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

Katara didn't think this day could get any worse. First, she had discovered the Fire Nation Prince to be in the Upper Ring of Ba Sing Se with the retired general—working in a tea house. After just a glimpse of them, the waterbender had all but run all the way back to the Royal Palace to call for help.

Next thing she knew, it was not Suki's kind eyes greeting her but the sight of a disguised Fire Nation Princess instead and she was rendered useless by the acrobatic of the trio. Katara had been paralyzed, chained up, and then thrown into some type of underground catacombs against her will with no one to hear her calls.

She had been separated from Aang, Sokka, and Toph. It had been for the best with how the tides had suddenly changed in their favor.

Aang needed to control his Avatar State—something Katara had wished for dearly. She disliked seeing the airbender in pain every time his eyes glowed white—it tore her heart apart knowing her dear friend was suffering. There was too much riding on the twelve year old boy's shoulder and Katara could do nothing but stay behind to help watch over the kingdom and send him off with a hug and a kiss.

As for her brother, she knew Sokka had wanted to see their father the most. He was always training back in the South Pole, trying to fill in the footsteps their father had left him and took on the role as the protector. Katara knew it must have pained him too when they went back to Aang all those months ago when they had finally met up with Bato but they both knew the Avatar is who needed them most. It was only now—when they finally found hope to ending this war did Sokka feel confident in leaving the group.

And Toph—she never revealed much on matters concerning with her emotions but Katara knew the young girl had wanted to see her mother again. A mother's love can never be forgotten—can never be replaced and if she ever had the chance to see her own mother too, Katara would take it in a heartbeat. So Toph went her separate way as well, hoping to rekindle their family love.

But everything fell apart as soon as she saw Zuko—as soon as she saw Azula.

They had somehow infiltrated the impenetrable city of Ba Sing Se and only Katara knew of the demise bound to happen. There was no one to warn the Earth King—no one to stop the Fire Nation from seizing the city. Aang was in the Eastern Air Temple with the Guru, Sokka was in Chameleon Bay with their father, and Toph was searching the city for her mother.

Who would help her now?

Katara roamed the Crystal Catacombs aimlessly, frustrated and helpless. She had been stuck here overnight or somewhere along that time. It was hard to tell the time with the lack of sunlight in the earthen, buried city. Although the crystal shards probing from the earth were beautiful, she could not admire them.

She did not know where she wandered off to but Katara did notice something odd at a strange lump in her path. The crystals barely illuminate the tunnel in that surrounding area and azure eyes narrowed at what appears to be a body lying face down. She walked towards it with wary steps, unable to recognize the Earth Kingdom clothes and prayed it was not a dead body.

Silky black hair fanned out over the earth and a pale hand was stretched outwards unmoving. Katara barely noticed the subtle fall and rise of the person's back, deeming them to be alive and once close enough, she finally noticed the pool of red by the person's head.

Katara kneeled down next to the stranger immediately, one hand cloaked with healing water and the other carefully lifted up the person's neck. She barely recognized the pale, heart shaped face covered in dirt and she did not doubt the closed eyes of the young woman were an ice blue. Her heart pounded against her chest as she quickly healed Ameya without wasting another second, questions exploding in her head at her sudden appearance.

What had happened to her? Why was she here?

The last time Katara had seen the fellow waterbender, she was with Zuko. Rage filled her mind at that thought; did Zuko kidnap her to Ba Sing Se and held her captive? Did he betray Ameya and left her barely breathing?

Katara could not dwell on it longer—not when fear took the larger half of her emotions at the moment. She had lost a lot of blood; her skin felt icy cold; who knows how long she had been unconscious? She made quick work with her healing water, ignoring the blood staining the bottom of her dress and prayed that she was not too late.

She didn't know how long she held Ameya in her arms. Katara had long since finished healing the scrape on the back of her head and was relieved to see no other immediate injuries on the older woman. All she could do not was sit and pray, hoping for her to open those icy eyes again.

A groan escaped the woman's lips at her prayer and Katara watched with hopeful eyes as Ameya stirred awake. Her vision was blurry and unfocused on the green of the environment around her and Ameya raised a hand to her head where the throbbing headache had formed.

"Ameya?" Katara spoke in a hopeful plea.

The older woman groaned again, her vision finally settled on the wide blue eyes of her savior. "Katara?"

The girl wrapped her arms around the thief tightly. "Oh thank the Spirits you're awake! What happened? How did you get here—who hurt you? Are you alone?" The younger girl bombed her with questions with no haste and Ameya stifled another groan, confusion etched on her pale face.

"I…what?"

Her brows furrowed together in puzzlement, sitting up from her position on the ground and took to her surroundings. They were surrounded by luminescent green crystals and dark earth. Slowly, her memories began to come back to her in waves and her hands searched her body for the ribbon and ring. Relief filled her at the feel of the thin fabric and cold jewel, retying the makeshift necklace back on.

"It's a long story…" Ameya finally answered Katara'a curious gaze and smiled weakly. "What about you? Where are we?"

Katara sighed. "I think somewhere underneath the Royal Palace. The Dai Li are conspiring against the king—and Azula is here! All of us separated earlier but I'm worried—what if Aang comes back to a trap? What if they capture Sokka's fleet?"

"Katara—easy. Explain, from the top." Ameya calmed the frantic girl and slowly, they began to wander the catacombs together and Katara filled in on their adventure since their arrival at the city.

Ameya was surprised at how much they had gone through to find the missing bison since their separation last time. Relief washed over her knowing that Appa had found the young Avatar again after they had released him and decided to keep that information to herself. Katara still treated Zuko like an enemy but she did not push her thoughts on Ameya—not yet.

Her brows furrow at the thought of the Dai Li working for the Fire Nation. Weren't they supposed to be loyal to the Earth Kingdom? And no one in the Upper Ring knew of the war until recently? But Katara had mentioned a secret that could be used against the Fire Nation and was staging an attack with the help of the Earth Kingdom. There was a lot of information to take in and Ameya's head spun again as Katara recounted the tales.

"The Dai Li brought me here too," Ameya admitted and the young waterbender's eyes widen dramatically.

"But why? How did you even get to Ba Sing Se too?"

She brushed a strand of loose hair away from her cheek. "I was summoned here…I'm not sure who but…I don't believe they meant harm." It was definitely not the Dai Li—they were not expecting her at all. "I was snooping around too much and I was caught by them. They—sent me underground? And next thing I knew…you were here."

Ameya purposely avoided mentioning the Fire Nation prince and her ties to him. She felt slightly guilty, hiding her secret from the trusting waterbender but at this moment, she felt frustrated. If the Dai Li had managed to trap her—there was almost no chance for her to escape and see them again. It did not help that Azula—the one who had harmed Iroh, had been hunting them. She frowned as the image of cold taunting gold eyes and set a hand to her head again.

"Are you feeling okay? Here, let's take a break." Katara's motherly instinct arose as soon as she noticed the older woman's discomfort and sat her down.

Ameya smiled weakly; she hated feeling so faint. Her body had taken a larger toll on her than she thought and her head was still buzzing—although not as painful as before.

"I didn't see any other injuries but I had used up my regular water to heal you," Katara explained briefly.

"I'm fine, just a little dizzy. I'm thankful you've found me in the first place."

Katara looked like she had questions to ask but before she can voice her concerns; a rumbling above them caught their interest and a hole opened up.

"You've got company." They heard the Dai Li agent say before throwing another figure into the hole.

The girls watched with wide eyes as the body hit the ground none too softly, emitting a soft grunt from the male's lips. He landed just besides them and they recognized the burning scar on the left side of his face.

Ameya's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him and a wave of emotions flashed before Zuko's eyes once he saw icy blue ones. Surprised marred his face, then excitement—then relief and the waterbenders can only watch in stunned silence as he stood hastily, making his way towards her—towards Ameya.

"Zuko!" Katara hissed out angrily, stopping right in his path before he could reach the sitting woman.

He broke eye contact with Ameya then, finally realizing that the other waterbender was within the same vicinity. Confusion flashed before his eyes and he faltered—what were they doing here together?

"Are you alright?" It was Ameya that spoke, soft words echoing the vast chamber.

A pair of blue and gold studied her, one in disbelief and the other wary.

"Me? You're the one that disappeared." He took a step towards her again but frowned when Katara refused to move, blue eyes glaring.

"Don't come near us! Haven't you done enough already?!" The younger girl was frantic; she can't allow Zuko to be near Ameya—not when she was the one who had been Katara's comfort in this lone cavern. She could still not get the pool of blood by Ameya's head away from her mind, cannot ignore the stains on her dress.

Zuko eyed Katara wearily, glancing down to the sitting woman then noticing the spot of red on the Water Tribe dress. His eyes took to the matching stains on Ameya's shoulder and his breath caught in his throat. She did look more worn out than before—covered in dirt and light bruises that he had not notice until now.

"What happened?" He demanded sharply and Katara tensed, readying for battle.

The young woman sighed. Why was everyone asking her that lately? There was just too much explaining to do but she hoped she can prevent a fight from starting.

"Katara," they turned towards her soft voice as she stood up, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. It wasn't Zuko." She glanced at the man then, sending a small smile his way. "I'm alright. There were just a few loose ends."

Katara stared at her in disbelief. How can she be so calm in front of the enemy? The image of Ameya kneeling besides Zuko invaded her mind, thinking back to their clasped hands that spoke louder than the words they convey.

It didn't make sense—Zuko had kidnapped Ameya before. She had ran away from him—and yet why are they acting so friendly with each other? Ameya had cared for Yue—cared for the Water Tribe—she was their friend so why? Why are they staring at each other so intimately?

Katara refused to believe it, turning away from the reality.

"Then why did they throw him in here? Oh, wait, let me guess. It's a trap. So that when Aang shows up to help me, you can finally have him in your little Fire Nation clutches!"

She was angry—angry at Zuko for always getting in their way. Katara could do nothing but rant, lashing out at the very one that was the embodiment of her enemies.

"You're a terrible person! You know that? Always following us! Hunting the Avatar! Trying to capture the world's last hope for peace! But what do you care? You're the Fire Lord's son. Spreading war and violence and hatred is in your blood!"

Ameya frowned at her bitter tone, glancing between the quiet banished prince and the angry waterbender. At one point, Ameya had thought the same thing too, thought the Fire Lord's son was a spoiled brat who only wanted the Avatar for the glory of his nation. But as she met with him more—she realized that was not the case. Zuko was different, a little lost but—different and he had finally found a chance to start anew.

"You don't know what you're talking about," he tried to reason, glancing away from Katara's angry accusations.

"I don't? How dare you! You have no idea what this war has put me through!" Katara countered harshly, turning away from both of them. "Me personally! The Fire Nation took my mother away from me."

Icy eyes softened at the crying girl who had huddled up within herself. She saw the tears roll from her sapphire eyes and a small hand touching her necklace gently. Ameya never realized Katara had worn that betrothal necklace until now—it was always hidden back in the Northern Water Tribe and it was far from her mind at her own trouble.

But she knew what it must have felt to lose a close one. Katara's mother must have meant a lot to her, just like how Lu Jie and Xiao had meant a lot to Ameya.

"I'm sorry… That's something we have in common."

They turned to Zuko then who looked away dejectedly. Ameya never heard him speak of his mother before—always his father. Her mind wandered back to the night he comforted her on the roof, thinking back to his angry rebuttal and claimed he had lost someone too.

Was she the one?

Did he lose her mother to his own nation?

She didn't know what to do, stuck between the two sides. Her heart yearned to comfort Zuko yet her mind cried at the act of betrayal it would appear to be in Katara's eyes. Her head spun again with confusion and her hand reached up once more to feel her forehead.

They were all hurting. They had lost ones important to them and can only cling onto the memory and bitter resentment to the cause of it. Zuko was still trying to adjust to his new life after losing everything and Katara was still holding onto her bitter grudge. Ameya could only endure, can neither forgive nor forget but she hid it away, burying her feelings deep within.

"You know, we're not so different in the end." She smiled as both of them turned to her in confusion. "We've all lost ones close to us…misery loves company."

Zuko and Katara did not miss the way she mentioned 'we', both wondering the same thing but did not voice their question. Instead they glanced at each other wearily, and then to the smiling woman who was trying to bridge the peace between them.

"Katara," the younger girl glanced in Ameya's direction, "I trust Zuko. He's not here willingly." She was certain of it. If Azula was here then she must have been the one to lure Zuko to the catacombs.

Zuko's chest swelled with pride at her approval and a small smile emerged on his lips. Katara caught onto the two looks they were sending to each other and looked down, wiping away her tears and stood up. If Ameya trusted them—then so will she.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you before." Her voice was but a mumble.

"It doesn't matter." He understood what it meant to lash out in rage.

"It's just that for so long now, whenever I would imagine the face of the enemy, it was your face."

Zuko looked away disappointedly, touching the permanent scar on his face gently. "My face? I see." Ameya approached Zuko, lightly grabbing his sleeve for assurance. He glanced her way but did not shy away from her touch.

"No, no, that's—that's not what I mean." Katara stepped closer, not missing the subtle comfort the two showed around each other.

"It's okay. I used to think this scar marked me. The mark of the banished prince, cursed to chase the Avatar forever. But lately, I've realized I'm free to determine my own destiny, even if I'll never be free of my mark."

Ameya could merely smile approvingly at his words. His eyes never left hers, remembering what she had said months ago about their first meeting. She never saw him as anything less even with the scar.

"Maybe you could be free of it." Katara piped up and they turned to her in confusion.

"What?"

"How?"

"I have healing abilities," Katara stated and Ameya looked wary.

"I do too but…I doubt healing abilities can cure injuries from years ago." She never tried but she did not want to put hope where there were none.

"It's a scar, it can't be healed." Zuko shared the same belief.

Katara pulled something from within her dress, holding a small vial up for them to see. "Maybe not from regular water but this—this is from the Spirit Oasis at the North Pole. It has special properties, so I've been saving it for something important." She turned to Ameya then, "I almost used it on you earlier but luckily the wound was not as deep as it appeared. The blood just—threw me off. N-not that I don't think you're important Ameya—I swear!"

She merely smiled at Katara's panicked state and shook her head. "I understand, Katara. Don't worry."

Zuko merely eyed the women suspiciously then back on the blood on her shoulder. Why does she always wave off her injuries? What would he have done if he was the one that found her instead? He didn't have the ability to heal—would he have lost her then? Even though he spent the whole last night disappointed to not see her, Zuko was not sure he would be able to handle reuniting with the thief in a pool of her own blood.

He decided not to dwell on it anymore. It was luck she was still alive—she was not avoiding him purposely. Ameya was merely…trapped…and somehow that didn't bring comfort to him either.

"I don't know if it would work, but…"

They turned towards Katara's voice, holding up the vial in Ameya's direction. She felt a tad awkward with the sheer unspoken affection between the two teenagers and felt herself unable to intrude on something personal they may share.

"You know, Yugoda mentioned before about a young healing master at the age of twelve when I first arrived at the North Pole. She said the young girl was the first to graduate in less than a year and left shortly after…"

Ameya avoided Katara's curious gaze and merely smiled at the memory of her old master. Ah, she should have visited Yugoda when she had the chance but they were in a middle of a war. Ameya had no time to waste on trivial matters.

She looked at Zuko who appears almost hopeful at the small vial then his eyes shifted to hers, gold meeting ice and she felt the need to accept the offer. Her hands reached up towards the vial but before she could touch it, a blast shook the catacombs a few feet away from them. Zuko immediately shielded her protectively and she resisted the blush forming on her cheeks.

When the dust cleared, three pair of eyes widen at the young airbender and retired general emerging from the tunnel.

"Aang!" Katara ran to him quickly, throwing her arms around his small form thankfully.

She did not miss the exchange of glares between the prince and Avatar but she could not think on it much longer when Ameya was brought into a hug, her body tensed at the feel of Iroh's arms around her and Zuko. She was suddenly reminded that Zuko was—in a way—hugging her back; his arm was still shielding her when Iroh brought them in.

"Aang, I knew you would come." Katara hugged Aang again and after his initial blush and glaring was settled, he stared at the other waterbender in the cavern in confusion.

"Uncle, I don't understand. What are you doing with the Avatar?" Zuko asked once Iroh released his hug, his destiny flashed before his mind at the sight of the airbender.

"Saving you, that's what," Aang replied then settled on the older woman. "Ameya…what are you doing here?"

She sighed and smiled helplessly. "You know I've been getting asked that quite a lot lately. It's a long story." She waved it off as always, dodging the question and Aang's curious gaze.

Zuko took a step in his direction but Iroh held him back. His golden eyes reignited with the fiery determination she had seen before and worry paralyzed her.

"Zuko, it's time we talked." Iroh's gaze was stern on his nephew before turning back towards Aang and Katara. "Go help your other friends. We'll catch up with you."

Aang bowed respectfully and began to head back into the tunnel. Ameya took one step in their direction but a gentle tug on her wrist stopped her, turning to look at the owner of the hand. Her eyes softened at Zuko's hesitant ones and stay rooted in her spot.

Katara observed the small exchange, opening her mouth to protest but no words form. She could not ignore the way the two looked at each other intently, always in their own world and she turned away instead, following Aang.

"Why, Uncle?" Zuko asked the moment the two were gone but he did not release the hold on her wrist.

"You're not the man you used to be, Zuko. You are stronger and wiser and freer than you have ever been. And now you have come to the crossroads of your destiny. It's time for you to choose. It's time for you to choose good." Iroh was adamant and Ameya hoped he would be able to convince Zuko.

But before either of them could reply, shards of crystal appeared beyond the ground and encased Iroh. Zuko let out a small yell, stepping back and bringing the young woman with him. He released her hold immediately, raising his arms up in a fighting stance and Ameya followed, glaring at the intruders.

Two Dai Li agents slid down the tunnel with the princess of the Fire Nation in Earth Kingdom garbs in the middle. Her amber eyes focused on her brother first, and then to the blue eyed woman she had met briefly before. Azula recognized her and had heard reports of Ameya's possible ties to a secret revolt from decades ago but she did not care. The peasant was not her concern at this moment.

"I expected this kind of treachery from Uncle. But Zuko, Prince Zuko, you're a lot of things, but you're not a traitor, are you?" She still spoke with a calm yet commanding tone. Azula was charismatic—choosing her words carefully to coax Zuko.

"Release him immediately."

"It's not too late for you, Zuko. You can still redeem yourself." Azula continued alluringly and Ameya tensed.

"The kind of redemption she offers is not for you," Iroh countered.

"Why don't you let him decide, Uncle? I need you, Zuko. I've plotted every move of this day," she stated proudly, "this glorious day in Fire Nation history, and the only way we win is together. At the end of this day, you will have your honor back. You will have Father's love. You will have everything you want."

Ameya knew Zuko was struggling—he always has. But they have a chance to start anew—he asked her to stay. Ameya wanted to—she want to see where this new relationship will take her. But her fear caught up with her—her worries were coming true.

Azula appeared before him with the reward of what he had long desired. She was promising everything he's ever wanted—everything Ameya cannot give. She could only stand and watch numbly, paralyzed with fear.

"Zuko, I am begging you. Look into your heart and see what it is that you truly want." Iroh looked at Ameya's frozen form helplessly and noticed her state of shock. She turned towards the elder man's voice—saw him beg with his eyes to say something and she forced herself to breathe again.

"Zuko…" her voice came out quietly, her hand reaching out to grab his, "You still owe me…please, stay." With me.

"She is but a peasant, Prince Zuko. A lowly thief that got caught stealing from the Upper Ring," Azula sharp tone cut through them, her gold eyes darkened at the blue eyed girl. "She does not understand what you deserve. She is not fit to stand besides you."

Ameya glared at the younger girl harshly, anger replacing her previous worried state. She was looking down on her, just like how she had done in their first meeting. Azula thought she could not understand Zuko but that was not true.

She had learned, throughout the many months and fleeting meetings, Ameya had learned more about Zuko than she realized. She knew how determined he was to capture the Avatar, she knew how much his father's approval had meant to him. She saw him struggle by himself and saw him break down at all the wrongdoings of his life.

He cursed his fate the same way she had. He endured his hardships just as she had. Even now, Zuko was struggling with the right decision and Ameya was struggling with words to convince him.

She had been so relieved when he let Appa go. She had been so happy when he pointed out their promise after his fever broke. She thought—even with the arrival of Aang, if Zuko manages to let him go too then he can truly leave his regrets behind.

"Ameya," his breathtaking gold eyes were on her—hopeful and buoyant and yet Ameya could feel nothing but distress and worry clawing at her heart. "I can go home—I can return back to the Fire Nation proudly."

Azula smirked; she knew what her brother has chosen already.

"You are free to choose."

She left with those parting words to follow the Avatar. Like she thought, that blue eyed woman does not have the same control over Zuko like she did. Azula knew her brother, Ameya did not.

Ameya barely noticed Azula and the Dai Li leaving. She could only stare at those golden eyes in shock, could feel the blood drain from her body and the rapid beat of her own heart.

"You—can't. You're only following the same cycle—you're just going to capture Aang and he will escape and you will chase him forevermore. But Zuko—you said so before, you can choose your own destiny. We can fight Azula back—we can reclaim Ba Sing Se."

Zuko's hopeful eyes diminished and suddenly the harsh glare was on his face. How can Ameya not see that this life isn't for him? Why can't she understand? She was the one that's always calling him a 'Prince'. She should know how much he was willing to give up to return home. She and Iroh both should.

"What do you know? Azula and I can capture the Avatar! If you help—I can make sure you'll be rewarded, too! You'll never have to steal or lie again! Ba Sing Se is not for us."

"But the Fire Nation is not where I belong either!" She countered heatedly, ignoring the painful ache in her heart at his words. Was she just an afterthought to him? Doesn't he understand that she, a waterbender, going to the Fire Nation is just a death sentence?

"Then what are you going to do?! Why were you stealing from the Upper Ring then? Why were you captured? You said you will meet us at the tea house and yet I find you here with that Water Tribe girl instead! Weren't you going to start anew too?"

Zuko was confused and angry. Azula said Ameya had stolen and ended up being captured. Didn't she abandon her fox mask already? It was never spoken but he had assumed she was going to throw her old life away too—for the chance of them.

"Were you lying to me?" His soft voice turned cold, "Just like how you did before?"

Ameya's heart ached at the accusation. She wanted to explain everything but did not know where to begin.

"I stopped lying the moment I trusted you, Zuko. I am only here because I was captured by the Dai Li—trying to find and discard my own past." She pleaded helplessly, trying to calm his anger.

"How long have you been lying to me then?"

She heard his quiet murmur and froze, unable to think up of a reply.

Since when did she begin to trust Zuko?

Since when did she begin to see the change in him—see her own feelings change for him?

She never thought about it fully before—she always brushed it off when it reached too close to her heart at her own feelings. At this moment, Ameya cannot recall when she began to stop lying around him, cannot recall the last lie she spun.

Zuko mistook her silence doubtfully, his heart stopped at the thought of Ameya deceiving him this whole time. He ripped his hand away from her grasp, forgetting she still had it in the first place and her fingers fell numbly.

"I knew it."

He turned away from her, ignoring the pain in his chest at her stunned silence and his mind drowned in the doubt of what her stillness could mean. He began to walk away quickly, away from what he thought they had—what he thought they could be.

Ameya realized that he was leaving, snapping out of her daze. Zuko was leaving—he's the one to leave her this time and she—she can't let that happen.

"Zuko—please—wait! I never lied on the important things—I never lied to you about me!" She was desperate, saying anything that popped in her mind but Zuko refused to relent.

"You lied for your convenience—you've lie since the first day we met!"

"Please believe me, I'm not lying now!" He continued to walk away, going to a full on sprint. "Zuko!"

Iroh could only watch in silence as the young woman fell on her knees. A frustrated scream ripped from her throat and it reached the banished prince's ears but he pushed it away. He ignored the sting behind his eyes, pushed away the thought of blue, and ran.

It felt like the ground was ripped from her again, like she was falling through the tunnel below and was unable to stop the sinking feeling in her heart. Ameya watched with wide eyes at his disappearing back and felt her heart beating so fast she thought it would burst from her chest.

"Iroh—what do I do? I screwed up—I can't stop him."

Her hands covered her face, resisting the urge to shout and cry. She wanted to do something—anything to rid of the pain in her heart. She had confided in Iroh of her fears and it came true—this had been a mistake—Zuko was a mistake.

"Ameya…I'm so sorry," the elder man could do nothing but offer empty words; his own heart ached at the sight of his nephew abandoning them.

The woman who had always appeared so strong, so confident was breaking down right before his eyes. He knew how much she had cared for Zuko, had seen her push her body to the limits for him and yet—Zuko was still chasing his dreams.

"But now is not the time to mourn, my dear," she looked up at Iroh's strong tone, his amber eyes steeling at the sight of her unshed tears. "He's going after the Avatar…and Ba Sing Se is no longer safe. You are strong, Ameya. I have always believed in you since the day you saved my nephew—and you will only continue to grow stronger. The question is: what do you plan to do now?"

Ameya froze.

What is she planning to do now? She had nowhere to go again. She had been ready to abandon it all. She would not be able to find her answers relating to the ring now, too.

Ameya had no one to trust—

No, that wasn't true.

Iroh was still regarding her with his kind gaze; Iroh still believed in her. Katara had trusted her too—Aang had saved her. Sokka had never seen her differently and Toph had treated her like a friend.

"Why do you always run away?"

No, no more. Ameya was done running. She knew what she must do—even if it's not a lot, she has made bonds with other trustworthy people who fought and struggled, just like her, to fight their cruel fate. Only; they are doing it for the greater good of the world—seeking a peace the four nations has not experienced in a century.

"I'm going to fight," she wiped the tears away, ignoring the dull ache in her chest and stood up stronger. "And I'm going to make Zuko regret." Her fists balled against her sides. "I hope you don't mind, Iroh."

The elder man can only smile hopelessly at her bitter smile. She wasn't kidding and at this point, Iroh hoped she may be the one to finally put reason in Zuko again. So she can use whatever method she pleases, Iroh will support her too.

Ameya had always been strong but she also had been lonely. Iroh had seen the way she always left them and wondered if things would be different if he had asked her to stay sooner. But it was too late now, Zuko did not stay even with his own guidance but Ameya was different.

Iroh felt proud at sight of her unwavering back following the path he had wished his nephew had chosen instead.

Author's Note:

OH MAN I GUESS I HAVE TO SPLIT UP THE EPISODE IN TWO CHAPTERS. Well, this turned out longer than I thought and it's not even over yet—whoops!

Some people already foresaw what was bound to happen in Book 2 finale…or at least the angst for it…so I can only hope the next chapter will not disappoint!

Reviews are much appreciated! What are your thoughts? Please let me know!

P.S. So when I wrote the beginning, I was toying with the idea what if Ameya lost her memories after waking up—but that was too cliché ahaha…so I ended making an AU of it instead anyways—LOL jkjk I cannot invest that much time in an AU of an AU.