I was writing this chapter and decided I needed to break it into two different ones. Will have the next one up in 24 hours after I proofread it. Also, the romance between Amara and Zuko is spotty right now but it will develop stronger in later chapters... - Faith

Chapter 15: Clarity

(Amara POV)

Three days had passed since we had come into contact with Zhao. I could tell I was still on edge from my encounter. No matter how much I tried to reassure myself that I was okay, I feared Zhao would never give up... he didn't like to lose, and getting me back would give him a sense of victory.

Zuko kept reassuring me that he would do everything in his power to keep me safe. While I did feel comforted by his words, I still was nervous. The higher in rank my brother became, the greater of a chance there was of him getting me back. While I knew Iroh was the Fire Lord's brother and had some manner of authority, he was a retired General, so he didn't have much say except when it came to his crew.

I had asked Iroh the other night at dinner with Zuko what would happen if Zhao kept moving up in rank. Zuko had scoffed and said that would never happen. Iroh wasn't so convinced. He told me that if it did happen, Zhao would have authority over not just naval fleets but invasion forces within the Earth Kingdom. He would become an important figure to Fire Lord Ozai. Right now, Zhao's authority was the Fire Nation Navy. If he went up in rank, he'd be a General and able to control Fire Nation forces across the world.

I hated the thought of Zhao having that much control. I feared that if he advanced in rank, even Iroh would not be able to defy him.

Iroh noticed my angst from this reveal. He had grabbed my hand to try and reassure me. "Amara... I will do everything in my power to keep you safe from Zhao. I promise."

I wanted to believe him. However, after what happened the day before with Zhao threatening to have Zuko and Iroh arrested for treason, I knew that Iroh would not be able to stop Zhao one day. One day, Zhao would not take no for an answer...

But I knew one thing... I was not going down without a fight... I would not let the enemy win.

A sigh escaped me. I crossed my arms as I stood on deck by the ship rail. The enemy... I had come to learn as I saw more of the world that Zhao wasn't the only enemy...

We'd just arrived at a Fire Nation colony trading port to ask about the Avatar. Iroh and I had gone around the market square to browse while Zuko questioned the locals. He got no answers of course, and went back to the ship irritated. Iroh suggested he calm down and have some tea with him. He invited me, but I declined. As Iroh and Zuko had tea down below, I hung out on deck to get some fresh air and gaze at the town in the distance. I leaned against the rail to watch as Fire Nation men and women shopped, and Earth Kingdom men and women worked. Observing the scene before me, I could see a clear line of division within the town.

During my time with Zuko and Iroh, I had come to learn a lot about things I never knew. With this knowledge, I was also learning about a war I had only heard of from stories and chatter amongst others. One thing I found through these new discoveries was how much I disliked the Fire Nation... The Fire Nation had wiped out the Air Nation... the Fire Nation had invaded the Water Tribe...

Being free from my brother and my cage, I was able see and hear for myself how the Fire Nation felt superior over the other nations. Zuko and the crew spoke about earthbenders and Earth Kingdom citizens like they were lowlifes. At one point, I even heard Zuko refer to the Avatar's friends as Water Tribe peasants. Honestly, the opinions around me hit me hard. My mother had been from the Water Tribe. I was part Water Tribe. Also, I had met some Earth Kingdom citizens at stalls when I shopped with Iroh, and they were all super nice.

The Fire Nation reminded me a lot of Zhao. Not because he was Fire Nation... It was because he was someone who liked to take control. The Fire Nation was taking control of everything. I knew if the Avatar was captured, this would only get worse. From what I understood, the Avatar was the last chance the other nations had to stop the Fire Lord from taking over the world. To the other nations, the Fire Nation was the enemy. I was beginning to agree.

And I also realized just how terrible of a man the Fire Lord truly was... He was in control of this war. He burned Zuko. He didn't care who was hurt or who died as long as he succeeded in taking over everything. He would most definitely see me as a threat if he learned I was a dual bender.

I wanted Aang to stop him... I didn't want my mother's people—or any other innocent people—to be hurt or killed by the Fire Nation.

My thoughts went to Zuko again: But...What would happen to Zuko if the Fire Lord and Fire Nation were defeated? As much as I didn't want Aang to be captured, I also felt bad for Zuko not being able to go home.

I dropped my head on my arms which were resting on the rail. My mind was a mess.

A snarl suddenly sounded, bringing me out of my wild thoughts. I jumped, startled by the ferocious animal noise. I glanced over at the pier we were anchored beside and saw a giant brown fluffy beast. It had a black stripe on its back and tail, and a strange nose. The creature was charging towards the ship. On the creature's back was a young woman with long black hair, and dark clothes. The creature suddenly lunged from the pier with unbelievable agility, and managed to use its claws to get a grasp on the ship. It crawled up and came on deck a few feet away from me. It snarled again and I gasped, stumbling back.

The beast started to sniff along the deck, while Iroh's men rushed over with their weapons.

"Amara!" Guard Fe rushed over to me and pulled me behind him to offer protection. He brandished his spear, ready to fight if needed.

The lady scowled at the men who were approaching her and the creature. "Get back! We're after a stowaway."

Zuko and Iroh had emerged up on deck. I could tell Zuko was not pleased by our intruder. "There are no stowaways on my ship!"

The beast suddenly stopped at a spot on the ship and dug its claws in. Then it ripped up the steel with ease by its teeth, and put its head down in the new hole. An older man clambered out a moment later in ragged clothes and started to run. The creature shot its long tongue at the man and hit him in the back, causing him to collapse on the deck and lay still.

Once the man was down, the woman slid off her animal easily and dropped to the deck. She walked over to the stunned man with satisfaction.

Zuko approached as well, bewildered. "He's paralyzed."

The lady picked him up with ease and threw him over her shoulder. My jaw dropped from her strength. "Only temporarily. The toxins'll wear off in about an hour. But by then he'll be in jail and I'll have my money."

"But how did you find him on my ship?"

She answered Zuko, patting the creature. "My shirshu can smell a rat a continent away."

Iroh stroked his beard. "Well, I'm impressed."

The lady tossed the man over the back of the beast, hopped on, and then took off. The creature jumped from the ship to the pier, and ran off back into the town.

"Very impressed," I heard Iroh state again.

Zuko smirked. "Me too." He glanced over at Lieutenant Jee who had come on deck with the other guards. "Head into town with some men and see what you can find out about that bounty hunter. I want to speak with her again. She's just what I need to find the Avatar!"

His words horrified me. I tried to hide my feelings though, and instead looked back towards the town. I couldn't let Zuko or his men know I was against their plans... that would make me their enemy... although, part of me already felt like one in a way.

A hand suddenly pressed to my shoulder a moment later. I jumped again, involuntarily. Everything really had me on edge.

"Hey. You okay?"

I glanced over at Zuko and saw his concern. I tried to give him a smile, but I knew it was horrible. "Yeah... just surprised me. It didn't hurt me."

He was relieved and hugged me. "Good. I was worried when I heard the commotion."

I hugged him back, but I frowned as guilt overcame me. I didn't want Zuko to go after Aang... but I didn't have the courage to tell him that out loud.

I was so conflicted...

A few hours later, Zuko and Iroh prepared to leave to go get the woman that Jee learned was named June. As they started to head out on their quest, I watched them from the hall where the ramp was.

Iroh smiled over to me. "We will hopefully be back by tomorrow evening, dear."

I gave a small nod. "Okay... be careful..."

Zuko— who wore the fine armor he usually wore when he went after the Avatar— stepped over to me. "Don't worry. We'll be fine. Get some rest."

He kissed me gently on the forehead. His touch made my skin tingle. My heart fluttered. However, guilt fell over me again.

I was in love with the Fire Lord's son... and he was trying to capture the Avatar... I really cared about him and was so happy he cared for me too. However, I was frustrated with him for trying to capture such a nice boy.

"Hey... you sure you're okay?"

Zuko had not left after he kissed me. He noticed that I was distracted. I met his gaze, and gave him a strained smile for what felt like the tenth time that day. "Sorry... I just fell into my thoughts. I'll miss you. Be careful." I hugged him to say goodbye.

A few moments later, he and Iroh left the ship to go on their quest. As they did, and the ramp started to close, I grabbed my mother's necklace and felt my eyes water.

As much as I cared for Zuko, I wanted him to fail...

Third Person POV

The Avatar and his friends sat in Bato's room at the abbey. The room was decorated by the nuns in animal furs and Water Tribe symbols to help Bato feel at home. The man had been injured during battle and was spending a few weeks healing. He had told the group he was waiting for a map from Chief Hakoda to see where the warriors were camped and rejoin them. As the group shared some stewed sea prunes with the middle-aged lean man, they chatted with him about their journey. Aang was quiet, listening and feeling a bit like an outsider.

Bato smiled at Katara and Sokka with pride. "It sounds like you two have had quite the journey. Your father will be so proud when I tell him all of this. Of course, that crazy prince Zuko and that awful man Zhao being after you make me greatly concerned for your safety."

Sokka waved him off. "We can handle it. We escape them every time." His eyes glanced over to Katara then. "Although, one of these times we run into Zuko we're hoping something good will come out of it."

Katara nodded and looked over at the man. "Bato... we need to tell you something... about Aunt Kala."

Bato froze as he went to take another spoonful of his stew. He slowly lowered his bowl and put his spoon back in. His eyes watered as he thought back to the woman he loved and had never stopped loving. "Kala... I haven't heard mention of that name by another in so long... What about her?"

Katara frowned. "We learned something from the Fire Lord's son... It turns out Aunt Kala was taken prisoner twenty years ago and held captive by an admiral in the Fire Nation. She was a prisoner for nine years I believe, before she was killed by the man named Zhao... the one we told you is chasing us."

Bato shut his eyes. "She... was alive... for nine years?" He covered his face in agony. "I should've broken into the Fire Nation to try and find her... I should've saved her..."

Sokka tried to reassure him. "We learned despite her captivity, she had a daughter named Amara. The girl is alive, and she's with Prince Zuko."

Bato was amazed. "Kala... had a daughter?"

Katara nodded. "Sokka and I haven't met her yet, but Aang has. He said she's beautiful and kind. He told me she looks similar to me in some ways."

"Is... her father... the man that imprisoned Kala?"

Sokka frowned and gave a nod. "Yes... Aunt Kala went through something terrible. So did her daughter. From what we understand, Amara was kept locked up and tortured for sixteen years by her uncle and brother. She was only freed recently by Prince Zuko and his uncle."

Bato shut his eyes with pain. "I can't believe this... Kala suffered so much... I failed her so much..."

Katara placed her bowl down and then took Bato's hand in hers. "Aunt Kala may not be here anymore, Bato... but her daughter deserves a family and tribe. We're going to get her back... we'll save and protect Aunt Kala's daughter."

Bato let out a heavy breath. "Is... is she a waterbender?" He looked up at Aang for an answer.

Aang rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh... I—"

Sokka interrupted. "We heard Zhao and Zuko's conversation at Roku's temple. Seems she's a firebender."

Bato grimaced. "Wishful thinking I suppose... If she were a waterbender then at least she'd have a piece of her mom with her."

"I'm sure she does," Katara spoke again. "From what I gather, her Fire Nation family doesn't like her at all. If that's the case, she's probably more like her mom than her dad."

Bato seemed comforted by this. "I'd like to meet her... to see some small piece of Kala still alive."

"That's our hope... we plan to get her from Prince Zuko somehow. She needs to be with us and not the enemy," Sokka stated. "The issue is, they usually leave her on the ship when they come after us, so we have to wait until we get the chance."

Aang spoke up again. "Once I'm stronger and know more bending skills, I'll do what I can."

Bato met Aang's gaze again. "Thank you, Avatar Aang." He then looked at Sokka and Katara. "Kala's daughter needs to be with the Water Tribe. It's what your aunt and your mother would've wanted."

Katara nodded. "We won't rest until Amara is safe from the Fire Nation."

Amara POV

Sitting silently in the chow hall, I listened as Iroh's men talked amongst one another as we ate our supper. Ju had been the one to come to my room and encourage me to join the group. Jing was making some of his famous fish stew, and Ju insisted that it tasted better with company. I decided to go with him, but I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. While Ju, Jing, Fe, and Jee sat with me eating their food and chatting about their days, I moved my spoon in my stew absentmindedly. I was starting to feel so out of place.

"Tell you what really frustrates me," Lieutenant Jee suddenly said. "We've been journeying out on sea for three years, and I feel like we've done nothing good for this war. What am I going to tell my family when I finally go home? I spent three years chasing after a myth, only to discover it's a twelve year old kid. Where's the pride in that?"

Ju sighed heavily. "I once served General Iroh under his fleet many years ago. We fought so many battles together. Conquered so many Earth Kingdom towns for the Fire Lord... I kind of miss those days. Actually being out on the field."

Jing argued. "We're doing wonderful things for the Fire Lord and our nation. I'm certain the Fire Lord is appreciative we are assisting in the Avatar's capture."

Jee scowled. "That brat really irritates me."

Fe finally jumped in. "Who you telling? The day we almost captured him at the South Pole, that kid almost knocked me off the ship. I hope General Iroh and Prince Zuko are successful this time. The Avatar is only going to get stronger the longer he is roaming the world. If he masters all elements, he will surely stop us from expanding our borders."

The men started to go into politics then. As they did, I stared at my stew feeling my stomach clench. I didn't like anything they were saying.

"Amara?" Ju suddenly noticed my demeanor. "Everything alright? You've been pretty quiet."

Jing added, "Something wrong with the stew? Did I make it too spicy? You've barely taken a bite."

I sighed. "Sorry... I don't think I'm feeling too well." I placed my bowl down. "I'm going to just go to bed early."

Standing, I went to head back to my room.

Jing spoke after me. "I'll bring you some tea in a little bit to help."

I crossed my arms wishing he wouldn't. I just wanted to be alone. I knew refusing tea on this ship was treachery in itself though, so I didn't argue. As I walked back to my room, I thought about my mom.

I heard her crying. I opened my eyes to see my mom had her back to me. She tried not to cry in front of me. She didn't like me seeing her sad.

"Mommy..." I whispered.

She swallowed when she heard my voice, immediately holding back the sob. She rolled on our cot, the chain on her ankle clanking as she did. It was dark, but I could see the shadow of her hand move towards me to brush through my hair. "Sorry, love... I didn't mean to wake you," she whispered.

"Mommy... you're sad?"

She moved her arms around me so she could hug me. "I was just thinking of your grandma and aunt... of my home... I miss it."

I shut my eyes. "Tell me about them... tell me about the village again..."

She sighed. "It's so white... Everything looks so pure there from the snow. The igloos are massive. There are penguins everywhere. Until the Fire Nation arrived, it was so peaceful. Laughter, dancing... the elders would tell stories around the fire. Men would go hunt, while women cared for the children and cooked the meals. Everything was so balanced. So light, open, and free."

I frowned. "Then daddy took you away..."

My mom let out a deep breath. "Amara... that man is not your father. Just because you're related to him does not mean he is family. The same goes for his brother and Zhao. Family takes care of you. Those men are just the enemy. As long as you are my daughter, they will never treat you kindly. That's why I want you to find a way out of here one day... I want you to go be with your true family... you are Water Tribe."

I arrived at my room. My heart was heavy with pain. I was so grateful for Iroh saving me. I was glad to have met Zuko. I was so happy to know what loving another felt like. But... having clarity, I realized that no matter how hard I tried to be Fire Nation, I would always belong to the Water Tribe. I wanted to stay with Zuko and Iroh because I trusted them, but I knew in the end I would have to leave them.

Because I was against the Fire Nation and wanted the Fire Lord to lose.

Third Person POV

Zuko was irritated. They had been traveling all night after finding June and her shirshu at the tavern. Instead of finding the Avatar after using the scent of the Water Tribe necklace Zuko had in his possession, all they found were the Water Tribe brats. The two teens had tried to run, but June snapped her whip and her beast Nyla hit the boy and girl with her tongue. They fell to the ground paralyzed.

Zuko dropped from the creature's back and stepped over to them. Katara and Sokka glared at him from where they lay paralyzed on the ground.

"You won't get away with this, Zuko." Katara managed to get out her anger despite barely being able to move.

Zuko ignored her, and instead asked, "Where's the Avatar?!"

Sokka scoffed. "Really! You think we'll tell you that? You're a bigger idiot than I thought!"

Zuko growled. However, he understood that this boy and girl were Amara's family. As much as he wanted to lash at the boy for his insult, he restrained himself. He pinched the bridge of his nose to try and keep calm. "I'm going to ask one more time: Where is he?"

Katara scowled. "Give me back my mother's necklace! Then maybe I'll tell you!"

Zuko stared at the necklace in his hand. "So... this really isn't your grandma's?"

Katara was stunned by his question. Then she understood his curiosity had something to do with Amara. "It was. She gave it to my mom on her wedding day."

Sokka groaned. "Katara! Don't have a conversation with the guy trying to capture Aang!" He then snapped at Zuko, "Also, give us our cousin!"

Zuko was shocked by the boy's words. He hadn't expected them to want Amara so much. He tried to play dumb. "I don't have your cousin!"

Katara argued. "Yes you do! Otherwise you wouldn't have known that necklace once belonged to my grandma. We all know about Amara! We know she was Kala's daughter. You told me!"

Iroh let out a heavy breath from where he still sat with June. He had a feeling their time with Amara was short.

June was bored. "I don't know what's happening right now, but if my services are no longer needed—"

"You're still needed!" Zuko snapped at June. Then he looked at Sokka and noticed a map laying beside him. He stepped over and grabbed the map. Sokka's eyes widened as he realized Aang's scent was on it. Zuko noticed his terror. He smirked. "I have a feeling the Avatar will be found very soon."

As he turned to bring the map to the shirshu, Sokka spat, "Just wait until I'm no longer paralyzed! I'll give you everything you deserve and then save my cousin from you."

Zuko tightened his hold on the map. He looked back at the Water Tribe boy with irritation. "She doesn't need to be saved! She's happy with us! We're all the family she needs!"

Iroh spoke to try and silence him. "Prince Zuko! Calm yourself!"

Sokka didn't need help from the old man. "You may think she's happy, but when she finally learns how terrible you all are and everything your people have done she will hate you! She's Water Tribe whether you accept that or not!"

Zuko snapped back, "She's Fire Nation you filthy peasant! Shut your mouth!"

Iroh was louder this time. "Enough!"

Zuko scowled, shook his head, and returned to his mission. He didn't have time to argue with Amara's cousins all day.

Amara POV

The day passed by, and I kept to myself. The crew was concerned about me, but they gave me space. They could see I didn't feel like company. I was worried about Aang. I really hoped he would escape Zuko. And once again, I felt awful for wanting Zuko to lose.

It was around supper time when a knock sounded on my door. I silently opened it to see Iroh standing on the other side with a tray of tea.

"Amara. Jing tells me you've been unwell while we've been gone. I had some tea made for you to help." He smiled. "It's good to see you after a long journey."

I gave a nod and moved aside to let him in. If Iroh was back, did that mean they found the Avatar? Was Aang captured? My heart pounded hard as I worried for the young airbender I barely knew.

Iroh set the tray down on my low table, and gestured for me to come sit with him. I did so, taking a spot across from him. He handed me a teacup, and the liquid was still warm inside.

"How... was your journey?"

Iroh sipped his tea. "Very long. Zuko was so tired he went straight to bed. I wanted to check on you before I went to rest. Ju is concerned... he told me you have barely been eating."

I frowned and stared down at the dark liquid in my cup. "I... just have a lot on my mind..."

"Anything you want to get out?" Iroh lowered his cup. "Sometimes talking is the best cure."

I shook my head. "It's nothing..." Then I looked at Iroh again. My heart pounded harder. "Zuko... did he capture him?"

Iroh gave a small smile. "No... the Avatar and his friends are safe."

I let out a sigh of relief. Then I cringed. I knew being relieved about such a thing would upset Zuko.

Iroh noticed. "There is no reason to feel guilt for wanting the Avatar to succeed, Amara. Your mother and her people have been hurt so much by this war. You've been hurt by men who hold high positions in the Fire Lord's army. Do not be ashamed for wanting peace."

I frowned. "I just... I care about Zuko a lot, Iroh. I want to support him, but I can't when it comes to capturing Aang... I don't want the Avatar to get hurt."

Iroh placed a fatherly hand on my arm. "You have such a good heart, dear. It's understandable that you care for the young airbender. Like I said before, I truly believe the Avatar will win."

"But... what if he doesn't? Will he be killed? Or imprisoned?"

Iroh sighed. "He will not be killed. Like I said before: the Fire Lord wants him alive so he cannot reincarnate... so he will be taken to a strong cell in the Fire Nation."

My heart tightened. "He's just a boy... he doesn't deserve that... he doesn't deserve to be caged..."

"No," Iroh whispered. "No one deserves to be locked in a cage..."