This chapter is the first part of the original chapter I was writing. I want to give you all something… I'm trying to nurse my dying betta fish back to health (she's like a cat or dog to me), so I've been a mess… anyway… here's a short chapter just to show you all I'm still working on this.

Chapter 18: Captive

(Amara POV)

Some part of me felt dead. Perhaps, it was because I knew I was a prisoner again to my brother.

Some part of me didn't want to wake up. I was no longer among the safe comfort of Zuko and Iroh.

However, I knew that I couldn't hide from the inevitable forever...

The darkness seemed to last for only a moment. I was not certain how long I really was unconscious after being choked. As my senses came back, I started to note where my body hurt. My throat ached. It felt like Zhao was still strangling me. However, I breathed in and felt the air enter my lungs. Zhao thankfully released me as soon as I fell unconscious, so at least I hadn't been without air for long.

Despite the soreness in my muscles from Zhao's tackle the night before, I was thankful that I was not burned or cut. The lack of damage to my flesh made my situation a little less painful. However, my arms ached because they were restrained behind me by what I could assume were iron cuffs. I knew why I was restrained of course: Zhao did not want to grant me the opportunity to attack him again.

Opening my eyes slowly, I found I was laying on my stomach on a cot in what was a small ship cabin. I could feel from the vibration of the vessel that we were moving. I knew without needing confirmation that we were headed to the North Pole.

I shut my eyes again. Tears burned. The Water Tribe… my mother's people… Aang and my cousins… they were in danger.

Gaining control of my body again, I managed to move enough to get on my knees on the cot. My hair was sticky and stiff from dried seawater. I had been left in my damp red shirt and black pants. Despite being in a room and not a cell, Zhao wanted me to be uncomfortable. This fact did not surprise me. However, I was relieved my mother's necklace was still on me. Zhao hadn't taken it. I guess there was a grain of good floating inside that darkness of his soul.

The cabin I was in was pretty bare. A cot and a small low table against the wall were the only furniture. There was an oil lantern on the table though to grant me light. The emptiness made me miss my room on Iroh's ship. For the first time in my life, I understood what being homesick felt like. My mother must've felt this way daily when she was alive.

As I sat on my knees, my wrists cuffed and the iron digging into my skin, I tried to think about my next move. Just because Zhao didn't kill me didn't mean I was going to sit around and wait for him to do it later. I also knew if he didn't kill me then there was sure to be some torture and pain instead. I was not going to sit by and let that happen again. I had to escape. If I could find a way to the ship's cargo hold, then maybe I could find a back way out. There were usually hatches in the cargo hold one could open to lower dinghies. I had no clue how I would accomplish such a thing with my hands cuffed, but I was willing to try anything.

If there was one thing I knew, it was that I was not going to let Zhao imprison me again. I was not going to let him take away my freedom. I had finally seen the world. I had learned to live, laugh, and love. I was not going to sit still while Zhao took all that away from me.

Escape… I had to escape… get back to Iroh and Zuko at the Earth Kingdom coast… and then, when I was even stronger I would try again… next time I would surely kill Zhao.

I considered trying to melt my cuffs, but I knew if I did that I'd be burning my own flesh. I had tried that method during my days alone in my attic prison with my ankle cuff: It always led to a burn.

Managing to get to my feet, I was relieved that my ankles were not cuffed at least. Walking over to the only door in the room, I pressed my ear to try and listen. I heard nothing. I wondered if that meant the hall was clear.

I didn't know if the door was locked, but if I could get a grip with my cuffed hands I'd hopefully be able to turn the handle and get the door open. However, just as I went to turn around and try, I heard the handle on the other side turn. As the door opened, I stumbled away from it quickly. My heart pounded painfully as I expected my captor to come in. I was shocked though when my guest wasn't Zhao.

My breathing hitched.

"I… Iroh," I whispered. "What are—?"

My guardian came in with Physician Ju, and he shut the door behind. Iroh then stepped over to me and hugged me quickly. As his warmth surrounded me, I was stunned. Was I dreaming? Was Iroh really here? If this was real, then where was Zuko? Why wasn't Iroh back at the Earth Kingdom coast with him?

"Amara… I am so relieved you are awake. When Ju told me about your battle with Zhao, I was so concerned that you were seriously hurt." He sighed. "You fought well… your loss was not your fault."

I was still so confused. "Iroh… why are you here? I told you to stay with Zuko."

He answered. "I know… There was an explosion… the ship was destroyed. Zuko got caught in the blast."

My eyes widened. My heart tightened. No…

Iroh felt me go tense and heard me gasp. He quickly continued. "Don't worry, dear. He survived. Zhao believes he is dead though, so this is allowing us to have Zuko on board in disguise. He is amongst the soldiers on the ship right now, trying to lay low until we get to the North Pole."

I sighed with relief. My hard throbbing heart calmed. I was relieved to hear Zuko was alive. However, the thought of an explosion had me worried about him. "Is… he hurt?"

Iroh pulled away slightly and gave a small smile. "Just some minor cuts and burns."

Ju added, "I looked him over. He'll live."

I nodded. I shut my eyes picturing Zuko again. I was so glad he was okay.

"Here… Let's get those terrible things off of you." I looked at Iroh again, confused by his words. He had pulled a key out of his robe pocket. I was surprised that he had been given the object. He explained. "I told Zhao that I would join him on his mission, but that he would have to allow me to check on you when I desire. He wasn't thrilled about that, but he decided he needed me on his side. I reassured him that you would not try to attack him again if we uncuffed you. He didn't seem to believe me, but he also knows not to test me. I may not have authority over him, but I am a better firebender than he is."

Iroh turned me and unlocked my cuffs. As soon as my hands were free, I moved into his arms again, hugging him around his waist. As I felt his familiar warmth, and realized that I was with someone I could trust again, I let the fear and pain release. He hugged me back as I broke into sobs. I pressed my face into his chest as he stroked my hair tenderly.

"I… I didn't know if I'd ever see you again," I managed to say.

He sighed. "I feared the same, Amara…" He then spoke with a lighter tone. "I do want you to know, I was very impressed when I heard about your fight with Zhao. If his men hadn't stepped in to help, I believe you would've won. You have truly become a strong bender."

I shut my eyes hard. "He was never going to let me beat him… but it felt good to get a hit at him after sixteen years..."

Ju coughed a laugh. "I don't think I've ever treated someone like him before. He does not handle pain well. He was practically howling before I even applied the cream on his burn."

Iroh added, "He will definitely never forget his almost demise when he looks in the mirror at that scar."

I smiled slightly against Iroh. "Is it a big one?"

"Let's just say, if you hit him any higher then he'd have a matching scar to Zuko."

This gave me satisfaction. It was about time he was given a taste of his own medicine.

Iroh pulled away then. "Ju is here to check over you again. You have some bruising on your throat, so he just wants to make sure there's no serious damage."

I looked over at Ju, who smiled kindly at me. I smiled slightly back. Out of Iroh's crew, Ju was one of the men I did trust.

After Ju examined the area around my throat, and then made sure nothing else on me was hurt, he took his leave. Iroh and I were left alone then.

As I sat on the cot again, Iroh sat cross-legged in front of me. "Jing will be bringing food and tea soon. You haven't eaten or drank anything in almost twenty-four hours."

Only when he said it did I realize I was really hungry and thirsty. I found my voice again. "What part of the day is it now?"

"It's evening. That's one of the reasons I wanted Ju to come with me to check on you. I wasn't sure if you were still unconscious, and I was concerned you still hadn't woken. I can only assume your body was just exhausted from the fight."

I hung my head. "So… how soon will we be reaching the North Pole?"

He sighed. "We should be there by tomorrow evening. Zhao is having us travel at full steam. He wants to take the Northern Water Tribe by surprise."

My heart stung. "Do… you think the Avatar can defeat Zhao?"

Iroh took my hand tenderly in his. "I may not be able to see the future, but I believe that young man is strong enough to do anything. With his Avatar abilities, he will be the hardest challenge the Fire Nation has faced since Avatar Roku."

I had heard the name before, but only briefly. "Avatar Roku… he was Fire Nation, right?"

Iroh nodded. "Yes… back when Fire Lord Sozin prepared to start the war on the other nations a hundred years ago, Roku was against his plans. He threatened to destroy Sozin if the war was started. Before Avatar Roku had a chance to stop him though he died. Then the new Avatar was born in the Air Nation."

I nodded, taking in his explanation. I was curious though. "So… how did Aang not age for a hundred years?"

Iroh smiled. "I'm not sure about that. When you join him and your family, you'll have to ask."

His suggestion surprised me.

He explained. "Zhao intends to keep you locked on the ship when we go on land. I plan to have Jing sneak you off on one of the small boats. Once you get into the city, I want you to find your family. You'll be safe with them."

I frowned. "When I find them… that means I'll be leaving you for good…" I met his golden gaze with sadness. "I'm going to miss you so much, Iroh… you and Zuko… you've both become my family too… even though I started to feel like an outsider on the ship, you both were constantly there for me. I won't forget you…"

Iroh took my hand in his and gave it a squeeze. "I have a feeling that we will see each other again in the future. While our paths may be divided right now, there is a chance we will come together at a crossroads. No one knows the future… only the present."

I smiled again. "I hope that's true." Then I cringed. "Of course that means Zuko will try to capture Aang though…"

Iroh sighed. "Zuko is conflicted right now. He feels his only path is to earn back his father's favor. I am doing my best to try and teach him a different path. He can be a little stubborn… but I know my nephew has a good heart. I hope he chooses the right path one day… all I can do is continue to support him and offer him guidance."

A knock sounded on the door suddenly. I jumped from the noise. Iroh reassured me. "It's just Jing."

Once Iroh greeted our cook friend, Jing came in and placed a tray of food and tea on the low table. He smiled over at me. "It's so good to see you awake, Amara. You've had certain men on this ship quite stressed. Me included."

I hung my head. "Sorry… I'm okay."

Jing responded with sincerity. "I'm glad."

He left Iroh and I alone again.

Iroh kept me company as I ate the steamed rice and fish. Once I was done with the tea and food, Iroh took the tray and prepared to leave. As he went towards the door, I asked softly and with a tremor, "Is Zhao planning on visiting?"

Iroh sighed. "Unfortunately, he told me that he plans to speak with you tomorrow before we reach the Northern Water Tribe's waters. I told him if I find out he has laid a hand on you at all I will not be pleased."

I shivered. I knew I wouldn't be able to avoid him forever, but part of me had hoped maybe he'd be so focused on his mission he wouldn't have time to see me before the battle.

Iroh noticed I had become uncomfortable from his reveal. He tried to distract me. "Zuko plans to visit you tonight. Your door locks on the outside, so Zhao is not concerned about you escaping and has not been positioning guards. Most of the men will be sleeping to prepare for the battle ahead, so it will be the only time he has to see you. He's going to sneak off the ship tomorrow night and head into the city."

I frowned. "I'm guessing he's going to try and find the Avatar?"

Iroh sighed. "You know Zuko… He is still hoping he can capture the Avatar and earn back his place in the Fire Nation. I am hoping once he realizes his plan isn't very well thought out, he will drop the attempt and find me to escape. I don't believe he has thought through how he is going to get the Avatar out of the city if he does capture him."

I crossed my arms. "I wish he wouldn't… but I know why he wants to try…"

"I need to get back to Zhao and discuss more details with him about tomorrow. Thankfully, Fe was assigned to this ship, so I'm going to find you a change of clothes and have him escort you to the washrooms down the hall. Freshening up will do you good." He paused for a moment. Then he let out a deep breath. "Just do me a favor, Amara…" I met his gaze to let him know he had my attention. "I know you may want to try and escape in the next twenty four hours, or attack Zhao when he comes to see you tomorrow, but please do not. Be patient and calm. I have a plan once we get to the North Pole, but it won't work if you anger Zhao."

"Okay," I said softly. "But if he tries to hurt me, I'm not sitting back anymore. I'm going to defend myself."

Iroh gave a small smile. "As you should." Then his eyes darkened. "If he hurts you though, I will be the one to make sure he suffers in return."

Iroh wished me goodnight then, told me he would see me in the morning for breakfast, and took his leave. Once he left, I was alone in my cabin prison. Pulling my knees to my chest, I hugged my legs and pressed my face into my pants fabric. I could smell seawater from my battle with Zhao. I felt uncomfortable, but I was so relieved I was not alone on this ship. I was among friends...

An hour passed, and my door opened again. I looked up and saw Fe had arrived. While I hadn't spoken to him much after my attempt to jump Zuko's ship from my differing views on the war, I smiled slightly, glad to see a familiar face. He smiled back and gestured for me to come with him. He walked me down the hall, keeping a hold on my arm just in case Zhao's own men walked by. He didn't want them upset that I was walking around freely through the vessel. A few men walked by, but they only eyed me with curiosity. They probably had heard rumors about me, and were surprised I did exist. After a few turns on different halls, we finally reached a steel door. Fe checked to make sure the washroom was free, and then handed me the clothes and a rag he had been carrying in his other hand.

Being alone in the small washroom, I stripped to my under-wrapping and quickly scrubbed the mud and salt off of my skin and hair. Once I was as clean as I could get, I put the long sleeved red shirt and black pants on. The shirt was big on me, but the pants fit. I didn't know where Iroh got the clothes, and I decided it didn't really matter. It just felt good to be clean and refreshed. It made me forget for a moment that I was a prisoner to Zhao.

Once I was done, I stepped back out into the hall. Fe was glad to see me in better spirits and condition. Once he got me back to my room, he spoke to me as I stepped inside. "I probably won't see you after this, Amara… I know Iroh's plans. Take care of yourself. You'll find your Water Tribe family, and I know they'll accept you. They would be crazy not to."

I met his gaze, and my thoughts went to Tu Lan. Fe reminded me of him a lot. As much as I didn't want the Fire Nation to win, I was concerned for the men who had treated me so well over the time I'd been on Zuko's ship.

"Be careful Fe… I don't want you to get hurt," I said softly.

He gave a small smile. "I will. Thanks."

Fe left me to myself again. I felt a lot better in my ship cabin prison, actually clean and in fresh clothes. Sitting back on my cot, I did shiver as memories came back to me of my imprisonment growing up. I really hoped that Iroh's plan would work and I would be able to get into the North Pole. I knew if Zhao won and kept me under his control that I wouldn't last this time…

I had tasted freedom and I would die before I lost my happiness again…

I shivered at the thought. I had thought about ending myself so many times in the past just to escape my misery. When I met Zuko and Iroh and they cared for me, I wanted to live. I didn't want to think about losing that desire…

My hand moved to my necklace. I shut my eyes hard. Did mom feel this way sometimes? Had she thought about ending her life too in order to escape my Fire Nation family? Was I the reason she kept living?

Another few hours passed. A guard I did not know came in once to check on me upon Iroh's order. He gave me some water and took out my chamber pot. I was embarrassed… I really felt like a captive again. A caged animal…

Finally, after another hour of being alone, the door opened. I had sat in the corner of the room hugging my legs for comfort. As I heard the sound of boots, I looked up hoping it was who I desired. The soldier that stepped in was fully armored. He shut the door behind him, and then took off his helmet.

I was horrified when I saw Zuko's cuts and burns on his face. He noticed my concern. "I'm okay," he said, and then gave me a small smile. He stepped towards me. I jumped up from where I sat and rushed to him. He dropped his helmet as he hugged me in return.

I broke into tears as I hugged him tight. My heavy heart lightened as Zuko was in my presence again. "I… I'm so glad you're okay."

He sighed. "I'm the one who should be saying that. I heard about your fight with Zhao." He pulled away and examined my neck where the bruising still was. He tenderly traced one of the marks with his finger. "Does it hurt?"

I shook my head. "No… just a little tender, but I'll be okay." I met his gaze. "Ju said he looked you over. How did you survive?"

Zuko smirked. "I've made it too far to be killed by pirates."

I grimaced. "But we know why they did it… I'm so sorry, Zuko… Zhao sent them… he probably targeted you because of m —"

Zuko kissed me suddenly on the lips to cut me off. I sunk into his touch, my heart light from the elation inside me. I hadn't thought I'd ever see Zuko again when I gave myself over to Zhao, so I was so happy to be granted one more chance.

He pulled away, whispering softly, "Don't apologize. Zhao has always had it out against me. He's wanted me dead for a while, especially since he figured out I was the person who helped the Avatar escape from him. And I heard my uncle say that Zhao smiled and praised my father the day I was burned and banished. That man is just evil."

My eyes burned again with tears. "He's the worst," I agreed softly.

Zuko sighed, brushing a tear that fell. "Uncle told me his plan… I want to beg you to stay with us, but I know you going to be with your family is the best thing. I'll always love you though. You're the first person I've ever felt this way towards."

I moved my hand over his own. "I'll always love you too… I'll miss you so much."

We embraced one another, Zuko rested his cheek against my head. I had my arms around his waist, not wanting to let go.

"You're right, by the way…"

I was puzzled. "About what?"

"Last night, uncle and I slept in the forest to hide my survival from others. While I was laying on the ground, I heard a cat-owl in the distance… a perfect copy."

I shut my eyes hard as my heart ached. We were about to part again. "See… I told you…"

He hugged me closer. I knew he didn't want to let me go. "When you go into the North Pole, if you hear fighting, promise me you'll do your best to avoid it… I want you safe… Just find your family."

I nodded against him. "I'll be careful…" I let out a heavy breath. "Please… stay safe too… if the Water Tribe captures you—"

He was amused by this. "They won't. I'll be fine. I promise."

We were quiet for a moment. I just wanted to soak in his warmth. After a long minute, I found my voice again. "Do… you think we'll see each other again…?"

He spoke softly in response. "I hope so…"

Zuko stayed with me for a few more minutes. He asked me if I needed anything; he said he would relay the message to Iroh. I let him know I was fine.

As he started to leave, I crossed my arms. A tear fell. "I love you, Zuko… I don't think I'll ever feel the same towards another. You're the only person I've met that has ever made my heart flutter."

He gripped his helmet in his hand. His gold eyes stared deep into my gaze. I saw they were moist. "Me too."

He went to go again. However, he hesitated. Then he dropped his helmet once more and stepped back over to me again. He cupped my cheeks with his hands, and pressed his lips to my own once again. Our hearts and breaths raced. I felt tears fall from my eyes. Our goodbye kiss.

Zuko pulled away, but kept a hand on my cheek. My heart was still racing. My cheeks burned. I stared into his golden eyes trying to put a permanent image in my mind. I wanted to remember those amazing golden orbs. "Your cousins are going to be lucky to have you," he spoke. "Goodbye, Amara… Don't let anyone cage you again. You're meant to be free."

He walked back to his helmet, picked it up, and moved towards the door again.

I spoke one last time. "I wouldn't be free if it weren't for you, Zuko… thank you for saving me and helping me find my family…"

He gripped his helmet hard. "I think you saved me too." He put his helmet back on and left the room. The door shut. I was alone again.

A war separated me from the prince I loved.

That night I rested on the cot with a heavy heart. Not only was I saddened by my goodbye to Zuko, but also I was worried. Zhao was about to attack my mother's people. I hated so much I was related to that monster. I hated so much we shared the same father. Once I was with my Water Tribe family, I wanted to honestly forget that I was Fire Nation. I knew of course with my black hair and firebending that wouldn't be possible. My Fire Nation heritage would always be the piece that haunted me.

The next morning came with me only getting a few hours of sleep from my angst. Iroh brought me breakfast and asked me how my discussion with Zuko went. I told him we said goodbye. He squeezed my hand to offer comfort. "I have a feeling it won't be goodbye forever."

Iroh left after being with me for an hour. We were due to arrive at the Northern Water Tribe by evening. Iroh was in charge of making sure the invasion parties were ready. After he left to go fulfill his duties, I sat on my cot again feeling extremely nervous.

I knew my next guest would possibly be someone I did not want to see.

Sure enough, at about mid-day, my door opened again. I was sitting in the corner of the room once more, hugging my legs for comfort.

Zhao stepped in, shutting the door behind. As soon as his presence arrived the air around me grew cold. I had a feeling it was probably my body that was making me cold. I refused to look up at him as he stepped in. I didn't want to show him any emotion. I was a mixture of feelings: fear, anger, uncertainty, spite…

I promised Iroh that I wouldn't anger Zhao. I stayed quiet to keep from doing so.

"Hello, my dear sister," he spoke. I could hear he was pleased by my position. "Are you enjoying your accommodations?"

I looked over at the lantern in the room, watching the dancing flames. "Better than rooms you've granted me in the past," I whispered.

He stepped deeper into my prison. I shivered as he was only a few feet away. "I thought I'd come visit you before the battle starts. It wouldn't be right for me to not see my special passenger."

"You mean prisoner," I muttered.

He sighed. "Did you really believe you'd be able to escape me?" He crouched in front of me with a smirk. "You belong with your Fire Nation family."

I finally met his dark gold eyes. They weren't the warm glow like Zuko's at all. "You are not my family," I spat. "You're just a captor! And you blew up Zuko! You're a monster!"

He grabbed my chin roughly. I grabbed his wrist to try and pull him off. He didn't budge. While he forced me near him, I saw the pink and blistered flesh on his cheekbone from where I hit him the other day. I was glad to see the damage.

He spoke as he gripped my chin painfully. "So much fire in you now. I think you've had enough freedom. Once I fulfill my destiny and destroy the Water Tribe, I will be praised and rewarded. I'll have the funds to build one of the finest cells you've ever seen. A girl with abilities like you belongs in a cage." His grip tightened. I winced as my jaw started to hurt. "A waterbender and firebender… two elements controlled by one worthless freak… it sickens me! So much power wasted on a bastard child."

I had it with his rough hand and insults. I heated up my palm which was against his wrist. He gasped as he felt the hot touch. He released me quickly, just as I was about to definitely burn him.

"You little freak! I let that man uncuff you and this is the thanks I get!" He stood and then grabbed my arm. He jerked me up to my feet and slammed my back against the wall. He then tightened his free hand into a fist and a fire dagger sparked from him. I tried to keep calm and not show my fear. Of course, I was terrified. "Do I need to remind you who's in charge?!"

I flinched. I knew I had broken my promise to Iroh. I had angered Zhao. But I was tired of him treating me so cruelly. However, I knew I had to be quiet now so I wouldn't anger him further. I wanted Iroh's plan to work.

"I should put a burn on your face for what you did to me!"

I stayed quiet. I kept my eyes shut. I felt the heat of Zhao's fire fade as he realized I wasn't going to retaliate further.

"Good…" His anger simmered. He took a heavy breath. "I can see you're getting some sense finally. It's important you keep well behaved, especially on our journey back to the Fire Nation."

I looked at him again with tears. "Why… why won't you just let me go? I'll go somewhere you never have to see me again… I won't let anyone find out about me… just… let me go… you have no need for me!"

He was amused by my pleading. He spoke with a grin. "You're my sister, Amara. It's my job to care for you. I can't have you alone in the world." He took a piece of my hair in his fingers. "Plus, where will you go? By the time you get to the Southern Water Tribe it will be destroyed. Once I take out the North Pole, the remnants of the South are next."

My blood pounded. Rage filled inside me. I slapped his hand off of me. The thought of him attacking my mother's home filled me with sudden fury. "You are a heartless beast, and you're going to get everything coming for you! I may have not been able to kill you, but the Avatar will stop you! You're no match for him! You and your mission will fail!"

A sharp sting took over my face. My vision blurred for a moment and I fell back against the wall. My ears were ringing from Zhao's slap. I grit my teeth to try and keep myself composed. My cheek pulsed in pain though.

"You will not speak to me that way!" Zhao yelled. "Do not forget that I am in control here! I could have you dragged to a cell down below, chained up by your wrists and ankles! Is that what you want?!"

I was quiet again. I knew I was not helping my situation. I decided to stop talking.

However, my stillness did not last long. Zhao suddenly moved his hand to my necklace. I gasped and grabbed his wrist with terror. He smirked. "I saw you with this earlier. Was it your mother's?"

"Don't…" I begged. "Please."

He dropped the necklace and jerked his hand away from my touch. Then he grabbed a wad of my hair and jerked my head back. I cringed and gasped as pain seared across my scalp. He forced me to meet his evil gaze. "You're lucky I'm trying to stay on Iroh's good side… But the next time you speak to me with disrespect, I'll turn that thing to ash! Understood?!"

I shut my eyes.

"I said, am I understood?!"

His spit hit my face. I cringed again in disgust. "Yes," I whispered.

He released my hair then. I dropped to my knees as my body trembled. I gasped as tears fell. My hand grabbed the charm of my necklace with relief that he hadn't taken it.

He crouched beside me again. "I will see you after the battle, my sweet Amara. In that time, I hope you remember how to behave in my presence. I'm your guardian… your time under General Iroh is over."

He stood and left. He slammed the door and locked it behind him.

I stayed on my knees. My cheek was still sore from his slap. But I was grateful he hadn't taken the only thing I had of my mother.

My hate for him had only intensified though.

If that monster wasn't going to die by my hand, I prayed the Avatar would bring him to his end. I had faith that Aang would defeat Zhao and his fleet. I just had to hang on a little longer. I trusted that Iroh's plan would work.

I believed this wasn't the end… I had been free… I had fallen in love. It couldn't have all been for nothing...

I'm okay, mom… I'm not giving up… I know Iroh will keep his promise and help me. I'll get into the city and find our family…