Chapter 9: The Heirloom

Amara POV

Limping through the hall, I was as quiet as I could manage without being caught. The sun was starting to rise. I could feel my firebending grow as the day returned. At night, I usually felt my connection to water grow with the appearance of the moon. My connection to two elements definitely was a benefit when it came to telling time, especially on a dark ship.

My right ankle pulsed, and I faltered as pain shot through my leg. The firm gauze wrapped around it was definitely giving it support, but the damage was not going to heal in one night. Trying to move forward again, I told myself that my pain would be worth it in the end. I was finally going to see Tu Lan. After a whole day of being kept from him, I was determined to make it to him.

When I woke up a few hours after my panic attack, Zuko was in my room sitting against the wall by my low table. He was flipping through one of the books he had gotten me a few days ago. He had washed up from our adventure in the woods earlier that day and wore a plain red shirt and some black pants. When he heard me stir, he looked over at me and I saw he was uncertain about something. He let out a heavy sigh, and stood to approach me. He picked up a tray with some rice and fish from the low table, and came over to me slowly. I sat up, thinking his caution was probably because of my emotional breakdown earlier. He urged me to eat some dinner, avoiding my eyes.

I stared at the plate that he was extending towards me. I took it slowly, asking softly, "Where's Iroh?"

Zuko answered, "He went to go check on Tu Lan. He asked me to be here when you woke up... He'll be down here soon. Eat." He turned to head back to where he had been sitting.

I stared at my food with dismay. "Is… Tu Lan really okay?"

I looked up to see if Zuko was still walking away. He had stopped though, and looked back at me. He seemed to hesitate in answering my question. Instead, he asked, "Are you feeling better?"

His diversion from my question made me worry more, but I knew I had to answer him. His concern made my heart do that weird flutter. I dropped my gaze in embarrassment. "Yes… I'm sorry for earlier… I think I was still in shock from this morning and lost it."

Zuko didn't respond. I looked up at him wondering what was wrong. His eyes burned into my own with amazement. "You're... a…" He stopped. He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, shutting his eyes. "Nevermind…" He let out a heavy breath and met my gaze again. "I'm glad you're feeling better. Eat. I'll go let Uncle know you're awake."

After Zuko left me, I stared at my food with confusion. Something was on Zuko's mind… He looked like he wanted to ask me something, but he seemed to be holding back. I decided if it was important then he would ask me when he was ready. My thoughts became distracted again with images of my injured friend.

When Iroh arrived a few minutes after Zuko left, I apologized to him as well for my insanity. He scolded me for apologizing.

"Amara… You were attacked this morning and almost forced back to Zhao; I'm surprised you didn't panic sooner. Physician Ju said it was a delayed reaction to the shock. You had time to think about everything… But it's all in the past. Zhao did not succeed in his attempt at retrieving you, and you are safe again."

I nodded. I stared at my untouched meal which was resting in my lap.

"You should eat. You haven't had anything since this morning. Food will help you feel better," he insisted.

I picked up my chopsticks but just moved a few pieces of rice. "Zuko said you went to see Tu Lan… can I go see him? I'm so worried…"

Iroh sighed. "It's late. Physician Ju wants you to stay in bed and rest. I'll speak to Tu Lan in the morning and see if he wants us to bring you to him."

I was confused. "Does… he not want to see me?"

"It's not that, Amara," he promised. "You've both just been through a lot. It's important everyone rests tonight and we start the day fresh tomorrow." His eyes moved to my food which I still hadn't touched. "Eat. You'll concern Tu Lan if you starve yourself. You don't want that, do you?"

I frowned and shook my head. I took a few bites to satisfy everyone. But I really wasn't hungry. I wanted to see Tu Lan...

All through the night, I sensed there was something else going on with Tu Lan that no one would tell me. I couldn't sleep as my thoughts raced with horrible possibilities. I knew he wasn't dead, but was he burned so terribly that they had to amputate his hands? Was he dying? Did he lose his memory? After inquiring about Tu Lan so much and not receiving answers, I finally decided I would have to find my own. So, knowing Iroh and Zuko were asleep, I made my move.

After what felt like a lifetime of limping slowly through the halls and down some stairs, I finally made it to the area where I knew Tu Lan's room was. Stepping towards the one that was his, I was surprised to see the door was slightly open. Voices came from inside. I slowly inched to the opening so I could listen.

"Your burns are healing well," Physician Ju spoke. "It's your back I'm still concerned about. Have you sensed any change this morning?"

I heard Tu Lan answer, "No… still nothing. I fear you're right Physician Ju. I'm starting to believe it's best I go to the Fire Nation for further care. My sister and her family live in the Capital City so they can help me out while I'm being treated."

"I know you do not want to leave the ship due to Amara, but if you're going to possibly get movement back then a better equipped medical facility is your best bet."

There was a small pause. Then Tu Lan asked, "How is she?"

"She's... recovering... She was a bit in shock from yesterday's events, but we managed to calm her with some medicine. Her ankle is damaged, but it would seem she got very lucky."

Tu Lan let out a breath of relief. "Good… I'm so glad to hear… is it true the Avatar was the one to save her?"

"Yes… Prince Zuko went back out yesterday to search the woods again after hearing from her that the boy was nearby. They found his campsite but the Avatar was fleeing just as they arrived. We've started a course along the coast again."

"Seems we owe the Avatar our gratitude for saving her… has she asked about me?"

"Every chance she gets… She's worried about you," Ju spoke. "The very minute she got back on the ship she begged to see you."

He sighed heavily. "She's been like a daughter to me… I've been with her since she was born. Leaving her won't be easy." He paused for a moment, and then spoke with sadness. "But I won't be able to protect her in my current state so this is for the best. I've done what I can for her… My only goal was to get her away from her Fire Nation family, and I accomplished that. She has to learn how to be without me."

I didn't understand what was wrong with him. His condition was so bad that Physician Ju couldn't help him? He was going back to the Fire Nation? He was leaving me on a ship I'd only been aboard for a few weeks?

He couldn't leave me… he… he promised he'd look out for me… he couldn't leave me with people I barely knew!

My heart pounded painfully. I finally moved from my hiding and barged into the room. "No! You can't go!"

The two men in the room were stunned by my sudden presence. Tu Lan was on his cot on the floor, his body propped up by a mass of pillows. His shirt was off and his torso was covered by bandages. Both of his hands were wrapped as well. Physician Ju stood from where he knelt beside Tu Lan, bewildered by my presence.

"What are you doing here? I told you to stay in bed." Physician Ju stepped over to me with caution, reaching for my arm. He seemed nervous to touch me. He probably was worried I would go into a state of panic again.

I recoiled from his touch, and kept my gaze on Tu Lan. "I… I don't understand. Why do you have to leave?" My heartbeat quickened. "What's wrong?"

Tu Lan shut his eyes with a sigh. "Amara…" He met my gaze again. "Please calm down… you're going to put yourself in a panic."

I realized only after he said this that my breathing was uneven. I calmed down enough to breathe steady again. I heard Physician Ju let out a sigh of relief from nearby.

"Come sit down," Tu Lan said. He looked over at the man who still seemed nervous. "It's okay. Let her stay for a little bit. Dragging her out will make things worse."

Physician Ju let out a deep breath. "Yes… We don't need her to get upset... I'll be right back." He then looked at me. "If you're going to disregard my orders then please sit down. You're not helping your ankle standing on it like that."

Once Ju was gone, shutting the door behind, I stepped over to Tu Lan with worry. I carefully sat, crossing my legs which definitely made my ankle ache. I ignored the pain though as I focused on my friend.

Tu Lan gave a small smile as he saw me for the first time since the attack. "Amara… It's good to see you're okay. I was so worried about you when I woke up in the woods and didn't see you. I feared you were captured and being forced back to Zhao. They told me when they came back for me that you were safe though… I was so relieved to hear."

I put my hand on Tu Lan's arm as tears started to fall. "What's wrong with you? Why do you have to go back to the Fire Nation? Ju said you need further treatment."

He frowned. He brought his bandaged hand up so his unwrapped thumb could brush a tear on my cheek. "I want you to make me a promise before I tell you," he said. "Can you promise me something?"

I swallowed and nodded.

He dropped his hand. "Promise me that you won't blame yourself for this… I know you Amara. You think the attack yesterday is your fault. I can see the guilt weighing you down. Iroh told me you kept apologizing yesterday for what happened. Don't you dare blame yourself for that man attacking us… Zhao is the only guilty party. You were a victim. You understand that, right?"

I shut my eyes. I shook my head. "But it is my fault… he only attacked you because of me. If I wasn't there, you would've been fine. It's all—"

"Amara," Tu Lan spoke firmly. "Stop. Look at me."

My throat caught, cutting my voice off. I looked at his face again.

He spoke to me with a gentle tone to keep me calm. "The moment I turned against Zhao and told Iroh about you, I put a huge target on my own back. I knew the risk of turning against my commanding officer. Zhao could've decided to kill me then and there for my defiance. You are not to blame for any of this. From the beginning, this was never you or your mother's fault. Kala was cruelly enslaved and you were born in a cage… you were born a victim… your Fire Nation family are the culprits. Zhao is the guilty party. So, I don't want you to say it's your fault again. Do you understand?"

I gave a small nod. I wiped my eyes, embarrassed by my breakdown beside the injured soldier. "Okay… I'm sorry… Just please… tell me… what's wrong?"

He sighed. "I don't want to lie to you, Amara… When I was thrown by the firebender yesterday, I hit my back hard. Ju believes I damaged something in my spine. I haven't been able to move my legs since I woke up after you were taken. He thinks if I go to the Capital's medical facility then the physicians there may be able to help me restore my movement. There have been paralyzed soldiers who have regained their mobility after treatment there in the past."

My eyes widened. My heart skipped. "You… can't walk?"

"It could be temporary… or permanent," he spoke softly. "I'm only sorry that I was too weak yesterday to fully protect you. When I was hired by your father, I had minimal training in combat. I was an estate guard for twenty years, and even when I went with you to the Earth Kingdom I was still just an untrained soldier. I honestly knew when I fought yesterday that I would most likely lose. My goal was just to stall him long enough for the others to get back. I failed in protecting you, Amara. I'm sorry."

I shook my head. "No… you didn't fail… I'm okay." I hung my head. "But… I may have put a bigger target on my back. I was mad he hurt you, and I used firebending to try and stop him from attacking you again. He's going back to Zhao, and I'm certain my brother will know about my ability soon."

Tu Lan let out a heavy breath. "I suppose eventually he would've found the truth." He met my gaze again. "But as long as you stay with Iroh then this news will do him no good. When we reach the Fire Nation colony tomorrow, they are going to arrange my transportation back into the Fire Nation. Once I'm gone, I want you to stay with General Iroh and Prince Zuko for your protection. Zhao would not dare attack the Fire Lord's brother and son. Promise me you will stay with them… I want you to be safe."

I shut my eyes again and argued. "I… I've never been without you, Tu Lan. I… I want to go with you! Mom told me as long as you're with me I'll be safe!"

"You know you can't… and I won't let you," he softly said. "You won't find your Water Tribe family in the Fire Nation."

I argued. "I'm not going to find them on this ship either! How do I know Iroh is really trying to help me? I… I still don't know these people… I've only been with them for a few weeks."

"I need you to trust them, Amara. Please… Iroh is a good man. He will protect you. And Prince Zuko cares about you. I can see he wants to help you just as much as his uncle does. You need to be patient… they will help you find your family. They will take care of you when I'm gone."

I whimpered. "What… what if I find them and my family doesn't want me? I'm Fire Nation…"

He smiled and brushed another tear. "They will. You look so much like your mother, Amara. They can't believe you aren't her daughter. And you are the sweetest soul I know. They will love you. It's all going to work out in the end. Please… just stay strong for me."

I nodded. "I… I'm just going to miss you… you've been like a father to me..."

Tu Lan placed his bandaged hand on my head to calm me as I started to cry. "I know… I'll miss you too."

Tu Lan had been a part of my life for sixteen years. Even after my mom died, he remained under my family's authority to comfort me and be there for me. He had tended my wounds after my beatings. He had been my friend in the darkest times. I didn't know how to be without him. Even on this ship he had always been nearby if I needed him.

But I knew I couldn't be selfish. I knew he was right… if he was that injured, his health was what mattered the most. If the Fire Nation was the best place for him to get the treatment he needed, I knew I would have to let him go. But it hurt… Tu Lan was family... I couldn't imagine him not being with me…

The door opened behind me. I heard steps enter. I cried harder, knowing they were here to take me away from him.

"Tu Lan," Iroh spoke. "Physician Ju told me she was here. I did not realize she had left her room this morning."

"It's alright, Sir. Keeping her away probably wasn't the best idea. I told her everything…"

"Yes. She would've found a way here somehow," Iroh agreed. "I spoke with the captain. We'll be making it to the port by tomorrow morning. I've sent a messenger hawk to my connection at the colony. Transportation should be ready for you by the time we arrive."

"Thank you, General Iroh… I'm sorry it came to this. I appreciate you taking me on as your crew."

Iroh reassured him. "You are a brave man, Tu Lan. I am the one that owes you thanks for protecting her yesterday. Do not stress over anything right now. Get some rest. You'll have a long trip tomorrow."

I whimpered. He really was leaving... I was so scared to have to say goodbye.

"Amara… go get some rest," Tu Lan whispered. "I'll see you tomorrow before I go. I promise."

I shook my head. "I want to stay."

"I know you do… but I want you to take care of yourself right now. You look like you barely slept last night. Please go rest. I'm not going anywhere today."

I felt Iroh's familiar hand on my arm. "Come on… Tu Lan needs to sleep, Amara. And you need to put your ankle up."

I shook my head again. I didn't move.

A heavy breath echoed in the room. "Let me, Uncle."

Iroh let my arm go with a deep sigh. "Okay, Prince Zuko… just be careful."

I felt Zuko's arm slide behind my back. "Amara… come on."

I kept my eyes shut. My heart was in too much pain. Just like I had failed to protect my mom, I had now failed to protect Tu Lan.

Zuko suddenly moved his other arm under my legs. I gasped as I was lifted from the floor. Once I left the floor though, I realized that I was indeed exhausted. I was physically and mentally defeated. I dropped my head against Zuko's shoulder, still crying as he started to carry me out of the room.

Iroh spoke as I was carried away. "We'll take care of her, Tu Lan. Get some rest."

I felt my heart ache the further Zuko carried me from my friend. Zhao was still torturing me, even when I was miles from him. Zhao's hire had hurt Tu Lan… Zhao had won again…

As long as he was alive, I would never truly be free from him.

Third Person POV

A guard stepped up to the steel door in the dim hall of the Fire Nation ship and knocked softly. A man with disheveled black hair and a bruise on his forehead stood behind him in waiting. His arms were crossed and his face held a scowl.

"Enter," a cold voice spoke from beyond the door.

The guard opened the door and the bounty hunter stepped through with narrowed gold eyes. He entered into the large room where Commander Zhao was staring at maps while he was seated at a wooden desk. Zhao's eyes stayed on his task as the man stepped closer. The door shut, closing the two men in together.

Zhao rolled the map he was analyzing back into a scroll, and then looked up at the man before him. "From your disheveled appearance, and empty hands, I can only assume you did not bring my dear sister back to me? I can see my money went to good use."

The bounty hunter scowled. "You paid me to retrieve a weak child. You said the task would be simple. Once I had the girl separated from the prince and his uncle, all I had to do was grab her and go." He stomped forward to come directly in front of the desk. "You didn't say anything about my target being a firebender!"

The man's words echoed through the room. Zhao stared at him with confusion. "A firebender? What are you talking about? My sister is not a firebender. I think I would've known that! You fool! You tried to go after the wrong girl!"

The man scowled. "Fool? Me? You told me she was a girl with black hair and blue eyes. Part Water Tribe and Fire Nation. The girl I found in the woods was named Amara! She was with a guard named Tu Lan. Prince Zuko was there, and I tricked him to go after the Avatar to get her alone. The girl was your sister, and she was a firebender! You didn't pay me to apprehend a bender!"

He smashed his hand on Zhao's desk, and moved it away to reveal a blue ribbon: the one that had fallen from the girl's hair when he tried to shove her head in the pond.

Zhao was stunned. His fists clenched. It was true…? Amara had been keeping secrets? His sister was a firebender all this time?!

He grit his teeth. "Clearly this changes things. If she is a firebender, then she will be much more difficult to control." He stood and placed his hands behind his back as he turned from the man. "I suppose I'll have to increase the bounty… and find the best."

The bounty hunter scowled. "Is she really worth all of this trouble?"

Zhao growled and looked at the man with fury. "Of course she is! If word ever spreads about that freak, I could lose everything I have worked so hard to achieve!" He narrowed his eyes. "Your services are no longer required. Clearly, my dear sister Amara has become more of a challenge than I believed."

The man scowled. "Fine. You didn't pay me enough anyway! But just so you're aware, Prince Zuko knows you hired me! He said one more attack on the girl and they'll tell everyone about your father's crimes! You've been warned, Commander Zhao!"

The man turned and left. He slammed the door behind him. Once he was gone, Zhao shot fire from his fists in rage. "Damn it!" He started to pace, panic rising in him. Clearly he would have to tread lightly. He couldn't send people to attack the retired General's ship, or attack the Fire Lord's son. Nothing could tie back to him or his honor would be on the line.

But he also did not like that he had lost to the Fire Lord's brother and son. The thought sickened him. He would get his sister back somehow. Amara would not escape him that easily.

He grabbed another scroll from his desk and opened it. The portrait of his father stared back at him. His graying black hair in a tight topknot, fine Admiral armor, and determined gold eyes was everything Zhao wanted to be.

"Your daughter is threatening our family name… but don't worry, father. I'll get that brat back. And this time, I'll make sure she never sees the light of day again!"

Amara POV

The hour had come. It had been over a day since I snuck to Tu Lan's room. We had reached the Fire Nation Colony's port and Tu Lan's transportation was ready to take him back into the Fire Nation. Tu Lan requested to see me one last time in his room before some of the crew members helped to carry him off the ship. Iroh asked Zuko to escort me there, and we both arrived to find Tu Lan where I had left him the day before.

He was dressed, and the bandages on his hands had just been removed by Ju when Zuko and I reached his room. I was not crying anymore. I was trying to put on my brave face for him. I wanted him to leave knowing I was okay.

Once I was in the room, Zuko grabbed the door to shut it and give us privacy. "I'll be right outside," he muttered. His eyes looked over to Tu Lan then. "We'll take care of her."

Tu Lan nodded. "Yes. I know you will, Prince Zuko. Thank you."

Zuko shut the door then, leaving Tu Lan and I alone. I stepped over to him and sat down carefully.

"How is your ankle feeling?"

I shrugged, fiddling with my fingers as my heart quickened. "It's… better. Still sore. But I'm going to try and resume firebending practice tomorrow… I want… to become stronger." I looked at his unwrapped hands. I could see the raw pink flesh from his burns. My face twisted in agony for my friend.

He tried to reassure me. "Hey. You can't go into battle without some scars. They're healing well." He reached for my hand and grasped it to give me comfort. "I'm just glad you're feeling better. I wanted to see you before I left. I've been wanting to discuss something with you for a while actually."

I looked at him with curiosity. He pointed across the room at his small pack by the door. "Bring that to me, would you?"

I nodded and managed to stand. I limped over and grabbed the bag. It wasn't too heavy, so I easily carried it back over to him and set it down beside him. I took my place again, watching as he started to rummage through the bag. After a moment, he found what he was looking for. He pulled out something wrapped in a silk red handkerchief.

"When Kala was first brought to the Fire Nation, she begged your father to let her keep a possession she had on her. He agreed. However, she feared Zhao and your Uncle would not be as kind, and so after getting to know me for a few weeks, she begged me to hold on to this for her to protect it. When you were born, she told me to give it to you when you were finally safe from your father's family. I wanted to give it to you earlier, but I guess I didn't know when the right time was."

He unwrapped the handkerchief to reveal a blue choker necklace with a stone charm. The charm had an intricate design of water swirls carved into it.

"Your grandmother helped a man make this necklace for your mother as an engagement gift. It was not a common practice in the Southern Water Tribe, but Kala had always wanted one similar to the necklace your grandmother always wore. If your grandmother is still alive and sees this, then she will definitely know you are her granddaughter."

I was stunned. "My… mom was engaged?"

He nodded. "Your mother was in love, Amara… right before your father showed up with the raiding party, Kala was about to marry a Water Tribe warrior named Bato. They had grown up together and were inseparable. Even after you were born, I could tell your mother still held him in her heart."

I slowly took the necklace from him. The charm rested in my palm. "I… I don't understand… she never mentioned him to me."

"She didn't like speaking about the past much… the memories were too painful." Tu Lan sighed. "But she never forgot him. I could tell a part of her heart always stayed at the South Pole with him… when you were born, you did fill a piece of it though." He smiled. "I hope you get to experience what your mother did one day. Any young man would be lucky to have you."

I felt my cheeks heat up. I had never thought about falling in love. I had heard about what love was: My mom had told me stories about young Water Tribe Warriors and maidens from the village falling in love and getting married; Tu Lan had also told me Fire Nation fairytales about dragons, warriors, and princesses. But… I had been focused on escaping for so long, I had never thought much about the possibility of falling in love in the future.

"I don't think that will happen…" I muttered. I stared at the necklace again.

He coughed to disguise a laugh. I looked at him with confusion. He quickly tried to compose himself. "I have a strong feeling it will, sooner than you think."

I didn't understand what he was talking about. Instead, I was curious and asked, "Have... you ever fallen in love with someone before?"

He was surprised by my question. Then his face fell as he thought about the past. "Yes… but she loved another and I never got to tell her before she died. So instead, I promised her I would take care of her daughter as if she were my own."

I was shocked. Then my heart ached. I had always suspected that Tu Lan felt affection towards my mother from the way he spoke about her. But I never asked him. He finally admitted it though. "That's so sad… you never got to tell her…"

He sighed. "She was a prisoner and I was the one making sure she stayed in her cage. I had no right to love her…" He fell quiet for a moment. Then he spoke softly. "I've made so many mistakes in the past. I've been a coward. Helping you get away from Zhao, and giving you a chance to be free and find your Water Tribe family has given me a chance to redeem myself. I know you are in wonderful hands… Iroh told me he cares for you greatly. You are a daughter to him, Amara." He met my gaze again. "Trust Iroh… he will protect you and get you to your family. I know he will."

I nodded. I carefully placed the necklace down. Then I undid my hair taking the ribbon off. Carefully, I tied the blue ribbon around Tu Lan's wrist. I met his gaze again with a small smile. "Thank you… for everything… You're my hero, Tu Lan… you helped me keep living even after my mom died. You sacrificed so much for us. Thank you for being a father to me." My throat caught. I swallowed to try and find my voice again. "I'm going to miss you every day, but I'm going to be brave… and I'll become stronger so that one day when I do face Zhao again, I'll make him pay for what he did to my mom and to you."

Tu Lan cupped my cheek and brushed a tear. His eyes narrowed. "Good. Give that monster everything he deserves. Don't show him any mercy."

I nodded.

A knock sounded on the door. Tu Lan dropped his hand and Iroh stepped in. "I'm sorry to intrude… But it's time Tu Lan. The men are ready to move you. I want you safe in the Fire Nation quickly. I fear if word gets out you are headed that way Zhao may try to send someone to attack. I am not sure if he has spies in the area, so we must be quick."

He sighed. "Yes. I'm ready, Sir." He looked at me again and spoke firmly. "I want you to practice your bending, eat well, and be happy." He smiled. "And don't let anyone ever cage you again. You were meant to be free, Amara."

I nodded, trying hard not to break in front of him again. "And I want you to get better…"

He nodded. "Looks like we both have our mission."

I moved forward and hugged him.

He managed to hug me back, kissing me tenderly on my head. He whispered in my ear as he embraced me, "You are going to do amazing things, Amara… your story is just beginning. I can't wait to see where you go from here."

"It won't be the same without you… but I'm ready to be brave," I whispered. "I won't let you down."

He sighed. "I know you won't." We pulled away, and I saw his eyes were watering as well. He picked up the necklace then. "Turn around… I want to make sure it's where it belongs before I go."

I nodded. I managed to turn around and move my hair. Iroh stepped over to help Tu Lan put the necklace around me. Once it was clasped on, I let my hair go and turned back to him. He smiled widely when he saw it on me.

His eyes met my own. He nodded in approval. "Just like your mother…"

They carried Tu Lan off the ship a few moments later. I stood on deck, despite physician Ju's plea for me to get off my ankle, and watched as four men carried Tu Lan down the docks towards a smaller black ship. Zuko stood beside me to give me company. Iroh had gone over to the other ship to make sure everything was in order for Tu Lan's journey. As we stood beside one another, Zuko noticed my necklace and commented on it.

"Was… that your mother's?"

I met his golden eyes and gave a nod. He fell quiet in thought. I looked back at Tu Lan, my heart tight as we grew further apart.

"You said your mom had a sister?"

His question surprised me. I glanced over at him again. He was looking at the charm on my neck still.

"Yes… Aunt Kya," I answered.

He fell silent in thought again. His hand pressed to his pants pocket. "Are… necklaces like that common in the Water Tribe?"

I stared back at Tu Lan who was now being carried onto the small ship and disappearing inside. I fiddled with the charm. "From what Tu Lan told me, it's only common in the North Pole. But my grandma had a necklace similar to this one. My mom was engaged before she was taken… I guess my grandma helped the man she was going to marry make one for her."

He was quiet again. I felt his eyes looking me over as if he were searching for something.

My heart fluttered from his attention. "What?"

He jumped, realizing he was caught. He looked away quickly. "Nothing. It's pretty on you..." He then sighed. "Come on… Physician Ju wants you off your ankle. Tu Lan's in good hands now."

Zuko walked away, expecting me to follow. I lingered for a moment, surprised by his compliment and the way it made my cheeks burn. I shook the weird feeling. My eyes shot back to the ship about to take off.

I gripped the rail hard. I felt sudden determination fill inside me. "I'll make Zhao pay for everything, Tu Lan…" I whispered. "I promise."

Third Person POV

Zuko laid on his cot, his thoughts racing. He stared at the necklace he dangled from his fist. The charm was different from the one on Amara's neck, but also similar. Zuko thought about the brown-haired girl who was traveling with the Avatar. He tried to recall her features and compare them to his neighbor next door.

Amara had black hair, and her skin wasn't as dark… But from the side, he could see she did kind of look like that waterbender from the South Pole. But then again, maybe not…

But they were both waterbenders… they had similar necklaces… was it a coincidence…? Or was the Avatar's friend related to her in some way? Was Zuko chasing after the Avatar and Amara's family?

He lowered his hand and dropped his head back on his pillow. He shut his eyes in disbelief.

He didn't understand why he even cared? He needed to be focusing on the Avatar! Not the Avatar's friend possibly being related to Amara. The necklace he took at the earthbender prison was to help him get the Avatar! Nothing more!

A sigh escaped him. He lifted the necklace again and stared at the charm once more. But… could it be… were the Avatar's friends connected to Amara somehow?

He groaned and dropped his hand again. "Urgh! Why am I so distracted? The Avatar! Focus on the Avatar!"

But he couldn't. His mind could only think of a certain blue-eyed girl with freckles.

He recalled a conversation he had with Tu Lan yesterday. He had gone back to see him after he retrieved Amara from sneaking to the injured soldier's room. He asked him about Amara's waterbending. Tu Lan was surprised the prince knew.

"She blew up a teapot?"

Zuko nodded, kneeling by the man who stared at him in bewilderment from his cot. "Uncle told me he knew. I'm assuming you did as well?"

Tu Lan nodded. "Yes, Prince Zuko… I'm sorry for keeping this from you. But she barely knows how to waterbend because she's hid it for so long, so I promise she isn't a threat."

The young prince sighed. "I know that. I'm just... curious… did her mother know?"

Tu Lan was surprised by Zuko's interest in Amara's past. "Yes… Kala knew. She tried to teach her a few things before she was killed."

Zuko's fists tightened. "Zhao doesn't know though, right?"

He shook his head. "No… only myself and her mother knew. After Kala died, I did my best to make sure no one else found out. If Zhao or her Uncle learned she was a firebender and a waterbender, they would've surely killed her."

Zuko's heart twisted at the thought. "I suppose that makes sense then…" He let out a heavy breath and dropped his gaze. "What happened yesterday… I was irresponsible. I shouldn't have left you without backup."

Tu Lan was shocked. The young prince was trying to apologize. He gave the young man a reassuring smile. "Don't blame yourself, Prince Zuko. It was my duty to protect her. She's safe and that's all that matters."

He nodded. "Yes… she's safe…" He met Tu Lan's gaze again. "My Uncle and I will protect her. Zhao won't touch her again as long as she's with us. And I'll be sure when I become Fire Lord that Admiral Gru's family pays for everything they did to her and her mother."

Tu Lan smiled, his eyes staring at the young prince with amusement. He could sense Prince Zuko deeply cared for Amara. "I know she's in good hands. I can see she's starting to trust General Iroh and you more by the day. Also, she's definitely happy when she's with you. She's never had a friend her age before. It fills me with peace to see her with you."

Zuko was surprised. "She's… happy with me?"

The man smirked. "She only smiles that way when she's with you. I love seeing that smile. It tells me that I've fulfilled my mission. She will be happy after I'm gone, and I can leave in peace knowing this fact."

Zuko stared at his ceiling in disbelief. His cheeks flushed as he recalled what Tu Lan had told him.

He shut his eyes and pictured her face. He loved seeing her smile too...

Author's note:

Sorry readers… I sent Tu Lan off. I will probably bring him back in much later chapters. But the fate I originally had planned for him was awful, and I just couldn't do it, so this is my alternative. But I need him gone so I can tighten Amara's bond with Zuko. Anyway… time to work on the next chapter. Thanks for reading.