A/N: After some more research I've realized that Hakoda was Kanna's son. I will soon correct my mistake in my last chapter. Again thank you all for reading and please review!
Also while searching online, I discovered information referenced from Avatar Wiki about Kanna's name. Turns out her name may be derived from the Japanese word Kan, meaning cold. "Kana" is also Inuit for "down there", "the one below", "downriver" or "in the direction of the sea", possibly referring to her traveling from the Northern to Southern Water Tribe.
Thus I will use one description of her name for the chapter title as a tribute to her death.
Book 5 Water
Chapter 5 In the Direction of the Sea
"It's been so long since I've had hope. But you brought it back to life, my little Waterbender."
Her grandmother's words rang in Katara's mind as tears fell down her cheeks. "No, it can't be…" Katara said as she lowered her head.
"Have…Have they performed the burial?" Katara managed to ask her father as she kept her head down.
"No…I decided to wait till I brought you and Sokka back." Hakoda said with a serious yet sad expression.
Katara thinned her lips, "Then let us hurry…Or Gran-Gran's soul cannot rest peacefully." Katara said as she lifted her head.
Hakoda's eyes slightly widen as his heart swelled with honor in his daughter's words. He was pleased that his child still holds their people's traditions and customs to heart.
Just then the door opened to reveal Zuko standing with a concerned yet respectful appearance.
"Zuko…" Katara said softly as the Fire Lord smiled lightly.
"Take the Eastern Fleet to Kyoshi Island. It's the fastest and most efficient of any vessel." Zuko said with understanding as Katara smiled lightly before hugging her husband with gratitude.
"Thank you Fire Lord Zuko." Hakoda said gratefully as he bowed to the young man. Zuko simply nodded his head as he looked down at his wife, "Take all the time you need." Zuko said lovingly as Katara's eyes glistened with tears.
"Thank you." Katara said as she held back a sob while hugging her husband again.
"Alright Kuzon…Remember your breathing technique. In…" Iroh said with a pause as he inhaled deeply, "…and out." Iroh continued as he then exhaled slowly, demonstrating to the young bender.
Kuzon simply huffed out in frustration, "Why should I train with you, uncle?" Kuzon asked as he spoke again with an annoyed tone, "You're a firebender…Shouldn't I train with a waterbender?" the boy said as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Breathing is an important mechanism for any type of bending. Whether its bending fire, water, even earth. We all depend on the balance in order to bend properly." Iroh said as he looked down at the boy who released his crossed arms and lowered his head.
"So, if I learn to breathe properly…I'll have a better chance to become a great bender?" Kuzon asked as his eyes glistened.
The old man smiled, "As long as you practice hard and move forward, anything is possible." Iroh said as he placed his hands inside his wide sleeves.
In the distance from the training grounds was Kya sitting on the stone steps nearby, curiously watching her brother in awe.
"Good luck Kuzu!" Kya cheered as her brother moaned out in annoyance. Why did his sister have to give him such a childish nickname? Then again, she was only four years old, so Kuzon let it side.
He was protective over his little sister and loved her deeply, even though she can be annoying sometimes.
Turning his attention back to the old man, Kuzon inhaled deeply before forming into a basic stance.
"Good…Your posture is perfect." Iroh said with praise as the young boy stepped forward huffing out as he performed another simple move with his hands and feet.
As the boy pulled back, Iroh nodded his head in approval. "Very well done…" the old man said as Kuzon smiled with pride.
Just then a tall man entered into the courtyard and bowed to the old general. "Sir, I am afraid there is some terrible news." The man said as Iroh's expression dimmed.
"Please inform me…What happened?" Iroh asked in a low tone as the servant bowed his head.
"Lady Katara's family member from the Southern pole passed away. Chief Hakoda has arrived to take her to the memorial." The man said answering the short message.
Iroh's eyes closed. This was tragic news…
"Does Fire Lord Zuko know of this?" Iroh asked as the servant nodded his head. "Yes Sir." The man said as Iroh turned his attention to the two curious children.
"Very well, I shall speak to Lord Zuko. Please take Prince Kuzon and Miss Kya to the nursery." Iroh said as he then turned to the young boy.
"I am sorry, Kuzon. It seems something has turned up and we will be unable to train any further today." Iroh said as Kuzon nodded his head.
The two siblings were unsure of the situation due to the low profile from the two men's conversation. But Kuzon was certain it wasn't good. Kya became nervous and worried as she held her brother's hand.
Kuzon blinked before looking down at his sister; he smiled lightly to ensure her fears.
As Iroh left the courtyard, the tall servant bowed to Kuzon and his sister. "Please let me escort you both to the nursery." The man said as the children nodded their heads. Kuzon then turned to his sister and spoke softly.
"Come on…Let's go play with Lee." Kuzon said as Kya smiled happily. "Yea!" the little girl said with joy.
The scene then backed away showing the sight of the large training grounds and forming white clouds drifting in the blue sky.
"Ah…Now that was a good meal." Sokka said happily as he rubbed his full belly. Suki giggled as she sipped lightly on some warm tea. The couple retreated to Suki's home after enjoying the plentiful feast in honor of the Water Tribe warrior returning to the island.
Suki smiled warmly as the couple settled in on the futon mattress with large pillows. Cuddling together, Sokka turned to Suki as he reached out and traces his fingers over her collarbone up to a choker necklace with a carved stone in the center.
Sokka then chuckled lightly as he spoke lovingly, "Do you remember the day I gave this to you?" the young man asked as Suki giggled moving closer to her husband. "How can I forget?" Suki said as Sokka chuckled again. "Yea…It was probably the happiest moment of my life. Well besides winning the war. Heh, but let me tell ya. It was pretty darn close." Sokka said as Suki laughed as she rested her head on his chest. "Yea…" the young woman said she then recalled the night the Water Tribesman warrior proposed to her.
The bright celestial sphere was full with her luminous light beaming down across the vast sea and mountain range of Serpent's Pass. The sight came into view as a Kyoshian warrior crossed the rugged terrain. The Suki was order to send out members of her team to the secluded cove in the Eastern Lake, Full Moon Bay. Sokka joined as a substitute member of his girlfriend's squad.
The seep sides of the earth were unstable and unsettling as the group made their way to the checkpoint.
While resting near an open bed of rock, the group waited for the Terra Team to board them on a boat which was scheduled to come the next day to take them to the villages from their neighboring homeland. Reports of illness and thieves were in the area. It was the Kyoshian duty to protect their people and any in need.
Sokka watched the Kyoshian woman nearby as she ordered commands to her team about the upcoming mission they'll have to face. Sokka sighed lightly as he left the campsite. Walking to a close by boulder, the young man sat down and quietly pondered to himself.
Lifting his head up at toward the huge dark sky filled with a river of stars twinkling in the evening night. The Water Tribesman couldn't help but look at the moon ahead. The beautiful silver orb gleaming her light down on him.
The image of the water princess flooded the young man's mind. Her ethereal white hair flowing in an unfelt breeze. Her icy blue eyes that glistened at him gently along with her soft smile, that would melt even the coldest heart.
His first love that he has never forgotten all these years, even now her vision still haunts him.
Sokka always felt guilty when he was with Suki, as though he has betrayed Yue by falling for another woman.
Recollecting his feelings, Sokka knew what he wanted to do. He had no doubt that his feelings for both Yue and Suki were strong. Still he had to make a decision.
Just then Sokka heard footsteps draw near him as he heard the tender tone of the Kyoshian leader.
"Are you alright?" Suki asked with worry as Sokka turned his head looking at her.
"Yes and no…" Sokka said as he stood up and faced her.
Suki stood and listened to what the young man had to say. Her eyes glinted with concern as Sokka took a deep breathe.
"I told you once before…In fact it was this very place where I told you how it was difficult for me to move on. How I was so afraid to lose someone I cared about. Deep down…That person will always have a place in my heart." Sokka said as Suki started to tear up as Sokka then spoke again more ardently, "I was being over-protective and worried you would get hurt. But after our journey…After the war even! I've realized that you can take care of yourself." Sokka said as he paused for a moment as Suki smiled lightly.
The Water Tribe warrior spoke again with loving tone in his voice, "You're strong and brave. You're so beautiful and have been there by my side, always." Sokka said as he placed his hands out holding Suki's affectionately.
"This time…I want to be there for you. I want to take care of you and protect you. Suki…" Sokka said as his voice trembled with uncertainty as he forced himself to speak again.
"Yes Sokka?" Suki asked as she lovingly looked him in his eyes.
"W-Will you do me the honors of being with me forever?" Sokka said as he held out a necklace for the young woman as she gasped in shock.
"Suki…Will you be my wife?" Sokka asked more formally as the Kyoshian woman shook her head as tears fell down her face.
"Yes!" Suki cried out as she jumped up and hugged the young man.
Yes, it was indeed a memorable night for the Kyoshian warrior. Of course, there were other things that crossed her mind as she lifted herself up and looked at the young man with a warm smile.
"Sokka…" Suki said as the young man gazed at her lovingly, "What is it, Suki?" Sokka asked as his wife braced herself up from the bed and took a deep sigh.
"I have some good and bad news." Suki said as Sokka sat up on the edge of the bed and gave a concern and serious look.
"What's the bad news?" Sokka asked as Suki lowered her head.
"Turns out that the crops this year have been doing poorly." Suki said as Sokka scoffed, "Oh, don't worry…We'll just perform a trade to the neighboring villages until the harvest." Sokka said as Suki smiled dimly.
"Well, the good news is…Well…" Suki said as she fumbled with her fingers. "What is it Suki? You can tell me…" Sokka said in a supporting tone.
The Kyoshian woman sighed again as she lifted her head and looked deeply at her husband.
"I'm pregnant…" Suki breathed out as Sokka blinked.
"You're pregnant!?" Sokka exclaimed with joy as his face beamed. "That's not just good news, Suki that's wonderful!" Sokka cried out as he stood up and picked up his wife spinning her around. Suki laughed out as she clinged to the young man.
Once he put her down, Sokka kissed her deeply as he smiled. "Do the villagers know? When did you find out?" Sokka asked as Suki giggled. "Yes, the villagers know…I actually found out two months ago." Suki said as Sokka cried out, "Two months ago! Why didn't you write me?" Sokka asked as Suki giggled as she ran her fingers through his hair playfully.
"I wanted to wait when you came back…" Suki said as Sokka chuckled.
"Isn't it amazing Sokka? You're going to be a father." Suki said warmly as the Water Tribesman dawned in realization that he in fact will become a father.
"Yes…This…This almost unbelievable…" Sokka said as Suki smiled and kissed him lightly.
"Oh Sokka…I know." Suki said endearingly as Sokka smiled warmly as he hugged her.
Closing his eyes, Sokka felt his heart tugged with joy as he buried his hair in his beloved's hair.
The scene backed away outward showing the green roof houses with stack smokes and children running in the courtyard of the houses and the tall statue towering over the village.
Yay! Suki is pregnant! What happens next? Please review and comment to find out!!!!