Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender in any shape or form.

Surprisingly enough, Zuko wanted to take over the task of making tea. He had been oddly quiet since their last conversation, mulling over the events that had transpired few hours prior. Ameya did not bother him, lost in her own thoughts on where to go next.

Iroh stirred suddenly, breaking the young ones out of their trance and rushed to his side. His amber eyes opened to see his nephew hovering over him with the blue eyed woman on his other side.

"Uncle...you were unconscious. Azula did this to you. It was a surprise attack." Zuko informed as soon as he was conscious, helping the older man sit up.

Iroh groaned, "Somehow, that's not so surprising." He turned towards the thief and smiled, "Good to see you again, Ameya."

She returned the smile politely. "How are you feeling Iroh?"

He stretched slightly, relieved that the damage was not as painful as the initial attack. His eyes scanned her over thoughtfully, "Not as bad as I expected, thank you Ameya."

She nodded her head and Zuko narrowed his eyes at the exchange. "Uncle—you knew?"

Iroh mocked a shock expression. "Knew what?"

Ameya shook her head. There was no point in hiding her waterbending abilities any longer. "Yes he knew. I told him to keep it a secret."

They turned towards her brief explanation and Zuko frowned. Iroh had knew before he did and even kept it a secret—but how long had he known? Since their raft ride? Since her imprisonment? He did not want to believe his uncle would hide more secrets from him but it was not his secret to begin with.

Zuko let it go for now. He poured a cup of tea for Iroh, handing it to him quietly. "I hope I made it the way you like it."

The elder man's eyes light up at the sight of tea and took it gently. He took a sip and Ameya noticed the way his eyes cringed at the taste but masked it with a smile at Zuko's hopeful look.

"Good. That was very...uhhh...bracing."

She stifled a laugh. 'Bracing' would be one way to describe it.

Ameya blinked when a cup was handed to her, looking at the banished prince with an arched brow. Her hands wrapped around the warm cup delicately, ignoring their brief brush of fingers and raised it to her lips.

Well, hopefully it wouldn't be as bad as Iroh thought.

Ameya's jaw clenched at the bitter liquid. Zuko had definitely left the tea leave sitting in there for too long from the hours they were waiting for Iroh's recovery. She merely smiled at Zuko's curious gaze and set the tea down.

"So Uncle, I've been thinking. It's only a matter of time before I run into Azula again. I'm going to need to know more advanced firebending if I want to stand a chance against her. I know what you're going to say: she's my sister and I should be trying to get along with her."

The young prince turned back to Iroh with determination. He had been thinking a lot since the encounter—he knew Azula was on another level. He cannot sit idly by while his sister may come attack them at any time.

"No, she's crazy, and she needs to go down," Iroh exclaimed passionately, setting his second cup of tea down.

Ameya hummed and turned towards them with an arched brow. "Didn't you say I was similar to your sister before?"

Zuko stiffened at her question and stared at her with wide eyes. How did she know?!

"I never said that!" He exclaimed hotly, turning away from her accusing gaze and his uncle's amused expression.

"Well, glad to know I'm not as crazy as you thought I was," she smiled pleasantly at Zuko and he caught onto her teasing tone. He fought back the blush threatening to arise on his cheeks and looked down. His definition of her is far from what he had originally thought of her then.

Iroh smiled happily at the exchange, glad to see the blooming friendship between them. He began to stand up and their attention was directed back to him. "Well then, it's time to resume your training."

Ameya thought he was going to head outside but Iroh had stopped by his bag, pulling out new tea leaves and refilling the kettle with new ingredients. He sat back down, waiting for the water to boil from their small flame and began his explanation.

"Lightning is a pure form of firebending, without aggression. It is not fueled by rage or emotion the way other firebending is. Some call lightning the cold-blooded fire. It is precise and deadly, like Azula. To perform the technique requires peace of mind."

The elder handed them both a new fresh cup of tea and Ameya took it gratefully. She doesn't doubt this to be better than the prince's batch earlier.

"I see. That's why we're drinking tea, to calm the mind." Zuko said thoughtfully.

"Oh yeah, good point! I mean, yes." Iroh recovered quickly and she smiled at his slight fumble. Ameya had missed their company—more than she thought.

After his cup of tea, Iroh stood up, now ready to begin the actual training. Zuko's eyes light up at the chance and followed after his uncle. Ameya took a seat in the shade by the cottage, watching quietly. There was nothing else better to do at the moment and she wanted to make sure Iroh was not overexerting himself.

"There is energy all around us. The energy is both yin and yang. Positive energy and negative energy. Only a select few firebenders can separate these energies. This creates an imbalance. The energy wants to restore balance, and in a moment the positive and negative energy come crashing back together, you provide release and guidance, creating lightning."

She watched with silent amazement as Iroh generated lightning from his fingertips, shooting away in the distance. The sound crackled and echoed across the cliff and she felt a shiver run down her spine. Ameya knew fire was dangerous—destructive—but lightning was on a whole another level. She hopes she'll never have to face it.

"I'm ready to try it!"

Zuko on the other hand, seems thrilled at the prospect of attempting lightning bending.

"Remember, once you separate the energy, you do not command it. You are simply its humble guide. Breathe first." Iroh soothed his hasty nephew and she watched with careful eyes as Zuko breathed deeply before mirroring the general's form.

It was almost flawless. She had expected the same lightning to be produced from his fingertips but instead of a streak of blue, a flash of explosion burst from him, throwing the prince backwards. Ameya jumped in surprise, scanning his form quickly for injuries and relieved to see none. She sat back down quickly—no one needs to know she was concerned. Iroh shook his head, as if expecting this result.

This continued on for an hour. Ameya lost track of how many times Zuko had failed to generate lightning and was almost accustomed to the loud explosion. Iroh had stepped back earlier, sitting down next to Ameya with a cup of tea in hand.

"He can't do it," she stated simply, careful to not allow her voice to travel.

"He is still lost," Iroh sighed, concern evident on his aged face. "But I am surprised that you are still here. When did Zuko learn of your secret?"

Her body tensed, remembering the assault from last night and gripped her hands tightly. Iroh caught onto her depressant mood and wondered what had happened.

"I was attacked last night," she answered briskly, her blue eyes focused on Zuko's form. "He…saved me."

"I am glad to see you are unharmed," Iroh offered sympathetically and she smiled weakly at him.

"So am I."

"Why can't I do it? Instead of lightning it keeps exploding in my face...like everything always does."

Zuko's frustration brought them to his attention. He was sitting on the floor once more from the failed lightning attempt, his body and clothes cloaked with a thin layer of sand and dust.

Iroh stood up, making his way over to his nephew. "I was afraid this might happen. You will not be able to master lightning until you have dealt with the turmoil inside you."

"What turmoil?" Zuko snapped.

"Zuko, you must let go of your feelings of shame if you want your anger to go away." He was still obviously hurt from his banishment but his pride would not allow him to admit it.

"But I don't feel any shame at all. I'm as proud as ever." Ameya can definitely attest to that.

"Prince Zuko, pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame." Iroh tried to elaborate but Zuko's frown deepened.

"Well, my life has been nothing but humbling lately."

Iroh's eyes softened at his depressed state. "I have another idea. I will teach you a firebending move that even Azula doesn't know, because I made it up myself."

From her position by the cottage, Ameya caught onto the barely visible smile of the banished prince and thought her heart skipped a beat. She looked down immediately, ignoring her own feelings and noticed a shadow circling the ground. Curiously, she looked up to see her majestic raven eagle hovering above them.

She moved from her position in the shade, walking out of earshot from Iroh's beginning explanation of the elements. She whistled lightly, raising one arm up for the bird to land on. Like always, his sharp talons drew blood from her skin but she ignored it, greeting the raven eagle with a kind smile.

"Water is the element of change. The people of the Water Tribe are capable of adapting to many things. They have a deep sense of community and love that holds them together through anything."

Zuko sneaked at glance at Ameya then, eyebrow furrowing when he did not see her in her usual spot. He looked beyond the ostrich bird to see her with the raven eagle which he found strange, they were not common pets—how had she managed to get one?

Iroh's description of the Water Tribe made no sense. Ameya was always alone—different from the other Northern Water Tribe members. They had managed to defend against the Fire Nation attack successfully while she acted independently.

"Why are you telling me these things?" He was confused—and maybe slightly irritated that he had thought of Ameya to be part Water Tribe.

Iroh sensed his discomfort and his own gaze wandered to the woman who was unraveling a message from the raven eagle. "I am talking about the whole Water Tribe, not just the one we know."

"I know that!"

The young woman turned to the prince then, raising a brow at his loud outburst. She focused back on the message in her hand that contained brief words noted down on the parchment.

Ba Sing Se.

Besides a letter, a small jewel was attached securely to the raven bird's feet. A beautiful gold and emerald ring with an Earth Kingdom insignia on it. Her eyes narrowed and brows furrowed in confusion, staring at the bird as it was waiting expectantly for a treat.

"You won't happen to know what this is for would you?"

The raven eagle tilted its head and Ameya sighed.

"Guess not."

From time to time, she would receive messages from the creature. He had belonged to Master Xiao before his passing but after her old master disappeared, the bird took a liking to the young woman instead. It would leave messages—always from different senders and Ameya would use the bird as well, just like how she had done back at the Northern Water Tribe attack. But her eagle had disappeared after she arrived at the north and with its sudden appearance now, she feared it would be trouble.

With a heavy sigh, she knew where she has to go now. Master Xiao had entrusted the bird to her—whether she knew it or not, so that would include his duties too. Ameya will abide by it—she owes him that much.

She slipped the ring onto her blue ribbon, tying the ribbon around her neck securely and keeping the jewelry hidden. Her lithe fingers scratched under the bird's chin, smiling apologetically at the creature.

"No treat this time, sorry."

The raven eagle understood and with a flap of its powerful wings, it took off to hunt. She watched the bird fly away in consideration before turning back to the run down cottage, looking for some water to heal her wound.

By the time she was done gathering up her equipments, Iroh and Zuko were practicing strangely familiar waterbending forms with each other. What had they been doing while she was busy?

"Excellent! You've got it!" Iroh exclaimed proudly.

"Great, I'm ready to try it with real lightning!" What's Zuko going on about now? What had she missed?

"What, are you crazy? Lightning is very dangerous!"

She approached them hesitantly, careful to mind her distance with the firebenders.

"I thought that was the point! You teaching me to protect myself from it!" Was he talking about redirecting lightning? Was that what they had been practicing?

"Yeah! But I'm not going to shoot lightning at you! If you're lucky, you will never have to use this technique at all!"

"Well, if you won't help me, I'll find my own lightning."

Zuko pushed past Ameya, barely registering she had been standing there the whole time and headed for the ostrich bird. Iroh stared at his shrinking back worriedly before turning to the confused woman.

"So…how's training?" She asked lightly and the elder man sighed.

"He's impatient and reckless. I'm afraid he would endanger himself for his own self righteous reasons," Iroh stared at the approaching storm clouds anxiously and Ameya followed his gaze.

"He'll be alright," she smiled at him reassuringly at his confused expression, "He has you for an uncle." She looked at the direction Zuko had headed moments before and adjusted her bag strap. "I'll bring him back."

Iroh's amber eyes softened and thought his nephew was lucky too to have her look after him. He did not understand what has happened between the two but he could see their relationship changing. Ameya would never offer her services months ago but as he stared at her determined blue eyes and strong frame, he knew she had come to care for the banished prince too.

"But you're leaving?" He eyed the travel pack wearily. She was always the one leaving them first.

"Duty calls," she smiled offhandedly and began her walk to find Zuko.

"Wait!" She paused at Iroh's call, turning to the older man curiously. "You have not only saved my nephew's life but mine as well. Thank you for your kindness, Ameya and may our path cross again."

The young woman laughed lightly, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek to smile at the retired general. "You know we will, Iroh. Until next time."

He watched with a softened expression at her lone back. Iroh wanted to say more and tell her that one day, he hopes someone would save her as well—but that was not his place.

But a small part of him had hoped that maybe his nephew would be the one to be there for her, just like how she is going to him now.

Ameya found the ostrich horse before she found the prince. The creature was tied to a dying tree, away from the blunt of the storm a few cliffs away. She could barely make out the small figure of Zuko on top of the cliff, probably trying to get struck by lightning.

He really is unbelievable. She sighed and set her travel pack down besides the mount, taking a seat at the base of the tree.

She was not suicidal enough to risk going after him. He can scream and shout all he wants and if he wants to get himself killed—that was his choice.

Ameya startled at the sound of lightning striking a nearby cliff, wide blue eyes focusing on his figure and was relieved to see him unharmed. She frowned, trying to calm her heartbeat at the chance of Zuko getting hurt.

She was contradicting herself and she knew it. She told Iroh she will bring him back but a small part of her did not understand how or why. It was because he helped her the previous night, she reasoned, and the other time when he comforted her too. She was only returning the favor.

A few droplets fell on her head and she looked upwards, watching the dark clouds slowly drift her way. Ameya would hate to travel in the rain but hopefully the direction she was thinking of going to would not be in the storm's path. She closed her eyes, enjoying the fresh rainwater and waited.

When Zuko made his way back to his ostrich horse, he was not expecting the young thief to be sitting next to it. The sight of that was strange but he had stopped questioning long ago at her random appearances. It was almost natural to see her on a regular basis now—just like how he had always manage to find the Avatar.

Her blue eyes were closed to the world and for a moment, she looked peaceful. The rain had stopped moments ago, the storm heading to another direction and bringing the lightning with it. Ameya looked up at the sound of his footstep, noticing he was completely drenched but—unscathed.

"Have you calmed down?" She stood up with a stretch once Zuko was close enough. He eyed the travel bag with distaste, turning away. He had already screamed and cursed the sky earlier; right now, he just feels drained and weary.

"None of your concern," he mumbled and made his way to his ostrich horse.

She frowned, stepping in his path to prevent him from leaving. His sharp eyes glared at her but she remains unfazed to his anger.

"Zuko," she said his name softly and he stiffened, "What's wrong?"

His eyes hardened. "What's wrong? You're asking me what's wrong?! I'm a banished prince from the Fire Nation and a fugitive to the Earth Kingdom! My own father sent his prodigy of a daughter to hunt me—his own son and brother because we are a disgrace," he lashed out harshly, the anger rekindling in front of her.

Ameya let him rant, watching with a blank gaze as the prince unraveled before her eyes. There was too much pent up frustration and anger in him built up from the past three years that it may finally be leaking out now. She knew Zuko had always been angry, angry and impatient and bitter at the world for his fate but he endured it all. The fact that he is still here right now means he has not given up.

"I always have to struggle to get where I am whereas Azula has always been the perfect little princess my father have always adored. He said she was born lucky—and I was lucky to be born. How am I lucky to be born when every day I have to struggle like this?!"

Why was I born?

Her eyes widen at the flashback from her younger self invaded her mind. The pitiful child with sad blue eyes turned into a brown haired boy with tearful gold. She reached her arms out without a second thought, bringing Zuko's body close to her in a tight embrace.

"It's okay," she murmured quietly, "It's painful now but it won't be for long."

Ameya thought she felt droplets fall on her shoulder but she did not relent on her hold. Strong arms wrapped around her waist tightly and she ran a hand through his short brown hair in slow strokes. She could feel his body shiver from the cold and built up emotions and her grip tightened.

She understood what he is going through. It reminded her of her younger self, always bitter and angry at the world. The comfort she's offering was what she had prayed for when she was young—just for someone to hug her and say it will be alright.

"You don't know that—you can't promise that—!" His hands clutched the back of her shirt tightly and his voice came out in broken, desperate sobs. Her heart yearned at his pitiful cries and hugged him tighter.

"I know! I do know!" Ameya retaliated adamantly. "It's painful and you wish you were dead because it is much better than living this way but you can't because there's too much left undone! But giving up is never your forte, Zuko—you're a survivor too. A stubborn, headstrong, reckless idiot that endures everything thrown at you and come out stronger," she repeated the same phrase to him and felt his head bury deeper in her neck.

She felt her own tears build up in her eyes again as the memories flooded in. Ameya couldn't believe how similar they were to each other—their past has been completely different but their emotions connected.

When Ameya was younger and had no one to turn to, all she wished was for someone to hold her. When she sustained injuries from the angry adults and beatings from other surviving orphans, she held on tightly and endured it all because she could heal. She had always been reckless and took the attacks straight on—all for the purpose of improving her healing and to grow numb to the pain.

But instead of being numb, she just wanted warmth. If she could travel back in time to her younger self, she would hug her like she was doing now to Zuko and reassure her that everything will be alright. But as she stood with the fragile prince in her arms, she thought maybe this was a better alternative.

Zuko's sobs muffled into her shirt but Ameya felt so warm, so tender that he could not break away. He could only hold on tightly, embracing the comfort of her soothing fingers through his hair that he had not felt since Ursa's disappearance.

He was still lost, still emotionally drained from everything but he felt light in her arms. She understood him too and in her arms he found the solace he desired. Zuko never imagined the thief he met all those months ago would be who he clung to now and for a second, that frightened him.

Reluctantly, he released his hold the moment his tears had all been dried out. Ameya let her arms drop and both took a step back slowly. They ignored the redness of their eyes, the drumming of their hearts, and the strange feeling of emptiness at their separation.

"You…still have Iroh," she spoke first, soft and hesitant.

But who do you have?

Zuko looked away. "Yeah," he agreed easily despite how weak his voice sounded. His golden eyes noticed her travel pack again and felt his throat close up. "Next time—where—when—"

Ameya looked at him curiously at his fumbling. His pale cheeks were tinted with a faint shade of pink and she couldn't help but smile softly at his flustered expression. What exactly was he trying to ask?

"The next meeting," he cleared his throat, he knew she wouldn't stay again but it would never be their last encounter. "Where would it be?"

Her heart sped up at his inquiry. She didn't realize he was bold enough to ask for the future meeting—none of it was ever planned. But somehow, Ameya felt strangely happy that he did. He wanted to see her again and—she felt the same.

"The capital," she sent a genuine smile his way, "I'll see you at the capital."

"Okay," Zuko nodded, his own lips curling up just the slightest, "It's a promise."

Author's Note:

Usually when I write, I have a small image in my mind of what I want to happen and when I finally write it, the image becomes clearer. I usually don't plan things to the detail and kinda let the characters play it out themselves…I just hope I described the same feelings the characters felt to you all!

Next chapter will skip a lot of episodes—Book 2 is becoming quite lengthy but I am happy with the way their relationship is developing. It will only get better from here! Or worse?

Next chapter is a personal favorite of mine…and I think you will know why just based on the title eheh.

Thank you all for the lovely reviews! I'll try to reply to them when I can! A guest had message about missing Ameya and Zuko fanart AND SAME ME TOO BUT I'VE BEEN SO BUSY I HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO DRAW QQ But I will try! There's so many scenes missing that I would love to draw so I'll do what I can! I'm always so surprised whenever someone wants to see art of them sobs

And this story will be completed. The only thing I'm worried about is the ending…because I want to go beyond the Avatar cartoon universe but also want to slightly avoid the comics based on the…bad reviews on it. I do have a few ideas on mind but…I'm not sure if anyone would be interested? Please let me know!

Thank you again and as always, reviews are loved and appreciated!