Added an update to this one- 05/28/2022

Book II: Earth

Chapter II: The Swamp

Part I: A Premonition

Somewhere in the Earth Kingdom

The gang were relaxing somewhere near the forest. Sokka had already started up a fire of some kind.

Everyone was gathered around it.

Aang and Lhasang were munching on steamed dumplings and steamed vegetables.

Katara, Sokka and Kuzon were munching on whatever animals Sokka and Kuzon managed to catch.

Sokka grinned as he bit into a bit of meat. "Ah nothing like a bit of meat to settle the appetite."

Appa let out a loud roar of happiness as he was munching on his stack of hay.

Aang glanced over at the large bison and grinned. "You like that buddy?" Appa let out another roar in affirmation.

Aang nodded with a half-grin. "Glad to hear it buddy." He then turned to the others. "So what do you say to a firebender when you want him to bend?" The others stopped eating for a moment and glanced at Kuzon.

The lone firebender looked up from his meal and met Aang's eyes with a curious look. "I don't know Aang. What do you say?"

Aang snickered and gave him a sly grin. "Flame on."

Kuzon immediately groaned. "Seriously Aang. That was corny and too easy."

Katara however thought the quip was hilarious.

Sokka allowed himself to laugh as well.

Katara could barely hold in her laughter. She was clutching her sides. "Oh I can't breathe. I..can't breathe."

Kuzon sent her a dirty look and spoke sarcastically. "Gee thanks for the support."

Lhasang just smiled at the firebender. "Oh come on Kuzon. You can't fault us for having a sense of humor."

Kuzon sighed in frustration and crossed his arms. "I..suppose not."

Aang grinned at him and punched him in the shoulder. "A century of life and you still haven't changed a bit brother."

Kuzon just nodded blushing. He then slyly smirked. "Well then you asked for this. You know the similarities between you and steam pipes?"

The others were eagerly listening in.

Aang chuckled. "I don't know."

Kuzon smiled. "You both blow a lot of hot air."

Aang laughed. "Hah. Not bad."

Sokka burst out laughing. "Hah. Ah. Nice one there Kuzon."

Lhasang half-smirked. "Not bad. Not bad flamehead. I like Aang's joke better though." She then leaned against Aang's left shoulder and cuddled herself around his left arm for comfort.

Katara sighed. "I don't know Lhasang. I'll have to respectfully disagree. I liked Kuzon's joke better." She then wrapped her arms around her boyfriend's waist and hugged him close to her.

Sokka grinned. "It's nice to see you shed that foreboding demeanor of yours from time to time Kuzon. I rarely get to see it."

Kuzon turned to him with an irritated look but took it in stride. He decided to crack one back at the warrior. "And I barely get to see you without that silly wolf tail of yours."

Sokka gasped and grasped at his hair in a protective manner. "Hey! Too far!"

Katara let herself burst into a loud giggle. "Oh! That was good!"

Sokka glared at his younger sister. "Hey aren't we siblings? You are supposed to back me up."

Katara smiled over at him, shaking her head. " Sokka I love you but come on now. You know I've always found that wolf tail ridiculous."

Sokka shook his head irritatingly. "You are such a damn rebel you know that."

Katara just playfully smirked at him. "I apologize for nothing."

A few days later

The gang had been flying for a few hours.

Lhasang and Aang were at the reins.

The girl patted the bison furry head. Appa let out a roar in order to show his appreciation.

Aang smiled. "Would you look at that? He likes you."

Lhasang sighed with contentedness. "How sweet." She then patted the bison's head. "I'm fond of you too Appa."

Aang suddenly felt a bit awkward. He wasn't really sure how to act around his girlfriend or rather how to be a boyfriend in some ways. He slowly wrapped an arm around her waist and held her close. "This okay?"

Lhasang turned to him and sighed, leaning on his arm. "Yeah why wouldn't it be?" She then looked up at him with a worried look in her eyes.. "Are you okay? You seem tense."

Aang nodded biting his lip. "Yeah I'm fine but..there is something I need to ask you."

Lhasang glanced at him. "Okay shoot."

Aang nodded. "You said you agreed to come along to protect me. What exactly do you mean by that? I'm not offended…just confused."

Lhasang smiled and caressed his face with a hand. "Ah. I can understand that. I didn't exactly give you the best of explanations back at the Hidden Temple." She then kissed him on the cheek and smiled. "I wanted to come along for two reasons. The first was to keep you alive. When this war ends…our people are going to need a leader to guide them. You are the only living airbender who knows of the ways of our ancestors. We need you alive."

Aang raised an eyebrow. "That makes a lot of sense. And the other reason?" "The other reason was..well…I wanted to fight by your side. It didn't feel right leaving you. I kept thinking how worried I would get leaving you all alone to fight the Fire Nation. Kuzon has Katara to keep him leveled. I wanted to be here to support you."

Aang felt himself blush and bowed his head. "Lhasang..I'm not sure what to say."

The airbender chuckled. "You don't have to say anything. Your silence speaks all the words you could possibly speak."

Campfire

Later that night

Sokka was a little more down than usual. He was sitting by himself poking away at his food.

Katara noticed this and took a seat beside him. "Hey Sokka…Is everything okay? You look glum."

Sokka tried to play off his sadness by faking a smile "I'm fine. Don't worry."

Katara, however, had known her brother long enough to know he was hiding something. "Sokka…come on. I know you are faking that smile. If there is one person in this world you can't lie to…it's me. I've known you too long."

Sokka sighed and rolled his eyes. "Yeah…I guess you are right about that." He took in a deep breath. "I miss Yue. I wish she was here with me."

Katara nodded sadly. She wrapped an arm around his shoulder and held him close. "I know. I'm sorry. I can't imagine your pain right now. My boyfriend is here with me all the time. Yours is miles away."

Sokka nodded. "I hate this war. It has..driven a wedge between me and all those I truly care for."

Katara nodded. "I do too. I share your pain. I still think about Mother every now and then. What she would be like if she hadn't died? I wonder if she'd be proud of me." The girl hung her head low in sadness.

Sokka turned to his sister with a half-smirk. "Hah. You bet your ass she would be. I mean you and I are taking this war to the Fire Nation together. We're fighting today so that our people will have a future tomorrow. We aren't hiding anymore. This war isn't over by a longshot. Cheer up sis."

Katara laughed and laid her head on his shoulder. "You know…for being so annoying…you really know how to cheer me up when I'm sad."

Sokka then elbowed her in the side with a grin. "Hey someone has to be the comedian in this family. It sure as hell can't be you Miss Serious All the Time."

Katara gasped and pointed a finger at him and spoke in an accusatory tone. Well someone has to keep you from getting your ass kicked. All that male posturing is going to bite you in the ass one day."

Sokka shrugged her off grinning. "Who can beat me? I'm the best warrior in the Southern Water Tribe. I'm quick with a boomerang and my wit. That is all I need to survive."

Katara rolled her eyes and facepalmed. "I take back what I said. I hate you now."

Sokka then stuck his fingers in his ears. "I don't hear you. I heard you said I was awesome so I'm going with that." He then walked off.

Kuzon, Aang and Lhasang walked up to the siblings.

Kuzon crossed his arms with a smile on his face. "What is going on? You two having another argument?" Katara chuckled bitterly and rested a hand under her chin. "Yeah…what else is new?" She then smiled at him and motioned for him to take a seat next to her. Kuzon shrugged and did so. Katara then eagerly leaned into him for comfort, resting her head on his chest. She then sighed happily. "You are always so comfy and warm you know. I wish I could stay here forever. No battles. No war. Just sitting here in peace."

Kuzon wrapped his arm around her and held her close. He then started absentmindedly playing with her hair. "Yeah. I know. Same here." He then shook his head. " I don't think I've told anyone this but I find it beautifully ironic that the spirits called upon me to bring an end to this war. It feels only right that a rogue outcast from the Fire Nation is destined to be the one to bring an end to the Royal Family's legacy of destruction." The boy's face suddenly got intense. "Fire Lord Ozai and his children have to die. They may not have been the ones responsible for killing my family but they have done nothing but continue Sozin's legacy of destruction and chaos. Too many people have suffered because of that man's mad fantasies of a empire. They all need to die for the sake of world peace. Not my favorite kind of judgment call but it is one I have to make. I just hope I can make the decision when it comes. I wish things were different." He then let out a heavy sigh.

Katara just nodded and rested her head on his chest. "Sometimes we have to sacrifice our innocence for the sake of the greater good." She then sighed and gently squeezed his hand. "Your destiny may be to defeat the Fire Lord but you don't have to do it alone. I'm here. So is Sokka. So is Aang. So is Lhasang. We are here to help you however we can sweetie. You only need to ask."

Kuzon just nodded and squeezed hers. "Thanks." Katara then kissed him on the cheek. "Anytime."

The spirit of Avatar Suzin then appeared in front of the couple. "Hello Kuzon."

The couple immediately noticed her.

Kuzon's eyes shot up when he saw her.

Katara's expression brightened. "Suzin! It is good to see you again!"

Suzin smiled at her. "You too Katara. I hope you are well."

He immediately stood up and bowed. "Suzin."

Katara and Suzin snickered to themselves.

Katara couldn't help but giggle to herself. "Always so formal eh sweetie?"

Kuzon turned to her and glared. "Tradition demands it."

Katara gave him a playful wink. "Why of course. Don't let me stop you."

Kuzon huffed in irritation.

Suzin smiled and bowed back. Those two are so cute together. They remind me of me and Risha long ago. Perhaps I will regale them with the story someday. She then smiled . "I have news for you Kuzon. Now that the airbenders are safe..you need to head to the Swamp. There is something or rather someone you need to meet there.

"I'm confused. Who am I supposed to meet there?"

The waterbending spirit smiled down at him. "The one destined to teach you earthbending. Her name is Toph Beifong. You will find her there."

Kuzon nodded and bowed his head again. "Understood. We will head there immediately. How do we find the swamp?"

Suzin just laughed. "All will come to you in time. Trust your Avatar senses."

The female spirit then disappeared. Kuzon sighed irritatingly and rolled his eyes. "Trust my Avatar senses, she says. Geez. It would really help if she just gave me a simple location sometimes."

Katara just giggled. "You know you are kind of cute when you get upset. No wonder I like riling you up."

She then linked arms with his. "Come on. Let's go tell the others."

Kuzon's face reddened and he allowed her to lead.

Later on that night

Kuzon looked up as the night sky began falling over all of them. The boy had been restless as of late. He had been searching endlessly for the "swamp" Suzin had spoken of. He had tried honing in using his Avatar senses but found that they hadn't given him much help as of late. He closed his eyes and they returned to their normal golden yellow color.

Katara's words then brought him back to the world around him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Anything yet?" He turned to her and shook his head. "No. Nothing yet. Unfortunately." He then bit his lip frustratingly. "Damn it. I hate this."

The waterbender reached around to gently grasp his hand and squeeze it. "Don't worry. You will find it. I have faith in you." She smiled broadly, offered the cup of hot cocoa she had made for him and winked. "Go on. Ask me how I made it."

Kuzon raised an eyebrow. "Okay…I'll bite. How did you manage to make hot cocoa all the way out here?"

Katara knowingly smirked. "I'm afraid I can't disclose that information sweetie. That is a Water Tribe secret."

Kuzon huffed embarrassingly and facepalmed. "Then why in the hell did you encourage me to ask you? You do realize I get embarrassed easily."

Katara giggled and patted his cheek. "Hence why I asked sweetie. I just wanted to see that precious blush of yours again."

Kuzon shook his head bitterly yet allowed himself to pout. "You are…incorrigible. You know…there are days where I can't understand what I see in you."

The waterbender smirked and winked at him. "Right back at you sweetie. I can't imagine what I see in you. You are always so morbid and serious all the time." She then rolled her eyes playfully and leaned on his right shoulder, cuddling her arms around it. She then turned his face with a hand and met his eyes. "Come on sweetie. Can you really keep up that pout while looking into these pretty sapphire eyes of mine?"

Kuzon sighed ruefully and turned his head away blushing. "I..can't…damn you. You…have me under your spell."

Katara laughed. "It's okay. Water Tribe girls are naturally charming…and beautiful by our very nature. I can't blame you."

Kuzon half-smirked. The constant retorts back and forth gave the boy some of his courage back. "And Fire Nation boys?"

Katara just sighed and tapped her chin thoughtfully with a sly grin forming on her face. "Well I dislike most of them. The Fire Nation has been trying to wipe my kind off the face of the world for the past hundred years after all. I wouldn't touch most of them with a ten-foot icicle but there is one exception to that rule." She then leaned in even more, nestling herself against Kuzon's coat. "You. You are brave..kind..and fearless. You could have decided to run away from your destiny long ago. You didn't. You stood and decided to fight for all of us. I'm forever grateful for that. I love you you know. I'm here for the long haul."

Kuzon stammered. "You..don't need to thank me. I..was only doing my…"

Katara stopped him with a finger to his lips, chuckling and shaking her head. "Yes. Yes. Your duty. I know. Spirits be. You are such a dork sometimes." She then pressed her lips against his and fiercely held on to his neck. The girl then started leaving kisses all over his face and neck. This sent shockwaves down Kuzon's spine. Finally, Katara pulled away with a satisfied smirk on her face. "You are a cute dork though. I wouldn't have you any other way."

Kuzon glanced at her curiously. "What did you do? It felt..different."

Katara half-grinned. "I..experimented a bit. Full on kisses are getting kind of boring. Was it okay for you?"

Kuzon just nodded with a wry smile. "Well..yeah. I liked it."

Katara smirked. "Good to know." The two then stood there staring into each other's eyes.

Sokka then interrupted. "Oi! Are we there yet?" Katara met Kuzon's eyes once again and sighed. "My brother…always with impeccable timing."

Kuzon chuckled. "Yeah." She then turned to answer her brother. "No. We are not."

Sokka huffed. "What is taking the flamehead so long? Just tell him to turn on his Avatar powers already!"

Kuzon facepalmed and glared at the boy. "I told you already Sokka! It doesn't work that way!"

Sokka, ever the impatient one, just stuck his tongue out and made a mocking sound.

Katara burst into laughter.

Aang and Lhasang, now woken up by all the commotion, rose out of their beds rubbing at their eyes.

Lhasang groaned. "What is going on? I can hear you three in my sleep."

Kuzon then felt his Avatar sense go off and his eyes glowed pure white for a moment. He quickly ran over to the reins. "Everyone hold on tight!" He then jeered to the left and down.

Katara and the others held onto the large saddle for dear life. She let out a squeal of glee. "Wooo!"

Sokka yelled in frustration. "Kuzon!" Aang and Lhasang just closed their eyes, grit their teeth and held on for dear life.

Kuzon then led all of them near the Swamp. Finally, he led them slowly down to the ground near the Swamp.

The others breathed a collected sigh of relief.

Sokka was the first to get to his feet. "Y'know flamehead the next time you decide to take us on a joyride…let us know first."

Katara, however, just playfully grinned. "Speak for yourself brother. I loved every minute of it."

Aang awkwardly chuckled. "Ah..well even though I am an airbender…I'm not a fan of certain death situations."

Lhasang muttered under her breath. "Me neither Aang." She looked up at Kuzon. "Can we not do that next time? That was really scary."

Kuzon turned back to the three of them with an apologetic smile on his face. "Yeah. Sorry. I didn't have much reaction time there. These Avatar memories are like a flash in the pan. You guys alright?"

All three of them gave him a nod.

Appa and Momo let out load roars and chirps in agreement."

Kuzon nodded. "Alright follow me." He then jumped off of Appa and began walking towards the hidden clearing leading into the Swamp.

Sokka grumbled to himself. "Does he even know where he is going? For all we know…he could be leading us into a Fire Nation trap."

Katara glared up at the older boy. "Hey. Ye of little fath…He is the one with the spiritual connection to the Avatars of old. I trust his instincts. Now stop being a baby and come on already." She then began following Kuzon's lead, watching for any sense of danger. I've got your back sweetie.

Sokka grumbled and sighed. "I got a bad feeling about this." He nevertheless followed his younger sister.

Aang and Lhasang just shrugged at one another. Appa and Momo followed as well.