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Book I: Water

Chapter V: A Destiny Revealed

The Redeemer

Kuzon tossed and turned as he woke up the next day. "Mmm.

Avatar Suzin's words then whispered in his mind. Time to wake up young Avatar.

Kuzon then woke up. "Who was that?" The spirit of Avatar Kyikoh then appeared in front of him. She was a rather beautiful woman dressed in a Earth Kingdom battle outfit.

Kuzon jumped back. "W…Wait! What?"

Avatar Kyikoh laughed at his reaction. "An expected reaction." She then smiled. "My name is Avatar Kyikoh. I am from the Earth Kingdom. I was the Avatar before you. I..died trying to assist General Roku in overthrowing Fire Lord Sozin long ago. You must finish my destiny. A hundred years of war have been raged across the world because of my failure. You must do what I could not. You must kill Fire Lord Ozai."

Kuzon blinked at her. "Wait. Kill Fire Lord Ozai? How do I do that? Who...are you?"

The earthbending Avatar smirked and was about to answer when she heard Katara's voice. It was then, much to his embarrassment, that he realized she was outside or at least somewhere nearby.

"Kuzon…is that you? Are you finally awake?"

Kyikoh then smiled. "Ah. It seems I've been discovered." She then turned back to Kuzon. "Apologies my young successor but I'd rather continue this conversation in private. Meet me at the Southern Air Temple. I will explain everything in detail there. I will be sending you a gift. Something to help you get there."

Kyikoh then began floating her way out of the hut.

Kuzon blinked and rushed out after her "Wait..what? Where are you going? Hey wait!" However, when he finally walked out, he saw that his predecessor was gone.

Kuzon blinked. "She…was just here. Where did she go?"

Karara's eyes immediately brightened when she saw him. "Oh! You finally woke up! I was so worried!" She then hugged him as tightly as she could. "You were asleep when Sokka and I rescued you so I knew you weren't going to die but I was still worried!"

Kuzon then broke the hug, staring at her confused. "Katara? What is going on?" He then took a good look around. "What happened? The last I remember…I was still being held prisoner on Zuko's ship."

Katara chuckled. He's confused. It's kind of adorable. Granted I don't expect him to remember us rescuing him. He was asleep after all. "Sokka and I…along with some of the warriors busted you out."

Katara put a hand on his shoulder. "I made you a promise that I'd get you out of there…and I did…with the help of Sokka and a few of the warriors from our village of course."

Kuzon just nodded nervously, stepping away from her and giving her an honorable bow, bowing to the waist level. "T-Thank you. I am in your debt."

Katara blinked. The strange way he thanked her didn't make sense to her. She crossed her arms at him. "What's with the weird bowing?"

Kuzon blinked and stammered a bit. Oh you idiot! Why did you do that? She isn't accustomed to Fire Nation tradition! You made yourself look like a moron! "Ah..uh..well…It is my people's way of showing respect…of giving thanks."

Katara blinked and quietly cursed at herself. Way to make things awkward, Katara. You just called one of his peoples' traditions weird. She smiled. "I..appreciate the gesture. I never thought I'd see the day where a firebender would greet me in honor." She then chuckled dryly. "I...usually don't care to partake in the traditions of the very people who brought war to my people's homeland…but for you…I'll make an exception." She then reciprocated his bow by bowing before him as well. "You are welcome Kuzon. It's good to have you back." She then hugged him again, wrapping her arms around his waist, leaning into him happily sighing. "I missed my best friend."

Kuzon's eyes widened. She…just called me her best friend. Why does that make me feel somewhat warm inside? Not knowing what to do…he just reciprocated the gesture. "I…missed my best friend too."

Katara smiled to herself. He called me his best friend! That…makes me feel so happy!

Sokka then walked up to them grinning. "My my. You two are rather close to each other."

Kuzon and Katara then both turned to glance at him.

Katara immediately removed herself from Kuzon, and yelled at Sokka. "Stop teasing him Sokka! For your information…we were just catching up! Nothing more! Nothing less!"

Sokka grinned. "Sure it isn't."

Katara growled. "You are incorrigible!" He then met Kuzon's glare. "Hey there hothead. Glad to see you woke up."

Kuzon then got in his firebending stance saying nothing. Sokka just chuckled with a grin. "Suppose I've earned that. I know I haven't been as nice to you as my sister." He then took out his sword and boomerang, dropped both weapons in the snow. "See? No weapons. I'm not going to fight you."

Kuzon blinked, still glaring. "Why…now? What's changed?"

Sokka chuckled. "You mean other than you risking your life for the village? Not much." He then walked up and put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I had you pegged out as an enemy kid. I was wrong. You may not be a Water Tribesmen like my sister and I but you have the heart and honor of one. You're alright in my book." He then gave the firebender a hard punch in the shoulder. "I think we'll get along just fine." He then walked off without another word.

Kuzon just watched the older boy walk off in pure disbelief. "I'm…confused. Does that mean he can be trusted now?"

Katara burst out laughing. She felt her cheeks redden. He's kind of cute when he gets all flabbergasted. "Yes…Kuzon. My brother may be a major idiot most of the time but he's a good and loyal friend to those he cares about. Like me."

Kuzon then stared at her before staring at Sokka's retreating form and just giving her a shrug. "Well…I already have enemies. It wouldn't hurt to have a few friends on my side at this point." Katara then walked up to him with her arms crossed. "My thoughts exactly."

She then placed a hand on his shoulder. "Now…you haven't eaten. Let's get you something to eat shall we? Follow me. I saved some leftovers for you."

Kuzon blinked at her before his cheeks began to redden. "Of..course." Why is my heart beating so fast when I'm near her? I do not understand.

Taqqaq Village

Three days later

Kuzon's days in the village had, strangely, become much more calmer and positive since the rescue.

Most of the villagers were now at least showing him at least a modicum of respect.

The little kids loved him and wanted him to always play with them. Katara was being even more welcoming than usual, inviting him to the communal dinners and even offering to teach him how to penguin slide.

Sokka was even trying to become buddy buddy with him, offering to train him in sword combat. The firebender had promised him he would think about it. He was sitting outside his tent mulling over his thoughts. None of this makes any sense. I should feel happy that Katara, Sokka and the rest of the Water Tribesmen are growing to accept me…but it still doesn't feel real.

Katara then smiled as she walked over to him. "Hey. There you are. I've been looking all over for you."

Kuzon turned to her, smiling nervously. "Oh..hey. Sorry to run off. Just needed some alone time."

Katara giggled. His shy and nervous personality is kind of endearing. "It's quite alright Kuzon. I get it. You've been feeling overwhelmed haven't you? Everyone's calling you the hero of the village and you're still trying to adjust in your own way. Am I getting close?"

Kuzon blinked at her. "I…how did you know?"

Katara smirked. "Despite what you may think about yourself…you don't hide your emotions well. I can tell all the praise and attention has been bothering you. I can see it all written on your face. It makes you uncomfortable…yet you don't say anything because you don't want to upset anyone. You put on a strong front but you are afraid…afraid that everyone is just going to cast you away again if you object to it."

It was as if the waterbender's words had struck him in the heart. He then looked away from her and stared at the ground. "I…don't want people to hate me anymore. I don't want to be stereotyped as the conqueror just because I share my lineage with that damned prince and his traitorous bastard of a father. So…maybe it is better to be loved than to be feared. At least no one throws things at me that way."

Katara frowned and put her hands to her heart. It hurt her to see her best friend like this. There was also a measure of guilt because she knew that she, in her own way, contributed to the issue. In trying to show him camaraderie and familial love, she added onto the expectations he felt compelled to act on. Deciding to take action, she took his hands into her own. "Hey…look at me."

He did so. Katara then sighed, caressing his face with a hand. "I'm sorry. I never wanted you to feel like you had to be comfortable with all this just because you saved our village. I just…wanted to give you a home. That's been my main focus Iately..I figured if the Fire Nation chose to cast you out…that my people and I could provide that sense of belonging. You don't have to do anything you aren't comfortable with. If you'd rather we step things back a bit…I will tell my people, including my dear brother, to give you some breathing room. They'll listen to me."

Kuzon blinked. "You'd do that for me? I'm...honored but I don't want them to think bad of me."

Katara smiled. "That's because you are an open hearted person privately. You want people to accept you as you are. It's admirable honestly…but my point still stands. I do not care that you are a firebender. You are still my best friend. I'll stand up for you…stand by you just like I would Sokka or anyone else. Any of my people have an issue with that…they can take it up with me. Nobody is going to hurt you on my watch."

Kuzon blinked at her, blushing a bit. She's so headstrong yet so kind. "You are truly one of a kind, you know that? I can tell you that if any of the girls back in the Palace City said anything like that….there would be severe punishments involved."

Katara nodded thoughtfully. "Women and girls are treated that badly in the Fire Nation?" Kuzon nodded. "Unfortunately so. The women of my homeland have two choices. Either become babymakers and housewives for the rest of their lives or they become lifelong soldiers."

Katara nodded. "Can't say I'm surprised. If I'm being honest…the Southern Water Tribe has similar practices. So does the North…I think. Hence why I'm considered a maverick of my own people."

Kuzon gave her a serious nod. "Like my mother."

Katara smiled. "Yes. Exactly." She sighed. "Forgive me. I don't mean to pry but we both know she's passed. Are…you going to give her a proper funeral? I know it's painful but it isn't healthy to hold on to denial."

Kuzon shook his head, a bit irritated, "No woodlands grow here. I would need wood to light a pyre and to light the body on fire. The best I can do is dig a shallow grave somewhere and hope that it doesn't get disturbed."

Katara nodded. "I see. Let me think." She then raised a finger. "Wait. I think I have an idea."

Kuzon blinked at her. "What?" Katara smiled. "In our Tribe…we lay out our dead to sea on boats and let them float away to the heavens."

Kuzon crossed his arms, "Meaning?"

Katara smiled, "Meaning we put your mother on a boat. You can light the pyre and we can let her out to sea. We do have a storage of wood here in the village. Granted we'd have to get Sokka's permission to use it but I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

Kuzon blinked, letting out a soft sigh. "It's not ideal but it isn't like I can just take a trip to the motherland and bury her in our old home. It will do…for now."

Katara nodded, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Let's get started then."

Moments later,

Near the shores of Taqqaq Village

It didn't take long for Kuzon and Katara to both convince Sokka on their plan to bury Ling.

The three of them quickly gathered some lumber, placed Ling's corpse gently in the bed of the boat.

Sokka grinned. "That's done. Now what's next?"

Katara then turned to Kuzon. She took note of the solemn yet impassive look on his face. He's taking this...a lot better than I thought he would. I don't know if should be relieved or worried.

Kuzon blinked at her and then at Sokka. He then let out a long sigh. "Now I must set her soul at peace." Breathing in deeply, he summoned all the flame he could inside and released it through his fist at the boat, setting it aflame. "You are free now…Mother. Rest now and for all time. I will do all I can to make your sacrifice worth the pain in my heart." He then jumped down and cut the rope holding it to the post. The boat then started slowly floating away."

Kuzon just stared on, watching the burning boat float away.

Katara and Sokka glanced at one another.

The two siblings understood the Avatar's pain.

They walked towards him, each putting a hand on his shoulder.

Katara spoke gently. "We're here for you. Whatever you need."

Sokka let out a chuckle. "Yeah. What she said. Whatever happens from now…we're along for the whole ride."

Kuzon gave them a nonchalant nod. Despite his tendencies to keep to himself, the two Water Tribe siblings had proven to be at least dependable allies. He would have never been able to bury his mother without their help. He at least owed them a chance. He gave both of them a nod and a rare smile. "Thank you…both of you. I would have never been able to give my mother a proper sendoff without your help. I..suppose that merits friendship…in a way."

Katara felt herself giggle. "Well good. You aren't going to get rid of me that easily."

Sokka crossed his arms smiling. "Happy to help."

The three of them heard the roar of a dragon.

Sokka then pointed at the sky. "What is that?,"

Kuzon blinked at what the warrior pointed to. He couldn't believe his eyes. "It's…a dragon."

Katara blinked at him. "A what?"

Kuzon turned to her, "A dragon! One of the original firebenders!"

As the three looked on, a dark red-skinned dragon flew down to the ground in order to meet them. It had green emerald eyes and was quite majestic in their view. It had a long, orange body with scales on it that ended with a thin tail. It also had four short legs and two large wings.

The dragon then landed gracefully onto the ice. It then let out a loud roar.

Kuzon blinked in shock. "I don't believe this! It's an actual dragon!" He then began slowly walking towards the dragon.

Katara's eyes widened in shock. "Kuzon! Be careful! You don't know if that animal is friendly!"

Kuzon turned to her with a smile. "You worry too much Katara. This is a dragon. The dragons were the original firebenders. My people have an ancestral bond with them." He then locked eyes with the red dragon. "Hi. My name is Kuzon. I'm from the Fire Nation. I'm a friend." He then outstretched a hand.

The beast then slowly started to advance towards him. Once it got close enough, It then sniffed him. It then let out a small roar, closed its eyes and gently nuzzled the boy's cheek with its snout.

Kuzon let out a rare laugh. "It's good to meet you. Do you have a name?"

The dragon then stopped and looked him in the eyes, letting out a small whimper, shaking its head.

Kuzon nodded. "I see. Where are the rest of your family?" The dragon then lowered its head with a solemn look.

Kuzon immediately got the dragon's meaning. "They…are dead aren't they?"

The dragon merely roared in anguish.

Kuzon raised an eyebrow. How is this possible? The last I heard…the dragons were still around. Granted it has been a hundred years since then…but what happened to them?" He then patted the dragon on the snout smirking. "My…family is dead too but you don't have to be afraid big girl. I'll be your family now."

The big dragon then nuzzled his snout against Kuzon's cheek, almost knocking the boy off-balance. "You are an excitable one aren't you? I think we'll get along just fine."

Katara smirked with crossed arms. "Who knew Kuzon had a way with animals?"

Sokka nodded. "Yeah. I can't say I saw that one coming."

Kuzon then turned to Katara. "Hey…Katara…Sokka…he's okay. Come introduce yourselves already."

Katara smirked and walked forward, speaking in a teasing voice. "I'm coming."

Sokka followed her.

As soon as Katara got close, however, the dragon glared at her and snorted rather loudly.

Katara stepped back at bit, smiling nervously, "Um…hi."

Kuzon smiled and patted the dragon on the stout again. "Easy there girl. I know she isn't Fire Nation but she's my friend. You can trust her."

The dragon turned to Kuzon and then to Katara.

It then glared at her before putting its snout out in front of her.

Katara's eyes went wide with fear and she turned to Kuzon. "Um…what do I do?"

Kuzon smiled. "Pat him on the stout. The edge of his nose. It is how my people greeted the dragons long ago."

The girl's eyes then widened and she turned to face Ranna. She then reached out with a hand and gently patted his stout.

The dragon then let out a low roar and nuzzled its stout against her cheek.

She let out a giggle. "Oh! Aren't you adorable?" She then grabbed his jaw and smiled warmly. "Hi. My name is Katara! It's so nice to meet you!" She then turned to Sokka and smiled. "Come say hi Sokka! She's big but she's a sweetheart!"

Sokka then grunted with crossed arms. "I'll pass."

Katara scowled at him. "Oh you have no heart." She then turned to Kuzon with a giddy look in her eyes. "I admit…I was scared at first but she's really a sweetheart. Can we keep her?"

Kuzon crossed his arms at her. "I had already planned on it. He'll need us to survive anyway. There's no way he can survive by himself out here. He needs a steady supply of meat in order to survive."

Katara nodded. "It doesn't seem like he has a name. What are you going to name him?"

Kuzon blinked. He hadn't thought about a name yet but saw the need for it. He then put a hand on its stout. "You shall be named Ranna."

Katara blinked and turned to him."What does Ranna mean?"

Kuzon then turned to her, nodding. "Ranna was my late sister's name. She died protecting me from the Sozin's men."

Katara smiled affectionately, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I think it's a beautiful name."

Sokka then walked up to the dragon. "Hey there. Name's Sokka." He then placed a hand on the stout of the dragon.

Ranna then snorted, knocking the older boy on his rear.

Katara and Kuzon laughed.

Sokka glared at both of them. "Shut up!"

Avatar Kyikoh then appeared in front of the group. "Ah I see you've found the dragon I sent to you."

The three then turned to her.

Kuzon blinked at her. "Avatar Kyikoh? What are you doing here?"

The earthbending spirit smiled at him. "I promised you a gift and I have delivered. Long ago, I asked my contacts in the Fire Nation to keep at least one of the great dragons safe from the rather frivolous hunting traditions of the Royal Family. I knew that a firebender would be reincarnated as my successor…and in line with the line of succession…you must be given an animal companion from your home nation."

Katara blinked at the earthbending spirit. "Kyikoh? You must be the Avatar before Kuzon."

The earthbending spirit smiled. "An astute observation young lady. I am."

Katara then smiled eagerly. "I'm Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. I'm.." She then turned to Kuzon smiling. I'm really growing to like him. He's sweet, charming and brave. Everytime I seem to glance at him…my heart soars a bit and my face reddens. I wonder…what is this feeling inside of me? Is it..love? The waterbender then put a hand on Kuzon's shoulder. "...his best friend."

Kuzon felt his heart leap a bit. He felt his face redden. Why does she make me blush every time she says that? Why does my heartbeat beat fast when that happens? Am I…in love with her? He then put a hand over his heart in order to help himself breathe.

Katara then elbowed her brother in the side. "This blockhead is my older brother Sokka."

Sokka then glared at her before turning to smirk at the earthbending spirit.

Kuzon looked at her and blinked and then at Ranna. He then gently rubbed the dragon's snout again.

Ranna then nuzzled his face to show his approval.

Kuzon then turned up to look at his predecessor. "What happened to the rest of the dragons? I remember...more of them being alive."

Kyikoh sighed and shook her head. "Dead I am afraid. After Sozin died…his descendants decided to hunt the dragons for sport. They made it a royal tradition."

Kuzon blinked and then stared at Ranna. The dragon let out a low howl and bowed her head. He suddenly felt an immense sense of sympathy for the large beast. His features soon darkened. "Of course they did. They didn't think starting a war was enough glory for them. They had to hunt down the very beings that gave us Fire Nationals our gift of bending." He growled. "This will not go unpunished."

Sokka nodded. "Right there with you kid. We folks of the Tribe don't look fondly upon poachers."

Katara nodded. "That is putting it mildly."

Kuzon then stared at Avatar Kyikoh. "So...what happens next?"

The earthbending spirit smirked. "What do you think kid? The next part of your journey. You are to journey to the Northern Water Tribe." Kuzon blinked. "The Northern Water Tribe? Why do I have to go there?'

Kyikoh smiled. "The Avatar must master all four elements if he is to fulfill his duty of being the world's balance. You must learn waterbending from a waterbending master."

Kuzon blinked and his narrowed glare returned to his features. "You must be joking Kyikoh. Like I can just walk into the capital of the Northern Water Tribe and ask to be trained in waterbending. I'd have a better chance of wiping out an armada of Fire Navy ships! If they see me all by myself in their homeland…I'll be lucky if they lock me in a jail cell!"

Katara just grinned with crossed arms. "Now hold on a second there Kuzon! Who said you were going alone?"

Kuzon turned to her with widened eyes. He then stormed up to her with anger flaring in his eyes. "You're joking right? Tell me you...are joking! I'm the Fire Nation's most wanted fugitive! You'd have to be certifiably insane to agree to accompany me to the North! Travel with me and you're liable to end up either dead or in prison!"

Katara felt herself smirk. She had to admit to herself that the firebender's personality type was rather attractive to her. He was soft and warm in rare, private moments and quiet the rest of the time. Water Tribe men were different. They were ferocious and braggart types who'd rather show off or joke all the time instead of give into their emotions.

Katara smirked and caressed his face with a hand, giggling. "You want to know something? You're kind of cute when you get riled up." The flirty remark caught the firebender off-guard. He turned his head away from her scowling and blushing. Cute! She called me cute! I am not cute! I'm...hideous and ugly. My hair is a mess most of the time. I don't comb it." He was then interrupted in his musing by the waterbender's next words. "Kuzon...look at me."

Kuzon, sighed and shook his head grumbling. "Ngh. Fine." He then looked straight into her eyes. Katara let out a sigh of relief, replying in a rather chirpy tone, "Better." She then smiled with an intense yet warm look in her eyes, speaking in a sweet yet authoritative tone, "I appreciate your concern. It means a lot to me…but it is misguided. I'm no damsel in distress. I was the one who led my people in rescuing you from Zuko's ship. I fought off Zuko and…probably would have killed him if he hadn't fessed up where he had put you." She then took one of his hands into hers and squeezed it tightly. "Kuzon. I promised you I'd have your back no matter what happens. I gave you my word that I'd be there for you. I'm not going back on that promise. I also will not allow you to treat me differently just because I'm a girl. Do we understand each other?" The girl's face turned in a dark glare as she faced away from him. "Plus I intend to find the man who killed my mother. I need to master waterbending as well. I can't do that just staying here in the village.

Kuzon blinked, a little intimidated. The fierceness in her eyes showed him that despite her warm nature, she was no pushover. It sort of made him admire her in a way. He immediately nodded. He knew he wasn't going to be able to convince her to stay in her village. Any future attempts would be ultimately fruitless. He calmly cleared his throat and bowed his head. "I..apologize. I did not intend to make an assumption of you because of your gender. I believe you can handle yourself. I merely wanted to protect you because you are a friend. If...this path is what you want…then I won't stand in the way."

Katara raised an eyebrow smirking. Her heart leapt. So he wasn't discounting me because of my gender! It was because he was concerned for me! How sweet! And he's not pushing the issue or trying to lord over me! It's so refreshing to meet a boy who sees me as an equal and not something to protect! She then smiled and took his hands into hers. She could feel his pulse through them. He's panicking. "Hey. I apologize for scaring you. You can calm your breathing now. All is forgiven. I just needed you to understand my point of view. Thank you for understanding."

Kuzon nodded and removed his hands from hers. She...held my hands. He then turned over to Sokka. "And what about you Sokka?"

Sokka grinned at the firebender, picking his teeth with his boomerang. "Where Katara goes…I go. Someone has to watch her back." He then grinned. "Besides…I have a feeling traveling with you is going to be fun kid."

Kuzon nodded. "What about your home village?"

Katara turned to Sokka and the two nodded at one another in unison.

Katara then turned to Kuzon. "Nodoliq and Solokoa can handle things here.

Village Center

Taqqaq Village

Moments later

Everyone gathered around the three of them as they prepared to go on their journey. As soon as the four gathered supplies, they prepared to go.

Kanna gave both of her grandchildren a deep hug. "I will miss you two. Please be safe."

Katara and Sokka both hugged her back.

Katara smiled. "We will Gran Gran."

Sokka smiled. "Yeah what she said. We'll bring Dad back home…somehow."

Kanna nodded. "I know you will." She then turned to glance at Kuzon and took his hands into hers. "You saved our village Kuzon. Thank you. Know that you will always have a home here should you need it. Please be safe. The world needs you. Now more than ever." The woman then closed her eyes. "Kalia'mai tuk manae."

Kuzon just nodded and, deciding to hide his awkwardness, just bowed to the old woman. "Thank you. I'm..not sure what that last part means."

Katara giggled. "It's an ancient Aleutian blessing. Aleutian is the ancient tongue of our people. It means "go in peace."

Kuzon just gave her a blank nod. "Oh..right."

Katara giggled. He's so cute when he gets nervous! She then felt herself blush. She and Sokka then walked up to Nodoliq and Solokoa. "Alright you two! Keep the village safe while we're gone!"

The two of them gave her a nod. "We shall!" Katara and Sokka then put their fists to the hearts. "For the Tribe!"

Nodoliq and Solokoa returned the gesture. "For the Tribe!"

Katara took her brother by the arm and waterbended the two of them on top of the dragon's back.

Sokka then let out a nervous quip. "So flamehead…how do we get this big girl in the air?"

Kuzon turned to him and then grabbed the reins around Ranna's mouth. "Simple." He then spoke in a dialect that neither Water Tribe sibling understood. "Kyo'mai!"

Ranna's eyes widened and she let a loud roar. She then got on her feet and started flap her large wings trying to get some air in them. "Kuzon then turned back to Katara and Sokka. "You two better hold on tightly! This is going to be a wild ride!"

Once the dragon had got enough air in her wings, she then jumped off into the air.

Katara let out a squeal of excitement. Sokka, meanwhile, just screamed his head off.

Kanna and the others smiled at four adventurers as they flew away in the distance. The woman smiled. "And so their journey begins."

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