Chapter 12: Revelations

"Perfect stance. Now fire," Zuko ordered.

Zuko and I were sparring up on deck. It had been two days since we left the Fire Nation. We were close to the Earth Kingdom coast again, and there was thankfully no sign of Zhao. However, to Zuko's disappointment there was no sign of the Avatar either. Iroh was playing Pai Sho this morning up at the helm, so Zuko was giving me lessons instead. He said he didn't mind because he needed to distract himself from his frustrations… I assumed most of his anger was from not capturing Aang.

My heart pounded hard. I breathed in and out. Then I moved forward and extended my hand again. A small spout of fire shot from my palm and flew at my teacher. Zuko hit it away like it was a bug. I sighed and dropped my hand in dismay. I was getting the movements down, but the flames were not getting stronger.

"Again," he said. He held his hands up ready to block. "This time release the flame with your breath."

I nodded. With a breath, I shot my hand forward and exhaled letting the flame shoot from my palm. It soared towards Zuko again who quickly caught it with his hands and extinguished it. The flame was only a little larger than the last one.

He sighed this time. Stepping over to me, he grabbed my arms. "You're still too stiff. You need to relax. The tighter you strain your muscles the more restricted your energy will be. Your flames are weak because you're hesitating."

My heart jumped as he moved my arms down slightly. His hands sent a strange sensation through me. I tried to keep on the lesson. "I know… I've just always been told not to use my firebending, so it's hard to not be insecure about it."

"Well stop thinking about what you were told, and listen to what I'm telling you now," he said. His hands moved to my shoulders. "Relax."

My body loosened. I didn't realize I was so tense. As I let my muscles loosen, I breathed in and out to try and calm myself more. Zuko released me and stepped back again to the spot he was originally.

"Okay. Try again. This time, no hesitation." He held his hands up. "You can do this, Amara."

I felt my determination grow. Nodding, I got into my stance again. This time, I felt my body move without restraint. Moving forward, I shot a blast from my palm and this time the flame was strong. The fire shot at Zuko, who quickly used both of his hands to block the blast and part it around him.

He nodded with a smile. "Perfect."

We practiced for another half hour. After throwing a few more flames at my teacher, Zuko wanted to teach me some more defensive moves. As he was showing me a gesture commonly used to block flames, everything suddenly tilted.

I gasped as the ship turned sharply and lurched. Zuko reacted and reached quickly for me, grabbing my arm before I fell flat on my face. As he pulled me back, he lost his footing too and pulled me down with him. He landed back on the steel of the ship while I landed on him. I was frozen in shock, my heart pounding intensely as his warmth consumed me. My head was resting on his bare chest, and I could hear his pounding heart. His skin was soft against my own.

After a moment, I heard him mutter under his breath, "Uncle… changing our course again…"

My face was burning as I was still resting against him. I wasn't sure why I was reacting in such a way. The ship was leveling out finally. I tried to move, but realized Zuko was still holding my arm. I wasn't sure what to do.

"Um… Zuko… Are… Are you okay?"

He must've realized I couldn't move. He gasped and finally released my arm. I moved finally off of him and clumsily got to my feet. When I looked down at him, his face was a tint of red also. He moved to his feet quickly and turned away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh… Yeah… Let's end training for the day. I'm going to go see what is going on." He paced away without another word. I watched him go with shock. I had never seen him so… flustered…

I decided I didn't feel like going back to my room. Instead I walked over to the rail of the ship and looked at the land in the far off distance. I saw instead of going alongside it we were headed towards the line on the horizon. Iroh clearly wanted to go on land again for something.

My heart was still pounding from my previous contact with Zuko, but the cool sea breeze helped calm my nerves. I wasn't sure why I reacted so strongly to Zuko. Was this what it felt like to have feelings towards someone? Did I love Zuko? Is this what Tu Lan was talking about?

I mean… I loved my mom. I cared about Tu Lan. This feeling was different. I didn't understand it. My heart only did weird things when I was around Zuko. Was how I felt towards Zuko the same way my mom felt towards Bato, the man she had wanted to marry?

Or was this just friendship I was feeling?

So many questions soared through my mind. I had never known anyone close to my age before. I had never really known anyone outside of my Fire Nation family before. I wasn't sure what any of this meant…

I shook my head to try and stop my wild thoughts. Sometimes I thought I was understanding my new life, and then the confusion would hit me like waves.

Staring down at the water below, I let my mind wander to another thought. I thought about my friend Tu Lan again. While the days were getting a little easier without him, there was still a feeling of sadness within me. I had promised Tu Lan that I would not blame myself for his injury, but thinking about all that had occurred in the last few weeks, I knew he would've never been hurt if it wasn't for me.

Gripping the rail, I shut my eyes and dropped my head. I hoped Tu Lan would recover. He had sacrificed so much for me. My hands gripped the rail harder and tears burned in my eyes. He had protected me for years, even though my brother could've killed him at any moment.

Zhao… I hated him… I hated him so much. And the rest of my Fire Nation family… They had taken so much from me. They had destroyed my mother. My father… he was a monster. He took my mother from her true love, her family, and her home. He forced her to satisfy him, even though she begged and pleaded for mercy. He left her to bear and care for his child alone. I hated that I was stuck with the blood of such horrible people.

And Zhao… he was still after me. He still wanted to control me. He would probably send more people to retrieve me.

My body trembled. I felt my hands drop from the rail and tighten into fists. I felt… angry. Knowing Zhao was interfering with Zuko's quest and trying to get me back filled me with rage.

I suddenly heard a bubble sound and opened my eyes slowly. I was shocked when I saw a section of the water below was boiling. Steam rose in the air. I gasped and stepped back quickly. The bubbles stopped and the steam calmed. My heart pounded loudly. I had lost control again.

"What just happened?! The water was boiling!"

My heart pounded wildly in my chest. Lieutenant Jee had been nearby and saw the heated water. His eyes stared at the liquid with bewilderment. Another crew member beside him had seen it as well. They were both peering over the railing a few feet away. Their eyes shot towards me.

I panicked. What had I just done? I'd lost control in front of Iroh's men! Now they knew!

Lieutenant Jee stepped towards me. "Did you do that?"

I backed away. My heart was erratic.

"How did you do that?" Lieutenant Jee stepped forward. "That wasn't firebending."

I backed away more. "I… I didn't," I tried. I knew I wasn't convincing.

He narrowed his eyes. "Explain! Now!"

His frustration sent fear through me. I shook my head and turned to run. As I turned and started to run, I felt Lieutenant Jee grab me. He had managed to catch up and restrain my arm.

I screamed. I tried to pull away from him, my heart pounding in my ears. He tightened his grip. I tried to think of my options. I knew I could firebend, but I didn't want to burn anyone. I also was afraid of the consequences if I did physically hurt one of the crew.

My eyes shot to a barrel of water on deck. The barrel was bolted to the deck and had a lid on, but I knew I could get the fresh water out with enough force. Waterbending would not cause as much damage. However, it would reveal who I was. At this point, I knew there wasn't much else to reveal.

Jee shouted something again. I knew I had to get away. Throwing my hand towards the barrel, I caused the water to burst out of the container and follow my hands movement to shoot at Jee's face. He gasped as he was blinded, and released me. I took my chance and ran.

Rushing across the deck, I raced down the stairs and into the hall below. I only could think of getting to my bedroom. I was aware I could fit inside the wardrobe. I could hide in there. I would be safe from the crew in there.

Making it to my quarters, I slammed my door shut and then headed to the wooden wardrobe on the other side of the room. Jerking the door open, I clambered in and shut myself from the world. Then I curled up, hugging my legs tight.

I was done for… I had messed up bad. Iroh had told me not to show I was a waterbender to others. The crew knew now.

They would only see me as their enemy from this point on.

Third Person POV

"I can't believe you changed our course to go shopping for a stupid tile! We don't have time for this!"

Iroh continued to play his Pai Sho game despite his nephew screaming in his ear. Zuko had only barged into the helm a moment before demanding why the ship changed course. "It is not a stupid tile Prince Zuko. It is an essential tool for strategy."

Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "We can get you a new tile after we capture the Avatar!"

"We can capture the Avatar after we find my tile," Iroh argued. The crew snickered. Zuko let out a breath of air in frustration.

The door to the helm suddenly slammed open. Everyone was startled by the sudden sound of the door's hinges. Lieutenant Jee rushed in, his eyes wide with terror. His hair and sideburns were wet.

He spoke with bewilderment. "Sir! The girl! She… she's a waterbender!"

The room fell quiet in shock by Lieutenant Jee's reveal. Physician Ju, who had been playing against Iroh, was stunned himself by Jee's words. He looked over at Iroh who had shut his eyes in defeat.

Zuko was the one to break the silence, concerned for Amara. "What happened?"

Jee answered. "We were near the railing. Me and Wan saw the water was boiling from down below. I saw the girl a few feet away. She looked angry. When she realized what was happening, she looked scared. The boiling stopped. I don't know how, but she was doing it! And then when I tried to grab her to get answers she threw water at me and ran!"

Zuko was horrified. But only because Amara was frightened. He didn't care about Jee being attacked. He was worried about the girl who probably was fearing for her life.

Iroh let out a breath. "Ju… Have the whole crew meet on deck. I will explain to everyone what has occurred." He looked over at Zuko then. "Go find and check on her."

Zuko nodded. He quickly left the room and rushed down the stairs of the helm. Racing through the ship, he hoped Amara had gone straight to her room. He was certain she would've picked somewhere familiar.

When he got to her door, he took a moment to breathe to try and get air in his lungs. He had been running. Once he caught his breath, he knocked quickly. "Amara! It's Zuko. Are you in here?"

There was no response. Zuko decided he probably wasn't going to get one. He pulled the door latch and entered the room. He did not see her in the open. He had expected to find her curled up somewhere. Maybe hiding under her blanket. His eyes shot to the wardrobe.

Found you...

Zuko saw the wardrobe door was slightly cracked. He let out a heavy sigh and stepped over. "Amara…" He moved up to the door. He heard her breathing hitch. "Uncle's taking care of it. Come out." He grabbed the knob to pull the door open. As he did, a hand appeared grabbing the edge of the door to pull it back. Zuko let go, seeing that she wasn't going to let him come in.

"The… the crew hates me now…" she whimpered. "I'm their enemy."

Zuko frowned. "No… they just were surprised. Uncle's calming everyone down. What happened?"

"I… I got angry," she whispered. "I didn't mean to lose control."

"Angry? About what?"

She was quiet for a moment. Zuko waited for her answer. She finally said, "My Fire Nation family… Zhao… I hate them…"

Zuko's heart ached as he heard the pain in her voice. "I know," he said softly. "You have every right to, Amara… It only makes sense you would be angry."

She sniffled. "I broke the rules… I revealed my waterbending. Iroh's going to be mad at me. I… I don't want to be punished."

Zuko got on his knees in front of the door. "You won't be. He told you to keep it a secret for your safety. He isn't going to punish you for it. We promised no one would hurt you again while you're with us. We won't break that promise. Please… come out."

She was quiet for a moment. Zuko waited. Finally, he saw the door open slowly. He stood and backed away to give her room. She still sat inside the small space hugging her legs with one arm. Her eyes were red from crying, and her skin was pale from fear. She had wet streaks from her tears on her cheeks.

"I… I'm sorry," she whispered. She pressed her face into her knees again. "I'm trying to be stronger and braver… but I only keep causing trouble to everyone. You… you should kick me off the ship so I don't hurt anyone. I have no control. I'm going to sink us eventually."

Zuko let out a heavy breath. He wished he knew what he could say to cheer her up. Finally, he responded, "The day I found out you were a dual bender, I was shocked and uncertain, but I didn't hate you. Once I had time to think about it, I calmed and accepted the fact. The crew will as well. They just need time to take in this information. Then things will go back to the way they were. You'll see… it's all going to work out."

She shook her head. "They're going to just see me as a freak."

"They won't… they know you're part Fire Nation and Water Tribe. You having a connection to two elements will be easy to understand. But hiding isn't going to help. The crew will only trust you if you face this."

She took in Zuko's words. Then she finally lifted her head and met his gaze. "Iroh… really isn't mad?"

Zuko shook his head. "He is concerned. He'll be more furious with the crew if they hurt you." He held his hand out to her. She stared at it with hesitation. However, she finally felt her pacing heart calm and she took his hand. He helped her out of the wardrobe, and then grabbed her some fresh clothes. She was still in her training shirt and pants. "Here… go wash up and change. I'll wait for you to get back. We'll hang out down here until Uncle comes."

She gave a small nod. She silently took the clothes and left the room. Zuko let out a heavy breath once she was gone. He rubbed his brow, frustrated by the events that had just occurred. He saw a mark on Amara's arm where Lieutenant Jee had grabbed her. He wanted so terribly to go teach the man a lesson for grabbing her so roughly, but he knew that would solve nothing.

Amara came back into the room a few moments later. She had cleaned up and washed her face to wipe the trace of her tears away. Zuko was sitting on her cot with his back against the wall, flipping through the animal book he had gotten for her a few weeks ago. She placed her dirty clothes by the door to be washed later, and then made her way over to Zuko. She silently moved onto the cot to sit beside him.

"I… I'm sor—"

He cut her off. "Apologize again and I'll make you go back in the wardrobe."

She shut her mouth.

He handed the book over to her. "We haven't done your reading lessons today. Read to me."

She took the book, but was confused. "I… I'm really not in trouble?"

He crossed his arms, staring at the torch on the wall. "No… if anyone on this ship touches you, they will be the ones in trouble."

His reassurance made Amara's angst calm. She gave a small nod and looked down at the page Zuko had left open.

Amara POV

I had been so afraid. I was scared of what would happen to me now that everyone on the ship knew about my abilities. However, Zuko was not mad at me. He was concerned about me and wanted to reassure me that I would be fine.

While I read to him what I had learned, and he helped me with characters I didn't know, I leaned my head against him enjoying his warmth. Having Zuko beside me seemed to be the comfort I needed after the terrifying events that had occurred. At some point, Zuko took the book from me and went over sounds certain animals made. His imitation of the howler monkey made me laugh, and this made him smile. He wanted me to cheer up, and he had succeeded.

About an hour had passed since Zuko and I had sat together on the bed. A knock sounded on the door, and Iroh entered a moment later. Zuko had stood at this point, while I stayed on my cot dropping my gaze again with guilt.

"I have calmed the crew down. They understand the circumstances and have agreed to keep this matter quiet. However, I have made a compromise that you will not be allowed up on deck without Zuko or I present. This is more for your protection, Amara."

I gave a small nod.

"When Zuko and I leave the ship on Avatar matters, I ask that you remain in your room as well. However, today we will be arriving at a traders port, so you can come with us to get some air."

I looked up and met his gaze. "I… I'm sorry Iroh… I got mad. I lost control. I didn't mean to show my waterbending."

He gave a small smile. "Don't apologize dear. I wanted you to keep it a secret for your safety. However, we can't change the fact that the crew knows now. I have made it clear that if anyone harms you they will be forced off the ship. I do not believe they will hurt you though. Everyone was just surprised by this news. They will come to accept it in time."

I gave a small nod again.

"We'll be arriving at the port in an hour. I'll get us some lunch in town while we search for the lotus tile."

Zuko groaned. "We're still looking for that?!"

Iroh smiled. "Of course! I cannot play Pai Sho without it!"

An hour later we arrived at what Iroh informed me was called Seedy Merchants Pier. As we waited for the ramp to drop, I could feel the gaze of the guards who were escorting us into town. They were glancing at me with uncertainty. Zuko noticed I had stiffened and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "It will be fine."

I took in a heavy breath. I knew he was right. I didn't think the crew would dare to try to upset Iroh. They wouldn't harm me. However, I wished they wouldn't see me differently than they had before… I was not as welcome by the crew as I had been in the past. I was now a threat.

Once we got into town I stuck close to Iroh and Zuko. At some point Zuko went off on his own to question people about the Avatar again. As we walked around the busy market, Iroh bought me some fried fish for lunch. He also bought me a new outfit and some new books. I was beginning to think this excursion was for more than just a lotus tile.

After an hour of walking around the town, and Iroh buying something at every stall we seemed to go to, Zuko joined us again. He looked frustrated that he had not gotten any info on the Avatar. He was also frustrated Iroh was still shopping.

He crossed his arms. "Can we go now?"

Iroh sighed with dismay. "I've checked all the shops on this pier. Not a lotus tile in the entire marketplace."

Zuko scowled. "It's good to know this trip was a complete waste of time for everyone!"

Iroh held his finger up. "Quite the contrary. I always say the only thing better than finding something you were looking for, is finding something you weren't looking for at a great bargain!"

A group of Iroh's men walked by us carrying his purchases back to the ship. My books and clothes were in one of the men's arms. As they passed, they eyed me with curiosity. I dropped my gaze again with angst. It was going to be super awkward on the ship since everyone knew I was a dual bender.

Zuko stared at one of the purchases with disbelief. "You bought a tsungi horn?"

Iroh nodded. "For music night on the ship! Now, if we only had some woodwinds."

As Iroh started to walk off, Zuko groaned beside me. Without much choice, we followed him along the pier for a few minutes. After roaming a few more shops, we arrived at a small wooden vessel with a large sail. Iroh was thrilled when a gangly man standing by the wooden ramp of the ship said they had some curios for sell.

Iroh exclaimed with delight. "This place looks promising!"

Zuko grabbed his arm. "Uncle! You can't be serious! You know what kind of ship this is don't you?"

Iroh grabbed Zuko's arm to pull him off. "Calm yourself Prince Zuko. These are just some fine tradesmen looking for a sale. Amara has never seen a pirate ship before. This will be fun for her."

I was curious. "Pirate?"

Zuko scowled, responding to his uncle. "It will be dangerous! Pirates are nothing but brutes!"

Iroh shook his head. "Let's not judge them, Prince Zuko. I am certain these are honest gentlemen." He started to head up the wooden ramp to the ship.

Zuko groaned beside me.

I asked him with honest confusion, "Are pirates bad?"

He sighed. "They are thieves. They steal from other ships and towns, and then sell the acquired merchandise at ports like this." He started to follow Iroh up the ramp. "Just stay close."

I did as he requested. I followed Zuko onto the small wooden ship and we headed into the cargo bay. The room had shelves and shelves of stolen merchandise. Iroh was already examining the items with intrigue. I stayed close to Zuko as he walked around the room as well. A man sat at a desk to monitor his customers most likely. The man was probably around Iroh's age, and he had a very large hat on his head. A strange green bird sat on his shoulder, and the creature's eyes made me shiver. I inched even closer to Zuko, feeling unsettled by the atmosphere around us.

Zuko was just examining a sword on one of the shelves when a man stepped past us towards the desk where his leader sat. "Captain. We lost the Water Tribe girl and the little bald monk she was traveling with."

Zuko gasped. He turned from the sword swiftly and walked over to the two men. "This monk, did he have an arrow on his head?"

The two men were surprised by his question. The Captain sitting at the desk gave a small nod.

"See Prince Zuko. I always say you can find surprising things when you aren't looking." I glanced over at Iroh who was holding a heavy looking monkey statue with red gems for the eyes. He stepped over to us with a grin. "I will be purchasing this! It will make a fine addition to my room."

Zuko scowled. "Uncle! Now's not the time for that! The boy and his friends are nearby!"

The Captain was curious. "You are after these kids too?"

Zuko nodded. "Yes. The boy is wanted for crimes against the Fire Nation. And his friends are wanted for aiding him. Why are you after them?"

He huffed. "Those brats stole an expensive waterbending scroll."

I listened in silent observation as Zuko discussed with the pirate captain about helping him retrieve his scroll back in return for capturing the kids. As they made arrangements to meet later that night and head down river, I felt anxious and concerned for Aang and his friends. As much as I cared about Zuko and wanted him to be happy, I was conflicted about him succeeding in his quest. Aang was so nice. His friends were from my mother's tribe. I really didn't want them to be captured and made prisoners. I knew I could not tell Zuko this though. I didn't want to anger him.

A few moments later we were back on our own vessel. Zuko told me that he and Iroh would be gone for the night, so he wanted me to stay in my room. I knew I didn't have a choice. I also knew I would be too uncomfortable walking around the ship alone with the crew knowing my secret. I let Zuko and Iroh know that I would remain in my room while they were gone.

They left after dinner on Zuko's steamboat. I stayed in my room while this happened, sitting on my cot and hugging my knees with angst. I knew the crew wouldn't mess with me, but there was definitely a possibility someone would see me as a threat and try to hurt me.

A knock on the door sounded about an hour after Iroh and Zuko left. I stiffened with uncertainty, but when Ju spoke on the other side of the door I relaxed. I opened the door to greet him, and he smiled kindly at me. "Amara. I know you were told to stay in your room, but a couple of us are playing music up on deck. We wanted to know if you would like to join us?"

I was surprised. And uncertain. "I… I don't want to make anyone upset… The crew probably sees me as a threat."

He shook his head. "The men were shocked to learn you were a waterbender, but they have calmed down since this morning. The fact you can firebend and waterbend has intrigued a lot of the men. They actually want to see you do both. Of course, only if you are comfortable."

I was bewildered. "They… aren't mad? They don't hate me?"

He frowned. "Hate you? No dear… Just because you can bend two elements doesn't make you their enemy. We all know your background. We are aware of your mother's waterbending abilities. If anything, we are all fascinated that a person who can bend two elements exists. You are a rare discovery."

I felt my face heat up from his compliment. "If… you're sure… I just don't want to make anyone uncomfortable."

Ju smiled kindly. "We know you wouldn't hurt us intentionally. We aren't afraid of you. Come on."

With slight hesitation, I followed Ju through the hall of the ship and up the stairs to the deck. A few members of the crew were seated around a metal container where a fire was dancing. Someone was playing a drum, and as we approached I could see it was Jing. The others in the circle were Lieutenant Jee, Fe, a man named To who worked in the boiler room, and another man named Gi who worked in the helm. The music stopped when we finally arrived. The sun was almost gone and the moon was starting to come out.

"Good job, Ju. See," Jing said to the group. "I told you he'd be able to get her out."

Lieutenant Jee let out a heavy breath. He crossed his arms and glanced over at me. "Hey kid. Sorry about this morning. General Iroh explained everything to us. Hope I didn't hurt your arm earlier."

I was stunned. I found my voice. "You… all really don't hate me?"

Jing shook his head. He smirked. "Nah. We think it's pretty cool. Never met someone who can bend both fire and water. Kind of jealous. That would come in handy in the kitchen when the stove breaks."

Jee nodded. "Yeah. You just took me off guard. It's pretty neat you can make water boil like that. You wouldn't mind doing it again would you? Jing and Fe were a little disappointed they didn't get to see it."

Their acceptance had me staring at them all in silent shock. Ju squeezed my shoulder to encourage me. Then he opened his canteen to let me have some water. I stared at him with uncertainty. "I… Iroh won't be mad? He told me not to waterbend outside of my room."

Ju laughed. "You can't make that man angry. You're a daughter to him. No worries."

I looked around at the group who were showing no sign of spite towards me. I felt my tense body relax. These men were actually accepting me for what I was. I was amazed and relieved. Pulling the water out of the canteen, I heard everyone shift in their seats as they watched my actions from the light of the fire. As I maneuvered the water in the air, I concentrated on my thermal energy and the water started to boil and steam. The men gasped in amazement, and then clapped to let me know they were excited by my ability.

I stopped after a moment and once the water cooled I returned it to Ju's canteen. As he shut the lid and the men spoke about my ability with thrill, I stared at the crew with great confusion.

I had always been told to never reveal my bending. I had always feared that if others knew I was a dual bender they would see me as a freak. However, these men were amazed by my ability. They were not afraid or disgusted.

My whole life I grew up fearing what I was. I grew up believing that being a dual bender was a bad thing. But as the crew accepted me, and Ju made me sit in the circle on a crate as the music started to play again, I finally realized I didn't need to be afraid anymore.

For the first time in sixteen years, I finally felt like I didn't have to hide anymore. I knew Tu Lan and my mother wanted me to conceal my abilities for my safety. But I was not under Zhao's control anymore, and the people who hated me were far away.

I was accepted by Iroh, Zuko, and the crew. They did not see me as a freak or a threat.

As the music played, I smiled widely and let my hand clutch the charm of my mother's necklace. If these Fire Nation men were fine with me being a dual bender, then I knew my mom's family would be as well.

My fears and uncertainties drifted away as the music consumed me.

Third Person POV

Zuko's fists were tight as he stared at the waterbender who he had tied to the tree. She kept her mouth shut tight, refusing to give away the whereabouts of her friends. Iroh was not pleased with Zuko's rough treatment of the young woman, but he tried to not interfere.

After they had left their ship on Zuko's steamboat, they met the pirate ship at the base of the river. The pirate captain joined Zuko and Iroh on the steamboat with a handful of soldiers, while the pirate ship sailed beside them with the captain's crew. When they heard the young waterbender shouting in the distance, they headed towards her cries. As the pirates went on shore to apprehend the girl, Zuko went his own way to block her escape knowing she would run. As the girl attacked one of the pirates with water to escape, she ran right into Zuko who grabbed her wrists.

Once he had her restrained, he had one of his soldiers help him tie her to a tree. He grabbed the scroll from her in the process, knowing he would be using it as a bargaining chip pretty soon. Once he had her restrained, the group surrounded her and she looked at the pirates and Zuko's men with terror.

"Where is he?!"

She kept her lips tight together and her blue eyes stared at the young prince with defiance.

Zuko scowled at her lack of response. He tried a different method. "Tell me where he is and I won't hurt you or your brother."

Katara scoffed. She then shouted, "Go jump in the river!"

Zuko sighed. He put the waterbending scroll between his belt, and then stepped forward. "Try to understand, I need to capture him to restore something I've lost... My honor." He stepped beside her, reaching for the necklace he kept inside his pants pocket. "Perhaps in exchange I can restore something you've lost."

He extended the blue necklace with both hands in front of her.

Her eyes widened. "My mother's necklace! How did you get that?"

Zuko was surprised to find out it was her mother's. He had wondered if it was indeed the one that Amara's grandmother once possessed. Upon the girl's reveal he wasn't so sure anymore. Maybe this girl wasn't related to Amara after all?

He quickly tried to shove the distraction away and focused back on his mission. "I didn't steal it, if that's what you're wondering. Tell me where he is."

Katara would not yield. "No!"

The Pirate Captain scowled and stepped forward. "Enough of this necklace garbage. You promised the scroll!"

Zuko smirked. It was time for him to use his bargaining tool. He pulled the scroll out and held a flame beneath it. "I wonder how much money this is worth?" The pirates had stepped forward with terror. "A lot, apparently. Now you help me find what I want, you'll get this back and everyone goes home happy. Search the woods for the boy and meet back here."

The pirate captain scowled. "Fine." He and his men started to head into the woods to search for the boy and his male friend. Once they were gone, Zuko put the scroll back where it had been.

"You're a monster! I can't believe you are trying to capture the world's last hope!" Katara snapped at Zuko with spite. "You won't get him! Aang's smarter and stronger than you."

Zuko rolled his eyes. "I think I can handle a child."

Katara struggled in her restraints. Her eyes stayed on Zuko though. "That child is the Avatar, and he will defeat you and your father!"

Zuko grit his teeth. "Silence! I will gag you peasant!"

The girl shut her mouth, but her eyes only narrowed more at the young prince.

A silence fell over the area for a little bit. Iroh and the soldiers with them had been slightly anxious Zuko would lose his temper at the girl. They were relieved when Zuko used his energy by pacing back and forth.

As Zuko paced in frustration, Iroh stepped closer to the girl. He took in her features, seeing similarities to Amara. He had a strong suspicion the girl before him was connected to Amara somehow, and he was desperate to know.

"Miss… may I ask you a question?"

Katara looked over at Iroh. She hesitated. She wasn't sure if she really wanted to talk to this man. However, she finally gave a small nod.

"You and your brother are from the Southern Water Tribe, correct?"

She wasn't sure why the man wanted to know. Zuko stopped pacing. His ears were perked too with interest. Katara stared at the prince, and then at Iroh. Finally, she nodded.

"Does the name Kya mean anything to you?"

Katara's eyes widened. Her heart skipped a beat. Her breath hitched. She could not fathom how they knew her mother's name. "Why... do you ask?"

Zuko scowled. "Just answer the question!"

Iroh shot a stern glance at the teen. "Prince Zuko. There is no need to be demanding." He looked back at Katara hoping for an answer.

Katara tried not to give too much information. "Yeah… I know the name. Why?"

Zuko looked at the girl again, suddenly uncertain. If these two kids turned out to be related to Amara then he was going to feel awful about chasing them around.

Iroh continued his inquiry. "Is she at the Southern Water Tribe still?"

Katara's eyes burned. She looked down at the ground as she thought of her mother. "No… she's dead." Then her fists clenched. "How do you know that name?"

The reveal that Amara's aunt was dead had caused Iroh to fill with sadness. Zuko grimaced, knowing this news would upset Amara greatly.

Iroh explained. "We are traveling with a girl named Amara. I'm certain you've heard the name. I understand the Avatar met her the other week and saved her…" He took in a heavy breath. "Her mother was a waterbender from the Southern Water Tribe. She told me that her aunt's name was Kya. I'm just trying to get information on her family."

Katara's jaw dropped. Her heart pounded hard. She couldn't believe what the man had just said. "Her… mother… what was her mother's name?"

Zuko was the one to answer. "Kala."

Katara's eyes widened more. "That's… not possible…"

Iroh was confused by her words. "Why do you say that?"

Katara's tense body seemed to loosen as she thought about the aunt she had never met. "I was told… Kala died twenty years ago… that the Fire Nation killed her."

Iroh frowned deeply. "Unfortunately, she is deceased. However, she was a captive for almost nine years at the estate of Commander Zhao's father. During that time, she became pregnant with Amara."

Katara was amazed. She didn't know what to say. If what this man spoke was true, Amara was her cousin.

Zuko was dying for an answer. "So… do you know her family or not?"

Katara wasn't sure what to do. She wanted so terribly to meet this girl now. If the girl was Kala's daughter, then she was family. However, she also didn't trust giving this information to Prince Zuko or his uncle.

Katara instead asked, "Where is the girl?"

Iroh answered. "On the ship. It was not safe to bring her along."

She furrowed her brows. "How did she end up with you?"

Zuko interrupted his uncle. "You never answered our question! Do you know her family or not?!"

Iroh sighed as his nephew started to lose his temper again. Katara flinched from the prince's attitude. She finally answered though. "Yes… If what you say is true, then I do know her family. Did she mention any other names by chance?"

Iroh nodded. "She said her grandmother's name is Kanna."

Katara felt her heart jump. It was true then… Amara was her cousin.

"And to answer your question, we saved Amara from her abusive brother. You know him, I believe… Commander Zhao."

Katara's heart ached when he said this. "Yes… I heard him speak about her… that's why she's with you then? You saved her?"

Iroh nodded, his face sullen as he thought about the young woman back on the ship he had come to care greatly for. "I am doing all I can to protect her from him."

Katara took this in. She was in complete shock though. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Everyone in the tribe had believed Kala was killed the day the Fire Nation came to capture the waterbenders. Kya had been devastated by the loss of her sister. When Katara learned she could waterbend, her mother was comforted because watching Katara made her think of her older sister.

Katara was astonished by what she had just discovered: Kala had been a prisoner in the Fire Nation. She gave birth to a child of two nations. Amara, the girl Aang had saved in the woods the other week, was her cousin.

She had a cousin!

Before she could say anything else on the matter, she heard the grunts and curses of her brother and Aang in the distance. Zuko and Iroh quickly became distracted as the Avatar and the water tribe boy were brought into the area, restrained by the pirates. Katara focused on her brother and friend as well, however, she couldn't completely forget about the girl she had yet to meet.

She knew one thing from this confrontation… Once they escaped from Zuko and the pirates, she would need to tell Sokka and Aang what she had learned. Once she got them in the loop, she hoped they could figure out a way to get Amara away from the Fire Nation. Because Amara needed to be with her family…

Amara POV

A knock sounded on my door waking me from my sleep. The night had been a late one. I stayed up past midnight listening to the men play music, and hearing them tell some old war stories. They also wanted to see more of my waterbending, and I was happy to show them what I had learned. Having a few members of the crew be accepting of me had given me hope again that I would survive this new life.

The knock sounded again. I managed to get off my cot and stumble to the door to open it. I was relieved when I saw Iroh. He looked tired, but also seemed unharmed from his night excursion. "Good morning, dear. Sorry we were out so long last night. Would you care to join me for some breakfast?"

I nodded.

He smiled. "Good. Get ready. I'll wait outside."

He shut the door and I did as he said. Once I had on some fresh clothes and put my hair in a ponytail, I stepped into the hall where Iroh was indeed waiting. We walked together through the ship, and eventually headed up the stairs to the level where the dining room was. When we arrived, I saw Jing had already laid out an assortment of breakfast foods and a tray of tea.

Taking my spot, I asked if Zuko would be joining us.

Iroh sipped his tea, and then answered, "No. He is asleep. You probably will not see him much today. We lost the Avatar early this morning. I will be going to sleep for a few hours myself, but I wanted to be sure you were taken care of before I did."

His concern made me give a small smile. "You could've slept first… the crew has actually been really nice to me, so you don't have to worry about my safety."

My reveal surprised him. He placed his cup down with curiosity. "Did something happen last night?"

I gave a small nod. "Ju came to my room and brought me up on deck. A few of the men were playing music. Lieutenant Jee was there and apologized for being so rough with me yesterday… and then they wanted to see me use both of my elements so I made hot water for them."

Iroh sighed with relief. "Good… I'm so glad my talk worked. That definitely puts me at ease." He picked up his cup and sipped his tea again. "So you had fun last night?"

I stared at the table with a small smile. "Yes… but it would've been more fun if you were there. They told me music night isn't the same without you. And I missed Zuko too…"

He chuckled. "It's good to know we are missed." He then put his cup down again and let out a heavy breath. His expression fell into despair. "I did need to speak with you about something else though… I learned some unfortunate news during our attempt to capture the Avatar. We apprehended the Avatar's waterbending friend briefly, and I asked her about your family. She let us know that your aunt Kya has passed away."

His words caused me great pain. I dropped my head and my heart clenched. Tears clouded my vision.

"Aunt Kya's… dead…?"

He sighed and took my hand in his from across the table. "I'm sorry, Amara. But this doesn't mean you don't have family. Like I said, your grandmother is still alive. Once we head south again I will help you search for her. You will meet your family. Don't give up hope."

I gave a small nod. "I just… I want to fulfill my mom's wishes so much. The only thing she ever desired was that I would be with my water tribe family again." I met his golden eyes with guilt. "I don't want you to feel like I don't appreciate everything you've done for me though… you have been like a father to me, Iroh. Since Tu Lan left, you and Zuko have been my family. But…"

"Amara… I understand," Iroh reassured. "You are like a daughter to me, but I want you to be with your Water Tribe family as well. You have suffered so much under the hands of the Fire Nation. I'm certain being with your Water Tribe family and amongst your mother's people will be good for you."

I dropped my gaze. "When it does happen though, I will miss you and Zuko greatly." At the end of my promise, I thought of Zuko. My heart tightened at the thought of being away from him. I didn't understand the feeling.

"We do not know what will happen in the future. For now, let's focus on the present. Tell me more about your time with the crew last night. Did you get to play anything?"

I smiled. As I started to tell about my musical night on deck under the stars, I still couldn't help but mourn for my aunt's loss. I wasn't sure what happened after someone died, but I really hoped my aunt Kya and my mom were able to see one another again in the after life.

Don't worry mom… and aunt Kya… I'll find our family… I won't give up…

Third Person POV

Sokka let out a heavy breath as Katara looked over the scroll he had managed to snatch again from Prince Zuko. Aang kept a firm grip on Appa's reins as he tried to get them as far away from Zuko and the pirates as possible. While they flew, Sokka broke the silence.

"How many run-ins are we going to have with this annoying prince? I'm getting so tired of him popping out of nowhere."

Aang sighed. "It definitely is frustrating. I'm never going to learn any waterbending constantly having to be in the air all the time. But it's not just Prince Zuko anymore… That dude Zhao is after us too. Being the Avatar just puts a huge target on my back."

At the mention of Zhao, Katara lowered the scroll and shut her eyes. "I need to tell you both something… before you were dragged into the area by the pirates I had a conversation with Prince Zuko and his uncle. I found out something that I couldn't believe..."

Aang left Appa's head and sat in the saddle to give Katara his attention. Momo, Aang's flying lemur, moved onto the airbender's lap. Sokka stared at his sister with his own curiosity.

Katara opened her eyes and met Sokka's gaze. "That girl Amara… The one Aang saved a while ago… I learned this morning that she's our cousin, Sokka."

Sokka was stunned. Then full of disbelief. "What?! That's not possible!"

Katara put the scroll down beside her and crossed her arms. "It is… Aunt Kala… she didn't die twenty years ago like mother and father said. She was actually a prisoner in the Fire Nation for almost a decade. She gave birth to Amara during her captivity."

Aang thought back to the girl he had saved the other week. "Wow. That explains so much. She did kind of resemble you in a way, Katara. And she has a connection to the Southern Water Tribe. It makes sense. What a small world..."

Sokka frowned. "So… you're saying that this mysterious girl traveling with the crazy prince is our relative… our cousin?"

Katara nodded. "She knows our mom's name… and our grandma's name. That man Iroh told me that her aunt is Kya and her grandma is Kanna of the Southern Water Tribe."

Sokka was amazed. Then his heart shattered. He recalled something that Zhao and Zuko had discussed when they were last at Roku's temple. If what Katara said was true, then their cousin had suffered greatly.

"If what you say is true," Sokka spoke. "Then we have to get her away from the Fire Nation. Clearly, she will be safer with us. And it's our duty as Kala's niece and nephew to take care of her daughter. Grandma would want us to help our cousin."

Aang gave a nod. "Then we'll get her away from the Fire Nation somehow. I'm sure this won't be the last we see of Zuko. Maybe next time she'll be with them and we can save her then. I mean… she isn't their prisoner… but she'd be better off with her family than the Fire Lord's brother and son."

Katara sighed. "They saved her from that terrible man Zhao… but at the end of the day she's our cousin. We have to get her back somehow… Gran-Gran would want us to do that. And so would our mom. Amara is family. She belongs with us."

"Then it's decided," Sokka said. "If we see her the next time we run into Prince Zuko then we grab her and run."

Aang flinched. "Uh… wait... I don't know about that… she is a bit timid when it comes to strangers. You may want to at least talk to her first and explain everything before grabbing her."

"There's nothing to explain! Amara's our cousin! She belongs with us! We're saving her from those monsters! Our aunt was a prisoner to the Fire Nation, and clearly Amara was too. She'll be happier and safer with us." Sokka shut his eyes. "My dad said losing Kala was the hardest thing Gran Gran and mom ever had to go through. Even after we were born, the whole village still mourned the loss of our aunt. If Amara really is Kala's daughter, then it's our duty to protect her and take care of her. She is our blood… not Prince Zuko's. We're bringing our cousin to her family."

Aang was still uncertain. "What if she doesn't want to go with us though?"

Sokka waved off his concerns. "There's no reason why she wouldn't. Clearly she's searching for us if she's having Prince Zuko and his uncle question people about our mom. She wants to find us as much as we want to save her."

"It's still heartbreaking though," Katara spoke softly. "To think she was treated so terribly for so many years by her Fire Nation family. You remember Zuko and Zhao's conversation the other day… I can't imagine how terrible it was for her. Or aunt Kala."

Sokka grabbed his sister's hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. "It's our job to show her what a real family is then."

Katara smiled at her brother. She knew he was right. Mom… aunt Kala… Sokka and I will save Amara and take care of her. Promise.