Hey readers… I got writer's block and decided to skip the Avatar day episode. I really find that one boring. I'll mention it in this chapter but I need a break from the series and am putting in an original chapter. Thanks!

Chapter 28: The Rough Rhinos

"Mew-Hoo!" Yuna suddenly landed in front of me where I was sitting by a slow flowing stream. My family was a few yards behind me at camp. Aang had flown off somewhere to scout and pout about not finding an earthbending teacher yet. Sokka and Katara were having an argument about which Earth Kingdom town we should go to next. Our last one had been a mess.

Three days ago, we woke from our sleep to a group of men on Komodo-Rhinos surrounding us. Yuna woke us all first with a hiss, which alerted Momo and Appa as well. Once the animals got restless, we were on alert and to our feet. There were five men in total, and each had a weapon of their own choice.

The leader was a firebender, and he was quick to set our camp to blaze. I could tell he had been a man of high authority based on his fine Fire Nation chest plate armor. He had no sleeves, and his black hair was kept tied up and braided by a band of feathers. The rest of his group were a mix of men, large and small, all with weapons of their choice. The thinnest of the group shot flaming arrows at us. Another man in full armor from head to toe enjoyed throwing explosives at us. There was a shirtless burly man with a braid who brandished what I knew was called a bolo from my days at Zhao's harbor. Another man with a beard and leather armor, brandished a spear.

Unable to fight them all from the abrupt attack, we were forced to grab what we could and flee. My cousin Sokka had been greatly disappointed that we were forced to leave behind his boomerang. I had never seen him so downhearted before; I could tell the boomerang meant a lot to him. I asked him later that morning where he had gotten it, and he explained to me that it was a gift from his father, right before Chief Hakoda left to fight in the Earth Kingdom.

After we were forced to flee the rough group of men and their komodo-rhinos, we arrived at a village named Chin. Katara had wisely grabbed the bag of money Chief Arnook had given us, and we were able to purchase supplies that we had lost from the men we learned were called The Rough Rhinos. The merchant we purchased our supplies from also told us that the town we'd found was celebrating Avatar Day. Aang was thrilled to attend the festivities, and he dragged us all into town. Momo sat on Aang's shoulder, while Yuna sat on my own as we made our way to the crowded center of the village.

Yuna had been fitting in perfectly with the group. Her and Momo chattered and flew around together often, and Appa enjoyed having another small creature's company. I was so relieved that my new cat-owl companion was adjusting well. Yuna also enjoyed curling up beside me at night; this was a comfort to me because her presence kept the nightmares of my past away. Yuna was definitely something that warmed my heart and eased the darkness, and I was so glad my vision at the swamp had led me to her. She had needed me as much as I needed her.

When we had gotten into Chin village, the celebration was light and exciting. We were amazed when we saw three giant Avatar statues made of straw being wheeled into the area. One was of Aang. The second was Avatar Kyoshi. The last one was Avatar Roku. I was bewildered by their size and detail. Aang was ecstatic that he and his past lives were being honored. However, only a moment after everything started, we realized that the celebration was more of a protest. A man ran into the village with a torch and started to set fire to the statues. Aang was horrified and quickly extinguished the flames with his airbending, stopping the statues from burning.

After Aang revealed himself, we learned that the village of Chin blamed Avatar Kyoshi for killing their leader hundreds of years ago. As the villagers threw Aang in jail to stand trial for his past life, my cousins and I scrambled to find answers to why Avatar Kyoshi had killed the man known as Chin the Conqueror. We flew on Appa to Kyoshi Island for help.

At the small island, I met Chief Oyagi who quickly led us to Kyoshi's shrine on a cliff that overlooked the sea. While my cousins searched for evidence of Kyoshi's innocence, I learned from a conversation between the chief and Sokka that my cousin had met a Kyoshi Warrior in the past named Suki and developed feelings for her. Sokka was disappointed that she was not there upon our arrival, learning that the warriors had gone to Ba Sing Se to help with the war.

Instead of getting answers, except that Kyoshi had really big feet, we took some of her clothing with us back to Chin village hoping the items would help Aang connect to his past life. The next day, Aang stood trial wearing Avatar Kyoshi's clothing and some traditional face paint. He started talking to the Chin villagers about how he couldn't have killed Chin the Conqueror because he had big feet. I already knew the defense was terrible. Then the case only got worse because Aang went into the Avatar State and became Avatar Kyoshi herself. I was both amazed and horrified by all I was seeing and hearing. The tall glowing figure of Avatar Kyoshi explained to everyone that she killed Chin the Conqueror because he was trying to expand his borders across the Earth Kingdom. She separated her people from the mainland to keep them safe from other invaders. While her heart had been pure, she had just confessed.

In the end, Aang was given his judgment by spinning a wheel to determine his punishment. We were horrified that the wheel landed on him being boiled in oil. However, the Rough Rhinos arrived only a second later and started attacking everyone. Aang's punishment was quickly changed to community service. My cousins and I helped Aang fight the men with our bending and weapons, running them out of town. Sokka had also gotten his boomerang back, which he was relieved about. That night, the villagers celebrated our victory, and served us raw dough. While my cousins ate their disgusting snacks, I heated up mine in my hand, making it much more appealing for Yuna and I. Thankfully, no one noticed (although I did sneak a piece to Momo who was giving me sad eyes).

After Chin Village, we moved onward, hoping our next town wouldn't be as crazy. My cousins were trying to find that next town, while Aang was blowing off some anxiety by flying with Momo.

Suddenly, Sokka yelled, "Fine! Since you're so wise, Katara, why don't you just be our map leader from now on!"

I was shocked by his sudden frustration. I got up from my stream and walked over to my cousins who were glaring at one another by the dying campfire. Yuna landed on my shoulder to follow me.

"Fine! I will!" Katara snapped, jerking the map from Sokka's hand.

Sokka huffed. "I'm going to find Aang!" He turned on his heel and stormed off. As he left, I watched him go with shock. What had I missed?

Katara let out a heavy breath once he was gone. She glanced over at me to try and reassure me. "We fight like this all the time. We've been trying not to do it around you though… we don't want to upset you… sorry."

I crossed my arms. Yuna whined. "I'm only upset you both are fighting… what's going on?"

Katara rolled her eyes. "Sokka just likes to have his way. Don't worry about it. The fight will be forgotten in an hour or so." She smiled. "Want to go for a walk? They probably won't be back any time soon… I could use some girl talk and stretch my legs some."

Yuna gave a mew-hoo to agree. I decided there wasn't much else to do. I gave a small nod to let her know I was okay with that. As we walked away from the campsite and through the woods, I stared at the forest around us in silent thought.

Many things crossed my mind:

I wondered how much longer it would take to find Aang's earthbending teacher;

I feared that the girl Mai had told Azula about me. I knew from what Iroh had told me that the Fire Nation Princess would see my dualbending as a threat and want to apprehend me;

I worried Uncle Xi would want revenge for Zhao's death and send someone after me;

I was concerned that my presence was putting my family and Avatar Aang in danger.

Katara pressed a hand to my lower arm suddenly, and I jumped a bit as her contact brought me out of my thoughts. She asked with concern, "You've been quiet this morning… want to talk about anything?"

I grimaced. "Sorry. I'm just thinking about a lot of stuff. Most of it is because I'm messed up in the head and a little crazy..."

"Amara… You're not crazy," Katara encouraged. "You've just been through a lot… Tell me what's on your mind. Talking about it will help."

I let out a heavy breath. "I just… I've been thinking… about the swamp…"

Katara took my hand and gave it a squeeze to offer comfort. "What about it?"

I sighed. "I… just keep thinking about the image of my father… It reminded me that not all of the monsters from my past are gone. My uncle is still alive. One day, he might decide to send someone after me to avenge Zhao's death. I'm certain he'll blame me like he always did in the past. And then there's Princess Azula… she may decide I'm a threat and send someone to try and capture me… I… I just worry if someone is sent after me that one of you might get hurt."

She was silent for a moment as she took in my thoughts. Then she stopped walking to make me stop and look at her. "Amara… if your uncle, or Princess Azula, or anyone else tries to come after you, we will stop them. We've had our fair share of people chasing after us because of Aang. If we could handle Zuko and Zhao, we'll be able to handle anything. You're safe with us. I promise."

Yuna rubbed her cheek against my own to try and reassure me. I calmed down slightly. However, there would always be a part of me that feared for my family. My unique abilities and double heritage were a threat to many.

"I know," I finally spoke. "It's just… people who help me get hurt. I worry about you all possibly suffering because of me."

Katara pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear with sisterly affection. "Don't… as long as we're together, we will all be okay. Promise."

I did feel comforted by her words. "Okay… sorry… I guess I'm just paranoid because I'm not used to things going right for a change..."

She took both of my hands then. "I understand why you are worried. You've had to try and escape people your whole life, so it doesn't surprise me that you're concerned someone else is after you. But I don't want you to think about being a prisoner again... or focus on that fear… you're free now. None of us will let anyone take that from you."

I relaxed the tension inside me and smiled slightly. "Thanks, Katara…" I stared into her blue eyes with sincerity. "You know… I never got to meet Aunt Kya, but from what my mom told me, you seem to have a lot of her in you."

She smiled back. "Same… From stories of Aunt Kala, I see her in you so much. Your mom would be so proud if she were here today. You've come so far."

I let one of her hands go so I could feel the charm of my necklace. My eyes watered. "All my mom ever wanted was for me to find my Water Tribe family… I'm so glad I was able to fulfill her wish… I owe Iroh and Zuko so much..."

Katara pondered over my last statement. She finally responded, although her tone wasn't one of gratitude. "I suppose we do have Prince Zuko to thank for our meeting… He really must've cared about you to put his freedom at risk like that back at the North Pole. He could've been captured bringing you back to me. He's lucky I didn't freeze him when he showed up at the Oasis again."

Her statement made my heart quicken. Images of Zuko flooded back to me. However, her spite towards him filled me with despair. I didn't know Zuko the way my family did. I knew to them he was just a bitter prince who only wanted to capture Aang, but I had seen the other side of him: the compassionate side.

After Katara's remark, I wanted to defend him. "I know he's your enemy, Katara… but to me… well, he's my hero. He and his uncle saved me and gave me my first taste of freedom. They taught me what it felt like to be loved and wanted. They'll always hold a special place in my heart."

She was quiet as she took in my thoughts. Then she started to walk us along again, tightening her hold on my hand. As we moved on through the forest, she spoke once more with cynicism. "I know you love Prince Zuko… and I know you also miss him. But I want you to understand something, Amara… Prince Zuko is the enemy. He is trying to capture Aang, the world's last hope. He's trying to imprison someone who I love and care for dearly. I will protect Aang, even if it means hurting Zuko. No matter how good you may think he is, he's trying to hurt my friend. If he shows his face to us again, and makes one move towards Aang, I'm going to have to stop him."

I shut my eyes for a moment as my heart ached at the thought of Katara and Zuko fighting. Part of me didn't want to believe that Zuko would pursue Aang again, while the rational part of me knew Katara had every right to believe Zuko would continue on his mission. Despite Zuko being willing to sacrifice his honor for me when Zhao came to take me away, I knew that he still desired to go home…

"I know, Katara." I hung my head. "Chasing Aang seems to be the one thing I could never change his mind about. Part of me hopes that him being with Iroh (wherever they are) will be good for him… but Zuko really wants to go home, so I don't know if he'll ever look past his original mission. I just… I know he's good… I've seen it… I keep hoping he'll change his path one day… that's all I can do..."

Katara let out a heavy sigh. "Well… when he brought you to me at the North Pole, I did believe for a moment he had good in him. But only for a very small moment..."

Yuna suddenly hissed and tensed on my shoulder, cutting off our conversation. Katara and I were startled by her demeanor, but quickly understood why she was so unsettled. A familiar group of men suddenly broke past the tree line. They had left their komodo-rhinos somewhere in the distance so they could sneak up on us.

Colonel Mongke smirked, his gold eyes shooting between Katara and I with victory as he stepped closer. "You girls strayed a little too far from your friends. That will be your mistake, and our advantage."

Katara ripped her water out of her pouch quickly. The other four men were starting to surround us. She stepped a bit in front of me, while I looked around us with bewilderment. The Rough Rhinos had come back again… why? Was this revenge for us defeating them at Chin village the other day? That was the only reason I could think of.

Snapping out of my shock, I knew I needed to alert Sokka and Aang. There was no way Katara and I could take them on alone. I hoped Yuna knew what to do. As Colonel Mongke stepped forward, and Katara prepared to attack, I glanced over at Yuna. Her wide blue eyes met mine and she showed understanding. I moved my arm towards her, and she hopped down on it. She prepared to go.

"What do you want?" Katara finally spoke; she was not happy. "Didn't you learn your lesson back at the village?!"

Colonel Mongke scowled. "Only reason we lost was because your Avatar friend took us off guard. We were ready this time. However, revenge isn't the only reason we're here." His gaze moved towards me. "Princess Azula has put out a bounty on this girl's head. When I heard about it, I recalled seeing your friend bend fire and water the other day at that village. A dualbender. Anyone who brings the girl to Princess Azula will be handsomely rewarded." His men snickered around us. "As you see… we like rewards."

I was horrified. I was right to be worried. Azula was after me. And now my cousin was in danger.

Katara stepped in front of me more, prepared to defend me. "You want her, you'll have to go through me!"

Colonel Mongke laughed mockingly. "So brave! Very well!"

As Katara went to attack, I turned in the direction we'd come and flung my arm upward. "Yuna! Go!"

Yuna took off in the direction towards camp to look for my cousin and Aang. As she took flight, the man with the bow went to aim at her. I saw his gesture from the corner of my eyes and gasped. I shot fire at him just as he drew back the string. My flame hit his hand, and he shouted in pain from the burn, releasing the arrow. The arrow missed Yuna completely and hit a tree instead. Yuna disappeared into the forest, and I was relieved to see she escaped.

"Get them!"

Upon Colonel Mongke's order, his men rushed in to attack. As Katara tried to fight Colonel Mongke and the man with the spear, I was forced to face the bolo man, arrow guy, and explosive dude. I quickly used water from my own pouch to fling a stream at the fully armored man reaching for an explosive. He tried to block with his hands, but was quickly shoved back. An arrow flew past me right after my water struck, and I gasped as the projectile barely missed my arm. The bowman went to shoot at me again, and I shot a flame towards him once more. He smirked as he dodged, but only because he had been a distraction. The Bolo man had just flung his weighted cord at my legs just as the bow man dodged my attack. The force from the corded weapon knocked me off my feet, and I fell on my back hard.

My heart quickened. No… I couldn't allow myself to be a prisoner again. I couldn't allow them to capture Katara either. I quickly shot another rush of flames with my hands at the three men who were stepping towards me. They easily dodged, and the bow man shot another arrow at me, causing the sleeve of my shirt to get pinned to the ground. I panicked and tried to pull it out, but he shot again and my other sleeve was pinned as well. Using what movement I still had with my legs, I tried to shoot another blast at them with my feet. The man who had thrown his bolo managed to dodge and reach me.

I screamed as he dropped beside me and grabbed my wrists, which I was about to move to fire a flame his way. The other men moved in as well and the arrows were removed from my sleeves only so I could be rolled forcefully on my stomach. As the bolo man held my hands together behind me, bow man started to bind my wrists with thick rope. While I struggled to escape, I looked over to see Katara was still fighting Mongke and the spear man. She had just frozen spear man to a tree, and was fighting Colonel Mongke again.

"There's no way you're taking her!" Katara shouted. She shot a water whip at Mongke, who jumped back to dodge. "You're messing with the wrong family!"

The fully armored man standing beside me suddenly yanked a black sphere out of the pack on his side, and threw it towards Katara. I shouted in panic, "Katara! Look out!"

My cousin saw the explosive only when it hit the ground beside her. The explosion sounded, and I was horrified as red fire erupted and smoke formed. I could feel the rush of heat. I felt terror and my eyes watered as I tried to see Katara through the smoke and flying debris. I was so relieved when I saw my cousin had thought fast and created an ice shield to block the explosion's impact. However, Mongke took her distraction to his advantage and grabbed her arms to restrain her from behind. Spear man had managed to break from the ice at this point and rushed over, tying her hands behind her as well. She screamed and struggled like I had, but she couldn't break free.

"No! Let her go!" I struggled to pull my hands free of my restraints. I tried to heat my hands to burn the rope, but I couldn't get my flames high enough to eat the material. My heart was pounding erratically as panic filled inside me.

Captured… I was captured again… only this time my cousin was captured with me… I had brought danger to my family… Who knew what they'd do to Katara?

"Get some longer rope!" Monkge ordered. "Tie them to a tree quickly. Hopefully, the Avatar will be coming for them soon. Once we capture him also, we'll head to the nearest Fire Nation camp and get word to Princess Azula that we have him and the girl."

The spear man and Mongke quickly grabbed Katara and forced her to a tree where she was tied by rope that the explosive man was carrying in his pouch. I was grabbed by the bow man and bolo man, and then was shoved to my own tree a good twenty yards from Katara.

Once the fighting was over, and we were both restrained to a tree by rope, Colonel Mongke grinned as he looked between Katara and I. His men stood guard, ready to attack if Aang or Sokka did show up.

Katara spoke to me, ignoring our captors and struggling in her rope. "Amara! Are you alright?"

I felt my throat catch. Alright? No… no I wasn't… My cousin was in danger because of me. I dropped my head and shut my eyes in agony.

"Amara! Look at me!" Katara shouted.

I lifted my gaze again to meet her eyes.

She smiled reassuringly. "It's going to be okay. I promised we'd protect you. We're getting out of this."

Protect me… that was always the issue… people wanted to protect me, and I could never protect them in return.

"Quiet!" Colonel Mongke ordered. "No talking! I'll gag you both!"

"Go on!" Katara snapped at him. "Soon you'll all feel the Avatar's wrath!"

Colonel Mongke rolled his eyes. Then he turned towards me. I felt my heart quicken as he stepped my way, crossing his arms with intrigue. "So… You're the dualbender, eh?" He looked over my features. "I see the mixed heritage. I'm surprised you weren't destroyed the moment you were born. I definitely wouldn't have let a freak like you live if I were your father."

"Don't talk to her like that!" Katara shouted across the area. "Shut up, you monster!"

Tears were running down my cheeks. I felt so afraid. I felt so weak. Panic was building within me, and I knew it was because I was afraid I was about to be locked in a cage all over again. I also knew I was fearful for Katara. I knew how to survive being in a cage… but she… she had never been a prisoner (except for intentionally getting arrested to save some guy named Haru)… I had to try and save her. Even if that meant pleading.

"I'm the one you want… please let her go," I begged. "She's not your target."

He smirked. "Aw… isn't that sweet. Trying to protect your friend." He leaned forward so his eyes met my own. "Unfortunately, I can't let her go. She may try to help you escape, and we can't allow that."

I shook my head. "She… she won't. She knows she's out numbered."

He rolled his eyes. His hand suddenly pressed to the spot on the tree beside my head. "I'm afraid, no one is going anywhere." He grabbed a few strands of my hair with his other hand. "Amara, right? You know… I heard about your past. Where you come from. I used to know your brother, Admiral Zhao. Really hated that man..." He said the last part narrowing his eyes. "I heard he finally reached his end. I'm certain you were thrilled he died. I was too… bastard caused me to drop a rank. He got what was coming for him."

The mention of Zhao suddenly ignited the fire in me. My fight came back. I found my voice again. "He wasn't my brother! And you're no better than him," I spat. "All he cared about was being rewarded too. Your terrible end is coming like his if you don't let us go!"

He growled and grabbed my chin suddenly. He spat, "You're lucky we were ordered to bring you to the princess unharmed. Otherwise, I'd cut out your tongue!" He released my chin and stepped back. "Of course… they said nothing about your friend." He glanced over at Katara, who was trying all she could to break out of her restraints.

I was horrified. "No! Please! Let her go!" I tried again. "Please! Katara has nothing to do with me!"

Colonel Mongke chuckled and stepped over to her. "That may be so, but she has plenty to do with the Avatar. He's one of our other targets, and I know he'll come to save her. I've heard the tale of the young waterbender from the South Pole who freed the Avatar from a block of ice. I'm certain he cares a lot about her."

Katara scoffed. "You think you'll be able to capture Aang? You're crazy! Prince Zuko and Admiral Zhao both failed! How could you do any better, you cow-pig?!"

Colonel Mongke grit his teeth. "Shut your trap! I'm tired of you and your friend's insolence!"

He suddenly shot his hand at her and slapped her. As Katara gasped in pain, shutting her eyes as her cheek pulsed, my breathing hitched. Time seemed to stop. Memories of my past flooded back to me.

For a long moment I went without a breath. However, as I took in the pain and redness of Katara's face and cheek, and the tears escaping her from the blow, my heart pounded hard. My hands clenched into fists.

Katara… no…

I saw red.

NO! I would not let her suffer! I had to stop this! I had to protect my family!

"KATARA! NO! YOU MONSTER!"

Fire burst from my hands and the rope around my wrists turned to ash. My fire only grew and the tree sparked behind me, erupting into flames and burning the rope that kept me to the trunk. Mongke and his men gasped and prepared to attack me as they saw the fire rage behind me. I didn't give them a chance. I could feel the water in the grass beneath me. I yanked the molecules up and formed a large stream before me. Then I quickly started to heat the water and once I saw steam and bubbles, I shot my liquid forward. My boiling water hit all five of them. The ones that weren't fully armored, screamed from the scalding liquid on their skin.

The fully armored one did not feel the hot liquid, and he tossed a bomb at me while his comrades were stunned. Thinking fast, I grabbed more water and threw it at the black sphere, freezing the bomb to stop it from exploding. The defused bomb dropped in the dead grass beneath it. The man went to throw another one, but I shot a blast of fire at him. My jet stream hit him in the chest and he flew back onto the dirt. The bomb landed in front of him and went off, causing fire to rage and hot air to rush through the area. He was forced back some more from the rush of heat, groaning on his side. His helmet fell off to show a scar-faced man who was missing an ear.

Mongke recovered finally from his pain, although his arms were red from being burned. "You freak! I'll end you!"

I tightened my fists as I glared at him. "You hurt Katara! I'll end you!" I shot another blast of fire at him, and he shot fire back at me. Our streams met and an explosion occurred. I stumbled back from the force, and he did the same.

"Mew-Hoo!"

A familiar call sounded in the distance. I was shocked to hear Yuna. Looking up, I saw her fly above me and land in the tree I hadn't set ablaze. Aang appeared a second later, gliding above. He shut his glider, and then dropped in the space between Mongke and I.

"Aang!" Katara was relieved from where she was still tied to the tree.

Aang gripped his glider with frustration. His eyes stayed on Mongke. "How dare you capture my friends!"

Mongke scowled. "The dualbender was only one of my targets! The other girl was just bait to capture you!"

He shot a flame towards Aang. Aang's arrow tattoos glowed for a moment, and I was bewildered when he caught the flame and easily shot it back at Mongke. The fire was more powerful than the original attack, and the blast hit the man causing him to fly back. Mongke hit the ground hard and fell unconscious from the impact. His group gasped, knowing without their leader they were beat. The bolo man and the spear man rushed over to him, grabbing his arms and legs to carry him away from us. As the other Rough Rhinos retreated, disappearing into the forest back to where they had come, a quiet fell over the area.

Aang let out a heavy breath, and the glow on his tattoos faded. He dropped his staff and moved over to Katara quickly to undo her ropes. Yuna landed on my shoulder suddenly, sensing the danger had passed. Once free, Katara quickly used her water to put out the fire in the grass, while Aang used water from a small stream a few yards away to put out my burning tree. I stood in silence as this occurred, the grass dead around me from my theft of its water.

Once the flames were extinguished leaving us with a cloud of smoke and piles of ash, a silence fell over the forest as we tried to calm our hearts. After a moment of quiet, Aang finally turned to Katara with concern. "You okay?"

Katara pressed a hand to her cheek which was starting to swell from being struck by Mongke a few moments before. "I'm alright… just a little sore."

Aang was horrified when he finally noticed the redness of her cheek. "You're hurt?!"

She gave a reassuring smile. "Nothing that some waterbending won't heal." She pulled water out from her pouch and pressed the flowing liquid to her cheek. The water glowed and started to heal the swelling. She sighed after a moment. "There… much better…"

I stayed quiet, my heart aching as I heard Katara say she had been in pain. She would've never been if I hadn't been with her…

Aang suddenly blew his bison whistle. When he pulled it away, he said, "Sokka, Appa, and Momo will be here in a minute. I flew ahead to follow Yuna when she arrived at camp. You all were smart sending her back."

Katara nodded. "Amara was quick to send her off before she was captured too."

Aang looked over at me then. He quickly grew concerned when he saw my dismay. "Are you alright, Amara?"

I only nodded. On the inside, I felt terrible. People were after me, and my cousin was getting caught in the middle of it. She had only been slapped this time… things could've been much worse.

Aang sighed and hugged Katara. "I'm just glad you both are okay."

Katara hugged him back. "Me too."

Aang let her go and walked over to me then. He placed a hand on my arm. "Amara… Are you hurt anywhere?"

I shook my head. I still said nothing. I dropped my gaze from him. My heart twisted.

"You sure? You don't look okay..."

A groan suddenly sounded. Aang's attention thankfully left me as he looked in the direction we heard the call. Appa landed in the area a moment later, and Sokka dropped quickly from the sky-bison's head. Once he was on the ground, he rushed over to us with relief. Momo flew behind him and landed on Aang's shoulder.

Sokka finally reached us and immediately threw his arms around Katara. "I'm so glad you both are okay! I was worried sick when Yuna arrived at camp without you!"

Katara gave a small smile as she hugged him back. "Yes. We're fine. I had a minor bump but I healed it. Nothing serious."

He pulled away and looked her over. "Bump! You were hurt?! Who took you?! What happened?"

My heart weighed with guilt. I shut my eyes and hung my head. I finally spoke for the first time since Aang's arrival. "I happened… I'm so sorry..."

I turned away from them and walked over to the tree that was burnt and still had embers in the wood. Sitting down cross-legged in front of it so my back was to my family, I shut my eyes as tears streamed down my face. The events of the last hour replayed in my mind. Yuna whined and hopped from my shoulder to my lap, trying to offer me some comfort. I stroked her fur and feathers, but the guilt weighed on me.

Katara had been hurt because of me. I thought back to a time not too long ago when someone else had been hurt because of me. I had been right back then. I was bad luck to the people around me...

Standing against the ship railing, I fiddled with the charm of the necklace Tu Lan had given me. My ankle wasn't thrilled I was moving about, but I was tired of being in my room.

A day had passed since Tu Lan left to go to the Fire Nation for treatment, and I felt so much guilt. Tu Lan was hurt because of me. He would've never been injured if my brother never sent that bounty hunter after me the other day. I let out a heavy sigh as I stared at the line on the horizon. I was tired of losing people I cared about.

While Tu Lan had taken part in my captivity, he had been nothing but a father to me. When I thought of what I wanted in a father, Tu Lan came to mind. Over the last few weeks, Iroh had started to fill that image as well. I feared something would happen to him too. It seemed my Fire Nation family was always hurting those I cherished. Anyone who tried to help me would end up suffering in the end.

Iroh, who was sipping some tea on deck behind me, caught my dismay. Zuko was speaking to the captain at the helm, so Iroh and I were alone.

"Amara? What is it, dear?"

I kept my eyes on the horizon. I gripped the rail harder. "I just… I'm worried."

I heard Iroh move behind me as he got to his feet. He stepped over to me and placed a fatherly hand on my back. "What is weighing on you? If it's Tu Lan, don't let that burden you. He is going to get wonderful medical treatment and be walking in no time."

My eyes burned. "It's not just Tu Lan, Iroh… it's everyone I love… When I was born, I cared about my mom so much… but Zhao and my Uncle took her away from me. Now… the man I've cared about for sixteen years has been hurt under Zhao's order and I've lost him too… Everyone I love is always hurt because of me… I want to find my family, but what if me being with them only puts them in danger too? What if I'm bad luck to others?"

Iroh let out a heavy breath. "Bad luck has nothing to do with this, Amara. You are not responsible for those hurt by your brother and uncle. Your mother loved you and sacrificed herself to save you. The same goes for Tu Lan. He knew what he wanted. He chose to protect you."

I shut my eyes as a tear escaped me. "If I wasn't so weak… if I was stronger then I wouldn't need protection. Then people wouldn't be hurt because of me anymore."

"You think you're weak?" Iroh was saddened by this. "Amara… you truly don't see yourself the way others do. Someone weak could've never survived all those years in a cage, being tortured by terrible men… you are by no definition weak. There is a brokenness inside you that must be mended, but this only shows your strength more. You are a fighter. You are only going to get stronger from this day forward."

I sighed. I gave a small nod to let him know I was listening. Then I turned and hugged him. He hugged me back quickly, brushing a hand through my hair with fatherly concern. I took a moment to soak in his warm embrace. Then I spoke again, "I just… I don't want to lose anyone else I love to those monsters."

"You won't," Zuko suddenly spoke. He approached us as Iroh and I pulled apart. I looked over at him and felt my heart flutter like it always did. "I'm going to make Zhao pay one day." He stepped up to me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "He's not hurting you again. I promised Tu Lan I'd protect you."

I flinched. "That's the issue though… it's the people that protect me that get hurt." I looked up into his golden gaze. "I don't want you or Iroh to sacrifice yourself for me. You saved me from my prison… it wouldn't be right if you were hurt or killed because of it. I'm just a passenger on this ship…"

He argued. "You're not just a passenger on this ship, Amara… you're important to me and my uncle… we saved you knowing the risks. Focus on healing and don't worry about Zhao. Let me handle him…"

His reassurance did calm my concerns slightly. For some reason, Zuko always made me feel safe.

I gave him a small smile. "Okay… thanks, Zuko…" I stepped forward and hugged him. He hugged me back. But despite his promise and safe embrace, I couldn't completely erase the worries and guilt I felt within me...

"Amara…" Katara spoke suddenly, breaking me out of my memory. "What happened just now wasn—"

I shook my head. "No… Don't… please don't say I'm not to blame… This is my fault."

Aang spoke from somewhere behind me. "No it isn't. They were just evil men. What they did—"

I pet Yuna for comfort while I cut him off. "Everyone always says it's not my fault. But we know those men came after us because of me. The Fire Nation Princess is after me because I'm not something that should've ever been born… I was a burden on my mom… She died because of me. Tu Lan was hurt because of me. Now I'm causing trouble to you all."

Katara came beside me on her knees. Her hand pressed to my back to offer comfort. "Amara… You know that's not true. Your mother loved you. And we love you. You're part of this family. Don't listen to what that man said: You were born for a reason. Being of two nations is a gift, not a curse."

I blinked. A tear fell. "Then why does it feel like a curse? You were hurt today, Katara. Aang could've been captured. All because I'm something others want to cage." I swallowed back a sob. "You want to know what's been on my mind…? It's this… the fact that everyone else tries to protect me, but I can never protect anyone in return. It's so frustrating… I hate feeling so useless."

"Useless?!" Katara moved in front of me and grabbed my shoulders firmly. I met her gaze with surprise. "Amara! What you did today was amazing?! You broke out of your restraints and took on five men with weapons all by yourself! If Aang hadn't shown up, I have a feeling you would've beat them all."

I was stunned by her praise. "You… you thought I was amazing?"

She smiled. "Yes… Your mom and Tu Lan would be so proud of you for how strong you've become. You were protecting me today, Amara. The moment I needed help, you jumped in to save me. That's who you are… not someone that brings misfortune to others trying to protect you… you're someone who protects the people you love when they need you most."

Yuna gave a "mew-hoo" in agreement.

Katara stroked Yuna on the head then. "And you saved Yuna as well. You stopped that arrow from hitting her. Yuna and I both owe you thanks."

A moment later, Katara helped me up and gave me a hug. Yuna had flown over to the ledge on Appa's saddle, ready for us to head out. Once Katara let me go, Sokka hugged me with relief.

He whispered softly, "I'm so glad you're okay. Thanks for looking out for Katara. And don't ever blame yourself for something like this again. We're your family. It's our job to protect you, no matter what happens. Got it?"

I only gave a small nod in response. Despite his words, there was still a part of me that felt responsible for the events that had occurred. While I wanted to listen to him, I couldn't rid myself of the guilt.

There was a bounty on my head… because I was different... There was no telling how many more people would come after me in the future… I knew the best thing for my family was for me to leave them… I was only going to cause them pain in the end...

Third Person POV

The campfire was out. The moon was high in the sky. Katara and Sokka were asleep on their sleeping bags, while Momo and Aang were knocked out on a patch of grass. Appa snored to the side of the group.

There were only two members of the group that were awake and up. One was Amara, and the other was Yuna. Amara stood at the edge of camp, a pack on one shoulder and Yuna perched on the other. She stared over at her cousins and Aang with despair.

"I'm sorry," she whispered so only she could hear. "I can't let you all get hurt because of me… I'm doing this to protect you…"

She turned and started to walk away from her family. Her heart was heavy with each step she took. She knew this was for the best though. She knew more people would come for her, and she couldn't bear seeing Katara, Sokka, or Aang hurt because of her.

I'm sorry mom… but this was a bad idea… I only brought danger to our family… I can't stay...

As she started to head away from camp into the forest, she did not hear the small steps that followed her. Her mind was distracted with trying to decide her next step. She honestly didn't know where she was going… all she knew was her presence would end up getting her family killed.

Aang watched Amara walk away with uncertainty. He had gotten up when he saw her leave the area, careful not to wake Momo. He'd followed at a distance, not really sure what to say to her. He understood what she was feeling, and why she was leaving. He'd had moments in the last few months where he too had almost done the same. With Zuko and Zhao coming after him in the past, he had felt he was a burden on Katara and Sokka as well. He had also felt guilty for putting them in danger. He already felt responsible for the Air Nation… he couldn't imagine losing more people he cared about. He knew why Amara was sneaking away in the night, and he hoped he could change her mind like he had changed his so many times in the past.

After following her for another minute, he finally found his voice. He spoke with caution, not wanting to scare her. "Amara… wait… please."

Amara was shocked by Aang's voice and froze in her step. She then flinched as she realized she was caught. She let out a heavy sigh and then turned to face him. "Aang… I thought you were asleep."

Aang cautiously stepped over to her, not wanting her to think he was going to force her back. He knew that would only make her run. He wanted her to choose. "I heard you packing." He let out a heavy breath. "Look… I know what you're thinking. I've been there. But… It's not safe traveling alone… you know that."

She turned so her back was to him again. She tried to convince herself once more that her departure was the best choice and argued, "I have Yuna… I'm not alone…"

He moved around her so he could stand in her path. She kept her head down, knowing she had upset him by trying to leave in the night without a goodbye. She didn't want to see the hurt on his face.

Aang cautiously placed a hand on her forearm, only to offer a comforting touch; he didn't grab her, not wanting her to think he was forcing her back. "You know that's not what I mean… where are you planning on going?"

She finally met his gaze which she could see from the light of the moon. She saw concern rather than hurt. This calmed her slightly as she answered him.

"Anywhere that I won't bring danger to my family… Princess Azula's after me, Aang. That means the Fire Lord knows about me by now. Those Rough Rhino men attacked us today because there's a bounty on my head. I can't let my family suffer because of me. If they get killed protecting me, I'd never forgive myself."

Aang dropped his hand and crossed his arms. "Amara… Azula's after me as well. You're not the only one to blame for what happened to Katara today. The Rough Rhinos captured her to try and get to me. As long as your family is traveling with the Avatar, they will constantly face danger. Katara and Sokka know this. They knew the risk the moment they saved me from Zuko that day at the South Pole. Even if you leave, other people will come after them because I'm with them. So your departure won't change anything."

She took in Aang's words with surprise. He was actually getting through to her. Tears fell and she hung her head again. "I just… I don't want to lose anyone else, Aang… I feel like whenever I care about someone a lot, I end up losing them because I'm not strong enough to protect them. I'm scared… I don't want to lose any of you. I love you."

Aang took her hands to give them a comforting squeeze. "Amara… we love you too… and because I love you, I won't force you to stay. But I will beg you to change your mind… Don't throw away everything you've worked towards because you're scared you're not strong enough. You're one of the strongest people I've ever met. You spent sixteen years surviving a terrible imprisonment just so you could one day find your family. Your strength got you to where you are today, and if you walk away then you will lose what you fought so hard to achieve. I know the thought of your family getting hurt because of you is terrifying… I fear every day that Katara and Sokka will be hurt because of me… but we're family. Family protects one another and makes sacrifices for each other. Katara and Sokka need you as much as you need them." He tightened his grip. "I need you too. You don't know how great it is to have another person with unique gifts like me. There's so much I can learn from you. If you stay, I know we can both become stronger together… We can protect Katara and Sokka. Please… stay..."

Amara was stunned by his words. Yuna mewed in agreement. She hopped off Amara's shoulder and flew onto a tree back in the direction of camp. "Mew-Hoo!"

Aang smiled at Yuna, and looked back at Amara. "See… Yuna knows where you're needed. She wants you to stay too."

A sob escaped her. She fell on her knees and dropped her pack beside her. Aang moved down on his knees in front of her and pulled her into a brotherly embrace. As he hugged her, he let out a breath of relief. He could see Amara was listening to him. He knew Sokka and Katara would've been worried sick if they woke to Amara being gone. He was glad he got through to her.

"I'm sorry… I just… I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me," she cried into Aang's shoulder. "Tu Lan was terribly injured to protect me. I… I can't bear the thought of Katara or Sokka facing that same fate…"

Aang hugged her closer. "I know… so let's protect our family together. Okay?"

She cried for a moment longer. Then she finally calmed enough to nod against him. "Okay…" After another moment of calming her sniffles more, she whispered, "Thank you, Aang… for stopping me… and saving us today…"

He smiled. "I've got your back… I always will, sis."

She smiled too. She liked the sound of that… sis… Aang was definitely a better brother than Zhao…

"Come on," Aang encouraged. "We've got some towns to search in the next few days. We better get some sleep so we're not too tired."

Aang helped her up then, and took her pack from her, tossing it over his own shoulder. He then held her hand as they walked back to camp. Yuna returned to Amara's shoulder, thrilled they weren't leaving.

"Sorry, Aang," Amara whispered again. "Can… you not tell Katara and Sokka about this?"

"Don't apologize. I've been in your shoes," Aang said, squeezing her hand. "It's our secret. Although, I'd definitely be more worried about Yuna. She seems to be a blabber mouth."

To Aang's relief, Amara giggled at his lighthearted joke.

Yuna chimed in agreement, "Mew-Hoo! Mew-Hoo!"

A little ways away, lying against a slumbering ostrich-horse inside a small cave, Zuko opened his eyes as he heard the call of a cat-owl in the distance. After leaving his uncle two days ago to journey on his own, Zuko had started to feel an emptiness inside him. He ran a hand through his hair, which had been growing out well since he cut it the day they escaped Azula. He actually didn't miss that stupid ponytail he used to have. He liked feeling a little more free.

The cat-owl sounded again in the distance. He sighed as the sound reminded him of a girl he missed dearly. He moved his hand in front of him so he could stare at his wrist. From the light of the moon coming through the mouth of the cave, Amara's blue ribbon appeared to shine. Zuko's heart ached as he stared at the ribbon with longing. He wished she were with him so he knew she was okay. He missed her smile… her beautiful freckled face… He also was worried for her after discovering she was in danger.

He recalled the poster he saw the other day at the center of town; he'd gone into one of the nearby Earth Kingdom towns as the Blue Spirit to steal some food for Iroh and him. There, on a billboard full of wanted posters, he saw a poster that held the description of a girl with black hair and blue eyes… a girl of Fire Nation and Water Nation heritage. The poster said the girl was wanted for crimes against the Fire Nation, and there was a reward for her capture. Princess Azula was looking for her.

Zuko was horrified when he learned Amara's abilities were discovered by his sister and she was wanted. He kept trying to tell himself that she was with the Avatar and safe, but he couldn't help but worry. He wanted so much to be the one protecting her. He wanted to know she was safe.

He shut his eyes in defeat. There was nothing he could do but pray to the spirits that she was okay. His finger traced the ribbon's silk fabric as he pictured the amazing girl he would never forget.

"I miss you…" Zuko whispered. "Please stay safe, Amara…"

He hoped he would see her again soon...