A/N: Whoooo it's been a minute hasn't it! I hope this makes up for the wait! I should have a couple more chapters for you this weekend too. Thanks for your patience!

I hate her. I hate her. I hate her.

Opame sat on her knees in the warm spa while the other maids attended to Azula's nails, feet and hair. Izuma was there too, trying to keep a straight face as she ran her fingers through Azula's hair. In an hour, there was to be a big meeting and she wanted to look her best.

For nearly a week now, Opame had done nothing but follow Azula around. From the moment the Princess woke up to the moment she went to sleep, Opame was expected to be there. Occasionally, she would serve the Princess' food, her tea, especially when she was spending time with the Ladies Ty Lee and Mai, even more so if the Prince was there. The fact that she got paid to do practically nothing made a lot of the other servants angry, especially since she had only been working in the palace for a little over a month. Izuma didn't act like it was big deal but she could tell it bugged her cousin.

The Prince had gotten better at ignoring her, or at least that was how it seemed to Opame (she sometimes caught him looking at her). It made her sad, but she knew it was for the best; the only reason she was even here was because the two of them had been seen together. If Azula saw them or got wind that they were speaking, Opame wasn't sure what she would do. It had been foolish on her part to entertain the friendship or . . . whatever it had been. After a while, he'd become the Fire Lord and she'd have hopefully saved enough up to move her and Ceba far away from this place.

The door to the spa creaked open and Opame turned in that direction watching as another servant slipped quietly into the room. The other woman snuck a glance at her before she moved over to Azula, who hadn't opened her eyes at the intrusion.

"Your highness," the servant said, bowing before she leaned forward, whispering in the Princess' ear.

Azula waved her hand and the servant scuttled away. Another moment passed before Azula called out, "Opame."

Opame stood up, moving closer to the younger girl, bowing. "Your Highness."

"It would seem your little brother's school has requested that you come and have a word. You're dismissed."

I hate her. I hate her. I HATE HER.

Opame bowed. She and Izuma exchanged a quick glance before she turned and walked out of the room. As soon as the door closed, she took off running, conscious of her speed and trying not to let the worry bite into her.

How dare she? They had sat there so long after the servant delivered the message. What if Ceba was hurt? What if he was scared, waiting for her to get there? What could have happened?

She knew Ceba didn't necessarily like his new school. Since they had moved, he was able to go to a school in the inner city that most of the other servant's children went to as well. He was having a harder time making friends here, the rules were much stricter. Opame expected he was being teased but he was careful not to let her know if he was.

I'm coming, Ceba.

Opame was winded by the time she reached the school. By then school was out and the sun was lowering in the sky. Still, she hurried inside, moving down the hallways until she saw her brother. Ceba was sitting outside the Headmaster's office, looking as if he were trying his hardest to be brave. When he looked up and saw her, he jumped to his feet, rushing into her arms. Opame held him close for a moment before she kneeled, hands on his shoulders. "What happened? Are you alright?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Ceba whispered frantically. "Everything happened so fast and we moved so quickly. I wasn't thinking and I'm so –"

"You must be the boy's sister." Opame looked up. A stern looking man stood behind her brother. His gray hair was pulled back into a severe top knot, his beard ending a sharp point, glasses balancing the end of a long nose. Headmaster Zum. He frowned down at the two of them before turning back in the direction of the office. "Ceba. You may wait out here. Miss, if you would follow me."

Her heart was in her throat but she looked at her brother, giving him a smile and a ruffle of his hair before she stood, following the Headmaster into his office.

"Close the door," he instructed.

Opame did as she was told before taking the chair that was placed in front of his desk. He was rifling through papers on his desk and, for a while he didn't speak. Opame's hands gripped her pant legs and she leaned forward. "Sir, is –"

"How old are you, Miss –"

"Um, Opame," she answered. "I'm seventeen."

"And it's just you and your brother?" Zum asked, looking up at her over the rim of his classes.

"Yes. Sadly, we lost our mother a few months ago."

"And your father?"

"Four years ago, fighting in the war."

"What brings you to the capital?"

"My – my cousin, sir, and work."

"Yes, I was informed you are a handmaid for the Princess. That is an incredible honor."

"Yes sir."

He folded his hands under his chin, his brown eyes bearing into her. "Such a high position for someone who has only been here for – how long?"

"Just over a month, sir."

"Hmm. . . . Your brother. He is very smart."

Could she have been wrong? Could she be here because her brother was incredible? She allowed a small smile. "Yes, he is. I'm very proud of him."

"Top marks in all his classes, in just the week he has been here. His instructors were considering moving him up a grade. He seems to even be skilled in his fighting forms."

"I'm very pleased to hear –"

"He has been having a hard time making friends," Zum interrupted, opening his desk drawer.

"Oh. Yes, he's told me. He can be very shy."

"The other children view him as different. Perhaps because he came from – the colonies," Zum finished, practically spitting the words. "Perhaps because he is so smart. Or perhaps, it's due to intuition."

Zum reached into his desk drawer, pulling out a scroll and setting it on his desk.

It took all of Opame's willpower not to react. She knew all of the Air Nomad scrolls by heart, had held them in her hands, memorized each fading mark, each scratch. The scroll now sitting on Zum's desk was indubitably Air Nation.

"You recognize this?" Zum asked, leaning back in his seat, analyzing her.

We've practiced this. Opame could practically hear her mother's voice in her head as she leaned forward, peering at the scroll. "I – can't say that I do. Should I?"

"It's an Airbending scroll."

"Airbending?" Opame injected surprise into her voice. "That's a rare find."

"Hmm." Zum leaned forward again, glaring at her. "It was found among your brother's things."

Opame frowned this time. "May I ask what you were doing in my brother's things?"

Zum cleared his throat. "He and a few of the other boys were – playing after school and Ceba fell."

"I thought you said he didn't have any friends," Opame accused, keeping her voice calm and steady, trying to sound like parents she had heard before. "Were they actually playing or was Ceba being picked on? Because if that is the case, I don't think I can feel comfortable having him attend a school where the officials don't care about one of their student's wellbeing, no matter where they came from."

"I think you are missing the point, Miss," Zum practically growled, standing up. He placed his hands on the desk. "An Airbending Scroll was found in your brother's satchel. Mind explaining how it got there?"

"I wouldn't have a clue," Opame responded. "Why don't we ask Ceba? Ceba!" Opame called before Zum could stop her. The door opened and Ceba peeked in, shuffling forward. Opame held her hand out to him and he took it; he was shaking. She gave his hand a squeeze and a slightly stern look. "Do you know why you're in trouble?"

"Y-yes," Ceba spoke, his voice no louder than a whisper. He cleared his throat. "Yes. I mean – I think so. I – there was a scroll in my bag."

"Not just any scroll," Zum responded, picking it up. Inwardly, Opame cringed at how hard he gripped it, crushing it in his hand. "An Airbending Scroll. This is contraband!"

"I didn't know that!" Ceba responded frantically. "I – I found it on the ship when we came over from the colonies!"

"Why, pray tell, did you not turn it in to the authorities?" Zum asked.

"I didn't know." There were tears coming to Ceba's eyes, something Opame knew he didn't have to fake. He was scared out of his mind. "I just – I thought the pictures were cool. I thought if I showed it to some of the other boys, I could make some friends."

"I think that's enough of this interrogation," Opame said, standing. "Kids, you know? They pick up anything and everything. I'll be sure to have a firmer conversation with Ceba at home but it sounds like this was honestly a mistake. Now, if we want Ceba to stay at the top of his class, he should get home, finish his homework and get some rest."

Opame and Ceba bowed to the Headmaster, Ceba doing so quickly so he could rush out the door.

"Miss," the headmaster started.

"I thank you and hope you'll be able to continue to keep a watchful eye on my brother."

"Miss –"

"I should catch up with him." She hurried towards the door, trying not to think of the scroll on the Headmaster's desk, crumpled. It would probably be destroyed.

"Miss!" Headmaster Zum yelled as Opame let the door slide shut behind her.

Walking as fast as she could, she caught up with Ceba, grabbing his hand as they hurried down the stairs. When she thought they were far enough away she whispered, "How did that happen?"

"When we were packing," Ceba explained. "The guards were there and the scroll had rolled out of the bag and I panicked and stuck it in mine and I am so, so sorry Opame, I didn't mean –"

"It's alright, it's okay, you did so good! But we need to hurry. We need to go."

Moments later, they reached their new home and the two of the separated, running to their separate rooms. This was a drill that she and Ceba had practiced with their parents. A bag always stayed packed with the essentials, light and easy to carry to go on the run and the satchel full of her grandmother's scrolls ready to go. No doubt Headmaster Zum had been suspicious; they didn't have much time.

Opame threw one strap over her shoulder, than grandmother's satchel and she hurried across the way to Ceba's room. He was under his bed, digging things out. "Ceba!"

"I'm sorry!" he said, crawling back out with his bag. "I'm –"

BANG BANG BANG

The two of them froze.

BANG BANG BANG

"We know you're in there! Open up!"

Behind, Opame, Ceba whimpered, clutching on to the back of her tunic. "Oh no."

Opame turned to her brother placing her hands on his shoulders. She was terrified and she knew she looked it but that didn't stop her from saying, "Everything is going to be fine. I got you, little brother. Stay here."

Putting her bags on the ground, she took a deep breath and walked towards the door. If they came into her house and noticed the bags, they probably wouldn't say much; everyone in the area had been told to have their essentials packed because they would be moving underground later that evening. The walk seemed like it took ages and the whole time, she couldn't help but feel as if she had failed. Four generations of Airbenders, their secret kept hidden and now –

It felt like all was lost.

She slid open their door. Four guards stood there. In the background, she could see Headmaster Zum. "May I help you?"

"We need you to come with us," the first guard spoke.

"On what grounds?" she asked.

"Suspicious activity." Before Opame could respond, two of the guards reached forward and grabbed her arms, pulling her out of the house.

"Let go of me, stop!"

"Don't forget the boy!" Headmaster Zum called out.

"No, no wait!" Opame started as the other two guards walked into the house. She looked to the Headmaster, who was smirking. "Please, I'll come with you, just –"

Ceba screamed and a moment later, one of the guards came out, holding the struggling nine-year-old over his shoulder. Their neighbors were peering out of their windows, shades half drawn, trying to find the commotion. The other guard exited her home and Opame's heart dropped to see her grandmother's satchel in his arms. He handed it to Headmaster Zum. "I found this."

Zum reached into the old satchel and pulled out one of the scrolls, unfurling it. He studied it in the moonlight before he looked up at Opame, a manic gleam in his eyes. "Kids – 'they pick up anything and everything', isn't that right, miss?" he mocked.

"Please, it's not –"

"I think these two deserve an audience with the Fire Lord!"

"OPAME!" Ceba screamed.

Think, think, think!

Opame yanked her arms away from the unsuspecting guards, spinning her arms around her head and body, drawing the air close to her before pushing it out. The guards and Headmaster Zum flew backwards, the satchel and Ceba falling to the ground. Swooping her arm, Opame used the air to left the satchel off the ground and into Ceba's arms. "Run!"

Tearfully, Ceba nodded and he dashed off, evading the reaching arms of one of the guards. Headmaster Zum staggered to his feet. "After him!"

Two of the guards jumped up, running after Ceba but Opame knew they couldn't catch him; Ceba knew how to run with the wind. When Zum turned back in her direction, she had already sunk to her knees, hands in the air, her head held high. He stomped over to her. Opame braced herself as his hand connected to her cheek, sending her to the ground. "Get her up! We are taking her to the Fire Lord this instant!"

"But, sir, I believe they are currently in Council –"

"Do as I say!"

The guards yanked her up off the ground and she let them pull her away.

Towards the Palace.

Zuko stared down at his hands. Around him, the council continued to talk. Tomorrow, the invasion would happen, during the solar eclipse. Would the Avatar be there? Would his father finally find out he lied?

And then there was the Earth Kingdom.

They were going to burn it all down.

In his heart, he knew it was wrong but he couldn't bring himself to say anything.

The doors to the Council Room flew open and two guards came in. They were dragging a person between them, moving around the Council table, drawing closer to the Royal Dias. The Fire Lord stood, the fire in front of them blazing. "What is the meaning of this!?"

Another man hurried past the two guards and their prisoner, bowing low. "Pardon the intrusion Fire Lord Ozai! I am Headmaster Zum of the Level Three School and –"

"You better have a good reason for interrupting our Council," Ozai hissed. "I could have you executed for this!"

"We have a very good reason, sire!" Zum cried out, standing up fast. "You see, we have uncovered an Airbender!"

As whispers filled the Council room, Zuko felt all the heat flush from his face. Out the corner of his eye, he thought he could feel Azula staring at him, a smirk on her face.

"The Airbenders are all dead," Ozai said, returning to his seat.

"We have found two, sire, though we were only able to apprehend one."

A pause.

Ozai waved his hand. "Bring them forward."

The guards moved closer and it became easier to see the person between them. They had long, black hair, their topknot askew, the outfit of a servant. The guards threw their prison to the ground and they slowly moved to their knees.

"Look at me," Ozai commanded.

From where Zuko was sitting, he could see the persons fists clenched in their lap before they looked up and met the Fire Lord's eyes with their own.

Stormy, gray eyes.

"Opame," Zuko gasped, standing to his own feet. Seconds later, he realized everyone was staring at him. Gulping, he turned to his father, who was glaring at him.

"You know this girl?" Ozai asked, slowly and deliberately.

"I –" Zuko looked at Opame to his sister to his dad. He sunk back down to his knees. "She's – one of Azula's handmaids."

Ozai turned his gaze to his daughter. "Azula?"

The Princess shrugged, looking unconcerned. "I hired her about a week ago. She was working for Ms. Akuri for the past month on the recommendation of her cousin, Izuma."

"She has nothing to do with this!" Opame called out, leaning forward only to have the guards on either side of her grip her shoulders, pulling her back.

"You do not get to speak!" Ozai spoke, the flames practically licking the ceiling. When the flames lowered, he looked to the Headmaster. "How did you come by this information?"

"Her brother had an Airbending Scroll in his belongings. When we went to apprehend them, we found a satchel of scrolls. The girl used her bending to help her brother escape with the contraband."

Another pause.

"Show me," Ozai said, folding his hands into his sleeves.

"But," Headmaster Zum started, "My Lord –"

"I did not ask for your opinion, Headmaster," Ozai dismissed, not taking his eyes off of Opame. "Show me your bending. Be mindful, if you try to run, you will be overpowered."

Opame didn't move, keeping her gaze fixed on the Fire Lord. After a moment, Ozai scoffed, a smirk coming to his face. "Obviously, you were mistaken, Headmaster. This girl is nothing but maybe a thief, hiding contraband. I should have your head for bothering me with such foolishness."

"Fire Lord Ozai, no!" Zum cried out. "I swear on my life, she bent the air! We all saw her do it."

"Than perhaps she is ashamed," Ozai supplied. "As she should be. Her people, if she truly is an Air Nomad, were pathetic and she –"

"I am not ashamed."

Every eye turned to Opame. The neutral gaze that had been on her face and changed to one of fury, directed at Ozai. This was a side of Opame Zuko had never seen, fierce, determined. . . .

Did he really know this girl?

"What," Ozai started, "did you say girl?"

"I am not, nor have I ever been ashamed of who I am," Opame responded, her voice clear and strong in the council room. "I just refuse to perform for you like some trained hog-monkey. If anyone should be ashamed, it's you, Fire Lord Ozai!"

"How dare you speak to the Fire Lord like that, you insolent –" the guard to her left started, letting go of her shoulder raise one hand to her, promising another bruise just like the one on her right cheek.

His fist never reached its target.

Opame wrenched away from the guard on her right, swinging her leg around. She connected with the ankles of the guard who meant to hit her, sending him to the ground. Using the momentum, she spun to her feet before kicking the other guard in his chest. He cried out as he fell back as well. Opame brought her foot down, standing up straight and fixing her glare on Ozai once more. Zuko figured he was imagining things. There was no way this was the Opame he knew, no way the awkward, gentle girl who he found spilling laundry on the corridor floor could take out two trained guards in 15 seconds. The air around her seemed to shift, the candles and the flames in front of the dias dancing faster.

She pointed a finger at Ozai. "You are nothing more than a liar and a murderer! People have suffered because of your senseless need to destroy the balance of this world! You are the one who is pathetic! I will stand as a proud representation of my people! I am Opame and I am the last Airbender!"

Silence followed her proclamation.

Zuko felt as if he had been paralyzed.

Opame was an Airbender.

Zuko thought, just for a moment, that the fire in her eyes had dimmed a bit but she continued to stand up tall.

Next to him, his father laughed, softly at first before it boomed through the council room. "And what, I dare ask, good will that do you, hmm? 'Standing proud.'"

That small, practiced smile came to Opame's face, the anger in her stance giving it an odd look. "Me standing here means, Fire Lord Ozai, that your grandfather lost."

The wrath returned to his father's face, the flames growing brighter in front of them. If Opame was scared, it didn't show; she kept her gaze forward, her chin up. Ozai cleared his throat, finally looking away from the girl.

"Kill her."