Wanted to finish this chapter so much sooner, but my apartment complex caught fire Sunday and things have been so hectic this week… Thankfully I just had smoke and water damage in the attic space above, so I didn't lose anything… I'm finally in a new apartment though, all settled, and back to my writing… This story is following the series, just in a different way. The next chapter will have a few snippets from the Kyoshi Island episode.

Chapter 4: Wings

Three days had passed since I was brought under the guardianship of a retired Fire Nation General named Iroh. With each passing hour, and every added mile away from Zhao, I started to believe more and more that my old life truly was over.

I was starting to heal both physically and mentally.

In the time I had been on Iroh's ship, no one had hurt me. Every member of the crew I came in contact with was kind to me, and careful not to scare me. I assumed that they had all heard my story, and I could tell a lot of them felt sorry for me. I also had a suspicion that their caution around me was Iroh's doing.

As I started to get to know my new guardian more, I found that Iroh definitely did care for me like a daughter. My first night fully conscious on the ship, after Ju had checked my stitches and gave me fresh bandages, Iroh brought me more tea and stayed with me until I fell asleep. He told me stories about his time as a general, and described to me details about lands and animals I had never heard of or seen before. He told me that as soon as he got me some new clothes so I could blend in he would show me around on land and let me see the world in a new light. That night, I fell asleep for the first time without fearing the day to come. Instead, I dreamed about a world that Iroh had described.

The next day, I was able to walk a little better on my own, having gotten some strength back. After some breakfast with Iroh, I was shown to the washroom down the hall, which was a small steel room with a large wash basin and pump. Iroh showed me how to use the pump, and then handed me a rag. He also placed a red shirt that he told me was once Zuko's on the flat steel counter. He left me to wash up, telling me to come out when I was finished so he could walk me back to my room. Once he was gone, shutting the door behind to give me privacy, I started to clean the dirt and grime off my skin. I felt with each wipe a dark mark of my past being cleaned away.

After I wiped what I could, I also wet my hair and rinsed it as much as possible. It was difficult to wash it due to the knots, but I was glad to get some of the sweat and dirt out of it. When I was done getting it as clean as I could, I knew no one would see me and I used my waterbending to pull the liquid out of my hair. I wasn't great at waterbending, not being able to practice much, so my hair was a little damp in some spots I missed... I hoped Iroh wouldn't question it. I still wasn't ready to share my dual bending just yet.

After I had washed up, I put on the long-sleeved maroon shirt that Zuko had once owned. The shirt was definitely large on me since Zuko was a lot taller than me, but I didn't mind: it was clean and warm. When I was finally decent, I stepped out into the hall feeling refreshed. Iroh was waiting for me, and he was relieved to see me in a much better state.

He escorted me back to my room, and I was surprised when he offered to help me comb my hair to get some of the knots out. It took a while, but Iroh managed to work the mess out with a pretty wooden decorative comb. He told me that the comb was once his wife's, and he had held on to it as a keepsake. He also told me that he used to help his wife with her own hair when she got sick many years ago, so he knew what he was doing: I think he was trying to reassure me he wouldn't tear my hair out or something.

As he combed my hair, he told me more stories about his life. He wanted to distract me from my thoughts probably, and also gain my trust more. He told me he once had a son named Lu Ten who died a few years ago in battle. He said that after his son died he fell apart emotionally in the years that followed. When Zuko was banished from the Fire Nation over two years ago, and forced to search for the Avatar, he quickly took Zuko under his wing. He wanted to help his nephew, and also try to fill the small emptiness he felt from his son's loss. He said Zuko was definitely a son to him.

After his story, I was curious why Zuko was banished from his home, but I did not ask. I was not sure if the topic would anger anyone, and I was trying to not make people upset.

As he combed more knots from my hair, he also told me that he and his wife had always wanted a daughter, so he was excited to finally have the chance to have one. His acceptance of me as his own child filled me with an emotion I was starting to feel a lot more in the last few days: comfort. I had only known my real father for five years, and he wasn't exactly a great example of an ideal paternal figure. Having Iroh accept me as a daughter and show me so much kindness gave me peace. I wasn't ready to see him as a father, and wasn't sure if I ever would, but I did start to believe he was definitely someone who would protect me.

After I was cleaned up, Iroh took me out on deck with Tu Lan accompanying us. Usually I would not notice the world around me, because I was always more focused on escaping. The other morning when I ran, Zhao's men were taking me back to my cell from the small wash area on the other side of camp. I did not have time to take in the beauty of the sea or the forest as I tried to escape. I was more focused on running and not getting caught.

But... I didn't need to escape anymore. With escape no longer being my mission, I was able to actually stop and stare. I could finally see.

I had never noticed how beautiful the sea was. I had never been able to admire the way the sun shined on the water. The clouds looked so soft and peaceful. The air was not heavy like before… everything felt so light and free.

I felt like I could breathe. I felt alive.

I was not sure how long I stood at the rail and stared at the world before me. I became lost as I watched fish jump out of the water, and birds fly in the air. I only saw very small glimpses of these things during my old life, usually if I was running from my brother's men or being transported from a ship to land. For the first time in sixteen years, I actually got to see the world.

Zuko had come up at some point, mainly to ask his uncle if there had been any sighting of the Avatar in the last few hours. His uncle had told him they were on the lookout, but probably would not know anything until they reached port. Zuko was frustrated by this, and went to snap at his uncle. He stopped though, remembering my presence. He didn't want to lose his temper around me. Iroh had warned me his nephew may be a little hot headed when it came to the Avatar, but this was mainly to reassure me that his nephew's anger would never be my fault.

We were all surprised when Zuko bit his tongue and quickly calmed. We were even more surprised when Zuko stuck with us for a little bit rather than returning to his room to mope. Tu Lan went to go help another crewman with something, and Iroh went to go have the cook brew us some tea, so I was left with Zuko for a while. We didn't talk much, but we also didn't mind each other's company. He did compliment me after a few minutes of silence, telling me that he was glad Iroh was able to help me fix my hair.

"It's pretty," he had said. "Definitely does show your Fire Nation heritage." His cheeks were red when he finished. My heart did that weird flutter again, and I thanked him softly.

After our small exchange on deck, I noticed over the next day that Zuko was becoming protective of me: when Tu Lan or Iroh had to go do duties around the ship, Zuko would offer to give me company. Other than washing up and sleeping, I was never alone: I was either with Iroh, Zuko, or both. I noticed that Tu Lan started to be with me less. He told me he wanted me to learn how to be comfortable with others. I wanted to protest, but I knew his heart was in the right place.

By the third day of my new life, I was informed by Iroh that we were reaching a Fire Nation Colony port. We were going to resupply and head back out the next morning. When the ship docked that morning, I was down in my room having tea and breakfast with Iroh. Tu Lan came in and let Iroh know that we had just halted and the ramp was lowered. Iroh was pleased to hear, and told Tu Lan to stay with me until he returned.

After Iroh left, and Tu Lan took his place, I asked him if he was doing okay on the ship. Tu Lan smiled widely from where he was on his knees in front of me as he answered. "The crew are great! They've been so accepting of me ever since I got here. They are definitely nothing like the brutal pick of Zhao's men. They have been under such a great leader for the last two years, so they aren't bitter and heartless. And they all seem to really be concerned about you. We are both in great hands here."

Hearing that Tu Lan was happy eased the uncertainty within me. I hugged my legs to my chest. "I'm really glad Iroh hired you… I was so worried Zhao would kill you if we left you behind."

Tu Lan frowned. He took my hand in his. "Amara… I do want you to know how sorry I am for not doing the right thing sooner. I was such a coward. I was too afraid to help you and risk becoming a traitor. I will live everyday regretting not being brave enough to save you and your mother."

His words caused my heart to twist. My mom… I wish so much she could've been saved like me.

Tu Lan noticed my dismay. He squeezed my hand to reassure me. "I wish Kala were here to see this… her daughter is finally safe."

I shut my eyes as they burned. My throat caught slightly. I was only able to whisper, "I miss her."

He released my hand and I could see his thoughts seemed to go back to the past as well. "I miss her too… She was such a strong and enduring woman. She never let anything break her as long as she thought about her family and you. After you were born, her only desire was to protect you so that one day you could be free and with your family at the South Pole."

I pictured my mom. I pictured an aunt and grandparents I had only heard about.

"Do you think my family is still alive?"

My question made Tu Lan sigh. "I don't know. I asked Lieutenant Jee if he knew anything about the Southern Water Tribe. He told me when they went to capture the Avatar there were just remnants of the tribe. Only a handful of women, elders, and children. No men… but, it's possible that your grandma and aunt were in the mix. Iroh said he's going to try and learn what he can for you. Right now, focus on healing."

Iroh was only gone for about an hour. When he came back, he held some red fabric in his arms with some black shoes on the pile. "These should fit hopefully. The shopkeeper's daughter was about your size, so I believe it will work." He set the clothes on the table in the room. "Get dressed, and then I'll take you into town and get you a few more things. I believe Zuko said he'll join us as well."

Tu Lan, who had gone to stand by the door upon Iroh's arrival, coughed to disguise a laugh. I looked at him with question, but he only smirked and left the room. Iroh was amused about something as well. I felt there was a joke I was missing.

"I'll be right outside. Get dressed and then we will go," Iroh spoke.

He left me then to give me privacy, shutting the door behind. I got up from where I had been sitting on my cot, and I picked up one of the articles with curiosity. I was surprised to see the outfit was of fine material. The shirt was a maroon shade, with flared long-sleeves, and the length seemed to stop a little above the thigh. There was a darker shade of red pants to wear underneath for comfort. The black shoes were also cloth and designed for comfort as well. They were the nicest clothes I'd ever been given.

Once I managed to get dressed, I slowly made my way out of the room. I wasn't used to wearing shoes, so it took me a moment to figure out how to walk normally in them. When I got out of the room, I was relieved to see Iroh was there just as he promised. Tu Lan and Zuko were waiting with him.

Iroh smiled widely when he saw my appearance. "Excellent! They fit just as I hoped. How do you like them?"

I felt blood pull to my cheeks. My voice was still soft, and a little less hesitant. "They're comfortable. Thank you."

"What do you think, Prince Zuko?"

Iroh's question towards his nephew made me look over at the teenager in the hall. Part of me did want him to approve as well. I wasn't really sure why I cared about his opinion though. I guess maybe because I was starting to see him as a friend...

Zuko met my gaze briefly, and then looked away. He rubbed the back of his neck, saying, "It suits her." He turned and started to walk away. "We should go. I want to see if I can find information about the Avatar."

As he walked away, I heard Tu Lan breathe a laugh again. Tu Lan whispered to my new guardian, "I think you're right, Sir."

Iroh nodded, saying softly back. "I am curious to see how this plays out."

I had no clue what they were talking about. I stood in silence, waiting for Iroh to tell me to follow. Iroh didn't say anything, and instead placed a gentle hand on my back to lightly urge me forward. Tu Lan followed behind as we headed through the torch lit halls of the ship towards the ramp at the bow of the vessel. Zuko was already waiting at the open ramp with two other armored men who had been assigned to guard us with Tu Lan. Iroh had stopped guiding me forward at this point, so as the group started to head down the ramp, I couldn't help but hesitate.

Tu Lan noticed that I had stopped in the hall of the ship. He had prepared to go down the ramp, but heard my steps falter. As the others went down the slope, he stepped back over to me with concern.

He tried to encourage me when he saw my uncertainty. "I know all of this will be new to you… but I think this will be good for you. You need to learn how to be around others comfortably. Zhao and his men are miles away now. No one has followed us. You are safe."

"I just… I don't know how to do any of this," I whispered. "I don't know how to be anything but a… prisoner…"

"Which is why I'm not letting you go back to your room," he stated firmly. "Because I want you to learn how to be free, Amara. If your mom were here right now and could see this then she'd be so happy. This is all she ever wanted for you… to finally have the chance to live."

He held his hand out towards me. I stared at it for a moment, and then let out a heavy breath. Shakily, I took his grasp and let him walk me off the ship. My grip tightened around his as the town before us came into view. There were so many wooden buildings, strange creatures with wings and beaks pulling wagons. There were people of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

Tu Lan kept a hold on my hand until we reached the wooden dock. Then he let go. I froze when he was no longer pulling me.

Iroh noticed and tried to reassure me. "If it becomes too much we'll take you back. But this will be good for you." He gave me a kind smile. "And you are safe, Amara. No one will hurt you as long as we're with you."

I gave a small nod. I took another heavy breath, and then stepped forward, crossing my arms to give myself some more comfort. I stayed on the heel of my company as much as I could as I followed them along. Keeping up was easy on the edge of town, but as we got deeper into the Fire Nation Colony port things started to get a little more tight.

Zuko broke from the group with one of the guards to question a Fire Nation shopkeeper about any sighting of the Avatar. As he did, Iroh walked us over to a wooden stand with some different colored ribbons. They were dyed in a multitude of hues.

The shopkeeper was a young woman with short black hair and hazel eyes. She wore a tan dress but was clearly Fire Nation. Iroh asked her opinion for a ribbon for my hair and the woman was thrilled to pull out some red, gold, and pink ones. I watched with curiosity. I had never been to a shop before. I had heard mention of them from my brother and uncle when I would catch their conversations. I knew shops were where items were purchased, and Iroh seemed determined to buy me something for my hair from this one.

Iroh told me to pick my favorite. I looked at the colors the lady had laid out. My eyes shot to the blue one though that was on display away from her selection. The color was the same as my mom's eyes.

Iroh noticed my gaze and said, "I believe we'll go with the blue. I'll take five."

I was shocked. Five? One was fine. I went to argue, but Tu Lan shook his head at me and placed his finger over his lips. In other words, I shouldn't argue with the rich man.

We went to more stalls, and Iroh bought something for me at each. Zuko joined us at the third one looking disappointed. He complained to his uncle that no one seemed to know anything about a flying sky bison. Iroh reassured him that they would hear something soon and to be patient.

By the fifth stall I had really stopped paying attention to what was being sold. Not only was I becoming physically drained, but I was also becoming anxious. We were deep in the market area. I was surrounded. As we started to move to another shop, I could only hear my heart pounding in my ears.

Everything was so fast. It was hard to take everything in. I had stopped walking as my eyes darted in every direction. Honestly, the scene before me was overwhelming. Too overwhelming. I had never been in such a place before. I had never seen Earth Kingdom people before. The Fire Nation people were mixed in with them. Iroh had told me this was a Fire Nation colony, so there would be a diversity of people. The Earth Kingdom citizens did not look very different from my father's people, although their hair was lighter and most of them had brown and green eyes.

Also, I was amazed that there weren't just men in my view. I hadn't seen so many women and children before. Really, the only women that I had ever met were my mother and a few female staff back at my father's estate. There were women all around me. The children were the part that threw me off the most. I had never seen children before. All I had ever seen was myself as a child. As a group of children ran by giggling, I watched them go with bewilderment.

"Amara," Zuko's voice sounded from nearby. I jumped and looked over at him. He approached quickly. "You need to stay near us. We don't want you getting lost."

I stared at him with surprise. I hadn't even realized I had lost them. My eyes shot around me again with uncertainty. Zuko noticed my panic was rising.

He understood. "I told Uncle this was a bad idea." He placed a hand on my arm to try and calm me. "It's too much, isn't it?"

I grabbed his shirt sleeve just to have something to hold on to. He made no objection. "It's… a lot… to take in."

The world was so much bigger than I imagined. In my sixteen years, I had only known a few places: The attic where my mother and I were imprisoned; a few random rooms in the house where I had been taken by my father or Tu Lan; A wagon to conceal me from others as I was forced to go with Zhao to his ship. A cell on Zhao's ship as he took me with him to the Earth Kingdom; A cell in a tent; brief glimpses of the sea or forest when I tried to run. My world had been so small before, and now that I saw there was more I was suddenly scared. I didn't know anything about this world.

"Do you want to go back to the ship?" He noticed this was too fast for me. "Or we could at least get out of the town."

"Prince Zuko," Iroh's voice sounded. He was headed back my way with Tu Lan and the two other guards following. "Is she alright?"

I felt guilty. I didn't want to upset Iroh. I knew he wanted to show me more of the town. I just… I wasn't ready.

"She's overwhelmed," Zuko answered. "I think this is as far as we can get her to go."

Iroh nodded. "Yes. I feared this would be too much for her too soon. Why don't you take her out of the town and maybe walk her in the woods nearby. I think I can find her what she needs."

My arm shook, and my hand tightened on the fabric of Zuko's shirt. I felt ashamed for my weakness. I found my voice. "I'm sorry… I… I've just never been anywhere but my dad's home and Zhao's harbor… it's just going to take me time."

Iroh placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "No apology needed, Amara… Zuko isn't a fan of these ports anyway so I'm sure he'll be happy to keep you company. I'm going to have Tu Lan stay with me though, if that is alright? He knows you best so I need advice on a few more things."

I stared at Tu Lan with uncertainty. I knew I had to learn to trust I would be okay without him. I gave a small nod. I was still holding on to Zuko's shirt sleeve. For some reason, Zuko made me feel safe.

"We'll meet you back at the ship at noon," Iroh spoke to Zuko. "Take care of her."

Zuko pulled from me but only so he could cross his arms and snap, "If you're going to shop that long then at least keep a listen out for any news of the Avatar."

Iroh smiled widely. "No worries, Prince Zuko! My ears are sharp!" He then looked at me. "Keep with Zuko, dear. The woods are pretty safe, but there are some animals and travelers we still need to be wary of in these parts."

I nodded to let him know I would.

Iroh ordered the two other guards to go with us, and then told us to have fun. Tu Lan, who was carrying a cloth bag of some purchases, smiled encouragingly to me.

"Come on," Zuko said. He started to walk back in the direction we had come to leave the crowded market area. I followed behind him quickly, not wanting to lose sight of him. At some point I found my hand grabbed his shirt sleeve again to try and keep up. He made no complaint as he guided me out of the busy hectic world into the slow moving woods nearby.

As we left the town, headed across a small grassy clearing, and walked towards the woods, I felt with each step my angst fade. Breaking through the tree line, and walking down a small path that seemed to be traveled by others, I looked around at the trees with amazement. There were so many colors around us: Green, orange, brown, yellow... The sun seeped through the leaves above making the woods shine in beautiful light.

I felt like I could breathe better in the woods. There was nothing but Zuko, the two guards following behind us, and the trees. I saw flowers too, and plants of all shapes and sizes. Birds flew above from tree to tree and sang different tunes. At some point I released Zuko's shirt sleeve, entranced by the different sounds, colored leaves, and pretty wild flowers around me.

As I saw the beauty of the world that I had only heard of from stories or brief glimpses, I started to cry. Not to the point where sobs could be heard, but enough that my tears blinded me.

I was free…

Third Person POV

Zuko had fallen a little back as he watched the thin petite teenager take in the woods outside of the Fire Nation Colony port. Although her hair was black, he saw when the sun hit it there was a tint of dark brown highlights. Her eyes stayed in his memory though. Her irises were so blue. A deep blue like dark water. He felt like he could drown in them whenever she met his gaze.

At first, Zuko had just been excited to defeat Zhao and take something from him. He honestly hadn't cared much about who the girl was that his uncle was so eager to save. However, the first night she came on the ship and Zuko saw her weak and battered state, his gut twisted. He immediately felt concerned for the damaged girl and wanted to help her heal in any way he could.

When Zuko saw the mass of bandages on the teen's back, he thought back to his own time of healing. His father had burned him and banished him to teach him a lesson. Amara was burned, beaten, whipped, and who knows what else… Zuko had witnessed pain from his own father… he could not imagine all the pain Amara's family had put her through.

Amara stopped suddenly, her steps faltering. Zuko watched as her shoulders dropped. He heard her sniffle. Was she crying? Zuko immediately grew concerned. His heart tightened. He was not sure why he cared so much every time this quiet girl cried...

He stepped over and cautiously put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey… you okay?"

She jumped at his contact. A reaction from her years of abuse. She calmed though and turned to meet Zuko's gaze. The deep blue orbs actually were water now as a few more tears fell.

"I'm… fine," she spoke. Her voice was always so soft. She was scared to speak. Zuko wished he could hear her confident tone. "It's just hard to believe this is all really happening… I'm scared I'm going to wake up any minute and be back in my cell… so close to Zhao..."

Zuko's heart twisted again. He hated that Zhao had made her so afraid. He went to brush a tear, but stopped. His hand twitched and he tightened it into a fist to hold it firm to his side. He didn't want to touch and scare her. Instead, he gave a small smile (he wasn't used to smiling himself so it felt awkward) and promised, "You're never going back to that life again. Once I capture the Avatar and we return to the Fire Nation, we'll protect you. No one can touch you as long as my uncle has a say."

The girl stared at him with uncertainty, but as she took in the sincerity in his tone she calmed. She gave him a nod, and her tears stopped. She wiped the moisture with her shirt sleeve. "I… don't know how to thank you and Iroh… for all of this. I'll find a way in the future though…"

Zuko frowned. She felt she was an inconvenience… he didn't want her to feel that way...

"Amara… you don't owe us anything. We all just want to help you forget that terrible life… what your family did to you… it's barbaric. You should've never been treated like that."

She shut her eyes and the tears came again. However, this time sobs escaped her. Zuko was shocked by her sudden breakdown. He replayed quickly what he had said, trying to figure out what could've upset her. Had he sounded angry and scared her?

He was still mulling over the possibilities, but he stopped when she suddenly leaned forward and pressed her face into his chest. Her tears soaked into his shirt and her cries were muffled. He then realized it wasn't his fault. She was just releasing her pain because she finally could.

As she gripped his shirt for stability, still crying into him, he could see she just needed someone's touch for a second. Zuko had never dealt with such a situation before, but he found himself knowing what to do as he wrapped an arm behind her and moved his hand to the back of her head. She molded into him, feeling safe. The feeling was comforting to him as well.

The two guards who had followed the teenagers were stunned to see the Fire Nation Prince let his guard down and show his sensitive side. This would definitely be the talk of the crew in the chow hall that night.

Amara POV

At first I was horrified I had let myself fall against Zuko so carelessly. My tears were making his shirt wet I was sure, and I realized only afterward that I had probably crossed the line and he would be angry at my action. However, when I thought about pulling away, he stopped me from doing so by hugging me and starting to brush a hand through my hair.

I wasn't sure what it was about Zuko. From day one, there was something about the young prince that made me feel at ease. Similar to Tu Lan, but also different. My heart didn't do weird flutters towards Tu Lan like it did towards Zuko.

As he continued to hold me, and my crying ceased, I felt the last of my burdens fall out. The cries were a relief. They were freeing. I had cried before, but from fear. The cries I let out now were from my exhaustion and solace.

The tears were a cleansing of my soul in a way.

When I was done, I was too embarrassed to lift my head. I cried against someone I had only known for three days. I felt pathetic for losing myself in front of this prince. I felt my cheeks were burning from embarrassment.

"Amara," Zuko spoke after a moment of silence. He must've sensed I was done crying. He also must've sensed my embarrassment, because he found me a distraction. "Have you seen a butterfly before?"

His question puzzled me. I pulled away and looked at him with confusion. He turned me carefully and pointed at a flower nearby. There, perched on the red plant, was a tiny yellow creature with wings. I'd seen bugs before… sometimes they would slip in through cracks in my attic or the opening of my tent. Most of the time they were creepy crawly insects that weren't pretty at all. This one seemed pretty and peaceful. It's wings were a yellow with an orange tint in the center.

"This one's called a sooty copper fritillary. I learned about them when I first came to the Earth Kingdom almost three years ago. They're common around copper mines. No one knows why, but they are drawn to the mineral. If there's one here that means a mine is probably close by."

Zuko was giving me details about the creature. I knew he was trying to distract me further from my embarrassment. I appreciated the distraction and the knowledge. I wanted to learn more about the world I didn't know. If that started with this pretty yellow winged insect then I was thrilled with this new discovery.

"It's beautiful…" I tried to recall in my mind if I had ever seen a creature of similarity. I had not. Not even running through the forest to try and escape Zhao. "Does it bite?"

My question stumped Zuko. He answered after a moment. "No. They're peaceful creatures. They rarely let anyone near them anyway." To prove this, he stepped over to the insect. The butterfly flapped its wings and took off into the air. I watched it fly around and remain in the area as it didn't want to abandon its flower patch. It flew by Zuko and then at one point glided by me. I was captivated and watched it go with amazement.

As I took in one small part of a world I had never known, I felt my lips pull up: a smile. My heart warmed as I stepped towards the butterfly and held my hand out to it. At first it flapped away, but then after a moment, the creature suddenly landed on my palm. It's thin insect legs tickled my skin. I stood still just enjoying the moment of having such a beautiful creature accept me.

Ever since my mom died, I had felt unloved and rejected. Tu Lan had been my only light in the darkness of my captivity. For most of my life, I felt I would always be nothing but a mistake.

However, I was being accepted and cared for by so many right now. Iroh… Zuko… the crew… even this tiny creature…

As the butterfly took off from my hand to fly again, I felt my heart soar with it. I was no longer caged and I was finding my wings.

Third Person POV

He was amazed. It was the first smile he had seen on the girl. He didn't even think she could smile. Yet here she was before him, her lips turned up as she stared at the insect that had landed on the edge of her palm.

As Zuko watched the girl smile and examine the winged creature, he saw the darkness that once weighed around her was fading. She looked more alive. Her body was becoming healthier by the day, and with her health came her beauty.

Zuko could tell she was indeed one of a kind. Despite her blue eyes and tan skin, she held herself similar to girls in the Fire Nation. At one glance she looked like any other girl he had met in the Fire Nation. At another glance, she looked similar to the girl who had helped the Avatar escape back at the South Pole. Amara was indeed a girl of two nations…

The butterfly took off again. As it flew away, Zuko watched Amara's gaze follow the creature. If one butterfly could make her smile, he was determined to find other things that would as well.

He would do all he could to help Amara stay happy.

About an hour later, after they walked a little more in the woods, Zuko could tell Amara was getting tired. She hadn't walked so much in her life he was sure. They had probably been about four miles just circling the small area of woods. He knew it was time to go back as he saw her stumble slightly.

"Come on," he said. "It's getting close to noon. Let's head back."

She met his gaze and gave a small nod. He could see despite her excitement at the new sights around her, she was definitely exhausted. He gestured for her to follow, and he heard her soft steps behind him as the group headed back.

Amara POV

I was kind of relieved Zuko suggested going back to the ship. My legs were burning and I was tired. In my sixteen years of life, I had never walked so far before. The two miles I got from Zhao's harbor a few days ago had been the farthest then. I wasn't sure how long I had walked since leaving Iroh's ship.

I felt pathetic. Here I was, surrounded by all these strong people, and I could barely walk a small distance in the woods. I wanted to become stronger… I didn't want to be so weak anymore.

Maybe… maybe I could ask Iroh in the future to teach me firebending? If I revealed just one element, then I didn't see a problem. As long as I kept my waterbending from them, no one would know I was a dual bender. Then I wouldn't be in trouble. I was among many firebenders… was it a crime if I could firebend too?

I suddenly tripped on a root from my distracted mind. I stumbled and gasped as I fell. My hands and knees hit the dirt. My back pulsed from the rough movement.

Seemed I'd have to learn how to walk first before firebending…

"Amara!" Zuko had turned when he heard me fall. He was beside me suddenly, kneeling to make sure I was okay. "Are you hurt?"

His concern kept surprising me. I was only ever used to my mom or Tu Lan being worried about me. I met his warm gold gaze. I gave a shake of my head to let him know I was okay.

He sighed with relief. He grabbed my arms and helped me back to my feet. He examined my hands. The palms were a little scraped from my fall. I honestly had felt worse pain, so I didn't notice the injury.

Zuko requested one of the guards' canteens and the man handed it to him quickly. "You two go on ahead," Zuko ordered the guards. "Tell the chef to start some lunch. I'll get her back to the ship."

The men seemed hesitant. However, they bowed and left us to do as they were ordered to. Once they were gone, Zuko and I were in the woods alone.

He guided me over to a fallen log and made me sit for a second. He then held one of my hands out and poured some water from the canteen on one of the scratches. He did the same with my other hand. I didn't feel pain. I was only surprised that Prince Zuko was giving me medical attention.

He spoke as he released my hand. "We'll get these cleaned up better once we are back to the ship. Are your knees okay?"

I stared at him. I didn't answer. My whole life I had been told by my family that if the Fire Nation learned about me I would be killed. Yet here was the Fire Lord's son, trying to give me aid.

His generosity was so confusing. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

My voice was soft, but he heard my question. He kept his gaze from me as he stood and crossed his arms. He looked out towards the woods with confliction.

After a moment of thought, he finally let out a heavy breath. "I just want to help. You deserve to be happy."

His answer made my heart flutter again. My cheeks burned for some reason. I looked up and our gazes met one another again.

I gave another smile, and said sincerely, "Thank you… I… I think I am… happy…"

He seemed relieved to hear this. He held his hand out to me. "You'll probably be happier once you get some food. Let's get going. I'm hungry myself."

I stared at his hand for a moment. Then I slowly took it. As his warmth surrounded my grasp, I tightened my grip as peace fell through me. He helped me to my feet and started to guide me out of the forest again.

A blurry image of Mom came to me. She sat on our cot, her eyes shut as she felt her sadness start to take her. I had been taking a nap, and woke up to see a few tears on her cheek. I was four years old.

"Mommy… sad?"

My mom opened her eyes, surprised to hear me speak. She scooted over to where I was and I moved to sit in her lap. She brushed her fingers through my chin length black hair, and kissed me on the top of my head.

"I'm happy now that you're awake," she whispered.

"I'm happy mommy's happy!" I turned in her lap to smile up at her.

Her blue eyes stared into my own, and another tear fell. She gave a tight smile to try and hide her pain. "Good… all I want is for you to be happy, my sweet Amara."

A tear fell, but my small smile remained. I tightened my grip on Zuko's hand.

Happy… I'm happy mom… I wish you were here to see it…