Book I: Water

Chapter VIII: Preparations for War

Part V: Kaotuk of the Southern Water Tribe

Katara's Cabin, Southern Fleet

Kuzon awoke in his own body and let out a gasp. He looked all around him. He was in a tent.

Katara then walked in with a tray of two hot chocolate mugs. She smirked knowingly at him. "So..did you enjoy the trip to the Spirit World?"

Kuzon glanced at her confused. "How did you.."

Katara snickered and shook her head. She then crossed her arms. "I hadn't seen you come by lately. You usually drop by my cabin once the guards are gone. You..hadn't come by lately. I..got worried." The waterbender sat on the side of the bed and rested a hand over his. "That was when I saw your eyes glowing. I knew that whatever happened,..you were in the Spirit World somehow. So I snuck you into my cabin so nobody could bother you."

Kuzon turned as red as a tomato. "Oh..well thanks for that. I..appreciate it."

Katara then caressed his face with a hand and kissed him. She then pulled away. There was a playful smirk on her face. "It was my pleasure." She then took the two mugs of hot chocolate off the tray and handed him one.

Kuzon graciously took it from her.

Katara then took a sip of hers. "So what were you doing anyway? You were gone for about a day."

Kuzon took a deep breath. "I was looking out in the moonlight when Tui and La contacted me." He took a sip of his hot chocolate.

Katara's eyes opened in shock. "Wait. Tui and La spoke to you?"

Kuzon nodded. "They have been watching over me. They realized that my grief over losing my parents was the main obstacle preventing me from waterbending. They came up with a plan. I would confront my painful past and hopefully open a path to waterbending."

Katara gasped in shock. She then held on to one of his hands and nodded in an understanding manner. "And did it work?"

Kuzon nodded. "It did. My parents..forgave me. They told me that it was their sacrifice to make and that I needed to stop Ozai at all costs." He then gave his girlfriend a serious look. "I've got a new reason to is about more than just saving the world now. I am the instrument of my family's revenge and my nation's redemption. I won't stop until the Fire Nation's empire lays in ashes! That's a promise!"

Katara nodded with pride in her eyes. She then rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad you found closure. I'm proud of you my flameheart."

Kuzon rested an arm around her shoulder. "Thank you my queen of the waves. I couldn't do any of this without you."

Katara smiled and snuggled him. "You will never have to." The two just stayed like that for a while.

Captain's Ship, Southern Fleet

Chief Hakoda then addressed everyone at the large group meal. "Alright everyone. We are a day away from reaching Agna Qel'a. It is time for the christening ceremony.

Kuzon and Aang glanced at one another.

Aang then spoke up. "I'm sorry..the what now?"

Hakoda then turned to the airbender. "I want to make you and Kuzon an offer. I want to officially invite you to the Tribe as fully-fledged members."

Katara was even shocked at this. "Dad. I'm..surprised. We haven't inducted foreigners into our tribe for years."

Hakoda turned to her with a knowing smile on his face. "This war has had a way of changing my perspectives."

Kuzon eyed the man curiously. "How does that work?"

Hakoda turned to the boy and smiled. "Well we apply a certain type of ceremonial makeup on you and then pray to La and Tui for your protection. After that, the Tribe gives you a new name.

Kuzon just nodded. "I..would be honored."

The boy felt an innate desire to belong somewhere and he figured this was his chance. He still held pride in being a member of the Sho family however he had decided not to associate himself with the Fire Nation. He knew this would really brand him an outcast by his own people but he could honestly care less about that. He was already enemy number one. In his mind, there wasn't much else he could do to anger the Fire Lord than by rejecting his vow of honor to him. The Sho and Fire Nation parts of his identity were exclusive from one another.

Hakoda gave him a nod. "Good." He then turned to Aang. "What about you Aang?"

Aang stood up and gave him a respectful bow. "I..appreciate the offer Chief Hakoda but I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline. I respect your people and your culture but I am an Air Nomad by birth and instinct. There are too many divides between our two peoples for me to consider it. I hope you understand."

Hakoda chuckled. "Not a problem. I just wanted to extend the offer."

Captain's Ship, Southern Fleet

A few moments later

Hakoda finished painting the Avatar's face in the traditional hejjiki style. "The form of war paint I am giving you is called hejjiki style. We often use it to bring new infants and members into the fold. I haven't done this in years. The last time I did was when Katara and Sokka were born." He then finished the last stroke of his brush. "Okay..we are done."

Hakoda then handed the Avatar a mirror of some kind. "Take a good look at yourself."

Kuzon did so. He let out a gasp. I look so different. I kind of like it though. The firebender'a face was covered in a mixture of grey, chalk white and dark blues. The golden amber color in the firebender's eyes really contrasted with the variety of the colors applied to his face.

Katara felt like the giddiness rose within her. "Come on! Let us see it!"

Kuzon felt himself blush before turning around to face the rest of them.

Katara spoke with a bit of awe in her time. She felt her face redden. "Wow...you look amazing. The makeup really brings out the fierceness in her eyes."

Sokka put two fingers under his chin. "Not bad brother. If it weren't for those golden eyes of yours..you could pass off as Water Tribe. Very fierce."

Kuzon shrugged nonchalantly. "I appreciate that Sokka."

Chief Hakoda then rose from his seat. "You may be Kuzon Lin Sho from the Fire Nation but among the people of the Water Tribes…You shall be called Kaotuk. The name means 'one who seeks redemption. You are now considered a proper warrior in our tribe. This is a great honor. You are the first outsider in years to be inducted into the Tribe."

Katara glanced at her father. Now that he is a member of the tribe...maybe Dad will approve of us eventually. I have that hope.

Kuzon turned to the man and traditionally bowed. "Thank you. I am honored."