Chapter 59: Black Cliffs

The morning had come. The Day of Black Sun was upon us. Sokka had decided it needed a cool name. I was a little nervous by the words though. A black sun sounded kind of terrifying. Especially since I was a firebender… I knew Zuko wasn't thrilled about not having his element either, but he said he felt his broadswords would do the trick if things turned for the worst.

Plus… We only had to survive without our firebending for eight minutes.

Zuko and I had our plan to break from the group set in stone. When we got into the palace, Zuko would point the group the way to the throne room and we would head the other way to the Fire Lord's hidden chambers. I still wasn't sure about bringing Yuna with us, but I knew I wanted her in my sight so I didn't worry about her. Plus, if things went wrong and we couldn't regroup then I wanted her with us until we could get back to the others. It was a little selfish, but besides Zuko, Yuna was my comfort.

Standing at the top of the Black Cliffs, I looked at the horizon in the distance where I knew the invasion force would be appearing soon. I was not certain who we were expecting other than the few people that I was told about. I knew the Water Tribe warriors would be helping. Of course Jet and his freedom fighters. I think Sokka had a friend from the Northern Air Temple that knew how to build machines and other gadgets coming…Whatever he invented was supposed to be helpful in getting us closer to the Fire Nation Capital. I also heard mention about inviting our swamp waterbending friends to join us. I was surprised they were mentioned during the original plans.

Sokka was intently staring at a map beside me as we waited. Katara came over and handed Sokka a cup of tea that Zuko had brewed for us by the fire. Zuko's tea had improved since learning a little more from Iroh during our time in Ba Sing Se.

The thought of Iroh made my heart quicken. Today, we would be saving him too by ending this war. I really hoped he was okay.

"How much longer?" Toph asked, growing impatient.

Toph was sitting on a rock, deciding there wasn't much else to do at the moment. Zuko was sipping his own tea by the fire, trying to calm his nerves from what was to come today.

Sokka answered, "We agreed on sunrise, so any moment now…"

Aang suddenly appeared, dropping into the campsite. He had been asleep on the fluffy wool bed we had made him the night before and looked so much more relaxed. Momo left where he was hanging with Yuna and Appa, and flew to land on Aang's shoulder.

Aang smiled. "Top of the morning, Momo!"

Katara turned from where she was by Sokka and looked at Aang with relief. "Sounds like you slept well."

Aang agreed. "Like a baby moose lion." He got into a fighting position. "I'm ready to face the Fire Lord."

Zuko and I glanced at one another, and then looked away. I really hoped Aang didn't hate us after this. Would he be furious that we sent him the wrong way so Zuko could have this chance to face his father?

Toph asked, "So, what's your strategy for taking him down?" She smiled and raised her hands to her glazed eyes wiggling her fingers outwards. "Gonna get your glow on and hit him with a little Avatar State action?" She punched the air a few times on the last part.

Aang frowned and hung his head. "I can't. When Azula shot me with lightning, my seventh chakra was locked, cutting off my connection to all the cosmic energy in the universe."

Toph waved him off. "You know what I just heard? Blah, blah, spiritual mumbo jumbo blah, blah, something about space." She sighed. "Shame Kitten isn't coming with us and sticking with Sparky. We could just have her flood the room and boil him."

I blinked. I hadn't really thought about that. I wasn't sure if there would be enough water in the room with Ozai to accomplish such a goal though. And I doubted that would work without my firebending.

Katara suddenly gasped.

I looked over at her with question, and then followed her gaze to the horizon. A thick fog was starting to form.

Katara sounded concerned. "Oh, no! Sokka, do you think the fog will delay the invasion?"

Sokka stood and smiled. "No. That is the invasion!"

Suddenly, five Southern Water Tribe ships emerged from the fog.

Katara shrieked. "Dad! Come on! Let's go down to shore and greet them!"

Sokka, Katara, Toph, and Aang rushed over to Appa. Zuko spoke as they raced by. He was putting the fire out and dumping the leftover tea. "You all go ahead. I'll meet you down there."

I walked over to Zuko to give my family the message to go on. They understood and got onto Appa. Yuna joined my shoulder as the rest flew down to the bottom of the cliffs below to wait on the shoreline. Zuko let out a heavy breath and sat back down, his eyes shut as he thought about the fight to come.

I sat beside him, wondering what was going on in his mind. Yuna nestled in my lap, and I stroked her ears which earned a purr. "Are you sure about this?"

Zuko took a moment to answer. Finally, he said, "This is my chance… My opportunity to ask him why… Why did he hate me so much? Why did he want to kill me when I was younger… What did he do to my mom…? If Aang wins this war, I may not ever get those answers… I deserve to know…"

I moved my hand to his. I placed it on the one he was using to grip his knee tight. I knew he was anxious. I also knew he was determined.

"I hate to say this… But you're doing the right thing. Facing him instead of Aang. After hearing what Aang said, about not being able to enter the Avatar state… He's definitely not ready. I don't want him to get hurt."

Zuko let out a heavy breath. He turned his head to meet my gaze. His hand released his knee so he could hold my own. He brushed his thumb over my hand, and I could sense his concern. "And I don't want you to get hurt, Amara. I still don't know if I like the idea of you coming with me… I just… I'm afraid of what that monster might do or say to you."

Yuna whined, her ears dropping a little. She agreed with Zuko. I stroked her feathers with my other hand and reassured them both. "I'll be okay… I've been called so much… a 'bastard,' 'freak,' and 'worthless'… I've been burned and whipped to the brink of death… I can handle the Fire Lord… He's just another monster to face." I gave a small smile. "And I promised I'd just be there as back up. I'll let you do the fighting until I'm needed. But… I don't want you to have to do this alone. I'm here for you, Zuko."

He nodded. "I guess… I can't tell you no… Just… If things get too much I want you to run. I won't ever forgive myself if he hurts you."

I squeezed his hand tighter. "No… I'm not leaving you… I'll never forgive myself if you get hurt. I'm here for you, Zuko… Whatever you need. It's my turn to help you after you've done so much for me."

He sighed and leaned over. "I'm the luckiest prince in the world to have a girl like you, Amara."

My heart fluttered. "I mean… I'm just an admiral's illegitimate daughter… So it definitely was luck that a prince fell for a girl like me."

He shook his head. His other hand that wasn't holding mine already brushed my cheek tenderly. "You're not just an illegitimate child… You're Amara… The world's only known dualbender… You're more special than you give yourself credit for. There's no one else like you." He moved so his lips were inches from my own. "That's why I love you."

He broke the distance then. His lips pressed into me. I tasted a hint of the mint tea he had previously been drinking. I let my worries of the coming fight fade as I sunk into his tender and loving touch.

"HEY! Are you two ever going to come?!"

We both jumped and pulled apart when we heard Toph shout at us. We glanced over at her sudden presence in surprise. She had raised herself up on a stone pillar at the edge of the cliff with her arms crossed.

"Come on lovebirds! We have a battle to prepare for! This isn't time for romance!"

Zuko let out a heavy breath. "I guess we should go before she landslides us down."

I nodded. We both stood and prepared to head over to where Toph was waiting impatiently. Zuko grabbed his broadswords which he had kept by him in case he needed them. We felt we were safe from Combustion man and other enemies in our hidden spot, but we were still cautious. Yuna hopped on my shoulder as we stepped onto Toph's pillar.

She smirked as we stepped over to her. "You two can't be left alone it seems. Should I tell Sokka you two were making out?"

Zuko rolled his eyes. "It was a kiss, Toph. Harmless."

I blushed as I felt my lips still tingle. My heart fluttered again.

Toph sighed. "You two are adorable." She stomped her foot and we slowly lowered to the bottom of the cliffs below. "Fine. It will be our secret."

Once we were on the shoreline, I could see the ships were much closer than before. The fog was gone and the five giant vessels approached. Toph walked to the lapping water and stomped her foot down. Five stone docks rose from the water a good distance apart for the ships to dock at. Once the ships drifted in, and they were tied to the docks, the occupants began to depart onto land.

The first person to come off the ship was Chief Hakoda. He looked well in the time we had been apart. Sokka and Katara took off towards him, and I followed at a small distance. While I knew Hakoda more than when I first met him, I still didn't know him enough to go running into his arms. However, there was a sense of comfort when I saw him approach us.

"You made it, Dad!" Katara exclaimed. She threw her arms around him to hug him with relief.

Sokka stepped up after Katara and hugged him too. He asked when he pulled away, "Were you able to locate everyone I told you to find?"

Hakoda nodded. "I did." He glanced back and I was surprised to see Huu, Due, and Tho coming off the vessel. They were the three men we had met at the swamp, the day I first met Yuna. "But I'm a little worried, Sokka. Some of these men aren't exactly the "warrior type"."

As he said this, the thinnest of the three named Due stepped onto the stone dock and stated, "Oooh-whee!This place ain't nothing like a swamp." He pointed at a rock jutting out of the water. "What you reckon that is, Tho? Some sort of Fire Nation exploding trap what eat ya?"

Tho, the man with some hair on his chin, was more practical. "It's just a rock, Due."

Due grinned. "Well, I'll be!"

Hakoda sighed and spoke to us again, "Is it just me, or are those fellas a little loose in the leaf-hat?"

Bato suddenly appeared off the boat, walking past the leaf-covered men and stopping by Hakoda. He responded by saying, "I just wish they would wear pants."

The man with the most hair on his head and face, named Huu, spoke with a shrug. " Pants are an illusion, and so is death."

We all looked at him puzzled. I knew for a fact he was wrong about death…

I mean… right?

Finally, Hakoda shook off the madness and looked over at me. I was able to shake off my puzzled thoughts too. "Amara… It's good to see you're well too." He held his arms out to offer me a hug.

For the first time since meeting Hakoda, I suddenly realized that I wanted to see him as more than just Sokka and Katara's dad… more than aunt Kya's husband…

He was my uncle. He was kind and gentle, just like Iroh.

Since I had last seen him, Uncle Xi had died. The image of my evil uncle was replaced with the kind and loving uncle before me now.

Yuna flew off from my shoulder to let me have my reunion. She headed back to shore, deciding she didn't want to be so close to the water anyway. Stepping over to Hakoda, I finally accepted his embrace. He pulled me into his warm protective arms, and I felt so much love. The immediate sense of acceptance and comfort fell over me as I hugged my mother's brother-in-law. My uncle…

My words finally came out. I was no longer scared of what the meaning entailed. "It's good to see you again… Uncle…"

The group was shocked when the word came out of me. Even Hakoda had hugged me tighter when I finally called him what he was. He was glad I finally said it. He was glad I finally accepted him as my uncle.

When we pulled away, he smiled at me. "It's good to hear you finally say that. Makes me believe I'm doing something right."

I gave him a small smile in return. "It's easier to say now that the word doesn't have to be scary anymore. Now that the one that once held that title is gone…"

Hakoda was surprised by my statement. "I feel there's a lot of catching up we have to do."

Bato sighed. "There will be time for that." He moved forward and placed a kind hand on my shoulder. "It's good to see you, Amara."

I put my hand over his. "You too, Bato. I'm glad you're doing well."

We all finally made it back to shore. Zuko, Aang, and Toph shook my uncle and Bato's hands to greet them. More water tribe warriors came on shore, all of them the ones I had first met back at Chameleon Bay in the Earth Kingdom.

Jet, Longshot, and Smellerbee came off the same boat Hakoda and Bato had been on. Yuna gave a loud "Mew-Hoo" when she saw Smellerbee. The two had a lot of pet sessions when we were first traveling through the Fire Nation. Smellerbee grinned and ran over to Yuna, who immediately purred as she began to pet her.

Jet and Longshot approached our group while Smellerbee was distracted. Jet smirked at Katara. "Hey, Katara. Miss me."

Katara rolled her eyes. "As if."

He feigned hurt. "Ouch. And here I was hoping you'd like me again after I helped your dad round up all these random folks."

Toph smirked. "Give up, forest boy. She's into Aang."

Aang blushed at Toph's comment. So did Katara. They snapped in unison from being put on the spot, "Toph!"

She shrugged. "What? Just stating facts."

Jet sighed. "Fine. I see when I've lost." His eyes shot to me.

Zuko quickly put his arm around my shoulders. "Keep dreaming, Jet."

Jet laughed. "Yeah. I'm not even trying that one." He winked at me. "Good seeing you, Amara."

I smiled back. My relationship with Jet had been a lot better since he saved my life back in Ba Sing Se. "You too, Jet."

Longshot nudged Jet, and nodded at me to say hello. I gave a small wave. Jet read his friend's silence, waved at us, and followed Longshot to go get Smellerbee to prepare for battle.

Zuko sighed. "He really is egotistic, isn't he?"

Katara shrugged. "I think it's all an act."

Sokka spoke up for the first time. "Nah. Pretty sure he still has a thing for you, Katara."

Katara waved him off. "He can keep dreaming."

"Hi, Katara!"

A new male voice shouted from across the sand. We looked over to see a teenager around my age with long dark brown hair held back with a green headband and some dark facial hair on his chin and above his lips. He had deep green eyes and wore some tan Earth Kingdom clothing.

Katara gasped. "Haru!" She ran over to embrace him. "It's so good to see you!"

I was surprised. This was Haru? He was the one who had been locked up due to earthbending and sent to a metal prison. He was the one Katara, Aang, and Sokka had encouraged to lead a prison revolt and escape.

She pulled away from Haru, but still held a hand on his shoulder.

Zuko whispered in my ear, "Your cousin is really popular with the guys."

I gave a small smile. "I don't think any of them will win her heart with Aang around."

Aang, who hadn't heard our whispers, made introductions. "Everyone. This is Haru. When we met him, his town was controlled by the Fire Nation. So he had to hide his earthbending."

Haru spoke. "Katara inspired me and my father to take back our village." He turned to Katara, blushed, and then looked away.

Another man appeared behind Haru. He was probably close to Iroh's age. Or a little younger. I couldn't tell. He was balding on the head with gray hair and a gray beard. He wore a similar outfit to Haru. He placed a hand on both Haru and Katara's shoulder.

"You helped us find our courage, Katara. Now we're here to help you."

Katara smiled. "Thanks." She then introduced him. "Everyone, this is Tyro. Haru's dad."

Zuko hung his head suddenly. "I'm sorry… For what you all have been through. It must've been hard to live like that. Hopefully we can end this war and make things better."

Haru and Tyro looked over at Zuko, as if noticing him for the first time. Tyro was uncertain as he realized who he was, but Haru was excited. "You're Prince Zuko! I've heard a lot about you! You switched sides!"

Zuko was surprised by his reaction. "Uh, yeah…"

Haru glanced my way then. "So… then you must be the dualbender we've been hearing all about. Amara, right?"

I nodded, my cheeks going a little red from the attention. "Yes. I've heard about you too... Katara has told me a lot. It's nice to finally meet you."

Toph held her hands up in exasperation. "What am I? Chopped liver?"

Haru glanced her way. "Of course not! I know who you are! You're Toph. Also known as the Blind Bandit! You were always admired by earthbenders in my village. We would hear about your fights in the arena. I heard you were with the Avatar."

Toph nodded in approval. "Good. Glad you've heard of me." She directed her next words to Katara. "So… Jet? Haru? Anyone else have a fling with you, Katara?" Toph asked. "You and Zuko haven't hidden anything right? I heard he did tie you to a tree once."

Zuko and Katara both snapped at Toph to shut up. Toph laughed and waved them off, letting them know she was kidding. "Chill. I know Sparky wouldn't betray Kitten with you. Otherwise Yuna would claw him for cheating on Amara."

Haru was puzzled. "Yuna?"

Yuna suddenly appeared on my shoulder, upon hearing her name. I stroked her feathers while Haru and his dad looked at her puzzled. I ignored the previous conversation and introduced them. "This is Yuna. She's my best friend. I actually found her in the Earth Kingdom. We became inseparable…"

Yuna mew-hooed in agreement, flapping her wings.

Haru smiled. "That makes more sense. She's cute." He patted her on the head. "Nice to meet you both."

We met more people who were coming off the boats. There was the Boulder and Hippo from Toph's arena fighting days. I recognized them from our time at Toph's village. Other earthbenders who followed under Tyro were also there. It was hard to remember everyone's names who introduced themselves.

To my amazement and relief, none of them seemed repulsed by the Fire Nation prince and the half-fire nation girl. I assumed they had heard about us on their boat ride here.

At some point there was a huge explosion on the main Water Tribe vessel. We all jumped and looked to see smoke coming up from the ship hatch. The door swung open and coughing was heard. Then four people emerged. Zuko, Sokka, Katara, Aang, and I quickly headed over to the group that were coming down the ramp, concerned someone was injured.

One was a teen a little older than Aang, and he was in a chair with wheels. He had his legs bound together with wrapping, and I could immediately tell a horrible accident had taken away his ability to walk. I was sorry he did not regain his ability like Tu Lan had. I wanted to know what happened, but I decided that wasn't appropriate to ask. I knew I didn't like giving the story about my scars, and I was certain this boy's story was traumatic too.

An older man followed, who had wild brown hair and wore a circle of glass over one of his eyes. I learned from Zuko later this was called a monocle. The man also looked like his eyebrows had been blown off with only remnants remaining. I wasn't surprised this had happened to him after the explosion that just went off. He had a mechanical left hand, which seemed to work as if it were a real hand. I was astonished by the invention. I knew then this was Sokka's inventor friend from the Northern Air Temple that he had told me about.

The other two were Pipsqueak and the Duke who I had met before we split to go after Aang. I was surprised they hadn't come off the ship with Jet and the other Freedom Fighters. The Duke was sitting on Pipsqueak's shoulder as they approached. I understood why they had stayed on the ship when I saw what seemed to be food stains on their mouth. They clearly had been preoccupied.

Sokka ran over to the oldest man of the group with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"Was that a new invention?"

The boy in the wheeled chair licked some stuff off his finger as the man answered, "Yes, but unfortunately the incendiary capabilities of peanut sauce prove to be a failure."

Sokka was amazed. "You're making peanut sauce bombs?!"

Pipsqueak responded. "They're destructive."

The Duke added, "And delicious."

They both licked the sauce that was splashed all over their faces. Momo flew over to Pipsqueak and landed on his other shoulder abruptly. He started licking Pipsqueak's face to get some of the peanut flavor which earned laughter from the two Freedom Fighters.

Sokka asked, moving away from the peanut sauce conversation, "Were you able to complete work on the plans I sent you?"

The man nodded. "Yes, I was, and I think the Fire Nation will be quite surprised."

Zuko cleared his throat. "Um, Sokka… You gonna introduce us?"

Sokka was startled, as if he had forgotten about the rest of us behind him. "Oh! Yeah. Everyone, this is the Mechanist and his son Teo."

Teo glanced at Zuko with curiosity, and then at me. "So… you guys are Zuko and Amara?"

We nodded.

He looked over at Toph who had just joined us, curious to what was going on. "Then that makes you Toph?"

She smirked. "Glad to see people are giving me recognition now."

I asked, "So… You're the ones my family met at the Northern Air Temple, right?"

Teo nodded. "Yeah. Your family definitely saved our lives that day. The Fire Nation soldiers that invaded were horrified."

The Mechanist frowned. "Yes… But unfortunately they stole my war balloon and some of my other plans that day… I fear that has given them some advantage."

Sokka waved him off. "Don't sweat it! With the eclipse and surprise attack, we can take anything they throw our way."

Zuko frowned. "I worry this isn't going to be a surprise attack, Sokka… If Azula managed to get information while in Ba Sing Se, she will know something is coming. Even if they don't know Aang survived her attack, I feel they are not blind to this plan."

Toph smacked him on the arm. "Don't be such a pessimist. Think positive, prince boy."

Teo lifted something that had been resting beside him on his long wooden chair. It was a wooden staff. "Aang, my dad and I made this for you."

Aang was thrilled. He took the staff and tapped the bottom to the ground. It opened to reveal some fine orange fabric wings. "A new glider! This is amazing!"

The Mechanist stepped over. "And as a special feature, I added the snack compartment." He rotated the handle and a small opening appeared with snacks falling out onto Aang's hand.

Aang gave a small smile. "Oh ... well, I'm sure that will come in handy." Momo jumped onto his shoulder and grabbed the colored rock candy to eat it.

I finally asked, "What are these plans Sokka gave you?"

The Mechanist waved me off. "In time, young one. Let's leave it a fun surprise."

A voice suddenly shouted, "Everyone!" We looked over to see Hakoda trying to call attention. "Gather around! It's time to discuss our plan!"

A few moments later, the invasion force gathered and ate a small meal. There were about a hundred of us. I realized that more of the swamp people had come from the other vessels and were mixed in with the Southern Water Tribe warriors. Tyro's followers who I knew were earthbenders were also in the mix. The area around us was mostly men, but there were a few random women from the Earth Kingdom and swamp in the mix too.

Sokka was supposed to deliver the invasion speech. He had been nervous about it all morning. I could see he was still anxious as he hugged his large bundle of scrolls to him.

Toph had created a stage for him made of stone, and a wooden board had been placed for him to drape the plans he created for all to see. Hakoda walked over to him as the rest of our group (except for Toph who was chilling at the front of the crowd) sat in the space beside the stage. Uncle Hakoda said something to Sokka as my cousin was about to walk on stage, patted him on the shoulder, and then shoved him lightly to the stone stairs that led up. Hakoda joined us back where we sat.

Sokka clumsily went up on stage as we watched. Katara whispered from where she sat beside me, "He is so nervous."

Zuko responded, "Don't blame him… I hate public speaking."

"Good morning everyone," Sokka tripped just as he finished. I flinched as he hit the stage dropping his maps and plans. He scrambled to try and gather them back up. He got back to his feet, already embarrassed. "Umm ... so, as you know, today, we're invading the Fire Nation! I mean I know you know that because otherwise why else would you be here?!" He laughed nervously. "Uh anyway…" he draped the scrolls over the wooden board. "The Fire Lord's palace is here." He pointed at a map of the Earth Kingdom. His eyes widened when he realized that was wrong and started flipping through the charts. "Uh nope, uh wait, uh wait, uh wait, it's here." He finally got to the map he needed. "And uh, there's an eclipse today and Aang's gonna fight the Fire Lord and the firebenders won't have any fire to use so that's good for us!" He went super stiff as he rambled on.

Zuko leaned over to Hakoda. "I think we should intervene."

Hakoda covered his face. "Yeah… I think you're right…"

Sokka continued. "And ... um ... I'm sorry, let me start at the beginning… Katara and I discovered Aang frozen in an iceberg. Now I didn't like Aang at first but grew to love him over time, then we went to the Southern Air Temple where Aang used to live and then we met Suki, who's a Kyoshi warrior. She dressed me like a woman and then she kissed me, and then Aang's friend was a crazy old king and…"

Katara spoke. "Wow, when he says the beginning he means the beginning beginning."

"I'll stop this mess," Zuko muttered and went to get up.

My uncle put a hand on his shoulder. "No… Save your speech for when we win this war, Zuko. I got this."

Sokka was still talking as my uncle stood and headed up on stage. "And then Katara got Haru arrested and then now he's grown a mustache which if you look at him in the front row you can see it …"

I glanced over at Haru to see his body shrink at the sudden attention on him. Toph was sitting beside him and shook her head in disbelief.

My uncle Hakoda finally approached Sokka and put his hands on his shoulder in reassurance. "Thank you, Sokka. It's okay. Why don't you take a break?"

Sokka was immediately silenced and dropped his shoulders in defeat. He came back over to sit beside me. He hung his head in dismay. I knew he was upset that he messed up his big speech.

Hakoda spoke as I patted Sokka on the shoulder to try to reassure him.

"Let me just clarify a few points for everyone." Hakoda stated, stroking his chin. "Today, is the Day of Black Sun, and I want to thank you all for your self-sacrifice, and your courage. There are two steps to the invasion, a naval stage, and then a land stage. To gain sea access to the Fire Nation capital, we need to get past our first major obstacle here," he pointed at the water area on the map right outside of the Fire Nation Capital. "The Great Gates of Azulon. Prince Zuko has informed me that these gates are heavily guarded with not just massive nets of fire but also naval soldiers." He moved on, pointing at the start of the Fire Nation Capital. "Next, we hit the land, and we hit hard. We must fight past their battlements and secure the plaza tower. Once we do that, it's up to the Royal Palace. At that point, the eclipse will begin."

A murmur suddenly sounded in the crowd. The Boulder raised his hand from where he sat in the front row. "Excuse me. The Boulder is confused. Isn't the point to invade during the eclipse, when the firebenders are powerless?"

Hakoda answered, "The eclipse only lasts eight minutes, not enough time for the whole invasion. And the Royal Palace is heavily guarded by firebenders. So that's where we'll need the eclipse's advantage the most. When this is finished, the Avatar will have defeated the Fire Lord. We will have control of the Fire Nation Capital, and this war will be over!"

The crowd cheered as excitement and determination flowed through them.

Once the meeting was over, we all started to prepare for the coming battle. Yuna and Momo were given some snacks, and Appa was given hay as Water Tribe warriors began to put the metal armor over him that would protect him during battle. The others sharpened their weapons, prepared their elements, and readied themselves for the danger to come.

Aang disappeared for a few minutes, and then reappeared with a shaved head. His arrow tattoos were no longer hidden. He was back in his Air Nation clothing and gripped his staff tight.

Zuko and I decided to stay in our Fire Nation clothing, although I made sure my mother's necklace was firm on my neck. I needed her for this fight. Katara and Sokka had been wearing their Water Tribe clothing since early morning, but now Sokka was putting on a Wolf skin warrior helmet and some furs similar to what the other Water Tribe warriors were wearing. He had his boomerang and his meteor sword sheathed behind him.

As the group prepared, I pondered over what it would feel like to not be able to firebend. I wondered if this would make my other element stronger or weaker. It was so hard to know what would happen, especially since I was a dualbender.

Zuko had put his broadswords on his back, and I could tell they were nice and sharp. He walked over to me a little after I was finished preparing for battle. My water pouch was full at my waist and my hair was firmly pulled back in a tail by my ribbon. I stood with Yuna by the shoreline, trying to calm my nerves. Yuna seemed tense like me, knowing what was to come.

"Hey… You ready?" Zuko asked.

I shivered. "Honestly, I'm a little scared. I haven't fought in a big battle like this before… This is actually going to war…" I shivered. "But… we have to do this… It's the only way we'll end this thing once and for all."

Zuko took my hand and gave it a squeeze. "Like I said… If it gets too much don't feel like you need to stay… I want you safe…"

I shook my head. "My family and the guy I love are all risking their lives… There's no way that I'm running when everyone else is fighting." I let out a heavy breath and looked back at the horizon. "Besides… I'm ready to show the world what this dualbender can do."

He nodded. "Your mom would be proud of you, Amara… I know I am."

I turned and met his golden gaze. He met my blue eyes in return. I spoke with sincerity. "I wouldn't be where I am today without you… Thanks… For everything… I love you, Zuko."

He smiled. "I love you too…" He cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing my skin to offer me comfort. "We're going to be okay. We're going to make it out of this. No matter what, I'm not letting that man hurt you or anyone else. I promise."

He leaned in and I moved forward. Yuna hopped off my shoulder as our lips pressed to one another. I knew this would be our last moment before the fight to just enjoy the moment. As we embraced, I took in his warmth and love, not sure if this would be the last time. I was not sure what would happen today.

Mom… I know this probably wasn't your plan for me… Fighting in this crazy battle today… But… I'm doing this for our people… So the Water Tribe no longer has to live in fear of captivity… No one will ever suffer the way we did again… I promise…

A little later we were on the main Water Tribe vessel, headed north towards the Fire Nation Capital City. The other ships were on both sides of us as we took the lead, and Appa was swimming behind. The plan was to try and get through the gates without them spotting us, but if they did we would run down below deck and get into whatever the metal fish was that Sokka told me about. He said it looked like a huge fish made of metal that he called a submarine. The Mechanist created it, but it was Sokka's initial invention. I didn't question him a ton about it, although when he told me we'd be using it to go underwater I was a little nervous about drowning.

I stood up on deck with the group as we moved closer to the fight. Sokka stood beside Hakoda with determination. Zuko was staring off at the horizon lost in his thoughts. I knew facing the Fire Lord was the only thing on his mind.

Jet suddenly stepped over to Zuko and leaned back on the rail. "So… Lee slash Zuko… Ready to fight against your people?" He looked over at Zuko with a smirk. "Never thought we'd have the Fire Nation prince on our side of this war."

Zuko frowned and crossed his arms. "I'm not fighting against my people… I'm fighting for them. Most of the people in the Fire Nation want this war to end too."

Jet was surprised by his response. He took a second to respond. "Really? I guess… I always just pictured you all were born wanting war and control."

Zuko sighed. "I understand your hate for the Fire Nation, Jet. But you have to understand, many people don't agree with what the Fire Lord is doing… I can see that more clearly now… My own people have lost family and loved ones because of the fighting and bloodshed… This war impacts all nations. One of the reasons I do agree we need to stop it. It's time to restore peace."

Jet blinked, surprised by the words coming out of the mouth of someone who had once been his enemy. He glanced my way, and then back at Zuko. "Well… I suppose you're right." He then asked, "But what will you do as the new Fire Lord?"

Zuko looked determined and sincere as he answered. "Fix the mess my family has caused for the last hundred years… And work with the Avatar for a better future. I will make my great-grandfather Avatar Roku proud."

Jet gave a small nod. He then looked my way. "What about you, Amara? What's your plan after this war?"

His question surprised me. My plan?

I knew I had said I'd stick with Zuko… That I'd stay by his side…

Was that really what I was going to do?

I glanced over at my family who were chatting with my uncle and Bato. Toph was leaning over the rail, looking a bit sea sick. Aang was standing on the front of the ship with Momo on his shoulder. Yuna was napping on a crate nearby.

I'd been asked this question before. I'd once had an answer. However, as the future of no more war suddenly became a possibility, I was no longer sure.

"I… don't know," I said softly.

Zuko noticed I had become uncomfortable. He intervened. "What about you Jet? What's your plan?"

Jet was surprised that attention went back to him. He smirked. "Me… Probably go back into the woods with my gang. Maybe steal from the rich and give to the poor. Sounds fun."

Zuko rolled his eyes. "Yeah. Perfect gig for you."

I left Jet and Zuko to continue their conversation and sat against the crate Yuna was on. She sensed my presence, and moved from the crate to rest in my lap instead. I whispered as she did, "I really don't know… if I should stay with Zuko or go with my family after this war ends…" I stroked her feathers. I knew no matter which choice I made, I would have to part from someone I cared about. "I don't want to hurt anyone, Yuna…"

Someone suddenly sat beside me. I was surprised to see it was Katara. She took my hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. "You won't…" I was surprised by her words. "I heard your conversation with Jet…" She smiled kindly and sincerely. "I want you to know, whatever you decide is your choice… We all know you might stay with Zuko, Amara… That's okay… We just want you to be happy at the end of all of this. And, it's not like you have to stay in the Fire Nation forever. You can visit the South Pole once things calm down and finally meet Gran Gran. You won't be trapped like before... You can go wherever your heart desires. You're not a prisoner… You're free, Amara."

Her words made the burden in my heart lift. I squeezed her hand and said, "Thanks… For everything Katara… I know we're cousins, but I really see you as a sister."

She hugged me from the side. "We are sisters… I've always felt you were from the first day I met you at the North Pole."

I smiled and leaned against her. "That feels like so long ago. I treasure that day though… The day I finally met my family."

She hugged me closer. "Me too… And one day, Gran Gran will meet you also… and she will love you just as much as we do."

We sat together for a moment, just enjoying the warm sisterly embrace. However, it was cut short as something appeared on the horizon. We all stood and stared out at the distance. Giant statues of Zuko's grandfather Azulon stood across the stretch of the ocean.

Zuko came up beside me and took my hand as Katara walked back over to stand by Aang, Sokka, and Toph.

Zuko whispered, "Whelp… No turning back now…"

I squeezed his hand. "I'm with you…"

Yuna gave a "mew-hoo" in agreement, flapping her wings.

It was time… Time to invade… I wasn't sure what was about to happen, but I prayed the outcome would be what we hoped for.

I prayed that we would win… That peace would be restored…

—

A/N: Tons of action in the next chapter! Promise! Had to get to the battle but introduce some old faces. Also, there will be some changes to the actual script in my next chapter so if you're like "this didn't happen in the show" then you are right... I have to modify some scenes to put Jet back in (you know... since he was dead in the actual show) and also include Zuko and Amara.

Anyway, hope to have the next chapter soon!

Thanks for reading!

Faith