As the days went by the absence of Chiara's presence bothered Zuko more and more. She obediently never left her quarters, and she spent the time stretching and exercising, waterbending, and doing any sewing that Iroh brought to her. He would also bring her meals since she would not leave even to eat in the mess hall.

The second night Iroh ate his dinner with her when he brought her meal.

"You should go outside, Chiara. I doubt Zuko will say much about it."

"If I disobey his order, that'll make him look weak in front of the crew."

"Maybe not as much as you think. Being a beautiful, young woman, I think that's a weakness any one of the crew would succumb to."

She was surprised by what he said. "That's going to get me locked up below deck."

Iroh laughed. "Well, the crew also sees you more as his family than his subordinate, so you can get away with it."

"I don't want to upset Prince Zuko," she said.

"You'll really stay confined here for as long as we're at sea?"

"If that's what he wishes."

"You could go out late at night when he's in bed," he said softly.

She smiled at his suggestion, but she shook her head. "I won't disobey his order. It's his ship; if he confines me to my quarters or even the brig, he's within his rights to do so."

Iroh was impressed by her obedience.


The third night was music night, and Zuko stood out on the upper deck, but he was surprised that Chiara was not singing or playing. As he stood listening to the group, he thought they sounded empty without her sweet voice or the sound of her erhu.

Later that evening, Iroh approached him as he still stood on the upper deck looking at the constellations he and Chiara would point out together.

"Chiara didn't play?" Zuko asked him.

"You ordered her confined to her room," said Iroh. "She refuses to leave her imprisonment."

"I didn't think she'd miss music night," he said softly.

"She won't disobey your order, Prince Zuko."

"I wish she wouldn't have disobeyed my order to move when I had the Avatar," he said with a bit of bitterness he could not keep out of his voice.

"Did you really expect her to allow you to attack the Avatar?"

"It's not like I was going to...to kill him."

"Chiara has a deep appreciation for life," said Iroh. "She serves others and places herself last. She's not one to seek revenge or hurt anyone without cause, but she can be fiercely protective of those she cares about. You've seen how she defended me at the Western Air Temple, and she's quite protective of you as well."

Zuko looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"She refuses to disobey your order because she will not undermine your authority in front of the crew."

Zuko was stunned to hear this, and he was touched by her thoughtfulness.


The next morning, Zuko went to her room and knocked on her door.

"Come in," he heard her soft voice say.

When he entered, he saw her staring out the red-tinted window.

"The view from deck is better," he said.

"I remember," she answered softly.

They were both silent for a few seconds, Chiara not knowing what to say, and Zuko not knowing how to say what he wanted.

"I...I miss you at dinner," he finally said.

She turned towards him. "I miss you too," she replied.

"I feel like you betrayed me, Chiara. Over two years I searched for the Avatar, and as soon as I had him, you helped him get away."

"It wasn't my intention to betray you. I am my prince's loyal subject."

As her last few words registered in his mind he felt a fluttery feeling in his chest which he tried not to think about.

"But...but you were willing to give your life for him," he said, his jealousy escaping in his tone.

"My life is nothing," she said to his surprise. "He is the Avatar..."

"Your life is not nothing," he said with a bit more anger than he intended.

"But the Avatar's meant to bring balance to the Nations. You and General Iroh mean the world to me and this war isn't worth losing you."

"I know you lost your family because of the war, but if I regain my honor, I'll be Fire Lord one day; then I can change the world for the better."

"By then the Earth Kingdom and Water Nation will look like the Air Temples."

"You won't win this, Chiara. I will get the Avatar and I will regain my honor."

"You never lost your honor."

"I don't expect you to understand. You're not the son of the Fire Lord; you're not the one who's been banished."

"No, I'm not. My blood relatives' bones are lying in a pile of ash long since washed away by the rain. You believe you lost your honor, but I lost my family to this war. I lost Lu Ten. How many more men, women, and children will die because the Avatar will be imprisoned in the Fire Nation?"

Zuko looked down not knowing how to counter her argument.

"I never meant to hurt you, Prince Zuko. Honestly, I didn't intend to help him get away; I didn't want you to hurt him...he's just a child...like the children at the air temples," she added softly.

Zuko stood silent for a minute as memories of her holding the infant skull flashed through his mind. "I don't like fighting against you," he said. "Will...will you have dinner with me?"

She nodded. "I will."

"You're released from your confinement. I only said it out of anger."

"I know."

He held the door open. "You should go up on deck and get some fresh air."

She walked by him and they both went up on deck.


That evening when she arrived at his quarters with dinner, she had an extra plate with a towel over it. He took the tray from her and set it on the table, and she set the plate before him.

"I made these for you," she said.

He lifted the towel and saw cookies.

"They look good," he said smiling. "Thanks.

"Do you have any ideas why the Avatar is so young?" she asked him as she knelt down.

He looked at her as if lost in thought and then slowly shook his head. "I don't understand it. He should be over a hundred years old."

"He had the tattoos of an airbending master, and he seemed to rely mostly on his airbending."

"I noticed that too. He's definitely an Air Nomad," he said. "And when he was glowing...that must've been the Avatar State."

"Even his tattoos were glowing."

"That's the only time I saw him waterbend," said Zuko. "I bet he doesn't even know how to bend the other elements."

"That means he needs to find a waterbending master first," she said softly staring blankly at her bowl.

"The North Pole," he said.

She looked up at him.

"He'll have to go to the Northern Water Tribe for a master," he said.

She gently nodded and they continued eating.

When they finished eating, she cleaned his room while he meditated, and then she sat and quietly reread some scrolls about the Avatar State.


When they finally arrived at the shipyard to get the ship repaired, Iroh, Zuko, and Chiara stepped onto the dock. Chiara had her hand on Iroh's upper right arm as she had often done whenever they walked through the ports or marketplaces together as he preferred to keep her close to him or Zuko.

"Uncle," said Zuko standing on Iroh's left, "I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail."

"You mean the Avatar...," started Iroh.

Zuko put his face in Iroh's as they all came to an abrupt stop. "Don't mention his name on these docks. Once word gets out that he's alive, every firebender will be out looking for him, and I don't want anyone getting in the way."

"Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?" came another voice.

Zuko turned around, and they all looked up at the tall man approaching them.

"Captain Zhao," said Zuko, unimpressed.

"It's commander now," Zhao corrected him. He looked down at Iroh. "And General Iroh," he said bowing slightly to him, "great hero of our Nation."

"Retired general," said Iroh returning the bow.

Zhao's eyes were drawn to Chiara on Iroh's arm, her waist length curls black as coal glistened in the sunlight, and he followed them up to her sweet face and sea-green eyes. He was quite curious as to the identity of such a beautiful and regal looking girl at Iroh's side.

"And who is this?"

"This is my daughter, Lady Chiara," said Iroh.

Zhao's eyes lit up like a predator spotting its prey when he identified her as his daughter. She bowed respectfully to him, but she did not speak; Zhao, however, did not return the greeting but merely nodded his head towards her.

"I heard you had a daughter," said Zhao as he gazed at her. "But I wasn't aware of her exquisite beauty."

His mind filled with plans of a powerful union with the royal family, and the look he was giving her made her feel uncomfortable, and Zuko suddenly felt heated and tense.

"Yes, she is quite beautiful," said Iroh lightly as he gently patted her hand.

"How old if I may ask?"

"She is fifteen."

"The age of promise," said Zhao feeling as if fate had him destined for even greater things, and the covetousness in his eyes caused Chiara to cling to Iroh a bit more.

Zuko wanted to yell out at Zhao.

"As a father I'm not ready to give up such a priceless treasure," Iroh gently laughed.

"You'll have to let go of her one day," Zhao deviously smiled. "And I'm sure you want her to be attached to a powerful husband."

"Uncle, you can't!" blurted Zuko unable to hold back any longer.

Zhao looked at him taken aback by his sudden exclamation, but he composed himself. "Surely you're not jealous, Prince Zuko," he said silkily. "After all, she is your cousin."

"She's not my cousin," he said deeply.

Zhao looked at Iroh.

"Prince Zuko is technically correct," said Iroh before Zhao questioned him. "I adopted Chiara many years ago. They are no blood relation."

"I see," said Zhao feeling a bit disappointed.

"And I find it best not to dwell so much on the future," continued Iroh. "For now, Chiara serves her purpose by my side."

"Well, the Fire Lord's brother, niece, and son are welcome guests anytime," said Zhao. "What brings you to my harbor?"

"Our ship is being repaired," said Iroh.

Zhao looked up at the ship astonished by the damage. "That's quite a bit of damage."

"Yes," said Zuko. "You wouldn't believe what happened. Uncle, tell Commander Zhao what happened."

Iroh was shocked at being put on the spot. "Yes, I will do that. It was incredible...what, did we crash or something?" he asked Zuko.

"Uh, yes," said Zuko. "Right into an Earth Kingdom ship."

Zhao looked unconvinced.

"Really?" he asked skeptically. "You must regale me with all the thrilling details. Join me for a drink?"

"Sorry," said Zuko turning away from Zhao, "but we have to go." He pulled Chiara away from Iroh.

"Prince Zuko," said Iroh, "show Commander Zhao your respect." Iroh looked at Zhao. "We will be honored to join you. Do you have any ginseng tea?" he asked as he walked by him. "It's my favorite."

Zhao followed him. Zuko was upset and growled as flames shot from his fists, so Chiara put her hand on his back to comfort him, and then they reluctantly followed them to Zhao's tent.

"Please sit," said Zhao as they entered his tent.

They all sat down near a small table.

"Prince Zuko, it's been a long time since I last saw you," said Zhao as he studied the scar he had taken a perverse pleasure in seeing him receive. "It seems your...injury healed quite well...a little too well considering the circumstances. I would've expected the scar to be much larger and..."

"About that tea," interrupted Iroh who did not want Zuko to snap at Zhao, nor did he want any suspicion of Chiara's origin.

"Of course," said Zhao as he stood up to request the tea.

The tea was served just after Zhao began explaining some of their future plans for the war. Chiara was disgusted by the conversation, and she had stopped drinking her tea after the first sip which did not go unnoticed by Zuko. It took every ounce of patience and energy for her to remain in the room.

"...and by year's end," continued Zhao, "the Earth Kingdom capital will be under our rule. The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war."

"If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool," said Zuko.

"Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue," said Zhao.

Chiara felt nervous for Zuko.

"So," continued Zhao, "how's your search for the Avatar going?"

Suddenly, Iroh knocked over some weapons, drawing Zhao's attention. "Uh...my fault entirely," said Iroh apologetically.

"We haven't found him yet," said Zuko.

"Did you really expect to?" asked Zhao. "The Avatar died a hundred years ago along with the rest of the airbenders...unless you found some evidence that the Avatar is alive?"

"No," said Zuko. "Nothing."

"Prince Zuko," said Zhao, "the Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Nation from winning this war. If you have an ounce of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you found."

Chiara bit her tongue as she wanted to snap at Zhao, but she remembered Iroh's words to her at the Western Air Temple, and though not concerned about herself, she worried it would not be good for Zuko or Iroh if she spoke.

"I haven't found anything," said Zuko. "It's like you said, the Avatar probably died a long time ago."

"What about you, Lady Chiara?" asked Zhao. "Have you seen anything concerning the Avatar?"

At first Zuko felt nervous at what she might tell him, but then he trusted that Chiara would never betray the Avatar to Zhao.

"I've seen the bones and ashes of the Air Nomads," she said as calmly as she could.

A smile grew across Zhao's face. "Yes, a testament to the great Fire Nation's victory."

"Please enlighten me, Commander, but what is victorious about slaughtering old men, women, and children?"

Zuko was proud to hear her stand up to him, but he held his breath as Zhao's smile disappeared.

"Why don't you ask your father, the great general of the Fire Nation?"

Iroh turned towards them. "There is no victory in such senseless slaughter," he said softly.

"It seems you've softened in your retirement," said Zhao.

"Or grew wiser," said Chiara.

Both Iroh and Zuko were impressed by her response.

Zhao looked at her. "What would you know of war? You're just a girl. Your expertise lies in trying to attract the eyes of men."

"I know war destroys lives and families."

Zhao laughed arrogantly. "When the Fire Nation conquers the world, you will have your pacifist society. There will be no more war."

Chiara wanted to snap back at him, but Zuko stood up and pulled her up before she could speak as he remembered Iroh's warning to her at the Western Air Temple. He started walking out pulling her along with him. "Come on, Uncle, we're going."

As Zuko was about to walk out of the tent, two guards stopped him.

"Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirm that Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody but let him escape."

"Now, remind me," said Zhao, "how exactly was your ship damaged?"

They were forced back into the room where they sat down under guard while Zhao received a more detailed report from his men. When he returned, he stood before Zuko.

"Now tell me exactly what happened," he demanded.

"I found him among a Water Nation village," said Zuko simply. "I took him prisoner, but he managed to escape."

Zhao scowled at his lack of detail. "So a twelve year old boy bested you and your firebenders. You're more pathetic than I thought."

"I underestimated him once," said Zuko. "But it will not happen again."

"No, it will not," said Zhao, "because you won't have a second chance."

"Commander Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar for two years and I..."

"And you failed!" yelled Zhao sending a wave of fire in front of him. "Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now."

Zuko jumped up to leap at Zhao, and Chiara jumped up to stop him or protect him if necessary, but he was held back by Zhao's guards. Another guard grabbed Chiara believing she was going to attack Zhao as well.

"Get your hands off her!" yelled Zuko as he tried to pull away from the guards.

Zhao nodded his head towards the guard holding Chiara as he did not see her as a threat, so the guard released her.

"Keep them here," said Zhao before walking out.

Zuko angrily kicked over the table.

"More tea, please," said Iroh calmly.


Later, Zhao returned to the three of them sitting quietly.

"My search party is ready," he said. "Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship, and you'll be free to go."

"Why?" asked Zuko. "Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?"

Zhao laughed condescendingly. "You? Stop me? Impossible."

Zuko stood up. "Don't underestimate me, Zhao. I will capture the Avatar before you."

"Prince Zuko, that's enough," said Iroh standing up.

"You can't compete with me," said Zhao. "I have hundreds of war ships under my command. And you, you're just a banished prince. No home, no allies. Your own father doesn't even want you."

Chiara felt angry with Zhao.

"You're wrong," said Zuko. "Once I deliver the Avatar to my father, he will welcome me home with honor and restore my rightful place on the throne."

"If your father really wanted you home, he would've let you return by now, Avatar or no Avatar, but in his eyes you are a failure and a disgrace to the Fire Nation."

"That's not true."

"You have the scar to prove it."

"Maybe you'd like one to match!" threatened Zuko.

"Is that a challenge?" said Zhao calmly.

"An Agni Kai," said Zuko, "at sunset."

Chiara stood up feeling nervous.

"Very well," said Zhao. "It's a shame your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you. I guess your uncle and cousin will do." He turned to walk away, but then looked at Iroh. "And, General Iroh, do keep me in mind when you're ready to let go of your treasure. A marriage to a commander of the Fire Nation Navy will be far more honorable than to that of a lowly exiled prince." He walked out.

Flames were coming from Zuko's clenched fists, so Chiara stood next to him and placed her hand on his arm.

"Prince Zuko," said Iroh, "have you forgotten what happened last time you dueled a master?"

"I will never forget," he said deeply.


At sunset, Zuko, Iroh, and Chiara waited in the arena. Chiara was nervous as she had never witnessed an Agni Kai before and she was not ready to now, but she had her vial of water with her and was ready to tend to any injuries Zuko might suffer.

"Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko," instructed Iroh. "They are your greatest weapons."

"I refuse to let him win," said Zuko before standing up.

Zhao and Zuko turned to face one another, each taking a firebending stance, and then a gong sounded. Zuko made the first move sending a blast of fire towards Zhao who stepped aside to avoid it, and then stepped aside again to avoid another. Zuko continued sending flames towards him, but Zhao continued avoiding and blocking them. Chiara was worried when she saw Zuko breathing heavy while Zhao seemed unfazed, but then Zuko kicked out a stream of fire. Zhao deflected each flame Zuko sent towards him, easily slicing through each one.

"Basics, Zuko," said Iroh. "Break his root!"

Zhao now stepped forward aggressively shooting flames towards Zuko who was pushed back as he deflected the attack. Chiara stood holding onto Iroh's arm while holding her breath. Zhao stepped forward again attacking Zuko and again forcing him back. Chiara did not want to watch, but she feared taking her eyes away from the duel. Zhao took another step forward sending fire towards Zuko who was pushed back again while diverting the flames around him. Finally, Zhao sent a strong blast towards him knocking him on his back making Chiara want to run to him, but Iroh held her back. As Zuko looked up, Zhao landed in front of him and began sending a wave of fire towards him, but Zuko rolled away from the flames and swung around kicking Zhao's feet out from under him while quickly jumping to his own feet. Zhao was up quickly, but Zuko began kicking wave after wave of fire towards him forcing him to retreat and eventually knocking him on his back. Zuko stood over him ready to fire at him point blank.

"Do it!" yelled Zhao.

Zuko hesitated, and then he sent out a blast of fire deliberately hitting the ground next to Zhao's head.

"That's it?" sneered Zhao. "Your father raised a coward."

"Next time you get in my way, I promise I won't hold back."

Zuko turned from him and began walking away as Chiara ran up to him. Zhao stood up and kicked out a powerful flame towards him from behind, but Chiara, seeing Zhao's intent, moved behind Zuko and stood between them while Iroh stepped in front of her and immediately stopped Zhao's attack and pushed him away. Zuko turned in anger and went towards Zhao, but Iroh held him back.

"No, Prince Zuko," he said. "Do not taint your victory." Iroh turned towards Zhao. "So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat? Disgraceful. Even in exile my nephew is more honorable than you." Zuko was stunned by Iroh's compliment. "Thanks again for the tea," continued Iroh. "It was delicious."

They turned and left, Chiara holding onto Zuko's arm as they walked.

"Did you really mean that, Uncle?" asked Zuko.

"Of course. I told you ginseng tea is my favorite."

Chiara quietly laughed to herself.


They returned to the ship where Chiara started heading to the galley to make a late dinner for the three of them.

"Chiara."

She stopped in the hall and turned to Zuko who walked up to her. He tenderly touched some curls that draped her face.

"Don't ever put yourself between me and an opponent again," he said in a stern, but gentle tone.

"Attacking you from behind was a disgusting act of cowardice. I wasn't about to let him get away with it."

"And Uncle handled it. You had no weapons and no way to defend yourself; he would've burned you."

"At least I wouldn't have to worry about him courting me then."

He let out a deep growl as the thought of Zhao asking for her hand angered him, and he tried to push it out of his mind. "Look, just don't get in the way like that again. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I'm sorry, my prince, I can't agree to that."

"What?! You'll agree to it or you'll find yourself back in the Fire Nation," he threatened playfully.

"I won't agree to it, and if you're going to go around challenging every officer to an Agni Kai, I'm just going to have to assign myself as your Imperial non-Firebender."

He started laughing. "Oh, you are in so much trouble."

She giggled. "Well, it'll have to wait. You and the General need dinner."

"Do you need help?" he asked her.

"I can handle it; go relax, meditate."

He smiled as she turned away. "Are you sure? I can go find Ozen to help you."

She was laughing as she walked down the hall. "I've got it. Thanks for offering your help though."

After making dinner, she took it to Zuko's room where Iroh met them, and they all knelt down around the table.

"This looks and smells delicious, Chiara," said Iroh.

"I hope you enjoy it," she said.

"You have yet to make me anything I have not enjoyed."

She laughed.

"I also made this," she said uncovering one of the plates in front of Zuko revealing a small pie. "For your victory, your bravery, and your act of honor," she said.

Zuko felt elated while Iroh's eyes widened when he saw the dessert.

"Don't worry," said Chiara when she noticed him eyeing it. She uncovered another plate. "I made one for his excellent teacher too."

"Oh, Chiara, this looks good," said Iroh.

"Not before dinner," she said as she set his meal down before him.

During the meal, Iroh and Zuko discussed the Agni Kai while Chiara was quietly lost in her own thoughts as she was still troubled by Zhao and the war.

"Are you okay?" Zuko asked her when they finished their dinner.

She looked up at him. "Yes," she answered giving him a small smile for reassurance.

He pulled his plate of pie towards him and looked at her. "Where's yours?"

"I didn't make one for me."

"Why not? You deserve it for speaking up against Zhao."

"I didn't speak up as much as I was tempted," she said softly.

"Then you are to be commended for your self control," said Iroh.

Zuko moved his dessert so that it sat between them. "Have some of mine."

"I made that for you," she said.

He picked up a bite and fed it to her making her giggle as he shared his dessert with her.