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Ursa rushed through the alleys of the capital, trying to avoid everyone and everything. The ship was waiting at the docks. They were so close. Her heart was racing. If they were caught, Ozai would... He would... She didn't even want to think about it. The streets were dark. No one was awake at this hour. No, that would be on a normal night. Tonight isn't normal. Azulon's — wait, no — Ozai's guards were already storming through the capital.

Zuko was tired and falling behind. Ursa looked back and rushed over to him. She grabbed his wrist. Her grip was tight, like a vice. She already lost one child tonight. She could not lose another. She pulled him along and urged him to move faster. The entrance to the tunnels wasn't too far away. If they could make it there it would be an easier journey the rest of the way.

Just as Ursa was about to round the last corner, her blood froze. She could hear the quiet clank of armor. She turned to Zuko and held a finger to her painted lips before peeking around the edge of the building. Mumbling a few obscenities under her breath, she leaned against the wall. She needed a moment to think. Of course he would send guards to the catacombs. She is the one who showed him the maps. They needed a way out of the city. They just needed to get to the docks.

She reached into her pocket and felt around. Just like Iroh had promised, it was there. Grabbing Zuko's hand, gently this time, she carefully led them away from the entrance to the tunnels. More and more people were woken up by the soldiers in the streets. This was their last hope. Ursa weaved herself and Zuko through the alleyways before coming to a stop at the entrance of a small dive bar. This had to work.

She took a deep breath and walked in. The smell of alcohol and smoke was almost strong enough to make her gag. Stay calm, Ursa. Don't draw attention to yourself. She gave Zuko's hand a reassuring squeeze before approaching an older man that sat in the corner. He was quite scrawny, almost bald, and even missing a few teeth. He sat at a table that had a single weathered Pai Sho board upon it.

"Would you like to play, miss?" The old man looked up at her curiously. Ursa managed a small nod and sat across from him.

Deep breaths. Just do what Iroh taught you.

Carefully, she placed down a single tile. The man placed one down moments later and looked at her. Both of them were silent and simply took their turns as Zuko watched in awe. He never knew that mom was so good at Pai Sho! After what felt like hours of watching his mother play, the tiles outlined the board in the shape of a lotus flower.

"Ah, so close," the old man smiled, "too bad. Better luck next time."

"I'm not quite done yet, sir." Ursa glanced at him and reached into her sleeve, pulling out a single tile. She eyed the board closely before setting the tile in the center. Her hand lingered on the piece for a few seconds before retreating. She eyed the man carefully. He looked at her and then at the board. There, in the center or the board, sat the white lotus tile. His expression and posture changed as he stood.

"Come with me."

Ursa obeyed and followed him. He led them into the back of the store and out into a much older, less busy, part of the Caldera. The houses were run-down and the stench that filled the air made her stomach turn. Zuko's face twisted and he pulled his shirt over his nose. So much for the prosperous Fire Nation. Trying to ignore the offensive odors the surrounded them, Zuko and Ursa followed the man as he took them to the docks.

The fast-paced beating of her heart got slower and slower as they gained more distance between themselves and the city. The sound of the surf crashing against the rocks sounded more powerful with every step. She looked out at the ocean. The night made the water look black and bottomless. There was no moon tonight. They kept walking along the docks and, eventually, they came upon a small wooden vessel. Although it it looked quite cramped, it would have to do.

The ship had a small cabin and a hatch that led below deck. Water lapped at the sides of the ship, gently rocking it. She watched the boat curiously and blinked as a cloaked figure made itself known on the deck. Her heart sped up again and she clutched Zuko's hand tightly. Had they been caught? Who was that? Thousands of thoughts raced through her head and she just wanted to run but, against her better judgement, she kept moving forward.

Slow and carefully she boarded the ship. The figure reached for its hood. Her heart was pounding so hard it nearly hurt. Slowly, the hood fell.

"Iroh!" She hit him lightly. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Uncle!" Zuko ran over to Iroh and hugged him.

"I'm sorry," he chuckled and smiled at her and Zuko. "I thought it would be much more comforting to see a familiar face on this journey."

Not too long after they boarded had Iroh and another member of The White Lotus had managed to get the ship sailing. Ursa stood on the deck long after everyone else had retreated below deck to try and rest. She looked at the silhouette of the palace she called home for so many years. She and Zuko were free, but her heart stung with guilt at the thought of Azula. Directing her gaze down at the water, she couldn't help but notice the ripples left in the ship's wake.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Please tell me what you think of the story so far! All or your guys' reviews are so inspiring!