Forgot this part.

Book I: Water

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 ground.

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!"

Azula put a hand on his shoulder. I will help Zuzu no matter the cost! "We'll find him Zuzu!"

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 and with the urging of his sister , 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 and his sister Azula 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?"

"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 an 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."

Azula then stepped up beside her brother. "And I am Princess Azula. The daughter of Fire Lord Ozai, grandaughter of Fire Lord Azulon and great-grandaughter of the great conqueror Sozin."

Zuko then pointed up at the sky. " I saw the beam of light projected 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. They are 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. "What do 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. Those two are not the usual type of firebenders. They are members 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 they want! 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. 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 cleared her throat. "As am I!"

Kuzon turned to her in shock. She can't be serious! She could be killed! I..can't allow that! "Katara! You can't be serious! You may get hurt! I don't know what I'd do if that happened!"

Katara felt her temper rise but managed to calm herself. Relax Katara. You just have to show him you can handle yourself. She then half-smirked at the Avatar and caressed his face with a hand. Her tone was gentle yet stern. "Kuzu. I'm flattered you feel so deeply inclined to protect me and everyone else but this is my fight as much as it is yours. That monster is holding one of my people hostage. I'm not standing idly while she is in danger. This is not up for negotiation."

Kuzon, seeing as he wasn't going to get anywhere with the waterbender, just merely nodded. "Alright then. If that is what you wish..I'm not going to stand in your way."

Katara smiled at him warmly and then took his hand in hers. "We'll take them on together."

Kuzon just nodded, blushing a bit. "Alright then." He then led on with both Katara and Aang following too far behind.

Zuko, Azula and their small army then turned to face the renegade Avatar and his allies. Zuko just glowered his eyes at the man. "I've hunted all over the world for you Avatar Kuzon. Fate must be shining on me today. You end up right where I want you." He then released the girl from his grasp.

The scared girl ran over to her mother who picked her up and hugged her as tight as she could.

Kuzon glared back at the prince. "Leave this place Prince Zuko! There is nothing for you here! Do us all a favor and go back to licking your father's boots!"

Zuko shook his head. "I will not! You are my ticket into my father's good graces and I intend to collect!" He then raised an eyebrow. "Unless…"

Kuzon just glared at him. "Unless what?" Prince Zuko then spoke in a matter-of-fact way. "You rededicate yourself to my father. Realign yourself with your people. Redeem the traitorous mistakes of your family,"

Kuzon narrowed his eyes at the Prince. "And just how would you expect me to do that?"

Zuko gestured with his arms. "Help us Kuzon Lin Sho of the Fire Nation.. Help us raze this entire village to the ground until there is nothing left but smoke and ash." Kuzon's eyes widened in horror. "You want me to kill everyone here?" Zuko nodded. "Think of the rewards. Father would call you the hero of the Fire Nation. You would be our greatest asset in this war. With control of all four elements...no bending army in this world could stand a chance against the Fire Nation's forces. Your father and grandfather would be considered heroes again. Their names would be told in our history books for generations to come. You would live like a king and have the choice of any woman in the world. I'm giving you a second chance as my father gave me. Don't waste it, peasant."

Kuzon felt the anger boil up inside him. This rich brat dares to think that riches, glory and women are enough to make me turn on my friends. He has some nerve. I'll show him my 'thanks'.

Kuzon then got up on his feet.

Zuko crossed his arms. "So what will it be? Are you going to side with these snow peasants or are you going to come to your senses?"

The renegade firebender fiercely glared at Prince Zuko. His voice was brimming with rage and frustration. "You piece of filth! You dare come to me and think yourself so high above me that you think just offering me a bit of so-called 'clemency' is just going to make me bow at your feet!"

Zuko growled back. "I'm trying to be kind and merciful here! Don't be a fool Kuzon Lin Sho!"

Kuzon then set his fire daggers in place. "You can take that kind 'offer' of yours and shove it where the sun doesn't shine! I'm done talking!" He then turned to Katara and Aang. "You guys ready?"

Katara smirked. "Ready when you are!" There was a blush on her face. Seeing the firebender she adored so much stand up for her village made her swoon a bit. Kuzu. Thank you for defending my village. I won't forget what you did here for my tribe and...for me.

Sokka then drew his sword and pointed it at the Fire soldiers. "Alright warriors! Time for the fight! Let's go! Defend your home with your lives if you have to!" He and the small cadre of warriors then charged at the soldiers.

Kuzon, Katara and Aang then charged at Zuko and Azula.

Zuko grit his teeth. "So you prefer death then!" He narrowed his eyes on Kuzon. "So be it traitor!"

He and Azula then made a beeline for the three of them.

Kuzon sent a fire kick Zuko's way.

Zuko dodged it.

Katara turned to Aang. "Let's go after the girl! I think Kuzu can handle Zuko."

Aang just nodded. "You got it Katara! Lead the way!"

Katara and Aang then came face to face with Azula.

The Fire Princess smirked at the two of them. "Oh. A waterbender. And a pretty one at that. When this is over and I bring you to the palace city with me...you will make a fine addition to my servant cadre."

Katara glared at the ponytailed girl. "I serve no one! And you are in my home! I'm going to drive you out by any means necessary!"

Azula then summoned lightning to her fingers. "Come at me then you filthy snow peasant!"

Katara brought up two tendrils of water and practically launched them at the Fire Princess. Azula stomped her feet in and launched the bolts of lightning at the giant tendril of water sent her way. It instantly turned into steam.

Aang immediately cleared the air with his bending. He then jumped and landed a punch.

Azula staggered back. "That was for Gyatso!"

Azula grit her teeth. "You dare touch me nomad filth? I'll kill you for that." She then blasted away at him with a stream of fire. Aang sent a huge gust of air her way.

This resulted in a huge explosion that threw both the airbender and firebender back.

Aang was sent flying and hit the ice wall hard. He collapsed on the ground.

Katara gasped in shock. "Aang!"

She then turned and faced Azula. The girl was breathing heavily and on one knee. Her armor was all dented up. There was a knowing smirk on her face. "I have to admit that I didn't expect a Nomad to fight back. I may even have some respect for him." She then took note of the anger in the waterbender's eyes. "My...my. I seem to have struck a nerve."

Katara said nothing and only glared at the firebender. "You'll pay for that!"

Azula just chuckled. "Make me peasant. I dare you!"

Katara, fueled by her emotions, ran at her. She sent wave after wave her way.

Azula skillfully dodged each one. She then landed a fire kick that hit the waterbender directly in the stomach. Katara fell hard on her back and grunted in pain. Damn. That hurt. She then saw that Azula was practically charging at her with her fire jets. She still wants more huh? I got something for her. The waterbender then got back on her feet. She then raised up her arms. This encased Azula in some sort of water ball. The waterbender then got real close and blew on it. This caused the water to instantly freeze.

Azula began to thrash around and scream her head off.

Katara crossed her arms and just glared at her "You can try all you want Azula. You aren't getting out of that." Katara then raised it up and sent it slamming against the ice wall. This shattered it into millions of little pieces.

Azula collapsed on the floor unconscious.

Katara then ran over to Aang. "Aang! Are you alright?"

Aang didn't respond. Katara glanced at him with a worried expression in her eyes. "Oh no!" She then took two fingers and placed them on his temple. The waterbender let out a sigh of relief. "He's still alive and breathing. He's just out cold. Thank the spirits!" She then heard Kuzon yell in pain. She turned and gasped in horror. Tears ran down her eyes. "No!"

The Fire Prince had heated his hands to an almost extreme level. He had Kuzon up by his arm. The flames were spreading all over Kuzon's left arm and burning some sort of mark on him.

Kuzon was screaming in pain. Zuko appeared unaffected by the firebender's screams of agony. There was an ice cold look in his eyes. "Now you know you will learn true dishonor traitor! You will carry this mark of shame for the rest of your life!" He then let go of the boy's arm and kicked him hard enough in the face to render him unconscious.

The anger built up inside the waterbender. She then raised her arms and sent a massive water wave his way. "Get away from him!" This caught Zuko's attention. He dropped Kuzon and tried to flee but the wave caught him in its path and he was sent careening into the water.

Katara sighed in relief. "Thank the spirits I managed to get to him in time!" She ran over to him. "Kuzu! I'm here!"

Kuzon was still moaning and groaning. The 'branding' Zuko had given him had entrenched a burn mark of some sort into the skin on his left arm.

Katara gasped, horrified at what she saw. She took his hand in hers and spoke as soothingly as she could. "I know. Don't worry. I'll patch you up.."

That was when Zuko firebended himself up several feet and walked towards the two of them with hatred in his eyes. "Damn snow peasant! I'll make you pay for that!" He then drew his fire daggers.

Azula came up beside him. "Zuzu! I'm glad to see you are still in the fight!" Katara glanced at Kuzon and sighed. He's in no state to fight. I have to protect him. "Don't worry. We'll make it out of this alive. Just hang on."

Azula grinned at her playfully. "You are all alone peasant! Once we kill you..the traitor is next!"

Katara glanced at them with a determined look in her eyes. She readied herself for a fight. "The only way you are getting to him is through me."

Zuko just nodded. "That can be arranged."

Katara gulped nervously. She was sure she could handle Azula but not both Zuko and Azula at once. It was two against one.

"And me." Aang then ran to her side. He held his staff at the ready.

Sokka and the other warriors then walked behind the two of them. "And the rest of us."

Azula balked. "What? What happened to our troops?" She then glanced behind them. All of the troops lay either dead or incapacitated in some way.

The princess's eyes widened in horror. "No! That isn't possible!" She glanced at the group of rebels. "How did you.."

Sokka just chuckled. "What can I say? I'm just that damn good!"

Azula then turned to Zuko with fear in her eyes. "We have to retreat!"

Zuko glowered at her. "Absolutely not! I came for the Avatar and I will get him, regardless of who I have to kill!"

Azula sighed. "Zuzu...they have an army surrounding him. You and I are capable warriors but the odds have been stacked against us. We will capture the Avatar another day."

Zuko sighed. "And how are we supposed to escape? You know they won't let us go without a fight."

Azula turned to him and smirked. "That's where I come in." She then shot up a fireball in the sky.

Katara narrowed her eyes at the firebender. "What are you doing?"

Azula then smirked at her. "Saying goodbye."

Suddenly, the Redeemers' fire catapults began raining flaming rocks down on the village.

Zuko and Azula jumped off and firejetted away.

The rest of them scrambled to find cover from the artillery fire.

Katara and Aang had grabbed Kuzon and managed to get him to safety before the rocks hit.

Luckily, Nodoliq and the rest of the warriors had already evacuated Kanna and the rest of the villagers. There were few civilian casualties.