Book I: Water

Chapter XIII: Race to the Water Temple

Part I: A Family Reunion

Kuzon rubbed his eyes as he woke up the following day. He began his morning exercises. I've got to keep myself in shape, he said. He threw another kick. He noticed some soldiers passing him, glaring at him as they walked by. He just glared back. Heh. That's fine. They don't have to like me. Fine with me.

One of them then got into Kuzon's face. "Count your days, ashmaker…and watch your back."

Kuzon chuckled darkly, "I'd say the same for you. I'm no pushover. Back off before you get burned, asshole."

Katara's voice then boomed, "What the hell is going on here?"

The man turned to her with an incredulous look. "What's wrong is you bringing this damn spy on our ship! I expected more from the Chief's daughter! You dishonor your blood by consorting with this man!"

Katara's eyes turned as cold as ice. She then kneeled him in the gut.

He fell to his knees in pain. All of his comrades gasped in shock. One of them gasped, "Princess Katara! You can't just attack a sitting member of the military!" She then glared at him.

He took a few steps back.

Kuzon just blinked. He both admired and feared her temper. He felt himself shiver a bit. The waterbender then pressed her icicle knives into the man's neck. "I'm afraid you have it backward, soldier. Kuzon is the man I love and an honored member of my ohuna. I will kill anyone who dares to raise a sword to him! Water Tribe or not!"

Hakoda batted in, rushing to them with Bato and the others behind him, "Katara! Don't!" She then turned to him and glared. He smiled nervously, "Look. I understand your anger. I know how much you care about the Avatar's well-being. Your mother was very much the same way as me. But killing that man would be a waste. He's ignorant. Foolish. He got a little fired up. You know our history with the Fire Nation. We need him alive. Save your anger for the enemy. Please."

Katara turned to Kuzon and then to her father. She closed her eyes and sighed, "I'll tell you what, Dad. I'll spare this man if you promise me to tell the men this…if any one of them even cuts a hair on Kuzon's head…they die. We have a deal?"

Hakoda nodded, "Yes."

Katara nodded, "Okay." She then withdrew her icicle knives from the man's throat and pushed him down to the ground hard. "Go. Get out of my sight before I change my mind."

Hakoda gave his daughter a nervous smile, "Thank you, Katara. I appreciate your restraint. I'm proud of you."

She then turned to him and nodded coldly, "Just keep to your end of the deal." She then took Kuzon by the hand, dragging him along, "Come on, sweetie." Hakoda sighed as she stormed past him.

Bato turned to him, "I have to say…. I always imagined she'd be different if we saw her again…but this is something else. She's so disobedient. Falling for an ashmaker of all people."

Hakoda rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It is troublesome, but I do understand her perspective somewhat. I left her and Sokka all alone to fend for themselves for a long time. It wasn't long after Kya died. Her reaction is honestly expected." He shook his head, "I..have a lot to atone for."

Katara then finally stopped as soon as they were far enough. She then stopped as she let go of his hand.

He then went quiet. He was unsure of what to say. "I'm sorry. He got the best of my temper." She turned to him, smirked, and shook her head, "No. You weren't to blame, sweetie. As far as I'm concerned...Faloq was the instigator there. He got in your face…not the other way around." She then readjusted her blue wristguard. She walked up to him, kissed him on the cheek, and squeezed his arm, smiling, "From now on…stick by my side."

He nodded, "You got it."

She smirked, "Good. Come. I have something important to tell you."

He blinked, "Really? I'm all ears."

Kuzon noticed something different about the waterbender he adored.

When they had last shown up in her homeland, Katara made sure to braid her hair painstakingly per Water Tribe culture. However, now, she seemed to have let her dark hair out for all to see. It was neatly combed. His face reddened. "Your hair…You haven't braided it."

She gave him a sideways glance and smiled. He felt his heart leap for a moment. She laughed, "Hah. Finally noticed that did you?" She then stared out into the snowy sky. "I've decided I want to rebel against my people's expectations. Water Tribe women are supposed to be timid, quiet and demure." She then then walked up to him, grabbed his left hand by the wrist and began tracing the palm of his left hand with her right ring finger.

Kuzon went red.

"I figure I've already broken enough rules by leaving my village, learning to become a warrior, and falling in love with the Avatar everyone loves to hate. What's one more?" She then picked up his face with a hand, smirked, and kissed him passionately before pulling away. "Plus, I know you prefer it when I let my hair grow out. I've seen the way you sneak little glances my way. I want to keep your eyes on me. Tui knows I have my hands full with the competition."

Kuzon closed his eyes as his face reddened, "You..aren't wrong. Fire Nation women aren't known to braid their hair." He then sighed as he took his hands off her face. Try as hard as I do…I can't forget about my people's culture."

Katara shook her head as she grabbed his face, frowning, "That's a good thing, sweetie."

He blinked, "It is? Look at what my people have done, Katara. The pain they have inflicted on your cousins in the North. Kyoshi Island. Your family. You." Kuzon's face turned hard and yet overflowing with emotion. "I want to redeem my homeland, but I don't know if I can. I spared Zuko. I could have killed him. Had I stuck to my people's ways…I would have. I feel like I'm fighting the base nature of my people. For all the richness of our people and our traditions…we chose to export war as our greatest export to the world. We conquer foreign lands, kill their defenders, and milk their natural resources for all they are worth. I can't help but feel I'm a part of that sometimes. I was stuck in that damn iceberg for a century. I was supposed to stop Sozin. Stop everything." He turned his back on her, crossed his arms, and sighed, "I've failed the world and my people. I fear sometimes that the Fire Nation will never know a time of peace. It sickens me…that for the last hundred years…my people have been used as pawns for the glory and gluttony of a family line of spoiled mass murderers."

Katara then shook her head. Oh, hell no! I'll be damned if I let him take the guilt of his people on his shoulders! Sozin and his bastard of a family line are responsible for Mom's death! Not him! He will stop Ozai, bring down the Royal Family, and burn the Fire Empire to ashes! I'll see to it, he will! She turned him around, stared him in the eyes, kissed him again, and smiled, "I said it once…and I will repeat it, sweetie. You are not like your people. The death of my mother is not your fault." Her gaze hardened. "Fire Lord Sozin chose to let the world burn. He brought ruin to my homeland...not you." She darkly chuckled.

How I see it…his family has kept the flames going these past hundred years." Her gaze darkened, "That also includes Zuko." She smirked as she squeezed his hands into hers, "Never forget. You don't need to go searching if you want to find a home. You have a home here. With Master Pakku. With Gran-Gran. With Sokka. With Yue." She leaned in and tilted her head at him, "With me. I want you here. Someday…when we put an end to all this…We'll get married and raise our children here. We'll have one boy and one girl. We'll be a family."

Kuzon blinked as his face reddened.

The thought of Katara, dressed in a blue marital dress with a veil, smiling at him was something to look forward to. Granted…he wouldn't be able to invite his family. They were gone, but he knew they would always be with him in spirit. "Y-You've already planned that out?"

She smirked, "Yup. I already have a name for our daughter."

Kuzon blinked. "What…is the name?" She brushed his hair to the side and smiled lovingly, poking his cheek with a finger." Kyulla Kya Lin Sho."

He blinked as tears fell from his eyes. "You want to name her after my mother? And keep my last name?"

She smiled and chuckled, "Of course. Contrary to how I usually am with your people…I'm not biased against Fire Nation culture and traditions. After all…your mother raised you to respect women, so Fire Nation culture can't be all bad." She laughed at his stunned expression. "As for the last name…well, it isn't like I was given one. It's uncommon for Water Tribesmen to use last names, so…I figure we can leave it there. I just ask that we also give her the middle name of Kya." She grabbed her mother's necklace, closed her eyes, and smiled, "I'd like to keep Mom's namesake alive."

Kuzon then gently grabbed her by the arms. "Of course. I'd be honored."

She smiled with tears rolling down her eyes. "Thank you, sweetie. That...means a lot to me." Sokka's booming voice was then heard. "Hey, you two! Look who I found!"

Katara and Kuzon then turned to Sokka's voice, "Who is it, Sokka?" She then gasped, "Yue!" Yue smiled at Katara.

The two ran at each other and hugged, "Ah, it is so good to see you, sister."

Katara chuckled, "You too, sister."

Kuzon blinked as he walked over to Katara's side. He locked eyes with Yue and gave her a Fire Nation bow. "Your Highness!"

Katara, Sokka, and Yue all burst out into laughter.

Yue shook her head, smiling, "Oh, Kuzon…" She threw her arms around the firebender, laughing, "I thought I told you not to be so formal with me. You are destined to be my brother-in-law, after all. Loosen up already."

Kuzon nodded while he hugged her back. "Right. Sorry about that."

Katara crossed her arms, chuckling, "I thought you had to stay back at Agna Qel'a Yue. What are you doing here?"

Yue smiled as she put her hands together. "Ever since our victory at Agna Qel'a….Both of our fathers have agreed to join our war efforts together. The Water Tribes stand united against the Fire Nation's tyranny. My father has come as well."

Katara crossed her arms and smirked, "It is about time."

Sokka grinned as he put an arm around her. "Damn straight. The Water Tribes are back in this war! J'aka malour!"

Both Katara and Sokka smirked at him.

Kuzon just blinked at all of them. Katara smiled at him, "It's an ancient Aleutian saying, sweetie. Means "Victory or Death!"

He nodded, "I see."

Yue then beamed at the firebender. "I've already asked Chief Hakoda to promote you as one of the generals of the Combined Tribal Force."

Kuzon blinked, "You want me to lead your armies?"

Katara blinked. "Ah, yes. That's what I was going to tell you, sweetie."

Kuzon turned to her and then to Yue. "Why me?"

Yue smiled, "Why you, indeed? You are the Avatar—the most powerful being in the world. We will depend on you to help us clear the way for our benders and warriors. As such…you needed a title and station befitting your status." She then turned to Katara.

The waterbender smirked back. "Katara and I came up with the idea. That way…nobody is allowed to try to assassinate you, and our people will be forced to listen to your guidance. It'll make your job of saving the world a hell of a lot easier."

Kuzon turned to Katara suspiciously, "I thought you said your father didn't trust me."

Katara just shrugged coldly, "My dad is an asshole, but he is a pragmatic asshole. He knows we need you alive. We don't agree much today, but we agree that this war must end. He will take all the help he can get."

Kuzon detected a hint of smugness and sarcasm in her tone. Wow. She's really bitter at him. It is kind of sad. But it is not my place to meddle in her relationship with her father. That's part of our agreement. He then returned to Yue, "What must I do?"

Yue smirked, "That's why I like you Kuzon! You're a warrior of action!" She then turned to Sokka and smirked, "Sokka…the rucksack, please!"

Sokka handed the extra rucksack to her. She smiled up at Kuzon with the rucksack in hand. "Follow me, please."

Kuzon blinked as he looked at the ceremonial blue armor the group had forced him into.

Sokka crossed his arms. "Heh. Not bad. Looking good, brother."

Kuzon turned to him, blinking. "I look and feel ridiculous. Do I seriously have to fight in this?"

Katara just chuckled, shaking her head with a grin. She then kissed him on the lips briefly before smirking, "Stop being so dramatic. You look fine. I rather like the way the Water Tribe armor looks on you. Very handsome."

Sokka nodded. "He does look pretty good in that."

Yue smiled as she grabbed the three jars of face paint and brushes on the tray beside her. "Katara…would you do the honors? He is yours after all,"

Katara laughed as she took the tray from her, "I'd be honored." She then set the tray in front of her.

Kuzon blinked, "I thought you said you were rebelling against your people's traditions." She smirked as she dipped one of the brushes in the black paint. "Well…not all traditions are bad. Plus, part of the reason I agreed to all this was so I could practice my makeup skills on you." She looked up at him, "Now stop complaining and close your eyes. I don't want to mess this up."

Kuzon sighed, nodded, and did so.

Kuzon grunted. He did not like being blind or unable to perceive his surroundings. "Can I open them now?"

Katara giggled and rolled her eyes. "No, I'm not done, sweetie. Stop being such a baby."

Sokka chuckled.

Yue chuckled, and she linked herself with his right arm.

Kuzon sighed.

Katara completed the last swish and then dipped the brush in the water. She grabbed the mirror and pointed it towards him. "Okay. Now open."

He sighed in relief, "Finally!" He then blinked in shock. Across his face was a type of gray face paint mixed with a bit of dark blue and a bit of charcoal black.

Sokka grinned, "Now you're one of us, brother! Welcome to the Tribe!"

Kuzon blinked. As he looked…he felt a strange sense of belonging. He knew he'd always be Fire Nation. That was in his heart, but it was different. He knew not everyone in the Water Tribes was his biggest fan, but he had family here. Between his girlfriend…the warrior he considered a brother…and the princess he respected…he realized he wasn't alone. He spoke in a stunned tone. "Wow. That looks different."

The others laughed. Sokka then took him by the arm. "Alright…now, time for your training!"

Kuzon stared at the sword in his hand. "So… sword fighting then?"

Sokka grinned, "Yup. It's the only way you will defeat Dad and King Arnook. They know you're a master firebender and…you're damn good at your waterbending…so we had to keep things fair."

Sokka smirked, "Katara and the old geezer taught you how to play with water. I will teach you how to fight like a real man now."

Yue just laughed out loud.

Katara turned her fierce glare on her brother as she crossed her arms. "Sokka…just get on with it.."

Sokka grinned at her and turned his eyes to Kuzon. "Hold it at your side." He then drew it back, digging his right heel in the snow. "Now charge at me! Meet every strike and counter when you can, and try to look for an opening!"

Soon, the two men clashed swords.

Yue turned to Katara and smirked, "So…I bet you your blue perfume that Sokka beats Kuzon."

Katara turned to her with an intense look, "You are mighty confident."

Yue smirked, "Of course I am. Sokka's a warrior with experience with a blade. I admire Kuzon's tenacity, bravery, and ability to adapt, but he's a bender. He's spent his whole time depending on his bending to fight. He's never even used a sword."

Katara crossed her arms. "Sokka is reckless, unfocused, and fights like a brute." She smirked. Kuzon's a master firebender. He fights with precision and purpose. He waits for a weakness and corners in. He's got this in the bag." She smirked, "You are on…but you'll have to part with those gold earrings."

Yue glared back with fierceness in her eyes, "You are so on!" She then turned her focus to the fight. "Beat him Sokka! You can do it, my sweet polar bear!"

Katara glared at her and, not wanting to be outdone, shouted even louder, "Watch Sokka's footing, sweetie! Find a chink in his armor! Go for the leg if you can! You can do it! I believe in you!"

The fight was hard and laborious. Kuzon fought hard against Sokka despite his inexperience with a blade.

Every time Sokka struck him in the side, leg, or midsection…Kuzon would stumble back but come right back with a passion.

Sokka drew back again, this time breathing hard. "I have to say. You're tough."

Kuzon just nodded, sweat coming down his brow. "You expected me to give up? Seriously?"

Sokka grinned, "No." He then rushed at Kuzon, sword drawn. Kuzon rushed at him, sword drawn.

The two swords clashed so hard that they fell out of their grips and planted themselves in the snow.

Both lost their footing, tripped, and fell on their faces.

Yue blinked in shock, "Sokka!" She rushed over.

Katara did as well, "I'm coming, sweetie! Hold on!" She then quickly helped Kuzon to his feet. He shook his head. "Ooof. I think it it hadn't been for the heavy snow….that would have left a mark."

She burst out laughing." She then kissed him on the cheek. "You fought bravely. I'm proud of you."

He nodded, "Thanks."

Sokka chuckled as Yue helped him up.

She kissed him on the cheek and smiled, "You alright?"

He rolled his eyes, "Fine. Just got caught off guard, is all."

Katara then turned to Yue as she smirked, "Well, sister. Looks like it's a tie."

Yue smiled, "Seems it is. We'll have them go again sometime in the future."

The two then nodded at each other and smiled.

Sokka then grinned at Kuzon. "Well, those are the basics. I think you'll do pretty well. You're a novice but tough and smart enough to miss the obvious strikes. Dad and King Arnook won't expect that."

Kuzon nodded and bowed to the warrior. "Thank you again, Sokka. I was honored to learn from you." Sokka rolled his eyes and groaned, "Again, with the bowing? Seriously. Cut that out already." He then gave him a sideways hug and patted him on the back. "You're like a brother to me, kid. I'm happy to do it."

The Arena

Southern Military Base, Southern Water Tribe

Chief Hakoda and King Arnook turned to each other and blinked.

King Arnook nodded, "So you are good with the terms Kuzon?"

Kuzon nodded, "I am."

Chief Hakoda gave him a steely-eyed nod. "You understand your circumstances. It is two against one."

Kuzon nodded, keeping his tone respectful, "I'm aware of the circumstances, Chief Hakoda. I've taken on a fleet of Fire Navy ships with the Avatar State, and I took out a Fire Navy ship with my bending. I assure you I can handle this."

Chief Hakoda turned to Sokka, "Your take Sokka?"

Sokka grinned as he put his arm around Yue. "The kid is ready. He damn near tired me out."

Chief Hakoda nodded and then turned to Katara. "Your take, Katara?"

Katara turned to him with a cold look that almost made him lose his resolve. Almost. "He can handle himself. Dad."

Hakoda then smiled at her faintly, "Thank you."

Chief Hakoda then drew his swords and pointed to Kuzon. "Alright. One last rule, Kuzon. This is not an Agni Kai. You have to prove you can handle yourself with a sword."

Kuzon drew his sword. "Fair enough. A word of warning. I won't hold back."

Hakoda nodded.

King Arnook drew his sword. "Let the fight begin!"

Suddenly, the drummers started to pick up rhythm. Shouts of "Kill the ashmaker!" and "Down with the Fire Nation!" rang throughout the makeshift arena.

Hakoda and Arnook began trying to circle and corner the firebender.

Hakoda then drew back and rushed in with his sword.

Kuzon blocked it with his.

King Arnook then drew in with his spear, intending to jab the firebender.

Kuzon immediately realized that the Northern king wasn't as combat-effective as his Southern counterpart. He chalked it up to living a life of luxury and excess for a long time. Arnook was sloppy and his moves were easy to telegraph. He was also heavier and not as nimble as Hakoda.

Kuzon then dodged another of Arnook's strikes. Kuzon then realized the man wasn't watching his footing. His feet were far apart. I can trip him. That will neutralize the king for at least a while. Thinking fast, he drew some distance between him and Arnook and extended his left leg. As he predicted…Arnook managed to trip and fell flat on his face.

Katara cheered as she stood up and pumped a fist, "Yes! That's my boyfriend! I love you, sweetie!"

Some of the onlookers next to her gave her glares.

She just glared at them until they relented.

Yue blinked, "I suppose I should have expected that. Father hasn't trained in a long time."

Sokka grinned, "Alright, kid! That's one down!"

Kuzon was now face to face with Hakoda.

The old man turned to his fallen comrade. "You alright there, Arnook?"

Arnook managed to reach his feet as he sat back down, waving him off. "Ah. I'm fine."

Hakoda nodded and turned to Kuzon. "Not bad, kid. I didn't expect you to beat Arnook." He then got a savage look in his eyes. "I'm not going to be so easy." He then rushed at the Avatar.

Kuzon quickly found himself on the defense.

Hakoda was fierce, combat-experienced, and a war veteran.

He knew a one-on-one with him would be tough. He laid back and let the man come at him, only choosing to block and dodge dangerous strikes. He's older. So he will have less stamina than me. If I wear him out...I can look for an opening.

Yue watched on with worry. "He's slowing down. He was attacking so fiercely earlier."

Sokka nodded intently, "Dad's been fighting the Fire Nation a long time. He's taken out his share of soldiers and firebenders. Kuzon's going to have a hard time taking him on."

Katara nodded, "Indeed."

Hakoda kept going at Kuzon as hard as he could. "Come on now! Fight! I thought you were a warrior!"

Sokka blinked with widened eyes, "Wow! Dad's losing his cool! His form is getting sloppy!" Yue nodded, "I wonder what Kuzon's gameplan is here."

Katara blinked with widened eyes as she cupped her hands over her face. Tears ran down her eyes. "Sweetie…" She was both in awe at his skill and worried for his safety, But she was also concerned for her father. Despite all the hell and the pain he'd put her through…she didn't want to see him die. "...Dad…" Besides Sokka and Gran-Gran…her father was all she had left of her immediate family. Yes…he had left her alone to be the mother of the village. Yes…he had abandoned her in a sense. She put her hands to her heart. "Please be careful. I don't want either of you to die."

Hakoda found himself getting angrier and angrier as Kuzon evaded his attacks. It wasn't just because the fight was taking too long. The combination of his grief and longing after leaving his family, the loss of his beloved wife Kya, the strain of his struggling relationship with his daughter, and the trauma and stress from fighting the Fire Nation for so long all boiled up to the surface. He began swinging wildly and without caution. "I said fight!"

Kuzon kept his cool, using his smaller size and skill to dodge the warrior's attacks. He blocked a heavy-handed attack from the Southern Chief. Hakoda began pushing him hard into the wall. Knowing he was on the defense again, Kuzon pushed his legs up and managed to kick off the wall with all his might.

This threw Hakoda off balance, and he fell hard on his back.

The swords fell from his hands and clattered to the ground.

The place went silent.

Hakoda groaned as he tried to stand up.

Kuzon moved quickly, grabbing one of his swords and holding both against Hakoda's throat.

A couple of the men shouted out, "The ashmaker is going to kill him! We have to get in there!"

Kuzon looked around and saw about twenty soldiers surrounding him with spears. Some things never change. He then put his swords down and his hands up. "At ease! I didn't come to kill him!"

One barked at him, "Take the ashmaker into custody!"

Kuzon sighed as the men started to close in on him.

Katara, Sokka and Yue all gasped.

They all jumped the guardrail and rushed into the arena.

Sokka then glared at the men with his sword drawn,

Yue quickly drew knives from her hidden pouch, glaring at all of them, "Back off. He's no enemy of ours!"

Katara took a deep breath and summoned a giant wave that almost crossed the wall to the arena. "Go ahead! Try it!"

The guards all stared at them with stunned looks on their faces.

Someone yelled, "Retreat! Retreat!"

They all clamored back.

The four of them all let out a sigh of relief.

Sokka sheathed his sword.

Katara closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and released the wave.

Yue put down her knives.

Katara then rushed to Kuzon and helped him up.

He groaned in pain as the adrenaline left him falling to one knee. "Here, sweetie. Let me look at you."

Yue and Sokka both rushed to Chief Hakoda and helped him up. "I got you, Dad."

Chief Hakoda nodded as he put a hand on Sokka's shoulder. "Thanks, son."

The man then leaned on both of their shoulders. "Take me to the Avatar. He…" He groaned in pain. "...fought me bravely and with honor…"

Sokka nodded, "Got you."

Katara, meanwhile, smiled over at Kuzon as she began healing his injuries. She wiped the tears from her eyes. "You know…you almost gave me a heart attack there."

Kuzon nodded as he groaned, "Your father is a hell of a warrior. I had to pull that last move out of desperation."

Katara nodded with a smirk. "I know. Nicely done."

She then bent over and kissed him on the lips. "For the record...I'm just glad you two are alright. I'd be beside myself with grief I'd lost either of you."

Hakoda groaned, "Kuzon…you are one hell of a fighter. I'm sorry I..ever doubted you. I..also wish to apologize for how I've treated you since you arrived. I didn't believe you were dedicated to the cause. I was wrong. You are indeed worthy of the moniker…the Flame of Redemption."

Kuzon groaned as he laid back on the bed. "Thank you..sir."

Sokka chuckled, "Damn straight."

Yue smirked, "You're a hero, Kuzon."

Hakoda then looked upon his daughter, speaking through gritted teeth and emotion. "I'm sorry….Katara. I left you without a true explanation. I left you and Sokka alone to look over the village, giving you more responsibility than you could ever bear." He then fell to his knees, groaning in pain. Tears ran down his eyes. "I'm so sorry…I can't ever take back my actions….but I beg for your forgiveness. Please…you and your brother are all I have left of your mother. I can't lose you."

Katara turned to her father. She gave him a trembling smile as she wiped tears from his eyes again. This doesn't fix everything, but life is too short not to forgive him. I may not get another chance. This war is…perilous. Plus…I love him so much. He…made mistakes…but I can forgive him for that. She then rushed over and engulfed her father in a big hug.

He blinked for a moment. "Of course, I can forgive you! I love you, Dad! I missed you so much!"

Hakoda smiled, tears streaming down his eyes as he hugged her back. "I missed you too! I'm so proud of you!"

Sokka smiled. Heh. About damn time they made up. Mom would be happy. Yue smiled. I'm so glad for you sister. You found your peace.

The father and daughter hugged for a bit more before they separated. They both let out sighs of relief. She smiled at Sokka, "Sokka, get Dad to the med bay. Yue…get King Arnook to the medbay. I'll get Kuzon and meet you there."

Sokka grinned, "See you there."

Katara then kissed her father on the cheek and smiled, "I'll see you in there, Dad. We…have a lot to catch up on."

Hakoda chuckled, "That we do, Katara."

Yue then helped her father to his feet. He chuckled, "That firebender is something special."

Yue smiled, "That he is Father."

Katara then picked up Kuzon in her arms.

Kuzon groaned. "Man...I can't even walk. I'm sorry."

Katara smiled down at him as she kissed him on the cheek. "It's alright, sweetie. I've got you. I'm not going anywhere."

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