Last of Our Kind
I've been looking forward to this episode since I started this story. You know why? Because it puts the smack-down on sexist jerks, that's f***ing why! Oh, and I also like the fact that it gives us insight into Katara and Sokka's heritage because it revealed that their grandmother came from the Northern Water Tribe and had this huge, complex history that reminded us that there are characters in the Avatar universe who have backstories just as interesting as those of the main cast.
Anyway, simply put, I love this episode and am really excited that I've made it this far.
Slight spoiler: Just to make something clear, right now, Wenona is going to be the one to challenge Pakku and you should know that she has a somewhat different fighting-style to her sister. Katara will still be involved in the fight, but I'll let you read it for yourself.
I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender (though I wish I did) or the following quote or any references to Avatar the Abridged Series.
"I earnestly wish to point out in what true dignity and human happiness consists. I wish to persuade women to endeavor to acquire strength, both of mind and body, and to convince them that the soft phrases, susceptibility of heart, delicacy of sentiment, and refinement of taste, are almost synonymous with epithets of weakness, and that those beings are only the objects of pity, and that kind of love which has been termed its sister, will soon become objects of contempt."
― Mary Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
The Pride of the South
"You know what, the North Pole really sucks," Wenona said as she leaned over the side of Appa's saddle.
"I'm not one to complain, but can't Appa fly any higher?" Sokka added.
"I've got an idea," Aang snapped. "Why don't we all get on your back and you can fly us to the North Pole."
"I'd love to," Sokka said sarcastically. "Climb on, everyone, Sokka's ready for takeoff!" Sokka shook his backside at them, which Momo then leapt onto.
"Look, we're all just a little tired and cranky because we've been flying for two days straight," said Katara.
"Seriously, though, Aang, could we please gain a little altitude?" said Wenona. "I'm getting nervous."
"Why?" said the young Avatar. "There's nothing out here."
"I know, but there will be something. And when that thing does get here, I'd prefer not to be killed, maimed, or eaten by it."
"Now you're just being negative," said Katara.
"No, I'm not being negative, I'm being realistic. Literally everywhere we've been, something or someone has tried to kill us. Literally everywhere."
"Yeah, well, we're due, alright," Keng said impatiently. "So I don't think it's fair for Appa to waste all his energy for your paranoia."
"Sokka, back me up here."
"Sorry, Nona, but I have to agree that we probably won't even find the Northern Water Tribe," said Sokka. "There's nothing up here."
At that moment, there was a loud crash and a large iceberg appeared in front of them. They all screamed as Aang swerved Appa to the side, avoiding the obstacle, only for a wave of ice to shoot up and knock the bison into the water where he was suddenly frozen in place.
"So, am I gonna get a written apology, or…"
"Shut up, Nona," everyone growled.
That was when boats filled with men drew sailed into view and caused the team to realize something.
"They're Waterbenders!" Katara exclaimed in delight. "We found the Water Tribe!"
One of the lead boats came right up to them and a tough-looking guy who seemed to be in charge began to address them.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" he demanded.
Wenona slid down the side of Appa and landed on the sheet of ice around the bison. When the Northerners saw her, they at first mistook her for a boy; she had pulled her black hair into a warrior's wolftail and was wearing her hunting parka which only came to about waist-height, as opposed to the longer and more feminine parka her sister was wearing. It wasn't until she spoke that they realized she sounded distinctly feminine.
"Greetings, Northern brothers," she said politely. "I am Wenona, eldest child of Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe. My siblings and I have traveled here with the Avatar in search of a Waterbending master." She pointed to Aang who smiled and waved cheerfully.
"The Avatar?" The man gave a respectful bow. "Welcome to our land. We will take you to see Chief Arnook at once."
Wenona climbed back onto Appa and the Waterbenders melted the ice that held him and began to direct the Gaang towards the gate of the great citadel known as the Northern Water Tribe.
Meanwhile, at a Fire Nation-occupied port in the Earth Kingdom, a certain admiral was hosting a war meeting.
"He's heading north," Zhao said. "The Northern Water Tribe. The Avatar needs to master Waterbending. He's looking for a teacher."
"Then what are we waiting for?" one of the military officials spoke up. "Let's go get him!"
"Patience, Captain Li. This isn't some little Earth village we can march into. The Water Tribe is a great nation. There's a reason they've survived a hundred years of war. The frozen tundra is treacherous; the landscape itself is an icy fortress. We'll need a massive invasion force."
"I can't believe we actually had to explain that you're the Avatar," Wenona complained as they were led through the giant wall. "I mean, is there some other bald kid flying around the world on a giant bison?" She gave a sigh. "They make 'em dumber up North, that's for sure," she added under her breath. She wasn't sure why, but she got the impression that, as soon as she spoke to the Northern men, she was looked down on. Wenona didn't like being looked down on.
The others didn't seem to be listening as they stared around at the majestic sites before them. Huge, ornate houses of ice and snow surrounded them as Appa swam through the streets of water.
"I can't believe how many Waterbenders live up here," said Katara.
"We'll find a master to teach us no problem," said Aang.
As they followed the boat guiding them, curious passersby stopped to stare in wonder at the newcomers. People seemed to realize who Aang was and started to cheer. As they pressed on, Sokka noticed a boat going past them in the other direction and, more specifically, the beautiful girl riding in it.
"This place is beautiful," said Katara.
"Yeah," Sokka sighed, still looking at the girl. "She is."
"Hey, Sokka, put your eyes back in your head," said Wenona. "We're here."
They had stopped before the entrance to a large palace. At the top of the long steps a man was waiting to receive them. He seemed to be middle-aged, about the same age as the four siblings' father, Hakoda, and was wearing very formal clothing as an indication of his high status.
"Greeting, Avatar," said the man. "I am Chief Arnook of the Northern Water Tribe."
"Nice to meet you," Aang replied.
"And welcome to you as well, Southerners," Chief Arnook added.
"It is an honor to meet you, sir," said Wenona politely. "I am Wenona, daughter of Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe, and these are my siblings, Sokka, Katara, and Keng."
Arnook gave her a scrutinizing look when she identified herself as a woman as he, too, had at first mistaken her for a young man because of how she was dressed. However, he brushed off the shock and maintained a respectful attitude as he was speaking to his Southern counterpart's children.
"It is a pleasure to have you here with us," he said. "I would be interested to hear about our sister tribe in the near future. And I am also delighted that you have brought the Avatar here to learn Waterbending from one of our masters. I can assure you, we have many capable teachers and I know just the man for the job. For now, I will have someone escort you to where you will stay." He motioned for one of his guards.
The guard was mostly silent as he led the Gaang to their temporary residence; judging by the awed looks he kept giving Aang, his silence was due to his complete disbelief that he was in the presence of the Avatar. The guard left them with the information that someone would be back later to bring them to the feast that would take place that evening and, if they needed anything, they only had to ask.
"This place is amazing," Aang said. "I can't believe we actually made it."
"Yeah, let's just hope the Avatar fame doesn't go to your head like on Kyoshi Island," said Katara.
"Let's just make sure we look presentable for that feast later," said Wenona. "Remember, we need to make a good impression as we're representing our people. Sokka, you need a shave, you've got some stubble. Katara, your hair is a mess from flying, go straighten it out. Aang, Keng, you both are filthy; go and wash."
"And what about you?" Sokka said, checking his face for the alleged stubble.
Wenona went quiet for a moment and thought. She really should change her clothes; it wouldn't do to show up to a formal occasion in a hunting parka.
"I'm going to change," she said. "Katara, you know what I did with my good parka?"
"Got it right here," her sister said, digging through a knapsack and handing her the outfit.
"Right. Thanks."
The building they were staying in was a comfortable, one-level structure with one adjacent bathroom and what was clearly a dressing room. There was no kitchen, as the guard had told them someone would bring them their food every day. While the boys sorted themselves out in the bathroom, Katara and Wenona went into the small dressing room and got ready. There was a wash-basin in the room, thankfully, so both girls managed to clean themselves off before changing their clothes; there was also a mirror made of ice that allowed Wenona to see just how 'mannish' she had looked. Katara simply put on the parka she'd been wearing earlier, but Wenona changed into the purple parka that her sister had mended for her for her birthday earlier that year. It was one of the nicer things Wenona owned and had originally been their mother's when she was Wenona's age; living in the Southern Water Tribe meant nothing was wasted, including old clothes which often got passed from parents to children.
Wenona helped Katara wash out her hair, removing the sea salt that had gotten in it from flying so low over the ocean for two days, and restyle it in the usual bun, braid, and loopies. Katara then returned the favor for her sister, only tying the older girl's hair up and fastening it with the wolf comb Wenona wore on important occasions.
"Wow," Katara said taking a look at her sister. "You really do clean up well."
"What? Let me see." Wenona moved over to the mirror to see herself. Gone was the haggard, man-like warrior; instead, Wenona actually looked somewhat dignified, even if her clothes were very simple compared to what the Northern women wore; but if she were compared to the women of her tribe right now then she would seem like a princess. "I hate this," Wenona said with a frown.
"Why? What's wrong? Do you not like the hair? I can fix it."
"No. I just look too…nice."
"Oh." Katara grimaced. Back in the South, if you were too concerned with your appearance, you were deemed weak-willed and soft. Katara then brightened. "Just remember the story of Chilaili. People thought she was weak because she dressed nicely and took care about her appearance, and she turned out to be absolutely ferocious."
Wenona smiled at her little sister.
"Thanks, Kit-Kat, you definitely know how to make me feel better."
A group of men pounded on drums as Chief Arnook stood to open the feast.
"Tonight we celebrate the arrival of our brothers and sisters from the Southern Tribe," he said. "And they have brought with them someone very special. Someone who many of us believed had disappeared from the world until now. The Avatar!" There was some loud applause for Aang.
"We also celebrate my daughter's sixteenth birthday." At that moment, the girl from earlier entered. She was very pretty, with her ornately-styled, pure white hair. "Princess Yue is now of marrying age."
"Thank you, Father," Yue said. "May the great Ocean and Moon Spirits watch over us during these troubled times."
"Now, Master Pakku and his students will perform!" He gestured towards a man and two younger men at the other end of the feast area. The group began to perform a series of complicated Waterbending moves to the delight of the audience.
Princess Yue took a seat on the far end of the table, right beside Sokka, who instantly began to get nervous. Wenona nudged Katara and indicated towards their brother, who was currently eating to calm himself, and the two held back their chuckles.
"Hi there," Sokka said to the princess, putting on a winning smile. "Sokka, Southern Water Tribe."
"Very nice to meet you," Princess Yue said with a polite nod.
There was an awkward pause.
"Sooo…uh…you're a princess?" Sokka said, earning a nod. "Huh. You know, back in my tribe I'm kinda like a prince myself."
"Ha! Prince of what?" said Katara.
"A lot of things," Sokka said defensively.
"Come on, Meat-Head," said Wenona. "We may be technically princes and princesses because Dad is the Southern chief, but you know we don't actually believe in monarchy."
"Do you mind? I'm trying to have a conversation here."
"Our apologies, Prince Sokka," Katara said with a mock bow.
Sokka then turned back to Yue.
"So, it looks like I'm going to be in town for a while," he said. "I'm thinking maybe we could…do an activity together?"
"Do an activity?" Yue inquired with an amused grin.
Sokka began to get nervous again and quickly swallowed some more food.
"Very smooth," Katara said dryly.
"Avatar Aang," Chief Arnook said, "could you come with me for a moment? There is someone I want you to meet."
Aang followed the Northern chieftain over to the other side of the dining area where the man from before, Master Pakku, was waiting.
"Master Pakku, meet your newest student," said Arnook. "The Avatar."
"Just because you're destined to save the world, don't expect any special treatment," Master Pakku said to Aang.
Aang got an uncertain look on his face for a moment.
"My friends and I can't wait to start training with you," said Aang. "After we relax for a couple of days."
"If you want to relax, then I suggest visiting a tropical island." The sarcasm in Pakku's voice surpassed anything Aang had heard from either Sokka or Wenona. "If not, I'll see you and your friends at sunrise. Goodnight." The man turned and left.
Aang gave a questioning look to Arnook, who simply shrugged. The two then returned to their seats where Arnook proceeded to ask Wenona about the Southern Water Tribe.
"My father is currently leading our tribe's warriors against the Fire Nation," she told him. "He left me and my eldest brother Sokka, the one down there at the end, in charge of our tribe." She pointed to her sibling, who looked like he was having trouble speaking.
"That is a heavy responsibility for ones so young," Chief Arnook said. "How old are you, anyway?"
"I've been seventeen for a couple months."
"Seventeen? And you aren't engaged yet?"
Wenona started to chuckle.
"There are so many problems with that. Firstly, who exactly would I get engaged to? The closest boy to my age is my brother. The second major problem is that, clearly unlike here, my people forbid marriage at sixteen as it is considered a sacred age of self-reflection. Thirdly, most people in my tribe don't tend to get married until they're at least out of their teens."
The Northern chief wasn't entirely sure what to make of the Southerners. The eldest girl, Wenona, was far too outspoken in his opinion; Arnook would certainly never allow his own daughter to gallivant around the world in men's clothing. Arnook had figured that the two girls had accompanied their brothers and the Avatar up North because they were lacking suitable husbands; but after what Wenona had told him, he wasn't so sure about that anymore.
Miles away on a Fire Nation ship, a certain banished prince sat brooding in his room when the door creaked open to admit his uncle.
"For the last time, I'm not playing the tsungi horn," said Zuko.
"No, it's about our plans," said Iroh. "There's a bit of a problem."
At that moment, Admiral Zhao entered the room.
"I'm taking your crew," he said.
"What?!" Zuko shouted.
"I've recruited them for a little expedition to the North Pole."
"Uncle, is that true?"
"I'm afraid so," said Iroh. "He's taking everyone. Even the cook."
"Sorry you won't be there to watch me capture the Avatar," Zhao continued. "But I can't have you getting in my way again."
Zuko lunged for Zhao, only for his uncle to stop him. Zhao turned casually away and saw a pair of swords hanging on the wall; a pair of swords exactly like the ones carried by the Blue Spirit. Zuko began to get nervous at how long Zhao was staring at the weapons.
"I didn't know you were skilled with broadswords, Prince Zuko," the admiral said.
"I'm not. They're antiques. Just decorative."
"Have you heard of the Blue Spirit, General Iroh?"
"Just rumors," the old man replied. "I don't think he is real."
"He's real, alright. He's a criminal, and an enemy of the Fire Nation. But I have a feeling that justice will catch up with him soon." Zhao made his way to the door. "General Iroh, the offer to join my mission still stands, if you change your mind."
The next morning, the three Waterbenders and the young Avatar eagerly made their way to the training grounds to begin their instruction. Katara was practically jumping up and down with how excited she was. Keng was a bit more anxious as he knew he wasn't a particularly strong Waterbender and didn't want to embarrass himself or his family. Wenona hid her enthusiasm behind a calm expression, though that didn't hinder the smile on her face.
"We've waited for this day our whole lives," Katara said to Aang. "We finally get to learn from a real Waterbending master."
"Good morning, Master Pakku!" Aang shouted, breaking the man from his focus on the water he was Bending.
"No, please, march right in, I'm not concentrating or anything," the old man said dryly.
"Uhh…these are my friends," Aang said nervously. "Wenona, Katara, and Keng. The ones I told you about." The three siblings gave respectful bows.
Master Pakku looked at the siblings with visible disdain.
"I'm sorry, I think there's been a misunderstanding," he said. "You didn't tell me some of your friends were girls. In our tribe it is forbidden for women to learn Waterbending."
There was a moment of shocked silence before Wenona spoke up.
"What do you mean you won't teach me and my sister?" she demanded, straining to keep her tone even. Her father had told her that a leader needs to keep calm when dealing with adversity.
"Yeah, we didn't travel across the entire world so that you could tell us 'no,'" Katara added.
"No," Pakku said shortly.
"This is an outrageous insult," Wenona snarled. "How dare you forbid Waterbenders from learning their art just because of their gender?"
"Here, the women learn from Yugoda to use their Waterbending to heal. I'm sure she would be happy to take you two as her students despite your bad attitudes."
"And how is only knowing Healing going to help us against Fire Nation troops? You're clearly a moron if you think Katara and I are just going to sit on the sidelines in fights, especially after all the Fire Nation butts we kicked on the way up here."
"Women lack the natural strength and intellect that men possess to fight effectively."
"HA! My grandmother could probably kick your ass and she's not even a Bender! It is our birthright to learn Waterbending and you're a fool for not recognizing our potential."
"I'm sorry you feel that way, but our tribe has customs. Rules."
"Well your rules stink!" Katara retorted.
"Yeah, they're not fair," Aang added. "If you won't teach Katara and Wenona, then..."
"Then what?" Pakku sneered.
"Then I won't learn from you!" Aang turned and started walking away.
"Well, have fun teaching yourself. I'm sure you'll do a great job."
"Wait! Aang didn't mean that," Katara said. She rushed over to stop Aang. "You can't risk your training for us," she said to him. "You have to learn from Master Pakku. Even if he is a big jerk."
Aang glowered and turned back to face Pakku.
"Why don't we get started, then," the man said, shooting a water blast at Aang.
Wenona, Katara, and Keng turned to leave.
"The boy may stay," Pakku said.
"No thanks," Keng retorted. "I'm not learning from anyone who won't accept my big sisters as students." Keng stuck his nose up in the air as if he considered Master Pakku not worthy of his notice.
As they walked away, Wenona glanced up and saw a large accumulation of snow on a precipice over Pakku's head. Without moving her hands, she willed the snow to fall, and it did! Pakku spluttered as the snow impacted with his head and turned to glare at the three siblings; Wenona immediately began to whistle casually, though she was secretly surprised. She had just Waterbended with her mind!
Meanwhile, a good distance away, Sokka noticed Princess Yue out in her boat again and hastened after her.
"Princess Yue!" he called out. "Good morning!" He ran until he was walking right beside the boat. "Hey, how 'bout that picnic last night? Boy, your dad sure knows how to throw a party."
"I'm happy you enjoyed yourself," she replied warmly.
"Well, it wasn't as much fun after you left."
The princess began to blush, which caused Sokka to blush as well.
"So, I'm still hoping we can see more of each other," Sokka continued.
"Do an activity, you mean?"
"Yes! At…a place…for some time…"
"I'd love to. I'll meet you on that bridge tonight." She pointed up at a fancy-looking bridge just ahead of them.
"Great! I'll see you – AHH!" Sokka had inadvertently walked off the edge of the sidewalk and into the river-street.
"Sorry," Yue said with a chuckle.
"That's okay!" Sokka smiled and waved as he pulled himself out. "It was worth it." He fell back and stared up at the sky. "See ya tonight."
The three Water Tribe siblings grudgingly made their way to a large building. As they walked inside, they saw an old woman doing a Healing demonstration; then they noticed that the class was entirely made up of little girls.
"Hello, ma'am, are you Yugoda?" Wenona asked.
"Are you here for the Healing lesson?" the women asked brightly.
"I guess we are," Katara answered.
"Welcome. Welcome. Please, take a seat." She then took note of Keng. "I don't see many boys in my classes."
"Wonder why that is," Wenona muttered under her breath.
"I wanted to learn with my sisters and that's what I'm going to do," Keng said firmly.
"Well, you are more than welcome to be here," said Yugoda. "Spirits know I wish more men saw Healing as important. Now, everyone pay attention…"
The lesson progressed slowly as Yugoda talked them through the basics of Healing and how it is correctly applied to wounds. Soon enough the lesson ended and Yugoda dismissed her students.
"Thanks for the lesson," Katara said as she and her siblings stayed behind for a few minutes.
"So who are the lucky boys?" Yugoda asked the sisters.
"Huh?"
"Your betrothal necklaces. You're getting married, right?"
Wenona started to laugh.
"No, we are way too young for that," she said. "This necklace I'm wearing was a gift from the spirit of our tribe's foundress." She pointed to the pendant on her throat. "She said it would keep me safe." Yugoda looked amazed.
"And our grandmother gave our mother this necklace," Katara continued, showing her own pendant. "My mother gave it to Nona, who gave it to me when our mother died."
"I recognize this carving," Yugoda said in shock. "I don't know why I didn't realize sooner. You're the spitting-image of Kanna!"
"Wait, how do you know our Gran-Gran's name?" said Katara.
"When I was about your age, I was friends with Kanna. She was born here in the Northern Tribe."
"She never told us that," said Keng.
"Your grandmother had an arranged marriage with a young Waterbender. He carved that necklace for her."
"If Gran-Gran was engaged, why did she leave?" asked Katara.
"I don't know. That's always been a mystery to me. She left without saying goodbye."
"If it's not too much trouble, could you tell us about what she was like back then?" asked Keng.
"Gran-Gran's always been very quiet about her life," Wenona continued.
"I'd be happy to tell you anything you want to know," said Yugoda. "On the condition that you tell me what she's been up to since she left."
"Of course!" Katara said happily.
The four sat down to talk.
"Kanna was very headstrong and stubborn," Yugoda told them. "She was always sneaking out to cause mischief and her parents would get very annoyed with her. Whatever it was that was troubling her about her betrothal, though, she kept it to herself as we all thought she actually did like the man she was going to marry."
"Who was the guy, anyway?" asked Wenona.
"I don't think it's really my place to tell. I'm sure you'll find out eventually, but I'd be shocked if the man himself didn't realize who you were the moment he saw you. I'm shocked I didn't realize it myself." She looked at Keng and smiled. "You actually have Kanna's eyes, you know."
The aged Healer told them a number of stories about their grandmother, revealing things they never would have expected. Apparently, their grandmother had a little sister who was still alive and in the city, and her father had been a high-ranking nobleman.
"Now I believe it's your turn," Yugoda said.
"Well, like we said, our Gran-Gran never really talks much about her past," Wenona started. "But, when her husband died, she was made chief in his place. She had to raise our father all by herself and even taught him how to fight."
"Kanna fighting? Why am I not surprised?"
"She even taught our mother how to fight and helped take care of her because our other grandmother had been taken away during the raids."
"Raids? What raids?"
"The Fire Nation invaded our tribe decades ago," Katara explained. "They took away all our Waterbenders and nearly destroyed the place. It was around that time that our grandfather was killed."
"Oh, I'm so sorry. No one here had any idea about that. If we had then we would've sent help."
Sure you would've, Wenona thought sarcastically.
They recounted a good deal of what they knew about their grandmother when they realized it was getting late. Yugoda promised they would continue their conversation at a later time and bid them farewell. As she watched them walk away, the old Healer decided it was time she had a few words with a certain Waterbender.
Back at Prince Zuko's ship, said prince was sulking in his room when his uncle came in and tried to persuade him to come out and go for a walk in the fresh air. Zuko didn't answer and the old man backed out and left on his own. It wasn't long afterwards that a familiar group of pirates began to sneak onboard and plant barrels of blasting-jelly.
Zuko had left his room when he started hearing noises and made his way up to the ship's tower. As he looked out the window, he noticed a large reptile-bird sitting on the railing. His eyes widened as he heard the sound of rumbling beneath the ship and a pillar of flames shot up and sent him crashing through the window.
As he heard his uncle shouting his name in the distance, Zuko's world became engulfed in black.
"Do not be afraid, Akari," a voice echoed in his head. "The spirits, Agni and Sheuh-fuh, have blessed you and will protect you in all things. You are destined for greatness. Do not give up."
Master Pakku was quite surprised to see his old friend, Yugoda, standing outside his house when he returned from training the Avatar. He was more surprised to see the rather impatient expression on her face. He figured those three Southerners had been stirring up trouble since they had left that morning.
"Good evening, Healer Yugoda," he said. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Those new students who came to my class today," she said. "I think you should reconsider teaching them."
"What is this?" Pakku chuckled. "You can't be serious."
"Those girls have talent that will be wasted if they don't learn real Waterbending."
"Where is this coming from, Yugoda? You've never complained about me refusing to teach female students in the past. Why should that change because of these two?"
Yugoda may have gone along with her tribe's customs, she may have never spoken a word in protest because it was just how things were done in the North, but she had realized, since meeting those children, why it was that Kanna left. She wanted to tell Pakku that they were Kanna's grandchildren, that they were the evidence that he had been in the wrong all this time. But she didn't; she held her tongue and thought: If those are truly Kanna's granddaughters, then Pakku deserves whatever he's going to get.
"Is there something you wish to tell me?" Pakku asked on seeing the thoughtful look on her face.
"Just that, whatever happens, know that it was your own fault." She turned and walked away, leaving Pakku staring disbelievingly after her.
"I need some fresh air," he muttered and set off.
The rest of the Gaang had already returned when Sokka stormed in.
"How's warrior training going?" Katara asked. Sokka kicked his knapsack in response.
"That bad?" said Aang.
"No, it's Princess Yue," Sokka replied in frustration. "I don't get it. One minute she wants to go out with me and the next she's telling me to get lost! So how's Waterbending training?"
Wenona and Katara both slumped forward onto their sleeping-bags.
"Master Poop-Head won't teach them because they're girls," Keng explained. "I didn't go because I'm not training with anyone who won't accept my sisters."
"Why don't you just teach them, Aang?" said Sokka.
"Why didn't I think of that?" Katara exclaimed happily.
"That's actually a great idea," Wenona added. "Aang, you can teach us at night whatever you learned from Master Pakku during the day. That way, you have people to practice with and we get to learn Waterbending. Everyone's happy."
"I'm not happy," Sokka grumbled.
"But you're never happy," Katara pointed out. "Come on, Aang."
The Waterbenders and the Avatar walked out and went in search of a secluded spot where Aang could show them the moves. They managed to find a good spot; it was out of sight except for a bridge overhead. Aang started the training by pulling up a stream of water.
"Master Pakku said this move is all about sinking and floating," he said, passing the water to Wenona.
Wenona managed to pick up the move fairly quickly and passed the water to Katara. Katara spun the water about and her face lit up with delight.
"I got it!" she said. That's when the water suddenly swirled about in a complicated way and shot up.
"That was amazing," Keng gasped.
"That wasn't me."
They sensed someone watching and looked up. Master Pakku was standing on the bridge, a look of absolute fury on his face.
"I was just showing my friends a few moves," Aang tried to explain.
"You have disrespected me, my teachings, and my entire culture," Pakku snapped.
"I'm sorry! I-"
"You are no longer welcome as my student." He turned and stormed away, leaving the kids standing there worried.
The next day, the Gaang brought the issue to Chief Arnook. He was seated alongside his daughter, Master Pakku, and a number of councilors in the main hall of his palace. Unfortunately, things weren't going the way the Gaang had hoped.
"What do you want me to do?" Arnook said. "Force Master Pakku to take Aang back as his student?"
Before anyone else could answer, Wenona stepped forward.
"You're seriously asking this?" she said incredulously. "Please tell me you're not seriously asking this."
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean is that you are just going to let the world's only hope for peace not receive the training he needs just to suit a pompous old man's prejudice? I would like to take this time to say that is completely idiotic."
"Watch your tongue, girl!" one of the councilmen shouted. "You should show more respect."
"Respect? That's what you're worried about? At the end of this summer there is going to be a comet that will grant the Fire Nation the power to win this war and kill or enslave your entire people and that's what you're worried about?!"
That statement earned some uncertain murmurs.
"We are in a war!" Wenona continued. "My people, male and female warriors, are out there putting their lives on the line while you all sit back here in your comfy palaces and do nothing while waiting for the Fire Nation to come and take you down."
"I am sure Master Pakku would change his mind if you swallow your pride and apologize to him," Arnook said.
Wenona glared up at the Waterbending master.
"I'm waiting, little girl," the man said with a smirk.
Wenona could feel the energy pulsing in her veins and the floor cracked around her. She wasn't even moving her hands.
"No," Wenona said. "You are the one who has offended me. I will not apologize to a sour, old man like you!" Wenona hadn't moved, but two nearby barrels of water burst. "You have insulted a child of the Wolf Clan, the heiress to the Southern Water Tribe's chief, and you have made a mockery of Waterbending itself! Master Pakku, I challenge you to a Shuǐ Juédòu, a duel of water. Outside, five minutes." She gave a haughty smirk. "If you're man enough to face me."
Wenona turned and marched out. The Northerners were all staring in shock, except for Master Pakku who just scowled heavily.
"I'm sure she didn't mean that," Aang said.
"Yeah, I think she did," Sokka responded.
"I'm devastated to hear about Prince Zuko," Zhao said as he poured a cup of tea. "Just devastated."
"The Fire Lord will not be pleased when he learns who was responsible," Iroh said evenly.
"You know who was behind the attack?"
"Yes. Pirates. We had a run-in with them awhile back. They wanted revenge."
Zhao smirked as he took a sip of his tea, satisfied that his assassination attempt had not been discovered.
"So, have you reconsidered my offer?" said Zhao.
"Yes, I accept. It will be an honor to serve as your general." He raised his own cup in a toast. "To the Fire Nation!"
"To victory!"
"Are you crazy, Wenona?" Sokka said as they made their way down the palace steps to the courtyard. "You're not gonna win this fight."
"We'll see about that," Wenona retorted, pulling off her thick parka and tossing it at her brother.
"I have to agree with Nona on this," Katara said sharply. "Someone needs to smack some sense into that guy!"
"Isn't there a less violent solution, Nona?" said Keng. "A Shuǐ Juédòu isn't something you just initiate lightly."
"Keng's right," Aang agreed. "You don't have to do this for me. I'll find another teacher."
"This isn't about you anymore, Aang," Wenona said. "That man has insulted my heritage and my birthright. I can't let that go unpunished."
"Okay," Keng said reluctantly. "But, if you do win, please don't kill him. He's not worth it."
They had reached the bottom of the stairs and looked up to see Master Pakku slowly making his own way down. Wenona immediately got into a battle-stance.
"So, you decided to show up?" she said. He just walked past her. "Aren't you going to fight?!"
"Go back to the Healing huts with the other women, where you belong," he drawled.
"No one backs out of this challenge," she muttered angrily. She reached out her hand and sent a heavy blast of water at the back of his head.
Pakku stopped and turned slowly.
"Fine, you want to learn to fight so bad, study closely."
He then Bent large amounts of water out of two nearby pools and swirled it around himself. Wenona, rather than diving straight in, waited until he sent the first strike and repulsed it back, forcing him to dodge before he began swirling the water around the both of them.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you!" he said tauntingly.
Wenona, however, was entering battle-mode and certainly couldn't say the same. She reached out again and split the circle of water in two, Bending it in separate directions and bringing them crashing back at the older man, who was almost knocked off his balance. Pakku had managed to re-direct Wenona's attack and sent one half of the water away, where it accidentally struck Sokka in the nearby crowd, and the other half he sent towards Wenona, who slid out of the way.
Wenona took a brief second to observe her surroundings and ran towards one of the pools. She leapt onto the edge and secured her feet in place by encasing ice on her boots. Then she started to Bend cracks in the ground around Pakku to throw him off, but he skillfully jumped out of danger, only for Wenona to send in a wave of water while he was distracted. The man glared at her and sent a powerful strike of his own back at her; the attack was so forceful it caused the ice on Wenona's feet to break and sent her flailing backwards into the pool.
Wenona got up and Bent a round ice-column up out of the water and began shooting ice-disks at Pakku, all of which he seemed to deflect. One disk came very close to his face, though. Wenona jumped out of the pool and Bent a long stream of water, shooting it towards the man's feet and trying to knock him over. He managed to freeze it into an ice-wall which he skated on to get a better angle for his next attack. Wenona melted it as he did and forced him back. Wenona glanced up and noticed two, tall pillars right behind him; with barely more than a flick of her wrist, the pillars toppled. Pakku managed to notice quick enough to break the pillars into snowflakes before they crushed him.
"Well, I'm impressed," he said. "You are an excellent Waterbender."
"But you still won't teach me or my sister, will you?" Wenona growled.
"No."
Wenona stamped her foot hard on the ground like she had seen Earthbenders do and a shockwave was sent through the ground. Wenona was spiraling water around and striking at him as if there was no tomorrow. Pakku sent a large rush of water at her and a second strike that knocked her back into the pool of water when she was focused on the first attack. With her down, Pakku froze the pool of water in place.
"That's it, she needs help," Katara said, rushing forward.
"Katara, no!" the three boys shouted.
Katara sent a water-whip at the back of Pakku's head to get his attention. Once he started to direct his attacks to her, she sent a wave of ice through the ground which he Bent out to ride against, knocking into her from the side and causing her necklace to fall off. Katara landed in front of the other pool of water with a thud. As she got up to make a second attack, Pakku Bent long ice spikes out of the pool which he dropped around her, trapping her in place.
That's when it happened. Wenona, though frozen, was able to see her baby sister come to her defense and how Pakku had taken her down; and Wenona was now royally pissed. She first thought it was the adrenaline coursing through her; but the strange feeling of leaving her body grew stronger as a huge tower of water suddenly surrounded her from all sides.
Everyone just stared in shock. Master Pakku seemed unable to move he was so surprised. However, nothing could have prepared those present for what they were about to see. The tower of water swirled more ferociously and suddenly split, revealing not Wenona but an older Water Tribe man. The man's eyes glowed with a piercing blue light and he had an expression of rage.
"This fight is over!" the man said, but his voice sounded more like a combination of a thousand male and female voices.
It was then that Pakku recognized the man; it had been years but he'd now that person anywhere. The man had been a legend, even in Pakku's own lifetime, as the one responsible for preventing the Fire Nation attacks over eighty years ago.
"Master Achak?" he said in disbelief.
The manifestation of Achak, Water Source of Avatar Roku, Bent the water around himself for a few more moments before causing it to dissipate into thin air. He then took a few steps forward, out of the pool, until he was only a couple feet from where Pakku stood and where Katara was trapped in the ice.
"You have dishonored me," said Achak, still talking in that strange voice. "You have dishonored my reincarnation. And worst of all you have dishonored the art of Waterbending." He turned to the crowd gathered on the steps. "All of you! Waterbending is a sacred art that should be taught to all those who possess it. I know this, because I am the source of the Avatar's Waterbending and the heir of the three Mothers of Waterbending." His glare intensified. "Learn from your mistakes now, or I will abandon you to your fate when the Fire Nation invades." He then melted the ice holding Katara, freeing her.
With that, another tower of water engulfed him and, when it cleared, Wenona was standing there looking dazed, but quickly regained control of herself. Pakku stood there, still in a stunned silence as he tried to figure out what just happened; the spirit of a famous Waterbending master had been reborn in a young girl from the Southern Tribe, it was unthinkable.
"Katara!" Wenona declared, rushing over to her sister. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Wait, where's my necklace?"
Pakku was shaken out of his thoughts by the exclamation and looked down to see a necklace lying in the snow. He picked it up and saw the carving, and realized that it was none other than the one he'd made.
"This…" he said. "This is my necklace."
"No it's not," Katara retorted. "It's mine. Give it back!"
"I made this years ago...for the love of my life…for Kanna."
"Our Gran-Gran was supposed to marry you?" Wenona said in shock.
"Hmph, no wonder she left," Sokka muttered to Aang and Keng.
"I carved this necklace for your grandmother when we got engaged," Pakku explained with clear sorrow in his voice. "I thought we would have a long, happy life together. I loved her."
"But she didn't love you, did she?" said Wenona. "It was an arranged marriage."
"Gran-Gran wouldn't let your tribe's stupid customs run her life," Katara added. "That's why she left. It must have taken a lot of courage."
At that moment, Princess Yue burst into tears and rushed past. Aang nudged Sokka in the side.
"Go get her," the young Avatar whispered.
Meanwhile, back on a Fire Nation ship, General Iroh was walking through a corridor when he encountered a soldier who stopped beside him.
"Our plan is working perfectly," Iroh said quietly. "Zhao doesn't suspect a thing."
The soldier pulled down the face-guard of his helmet, revealing that he was actually Prince Zuko.
"You didn't have to do this," he said.
"No nephew of mine is going to stow away on a ship without some back-up."
"Thank you, Uncle."
There was a slight clank further up the hall.
"Someone's coming," said Iroh, and Zuko put the face-guard back in place. "Stay hidden until we get to the North Pole and the Avatar will be yours. Good luck."
"What do you want from me?" Princess Yue said sadly when she heard Sokka approach her on the bridge.
"Nothing," Sokka said. "I just want you to know…I think you're beautiful, and I never thought a girl like you would even notice a guy like me."
"You don't understand."
"No, no, see, that's the thing, I think I do understand now. You're a princess and I'm…I'm just a Southern peasant."
"No. Sokka…"
"It's okay. You don't have to say anything. I'll see ya around, okay?"
He turned to leave but Yue grabbed his arm and pulled him into a kiss.
"Okay, now I'm really confused," Sokka said when they separated. "Happy! But, confused."
"I do like you…a lot. But we can't be together, and not for the reason you think! It's because…I'm engaged." She pulled back the collar of her dress to reveal the necklace. "I'm sorry." She turned and hurried away, leaving Sokka staring forlornly after her.
Pakku sat alone in his house that night, thinking about what had transpired that day. He never would have thought in his wildest dreams that Kanna was still alive, that she had moved on and had a family, had a life other than the one she once had here. The more he thought about the past couple days, the more he realized just how stupid he'd been.
It should've been obvious that those children were related to Kanna. The girls were so outspoken and rebellious. The younger one, Katara, even looked almost exactly like Kanna; just with different eyes and a slight difference to the shape of her face. The older girl, Wenona, didn't look much like Kanna at all, but that spark was so clear it was impossible to mistake her as anyone other than Kanna's grandchild.
"I did warn you," came a voice from his doorway. He looked up and saw Yugoda standing there.
"You knew, didn't you?" he said.
"Yes. I figured it out when I met them and they confirmed it."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was waiting for you to figure it out on your own. Guess I underestimated how thick that skull of yours is."
Pakku looked away.
"She's still alive, then." It wasn't a question.
"If you're curious, I'm sure her grandchildren would be happy to tell you all about her." Yugoda smirked. "Kanna's son is Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe, and Kanna herself is technically a leader there."
Hakoda? Pakku thought. That was the name I told Kanna I wanted to give to our firstborn son. I said it so many times that she got annoyed and told me to shut up.
"So?" Yugoda persisted. "What are you going to do?"
Pakku smiled softly.
The next morning, Pakku was observing Aang's practice. The training area was still wrecked from yesterday's 'battle.'
"Not bad, not bad," he said with a chuckle. "Keep practicing and maybe you'll get it by the time you're my age."
It was then that Wenona, Katara, and Keng entered the training area looking breathless from running.
"Hey, guys!" Aang greeted.
"What do you think you're doing?" Pakku demanded, but his expression then softened. "It's past sunrise. You're late." He smirked as he got into his stance.
The others did likewise.
"Good to see ya here," Aang said quietly.
"You, too," Wenona added.