Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender in any shape or form.
Ameya destroyed their rooms.
Correction; Toph destroyed their rooms in the Western Air Temple.
Technically, it was Ameya that had found and requested Toph to train her late at night, trying to work out the frustration she felt after her 'talk' with Zuko and—things got a little out of hand. Luckily, no one was hurt by the sudden collapse of the rocks and boulders over the rooms but—Ameya did feel a bit guilty to ruin the ancient architect of the air nomads. She could only give a sincere apology towards Aang and although he was saddened by it, he perked up immediately by looking at the bright side.
"At least it was only one wing of the temple, right?" Aang gave the same old reassuring smile and Ameya knew everything was fine with him again.
And so, the rest had opted to sleep by the fountain near Appa. Ameya had chosen the side extremely far away from Zuko and, after their talk, did not pursue her any longer. It still does not stop the longing looks he sent her way but—Ameya was good at blocking those things out.
Quietly, everyone began to drift off to sleep.
BOOOOOM!
A loud explosion racked through the temple. Ameya jumped up immediately while everyone else followed her. Rocks and rubble flew around them from the aftermath of the explosion and she looked out to see fleets of Fire Nation warships floating above. Aang ran back inside their sleeping quarters with Appa, twirling his staff around and shutting the metal shelter with his bending.
"That's a rude awakening," Ameya scowled to herself and secured the sword to her hip.
Explosions continued to hit the shelter. Due to the years of deterioration, the temple was not able to withstand the mass of attack. Rocks began to fall from above while everyone gathered their items and tried to avoid the rubble. Above, Ameya saw a large boulder about to fall on the unsuspecting waterbender.
"Katara!"
Ameya pushed her away right when she felt something collide with her. Katara fell a few feet away but Ameya was covered by a body, icy eyes looking upwards to see a scarred face. She froze, stilling in the presence of him so close to her, and forgot her anger and even her alertness of the attack.
"You okay?" Zuko whispered between them, golden eyes scanning her appearance and relief filled him to see her unscathed.
"Get off."
But Ameya was unrelenting. At the sound of his voice, her glare was back full force before she quickly pushed him off and got to her feet. She could still feel the heat his body lingered on her skin, could feel the way his warm breath had fanned her face just moments ago.
"Come on! We can get out through here!" Toph's voice brought everyone's attention to behind.
Haru and Toph had created a giant tunnel through the cliff and motioning for the others to enter. Everyone else began to gather around but Zuko stood up and rushed out—in the opposite direction.
"What are you doing?!" Aang stopped tugging on Appa to gape at Zuko.
"Go ahead! I'll hold them off. I think this is a family visit," Zuko turned to glance at icy blue eyes before running towards the airships.
Ameya resisted the urge to click her tongue while Aang cried out after him. She went to where the young Avatar was and tried to soothe Appa.
"Come on! We've gotta get out of here!" Sokka insisted.
Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Ameya attempted to pull on Appa's rein but the flying bison would not budge. In front of them, the cliff and temple continued to rumble and explode from the attack of fire. Zuko must have held his own because the fire was not as evident as before but, it was still worrisome when the temple continued to crumble.
"I can't get him to go in there," Aang desperately pulled the reins on Appa. "Appa hates tunnels!"
"Aang, there's no way we can fly out of here," Katara reasoned.
"We'll have to find a way!" But Aang would not relent.
"We need to split up," Ameya suggested, "Toph, come here."
Toph did as instructed and Sokka headed to where the remaining members were. "Take the tunnel and get to the stolen airship."
"No!" Katara immediately ran over to her father. "The Fire Nation can't separate our family again!"
"It'll be okay. It's not forever," Hakoda reassured with his kind smile, hugging Katara in comfort. Sokka also gave Hakoda a quick hug and the elder man turned to Ameya then. "Take care of each other. I believe in you, Ameya."
Ameya blinked from the sudden task but nodded her head. Hakoda trusted her skills in keeping his family safe. He had always been there to help when she was hesitant about her own decisions. Now, he was openly telling her to stay with them. Ameya would not let him down.
"Don't worry," Ameya smiled, "I will."
It had been a promise she made long ago.
Sokka dragged Suki away from the other group with assertion. He would not let his own feelings separate them again. There was still so much he needed to explain to her and Sokka was not going to wait who knows how long for another opportunity. Meanwhile, everyone climbed up onto Appa's saddle with Aang as the rider.
"I can clear that way and we can fly out through there!" Toph pointed to the side.
"Um, there's an awful lot of fire in that general direction..." Suki was skeptical.
"We don't have a choice," Ameya reminded. She turned to Aang with a nod of her head. "Let's go."
Appa fly forward with the trust of the others on his back. Toph blasted through the mountain of rocks and formed an earth wall in front of Appa's head. Everyone else held onto the saddle, wind and dust blowing in their faces from the escape.
Fiery blue flames attacked the earth wall but did not penetrate the defenses. They felt the warmth fly backwards and Ameya leaned over to see Azula looking after them with an angry expression. The rocks crumbled as they flew forward and past the airships; their attention was focused on the missing firebender.
Where is he? Ameya could not help but grip the saddle tighter.
An airship floated above to Azula's and everyone squint their eyes at the lone figure standing above it.
"He's still there!" Sokka gaped.
They could see red and blue flames fighting above the airship. Zuko had propelled himself to land on Azula's and engaged in agile firebending. A burst of flames appeared on both ends and suddenly, an explosion blew up between them. The two siblings flew back and rolled off the airship.
"Aang!"
Ameya was desperate. With just one word, Aang understood what she meant. Appa turned around and dived down, using the misty clouds to mask their presence as they followed where Zuko had fallen. Ameya leaned upwards despite her unstable footing, her hand reached out towards just right under the falling boy. Zuko's eyes widened at their arrival and his hand met hers. Ameya tugged him down and into her arms, breathing ragged and heart rate erratic. Zuko said nothing but he held on just as tight, a silent reassurance that he was fine.
And, just as quickly as she caught him, Ameya let go. Lost in the moment, Ameya hadn't realized just how scared she really was when she saw Zuko alone on that airship. Hadn't realized how fearful she felt when he fell off the airship.
Why—why was she still so worried over him?!
"She—" Ameya licked her lips and distracted everyone's attention from the previous affection. She pointed towards the other falling body. "She's still falling."
Azula was falling back first. Zuko leaned closer to the edge, dazed yet lucid at his sister.
"She's…not gonna make it…"
But, just to prove him wrong, Azula propelled herself towards the wall with her firebending and used her hairpin to dig into the mountain. There was a cocky expression on her lips as Azula stared at the bison flying away.
"Of course she did," Zuko announced, resigned.
"Fly for as long as you can, Appa," Ameya said gently, tapping the side of his fur as she glanced at the airships getting smaller and smaller. "This wouldn't be the last we see of them."
They may have overworked Appa a little too much when they landed. The flying bison had collapsed on the soft grass as soon as his feet touched the ground. Quickly, everyone worked together to set up camp on the lone cliff devoid of civilization. They were on one of the many lone islands within Fire Nation territory and had flown for nearly half the day. It would be hard for Azula to track them down.
By the time they had finished setting up the four tents, dinner was ready. Katara made a simple stew for everyone and Aang created a small campfire. The moon rose in the night and hung over the dark sea. Ameya looked at it fondly before joining the rest of the crew around the fire.
"Wow, camping...it really seems like old times again, doesn't it?" Aang said cheerfully from next to Zuko.
Zuko smiled, his mood greatly improved since the morning. Despite their previous night little settlement with Ameya, he knew she still felt something for him. Her desperate hold on him and the way her icy blue eyes filled with relief at his safety encouraged Zuko's assumption that she still—liked, maybe love, him.
Ameya promptly ignored any of his hope. She knew she slipped up.
"If you really want it to feel like old times, I could, uh...chase you around a while and try to capture you," but Zuko was in too high of happiness to let her mood deter him. If she didn't admit to it now, Zuko believed she will warm up eventually.
Seeing the once short-tempered prince be so friendly and joking caused everyone else to laugh. Everyone, except the two waterbenders, did not join in on the laughter. Katara had a frown on her lips as she stared in the campfire and Ameya simply sipped her stew without a word.
"To Zuko! Who knew after all those times he tried to snuff us out, today he'd be our hero?" Sokka held up his cup in appreciation.
"Hear, hear!"
Toph and Aang nudged the brunette playfully yet his golden eyes were looking at Ameya happily. As always, she had no reaction towards him before another sip of her bowl. Beyond the campfire glare, he saw her eyes flicker up to him for just a nanosecond—before looking down just as fast.
Zuko smiled to himself. "I'm touched." But… "I don't deserve this."
There were still some amends he needed to make before he felt satisfied. The Fire Lord was still not defeated and they barely scraped by today. And, most of all, Ameya reverted back to ignoring him.
"Yeah, no kidding," Katara scoffed and stood up to walk away.
Ameya looked up to see her leave their side. She gently set the bowl down while Zuko stood up.
"What's with her?" Sokka arched an eyebrow.
"I wish I knew," Zuko followed after.
She looked at the two backs slowly getting further away and decided Ameya does not want to see that scene.
"This isn't fair! Everyone else seems to trust me now! What is it with you?" Zuko caught up to Katara quickly, asking not in anger but exasperation towards her attitude. Ameya was one thing but—Katara was another. Her continuous terrorization couldn't be fair when the rest of the group trusts him!
"Oh, 'everyone trusts you now'! Does Ameya count as 'everyone' to you?!" Katara harshly reprimanded back. It was enough for Zuko to bite on his tongue from arguing. "Back in Ba Sing Se, she also 'trusted' you and look how that turned out! You went behind her back and betrayed her! Just when we were starting to believe you back then—you had changed!"
"I—know!" Zuko gripped his teeth and clenched his fists, facing the grass with an almost ashamed expression. But, that was something between him and Ameya. Katara had no business to interfere. "There's still a lot I must make up with her but right now—I want to know what can I do to make it up to you?"
Katara nearly scoffed again. "Me? You really want to know? Hmm, maybe you could re-conquer Ba Sing Se in the name of the Earth King. Or, I know! You could bring my mother back!"
Katara brushed past him, shoulder colliding with his and leaving Zuko alone. She ran into her shared tent, pausing to see Ameya resting on her side of the blanket while sharpening her blade. Icy blue eyes met sapphire ones in silent understanding and Ameya put the sword away.
"Do you want to waterbend?" Ameya offered helpfully.
Katara let out a sigh of relief. Ameya was still the same. She truly does not deserve Zuko and Katara will make sure he knew it.
"Yes, please."
When morning came, Katara was the first one up. She brushed back her unruly hair, careful to not disturb Ameya's rest and freshened up. Then, she exited the tent, pausing to stare at Zuko sitting on the rock with a tired expression.
"You look terrible," Katara was unsympathetic.
"I waited out here all night," Zuko sighed.
"You shouldn't," Katara nearly hissed. She will protect Ameya from him.
"I-it's not what you think!" Zuko realized what she was thinking of, his voice in a frantic whisper as his eyed the tent behind her. He wasn't here to sneak up on them or anything! "I'm here because—I know who killed your mother—and I'm going to help you find him."
After speaking with Sokka last night, Zuko realized Katara was taking out her hatred on him. Part of Zuko doesn't blame her; the Fire Nation had harmed many. But he was determined to get on Katara's good side, too. He knew she was the protector of Ameya now and—dealing with her might just be a tad easier than Ameya.
Zuko really hoped this mission will go well.
Inside, Ameya looked at the flap of the door with a stern gaze. She heard every part of the conversation. With a stretch, she stood up.
"I need to borrow Appa," Katara approached Aang and the flying bison with a resolute gaze. Aang rarely saw his dear friend so serious before.
"Why? Is it your turn to take a little field trip with Zuko?" Aang tried to lighten the mood.
"Yes, it is."
The airbender resisted the urge to gape. Instead, he straightened up and looked at the odd pair.
"Oh. What's going on?"
"We're going to find the man who took my mother from me."
Sokka immediately sat up from the side, his flower crown forgotten as he stared at his sister.
"Sokka told me the story of what happened. I know who did it and I know how to find him," Zuko was also determined. He needed to prove his worth to Katara.
"Um…and what exactly do you think this will accomplish?" Aang attempted to coax, uncomfortable with the way Katara was staring at them. It felt too different from the normally kind Katara who apologizes to Momo when she stroked him too rough.
"Ugh, I knew you wouldn't understand!" Katara grew frustrated and turned around.
She had the perfect opportunity to find her mother's capturer and yet he refused it from her. How many years had Katara been longing for her mother? How many years had Katara blamed herself for not being there to save her? How many years had Katara yearned to find the person responsible in tearing their family apart? To reign havoc to him like he had done to her?
"Wait! Stop! I do understand!" Aang chased her, "You're feeling unbelievable pain and rage. How do think I felt about the sandbenders when they stole Appa? How do you think I felt about the Fire Nation when I found out what happened to my people?"
"She needs this, Aang." Zuko stopped him, "This is about getting closure and justice."
"Don't you mean 'revenge'?"
The four of them turned to see Ameya walk up. Short black hair swayed by her movement as her eyes focused on the stubborn waterbender. Katara's hand twitched at the sight of her yet she refused to back down.
"Fine, maybe it is! Maybe that's what I need! Maybe that's what he deserves!" Katara snapped back.
"Katara…you sound like Jet," Aang said softly.
"It's not the same! Jet attacked the innocent. This man, he's a monster," she glared back.
"Katara, she was my mother, too, but I think Aang might be right," Sokka attempted to reason, sapphire eyes meeting his sister.
"Then you didn't love her the way I did!"
"Katara!" Sokka looked genuinely hurt.
"You're not being fair, Katara," Ameya frowned at the shorter girl. How can she lash out like that when there's not a definite chance they will find the person they were looking for? How can she say that to her own sibling?
"The monks used to say that revenge is like a two-headed rat viper. While you watch your enemy go down, you're being poisoned yourself," Aang tried again.
"That's cute, but this isn't air temple preschool. It's the real world," Zuko said sarcastically.
"Zuko," Ameya hissed, icy eyes glaring at the banished prince.
His name with her tone was enough to startle Zuko. He paused and said nothing more.
"Now that I know he's out there...now that I know we can find him, I feel like I have no choice," Katara stated.
"Katara, you do have a choice: forgiveness," Aang offered. "It's easy to do nothing, but it's hard to forgive."
"It's not just hard, it's impossible."
"Then, what will you do when you find him?" Ameya asked carefully.
Katara was not budging on this subject yet Ameya did not want to see her go down a path she will forever regret. Talking about death can be so simple when they wield the power to do just that but Ameya does not want to see her be tormented by regret afterwards.
"I'm going to make him pay."
"Do you think that will make you happy?" Ameya continued to ask calmly.
"I—" Katara fumbled, whirling around to meet icy blue eyes.
She could feel the anger surging underneath her at everyone finding fault with her choices. She couldn't believe Zuko of all people would be the one to support her! But what about Ameya?! Why was she so upset with this? She was the one taking her anger out on Zuko, too!
"I wouldn't know by being here!" Katara argued back. "That monster took my happiness away from me! How would you feel if your mother was taken away because of you?!"
Ameya twitched, her eyes looking at the angry—yet teary ones of sapphire blue.
"I wouldn't know," she admitted softly, "I never met my mother."
A cold wind brushed by them.
This was the first time Ameya had mentioned anything regarding her family. And—it wasn't until now did they realize, they knew nothing about it. Even Zuko was frozen from the soft confession yet Ameya looked composed as always. She didn't have a mother or a father. She had been orphaned since young. Her attachment to Lady Lu Jie was the closest thing she had to a mother yet when they disappeared from her life, Ameya was just…tired. Their bonds were not formed from birth. Ameya's affection for them was her choice, not because of family ties.
Katara felt a burst of emotions within her. Guilt, because she did not want to bring up unwanted memories for Ameya. Stunned, because for some reason—she believed Ameya to be the same as them; having their family taken away from them by the Fire Nation. Yet, a majority of her emotions were leftover anger and renewed annoyance to cover the guilt she felt.
She knew nothing about Ameya.
"I never met my father, too, I suppose," Ameya continued in the same casual tone as if discussing the weather. "So…I guess I don't know how you felt. Maybe I would have reacted the same, maybe I wouldn't. It's hard to say."
Ameya was an orphan. It shouldn't come as a surprise. Nearly all suffering children were orphaned because of the hundred year war. Ameya was too great at hiding her weaknesses, something that Katara had noticed but made no indication of pressing for more.
Until now.
"Why—" Katara's voice shook; whether in anger or disbelief, no one knew. "Why—don't you ever tell us anything?"
Why couldn't she warn them ahead of time so Katara would not accidentally step on a landmine like this? Despite how casual Ameya made her little confession to be, it annoyed Katara at how little she knew about her.
Her family, her past, her ties to Zuko. Everything was a mystery whenever it concerned Ameya.
"It…wasn't important," Ameya blinked. Why was this conversation suddenly about her? Why was Katara so upset?
"Like—how it wasn't important when you stole from others to sustain us?!"
Ameya flinched from Katara's tone, eyes widening by the raw anger Katara displayed. It seemed like—this went beyond her revenge for her mother. Why was—she suddenly so upset at her? Even Aang had flinched from Katara's harsh tone and the other two boys snapped out of their daze to look between Ameya and Katara.
"Or—how you had met Zuko before and stayed by his side? How you had left us time and time again without explanation and expects us to welcome you with open arms?!"
Tears built up behind Katara's eyes as she looked at Ameya heatedly. The older girl was frozen as she watched Katara take her anger out on her. She hadn't realized her actions had caused Katara such distress. Ameya had been trying to protect them ever since their reunion after Ba Sing Se. The topic regarding Zuko was still a sore wound in her heart. Ameya thought—Katara understood based on how protective she was for her.
"When will you ever consider something important enough to tell us about yourself?! Aren't we friends?!"
Katara finally let go of the frustration she felt for the past months. She had been trying to be patient and understanding towards the other girl but—why does Ameya still not trust them? Katara hated the feeling of betrayal whenever she saw Ameya cast glances in Zuko's direction. Hated how she would not open up herself and confide in her friends.
Ameya had always put on a distance between them. She was kind—but Ameya was also dangerous and ruthless. Ameya can act like the perfect tourist—but Katara had experienced her conniving movement like a thief. Ameya was good at spinning lies and hiding her feelings behind a smile.
Maybe, Katara thought, Ameya never trusted us in the first place.
"Why…don't you trust us?" Katara asked in a meek, broken voice.
Ameya could not reply.
Katara spun on her heels and ran away, leaving the four of them to stare at her back in disbelief. Ameya felt her feet frozen to the ground as Katara's words rang around her mind, bouncing off one another and reminding Ameya of the person she was.
She thought she was protecting them. Ameya didn't want them to know how twisted she was. By hiding herself, Ameya was protecting herself and them. How did this backfire in her face?
"Ah—"
"I need to be alone," Ameya abruptly cut off Sokka's words. She spun on her heels and left, heading down the cliff in the opposite direction of Katara.
Zuko looked torn at her back. He wanted nothing more than to chase after her, wanted to console her and reassure her. But, this was not his place to interfere. Ameya and Katara apparently had more built-up frustration than the surface let on.
"I guess she finally snapped."
The boys turned around to see Toph leaning on a rock. Beside her was a shocked Suki. It appeared as they overheard the conversation, too.
"It's because Katara cares so much about Ameya that she snapped," and ironically, Toph was the one to explain that to all of them.
Ameya didn't know how much time had passed since she hid. The sun was beginning to set over the ocean yet Ameya did not move for the past few hours.
The whole time, she had been mulling over Katara's anger and her own actions. Katara was not wrong and Ameya was not offended by her attitude. Instead, she tried to pinpoint the exact reason—why the younger girl was upset.
All Ameya had been doing was trying to protect them. They were on a long, tiresome journey to save the world. The young Avatar was just that; too young and pacifistic to be ruthless like her. Katara was too kind and fought to protect. Sokka was smart but he lacked certain slyness and hospitality like her. And Toph…was Toph. She's strong…but she was still a child that ran away.
Ameya made up for what they lacked. Ameya was sneaky and cunning, a liar and a passenger, easy for her to blend in the background and lie her way through any issues. She did not have the innocence they all possessed; a child-like wonder that was lost to her long ago.
And, she was scared they would discover that.
Ameya was scared they would look at her differently. With them, Ameya felt liberated and free. They treated her the same way as they would to Yue. They welcomed her back every time and never pried in her affairs. Ameya wanted to protect them—from dangers—and…
From herself.
Because, Ameya knew, she was subconsciously putting up the distance between them—to protect herself. It was selfish, she knew. Ameya just—didn't want to be hurt again. Everyone she ever got close to was torn away from her. Master Xiao and Lady Lu Jie…Yue…Zuko… Ameya did not want a repeat of the past.
"I never saw you as Yue, but I care for you just as much. It's not only her promise that we took you in. It's because we're friends."
"Aren't we friends?!"
They were, Ameya wanted to say.
But at that time, she couldn't.
Because, as always, she was subconsciously locking herself away again. She could easily admit they were friends—but her actions had shown otherwise. No wonder Katara was so upset at her. Ameya was the closest girl friend she had gotten to since she left the Southern Water Tribe.
She distanced herself because she was scared, not realizing that her actions would hurt those around her. Sokka and Aang would not say it but Ameya could see how disheartened they looked whenever she rejected them. Katara had been plenty patient but…Ameya knew Katara was just as scared as she was disappointed.
Ameya reached the campsite to see a few others lingering around. They looked at her expectantly yet none approached her. She headed straight into her own tent, opening the flap to see Katara's back to her, packing up.
Katara hadn't noticed Ameya entered and the older girl did not know where to begin. She knew for a fact Katara was going to leave regardless of their opinion. She also knew, based on the tensed shoulders and swift packing, Katara was still upset. Her eyes settled on the bright blue water tribe dress she wore and quietly, Ameya walked to her side of the tent.
"You're going to need this."
Katara startled, whirling around to stare wide eyed at Ameya. She hadn't noticed when she came in. Quickly, Katara noticed the black fabric Ameya held out to her, looking at the cloak and mask with furrowed eyebrows.
"When you return…" When Katara did not answer, Ameya continued tentatively, "I will tell you everything."
Sapphire blue met icy eyes again as they held each other's gaze. Carefully, Katara reached out to take the black cloak from Ameya's hand. She clutched the fabric tightly, looking at the other woman with a stern gaze, refusing to let Ameya go back on her words.
"You promise?" Katara asked evenly.
"I promise."
Ameya watched as Katara managed to convince Aang to let her borrow Appa. She waited on the sideline as Katara saddled up and from behind, she felt someone walk towards them.
"Watch over her," Ameya whispered.
Zuko stopped in his steps as he stood next to her. Ameya was not bothering to look at him; her attention was focused on the waterbender mounting Appa. He knew how important she considered the Avatar and gang, can see how much she cares for the Water Tribe girl. He was not going on this trip for himself, he was also going for her.
"I will," Zuko whispered back just as soft.
And then, they were off.
It's been two days.
Katara had two days to find the perpetrator responsible for tearing her family apart. She had two days for vengeance and justice. The young waterbender had relied on anger and revenge on fueling the journey so she can face the firebender with the same cruelness he had once faced her.
But when she saw the pathetic, retired commander whimpering in fear at her abilities, Katara felt torn.
He was human, too.
No matter how unjustifiable his actions were in the past, Katara couldn't bring herself to end his life.
Aang was right.
Revenge was never the answer.
"I'm going to retrieve the others," Zuko informed softly as they landed on his old vacation home on another Fire Nation island Katara couldn't care to remember at this point. "You going to be alright?"
Sapphire blue eyes met golden ones then and quietly, Katara regarded him. Ironically, Zuko was the one to help her find her old enemy. Zuko was the one to attack his own nation and chasing ghosts with her. And oddly enough, Katara knew he was sincere in it.
Katara may not be able to forgive the old commander but—she might be able to forgive the banished prince.
"Zuko," she began quietly, walking up to the brunette with a straight gaze. Zuko looked confused but unguarded, silently waiting for her to continue. "You've changed."
He blinked, hesitant with a response. That was supposed to be a good thing, wasn't it?
"It will still take some time," Katara sighed, "But I think…I can forgive you now."
Zuko's eyes widen in response, trying to resist the bright smile from his lips at Katara's opinion on him. She was willing to give him a chance! But—her next words caused his happiness to fumble.
"That doesn't mean Ameya will be the same."
Katara studied him closely, saw the way his shoulders slumped by her words and his golden eyes dimmed just the slightest by the truth. They may have never spoken about the extent of their relation but, Katara speculated it to be something beyond friends.
Her eyes lowered to her bag and she reached inside, searching for a familiar dagger she had hidden for so long. Finally, Katara pulled out the black and red scabbard of the dagger. Zuko's eyes widened even more by the familiar sight of the weapon he believed to be long gone.
"I think…this belongs to you," Katara offered the pearl dagger to him carefully, watching the way his hand trembled as he took the weapon back. "She never told us anything…but I know this must have been important to her—to you. No matter the outcome, I will respect Ameya's decision."
Zuko clutched the dagger tightly, meeting Katara's stern gaze and nodded his head.
"Thank you."
Aang went to meet with Katara privately after Zuko led them all to Ember Island to his old summer home. Ameya stayed behind with the rest of them as they waited for Katara to return. Zuko had briefed them of Katara's decision in the end to not seek vengeance, but that does not mean she was hurting any less.
They had set up a small campfire on the beach, a scene Zuko found ironic of how similar it was to the last time he was here—but on a different side of the battle. He shook those thoughts from mind as he quietly watched Ameya finish prepping dinner for the group. At that time, Katara and Aang rejoined them.
"Hey," Katara began awkwardly, looking at Sokka and Ameya specifically as she took a seat on the sand. "I… Sorry."
Sokka smiled and sat down next to his sister, tossing one arm around her shoulder in assurance and flicked her wavy hair playfully.
"I think I deserve the 'Best Sibling' award of the year this time," Sokka laughed.
"Ha-ha," Katara said sarcastically but the smile on her lips was wide.
Ameya handed her a bowl of stew and quietly sat down on the other side. Katara eyed the older woman nervously, her mouth opening to reassure her she wouldn't need to share anything but—a part of her was also curious. Katara wasn't as upset anymore, true, but she was still equally curious.
"I'll uphold my promise," Ameya reassured softly; she had a few days of contemplating on how to approach the subject. It was still difficult when put on the spot but, Ameya knew she cannot keep running away. And, it wouldn't be fair to the others that do not completely know the truth.
"Are we finally unlocking your 'tragic backstory' now?" Sokka joked from his position next to Katara with Suki sitting next to him.
"Yes," Ameya smiled pleasantly and—efficiently shutting him up.
Zuko quietly took the seat next to Toph while Aang sat next to Ameya. From his position, he was directly in front of her again but—he knew she not give him the time of day. As Katara said, she would not interfere with their business. In fact, none of them will. He found it somewhat comforting and…slightly lonely.
Handling Ameya's wrath was more than he can bargain for.
"I don't know where to begin honestly," Ameya said casually, brushing back an unruly black lock from her cheek while everyone quietly waited for her. "I was raised by a couple who treated me like a slave. I ran away as a child and met another couple who saw me as their own. They… The Fire Nation came three years after that and I never saw them again."
The wood crackled between them, echoing the stillness of them all by the simple—yet shocking truth. Ameya had worded it in a way that efficiently delivered the point across yet did not give them enough time to process the whole truth. There was more to her words than Ameya would like to admit but—the fact that she was sharing meant she trusted them.
"I became a thief afterwards. I stole for a living and arrived at the Northern Water Tribe at age twelve…and left a year after. Since then, I've only relied on myself and stole to get by."
Well, now that Ameya told her story out loud, there wasn't a lot for her to share. That was just the gist of it. She wasn't sure what else to elaborate on. Ameya was not going to tell them about her ties with Zuko. She was not going to tell them how much she suffered not only by his hands, but others. Her words had already alluded to it.
At their silence, Ameya only smiled offhandedly.
"Sorry. I guess it's not that exciting of a story."
"What—no, don't—"
"I'm sorry—"
"You didn't have to—"
Many voices spoke up at once but the one that stayed silent was Zuko. He hadn't realized…he knew more about her than the Avatar's group did. Ameya really had shared a part of herself with him—and he trampled on it in the end.
"Don't worry about it," Ameya's carefree smile was back but that only made them feel more unsettled. "I just…didn't want you all to see me as just a 'thief'. I…wasn't technically…raised like you all."
Surrounded by family, surrounded by love. It was a statement that they could hear behind her tone. Even if Ameya had a glimmer of love in her childhood, it was shorter than any of them received.
"Why…didn't you stay with Yue?" Sokka's quiet question brought their attention back to her.
"Maybe because I'm a coward," Ameya chuckled, her eyes softening in the fire as the moon hung above them. "I was afraid of getting hurt again."
Zuko flinched and looked away.
"And…your parents?" Katara whispered.
"I don't know," Ameya admitted honestly.
She did not know why left they her. Did not know who they were. Did not know and cannot understand her own origins besides the fact that—one of them had to be Water Tribe. Her bending had proved enough of it.
"The only clue I've ever found was left back in the Northern Water Tribe," she said wistfully.
Aang's eyes widen.
"Wait no—no way!"
Everyone startled as the young Avatar airbended his way to the travel rucksacks next to Appa. He dug through the bags before finally finding what he needed—and airbended his way back to them. Ameya was started as he shoved a closed up scroll to her face, grey eyes sparkling in excitement.
"Chief Arnook instructed us to return this to you," Aang looked anxious as Ameya took the scroll with careful hands, "It—might be what you're looking for."
"That's right!" Katara was just as excited, "Maybe after all these years—you'll be able to find who your parents are!"
Ameya smiled helplessly. She does not want to get her hopes up only to be disappointed in the end.
"This is merely a picture," she carefully put the scroll on her lap, "I would not be able to find them based on this."
"Then…is there really…no way?" Aang looked just as disappointed; the excitement disappeared from his face. Ameya smiled at their concern. They really were children compared to her. She learned long ago to not hope for impossible things.
"…We passed by my old settlement on the way here," her icy eyes sharpened as she looked beyond the ocean, "Who knows if they are still there."
When Ameya ran away seven years ago, she promised to never return. She had no intention on finding them again. Ameya never wanted to see her old abusers. But—they would be the only connection to her birth. They would know where she came from.
But after all these years, would Ameya be able to face it?
"I'll go with you."
Everyone turned to the solemn voice of the banished prince.
For once, icy eyes met golden ones again between the flames in the center. Zuko straightened his back and met Ameya's captivating gaze seriously; he knew what he can do to help. Even without her asking, without her ever requesting from him again, he will do anything in his power to right the wrongs to her.
It was his family that ruined her childhood. It was his nation that destroyed hers.
It was him, personally, to break her.
"After all, I owe you a date, remember?" Zuko attempted to lighten things up yet what he received was a harsh glare.
The five looked between Zuko and Ameya, some bewildered and others in confusion. None were oblivious to the tension between the two teens. This was definitely something they need to figure out themselves.
"It's not guaranteed we will find any answers," Ameya reminded evenly.
"Then we won't stop until we do," Zuko answered back just as determined.
Ameya frowned yet her heart betrayed her calm demeanor. What if—she really did find some answers while going back? What if—she does have a chance at finding her parents? Would that make her happier—? Or would she turn out like Katara and seek revenge if she cannot?
Katara was too pure to dirty her hands but—Ameya was not Katara.
"You can borrow Appa," Aang reassured with a smile, setting one hand on Ameya's shoulder comfortingly. They were willing to help however they can.
"We leave at dawn."
Ameya shot one last look towards Zuko before getting up and retreating back for rest.
Don't make me regret this.
Zuko was already waiting for her when Ameya headed to Appa at dawn. Katara returned the black cloak and mask back to her, saying how Ameya needed it more than she did, and quietly left. Ameya wore the cloak fondly like her natural outfit; it was who she was for the longest time.
"Hey," Zuko's voice nearly cracked at an attempt of an normal conversation, "M-morning—"
"Don't get the wrong idea, Prince," Ameya cut off harshly, walking past him to mount Appa, "I'm only going to confirm one thing. It won't take long."
Zuko gulped yet kept quiet, following after her. He rested on the saddle while Ameya took the reins, muttering a soft 'yip-yip' and then, Appa was off.
They flew for a couple of hours over the ocean. Zuko was catching up on some sleep but even then he cannot rest completely. There were too many contributing factors to this trip and he dearly hoped it would be worth it in the end. He wasn't sure what the results would be yet somehow, Zuko had a bad feeling it would not be the ending Ameya may hope for.
It was still better than doing nothing, he believed. Zuko will be there with Ameya for as long as she allows him.
They landed in a thicket of trees in the mountain and Ameya hopped off Appa. She stroked the flying bison's nose comfortingly, whispering words of gratitude and rest before leaving him in a cave. Appa let out a soft rumble and lied down on the cool cave floor, knowing this would be the only time he can rest before they return.
Ameya put the black mask over the lower half of her face quietly. Zuko followed her without a word; she was the one in charge this time. The tension between them was worse than when he was with Katara but it was still a step towards improvement. She didn't completely reject him. It may have been because he knew of the Fire Nation better than her but—Ameya knew people better than him.
Soon, they began to see a rundown cabin in their view. The fences around the little chickens were crooked and broken. The dirt around was dry and dead. It was a miracle how anyone could have survived—or even raise animals in this environment.
"They won't be back for another hour," Ameya commented quietly, glancing at the barren land to see no one else but them around. "If their habits are still the same, they will return after their afternoon gambling."
Zuko said nothing to the mocking tone she adopted while talking about her old caretakers. Ameya never told him about the family—no, they weren't family—they can barely be counted as guardians if not for her use of their shelter. He felt a burning at his fingertips at that thought, wondering what Ameya must have suffered in this ruined house.
No wonder she ran away. No wonder she does not trust others.
The door creaked when Ameya gently pushed it open. Inside the house was dark and old, matching the exterior perfectly yet it still showed signs of residency. Ameya swept a glance at the old and familiar furniture, taking one step inside the musky wood and resisted the urge to scowl.
She hated this place.
For the longest time, Ameya wished to run away from this.
And now, she's back.
A poster on her left caught her attention, bringing icy blue eyes to the faded print. There was a drawn face of a young child on the front. Large blue eyes and pitch black hair. Above, the words written for an award was inked in black.
The child was Ameya.
Zuko quietly closed the door behind him, turning his attention back to the frozen woman. He followed her gaze to the wanted sign, golden eyes widening more at what caught her attention. Without a word, she walked over to the wall and tugged the paper off, nearly glaring at the face of her younger self.
"Hide," Ameya only instructed. She does not need his help until later.
"What—did they do to you?" Zuko asked in a breathless whisper. What can he do to soothe the pain? What kind of torture did she face under their hands?
"The same as any abandoned child," Ameya replied emotionlessly.
She shot him another look, then to the closet to the side of the cabin in a silent command. Ameya does not wish to share anymore. She rolled up the poster and tucked it into her shirt, walking around the table off to the side in practiced familiarity before sitting down on the chair. The shadows hid the top half of her body yet her icy eyes were striking even in the dark. It was the last thing Zuko saw before he obediently hid in the closet, waiting.
They didn't have to wait much longer when loud voices echoed outside the cabin. The words were drowned out to them but Ameya felt herself tense even more. She sat with her hands clenched under the table, taking note of the bucket of water off to the side before facing the door again.
"I told you to not bet it all on black!" A high pitched voice squealed, slamming the door opened without restraints. Dirt loosened from the roof above, spilling on the already ruined floor as two figures walked in.
"Well if you hadn't shaken me so rough with your bear hands, I wouldn't have missed red!" Another angry voice argued back, stomping inside the room.
Neither noticed the slim figure in the shadows and a wry smile appeared on Ameya's lips at their argument. They were the same as before. How touching.
"If it wasn't for me, we would be homeless already!" The woman yelled back.
"And if it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have lost our main source of income!"
Ameya raised one hand to her chin; they still haven't noticed her. It was time to announce herself. She was sick of their voices already.
"Hello, Sir, Madam," her soothing voice brought the two aged adults back to reality, dark eyes widening at the ghostly figure in the room. Ameya calmly stood up to direct their attention to her, icy eyes regarding them with coldness. "It's been awhile."
The two looked frightened by her appearance. From the shadows, they couldn't see anything besides pale skin and blue eyes. Every part of her was wrapped in black like death.
"W-who are you?!"
"There's nothing to take here! Unless you want this old hag, take her!" Sir shoved Madam forward.
Ameya hummed, unamused. They don't recognize her…but she will never forget the greedy eyes of theirs.
"I just want answers," Ameya said lowly, walking around the table and slowly lowered her black mask.
The two watched on with wide eyes yet the man carefully took the wooden pole by the door. With a wide swing, the man attacked Ameya but she was prepared. Ameya ducked and grabbed the pole, using his unsteady balance to tug the weapon forward and away from his grasp. The woman let out a shriek and the man gasped when Ameya turned the weapon around to them, pointing at the two shivering adults dangerously.
Pathetic.
"Even after all this…you don't recognize me," Ameya let out a bitter laugh, icy eyes glaring at the two fallen onto their knees in a prayer. Her free hand reached in to pull out the wanted poster, putting it right next to her face while realization slowly dawned on them.
"You ungrateful brat!"
Before Ameya can ask her questions, the woman tried to lunge at her. Ameya kicked her away, waving the pole dangerously while the glare sharpened.
"Stay down," she hissed out, poking the end of the staff at her chest threateningly, "Before I lose my temper. I only want to know where I came from, Madam."
Madam winced in pain, beady eyes tearing up from the kick yet dared not to move anymore. Seeing how strong Ameya had gotten during all these years, Sir did not try to underestimate her again.
"Y-you were dropped off to us one night!" Sir stammered in fear, his whole body shaking from her murderous intent, "W-we were only instructed to keep an eye on you!"
"Who dropped me off?"
"F-Fire Nation soldiers!" Sir squeaked out, "T-they pay us monthly as long as you were to remain here!"
So that really was what the pouch of coins was for, Ameya thought. These two really were getting money just by having her here. But, that still does not answer who her parents were.
"And then you ran away like an ungrateful brat seven years ago and we lost our income!" The woman roared in anger, "If it wasn't for you—we wouldn't be living like this!"
Inside, Zuko tried to contain the anger within his chest, trying not to let the fire loose from his fingertips as he listened to every word exchanged. These two—cannot be even considered humans! And—to make it worse—it was the Fire Nation soldiers that delivered Ameya to them?
"You're not my parents," Ameya pushed the pole into the woman's chest, forcing her to fall on her behind. "I have no obligations to you."
"We raised you!" But the woman did not know how to back down, even with the man tugging on her sleeves. "We kept you in our home for nine years! How dare you—"
Before she can continue, Ameya jabbed the stick closer to her chest, enough to hurt and shut her up. She coughed, choking back her words and holding onto her injuries again. The man dared not to move; the temperature dropping within the cabin even more.
"You kept me locked up in this cabin and forced me to do the dirty work for you. You starved me for days as 'punishment' and never educated me about the world. You've never even seen me as a human; only a source of income," Ameya snarled, her eyes flashing dangerously and suddenly, she moved her hand.
The water from the bucket moved to her will, surprising the two at her abilities. The water split into multiple forms before it sharpened and solidify into ice, pointy shards floating in midair aimed towards the two. The whole time, they had raised a waterbender. If the Fire Nation ever found out, it would be considered treachery.
"So, tell me everything you know," Ameya threatened lowly, "Before you never get the chance to."
Sir shoved Madam to knock her head on the floor as a full bow, both trembling from the sheer rage the young woman was directing them. It had been many years since the Fire Nation soldiers returned and their cabin was located on the outskirts of the city. They had no hope of anyone to save them.
"T-that's all we know, really!" Sir cried out, "They told us to raise you and report any suspicious activity if we see any! Different soldiers would come once a month to check but after you ran away, they gave up after a year!"
"Who are they?"
Unable to take it anymore, Zuko came out from hiding. Ameya didn't even bother to acknowledge him as she continued to bend the shards closer to their faces, instilling fear into their hearts. The two glanced at the other masked figure yet cannot call for help; he would not assist them in the first place.
"I-I-I don't know! T-the only consistent soldier was—w-what was his name again?" Sir asked Madam shakily.
"H-he didn't have a ranking," Madam finally regained her breathing, "O-or maybe he did? At most, it was a lieutenant! Lieutenant Han?"
"How trustworthy are their words?" Ameya asked without turning to the prince, studying the way the two huddled up again.
"I've never heard of an incident like this," Zuko answered quietly. He faced the two again, frowning behind the mask even more at their cowardice. These were the people who Ameya had to live under for nine years? "Lieutenant means they were part of the Fire Navy. Who was their Captain?!"
Zuko turned his dual swords towards them, scaring the two even more by the fury in his voice. Ameya did not react, only waiting for a response.
"I don't know!" They repeated again, causing the ice shards to close in once more. "B-but I remember seeing him with an iguana seal badge once! That's all! Really!"
"Iguana seal?" Zuko mumbled to himself, "That's part of the Northern fleets."
"Then that's all you have to give," Ameya concluded the interrogation.
The grip on the pole tightened and with a swing, she knocked Madam unconscious. Before Sir could run, Ameya used it to hit him next. Both bodies fell onto the floor with a thud, unconscious, but not dead. The ice shards fell back into liquid form, splashing over the floor uselessly.
"What do you think?" Ameya let the wooden pole fall and dusted her hands off the debri. Her eyes turned to Zuko again, calculating and waiting for him to decipher their words and figure out what she missed. She was not raised with Fire Nation military knowledge like the prince.
"The Northern fleets are there to guard the northern waters, not to attack but to patrol and report any activity from the Northern Water Tribe. Their insignia is the iguana seal," Zuko informed thoroughly, "Opposite of the Southern Raiders, they are not a special unit made to capture waterbenders."
At Ameya's sharp look, Zuko gulped to himself. He can understand why people may hate his nation so much.
"They're not large enough to launch an attack—but there are still enough of them to make it hard to find one person on board. There's a Fire Nation communication tower nearby. We can find records of the entire navy there."
"Alright," Ameya brushed back her hair and stepped out of the cabin.
Zuko followed, glaring at the two unconscious adults before looking at Ameya. Was everything she said—true? Did they put her through such torment? And they had blamed her for running away? Why—why did she never say anything?
"Burn this."
Zuko startled at the rolled up parchment. It was the wanted poster of her young self.
"What about them?" Zuko indicated towards the cabin and the house. If she says the word, he would burn it too.
"Leave it," Ameya walked without looking back, "I'm just a ghost of their memory now."
Finding the communication tower and searching through the records was easier than they thought. It must had been because Ameya and Zuko were trained to be stealthy. It might also been because they worked so well together.
Ameya decided to ignore those thoughts.
Because the Northern fleet was one of the smallest, they were able to find a record of all the ones posted on site. The most important discovery was not the size of the fleet, but the one in charge.
'Commander Han'.
He was just a step below admiral but was important enough to be right under one. After confirming where his fleet was deported, Ameya and Zuko traveled through the night. The two hardly spoke during the trip and it wasn't because Zuko didn't make an effort. Trust him, he tried. But he also understood why Ameya stayed quiet. She did not want to talk about the past that once tortured her—and he had no interest in digging it up. But, silently, he wished there was a way to comfort her.
"Stay hidden, Appa," Ameya whispered to the flying bison hovering in the clouds, "We'll be back soon."
Appa mumbled again in understanding before Ameya turned to Zuko. As always, whenever she faced him with those piercing eyes, he seemed to fall under a spell and unable to speak.
"We're going to jump."
It nearly made him ignore the words she just spoke.
"We're—what?"
She wasn't serious—was she?! They were Spirit-knows how high from the sea right now! Zuko thought Katara was fearless when she took on a Fire Navy ship herself but—Ameya was downright crazy if she wanted to jump.
"You don't trust me?" Ameya tilted her chin upwards, almost playful, almost taunting, and Zuko gulped. It was nearly the same look she had given him before; a look that Zuko did not want to stand down the challenge from.
"I do," and truthfully, he does trust her, no matter what.
Ameya faltered, nearly forgetting the reason for their mission—and turned away. His words should not hold such affect on her again. Who cares if he trusted her? She doesn't trust him.
"Then, let's go."
She offered him a hand to take, knowing it was the most amount of contact she was willing to give in order to secure both of their survivability. Zuko took it without hesitation, gripping her pale hand and engulfed it with warmth. Ameya resisted the urge to take the hand back nor did she hold it. It took all of her willpower to force herself to jump off Appa—Zuko falling right next to her.
With her free hand, she waterbended the water from below into a spiral. Just like how she had done in the boiling rock before, the water bended up and surrounded them, masking their dive underwater and unnoticed in the night. They both appeared from the other side of the ship, the momentum caused the two to ricochet out of the sea and into the shadow of the pillar without a sound. Ameya had done it so effortlessly that Zuko wondered if she had practice before.
Actually, she was just good at sneaking around. He knew she had infiltrated the Fire Navy before. He was a victim of it once.
As soon as they landed, Ameya shook their hands away. Both were miraculously dry and carefully, the two sneaked inside. There were not many guards stationed around and those that were awake were dozing off. It was not difficult bypassing them, something both did with familiar ease, before arriving at the control room.
Zuko knocked on the metal door quietly while Ameya was the lookout. In a second, the door opened yet they only saw the familiar red armor before Zuko rushed in to attack, trapping the man's wrist behind while a slamming his head to the wall. Ameya ran in quickly after them, closing the door behind and unsheathed the gold and black scabbard to point the gleaming short sword at the man's face.
"Don't scream," she warned lowly, "Unless you want the whole ship to sink."
Brown eyes glared at the two intruders, struggling with the hold on his wrist yet Zuko did not relent. Ameya kept the weapon out and regarded the man carefully. He was in his late thirties with brown eyes and dark hair. In her memories, she remembers seeing many soldiers similar to him but unlike others, he had an iguana seal badge pinned to the collar of his shirt.
"You are commander Han?" Ameya asked carefully.
Han felt disgraced. How did he get taken off guard so easily? He refused to open his mouth, glaring heatedly at the masked woman and ignoring the way the man tightened the hold over his wrists.
"Answer her," Zuko hissed out dangerously.
"What do you want?" Han asked instead, silently answering their question.
Ameya said nothing and dug through her shirt. Under her cloak, she pulled out a worn out scroll with yellowed parchment. Carefully, she unraveled the old paper, turning the picture around to reveal a face. Ink black hair and delicate strokes marked the picture of the young, beautiful woman.
Zuko nearly lost his grip on the commander but the older man hadn't even noticed. His brown eyes widened in shock, looking between the portrait—then to icy blue eyes.
"Do you know her?" Ameya asked steadily and in one fluid movement, she let her black mask fall. "Apparently, she's my mother."
Han thought he was dreaming. Zuko thought the resemblance was uncanny. Silence fell between the three of them yet the commander did not bother to reply. Ameya frowned, carefully putting the portrait away before raising her short sword under his chin. One wrong move and she will be able to pierce his throat.
"Where is she?"
Han did not speak, letting his head drop just the slightest. He was not afraid of the sword right under his chin and he was definitely not afraid of the vulnerable state he was in. Right now, he was more focused on this night—where the past had come back to haunt him.
"So you've finally returned," Han spoke quietly, his voice raspy and tired, "Ameya."
Her eyes widened and Zuko tensed. He knew her name. This—Fire Nation commander—knew her name. Sir and Madam were right—they weren't lying—! This lieutenant—now a commander, must know her!
"What do you know?" Ameya asked hastily, her thoughts running wild and chaotic as she took the sword away. She nearly wanted to kneel down and demand answers from him, want to shake him and have him tell every little thing about her mother. "Who am I? Where is she? Who is my father?"
Han's shoulder slumped, his brown eyes focused on the metal ground below. This was a secret he had kept for sixteen years. This was a secret not many knew—one that can be considered a stain in their Northern fleet history.
"Seventeen years ago…we captured a runaway waterbender from the Northern Water Tribe…" Han began slowly, his voice filled with a wariness that does not match his age. "Our commander at that time, commander Yuan Bo, kept her in our ship as a captive. She…was meant to be sent to prisons made for waterbenders but at the last second…was decided against it."
"Why?" Zuko questioned with furrowed brows, "It was your job to report any suspicious Northern Water Tribe activities. Hiding a waterbender on your ship was treason."
Han winced.
"Because…Commander Yuan Bo took interest in the waterbender."
"Interest how?" Ameya demanded; her heart racing at the unsaid words and possibilities of this tale.
"She was kept on the ship for months," Han ignored her question to continue, "It wasn't until five months later did we realize—she was pregnant. Only the crew under commander Yuan Bo knew of this fact. But—one person did not approve of her—of the commander's decision and—told the admiral."
Between the vague story and unspoken words, Zuko realized the truth before Ameya did. His eyes widened in alarm, releasing the old man's hands because he knew the commander would not retaliate.
"They were in love," Zuko whispered in astonishment, "Commander Yuan Bo and the waterbender—fell in love. It is forbidden to love another nation—that was why Yuan Bo hid her—and why you're dodging the truth."
Ameya was frozen, staring down at Han to elaborate.
"On the night of your birth, we were taken by the admiral. Everyone… Commander Yuan Bo…and the crew were taken prisoners. Your mother—died after your birth. Everyone else rotted in prison…until they were sent to the frontlines during the...Siege of Ba Sing Se led by General Iroh."
Zuko looked at him in disbelief. The Siege of Ba Sing Se was the Fire Nation's greatest disappointment. Many have lost their lives trying to break the outer wall. If they were sent to the frontlines—that meant they were the ones to die first.
"Then how—did you survive?"
"Because—he's the traitor," Ameya said sharply, "You—didn't call yourself a traitor—because you thought you were doing the right thing for your nation. Everyone else died—because of you."
"And you were rewarded for it," Zuko continued in astonishment, "Rewarded and promoted the title as 'commander'."
"I had to!" Han finally released an angry shout, one that was broken and tormented, "Commander Yuan Bo was one of respect and yet he took in a wild waterbender because of a sparked interest! Everyone else was blinded by the two but I can't let them be the downfall of our nation!"
"So you told the admiral months later," Ameya rebuked ruthlessly, "I don't understand—why did you wait so long in the first place?! Why was I shoved in a random home after?!"
"I—I thought the commander would come to his senses. I thought someone else would speak up. But—that woman—she actually looked happy to birth a child of mixed nation. By the time I realized what I had done—it was too late." Han placed one hand over his face, trying to cover the anguished look and away from piercing icy eyes—just like that woman's. "I took and hid you away; it was all I could do."
"You killed them!" Ameya all but screamed and would have lunged at him if not for Zuko holding her back. "You are their executioner! It was your fault!"
Han winced. He knew it was his fault. These past sixteen years, he knew he was the reason for the death of many.
"Commander Han! Is everything alright in there?!"
Ameya turned towards the entrance sharply and Zuko moved to motion Han to say nothing. However, his grip on Ameya loosened and she fell into a rage, jumping back towards the window and—waterbended the water from the sea.
Waves of water crashed through the window and tipped the ship to one side. Zuko's eyes widened at Ameya's pure rage. She was not kidding when she said she was going to sink this ship.
"Ameya—"
The water flooded the control room and the door opened at that time—only for water to wash through the hall. Ameya sped past them all with the water dragging Han behind. Zuko struggled to swim after him and every helmsmen were definitely awake and chasing her tail.
She cared not for any of that. Her icy eyes were wide with an uncontrollable anger that screamed bloodlust to them. They finally got up to the deck of the ship and Ameya froze the water to the door behind her. The few guards on deck couldn't even react when the wave of water pushed them off the edge.
Ameya focused back on Han and raised her hand, the water surrounding Han moved with her. He struggled to find air in his trapped bubble and any fire he tried to create sizzled within the liquid.
"You're going to join them in the afterlife," Ameya threatened cruelly, "And you will tell them, their daughter sent you there."
She clutched her hand into a fist and ice began to form from the bottom of the water pillar. Ameya watched the ice travel up to his feet, her eyes widening in anticipation as his face began to turn blue.
A warm body crashed into her back, strong arms wrapped around both of hers and forcing her to lower her hands. Ameya struggled in the tight grasp, moving left and right and stomped on the foot of the person. Zuko winced but did not let go, tightening his hold on her and duly noted the water had fallen out of control, not drowning Han any longer.
"Ameya," he breathed into her ear, his heart beating rapidly in his chest so fast that—he thought she can feel it from her back. Ameya shivered and her struggle loosened, lacking the strength as it did before.
"I'm going to kill him," Ameya whispered with restrained anger, "Let me go—let me go before I force you to!"
"I know—I know that's what you want! But—he isn't the smugglers from before! He's—also regretting what he's done! Ameya—just—please," Zuko begged helplessly.
She had the right to be angry. Ameya deserved revenge. But she was acting on blind rage and adrenaline. Once she realized what she had done—would she be able to forgive herself? The human traffickers from before had also triggered her rage and was given a swift punishment but this old man—who clearly suffered from his actions—was different.
In the end, Han was the one to pay the two scumbags to watch over Ameya for nine years. He was the one to send people looking for her after she ran away.
Ameya shook from the shock of emotions. If it wasn't for Zuko, she would have collapsed right then and there. But instead, she focused on the approaching helmsmen trying to rescue their commander. With a minimal wave of her hand, the water swept them over and iced them to the floor, wall and any surface it was able to find.
The ship was wrecked by the time Ameya was done. Zuko let her go as she blinked back the tears, shoving him away for good measure and walked past the gasping Han. Ice spiked up from nearly all corners of the ship and none of the people were able to remotely move. Ameya clenched her fist and looked up, the moon shining down on her yet there was no Moon Spirit this time to comfort her.
"Appa," Ameya called out weakly.
In a second, Appa flew down to the ship just low enough for Ameya to climb on. Zuko followed afterwards but not before sending a warning glare towards them to not do anything stupid.
"We were never here."
Zuko hopped on Appa next and without turning back, Ameya reined the flying bison to return to Ember Island.
Ameya stared at the ocean for an hour.
It was midnight when they returned back to Ember Island. As soon as they landed, Ameya dismounted Appa after a pat on his head, leaving Zuko to bring him back for rest. She ran away from him and towards the beach, not once announcing her arrival back to the gang.
The truth she wanted to find out—was beyond any of their imagination. She may have left that fleet alive but with the state she left the ship in; it would also be a miracle for them to survive.
Ameya was just tired.
Tired and torn and knew it was hopeless to hope in the first place. It would have been better if she did not discover the truth. It would have been fine leaving her wondering for the rest of her life.
Now that she knew—wouldn't Ameya be tormented instead?
Her parents were not alive. Her adoptive parents were gone. The first girl she considered a sister became a sacrifice and—Ameya was still here. She was still here, living, when the rest cannot.
How was it fair that she was still here? How was any of this fair? The Fire Nation continued to take and take from her. Even when Ameya thought there was possibly nothing left for them to take, they proved her wrong.
Some things were better left unsaid.
Some secrets were better left unknown.
She was just—so exhausted.
Why—does she have to go through all of this?
For Spirits' sake, Ameya was only sixteen.
"I'm tired, Zuko."
Zuko startled at Ameya's perception. He thought he was quiet enough to approach her. Ameya made no indication of noticing his arrival. All she had done was stand alone in the cold, bracing the winds by herself unmoving. Although she was not lashing out at him like before, he could still recognize the broken tone of her voice.
"You need to rest," he advised quietly.
"Leave me alone."
"No," he refused to budge, "Not anymore. I won't."
Ameya turned to him then, icy blue eyes glaring into molten gold ones. The waves of water continued to wash over the sand yet for some reason; Zuko swore it inched closer than necessary.
"I don't want to talk to you," Ameya hissed out, turning away from him again.
Zuko took another step closer, not exactly within reach but close enough to see the crease between her eyebrows at her anger. He could not understand how she felt right now but he had given her an hour by herself already.
"That's fine," he reassured, "But I will be here if you do."
Ameya clenched her fists. She does not want him to. He does not need to go around acting like a saint. It would not change her opinion of him. Just because he had gained the rest of the gang's favor—does not mean it would be the same for her. Did he really think their little trip together meant she forgave him? Instead, it should have given her more of a reason to hate him.
Zuko was the one to stop her in the ship earlier. Ameya was just—so angry at that time that she wanted to hurt Han. She wanted to inflict the same pain on him as he did to her—to her parents—to their crew. Now she understood how Katara must have felt for revenge. Ameya was just like her.
Except, she did want to kill.
She nearly succeeded.
Ameya was just—so upset on their behalf. How did her mother feel when she gave birth to her—only to pass away afterwards? How did her father feel knowing one of his own betrayed him? The fact that her father was a Fire Nation member was so bizarre that Ameya couldn't process it until now. And—her mother—had fallen for him?
They—were in love?
Even though they were on opposing sides.
They fell in love?
Ameya wasn't sure if her birth was better with or without love.
It only made their love even more tragic in the end.
If it was without love, it would have only made her mother suffer more.
Ameya didn't know why she ended up thinking of useless thoughts. The past cannot be changed and the people gone cannot be brought back.
She only wished she could have met them once.
Ameya wanted to know if her mother was just as beautiful and daring like the photo. She wondered what her father looked like. She wondered what type of love those two had. What had they gone through in order for the commander's ship to listen to them?
The tears built up behind her eyes again yet Ameya refused to let it fall. The ache in her heart continued to grow as impossible and fake scenes danced in her mind.
She wanted to know.
She wanted to meet them.
"Ameya," Zuko's voice cracked at the tears in her eyes.
He reached out to her yet she recoiled back, nearly forgetting about the banished prince next to her.
"Don't touch me," Ameya still had enough anger to growl out, taking one large step backward from him. Why the hell was he still here? Couldn't he allow her to mourn in peace?
Zuko's hand stilled in midair, respecting her wishes, and lowered it again. He just wanted her to talk to him. He doesn't want her to bottle up the resentment and anger by herself. Zuko knew firsthand what it felt like to be fueled by hate.
"I know—you're angry," Zuko couldn't take the silence anymore and began. She was there for him when he was in pain. Ameya had been calm and supporting during his own emotional torment. He wanted to return the favor back to her. He wanted to show her—he was still here. Zuko had no intention of leaving her anymore. "And—I am so sorry this happened to you. I know nothing I say will change anything—"
"Then why are you still speaking," Ameya interrupted harshly, "I wanted to be left alone. Why are you still here?"
Zuko resisted the heartache within and took a step forward. It was fine if she was angry. It was fine if she wanted to push him away. He deserved it. He understood her reasoning.
But he meant what he said. Zuko wasn't going to leave her alone again.
"Because I don't want you to be alone," Zuko whispered compassionately, golden eyes boring into angry blue. "Right now—you need someone with you. I will do anything I can to help."
"You can't bring them back," Ameya reminded just as unforgiving, "You cannot turn back time. You cannot do all the things I want you to do! Why didn't you let me kill him?! Why did you restrain me—when you were so supporting of Katara?!"
"Because I know she couldn't do it—!" Zuko confessed, "Katara's—different—! She had people there to support her since the beginning but you—"
"I'm what, Zuko?" Ameya cannot believe the words he's saying. "Is it because I'm weak? Because I'm cruel? Because you've seen me kill before?"
"Because you're alone," Zuko answered truthfully, "Because you've always been alone and no one was there to help so you protected yourself so well that no one else is able to get close to you."
Zuko knew because he was just the same. It was only because of her that he changed. It was because of Ameya willing to give him a chance that he was able to see the wrong of his life. She showed him compassion as a stranger and took the risk that was him—only to be burned in the end.
"Don't talk as if you know me," Ameya warned lowly, her fists trembling in anger.
"But I do," he took another step closer, unafraid of her glaring icy eyes. "You're angry and hurt. You hate how the world had taken everything from you. You hate how you cannot change the past; hate how nothing you do will ever be good enough. You're unstable and lost—and unbelievable angry."
Ameya hated how Zuko was right.
"I want to kill him," Ameya brought her fists up to her chest; "I want to hurt him—so bad. But—nothing's going to change even if I did. I never even met them—yet I'm just so—upset for them. It isn't fair—nothing is fair…!"
"I know," Zuko's heart ached by her raw anger and tears, blurring her vision yet too stubborn to fall.
"If you know—then tell me, what am I supposed to do now?!" Ameya nearly screamed, demanding an unfair answer because she felt the world already collapsing from underneath her. "Who do I blame if not him? What do I do with this anger?!"
Zuko took her hands in his, bringing it towards his own chest and hate how cold she felt under his burning skin. Ameya looked feral—broken yet dangerous and Zuko wanted nothing more to bring her into his arms again.
"You can blame me," Zuko was replying without a thought; he only wanted her to get murder off her mind. He does not want to see her break more than necessary, does not want to see her regret something she cannot undo. "I will shoulder this for you. If it will make you feel better—you can blame me!"
Ameya froze for approximately one second before ripping her hands away from him. Her eyes sharpened more into another glare and her body shook from the waves of emotions but, her voice was clear in the night, cutting through the tension and into his heart.
"I hate you, Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation."
Zuko was taken aback by the sudden words, frozen by the intensity of her glare and the truth in her snarl. He thought he would be able to shoulder the blame but—this goes beyond just that.
"I hate your nation and your stupid war! I hate the Fire Nation and hate how they took everything from me! If it wasn't for you—they would still be here! How dare you try to step into my life again—acting like a damn savior for all of us—when you know what you've done!"
Ameya was angry, shouting anything and everything with her misplaced blame. It was his fault in the first place for suggesting such a thing. It was because he was a prince that made all of this more unjust.
It was also because the one before her was Zuko that allowed all of her emotions to spill.
"I hate that I love you—I hate how you betrayed me! Why—why are you trying so hard now?! Why can't you just go back to your old self so it's easier to hate you now?! Why—did it have to be you?!"
The tears fell, clouding her vision and Zuko's expression from her. Ameya raised a hand to her eyes, trying to cover her weakness from him but she knew it was too late. She was just—so tired of everything happening.
How can he not expect her to cry—when she suddenly discovered this truth that was never recorded in their history? How can he just show up like this and—give her so much care and attention again? How can Ameya stop hoping for more when he kept looking at her with the same loving eyes? How can Ameya move on?
Zuko was frozen from her confession. What started out as blame turned into the words she refused to admit before. Because Ameya was breaking and hurting—she could not control the façade she tried so hard to keep for the past week. Because she was over her tipping point that—Zuko realized—she still had feelings for him.
But he didn't want to learn it this way.
He didn't want her to be crying as she blamed him for the wrongdoings in her life. Zuko did not want to see Ameya crying so pitifully because he knew she hated succumbing to these feelings. His heart ached in return for her cries and wished nothing more than to bring her into his arms, to soothe her with soft words and gentle touches.
It was enough wishing for things.
Zuko was going to make it happen.
"I'm sorry," he whispered into her hair, his arms wrapped around her body in a protective hug.
Zuko could feel the way Ameya shivered from his warm touch, could feel how tense she felt to be surrounded by him but—she wasn't pulling away. He could only tighten his grip just a little more, silently reassuring her that he will uphold his promise.
"No amount of apologies will make up for what I did," Zuko continued as he settled his head on the side of her neck, breathing in the familiar scent of mint and tea and short black hair tickled his nose. "But, please, trust me; I swear I will make it up to you. I swear I won't leave again. Please, give me a chance again to make up for what I did—for what my nation did to you!"
Ameya shivered, feeling his warm breath over her cold neck and felt her eyes close in the embrace. It wasn't fair. It was not fair how succumbing he was to her anger. It was not fair at how warm he was; unfair how much Ameya craved to be in these arms again. It was unfair how she could nearly feel her body relaxing into his touch in long familiarity, causing her to grip the front of his shirt in a desperate hold.
"You hurt me," Ameya sobbed into his shoulder, weak and feeble though it only caused Zuko to hold on tighter. "How can I trust you again after all that? How do I know you won't leave me again?"
Because I love you, Zuko replied automatically in his mind. But he knew, right now, those were not the words she needed to hear.
"Because I owe you, more than you can ever ask for," Zuko whispered into her neck. "And until I am done, I won't leave. You can use me, demand from me, do whatever you wish from me and I will not leave because I can never repay my debt to you."
"You owe me," Ameya repeated those words like a prayer, "Yes, you owe me."
"I do," Zuko echoed back.
"So you won't leave me."
"I won't leave you."
"You—promise?"
Zuko nodded his head, bringing her body inhumanly close to his body already. Ameya clutched his shirt just as tight, her head buried into his shoulder blade until her nose was filled with the scent of smoke and sandalwood.
He missed this.
He missed her.
"I promise."
A/N:
The chapter you all have been waiting for! I know I went MIA for a few months but I am back with this 14k word chapter! Ameya is just really hurting now and her ranting may seem childish but, she never broke in a way like this before.
As for her parents, it had been planned since the beginning. Yes, it's still slightly typical in the 'tragic past of the OC' sense and she's hurting now because of it but shrugs, I never planned on changing it. I was torn between having the parents fall in love or not but...if they didn't, Ameya's mother's ending would be a lot more dark and tragic.
It has been 2 years since I've started this story! I do want to finish this up before the year ends as we are approaching the ending fast. Thank you so much for new fans and old for sticking with this even with my erratic updates! The amount of support I've received the past years were amazing and I hope it would be just as strong till the end!
Thank you so much for reading and hopefully I'll update soon again! Reviews and comments are very much appreciated!
P.S. It's because I've been taken into BnHA hell that I've been neglecting this story oops but please send some love that way if you enjoy my stories!