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Book I: Water

Chapter XI: The Kyoshi Warriors

Part II: Life on Kyoshi Island

Kyoshi Island

Kuzon then began tossing and turning in his bed. The memories of his family's death kept playing in his head. "No…no…no...no." The constant rustling of his sleeping bag and mumbling woke Katara up. She then rubbed at her eyes. "Wha…Who is making all that noise?" She blinked as saw Kuzon tossing and turning. Immediately, she rushed over to him and began shaking him gently. "Kuzon! Sweetie! Wake up!" She then shook him harder. "Kuzon!"

Finally, he woke up in a huff and jumped into his firebending form, breathing heavily. She grabbed his hands and squeezed them.

She sighed in relief and smiled, "Easy. Easy. You're okay. You're safe."

Kuzon blinked as he looked around. The green and yellow accents and the small Earth Kingdom flags were unfamiliar to him. "Where are we? The last thing I remember was being surrounded by those strange warriors in green..and then nothing."

Katara just grinned and chuckled, "Funny thing that. Your ancestor Kyoshi played her little puppet game and convinced them to spare us. We all rested in last night."

He then nodded and looked around, "Where's Ranna?"

Katara smiled, "Safe. She's in a pen being guarded. She's actually in the pen next to our room."

Kuzon nodded, "I'm going to go check on her. TI'll be right back."

Katara just bowed her head and nodded, smiling, "Of course. We'll be right behind you." She then turned to Sokka.

He turned back to her. "It's not like him to just freak out like that."

Katara nodded, "It is concerning. We will have to keep an eye on him.

They then followed Kuzon.

As Kuzon walked into the great hall, the Kyoshi Warriors approached him and smiled warmly at him.

The lead one with blue eyes spoke warmly, "Good morning, Kuzon. Allow me to introduce myself formally. My name is Suki. I'm the Captain of the Kyoshi Guard. My sisters and I hope you slept well."

Kuzon just crossed his arms at them. "Funny. First, you're threatening to kill me and calling me an ashmaker. Now you girls are being nice. What's your angle?"

The lead one smirked, "Heh.. Spoken like a true firebender. So paranoid." She just nodded. "I can understand your distrust. I did insult you by calling you an ashmaker and did try to kill you." She then smiled and tilted her angle, "Sorry about that. As you can see…our time in isolation has done little for our manners. We meant nothing by it. The Avatar has been gone a long time. We really thought you were a fable."

Kuzon stared at them once and then just shrugged. "Eh. Can't blame you really. I was in an iceberg for a hundred years..and I am wearing the clothes of my people. If it weren't for Katara and Sokka watching my back ...I'd probably be dead…or a real life ice sculpture.

Katara had to cover her hand with her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. He's so funny. The blue-eyed girl giggled, tilting her head as she smiled at him, "You've got a sense of humor. Albeit a dark one. I got to say…I was not expecting that. Most of your kind…aren't the comedic type. It's kind of charming.,,in its own way."

Some of the girls behind her giggled.

Kuzon just blinked as his face reddened from embarrassment. He then sighed., "I…have my moments." He then glanced at Sokka. "Plus I've been traveling the world for a while with this guy. I've learned a few pointers on…Water Tribe humor."

Sokka then turned to him blinked. He then got a big grin on his face. "You mean that kid? You really mean that?"

Kuzon just quickly smirked before he went back to his impassive look. "Yes. Yes I do. Don't let it get to your head."

Katara chuckled. Suki then glanced between the two boys and nodded to Kuzon, "Okay. Fair enough. Just be sure you don't acquire your friend's manner towards the fairer sex. You will find yourself on the other end of our fan blades that way."

Kuzon then gave Suki a Fire Nation bow. "I understand. I seek no quarrel with you or any of your sisters. I see you all as honorable warriors."

Suki smirked, "Good. You have good sense…and honor. I think we'll get along just fine." She then smiled at him, "So…who are your companions?"

Kuzon nodded and bowed again. He then took Katara's hand in his and gently squeezed it. "My sweet wave….if you would…"

Katara giggled. Her face turned red as she turned to him smiling. "Of course my flameheart." She then turned to face Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors.

Suki blinked in surprise. Those two are…in love. I can see it in their eyes and…how they interact. " An honor to meet you Suki. My name is Katara. I'm from the Southern Water Tribe." She then sighed and pointed to Sokka. "That blockhead over there…is my older brother Sokka."

Suki nodded. "You two are brother and sister then? I see the resemblance. You have the same colored eyes." Suki then turned to Katara. "How did you two come across the Avatar?"

Katara chuckled as she took Kuzon's arm in hers. "He and his mother crashlanded near our village in the Southern Water Tribe a long time ago. Sokka and I were on a fishing trip when we came across them. They were near death and suffering frostbite, so we took them to the village." She then cuddled Kuzon's arm. Sokka and I have been riding along with him ever since then. I also became his waterbending teacher."

Suki nodded. "Fascinating. A firebending Avatar with Water Tribe companions. These are interesting times indeed." She then turned on her heel and smirked. "Please follow us. We have a feast prepared for you."

Sokka grinned with glee as his mouth began to water. "Mmm. Food. Real food."

Katara turned to him and indignantly scoffed as she was insulted. "How dare you? I work hard everytime I cook." Sokka just turned to her with his hands up grinning nervously, "Hey now sis! I'm not insulting your cooking! I'm just saying it is good to have some premium ingredients sometimes!"

Katara's eyes turned stormy blue as he drew water to her arms. "Premium ingredients huh?"

He then turned to Kuzon smiling nervously. "C'mon Kuzon! Back me up here!"

Kuzon just facepalmed and shook his head. "You got yourself into this situation Sokka. If there is one thing I learned from my mother…it is to never insult a woman's cooking."

Katara smiled sweetly at him and then punched him hard in the arm. " Smart words. Your mother was very wise my dear flameheart." He gave her a nod. "She was." Sokka just scoffed and threw his hands up, "Ah. Whatever. Let's just go already."

The three sat at the elongated table with Gunchi and the rest of the Kyoshi Island elders.

Kunicio then smiled at Kuzon and put her hands together. "It has been a long time since your presence Avatar Kuzon. We are honored to have you as a guest. Your presence has been greatly missed. The world has needed balance."

Kuzon just bowed his head and nodded. "Thank you for the warm welcome."

Kunicio then stared blankly at Katara and Sokka. "Who might you, you two be? Judging from your clothing…You are both from the Water Tribes."

Sokka was too busy chowing down on food to talk.

Katara sent him an annoyed glare. "Sokka! Manners please!"

He ignored her, speaking through the food in his mouth. "Can't talk! Must eat!"

She then facepalmed, rolling her eyes. She then turned to smile at the older woman. "Sorry. He's such on oaf sometimes. Yes. My name is Katara. The oaf next to me is my brother Sokka. We're Kuzon's friends. We found him on ice near our home village. The Fire Nation then found us." She then smiled at all of them and grabbed his hand under the table, squeezing it "We decided to tag along to keep him safe."

Kunicio nodded, "A practical plan. That is a very wise plan. One will often find safety in packs." Kunicio then gestured to Suki. "Allow me to introduce my daughter Suki. She is the Captain of the Kyoshi Guard. The small military force that protects our small village. I believe you met her outside."

Kuzon blinked with a nod. "That we did. You should be proud. She's a very dedicated warrior. She leads her subordinates with courage and bravery."

Kunicio nodded with a sage smile as she turned to her daughter.. "Such praise Suki. And from the Avatar himself. You honor us well."

Suki half-grinned at her mother. "Indeed."

Kunicio then turned to Kuzon. "We found a…dragon traveling with you all. Would you like to see her?"

Kuzon just nodded steeling in his emotions. "We would."

Kunicio then got up from her seat. "Please follow me."

The group then followed her to what looked like a large room.

Two Kyoshi Warriors stood guarding the room. They gave Kunicio a nod and stood aside for her.

As Kuzon walked by, both the Kyoshi Warriors bowed to him. He heard both of them murmur to each other. "It's him! It's really the Avatar!"

The two girls giggled to themselves. "He's cute!"

Katara then sent the two of them a fierce glare.

They met her eyes and froze up going silent.

Katara then gave both of them a nod. Thought so. She then looked on ahead and began walking beside her boyfriend as she interlinked her right arm with his.

Kuzon turned to look her way with a concerned look. "Something wrong sweetie? You're holding on rather tight."

Katara smirked as she rested her head against his arm. "No. Nothing's wrong. I just want to rest my head on my shoulder."

Ranna was busy feasting on some roast meat. When the dragon met the Avatar's eyes, she rushed to the firebender.

He laughed and grabbed both sides of her head, pressing his head against hers. She began nuzzling his face lovingly. "Hey there Ranna. I missed you so much. They been treating you okay?"

The red-scaled dragon let out a low howl in agreement and nodded.

She then turned to Katara and began licking her face.

The waterbender laughed as she grabbed both sides of her face. "Oh Ranna! It's so good to see you too!" She then rested her forehead against Ranna's.

The dragon then started nuzzling Sokka's face.

Sokka chuckled with a grin, grabbing both sides of the dragon's face. "Hey there girl. Good to see you."

Kunicio smiled sagely, "Very rare for a dragon to still be alive in these times."

Kuzon looked at the older woman seriously. "Ranna is the last of the original dragons. She was spared from the Royal Family's traditions."

Kunicio nodded, smiling. "I see."

The Redeemer

Sometime later

Zuko sat in his meditation. He was currently trying to figure out what he was going to do. He had asked the men to ready the ship and barrel it towards the Avatar's new location. However…he conflicted with himself. The Avatar's last words to him rang through his head. Forget me Zuko. Forget your vendetta against me. Go live your life. Please. The banished prince of the Fire Nation had to admit to himself. He hadn't expected the traitor of his own blood to grant him mercy like that. In his mind, Kuzon was as much Fire Nation as he was. The boy may not have been born of royal blood but he was kin. He remembered the last words that his mother had said to him before she had disappeared that night. Don't forget who you are Zuko. Don't forget your heart. He then shook his head growling. "Damn it. Don't tell me you are listening to that traitor. He has forgone any sense of honor. Any sense of integrity. He is not worthy to be considered Fire Nation. He gives his time to assisting those lower than his station. A true Fire Nation Avatar would…"

Uncle Iroh then loudly cleared his throat to get Zuko's attention. "Prince Zuko."

Zuko turned with anger. Who dares interrupt me? His features softened a bit when he met Iroh's gaze. Taking a breath in and then a breath out, he turned to face his uncle with his hands behind his back and bowed in respect. "Uncle."

Iroh smiled in relief and bowed in return. "We are nearing the Avatar's location. I thought you should know."

Zuko nodded and bowed again. "Thank you Uncle."

Uncle Iroh smiled with a nod. His eyes then got serious. "Have you given thought to your plan? The Avatar spared your life Zuko. He had you dead to rights. He could have killed you but he did not do so. Perhaps it is time for you to go on your own journey."

Zuko sighed as he rubbed at his eyes with a hand. "I...I'm still deciding."

Iroh nodded. "Your destiny is your destiny. You must be the one who will choose. Listen to your heart. Let it speak through you." He then walked off without a word.

Zuko just stood there contemplating his thoughts.

Kyoshi Island

Some days later

Kuzon looked around trying to ensure none of the crowds were following him. He sighed in relief and rested his back against the wall. "Oh blessed flames! Finally some peace!" He then spotted a quiet place to meditate. Getting into a meditative position…he attempted to contact Avatar Kyikoh.

The female Avatar's spirit appeared before him. She smiled broadly at him. "Kuzon! So good to see you again! I was worried you'd forgotten about me!"

Kuzon shook his head, "Not at all Avatar Kyikoh! I've just been preoccupied with evading the Fire Nation and entertaining the people here at Kyoshi Island. Ever since they found out I was the Avatar…they have been showering me with attention. It's been exhausting."

Kyikoh smirked, "Something I forgot to tell you. The Avatar tends to attract fame and fortune wherever he or she goes. It is something that you will have to contend with."

Kuzon glared for a moment at her. "Well I wish you had told me that sooner."

The waterbending Avatar giggled and smiled teasingly at him. "Oh, but where would the fun in that be." She then tilted her head at him, smiling again. "I've spoken with Kyoshi. She speaks quite fondly of you."

Kuzon crossed his arms and blinked, "That's good. Kyoshi's very serious. A hard read, for sure."

Kyikoh smiled. "She can be a bit of the stubborn type. It takes a while to get on her good side. That's earthbenders for you." She then smiled at him, tilting her head. "So you must tell me…how did you and Katara fall in love the way you did? I do love hearing a good love story."

Kuzon's face then tilted at her before his face burned red. "There's a lot to say there. A lot." He then took in a deep breath. "We've connected through the pain of losing our mothers. There was always a spark there. She would tease and flirt with me at various times. I'd rebuke her advances and tell her she was crazy."

Kyikoh smiled, "Aww. That's adorable. I can picture you two doing that in my head. She's the ice to your flame. I love it."

Kuzon nodded with a smile. "Yes. She's my heart. I still don't know if we will make it out of this alive. Part of me finds the whole 'till death do us part of our relationship insane, but I'm just learning to live with that."

Kyikoh smiled, "Love is not without its risks." She then smirked, "I had a husband named Koa. We met when I visited the South Pole for the first time. He was steadfast and loyal to me. Our time together was far from easy. We had our ups and downs but he was the love of my life."

Kuzon nodded in agreement. "Whatever happened to Koa?"

The waterbending Avatar's expression suddenly grew cold and angry. "He was killed by Sozin when we both attempted to stop him from enacting his plans for the world. After he died in my arms… I did all I could to try to take Sozin to the grave with me. I paid the price with my life." She then took Kuzon's hands into hers. "I'm giving you this piece of wisdom…from one Avatar to another...I'm aware of the fact that your family has asked you to choose mercy. To spare your enemies. I agree with most of their points except when it comes to Ozai. Spare those you can, but make an exception for the Fire Lord. That man…his father…his grandfather…his entire line. There is no shred of mercy in their eyes. They yearn to only step on the downtrodden of this world to lift themselves up. Water Tribe. Earth Kingdom. Air Nation." She made sure to emphasize the last words. "Fire Nation. The nationalities do not matter. You must learn the rest of the four elements and stop him at any cost. To try to reason with him is a fools errand…a fools errand that will result in the deaths of millions by the time of Sozin's Comet. You must stop the Fire Lord before Sozin's Comet comes."

Kuzon blinked, "Sozin's Comet. I've heard that being mentioned before. Kyoshi mentioned it before. What is that? Why is that important?"

Kyikoh let out a long sigh. Just like Kyoshi to mention the Comet without elaboration. She then felt her spirit form flicker a bit. Damn. I've been gone too long. I need to recharge my form. Meeting Kuzon's eyes..she smiled sadly, "I'm afraid I do not have enough energy left to explain. Please meet with me at the Temple of the Water Sages. There, I will be able to explain more."

Kuzon blinked in confusion. "The Temple of the Water Sages…I believe I understand."

Kyikoh smled warmly. "Good. Bye for now. I will be watching from afar."

The woman's spirit then disappeared.

Kuzon just blinked in confusion as he stood there. "What does she mean by…" He then heard Sokka's voice. "Hey sis! I found him! He's over here!" Two sets of footsteps were heard until Kuzon suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey! There you are!" Katara's voice brought him out of his thoughts.

He turned to look up at her.

She just caught her breath. She looked rather cross. "There you are. You had me worried sick. What are you doing out here all by yourself?"

Kuzon blinked. "Sorry. Just needed some quiet. The crowds were getting to be a bit much."

Katara nodded seriously. "I can understand your desire to avoid the crowds, but please don't venture too far out of my sight. You have enemies everywhere…even here in the Earth Kingdom. Sokka and I can't watch your back if you sneak out every time things get too claustrophobic for you. I need you to promise me."

Kuzon just nodded as he took her hands into his own. "I hear you Katara.. I'm sorry to have worried you. I'll work on not isolating myself so much."

She smiled at him with a grateful look in her eyes. She kissed him on the cheek and held his face in her hands. "Okay. Thank you, Kuzu. I just want to keep you safe." She then took his hand. "Come. Kunicio and the rest of the Kyoshi Elders have some things to show you." Kuzon just nodded as Sokka and Katara led him back to the village.

Kunicio and the rest of the Elders all sighed in relief as the waterbender and the warrior returned with the Avatar in tow.

Kunicio clapped her hands together and smiled. "Kuzon! Thank goodness! We thought the worst!"

Suki then glared at the firebender putting her hands on her hips. "That we did! I have to say I'm a little insulted Kuzon! I was starting to like you! You've only been here a week or two and already trying to avoid us? That's a little rude. We haven't seen the Avatar in a long time! Do you have something against the Kyoshi Warriors? Does our presence intimidate you?"

Kuzon just let out a long sigh and bowed, "I assure you Suki. I have no prejudice against you or your sisters. I..I'm just not used to being the center of attention. I'm a bit of a loner. Accepting the love and support of others is…difficult for me. I apologize if my conduct was offensive."

Suki then nodded still glaring. "I see. Well…given that you are Fire Nation…and all you've been through….I'll give you a pass…this time at least. She then engulfed the firebender in a hug. The gesture took aback Kuzon. Katara smiled. People are getting to know and respect Kuzon. It warms my heart. Suki then smiled, "Sorry. I didn't mean to be so blunt, but I need you to listen to me, okay? I understand you're paranoid, but you don't have to keep your guard around me or any of my sisters. You are Kyoshi's descendant. You are the world's hope. You are our hope. All we want to do is help you end this war. We want to make sure you are safe. Can't you give us that?"

Kuzon let out a long sigh. "I can try my best."

Suki grinned as she held him at arms length and gave him a smiling nod. "Okay. That's a start at least." She then let go, turned her back to Kuzon and called out to her sisters. "Sisters! I want most of you to return to your patrolling duties except three of you. Nova. Kivi. Hin Wi are with me. We are to guard the Avatar and keep him safe at all costs! Am I clear?"

The band of Kyoshi Warriors then broke up except for three, who all stood and saluted with a right foot stomp. "Yes, ma'am!"

Suki smirked. Nova, Kivi and Hin Wi all then surrounded Kuzon.

Katara smiled as she took Kuzon's left hand in hers and squeezed it. "It's going to be alright sweetie. I promise."

He turned to her, giving her a nod of thanks.

Suki smirked as she took the lead position. "Onward to Kyoshi's library. Stay close, Kuzon."

Kyoshi Library

Sometime later

Kuzon, Katara, Sokka, Suki, and the Kyoshi Guard visited an old building.

Suki, Nova, and Hin Wi stopped before the Kyoshi Library and saluted.

Suki then smirked at Kuzon as she pointed at the Kyoshi Library. "We're here."

Kuzon stopped and raised an eyebrow. "Where is here?"

Suki smirked again. "The Kyoshi Library. The place where Kyoshi kept all her writings, scrolls, and diary entries. We haven't opened the door in over a hundred years because we've been waiting for your return." Suki then walked up to the door and pushed it open. "Please allow me."

Kuzon blinked at her before nodding. "Thank..you." He then walked slowly into the room.

Katara and Sokka followed.

Suki then stopped Sokka with a hand. He turned to her. "Is there a problem?" She narrowed her eyes at him, "Know that I am only allowing you in because of my respect for the Avatar. Behave yourself in there."

He just scoffed. "As if you could touch me." She glared back, gripping the door hard before closing it hard.

Kuzon facepalmed. "Sokka. Seriously. What is your deal with the Kyoshi Warriors? Things are already tense enough without you adding more timber to the flame."

Sokka then put his hands on his hips. "Oh come on Kuzon. Do you really think those girls are warriors? They wear makeup and fight with fans. What self-respecting warrior would fight with silly fans?"

Katara then turned to glare at him. "How is it that you support my right to fight then? I'm a girl, yet you've never indicated that I should be on the sidelines."

Sokka's eyes went wide with shock. "That…is…That is different. You're of the Water Tribe. Your waterbending is practical. You don't prance around in silly makeup." His words, though they were honest, did not save him from his sister's righteous indignation. "That is your excuse! Because I'm Water Tribe! Because I don't wear makeup all the time! Urgh! You are unbelievable! It's an embarrassment to be related to you!"

Sokka, obviously hurt by her words shouted, "See this is why I keep things to myself! You always take what I say the wrong way!"

The two siblings continued to bicker until Kuzon raised a hand speaking diplomatically, "Okay I have an idea. Hear me out, you two." The two then turned to him.

Katara blinked as she crossed her arms at him, confused. "What is it sweetie?"

Sokka crossed his arms as well. "Yeah. What's your idea, kid?" Kuzon let out a sigh of relief. "

Sokka, how about you challenge Suki to a one-on-one match? Test her skills? If she is as inferior as you believe…then there is a high chance you will win. If you lose…your ego gets brought down a peg. Either way, you will learn the truth of her abilities."

Sokka blinked as he considered the idea. "That… isn't bad. She's weaker than me, so it should be a walk in the park."

Katara then smirked at Kuzon. "Kuzu. You are a genius. I love that idea."

Kuzon sighed in relief as he ran a hand against his face. "Good. Good." He then looked around them. The books were all disorganized and all over the place. "Now can you two please help me find the earthbending scroll or any of Kyoshi's writings in here? This place is a mess."

Katara smirked. "I'd be happy to."

Sokka grinned. "Yeah kid. Let's do it."

The three of them then began searching for what they were looking for.

As the group continued to look in the room, Kuzon found a scroll that had been sealed with a green seal. He blinked at it. "That looks interesting." He then pulled it out and popped out the cork, letting it unroll. Two earthbending moves were inscribed on it. One was of a person raising a mound of earth and then side-kicked it. The other was of an earthbender raising up a massive mound of earth as a wall to protect himself. "Well. I found something interesting. Looks like basic earthbending forms."

The two Water Tribe siblings looked on at the scroll. Katara's face lit up like a torch. "Awesome. You could definitely use these."

Sokka chuckled. "I think I've found something better. Take a look at this." He then opened up the ratty journals in his hands. "These seem to be written by Kyoshi herself."

Sometime later

The gang then all knocked on the door.

Suki opened it a crack wide, smiling. "Yes?"

Kuzon bowed before her. "I'd like to ask permission to remove some of these artifacts and…peruse them to my leisure in my quarters." He then smiled nervously. "Preferably over a couple of tea if that can be arranged,"

Suki smirked. You're asking for quite a lot, Kuzon, but…I think I can accommodate that. It isn't every day the Avatar comes by to visit."

Kuzon bowed before her. Thank you for your graciousness. It is appreciated."

Katara smiled at Suki and nodded. Yes. Thank you."

Sokka smiled. Yeah, I appreciate the help."

Suki smiled at Aang and Katara and nodded to Sokka in acknowledgement. "Happy to help."

Kuzon, Katara and Sokka all got back to their quarters.

Kuzon and Katara were busy unrolling the papers and scrolls they had brought with them.

Sokka just chuckled with a grin as he crossed his arms. "You two have fun with those fancy scrolls. I'm going to try to patch things up with Suki. I think we got off on the wrong foot."

Katara turned to her brother with a worried look. "Okay. Just be careful, Sokka. She's still kind of peeved at you."

Kuzon looked up from the piece of parchment he was looking at. "Agreed. It would be wise of you to be cautious. Those Kyoshi Warriors are liable to implant a fan into your forehead."

Sokka then shamelessly grinned at the firebender. "C'mon now Kuzon. You underestimate my charms." He then walked off without another word.

Kuzon just shook his head. "I worry about him sometimes. He's liable to get himself killed one day angering the wrong person."

Katara turned to him and nodded, "As do I Kuzon. As do I." She then flipped another page. "Ching the Conqueror…was apparently a cruel bastard. He conquered huge swaths of the Earth Kingdom and murdered those who dared to oppose him. He was a tyrant in every sense of the word."

Kuzon nodded as he began to try to practice one of the forms. "And here I was thinking my people were the only ruthless types. Those poor souls."

Katara nodded. "Indeed."

Kuzon replied briskly and felt his heart go cold for a moment. "How did he die? Do her journal entries say anything about Ching the Conqueror's death?"

Katara turned to him and blinked, turning her eyes to the old journal before her. "It says here that he died of his own accord. Fell to his death. Kyoshi begged him to renege on his plans. He refused. Quite fitting if I may say so myself."

Kuzon nodded. "He died of his own stubbornness. There's a certain irony there."

Katara sensed the relief in his tone and eyed him. "You sound almost relieved….and worried. What's going on?"

Kuzon sat himself down and shook his head. "It's Avatar related. I don't want to worry you."

Katara just blinked at him and set the journal down. She sat across from him, squeezing his hands into hers. She smiled sadly, "I'm afraid that ship has already sailed, sweetie. You forget. You don't hide your emotions well. Come on. You know you can trust me with anything."

Kuzon just sighed and nodded. "You're right." He then sighed again. "Before you and Sokka ran to gather me…I spoke with Avatar Kyikoh. She wanted to catch up. We talked, and she told me she was aware of the promise I made to my parents."

Katara nodded emphatically. "You'll have to remind me what that was."

Kuzon looked her in the eyes. "My no-killing rule."

Katara's eyes widened. "Ah. Yes. That rule." She noted how bad Kuzon's hands were trembling and held them tighter to comfort him. "What did she say?"

Kuzon met her with a conflicted look in his eyes. "She told me I have no choice but to kill Fire Lord Ozai. Apparently...she tried to reason with Sozin. Tried to get him to relent on his world conquest." His fists tightened. "In return…he killed her husband Koa right in front of her. He died in her arms."

Katara covered her hands with her mouth. "Oh my gosh! That's horrible! I can't even imagine the grief she felt!"

Kuzon just nodded. "She lost herself in anger. She..flew into a rage and fought him to the death…quite literally."

Katara just nodded calmly. "I see."

Kuzon sighed. "I can't be an Avatar of only darkness or pure light. I know that. I'm trying to maintain that balance on the inside but I can't help but imagine if I was ever put in that situation. If it were you and Ozai killed you in front of me. I don't know what I'd do. What I'd be capable of."

Katara looked upon her boyfriend with a worried look in her eyes. "Are you trying to say that you are…afraid of your power?" Kuzon met her eyes again and nodded. "Wouldn't you be if you were in my shoes, sweetie? Having the power of all the four elements at your fingertips? Having all of that power at your whim? I can destroy this world just as easily as I can save it. If I were like Zuko…"

Katara's eyes shot up in anger as she took his hands into hers. "Hey. Don't do that. Don't you ever compare yourself to that selfish warmonger."

Kuzon sighed in exasperation, "But Katara…" She then looked him straight in the eyes with a fierce look in her azure eyes. "But nothing. You are a hero. You are the Avatar. You and Zuko share a heritage, but that is it. You fight to free others from your people's rule. Not to promote their subjugation." She then kissed him passionately before smiling at him. "The people of the Water Tribes believe in you and more importantly…I believe in you. I believe that you will end this war and bring us all home. Whenever you feel weighed down by everything ... .let that fuel your inner fire. Don't you give up. Promise me?"

Kuzon just nodded as his face reddened. "You are right. Thank you."

Katara smiled warmly at him. "Of course. I'm always here for you."

Sokka let out a long sigh as he passed by the Kyoshi Warriors' barracks. He could feel the guilt inside himself start to overwhelm him. On the outside.. .he had just brushed Katara's words away as if they were nothing…but they had struck a chord in the young warrior. Katara has a point. It is hypocritical of me to accept her place as a warrior and not Suki's. But...I mean…she isn't Water Tribe.

Suki, meanwhile, was drilling her sisters in combat drills. The sounds of fans opening and closing and shouts could be heard. She was walking around them with her hands behind her back. "Keep your form up, girls. The Fire Nation could strike any day at any time. You must be ready."

All of them nodded as they kept focused on their drills.

Sokka then took in a deep breath and slowly knocked on the sliding door.

This drew everyone's eyes on him.

Suki immediately glared daggers at him. She spoke with barely contained venom in her voice. "Sokka. What a nice surprise."

By this point, the other girls had noticed Sokka.

Sokka felt fear enter his being. He began sweating nervously.

The girls were all armored and had their fans at the ready. Even if he were as skilled as he was…the odds were six to one." He then put his hands up. "Hold up. Hold up. Easy there. I didn't come looking for a fight. I just want to talk."

Suki tilted her head at him. "Not looking for a fight? Are you sure about that? Your past actions show otherwise."

Sokka sighed, still keeping his hands. "Fair enough. I have been a bit of an asshole."

Suki crossed her arms at him. "I'd wager more than a few copper pieces that it has been more than a little bit. Ever since he arrived on our shores...Kuzon has treated us with honor. So has your sister. You seem dead set on just pissing us off."

Sokka chuckled, "I'm naturally sarcastic. It… tends to rub people the wrong way."

Suki then drew one of her fans, "You should be careful of that quirk of yours. It's liable to get you killed one day."

Sokka grinned nervously. "So my sister tells me." He then sighed and gestured with his hands. "Look. How about we spar? Your tactics against mine. Let's settle our differences. I want to start over things with a clean slate."

Suki smirked and then burst out laughing. She had to admit that she admired the man's courage. "You have some serious guts. How do you know I won't kill you?" Sokka just shrugged with a calm attitude. "I like to live dangerously."

Suki nodded as she drew her fans. "Okay then. Girls! Clear the floor!"

The Kyoshi Warriors around them spread out to give Sokka and Suki room.

Suki then unfolded her fans.

Sokka then drew his war sword.

Suki smirked, "Sure about this Sokka? Last chance to back out."

Sokka narrowed his eyes on her. "No chance. My honor is on the line."

Suki smiled. "Okay, then." She rushed to Sokka with her fans and went for a sideways strike.

Sokka dodged out of the way. He struck her with his sword.

She blocked the attack with a fan.

He then jumped back and went for a downward strike.

Suki blocked it with her right wristguard. She then blocked his second attack with her left wristguard. She then side-kicked Sokka hard.

He landed hard on his back. He groaned a bit in pain as he got up to his feet. He then put his fists up and rushed in again.

Suki smirked as she managed to dodge all his punches and kicks. She then kicked him in the back of the left knee.

His balance wobbled as he put pressure on his right leg. Damn. I'm losing my balance.

She then tried to strike him with her right wristguard.

He managed to catch her attack, and, using all his strength, used his remaining good leg to land a kick straight in her chest.

This sent Suki flying until she crashed into the wall.

Sokka, meanwhile, fell on his right hip. "Ow! Damn that hurts!"

Suki's sisters rushed to help her up.

One of them put a hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright Suki?"

Suki looked up and slyly smirked. "I'll be fine. Don't worry sisters." She then looked down at Sokka.

He was groaning and wincing in pain. "Damn it. I think I broke my leg."

Suki then picked him up by his collar and pinned him against the way. She then took one of her fans and tucked it under his chin. There was a cold look in her eyes. "Are you afraid to die? Are you going to beg for your life?"

Sokka just glared back at her. His face turned red as his heartbeat quickened. "Never. I'd rather die."

The air went thick with tension.

Suki's mouth then formed into a smirk as she blushed. "Hah. You've got a warrior's spirit after all. I have to say. I admire that in a man." She then removed the fan from under his chin and hugged him. "Consider the hatchet buried Sokka. We are equals now."

Sokka just blinked. He then nervously hugged her back.

Suki then broke the hug as she turned to her sisters. "Alright girls! Listen up! This one is not to be harmed! He's a friend to us now!"

Every one of the Kyoshi Warriors nodded at her. "Yes ma'am!"

Suki then maneuvered Sokka's left arm around her shoulder. "C'mon Sokka. Let's get you some help for that leg."

Sokka grunted in pain as he nodded, continuing to walk on his good leg. "Appreciate the help."

The two then walked out of the room.

Part II is done!

The last part is coming!

Appreciate all the reviews and ratings!