Sorry for the long wait!

Firese dictionary:

Shazai nai: For Honor!

Hatae nai shazai: For Family and Nation!

Book I: Water

Chapter VIII: Preparations for Battle

Part III: The Avatar Learns Waterbending

Wu Shin Island

A month later

Wu Shin Island was a small Fire Nation base that was near the Northern Tribe Admiral Zhao's troops were using this to stage the upcoming invasion.

Admiral Zhao was overseeing the training of his troops with a rather savage grin on his face. "Good! Everything is being prepared!"

One of the soldiers then rushed up to him. "Sir!"

Zhao then turned to him scowling. "What is it?"

The man shakily saluted him with a hand. "The banished prince is here. He wishes to speak with you."

Zhao then calmly nodded. "I will go see him at once." The admiral then walked off without another word.

Zhao's Quarters

The Northern Fire Fleet

As Zhao walked in his quarters, he came face to face with Prince Zuko himself. A nasty yet inviting snarl came on his face, "Prince Zuko. I have to say I am surprised. I did not expect you to visit my armada."

He then turned to his right and saw Iroh.

The admiral let out a hearty chuckle. "You as well General. I thought you retired after the Siege of Ba Sing Se. My condolences again for Lu Ten's loss." Iroh just nodded, "Thank you General. I am merely here to help aid my nephew in his goal. We wish to join your conquest of the Northern Water Tribe."

Zhao then raised an eyebrow at Zuko. "Really now? Tell me your highness. What business do you have with my invasion plan?"

Zuko just stared the older man down with a stoic look, "You seek to conquer the North. I've received word from bases close by that they have enlisted the help of the Avatar and his two snow peasant friends. I'll make it simple for you. I want the Avatar alive. You want to destroy the moon. I believe we have a common enemy,"

Zhao gave the banished prince a savage grin, "Well well well. It seems you learned something from your father after all. The technique of bargaining." He then turned around, put his hands behind his back, and stared into the horizon. "You have a deal Prince Zuko. I will allow you to be a part of my moment of glory. After all…we can't have that traitor disgracing our noble homeland. The motherland won't stand for it."

Zuko just gave him a nod, the light from the candle illuminating his face in the room's darkness. "No. We won't.

Northern Water Tribe

A couple of days later

Kuzon let out a sigh trying to find his sense of peace inside himself.

It had been a couple of days since he and Katara started training under Master Pakku. He found that he was still struggling to waterbend. He had finally reached his breaking point and decided to do the one thing that calmed him down. Meditation. He had learned it from both his father and grandfather. Meditation was a part of firebending. It helped maintain one's control of their inner flame. He then took in a deep breath through his nose and out his mouth. He then closed his eyes. "Okay here we go."

Suddenly, Avatar Kyikoh appeared in front of him. Her chirpy tone filled the air. "Kuzon! It's so good to see you! I haven't heard from you in a while! I was getting worried!"

Kuzon blinked at her. "Avatar Kyikoh? What are you doing here?" Avatar Kyikoh smiled at him, "You summoned me through the Avatar State. Through your meditation. I came as soon as I could."

He blinked, "Oh. I can't say I've ever done that before. Though I do need your help on something…now that I think about it."

Avatar Kyikoh smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "Whatever you need."

Kuzon nodded, "I still can't waterbend. Katara and Master Pakku have both tried to help me by finding my inner peace but I..can't."

Kyikoh frowned, "Why not?" Kuzon just stared at the ground sulking a bit, "My family died trying to keep me safe from Sozin's soldiers. My mother died trying to keep me safe. I..can't forgive myself. It's my fault."

Kyikoh just nodded, "I understand. Grief and shame can be difficult to deal with." She then beamed at him. "However…I can help. What if you could talk to them?"

He looked up at her in shock, "Talk to my family? How would I do that?"

Kyikoh smiled, "Take my hand." He did so, and his eyes glowed white.

The Spirit World

Kuzon took a good look around. He saw spirit animals of many kinds trotting across the land. "Where am I?"

Avatar Kyikoh when walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "You are in the Spirit World. Here we will find your parents." She then began to walk off, "Follow me." She then walked forward through the spirit forest.

The two of them came to what looked like a gathering of spirits galavanting and having a good time.

Avatar Kuruk was there dancing around his wife Ummi. He then turned to his left and saw his successor. "Well hello there Kuzon! Nice to finally meet you! Come...join in the fun!"

Kuzon raised his eyebrow at him, "Who are you?"

Kuruk just grinned, "Ah I forgot. We haven't truly met yet. I've just been helping you not get speared by my people." He then offered a hand, "My name is Avatar Kuruk. I'm one of your past lives kid."

Kuzon just nodded, "Your clothes…your braid…You are Water Tribe. I know of you. Katara and Sokka have mentioned you before."

Kuruk smiled warmly at him, "Of course they have." He then chuckled, "How's your journey been so far? Have you been having any trouble?"

Kuzon crossed his arms, sighing, "Well…I've been unable to waterbend. I thought coming to the North Pole would help. But even with Katara's help and the assistance of Master Pakku…I can't seem to get it down."

Kuruk then toothily grinned at Kuzon and put a hand on his shoulder. "Ah. You'll get it in time. You're a firebender kid. The Avatar always has trouble mastering the element opposite to him the most. Don't worry." The older Avatar then wrapped an arm around Ummi and smiled, "Allow me to introduce my wife Ummi. Well…technically not married since Koh the Face Stealer put an end to that but we're together now here in the Spirit World…this is about as close as we're going to get."

Ummi then extended a hand, "An honor Kuzon. Kuruk and I have been watching your journey from afar. We have great hopes for you."

Kuzon then shook her hand nervously. "Thank you."

Kyikoh then smiled at Kuruk, "Sorry to interrupt but we're short on time. Do either of you know of Lin or Ling Sho?"

Kuruk gave her a nod, "We do. Those four just moved in that house over there." He then pointed to a house far in the distance.

Kyikoh gave him a smile. "Thank you." She then smiled down at Kuzon. "Come on. Let's go. We don't have much time." She then started walking towards the hut. Kuzon just followed her.

Kuruk called out, "Good luck kid! Let me know if you need any help out there!"

As the two approached the hut, Kyikoh stopped at the door, turning to Kuzon smiling, "I believe you will find the peace you seek here. Just go through the door."

Kuzon raised an eyebrow at her, "Why? What's through the door?"

Kyikoh then got down on one knee and smiled, "Find out for yourself."

Kuzon just nodded, "Um…okay." He then walked in the door. It shut behind him. His eyes widened in shock as he saw his deceased family in front of him. "Mother! Father! Brother! Sister! Grandfather!"

Lin smiled at him, "Kuzon! It's so good to see you son!"

Ling smiled, "Kuzon!"

Raikara then smirked at him, "Little brother! So good to see you!"

Everyone then joined in the group hug. Everyone then joined in the family hug."

Kuzon blinked as tears filled his eyes. "I've missed you all so much."

Ling Sho just smiled, "As we have you."

Kuzon then looked all around. "I didn't think I'd ever see any of you again."

Lin just smirked. "Neither did we but it seems the Spirit World has brought you here." He then smiled and kneeled down, "I hear you've been struggling with your waterbending."

Kuzon crossed his arms and averted his father's gaze. He wanted to deny the truth but only found proof in his father's words. "Yes…I have." He then sat himself down on the couch and sighed sitting down, "You all died…trying to save me. You all died because of me. It's my fault." He then rested his face in his hands.

Ling and Lin both gave each other a nod. They then turned to each other and each put a hand on his shoulder.

Lin spoke first. "Kuzon…my sweet boy…that is not true. None of this is your fault."

Ling added smiling, He then smiled at his son, "Kuzon...you were our son. You were family. The Fire Lord was intent on killing you. We made the choice to give our lives in return for your safety. We answered the call."

Raikara just smirked, "That's right little brother. Stop whining so much. You've got a world to save don't you?"

Kuzon then stared at his sister with teary eyes. "I…I do."

Raikara then laughed and pulled her young brother in a hug and then held him at arms length. "Then go in peace. Go save the world. We'll be here…waiting for you.."

Mokabi then walked up to his grandson and ruffled the young Avatar's hair. The old man then smiled with a half-grin. "Go. Go redeem the honor of the Fire Nation. Go redeem the honor of our family. Hatai ne shazai! "

Kuzon blinked and gave his grandfather a nod. His gaze and face suddenly hardened. "I will!" Shazai nai!

The door then swung open.

Avatar Kyikoh then walked in with a remorseful look in her eyes. "Kuzon. I'm sorry but your friends are eagerly awaiting your return."

Kuzon turned to her with a determined nod. "I understand." He then gave his parents a hug.

Raikara and Mokabi joined in on the hug.

Kuzon spoke in a calm tone despite the tears down his eyes. "I love you all! I'll be back soon!"

Ling and Lin smiled as they hugged him tightly. "We will wait for you!"

Mokabi then ruffled his hair with a half-grin. "Knock some skulls for your old Gramps."

Kuzon then gave his grandfather a honorable bow. "I will." He then turned to his older sister and bowed. "I love you Raikara. Take care of Mother, Father and Grandfather for me."

Raikara smirked as she bowed back just as quickly. "I shall Little Brother. Take care of yourself. Love you too."

He then turned towards the door and focused his eyes on Kyikoh. "Let's go."

She smiled slightly at him, "Follow me."

Meanwhile in the Real World

Katara was desperately trying to shake Kuzon awake. "Kuzon?" Her hands started to tremble a bit. It had been about two days since he had gone to sleep. Her brother had told her not to worry so much but Katara was suspicious. It wasn't normal for Kuzon to be unresponsive for so long. The waterbender was aware of the enemies the group had. She didn't trust the Northerners that much. For all she knew…someone from the city could have poisoned Kuzon's drink or was planning on killing him. She again understood why the Northerners didn't like him but disagreed with them. Another reason why his long sleep bothered her was that he was sleeping in the same position her mother was in she found her corpse. She feared that one day…she would find him dead on that same day. She then tried again to rustle him, speaking in a worried tone.."Kuzon. You are really starting to worry me now. Please. It has been two days. Please wake up."

Kuzon then blinked, As his vision started to clear, he blinked, "Katara?"

The girl let out a sigh of relief and hugged him, smiled, "Oh. You're alright."

Kuzon blinked. "Of course I am. Is something wrong?" Sokka, looking over the two of them, chuckled, "Ah, nothing important, flamehead. It's just Katara being overprotective of you. The usual."

Katara's face reddened as she sent her brother a ice cold glare. "Shut it Sokka!"

He just grinned back at her.

She then closed her eyes and sighed as she looked straight into Kuzon's eyes with a distraught look. "As for you! Do you know how worried I was? I returned from gathering supplies and tried to wake you up for breakfast the next morning! I have been trying to wake you up for two days. What happened?"

Kuzon just blinked and he nervously smiled. "Oh. Forgive me. I'm sorry to have worried you Katara. I was actually in the Spirit World."

Sokka eyes widened. "The Spirit World? The spiritual world with all your Avatar ancestors?"

Kuzon gave him a nod. "That is the one."

Katara gasped and just nodded. "I..see. What were you doing there?" He just smiled warmly, "I told Avatar Kyikoh about my problems with waterbending…and how it was related to the trauma of losing my family. He then let out a long sigh. "This…is going to sound crazy but…I was reunited with the spirits of my parents and my sister."

Katara and Sokka turned to each other in shock.

Sokka then blinked, "Okay...how did you manage that?"

Kuzon blinked, "Their spirits went up there after they died. That's my guess."

Katara then got an idea. A bit of hope filled her heart as she managed a genuine smile. "If your deceased family was in the Spirit World. Could that mean that our mother's spirit is also up there?"

Kuzon looked at her and shrugged. "I believe so. I saw Avatar Kuruk's spirit up there. I do not doubt that the rest of your people are up there."

The waterbender then took his hands into hers suddenly and squeezed them. She then offered him a hopeful smile as her face reddened. "Do..Do you think you can take us there? We would like to see her."

Sokka chuckled as he crossed his arms. "Yeah. It would be good to see Mom again. She died while we were still kids."

Kuzon turned from Katara to Sokka with a nervous look in his eyes. The truth was that he was still getting the hang of his Avatar abilities and the meditations. He honestly didn't know if he could bring Katara and Sokka to see their mother up in the Spirit World. However, as he looked back into Katara's eyes, he could not tell her that. He cared for her too much to tell her the truth but couldn't find in his heart to lie either. He then let out a long sigh and nervously smiled. "I'm..still learning how to control my Avatar powers."

Katara's look of glee suddenly soured into a frown. Her eyes then fell to the floor "So…you can't do it?"

A sense of panic came over Kuzon's heart. Seeing the crestfallen look on her face caused his heart to melt. A new emotion filled his heart. One usually reserved for his lost family. Love. His heart began to beat as he rushed to reassure her. Why did I say do that? "No! No! I can! I just need practice! I'll give it my best shot! I give you my word!"

She then blinked and smiled hopefully again, "You mean…you'll give it a try?"

Kuzon just nodded, "I give you my word in honor. I'm sure some places here are in tune with the Spirit World. We will find a way." Somehow his newfound optimism breached the wall of sadness around Katara's heart.

She then gave him the biggest smile, squealed with glee, and gave him the biggest hug she could muster. "Oh! Thank you! Thank you so much! You have no idea what it means to hear you say that! Thank you!"

Kuzon just blinked at the gesture as he slowly hugged her back. Her grip around him tightened. He's so warm. I feel so safe in his arms. My heart is beating so fast and my face is heating up. Could this be love I'm feeling?

Sokka grinned, "Nice save there flamehead. I was about to conk you over the head with my boomerang."

Kuzon glanced over to him and gave him a nod while still hugging Katara. The waterbender then took in a deep breath and smiled, "Okay. Now that you are back. Let us see if you can finally do it?" He blinked at her, "Do what exactly?"

Katara giggled, "What do you think Kuzon? I want to see if you can waterbend."

Kuzon blinked in shock as his face reddened in embarrassment. "Oh. Right." He then walked outside and over to the edge of the balcony. The firebender then closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. Suddenly, it was as if the oceans' waves could be heard in his ears. He could hear every crest and every wave. As if he was in connection, he held out his hands in front of his face and shot them up upward. A huge rush of water then rose high into the air.

Katara couldn't help but exclaim her excitement and squealed with glee, " Yes! You did it! You can waterbend!" She then rushed to hug him.

Sokka chuckled, "Not bad flamehead. You found a way."

Katara then took Kuzon's hand and stared at it. "We've got to get to training. There's no time to lose. Come on." She then took the firebender and rushed the two of them over to the waterbending school.

Kuzon groaned in protest. "Hey! Stop pulling so hard!"

Sokka just chuckled watching the two of them go. "Those two are adorable."

Pakku's Waterbending Academy

A couple of hours later

Pakku then narrowly eyed Katara. "You say he can waterbend now?"

Katara gave him a smiling nod. "That's correct."

Pakku then turned to her with a suspicious look. He then turned and turned his gaze to Kuzon crossing his arms. "Okay. Kuzon. Let's see it. Szalak! Come on! You're up!"

Szalak then walked into front of the firebender and got into his form with a savage grin. "This is going to be fun."

Kuzon just said nothing and got into his waterbending form. His eyes were cold, focused, and fierce.

Some of the waterbenders were cheering on their comrade. "Get the foreigner!" "Teach him a lesson!"

Szalak then formed tentacle arms and began wildly slashing and sending them at Kuzon.

Kuzon was able to easily dodge them since the attacks were sloppy. He..is not taking me seriously—his mistake.

Szalak growled as Kuzon just kept dodging his attacks with nimble jumps. "I thought you Fire Nation types were men of honor! Fight me like a man already!"

Kuzon then jumped back and summoned water to his arm. It enveloped it. He then continued to stare at his opponent before saying coldly, "As you wish!" He then hit the other bender with a water-infused uppercut so hard it sent him tumbling off his feet and crashing hard to the ground.

Szalak grunted. "Ow! Ow! That hurt like a wallop!"

His comrades all got around him and glared at Kuzon getting in their bending forms.

One of them spoke, "You jerk! You have any idea who you are?"

Kuzon just cracked his neck. He then raised his hands. Water from the ocean rose from the sea and into the sky.

Everyone stood in awe.

Pakku's eyes widened in shock but then turned into a sly smirk. Well…it seems someone has realized their potential.

The other students just basked and gaped their mouths in awe. "No..No..way. How are you suddenly so powerful."

Katara just smirked with pride and crossed her arms. "Because he's the Avatar."

Kuzon then closed his eyes and calmed down. The tall waves of water fell back into the ocean. "Go ahead. Try me."

All of the boys just shook their heads with fear.

Pakku smirked, "Well well…congratulations Avatar. You can now waterbend. You are indeed worthy of your mantle." Kuzon just gave the old master a nod and bowed in traditional Fire Nation style. "Thank you Sifu Pakku." Pakku just chuckled and nodded, turning in return without the hands. "You are welcome."