Chapter Three

Khundes' Tale

"I've been keeping up with you guys for sometime. After the Fire Nation attacked the Northern Water Tribe was the first time I heard the Avatar was back. I wasn't going to suffer for Fire Lord Ozai's actions." Khundes looked at Katara. "I remember the Fire Nation's attack on the Southern Water Tribe. My father was part of the invasion fleet. When he came home telling stories about it, I must admit, I was fascinated by what he said," Khundes finished.

"But that still doesn't tell us much. How far did you track us from?" Sokka asked.

"I've been tracking you since Omashu. I was part of the force that took the city," Khundes said.

"You helped them do that?" Aang asked.

"I was threatened with being put to death if I didn't help. My father told me if I didn't help then I would be shaming him..." Khundes trailed off.

"Wait... you don't even look old enough to be part of the Fire Nation's army," Katara said.

"Thats the thing... I'm sixteen. The Fire Lord made a decree that all able bodied young men were to help in the war," Khundes said, looking to the ground.

Aang studied Khundes for a moment. "You lost someone in the Omashu attack didn't you?" he asked.

A tear slid down Khundes' cheek. "My twelve year old brother. My parents trusted me to watch over him and he died," he said. After a moment's pause Khundes spoke again. "When you guys showed up for the king is when I first started tracking you. I tracked you all the way to the Wall of Ba Sing Se where I was turned away. I went back to the Fire Nation. When I got there I heard the stories of Prince Zuko and Princess Azula. How Zuko killed you and the take over of Ba Sing Se," Khundes said.

"It wasn't Zuko who did it... it was Azula," Katara said bitterly.

"I figured it was. Zuko couldn't even capture you Aang, how could he kill you?" Khundes said with a chuckle.

There was a brief silence then Aang spoke. "You said you could teach me how to Firebend. When can we start?" he asked.

"As soon as you are ready. If you don't think you are ready then you aren't. You have believe you are ready for the fire to come," Khundes said.

"I thought I was ready two years ago but I wasn't... I hurt Katara because of it," Aang said.

"Being over confident or rushing the training can mean you weren't ready to start. Tell me what happened," Khundes said.

"I... I'd rather not talk about it. Lets just say I got a bit over confident..." Aang said.

"Over confidence can cause problems. If can cause the fire to go out of control," Khundes said.

"Maybe I'm not ready... I just don't know..." Aang said.

"Take a night and sleep on it Aang. You don't need to rush into it," Katara said.

"I'll let you know tomorrow Khundes, is that ok?" Aang said.

Khundes nodded. "Yes Aang. As I said before, if you aren't ready, it won't come," he said.

"But then how will I know if I'm ready?" Aang sighed dejectedly. "I wish Roku could tell me if I'm ready or not," Aang looked to the ground.

Khundes walked over to Aang and put a hand on his shoulder. "Even if Avatar Roku were here, you are the only one who can say if you are ready," he said.

Aang looked at Khundes. "You're right," Aang paused and looked around and his eyes met Katara's. "I'm ready," he said and Katara gave him a smile.

Khundes smiled. "Great. We'll start first thing in the morning."