A/N: I apologize again for not posting Chapter 16 at the proper time. There are a few things in it which will come up again later in the story. I've also been updating this on AO3 which I find a lot easier when it comes to handling chapter postings, and it was posted correctly there.


Over a week had gone by before they had heard any news that the Avatar was heading north, so a course was set to follow him. After spending the morning training, Zuko was standing on the deck with a telescope keeping a lookout while Iroh was staring off into the distance, and Chiara was watching the water moving around the boat. She was feeling a bit homesick for waterbending, especially after seeing the waterbending scroll, but she patiently kept her gift hidden practicing techniques late in the evening privately in her quarters when she knew no one would walk in on her.

"There is a storm coming," said Iroh. "A big one."

"You're out of your mind, Uncle," said Zuko. "The weather's perfect. There's not a cloud in sight."

"I sense it too," said Chiara. "It's approaching from the north."

"I suggest we alter our course and head southwest," said Iroh.

"We know the Avatar's traveling northward," said Zuko. "So we will do the same."

"Prince Zuko," said Iroh, "consider the safety of the crew."

"The safety of the crew doesn't matter!"

Lieutenant Jee looked over at him appalled by the prince's lack of concern for others.

"You don't mean that," said Chiara still looking at the water.

Zuko walked over and stood before Jee who was scowling at him for his comment.

"Finding the Avatar is far more important than any individual safety," said Zuko.

He turned and left the deck as Iroh walked over to Jee.

"He doesn't mean that. He's just all worked up."

Jee scowled even more.


Later, Chiara went inside to go to the galley, but seeing Zuko in the hall, she stopped him.

"Prince Zuko, please alter course. The weight of the storm in the air is heavy."

"I can't. We're so close to the Avatar."

"That won't mean anything if we're all dead."

"How do you even know there's a storm? The sky is clear," he said.

"I can feel the change in the air and the wind just as the General does."

He shook his head. "Uncle probably wants to go to another port to do more shopping."

"Well I'm not interested in stopping at a port," she said. "We can just anchor somewhere southwest of here temporarily."

"You're being paranoid."

"I'm not paranoid. It's no small storm out there."

"We'll be fine," he insisted. "I can't lose the Avatar, not when I'm so close."

He walked off, so Chiara went to the galley to work, but her mind was on Zuko, fearing he was becoming more like Ozai.


The ship continued sailing as the skies began growing black ahead of them. Zuko walked out on deck where Jee, Shoza, and Jozan were standing looking at the oncoming storm.

"Huh," said Jee as he turned towards Zuko, "looks like your uncle was right about the storm after all."

"Lucky guess," said Iroh pleasantly trying to de-escalate the growing conflict.

"Lieutenant," said Zuko as he stood in front of him, "you'd better learn some respect or I will teach it to you," he threatened as he poked him in the chest.

He turned away from Jee.

"What do you know about respect?" said Jee. "The way you talk to everyone around here, from your hard-working crew to your esteemed uncle, shows you know nothing about respect."

Iroh gasped nervously.

"You don't care about anyone but yourself," continued Jee. "Then again, what should I expect from a spoiled prince."

Zuko turned around ready to fight as was Jee.

"Easy now," said Iroh trying to calm them down.

Smoke was emanating from Zuko's hand as the two faced each other, so Iroh stepped between them and separated them.

"Enough! We are all a bit tired from being at sea so long. I'm sure after a bowl of noodles, everyone will feel much better."

Jee and Zuko turned away from each other.

"I don't need your help keeping order on my ship," Zuko snapped at Iroh.

Iroh placed his hand on Zuko's shoulder, but he stormed away towards the bow, so Iroh left the deck and went to the mess hall.

When Chiara saw him, she brought him a bowl of food setting it down before him.

"Are you okay?" she asked taking a seat across from him.

"I am worried about Prince Zuko. He and Lieutenant Jee almost had a fight."

She sighed. "He's been so tense lately. Is he still on deck?"

"He is, but it would be best if you just avoid him," he said.

Chiara went to the galley and prepared a bowl of food before going to the deck where Zuko was still standing. She approached him.

"I brought you something to eat," she said holding the bowl out to him.

"Did Uncle send you?"

"No. He actually said I should avoid you, but I thought you might be hungry."

She was so sweet and concerned about him he could not be angry at her, so he took the bowl and started eating. She remained with him while he ate, and when he finished, she took the bowl from him.

"Don't stay out here too long," she said before turning away. "It's going to start raining soon."

Meanwhile, as Lieutenant Jee was below deck complaining about Zuko to some of the other crewmembers, Iroh overheard him, and sitting with them, he began telling them Zuko's history and how he was punished and sent on a quest to find the Avatar. As the ship continued sailing deeper into the storm, it started being tossed harder and harder. Lightning flashed all around, and suddenly, it struck the ship. Hearing the noise, Zuko, Iroh, and Jee ran up on deck. Chiara soon followed as she wanted to be close to Iroh and Zuko in case of an emergency. With the storm and the threat of the boat capsizing, she was ready to help them and all of the crew with waterbending, even if it meant revealing her true nature and risking Zuko's hatred or even her own life.

"Where were we hit?" yelled Zuko through the noise of the storm.

"I don't know," yelled Jee.

"Look," called Iroh as he pointed up towards the bridge.

"The helmsman," yelled Zuko as he saw him hanging from the railing.

Zuko and Jee immediately ran over to the ladder and began climbing towards the helmsman. Chiara stood at the base of the ladder watching them anxiously. Suddenly, lightning came down from the sky towards the ship, but Iroh reached up and allowed it to flow through his body, and he redirected it out into the water. Chiara stepped back as she felt the charge in the air, but she was shocked to see him redirect the lightning. She knew he had trained for it when they stayed with the Northern Water Tribe, but she had never known him to actually do it.

"Are you okay?" she asked him as he looked a bit shocked, literally.

"It felt exhilarating," he said.

"That was incredible."

"You're telling me."

Just then the helmsman lost his grip and began falling. Iroh and Chiara looked up to see Zuko grab his arm while Jee helped him to the ladder, and when they came down, Chiara put her arm around the helmsman, and she and Uzo took him to the infirmary. She returned to the deck where a few more crewman had gathered, and suddenly, a large wave washed over the ship. Chiara grabbed Iroh and pulled him back so he could hang onto something as the ship tipped to the side, and then her heart stopped as it looked like someone had gone overboard.

"Someone just went in," she said as she ran out onto the deck. "Where's Prince Zuko?" she asked worriedly as she looked into the water.

"I'm here," he said as he came up on her right and looked over the side.

She looked up and placed her hand on his arm relieved to see him.

"Get a rope!" he called.

Chiara started looking for the person in the water.

"It's Tedo," said Jee as he pointed him out.

"He can't swim," said Shoza.

As soon as Chiara spotted him, she immediately climbed up on the ledge and dove into the water before Zuko realized what she was doing and could stop her.

"Chiara!" called Zuko. "Get that rope! Quickly!"

Iroh came over to the edge and saw Chiara swimming out to Tedo. A large wave went over them.

"Chiara!" yelled Zuko who was ready to jump in.

Iroh grabbed his arm. "No, Zuko. You can't."

"But she'll drown!"

"She's a strong swimmer," said Iroh. "It'll be easier on her if there's only one of you to rescue."

"Who's going to rescue her?!"

"Give her a chance."

"I don't see her," said Zuko, panic in his voice.

As the lightning flashed across the sky and lit up the sea, all they saw were waves.

"Where is she?"

"Patience," said Iroh who hid his own worry.

"Chiara!" yelled Zuko.

Another flash of lightning revealed her holding onto Tedo.

"Give me the rope," said Zuko.

He took it and threw it out. Chiara struggled against the large waves as best she could, and she began controlling the water underneath her in order to get closer to the rope. Zuko was holding his breath as he watched her. She finally grabbed hold of it, and he let out a sigh of relief. She tied the rope around Tedo's chest underneath his arms, and then she removed the water from his lungs.

"Tedo," she said as she touched his cheek. He opened his eyes. "Tedo, hang on."

"Take him up," she yelled.

"Pull him up," yelled Zuko. "And get another rope."

As they began pulling Tedo up another large wave went over Chiara who struggled to avoid being slammed into the hull, and she disappeared underneath the wave.

"Chiara!" yelled Zuko. He took the rope that was brought to him. "Chiara!" he yelled again.

She came up out of the water, and he threw the rope towards her. She grabbed hold of it, and Zuko started pulling her up as Shoza grabbed on and helped. By now they had Tedo on the deck. When Chiara reached up to grab the railing, Zuko lifted her up over the side and then set her down on the deck. He had his left arm around her back, and he held her right forearm with his to support her as Iroh stood on her left.

"H-how's Tedo?" she asked breathlessly with her head bowed.

Zuko looked at the men as they were helping Tedo walk inside.

"He'll be okay. He's walking."

Suddenly, Aang appeared in the sky riding Appa which caught Zuko's eye.

"The Avatar!" he yelled.

"What do you want to do, sir?" asked Jee.

Zuko hesitated, and then he looked down at Chiara whose head was still bowed.

"Let him go," said Zuko. "We need to get this ship to safety."

"Then we must head directly into the eye of the storm," said Iroh.

Chiara collapsed to the deck.

"Chiara," said Zuko worriedly as he knelt down next to her. "Uncle..."

"We need to get her to the infirmary," said Iroh.

Zuko picked her up and carried her inside as Iroh followed him.

"Lady Chiara," said Tedo as he watched Zuko carry her in. He sat up. "Is she..."

"She's still breathing," said Iroh.

"She saved my life."

"She's so cold," said Zuko after laying her on a cot.

He warmed up his hands and then touched her face trying to warm her up. Iroh started unwrapping her heavier kurta and then he worked on removing it as Zuko held her allowing him to pull it off of her. Her clothes underneath were just as soaked, but the kurta was as much as Iroh was willing to remove in order to protect her modesty, and it made him wish Amiku was with them to help take care of her.

"Bring me a blanket," he ordered.

The medic immediately brought one and placed it over her after Zuko gently laid her back on the cot. Not wanting to let go of her, he held her hand in his and warmed her arm while Iroh did the same on the other side.

"Come on, Chiara, wake up," said Zuko worriedly.

The others in the infirmary were worried about her as she lay unconscious, especially Tedo who felt indebted to her.

"Chiara, please wake up," said Zuko, distress sounding in his voice.

Iroh checked her pulse. "Her heart is still beating," he said. Then he warmed his hands and placed them over her abdomen.

For what seemed like an eternity, especially to Iroh and Zuko, everyone waited anxiously hoping she would wake up. Jee and Shoza both walked into the infirmary.

"How are you doing, Tedo?" asked Jee as he walked by him.

"Fine, sir."

The two men continued towards Chiara's cot.

"How's she doing?" asked Jee.

"She's still unconscious," said Iroh softly and sadly.

Zuko was silent as he sat on her cot facing her holding her left hand in his and pressed against his cheek. He moved his other hand gently up and down her arm trying to keep it warm, and he would not remove his eyes from hers as he waited, hoping they would open.

"Keep me updated," Jee said to Iroh who nodded almost listlessly.

Jee and Shoza left the infirmary while Iroh continued sitting on her right and Zuko on her left. Eventually, though too long a time to Iroh and Zuko, her hand moved in Zuko's as she wrapped her fingers around his, and her other hand tightened her grip on Iroh's.

"Chiara?" said Zuko.

"My firebenders are so warm," she spoke in nearly a whisper, her eyes still closed.

He smiled at her words. "Chiara," he said relieved that she was awake. He delicately moved some wet strands from her face and tenderly caressed her head.

"Prince Zuko," she said softly, opening her eyes. "Tedo is okay?"

Zuko looked back at Tedo who was anxiously looking at them, as was everyone else who was present. He turned back to her holding her hand in both of his.

"He's okay," he said. He closed his eyes and softly ran his lips over her hand thankful she was alive.

"You gave us quite a scare," said Iroh as he was tenderly caressing her right hand.

"I'm okay," she said. She slowly started sitting up.

"Chiara, you should rest."

"I'm fine," she said.

"He's right," said Zuko. "You need to rest.

"I want to put on dry clothes."

She stood up as Zuko helped her keeping the blanket wrapped around her. As he walked her towards the door, Tedo knelt on the floor before her and bowed his head.

"You saved my life, Lady Chiara. Thank you."

She bent down and helped him back to the cot. "Your welcome."

Zuko walked her to her room in silence, and when they arrived he wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly.

"Don't ever do that again. I thought I lost you."

She was touched by the tone of concern in his voice.

"I-I couldn't let him drown."

He released her.

"It wouldn't have been worth it if you drowned," he said as he caressed her wet hair.

She tenderly touched his face, and then he turned and left so she could get into dry clothes.

After quickly changing she opened the door to leave her room, but Iroh was standing there.

"May I?" he asked.

She stood aside allowing him to enter.

"Your concern for others is quite praiseworthy, Chiara. You give no thought to yourself."

"I'm not essential to life on this ship."

He was stunned.

"You are more essential than you know. The support you give Prince Zuko...and me...it is essential."

His eyes filled with tears and he took hold of her and hugged her.

"I'm sorry if I worried you," she said as he held her. "But what good is my ability if I can't use it to help others? I was born to serve."

He released her and caressed her head. "You've served enough today. You should rest now."

"I'd prefer to remain on deck while we're still in the storm."

He hesitated not wanting her to risk her life again, but he relented.

"I guess it is good that we have a waterbender on board," he whispered.

They both laughed before returning outside.


"You should be resting," Zuko said to Chiara as she and Iroh walked up to the deck.

"I'm fine now."

They continued sailing, and they eventually broke through the wall of the storm finding it calmer in the eye. Iroh, Zuko, and Chiara were standing at the bow looking out.

"Uncle, I'm sorry," said Zuko sadly.

"Your apology is accepted," said Iroh as he placed his hand on Zuko's shoulder.

Iroh turned to leave the deck, but Chiara remained.

"I'm sorry I didn't listen to you about the storm," he said softly, feeling guilty about almost losing her.

She placed her hand on top of his making his heart melt at her gentle touch and forgiving nature, so he took her hand in his and held it over his heart. He locked his eyes on hers and slowly moved closer to her. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, and even in the darkness she could see the fire in his eyes as he stood over her. Her heart began beating faster at the light touch of his fingers on her cheek as he tenderly moved a curl. Suddenly, their trance was broken as they heard a noise out in the water on the port side, and out of the sea in front of them flew Appa. The Avatar looked down at Zuko who glared back at him.

"I just love that sky bison," said Chiara lightly as she watched it sail up through the eye of the storm.

When it disappeared, Chiara turned back to Zuko who looked worn out.

"Don't worry, Prince Zuko," she said tenderly caressing his hand still holding hers. "Because of your decision we'll all live another day to search for him again."

He was reminded of her words before the storm.

"It's been a long day," she said. "Why don't you get some sleep? Let someone else keep watch for you." She caressed his face.

He nodded unable to resist her.

"Is there anything you want me to bring you?" she asked him.

He desired her presence.

"No," he said softly not revealing his desire.

He did not want to leave her, but he reluctantly released her hand and left the deck. When he walked into his room he changed out of his wet clothes and then lay down, but he had trouble sleeping as he thought about how close he had come to losing Chiara. As he tossed and turned, he suddenly heard her erhu from outside playing their song. She was in the same spot where she had played before so the sound came directly up to his window. It was not long before he fell asleep to the relaxing music.


Later, after everything had calmed down, Lieutenant Jee approached Iroh.

"General Iroh, I...I want to tell you how impressed I am by your nephew's and daughter's actions tonight. Their selfless acts during this storm were heroic. Neither of them hesitated to risk their own lives for the lives of the crew."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. I'm quite proud of them. And despite some of Prince Zuko's claims and rash actions, he truly is concerned with the safety of his people."

"He will make a fine Fire Lord."