The Tale of Amara

by faithy waithy

Amara... daughter of two nations. father: A Fire Nation Admiral. mother: an imprisoned waterbender from the South Pole. Her half-brother Zhao sees her as nothing but a mistake. Abused both physically and mentally for sixteen years, Amara begins to lose hope that she will ever know happiness... but then a tea loving man arrives and her life changes forever. Full summary inside

6. The Dual Bender

Chapter 6: The Dual Bender

More days had gone by since I was saved by the retired general named Iroh and his nephew Prince Zuko. As the days passed, I found that I was starting to trust my new friends more and more.

Also, I realized (especially the longer I got to know Zuko) the young prince was harmless. While he had moments where his temper flared, he would never actually hurt anyone. I could tell a lot of his frustration was from the Avatar. When the Avatar wasn't his focus though, Prince Zuko was really nice to me and even would offer to help me with my studies when Iroh was too busy for our lessons. Zuko confessed to me that he liked to give me company because he was bored often and I entertained him. I wasn't really sure if his reveal was a compliment, but I tried to take it as one.

The young prince was also super concerned about my mental state as well. Whenever I would start to become anxious about something, or retreat into a quiet shell, he would quickly believe it was his fault. I would reassure him that I was just trying to get used to things, it would take time, and that he had no reason to blame himself. His care warmed my heart though. His overprotectiveness was similar to Tu Lan in a way. Of course, his concern was also different… His actions kept making my heart do that weird flutter. I really didn't understand why I reacted in such a way to Zuko.

He had definitely revealed his overprotective nature the morning we neared Kyoshi Island. When we had arrived in the area that day to try and capture the Avatar, I had not been allowed to see the island. Zuko had told me to stay in my room for my safety, worried that if something went wrong I might get hurt.

"We'll let you know when you can come back on deck. It's not to punish you. I just want you safe," Zuko had said, moving his rice around in his bowl. "The Avatar is powerful. If you're up on deck and he attacks the ship you could be injured or killed."

Iroh, who was sipping his tea in the dining room where we were having our small breakfast, was amused by his nephew's concern. "I doubt the Avatar will hurt anyone, but you are probably right. It is best we be cautious and make sure she is safe."

After breakfast, Iroh escorted me to my room and told me to remain there until he returned. So while Zuko took some men on shore with the Komodo Rhinos to try and capture the Avatar, I remained in my room obediently. Iroh did send Tu Lan to give me company, feeling bad I was being confined to my room alone. He also wanted a guard with me to make sure I was safe if something did go wrong.

We seemed to have only been stopped for an hour, and then the ship started to move again. Tu Lan seemed as curious as I was about what had happened outside. When Iroh finally came to see us and explained the Avatar had escaped and we were pursuing him again, Tu Lan and I finally had our answer. While I was sorry Zuko still had not fulfilled his mission, I was happy I could finally leave my room.

I did not see Zuko the rest of that day. He was pouty from losing his target, and hiding in his room to mope. Iroh told me to just stay away from him until he was calmed down. He always went through this state when he lost battles.

That same day Ju finally removed my bandages. My wounds on my back were healed up enough to not reopen and become infected. I was so glad to have the reminder of Zhao's abuse off of me. The good thing about the marks being only on my back was that I hardly saw them.

This made the painful memories a little easier to push away.

After Ju took my bandages off, Iroh had spent the rest of the evening with me starting to teach me how to read and write. To begin he just taught me simple characters and what they said. He had me copy the characters with a quill and ink on a blank scroll.

"What you need to remember, Amara, is that there's no shame in not knowing how to read. It will take practice, but you will get it in time," Iroh had reassured.

I nodded and promised him that I would do my best.

The next day Zuko emerged like Iroh said he would. He had calmed from his frustration the day before and went back to focusing on his quest. He spent the next few mornings training in firebending. When I heard from Iroh that Zuko was doing this, I asked him if I could watch the sessions. Iroh was amused by my interest. He let me know I was welcome to watch at a distance as long as Zuko was comfortable with it. When I asked Zuko if it was okay he seemed hesitant.

"I… I guess… Just, try to stay quiet. I don't need to be… distracted…"

His comment confused me. Was I really that much of a distraction to him?

My face fell and I immediately went to change my mind to not get in his way, but he stopped me.

"Really," he said, rubbing the back of his neck as he stared down at his dinner. "It's okay. I'm just not used to an audience. But I'll get over it. Just stay your distance so you don't get hurt."

That next morning, I found a spot on deck at a distance to watch the lessons occur. I was very grateful that they let me sit up on deck and watch. I had never actually seen firebending without it being directed towards me, so it was a new experience to watch the form of bending without fear. As Zuko practiced on deck, Iroh would be his trainer. I could see Iroh was very mastered at the skill.

Zuko appeared to be a master as well. He had so much skill and technique. I envied his abilities, and his strength. I wanted to be strong and skilled like him.

One evening after I watched Zuko practice, I asked Tu Lan— who had come to check on me in my room— if revealing I was a firebender was okay.

He had been about to leave, but stopped at the door upon hearing my question. He thought about it for a moment. Then he sighed. "I suppose as long as you just tell them you're a firebender for now that's fine. While I don't believe they'll be upset if they learn you can bend two elements, it's best we be cautious."

To calm his concerns, I promised him I would only reveal my one ability until the time was right.

Sitting on deck again atop my crate, I watched once more as Zuko practiced his bending. Two of the crewmen were helping him train by sparring with him. Iroh gave Zuko direction as the young prince shot more fire at his opponents.

"Remember, Prince Zuko," Iroh began. "It's all in the breath. Not the muscle. Focus."

As Iroh taught Zuko, I tried to take his teachings and bury them into my own mind. I had never realized that firebending relied so greatly on the breath. I was learning so much from my observation. However, I really wanted to put the knowledge into action. I itched to bend so terribly.

Eventually the practice ended. The two guards who had sparred with Zuko went off to go clean up. Zuko put his shirt back on, which he had taken off since the air and sun was a little warmer in our current location. When I had first seen him with his shirt off upon arriving on deck an hour ago, I had been amazed by just how strong he really was. He had a lot more muscles than I expected. For some reason, my heart fluttered harder as I took in his body. I really did not understand why I reacted the way I did to this prince.

Once Zuko was dressed, he walked back over to where I was perched on a small crate to watch. I automatically held the flask towards him like I did in the last few days. Iroh had told me my one job was to make Zuko drink water after his training. Since the young prince couldn't refuse my gesture, he took the flask and quickly hydrated.

"You're really talented," I spoke softly. It was the first time I had actually commented on his firebending in the days I had been watching. "You must've learned at a really young age..."

He was surprised by my compliment. His cheeks went a little red. "Uh… thanks." He thought for a moment. "I started at about seven… a little later than other firebenders in the royal family. But I tried to learn really fast and was able to catch on."

Iroh overheard as he stepped over. "Yes. You were a late bloomer, but you are by far more powerful than any firebender I know, Prince Zuko. Firebending is not just strength. It's control. Your sister has the strength part but lacks control. You need both to be a master, and you have that nephew."

Zuko smiled with gratitude at his uncle's reassurance. "Well… I do have a good teacher."

I thought for a moment. I knew there was a risk, but I wanted to trust them. Over the time I had been on their ship, none of them had lifted a hand on me. I had not been hurt by anyone since Zhao's beating. I knew deep in my heart that my saviors would not hurt me if they found out what I could do. As long as I just revealed one ability, then what was the harm? They were both firebenders… they would understand...

I dropped my gaze and gripped the edge of my crate. I finally found my courage. "Will you teach me?"

There was a silence that followed after I spoke. I looked up and met Zuko's confused gaze. I saw Iroh smile though, as if he had known my secret all along.

Zuko finally asked, "Teach you what?"

My heart accelerated. "Um… How… to firebend…"

Zuko was still confused. "Well… you kind of have to be connected to the element in order to learn."

A bit nervous, I let out a shaky breath. I slid off the crate and stood in front of them both. Holding my palm face up, I concentrated on the energy I had a hard time controlling. Finally, I manipulated the heat and a small flame appeared above my palm.

As the fire danced, I heard Zuko gasp. I met his gaze again to see he was astonished by my ability. My hand started to ache and the flame extinguished. I crossed my arms self-consciously. "I found out I could firebend before my mom died… I was told never to show my family… I've hidden it from everyone but Tu Lan." My heart was still pounding heavily. "But… I trust you both, and I want to learn as much as I can now that I finally have the chance."

Zuko was quiet in amazement, his mouth slightly open due to my reveal.

However, Iroh was thrilled. "Fascinating! I've never known someone without gold tinted eyes who has the gift! I wondered if you were a bender, but I did not want to pressure you to tell me. Excellent though! We can definitely work on building your strength and teaching you some things!"

Iroh's enthusiasm made my pounding heart calm. I felt relieved. No harm had been done. I was not going to be punished or killed for revealing my one ability. It felt as though another burden was lifted off of me.

Zuko finally asked, "Why did you hide this?"

His question made me grimace. "I… I had to. Mom and Tu Lan were worried if my family found out they would kill me. I was already hated by Zhao and Uncle Xi… It was better to not show them… They may have seen me as a threat…" My eyes watered a bit. "They killed my mom because she was a waterbender. They were worried she would try and fight back one day… I was afraid they would do the same to me if they knew the truth. I also promised my mom before she died that I would keep it secret..."

My answer made both Zuko and Iroh frown. They always were saddened when I spoke to them about my past.

"Okay," Zuko spoke after a moment. He gave me a small smile. "If you want to learn, you can start by coming to my morning warm ups before my actual training sessions. I do very basic breathing exercises and small bending techniques, so it will be a good place for you to start."

His suggestion filled me with excitement. My heart jumped. They were going to let me learn? I was going to learn firebending!

"Yes. Excellent idea. We will start tomorrow," Iroh spoke. "Today, we focus on your reading though." He glanced over at his nephew. "Go take a break, Prince Zuko. We will see you at dinner tonight."

Zuko nodded. "I'm going to speak to the captain about our heading first." Before he left, he stopped and stared at my hair which I had left down in my haste to get up on deck. "Make sure you put your hair up tomorrow. We don't need you accidentally setting it on fire."

As he walked away, my mouth opened slightly in shock. Then I crossed my arms with a huff. I wasn't that clumsy!

Iroh laughed at my reaction and explained, "That's just his nice way of telling you he thinks you're pretty with your hair up. I agree. I like being able to see your face better too."

Eventually we got back down below deck to my room. We sat at the low table where we usually did, and Iroh started to teach me where we had left off the day before. As I learned more characters and what they meant, I tried my best to retain the information. Memorizing the symbols and what they stood for would definitely take me time, but I was determined.

We were brought tea and lunch at noon by Jing, so we took a small break from my studies. As we sat across from one another, drinking our tea and eating our steamed rice, Iroh spoke about what I revealed to him two hours before.

"Tell me… How did you learn you were a firebender?"

I stared at my rice as I recalled the day I first shot fire. "It was an accident... Mom and I were in our room. A Ratsnake managed to slip in through one of the openings in the attic, and Tu Lan came in to try and kill it. He missed it, and the creature tried to attack us. I threw my hand out and a flame appeared. At first, I guess it came out in my panic. Over time, I figured out how to manipulate the energy in the air and bend a little. I've had a weak connection to it… I think that's because I've been too scared I'd be caught if I tried."

He nodded as he reflected on what I said. "Well… one thing we need to work on then is stopping that fear. You don't need to keep secrets like that anymore, especially from me. If there's ever anything you're scared to tell me, then don't be. I will never think poorly of you, dear."

I gave a small nod. I dropped my gaze though. As much as I wanted to trust Iroh and tell him I could waterbend too, I knew Tu Lan was right: It was best to be cautious. There was no such thing as a dual bender. The Avatar was the only exception from what I understood. Although I wanted to learn waterbending just as much as firebending, I knew I had to keep this one secret between Tu Lan and myself.

Iroh suddenly stood and left the room for a moment, telling me he would be right back. He returned a few minutes later, and sat back at his spot placing a bowl of water between us. I was confused by his actions.

He did not explain the purpose of the water, and instead asked with a twinkle in his eye, "Your mother must've been surprised she had a firebender as a child?"

I was still puzzled by his recent actions with the bowl of water, but answered with a small nod, "She was… but she encouraged me to try and learn when we were alone. She didn't want me to see my ability as something bad. She taught me some things when she could..."

My mind traveled away then back to the past. I thought of the day I learned I was a waterbender too.

Tu Lan stood on the other side of the door, making sure no one else entered. My mother had just used a bucket of cold water to wash some of the dirt off her skin with a torn rag. My father was coming home today from his mission, and we were ordered by Zhao to look 'alive' and clean up.

Once my mom was done cleaning what she could, she moved on to try and wash me off as well. Since I was only four, I was small enough to fit in the bucket that a male servant had brought to us. Mom wanted to give me an actual bath, and I whimpered as soon as the cold water hit my bare skin.

"It's cold mommy," I whined.

She looked at me with sadness. "I know sweetie, but I'll try to be quick."

She lifted some of the water with her bending and went to dump it over my head. I panicked knowing the cold would be coming soon. I threw my hands up. I felt a surge of energy and was suddenly connected to the particles above. I shot the water away from my mothers control.

She gasped as she watched the stream follow my arms and shoot across the room. As the water hit the floorboards, my mother's eyes were open in bewilderment. She quickly lifted the water back up before it fell through the cracks into the lower floor below. As she brought the water back, she returned it to the bucket. Then she stared at me for a long time.

I whimpered and my eyes watered. I was worried she was mad at me. "I… I don't want to be cold."

However, my mother was not mad at my defiance. She was shocked. "Sweetie… You're a waterbender."

I looked at her again with confusion. "No… I'm a firebender, mommy."

She continued to stare at me with amazement. Then she smiled widely as her shock turned to pride. "You are truly a gift, Amara." She brushed her thumb on my cheek where a tear fell. She was in tears herself. "You are a bender of two elements… My daughter is truly one of a kind." She moved forward and kissed me on the cheek. As she pulled away, she whispered, "You are so special. I hope one day you escape and show the world just how wonderful you are."

Her acceptance calmed my tears. "We escape together."

She pressed her forehead to my own. "I hope so, my love…"

"Amara," Iroh suddenly said, bringing me back to present. I looked back at where he sat cross-legged in front of me. The bowl of water was still between us. "Are you alright?"

I felt a tear slide down my cheek. I wiped it quickly. I nodded. "Sorry… I just was thinking about my mom…"

He seemed to understand. "Your mother would be so happy to see where you have come in the last few days." He sighed. "I'm certain there's more that you are afraid to reveal though. You know that you can trust me and tell me anything, right?"

His question made me drop my gaze again. My eyes stared at the water in front of me. My heart twisted. I didn't know if I should… I told Tu Lan that I would only reveal one… I didn't want to break my word...

"I can see there's something else you want to tell me, but you're scared that you'll be punished for it. Killed even..."

It was like he was reading my mind. I looked up at him in surprise.

He tapped the water with his finger and a small ripple shot from the disturbance on the surface. "One thing I hope you understand is that anything you say to me will stay between us. You can tell me what you desire to reveal, and you will be safe. Telling your secret will actually help you get over this block and become more powerful in your bending."

His perception was amazing. Did he know?! Did Tu Lan tell him? Or was he really just that smart he guessed it?

I swallowed. "I… I do want to tell you. But Tu Lan… he told me it might not be a good idea."

Iroh gave a sad smile, lifting his hand from the bowl and meeting my gaze with his deep gold orbs. "He's right to be cautious, but you don't have to fear me. Also, I've already known for some time the secret you are frightened to reveal."

His statement astounded me. "You… have?"

He nodded. "I am a bit more connected to spiritual things than others. With this connection comes a knowledge of the elements as well. I can sense the energy inside you, Amara. I can tell that you are connected to more than one element. I've sensed it from the day I met you." He moved the bowl closer to me. "And your mother was a waterbender. It would only make sense you have her gift as well."

I stared at the water. My hand twitched to lift the element. I tried to restrain myself. I spoke softly. Hesitantly. "If… by chance I could bend two elements… this wouldn't be a bad thing?"

"It is not bad," Iroh tried to reassure me. "But I will say at the moment it's best only Tu Lan and I know. Tu Lan is right that others may see your dual bending as a threat. Being both a waterbender and a firebender is definitely unheard of. I fear Zuko may not take the news as well as I do either."

My heart skipped when Iroh admitted that he knew about my double bending ability. The secret was out now. There was no turning back. What would Iroh do with this information? I wanted to trust him so much, but I was still getting to know him day by day. While he was no longer a stranger to me, he was still the brother of the Fire Lord. Zhao had always told me if the Fire Nation royal family learned of my existence I would be killed… Now a member of the Fire Nation royal family knew something my brother didn't even know...

Iroh noticed I was becoming anxious. "No worries, Amara. As I said earlier, you have nothing to fear from me knowing this knowledge. I am glad you finally had the courage to tell us you are a firebender today. One day soon, I hope you can reveal to others you are a waterbender as well. For now, we will keep your waterbending a secret. But I've brought this out into the open because I want to teach you waterbending as well. I may not be able to bend the element, but I can show you proper forms to help you learn the skill more. I can tell you are eager to know how. Since water is not as destructive as fire, we can learn in your room so others do not know."

His offer calmed my racing heart. The last of my burdens fell from me. It was finally out. My secret was revealed to someone else who could actually teach me and help me grow in my abilities. I felt suddenly light. I felt so free. I felt like the last chain of my past was finally broken.

I smiled widely. I moved my hand forward, found the connection, and lifted the water from the bowl. I swirled it in the air and my heart soared.

Iroh watched me move the water in the air with contentment. He was happy to see me finally show who I truly was.

"Try to make a flame too," Iroh suddenly said. "See if you can bend them both at once."

His voice almost made me drop the water. I managed to keep control though. His suggestion made me fill with determination.

I held up the palm of the hand I wasn't using to bend the liquid. I concentrated on both the water and the energy above my hand. A flame formed finally. My eyes and smile widened. As I manipulated the two elements at once, I brought my water to the flame and swirled a small stream around the dancing heat. My two elements met for the first time ever. I felt whole.

I had never smiled so much in my life. Excitement had taken me over. I felt like I was safe… like I was a child with my mom again. She had encouraged my bending, and now Iroh was doing the same.

"Look! I'm doing it! I'm bending them both at once!"

As I watched the water circle the flame more, I felt like a new person. I didn't feel like the caged girl I once knew. I was so free...

"Yes," Iroh spoke with satisfaction. "You are. And I can see now you are destined for greatness, Amara."

I felt my heart warm by his words. Then a question came to my mind. I put the water back in the bowl and doused my flame. My racing heart calmed.

"So… I'm really the only bender of two elements you've heard of?"

Iroh seemed to ponder over my question. "There are some people of the Fire Nation who can control and create lightning, but fire and lightning come from a similar source. As far as I'm aware, the Avatar is the only being who can bend more than one of the four elements. However, there have also not been many cases of children born of two nations due to the war. So there is a possibility that someone who can bend more than one element does exist, but they are remaining in hiding like you were forced to. However, I pray you will have the chance to reveal your true abilities very soon."

I nodded. I stared back at the bowl in front of me. I prayed he was right.

The next morning, I put my hair up with a ribbon in a tight ponytail and rushed up on deck with excitement. The sun was rising, and this was typically the time Zuko would begin his warm ups. As I came up on deck, Zuko was already there with Iroh. They were having tea and some breakfast which they did before every training session.

"Amara! Good Morning! Come have a little something to eat and then we will start practice," Iroh said.

I headed over and took a spot beside Zuko. Iroh handed me a cup of tea, and I sipped it quickly. My guardian was amused by my excitement. He could see I was ready to learn.

"Eat your eggs. You need some fuel before we start." He pushed the plate closer to me. I wasn't really hungry, but I knew I would be scolded by Iroh if I didn't eat. I took a few bites, and saw I had eaten enough to satisfy him.

"Wow…" Zuko commented, watching me as he ate another piece of his egg. "You are really excited about this, aren't you?"

I felt my face burn. I put my chopsticks down and crossed my arms self-consciously. "I've always wanted to learn firebending. I want to be able to fight and defend myself." I stared down at my half-eaten meal. "And to be able to stop Zhao if he tries to hurt me again…"

I dropped my arms but only so I could tighten my hands into fists. Determination filled inside me.

"I'm not a prisoner anymore… and I want to be powerful enough to never become one again."

I glanced back at Zuko to see his reaction to my answer. He looked at me with admiration. He gave me a nod and became determined himself.

"We'll teach you as much as we can." He narrowed his eyes. "But no matter what, uncle and I will protect you too. I'll do my best to make sure Zhao doesn't hurt you again."

His promise made my heart flutter again. I believed him. I gave him a smile, my face suddenly heating up, and said softly, "Thank you."

A few moments later, I sat in front of Zuko as he meditated for a moment and focused on his breathing. His eyes were shut, and he breathed evenly in and out. I tried to copy him. I let my breath flow through me, trying to stay in synchronization with Zuko's own breaths. I shut my eyes and could feel the energy flow through me with each breath. Iroh was right: breathing did help me feel connected to my energy more.

When we were finally done meditating, Zuko showed me the proper stance for firebending. I copied him the best I could. Iroh stepped over and moved my arms to adjust my errors. Zuko smirked when he saw my embarrassment from my mistake.

"You'll get it," he reassured. "Just keep watching me."

I gave a small nod.

Once I had the proper stance, Iroh stepped back and Zuko showed me some arm movements. I tried to copy him the best I could, and found I was catching on pretty well.

Then he shot his hand forward and a flame burst from his palm. The fire was powerful and controlled. I tried to follow him, breathing as he did and shooting my hand forward. I felt the energy and a small burst of fire shot from my palm. It was in no way as powerful as Zuko's, but it was a start.

"Excellent!" Iroh exclaimed. "I want you to stick to that move for now, Amara."

I did. I practiced the move over and over again. I shot with one palm, and then switched over to the other. Zuko had stopped warming up now, and was watching me with intrigue. As I shot more fire, I saw from the corner of my eyes that a few of the crew had gathered to watch. They must've heard I was a firebender and wanted to see if the rumor was true.

Tu Lan was there as well with the small crowd. He smiled at me when I looked his way. He nodded to let me know he was proud of me. I smiled to let him know I was enjoying myself.

Turning my attention back to practice, I shot another flame, I watched as the heat and light burst before me; it was stronger than before.

I could already feel a change in me. I could feel with each minute I showed my true self, my strength and determination was growing.

One day soon, I hoped to personally show Zhao that he had been wrong all along: My birth was not a mistake. I was not worthless. I was not a freak.

I was Amara: A daughter of Water and Fire. A dual bender.