Book I: Water

Chapter XII: A Meeting of Fate

Fi Dai Military Hospital, Western Fire Island, Fire Nation

Zuko groaned as he started to wake up. He felt no pain in his body as he lifted his head. His arms were all bandaged up, as well as his right leg. He tried to move his arm but found that he couldn't. All he could feel was the numbness all over his body." Iroh's relieved tone filled the room. "Prince Zuko! You are awake!" Zuko saw his uncle smiling at him as he sipped tea from a teacup. "Uncle! What happened?"

The old man's smile faded. "You were in a fierce battle with the Avatar. A rather strenuous duel to the death. I believe it would be fair to call it an Agni Kai. You two managed to injure one another greatly."

Iroh then sighed sadly, "You almost finished him off until Katara and her brother ambushed you." The old man then walked up to his beloved nephew slowly. His eyes were full of pain as he looked upon Zuko's bandaged arms. "She managed to break both your arms. You won't be firebending for a while." It then dawned on Zuko the dire situation he was in. He was dressed in a red Fire Nation hospital smock and a hospital bed. He looked to his left. A steaming pot of jade tea sat with steam on the ends. He laid his head back on the pillow and just stared blankly at the Fire Nation battle flag fluttering from the ceiling. I…failed again. How? How did I fail again?

Uncle Iroh smiled, "Here, let us get you some tea. It will help calm your mind." Zuko turned to his uncle, nodded numbly, and took the cop of hot jade tea from him.

The two sat in silence, sipping their tea, with only the commotion of the ship and flickering lanterns breaking the monotony.

Eastern Stretches of the Earth Kingdom

Two days later

Kuzon grunted as he stared up at the sky. He was careful to let his bandaged leg rest to the side. He saw the stars shine in the moonlight. The Avatar felt some semblance of peace for the first time in a few days. It gave him time to think and ponder over his next steps and some sense of tranquility. He wasn't a fool. He knew his Avatar duty. The Avatar sacrificed his spiritual journey to perform his duties for the world. That meant making sacrifices. He shook his head as the memories of his last duel with Zuko flooded his memory. As strange as it sounded, he had to admit he had some begrudging respect for the banished Prince of the Fire Nation. Despite all the obstacles Zuko faced and all his enemies…the man was committed to capturing him even to the point of death. He then shook his head. "Of course I don't intend to just give myself up. There's too much on the line for that but… I hate this. I wish there was a way I could reason with him. We've both been banished by our homeland. I wish I could ask him why. We'd be better enemies than friends." He then shook his head, "Truly a shame. It's either him or me." He then tightened a gloved fist staring at it, "We could accomplish so much together."

Katara's cheerful tone called out to him. "Oh hey! There you are!" Kuzon blinked as his heart skipped a beat. Soon the waterbender took her seat next to him. She then leaned her head on his shoulder, closed her eyes, and smiled. "I swear, sweetie. You are so good at this. Disappearing into the night. I honestly find it kind of romantic. Stalking you from a distance and picking up your trail. We should do this more often."

Kuzon leaned his shoulder against hers. "We should." He then sighed. "I need to ask you something. It's kind of a serious matter."

She then turned her eyes to him and smiled, Her azure eyes caused his heart to skip a beat. "Of course. You know me. I always have time for you. What's on your mind?"

Kuzon shook his head and sighed. He forced his eyes forward "This war will not get any easier. Zuko is adamant about capturing me. If I'm going to come out of all this alive…I may have to kill him."

Katara turned to him and nodded. "I tend to agree with you. You spared him once, and he came right on back." She sighed and squeezed his hand. "Look. I'll be honest. This is war, sweetie. You either kill or be killed yourself. I damn near kiled him myself when he had you dead to rights." She then grabbed his face as she looked into his eyes. "That was the last bit of mercy I had left in me. If he tries again…aim for the head. You are too important to die. I need you. The world needs you. If you die…I lose the love of my life. The fire that warms my ice-cold heart…and the world loses its hope."

He nodded, "You do know that if I kill the Prince…I'll probably never see the homeland again. They will hunt me until I'm either dead or in chains."

She smirked. "Let them try then. They will have to kill me if they want to get to you. The way that I see it. We either win this war together hand in hand or die together in one final stand."

He blinked but nodded. "Until death do us part then."

She smiled and caressed his face in her hands. "Until death do us part."

Sokka then walked over with an animal carcass over his shoulder. "Hey, kid. Question for you."

Kuzon turned his head to Sokka. "Yeah. What's up?"

Sokka raised an eyebrow. "Where are we headed next? It isn't safe for us to all be stuck in one place like this."

Katara turned to her brother and nodded. "You make a good point, Sokka. We have been hiding from town to town. Fire Nation soldiers are everywhere."

Both turned to Kuzon with quizzical looks.

He turned to each of them seriously, "That would be wise. We need to head back to the Temple of the Water Sages. I need to speak with Avatar Kyikoh about Sozin's Comet."

The Water Tribe siblings exchanged confused looks.

With a raised eyebrow, Katara spoke, "The Temple of the Water Sages? Where is that?"

Kuzon gave her a nod. "It's where I will learn about Sozin's Comet and…my true destiny." He then faced forward and thwacked the reins, "Come on girl! Let's get moving!

Ranna made quick work of the trip. It was now day four. The group was still near the border between the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes, so the trip had been easy. They were camped near the Southern End. They had managed to find a cave for Ranna to hide in.

Kuzon put his arms around his sides. "Urgh. I forgot how damn cold it is over here. I was spoiled by the Earth Kingdom climate." He then sneezed. "Aaachoo."

Katara turned to him worriedly, "It looks like you have a cold, sweetie."

He waved her off. "I-I'll be fine. Another big sneeze.

Katara shook her head. "Yeah. No. I know we usually make decisions as a group, but I'm overruling you. We're camping here tonight. We still have some firewood from our travels in the Earth Kingdom."

Kuzon then began coughing. His voice got raspy. Damn it. Just my luck. "The Fire Nation might be on our tail. We can't be caught off guard."

Katara just crossed her arms at him with a sternness in her voice. "Yes…and it seems to me you are no condition to be fighting anyway." She glared, "You know what I'm capable of Kuzon. Don't make me force you in that sleeping bag."

Sokka chuckled, "Heh. You heard her brother. Best you listen."

Katara then turned to Sokka with a cold stare. "Sokka…"

The warrior immediately put his hands up, "Hey. Hey. Easy there. I'm on your side."

Kuzon just sighed and facepalmed. When Katara's stubbornness and tenacity was used against their enemies…he had enormous admiration and respect for her. When it was used against him…he realized he found it irritating. The other side of his reasoning knew she was right. He then closed his eyes and rubbed at them. "I..see your point."

She just smirked, "Heh. Of course you do. You aren't as much of an idiot as my brother. You're pragmatic. That's why I love you."

Sokka then glared at her, "Hey!"

She then smirked at him, "Go ahead. Tell me I'm wrong." Sokka just scoffed. "Tch. Whatever."

Kuzon just sighed as Katara set the cup of raejen tea in front of him. She then sighed and frowned. She then cupped his face in her hands. Her gaze softened as she spoke gently and apologetically, "I'm sorry, sweetie. I..don't like getting upset with you…" She then took his hands into her own and squeezed them. "But…you know how stubborn you can be. I have to keep you in check sometimes." She then faintly smiled, "I know. I know. You have a world to rescue." She cupped his face, "But tell me this…if not me…who will be there to save you?"

He let out a sigh as he closed his eyes. "You're right. I don't like it, but you're right. Thank you for being the voice of reason."

She then rested their foreheads together and smiled. "Anything for you, sweetie."

He then sipped his tea.

Sokka chuckled as he entered the cave with a bag over his shoulder. "Hey you two. I got the fish.

Katara smiled at him, "Thanks Sokka." She then unslung her bag and began rummaging through it.

Kuzon blinked. She turned to him and smiled, "I'm making us some kalakai stew."

Kuzon blinked in confusion.

She giggled and held his face in her hands. "It's hot fish soup in Aleutian." She then returned to the pot and began stirring it with her bending.

Kuzon watched as the waterbender masterfully cooked, "Can I ask something personal? It's about the day your mother was killed."

She suddenly stopped and sighed. Her voice became rigid as she stared away from him. "That is not an easy topic. It... depends on what you want to know."

He nodded, "I won't pry too much. I'm only asking…because I want to help you find him."

She suddenly stopped and turned to him with widened eyes. "You want to help me find him?" She smiled and put a hand to her heart. "Ka'lia mi ri'one."

He blinked.

She then blinked in confusion. She then leaned forward and took her hands into his. "It's a romantic expression. It means, "Be still my beating heart.". She smirked as she squeezed his hands. "I don't know if we'll ever find him…but knowing you are dedicated to helping me… means more than you realize."

Kuzon just nodded, "Well it is the least I can do. You've done a lot for me. Only fair I return the favor."

Katara smiled, "Your pragmatism…is appreciated as always sweetie."

He nodded, "What do you remember?" She then froze for a moment as she crossed her arms. "He was an older man. Aged face. Eyes as fierce as yours. He had black hair…and a goatee." She then grunted as her eyes turned ice cold. "He had a domineering look in his eyes. A cold scare." She then shook her head. "He struck her down without mercy…and beat her to death."

Kuzon just nodded, "I'm so sorry."

She then nodded as no tears fell from her eyes. She sighed out loud, "I watched from a distance. She told me to hide." Her fists then tightened. "All I feel for him…is hate. I will end him the next time I see him." She then turned to face Kuzon with a serious look. "I'm going to be honest, sweetie. If you want to help me with this…I need you to promise you will let me handle this my way."

Kuzon nodded, "I don't see an issue with that. If there is one thing I understand…it's a vendetta."

She smirked and kissed him on the cheek, "Thank you, sweetie. I'd feel better if you had been fighting at my side.

Yu Win Military Base

Some days later

Zuko growled as he tried to move his leg. He managed to bend it a bit.

"Zuko! You're back!" The firebender turned to his right and gasped.

Mai was there in her red robes. She rushed to his side, gently touching his left arm. "My gosh. So it is like you said in your letters. What happened?"

Zuko sighed, "The Avatar's pet snow peasant happened." He then forced his eyes forward. "We dueled in the woods near Kyoshi Island. He was a tough opponent." His fists tightened. "I almost had him dead to rights…" He then shook his head and growled. "Then that snow peasant intervened. They ambushed me and froze me to a tree. Broke my arms and legs. She nearly killed me."

Mai shook her head, "This is why you need me around." She sighed, "As powerful of a bender as you are…you are not invincible. I'm coming along. No arguments."

Zuko just nodded with a grunt, "I hear you."

Mai then offered him a rare warm smile. "Heh." She then grabbed his chin and kissed him gently on the cheek. " I love you."

Zuko offered her a rare smile. "I love you too." Suddenly, Azula's voice rang throughout the room. "Zuzu!"

She then peeked her head in the doorway. Her smile brightened. "Ah. There you are."

Zuko's expression turned a bit more guarded as he nodded. "Azula." She then rushed to hug her brother.

He blinked when he recognized that she was shaking. "I was so worried when Father told me what happened!"

She held his face in her hands and frowned. "How are you feeling?"

He then took his hands off her face and looked away. "The Avatar and I dueled in an Agni Kai. I almost won, but then that damned…snow peasant intervened. She nearly killed me."

Azula nodded, "Well, I can tell you one thing. Father was impressed. He has more faith in you now." Zuko blinked, "Wait. What?" She chuckled, "Allow me to explain."

Somewhere in the Southern Water Tribe

Kuzon and the gang were awakened by what sounded like weapons clashing and screams.

Katara woke up out of her sleeping bag. "What is that?"

Sokka got up out of his. "Sounds like a fight." He then picked up his spear. "Let's check it out."

The three of them saw what looked like two Fire Nation ships dueling it out with two Water Tribe ships.

Katara blinked, "Those are Water Tribe ships!"

Sokka rushed out, "Our countrymen! They need our help!" He then rushed down the cliffs, jumping and skating across the snow."

Katara turned to Kuzon. "Follow my lead sweetie. Make sure you don't slip." She then leaped and began jumping down the cliffs.

Kuzon blinked. He then turned to Ranna and raised a hand. "Stay put girl! We'll come back for you!"

The dragon gave him a nod.

Kuzon did his best to follow her. As the two got closer to where the two ships were...Sokka turned to the two of them and pointed "Look ahead!"

Katara and Kuzon just stared ahead.

Firebenders were loading up the coals, igniting them, and launching them using the catapults. Other men were charging to attack the Water Tribe ships.

Sokka shouted again. "We should split up! Katara and I will assist the warriors!" He then turned to Kuzon. "You sneak attack the fire benders! Think you can handle that?"

Kuzon pulled up his hood and nodded, "Leave it to me! I'll take on the odds!"

He suddenly felt Katara grab his hand. "Wait!"

He turned to her.

She then grabbed his face and kissed him. She then pulled away, grabbing his hands again. "Be careful. There are a lot of them."

He nodded as he quickly kissed her back, smirking "Count on it." He then closed his eyes, stared at the Fire Navy ship, closed his eyes and launched himself into the air. He landed on the deck of the ship.

One of them walked up to him, immediately noticing the Fire Nation colors, "You! Soldier! Where have you been? We're in the fight of our lives against these damned snow peasants!"

Kuzon turned his gaze onto him, his golden eyes turning cold and distant. He was in his warrior mode. Cold. Calm. Calculated. He then spoke in a cold tone, "I'm not here to help." He then looked around as he pulled down his hood.

One of the soldiers gasped as he almost tripped on his feet. "It's him! The blood traitor! The kaanzi!"

Suddenly everyone gasped as they stared at him.

Kuzon looked around and shrugged, "Kaanzi huh? I'm almost honored."

One rushed him in a wild rage, "Traitor!"

Kuzon easily swept his legs from under him and blasted him with a burst of flame.

The others rushed in after him.

Kuzon barely missed getting cut by a sword. He then grabbed him by the wristguard and heated up his hand.

The man yelped in pain as he was forced to drop his sword.
Kuzon then pulled him around smacking him into one of his comrades. He then drew flames and began spinning them into a circle.

Everyone took a step back.

Kuzon closed his eyes and pushed the flames forward in all directions. The flames blinded everyone and blew all of them off their feet. Kuzon used the momentum to create some space.

One soldier rushed at him trying to throw a fire punch and kick.

He missed both attacks. He struck the man in the back of the ankle with his left foot.

The man slipped and started falling backward.

Kuzon struck him in the chest with his elbow knocking him down. He then spun around and landed a kick across another man's face.

Two men rushed to grab him by the arms trying to stop him, but he just kicked both of them in the gut.

They both landed with a thud against the railings.

Kuzon then turned his attention to the catapults which had been abandoned by the men. He then took in a deep breath and walked by each of them incinerating them with his hands.

They all exploded as they went up in flames around him.

Someone then grabbed his foot. He looked down and saw one soldier badly wounded, but glaring at him, "You…You will pay for this. This rebellion you lead…will not last. The Fire Lord will have you executed for treason."

Kuzon nodded. "Trust me. I know. I'm coming for him." He then kicked the man across the face, knocking him unconscious. He saw some of the command staff rushing out of the ship.

They all ran up to him with their hands up. "Wait! Wait! We don't want to die! We don't want to die!"

Kuzon noticed that these men were much older, much frailer than the ones he had fought before. Where the soldiers had glared at him with ferocity and almost anger…these men looked much older, aged, and were gray-haired.

One of them grabbed onto Kuzon's tunic. "Please Avatar. We know you may not have love for the motherland, but we ask for your mercy. I have a granddaughter back home. I wish to see her again. I never wanted to fight in this damned war. Please have mercy."

Kuzon blinked into the old man's eyes. He then closed his eyes and sighed. I fight soldiers and fanatics, not people caught in the middle. He then stared at the old man, "I see if I can speak with my allies. For now…just stay put."

The old man gave him a grateful nod, "Thank you Avatar."

As Kuzon walked over to where the Water Tribe ships were…some of the men raised their swords and spears at him. "Halt! Stay where you are ashmaker!" Kuzon put his hands up nodding. The lead guard then glared, "You are now a prisoner of war! Hands behind your back!" Kuzon glared, "You have two choices. Put those weapons down and listen…or risk getting burned. I'd recommend you choose wisely."

The lead guard scoffed, "The nerve of your kind…lecturing us! There are two of us and one of you!"

Kuzon nodded as he allowed his eyes to glow white.

Katara's authoritative tone was then heard. "What the hell is going on here?"

One of the guards turned to her and nodded. "We've found one of them Katara!"

Katara steely nodded as she got in between the guard and Kuzon. "Easy Kaien. He's with us. He's an ally."

Kaien blinked at her, "What? You must be joking! Look at those eyes…He's Fire Nation! Just look at those eyes!" She then grabbed him by the collar.

He blinked at her, the fear showing in his eyes. The waterbender voice turned as hard and as cold as ice. "Allow me to say this only once. He is off-limits. Touch a hair on his head and you will breath your last."

Kaien nodded, "Y-Yes. Of course." She then hugged Kuzon, resting her forehead against his, "Oh sweetie. I'm so relieved you're okay."

Kuzon nodded as he rested his forehead against hers, "Me too."

The guards blinked at the two of them.

Sokka grinned as he rested his sword across his shoulder. "Hey you made it out alive kid. Nice one."

Kuzon gave the soldier a nod. He then sighed as he closed his eyes. "Some of the command staff on the ships surrendered. They're asking for mercy. They're too old and frail to fight."

She took his hands and squeezed them nodding, "Take us to them. We'll do what we can." Kuzon just nodded and took her by the hand.

Katara blinked at one of the old gray-haired men. "So, you were forcefully conscripted?"

The man gave her almost a desperate smile. "You see it well young lady. The National Fire Army forcefully conscripts us from the time we were thirteen. We are expected to serve until we either become too injured to fight or we die in combat."

Katara turned to her brother.

He gave her a nod. She then turned towards the man again. She was conflicted. On one hand, her merciful heart called for her to let these men go. The other was skeptical. She didn't trust them. They were part of an excursion into her homeland. True…she trusted Kuzon. Hell she loved him. But he had made it clear he hated the Fire Lord. While she knew he held some love for his homeland…she knew his feelings were less in agreement and more rooted in discontent with the Royal Family."

A man then walked over and put a hand on her shoulder. "Who are these people Katara?"

Kuzon blinked as he didn't recognize the man.

He appeared much older than Katara. He had darkened skin, dark brown hair and blue eyes. He had high cheekbones as well. He was dressed in what looked like a parka with a wolf's head on his head.

Katara spoke in a hard and almost discontent tone as she shook his hand off her shoulder. "Prisoners of war Dad. They're too old and frail to pose a threat."

The man turned to her and frowned but nodded. The man then stared at the lead POW with a suspicious look. "Is that so?" He then crossed his arms. "What are your names? How did you get here?"

The lead man smiled almost desperately. "I am Pu Li." He then gestured to his comrades. "My men and I…are all that remains of the crew of the Oshiu. We were given orders as an advance force to test the strength of the Southern Navy and then report back to the Palace City with our findings."

Another man then put a hand on the other man's shoulders. "Is that so? Why? Does the Fire Lord plan to invade us again?"

Pu Li nodded, his whole body shaking, "Yes. He intends to invade both the North and the South."

The man, who identified himself as Katara's father, gave Pu Li a hard look, "When is this…invasion supposed to happen?"

Pu Li shivered as he turned to look at the other man. "After Sozin's Comet. He plans to conquer both the North and South when he finishes conquering the Earth Kingdom." Everyone gasped in shock.

Kuzon just stood there in horror. Pu Li then fell to his knees, "Please grant us shelter! We'll tell you everything."

The man with the wolf's head then turned to the other man. "Prepare four rooms Bato! We must figure out what Ozai is planning!"

Bato just nodded and saluted across his heart. "Yes sir Chief Hakoda!" He and the others walked off.

The man with the wolf's head then turned to Katara and Sokka with a smile. "You two coming?"

Katara kept her eyes away. Her tone was cold and distant.

Kuzon took note of how she wasn't even looking the man in the eyes.

"I'll be there in a minute."

The man frowned again but nodded.

Sokka chuckled, "I thought you'd never ask Dad." He then followed the men as they walked away from the burning ship.

Kuzon then felt Pu Li grab one of his ankles.

The man was smiling with tears in his eyes. "Thank you Kuzon. Fire Lord Ozai's propaganda truly gives you little credit. You aren't the traitor I believed you were. I owe you my life."

One of the others then smiled. "Yes. You are a hero."

Kuzon took in a deep breath and nodded at Pu Li, "Just because I fight Ozai doesn't mean I've forgotten where my homeland is." He then offered the man a hand. "Come on. Let's get you up."

The man smiled as he took the hand.

The two then bowed to each other.

Pu Li then smiled. "We will follow your lead jian kaazi."

Kuzon smiled. It had been a long time since he had heard his people's tongue spoken in a positive light. He found he liked it very much.

Chief Hakoda led the group through what looked like some kind of underground base.

Various Southern battle flags as well as flags emblazoned with the Water Tribe insignia hung from the walls.

Chief Hakoda then stopped, speaking in a tone Kuzon found a bit too cheery for his liking, "Alright. We can stop here Avatar Kuzon. You can entrust your countrymen to our care. We need them for the war effort after all."

Everyone then stared at Kuzon and then at Chief Hakoda.

Kuzon crossed his arms at him, "With all due respect Chief Hakoda. I barely know you or your character. These are my people. I am indebted to ensure their safety."

Bato then turned to glare at the Avatar, "Who do you think you are boy? You are on our turf! Our land! One snap of the fingers and we could have you in a water cell!" He then grabbed Kuzon by his collar. "You think just because you saved the Northern Tribe from Zhao's invasion you can order us around!"

Kuzon just glared as his eyes turned white for a moment. Suddenly everyone felt a chill go down their spines.

Kuzon then grabbed Bato's hand.

Bato began to scream in pain as his skin went ice cold and quickly began to turn white. He quickly let go of Kuzon's collar. He then grasped his hand. "Damn ashmaker!"

Kuzon then took in deep breath and drew in a large amount of water from the nearby edge. He then formed a line of ice spikes with one hand. In the other, he created a flame whip grabbing it by the handle. "Go ahead. Try me."

Bato growled at him gritting his teeth as he drew a sword.

Hakoda then spoke in a booming tone. "That's enough Bato! Need I remind you…that that man is the one who singlehandedly defeated Zhao's Northern Fleet at Agna Qel'a! Stand down this instant!"

Bato turned to Chief Hakoda, gulping and nodding, "Y-Yes sir!" He then sheathed his sword.

Hakoda then smiled at Kuzon. "My apologies Kuzon. My second-in-command can get a bit worked up."

Kuzon nodded as he snuffed out the flames and let the icicles drop. "No harm done. Just be mindful that I'm not one to threaten."

Hakoda smirked crookedly, "I'll be sure to remember that." He then gestured to Pu Li. "Come on my friend. Let's get you to safety."

Pu Li and the others smiled and bowed, "We thank you for your kindness Chief Hakoda."

The Fire Nation POWs then followed Chief Hakoda and the others into one of the rooms.

Kuzon then called out," Let me know if they try anything Pu Li! I'll burn them alive!"

Katara couldn't help but laugh. She then came around and hugged Kuzon from behind kissing him on the cheek. "Very nice. I taught you well sweetie."

He turned to her and gave her a nod, "That you did sweetie."

She then took his hand and led him away from the group. "Come on. I need to explain some things to you. " She then turned to Sokka and smiled, "We'll be back soon Sokka."

Sokka grinned at her as he waved, "I'll be around."

The firebender and waterbender made Ranna fly them to somewhere near the Southern Navy camp but far away enough that no one would listen in.

Katara hummed to herself as she made the last cup of hot chocolate. She then handed it to Kuzon. "Here., I managed to replenish our stash on our last trip to the Earth Kingdom. It isn't traditionally made but it will do."

He gave her a nod of thanks. "Thank you."

She smiled as her face reddened. "Of course." She then turned to Kuzon sighing as she took his hands into hers, "So... just in case you're confused…Hakoda is our father. And Bato is our uncle. Sokka and I are the daughter and son of the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe."

Kuzon just blinked in surprise, "So…that means you are royalty then?

Katara just shrugged nonchalantly, "Not really. I mean I am given a higher station than most women in the Tribe, but it doesn't amount to much. I wasn't born into wealth like Yue was. We Southerners aren't as rich as our Northern cousins. The First War saw to that."

Kuzon just crossed his arms and nodded.

She then continued, "It is disturbing what we heard though. I didn't think Ozai would reignite the war so soon…what with the demise of Zhao and his forces. We need to get you to the Temple of Water Sages as soon as possible. We need to figure out when Sozin's Comet is coming."

Kuzon nodded, "Agreed. Time is of the essence."

She then took a sip of her cup. "I should warn you. The way Dad acts around you…is all an act for now. He's not too fond of firebenders…and even less fond of you. He finds it hard to believe that a firebender…much less a firebending Avatar…is on our side."

Kuzon just nodded, "I figured as much. He seemed way too cheerful when he spoke to me."

Katara smirked as she kissed him on the cheek. She then batted her eyes at him. "I'm glad to see you haven't lost your edge sweetie. That gives me one less thing to be worried about." She then took his hands in hers. "He...also knows we're dating. I overheard one of the men tell him about our…moment after the fight." She snickered, "He was trying to pry about it but I kept my mouth shut."

Kuzon nodded calmly, "I apologize if I'm making things difficult. I don't want to come between you and your father. I know there are complications there."

She smirked and she took his hands into hers. Her cheeks turned red as she giggled, "Mmm. Such a gentleman. I'm at a loss for words." She then got up from her seat. She then leaned onto him sighing in contentment. "Put your arms around me. I'm cold."

He nodded, putting his arms around her.

She smiled, "Mmm. Much better." She then spoke, "It's sweet of you..to worry about my relationship with my father but unnecessary. I don't intend to let him dictate to me what I can and can't do. You are mine and nothing is ever going to change that." She then grabbed his face and kissed hm before pulling away with a smirk. "If he gives you any trouble…if he threatens you…or tries to hurt you…you have my solemn vow that I will handle it. Okay?"

He nodded. "I hear you." She smiled and leaned into him again. "Good. Glad we solved that problem." She then spoke on the next thing on her mind. "This whole business with Sozin's Comet? Does it scare you? I know it scares me. The thought of my people being slaughtered by that madman's soldiers…is something I don't want to even consider." She then buried her face in his chest. "I'm scared sweetie. I'm scared I'm going to lose you."

Kuzon nodded, "I can't deny I haven't thought of that possibility myself." He then gently lifted up her chin and kissed her. "But I promise you…I will do all in my power to keep that from happening. I'll find a way to stop Ozai. You just have to promise me that you'll be there at my side. I..can't do this without you. I'm not strong enough."

She smirked as she grabbed his face, kissing him back. "I promise you sweetie. You aren't getting rid of me anytime soon."

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