Chapter 11: Promises

The night had been one of peace. I dreamed of a land filled with snow. I dreamed of an older woman and man that I had imagined before (my grandparents) and a younger woman that looked similar to my mom (Aunt Kya). I dreamed of laughter and music. A warm campfire. I dreamed of a group of children that all had darker skin and blue eyes. I dreamed of my Water Tribe family. While I knew what I saw was made up in my mind from stories my mother had told me, I felt I could finally wonder what they were like. Since Iroh had told me about my grandmother still being alive, I had so much joy and longing.

When I woke up, my cheeks had dried tears on them. I had cried in my sleep through the night, but this time the emotion was elation. I was not certain when I would get the chance to meet my family, but at least I could have comfort in knowing they were out there.

I just prayed when I did find them that they would love me like my mother said they would.

I could tell when I woke up that the sun was rising. I could also tell the ship was moving from the sway. Getting off my mattress, I quickly changed into some fresh clothes and then put my hair up with one of the three blue ribbons I still had. Once my hair was secure, I made my way into the ship hall. Usually in the mornings I would go on deck to meet Iroh for breakfast. However, as I went to head down the hall, Iroh was coming towards me. He looked anxious.

"Amara… I had a feeling you'd be waking up soon. Do me a favor and stay in your room today. I'll have Jing bring you your meals. The situation up on deck may become dangerous and I don't want you hurt."

Iroh's concern confused me. "Situation? What's wrong?"

Iroh had stopped in front of me and let out a heavy sigh. "Zuko returned to the ship about an hour ago after questioning the village. We are headed on a course to the Fire Nation. It seems the Avatar is going to the Fire Sage Temple on Crescent Island to speak to his past life. I fear we may break into battle if we pass into Fire Nation territory so I want you to stay down here where it's safe."

I was shocked by his reveal. "We're going to the Fire Nation? I thought Zuko wasn't allowed?"

"He isn't. He will be arrested if we are caught. I tried to talk him out of it, but he is stubborn. All he desires is to capture the Avatar."

I fiddled with my charm. I was worried not only for Zuko, but also for the child that had saved me a few days ago. "I wish he didn't have to go after Aang… The Avatar's so nice…"

Iroh placed a comforting hand on my forearm. "Don't worry dear. The Avatar will be fine. Just please stay in your room until I tell you it's okay."

I wanted to protest because I hated feeling locked up, but I knew it was for my protection and contained my disappointment. "Okay… I will. Be careful."

With dismay, I returned to my room and shut the door behind. The thought of returning to Fire Nation territory unsettled me. If our ship was seized and Zuko was arrested, then I feared I too would be arrested. While I was Fire Nation, I was also Water Tribe. I was partially an enemy. Zhao had always told me that if I tried to run away in the Fire Nation then I would be captured by someone worse than him because of my Water Tribe features. If someone seized the ship and saw me, would they only see me as a Water Tribe girl?

Of course, I was certain Iroh would do his best to protect me if I was discovered. I knew he wouldn't be able to protect Zuko though. He had explained to me that when the Fire Lord banished Zuko, the young prince was marked as a traitor against his nation. If he ever tried to return, he would be arrested for treason. Zuko could only return in peace with the Avatar in his custody.

Knowing this, I feared the possibilities: If Zuko was arrested, what would Iroh do? Would he return to the Fire Nation Capital to try and have Zuko released? Would I go with him? Would I end up being forced to go back to my Fire Nation family?

I shook my head trying to stop the last thought. Iroh would never allow my Fire Nation family to touch me again.

But still… What if…?

I paced most of the morning. Jing brought me breakfast and then a small lunch. I didn't eat much from either because I was anxious. By lunch, Jing informed me that we were reaching the Fire Nation border and would be in familiar waters soon.

I honestly hadn't thought I would ever return to the Fire Nation again. I always expected once I was taken to the Earth Kingdom that Zhao would kill me, or I would end the pain myself…

Things changed though when Tu Lan begged Iroh to save me. I was given a chance to keep living. I had to trust all of what had occurred wasn't for nothing.

It was a little after noon when things got rough. I was practicing my writing, trying to distract myself from my concern, when suddenly the ship lurched and my ink bottle fell spilling black on the parchment. I was shocked and quickly stood. The ship lurched again, this time the opposite way. I stumbled back and then tripped landing on my cot.

I was not sure what was happening, but I could hear the steel of the ship groan as something outside was pushing against it. I could tell the ship was speeding up as well, and I gripped the edge of my cot anxiously.

The ship shook again, but this time a loud boom echoed from somewhere on the deck. I gasped as I fell over on my cot from the harsh jerk of the vessel. Something had hit us. I felt the ship slow speed.

My heart pounded heavily. I hoped Iroh, Zuko, and the crew were okay. It sounded like a battle was occurring outside, and I feared for my friends.

After another five minutes of the ship lurching and groaning, things finally seemed to still. A silence fell over the ship. I felt my heart calm as the battle outside seemed to have ended. I wasn't sure what had occurred, but it was definitely not something positive. I could smell smoke through the vent of my room. I started to fear the ship had been seized or was going to sink. I was also worried for Zuko… I did not want him to be imprisoned. He didn't deserve to be punished just for trying to pursue the Avatar like he was ordered to do.

After another hour of pacing in worry, a knock finally sounded on the door. I rushed over and opened it. Iroh stood on the other side with clear angst.

"What happened? Is everyone okay?"

Iroh gave me a tight smile. "Fine. The ship suffered some damage to the engine, but everything is fine. I do want you to remain here the rest of the day though… we are being followed and it's best you are not visible on deck."

His words sent shivers down my spine. "Followed?"

He stepped in and shut the door. He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I don't want to keep things from you. As we prepared to enter into Fire Nation waters we caught sight of the Avatar. Zuko had us pursue him and try to shoot him out of the sky. While this occurred we came up upon a blockade. Your brother was commanding the operation. He tried to apprehend the Avatar as well, but his projectiles missed. One of them hit the ship though. Zhao let us pass the blockade, but only so he can follow us to the Avatar."

My eyes widened. My breathing hitched. Zhao… he was here? He was following us? My heart pounded heavily.

Iroh squeezed my shoulder tenderly to try and calm my nerves. "Don't worry, Amara. He will not attempt to retrieve you as long as I am on this ship. He knows what I will do if he tries to take you back, and he won't take the risk. I hear he is possibly making the rank of Admiral soon, so he would be foolish to try something against me again."

I tried to feel reassured, but my fear caused me great uncertainty. However, I knew this time if he tried to apprehend me I would not stand down. I only knew the basics of firebending and waterbending, but I was getting better by the day. I wasn't afraid to reveal my abilities anymore if he tried to get me.

I would not go back. I would never go back.

"Just… don't let Zuko get caught," I whispered. "I'm worried about him. I don't want him to be arrested."

Iroh was surprised by my response. He smiled though. "Everything is going to be fine. Just practice your waterbending and reading some. It will help you relax. The bumpy part of the trip is over, and Zhao is not a threat at the moment."

I nodded. I wasn't sure if he was being completely honest about the last part, but I was starting to trust Iroh more. I believed he would keep me safe if something went wrong. I had promised Tu Lan that I would trust Iroh, and I didn't want to break that promise.

Once Iroh left, shutting the door behind, I grabbed the charm of my mother's necklace to try and calm my racing heart.

Zuko would be okay...

Aang would escape...

Zhao would not get me back...

Everything would be fine… right?

Third Person POV

Zuko was livid.

After managing to lose Zhao on a false trail by using the smoke from his damaged ship to hide on his small steamboat, Zuko had arrived at the Fire Sage Temple on the small crescent shaped island. After sneaking into the large red temple built on the side of the volcano, he arrived at the top floor where the sanctuary was that housed Avatar Roku's statue. He was amazed when he saw the young airbender hiding behind a column as the five men in red robes shot fire at the sanctuary door to open it. He rushed over and grabbed the boy, who gasped and grunted as Zuko restrained his arms behind his back.

As the Water Tribe boy and girl rushed to the sages to restrain them, with one of the sages turning against his own as well, they shouted for the Avatar to hurry into the opened doors. Zuko showed himself to the room, causing Aang to struggle and grunt harder. As Zuko started to force Aang out of the room and to the stairs, the Avatar thought quick and managed to twist enough to make Zuko lose his grip. He kicked back at the young prince, and Zuko gasped as he was forced to let go and stumbled back on the stairs. He fell a few steps down, and his body pulsed in pain. Trying to recover, he managed to stumble back to his feet and rush back up. He saw in the time he had recovered that the four sages had chained the boy and girl to a column, and had tied up the traitor amongst them. However, the large doors were shut and the Avatar was inside.

He and the four other sages quickly tried to open the doors by firebending into the pipes, but it was no use. The doors were sealed by a spiritual force. He had to wait.

He'd had the Avatar in his clutches. He restrained the kid and finally had what he needed to be allowed to return home. And the kid escaped him. His fists tightened. Someone would pay.

He turned to the sage that had betrayed the others. He quickly asked the head sage for the man's name and was informed it was Shyu. He made them move the man in front of him so he was kneeling before him. The four other sages stood behind Shyu feeling betrayed by their temple brother.

Zuko snapped at Shyu, "Why did you help the Avatar?"

Shyu stared up at the young prince. "Because it was once the Sages' duty. It is still our duty."

Zuko went to argue, but he was cut off. A slow clap was heard.

"What a moving and heartfelt performance. I'm certain the Fire Lord will understand when you explain why you betrayed him."

The voice sent shivers through Zuko's spine. His blood boiled though as he thought about Amara. He turned and looked at the man venomously. Zhao was at the top of the stairs, and Zuko could see he had a group of soldiers with him. Zuko couldn't believe Zhao had managed to follow him. The prince was having no luck it seemed.

The head Fire Sage bowed quickly, and the other three followed. "Commander Zhao," the head sage greeted.

Zhao ignored him and stared at his opponent with victory. "And Prince Zuko, it was a noble effort. But your little smoke screen didn't work. Two traitors, in one day, the Fire Lord will be pleased."

One of Zhao's soldiers rushed over and seized Zuko quickly. Zuko struggled and kicked back at the armored man, but he was easily restrained.

Zuko snapped as he continued to struggle, "You're too late, Zhao. The Avatar's inside and the doors are sealed."

Zhao shrugged. "No matter. Sooner or later, he has to come out."

Another soldier stepped over with a chain. They dragged Zuko over to a column across from where the Water Tribe kids were and one soldier held him against it as the other soldier chained him up. As this occurred, Shyu was chained to the column with the Avatar's friends.

Zuko growled. "Zhao! You can't do this! The Avatar is mine! He is my mission!"

"Not in Fire Nation waters. You're out of your jurisdiction!" Zhao turned to him with a scowl. "Prince Zuko…" He stepped over to him and put his hand beside Zuko's head to intimidate him. The two Water Tribe kids and Shyu watched with curiosity. "It's been awhile since we last got to chat. That was the day your uncle took something precious from me. I've been dying to ask you… how is my dear Amara doing?"

Zuko grit his teeth. His thoughts left the Avatar again as he thought about the petite black haired teenager with freckles. He didn't like Zhao even mentioning Amara's name. Hearing him speak about her made him outraged. The man had no right to claim her in any way. Every scar on her flesh was by Zhao's own hand. They may have been related by blood, but Zhao was no brother to her.

Zuko glared at him with spite. He then jerked on the chains and snapped, "She's better than she's been her whole life! And you have no right to call her your 'dear' anything! She doesn't belong to you, Zhao! You're lucky you're not in your own cell after what you did to her!"

Zhao stepped back, bewildered by Zuko's defense. However, he recovered and snapped, "Wrong. She doesn't belong to you. You and your uncle stole her from me, and I want her back. It's not against the law to discipline my sister, is it?"

Zuko was appalled. "Discipline?! You abused her and kept her in a cage! She did nothing to you! She was an innocent child! Why do you want her back so terribly? So you can lock her up again and beat her? You miss your punching bag that much?!" He narrowed his eyes at the man who had hurt such an amazing girl. "You touch her again and the whole nation will know what your father did twenty years ago! Amara deserves to be happy and safe! Not tortured by you! She isn't an object!"

"Your threats are starting to annoy me!" He spat. He then smirked. "But let's see if you feel the same once I offer you a deal. You're under arrest as you can clearly see. Give me my sister once I capture the Avatar, and I will release you back to Earth Kingdom waters where you can live out the rest of your banishment in peace."

Zuko was disgusted by the thought. He was not allowing anyone to cage Amara again. And he was confident he would get away from Zhao somehow. "You won't be capturing the Avatar! I will! And Amara isn't going anywhere with you ever again! She has been through enough!"

Zhao scoffed. "Don't tell me that you've come to care about her? Why? She's nothing more than a freak! She isn't worth your breath."

"You're wrong. She's not a freak, Zhao. She's an amazing girl that didn't deserve what you all did to her. You took sixteen years of her life away! How could you treat her like an animal when she's your blood? Your sister?"

The man rolled his eyes. "That girl should've never been born. I should've killed her the day I killed her mother. Especially now that I know she's been keeping secrets from me! She's lucky I've shown so much mercy to her for so many years! When I get her back this time I won't just cage her but cuff her hands together tight! Her being a firebender, I will need to take extra precautionary measures. She'll never bend again when I'm through with her! Maybe I'll even make her a cripple like her dear guard friend Tu Lan."

Zuko's eyes widened.

"Yeah," Zhao hissed. "I know all about that. The bastard got what he deserved for betraying me. And Amara's to blame for it all. She belongs in a cell. Her very existence causes nothing but trouble."

Zuko felt his fists heat up. "You're the only bastard I see!"

Zhao crossed his arms. "You can feel that way. At the end of the day, I'll get what I want. The Avatar and Amara will both be mine!"

Katara was horrified. Sokka was sickened. They were only catching the conversation as outsiders, but they could understand that Zhao was an awful man and had caused this girl named Amara great pain in the past.

Zhao turned back to the door, deciding he needed to focus more on the Avatar at the moment. He didn't have time to keep arguing with the banished prince.

Zuko still glared daggers at the monster's back. If he could move his arms he'd burn the man right in the face. He should've dealt the final blow during his Agni Kai a few weeks ago. He should've never shown Zhao mercy.

Katara couldn't contain herself. Her heart was heavy as she recalled the conversation Zhao had just had with Prince Zuko. She whispered to Sokka, "That girl… the one Aang saved… This man is her brother?"

Sokka frowned. "If he really is, I can see Aang was right about the girl being hurt a lot in the past."

Zuko heard them speak. He stared at the girl who was still whispering to her brother. He was trying to see if she resembled Amara in any way. The Avatar's friend was definitely darker skinned and her hair was lighter, but her face was similar when she angled it a certain way. Was it possible that these were Amara's relatives? Or was it possible they knew Amara's family?

Zuko considered asking them if they knew the name Kala or Kya, but he decided it wasn't the best time. If Zhao overheard then he would probably send someone to hurt Amara's family if he learned about their whereabouts. Besides... Zuko knew he needed to keep focused on escape for now. He was outmatched by Zhao's men, so even if he tried to capture the Avatar he would have to fight off a group of soldiers. The possibility of capturing the Avatar and escaping at the same time was very low. He knew when he was beat. He had no choice but to flee.

He struggled in the chains again, trying to figure something out. He couldn't be arrested and lose his chance of going home. He still had a mission to complete. He promised his uncle that he would be fine.

And Amara… She needed his help. He had to get back to her. He was certain she was worried about him. After having to say goodbye to Tu Lan, she had become closer to him. He didn't want her to think he was being forced away from her too.

A bright celestial light suddenly shined from beneath the door. Zhao ordered his men to prepare to fire. Zuko shut his eyes, hoping the Avatar would actually escape for once. The last thing he wanted was for Zhao to capture the kid.

When the doors opened at last, Zhao and his men shot fire into the room to stop the Avatar. However, the fire was redirected and everyone was bewildered to see the glowing form of Avatar Roku. Zuko was astonished as he took in the tall white haired figure. Avatar Roku's fire blast shot out from the room and the flames melted Zuko's chains. Zuko didn't hesitate for a second, despite seeing a dead man. He knew the Avatar was in the Avatar state, so that was all the explanation he needed. He also knew that the Avatar would be okay now that he was at his fullest strength.

Zuko made his escape while Zhao and the soldiers were occupied. He took off running down the stairs, relieved that the Avatar had burned the chains and not him.

He had either been spared, or just got very lucky.

Amara POV

The day had sun was gone. While I could not see the sky, I could feel my firebending was weaker.

I hated not knowing what was going on. Everything had been quiet for so long. I had practiced my waterbending like Iroh had suggested, but I was quite distracted by my uncertainty. There were moments I contemplated going up on deck to see what events were unfolding, but I did not want to upset Iroh. Being in my room all day had been miserable though.

I was just about to give up on finding out any information and crawl onto my cot for the night, when suddenly a knock on my door sounded. I rushed over to it and opened it quickly. I was surprised and relieved to see Zuko. He looked exhausted, and also in great dismay. I could tell from his disappointment that he had not captured the Avatar.

"Hey. Uncle said you were worried about me," he spoke softly. His gold eyes seemed foggy. I could see he was upset. I could see he was also tired. "I thought I'd come let you know I'm back before I go to bed. We're headed towards Earth Kingdom waters now. The Avatar and his friends escaped the temple and headed east."

While I was sorry he was upset from his loss, I was so relieved he was back on the ship and not apprehended. "Are... you okay?"

He gave a deep sigh. "Just disappointed. I almost had him… I was so close…"

I frowned. My heart pounded hard. "Iroh… he said Zhao caught your trail and ended up following you to the temple. Is he following us again?"

Zuko shook his head. "No. Last I saw him, his ship was headed the opposite way. We're okay for now. He won't be getting you back. You're safe."

I nodded slowly. "Okay…" I met his gold eyes with sincerity. "But, I'm glad you're safe. I was worried about you. I was scared you would be arrested." Tears burned my eyes. "I didn't want that to happen."

He stepped inside my room and gave me a hug. I was surprised by his affectionate gesture. I sunk into his warmth though, wrapping my arms around him in return. My heart, which had been frantic for the last few hours, calmed as I realized the danger had passed. We were safe. Zhao would not try to get me today. Zuko was back on the ship. Iroh and the crew were fine.

Zuko hugged me closer. "I spoke to Zhao…"

His words sent shivers through my spine. "You… talked to him?"

His tone was strained. "If I wasn't chained to a column I would've given him a nice burn on his mouth. The way he spoke about you… It made me sick to hear." He let out a heavy breath. "I don't get along with my sister, but I would never wish her dead… He's a terrible person. He has no right to be your brother."

I pressed my face into his chest letting my tears soak into his shirt. "I just don't understand… I never did anything to him," I whispered. "He always hated me. From the day I was born. And he was so mad at my dad for letting me live. How could he hate me so much? How could he kill my mother? I don't understand…"

Zuko brushed a hand through my hair, which I had taken my ribbon out of a few moments before his arrival. "I promise, Amara… I'm going to make Zhao pay for everything he's done to you. He'll regret hurting you and your mother. He'll get what he deserves."

I sniffled. "I… just wish he would leave me alone. He has no need for me anymore. Why won't he just let me be?"

"Because he doesn't like to lose," Zuko whispered. "But don't worry… I won't let him win."

I nodded against him. My tears ceased and I felt comfort from his hold. After a moment of letting myself soak in his warmth, I whispered, "Thank you, Zuko."

He was confused. "For what?"

I shut my eyes and listened to his heartbeat which was in sync with my own. "For accepting me… protecting me… You've been nice to me from day one."

He was quiet for a moment as he pondered over what I said. Then he let out a heavy breath. "That's because I care about you… I have from the moment I first saw you."

His words made my heart flutter. I smiled, knowing he spoke the truth.

That night as Zuko slept in the room next to my own, I felt my restless spirit was finally at peace again. The danger had passed and all was calm once more. We were back on the Avatar's trail and away from Zhao.

Laying on my cot, I stared at the Water Tribe tapestry on the wall of the dimly lit room. While Zhao was still a threat, and I had a feeling I would be seeing him again, I believed Zuko would keep his promise. I believed he would help me stay safe from my brother.

Zuko was someone I felt secure with. I wasn't sure why I was so comfortable with him, but him being so far away today had caused me great angst. He was finally back though, safe, and this put me at ease. The lingering warmth from his comforting hug had also caused my worries to fade.

Shutting my eyes, I clutched the charm of the necklace again as I thought about my mom. Her blue eyes and gentle smile crossed my mind. I let out a sigh of relief.

I'm going to be okay, mom… Tu Lan isn't here, but I have Zuko now. I'm going to be brave. I won't let Zhao hurt me again. I will find our family. Everything will be fine.

I promise...