Book I: Water

Chapter XII: The Ice Ball

Apartment 40, Agna Qel'a, Northern Water Tribe

Kuzon let out a sigh. He was resting on one of the fut couches and sipping away at batch of tea he had made. The war was still on but the battle was He heard a loud chuckle. He turned to his left and saw Katara playfully smirking at him. "Enjoying yourself?"

Kuzon glowered at her. "Hey the battle is over. I don't have some royal brat and his sister trying to chase me around like a game of cat and mouse. Things are relatively calm at the moment. People actually like me. You will excuse me if I take in this moment of relative peace. It's probably the only bit of peace I am going to get for a while."

Katara glanced at him with crossed arms and nodded. She then glanced at him worriedly. As I expected. He is on edge. I can't blame him. I can't imagine the pressure he is under. She then put a hand on his shoulder. "Wow. Someone is getting a bit snarky. Relax sweetie. I was just pulling your leg there. I know you've been under a lot of stress. You were the one leading us in the fight after all. I was just trying to lessen your tension. I've been getting worried about you lately. Being the Avatar is a huge responsibility. We are all depending on you to lead the fight against the Fire Naiton. I just want to make sure you are handling everything okay."

Kuzon facepalmed. "Right. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap there. I'm..handling it okay at least."

Katara nodded sadly and rest a hand on his back and kissed him on the cheek. She then rested her head on his chin. "Don't worry. Water under the bridge. I'm more worried than upset with you right now anyway. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Kuzon sighed with irritation and chuckled bitterly. He then rested his face in his hands. "I don't suppose you could ask the spirits to give me a vacation."

Katara let out a sigh of relief and allowed herself to laugh At least his sense of humor is intact. I'm glad he can still laugh about all this. "I wish I could sweetie but I can't. You ask me to bend the ocean? I can do that. Communing with spirits is your department."

Kuzon turned to her and nodded understandingly. "I know." He then sighed and took a hand in hers for comfort. "I'm also thinking about Zuko and Azula. I'm still hopeful we can convince them to switch sides but it won't be easy. They've both been victims of the Fire Nation's propaganda for years. I've been there before. It wasn't the same for me but I once thought of the world of the Fire Lord. It wasn't until I found out the truth about my existence and lost my family that..everything changed. Part is me is skeptical that either of them will willingly hear me out."

Katara just nodded. "You..are probably right in your assertions. I don't think Iroh will be able to convince Zuko or his sister to give up the chase. They are too…fixated on you. Almost to an insane degree. I like Iroh. I trust him. He seems like a very kind man. I..just don't know about Zuko or Azula. They seem to be fervently loyal to their father and I don't think they will ever change."

Kuzon put a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Neither do I but I feel like I have to try. It saddens me that both of them seem so desperate to please their father when he obviously regards them as nothing but tools at his disposal. It is infuriating to watch."

Katara just nodded in acknowledgment. "This seems very personal for you."

Kuzon shook his head angrily. "My father..my grandfather..all served the Fire Lord and his family with honor. My mother was close friends with Fire Lord Sozin's wife. We were all a tight-knit family. We were all a community bound by our loyalty to the Royal Family." The firebender grit his teeth in rage. "Then..he just turned on us. He just tossed us aside as if we were insignificant. He burned down an entire temple of monks just to get to me. We have to stop him somehow. We have to put an end to this war. I hate to see my own people blinded by loyalty to a madman."

Katara then turned his face to meet hers and gave him a warm smile. "I know you do sweetie So do I." She squeezed the firebender's hand and smiled. "We will find a way. Trust me. We will end this war."

Kuzon sighed and rested his face in his hands. "I know."

The waterbender wrapped an arm around his shoulder and rubbed his back soothingly "You aren't all alone in this fight. Take strength in that sweetie. You have the support of the people of the Water Tribe. You have me. I'm here for you whenever you need me."

Kuzon then leaned his head on her shoulder and sighed. "Thank you."

Katara did the same and laid her hand on his shoulder. "Always."

Sokka then walked in with Yue on his arm. He then turned to his girlfriend and smirked. "It looks as if we aren't alone here after all. Shame."

Yue then smiled at him. "Not at all. This could be a double date."

Katara and Kuzon then saw the other couple and blushed.

Katara gasped. "Oh Sokka! We didn't see you come into the apartment!"

Sokka chuckled at his little sister. "I know. We wanted to make it a surprise." He then sighed with a sly grin. "So..you two are a couple huh? How long has this been going on?"

Katara felt herself blush. She then squeezed Kuzon's hand and slyly smiled at her brother. "We started dating when we left for the Northern Tribe."

Sokka nodded. "I see. I suppose you never told me this because you were both afraid of how I'd react to the news."

Katara averted his gaze and held onto Kuzon's hand tighter. Her voice trembled. "Yes. I was afraid of losing you."

Sokka pondered his next words and half-grinned at his little sister. "Heh. I might've been angry if I'd known about this earlier but I'm not. You and I..have both changed in the weeks that have passed by. You have become more powerful than I ever dreamed you would become. You don't need me to protect you anymore."

Katara beamed at him and gave her brother a big hug. "Oh thank you Sokka! Your support means so much!"

Sokka then hugged her back.

The warrior then turned his gaze to Kuzon. There was a serious look in his eyes. "I only ask one thing."

Kuzon glanced at him curiously. "What is it?"

The warrior nodded back. "Would you give your life for her?"

Kuzon nodded and bowed in respect. "In a heartbeat."

Sokka smiled, satisfied with the firebender's answer, "Then my question is answered."

Yue beamed at all of them. "I'm glad to see all of us so happy and in love. Love is a beautiful thing to witness." The princess then gasped. "Oh! I forgot to tell you all! My father has invited us all to the Ice Ball!"

Kuzon raised an eyebrow. "I've never heard of an…Ice Ball before." Katara nodded in agreement. "Me neither. We..never had anything like that in the South."

Yue beamed. "Oh! You must come! It's one of the traditional celebrations we Northerners hold every six years. We dance. We sing. We give praise to the spirits."

Aang then walked in. "I'd love to come." He then wrapped an arm around Kuzon's shoulder. "Kuzon and I could show you how the Nomads used to dance."

Kuzon turned as red as a beet and pushed Aang away. "D..Don't be ridiculous Aang. I'm no dancer."

Aang then turned to him with a knowing smirk on his face."Really now? That isn't what I saw when you first danced with Taira."

Yue glanced at him with a surprised look on her face. " The Avatar dancing. I'd like to see that."

Katara then turned to her boyfriend with a knowing smile on her face. "So would I."

Kuzon grumbled to himself and threw up his hands. "Y..You are all being ridiculous. I'm a warrior. I..don't dance. Besides, even if I wanted to go..I couldn't. What am I supposed to wear? I don't have anything."

Yue smiled at him. "Don't worry Kuzon. I took care of that." She then snapped her fingers. One of the guards ran over to her with a ceremonial outfit in his hands.

Kuzon stared at it. "What is that?"

Yue smirked at the firebender. "It is a little something I whipped up for you. I was looking up some old scrolls that my father had in his collection. There was one that had instructions in designing a traditional Fire National ceremonial outfit. I took the time to make this for you."

Kuzon then took the outfit and unfurled it. The outfit was made up of a scarlet red-golden pattern. It had long sleeves and pressed pants. "Yue..I don't know what to say..I'm speechless..."

Yue chuckled. "Well consider it my way of saying thank you for saving my life." She then turned to Aang. "I made one for you as well." She then threw an Air Nation sari Aang's way.

Aang caught it and unfolded it. It was made in Air Nation colors and was made in the traditional style. "Thank you Yue. I'm honored to receive this gift."

The Ice Ball

A moment later

Team Avatar along with Yue finally made it to the Ball.

Sokka and Katara were dressed in a ceremonial type of Water Tribe garb. The only difference was that Katara's was more of a neck-length dress.

Aang was dressed in his Air Nation sari.

Kuzon was dressed in his Fire Nation tunic. Kuzon took a look around the place. The hall was billowing with activity. Noblemen and women were busy chatting with one another. Drinks were being passed around. "It's crazy to believe a battle happened here. Everyone seems to be...remarkably cheery."

Katara giggled and interloped her arm with his. "Well you did save the world sweetie. I think knowing that the Avatar is back and in the fight against the Fire Nation has put everyone at ease. You are slowly giving people hope that this Hundred Year War will one day end."

Kuzon glanced at her and nodded. "Well I'm glad to give people some hope at least. Spirits know someone needs to."

Chief Arnook then cleared his throat. He was standing on the podium alongside Chief Hakoda. Chief Arnook then gestured to the Avatar. "Ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to introduce the hero of the Resistance Movement. Avatar Kuzon Lin Sho." A light then shone on Kuzon. All the noblemen and noblewomen then turned to Kuzon and started clapping.

Kuzon gulped nervously. Okay Chief Arnook…did you really have to give me the spotlight like that. I..don't know all these people.

The Avatar then awkwardly waved. "Uh..hello everyone."

Chief Arnook then beamed at the Avatar. "Before we begin the festivities..would you like to say a few words?"

Kuzon then gave the Chief a bow. "Of course. I would be honored sir." The boy then walked up to the podium and cleared his throat nervously. "Today is a day of victory and celebration. The Fire Nation has been defeated!" A chorus of jubilant cheers then roared throughout the room. "I want you all to know this was just the start! The start of our eventual victory over the Fire Lord and his allies! Today we saved the Water Tribes! We have struck the first blow against the Empire! One day..the entire world will be free of the Fire Nation. I will be going to the Earth Kingdom in order to master earthbending. Thank you all for your hospitality and support! On with the festivities!" He then walked off the stage.

Katara sighed dreamily. "He has such a way with words."

Sokka eyed her annoyingly. "Oh god. Please don't tell me you are going to be like this from now on."

Katara just turned to him and smirked playfully. "Oh but of course. Now that you and Dad both approve of our relationship...I intend to make sure everyone know that he is all mine."

Katara then began looking around for her boyfriend. "Speaking of Kuzon..I wonder where he ran off to." The girl then ran off to find her boyfriend.

Sokka groaned and facepalmed.

Yue giggled at her boyfriend's reaction. "Come on now Sokka. Would we be any different? Let your sister have her fun."

Sokka grumbled in protest but nodded. "Fair enough."

Yue then took his arm in hers and giggled. "Come on. There is room on the dance floor."

Sokka eyed his girlfriend nervously. "Um..Yue…I can't dance."

Yue turned to him and grinned. She then spun him around and put her arms around his neck. "I know. Luckily for you..your girlfriend had to take professional lessons on the proper dancing form." She then leaned in and whispered. "Just let me lead." She then put the warrior's hands in hers and began performing a two-step.

Aang, who had been watching from afar couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of his two male compatriots. It seems that both Kuzon and Sokka had female partners who had both their backs and their hearts. The airbender had always stuck to his people's strict belief to a life of non-attachment. He considered doing so both a matter of honor and a way to respect the fallen airbenders who died in the Genocide. However now, a new emotion was coming to the surface. Jealousy. Aang grumbled in frustration. "I must consult with Gyatso." He then walked off to find a quiet place. Maybe I should find a date myself. At least someone to dance with. I'm feeling like the odd one out.

Rooftop, Chief's Hut

Katara let out a chuckle with crossed arms. "Yup. He is right where I thought he would be...on the rooftops. Some things never change."

Kuzon was again staring out at the full moon.

Avatar Suzin then appeared in front of him. "You did it Kuzon. The Water Tribes are safe from harm. You saved my ancestral homeland. I am in your debt once again."

Kuzon felt himself sweat a bit. Getting praise from his mentor Avatar privately filled the firebender with pride. Suzin had been a dear confidant and ally in the Avatar's journey so far. Kuzon always felt somewhat ingratiate whenever he was in her presence. He then got on one knee and bowed. "I couldn't have done it without your help and assistance Suzin. You honor me."

Suzin chuckled. "Ah you firebender types...always going on about honor. It never ceases to amuse me." She then smiled at him. "I was honored to aid you."

Katara then walked in on the conversation with a playful smirk on her face. "So are you going to introduce me or am I going to have to do it myself?"

Kuzon turned over to her and felt himself blush. "Oh...hey..uh..this is awkward." He then cleared his throat and gave the former Avatar spirit a nod and gestured to Katara. "This..is..Katara. My…"

Katara giggled. The fact that she actually managed to break the boy's usual stoic manner made the girl feel powerful for a moment. Always so easy to tease. I'm definitely enjoying this. "I'm his girlfriend and waterbending master. It is a pleasure to finally meet you Suzin. I've heard a lot about you."

Suzin nodded. "A pleasure to meet you as well Katara. I watched as you fought in the battle to defend the city. You possess an amazing affinity for waterbending young lady."

Katara turned to Kuzon and coyly smirked. "Well well actual praise from a waterbending Avatar. Consider my ego boosted."

Kuzon just nodded in silent agreement.

Suzin then spoke with a curious tone. "I must admit. You two are a peculiar pair. Two benders from two different homelands. I would not have foreseen this." Katara then shrugged at her smirking.. "What can I say Suzin? I'm a sucker for those golden eyes of his. Love blossoms on the battlefield sometimes." She then sighed. "Can I have a moment alone with him?"

Suzin smiled warmly at her. "Of course dear. I will take my leave."

Suzin then glanced at Kuzon. "If you ever need my help again..you know where to find me."

Kuzon bowed. "Of course." Suzin then disappeared. Kuzon then let out a sigh of relief. Well that went better than I thought it would go. I was a little worried there.

Katara then giggled. "Oh God. I thought she'd never leave." She then pulled him by the arm to the Ball. "Come on! There's still time to dance! I didn't wear this dress for nothing!"

The Ice Ball

A moment later…

Katara and Kuzon were busy slow dancing with one another.

Kuzon had to admit that the girl looked rather beautiful and breathtaking in her dress. The blue hues in the dress really complimented the girl's darkly melanated skin tone. Katara's most attractive traits, however, were her big, cerulean eyes and her shoulder-length brunette hair. It seemed as if every time he looked into her eyes..he found himself able to be himself. He found himself unable to lie to her. He found himself getting lost in her eyes. Away from the war and the battle, Kuzon was now realizing just how lucky he was that she was his.

Katara noticed that he had stopped moving in motion with her. She had inadvertently managed to put him in some kind of trance. Katara glanced at him curiously. She then snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Hey? Sweetie? Are you alright? You stopped moving all of a sudden."

Kuzon finally came back to Earth and shook his head to clear his mind. "I'm..fine. You..just look absolutely breathtaking in that dress. I would pinch myself if I had full use of my arms right now. I'm not used to seeing you like this. So..gracefully beautiful."

Katara smirked at him and sighed. She then wrapped his arms around his neck and spoke with adoration in her voice. "Oh sweetie. The feeling is mutual. Those golden eyes of yours just melt my ice cold heart. Plus it doesn't help that you are ruggedly handsome in that tunic. It suits you." She took one of her hands and wrapped it around her waist. The waterbender then snorted, shaking her head. "Who knew a girl like me would attract the affections of the most powerful being in the world. If you were to tell me that when we first met..I would have told you that you were insane. I feel like I have hope again. I can't thank you enough for that."

Kuzon chuckled. "If it were for you, Aang and Sokka…I don't know what I'd do. Trust me when I say the feeling is mutual."

Katara chuckled at him grinning. "I'll hold you to those words. She then leaned in smiling. "I love you my sweet flameheart." The two then kissed. The electricity of their kiss filled both of them with life and comfort. Then a loud gasp interrupted the two. They turned and saw Aang. He was dancing with one of the noblewomen. The girl was squealing with glee as they danced. The two were getting the attention of everyone in the room. He was spinning her around in ways he neither of them had seen before. Both the firebender and waterbender glanced at the airbender with surprised looks on their faces.

Kuzon grinned. "Well...I'm glad to see he has finally come out of his shell."

Katara nodded in agreement. "Yeah Aang is like a little brother to me. I'm glad he's happy."

Kuzon nodded. "I can't let him show me up though. It's still a dance competition." He then pulled her in close enough that she could feel his hot breath on her lips.

The waterbender blushed and giggled in mock protest. "Kuzon what are you doing?"

Kuzon smirked at her. "Showing you some old Fire Nation moves I learned as a child. You want me to stop?"

Katara giggled and scoffed "Of course not! Lead on already!" Kuzon nodded. "As you wish." He then spun her around and dipped. "I'm going to let go of your hand. Just do what comes natural." Katara nodded blushing. Who knew he was such a romantic. I like this side of him. I really am the luckiest girl in the world.

Kuzon then turned to Aang. "Hey Aang. You still remember the Chaing Shai?"

Aang turned to him and grinned. "Of course. You and Katara just follow my lead." He then turned to the girl in his arms and smiled. "You ready?"

The girl, who was named Kalora, kissed him on the cheek. "Lead the way handsome."

Aang chuckled and let go of her hands.

Kuzon then appeared beside him. The two boys then took in a deep then began circling one another as if they were sizing each other up. They then leaped over one another. They then each raised one knee and bowed their heads with both arms to the right side.

Katara and Kalora then glanced at one another. They then jumped into the fray and started mimicking their dancing partners. They then performed some light footwork and spun around into their partners' arms.

Kuzon and Aang then took their partner by the hand and pulled them away from them. The two boys then spun their dates around until Katara ended up in Kuzon's arms and Kalora ended up in Aang's.

For the finale, the two boys then dipped the two girls down.

Everyone then took a moment to breathe. A round of applause finally went around the room.

Sokka and Yue both clapped as well.

Sokka chuckled. "Damn the Air Nomads had some moves."

Yue smiled at him and took his hand in hers. "Indeed."

Northern Memorial Service, Northern Water Tribe

A moment later that night

Chief Arnook and the others watched as the bodies of the fallen floated out to sea.

Yue then put a hand on her father's shoulder. "They died honorably father. Tui and La will both guide their spirits to the Spirit World.

Arnook glanced down at her and nodded in agreement. "Sacrifices had to be made."

Hakoda then put a hand on his fellow chief's shoulder. "We will make sure that their sacrifices will not be in vain Arnook. You have my word."

Arnook gave Hakoda a nod. "I know. Thank you Hakoda."

Kuzon then glanced at both men. "You can count on that. Your countrymen honored me by allowing me to lead them into battle. I won't let their sacrifices be in vain."

Both chiefs turned to him and cheekily grinned. Hakoda put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Good man. We couldn't have done it without you."