My fish is getting better! Just a little extra water changes and TLC so most of my time writing is at work during breaks. But here is the next chapter. Also, I kept only a little bit from the actual episode in this chapter. You may or may not like the changes I made, but I needed to incorporate Amara somehow. Enjoy!
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Chapter 19: Deep Snow
The fleet had arrived at the North Pole. Iroh had paid me a final visit right before the attack began. He told me to stay in my room until Jing came to take me to the cargo hold. He let me know my escape would be some time in the next evening. In the meantime, Jing would bring me meals and check on me while the battle raged outside.
However, I didn't like what Iroh said about the fight being about to start. His words filled me with worry. I hated the thought of a battle occurring. I also feared for Iroh's safety. I begged him to be careful. He reassured me he would.
However, as he started to leave me to prepare for battle, he noticed my swollen cheek at last. His eyes narrowed.
"I see Zhao went against my wishes," he said with frustration.
I frowned and hung my head. "It was my fault, Iroh… I angered him."
"That doesn't make it right though." He sighed heavily. "At least you will be away from him by tomorrow night."
Iroh hugged me goodbye and left. I was alone for the rest of that evening, and into the night. I could hear the catapults being shot off only an hour after Iroh had left. There were also shouts from the deck above. I hugged my knees as I pictured the terrible scene outside. I was certain the fireballs were trying to take down the massive wall that Zuko had told me about. I hoped the Avatar would save the Northern Water Tribe. He was just a boy, but Iroh told me he was powerful. I knew the Avatar was the only chance the Northern Water Tribe had to survive such a large invasion force.
The sun set, and I heard the fighting stop. I was confused by this. Jing brought me some tea before bed and explained to me that the fleet was waiting for daybreak to attack again. He said they knew that the waterbenders in the city would be too powerful under the nearly full moon, and the fleet would have a better chance at sunrise of breaking through the city. He also told me that Zuko was preparing to sneak into the city in a little while to go find the Avatar.
That night I was restless. I was fearful for my cousins and Aang. I worried for men, women, and children I did not know. Part of me felt like I was to blame for this: I had not been strong enough to kill Zhao and stop his fleet. However, I knew this wasn't my fault. If Zhao wasn't going in for the attack another Admiral would in the future. Plus, even if I took Zhao out I wouldn't be able to destroy over thirty ships...
I curled up on the cot, not bothering to put a blanket over me. I was so anxious, I didn't care about my own comfort. I knew Zuko was going into the city to look for Aang; I didn't want him captured. I also knew that the Avatar and my cousins were in the city and about to face more violence in the coming day; I wanted them safe.
I hated being in my cabin prison so much, because I had no clue what was going on outside. However, I stayed patient. I didn't want to ruin Iroh's plan. One more day… I just had to wait one more day… My goal was to behave like Iroh said, wait for Jing to help me get to the cargo hold, take a boat to shore, and break into the city.
After only getting a few hours of sleep, I heard the catapults and shouts start again at sunrise. I paced the room most of the day, thinking of Iroh and Zuko. I thought about my family and Aang.
I also thought of the men from Zuko's crew I had become close to... While I was against what they were doing today, I had come to know them over my time of freedom. They had all been so nice to me. They were good men on days they weren't attacking my mother's people... While I didn't want them to hurt anyone from the Water Tribe, I also didn't want them to get hurt.
That day was the longest ever. The catapults never seemed to stop. I knew the Northern Water Tribe was taking on a lot of damage. I hoped their warriors and waterbenders were strong enough to hold the fleet back. Then another thought came to my mind: where was Aang? Why hadn't he tried to stop the fleet yet?
The sun was setting again. My connection to fire was weakening. The second day of Zhao's siege on the North Pole seemed to be endless. I feared that the Fire Nation would win. I feared that my mother's people would be slaughtered. I feared I would truly be Zhao's prisoner for the rest of my life.
The sun was gone. I heard silence on the ship. I wondered if that meant Zhao and most of the men were off the vessel. I had noticed that the ship had dropped anchor an hour earlier, so maybe Zhao had gone into the city.
My door opened suddenly. I jumped a bit, having been in silence for so long. I was relieved to see it was Jing again. I stood from where I was sitting against the wall.
"Ji—"
He put a finger over his lips to tell me to be quiet. I did so quickly. He stepped over to me and handed me a thick black coat with some black boots. I knew what to do and quickly put the shoes on and the outer layer. Once I was ready, he gestured for me to follow him.
We left the room silently, and made our way down the hall. Whenever we hit a corner, Jing would tell me to stop so he could step around and make sure the hall was clear.
After a good thirty minutes of stepping through the ship with caution, we made our way to the cargo hold. The area was empty. Only a few weapons remained and were scattered around the place. A hatch was open to the side, and I saw the opening was used to lower dinghies into the water below. As we stepped closer to the hatch, I felt the frigid North Pole air. I shivered. I had never been in such a cold place before. The temperature at Zhao's harbor was in no comparison to the chill I felt now.
"Iroh wants you to take one of the boats and get to land. The ramp is heavily guarded, so this is your best way out. The coast is only about twenty yards. Once you get into the city, he said to get to the palace. It's built near the northern wall. If a Water Tribe warrior confronts you, let them know your family is with the Avatar. They will hopefully help you."
His words suddenly filled me with uncertainty. "You... think they'll believe me?"
He squeezed my shoulder with reassurance. "Definitely. You may look Fire Nation through some features, but there is definitely Water Tribe in you. They'd have to be fools not to see it."
I nodded. Then I gave him a small smile. "Thank you for everything, Jing… even though I don't agree with what the Fire Nation's doing, you're a good man."
He smiled back. "Good luck, Amara. I really hope you find your family. Be safe."
A few minutes later, I was lowered by Jing's assistance in a small wooden boat. Once I was on the water, I undid the ropes. I waved goodbye to Jing, who stood at the opening and waved back. Then I used my waterbending to make a wave behind me and push me towards shore. Thankfully the soldiers were occupied on land inside the city, so no one saw me in the dark of the night.
The moon was my guide as I got to the snowy bank. I created a wave to get the boat on the powdered ground. Once I was out of the tiny float, I sunk into the deep snow of the North Pole. I had never stepped on such a terrain before, so I had difficulty trying to figure out how to walk in the heavy material. After falling a few times, and getting covered in cold snow, I finally reached the wall of the Northern Water Tribe. The wall was massive and thick, but I knew I could use my waterbending to push an opening. Concentrating on the element, I managed to form a hole high enough and wide enough for me to slip through. The wall was definitely firm, so it took a few shoves. But finally, with one last thrust of my hands, the snow broke on the other side and I saw moonlight.
Once I made my way through the small tunnel I'd created, I arrived on the other side of the wall and was horrified. I could see the damage that had already been done in the city. Icy homes were destroyed, and a few Water Tribe warriors were in the snow. I couldn't tell if they were alive or dead. I tried not to look. In the distance, I saw red flashes and heard screams as the Fire Nation soldiers broke deeper into the city. However, I knew with the moon the Water Tribe warriors who could bend had a chance to push Zhao's forces back.
As I ran across the flattened path of the city, over firm snow bridges, and around massive ice crafted buildings, I realized I really had no clue which way the palace even was. Jing had told me to go north, but I didn't know north from south. I had been locked up most of my life, so direction was never on my mind. Usually my goal was to just escape.
After a good ten minutes of wandering aimlessly through what felt like an abandoned city, I turned the corner of a building and ran into someone. The hard impact made us both fall away from one another. I landed on the snow hard. I tried to get up quickly though just in case the person before me saw me as a threat.
"Damn! That hurt!" A deep male voice snapped. I was to my feet, just as the man stood. I was surprised to find it was not a Fire Nation soldier, but a Water Tribe warrior. From the moonlight, I saw he wore blue clothing and black boots. He had animal furs on his coat. I could make out even in the night his long brown hair was in a low ponytail. He looked in his twenties.
Once he got to his feet, he was prepared to attack. He was surprised when he saw a teenage girl and not a Fire Nation soldier. He blinked in confusion as he took in my Fire Nation and Water Nation features which were slightly visible from the light of the moon. "Wha— who are you?"
I tried to catch my breath for a moment. I had been running so much through the snow, my body was in desperate need of air. Once I could breathe again, I told him what Jing suggested. "I'm… trying to get to the palace… My family are the Avatar's friends."
His eyes widened. "Those kids from the Southern Water Tribe?"
I nodded.
He looked around for a moment. Then he sighed heavily. "Okay… I'll take you in the direction of the palace at least. It's my duty to get people to safety. Plus, we don't need you to run into a battle and get in the way."
He grabbed my arm and started to pull me in the direction of the palace. I tried not to flinch. I didn't really like to be grabbed. I tried not to complain though.
He asked as he pulled me along, "What's your name?"
I tried to keep up. "A… Amara…"
He glanced back at me. "My name's Tiras. Are you Chief Hakoda's child too?"
"No," I answered softly. "I… think he's my uncle…"
He stopped walking. He turned to me with bewilderment. "You think?"
My blood pounded. "I… I've never met my Water Tribe family…"
He was even more confused. "I feel like there's a big story behin—"
A grunt suddenly sounded cutting him off. A Komodo-Rhino appeared around the corner of a building with a full armored Fire Nation soldier on top. The man named Tiras cursed and shoved me behind him. He prepared to waterbend, and the Fire Nation soldier smacked a leather whip against the rhino to charge at us.
I was astonished. From the light of the moon, I saw the creature's features. I knew that komodo-rhino… I wasn't sure if I could stop him, but I had to try. As Tiras threw water at the soldier and knocked him off the giant charging animal into the snow, I raced in between Tiras and the fast approaching friend.
"Whoa! Lingdao! Calm boy!"
Zuko's favorite Komodo-rhino recognized my voice and came to a halt. The creature whined and stepped towards me, knowing me as it's friend and not wanting to hurt me. We had shared numerous moments on the ship in the past together. I had fed him and pet him many times. I had even rode on his back once with Zuko's help. Tiras was busy fighting the soldier who was trying to fire at us while I calmed the creature. However, I was certain he was watching my actions from the corner of his eye with bewilderment.
As Tiras managed to shove the soldier back and knock him out with a water whip, I stroked Lingdao's neck. He had calmed and was quiet. He grunted this time from the delight of my presence. "Good boy… you're okay… It's okay..."
He whined again and dropped down into the snow to sit and let me pet him. I was certain he was exhausted. I was relieved that I had managed to calm him. I hadn't really been sure my intervention would work, so I was glad the outcome was good. I knew nothing about calming komodo-rhinos apart from what I'd seen Iroh and his crew do.
Tiras walked over with bewilderment. "How did you do that? Those things are impossible to stop?"
I kept my gaze from him as I pat the calmed creature. "Like you said… there's a lot to my story…"
He sighed. "Well if you can control this beast he will get you to your family faster than me. And I need to get back to the fight. Do you know how to ride him?"
I was shocked. I looked at Tiras, and then at the creature again. "Sort of… but I don't know which way to go."
Tiras cautiously stepped over. Lingdao grunted for a moment feeling uneasy. I patted him and told him it was okay. Tiras spoke once he got close enough. He pointed the direction out with his finger. "Head that way. You'll get closer to the palace. Once you get to the bridge I'd leave the creature. Anyone sees you on that and they will think you're the enemy." I was amazed by his assistance. "Here. I'll help you up."
I asked softly, "You believe me then… That I'm Water Tribe?"
He nodded. "You don't seem like a threat… I'm not sure how you're related to them, but I can tell you're just desperate to find your family. Be careful. If one of the other warriors starts to attack you, just let them know Tiras sent you."
"Thank you," I spoke with sincerity.
He helped me up onto the rhino's back then, letting me use his hands as a boost. Once I was on Lingdao's saddle, he spoke up to me. "I really want to hear your story once all of this is over. I'm sure it's an interesting tale." He turned and raced off back into battle. As he left, I felt for the first time in the last two days I could breathe. I was a stranger to these people, yet a warrior was quick to accept my explanation and help me get closer to my family. I had a chance.
I managed to steer Lingdao in the direction that Tiras had pointed. As I did so, I was cautious to keep away from any sound of battle. Riding on Lingdao made things so much easier for me though. I had been stumbling so much in the snow, I had been using more energy trying to get through the city than I needed. Getting a little break would help me have some energy to fight if I had to.
After about ten minutes of riding through the city, I reached a bridge that crossed part of the canal. I saw fighting on the other side in the distance as Zhao's forces attempted to get closer to the giant building I could now see towering before me. I still probably had a mile to make it to the palace, but I was so much closer. Getting off of Lingdao, I pat him again on the neck to thank him for the ride.
"Stay here, boy. I don't think you should have to fight anymore. Just relax." As Lingdao lowered to the snow to do just that, I thought back to something Zuko had said to me a long time ago. Maybe I did have a closer connection to animals than others did…
Once Lingdao was content, I made my way over the bridge trying to keep the palace in my line of sight. I saw that my path broke into two directions. I could see a lot of the fighting was coming from the left, so I turned to the path on my right. I had promised I would stay away from the battle as much as possible, so I didn't want to break my word to Zuko or Iroh.
Also, I really didn't think I'd do much in a fight. While I could combine my elements and do some pretty decent damage, I was not a trained fighter. I was still a novice in comparison to other waterbenders and firebenders. I would probably just get in the way…
Eventually I got to an area that went alongside a canal. The path seemed to go straight towards the palace. As I stepped onto the path though, I was horrified when red light fell over me and seemed to consume the world around. I looked up at the sky and saw that moon that had once shined bright white was a crimson. My connection to the water around me was weakened. I was horrified as I realized whatever was happening was Zhao's doing.
How though? How was Zhao controlling the moon?
My heartbeat quickened as I feared for the balance of the world. Zhao was messing with things he shouldn't be. Just as I feared the worst, the moon changed back to its white form. I felt my connection return again. For a moment, I thought maybe the Avatar had intervened and stopped him. However, before my thought could even finish, the white moon completely vanished. Darkness took over except for some light coming from some torches nearby.
My connection to the water and snow around me was gone though. I was horrified. The moon was gone! Zhao had destroyed the moon!
I covered my mouth in terror. I saw the water that was once lapping beside me went still. I could feel a shift in the air. The world was thrown out of balance as Zhao took away an important piece of life.
He truly was a monster… He didn't just come here to conquer the Water Tribe. He came here to destroy the balance of our whole world.
As the moon was gone, I lost my ability to bend water. However, I felt my connection to fire still. At least I had some way to fight without my waterbending if I needed to. I knew I had to find my family fast though. If Zhao had taken out the moon, my time may have been limited to be with them. There was a possibility Zhao would truly win and we would all be destroyed. I wanted to meet them before I died...
As I started to make my way carefully through the darkened city, I saw after a few moments of walking along the path a bright blue light shot past me in the canal's waters. I was amazed and watched as the blue light trailed in the direction I had come, towards the southern wall of the city. The blue light was headed towards the ocean. I understood without needing an explanation that this blue light was the Avatar. Zhao had evoked the wrath of the spirits. The Avatar was finally going to show his full strength. I prayed that Jing and Ju would be okay: I knew they were still on the ship and hoped they would get to safety if Aang attacked the vessel.
Just as I went to move forward again, a figure suddenly ran out of an alley nearby. I was bewildered when I saw the disheveled man from the dim torchlight. I knew without needing confirmation that the person before me was Zhao. As he turned in my direction to run, he came to a halt upon seeing me.
He sounded perplexed by my presence. "Wha-- How did you get off the ship?!"
I was horrified. I could not believe my luck. Out of all the Fire Nation men I could run into, it just had to be Zhao.
I stepped back. "No… This can't be happening…"
He stomped forward. "You freak! You think you can escape me! I will not lose again! You are my sister! You belong to me!!"
As he came forward, I was stunned by his demeanor. He seemed… Panicked... Maybe I had a chance…?
I got into a stance quickly, ready to fight. It was my second chance. Heat flared inside me. "How many times do I have to tell you…" My once feeling of dread had turned to determination. I was not going to let him take me again. "I'm. Not. Your. Sister! I'm not your anything!" I shouted the last part and shot a blast of fire.
He dodged my attack, and then started to charge towards me. "You can't beat me this time without your waterbending!" He shot his own burst of flames my way as he came towards me. I shot a blast in return and our fire met. An explosion ignited between us. I was forced to stumble back from the heat, and I was blinded for a moment from the bright light.
Zhao had stumbled back as well. He breathed heavily as he realized I was a challenge after all. "You were once so weak! How'd you become so powerful in such a short time?!"
I steadied myself and got back into my stance. "Because I found a reason to live!" My hand flew forward again, and a stream of flames shot from me. Zhao caught my fire and parted it on both sides of him. Then he kicked some flames at me, and I managed to block each one, killing the fire with ease.
"That's it! I gave you a chance! I was going to let you live! But your defiance is my last straw! I'm going to kill you just like I killed that Water Tribe wench so long ago!"
My fury grew. I saw red. "Don't insult my mother, you monster!"
I used both hands this time and shot a powerful stream at him. He tried to block, but this time he wasn't quick or strong enough. My blast caused him to fly back a good ten yards and slide in the snow on his back. He cursed loudly as he tried to get back to his feet. I raced forward taking my chance. I shot a blast at him as he was starting to stand. He gasped and quickly rolled out of the way. As I approached him, he got back to his feet and shot fire at me again. I redirected the flames back his way. This time he tried to catch it but wasn't fast enough. My fire burned into his palms. He howled in pain. However, just as I thought I had a chance, he kicked a flame at me unexpectedly. I tried to block, but my hands missed and the fire hit my right side.
Pain erupted. I was blinded. I dropped into the snow and fell on the burn quickly to try and cool the boiling flesh in the cold powder. I heard his steps come towards me as he had gathered himself up. I quickly tried to move to my feet.
"You little worthless freak! I'm going to destroy you like I should've a long time ago!"
I saw a blast of fire shoot my way. I shut my eyes expecting the pain. However, nothing happened. Instead, I heard a voice I didn't think I'd hear again.
"Don't you dare touch her!"
I opened my eyes again and saw Zuko's form standing in front of me. Fire was diverted around us as Zuko blocked Zhao's blast from hitting me. I was amazed. "Zu… Zuko?"
He turned slightly to look down at me. "Amara… are you alright?"
I grimaced when he asked. The pain was suddenly intense on my side from my burn. "I… I got hit… but I'm okay."
Zuko scowled. He turned back to Zhao. "You hurt her! You'll pay!"
Zhao shouted back, "I don't understand! You blew up! How are you alive?!"
"You may have tried to have me killed, but it takes more than an explosion to destroy me!"
"No! I took you out! I destroyed the Blue Spirit! This… this can't be!" Zhao was sounding crazier by the minute as he saw the prince that he believed to be blown to smithereens was alive and well. "You were dead!"
"Next time you want me dead, don't send pirates to do your dirty work!" Zuko shot fire at Zhao, and the monster quickly dodged. Zuko looked back at me quickly. "Stay here, Amara. I'm going to destroy this monster once and for all so he never hurts you again."
As Zuko took off towards Zhao, I watched him fight with horror. I wanted to help. But I also knew Zuko deserved his revenge as well. Also, I was honestly exhausted. While I had built my strength up over the time I had been with Zuko and Iroh, I was still weaker than other fighters out there. I knew I wouldn't honestly be much help and just get in the way.
"You can't defeat me! I've already won! The moon spirit has been destroyed! I have more honor than you will ever have in your short lifetime!" Zhao was spouting out words I did not understand. The moon spirit? Was that how he had made the moon vanish? He had killed the moon spirit??
Zuko shot more fire at him. "The Avatar is still alive and free! You've won nothing!"
The battle between Zuko and Zhao continued. Their fire was intense and full of determination. As the fighting raged on, I was so concentrated on their movements that I was shocked when the once dark area around me became light again. My connection to the water near me and the snow beneath me returned. I looked up at the sky and saw the moon hanging above once more. I was not certain what had happened, but balance had been restored.
"WHAT?! NO!" Zhao noticed that the moon was back. "IT CAN'T BE!"
Zuko was thrilled by Zhao's failure. "Looks like you don't have that honor after all."
I was in so much pain. Zhao's attack still burned through my flesh. I sat on my knees in the snow feeling exhausted. My side was searing, but I focused on the battle before me. My hope was restored from the moon's return.
"Give up!" Zhao shouted, firing an attack again. "You're no match for me!"
Zuko scowled as he blocked the flames. "I won't give up until you meet your end! I'm never letting you touch Amara again!" He shot a harsh blast of flames, and Zhao was pushed back towards the canal as he tried to block.
Zhao yelled, "I should've killed her years ago! She's lucky I let her live this long! Especially after learning she's even more of a freak than I thought! Something like her shouldn't exist!" He shot fire back at Zuko. Zuko managed to dodge the blast, and then raced towards Zhao. He shot another flame as he approached the monster, and Zhao dodged again.
"You don't have the right to speak about her that way! She deserves a real family after the torture you put her through!" Zuko was right in front of Zhao now, and was punching at him with determination. Zhao was managing to block each of his fire punches, but I could tell he was anxious as he realized Zuko was not backing down.
However, just as Zuko went to fire again, Zhao kicked his leg up and shoved his foot into Zuko's stomach. Zuko gasped as he lost his footing and fell back in the snow. As he was down, Zhao quickly stepped in front of him.
"This time, I'll make sure you really are dead! Then I'll end her!"
As Zhao went to strike Zuko with fire, I found my strength again. All I could think at that moment was that I wanted to save Zuko. He had saved me so many times before… It was my turn…
"Zuko! No!" I got to my feet and rushed forward. I rammed my body into Zhao's side. He gasped as he stumbled towards the canal from my impact. As he tried to stop himself from falling in, he grabbed my arm to try and steady himself. A man grabbing onto a girl who was a good foot shorter only had one result…
We both lost the snow beneath our feet and fell into the freezing water below. An ice cold temperature surrounded me, and my flesh burned from the chill. The burn on my side calmed though as every other part of me hurt. As Zhao still held onto me with a tight grip, I struggled against him feeling my lungs tighten from my lack of air. I tried to bend the water around me to push him off, but his strength was more than I could beat.
There was nothing but darkness since I had my eyes closed, but I could feel Zhao was not releasing me. I knew what he was thinking: If he was going to die from hypothermia and drowning, he was going to take me with him.
However, just when I feared he would drag me down and we would both die, I felt the freezing water suddenly warm around me. As my lungs tightened more from my lack of air, I felt Zhao's hand release me as something forced him away. Opening my eyes in the burning salty water, I saw a bright light had surrounded us. Then I noticed a glowing watery hand was dragging Zhao's body away from me towards the ocean. I saw the panic in his eyes as he was pulled to his end. Eventually I could no longer see him.
Zhao was gone.
As light surrounded my drifting body, and the warmth wrapped around me, I heard a voice that almost sounded like Aang. The voice was off though. It sounded like Aang was speaking with a bunch of other people. I was so confused.
"Amara… you are safe now…"
Air entered my lungs again. I coughed out water. I felt like my body was floating. Exhaustion took me over as my body rested in the cold snow once again. I don't remember anything else. As my breathing calmed, I let myself drift away from consciousness. All I could think at that moment was Zuko was safe, and I was free from Zhao at last...
Third Person POV
Zuko stood at the edge of the canal with terror. He searched in the dark water for the girl he had come to love. He had been horrified when he saw Zhao pull her into the canal with him. Zuko was in full panic mode.
"NO! AMARA!"
Just as he went to jump in, he saw a bright blue glow shoot across the canal. The glow lit the water, and he watched with amazement as Zhao was grabbed around the waist by a watery shaped hand below the surface. The hand of the Avatar's spirit jerked Zhao away from Amara's body. As this occurred, another watery hand wrapped around Amara's drifting body and lifted her out of the canal. Zuko was bewildered, and then finally understood.
The Avatar was saving Amara.
As the watery hand lifted her body out of the canal, he heard her cough up sea water to clear her lungs. The glowing watery hand then gently placed her on the snowy bank in front of Zuko. As the hand dropped back into the canal, the glow faded away back towards the sea. Zhao was nowhere to be seen… The Avatar had finally defeated the monster once and for all.
Zuko didn't hesitate, coming out of his shocked state. He rushed over to Amara, who was unconscious in the snow. Her body trembled as the cold element touched her. Zuko knew if he didn't get her back to the oasis, she would freeze to death. There was a risk of him being captured, but he hoped Amara's family would still be there. He had a feeling Katara despised him for the battle they had earlier that morning, but he hoped that she would not attack him once she saw Amara.
He needed their help.
He quickly knelt beside Amara and lifted her upper body out of the snow. She was freezing to the touch, and he could hear her teeth chatter. Her tan skin was pale as the heat in her was barely there. The wet body and the freezing air were not going to help her at all. The oasis was warm, so he knew she would survive if he could carry her there.
Zuko hugged her for a moment, hoping his body could warm her enough to keep her from freezing to death. He didn't care if her wet body soaked into his coat. All he cared about was keeping her alive. He felt her trembling frame. He heard her weak breaths.
"Amara," he whispered. "I'm going to get you help. Just hang on..."
Zuko managed to pull her up in his arms. He knew the way back to the oasis. He also knew there was a risk of him being captured going back… but… Amara's life was more important than his freedom.
The walk back to the oasis took a little longer than he wanted, but stepping through the snow with Amara in his arms was a little more difficult. However, he arrived back at the large ice structured temple of the Northern Water Tribe, and made his way around the large building to its back wall. The wall was made of thick snow, but was built against a stone cliff. The small arched wooden door was still open, and as Zuko stepped towards it he could already feel the warmth.
Stepping through the opening, he arrived in the cove where he had departed only thirty minutes before. The water of the cove was before him, and the waterfall roared on the other side. He saw where the grass and pond were in the distance that Katara was there with the Avatar's flying lemur friend. Zuko was relieved to see someone was still in the area, and they were not Water Tribe warriors. He had a chance to escape. He walked his way on the thin stone path on the side of the cove's cliff. Then he stepped over the stone bridge and onto the grass.
Katara had seen him coming as soon as he had entered the oasis room. She had planned to attack him, but when she saw the girl in his arms she stopped herself. She watched in bewilderment as Zuko carefully placed Amara in the grass. Momo hissed upon Zuko's arrival. Katara told him to stop, and then she slowly approached Zuko with caution. She wished Sokka were still with her and not headed to the palace on Appa to let the chief know about Yue's sacrifice. She had decided to stay in the oasis and wait for Aang to return. However, she realized Sokka would attack the prince before giving him a chance to speak, and she decided this was probably better.
Zuko didn't pay attention to Katara as he kept focused on Amara. He sighed with relief as he saw her breathing return to normal. He could already see the warmth from the area was bringing her color and life back. He knelt beside her and gently brushed a strand of wet hair away.
"You're going to be okay now… You're safe," he whispered. "Zhao's dead. You're finally free from that monster…" His eyes met Katara's as she stopped a few feet in front of him. He spoke with exhaustion. "Please… she's been injured… I know there's healers here… please help her…"
Katara was unsure what to say at first. Then she found her voice. "This is her, isn't it? Kala's daughter... Amara?"
He gave a small nod. He lifted the unconscious girl again, just enough to press his forehead against her own. "I have to go," he said softly to her. He knew she couldn't hear him, but he just had to say one last thing to her. "You'll be okay now. Your family will help you." His eyes burned with tears. "I love you, Amara…" He kissed her gently on her forehead. Then he lowered her again in the grass.
As he stood and turned to leave, Katara spoke. "Zuko…"
He stopped and looked at her with question.
"I should capture you for my people and Aang…" she tightened her fist. "But I'm letting you go right now for her… your uncle told me before he left that he was headed to the eastern wall of the city to grab one of the rafts. He might still be there if you go now."
Zuko was amazed Katara was helping him. He nodded to let her know he heard her. Then he turned and ran back across the bridge, down the path, and through the door. Katara was left alone in the oasis again. Momo cautiously stepped over and sniffed the unconscious girl's face with curiosity.
Katara let out a heavy breath, and then she moved down on her knees beside the girl to examine her. She could see her cousin was soaked to the bone. Katara could only assume Amara had fallen into the water that moved around the city. She used her bending quickly to pull the water off of the girl to help her dry. As soon as she got the cold liquid off of Amara's clothes and skin, dropping it into the grass, she saw Amara's trembling body calm. The warmth from the oasis and freedom from the cold water was bringing her back.
Once she had Amara more comfortable, she could only stare at the girl for a moment in bewilderment. Aang had told her about her cousin, but she couldn't believe she was actually staring at Kala's daughter in the flesh. Amara was beautiful. She was definitely a little older than Sokka, but her years of captivity made her look younger too. Her black hair showed her Fire Nation heritage, but Katara could see from the light of the moon that still hung above that Amara's skin was a shade darker than Fire Nation men and women. She also could see that the girl had a similar nose and eye shape to her own.
A glow shot through the water nearby suddenly. Katara gasped as she saw a familiar boy had appeared by the pond again. Aang blinked a few times once the glow on the tattoos of his body faded. Then he stared down at the pond where the black and white koi-- the spirits Tui and La-- were circling in harmony again.
"Aang!" Katara shouted over to him, thrilled he was okay.
He looked over upon her call with a smile. Then his eyes widened when he saw the unconscious girl who Katara knelt beside.
"Amara?!"
He rushed over to Katara. Momo chattered, thrilled that his friend had returned. As Aang came beside Katara and stared down at the unconscious girl, a flash shot through his memory of him using his Avatar abilities to save Amara in one of the canals. He rubbed his brow. "Oh… That's right… Zhao was trying to drown her… I think I saved her."
"What about Zhao?"
Aang shut his eyes. "I really don't remember… I'm pretty sure whatever happened, he's gone from this world."
Katara nodded.
"Did Zuko bring her here?"
She nodded again. "I told him where his uncle was headed. He took off. I think those two are escaping the city now."
Aang sighed. "As much as I wish Prince Zuko was captured, I don't have time to worry about him right now… I'm too tired…"
Katara finally asked, "Did you beat the fleet?"
He nodded. "The ships I didn't destroy were fleeing. The Northern Water Tribe is safe at last." He looked around then, realizing Appa and Sokka were gone. "Sokka?"
"He went to the palace to inform Chief Arnook about Yue. She sacrificed the life in her to save the moon spirit…"
Aang sighed. He looked up at the moon with despair. "So in the end, we didn't avoid loss…"
Katara shut her eyes, feeling her heart ache for the princess that was lost. She knew Sokka was hurting.
Aang crouched beside Amara then. He was glad to see she was breathing. He saw some charred marks on her clothes from where fire must've hit her. "We need to get her to the palace," Aang suddenly said. He pulled out his bison whistle suddenly. "I'm going to call Appa here. I'm guessing Sokka's off him by now." He blew into it only making a tiny air sound.
"Once we get her to one of the rooms, I'll check her over. Zuko said she was injured. I think she's also exhausted." Katara placed her hand on the top of the girl's head, stroking her soft hair. "Gran Gran will be so excited to meet her one day."
Aang smiled. "Looking at her a little more, I can see the similarities between you two. She's definitely your cousin."
Katara nodded. "She's finally with her family…"
The young Avatar moved over to Katara then. She stood and hugged him.
Despite the Fire Nation's destruction, and Princess Yue's sacrifice, there was a positive outcome at last… the Northern Water Tribe was safe, and Amara was finally with them.
--
A/N: Don't freak out! Amara will go back to Iroh and Zuko eventually. Just want to give her some time with her cousins. Patience!