It was sunrise when the warriors and I started to prepare for battle. I'd stayed up all night unable to get a wink of sleep. Kale and Sokka were still nowhere to be seen among the warriors, and I was growing worried. When I asked Master Gaku if he'd seen them, he told me he had no choice but to take them off the mission: Something about Sokka and Kale getting into a physical fight with Hahn. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked one of the other warriors about what happened.
The guy named Hara answered, "Hahn said some snide comment to the guy Sokka about being unworthy of Princess Yue, and then he said something along the lines of you being a Fire Nation harlot. Both Sokka and the guy Kale attacked Hahn for calling you such, and were forced to leave."
My eyes widened when he spoke this to me. Sokka and Kale fought Hahn to get back for him smack talking me. Rage boiled inside me at the thought of Hahn saying those things. First he says that crap to Sokka about being unworthy of Princess Yue... Sokka's been through and seen more battle than Hahn will ever go through and see. Then he calls me a harlot! He was beginning to get on my last nerve. If he wasn't careful I'd beat him to a pulp before he even had the chance to join me on this mission.
Walking back across the meeting room, I tried not to march straight up to Hahn and sock him square in the jaw. He was standing among five warriors who were his friends, talking to them about who knows what with that cocky grin. When he saw me, he tapped one of the warriors beside him and they both looked my way with narrowed eyes. Looking away quickly so I didn't have an intense and unwanted staring contest, I focused on my objective.
Master Gaku and Chief Arnook stood at the massive entrance waiting for me to come and take charge. Hahn had wanted to lead this mission completely on his own and knock me out of the whole thing together, but the Chief refused. The Water Tribe needed my guidance. I was the only person who had met Zhao, and this put me on the front line. The Chief also wanted someone who was experienced in battle. He had heard of my fight against the Fire Nation army that tried to destroy the air temple. He admired my courage and wanted to use my strength to the tribes advantage. He even told me to Fire Bend my heart out, which left me in bewilderment.
When the Chief saw I was ready, he gestured for me to step over to him. I did so, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Good luck on your mission today. Keep my people safe."
I nodded and bowed slightly. "I will."
He nodded, and then turned to all the warriors saying, "The time for battle has come. My brothers, you are about to embark on a dangerous journey that could be the last for many of you. My family and I are proud of your courage and determination to fight against these men and save our home." As the chief spoke Hahn walked over and stood beside me trying to make himself out to be the leader. Rolling my eyes when he smirked my way, I turned my attention back toward the chief. "Now I want you all to follow Amber's orders as she leads you on this mission. Set all animosity aside and work together to fight for your friends, families, and this tribe. Let's defeat these invaders and bring peace back to our home!"
The warriors all cheered; all except for Turk, Goha, and Hahn.
"Alright men! Let's fall out!" Hahn shouted, trying to take charge again. There was no way I was fighting over being the leader with him. If he wanted to take over the fleet then fine. I would stay out of his way and offer assistance when needed. My sole goal was to get to Zhao and take him down.
As we all began to load into the canoes that we would use to paddle out toward the massive ship, I clutched the knife at my waist side with building determination. If we were successful in this mission, I'd get to take on Zhao and finally defeat him. Looking at the ten warriors around me, I saw Turk, Goha, and Hahn whispering among one another. The rest of the group looked really nervous as they started to row us along.
Getting closer, we were relieved the sun was still rising and the left over darkness was shielding us from the Fire Nation's sight. Approaching the vessel, I turned back toward the warriors dressed in their Fire Nation uniforms. "Remember what I told you all... While were on board don't attack until I give the signal. One wrong move can jeopardize this whole mission. We are all in disguise, so there will be no need to attack unless the Fire Nation discovers us. Be aware... the Fire Nation is ruthless and they will not stop until they get what they want. We have to be as careful as we can, and no matter what we all must stick together."
The group nodded except for three guys. An escape of laughter rang from Hahn, Turk, and Goha.
"This is war, girl! We have no time to follow some stupid plan. We all agree that when we get on the ship, we attack the first chance we get," Hahn said, and Turk and Goha nodded in approval. "We are warriors, not cowards."
One warrior in his mid-twenties spoke up, saying timidly, "But Master Gaku and the chief said that Amber knows more about fire nation vessels than any of us. I feel we should listen to her... If we attack right away we'll all be captured."
I smiled weakly. At least some warriors were on my side.
Hahn scoffed, standing and making the canoe tip slightly. We all held to our seats in shock. "Listen to her! What's wrong with you?! She's fire nation guys! She could be signing our death wish as we speak. You shouldn't trust anything coming out of this freaks mouth!"
"The only one signing our death wish is you Hahn, and that's because you won't sit down and shut up! The ships are getting closer and if we're heard this whole mission will be pointless!" My fists were steaming inside the Fire Nation gauntlets I wore, and I felt my blood boiling as I tried not to throw Hahn off the boat. The warriors were surprised by my words, and I even saw Turk and Goha look scared by what I'd said. Everyone realized I was right.
"Hah! This mission was already pointless when you were assigned our leader! You don't know a thing about defending our tribe," Hahn snapped. "You don't care about us at all!"
Rolling my eyes, I looked away from him back toward the direction we were headed. "You're wrong... I do care." Looking back at him, I narrowed my eyes. "You may not choose to see it Hahn's, but I am water tribe. I was raised in the South Pole for nine years. I have seen the Fire Nation destroy my people, and I refuse to see them destroy anyone else. I am not your enemy... All I want is to protect my people."
Hahn looked like he wanted to retaliate, but he seemed to be at a loss for words. He scowled and sat back down with defeat, unable to come back at me. I noticed Turk was still glaring at me, but Goha had a different expression. His eyes softened as he stared at me, and I knew he was accepting my words.
As we got closer and closer toward the ship, I saw everyone's faces grow paler and paler. They were afraid, and I understood why. None of them had been in battle before. Smiling reassuringly at everyone, I said, "You'll all do fine... Just remember to watch out for the gold eyed soldiers. They're Fire Benders." This didn't seem to unsettle the warriors. "No matter what happens, I won't let any of you get burned. I'll deflect any flame shot our way." These words brought color back to the young men around me.
We eventually reached Zhao's ship undetected and began to climb up the anchor chain to get into the ship. We found ourselves on the mid-levels of the ship, where the crew men usually slept. From what I remembered, the stairs were at the end of each hall. We just had to head down a few levels to get to the engine room. Making sure all our disguises were secure and our faces were hidden, we began to make our way through the halls of the fire nation vessel. As we did memories of my journey with Zuko came back to me.
His ship hadn't been much different from the one I was on at the moment. Where was Zuko...? I hadn't seen him in a very long time... I actually missed him... I missed him so much. I knew why... He was my brother. No matter how much I wanted to deny it, the fact was we were definitely siblings. I was worried about him.
Three soldiers suddenly passed by us in the hall, and I saw a few warriors tense beside me. The soldiers just nodded at the eleven of us as we passed and we nodded back trying to remain cool. If we could just get to the lower decks then we'd be fine.
After a moment of heading down the hall, the soldiers disappeared and we were alone once more. Hahn took this as his chance to speak. "Screw this! I'm not going to take my sweet time anymore. I'm facing this Zhao person head on!" Hahn took off running down the hall leaving us, and I watched him go with horror. What was that idiot thinking?!
"Hahn!" I shouted, but he was already gone. Me and the warriors stood frozen in the hall, our eyes wide as our supposed leader left us. If he screwed up this mission I'd be the one to personally kill we were pressed for time, I sighed heavily and turned to the others. "Come on. We have to hurry. I give it five minutes until this whole ship is searching for intruders."
We eventually made our way down a few levels into the engine room. It was hot and smelled of sweat and coal. Engineers were busy shoving coal in the steel furnaces or repairing steam leaks from the thousands of pipes. The room was more like a long hall and it was hard to breath. They paid no mind to us because of our disguises and we all were relieved. If we'd immediately been discovered, they'd have called for help before we could even raise our sword.
Our mission was simple: get in the ship undetected, stop the engines, get to the control room to signal a full retreat, and leave while we still can.
Looking back at the warriors, I nodded my head and pulled out my knife. The warriors pulled out their weapons as well. Turning, I yanked my helmet off and threw it on the ground. "Alright everyone! We're taking over this vessel. Surrender and we'll let you live. Resist and you'll all die!" The engineers looked at us with horror, and quickly dropped their shovels or wrenches surrendering. They weren't men ready for battle, so they were easy to defeat. They allowed us to tie the twenty of them up without any resistance and gag their mouths so they couldn't call for help. Turning back to the warriors after the last engineer was tied up, I shouted, "I'm going to try and extinguish the fire in these vents. Keep an eye on the engineers."
Turning back toward the furnaces, I yanked off my metal gloves and threw them on the floor. Then I held my hand out toward the flames in the large blazing furnaces and concentrated. Using all the power I had, I managed to manipulate the flames inside them and kill the fire in all of them. The ship groaned as the lack of power forced it to a stop.
Gasping for air, I felt my body stumble from the exhaustion. My shoulder pulsed in pain, and I saw blurred vision. Using that much fire power with no air to breathe in was hard, and I felt my lungs burn and my head ache from the tough bending I'd just done. A hand steadied me as I started to fall, and I looked over to see who it was in surprise. Goha immediately jerked away from my shoulder when he saw me look his way, and then walked back over to Turk who was still gagging an engineer. Goha helped me... He no longer saw me as the enemy...?
Smiling weakly to myself, I managed to regain my balance and composure. Turning back to the group, I said with energy I managed to regain, "Alright! Phase one is complete. We've successfully stopped the ship from advance. Now we need to get to the control room so we can signal to all the other ships to retreat."
The warriors all cheered and then fixed their helmets and sheathed their weapons back. "That's if Hahn hasn't ruined it yet," I muttered to myself, picking up my helmet and putting it back on my head. Turning, I began to lead them back up the steps and out of the engine room. As we walked, I put my knife back in its holder and started to speed up through the halls back toward the upper decks. As we walked I winced at the pain that still radiated in my head, and in my shoulder. Knocking out all that fire really took some strength from me.
As we got halfway up the ship, we passed some soldiers again. This time they stopped us. "Men!" We froze with uncertainty. "Admiral Zhao wants everyone to be on the lookout; He fears there are intruders aboard. By the way this ship suddenly stopped we fear he may be correct."
Looking back at the warriors, I was utterly surprised when Turk spoke. "Yes sir. We'll definitely keep an eye out."
The soldiers nodded and then ran down the hall to go investigate why the engineers weren't moving the ship along. When they were out of eye and ear shot, we all sighed in relief. Thank goodness they didn't catch us. It was a bit surprising they didn't get suspicious at why ten of us 'soldiers' were walking through the halls together. Usually soldiers only walked together in pairs.
Eventually we made it out on deck, and I saw with horror the ships were still firing at the great wall of the Northern Water Tribe. Men on deck were running back and forth to different catapults where they released large balls of fire that soared at the tribe hitting the wall, streets, and homes. The part that horrified me the most, was that they'd already managed to break through one wall, and they were probably close to breaking through the second wall of the massive snowy gate. Soldiers could be seen in the distance running through the first hole.
The invasion was already happening. Our plan for a retreat signal was pointless now. We were supposed to send the signal before Zhao's men breached the wall, but our efforts were a moment too late. Turning back to the warriors, who looked as horrified as I felt, I said to them all over the fighting in the background, "Get back to the canoe and return to the tribe so you can help the water benders defend your home. There's no point in doing anything else here seeing as the invasions already happened. Even if we signal a retreat, the fire nations already fighting. They won't give up now no matter what. I'll go find Hahn and we'll meet you guys back on land."
The warriors were surprised by my words, and they looked at one another unsure. The one guy named Hara, said, "We can't just leave you here!"
"I'll be fine," I said. "I promised the chief I would get you all home alive. Get back to the canoe! That's an order!"
Goha stepped forward then, and turned to the group. "You heard her! Back to the canoe!"
By this point we'd attracted the attention of the soldiers on deck, and I saw them turn towards us with realization. "It's the intruders!" A soldier shouted loudly. "Seize them!"
Turning back to the group, I felt a new determination fill inside me. "Go! I'll hold them off!"
The warriors seemed against it, but with defeat they all took off running back below the deck.
Without hesitating, I turned back to the soldiers who were running at me with spears and fire in their hands. Smiling under my helmet, I darted forward with my knife ready. As thirty soldiers advanced on me, I ducked, dodged, and smashed into at least ten of them sending them on the ground. It was hard to hit their bodies since they weighed a hundred or two hundred pounds more than me. With my knife I stabbed a few in the leg, at the part where their armor cut off exposing pants which I could easily slice into. They cried out in pain and dropped to the ground clutching their injuries.
"Stop him!" A soldier shouted to the remaining men, and I tried hard to keep fighting with just my knife. It was tiring though, moving in this metal armor. If they discovered who I was though, they'd turn me straight over to Zhao and who knew what he'd do to me. I had to keep my fire bending a secret for as long as I could.
Running past what felt like hundreds of fire balls and continuous dangerous sharp spears, I managed to maneuver around one soldier knocking him unconscious with the handle of my knife. I was then able to disarm a guy with a spear by grabbing his hand and twisting his arm back. He howled in pain and dropped his spear. Then fell to the ground in pain. When he was down, I knocked him unconscious too with my knife handle. So far I'd taken down at least fifteen soldiers, and that was only half. My body was killing me from my nonstop fighting, and I needed to breath and rest. After this battle I felt ready to sleep for a week.
An explosion sounded in the quarters below suddenly, and the whole naval ship shook sending all of us falling back. Landing on my butt, I tried to regain myself and contemplate what had happened. The only thing I could picture was that the warriors had set off some explosions to escape the soldiers. As I was about to stand again, I felt two men grab me on both sides and yank me up. I'd lost my guard and they took advantage of my distraction. The soldiers were both out of breath, just as I was, and by their hard grips on my armor I could tell they were furious with my attack. They twisted my arms, making me gasp from the sharp pain. They caused and drop my knife, and my shoulder cried out for mercy.
"You're in for it now boy," a soldier hissed, walking up to me as I was restrained. He tore off my helmet and my long black hair fell out in waves down my back.
The ten soldiers around me all jumped back in shock at what they saw. As I struggled in the tense hold of my captors, one soldier stepped forward and hissed through his helmet, "You! You're that fire nation traitor! The one who's been aiding the avatar!"
My body was too tired to fight anymore. Instead I gritted my teeth and snapped at him, "Yeah! So what? At least I'm fighting for what's right? I'll do anything I can to stop you monsters from destroying these people!"
The soldier was outraged by my backtalk, and I felt his metal glove smash into my face. The unbearable pain from the impact sent black dots to my vision and I felt my brain go fuzzy from whiplash. Last thing I remember is the same soldier hissing, "Let's take her to Admiral Zhao." Then I lost consciousness as all strength left me.
When I came to a few hours later, I groaned at the intense pain in my head. Trying to move my hand to touch my pulsing scalp, I noticed I couldn't. My hands made no movement whatsoever because something was keeping them from doing so. Weakly, I managed to open my eyes only to wince when the light from a flame shot into my vision causing another migraine to hit me. It felt like I was suffering from an awful hangover. Groaning, I finally was able to open my eyes and concentrate.
To my utter terror, my focus returned only to find I was cuffed to a metal chair and my feet were chained to the chairs legs in a very uncomfortable position. Someone had put metal gloves around my hands, only these had no compartments for fingers. The hand restraints were to keep me from fire bending. I also noted that I'd been stripped of my armor and was left in my water tribe shirt and trousers. My knife was gone and my feet were bare, meaning if I tried to run on these steel floors I wouldn't make it very far. Zhao took my protection away, and he took away my ability to fight. I was completely vulnerable to his wrath.
Looking around, I found I was in a small room with what seemed to be a rectangular table that appeared to be for meetings and looking over charts. I only figured this because there were maps of every nation laid out on the table. Apart from that the room was bare, although their was a large banner with the Fire Nation emblem on it.
The door to the room suddenly opened, and I winced at the creaking noise. "Well, well. Sleeping beauty finally awakes," a cold voice hissed, and I cringed knowing exactly who it was. "You sent fifteen of my soldiers to the infirmary. I'd be furious with you; however I'm too impressed to care." Watching Zhao approach me from the doorway immediately sent shivers radiating up and down my spine. I winced when he went to grab my chin with his rough firm hand. "How is it that someone once so weak and fragile, has become such a powerful young woman?"
Gritting my teeth, I tried to break from the cuffs locking me to the chair. My hands didn't budge in their metal glove restraints. "By having drive," I hissed. "My drive is to end your sad, miserable, and worthless life once and for all."
Zhao chuckled. "That's a bold statement to say to your captor." He leaned in. "Anything else you want to say while you have my attention."
I scowled. "Yeah... I hate your ugly baboon face!"
Zhao growled, not liking my insult. A harsh slap to my cheek rang in my ears, only this time I didn't let unconsciousness take me over. My vision blurred terribly, and I felt my cheek burn from the impact, but I kept awake.
"You still have the same tongue from when I had you imprisoned last time."
"I'm stronger than last time," I said through gritted teeth. "I won't go down without a fight!"
He smirked. "I see that." He touched my chin where I realized blood was trickling from my lips. Zhao must've cut it from his hit without me noticing. "You're still weak though. You're no match for me." I scowled. "Tell me something, Princess Amber... Did you really think coming on this ship you would be able to destroy me? I am a very powerful man, and I have had years of practice where you have had none. I can kill you with a the touch of a finger, and you... You probably couldn't kill a horsefly.
I gritted my teeth. "Why don't you take these restraints off and we'll see how right you are!"
He chuckled. "Like I would waste my time fighting you." He traced his finger along my jaw bone, and I cringed from his contact. "Besides... Your father ordered me to bring you back alive. I can't kill you... Your father wants that pleasure."
Shutting my eyes, I felt afraid. Why did the Fire Lord want to kill me? I had to escape before I found out.
"He won't kill me," I tried to convince myself. "He'd lose all respect from Zuko."
"Zuko... Do you really think your father cares what that banished son thinks?" He then gave me a grin that made my blood run cold. "Tell me something... The blue spirit that saved you from that stronghold prison a few weeks ago... did you ever discover his identity?"
My eyes widened at his question. Where was this coming from all of the sudden? Quickly, my lips locked as I kept my mouth shut. There was no way I was telling Zhao my brother was the one they called 'The Blue Spirit'. Then Zuko definitely would be in danger. Zhao would do all he could to imprison Zuko for his defiance against the Fire Nation.
Zhao watched my face as I became defensive and ready to keep my mouth shut. He was amused by my refusal to answer. "No need for you to hide it girl. I've already taken care of the culprit. The Blue Spirit died two weeks ago after his filthy ship blew to dust. It was about time he died too, seeing as he was getting on my last nerve. No one will really miss him from the Fire Nation anyway."
My eyes widened at his words, and I felt pain twist in my chest. No... Zuko can't be dead... He just can't be...
Tears were threatening to fall down my cheeks as my heart ached for my brother. In denial, I felt rage fill me as I yelled, "You're lying! I know you're lying! Zuko wouldn't die by the hands of you!"
Zhao laughed harshly. "So you did know his identity... Well girl, he technically died by the hands of pirates."
Pirates? My heart stopped at the memory of when Katara was chained to that tree, and Zuko was working with the pirate captain to get Aang in exchange for a scroll. They'd both fought, and in the end the captain lost his ship to the falls. I'm sure the captain hated Zuko after that day, and I had no doubt these were the pirates that killed him. Zuko was dead... Even though I didn't want to see myself as his sister, no matter what I did love him. My brother was dead, and I hadn't been able to save him.
"NO!" I cried, tightening my eyes as tears tried to escape me. I didn't want to cry in front of Zhao. I didn't want to let him see he hurt me. "You're lying! You can't be telling the truth..." Zuko couldn't be dead... he couldn't be! "You can't be telling the truth..." The last word came out in a broken whisper, as I felt my voice catch in my throat from the pain I felt inside me.
"What? No tears!" Zhao leaned forward, and I looked away from him shutting my eyes as hard as I could. He grabbed my chin, and I was forced to look his way again. "Your brother's dead! The pirates blew his ship up! He never had a chance! I saw it with my own eyes!"
I couldn't hold it in anymore. Tears spilled from my eyes and I hung my head with shaking shoulders. "Zuko... no..." My whole body trembled as I pictured my brother being blown to smithereens. It seemed everyone I loved ended up dead...
"If only your brother could see you now... Crying over his demise." Zhao jerked my chin so I was looking dead into his heartless eyes. "You two were so inseparable when you were kids. Of course you probably don't remember that." I continued to shed tears, feeling more pain build inside me. "How could you remember though? With your brain so scrambled, I'm surprised you even believe you really are Amber." He pressed his finger to my temple, and I jerked away from him. "You probably don't remember... You probably just want to believe you do." He released my chin which he had still been holding firmly.
Zhao was wrong about me. I did remember... I remembered more than he knew...
My six year old self ran across the palace garden, the grass brushing against my bare feet as I darted straight toward my seven year old brother Zuko. He was seated by the pond, staring at his reflection in the water. "Zuko!" I cried, excited to find him. "I found you!"
My brother looked at me with boredom in his gold eyes, but they immediately brightened when he saw it was me. "Amber!" Just as he spoke my name, I laughed and jumped at him. Grabbing him, I pulled us both into the pond. We went down with a splash, and luckily the water was only four inches high so we didn't go under.
My brother gasped when he saw how wet he was and then shoved me off making me splash in the water again. "You got me soaked!" It came out as a mix between a whine and hidden amusement. I knew Zuko was starting to have fun. He couldn't stay mad at me.
With a grin I splashed him with water making him cover his face with shock. "Sorry. Mommy told me to cheer you up."
My brother looked at me irritated at first, but then something sparked in his golden eyes. Enjoyment with a hint of determination. "It's okay," he finally said. Then to my surprise, he jumped at me and we both fell back in the water again. We laughed loudly as we wrestled in the pond, not caring what mom or dad would say when they saw our soaked and muddy clothes.
When we finally got out, we lied back on the grass out of breath and still laughing. "You're the best brother ever Zuko," I said finally, after our laughter had died down.
He glanced over at me with a grin that showed how much those words meant to him. "And you're my most favorite sister in the whole world." Then he took my hand and we both stared up at the passing clouds with smiles on our young childlike faces.
More tears escaped me, and I tried to choke them back not wanting to show this cocky, cruel, grinning man that he had defeated me emotionally.
"You're not weak, huh?! Then stop crying!" He stepped closer to me and grabbed my hair pulling my head back so I was looking at him again. "Why are you crying over him? You barely even knew the idiot!"
"You have no clue what you're saying!" I cried, trying to pull from his hand. My hair ached as it was tugged by his hand. "I remember more than you think! Zuko was my brother! I loved him more than you'll ever understand!" Zhao laughed at my rage. He was enjoying this too much. Shutting my eyes tightly, I managed to stop my tears and bite my tongue drawing blood. There was no way I was crying my heart out in front of Zhao. I wouldn't give him anymore satisfaction. "I remember the bond we shared!"
He let go of my hair, and I heard him scoff at my sudden strength. I let my hands heat up as I continued to speak, "And I remember one more thing." Zhao scowled and stepped back. "I remember you... You're the one who tore me away from my brother! You're the one who beat me senselessly, and ordered your men to kill me." I felt my insides boil. "I remember everything! And I also remember why I took this mission... I won't let you hurt anyone else!" With all the power I had in my blood, I shot my purple fire at the gloves surrounding my hands. The impact caused the metal to break apart, and I watched the pieces fly in all directions.
Zhao jumped back in horror as I used the strange power inside me to break the cuffs on my chair with just the yank of my hands, and I managed to burn the chains around my legs without harming myself. Then jumping from the chair, I shot a blast of bright violet flames at Zhao with my foot screaming, "This is for my brother!"
Zhao jumped out of the way, his eyes wide as he watched my unnatural flames hit the wall burning the steel. Running at him, I shot more fire at his face, and I saw I managed to brush a few flames against the side of his cheek bone. He cried out from the burn, and then turned and shot his own fire at me. The orange flames were easily deflected by myself and made into my own fire. Shooting Zhao's previous attack back at him, I sent him flying into the wall and heard a loud smack as his body connected with steel.
The door to the room we were in suddenly smashed open and soldiers came running in to detain me. As they grabbed onto my struggling body, I screamed, "I'll kill you Zhao! I'll kill you for everything you did to me! I'll kill you for Zuko! I hate you, you monster! I can't wait to see you dead!"
"Knock her out!" Zhao ordered with pain, and before his words could sink into my enraged mind, I felt something hard hit my head. The impact sent me on the ground again, and I let darkness take me once more.
When I came to this time, it was because something cold and wet splashed all over my face. Gasping in shock, I awoke to find I was in a metal prison cell on the cold hard floor. Looking up in surprise, I saw with blurry vision my uncle stood above me with an empty bowl. "Amber... Thank the spirits Zhao didn't kill you."
When he spoke, I winced as pain shot through my forehead. Then I opened my mouth to speak, only to cough out hard. Uncle helped lift my limp and tired body up, and I felt him press a wooden cup to my lips. "Drink some water. It will help." He tipped the cup a little more. "You're dehydrated."
Sipping the cool liquid with more thirst than I'd ever felt before, I almost complained when the cup was empty. When I finally was able to find my voice, I whispered hoarsely. "What happened...? I was fighting Zhao..."
Iroh sighed, seeing I was better than I looked. "After you attacked Zhao he and his soldiers carried you to the lower parts of the ship. Zhao kept spitting about how he wanted to kill you, but I guess he knew the Fire Lord wouldn't be pleased to find he'd ended your life. Fire Lord Ozai wants you alive... So I guess Zhao put you in this cell, not thinking you'd wake up anytime soon."
My whole body felt so weak, but I knew I had to find the strength to get up. "He killed him," I whispered, more tears falling down my cheeks as Zhao's words came back to me. "Zuko's dead..."
Iroh chuckled. "Silly Amber..." He wiped my tears with his fatherly fingers. "Your brother is fine. He managed to escape the blast and is in the Northern Water Tribe as we speak."
It took a second to register what Iroh had said, probably because my body was in so much pain. Then his words finally sunk in and I gasped in shock. "He's alive... He's really alive!"
Iroh nodded.
I let out a cry of relief and covered my face with my hands embarrassed. As I cried, I felt Iroh lift me more so he could pull me into his warm embrace. "He's alive," I said with utter joy, pressing my face into Iroh's arm as he held me to him. "I'm so glad... I thought he was gone..."
Iroh sighed. He hugged me closer to him. "No... He's alright. Zuko's strong..." He held me for a few more minutes, and finally my crying calmed. When he saw I wasn't breaking down anymore, he pulled away slightly and looked me dead in the eyes. "Amber... What were you thinking coming here?"
My body hurt. My head hurt. My heart was sore...
Hanging my head in exhaustion, I answered, "I wanted to face Zhao... I wanted to destroy him. There were too many soldiers though. I couldn't take them all."
He frowned deeply. "Amber... I know you're angry, but revenge is never the answer. You could've gotten killed today."
I shut my eyes, knowing he was right. "I know..." Then I hugged him again as my body quaked from fear. "I was terrified... I thought I was ready to face Zhao... I thought I was ready to relieve myself of his endless torture... I was wrong..."
Iroh pressed a hand to the back of my head, and I felt him stroke my hair like my father chief Hakoda would when he was around. "You are ready for many things... Killing someone is not in your nature though. Your heart is too pure..."
"General Iroh!" A soldier suddenly called in the prison hall. I felt my uncle turn to its owner as he still hugged me to him. My body went tense at our intruder.
Uncle noticed my fear. "Relax, Amber... It's only Lieutenant Jee. He's on our side."
"Sir... Sorry to break this up, but Admiral Zhao's looking for you. He said it's time to head out," Jee said, and I heard him walk over to us. Looking up with exhaustion, I saw a man who did look very familiar. Then I realized he was one of the guys who once worked for Zuko. He smiled weakly at me when he saw me looking, and I looked away embarrassed. "He also say's he wants us to bring the girl. Something about wanting her to see him destroy everything she loves."
My eyes widened at his words while Iroh sighed. "And how does he expect her to follow? She's too weak to stand."
In the end, I was pulled up by two soldiers and practically dragged from my prison cell up a few levels of the ship. After a long trek, we finally made it out on deck where soldiers were loading in dinghy's. It was sunset, and I realized a whole day had passed by and I'd been unconscious through most of it. I hoped the warriors had made it back safely. My uncle was already standing beside Zhao when I arrived, his eyes staring at the massive tribe with horror. He knew that what Zhao was doing was wrong, but he couldn't be a traitor and stop him. He needed to stay on Zhao's good side for the time being.
"Ah... There she is," Zhao hissed when he noticed my presence. He walked over to my weak body with narrowed eyes. Staring at him with malice, I saw he had a bandage on his cheekbone where I'd burned him. His hand grabbed my chin once more, and I was forced to look into his gold dark orbs. "I have a lot I want to say to you freak, but we'll have plenty of time to talk on our way back to the Fire Nation. For now, I want you to come and see just how powerful I truly am. After today, you will fear me." He released my chin and looked as if he were about to leave. However, I was wrong.
He abruptly turned and punched me in the stomach hard. I gasped and lost my footing as the wind was knocked out of me. The soldiers held me up from hitting the deck. "Don't think about running, or fighting," he hissed. "If you do I'll kill those water tribe kids you love so much." My eyes widened, and I looked at Zhao with terror. He smirked. "They're family to you, aren't they?"
I found the strength to speak. I was furious. "Keep them out of this you monster! This is between me and you!" Zhao punched me again, only this time it was my ribs and I heard a crack. A scream escaped me as pain shot through my whole body.
"Zhao!" Iroh suddenly shouted, grabbing him when he went to hit me again. "I may be under your authority, but I can't stand here and allow you to hurt my niece! She is still my family, and a princess of the Fire Nation!"
Zhao growled, yanking from my uncle. "She lost that title when she joined the avatar. Now she's a traitor to her father and her nation!"
Uncle looked ready to incinerate the man. "Either way, I cannot allow you to harm her anymore. She's just a child!"
Zhao scoffed and turned away. "Just a child... She's a freak with powers someone like her should not be blessed with." Then he turned to me again and yanked back my hair causing me to cry out as he almost pulled strands out of their roots. "You will watch me destroy this tribe, and then we will return to the Fire Nation where I will get to watch your father destroy you!"
Letting go of my hair, I gasped from the pain radiating through my scalp. My whole body was crying out in pain, but I didn't want to cry anymore. Now that I knew Zuko was alive, I found that I had no more reason to cry. Zhao's blows on me were just like the past, and I was used to the pain he caused me no matter how great each blow hurt.
"Come on! Let's move out," Zhao ordered. "The sooner we end this, the sooner I can get back to the Fire Nation." He then headed over to a dinghy to set whatever his plans were into action. The soldiers forced me along, and I felt my ribs scream in agony as I was shoved into the small wooden boat. We were rowed to the icy shore of the Northern Water Tribe, and I was yanked up as they forced me through the damaged gates of the tribe. We headed down the snow walkways of the tribe, and tears started to pull to my eyes as I saw the wounded or dead warriors around me. I even felt saddened and mournful toward the dead fire nation soldiers. Zhao and uncle walked on not even glancing at the dead, and I tried to do the same. There were so many though. It was hard not to see them. So this was war...
As we got farther into the tribe, I was horror struck at how damaged everything was. The snowy homes were blasted to bits, and some of the icy bridges were in two. In the distance, I heard children and women screamed from their homes as soldiers burned through their walls to get to them. Warriors ran to stop the soldiers from reaching the women and children, and another fight broke out between the two.
"Enjoying the show?" Zhao suddenly asked, turning as he walked on to grin at me. "Isn't this thrilling!"
Glaring daggers at him, I hissed, "The spirits will never forgive you for all the lives you've destroyed today."
Zhao laughed harshly. "The spirits! I could care less about the spirits! If I did then I'd be weak like you!"
Uncle closed his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief.
Eventually we arrived at a snow wall with a circularwooden door. Zhao walked up to the door with a grin. "Finally... After years of searching, I've finally found you." Then he yanked the wooden door open and stepped inside. We all followed, ducking our heads as we stepped through the doorway. When we got through we found ourselves in a beautiful oasis. There was a waterfall at the center, and a pond took up most of the space.
Gasping, I looked at the grass with flowers and plants that no one would imagine to grow in such a cold place. As we got closer, I felt warmth from the unnatural room, and I saw a beautiful wooden shrine that appeared to be set up for the spirits of the ocean and the moon. When we stepped closer, I saw in the pond there were two fish swimming around each other in a steady circle. Almost in harmony...
"Amber! You must stop Zhao!" Roku suddenly shouted in my head. "He plans on killing the moon spirit!"
My eyes shot to the white fish in the pond that circled in harmony with the black fish. "Yin and Yang," I whispered, realization hitting me before my uncle caught what was going on. Looking up at Zhao, I saw him staring at the fish too. "Stop Zhao! You can't do this!" I cried, struggling in my captors holds. "You'll screw up the world!"
Zhao looked over at me in surprise. "How do you know what I'm about to do? You can't really be that smart?!"
Glaring daggers at him, I felt my hands steam up as I spat, "Roku told me!"
Everyone froze by my words, and I saw uncle look bewildered when I said this. He knew about the bracelet, but he had no clue it possessed the ability to allow communication with Roku.
"What! You're lying," Zhao spat, suddenly in front of me and grabbing my shoulder hard. My bad shoulder... I hissed in pain. His hold constricted and I gritted my teeth as the pain only intensified. "There's no way Roku told you anything! You can't talk to a dead man."
My shoulder was searing in pain and my vision started to become invaded by black dots. I tried to struggle from his hold, but he only tightened it making me scream in pain.
"Zhao! That's enough!" Uncle shouted, and Zhao sneered releasing me. I gasped and shut my eyes tightly as my shoulder pulsed from the rough touch.
"We'll discuss this one later," he spat at me. Then he turned back to the pond. It was then uncle began to understand what Zhao was doing. I could see he understood, because I saw his own body tense and his eyes widen. Zhao pulled a cloth bag out of his armor and then reached down grabbing the white fish whose spirit name was Tui. As he placed the fish in a bag, I watched with terror as the moon became red. The balance of the world was being thrown off.
"NO!" I cried, struggling even harder in the hold of the soldiers restraining me. I felt like I wanted to protect this spirit. Something inside me made me yearn to protect Tui from death. "Stop Zhao! If you kill that spirit, this world will go into chaos! The waterbenders aren't the only people who need the moon spirit! We all do!"
Zhao laughed. "The only thing fire benders need is the sun!" He then raised his hands up to the sky above, the bag swaying back and forth with the struggling spirit inside. "I am a legend now! The Fire Nation will for generations tell stories about the great Zhao who darkened the moon! They will call me Zhao the Conqueror! Zhao the Moon Slayer! ZHAO THE INVINCIBLE!"
Something suddenly jumped on Zhao's head and from the light of the red moon I saw it was Momo. He yanked on Zhao's hair, and the man quickly struggled to get the little guy off. "Momo!" I cried in relief, and then took Zhao's distraction to my advantage. Quickly, I shot my flames at the soldiers holding me. They flew from me hitting the grass below us hard. Then I charged at Zhao as Momo flew off.
With all of my strength, I tackled him to the ground. He was shocked by my actions, and he clutched the bag for dear life as I tried to snatch it from his outstretched arm. I had him pinned down, but he was stronger than me. In the blink of an eye, he grabbed my shirt and rolled us over. His knee pressed into my stomach, and I gasped as my broken ribs screamed in pain. He managed to stand, and he gave me a quick kick in the side with his boot. I cried out in pain as another rib cracked.
"I told you not to fight me!" Zhao yelled kicking me hard in my ribs again. Gasping in pain, I tried to roll over and pick myself up. He kicked me again, stopping me. "You're such a freak!"
"Amber!" A cry rang from above, and I looked up in shock to see Appa flying toward us from the opening above. Kale and the others looked down at me with horror. Kale had been the one to shout my name. Zhao suddenly yanked me up and grabbed me around the arms restraining me. His free hand was still holding the struggling spirit.
"Don't bother," Zhao spat as Sokka, Katara, Aang, and Kale jumped off of Appa. Then he pulled my knife from earlier out of his armor sheath and held it to the bag still using his arm to restrain me.
Aang jumped back, dropping his staff just as he was about to attack. "Zhao, don't!" Aang cried.
Zhao tightened his hold on me making me cry out from the pain in my ribs. "It's my destiny... to destroy the moon... and the Water Tribe!"
"Destroying the moon won't just hurt the Water Tribe. It will hurt everyone – including you. Without the moon, everything would fall out of balance. You have no idea what kind of chaos that would unleash on the world," Aang said, pretty much summing up what I said earlier.
"He is right Zhao," my uncle suddenly spoke up.
Zhao sighed. "General Iroh, why am I not surprised to discover your treachery?"
Trying to heat my hands up again, Zhao noticed and kicked me hard in the shin. I cried out and almost fell, but he held me up. He then sliced my arm with the knife in his hand causing me to grit my teeth and hiss in pain.
"Stop!" Katara cried, clutching her hair in distraught over the pain I was feeling. "You're hurting her!"
Uncle tried to draw attention away from me so Zhao wouldn't jab at me again. "I'm no traitor, Zhao! The Fire Nation needs the moon too. We all depend on the balance! Whatever you do to that spirit, I'll unleash on you ten-fold! Let it go now!"
Zhao was tense by Iroh's words, and then I felt his grip on me loosen. With a sigh, he let me go and I fell on the ground weakly too exhausted to stand. "Amber!" Katara cried, trying to run over to me. A soldier stepped in front of her, blocking my sister from getting to me.
Looking back at Zhao, I saw him put the fish back in the pond and the moon turned white once more. A sigh escaped me, relieved by what occurred. However, I realized a moment too late it wasn't over. Zhao was so overcome by determination and rage, that he shot fire straight at the fish and the great spirit Tui died before out eyes. As the spirit died, the moon went black. Now the only light was from the fire of the burning supplies in the tribe we were in.
"No!" I screamed, just as Iroh began to attack the soldiers around us. Just as I was about to stand and run to my friends, I felt Zhao grab my shirt and yank me up into his grasp. Then he began to pull me out of the oasis back through the door. Screaming and thrashing, I tried to fire at him as he pulled me along through the broken and inflamed Northern Water Tribe. "You murderer! You monster! You've destroyed this world!"
Zhao growled and suddenly dug his knife into my side. It wasn't deep enough to kill me, but it was deep enough to draw blood and send pins and needles through my body. I cried out in pain. "Shut up, or the next time it's going straight in and you'll surely die!" Then he yanked the knife out and I felt blood soak my shirt.
Tears flowed freely down my cheeks as he pulled me along through the water tribe. Eventually we reached a bridge that hadn't been destroyed and Zhao started to walk us over it.
"ZHAO! LET HER GO!" A loud and enraged voice echoed across the dark air. Zhao turned us enough so that from the light of the flames I saw Zuko standing on the bridge, his own fire lit in his hands. Zhao growled and shoved me on the snowy bridge, and I welcomed the cold as it surrounded my body.
"You tried to have me killed!" Zuko spat, and I opened my eyes enough to see him walk toward us and shoot fire at Zhao.
Zhao quickly dodged the flames, and then shot a blast back at Zuko. "Yes I did," he spat. "You're the blue spirit- and enemy of the fire nation! You freed the girl!"
Zuko shouted, "She's my little sister! I had no choice!"
"Zuko," I whispered, trying to stand to help him, but my body was too worn and agonized to move.
"You should have chosen to accept your failure- your disgrace! Maybe then you could have lived!" Zhao jumped forward and shot a volley of fire at Zuko who quickly blocked it. When Zuko tried to regain his balance, Zhao grabbed me up once more and held me to him. Then he held a blazing hot flame near my face. Screams escaped me as I felt the heat lick at my cheek.
Zuko growled. "Stop this Zhao! You've hurt her enough!"
My captor spat, "Then turn and leave, or I'll kill her!"
As they glared daggers at one another, I silently thought about everything Zhao had done to me. I thought about all the anger I felt toward him. I thought about the pain, and the hate he shot toward me. My insides boiled as anger filled me. Give me strength Roku...
You do not need me... It is inside you, he whispered in my head. I was confused by his words, but I kept focus on Zhao. Shutting my eyes, a surge of strength shot through me as power filled inside me. I wasn't sure where it came from, but it was slowly helping me forget about the pain. As my strength grew, so did my confidence and my desire for revenge. With my new strength, I threw my head back. It connected with Zhao's chin and he fell back in the snow releasing me. Then I turned swiftly and held my glowing hand in front of me as I stared at the terrified man with rage. A purple flame enveloped my fist as I pointed it toward the man.
"You'll pay for everything," I hissed, ready to get my revenge. With fury, I threw it at Zhao and it hit him in the arm causing him to cry out in agony. Zuko came beside me, his eyes wide as he stared at my glowing body. Ignoring him, I stepped over to a cringing Zhao lighting another flame. "How does it feel Zhao! How does being burned and humiliated feel to you?!" Tears fell down my cheeks as I fired another blast at him. It hit him in the leg and he screamed as it burned his skin again. "Probably doesn't feel good!"
"You are a freak! You really are! I should've killed you as soon as I grabbed you from your room!"
I growled. "But you didn't! You were too weak!" My flame in my hand intensified. "I'm going to make you wish you were the one dead!"
My mind was too clouded by hatred and rage to care if killed Zhao here and now. Something stopped me though. A warm embrace wrapped around my glowing body, and I felt the rage and fire inside me begin to simmer. "Stop Amber... Don't do it... This isn't you," Zuko whispered, and I felt my crazed mind calm down. As this happened the glow around me began to fade and I started to feel the strength holding me up fade. My anger seemed to vanish as if it were sucked out of me.
Zuko caught me as I slumped to the ground. I felt all the pain and fatigue return to me. Was I really about to kill a man? I felt Zuko gently lie me down in the snow. "Just hang in there... I'll take care of him. You've done enough," he whispered, and I gritted my teeth as my whole body burst with pain. Opening my eyes weakly, I stared up at the sky as Zhao and Zuko continued to fight. That's when I saw the white moon above, and I smiled to myself. The balance had returned... Aang must've found a way to heal the spirit.
"No! It can't be!" Zhao cried, knowing his plan had failed.
"Looks like Amber was right Zhao... You are weak," Zuko stated.
As the two continued their fight, I saw a bright glowing water creature emerge from the canal below. Looking inside the enormous beast, I saw Aang was in a glowing orb... A glowing orb! A giant water monster! Aang had gone into his avatar state!
The creature suddenly reached with watery hands toward Zhao and Zuko. I knew Aang wouldn't come after me, so without another thought, I jumped up with the last amount of energy I had and grabbed onto Zuko. He caught me as I began to fall again, but to my relief the watery hand went around the two of us toward Zhao. It grabbed onto the monster as he tried to run, and then held him in the air for a moment. Zuko pressed my face to his chest, and I closed my eyes as I heard Zhao's screams until they were silenced by a loud splash. Silence filled the air as both Zhao and Aang disappeared.
It was over. Zhao was dead... The man that took me away from everything was gone, and I felt as if the heavy chains around me were broken and I was finally free... I was finally at peace... That's when I let unconsciousness take me over.
Third Person
Zuko caught his sister as she slumped over in his arms. Kneeling on the ground so he could lay her body down, he tried to catch his breath from his battle. When he could breathe again, he was able to look over his sister and get an idea of her condition. It wasn't good... She had blood covering her shirt from where Zhao had stabbed her moments before. There was also a slice on her forearm where blood was seeping through her sleeve. Her side was swollen from what Zuko could assume were broken ribs, and she had bruises all over her face and whatever skin he could see.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered, pulling her up into his arms and holding her close to him. She felt so thin and frail, and her breathing was weak as she lost more and more blood. Zuko knew he had to get her to her friends. He understood it was the only way to save her. Though he didn't want to ever let his little sister go again, he knew it was best for her. Their were healers in the Northern Water Tribe. They would help her. They had to help her. "You'll be okay," Zuko said. "I won't let you die."
With strength even he was surprised he still had, he pulled her into his arms bridal style. This only made him worry more. She was so light, and he feared she was fading way to fast. He tried to listen to her breathing, but he heard nothing.
Racing away from the bridge, he ran across the damaged tribe back toward the oasis they'd once been in. Amber was easy to carry in his arms, but the burden of his sister dying made his arms weak. He soon felt her blood soak into his shirt, and this made his blood run cold. "No! Please don't let it be too late!"
He was just reaching the oasis door, when finally he spotted her. The water bender who Amber called her sister... He quickly ran over to her and she looked his way with shock. Then she got into a fighting stance, shouting, "You! What are you-" She stopped when she saw the limp body in his arms.
"No... Amber!" She cried, and then ran over. She could see the blood dripping from her sister's side and arm, and she could hear the weak breaths that came from her mouth. Zuko placed her in the snow, and then backed away as Katara knelt beside the injured girl.
"Please... Help her... She trusts you," Zuko said through heavy breaths. Tears were pouring from his eyes.
The water bender nodded, saying softly, "I will..."
Zuko nodded, and then turned running off.
Katara watched the Fire Nation prince take off with surprise. He must have really loved Amber to carry her all the way back to the oasis. Without thinking too much into it, Katara pulled some water from the snow around her and held it over Amber's side trying to heal the wound on her side. Amber wasn't responsive, and this worried Katara. As she stopped the bleeding, she expected Amber to make some response or movement, but she was out cold.
Footsteps suddenly raced toward them, and Katara looked over in surprise. Kale had come, and his eyes stared in horror at the sight before him. His one and only love was on the ground, as pale as a ghost. The snow around her was stained red with her blood, and she seemed to be having trouble breathing. Katara continued to try and heal her the best she could.
"We have to get her back to the oasis where it's warm. It's better for her there," Katara said, knowing she'd done all she could for her. Kale immediately pulled the weak broken body into his arms,and then turned rushing her back toward the oasis. Katara followed behind with tears for her sister. Katara didn't want to lose anyone else she loved.
Amber POV
It was so strange... a second ago I was in so much pain... However, at the moment I felt numb on the inside. My eyes were heavy, and my body wouldn't move as I tried to come back to my grasp on the real world. For hours- or so I thought it was hours- I tried to pull myself out of the dark fog of nothingness. It seemed like I would never escape, but eventually I found myself coming out of the thick fog into a haze.
"She's healing fine... Kale chill... Sokka, stop pacing... She moved!" Voices echoed in my head, and I tried to name them all. My mind couldn't figure out if the voices were male or female, nor could they place name to them. "It's not working... Hand me more water... Thank goodness her colors coming back." The voices continued and I wanted them to continue. If I could grasp to them and stay on what was real, I could escape the fog holding me down and find freedom from it's strong endless overcast.
"Please wake up... I love you too much to lose you," a male voice whispered in my ear. Kale... It had to be Kale.
Warm lips pressed against my forehead, and I screamed inside with joy. I could feel him. I could feel Kale. The fog fell farther away from me, and it was only then I began to feel it. First it was dull, but as my senses returned so did the horrible agony... My body exploded in pain.
Shooting my eyes open in shock, I cried out as my side and arm burned. Someone was beside me, and the first irrational thought that shot through my head was Zhao. I screamed and thrashed at the blur beside me.
"Amber!" Kale cried, jumping back from me as I tried to hit him. He grabbed my wrists and pinned them both to the bed. Sobs escaped me as I felt the aches radiate all over my muscles and bones.
"It's okay... You're safe... Please calm down," Kale said, and I felt my body slowly still as his words calmed my racing heart. Then my sobs ceased and I looked into his soft brown eyes taking in their familiar color. I managed to catch my breath which was heavy. "That's right... Everything's okay now... No one will hurt you anymore..."
Kale's words were the last thing I heard before exhaustion took me over again.
When I came to this time, I was much more in tune with my surroundings and senses than before. Though my body was aching and my head felt heavy, I managed to open my eyes and take in my surroundings. It appeared I was in a massive room made of snow white walls. Large fur blankets were covering my body from above my shoulders to below my toes. My head was on a soft pillow and my body lied on a comfortable cot.
Weakly, I found some strength to sit up. I let my blankets fall from my body as I moved. It was then I noticed my chest was bandaged and the only thing I wore was trousers. Dried blood covered my side, and I saw faded bruises from the area my ribs were still sore. The two bracelets on my wrist felt cool against my skin, and I pressed my hand against the blue and gold bracelets with relief. Thank goodness I didn't lose them...
With weak legs, I managed to move to the side of the cot and touch my toes on the cold floor. Standing, I almost fell to the ground but caught myself on the cot. Wincing from the way my ribs cried out from the fall, I stood more slowly this time. Then I walked to the open doorway of the room I stood in, and I shivered violently as a cold wind hit my exposed body.
"She's awake!" Someone suddenly cried, and I looked over to see two guys coming toward me. It was only after a second I realized who they were. It was Sokka and Kale, both of them coming toward me with relief.
Sokka yanked his coat off when they got close and he placed it over my bare shoulders. "I'm so glad your awake! We were worried sick about you. You've been out for three days."
Three days?! It had been three days! It only felt like a few hours.
"Let's get her back to the room. She looks like she can barely stand," Kale said, concerned I would fall.
"I'm fine," I promised, my throat really dry from three days of no water. "I'm just really thirsty."
Kale and Sokka helped me back onto the cot, and then placed the blankets back over my body. Sokka said something about getting me water and something to eat, while Kale sat beside me on his knees.
"What happened?" I asked weakly, staring at him with loss. "Last thing I remember is Zhao being pulled into the icy waters below the bridge."
Kale smiled weakly. "Your brother Zuko carried you to Katara begging her to save you. You were weak, and Katara worked for hours trying to stop the bleeding in your side and arm. By this point Zuko was already gone. We carefully carried you to the oasis where Katara did most of her work. Then when you were well enough to be moved, Sokka and I managed to carry you to the palace where the chief led us to this room. You've been cared for by the Chief's finest healers."
I took in what he said. "The moon," I said softly. "How did you guys bring it back?"
Kale sighed, frowning deeply. "Yue sacrificed herself for the moon spirit. She had been given life from the moon spirit when she was a baby, so she gave life back to it. She died three days ago. Sokka's been mourning on the side lines, but he knows Yue's safe and watching over us in the moon above."
My eyes widened at his words. "No... Why would she-"
"She made her choice... It was hard for both her and Sokka, but they knew it had to be done."
My heart ached for the loss of such a good friend. It wasn't fair... She was just a sixteen year old girl with so much future ahead.
Yue... I thought to myself, my heart calling out to my good friend. Thank you for your sacrifice.
Then I said to Roku, Watch over her...
Roku whispered in my head, "She is in good hands."
"Amber?" My eyes darted back to Kale, and I saw him smile weakly. "I know your sad by this news, but don't let it hurt you too much. Yue's safe. She was happy to save the moon."
Nodding, I wiped away the tears that fell from my eyes.
A week passed and finally I was back to my strength. Katara helped me bathe to get the dried blood and dirt stains off my body and hair, and then she helped me put on a warm shirt and some blue trousers. The chief was holding a celebration in honor of everyone's bravery, the tribes victory, and to bless his daughter, the new moon spirit.
At the celebration, I was personally thanked by the chief in front of everyone. He thanked me for my bravery in leading the warriors, and for getting them back safely to the tribe. When he said this I scanned the crowed in surprise to see Hahn was okay as well. That was a shock. I thought for sure Zhao sliced him.
Later that night, after the festivities died down and we all made our way back to the place we were staying in (our original place was blown to smithereens by a fire ball), we all plopped down on our cots with a smile.
"So..." Aang began. "Now what?"
"Well... I guess now we find you an earth bending teacher," Katara said to Aang. "You've mastered water bending enough."
Aang nodded, and then looked over at me with a grin. "Then after I find an earth bending teacher, I already have a fire bending teacher." My face beamed at his words. He wanted me as his fire bending teacher?! "Maybe you can teach me how to bend purple fire too."
"Yeah... Maybe," I said, though we both knew Aang was kidding.
Everyone then began to discuss the party. As they did, I saw Kale scoot closer to me.
As he sat beside me, I leaned against him and let his arms encircle me. "I'm so relieved you're okay."
I blushed and smiled. "Thanks... I'm glad your okay too."
He sighed. "Look... I know you don't feel the same way, but I have to say this... After seeing you in such a terrible state of health, I don't want to lose my chance. I love you, Amber... I've loved you ever since the moment we crashed into each other nine years ago."
My blush intensified... I looked out the window at the moon in the sky trying to find answers. Trying to find the words to say. I knew the answer though... Deep down I felt warmed and relieved by his words. Turning slightly in his hold, I met his eyes. "This is going to be crazy... but I love you too," I whispered, and this time I meant and felt it. I loved Kale.
He was taken off guard, and I could tell he was utterly elated by my words. He had won my heart back, and he realized this. It was Kale's voice that brought me back to the world... It was Kale's love that made me realize how much I wanted to live. Even though I the Kale in the past was a stranger to me, the present Kale was my hero. He brought me out of the fog and back to my family.
Leaning forward, I kissed him on the lips. My first kiss... He froze is surprise, but slowly he relaxed and placed his hand on the back of my head. He pulled me closer to him kissing me back. At that moment, I felt as if I had finally found peace. Everything was perfect.
I looked forward to what the future would bring for all of us.