Chapter 20: Family
(Third Person POV)
Zuko and Iroh sat on their small raft floating across what felt like the endless ocean. Zuko had been asleep for most of the day and woke to the sun lowering in the sky. His uncle seemed calm and composed.
When Iroh heard Zuko stir and wake up, the older man smiled over at the teenager who sat up and rubbed his brow.
"Welcome back, Prince Zuko."
Zuko sat in silence as he stared at the raft beneath him. He was torn. He had not only lost the Avatar, but he had been forced to leave Amara behind. He had wanted her to stay with him so terribly, but he knew he had to keep his promise: he had to get her to her family.
"You did the right thing," Iroh spoke. He knew that his nephew was thinking of the young woman they had both come to care for deeply. "I know you will miss her greatly, but Amara will be better off with her family. Better she's being mended than floating on a raft in the middle of the ocean."
Zuko sighed heavily. "I know… It was just so hard to tell her goodbye. She's the first person who has ever accepted me for myself. She didn't care that I was a prince… and she made me smile so much. I've never felt for anyone the way I did for her."
Iroh frowned. "Amara cares for you greatly as well… I can see the bond between you both. What you have is something many do not find in their lifetime. Love is not easy… It can sometimes lead to hurt… but I believe two people who are meant to be together will always find each other in the end. Just be patient…"
"She's with her Water Tribe family now, Uncle… They're going to make her hate the Fire Nation even more when she learns just how terrible our people are to her own... I don't think she'll see me in the same way the next time we cross paths."
Iroh did not agree. "I think she may surprise you. Amara loves you, Zuko… when she found out you were in an explosion, she didn't view it as the Avatar being free from your capture… She was in great despair that you were possibly dead. I had to quickly reassure her that you were alive before the poor child fainted."
Zuko smiled slightly at this. He knew his uncle was right. Amara hadn't agreed with Zuko's mission to capture Aang in the first place, and she still cared about him. If he ever saw her again, he had a feeling she would still feel the same. He was glad his uncle knocked some sense into him. "Yeah… I guess you're right…"
"Just be patient, nephew. It's going to work out. I can feel it," Iroh reassured. "We will see Amara again. For now, let's just be happy that she can finally meet her Water Tribe family at last. She's fulfilled her mother's wishes."
Zuko nodded. "I'm sure she's going to have a lot of fun with those crazy kids… I just hope she isn't injured too badly… She looked to be in a lot of pain when I blocked Zhao's attack."
"There are wonderful healers at the North Pole… Also, her cousin Katara is a healer as well. I know she is in good hands."
Iroh's confidence and comfort eased Zuko's sorrow. Zuko glanced back in the direction of the North Pole with a heavy heart.
Until we meet again, Amara...
Amara POV
The darkness was peaceful. However, as I found myself regaining consciousness, an image flashed through my mind; An image of a man who had hurt me for sixteen years, being dragged away into a dark abyss.
Was it true? Was it all a dream? Was I finally released from Zhao's control at last?
After sixteen years of abuse and torture from that monster, and constantly trying to escape, was I finally done?
Free… Was I really free?
As I slowly woke from my sleep, I felt that the burn on my side was no longer searing. There was still some tender discomfort, but the overall pain was gone. My body felt heavy, but I knew that was just because I was still exhausted.
After breathing in fresh cold air for a few minutes, I finally opened my eyes and returned to the world. After adjusting my sight, I saw I was in a room of white. Pure white. The tan fur blanket over me was warm and welcoming due to the cold air around me. A table made from ice was beside me, and on that table was a ceramic bowl of water with a rag. I was not sure where I was, but looking around the room further, I could tell I was still in the Northern Water Tribe.
The Northern Water Tribe… The last thing I remembered was something lifting me out of the canal. Zuko had been there… My body shook as I thought about Zuko. I didn't know where he was. Was he captured? Was he dead?
My heart started to quicken. I needed to figure out what was going on. How did I end up in this room? Where exactly was I? Was this the palace, or a building in the city? I was so lost and confused.
Sitting up, I cringed as every movement sent pain through me. I tried to push my discomfort aside. I found I was on a raised ice surface, but the surface had hay on the flat top for comfort. In between me and the hay was another fur blanket. As I moved to put my feet on the floor, I was surprised to find I had been changed. I was wearing dark blue pants and a light blue shirt with sleeves. I saw some dark brown fur boots sitting by the table. Lifting my shirt, I stared at my right side and was surprised to see all that remained of the blistered mark from earlier was a pink scar. Iroh had told me about the healers of the North Pole. Someone must've healed me.
Iroh… was he okay?
I needed answers. I needed to find someone I knew… I was suddenly scared. What if they had brought me to the palace and planned to interrogate me about the Fire Nation? What if I wasn't a guest here but a prisoner?
My irrationality suddenly took over. I got off what I assumed was a bed, and moved towards the boots. My feet were immediately cold as soon as they touched the icy floor. The room spun slightly though as I supported myself, and I was forced to catch myself on the table beside me. I knew I was still tired from the events that had passed. I tried to pull myself together though. Getting my balance back, I quickly worked on pulling the boots on. I was glad they fit. Once I had them on, I tried to get myself steady again.
My body was not thrilled at all as I walked towards the drape that fell over the door. I could tell I must've had a fever at some point during my unconscious state. From the window across the room, I could see the sun was setting. I was certain I had been out for a good half a day or so.
Stepping through the dark blue drape, I found myself in a white hallway. Everything in this building seemed to be the same color. I suppose trying to paint ice and snow was not an easy task. As I stepped down the long hallway, I saw multiple doorways that led into other rooms. Other than Pohuai Stronghold, this was definitely the largest building I had ever been in.
As I made my way to the end of the hall and was about to turn a corner, I heard voices and froze. They were starting to approach.
A deep male voice spoke. "The girl's still asleep?"
Another voice, this one sounding older, answered, "Yes… Her wound was healed but I am certain she is exhausted from her trek through the city last night. Tiras told me he found the girl near the south wall. She seemed quite lost."
The first voice asked, "And she is truly of two nations?"
The second man answered, "Her features are truly a mixture of the two. She's definitely one of a kind. But I can see she is indeed a relation to them."
"Probably best we keep her under watch until we see where her loyalties lie though," the first man said.
"Chief Arnook… I know you are concerned, but my sources tell me this child is no threat to our people."
"Be that as it may, Master Pakku, we still must be cautious. We've already suffered enough… We can't let our guard down."
My eyes widened. I backed away. The Chief didn't trust me... If the ruler of the Northern Water Tribe was suspicious of me, did that mean they would possibly make me their prisoner?
Sudden fear and uncertainty shot through me. If they learned that the leader of the Fire Nation fleet that attacked them was related to me, they would probably only see me as their enemy.
Panic consumed me. Run… I had to run…
Quickly, I turned and rushed back the way I had come. There had to be another way out that wasn't in the direction of the two men coming my way. As I ran down the hall, I felt my blood pump and my muscles burn. I reached the other end of the hall, and as I did I heard gasps behind me. The men had come around the corner and saw me retreating.
"Amara!" The man named Pakku shouted behind me. "Stop!"
My panic only grew. I did not know him. I was so confused. Where were Iroh and Zuko? Or my family? Were my family even here? Tears burned in my eyes. These men were probably going to lock me up now for leaving my room.
Escape… I had to escape!
Just as I turned the corner of the other end of the hall, I ran into someone a little taller than me and stumbled back. The person I collided with let out a gasp. Hands grabbed my arms to steady me as I almost fell from the impact. The hands were a similar size to Zuko's, but not as warm to the touch. I screamed as the stranger grabbed me and tried to pull from him. He probably worked for Chief Arnook. They were going to make me a prisoner.
"Let go! Please! I just want to go! I'm not an enemy! Please!" I pushed against the person's arms, my eyes shut tight in fear.
"Amara!" A young male voice spoke. "Calm down! It's okay! You're safe here! You're not in trouble!"
The voice I didn't know sounded concerned and desperate. The care and worry in his tone caused me to stop in my struggle. I looked at the person around my age in shock. His blue eyes stared deep into my own with concern. His dark brown hair was in a ponytail, and he wore a blue coat with some blue trousers. On his back in a holder was a strange brown curved object.
"It's okay. You don't need to run," he reassured.
"I… I have to go," I finally spoke again, arguing. I tried to pull from him. "I… have to find my family."
He smiled. He released one of my arms and pressed a hand to my cheek gently. I was stunned by his action and froze. "You have found them… My name's Sokka, Amara. I'm Kya's son."
My breathing hitched. I looked at him with bewilderment. From his reveal, I could see the similarities suddenly. His blue eyes were a similar shade and shape to my mom's. "Sokka…?"
He nodded. "Zuko told you about me, right?"
I nodded slowly.
Steps came behind me. I knew it was the chief and Pakku catching up. I went stiff, my heart pounding hard as the men I was running from approached.
Sokka noticed. "It's okay. You're safe now… I promise… we just don't want you running around and getting lost."
"Sokka," Chief Arnook spoke. "We did not realize she had left the room. She must've heard us talking and panicked."
Sokka… My cousin… My family… I found them at last…
"Sokka…"
Mom… I did it… I found them… Aunt Kya's children…
I suddenly lost my emotions. Sobs escaped me. I collapsed on my knees. Sokka knelt in front of me, and I felt his arms wrap around me. His embrace was so warm and comforting. I did not know him, but I immediately felt safe in his arms. I knew in my heart that this young man was definitely Aunt Kya's son.
After sixteen years, I finally fulfilled my mother's desire. I finally found my Water Tribe family.
As I cried into his coat, I felt his hand press to the back of my head.
"Sokka… I'll go let Aang and your sister know she's awake," Master Pakku spoke.
Sokka sighed. "Thanks. I'm going to get her back to the room."
Chief Arnook spoke as well. "Let me know if you need anything. I'll leave you to calm her. I would like to speak with her myself though once she has adjusted."
Sokka did not respond to the man, but I assumed he had nodded from the way his body shifted. I heard the men walk away to leave us alone. As they went the way they had come, I felt my tense body relax.
"You don't have to be scared of anyone here," he promised. "You're among friends."
I shivered and whispered, "I… I'm Fire Nation… they don't see me that way…"
"You're also Water Tribe," he stated. "They know that. Everyone is just tired from the battle yesterday. You're tired too… Let me help you back to your room."
I gripped the fabric of his coat, still trying to reassure myself this was all real and not a dream. "You… you're really here? I'm not imagining this?"
He hugged me closer. "I'm here. You're finally safe with your family. We'll take care of you from now on, cuz. Promise."
I felt in my heart I could believe him.
Sokka helped me back to my feet. He kept an arm around me as he walked me back to my room. My racing heart had calmed as I realized that I was okay. Being held against the side of my cousin who was a little shorter than Zuko, I felt safe in his warmth.
Once I got back to my room, Sokka urged me to sit on the bed. He grabbed the blanket and draped it over my shoulders. Then he walked across the room to a bag in the corner I had not noticed and rummaged through. He pulled out a canteen and walked back over, taking the cap off.
"Here. Drink something. You need to hydrate. We'll get you some food once the others get here."
Cautiously, I took the canteen from him and started to drink the water inside. He was right: I was parched and the water was much needed. Once I was done, I gripped the canteen with both hands trying to just keep in contact with something. Everything still felt like a dream.
Sokka had been observing me with concern. He probably was worried I was going to break into sobs again. I kept myself together.
A bit nervous, I managed to meet his kind gaze and find my voice. I asked softly, "You're… Aunt Kya's oldest?"
He nodded. "I'm fifteen… will actually be sixteen by the next moon cycle. So a little younger than you, but not by much."
I looked back at the canteen, taking this in. I was older than my cousins then… They probably were far more mature though.
"Katara's fourteen," Sokka continued. "But she'll be fifteen in two full moons."
I was glad he was still telling me things. I asked again with my soft voice, "And she's a waterbender?"
He sighed. "Yeah. We assumed she always got the gift from mom's side of the family… We were told Aunt Kala was a waterbender."
I shut my eyes as I pictured my mom again. I smiled slightly. "Yeah… She was."
We fell quiet for a moment. Sokka seemed unsure what to say. I didn't really know what to say either. I had thousands of things I wanted to ask him, but I was too nervous.
"How are you feeling?" Sokka pressed the back of his hand to my forehead. I jumped a bit from his contact. He pulled his hand back quickly. "Sorry. I… I didn't mean to startle you. I guess you probably don't like to be touched… You just had a fever this morning. It feels like it's gone down."
I frowned. "I… I'm just a little anxious… I get nervous when it comes to people I don't know… Sorry… It will take me time." I met his eyes again and gave a small smile. "But I'm happy to finally meet you, Sokka… I've dreamed about this moment for years. I finally get to meet my Water Tribe family."
He smiled back. "We're so glad to have you with us. When we learned you were our cousin, all we desired was to find a way to get you from Zuko."
I dropped my gaze back to the canteen again. "I… love Zuko and Iroh. But I didn't agree with them going after Aang… I knew eventually I would have to leave them..." I felt my heart ache. "Do you know if they were captured?"
He was quiet for a moment. I'm certain he wasn't thrilled that I cared so much for the two men that were his enemy. However, he answered, "They escaped. Pretty sure they stole away on a raft and are headed back to the Earth Kingdom."
I shut my eyes and breathed out in relief.
"I was surprised to hear Zuko brought you to Katara. If he hadn't, you might have died. Seems he cares about you too," Sokka muttered. "I didn't know he had a heart."
The cloth at the door suddenly moved. I went stiff again. However, when I saw a familiar boy with arrow tattoos I relaxed. On his shoulder was a white and brown spotted creature with large ears and a long brown tail. I knew from books Zuko and Iroh helped me read that this was a flying-lemur. Behind the boy I knew, a girl I had never met followed. She was definitely close to fifteen years old like Sokka said. Her long dark brown hair was in a braid and she had a loop of hair on each side of her head. She wore blue like her brother. She also had a blue choker with a charm similar to my necklace. Aang was the only one out of place in his yellow and orange clothes.
Aang smiled widely when I met his gaze. "Hey Amara! Long time no see!"
I smiled slightly. "Hey… Aang. Good seeing you again…" A memory of a watery hand flashed in my mind. I looked at him with honest confusion. "Were you the one to save me?"
Aang rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't remember a ton when I'm in the Avatar state sometimes… but I do recall helping get you out of the canal. Honestly, Zuko was the one who saved you. You probably would've froze to death if he didn't get you back to the oasis."
I frowned. "I… don't remember anything past you lifting me out of the water…" I had to ask. "Did… you stop the fleet?"
Aang nodded. "The ships I didn't destroy took off. The North Pole is safe again."
My heart twisted as I thought about the men I had come to know from Iroh's crew. I prayed Jing, Ju, Fe, and Lieutenant Jee were okay.
"Amara…" Katara spoke to me, stepping past Aang. I looked at her again to let her know she had my attention. "It's so good to see you're awake. You were so weak when Zuko brought you to me. It took us a while to get your color back."
I stared at Katara with intrigue. Although she was young, I saw a lot of my mom in her. I smiled again. "It's so good to finally meet you, Katara… I've heard a lot about you. Zuko said you're a really good fighter."
She was surprised by this. "Zuko said that?"
I nodded.
She smirked. "Well, I did get a good hit at him yesterday."
My eyes widened. "You… fought?"
She realized what she said made me worry. She quickly changed the subject. "How is your side? I healed it the best I could. If you need another session we can do that a little later."
The distraction worked. "You healed me?"
She nodded. "I have healing abilities. Some waterbenders have it."
"Oh…" I dropped my eyes. "I wonder if I do too… I've never tried."
Everyone was stunned when they heard me say this. Sokka jumped up from beside me looking puzzled. "Wait… I thought you were a firebender?! That's what we heard your brother say."
I grimaced at the mention of Zhao. I also flinched from Sokka's raised voice. Katara smacked Sokka on the arm. "Don't be so loud. We talked about this, Sokka."
Sokka immediately calmed and looked sorry. He glanced back at me, talking softer. "Are you a firebender? Or a waterbender?"
I shivered. My eyes shot to Aang, then Katara, and then to Sokka. I dropped my gaze again feeling suddenly scared. What would my family think of me if I told them I was a dual bender?
Katara must've noticed my angst. She slowly took the spot beside me and placed a gentle hand on my arm. "Amara… it's okay. You can tell us anything. We won't ever hurt you like your Fire Nation family did… I saw the scars on your back." Katara sounded heartbroken. "I can't imagine what you went through growing up."
I shivered at the memory.
"But the good news is that Zhao is gone. He reached his end and you are with your true family now. We'll help you and take care of you. We'll do what we can to help you heal and forget that darkness. We want to help you be happy."
Her reassurance bewildered me. My eyes burned with tears. "I… I was afraid… you all wouldn't accept me for being part Fire Nation."
Katara managed to pry my grip from the canteen so she could hold one of my hands in her own. "You're family. Of course we accept you. The moment we heard about you we already loved you. Trust us, Amara… we're here to be the family you always deserved."
I shut my eyes as more tears fell. Mom was right… she had been right all along… Her family did accept me.
"Mom… she'd be so happy to know I finally fulfilled her desire. All she ever wanted for me was to find my Water Tribe family. When I heard Aunt Kya was dead, I worried that my chances were next to nothing. However, I found out her children were traveling with the Avatar. I realized I was so close to finding you all. I didn't want to give up."
"We're glad you didn't," Katara reassured.
I took in a heavy breath. I met Sokka's gaze again. "To answer your question… I'm both… I can bend fire and water. I've been able to since I was five. I've just tried to keep it a secret… We feared Zhao and my uncle would kill me if they discovered my abilities."
Sokka's jaw dropped.
Aang was even bewildered. However, Aang grinned widely. "That explains it then! When I first met you there was a strange energy about you! You can bend two elements! Now it all makes sense why I was drawn to you! You're special!"
Katara added, "I've never met a double bender before… I mean, apart from Aang being able to bend more than one element… that's amazing."
I blushed. "I… I guess because my dad was a firebender and my mom was a waterbender I got both…"
Katara's voice turned sad. "Is your dad the one that gave you those burns on your back?"
I frowned. A shiver went up my spine. "No… my dad never really hurt me… he just kept me locked up. The majority of my scars are from Zhao and Uncle Xi."
Sokka scowled, tightening his fists. "Those monsters! How could they do that to you? Were you really caged for sixteen years?!"
I flinched a bit when he raised his voice again. I kept calm though. I knew he wasn't mad at me.
My eyes dropped to Katara's hand which was only a shade darker than my own. "Yeah," I whispered. "I tried to escape a few times when Zhao brought me to the Earth Kingdom… I was so weak from my captivity though that I never made it far." Tears fell again. "If it wasn't for my friend Tu Lan, I would've never been saved by General Iroh. I was given freedom for the first time… and I learned what love was… when Zhao took me prisoner again a few days ago, I was so scared it would all be over." I shut my eyes. "I was scared I'd never meet my family… but Iroh helped me… and Zuko… they helped me find you… they kept their promise…"
My pain from the last sixteen years finally escaped me. Every burden within me fell away as Katara hugged me close to her and Sokka sat on the other side brushing a hand through my hair.
Freedom… Family… Love and acceptance…
Everything my mother had wanted for me, I finally had. I would miss Zuko everyday and never stop loving him. I would miss Iroh's wisdom and kindness. However, I couldn't help but feel relieved even with them not by my side. My Water Tribe family were with me, and I felt safe with them. Zhao was dead, and I knew my uncle was too lazy and old to try and pursue me.
Safe… I was safe at last…
Once I calmed from my tears of relief, Sokka urged that we go to the dining hall for some food. The tribe was having a celebration in the palace over their victory. Then once we ate they would take me to their room and we could talk more to get to know each other better.
I was hesitant as the group stepped to the doorway. I had stood from the bed but did not move forward.
Katara noticed. "Amara?"
I crossed my arms. "I… I don't know if I should go… Chief Arnook… he doesn't trust me. I heard him say that to the man Pakku…"
Katara stepped back over and took my hand in hers. "Chief Arnook just lost his daughter to the Fire Nation… Princess Yue had to sacrifice her life source to save the moon spirit… he's just hurting right now and trying to find someone to blame. Once he officially meets you and sees how sweet and kind you are, he will accept you. He's a good man."
I stared at her blue eyes which were full of so much sincerity. I gave a small smile. "Okay…"
Aang added, "The Avatar accepts you, so they'll have no choice but to trust you! You're safe Amara! Avatar's promise!" The flying lemur chattered on his shoulder in agreement. "See! Momo thinks so too."
I stared at the creature. It kind of reminded me of the cat-owl in some ways. Aang noticed my interest. He pointed his thumb at the little guy. "Want to pet him? He loves attention."
I felt my cheeks flush in embarrassment. "I… just didn't get to see a lot of animals growing up. I really like seeing new ones."
Aang stepped over to me. I let Katara's hand go and cautiously reached my hand out to the animal. Momo sniffed my fingers for a moment, and then dropped his ears so he could press his head to my palm. I stroked his fur gently, smiling widely. "Hi Momo… it's nice to meet you." Momo purred in response.
Sokka smirked. "If you like Momo, just wait until you meet Appa."
"Appa… is he the flying sky-bison?"
Aang grinned. "Yeah! He'll be thrilled to meet you!"
Katara intervened. "We can introduce them tomorrow. Right now, Amara needs food."
A few moments later, after letting Katara lead me by hand through a few halls, down a flight of stairs, and down more halls, we finally arrived in a large room where pan flutes and drums were playing. As the group stepped into the room where men, women, and children were dancing and eating, I stopped. The scene before me was like something out of a fairytale.
There was food of all kinds set out on a long ice table. Laughter and chatter echoed in the giant room. People were hugging. Some were crying. However, I could tell the overall atmosphere was one of relief. The invasion had been stopped. The Avatar had saved them.
When we entered the room, eyes turned to Aang and people cheered for him. Aang was grabbed by some children and pulled to the center of the large room to dance. I saw at the end of the room was another long table, this one elevated above the area. The man from before, Chief Arnook, sat at the center looking at his people with a broken smile. I could see he truly was in despair by his daughter's loss.
"So… this is her?"
The voice of Pakku spoke. I jumped a bit and looked to see the gray haired man approach. Sokka put an arm around me as I started to back away. He knew I was nervous, so he was trying to reassure me.
"Yep. My cousin in the flesh. Don't you see the resemblance?"
Master Pakku smiled. "I think I see her resemblance in Katara more. If she looked like you she wouldn't be as pretty."
Sokka laughed. "Yeah. True."
Pakku held a hand out towards me. "Hello, Amara. Your family has told me much about you. I'm so glad you were able to find your way."
I stared at his hand with uncertainty. However, I wanted to be brave and earn their trust. I slowly took his hand to shake it like Aang had taught me to so long ago. "I… I'm glad to be here… nice to meet you…"
He pulled away and glanced at Sokka. "Once you get her some food, Chief Arnook wants to speak with her." He smiled at me again. "Relax, child. You are among your people here. None of us view you as the enemy."
Pakku walked away. Once he was gone, I did relax. Sokka noticed my tense body loosened. "He's right. You're among friends."
Katara nodded. "No one will hurt you as long as Sokka and I are around. We're here for you, Amara."
I smiled again. I believed her. "Thanks… Katara… and Sokka."
Sokka dragged me over to the food then. He started to eat a ton of stuff. Katara whispered to me that Sokka really liked food.
I stared at his thin figure. "Where does it all go?"
Katara sighed. "It's a mystery to me." She picked up a piece of meat. "Here. Try this. It's seal-jerky. I'm sure you've never had it before."
I took it from her and took a small bite. My eyes widened at the juicy tenderness. After that, I tried more food I had never had before. Sea-prunes were not one of my favorites though.
Eventually I felt full and let Katara know I had enough. Sokka was still munching on a fruit as he walked over. Aang had joined us again, holding a mango slice while Momo was on his shoulder eating a papaya.
Aang asked with excitement, "So Amara, how do you like it?"
I looked back at the people I had only dreamed about in the past. While they weren't of the Southern Water Tribe, they were part of me. I smiled over at Aang. "It's beautiful… it's so light and free."
He grinned. "Yeah! Just wait until you fly for the first time too! You'll definitely feel that way then!"
His statement confused me. "Fly?"
Aang nodded. "Yeah. We'll be setting out for the Earth Kingdom in two days. We'll be on a boat for a little bit, but then we'll take Appa the rest of the way."
I was confused. "Why are we going to the Earth Kingdom?"
Katara took my hand again. "We'll explain later tonight. I can see Chief Arnook is eager to meet you. Let's go speak with him, and then I'll take you to our room. You probably need to rest anyway. You're still recovering."
Katara's concern for me warmed my heart. I nodded to let her know I would follow. As I walked behind Sokka, Aang, and Katara to the main table to meet Chief Arnook, I felt people stare at me with curiosity. I knew I stood out. I felt my heart pound hard. I knew I was part Fire Nation making me part their enemy. I wanted to feel like I belonged, but there would always be a slight separation between myself and the Water Tribe.
The Northern Water Tribe Chief stood and came around his table to meet us. He came down the stairs with even steps. As he approached, the trio bowed in a strange gesture I did not know.
Once they came out of their bow, Katara spoke. "Chief Arnook… I'd like to introduce you to our cousin, Amara." She looked back at me and smiled encouragingly.
I met Chief Arnook's deep inquiring blue eyes, and dropped my gaze immediately. I knew he was analyzing me. He was probably trying to see if I was a threat. Would he imprison me if he found he didn't trust me? My blood pumped loud in my ears.
"Amara… I've heard much about you in the last day. Your cousins tell me that you are of two nations… I can indeed see the Fire Nation features on you."
My breathing hitched.
"But you do have the blood of our people." He stepped closer and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Welcome to the Northern Water Tribe, dear."
I let out a breath. I met his gaze again. "Thank you… Chief…"
He dropped his hand. "Before you retire for the night though, I do have some questions I would like to ask you."
My body froze. I went tense. I felt suddenly scared. What did he want to know?
"I hear that the man who commanded this fleet was your brother, correct?"
My body trembled. I tried to find my voice. "He…" I stopped. Sokka stepped over and placed a hand on my back to try and reassure me. I breathed deeply and spoke again. "He was never my brother… only my captor…"
"If that's the case, how did you manage to escape his ship and get into the city?"
I felt cornered. If this was a peaceful inquiry, it was feeling more like an interrogation. "I… had help. One of the men on the crew."
"And this man helped you get through the southern wall?"
I shook my head. "No… I got through… using my waterbending."
Chief Arnook fell quiet for a moment. He finally spoke again. "Interesting… I was told you were a firebender. Was this false?"
My eyes blurred as tears threatened to fall. What would he say if I told him I was a firebender too? I suddenly felt trapped. Cornered…
"I…" My throat caught. Suddenly I felt I couldn't breathe.
However, just as I feared panic would take me, I was suddenly turned and hugged by Sokka. As he comforted me to try and calm me, I heard Katara speak.
"Chief Arnook… I think we should do this some other time. She's only been awake for a little bit. I don't want her too overwhelmed."
Sokka agreed. "Yeah… she's still getting comfortable… let's put this on hold..."
I shut my eyes. I scolded myself for losing my courage. However, I was relieved my family saw my discomfort and came to my aid.
"Yes… My apologies," the chief said to my cousins. "I forgot for a moment how this may be too much for her. You all should go get some rest. I'll send someone to fetch you in the morning for breakfast."
Aang spoke. "Thank you, Chief Arnook. We'll see you in the morning."
Sokka whispered in my ear as the Chief's steps faded, "Calm down, Amara. It's okay. You're not in trouble. You have nothing to be afraid of."
I breathed in trying to calm my panic. "I… I'm sorry… I… just panic sometimes… I don't want to be locked up for being a firebender…"
Sokka sighed. "You won't be. It's understandable you're worried about that after everything you've been through. But you can trust us to protect you."
I nodded against him. My tense body relaxed as my cousin's promise calmed me.
Eventually we got out of the large room and back into the hall. I was calmed more the further we got from Chief Arnook. Sokka let me go, seeing I was better. As we headed out of the palace and across a path towards what I assumed were guest homes, I said to the group, "Sorry… I know I'm a mess… just give me time…"
Aang frowned over at me with concern. "It's not your fault. Anyone in your situation would react the way you did. You don't know these people… it's only understandable you're scared."
I sighed, crossing my arms. "I don't want to be scared though… I thought I was getting better… but then Zhao captured me again a few days ago and it felt like all of my strength left me. Any time I feel like I might be caged again… I break…"
Katara suddenly turned and stopped in my path. She took my hands in hers. Her eyes narrowed as she spoke firm. "Amara… if anyone dares to try and cage you again, they'll be facing my wrath. Understand?"
Her promise filled my heart with warmth again. I smiled and nodded. "Yes… thanks…"
A few moments later we arrived in a small ice building. There were three sleeping bags on what was a floor of hay. A few lanterns sat around the room. Aang plopped down on the hay itself, crossing his legs. Momo curled up to nap beside him.
"We had an extra sleeping bag brought out for you," Katara said. "We only kept you in the room you were in before because we didn't want to move you too much."
I sat on the stretched out cloth. The others plopped down on their own. The room was surprisingly warm, and I was relieved. I looked at the ice structure, wondering how the warmth inside wasn't melting it. Katara noticed my puzzled expression. "It's kind of like an igloo. It's so cold outside that it keeps the structure."
Her explanation surprised me. "Igloo… my mom told me about those. They're homes made out of blocks of ice, right?"
Katara nodded. "Yeah. We don't use them in the South Pole as much as they did in the past, but the Chief's hut is still an igloo."
"The Chief… he's your father, right?"
Sokka answered. "Yeah. Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe. He'll be thrilled to meet you! He and his friend Bato were actually close to your mom as kids."
His words surprised me. "Bato…" My hand shot to the necklace I wore. "He's still alive?"
Katara smiled. "Yes… when he heard Kala had a daughter he was thrilled. He really wants to meet you too."
I swallowed. "He… was engaged to my mom I was told…"
"Yeah…" Katara said softly. "He never got over her… he never married or found love again. He ended up just helping our parents raise us. Became sort of an uncle to Sokka and I. Everyone thought your mom was killed… When he learned the truth about her years of imprisonment, he was heartbroken… he regretted not saving her…"
I hung my head. "She suffered a lot… I think she only kept living because of me. But… she gave up the fight… I begged her to run away with me the day before she was killed and she wouldn't. Her spirit was too broken. She only had enough strength left to plead for my life."
"Zhao… he really killed her?" Aang asked softly.
I shut my eyes. "Yeah…"
Sokka scowled. "He got what he deserved then… he's the reason Yue's dead too… that monster deserved to die."
I opened my eyes again. "Yeah… he did…"
Katara didn't like the somber subject. She quickly tried to change it. "So… I'm sure you have a thousand questions you want to ask us. We're ready to tell you anything!"
Katara's encouragement finally brought me out of my shell. I asked them so many questions, time seemed to go by.
My grandma was alive. She was originally from the North Pole like my mom had told me. Grandma had been engaged to Master Pakku when she was young but did not agree with the arranged marriage and had run to the South Pole to marry for love. She had my mom and Aunt Kya, and was thrilled to learn her oldest daughter was a waterbender. After my mom was taken by the Fire Nation, my grandma became extra protective of Aunt Kya. It took Chief Hakoda many attempts to get grandma's blessing to marry her youngest daughter.
Katara explained that when she discovered her waterbending abilities at around six years old, her mother and grandma were thrilled. They felt like there was still a piece of my mom among them through Katara's abilities, and they encouraged her to learn.
Unfortunately, the Fire Nation came nine years ago and killed Aunt Kya… Katara and Sokka did not know the full details of what occurred. After Aunt Kya died, Chief Hakoda had them move their village to a secluded spot to hide from Fire Nation detection. After a few years, Chief Hakoda decided to join the battle and he and the able-bodied men left the South Pole to fight in the Earth Kingdom.
Katara explained that life became quite boring after, so she was thrilled when they discovered Aang in an iceberg one day and were given the chance to travel the world.
I had to ask what I wanted to know for weeks. My gaze shot over to Aang who had been listening to everything. "How did you get stuck in an iceberg for a hundred years?"
Aang sighed. "I tried to run away from my destiny. I knew I would have to leave my friends and my guardian Monk Gyatso. I took Appa and planned to hide in the Earth Kingdom. But I got caught in a storm and plummeted into the ocean. To save myself and Appa, I froze us using the Avatar state. If it wasn't for Sokka and Katara finding me, I'd have still been in there."
I was amazed. "Wow… that's incredible…"
"Yeah. We should've left him in there," Sokka joked. "Now we're stuck with him and constantly having the Fire Nation on our tails. He's made my life exhausting!"
Katara rolled her eyes while Aang laughed.
Katara spoke again. "If Zuko hadn't shown up and captured Aang though, we would've never left home and gone on this incredible journey. So in a way, we have to thank Zuko for invading our home. Because if he didn't, we would've never met you."
I smiled. "I don't know much about what happened before Zuko and Iroh came to the harbor and saved me, but from what I understand, Aang did some serious damage to their ship."
Aang laughed. "Yeah. That avalanche was pretty crazy!"
"So… speaking of Zuko," Katara began. "You two became pretty close, huh?"
I blushed and felt my heart flutter at the thought of him. "I… know you all probably hate him… but… he helped me heal a lot after I was saved from Zhao. And… I kind of… fell in love with him… he fell in love with me too…"
Katara sighed. "As much as I want to pound his face just thinking about him, the way he risked possible capture to get you help the other day showed a side of him I never thought existed. And when I heard him say he loved you, I heard nothing but sincerity… It will be hard for us to understand your feelings for him, but we're here for you if you ever want to talk about it. We're your family and will always be there to listen." She left her sleeping bag and came to sit beside me. She hugged me tightly like my mom used to so long ago. "We love you, Amara."
I felt my tears come again, but only because I was overwhelmed by joy. "Thanks… It's so nice… to have a family that loves me… I love you all too. I have from the moment I learned I had you."
Sokka sniffled. "Aw! Don't make me cry." He came over too and sat on the other side of me. He hugged me also.
Aang argued, "Hey! I want in too!" He rushed over to join the group hug. Momo jumped on his shoulder as well to lick my cheek.
As the warmth of my family surrounded me, I felt for the first time what a true family was. I felt safe. Loved. Accepted.
Mom… I did it… I found our family… you can rest at ease at last… I'm finally free…