Chapter 21: Sun and Moon

The warmth of a cute flying lemur named Momo was a nice comfort when I woke up in the morning. I glanced over beside me and saw my youngest cousin Katara still asleep in her sleeping bag. Aang and Sokka were asleep on the other side of her.

I was relieved. Waking and seeing them reassured me that the day before hadn't been a dream after all. I was truly with my Water Tribe family.

I knew they probably wouldn't wake up for a while. I was certain they were all still exhausted from the battle two days ago. Carefully, I slipped out of my sleeping bag so I didn't disturb Momo. Then once I was free, I pulled my boots on and silently walked across the room to the building's opening. Stepping out into the cold air, I stared at the world around me for the first time in the morning light.

The buildings were so beautiful from the sunrise glow. The palace stood behind me, shining over the Northern Water Tribe. I walked through the snow to the icy railing where an overlook was of the rest of the city. We were staying in one of the guest houses at the palace, so we were higher up than the citizens below.

I could see from my overlook the massive city stretched out before me for miles. The canal which I had fallen in came towards the palace, but I saw it moved in multiple directions around the streets for transportation. The air was so fresh and the atmosphere was so peaceful. I could see damage still from the battle before, but efforts had already been made by waterbenders to start repairing the city.

Beyond the city wall, I saw the ocean that stretched to the south. I thought of Zuko and Iroh as I saw the water before me. I prayed that they had made it to land. I worried for them greatly. My heart ached as I realized just how much distance lay between us suddenly.

I shut my eyes, letting out a heavy breath. As much as I hated not being with Zuko, I knew this was for the best. I felt strange only because I still didn't know my cousins too well. I understood as I got to know them more my comfort with them would grow.

But no matter how many days passed, Zuko would always hold a place in my heart…

Footsteps came towards me. I went alert by habit and looked back quickly. I calmed though when I saw that the person approaching was Sokka. He looked like he was still trying to wake up, rubbing his eyes as he approached. I turned back to the city and stared at the ocean again. I was still a little timid, even with my cousins. I had only known them for less than a day.

"Hey. I saw you weren't in the room and got worried. Early riser?"

Sokka came beside me and leaned on the firm ice rail.

I felt my cheeks flush a little. "Yeah… I used to get up really early to train with Zuko. Just a habit… I didn't want to wake anyone."

He nodded. "Usually we rise pretty early on days we're traveling. We're all still just a little tired from the battle I guess."

I grimaced. I crossed my arms as the air sent a shiver through me. "I… I'm sorry.. about Yue. Katara told me after you fell asleep that the Chief's daughter and you had gotten close." I shut my eyes again feeling my heart twist. "If I had stopped Zhao a few days ago before he set out with his fleet then she would still be alive… I'm sorry, Sokka..."

He was quiet for a moment. Then he let out a heavy breath. "Don't let yourself take any blame for what happened the other day. Even if you were related to that man, he doesn't define anything about you. You had nothing to do with the battle… and even if you could've stopped Zhao, another fleet would've come eventually. It's better they attacked when Aang was here so the Northern Water Tribe had a chance… and Yue sacrificed herself to save everyone… that was her choice… no one's to blame for her death but Zhao."

His kind words made me smile slightly. I met his gaze with gratitude. "I know… I just wish I could've done something."

He let out a heavy breath. "If it's any consolation, I literally did nothing during the battle but fly Appa to find Aang after Zuko took him… I wish I had done more too."

"You're traveling with the Avatar," I stated. "You also tried to protect the Southern Water Tribe when Zuko came to find Aang. From what I've heard about you, you've done a lot already for your people."

He took my hand in his to offer me comfort. "Our people, Amara. You're one of us. I know you grew up surrounded by the Fire Nation, but you're Water Tribe inside and out. Don't forget that."

I stared at his hand feeling my heart warm by his words. "I know… I won't."

He let go of my hand and looked out towards the city. "So… What do you think of it all?"

I looked back at the buildings and canals. I saw the walkways were starting to get busy as men, women, and children started their days. "The snow and ice are pretty. Almost magical… But it's definitely colder here than I'm used to."

Sokka sighed. "Yeah. I never really understood why our people wanted to stick in such cold places. I get being surrounded by water is helpful, but for non benders like me it can get kind of frustrating. I've always been a little jealous of Katara… being a bender would make me so much stronger."

I argued. "Don't say that. Fighting with weapons shows your strength plenty. There were tons of men among Iroh's crew who weren't firebenders, but they definitely could hold their own in a battle."

He smiled. "Yeah. I guess you're right."

"To be honest," I whispered. "Being a bender was something I was always afraid of… my mom and Tu Lan told me not to use it around my Fire Nation family. It became something I feared often… just a burden… until Iroh and Zuko came to save me that is… they showed me my bending was something to value."

"Tu Lan… you've mentioned him a few times… what happened to him?"

My eyes burned. "Zhao… he sent a bounty hunter to try and retrieve me one day. Tu Lan was guarding me after Zuko heard a rumor you all were in the area. The bounty hunter knocked Tu Lan down, burning his hands and damaging his spine…" I let out a heavy breath. "Tu Lan was there for me from before I can remember. Even if he didn't help me escape in the past, his courage in the end to turn against Zhao and tell Iroh about me showed just how much he cared. He put his life on the line for a prisoner... I'll never be able to repay him…"

Sokka frowned. "Where's he now?"

"Back at the Fire Nation… he was sent there for treatment. I haven't seen him since. He's a father to me though… he was there for sixteen years… comforted me and helped me when I was hurt… I think about him often."

Sokka let out a heavy breath. "I guess I won't be able to understand why you feel that way… he helped to keep you caged your whole life… he doesn't seem like a good man to me…" He paused. "But if you care about him then I'm sorry to hear about what happened to him…"

"I know why you feel that way… and part of me wonders why I don't blame Tu Lan… he could've done so much to help my mom and I escape… but my heart can't blame him. He spent most of his time caring for me after mom died, and he begged to come to the Earth Kingdom so he could look out for me. Even though his job was to keep me caged, he never hurt me… I guess being surrounded by such cruel men for so long, Tu Lan just never seemed like the bad guy to me." I sighed. "I know… I'm a mess..."

We both fell quiet for a moment as we were lost in our thoughts. Sokka spoke again though, breaking the pause. "It must've been hard… being alone for so many years… and being treated so harshly by your Fire Nation family. When I saw the scars on your back the other day when Katara was healing you, I could only imagine how painful it all was for you. I can't believe they treated you so cruelly…" His fist tightened by his side. "And it sickens me that they hurt and killed Aunt Kala… You both suffered so much."

I frowned and let my finger trace against the charm of my mother's necklace. "Every day I was granted to be with my mom was a gift… It's so sad though… The memories I have of my mom are faded. I was so young when she died, so I only remember certain occurrences. Sometimes, I think I mistake dreams for memories too… I fear I'll forget her. However, being with you and Katara now has helped restore some of those faded images. I see her a lot in you both."

"Our mom would've been thrilled to know Kala had a daughter. I'm sure she would've loved you," Sokka whispered. "She talked about your mom all the time."

I smiled. "I think my mom would've loved you and Katara too. She always hoped Aunt Kya would find someone to love and start a family with."

We talked for a little longer about our pasts. I also asked Sokka about his boomerang after noticing it on his back again. He let me hold it and I laughed when I saw what Zuko had described to me a few days before. I couldn't believe such a small thing had gotten a hit at Zuko's head.

Eventually Katara woke up and pulled me away from Sokka. She told me that we needed to get ready for breakfast and there was a place we could wash up. She guided me around the palace to an area where a stone building stood. The stone building was very large and wide, and inside were some hot springs. There was a closed off section for women and another section for men. I was glad to go into the heated pool and get some of the dirt and grime off of me. Katara also did another healing session on my burn while we were in the pool, and I felt the tenderness ease more as the blue glowing water mended the damage. I asked her if she would show me how to heal one day and she let me know she was thrilled to become my waterbending teacher.

Once we were washed up, I was given some new clothes that Katara had brought. She told me that they were a gift from the Chief. The blue shirt, dark blue pants, and blue coat fit perfectly. I was glad to be in warmer clothes as we stepped out of the stone building and back to our guest home. Once we arrived, we found Aang and Sokka were already prepared to head to breakfast. Katara helped me brush my hair really quick to make me even more presentable. After she helped me put my hair up with a blue ribbon she had in her bag, we headed to the palace.

When we arrived at the dining hall, I realized why Katara had gone through so much trouble to polish me up. I was told by one of the palace staff that I was to sit beside Chief Arnook as his guest. I looked at my cousins with terror and turned to try to leave.

Sokka intercepted my path and placed a hand on both my shoulders. "We're right with you… don't worry."

I shook my head. "What if I upset the chief? I… I don't want to anger anyone. I don't know their customs. I-""

Katara cut me off. "If anyone gets mad at you then they're idiots. You're one of the sweetest girls I've met. I'll give anyone who upsets you a nice splash. Promise."

Katara's reassurance and Sokka's comfort finally made me calm my panic. I gave a small nod, letting them know that I appreciated their words and was convinced to move forward.

Once we took our spots, I noticed the Chief had not arrived yet. The table was set though and Sokka quickly started to eat. I also noticed the room had at least thirty men, women, and children who were also joining us for breakfast. They were seated at lower tables that also had food set out. I asked Sokka- who was sitting beside me- who they were, and he explained that they were the Chief's councilmen and their families. This was actually a council meeting as well.

"I'm going to be put on the spot, aren't I…?" My heart started to pound painfully. "This is going to be an interrogation."

Aang argued from where he sat on the other side of Katara and Sokka. "Don't worry Amara. You're not the enemy. People are just curious about you. No one here has met someone of two nations before."

I covered my face. Sokka placed a hand on my back. "If it gets too much I'll take you outside. Just let me know."

I let out a heavy breath. I gave a small nod. I knew I needed to calm down and be brave. There was nothing to be afraid of. I had done nothing wrong to the Northern Water Tribe. There was no reason to worry about what they would think of me... Right?

After a few minutes of sitting at the long ice table, the Chief arrived with Master Pakku. The two men stepped into the center of the room. The Chief spoke once the room fell silent upon his arrival.

"Good Morning… Today, we come together to say our goodbyes to our brother and sister of the Southern Water Tribe, and to Avatar Aang. Tomorrow they will set out on a journey to the Earth Kingdom to search for an earthbending teacher for the Avatar. We wish them safe travels."

I glanced over at Aang, who smiled at everyone in the room. I couldn't imagine the burden on his shoulders. He had to learn the elements in order to save the nations from the Fire Lord. The more I learned about Aang from being with him, the more I could see he was just a kid. It was sad that the fate of the world rested on him.

"I also want to inform you that tomorrow, Master Pakku, myself, and a few of our warriors will set out to the South Pole to check on our sister tribe and bring them supplies. We have been separated from the Southern Water Tribe for far too long, and it is important we assist them during these difficult times. I know my absence will bring much concern, but I am leaving Councilman Kanaaq in my place."

The men and women nodded in approval of this. I assumed that they liked his replacement. Sokka whispered to me, "We did want to ask you if you'd prefer to go with them to the South Pole? You don't have to stick with us…"

I shook my head. "I… just found my family… I'm not leaving you and Katara."

He squeezed my hand. "Okay… We just want you to know you have a choice. Gran-Gran is there, so you could go be with her if you want."

I smiled at him. "Thanks. But I'm happy with you and the others. And… I'd rather meet our grandma when you're by my side… I fear she may not believe me…"

"She will," he promised. "But I understand. I'm glad we haven't scared you off yet."

"Also," Chief Arnook spoke again, stopping Sokka and I from whispering further. "Today we discuss what many of you have been eager to know for the last two days." His eyes moved over to me. I tried to stay composed, but my heart quickened a tad as I knew attention was going to come my way. "We have a guest amongst us. Someone who was a prisoner to the Fire Nation fleet that came to our shores. Tiras found the girl when she first escaped the commanding ship and got into the city."

At the mention of Tiras, I followed Chief Arnook's gaze as he looked at the warrior across the room who had helped me the night I broke into the city. Tiras was standing by the wall near the entrance to the room, holding a bowl in his hands. I was puzzled by the object.

"Tiras informed me that the girl was in distress and seeking her family. I know many of you fear she may be working for the Fire Nation, but this is not true. After meeting her yesterday for the first time, it is clear to me that she is a victim like the rest of us. We have nothing to fear from her." He looked back at me after speaking to his people. "Amara… Would you join me down here for a moment? Of course, you are welcome to bring someone if you desire."

I tightened my hold on Sokka's hand. He assumed I was asking him to stay with me. "Right with you, cuz."

Katara spoke over to me. "You want me to come too?"

I took a deep breath. I released Sokka's hand. Brave, Amara… You're not the enemy…

"Actually… I… I think I can do this on my own…" I stood. "I… don't want to be scared…"

"Okay," Katara spoke softly. "But we're here if you need us."

I smiled slightly over at her. "Thanks…"

Sucking up my courage, I left the table and made my way down the steps to where Chief Arnook and Master Pakku stood. I could sense everyone's eyes were on me. I knew I was different. A daughter of a firebender and a waterbender. I was something new to this world; or at least in the last century.

Stopping in the center of the room, Master Pakku smiled at me to try and reassure me. Chief Arnook stepped up to me and spoke. "Amara… I have been told of your past. I know what happened to your mother, the waterbender named Kala. I know that you are Sokka and Katara's cousin, and a daughter of the Southern Water Tribe. I also know of your father, your Fire Nation family, and your relation to the man who led the fleet a few days ago." I flinched at the mention of Zhao. "However, none of this is why you are here before me today."

His words surprised me. I looked at Chief Arnook with confusion. Master Pakku gestured for Tiras to come forward with a bowl of what I realized was paint. He stopped beside Master Pakku, who took the bowl from the young warrior. Tiras smiled at me, bowed to his chief, and then walked back to where he had been standing by the wall.

Chief Arnook dipped his fingers into the bowl and pulled out blue paint. "Today, we formally initiate you, Amara, as a member of the Water Tribe. When children are born in the North or South Pole, they are blessed by their chief and marked with the symbol of our people. I know this did not occur when you were born, and this blessing is long overdue. With this mark, you will no longer be Fire Nation, but Water Tribe."

My eyes widened. No longer Fire Nation? But… that will never be possible…

He went to put the mark on my forehead. I stepped back from his hand quickly. He stopped, surprised. Whispers rose from the room.

"I… I can't…" I crossed my arms feeling my angst grow. My heart ached as I thought of my past. No matter how much I hated my Fire Nation family, I couldn't just sever my ties to the Fire Nation as a whole. While accepting that part of me was difficult, it was and would always be a part of me. "I appreciate your kindness, Chief Arnook... but I can't accept being of only one nation… I'm not just Water Tribe… I'm Fire Nation too," I spoke softly. "While sometimes I really wish I was only Water Tribe, I honestly can't ever see myself that way." I let out a deep breath. "I'm a firebender and will forever hold ties to the Fire Nation. It's in my blood. That will never change."

The Chief was shocked. The room gasped. Master Pakku did not seem surprised by this reveal.

"Firebender? You told me yesterday you were a waterbender," Chief Arnook spoke again with honest confusion. "Was this false?"

I felt my heart pound harder. "No… I didn't lie… I'm actually… both…"

Another echo of gasps shot across the room. The Chief held his hand up to silence everyone. He met my gaze again with astonishment. He did not show anger. There was just honest curiosity. "Both? You can control two elements?"

I gave a small nod. "I'll… I'll show you… If you want me to?"

Master Pakku spoke up. "I'd like to see. I'm curious to know if the rumor I heard of your dual bending is true."

His statement surprised me. "You… heard about my dual bending?"

Pakku smiled. "Yes. I have my connections… I've known about you for some time, Amara."

The Chief spoke again. "Please… If you don't mind… I'm certain my council would like to see for themselves as well."

There was a murmur of agreement.

A pot of water was brought out to me by two of the Chief's palace staff a moment later. Arnook and Pakku stepped back to give me space. I glanced around the room at the eyes that were on me. I shot my gaze back to my cousins and Aang. They were curious too. I had told them I could bend both elements, but they hadn't seen it yet. Katara and Sokka smiled encouragingly at me. Aang was practically bouncing in excitement.

I took a few breaths to calm down. Then I looked at the water in the pot before. I blushed a little as I spoke again to the Chief.

"Um… I have to admit I'm still a beginner… I just started learning how to bend both of them only a little while ago, so my waterbending and firebending isn't that powerful." Admitting my amaeture skills was embarrassing, but it was better to tell them first before they saw the beginner moves I was about to do.

Master Pakku gave me encouragement. "Everyone has to start from somewhere. However, it's good your cousin Katara has become a master waterbender. She can teach you a lot during your journey with them in the coming days."

I smiled slightly from his reassurance. Then I let out another deep breath and extended my hand to the water. Lifting a stream, I let the water hover out of the pot. I let it swirl for a moment in a circle in the air. The room was in silent anticipation as I manipulated the water. Once I had control of the liquid and didn't fear dropping it, I moved my other hand upward so I could punch my fist towards the liquid. A blast of fire shot from my movement and the flames hit the water. As the fire and water met above, I heard the crowd gasp in bewilderment. I felt relief as I released some of the tension inside me with my bending. Stopping my fire and dropping the water back in the pot, steam still hovered above. The room was silent for a moment.

Finally, Chief Arnook found his voice. "You… can bend them both at once? That's… incredible…"

I felt my cheeks heat up from the attention on me. "I… can also combine my bending in one move and make hot water… I learned this just recently…"

Master Pakku was intrigued. "Can you do that now so we can see?"

I gave a small nod. I stared down at the pot of water again. I lifted a mass of it into the air and heated it. The water started to boil and steam. From the light coming through ice windows on the ceiling above, everyone could see the steam that rose from the liquid. After demonstrating for a good minute, I cooled the water and dropped it back into the pot. The room was silent as they took in an ability no one had ever seen before. I glanced back at my family and saw Katara and Sokka were amazed, while Aang was thrilled.

Chief Arnook finally broke the silence. "Fascinating… You truly have been granted such a unique gift. One I have never heard of or seen before." I looked back at him, wondering what else he would say. "I can see now why you were hesitant to accept the mark… You truly do not belong to just one nation." He smiled. "So how about we grant a new mark entirely? A symbol of the sun and moon in one."

He took a fresh dip of paint from the bowl that Pakku still held.

"Child of Water and Fire..." He stepped towards me again. This time I let him trace the cool liquid on my forehead as he drew what someone would later tell me was a crescent moon and part of the sun. "Our sister of the Water Tribe and the Fire Nation. As a Chief, I bless you as a daughter of the moon and sun. We lost many from the battle we endured, but we have also gained as well. While you are still Fire Nation, today you are also officially one of our people. We welcome you, sister Amara."

My heart warmed from his acceptance. I smiled and bowed my head in respect. "Thank you, Chief Arnook…" I broke off for a moment. Then I met his gaze again with sincerity. "You really don't know what this means to me… My whole life I was told by my Fire Nation family that my mother's people would refuse me for having the blood of the enemy. I grew fearful that I would be rejected at this moment…" Tears fell down my cheeks and I shut my eyes. "It feels good to be accepted… To know that my mother's desire has finally been fulfilled."

He placed a kind hand on the top of my head. "Your mother would be so proud of your strength and courage today, Amara."

The rest of the hour was spent eating the meal that had been prepared. As I sat between Sokka and the Chief, I was questioned more about my mother, and my time with Prince Zuko and Iroh. I didn't give much detail, but I told those who were listening about the creatures I had seen and the new places I had gone.

Arnook asked me at one point about the Fire Nation and how it differed from the Earth Kingdom. I explained to him that the only thing I really knew was the temperature was a lot warmer in the Fire Nation, and people wore a lot of red.

However, Sokka was saddened by my limited knowledge of my birth home. He asked softly, "You never saw much of it, did you?"

I frowned and stared at my empty plate. "No… I only saw small pieces… I wasn't allowed to walk outside my father's estate. I was lucky if I ever got to leave that horrible room they kept me chained in… And when I was transported to Zhao's harbor I only saw a little bit as they forced me to and from the carriage to get on his ship. The few parts of the Earth Kingdom and the North Pole are most of what I've seen of the world."

"Well… many of our people do not leave this land. So you've seen more than most at least," Chief Arnook tried to reassure.

I nodded. "Your home is beautiful. This all feels like a dream…"

"You're welcome to stay here if you desire…" Chief Arnook stated. "However, I know that offer is a long shot. You're very close to your cousins and Avatar Aang already I see."

Sokka suddenly put an arm around my shoulders. "Yep, Chief. She's sticking with us."

"That is a wise choice," he responded. "Maybe you can keep your cousin Sokka out of trouble."

Sokka argued and I smiled at the Chief's humor.

Once we were done eating, and thanked Chief Arnook for his hospitality, I followed the group out of the dining hall. The paint was dry now on my forehead, and starting to itch. Katara noticed my discomfort as I tried to rub the mark off and grabbed some snow from the ground to help me. I was relieved when my forehead was clean.

Aang spoke up after we walked a little further from the palace, excited about what occurred. "That was so cool! Are all Water Tribe initiation ceremonies like that?"

Katara answered. "Not really. Babies don't show off their bending before receiving their tribal marks."

"Speaking of that!" Aang stepped in my path with a grin. "That hot water trick was amazing! When I learn firebending I've got to see if I can do that!"

Aang's enthusiasm was such a breath of fresh air.

"Glad you found it interesting. When Zuko saw me do it for the first time I was told he almost fainted. He only thought I was a firebender at that point. Although, I didn't know I could do it either. I did it while I was in a state of panic. Iroh helped me learn how to control it after that."

Katara spoke up. "Is your combined bending how Zhao got that scar on his face? It looked fresh."

I nodded, but then muttered, "I was aiming for his whole face though."

Katara took my hand and gave it a squeeze. "Well, at least you don't have to worry about that monster anymore."

"Yeah." I shut my eyes and breathed in the fresh air. "It feels good to not have to fear him anymore."

By mid-day, I found myself being led by Katara and Aang outside the palace grounds to the stable area. Sokka wanted to help the warriors and Chief Arnook prepare for the journey south and told us to go on without him. Aang was eager for me to meet his flying sky-bison Appa, and I was honestly excited to meet him too.

When we arrived at the stables, I saw the creature from a distance. He was impossible not to see, being that he was a giant. He had brown and white fur; the brown fur went from his tail to his head and was in the shape of an arrow similar to the blue one on Aang's. He also had sharp horns on the top of his head. His big brown eyes seemed to light up when he saw Aang and Katara. Momo had flown ahead of us and landed on Appa's head to chatter with him about things none of us would understand. Appa let out a groan in agreement to whatever Momo was saying.

Once we approached, Appa stood on his six legs. When we did, I saw just how long and powerful his tail was. My eyes were wide as I took in every part of the giant animal before me. He was definitely the largest animal I had ever laid eyes on.

Aang grabbed my hand and pulled me over to Appa. "Amara, meet Appa! Appa, meet Amara! I know you two are going to become great friends!"

Appa groaned again. Then he moved forward and inched his face towards me. Aang grabbed my wrist to encourage me to touch him. As I pressed my hand on the space above his nose to pet him, Appa shut his eyes as a sign of acceptance. Aang let go of my wrist, and stepped back to let us meet on our own.

I found my voice. "Hey, Appa… I've heard so much about you."

He groaned again, and moved against my hand to let me know he was glad to finally meet me too.

"You're not as scary as Zuko described," I joked. "You must've really intimidated him."

Appa opened his eyes again, and I felt like I was consumed by nothing but brown.

"Alright! Now that we're acquainted…" Aang suddenly grabbed me around the waist and a gust of air shot up from beneath us. I shrieked as the ground left me, and shut my eyes in terror as a rush of wind shot past me. Then we landed on the giant saddle a moment later, and I dropped to my knees in shock.

"Aang!" Katara shouted below. Then a moment later she dropped into the saddle after climbing up Appa's tail. "Don't just grab and fly her up here! You probably freaked her out!"

I breathed, trying to calm my racing heart. "I… I'm okay. Just… surprised."

"Oops… sorry," Aang said. "I guess I'm so used to it that I forget others may not like being airborne like that."

I finally moved off my knees to sit back against the side of the saddle. I gave a small smile to Aang having calmed my racing heart. "Really… I'm okay. Just took me off guard."

Katara sighed, coming to sit beside me. "Aang's just really excited to take you flying. He thinks you'll like it."

I looked at the large saddle, and then took in a heavy breath. "Well… it's honestly going to be something new. But it can't be much different than a ship, right?"

"No. Not much different. You'll just be up in the clouds."

His words made me realize then what this entailed. "Wait… we're… going that high?"

Suddenly, I wasn't so sure about this. I had never been very high before. However, I knew this was something I had to overcome. We would be flying tomorrow into the Earth Kingdom, so it was now or never.

Aang had moved to Appa's head and grabbed the reins that were wrapped around his horns. Momo sat on Aang's shoulder, and I assumed this was their normal practice.

"Alright! Ready!"

I clutched the side of the saddle. "I… don't think I'll get used to it unless I try… just promise me we won't crash…"

Aang smiled back at me. "Appa's the best flying bison out there! Promise!"

I looked at him with disbelief. "Isn't he the only flying bison? I thought the rest were killed by the Fire Nation."

Aang shrugged. "I have a feeling that's not true. I really believe the bison are just hiding somewhere. I'm going to find them one day. Until then, I guess he's the only one anyone's seen in the last hundred years. But Appa really is a great flyer! Trust me!"

I let out a heavy breath. "Okay… I trust you…"

Katara held on to the side of the saddle as she sat beside me. "Take off is the worst part. Then after that it's smooth. Promise."

I gave a nod. My knuckles went white as my grip tightened on the leather saddle's raised side.

Aang grabbed the reins and faced forward. "Alright first time flyer! Stay seated and enjoy the ride!" He then shouted, "Appa! Yip Yip!"

Appa let out a groan, raised his tail, and then smashed it down. We moved forward quickly and then started to ascend. My eyes were wide as we left the snow and took off into the air. I thought I would honestly be terrified, but I felt exhilarated as a gush of wind flew past me. As we left the stables and started to fly over the city, I watched as the world below grew further away.

My grip on the side of the saddle finally released. I turned and stared at the world below with astonishment, and then at the clouds we were approaching with bewilderment.

Flying… I was flying!

As we broke over the ocean and into the clouds, I felt the moisture from the hovering water. We leveled out once we were above the white fluffy masses. I saw the sun and the sky. I saw beauty and peace.

"So Amara… what do you think?"

Aang's question did not break my gaze from the magical view before me.

Katara was concerned when I didn't answer at first. "You okay?"

Finally, I found my voice. "I'm better than I've ever been… I feel so peaceful… Free…" I shut my eyes as the fresh breeze hit my skin. "Everything feels so light now. Zhao's dead. I'm with my family at last. And the Water Tribe has accepted me for who I am. Everything I ever hoped and dreamed of has finally happened. This is amazing… I'm so excited for the journey ahead. For the first time in my life, I'm not scared of tomorrow..."

Aang and Katara fell quiet, just letting me have a moment of peace as I stared out and watched the passing clouds. My soul was soaring as I left the darkness of my past behind.

A/N: Next chapter will start to follow season 2. Thanks for reading!