Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender in any shape or form.
When Zuko had awakened hours later, Ameya was long gone. It was still night time, he noticed, and Iroh was dozing off to the side. At the sound of his nephew's weak call, he woke up immediately.
"Zuko! You're alright!" The elder man brought him in a comforting hug, careful to not inflict anymore injuries. Ameya had healed the major ones and that only left bruised skin and small cuts to litter the prince's body.
"Yeah," he coughed, patting Iroh reassuringly, "What…happened?" His mind was still dazed from the disaster.
"I was hoping you would tell me," he helped Zuko sit up against the tree.
His eyes closed in concentration, recalling the events with hazy memories. "There was…an explosion," and he had been thrown roughly out the window then but before he had, he caught a glimpse of the green feathered beast. "The pirate's bird was there—I have no doubt they were the cause of it." Zuko's gold eyes snapped open, growling with realization.
"The pirates? Why would they want to blow up the ship? Unless…"
"Someone paid them to," Zuko answered, "It had to be Zhao. He never did like me," and the Admiral had been suspicious of the dual broadswords he displayed proudly. If anyone had wanted revenge against the prince, it would no doubt be Zhao. After all, the Blue Spirit had set the Avatar free.
"What do you plan to do Prince Zuko?" Iroh asked strongly, he will abide by his nephew no matter his decision.
"I'm going to the North Pole," he had intended for that since the beginning, "Uncle, I would like to request a favor."
The two formulated a plan. Iroh were to report to Zhao about Zuko's unfortunate accident, presumed dead, and he will infiltrate the ship. The retired General is well respected and can easily take the offer by Zhao but first, he will get his nephew on the ship safely. It was a risky plan but not impossible. Iroh wondered if Ameya would have stowed away with them.
Zuko shifted, relieved that they at least have some plan of action. His fingers brushed upon hard metal and he turned towards the ground, eyes widening at the red and black scabbard he thought was stolen—sold—lost.
"Is there anything else you remember?" Iroh murmured quietly, noticing the way his body froze up.
Cold, icy water drowned him. His last breath escaped his lips—a dark figure hovering around him. Something brushed against his cheeks, then lips, and a breath of life filled him.
"The pris—girl. Where is she?"
"She's—uh—gone," Iroh faltered, he had not come up with a decent lie yet.
Zuko narrowed his eyes, "Gone how?" At his uncle's fumbling, he already realized the answer, "So she's not dead."
"No," Iroh replied honestly.
"Then she escaped," Iroh could not detect the emotion behind his voice, it felt too empty, "Good riddance."
Iroh frowned. Zuko was acting rash again—directing his anger to the wrong source. He felt the need to defend Ameya; she had risked her own life for him and she's not even here to show for it. He will honor their promise but he would not allow Zuko to think so poorly of her.
"She saved you Zuko," he watched him stiffen. "The ship was blown to pieces when I arrived—she dragged you both back to shore while sustaining injuries."
"And where is she now? Probably running off somewhere to hide like a coward," he had not meant to sound so bitter—not meant to accuse her so harshly but he couldn't help it. The waves of emotion and fatigue came crashing back as soon as he felt the dagger within his grasp.
She stole from him. She lied to him. And now she escaped from him.
Iroh frowned at his nephew's misguided anger. He had hoped to shed some light on his judgment of her but proved to be useless. Ironically, she may be closer than Zuko thought if they plan on making their way north.
"A life for a life," Iroh reprimanded sternly, "She saved yours so now, you will let her go."
"Fine," Zuko agreed but he refused to meet his eyes. He has no intention of chasing her anymore.
With a sigh, Iroh stood up. He knows when Zuko refused to talk further. "I will go to Zhao now. Take the time to rest until then. I will create an opportunity for you to infiltrate the ship."
Zuko nodded his head. It would be good to take some time to cool off. As soon as his uncle disappeared, he deflated. He unsheathed the pearl dagger, examining it once over and realized it had not been used. His eyes closed, leaning against the tree.
He had been tired but he was not injured—not as bad as he should be. He felt exhausted, his chest and arms were sore but the skin was perfect, as if he had never been thrown off the ship. He remembered clearly of the blast hitting him, the fire melting the sleeves of his robe and scorching his pale skin.
So how is this possible?
The image of ice blue eyes flashed before him, different from when he was underwater and cleared than he envisioned. He had heard her say something but he could not make out the words. He had almost mistaken those blurred memories for wild dreams if not for his uncle's enlightenment.
Ameya saved Zuko. Ameya returned the dagger. Ameya ran away.
Despite being his prisoner, despite their arguments, despite everything—she still saved him. And he felt—almost—guilty for treating her so horribly.
He sighed. He must be really tired to reconsider his actions. But he will never see her again. The dagger had been a parting gift. It was for the best, he reasoned. He had to capture the Avatar and restore his honor.
So why did he feel so disappointed?
She had found a small town to rest by morning. An elderly woman had taken her in once she saw the unruly state Ameya had been and provided shelter for her. She thanked the elder kindly, asking for a small piece of paper and brush for writing.
She whistled loudly, waiting for a few moments before the elegant raven eagle flew towards her. She ignored his talons scratching her arm, smiling softly at the bird.
"Take this to the North Pole," she whispered to the bird, attaching the small note to the leg. She hoped the raven eagle may warn the chief in time—even if she herself is unable to make it out.
With a flap of its powerful wings, the raven eagle took off.
That had been hours ago. Her wounds were already healed after she found a source of water and the elder suspected nothing. The woman had been kind to offer her food, a change of clothes, and bed, stating that her own grandchildren do not visit her anymore. Ameya smiled sadly and said she never had a grandma before. She took pity on the young girl and gave her time to recover.
When she woke up, it had been night. She wanted to leave without being discovered but maybe the elder had known the whole time she would not stay. A small bag had already been packed for her, filled with small snacks for her travels.
Ameya held the bag close to her chest. She had not forgotten how kind some people can be—her mind wandering back to Iroh.
She continued her travels tirelessly. In the beginning she had started off with nothing—her original travel pack and clothes were destroyed along with the explosion. The money she had saved sunk as well and her fox mask used to hide her identity along with it. It would not be difficult to find another mask; it would not be difficult to steal for her efficiency again. She did not have much to begin with.
Ameya lied and stole from passing towns, using the same tactics she had grown up learning.
"You have kind eyes."
Iroh's words echoed in her mind but she refused to allow it to deter her. Every time she thought of Iroh, his angry nephew is not far behind. She believed he was a spoiled, foolish prince that only thought of himself superior. She was almost convinced of it, if not for Iroh and his tales. It irked her how she cannot easily forget them as she had done so before in her past.
I am not kind, Iroh. She twisted her hair into a bun, a black cloth masking the bottom half of her face. And if we were to see each other again in the North, we will surely be enemies.
She waited until the barn in front of her had blown their candles. She waited longer for the people residing in to fall asleep before sneaking into the side where she had seen the ostrich horses kept. She chose one that was closest to the door, smaller than the others but no less capable. Ameya unmasked herself, giving the mount a gentle smile and unhooked it from its cage.
She took off into the night, not once looking back.
It took four days for her to arrive at the edge of the Earth Kingdom. The only thing separating her from the North Pole was the sea of water blocking her path. No one would dare to sail the frosty seas during this time of the year and she did not have enough coins to buy a boat even after she sold her ostrich horse. Stealing small jewels was one thing but stealing a boat was beyond her expectations.
Ameya almost tugged her hair in frustration. She has come too far to be stopped by water. It was her element! She should bend all the way to the North Pole if she had to!
But she didn't. She let out a small huff. Maybe rest would do her some good and clear her head for the time being.
She wandered the port, glancing at the fish stands half heartedly. Her eyes searched for the nearest inn but failed to find one. She resisted the urge to groan. She was not looking forward to another night in the dirt.
A hand slapped itself on her shoulder and in alarm, she yelped, unaware that someone had been following her.
"Woah, woah calm down!" Her eyes widen as she twirled around to see tanned skin and deep blue eyes, "Meya, right? It's me! Sokka!"
"What—how-?"
Her head spun. Wasn't he supposed to be with the Avatar? Weren't they supposed to be in the North Pole?! What is he doing here?
"Amazed to see me? Who isn't?" Sokka all but bragged, taking his hand off of her shoulder and posed. "But listen, I'm glad I've found you! If you're looking for a ride to the North Pole, I'm your man!"
It felt like a giant weight had lifted from her shoulders. The tension and anxiety melted away as soon as he spoke those words—as if the Spirits had answered her prayers.
"How did you-?"
"Come on, I'll explain as we walk," he motioned for her to follow and she did obediently. "Chief Arnook received your letter a few days ago and had sent me to get you. I honestly did not want to at first but Princess Yue begged me—she said you were a good friend of hers years ago."
Ameya did not miss the faint blush on Sokka's cheeks at the mention of the princess's name and smiled.
"They said it would take too long by boat ride and Aang offered Appa. It's about a two day trip even by a flying bison but I'm glad we arrived around the same time. Man, your prediction is impeccable," Sokka continued on.
"Well I've had a lot of practice," being on the road so long had trained her for destination estimations.
They arrived on a hill away from town and her eyes widen at the sky bison inhaling piles of hay. The Water Tribe boy grinned at her surprised expression, motioning for her to follow.
"Ever been on a flying bison before?" His grin grew when she shook her head and her own smile appeared on her lips. "Meya, meet Appa. Appa, Meya."
She waved shyly, stepping closer with hesitant steps. The beast's wide brown eyes scanned her over and declaring her to not be an enemy, it went back to eating.
"Come on, we better get back. The Water Tribe troops have been preparing for the Fire Navy attack. I didn't see any on my way here but we don't have time to lose. Katara and Aang are busy practicing their waterbending so that left just me," he explained as he set up the saddle once more.
Ameya's eyebrow rose at that. "Katara…waterbending? Isn't that forbidden for women?"
When she had arrived years ago to request for a teacher, they had rejected her offhandedly. They said it was against tradition for women to fight and the twelve year old could only accept the bitter truth and learned healing in the hut.
The healing master, Yugoda, had been surprised to see her heal faster than normal and the young girl took every lesson to heart. She may have not been able to fight but she is no doubt an exceptional healer.
"It was! She challenged Pakku to a duel! She lost horribly of course," Sokka laughed at that and climbed onto Appa's head, "But get this—Pakku use to have a thing for our Grandma! I guess something in him changed and decided to train Katara."
Ameya followed his instructions to climb onto the saddle, mesmerized by the story. It was amazing how so many things can change in just a few days. She did not have the courage to fight when she was young. She accepted anything given to her but Katara had challenged the old monarchy and won.
"That's wonderful news," and it really was.
"Yip yip," Sokka pulled the reins and in a second, they were air born. Ameya tried to mask her surprise as she sat on the saddle, holding onto the edge for dear life. She saw the smug smirk on Sokka's lip from the front and she reddened in embarrassment.
"It's more exciting up here," he motioned towards her and she nodded her head, feeling exhilarated to be flying on a revered beast. She held onto the fur tightly as she crawled up front, making sure to not hurt Appa in the process and sat down besides Sokka. "So tell me what you've been up to! Last we saw you, you were captured by Zuko."
Ameya sighed after her rush of adrenaline seized. Just when she thought she could get away from the topic of the prince, he was mentioned again. She stared at the water once they pass the land, holding the reins as a form of assurance.
"Not much," she shrugged, "His ship exploded and I escape. Simple."
Sokka gaped at her casual explanation then looked her over.
"How are you still alive?! And what about him?"
"I have my ways," she chuckled at his expression, "And he is fine too. I don't know what his plans are though…"
"I'm sure we can handle him if he shows up again," he said confidently.
She smiled at that. It was refreshing to talk to Sokka so casually and he had treated her like an old friend even though they met only twice. Maybe it was because it was Yue's recommendation that he is so open with her. Maybe it was because she saved his sister. Ameya was not sure but she did not reject his kindliness.
"So how is Yue? You spoke fondly of her earlier," a sly smile appeared on her lips once she saw his pink cheeks.
"She's—perfect. I-I mean she's well! She told me a few things about you too—about how you used to play together during your stay in the Northern Water Tribe but you left after a year," Sokka stole a glance at her, unable to read her expression.
"It has been fun times but my personal interests did not align with the tribes'. In the end, I am still an outsider."
Sokka frowned at that. He remembered vividly at Yue's excitement once they received her letter and had practically begged him with her big blue eyes to pick Ameya up. How could he say no after that? He was willing to do anything for the pale haired princess—even if it meant being apart from her for a few days. She had originally wanted to go as well but the Chief strictly forbid it for obvious reasons.
And the Chief—he had looked at the letter fondly. It was odd for Ameya to think of herself as an outsider when they obviously cared for the young woman.
"I'm sure it'll be different this time," Sokka smiled reassuringly at her, "You've got the Avatar on your side!"
She laughed lightly. "I can see why Yue likes you," she smiled knowingly at his flustered expression.
"How do you know?! Did she say anything? Wait how is that even possible—you haven't even seen her!"
She hummed, "A woman's intuition."
Sokka shook his head but the smile was evident on his lips. "You are one strange woman."
Author's Note:
Slowly, their views of each other are changing.
I love writing Ameya interactions with—anyone actually. She's such a distant character and thinks little of herself but that is being changed…one character at a time. I hope it is a noticeable development at least ahah;;;
Reviews are loved and appreciated!