kuzon was unconscious. He, Ling and his best friend were all drifting away from one another. This is it! This is the end!

A spirit then appeared before him. It was of a woman. Shge was dressed in traditional Water Tribe garb. She had a youthful look on her face despite her advanced age. Long, flowing white hair fell down to their shoulders. She then placed a hand against his forehead and spoke, "Kuzon Lin Sho of the Fire Nation, awaken and achieve your destiny."

Kuzon's eyes immediately widened and glowed bright white. He formed his hands together and encased everyone in a large iceberg.

Woo!

This one was a lot of work!

Hope y'all enjoy it!

Please read and review!