Book I: Water

Chapter III: The Arrival of the Prince

Taqqaq Village

Southern Water Tribe

The next morning

Firese Dictionary

kaanz- blood-traitor

Katara grumbled with disdain as she worked hard to wash the clothes in her basket. The other women in the group were doing the same tasks. To think…my brother is off playing soldier while the women and I wash all these clothes. It just irritates me to no end. So not fair. Screw these stupid gender roles. I'll make Sokka wash his own clothes one day. Just watch me.

Kuzon, who happened to be walking around, noticed the girl steaming in her frustration. "Um…Katara. Is…everything alright?"

The boy was shivering in his parka a bit. She looks really angry. Should I approach her?

Katara just scoffed and waved him off with a hand. "Nothing you need to worry about Kuzon. I'm just irritated today. Sokka wants all the clothes washed so he and the boys will be war ready." She then bended the water out of a shirt. "It just irritates me. He's so annoying with that machismo of his. Acting like he's my better because he's a boy. Load of sikkucha if you ask me."

Kuzon blinked at her. "I..I'm sorry. sikkucha?"

Katara turned to him confused before her mouth formed into a small smirk. "Oh. Apologies. I forget you are a foreigner to our culture. Sikkucha means seal dung. It's an insult in our people's native tongue."

Kuzon blinked. "I..see. Interesting term." He then sighed and stared at the article of clothing in her hand. "Would you…like some help with the clothes? Admittedly, I can't waterbend and my flames would probably scorch them to ash but…I can do my best."

Katara's eyes turned as big as saucers and she turned to him again grinning. "You…want to wash clothes? You don't mind being teased and being called girly for helping me?"

Kuzon crossed his arms, shaking his head. "Only privileged men care for such norms. My mother and I have been on the run our whole lives. Granted my people put women in the same roles back home…but my mother was a bit of a maverick. I was taught to see her as an equal."

Katara's smirk grew even wider. "Heh. The irony. I'd never imagine a firebender to be the egalitarian type." She then took a dirty shirt and held it out to him. "I…would be honored. Please."

Kuzon felt himself blush a bit. Something about how the girl to was looking at him made his heart beat fast for a moment. What is this feeling? I…feel close to her.

Katara raised an eyebrow in concern. "Something wrong?"

He shook his head. Hey, keep your cool. Keep your cool. He forced a smile. "No...nothing. I'll take the shirt."

Katara smiled again. She felt her heart beat fast and her cheeks flushed red if for a moment. "He's shy. Reserved. Honest. I…kind of like that. I've never had a thing for boys with bravado. "Thank you!"

The two then began washing the clothes with the water and hanging them to dry on the string.

She smiled. "How's your mother? Has she…woken up yet?"

Kuzon sighed. "No. I've waited three days now." Katara then set the shirt down on the hammock. She then put a hand on this shoulder. "I'm sorry Kuzon. We tried everything."

Kuzon just blinked. "I have no idea where I'm supposed to be. I have no idea where I'm supposed to go. First…I get told I'm the Avatar…that I have to run away from the only home I've ever known. Then…our balloon gets attacked by Fire Navy ships…"

Katara's eyes widened. Wait! He's the Avatar! No way! Is that even possible! Last I heard…the Avatar was killed in an ambush by Fire Navy ships long ago. She then shook her head. No. No. He has to be delirious. There is no way that the actual Avatar would ever wash up on our shores. That's insane. "You are the Avatar?"

Kuzon then glanced at her and then at the snow on the ground. "Ah. I really shouldn't have said that. Idiot.." He then got up on his feet.

Katara blinked with widened eyes. "Wait. Where are you going?"

Kuzon shook his head, an unusually cold look in his eyes, "Where do you think? I'm going off to hide. You know my secret."

Katara quickly took his hands into hers, speaking in a panicked voice. "No. Wait. Don't go. I…" She sighed and stared down at the snow again. "I have to say something to keep him from leaving. What do I…Oh I know!"She then looked up at him smiling proudly. "I won't tell anyone. I promise."

Kuzon blinked. "I..don't know."

Katara sighed. Her heartbeat began to quicken. No! He's so hard to trust…it hurts that he doesn't trust me fully yet but I understand. He's traumatized by his pain..just like me. I feel a connection to him. That's why I have to help. We may be from two different homelands but our paths are the same…in a way at least. She then pleaded again. "Please. Just sit down. Let's talk this out. Please." Something about her pleas reached into his heart. "I…I suppose I can stay for a bit."

Katara closed her eyes, sighing in relief. "Thank you. I appreciate your trust in me." She then took his hands into hers.

Kuzon then stared at her intently. "You…really won't tell anyone? Not even your brother?" The mention of Sokka's name made Katara laugh a bit. She nodded. "Especially him. We don't need to give him another reason to chop your head off."

Kuzon nodded. His eyes then quickly darted to the basket of clothes. "Shall we return to our duties?"

Katara nodded,with a smile. "We shall."

The Redeemer

Moments later

Zuko was training with one of his soldiers. He rushed in with a fire kick at the older man.

The man dodged it. Zuko then rushed with a few more kicks, aggressively pursuing his opponent.

Iroh just watched with his hands behind his back, nodding in agreement.

The two men continued to duel one another ferociously.

After a while, Zuko, growing rather frustrated, began getting a bit sloppy. He began letting loose, blasting away with his flames.

The other man, obviously frightened at this display, began fighting solely in a defensive manner. The first reason for this was because he privately feared the banished prince.

Zuko was known for being ruthless and almost domineering to his subordinates.

All of them knew to walk around his temper. The other reason was because he feared burning the former Prince of the Fire Nation. Granted, Zuko was relieved of his inherited Royal title when he lost the Agni Kai…but he was still feared throughout the Palace City and its colonies. The other man eventually just couldn't keep up and eventually tripped himself up, landing on his rear end. He was shaking with fear in his armor.

Zuko grunted. "What are you doing soldier? Get back up and fight! I will not tolerate a coward!"

The older man slowly rose to his feet and got back into his stance. This time, however, his form was a bit more shaky. His eyes were wide with fear.

Zuko then growled and rushed at the older man like a wild beast.

Iroh just simply shook his head. "So much potential…and yet so much anger. He will never master firebending if he continues to rely on his rage and anger. Such a path will only lead him down a path of self-destruction."

The former general then put himself between the old soldier and Zuko, separating both of them with a hand. "That's enough!" He then turned to the old soldier. "Thank you Takuo! That will be enough training!"

The old soldier nodded, bowed in traditional Fire Nation style, and bowed his head to his chest. "Of course General Iroh. I shall take my leave." The man then walked off without another word.

Zuko shouted at his uncle. "I was not done Uncle!"

Iroh, however, not intimidated in the slightest by the Prince's temper, just sadly shook his head. "You were losing yourself…Prince Zuko. You were going to kill that man. That is not what I am training you for."

Zuko's glare darkened even more and he snapped at Iroh again. "There is no time for patience here Uncle! The Avatar is close by! At this point…he has probably had years of training in the Four Elements! I have to be ready!" Iroh just sighed longingly and took a sip from his tea cup. "Zuko…how do you know that the Avatar is there in the village?"

Zuko growled, staring his uncle down. "There was a smokestack there wasn't there? That means there are snow peasants there! Where they are…he will be! He's probably hungry…starving. He will need shelter!"

Iroh shook his head. "Zuko…your father…my younger brother is a cruel man. He burned your eye and sent you on this quest for fruitless glory. You don't need to do this anymore. You can choose a different path."

Zuko's anger burrowed to the surface again. "And what path would that be Uncle? The path of a pacifist? The path of a traitor? The path you took when you retreated from Ba Sing Se?"

Iroh sadly sighed and spoke again. "Your mother didn't want this for you…Zuko. You are not the monster your father desires to make you. Do not do this." The old man was pleading. T

he younger man then turned his back to his uncle, tears stinging in his eyes. His uncle's words struck hard in his heart. He knew he was right but ignored the pang of pain in his gut. "I know my destiny Uncle…and my destiny is to find the traitor…bring him home and reclaim my honor. No more. No less."

Suddenly, the helmsman shouted out. "Ice ahoy. We are landing near the snow peasant village."

Zuko then put his helmet on and began walking towards the descending ramp. "Time to claim my destiny."

Iroh just stood there shaking his head. Tears ran down the old man's eyes. Zuko.

Outpost

Somewhere outside Taqqaq Village

Moments later

Sokka then put down the telescope and grunted. "We have trouble." He then rushed off to find the others.

Village Center

Taqqaq Village

Later on in the day.

Katara and Kuzon were busy setting up the meal for the day.

Kuzon looked around as the little ones gathered around him.

One of them smiled at him. "Your eyes. Why are they yellow?"

Kuzon blinked at him. "I…I.."

Luckily, Katara covered for him. "He's a refugee from the Fire Nation. A friend."

Tolok then nodded, smiling again and giggling. "I'm Tolok. Nice to meet you." He then offered the older boy a hand.

Kuzon blinked. "What do I…"

Katara then laughed. "Shake his hand." Kuzon just nodded nervously and somewhat nervously shook the boy's hand.

The boy then ran off. "I made a new friend! Yay!" Kuzon just stood there blinking.

Katara laughed. "Well well. People like you." Kuzon then biinked at her. "I…suppose so." "There you are!"

The two turned to see Sokka storming up to them.

Katara sighed in irritation and turned to Kuzon, an apologetic smile on her face. "Stay calm. I'll handle this." She then walked up to her brother. "What is it now Sokka?"

Sokka ignored her and pointed at Kuzon. "I'll tell you what. Your new friend is a Fire Nation spy!"

Kuzon then felt his anger overcome him. Deciding to stand up for himself, he shouted. "You can't be serious! I've had no contact with my people for years now! I've been frozen in ice for a hundred years! Your presumptions are illogical!"

Sokka nodded. "Is that so? Then tell me…how is it that a Fire Navy ship has found our village?"

Kuzon's eyes widened in fear. He felt a tremor of fear go through his very being. "I..don't know. I…honestly don't know."

Katara then intervened. "That's enough!"

She then put a hand on Kuzon's shoulder. "Kuzon…stick with me and help me get the villagers somewhere safe!" She then turned to Sokka. "Sokka…ready the men! "

Sokka then gave her a nod. "Alright…then." He then jabbed a finger at Kuzon before walking away. "We aren't finished."

Kuzon just said nothing and stared at the ground. "He's coming for me. I just know he is. It was a mistake…coming here. People are going to die…and it's all…"

Katara then took his hands into her own, slightly smiling. "Hey. Don't worry. I'll keep you safe. He won't hurt you. I promise. Now come on. We don't have much time." She then dragged him by the hand towards the village center.

Later on...in the day.

As the Prince and his men marched upon the small Water Tribe settlement, they took note that there were six people staring at them. One of them was a tall Water Tribe boy with a woftail dressed in traditional blue armor along with about thirty others behind him. There was also a young girl clad in a parka.

As Zuko approached, He stared down the Southern warrior who had no look of fear in his eyes.

Zuko just stared at him coldly. "My name is Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. I've come for the Avatar. I demand you bring him out to me at once."

Sokka just scoffed and shook his head. "See here's the thing. I don't take orders from ashmakers. It's kind of personal. Plus…we don't have the Avatar here. He's dead!"

Zuko felt insulted. How dare this…snow peasant disrespect me! He should be kissing my feet! He then glared at Sokka again. "You dare insult your betters snow peasant? Intolerable! I know the Avatar is here! I'm giving you one last chance!" He then shouted out. "Kuzon! Traitor! I know you're here somewhere…you kaanzi! Show yourself!"

Kuzon shakily moved his head up to peek at the Prince. Katara was then overcome with anger. She had no idea why but seeing this ashmaker insult her newfound friend set something off in her. "I believe my brother asked you to leave! Do so or I will kill you where you stand."

She then got in a waterbending stance, drawing the water to her arms in a defensive stance.

Zuko turned to her. "Hmm. I didn't think there were any waterbenders left alive in the South."

Katara's usually cool azure eyes turned a stormy blue. "There aren't. Your family has seen to that with this damned war. I'm the last one." Zuko nodded. "Then I shall finish what my father, grandfather and great-grandfather started." He then got into his firebending stance. "Men! Attack them and find the Avatar! Search the whole village if you have to! Bring him to me alive!"

Sokka then spoke in a commanding tone. "Men of the South! You know what to do! Defend the Tribe with your lives!"

The warriors behind him roared in agreement.

Kuzon, meanwhile, just stood in horror. His newfound friend and her people were really going to defend him with their lives. It was just like what happened with his father and grandfather. He then stared at the black and red pai sho tile in his right palm. I can't let them do this. I can't have any more lives on my conscience. I have to expose myself…for their sakes." Rushing out, he screamed at all of them. " Stop!"

Everyone then turned to him.

Katara's eyes went wide with panic. "Kuzon! What are you doing? Get back! You have to hide!"

Sokka grunted in agreement, glaring at the firebender. "For once…I agree with my sister. Get back. You'd only get in the way."

Zuko then looked upon the firebender with great interest. He took note of the boy's golden yellow eyes and pointed jawline. Could it be?"Who might you be?"

Kuzon spoke with a newfound determination in his eyes. He then pulled the hood of his parka down, finally letting down his shaggy black hair that covered his left eye . "My name is Kuzon Lin Sho! I am the Avatar! Your fight is with me! Not them!" He then rushed at the boy, attacking recklessly with his firebending but managing to land a fire fist across the face.

The Prince stumbled back, cursing.

Katara blinked. "Kuzon! What are you doing?" Kuzon turned to her with a sad look. "I'm sorry Katara but I'm not sitting by like a coward while you and your brother fight my battle for me. It's me he wants."

Katara felt her heart stop for a moment. She felt her face redden. A part of her admired his sudden sense of bravery. He hadn't seemed like he had it in him to fight. Seeing him suddenly stand so strong and forceful took her for a surprise. Another part of her, however, was scowling at him for his sudden brashness. "You have got to be kidding me! He will kill you!"

Sokka fet his jaw drop. This kid has some guts! Who the hell knew?

Kuzon then gave her a nod. "That's a risk I have to take." Zuko, who was being helped up to his feet by one of his men. He then pushed out right shoulder out of the man's reach. "Get off me." He was snarling like an animal now with stream coming out of his nostrils. "You will pay for that Avatar! I shall end you!"

Kuzon raised a hand. "Now wait a second there your highness. I have no intention of actually fighting you. I merely punched you to get your attention off my friends."

Zuko's glare intensified. "So what? This was all planned from the start?" Kuzon shook his head. "No." He then sighed. A part of him hated to do this but he saw it as the safest option. "I'll make you a deal….Prince Zuko." He then turned back towards Sokka and Katara, along with the other warriors. If we fight…those innocent villagers may get caught in the crossfire. He caught note of Katara's shocked expression. He admitted he was growing quite fond of the girl but he knew it wasn't to be. He always knew he'd be a dead man. He felt a little guilty seeing it but pressed on with his plan. He then turned to Zuko. "I agree to be taken prisoner. You leave these people alone. Your quarrel is with me…not them."

This time, Katara felt tears prickle down her eyes. Despite their short time together…she had been growing fond of the firebender whose people she was taught to hate all her life. She didn't want him to go. She wanted to fight for him. She wanted to defend him. He had become a cherished friend. The trauma the two shared…in a weird way bonded her to him. Or at least..she felt it did. "Kuzon! I…don't understand! I thought you said you never wanted to go back!"

Kuzon turned back to her with sadness in his eyes. "I don't but I'm not having you die on me Katara. I've already lost enough people I care about." He then sighed. "I don't belong here anyway. At least I'll be amongst my people again back in the Palace City."

Katara was left speechless. "Kuzon…" She felt her heart drop from her chest. He then kneeled before Zuko on one knee. "And another thing…I want to bury my mother on the homeland. She has unfortunately passed. Meet these demands and I'll go willingly."

Zuko raised an eyebrow. Well this was easier than I thought. "And if I refuse your terms?"

Kuzon chuckled darkly. He then raised a fireblade and put it to his neck. "Refuse…and I kill myself right here and now. You will be left with nothing but a corpse. Think about it your highness. Wouldn't it benefit your position more if you were able to capture me alive? You and I both know how gluttonous and prideful your ilk are. You can parade me around like a prize on your trophy wall to your father. Your position solidified. The people here…safe. Everyone wins."

Zuko nodded again with a nonchalant look."I underestimated you Kuzon. Perhaps…we are more equal than I thought. I didn't expect you to be able to bargain so tactically. I…strangely accept that. You act with true honor." He then nodded coldly. "Your terms are accepted. Gather your belongings and your mother's corpse. I swear in my honor that neither myself nor my men will attack the snow peasants while you do so."

In a rare showing of respect, the banished Prince then bowed to his fellow countrymen.

Kuzon returned the gesture. He then walked off to his tent to collect his belongings.

Sokka blinked. "Well..damn. I didn't expect the kid to do that. I thought he was going to get himself killed. He…sacrificed himself for the village. I…feel bad for judging him."

Katara, meanwhile, had a scowl on her face. "This is bullshit! He's going to either get himself killed or even worse…imprisoned! I have to go talk some sense into him!" She then began to storm off.

Sokka quickly stopped her by putting a hand on her shoulder. "No Katara! He's made his choice! He's sacrificing himself for us! For our village! Let's be honest here…we don't have enough warriors to take that Prince and his men on! This is our best option!" Katara then got in her brother's face. "He doesn't deserve this! Despite the fact you've been nothing but a prick to him…He's been nothing but kind to our people! He even offered to help me wash clothes the other day! He actually let go of his masculine ego long enough to help me wash clothes! I actually managed to befriend a firebender! Do you know how rare that is? Plus…he's the Avatar. We let him go…and there will be no one to defeat Ozai. No one to end this damned war. Don't you want Dad to come home?"

Sokka sighed with a heavy heart. "Of course I do sis but we have a duty to the Tribe. We must defend our people…by any means necessary."

Katara blinked, tears out of her eyes. "But..but..who knows what they will do to him? You know how ruthless the Fire Nation is! Can we really take that chance?"

Sokka sighed and put a hand on the girl's shoulder. "We have to. I'm sorry. He isn't one of us. Our people must come first."

Katara felt herself become overcome with emotion. She could feel the tears sting from her eyes. "I…understand. We have to do what is best for the Tribe."

Sokka smiled gently. "I'm glad you understand sis."

Katara shot him an angry look before walking off. The hell I do. Forget the damn Tribe. I'm not giving up on Kuzon. I'll play along for now but I will find a way to get him out of this. He is my friend.

Kuzon's Tent

Moments later

Kuzon had his stuff packed up and was carrying his mother's corpse in his arms. He then let out a long sigh. "Well…here goes." He then heard Katara's voice. "So…you are really going to leave?"

He let out a long sigh.

She sounded heartbroken and hearing such words from her mouth almost broke his resolve. Almost."

He then turned to face her nodding. It hurt but it was what he owed her.

She had been one of the only Water Tribesmen to show him any sense of kindness. "Yes. You and your brother are brave warriors but the Prince has you outgunned. I have to make sure you and your people are safe. That is my Avatar duty."

Katara sighed and nodded. She then pulled him into a deep hug. "I…understand. This is the best tactical option we have." She then smirked and caressed his cheek with a hand. "But that doesn't mean…I'm on board. As soon as I can…I'm coming back for you and freeing you from that egotistical prick."

Kuzon blinked. "Katara…" He was then interrupted when the girl put a hand over his mouth. The girl then gave him a look that showed both determination yet affection in her eyes. "I don't want to hear it sweetie. I don't give a damn what my brother says. You are important to me now. I'm going to find a way. You just keep yourself alive. I've already had to mourn my mother. I'm not mourning you. My brother is to know nothing of this. Do we understand each other?"

Kuzon blinked. Is she crazy? She has to be. I…don't think I'm going to get through to her though. She seems to already have her mind made up. He then sighed. "I have no idea how you are going to sneak yourself on a Fire Nation ship…but fine. We are in agreement."

Katara smiled. "Good." She then hugged him. "We are going to see each other again…I give you my word."

Outskirts of the Village

Moments later

Zuko gave Kuzon a nod. "I'm…actually glad we were able to end things on a peaceful note Kuzon. You will still be chained up but I will honor our agreement. I am not a man without honor."

Kuzon nodded curtly. "Good to know." He then walked up the ramp into the ship.

Zuko then called out. "Close the hatch!"

The men then worked the crank until the hatch closed.

Zuko then turned to Katara and the other Water Tribesmen and bowed to them. "I have gotten what I've needed. I will leave your people in peace.

Nobody answered him back. As the ship pulled away.

Katara just glared at it. She then felt Sokka's hands on her shoulder. "I know you are upset sis but…"

The girl, however, just pulled her hands off him. "Don't talk to me!" She then stormed off.

Later on that night

Sokka's Tent

Sokka was mulling over his thoughts. He thought he'd be elated when the firebender would finally leave his village. Instead all he felt was guilt. He'd let the Fire Nation walk off with someone he now considered a friend.

Kuzon had sacrificed himself for the sake of him and his people and Sokka…had just let him walk off. He understood why. It had made sense at the time. He had to protect his people and he made the hard choice. A necessary choice…but a hard one. Now, however, he realized how much of a fool he'd been not to consider other options or…at least talk to them about a escape plan of sorts at the very least. Moreover, he knew that his sister had been fond of the firebender. She had chosen to befriend him or even show affections towards him. He, in contrast, treated him like an enemy, scowling at him and calling him slurs whenever he could. He then stood up and began marching over to Katara's tent. "I need to redeem myself. I need to save Kuzon…somehow."

Katara's Tent

Moments later

Katara…meanwhile was prepping for her solo mission to save her firebender friend. She had opted for a black parka and had put on black-gray makeup in order to hide her identity. She patted her pounch for a moment and felt the water swish in it. "Good. I'm ready to go."

She then heard Sokka's teasing voice. "Not without me you aren't." Her eyes widened. "Sokka!" She then narrowed her eyes at him "What do you want? I thought you'd be celebrating. You never liked him anyway."

Sokka let out a long sigh. "Look sis. I made a bad judgment call. I should have thought of a way that we could have gotten 'ol flamehead out of that jam. I admit it. I thought he was like the people that killed Mom. I thought he'd run into the Prince's waiting arms with glee. I was wrong." He then sighed. "He has honor…more honor than I thought he did. I'm sorry."

Katara then turned to her brother. Slowly, her face formed into a small smirk. "You actually apologized. How noble of you."

Sokka smirked back, rolled his eyes at her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Look. We can spend this time arguing or we can break him out. What do you want to do?"

Katara smirked at her brother. "I think..we have an Avatar to save."

That was when Kanna smiled at both of them. "As fate predicted…you two indeed share your fates with that of the Avatar."

Katara gasped at her grandmother. "Gran-Gran…how did you know?"

Kanna just smiled. "An old woman has her instincts. They come in handy from time to time." The old woman then smiled and reached into one of her pockets, pulling out two kaanamal masks. They were wooden masks that resembled a face but with a whole bunch of white, blue, light blue, black and gray swipes of paint on them. "Wear these. They will mask your identities and allow you to sneak in unnoticed. Long ago…your mother would wear them to sneak around our family home."

Katara then took her grandmother's hands into hers. "Thanks Gran-Gran!"

Sokka grinned. "Yeah! Thanks Gran-Gran!"

The two then rushed off and jumped into the small boat.

Sokka then began paddling towards the ocean. "It shouldn't be hard to find. Fire Nation ships give off huge smokestacks! Plus the icebergs do slow them down! We should be able to catch up to the Prince!"

Katara gave him a nod. "Good! The faster the better!" She then stared out into the open sea, pulled the hood over her head, and put the mask on.

I'm coming to get you Kuzon! Just stay alive for me! Please!

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