Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender in any shape or form.
Ameya wasn't sure how long it has been since she received a visitor again. She had fallen asleep after her encounter with Iroh and slept through her hungry stomach. It was a surprise for her when she saw none other than the prince to walk into the room, his usual frown on his thin lips.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, My Prince?" She greeted with a stretch, easing her stiff muscles from her position on the floor.
Zuko narrowed his good eye at her. She looked comfortable in the cell, where she belongs, a voice whispered to him, and she has a coy smile on her lips, just like Azula, the voice continued.
"Your punishment," he began, "Is to work here until we find a suitable transportation for you to the Pohuai Stronghold."
Her blood ran cold.
"The Pohuai Stronghold is a Fire Nation military base. They would have no use for a prisoner of theft," she attempted to keep a calm façade, "Unless, you cannot keep me aboard this ship?"
Zuko tightened the hands behind his back. He had wanted to intimidate her, have her beg for mercy and he may have reconsidered. In truth, he has not contacted the stronghold yet in favor of not encountering Zhao but they were too busy discussing plans to capture the Avatar, plans Zuko was not allowed to participate in.
"I'm sure they will find you useful," he stated confidently, "Better than have you roaming the streets and steal from innocent civilians."
"All the Fire Nation has done is steal what is not theirs," she rose to her feet, walking towards the metal bars to glare at the exiled prince sharply, "You do not have the right to lecture thievery when all your family done was steal."
"The Fire Nation is only sharing their prosperity with the other nations! We are industrializing the weak and bringing greatness to those less fortunate!" He retaliated heatedly.
Her voice caught in her throat. Icy blue eyes stared at the hard conviction of the proud prince in disbelief. Another memory flashed before her mind, the image of smoke and fire smothering a whole village in the night clouded her judgment.
"Is that…what you really think?"
He never heard her voice so quiet and for a brief moment, he faltered. She looked beyond shaken, eyes wide and glossy—an expression he has never seen on Azula before.
That did not feel satisfying.
"Yes."
"Then you really are a fool of a Prince," she whispered pitifully but her eyes were still cold, still defiant that did not waver from his own gaze.
Zuko growled; his frown twisted in a snarl as he turned around quickly, away from those eyes. "Someone will come collect you in an hour to show you your duties. Take that time to enjoy what little freedom you have left." He slammed the door behind him.
Ameya sat back down, glaring at the metal ground distastefully. This was not freedom.
Iroh noticed something was amiss when he stepped onto the deck of the ship. The tension in the air was high, caused by none other than the firebending prince training rigorously and the prisoner on the other side of the ship, mopping the metal with fierce determination.
No one had dared to spar against his angry nephew and the girl's kind, even if false, smile was completely gone. Iroh stroked his beard, wondering if Zuko really did have a talk with Ameya and failed.
He decided to order a pot of jasmine tea instead, settling down on the side of the ship with a few helmsmen for a game of Pai Sho. He knew better than to disturb either of the teenagers who were so caught up in their own world.
But still, he could not help observing the two as he played his Pai Sho games.
Zuko practiced his katas with vigor, repeating the basic forms that have already been implanted to memory. Fire bursts from his fists and feet, a thin sheet of sweat covered his exposed arms. Although he appeared to be focus and faultless in his routine, Iroh noticed the way his head was tilted to Ameya.
She was, for the most part, oblivious to the attention. Her eyes bore holes into the ship, wishing for a way to somehow magically fall into the depths of the ocean along with the prince on it. She only looked up when she felt flames fly a little too close to her comfort zone, glaring at Zuko for a second then back to her mopping.
This continued for another hour until Ameya cleaned all but the spot where Zuko had been training. She resorted to sitting on the side of the ship, studying the prince indifferently. Even if she did dislike him to some extent, she couldn't help but admire his dedication and perseverance to his training. She didn't know much about firebending but she could tell he executed every move with a strict grace that she only noticed now, and not on the receiving side of the flames.
Zuko noticed her staring a few minutes later, finishing up his routine with a frown. He was used to being observed by his masters but for some reason, being scrutinized under her gaze was unnerving.
"What?" He finally hissed out, turning towards Ameya with a terse look.
"Nothing," she replied, "I'm waiting for you to be done so I can finish up my 'punishment'."
He stalked off to the side, going towards the bucket of water and all but drowned himself in thirst. He splashed the remaining liquid on his face, cooling himself effectively.
"By all means," he gestured towards his training spot sarcastically.
She stood up; mop in hand once more as she cleaned the scorched marks quietly. Zuko headed towards his uncle and took a seat next to the old man.
"You were marvelous today Prince Zuko. Fit form for a fit body," Iroh commended.
"Thank you Uncle," he replied curtly. The helmsmen excused themselves in the presence of the prince, allowing the two royalties to talk amongst themselves.
"Have you decided what to do with Lady Meya?" Iroh questioned with interest, taking a sip of his reheated tea.
"I'm sending her to Pohuai Stronghold."
Iroh almost dropped his cup, not believing his ears. He had heard about the stronghold holding the Avatar before—only to have him escape a few nights prior and now his nephew wants to send her to the same prison? He had not realized his hatred ran so deep.
"Surely there must be another option, Prince Zuko," he praised his title, hoping for him to reconsider.
"What else can there be done?" Zuko hissed in annoyance. Why must their conversations lately deter back to the prisoner? "Have her hands chopped off? Working in the stronghold is a much preferred sentence than losing a part of yourself."
Iroh faintly studied his scarred face, wondering if his nephew was truly being merciful or not. It almost felt like watching the past repeat itself, the thought of Zuko's Agni Kai resurfacing. Zuko was treating her like his younger self, convinced that his act of 'mercy' was better than the dishonor he faced.
Iroh almost suggested to let her go but knew it would not happen. Zuko's mind was already made up.
"I'm done."
Her voice cut through the conversation, appearing before the two of them simply. There was no smile on her lips; no carefree expression compared to when they first met. Even behind a cage, she was relaxed but at this moment in front of them, she looked more like a surly captive than ever.
"Lieutenant Jee! Have someone escort her back to her prison." Zuko ordered and she turned away, following a soldier back below deck.
For some reason, he had expected her to lash out, respond mockingly, maybe even taunt him again but she did not. She did not acknowledge him other than a blank glance and thin lips. And somehow, that angered him more.
"Uncle, I'm ready to learn the next forms," he turned to Iroh, fatigue forgotten with a renewed energy. He needed to work this frustration out the only way he knew how.
She was given a plain meal at nightfall. A small bowl of rice with a cup of water was delivered to her by one of the crewmember. No one dared to speak to her besides questioning looks but they all kept their distance.
Ameya set her empty bowl aside, leaning back onto the metal ship once more. Beyond the sound of the mechanical hum, she heard light music playing above deck. She wonders how much free time the crew must have to relax so merrily. Didn't they have an Avatar to capture or something?
She shook those thoughts away. Now was not a time to be concerned with others. She is the one that needs help now—she needs to find a way to escape. Based on her observation, the soldier that holds the key to her prison changes periodically. There is no one assigned to her, the key is only given to whoever happens to be free.
Faintly, she heard the music stop and the sound of footstep shuffling outside her door grow louder. She saw helmets of soldiers walk by the window of her door, not sparing her a glance. Her eyebrows furrowed, why do they look so rushed?
"Excuse me!" She called out and saw one of them glance at her. The soldier motioned to someone else and in a minute, another soldier with the same face mask entered her prison. "I'm done with my dinner." She said innocently, motioning to the empty bowl and deliberately set the glass aside.
She kept her water full still, in case she needs it. They do not know she is a waterbender yet—no matter how poorly of one she is.
The soldier exhaled through his mask, "Yes, yes, so you have." His gruff voice replied tiredly and watched her held the plate up.
"Is something the matter? I thought the crew was enjoying their night off above the deck," her eyes widen innocently with worry.
"You heard that?" The soldier asked with masked astonishment.
Ameya nodded. "Yes, it was faint but I heard it. It sounded lovely—the way the band played together harmoniously. I only wish I could hear it in person." She smiled pleasantly.
"We've all had practice after the first night," he sounded almost bashful behind the mask, "But unfortunately that is cut short. Admiral Zhao has recruited all the members of the ship to the North Pole."
"Even the Prince?" What about her? What would they do with the said prisoner?
The soldier shook his head. "No. Apparently he is the only one left behind—but General Iroh refused the offer to follow."
This was strange. Why isn't the prince allowed on this expedition? Surely he has all the right to but even the general did not choose to.
"And myself?" She asked hopefully.
"They did not say." He said with finality, taking a hold of the plate she offered.
Ameya let the plate fall, gasping in surprise and scrambled to catch it. The soldier react the same, leaning closer to the bars and reached for the plate and bowl. With quick hands, she tugged on the key hanging from his belt, waterbending the liquid to cushion the key from hitting the floor and grabbed it in a span of three seconds. She shoved the key into her pant pocket, letting the water fall from her hands as she kicked the cup over loudly.
"Oh my," she gasped, watching the water splatter over the metal floor, "I'm terribly sorry. I must be more tired than I thought."
The soldier furrowed his brows behind the mask. He shook his head again, wondering why such a young girl was held captive in the first place.
"Good luck in your quest," Ameya waved off, watching the soldier close the metal door and heard the click of the door, locked.
While she had managed to get the key for her gate, the problem with the second door remains. It was locked from the outside and appears to be a lever of some time. She frowned; she will have to make do with what she has.
Ameya sat and waited. The soldiers passed by her door less frequently and soon enough, the hum of the ship stopped. She continued to wait, eyes closed in concentration to listen to any distinct sound beyond her cell.
This was the perfect opportunity.
By a stroke of luck, the opportunity for her to escape has arrived. Zuko never did say how long it would take for her to be transported and they did not require a prisoner for their expedition. Worry clawed at her heart, however. She did live in the North Pole years ago. If an Admiral was leading a navy to them, it would not be a casual visit.
She felt the sheath of the dagger poke her at one side and the metal key on the other, bringing her attention back to the closed gate. That's right. Ameya cannot afford to worry for others now when she has to get out of this situation first.
Just as she shifted to make a move, her door opened once again. She looked at Iroh's kind, smiling face. So he really did stay behind.
"I'm going to take a nightly stroll. Would you like to join me, Lady Meya?"
She arched a thin brow at him, leaning back comfortably. "Is that appropriate to ask a prisoner?"
"Unless you plan on escaping?"
Ameya smiled to hide her rapid heartbeat. "I think I can outrun you any day," she chuckled softly, "But I will stay here General. I haven't been resting well."
Iroh sighed. "Why does no one want to accompany an old man on a walk?"
"Maybe next time," she offered with an empty promise.
Iroh gave her a small smile and left, closing the metal door behind.
She waited once more, counting the seconds in her head silently as the time passed. Confident that there will be no more disturbances, she stood up. The key was in her hand immediately, placing it over the lock and twisted. The bar opened swiftly and with a satisfied smile, she pushed the door open.
Now the only thing standing between her and freedom is the metal door. She frowned at it, touching the cold steel and with a twist, the door opened. Surprise marred her face.
Iroh did not lock it.
She shook her head, focusing back on her mission. Maybe she will thank him if she ever sees him again. Whether it was deliberate or not, she was not sure, but she would not waste time pondering that now.
As suspected, the hallway was empty. It was eerily quiet in the night when none of the helmsmen were on the ship and she knew for a fact Iroh was not either. Ameya can only hope she does not run into the prince but she was certain she can outrun him if it comes down to it. She's done it before.
With quiet footsteps, she walked down the hallway speedily. She did not want to risk running, peeking around the corners and making her way upwards. She paused when she heard footsteps right above the deck, holding her breath in anticipation.
Once the footsteps faded, she opened the door that leads upwards, peeking at the ship. A light at the corner of her eye caught her attention as she got onto the deck, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. It was then that she noticed the light was moving fast towards the bridge deck—leading to barrels.
Her eyes widen at the realization and she ran towards the side of the ship as fast as she can. The light was a spark—a gunpowder trail! She abandoned the ship as soon as the blast set off, throwing her straight into the cold sea water.
It felt like her back was lit on fire—the salt water mixing in with her burned skin almost caused her to scream out. Her eyes stung from the water, hair flowing around her wildly and distorted her vision. The explosions set the waves into discourse, pushing her around underwater with little control over her own body.
Ameya faintly realized the explosion had stopped and attempted to swim up. Through the muddy water and hazy vision, she saw a dark figure sinking just nearby. Her eyes focused onto the figure and realized it was a body. Ignoring all sense of rationality, she swam towards it.
She recognized the scar despite the dim light and noticed Zuko's inability to move. Her hands reached out to his face, her heart sinking at how cold his skin felt against hers.
There was no time for her to think, no time to consider her actions as she lifted his face up and connected her lips to his. Her remaining air was transferred to him and with one hand around his torso, she kicked and waterbended themselves upwards.
Her lungs cried in relief, taking in as much fresh air as possible while her hands dragged Zuko's bruised head above water. She swam the best as she can towards the harbor, further away from the thick of the heat and from wandering eyes. Whoever decided to blow the prince's ship up may still be around.
It felt like forever until she reached shore, throwing the unconscious boy's body on land and then crawling towards him weakly, coughing all the while. She faintly realized his shirt and robe was burned, leaving a hole to his exposed upper body and she had a feeling her own shirt was in a similar state but on her back where she had been burned. Zuko's chest and arms were burned from the explosion, she observed, but what worried her more was his lack of breathing.
She quickly set her ear against his chest, not close enough to touch, and listened for a heart beat despite her own heart hammering against her chest. With shaky hands, she traced it over his burned torso, willing the sea water to escape his mouth.
"Come on, come on," Ameya whispered anxiously. She has never attempted that before—she never waterbended water away from someone and although she did dislike the prince, she could not allow him to die.
His eyes fluttered open once and then closed again, unconscious. She let out a sigh of relief, not realizing she had been holding it in.
"Meya!"
Never had she been more relieved to see the retired general running towards them in hurry. He saw his nephew on the floor and thought of the worst.
"He'll be okay," her hands shook close to her chest and relieving Iroh of his nightmare, "We—we have to get out of here."
Iroh looked them over and nodded his head, picking Zuko up with ease and helped Ameya to her feet. They made their way towards the hills and did not get far but it provided enough coverage. Noticing the troubled state of the girl, Iroh settled for a plain with a few trees and bushes for hiding. Ameya fell to her knees, landing right next to Zuko with labored breath.
Both Zuko and Ameya were thoroughly soaked, paler than their usual complexion, and she all but dragged herself to follow Iroh. The pain on her back was still fresh against the night air and the cold felt like ice against her wet skin. Zuko did not look any better. His face was littered with bruises and cuts, a thin trail of blood trickled down his cheek.
Her eyes closed, breathing deeply once and then moved her hands. The water from her hair, from their clothes, from Iroh's damp shirt gathered in her hands and she moved it towards Zuko's burned torso first, then arms, and finally on the major cuts on his temple. Iroh watched in wonder as she healed his nephew and when she opened her eyes, they appeared to be faintly glowing under the moonlight.
"You're a healer," Iroh whispered in awe.
"Surprise," Ameya smiled weakly.
The wounds healed quickly, quicker than Iroh has ever seen before and when she leaned forward in exhaustion, he then realized that she was hurt too.
"I'm—okay," she reassured the old man. Her eyes closed again, willing the water to surround her burnt back. It glowed brightly as it moved across the skin, healing the damaged tissue and repairing the skin at a remarkable pace.
Iroh created a small fire, warming them against the night air and willed himself to wait before asking questions. Sensing his anxiety, Ameya breathed deeply again, trying to calm her own nerves and near death experience.
"It wasn't me," she finally said, "I-I didn't blow up the ship."
"I know," Iroh had never suspected her. "But you did manage to escape."
She tensed, remembering the unlocked door of her cell. "Yes." She admitted briskly, challenging him to arrest her again if he dares.
Sensing the hostility, Iroh tried to clear up the confusion. "When I arrived back at the ship, the explosion was mainly focused on the middle bridge of the deck. I am relieved that you escaped Meya, or else you would have been trapped and…"
Her eyes softened at his explanation, knowing what his unfinished sentence meant. Her prison cell was directly under the explosion.
"I-I'm still leaving," she announced, "I won't be taken to the stronghold—I won't be a prisoner forever."
"And I won't stop you," at her shocked expression, Iroh continued, "You saved my nephew's life and for that, I am eternally grateful. If possible, I had wanted you to escape in the first place but I am glad you waited…" his eyes trailed over to Zuko's still form and Ameya understood his implications.
"I may be a 'common, lowly thief' but I am no killer," she laughed lightly despite how weak it sounded, "He's a self-righteous jerk but he cannot be all bad if he has you for an uncle."
"Thank you Lady Meya," Iroh smiled fondly at the girl, "You have kind eyes."
She shook her head, "I think we're beyond formalities now, Iroh. But thank you, you're one of the few to say that."
Ameya coughed again, shivering despite her closeness to the fire. She felt so tired and worn from the disaster but she refused to fall asleep.
"Your helmsmen said they are going to the North Pole—why?" She needed answers first.
"Admiral Zhao is staging an all out attack against the Northern Water Tribe," he saw her frown, "Is it your family?"
"No," she didn't have a family, "But I did live there before—a few years ago. I need to go back—to warn them or something!"
"And how do you suppose to do that?" Iroh surveyed the panicked girl and hope she would not be hasty. She rummaged through the inner pockets of her shirt, pulling out a small circle tile.
"I just have to call in a few favors," she did not notice the way Iroh eyed the white lotus tile and the insignia on the back.
"By Pai Sho?"
"An old master of mine had taught me long ago—should I ever run into trouble, I just have to find his friends. He never told me who any of them were though," she grimaced, "And I only know one way to play."
"Sometimes, that may be enough," Iroh looked at her with admiration and smiled knowingly.
Ameya merely furrowed her eyebrows in confusion before stuffing the tile back into her pocket. Now did not seem like the time to use it. She ran a hand through her hair, wondering how she would be able to make it to the North Pole before the Fire Navy. He noticed her frustration and set a hand on her shoulder comfortingly.
"Do what you must but do not be taken by greed. If you managed to survive this far, you will un-doubtfully make it to the North Pole before the Fire Navy."
She smiled. It has been a while since somehow had shown her such reassurance. It makes her want to trust her gut feelings—to trust Iroh.
"And what will you do?" She asked curiously; bringing her knees close to her chest for more warmth.
"My nephew will no doubt want revenge on whoever caused this. I can only follow him and hope to guide him to the right path."
Her eyes glanced towards Zuko, "He's lucky to have you," she did not mean to say but it came out regardless.
"And I, him."
After a brief moment of silence, Ameya sighed. The moon was near its peak already and if she were to arrive to the North Pole soon, she must make haste while she can.
"I must go," she stated finally.
"So soon? Zuko has not even thanked you yet," Iroh did not want her to travel while she herself is still barely recovered.
"I've been through worse," she said easily, smiling the same, distant smile as before. As if remembering something, she searched through her pant pockets once more, pulling out the red and black scabbard of the dagger and sighed in relief.
Iroh blinked at the weapon, recognizing it immediately but said nothing. Ameya placed the dagger by Zuko's side.
"I'm returning this. This has brought me nothing but pain and torture the past few weeks," hence, her near death experience.
"It's a beautiful weapon. Is this what you took from my nephew?" Iroh asked wistfully.
"He was bent on retrieving it," she glanced at the unconscious man, "Said it was a gift. I guess he must have gotten it from a girlfriend or something."
Iroh let out a hearty laugh, causing Ameya to look at him in alarm. "I would not say 'girlfriend'—he's barely made any friends since…" he did not continue that statement, "But yes, it was a gift. I sent it to him many years ago when I was still a proud General." Iroh chuckled again when he saw her guilty expression, "You've read the inscription on it I presume?"
"Never give up without a fight," she recited quietly.
He nodded. "That is just the type of man Zuko is. Even young, he was brazen and determined but…he was always compared to his younger sister who was a prodigy despite her younger age. But he never gave up, and he never surrendered," Iroh stated fondly.
Ameya gazed at Zuko. Her eyes traced over the little scars and bruised right eye, his lips pulled back in a frown even asleep. She settled on the redden skin, the scorch burn permanent over his left eye.
"He got that from his father," Ameya startled as the elder continued, "Zuko spoke up in a war meeting, challenging a general of his tactics and it deterred to an Agni Kai—a fire duel. But it was his father he fought against and with no mercy; my brother inflicted the scar over his eye…" It pained Iroh to recall the memory and it will always haunt him, "Zuko is, but a banished prince now. His only hope to return home…"
Realization dawned on her, "Is to capture the Avatar."
Iroh nodded.
She stayed quiet, her own lips frowning. Maybe she understood him a little better now…understand his endless frustration and anger, pain and determination. But why should that matter to her? They are to part soon.
"Why…are you telling me this?" She directed her gaze to Iroh, blue meeting amber searchingly.
"Because you two may not be so different," he was confident, "Zuko stated once that you remind him of his sister but I believe he sees himself in you."
"I—we are too different. You may know him but—you do not know me," she did not want to believe it. She cannot get attached now. She stood up, "I must go now. Thank you for everything," she paused almost hesitantly, "'Uncle'," and smiled weakly, "Just wanted to test it out."
Iroh chuckled, "It is better than 'Grandpa'." He knew he had to let her go, she may not want to dwell on the issue now but it has no doubt engraved in her heart. His eyes then widen, "But wait—what should I tell Zuko?"
Ameya tilted her head, "Anything. Just tell him I've died—or something. At least he won't chase me anymore."
"But you saved his life!"
She waved it off, "He wouldn't have died that easily. He's too stubborn," she smiled, "But please do me a favor and keep my bending a secret…along with my plans. I have a feeling it would not be easy from here on out."
Iroh's worry gaze did not lift up but respected her wishes. "Safe travels Lady Meya."
"'Ameya' is just fine," her blue eyes softened, "and good luck to you as well General Iroh."
Author's Note:
Hmm is this too soon for them to kiss? COUGHS just kidding-
One of my favorite chapters. I love writing Iroh and Ameya's interactions but…Ameya and Zuko musing about each other is interesting too. They will eventually start pining after each other but that still won't be for a while…
I just want to add—I believe this chapter will spark the true story from here on out. The first few chapters were just introductions and the action will start now. The Northern Water Tribe arc is one of my favorites so I can't wait to share it with you!
Reviews are much appreciated! Thank you for sending me messages on Tumblr! I drew more Zuko and Ameya art as well eheh