Avatar the Last Firebender

By FeaganofLegends

Book I: Water

Chapter XIII: Race to the Water Temple

Part III: The Birth of Kaotuk

Pu Li bowed to Kuzon. "Thank you again, brother. We owe you our lives."

Kuzon half-chuckled as he bowed back, "The thanks are appreciated as always, Pu Li…but it wasn't all me. If it weren't for Katara and Sokka…I wouldn't have had influence with the Chief to negotiate for your safe release."

Pu Li smiled wryly. "You make a good point." He then turned to Katara and Sokka and bowed, "J'aan maarkazi kai shai'lana ai shai'lano."

Katara blinked in shock, "Pardon me?"

Kuzon laughed as he put an arm around her. "It's Ancient Farese for "May the flames burn bright for you m'lady and good sir."

Katara turned to him and blinked. "Oh, I see." She smiled at the old man and leaned into Kuzon's embrace. "I'm glad I could help Pu Li."

Sokka chuckled, "Yeah. What she said."

Pu Li nodded to them all. "We will be taking our leave then. Safe travels."

Kuzon nodded with a smile, "Safe travels, brother."

Pu Li and the others then walked off towards the refugee ships."

Kuzon watched as they walked off. He let out a long sigh. "Hopefull,y they get to the new base before the Fire Nation catches up to them. If the Fire Lord finds them…it won't be pretty."

Katara and Sokka turned to him. Sokka grinned as he put an arm around the Avatar's shoulder. "Ah, lighten up, kid. We'll get them to our new allies on Kyoshi Island. If there is anything we Water Tribesmen are masters at…it's deception, fighting, espionage, and smuggling."

Katara kissed Kuzon on the cheek and rested her head on his chest. "Sokka's right sweetie. We'll keep your people safe. Don't worry so much. We have our methods." She sighed, "More to the point...You still haven't said if you will accept Dad's offer to escort you to the Water Temples."

Kuzon sighed and shook his head. "I know. I know. I'm just…" He sighed, "I'm a little paranoid, okay?"
Katara sighed and shook her head. Then, she kissed his cheek and turned his face to meet hers, smiling. "Okay, talk to me. What are you worried about?"

Kuzon just crossed his arms and sighed as he closed his eyes, "I just don't want…people to die for my sake. Alright? It bothers me. It scares me." He then shook his head.

She took his hands into hers, speaking softly. "Look. I know what you've been through. I sympathize, but I need you to understand this from our perspective." She sighed, and she cupped his face in her hands. "You are the Avatar. You are the one hope any of us has of bringing an end to this damned war. None of us…not even me...have the power to wield all four elements. You are the only one who can stop Ozai's mad conquest of our homeland."

Her face scrutinized momentarily, "Our people need you to stay alive. That means we will give up our lives to keep you safe." Her face softened, " I know you don't like the idea of special treatment, but the circumstances demand it. Please?." She then leaned in until their faces were inches apart. "I know you don't like this, but it would mean everything to me if you just went along with the plan. I promise to be there by your side the whole way through." \

Sokka crossed his arms, "She has a point kid. You are our ace in the hole here. I understand this isn't comfortable for you, but I think a compromise is in order here. We're talking about the world's fate as we know it."

Kuzon turned to Sokka with a beleaguered look and then to Katara. He felt his hardened resolve melt as he stared into her azure blue eyes, grabbing her arms. He then closed his eyes and grumbled, "On one condition."

She nodded, "Name it, sweetie."

He sighed, "I get to ride on Ranna. I'm not too fond of being assassinated while looking over the bow."

She nodded, a half-smile forming on her face, "I believe I can agree to that…so long as you don't mind me accompanying you. I plan to keep an eye on you from now on."

Kuzon rolled his eyes but nodded, speaking gruffly, "That's fine."

She then wrapped her arms around his neck, smirked, and kissed him gently. "Thank you, sweetie. I love you so much. I'll let my father know. Wait right here." She then walked off.

Sokka grinned as he put a hand on Kuzon's shoulder. "Glad you're on board, kid."

Kuzon turned to him, sighed, and glanced ahead. "For the record, I still think this is wholly unnecessary."

Sokka chuckled as he put an arm around the younger man's shoulder. "It'll be alright. With the Southern Fleet backing you…Zuko will need more than one ship to get the jump on you."

Sometime later

Hakoda shook Kuzon's hand as he half-smiled. "Glad you finally agreed to our terms, Kuzon. I got a bit worried there."

Kuzon nodded calmly, "I'm sorry to have worried you, Chief Hakoda."

He then began to bow, but Hakoda stopped him with a hand. "I appreciate the gesture, kid, but this isn't the Fire Nation. You're one of us now. You've proven that." He then offered Kuzon a hand.

Kuzon blinked at it but nodded. He then shook Hakoda's hand.

The older man's grip was firm and hard. "If you don't mind the gesture…we've created a new name for you. One we can use. We bestow the name Kaotuk."

Kuzon blinked. "I apologize. I don't understand the meaning.

Hakoda half-smiled at him, "There's an old legend in Water Tribe culture. The story of Kaotuk…a warrior who, years ago, united our people in rebellion against Chief H'amna'ka of the W'aak'a Tribe. Kaotuk gathered his allies, and when the gluttonous Chief was sitting on his throne…he struck him down with his blade. Our people gave him the name Kaotuk in recognition of his efforts." He chuckled, "The name means Spirit of Vengeance in Southern Aleutian. Will you accept this honor and this name?"

Kuzon blinked. He hadn't been expecting this at all. "Does this mean I'm part of the Tribe now?" Hakoda half-grinned at him, "Of course. Call it a case of membership by merit. You are the first outsider to be gifted all the rights and responsibilities of a Tribe member. Will you come to the fold?"

Kuzon blinked. To be an actual member of the Water Tribes. I wasn't expecting this at all. He then sighed inwardly. I will always call the Fire Nation home, but my home is not what it used to be. It would be nice to belong again. He then met Hakoda with a severe look in his eyes. "I will always be of the Fire Nation. I will not be ashamed of my heritage."

Hakoda raised an eyebrow at him.

Kuzon then glanced at the Southern Chief again, "However…my countrymen have made it clear that I am no longer welcome there. Fire Lord Sozin killed my family." He tightened a gloved fist as he stared at it. "He may be gone, but his grandson and great-grandchildren carry on his legacy with no shame." He then gave Hakoda a nod, "If my people want to brand me an outcast…let them. I don't care to be liked."

Hakoda smirked and offered his hand again.

Kuzon took it.

Hakoda then pulled him into a tight hug. "Then it's official. Wa'la'a je Triune ahaino. Welcome to the Tribe, brother."

Katara put her hands to her heart. He accepted—he accepted! Oh, thank you, Tui! Now we can finally get married…when we turn eighteen!

Yue smirked with warmth in her eyes—the Avatar is now my future brother-in-law. I'm moving up in the world. Welcome Kuzon. We're happy to have you.

Sokka grinned as he crossed his arms, "Glad to have you on board, kid."

Hakoda then picked up the wolf helmet he had set beside him and placed it into Kuzon's hands. "This is your w'ala k'anpur…your wolf helmet. Every honorable warrior of the Water Tribe carries one to honor our people and our commitment to defend our homeland. This is a symbol of your commitment to our people, Kaotuk. Protect it at all costs. Wear it honorably."

Kuzon looked up at him and then at the helmet and put it on.

Hakoda then snapped his fingers. "Sokka…the armor and the blade, please."

Sokka then got up from his seat and grabbed the armor. "Got it." He then smirked at Kuzon, "Now stand still, flamehead."

Kuzon nodded as Sokka dressed him in the armor. He put a hand on his shoulder as soon as he was done. "Not bad, kid." He then put the blade into his hands.

Hakoda smirked, "That is your honor blade. It was made specifically for you. Use it well." Kuzon nodded. He then hooked the sheath on his belt.

Hakoda then turned to Katara. "Katara…will you do the honors?" She smiled as she picked up the tray. "I will." She then approached Kuzon and caressed his face with her hand. "Close your eyes, sweetie. This will only take a moment."

He nodded.

She then went to work on his face. As soon as she was done, she smiled and held his face. "B'in r'ikku e i'ese e Tui." "Be reborn in the image of Tui." She grabbed his face and smiled, "Welcome home, Kaotuk." She then kissed him. He returned the gesture. The room burst with applause and cheers. Some gasps could be heard in the crowd.

Hakoda just smiled. If only you were here, Kya. You'd be so proud of the woman she's become. I'll always love you.

She then pulled away and smiled. From behind, she hugged him and whispered into his ear, "Now turn around and face forward. Follow along."

He nodded.

Hakoda then shouted in a booming voice. "Brothers and sisters...let us rise to acknowledge our new brother!"

Yue and all the others stood at attention. Hakoda then saluted, "Behold…Kaotuk of the Southern Tribe has arisen! Ja'ne!"

A loud cry of "Ja'ne" was heard across the room.

Kuzon saluted over his heart as well. He felt a new sense of accomplishment."Ja'ne!"

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