Breaking this into two parts!

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Book I: Water

Chapter X: The Ice Ball

Part I: The Ice Ball

Agna Qel'a, Northern Water Tribe

King's Court

Kuzon blinked in awe as soon as he heard the king's request. "Let me get this straight. You want me to be the guest of honor…at a royal ball?"

King Arnook then clapped his hands with a smile, "You see it correctly Kuzon. We won a great victory for the Northern Tribe! You had a part in that! I would be honored if you would attend!"

Kuzon blinked and bowed, bowing from the waist, "I appreciate the kind offer, but I am afraid I will have to decline."

Yue frowned with a hurt look.

Katara turned to him with a shocked expression, "Kuzon?"

Yue frowned with a hurt look. "Kuzon…You saved one of the water spirits. If it weren't for you…We would have lost our waterbending for good. You can't seriously be declining my father's offer."

Kuzon took a deep breath and turned to the Princess with a sigh. "Your Highness…While that is true…it was my people who brought this war upon your shores. Knowing my luck…Prince Zuko will be back here looking for me." He then gave Yue a determined look, "I have to leave…before more lives are lost. I'm sorry." He then gave her a bow in honor and walked off.

Yue blinked as tears fell down her eyes, "Kuzon! Please wait!" She rushed out to grab him but only managed to tear off a piece of his parka. "I..don't understand. I thought he was warming up to us."

Katara just sighed as she put a hand on Yue's shoulder. "He is warming up to you all, Yue, but you have to understand…he is also afraid of you getting hurt. I can't fully blame him. He is number one on the Fire Lord's Most Wanted List. Anyone associated with him is included in that bounty."

Yue then turned to her with an angry look, "I can understand that! I can understand! I know he's a fugitive in their eyes, but he is a hero to me! To our people! He doesn't need to keep punishing himself for the sins of his people! He's different from them! He's proven that!"

Katara smiled at her appreciatively and grabbed her by the shoulders to calm her. "I agree with you, sister. Sokka and I owe him as well. He did something similar when Zuko came to our village. He gave himself up to protect our people." She beamed at her, "How about you let me talk to him? He'll listen to me. He always does."

Yue just nodded as she took a deep breath and nodded, "That will be fine. Please be prompt. The ball starts in an hour."

Katara smiled and nodded, "Of course." She then turned to Sokka, "Why don't you two go on a date somewhere? To cheer her up?" He then grinned as he put an arm around Yue. She leaned onto him and buried her face in his chest. Sokka then gave his sister a thumbs up. "Good idea sis. You're the best." Katara smirked back at him, "I know."

The Rooftop, Apartment 40

Kuzon, meanwhile was sitting on Apartment 40's rooftop trying to meditate. The problem was he was having great difficulty doing so. Ach. I can't find my center of serenity. Why am I so conflicted? I know King Arnook and Yue both meant well but I am a danger…a danger to everyone I know! I can't go around galivanting and partying while Zuko is out somewhere gunning for my head! I'll put them in danger! He then tried again. The attempt didn't take. He then threw his hands down in frustration. "Damn it! Why do I feel so guilty?"

Katara's soft voice then called out to him. She smiled at him as she walked towards him. "Because despite your attempts to be cold, logical, and systematic…You care for other people and their feelings. You're not Zuko."

Kuzon then turned his head, meeting her azure eyes. Struggling to keep his wall up, he glared at her and grumbled, "How do you know? Avatar or no Avatar…I'm still Fire Nation. I…can't change that." He then turned away from her and stared at the roof.

Katara just sighed with a roll of her eyes, slightly smiling, "You need me to spell it out again? Fine. Like I've said before…You only get cuter the tougher you act."

Kuzon blinked for a moment as his cheeks reddened. His heartbeat skyrocketed. He was rendered speechless by the compliment. He then closed his eyes and sighed. "Stop saying things like that. Whenever you compliment me…my heart skyrockets, and I am speechless. It's so annoying. I don't understand it."

Katara blinked in shock. She hadn't expected him to be so honest with his feelings. The admission made her happier than she realized. She felt her heart skip a beat. Emboldened by his half confession, she then smirked, speaking in a loving tone, "Kuzu. Sweetie. That's because you have feelings for me. That's because you are in love with me. Those things tend to happen."

Kuzon took his face into his hands. "How can you say all that like it's a good thing, Katara? You have happened to fall in love with the most wanted criminal in Fire Nation history. I can't guarantee your safety."

Katara again smirked as she took the seat opposite him, took his hands into hers, and kissed him on the cheek. Not expecting the kiss, he blinked as his face turned red. She smirked back as she took his face in her hands, "It is a good thing I don't need a protector then. I happen to be one of the most powerful waterbenders alive and the Avatar's teacher."

Kuzon just blinked at her.

The sudden authoritative nature of her tone jolted him.

She then looked him in the eyes, "Do you remember what you agreed to when Sokka and I agreed to accompany you?"

Kuzon blinked as the pang of guilt suddenly struck him. "I…I…promised to treat you as an equal and not to give you any preferential treatment based on your gender."

Katara smiled, "That's right…and is that what you are currently doing?"

Kuzon blinked again as small tears slowly rolled down his face. "No…it's not." He then hung his head low as sobs escaped him. "I'm…sorry. I…don't want to lose anyone else. I meant nothing by my words. Please…don't be angry with me."

Katara just nodded. Her point was made. She was determined to be at his side no matter the cost, and no one…not even the Avatar himself…would deny her that. There was no need to dig the knife in any further." She then sighed affectionately, "Oh, Kuzu. I can never stay mad at you." She then kissed him again before holding his face in his hands.

He blinked at her.

She smiled, "It's alright. I understand why you feel this…compulsion to drive me away. You're scared. You're frightened to death of losing me…of losing everyone you care about. You think it's easier to just hide away in some corner of the world so that all of us can be safe. You want to take this Avatar burden on alone because you believe that will make all of us safe."

Kuzon nodded, "What you're asking for is dangerous. It's…" She pressed a finger gently to his lips and smiled, "Let me ask you…and answer me honestly. Don't play with me here. Do you love me?"

Kuzon blinked. He admitted he hadn't expected her to ask him about his feelings point blank. Part of him wanted to give some mealymouthed yet unclear answer to appease her and the other part wanted to answer. However, The young Avatar knew Katara was too intelligent and intuitive to fall for that. It would also be dishonorable for him to lie, say no, or lead on her and say maybe. The girl wasn't of Fire Nation birth. The amber skin and the azure blue eyes were clear proof of that. However, he wanted her as the love of his life. That meant he had to treat her with the same honor and respect he would give a girl from the Fire Nation.

She just stared at him with an expectant look in her eyes. This is hard for him, but I'm not here to play around. I need to know if he is serious about me. I like him, but I will not be a second priority to any boy I like.

Kuzon then took a deep breath and grabbed her face in his hands. Staring into her azure blue eyes, he sighed again, trying to calm his heartbeat, "I…do love you, Katara. More than I can ever say in words. More than I believe I should sometimes. You were the one who stood up for me. You risked your neck to save me from Zuko's ship. You've been kind to me even though I'm from the same nation of people who killed your mother and invaded your homeland many years ago. It honestly has me in awe of how much you love me. I'm even more in awe at how much I love you. I…want you as the love of my life even though I know the risks posed to you."

Katara smiled sweetly as tears ran down her eyes. She then wiped the tears from his eyes with her hands. "In that case…it is my heart and love you shall always have Kuzu. For as long as I am alive to give it." She kissed him again before hugging him, "There is one last condition... You let me be at your side, no matter the circumstances. You let me fight at your side. You let me be here for you when I see the need. I don't care what goes on around us. We fight together as one. I will not stand by as you face the Fire Lord alone. Are we clear on this?"

Kuzon just nodded, "Yes. We are."

Katara just sighed a sigh of relief as she smiled, "Good. Okay. I love you, sweetie."

Kuzon then blinked. The sudden pet name for him caused his heart to jump a beat. However, instead of retreating into his cocoon, he hugged her back, "I…love you too, sweetie."

She giggled, "Ah, hearing you say that makes me all warm inside." Breaking the hug, she grabbed him by the arms and pulled him to his feet. "Now…for our first outing together…You and I are going to that ball. We will have a good time….and you will accept your role as the hero of the hour. We understand each other?"

Kuzon just nodded, "I…will do my best. I give you my word."

Katara smiled as she kissed him on the cheek. "That's all I can ask. Thank you, sweetie. It means a lot to Yue. It means even more to me." She then took him by the hand. "Come on."

Startled at the romantic gesture, he quickly moved to catch up with her.

Men's Dressing Room

The King's Court

Agna Qel'a, Northern Water Tribe

Kuzon grumbled while trying to fix one last button on his formal suit. "Arggh! Stupid button! Come on already!"

Sokka chuckled as he watched the firebinder try vainly to meddle with the button. "Need help there flamehead?"

Kuzon took one look at him, grumbled, and threw his hands up, "Please."

Sokka half-grinned and walked towards the firebender. He then quickly pushed the button. "So…you and Katara are finally a thing now. Heh. I probably should be upset…but strangely, I am not. You two are perfect for each other. I've been pulling for you."

Kuzon blinked at him in shock, "How did you…I never said…"

Sokka grinned and slapped him back, "Oh, come on. The chemistry was obvious. Trust me. I have experience when it comes to the ladies." He then sighed, "Come on. When Yue and I ran off to check on the status of the Northern Army…. We partly did that to give you two a moment alone."

Kuzon blinked at the warrior. "So, Yue knows about…how Katara and I feel about each other?"

Sokka grinned at him, "Yup. In fact…I'd wager that Katara confided in her about her feelings. I caught them talking about you before we headed to bed one night."

Kuzon blinked and then crossed his arms, "And she approves as well?"

Sokka smirked, "Right again. So would our mother if she were still alive. She often cared more about a man's heart than his origins. That's where Katara gets it from."

Sokka's expression then soured, "The only member of our family who may have an issue with it…is our father Hakoda. He is the Chief of the whole Southern Tribe. He's been on a guerilla military campaign against your former comrades. He'll probably cool off once he realizes you are the Avatar. If anyone can protect the daughter of the Southern Chief…It is the Flame of Redemption."

Sokka then turned to Kuzon again and grinned, "Hey! I think we just found you a nickname! The Flame of Redemption!"

Kuzon quickly regained his composure and crossed his arms, "It…does have a ring to it."

Sokka then slapped him hard on the back again, "Ah…we'll deal with all that later…. We should go. Water Tribe girls do not like being stood up." He then walked off towards the entrance.

Kuzon just blinked as he followed. The Flame of Redemption. I like it. And…hopefully her father will like me.

Women's Dressing Room

King's Court

Northern Water Tribe

Yue smirked at Katara as she helped her with her opac azure dress. She chuckled, "I still can't believe you just put him on the spot like that. Unexpected."

Katara smirked back, "I don't play games with my heart. If I give my heart to a man…. I give my whole heart. I don't do halfway."

Yue smirked as she put her hands on the waterbender's shoulders. "Heh. Spoken like a true woman of the Water Tribe. I'm the same way with your brother." She then took Katara by the shoulder. "Come on. Let's see our boys. "

The two girls then walked towards the entrance together.

The Ballroom

King's Court

Northern Water Tribe

Sokka and Kuzon looked around for Katara and Yue. "Yue! My sweet Yue! Where are you?"

Yue, who had Katara behind her, just smiled at him and began waiving her arm to get his attention. "I'm right here, my sweet."

Sokka then grinned when he saw her as well as Katara. He then patted Kuzon on the back hard, "I've found them. Come on flamehead."

Kuzon just gave him a nod and followed from behind quietly.

As Sokka and Yue met their eyes, they kissed and took each other's hands. "Yue…my sweet. May I have this dance?"

She just giggled with a laugh, "You may."

The two then began slowdancing on the main dance floor.

This left Kuzon and Katara alone with one another.

Katara felt herself blush as she eyed her boyfriend. She then spoke flirtatiously and smiled, "I have to say sweetie. Having King Arnook enter his inventory and find that red silk for you was a good call. It suits you so much better than the blue you usually wear. It brings out your mesmerizing eyes."

Kuzon blinked as he walked up to her, nervously clearing his throat. His cheeks turned red. "I would say the same for you..sweetie. The azure dress brings out your eyes and your smile."

Katara blinked as she turned red. She smirked and giggled, "Wow—actual flattery from you. I wasn't expecting that. Very smooth. Consider me swooning." She then took one of his arms and pulled him into her embrace. "For the record…I'm keeping you close to me tonight. I've been hearing rumors that some of the girls here tonight are preparing to propose their hand in marriage to you."

Kuzon blinked as he swallowed nervously, "What? That can't be right. It's only been a week since we beat Zuko and Zhao. I remember most girls here gave me death glares…or stared weirdly at me. How have things changed so quickly?"

Katara giggled at hearing the nervousness in his voice, "I mean, I can't say I blame them, sweetie. You practically saved our way of life by healing Tui. I think that put you a few levels above the rest." She then kissed him on the cheek, "Don't worry though. I'll handle them if it comes to that. You just act cordial."

Kuzon nodded, "You got it."

The two then began slowly dancing with one another.

Part II is coming soon!

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