Book I: Water

Chapter VII: Onward to Daqqaq Village

Daqqaq Village, Southern Water Tribe

A day later

The gang spotted the port village in the distance.

Katara was at the reins. She then pointed in the direction of the port village. "There it is." Sokka then pulled out his binoculars, looked through them, and nodded. "Yup, there's the village."

Kuzon stared on into the distance. The village came into his vision. "There, it is alright."

Aang then motioned for Appa to land. The bison slowly landed on the ground.

Kuzon and the gang then leaped off him. They got Appa into a cave large enough for him to fit in.

The bison let out a roar in protest.

Aang patted his best friend on the forehead. "I know it isn't ideal, buddy. But we need to keep a low profile for now. I promise that we will come back for you. Okay?"

Appa then mumbled in protest and licked the airbender with his enormous tongue.

Aang let out a small chuckle. "Okay! I get your point! "We'll be back soon!"

Kuzon crossed his arms and chuckled to himself, "Heh. That bison hasn't changed a bit in the last hundred years."

Aang then walked out of the cave.

Katara then waterbended some snow over the cave entrance. Aang then turned to the group with a serious look in his eyes. "Let's do this quickly. I don't like leaving Appa by himself."

Sokka grinned at him. "You got it airhead! It shouldn't be too hard to find Dad here. Katara and I know the lay of the land here. We used to take family trips here to trade goods and services."

Kuzon raised his eyebrow at him, "Is that so? That sounds interesting. Why did you stop?"

The warrior then stopped in his tracks and sighed. "The war started soon after. It was..too dangerous for us to be close to the shores."

Kuzon gave Sokka a nod. "I understand."

Suddenly, a voice called out to them. "Katara! Sokka!"

Katara and Sokka then looked up and saw an older man approaching them. He was dressed in a lighter Water Tribe get-up and had two swords sheathed on his back.

Katara looked at him with a huge smile on her face. "Bato!" She ran and hugged him tightly.

Sokka waved at the older man wild "Hey Bato! Long time no see!"

The four Water Tribesmen then all engaged in a group hug.

Kuzon and Aang gave each other looks of confusion. Bato then looked down on both of his godchildren with a smile on his face. "It is so good to see you both." I've missed them both so much. He then focused his gaze on the Airbender and firebender of the group. "Who are your friends?"

Katara looked up at him with a spark in her eyes and gestured to Kuzon and Aang. "Bato, allow me to introduce Aang of the Southern Air Temple and Kuzon Lin Sho of the F-"

Kuzon then gave her a death glare Katara then realized her error and put a hand over her mouth. She mouthed, "Sorry about that Kuzu."

The firebender just sighed in frustration.

Bato eyed her with a suspicious look. "Katara, is there something I need to know?"

Katara tensed for a moment and looked at him with an apprehensive look in her eyes. "Well-I-"

Kuzon then jumped in to save her from further embarrassment." He sighed. "It's alright Katara. There's no use in hiding from the truth." He then stepped forward and moved to remove his hood.

Katara looked on in complete horror. "Wait! You don't have to-" She was cut off when he removed his hood. Kuzon then gave the old warrior a traditional Fire Nation bow "My name is Kuzon. I'm the Avatar." He let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm also from the Fire Nation."

Bato immediately rested a hand around one of the sword grips and began slowly pulling one of his swords out. He spoke in a more tense tone. "I see."

Katata immediately took notice of this and got in between the two of them. "Wait, please just hear him out Bato!" "He isn't like the ones who attacked our village!" Sokka then jumped in and stood beside Kuzon "She is right Bato. Kuzon saved our home. He fought off the Fire Nation and forced them out of our village. He gave everything to protect us."

Bato's eyes widened in surprise. An ashmaker saving my godchildren. I can hardly believe it. He then narrowed his eyes at Kuzon. "You aren't a Fire Nation spy?" Kuzon shook his head. "No. I hate the Fire Nation. They murdered my family in cold blood and took everything I cared about. I have no allegiance to them. I give you my word in honor."

Bato went quiet for a moment. He is different from most of his people. He voluntarily gave his true identity and bowed in respect. He narrowed his eyes on the boy. "Alright. You don't seem to be hostile at least. But I don't fully trust you yet." He then pulled out a whistle and blew on it. Two soldiers came up from behind him. Bato then sighed, "I have a question for you Kuzon."

Kuzon raised an eyebrow at him. "What is it?" Bato then gave him a serious look. "Will you report to Chief Hakoda for questioning and imprisonment?" Kuzon gave the man a nod. "Yes. I freely surrender myself to your custody." He then got on his knees and lowered his head in surrender.

Katara immediately knew where this was going. He's going to imprison Kuzon! I can't let him do that! She balked at Bato. "You can't just chain him up! He's the Avatar!"

Bato gave her a stern look. "I'm sorry Katara. But he is from the Fire Nation. I can't allow him to put you or Sokka in danger!"

Katara angrily shouted at him, "He poses no threat to us! He saved our lives back home! I won't let you do this! I-"

Kuzon raised up a hand. "It's alright Katara. I understand his distrust. My people have caused your Tribe a lot of grief. It is only fair that I answer for their crimes. I can handle a prison cell."

The girl looked back at him with tears in her eyes. There was a look of great fury in her eyes. "You aren't responsible for what happened to my mother! I refuse to let them chain you up for mistakes that you never made!"

She then sent a ferocious glare at Bato and the two soldiers behind him and got into a waterbending stance.

Bato let out a rueful sigh. "Katara..please step aside. The boy has agreed to be questioned." She then shouted back with a fierceness she never knew she had. "No! What you are doing is wrong!" Bato let out a sigh. What has happened to her? Why in the world would she side with an enemy of our Tribe? "Katara...you know what his kind has done to us. His people are the reason your mother died. They are the reason your father and I had to leave home to fight. How can you side with him?"

Katara took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. "Because I believe in him. I watched as his mother died in his arms. The Fire Nation took everything from Kuzon. All because he was born as the Avatar." Her voice was now bursting in anger. "He may be of the Fire Nation, but he has suffered at their hands just like I have. Kuzu is family to me. If you intend to hurt him, you will have to go through me first!"

Sokka let out a loud chuckle. A satisfied grin came to his face. There's that rallying spirit of hers again. He then stood beside his sister. "Same goes for me!"

Aang then took his place beside Kuzon. "And me!"

Bato and the two soldiers looked in pure awe. The old warrior let out a frustrated sigh and facepalmed. If I arrest Katara and Sokka, Hakoda will kill me. Damn it all. I can't fight my own godchildren. He then looked his goddaughter in the eyes and sighed ruefully . "Alright! Fine! You've made your point! My men and I won't arrest him!"

Katara eyed him with a wary look in her eyes. "You promise?"

Bato smiled at her. "I promise."

Katara gave him a nod. She bent the water back in her water pouch. "Alright then." She then turned to Kuzon. The boy was shivering with fear in his parka.

Katara then pulled him into a hug. She whispered in his ear, "It's going to be alright. Nobody is going to imprison you." She then took one of his hands and lightly squeezed it. "I won't allow it."

Kuzon looked up at her. "Y-You stood up for me."

Katara smirked at him and smiled back. "I did." Kuzon stammered out, "W-Why?"

Katara then took her hands in his with a serious look in her eyes. Because I love you and I won't let anyone lay a hand on you. "Just because you are from the Fire Nation does not mean you deserve to be treated like a war criminal. You may be a firebender but you are nothing like the people who have attacked our village. You deserve a second chance."

Aang felt a small smile come to his face. Her compassion for others knows no bounds. She really is something. Katara then pulled Kuzon up to his feet. "Now enough moping around! Come with us! I'm sure Dad will be overjoyed to see the great Avatar!"

Bato just let out a grunt in frustration. Damn kids. He and his men turned towards the fort. "You all may follow me! Hakoda will want to see you all!" The four of them nodded and followed behind him.

Near Daqqaq Vilage

An hour later

As the gang came upon the hideout, a cadre of Southern soldiers came into view.

Sokka looked on with awe. "Look, it's the Southern Tribe Army. This must be their base of operations."

Bato gave him a nod. "It is. Daqqaq Village is one of our forward operating bases. We launch skirmish attacks on the Fire Navy from here."

Kuzon could feel the stares from all of the soldiers. His golden amber eyes practically put a target on his back. A group of soldiers then approached him. The lead soldier was practically staring him down. "Fire Nationals are not welcome here."

Kuzon managed to regain his voice and spoke cautiously, "I-I come in peace. I'm the Avatar."

The lead soldier then let out a dark chuckle. "Yeah. Right."

Katara glanced at Kuzon and then at the soldier. She then took Kuzon's hand in hers. He is shaking all over. I can sense it. She then gently squeezed it and turned to him with a warm look in her eyes. "It will be alright. I'm right here with you."

Kuzon just gave her a nod.

She then turned her gaze to the lead soldier. A smirk formed on her face. "My name is Katara." "My father is Chief Hakoda.." The soldier's eyes suddenly widened and he stood at attention. " You are the chief's daughter! My apologies. I-I didn't know you were coming."

Katara crossed her arms at him and merely nodded. "No apology needed." She then turned her eyes on Kuzon. She spoke in an ice-cold tone, "This is Avatar Kuzon. He saved my village from a Fire Navy attack. He is to be considered a valued ally to the Southern Water Tribe. You and your men will not lay a hand on him. Are we clear?"

The lead guard stammered out, "Crystal clear miss." He then turned his gaze on Kuzon ``M-My sincerest apologies Avatar. M-My men and I meant you no harm. W-Welcome to Daqqaq Forward Base." He then extended a hand.

Kuzon stared at it with an uneasy look in his eyes.

Katara then squeezed his hand a bit tighter and turned to him smiling. "Go on. You can shake his hand."

Kuzon then warily shook the man's hand. "I-It's a pleasure to meet you!"

They then quickly broke the grip.

The lead guard let out a sigh of relief. Whew. Thank the spirits! I was afraid of being imprisoned for a minute. "P-Please let me welcome you in! The Chief will want to see you!"

Katara clasped her hands together. "Wonderful. I look forward to seeing him."

Sokka let out a small chuckle. That's Katara for you. So proud. "So do I!" He then came up behind Kuzon and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "You alright there hothead?"

Kuzon looked back at him with a bit of apprehension on his face. "I-I'm fine. I-I've just never seen Katara like that before."

Sokka gave the boy a lopsided grin. "What can I say? My sister has always been that way. She defends those she cares about. That is what we do in the Water Tribe."

Aang smiled at all three of them. "That is very honorable." He then turned away from the two of them. He was blushing a bit. She really is something.

Kuzon just gave him a nod. "I see." Maybe the Fire Nation and Water Tribes aren't that much different.

Katara then called out to them. "Sokka! Aang! Kuzu! Are you coming?"

Sokka called back. "We are right behind you sis!" He then gestured for Kuzon and Aang to follow him.

Somewhere inside the Forward Base

Hakoda was busy going over a war plan with one of his generals. "We will attack on the 99th quadrant. Fleet 1 will engage Fire 1. Fleet 2 with attack from the side. Fleet 3 will go in for the kill. Are we all in?"

All of his fellow generals nodded in unison.

Katara and the rest of the gang then walked in.

Bato walked in front of all of them and cleared his throat. "Excuse me Hakoda. Do you have a minute?"

Hakoda turned around to face his longtime friend and comrade. "Of course Bato." "I always-" His eyes then widened when they came upon Katara and Sokka. Katara. Sokka. My children. What in the spirits are they doing here? "Katara! Sokka!"

Sokka wiped a tear from his eye. "Hey Dad!"

Katara beamed at him. "Hi Dad!"

Hakoda then rushed to hug both of them. Tears started rolling down his face. "My children!" "I missed you both so much!"

Sokka couldn't help but get emotional. "We missed you too Dad!"

Aang smiled at them. What a beautiful family reunion!

Kuzon just stared dejectedly at the ground. It must be nice to still have your family around. Hakoda then stared curiously at Aang and Kuzon. "Who are your guests?"

Katara then gestured to Aang and Kuzon. "Allow me to introduce you to Aang of the Southern Air Temple!"

Aang stepped up and gave the chief a traditional Air Nation bow. "It is an honor Chief Hakoda!"

Hakoda smiled warmly at the airbender. He extended a hand. "The honor is truly mine Aang."

Aang stared at him for a minute. Why did he extend his hand? Oh right. He then overenthusiastically shook the man's hand. "Sorry. I'm more accustomed to bowing."

Hakoda let out a chuckle. "That is quite alright. I'm surprised to see an airbender still alive. I thought the genocide killed all of your people."

Aang let out a sad sigh. He tightened a fist in frustration. "Some of us managed to get away."

Hakoda nodded. "I understand." He then turned his eyes to Kuzon. "And you are."

Kuzon sighed. Here we go again. I might as well come with the truth. He then met Hakoda and he spoke cautiously, "My name is Kuzon Lin Sho. I'm the Avatar. I am also a firebender."

A long quiet came over the room.

Oh no! Katara began to sweatdrop. They are going to hurt Kuzu!

Sokka began to shiver all over. This isn't good.

Aang cast an uneasy look around the room. I don't like this.

Hakoda narrowed his eyes on the boy. "I see." "Guards! Prepare to fight."

All of the soldiers then surrounded the firebender with weapons at the ready. Kuzon got down on one knee. "I didn't come here to fight. I came to save your tribe. Please believe me,"

Katara then stepped out in front of Kuzon and shouted, "Wait! Please just let him explain! Kuzon isn't a threat!"

Hakoda eyed her suspiciously. "Katara, how are you so sure? He is a firebender. They have been ransacking our homes for years."

Katara replied desperately, "Kuzu is different! He saved our home village! He put his life on the line for the Southern Tribe!"

Hakoda thought for a minute. She is my daughter. I trust her. Maybe I should call them off. He then turned to Sokka. "Is this true Sokka?" Sokka gave his father a wide grin. "Yup. Kuzon is a hero to Taqqaq Village. He saved our lives out there. We couldn't have defeated those ashmakers without him."

Hakoda thought for a minute. Hmm.

General Golak called out to him. "Chief Hakoda! You must not listen to these children! That boy is the enemy! Please let me end this ashmaker!"

Katara then glared daggers at him. "You do that and you prove we are no better than them! We do not kill or harm innocent people!"

Golak glared at her. "Be quiet girl! You are too young to understand the pain our people feel!"

How dare he! I suffered at the hands of the Fire Nation. "I lost my mother! Don't you dare tell me that I know nothing about our people's suffering!"

Hakoda then spoke in a booming voice. "Both of you be quiet!"

Both Katara and Golak looked at him. "Y-Yes sir!"

Katara gave her father a nod. "S-Sorry Dad!"

Hakoda let out a deep breath. He stared at Kuzon with a serious look in his eyes. "Kuzon."

The boy stood at attention. "Yes sir."

Hakoda then stood up from the cheftain's chair. "I have a test for you. Do you know how to handle a sword?"

Kuzon glanced at the man and nervously nodded. "I..do sir! My grandfather taught me how to fight with one!" The boy then stood up and unsheathed his father's old sword from the scabbard on his back. "Why do you ask sir?"

Hakoda then drew twin blades from his back. "There is a way we Southern Water Tribesmen ask outsiders to prove themselves. You must agree to face me and beat me in a duel! If you win...you will earn my respect!"

Kuzon nodded. "And if I lose?"

Hakoda just nodded. "The same goes. Battle me with honor and without your firebending.". Doing so will earn my respect as a warrior."

Katara gasped. He can't be serious. I understand that sword duels are traditionally the method used to determine someone's loyalty but this is crazy. He isn't our enemy.

Kuzon just glanced at the man and nodded. "If that is what I must do Chief Hakoda..then so be it."

The boy suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see the waterbender with absolute fear in her eyes. "Kuzu don't. You may get hurt again."

Hakoda turned to his only daughter, sighed, and shook his head disapprovingly. What has gotten into her? She's fawning over him as if she cares for him..loves him even. What the hell has happened to my daughter? "Take it easy Katara. I won't kill the boy. If I were going to kill him..it would have been done already. Killing him would be rather pointless. This is the only way he can gain my trust. You know our customs."

Katara turned to her father with anger in her eyes. "This is pointless Dad! He came to you in peace! He is the only reason our village is still standing! Why can't you just trust me?"

Hakoda just nodded sadly. "A father has to do all he can to protect his children. I'm doing this to protect you and this tribe from possible harm. One day..you will come to understand this. I don't believe Kuzon can be trusted just yet. Fire Nationals are known for being manipulative. For all I know, he saved our village for personal gain."

Katara felt her temper flare up. She began with gritted teeth. "But we don't…"

Kuzon sighed and put a hand on her shoulder. "Katara. I need your father's army to beat the Fire Nation Armada." He then looked pleadingly into the waterbender's eyes. "I can do this. Trust in me."

Katara felt her face redden. She looked all around them and sighed. Dragging the argument along would be pointless. She turned to her father and glared. The combination of the years of resentment from being abandoned by her father coupled with her newfound affections for the firebender caused her to snap. She wiped the tears from her eyes. She then turned to Kuzon and nodded. "You are right. As much as I hate to admit it, we need my father's help." She then sighed and hugged him tightly. "Just be careful." She was shaking a bit. Memories of her mother's corpse flashed in her mind. She shook her head to clear her mind.

Kuzon felt himself blush. Why does this feel so nice? Why is my heart beating so fast? He hugged her back. "Of course."

Katara then turned her gaze on Hakoda. "You know…you have a lot of fucking nerve Dad! You abandon us to fight a war, never even write back, and then have the gall to talk about protecting me! You..dare try to act like a father when you haven't been one for the past few years! Fuck you! " The sheer amount of anger made everyone in the room recoil in shock.

Sokka just glanced in understanding. He had always looked up to their father and wanted to be him but he understood where his sister was coming from. Hakoda and most of the adult men had practically left the both of them to run Taqqaq Village all by themselves. The young warrior would be lying if he didn't feel a little bitter about that fact.

Hakoda's eyes widened for a moment but then nodded in understanding. A tear ran down his eye. I can't say I blame her. I have won great victories in our skirmishes against the Fire Navy but it has been at the cost of my family.

Katara then walked off, wiping away the tears from her eyes.

Aang's eyes widened in surprise. He had never known who his paternal parents were as Monk Gyatso had pretty much been the airbender's mentor his entire life. The man had been damn near dedicated to him. I'm sorry Katara. I wish I understood.

Hakoda then steeled himself. "Kuzon. Are you ready?"

The firebender nodded. Hakoda then rushed at the firebender with swords at the ready.

Kuzon did the same.

The twin blades crashed with Kuzon's single blade.

Kuzon jumped back.

Hakoda went to slash at Kuzon again.

He dodged it.

The two then clashed dueling sword strikes.

The two combatants were keeping up with one another.

Hakoda was breathing heavily. "You are talented…I expected as much from an asmaker." He then kicked Kuzon in the left shin.

The firebender let out a yelp of pain and fell on one knee.

Hakoda went in for a final strike.

Kuzon, seeing his chance, blocked it with his sword in one hand and kicked the man in the left knee.

Hakoda gasped in pain, fell on one knee, and dropped one sword. Kuzon then went on the attack, furiously striking at the man wherever he could.

Hakoda tried to block but now found himself on the defensive end of the battle.

He and Kuzon then connected swords one last time. This time, the firebender managed to kick Hakoda hard in the ribs. He dropped the last sword in his hand and tumbled hard to the ground.

The Generals and all the men were in shock.

General Golak's jaw dropped. "No…it can't be possible. The Chief is the battlemaster of the Southern Army. He's fought in battle after battle. And he's been bested by a child!"

Aang chuckled. I knew he had it in him. If Kuzon is one thing, it is tenacious.

Katara's face was brimming with both pride and relief. Wow. He..really did it. He is amazing! She then sent the firebender a dreamy look. And so handsome!

Sokka chuckled with crossed arms. Looks like our little training session paid off. He's a natural.

Kuzon then let out the deep breath he was holding in. He picked up the Chief's sword and began walking towards him.

All of the guards suddenly surrounded the firebender, fearful he was going to kill their leader.

Hakoda then slowly got back to his feet and barked an order. "Stop! I did not order any of you to interfere!"

The men did as he asked and stepped back.

Chief Hakoda then rested a hand where he had been kicked in the ribs. A knowing smile came to his face. He glanced at the rogue firebender and laughed. "Well well. You are truly a man of your word. It seems I owe you an apology."

Kuzon then nodded. He then offered the older man his sword back.

The Southern Chief graciously accepted it. Chief Hakoda then cleared his throat. "I asked you to prove yourself and you did. You have earned my respect Avatar Kuzon." He then chuckled lightly. "Perhaps you and Sokka would both be so honorable as to help me seat myself in my chair?"

Kuzon sheathed his father's blade and traditionally bowed. "Of course."

Sokka nodded. "Of course Dad!"

The two of them then helped the older man into his chair.

Chief Hakoda gave both of them a thankful nod. "Thank you both!" He then cleared his throat and smiled warmly at the Avatar. "Avatar Kuzon...you have saved my children and bested me in battle. From now on, you may consider yourself an ally and friend of the Southern Water Tribe. I bow my head in respect." The older man bowed his head lowly in respect. He then raised a fist and pounded it into his chest. The rest of the Generals and their men, sans Katara and Sokka, did so in return. Kuzon let out a sigh of relief. Finally! Now we can get to business! We've already wasted enough time!

Daqqaq Forward Base, Southern Water Tribe

A few hours later

Kuzon, Katara, Aang and Sokka finished recounting the tale of their journey so far to Chief Hakoda and his staff of Generals.

Kuzon even gave the Southern general a display of his Avatar powers in order to prove he was the Avatar.

Hakoda put two fingers under his chin and nodded. "I see. I never imagined the Fire Nation would attack one of their own. You have my condolences for your loss Avatar Kuzon."

Kuzon nodded. "I appreciate the thought Chief Hakoda. Does this mean we can count on your support to help defend the Northern Tribe?"

Chief Hakoda then grinned. "Of course! My men and I will give you all the support you need! I'm beyond grateful you have brought this news to us!"

He then turned to his generals. "Does anyone disagree?"

One man raised his hand. It was General Golak. Unlike Hakoda, the man had a long white beard and more aged features. "With all do respect sir, the Northerners abandoned us in the First War. Why should we help them now? I say we use our advanced knowledge of the coming invasion to prepare. We can defeat the Fire Nation on our own."

Hakoda shook his head. "Don't be a fool Golak. We Southerners are strong and hardy but we cannot defeat them on our own.

The Northerners have a group of well-trained waterbenders, a huge army of troops, and more resources at their disposal. We need them at our side."

General Golak just sighed. "Now that you mention it..you do have a point sir." He shook his head and growled. "I just can't believe we have to align with those traitorous, pompous fools to win this war."

Hakoda nodded. "I know. But what must be done..must be done."

Kuzon and Aang exchanged glances.

Kuzon then turned to the Chief. "Did something happen with your sister tribe?"

Chief Hakoda then gave him a nod. "Not too long after the Nomads were 'wiped' from existence, Sozin and his army came to conquer the Water Tribes. We fought them back inch for inch together. As one. Then, at the Battle of Agna Qel'a, the Northerners just decided to sign their own peace treaty with the enemy."

Kuzon's jaw dropped. "They..surrendered? Why?"

General Golak answered the question for him. "They felt the war was dragging on too long and wanted to save what little wealth and military they had left." He then pounded his fists into the table. "With their forces dealt with, The Fire Nation focused their efforts entirely on us. They razed our once proud cities to the ground and slaughtered our people wherever they found them. They kidnapped thousands of our best waterbenders and imprisoned them in war camps." Katara felt a tear come to her eye. She was thinking of her mother. Mom.

Golak continued. "We were eventually forced to fight a guerilla campaign as we lost so much ground. The war continues but we have had to strike from the shadows in order to stave off our total destruction."

Kuzon nodded. "I see." Well this is going to be a challenge. I have to convince both sides to work together.

Hakoda then cleared his throat. "Regardless of the past..we need their help. We will set sail for the Northern Tribe in three days." He then let out the breath he had been holding in and spoke in a cheery tone. "Now then! Enough sadness for one day!" He then walked over to Kuzon, grinned, and put a hand on his shoulder. "You must be starving! When was the last time you ate?"

The rogue firebender then felt his stomach grumble. He let out a dry chuckle. "Ah..well it's been a while."

Hakoda laughed. "Then come let us have a feast! You shall be our guest of honor!"

Aang chuckled nervously. "I don't suppose you have any vegetarian options?"

The Chief turned towards him and sadly sighed.

"Unfortunately no. Nothing grows here."

Aang nodded. Great. I have to eat meat. Gyatso. Forgive me. He sighed. "Don't worry Chief Hakoda. I'll take the best option I can get."

Chief Hakoda nodded.

I appreciate all the reads! Please leave reviews! I love feedback from readers!