Leiko led the pack down from the dungeons until they reached the hallway. There were many guards on full alert. There had to have been at least a dozen. "Shit! Looks like they're expected us." Leiko said. "My father must have sent them. Any plans?" Zuko walked over to a wall with a drape on it. He lifted the drape to reveal a small door. Leiko smiled at his brilliance.

"I remember every nook and cranny of this place." Zuko said quietly. And then he let everyone rush in before he closed the door behind himself. Everyone had to go on their knees. Leiko still led the way through the darkness. "These secret tunnels were used in case of an attack. My great grandfather had them built." Zuko explained.

Leiko came up to e dead end and then pushed against the door with all her might, until it cracked open and a bright light shone in. She covered her eyes and then continued out, finding herself in the back courtyard. "Hurry!" she commanded everyone out of the tunnel. They hurried out and then Leiko ran over to an unattended cart and took the black tarp off. She took the tarp off of three other carts and handed one to Iroh, Zuko and Tara. "Disguise yourselves." She said and she wrapped the tarp around herself, covering her face. The others did the same. "Zuko, get us out of here." She said, and now Zuko took the lead. "Stay low." Everyone crept low, weaving their way amongst the carts until they found a small hole in the wall from where a few bricks had been missing. They climbed through the hole and they were free.

The group ran away from the fortress and away from the city. Leiko led them again through the many routes of the city until they reached a forest on the outskirts of town. They darted into the brush and made their way deep into the forest. "Leiko, where are we going?" Tara asked.

"To one of my favorite childhood spots. It's a cave a ways away from the city. We'll be safe there." She replied as they all ran. But Iroh slowed down at leaned against a rock, trying to catch his breath. The teenagers stopped and looked back at him.

"My bones ach with age." He said, "I cannot keep up with you youngsters. Maybe it'd be best if you left me behind." Iroh offered. Leiko walked over to him.

"No way," she replied, "There's no way I'm leaving anyone in my family behind. I'm not losing anyone." And she placed her arm around Iroh and let him lean on her. Zuko took the other side of his uncle. "Tara, it's straight ahead, past a large boulder. You should find it. Go ahead and tell us if anyone is approaching." Leiko told her friend, and Tara agreed and ran ahead.

It was another hour and a half before Leiko, Zuko and Iroh reached the cave. Tara was at the mouth, waiting for them. They all ducked inside just as thunder began to rumble. "Let's go deep inside. I don't want anyone to suspect that we're here." Leiko told them. And everyone walked further in. It turned out to go deep under ground of a large hill. Water dropped from the ceiling and there were puddles on the cave floor. The air was damp and smelled of earth, but it would be safe there. "Let's stop here." Leiko commanded and everyone rested on rocks. "Tara, in just an hour, you and I are going to the army camp just outside the city. I'm sure your sister will be there." Leiko stated.

"Tonight?" Tara asked.

"I don't know when my father plans to strike, but most likely when he learns of our escape he'll make it sooner rather than later. We should get your sister and make our first strike against my father tomorrow night. It's the safest way."

"Right." Tara agreed. "But what will Cera do while we fight?"

"She'll be weak. The soldiers make their prisoners work all day and night. We should keep her here, just to be safe."

"Good idea."

"Zuko, we need a fire."

"I'm on it." Zuko agreed and ran outside the cave to gather some sticks.

"Be careful out there." Leiko told him.

Zuko returned safely and started a fire. They were hungry, and Tara and Leiko could have used a bite to eat before they struck the camp to free Cera. So Leiko set out with Tara to find something to eat. They didn't want to draw a lot of attention to themselves, so they went fishing in a near by stream. For the forest was very still, so still that if anybody was in it people would know. They caught a few fish and then fried them over the camp fire. Leiko and Tara ate a bit and then packed and left for battle, with just their swords and their bending power. Their other weapons had been confiscated by the fire nation upon capture. Before Leiko left with Tara, Zuko grabbed her hand. "What is it?" she asked.

"Be careful out there." He said. "I've already lost you once, I don't want to lose you again." He said. "I don't think I could take it." And he kissed her.

"I'll be back." She said, "I promise." And then she turned away and ran out with Tara.