Book I: Water

Chapter VIII: The Northern Water Tribe

Agna Qel'a, Northern Water Tribe

The Avatar and his allies were finally coming upon the large city of Agna Qel'a.

Kuzon, Katara, Aang, Sokka and Kuzon were looking out in the distance from the deck of the captain's ship.

The ice metropolis then came into view.

Kuzon looked on in awe. "Wow this looks like a whole city. Not a scorching or destroyed building in sight."

Chief Hakoda came up from behind him and spoke bitterly. "Of course. They've been hiding behind their peace treaty with the Fire Nation for a century now."

Kuzon turned to the Chief and nodded. "I know there is some bad blood between your people and the Northerners. I don't blame your people for that but we need to be able to work together on this. I need their support."

Chief Hakoda then put a hand on the boy's shoulder to reassure him. "Don't worry Kaotuk. I'll do my best to keep the peace between the two tribes. Yours is to convince them to join our cause."

Kuzon nodded. "It..won't be easy but I will try my best sir."

Hakoda smiled at him. "Good man." The sound of the ramp lowering then interrupted the conversation. Hakoda turned to the rest of them. "Alright! It's time to go! Everyone please be on your guard! We haven't been in contact with the North for some time! I do not know how they are going to react to our presence on their land!"

All of them gave him a nod.

Everyone then started filling out of the ship.

As Kuzon began walking out, he felt someone grab his hand. He turned around and saw Katara looking at him with a serious look in her eyes. "Everything okay?"

Katara then caressed his face with a hand. "No matter what happens out there…I..just want to let you know that I love you and that I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe." She then spoke with a mixture of bitterness and resolve in her tone. "If those pompous Northerners lay a hand on you..I will not hesitate to hurt them."

Kuzon caressed her cheek. "I..love you too. I will defend you with my life if it comes to that."

Katara smiled. The firebender had become her shield. Her defense against the war and all the chaos it has wrought on her life. She could trust him. She could afford to feel vulnerable with him. Katara was grateful for that. That was why she was never going to leave his side. She would fight with him even if it meant giving up her own life in the process. He then looked around. Nobody had noticed them caught up in their own moment.

The two of them were all alone. I'm probably not going to get another chance like this for a while. I need to keep making the best of this moment. He then leaned in for a kiss that was more passionate than their usual embraces. It filled Katara with giddiness.

Katara's eyes widened. "Wow. That was...unexpected. I've always been the one to initiate our kisses. That felt..different."

Kuzon just nodded. "I didn't cross any boundaries did I?"

Katara snorted and shook her head. "Not at all my sweet flameheart." She then rested a hand on his chest and half-grinned at him. "Now shut up and kiss me already."

Kuzon nodded and pressed his lips against hers again and again. The kisses were more feverish and passionate than usual. Eventually, the two had to stop to catch their breaths.

Katara then just smiled at him. "I love you."

Kuzon just gave her a nod. "I love you too."

Near the entrance to Agna Qel'a

Katara and Kuzon finally caught up with the rest of them.

Sokka eyed them suspiciously. "What took you both so long? We've been waiting a while."

Kuzon cleared his throat. "Sorry...about that. My burn flared up again."

Sokka just nodded, satisfied with that answer.

Katara sent her boyfriend a grateful look. I'm glad he was able to think of something on the fly.

Aang, however, knew that the two were lying. However he kept his word that he wouldn't reveal their secret relationship.

Chief Hakoda just shrugged. "Well I'm glad you got that healed up. We've been waiting for you Kaotuk. I feel you should make the first introductions."

Kuzon turned to the chief and bowed. "It would be my honor sir." He then stepped ahead of the group and approached the cadre of guards guarding the entrance into the city.

Katara was close behind, ready to defend her lover if it came to that.

The two guards then began walking towards Kuzon. "Halt! Identify yourself!"

Kuzon pulled down his hood.

The two men gasped when they saw the hejjiki style warpaint on his face.

One of them narrowed his eyes at Kuzon. "Where are you from? The warpaint on your face indicates you are a member of the Water Tribe but your eyes tell us you are from the Fire Nation."

Kuzon chuckled awkwardly. "Well there goes that idea." He then cleared his throat. "Where I'm from doesn't matter. My name is Kuzon Lin Sho. I am the Avatar. I'm here to warn your people. There is a fleet of Fire Nation ships coming to destroy your city." He then turned back to the others. "My allies and I have come to help you fight back.

The first guard just shook his head. "You think an outsider like yourself can just make some baseless claim that he is the Avatar? We don't know you. We have no quarrel with the Fire Nation. We haven't warred with them for a hundred years. The Avatar has been dead for a hundred years. "

The man then positioned himself in a defensive position. "This is your only warning. Leave now or face imprisonment. Outsiders are not welcome. Especially Fire Nationals."

Kuzon shook his head. "We can't do that. Your nation is in danger. Don't you understand? You need to listen to me."

The guard just shook his head. "If you refuse to leave..I have no choice." He and the other benders then summoned a large amount of water and sent it to the firebender.

Kuzon let out a groan in frustration. "Damn it! Stop!" He prepared to defend himself and got into a firebending stance.

Katara beat him to it however. She jumped in front of her boyfriend and put a hand out.

The waves then crashed into both of them.

Kuzon opened his eyes and gasped in awe.

Katara was literally holding back the entire wave of water with just a hand.

Everyone gasped in awe.

Sokka's eyes widened. "She is holding that much water back with just a hand…just how powerful is she?"

Aang was looking on in awe. "Wow. She is amazing. A prodigy even."

Chef Hakoda felt his jaw drop. "Wow..I wasn't surprised she learned how to waterbend while I was gone but I never imagined she had that much potential."

It was then that the man realized that Katara had changed. She had turned into her own type of fighter. The war had changed her as much as it had changed him.

Sokka just looked on with a shocked look in his eyes. "Katara.."

There was a look of anger in Katara's eyes. She growled. "The Avatar came here in peace and this is how you people respond! I was hoping that we would be able to move past our differences. I see now that I was wrong." She then raised the water high in the air and formed large spikes. "You tried to hurt my friend. I intend to return the favor."

The Northern benders began taking a step back in fear. A lot of them were moderately trained and were able to handle a good fight. This was something else entirely. Luckily for them, A voice broke the silence.

"Wait! Please! Don't fight!"

Katara and Kuzon then turned to meet Yue's eyes.

Yue then glanced at Katara. "Please. I can get them to stop. I just need you to put the spikes down."

Katara turned to her and sighed. She then let the water go. She then turned to her boyfriend with a worried look in her eyes. "Are you alright?"

Kuzon just nodded. "I'm fine. That was awe-inspiring. I knew you were good at waterbending but I am..in awe. How did you do that?"

Katara glanced at her hands for a moment. I'm..not sure. I just sensed you were in danger and acted."

Kuzon chuckled and half-grinned at her. "Well..regardless..remind me to never get on your bad side. That was some Avatar-style bending right there."

Sokka chuckled. "He's got a point sis. You just might become powerful enough to rival the Avatar himself."

Katara glanced at both of them and blushed. "Sokka..please. That is ridiculous." She then glanced at Kuzon with a look of admiration in her eyes. The fact he considers me an equal warms my heart.

Yue then smiled at the Southern waterbender. "Thank you for your patience sister."

She then glared at the guards. "As for you five...be grateful that I don't report your insubordination to my father. Run off before I get angry."

The lead guard immediately sweatdropped and nodded. "Yes ma'am."

Princess Yue then glanced at the Avatar with a flirtatious look in her eyes "Hmm so you are the infamous firebender who bested the Fire Lord's children. You are so much handsomer in person."

Kuzon was taken aback by the girl's flirtatious words. "Uh..thanks..I guess."

Katara immediately sent a glare the princess's way. Oh. I don't think so. He is mine. She slowly inched herself closer to Kuzon in a subtle way to explain to the other girl that the Avatar was hers. She took one of his hands in hers and squeezed.

The princess giggled and smirked at him playfully. "It is my extreme pleasure. Tell me, have you ever dined with royalty before? I'd love to get to know you better."

Aang then glanced at Yue with a shocked expression on his face. No. She didn't just...

Kuzon then felt Katara's grip around his hand get a bit tighter.

Kuzon then her eyes.

The girl merely glanced at him with a furious look in her eyes as if to say 'make her shut up before I do'.

Kuzon sighed. You have got to be kidding me. How did this end up happening?. He then cleared his throat. "Anyway..can you get us an audience with the Northern Chief? We have some important news to deliver."

The princess seemed a little disappointed that her attempts to woo the Avatar's heart weren't as successful as she anticipated they would.

The royal princess swallowed her hurt pride and forced a smile. "Of course. I'd be honored."

Katara then let out a sigh of relief and crossed her arms. I'm glad Kuzu changed the subject. I was about to knock that princess was on her ass. Our relationship may be secret but he is still mine.

Chief's Hall, Northern Water Tribe

Princess Yue then walked in the royal chief's hall with Team Avatar and their allies following behind.

Chief Arnook glanced at his only daughter and smiled. "Yue. A pleasure to see you as always. I see you have company with you."

Yue gave her father a bow. "Yes Father." She then playfully smirked at the Avatar. "Allow me to introduce Avatar Kuzon Lin Sho of the Fire Nation."

Kuzon glanced at her in shock and shouted. "Hey! Don't just blurt it out like that! The last thing I need is your father sicking all these guards on me!"

Yue giggled and smiled broadly at him. "You have nothing to worry about handsome. I'm sure our Southern cousins were hostile towards you but you will find that us Northerners are far more..amiable to outsiders."

Kuzon crossed his arms at her and raised an eyebrow. "I would believe you but your men attacked me. You'll forgive me if I am a bit skeptical."

Yue looked at him with an apologetic look in her eyes. "That was an..isolated incident. I assure you that you will enjoy your time here."

Aang shrugged. "Either way Kuzon. We can't exactly afford to exclude help at this rate. You know that."

Kuzon turned to his longtime friend and nodded. "You make a good point." He then offered the Princess a hand. "I apologize for the harsh reception. People haven't exactly been accepting of me since I woke up out of the ice. I didn't mean any disrespect."

Princess Yue smiled at him sadly. "I can only imagine."

Chief Arnook then loudly cleared his throat. "If I may ask..are you really the Avatar?"

Kuzon turned to the Chief and nodded. "That I am sir."

The older man then crossed his arms. "The Avatar hasn't been seen in a hundred years. I need to see some proof."

Kuzon nodded. "Not a problem." He then got in a meditative position. He then breathed in through the nose. The boy's eyes then glowed white. The air whipped him off the ground. Flames sprouted from his arms. The ground rumbled and cracked under him. Water then came rushing in and enveloped the young Avatar.

Chief Arnook was so in awe that he stood up from his chair. "By the Spirits! The Avatar has returned!"

Kuzon then took a deep breath and slowly came back to the ground. The elements then dissipated. The firebender then crossed his arms. "Is that enough proof?"

Chief Arnook nodded and bowed in reverence. "Indeed. Welcome to the Northern Water Tribe Avatar Kuzon. It's an honor to have you."

The firebender bowed back. "It's an honor to be here Chief Arnook."

Chief Arnook then nodded. "What news do you bring?"

Kuzon then spoke. "I received a vision from my predecessor at the Southern Air Temple. The Fire Nation is on their way here with an invasion fleet. They seek to raze your kingdom to the ground."

Chief Arnook then rested his fingers under his chin and sighed. "This is troublesome news indeed."

Chief Hakoda then motioned to his generals. They all stepped forward and kneeled. "That is why we are here Chief Arnook. My name is Chief Hakoda. I'm the leader of the Southern Tribe. My generals and I are here to help you repel the invaders."

Arnook nodded at the man. "I am grateful for your assistance Chief Hakoda. Our peoples have been separated for too long." He then walked down from his seat. "Please come with me, Chief Hakoda. We have much to discuss."

Chief Hakoda and his men then followed the Northern Chief." He then turned to Kuzon and the others. "As for you Kuzon...please feel free to enjoy our fair city. If you desire to learn from a waterbending master..look for Master Pakku. He is the best waterbending master in the city.

Kuzon bowed. "Understood sir. Thank you." He then turned to Katara and the others. "Well let us see what we can find here. I'm starving."

Sokka grinned widely at him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "I'm way ahead of ya Kuzon."

Katara just beamed at the both of them. "I do miss the taste of seal jerky."

Aang just nodded hopefully. "Hopefully we can find something vegetarian.

Apartment 40, Agna Qel'a, Northern Water Tribe

Two days later

Kuzon and his friends were provided an apartment by the Northern Chief free of charge.

It was quite spacious. There were chairs and windows everywhere. Room service was also added as part of the package.

Katara looked around in awe. "Wow. Just look at this place. There is even a kitchen. I'm going to see if they have a powder room somewhere. It's time for a shower." She then ran off.

Kuzon shrugged. "I need a moment alone."

Sokka let out a sigh. "Guess I'm raiding the food alone."

Aang grinned at him. "I'll join you."

Apartment 40, Northern Water Tribe

Moments later

Katara finally came out of the powder room. She felt a bit of relief as she stepped out of the shower. She then put on her undergarments and then slipped back into her parka. She then flipped the hood down. The girl then began wringing the water out of her hair. She then glanced at the powder room and pondered an idea. She then walked in and applied some eyeliner to her eyes and some deep wavy lines under her eyes. She then applied some black lipstick to her lips. She then smirked to herself. "I should look pretty for him since I have the makeup here. I probably won't have the chance again." The waterbender then allowed her long hair to fall down to her shoulders. "I can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees my new look." She then went off looking for her boyfriend.

Rooftop, Apartment 40, Northern Water Tribe

Kuzon was busy taking in the sights of the frozen wonderland. He had a determined look in his eyes. "No matter what happens...I won't let these people fall to the Fire Nation's tyranny. That is a promise." He then heard a chuckle.

"It figures that I'd find you up here."

Kuzon's eyes widened. He turned around and met the waterbender's eyes. He felt himself blush. "You look...beautiful. You look like a warrior. Beautiful and deadly."

Katara smirked and caressed his face in her hands. "I'm glad you think so. I thought a new look was in order." She then sighed to herself. There was a bit of bitterness in her tone. "I do have to ask. You aren't interested in Princess Yue are you?"

Kuzon snorted and shook his head. He grunted in frustration."Not at all. That girl reminds me of the type of girls I met in the Fire Nation as a boy. Always full of themselves and expecting everyone to kowtow to their every need. I'm open to being cordial with people but I'm no pushover. I was merely trying to mitigate the situation and get her to get us an audience with the Chief." He then put his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eyes sincerely. He was shaking with fear."You have nothing to worry about. I wouldn't trade what we had for anything. I especially wouldn't leave you for some royal uptight who has her head up her.."

Katara then burst out laughing. "Okay. Relax. I wasn't trying to get you all worked up. I believe you." Kuzon just nodded blushing. "Right..sorry I got a little heated there." The waterbender then gave him a quick kiss and giggled. "No apologies needed. That was the sweetest declaration of love I've ever heard." She then hugged him. "Don't worry. I will have a chat with her. She won't bother you anymore." Kuzon just nodded and hugged her back. "Thank you. I'd do it myself but people already have me under suspicion. It wouldn't look good." Katara snickered. "Yeah I don't believe Chief Arnook would take it very well if he found out his only daughter got rejected by the Avatar." She then sighed happily and melted into his arms. Kuzon smiled and held her in his arms.

City Center, Agna Qel'a, Northern Water Tribe

Katara and Kuzon were busy practicing their waterbending.

Kuzon was finally starting to get the hang of it. He was moving the water and forth.

Aang looked on with a big smile on his face. "Hey you finally got the hang of it."

The firebender just nodded.

Katara looked on with a prideful look on her face. She wiped off a bit of sweat off her brow. "Congratulations Kuzon. You are now a waterbender."

Kuzon stopped waterbending and gave her a traditional bow. "I had a wonderful teacher."

Katara was touched by the devotion and adoration in the boy's tone. She felt the sudden urge to kiss him but reneged from it. The waterbender knew that giving into her feelings at that moment would expose their relationship to the others. She merely smiled at him and bowed in return. "It's an honor to be your teacher."

The two of them were then approached by Master Pakku. "Avatar Kuzon. Word has spread that you have arrived in our fair city. I see now that the rumors were true."

Kuzon glanced at the older, bearded man confused. "And who might you be?"

Master Pakku then answered with a wry smile. "My name is Pakku. I run the waterbending school in this city." He then turned to Katara with a surprised look on his face. "I didn't think there were any Southern waterbenders left after the Fire invasions."

Katara sighed bitterly. "There aren't. I am the last Southern waterbender still alive. The rest of my kind are either dead or imprisoned somewhere."

Pakku just nodded. "A shame truly. I always had a certain amount of respect for Southern waterbending as a bending art. I heard about how you single handedly bested six of my former students outside the city. That takes innate talent. How in the world did you manage that?"

Katara bashfully smiled at the older man. "Well..there were still some scrolls left by the benders of the past. I learned from what I could find. I'm not a master just yet."

Master Pakku just nodded. "Hmm. I see." He then put two fingers under his chin. "Traditionally..female benders are limited by Northern society to become mere healers. I see a great amount of potential in you however. How would you like to become a master?"

Katara blinked at him for a moment. "You are joking right?"

Pakku laughed. "My dear. I do not joke about these things. I think it would be a waste for you to not master your element."

Katara then beamed at the older man. "Well if you are serious..then my answer is yes! I would love to master waterbending."

Pakku gave both of them a bow and nodded. "Good. I shall see you two bright and early tomorrow morning." The man then stuck his hands in his pockets and walked off without a word.

Katara then turned to Kuzon with a knowing smile on her face. "Well I do believe we have found ourselves a waterbending teacher." Kuzon just nodded. "That we have."

Chief's Court, Agna Qel'a, Northern Water Tribe

Katara was looking around for the princess. She initially planned to yell the girl's head off for daring to try and take away her boyfriend. However she decided against that. That would draw a lot of unneeded attention to them both and also cause problems for the fragile alliance her people had formed with the Northerners. The last thing Kuzon or her father needed was her causing problems for them both. She had decided to try and have a civil conversation with the girl. Hopefully, the reasoning would win her over. She finally came across the royal princess.

Yue was combing her hair.

Katara steeled herself so that she could keep her temper under control. "Um Yue. Do you have a minute?"

The royal princess turned to the waterbender and smiled brightly. "Oh Katara. What a pleasant surprise! Of course! What is it you need?"

Katara then smiled at her and stated calmly. "I've noticed you flirting with Kuzon."

Yue giggled. "I know. He is quite the dreamboat isn't he. He's the entire package. Calm. Brave. Selfless. Cool under fire. Not to mention he's got those rugged good looks of his."

Katara blushed a bit and nodded. "Yeah..he is."

Yue then glanced at her hands for a moment. "That..boy has been through so much. Suzin told me how the Fire Nation basically betrayed him and caused him and Aang to go into exile. I can't imagine what it is like to lose your entire family. Add in his Avatar duties and he is facing a terrible burden. Someone should be there for him. He needs someone to help bring him back to the ground."

Katara crossed her arms and nodded. "That is..actually what I want to talk to you about. He is already taken."

Yue gasped in surprise and looked upon the waterbender with widened eyes. "Really? By who?"

Katara sighed in exasperation and looked the girl in the eyes. "By me."

Yue gasped in surprise. "Wait. You are dating the Avatar?"

Katara nodded. "Yes I am." She then let out an irritated sigh. "That is why I wanted to come by and speak with you..girl to girl. I don't want you flirting with him. I hope that is understood."

Yue's face reddened in embarrassment. "Oh..well of course. I'm..sorry. I didn't know. Sometimes I get carried away. I promise to keep my interactions with him as platonic as possible."

Katara finally let out a sigh of relief and smiled warmly at her. "Thank you, your highness. I'm sorry for being stern. Kuzon just means a lot to me. I love him with all that I am. I...don't want to lose him to another girl."

Yue chuckled. "Well considering he has been blocking all my advances up until now..I'm sure you have nothing to worry about." She then opened her arms for a hug. "So…friends?"

Katara smiled at her. "Yeah friends."

The two girls then embraced one another. The two then broke the hug.

Yue glanced at her curiously. "So besides me…does anyone else know?"

Katara shook her head. "The only other person that knows is Aang."

Yue raised an eyebrow. "The Nomad?"

Katara nodded. "Yeah. He sort of picked up that Kuzon liked me and then things kind of went from there. We both decided to trust him with knowledge of our relationship."

Yue nodded. "And how come Sokka or Chief Hakoda don't know yet?"

Katara sighed. She thought about hiding the truth but figured she'd come clean with enough anyway. "No. My father doesn't know. I..haven't told him because he has already told Kuzon he doesn't approve of me marrying a foreigner." She then tightened her fists. "I could honestly care less about what Dad wants. He lost the right to lecture me when he left to go fight the war but I decided the two of us needed to keep this under wraps since having it in the open would affect Kuzu's alliance with my people. He needs both of our Tribes to defeat the Fire Lord."

Yue nodded in understanding. "And Sokka?"

Katara sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Sokka would be overprotective and upset about it. He's always seen me as his little sister. I don't blame him but I want my own life. I love Kuzon. He loves me and respects that I want to own my own life. I'm not going to apologize to either Sokka or Dad for loving him. I'm more than just the Avatar's girlfriend. I'm his confidant and his lover. He is mine. We see each other as equals. I'm not giving that up for anything."

Yue just smiled in admiration. "Wow. You are a brave girl. There aren't many girls here in the Northern Tribe that would be brave enough to defy the wishes of their parents to follow their hearts."

Katara smirked at the other girl. "Well perhaps it's time for that to change." She then eyed the other girl nervously and bit her lip. "So..can you keep this a secret between us? If this got out..I don't want to imagine the consequences."

Yue smiled at her brightly. "Of course. You have my word in honor.."