Disclaimer: This one time, at band camp… I made an Avatar: the Last Airbender fan fic that I didn't own most of the characters or anything else in… but that's fine, cause, this one time at band camp, I read a disclaimer…

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Rated M: Mature Content. Blood. Guts. Sex. Drugs. All the good stuff.

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Scene Notes: I decided to start adding a few scene notes where appropriate to help some people get deeper into the story. In this chapter, I would like to refer to the end of season one. The palace is up the flight of stairs and the Dais is backed by a waterfall as seen in the waterbending master episode as Katara faces Pakku and then leave after challenging him. The amphitheater the fight and the outside banquet took place in is the same one Katara had dueled Master Pakku. If you re-watch the episode, you will see what I mean.

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Bato: This looks like an interesting fight. Hahn's got the advantage though. I will put a gold piece on Hahn.

Hakoda: Bato, you'd bet against my son?!

Bato: Business is business after all, Hakoda. If Sokka won't get up and fight, it will be easy money.

Hakoda: Oh yeah? Fine, I will see your gold piece and raise you another. Sokka will win this.

Bato: I would hate to take your money, my friend. But since that's what you want…

Hakoda: I won't lose. It's a sure bet.

Katara: My money is on Sokka too.

Aang: Mine too.

Everyone else: 'puts money on Sokka."

Sokka: Wow guys, I'm touched that you'd bet on me to win.

Katara: Well Sokka, its simple logic. None of us think the author will kill you off, and besides, some of us still think you'll snap out of it.

Toph: In a real fight, we know you'd murder the bum.

Aang: Yeah. Plus, this way, Bato will owe us all enough money to make him take up good old honest hard work.

Bato: You wouldn't!?

Hakoda: It's going to be a long day for one of us, my friend.

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Chapter 13: Pre-emptive Strike

Sokka stood quietly waiting for his gear as the crowds around him stared almost oppressively at him and Hahn. Hahn was strutting about the circle, smiling at the girls and waving at his friends. Sokka felt detached; what was happening around him was happening to someone else. He could see Katara and Suki were obviously worried about him. He saw his other friends looking around nervously, hoping that this wouldn't happen. But that was just it… this was going to happen. Sokka took the weapons and armor offered him by the soldier and put the armor on. He felt like a true Southern Water Tribe warrior. And like many a good warrior before him, he was going to die in battle.

He vaguely heard Hahn shout some sort of ritualistic challenge. He nodded and raised his weapon. Hahn took Sokka's nod as some sort of assent and leveled his spear at Sokka's chest. He charged. Sokka was not going to move; he decided to end it quickly. As Hahn ran towards him and certain death shown in his opponent's eyes, Sokka stared at the ground beneath Hahn's feet. He was running across the moonlit terrain, churning snow into the air and sinking just a little as he left his footprints in the churning whiteness.

Either the crowd was silent or all sound was lost on his ears. Sokka could not pull his gaze from the moonlit snow as Hahn continued his slow and endless charge. He felt the moonlight on his skin and it felt like Yue was disappointed in him. For some reason, Sokka became angry. Staring at the ground, he felt his blood begin to boil and his temper flare. How dare he trample Yue's light beneath his feet! Sokka's mace was made of Walrus tusk and arctic wolf bone. It would stand up to a sword blade and would not be cut. Sokka had been holding it loosely, but as Hahn suddenly sped up and the point of his spear was almost upon him, he smashed his mace down and shattered the spear in Hahn's grasp.

Spinning out of the way as the shards of the spear sped out past his face, Sokka took up a defensive stance as Hahn tumbled into the snow. Everything slowed down again as Sokka stood there, once again staring at the ground in between himself and Hahn. Hahn picked himself up and drew his sword. Holding it high, he screamed something at Sokka. Through it all, Sokka's hearing had not returned and he simply looked impassively at Hahn as he noticed once again Hahn's big feet treading on the moon's light. Hahn began advancing, this time much more carefully as he began stalking Sokka, looking for a more cunning opening.

Sokka watched, detached from what was happening; his rage increasing with every second. Hahn had never been a great person to begin with but challenging him over a girl that had already passed while saving her people was foolish. Hahn hadn't even loved Yue. He had told Sokka himself that the perks for being in the chief' family was what he was after. Sokka remembered how he had tackled Hahn and grappled with him when he had heard that. Sokka came back to his senses just as Hahn slashed with his sword and managed to parry and evade. He slammed the mace down in the snow as he went to his knees, shooting up a spray into Hahn's face. Hahn slashed with his sword at the same time and Sokka had dropped his mace as he rolled out of the way. Hahn had lost his sword in the surprise attack and both warriors got to their feet unarmed, Hahn clearing the snow from his eyes.

Above him in the night sky and surrounded by a gown of sparkling stars, the moon shined full and bright. Looking up at it as it hung above him lighting their faces and their hearts, Sokka felt a new hope; a glow inside his soul that seemed to grow stronger as he continued to gaze upon it's luminescent beauty. This was wrong… Sokka hadn't failed; in his heart, he knew it to be true. Yue died to save the world and all the Water Tribe citizens and benders. She had done her duty as princess of the tribe, and Hahn would just have to live with it. "Enough of this pathetic self pity." Sokka said to himself.

Turning away from the moon, Sokka faced off against Hahn once more. Suddenly he was back to his old self; sound had come back to his ears and he was no longer in a daze and ready to die. He was going to live because Yue wanted him to. She was shining her light down on him, but now in approval. Sokka took in his surroundings and saw Hahn's lost sword closest to him. Hahn had managed to clear his eyes, and he had picked up Sokka's lost mace. The sword was not in reach and Sokka knew Hahn would have an open chance to attack if he went for it. Hahn sneered at his unarmed opponent and almost sauntered over.

"So, the mighty Sokka is helpless and alone; just like Yue was. It's time you paid for your mistake!" Hahn taunted as he swung the mace in a heavy overhead strike. Sokka jumped out of the way and rolled past the sword, picking it up as he righted himself. Hahn's mace slammed into the snow and sprayed it all over.

As Hahn righted himself, Sokka checked out the sword. It wasn't nearly as good as his, but it would do. Sokka was no longer an arrogant southern peasant with no training or experience; now he was a warrior trained by the Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation, with a few Air Nomad techniques in his repertoire. He had studied under a true swords master and had learned from Suki. He had seen Aang's moves and had trained with the Northern Tribe just as Hahn had. No; this was not an even fight by any means.

Sokka took his masters traditional fighting stance and imitated it perfectly. Hahn stared wide eyed at his opponent; Sokka was now obviously taking this seriously. Hahn paced a bit, searching for any opening in Sokka's form. He was totally unprepared for what happened next, however. Sokka suddenly charged forward, weaving his sword in an intricate dance as he sped through the snow. As he got near Hahn, he dropped to his knees and slid in the snow. Hahn tried to strike at his head but Sokka parried easily and dropped to his back, sliding under Hahn and hooking his arms around Hahn's legs. Hahn flew forward and slammed face first into the snow as Sokka twisted back on his knees and stood up. Hahn got up and turned to face Sokka and found a sword at his throat; the point of which was digging into his skin. If he so much as moved an inch, he would be skewered.

"This is over." Sokka said, pulling back his sword and stepping back. "Yue died to save her people. I tried to stop her but she wouldn't hear of it. The moon spirit was slain and the waterbenders lost their bending. The Fire Nation would have annihilated everyone here had she not given her life to return their power to them. Yue died a hero, and in turn became the moon spirit. Even now, she smiles down upon her people; yes Hahn, even you. You just need to look up once in a while and take in the world around you instead of having your head stuck up your backside." Sokka said to the assembled crowds.

"Yue is not gone and she is still your greatest treasure; more than you could possibly comprehend. I admit am guilty for letting her sacrifice myself; but then her sacrifice was so that I could live. I will not give my life up over some childish claim to honor. If you want to consider yourself dishonored, it is because of what you did and not for what others have done." Sokka finished. "Now, if you'll excuse me…"

Sokka turned to leave the cleared circle, dropping the borrowed sword as he went. Hahn's face was the picture of rage and guilt as he listened to Sokka's words and stared up at the moon. "It's not over!" He screamed and charged Sokka. Without even turning around, Sokka motioned to his friends, and a simultaneous water whip and air blast took Hahn full in the face and chest.

Sokka turned back to Hahn and approached him as he lay in the snow catching his breath. "Just because you're hurting inside doesn't give you the right to take it out on others. Yue's death was no more your fault than it was mine. Let it go." Sokka told him. He offered Hahn a hand up and Hahn took it after a moment's hesitation.

Arnook walked over to Hahn and put a hand on his shoulder. "It is over, son. Let Yue's memory serve as a beacon of light in your heart and move on to the one you are destined to be with."

Hahn nodded, tears in his eyes as he turned to bow to Sokka. Sokka returned the bow and returned to his friends. As he approached, Katara ran out to hug him. They came back over to the rest with Katara holding his arm. Sokka stopped in front of Suki and they stared into each other's eyes for a moment.

"So, who's hungry?" Sokka asked no one in particular.

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Hakoda and Bato came down from their perch from which they had witnessed Sokka's glorious performance. Hakoda could not be prouder of his son at that moment. Bato pat him on the back and gave him a nod that spoke volumes about what he thought of Sokka at that moment. Hakoda was pretty sure Sokka would beat him if they sparred again; he'd never admit to it though.

Now that the emergency was over, Hakoda's mind once again drifted to that mysteriously sexy woman Kita. Bato noticed his eyes glaze over a bit and asked, "So, what were you doing on that bridge so far from the palace, anyway?"

"Hmm… What?" Hakoda asked, coming out of his reverie.

"I asked you what you were doing on that bridge." Bato repeated.

"Oh, um… nothing really; just chatting with someone and enjoying the view." Hakoda replied evasively. He had most certainly been enjoying the view, but it had nothing to do with the scenery.

"Who were you chatting with? I thought all the important people were here." Bato asked curiously.

"I'm not quite sure who she was." Hakoda replied. "But I am certainly going to find out."

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Bato noticed the tone Hakoda was using and smiled to himself. "So… the old rascal finally found a woman to peek his interest. About time…"he thought to himself. Of course, Bato had no idea that what was on Hakoda's mind had little to do with a short fling.

Bato followed Hakoda back into the palace and they took their seats back at the main table. Waterbenders had created gaps in the walls to allow the crowds below hear was to be announced by their chief in a few moments. Arnook had a strong voice; Bato was sure it would carry. As he sat there thinking about Hakoda's mystery woman, another woman's face entered his vision. Her beauty took his breath away and made all thoughts of Hakoda and his mystery girl fade away.

The girl was stunning to his eyes; her pale lavender eyes and long raven locks a sight to behold. Her hair was worn as a long single braid over her right shoulder that went down to her ample chest and was tied off in intervals by lavender bands. Her dress appeared was shaped to comfortable and warm, Bato was sure; it left little to his imagination as he started at her.

She was sitting near the bottom of the dais at the end of her table with a few folks that may have been her family or friends. She was looking around the room as she waited for Arnook's announcement but when her eyes came to the main table and found Bato, she saw him staring at her. She smiled at him and he quickly smiled back and turned away to avoid the blush he felt building on his cheeks. He had to meet her. As soon as the speech was over, he would go down and say hello and see if she would talk with him.

A few seats over, Bato saw Chief Arnook rise and put up his hands to silence the crowd so he could speak. Men near the main doors called out and down the steps to the amphitheater below to quiet the rest of the citizenry present.

"I have called this banquet for many reasons and I would like to give them now. We have much to discuss so I will try to be brief, but I ask you bear with me as we discuss a serious matter before we are done." Arnook started. It was obvious his voice wouldn't carry all the way down to the people; then Bato noticed a sort of pipe near Arnook that he was partially talking into. Bato could only assume it was a way to help those outside here his words.

"First, I would like to welcome all of our guests to our tribe. Please, a warm welcome for the Avatar!" Arnook said, and everyone clapped. "A special guest we never thought to see in our fair city, Fire Lord Zuko!" he continued. Arnook went through the rest and though less known they were still applauded. "Lastly, I would like to extend an extra special welcome to the members of our sister tribe to the south and their chief, Hakoda!" Arnook said, and the applause to this announcement seemed a bit louder and happier than all the rest.

"Now, as you all know, I have been in deliberations with Fire Lord Zuko, Avatar Aang and most of the other leaders of the world. While there, we went over many of the problems we, the Northern Water Tribe have been facing. Our brother Hakoda has come up with a startling way to resolve many of our problems and we have decided to let the people of our tribe choose if they would like the idea. It is something we cannot force on any individual. As you know, many of our tribe's warriors have died during this war. Most of our children being born are girls, and our tribe is beginning to feel the shortage of men." Arnook announced. There was quite a bit of murmuring going on, mostly assent to the known fact that more than two thirds of their tribe at this point was women.

Arnook waited for the noise to die down before continuing. "Unlike our tribe, our sister tribe in the south has the opposite problem. The raids they endured over the years took away most of their women and children as well as all of their benders and have left them desolate. Our proposal is to split our tribes and mix them, creating a balance again where there is none." The noise built up again in almost no time at all. Arnook waited patiently as everyone spoke about what they had just heard.

"We cannot force anyone to leave our tribe, nor can we make anyone love anyone else. It is our hope that we will have some volunteers from the south that will stay here with us, and that some of our women and waterbenders would travel to the South Pole and join Hakoda's tribe." Arnook finished. The uproar was immense as practically everyone began talking at once. Arnook realized he would be unable to continue for a moment or two and stood there quietly as he watched his people talk over his pronouncement.

Bato noticed the woman from before still glancing his way, but she was busy discussing things with the others at her table. Hakoda was smiling at the crowd and glancing around the room; Bato assumed for his mystery woman. Suddenly through the large doors came a Northern Tribe warrior with quite a bit of distinction. The man couldn't have been more than mid twenties and he held himself with an air of capability. He immediately headed across the main walkway and to the dais, then walked up to where Arnook sat. From such close proximity, Bato made him to be a waterbender of significant skill and was curious just who he was.

"Yes Kenji, what is it?" Arnook asked Kenji patiently. No one had seemed to notice Kenji as the talking continued.

"Chief, I have to ask you why you allowed the duel between Hahn and Sokka." Kenji asked bluntly. "Hahn is threatening to kill himself and his sister is hysterical trying to calm him down. You know how Mina can get." Kenji continued.

Arnook sighed. "I had no choice, Kenji. The panel believed he had a valid case and insisted. He did this to himself. Please set guards on him and have him restrained. I will talk to him as soon as I am able."

Kenji bowed. "Thank you, sir."

"How is Kita doing? I see she isn't here for my announcement." Arnook observed. Hakoda's ears perked up noticeably and Bato couldn't help but smile. Whoever this Kita was, her brother was in the upper ranks of the Northern Tribe. She must be considered nobility if that was so, and would not cause an issue if she were to be with Hakoda.

"She's fine, chief; just a touch of nerves or something. Oh, and the usual issues of course. Apparently it is worse than ever before." Kenji told Arnook softly.

"I see. Please give her my regards. I would like very much to see her and give her my sympathies." Arnook told him. Then he winked.

Kenji smiled and took his leave. Bato saw Hakoda about to ask Arnook about Kita, but Arnook had stood up and once again called attention to him. "There is much to discuss about this matter and I do not expect it to be done overnight. Our sister tribesmen will be here for a few days at least so you have plenty of time to get to know them and make your decisions. The southern tribe is nowhere near as established as we are anymore. Their cities were torn down much like ours and only have small villages remaining. It will be a pioneer endeavor to restore them to their former glory. All I ask is that you think about it. With that said, I bid you all a good night." Arnook finished and the noise jumped up again.

Arnook sat down and started picking at the pastries on a plate in front of him. Hakoda leaned over and started to talk to Arnook quietly. Bato excused himself and headed down to his own mystery woman. This was going to be a good night.

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Hakoda leaned in to Arnook and asked him to meet with him privately. Arnook agreed and they left the main hall and went into a small antechamber behind the waterfall that was the backdrop of the dais. As Arnook closed the door, he smiled to himself. This was going to be interesting to say the least. It's always more interesting knowing things and watching others struggle through them; quite interesting in fact. Arnook took a comfy chair and motioned Hakoda to do the same.

"So Hakoda, what's on your mind?" Arnook asked him casually.

"Well, I ran into one of your people on my walk and was hoping you could tell me a little more about her." Hakoda told him.

"Her, you say? Who is this woman?" Arnook asked him.

"Her name is Kita. I overheard your conversation with Kenji and couldn't help but notice you mentioned her as a relation." Hakoda explained.

"Yes, Kita and Kenji are twins. I have known them since they were born." Arnook said.

"Could you tell me about her… them?" Hakoda asked Arnook, attempting to cover up his true curiosity about Kita.

Arnook smiled and said, "Kita and Kenji are the children of my best friend. He was slain during the invasion last winter. Kita and Kenji are as children to me and siblings to my beloved Yue."

Hakoda was obviously riveted to the story and remained silent, so Arnook continued, "Kenji and Kita are both waterbenders and are exceptionally skilled. Kenji is currently my highest general and has taken over for Master Pakku since he left to the South Pole. He is a waterbending master trained by Master Pakku himself and quite skilled. I wonder how your daughter would fare against him, now that I think about it. Katara was quite a handful for Master Pakku and he said she was his brightest student ever."

"I recall the story. Katara said he wouldn't train her at first. Now he's my father-in-law." Hakoda laughed.

"Quite right." Arnook told him. "As for Kita, she is our tribes' greatest healer and is more skilled than anyone in our history. You could say she has a gift."

Hakoda listened intently. "A gift for healing… sounds interesting. So they are a matched set; one to fight and the other to heal. I'm sorry to hear about your friend's death." Hakoda added.

Arnook sighed. "War does more than win you a prize; it takes away those you treasure the most. Kenji and Kita are more than capable of taking care of themselves, but their father was a member of the panel of elders since I became chief and he is missed greatly by all. Kita still blames herself for her father's death, though."

Hakoda sat up straighter in his chair and asked, "Why would she blame herself? You said he died during the invasion. How could she have prevented that?"

"Kita is a great healer with a great gift, but like the rest of our women, she was sent to the caves during the attack. She could feel her father's suffering and came out of the caves to find him. He was already dead when she arrived. She blames herself for not finding him sooner, or being closer to get to him in time." Arnook explained sadly.

"I see. So she holds herself responsible for something she wasn't. That would be hard to bare." Hakoda said.

"I believe your son just went through the same thing about my daughter." Arnook said.

"You mean that whole duel business? He has been feeling guilty about losing Yue since it happened. I guess with all the other things going on from then he managed to just lose himself and forget his pain. Being back here where it happened and confronted by his rival for your daughter's affection must have smashed into him." Hakoda guessed.

"I agree." Arnook said. "Yue told my wife the night before she passed that she was in love with Sokka and not with Hahn. I had planned on breaking up the arranged marriage as soon as the invasion was pushed back." Arnook admitted.

Hakoda frowned. "Well, that's going to complicate things."

"What do you mean?" Arnook asked him.

Hakoda told Arnook about Sokka's plan to speak to Yue at the spirit oasis with the Avatar's help. "If Sokka finds out she was really in love with him as he was for her, he may never move on."

"I won't tell if you won't. I would like to be there to see my daughter again when this happens though." Arnook said.

"I think that sounds quite fair." Hakoda said casually. "Now, back to Kita…"

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Ozai was standing with Azula behind Kang as he marched up the palace steps. Ozai and Azula were both robed and hooded to look like fire sages. It was not uncommon for fire sages to give advice or spiritual guidance to army men. Behind him trailed a large contingent of his men. He left his men at the base of the palace and had them armed to the teeth and ready for action if it was needed. Kang proceeded with his mock fire sages to the throne room, where he found Iroh of all people sitting on the throne going over documents and talking to his citizenry.

Iroh noticed Kang's entry and put down his papers. "It's so good to see you again Admiral Kang. How goes the military withdrawal plans?" Iroh asked.

Kang and his advisors approached the throne, and stopped a short distance from Iroh. "It goes smoothly, sir. May I inquire why the Fire Lord isn't here?" Kang asked him.

"My nephew is currently on an important mission and has left me in charge while he is away. I just hope he comes back soon. All this paperwork and sitting is murder on my back." He said, stretching his back a bit, making an audible crack.

"I see. Well, it beats nothing I guess. If Zuko isn't here, I guess they will just have to settle for you." Kang said calmly.

"What…" Iroh started, but Azula had already flipped over him and fired a jet into his back, throwing him forward into the monster Kang. Kang used his massive arms to grasp Iroh in a monstrous bear hug and held him fast, squeezing with all his might and keeping Iroh from screaming out.

Azula pulled her hood down and came up behind her uncle. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't roast dear uncle Iroh like a turkey right now?" Azula asked snidely, trailing her fingertip down her uncle's neck. Kang released his grip only after Azula cuffed Iroh with the chains she had carried under her robes.

Kang dropped Iroh with a loud thud on his backside. "No tricks, dragon of the west, or I will incinerate you in a heartbeat." Kang growled.

Iroh remained silent as he glanced at Azula and Kang. Then he looked to the last figure, still hooded. Ozai dropped his hood and smiled at his brother. "Hello Iroh, it's so good to see you again. I am grateful that you kept my seat warm." Ozai said with menace.

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Bato: I can't believe the author would do that to me! I can't afford that much gold!

Hakoda: Time to pay the piper Bato.

Bato: Fire Lord Zuko, can I trouble you for a loan?

Zuko: Sorry Bato, you owe us money too, and it wouldn't do having us pay ourselves off.

Bato: But it will bankrupt me!

Hakoda: Told you not to bet against my boy, Bato.

Bato: /cry

Author: So Sokka won the duel. Nifty. I wonder who didn't see that coming.

Sokka: Hey! Hahn was a perfectly formidable opponent… a year ago. HAHA!

Hahn: …

Kita: Stop that, Sokka; just because Hahn is an egotistical jerk doesn't mean its okay to pick on my best friends brother.

Sokka: Alright, you win. I won't pick on him. I will just beat him if he ever wants to fight me again.

Katara: You did good, big brother.

Hakoda: I am proud of you son.

Sokka: Thanks dad.

Aang: So, when do we do this whole Yue thing? I want to get it over with and move the plot along.

Author: Maybe next chapter. Guess you just have to read and wait, eh?

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Author's Corner:

Okay, so the duel was kind of fun to do. I like Sokka more than most other character's because as the only normal guy, he's the easiest to relate to. It also helps that I am the smart, creative pain in the butt that is kind of weird, as well. No, Hahn didn't drown when Iroh threw him overboard the ship. He just stopped being important to the show at that point. I brought him back to give him another chance. He blew it, didn't he?

For those that don't know who Kita, Kenji and Mina are I recommend either reading and continuing with my story, or reading the story they were originally created for. I made a few base changes to fit my story, but all in all they are pretty much the same.

Thanks again to those who are taking the time to review my chapters. It helps a lot. Feel free to guess, speculate, point out mistakes or holes, ask for things, etc.