Chapter 38: The Freedom Fighters

Full Moon Bay was… sad…

We arrived at the crowded cove after midday. A tunnel was what led us to the secret place where thousands of Earth Kingdom citizens were scattered around the area with tents set up, or just sitting with the few possessions they had. Iroh led us over to a tall green wooden booth where a line of people were. We stood in line for a few minutes, and then finally we reached a middle-aged man in a green robe seated above us. Iroh handed up our passports, and the man stamped them. He let us know that our paperwork gave us the right to the next ferry which would be boarding in an hour. He noted Yuna on my shoulder and seemed hesitant about letting me take an animal into Ba Sing Se. Iroh managed to convince him with some money that Yuna would not cause trouble. I was relieved when the man accepted.

We waited, sipping some tea that Iroh purchased from a family nearby that were trying to make money. I assumed Iroh had gotten the money in his possession from his connections. When the ferry arrived, we started to make our way to the ramp to board. A crowd moved with us, and Zuko grabbed my hand to keep me close. I was grateful as people bumped into me to get on board. Yuna kept a tight grip on my shoulder to not be bumped off.

As I followed Zuko and Iroh towards the ramp that led onto the ferry, I looked around at the refugees one last time with concern. Many of them looked so lost and scared. Families… Men… Women… Children… So many had been displaced by the war, and they were all seeking a safe place from the Fire Nation. Iroh explained to me when I asked why there were so many still in the cove that most were not allowed to enter Ba Sing Se because they were missing proper paperwork. It appeared that the system to enter the walls and find refuge was a strict one.

Zuko tightened his hold on my hand, stopping as people passed by us so he could speak to me. "We'll make it better for them," he promised softly. He could sense that I was upset from my falter and wanted to reassure me. "Stopping this war will be the first step to helping these people."

I sighed. "I know… it's just hard… seeing how broken the world is. When I was young, Tu Lan told me stories about the Earth Kingdom. He told me how the Fire Nation was struggling to spread across the land because the Earth Kingdom had mighty fortresses. But… I've seen so many people without homes. So many people have been chased out of their villages… I guess I'm surprised that the Earth Kingdom's forces have let things get this bad. If Ba Sing Se is so safe, then why can't the Earth King send more troops to keep the rest of the land safe?"

Zuko let out a heavy breath. "It's not that simple… If the Earth King sent out more troops then his borders would be defenseless. Unfortunately, the Fire Lord is the same. He doesn't care about what happens to those on the outer islands of the Fire Nation. War makes men selfish. It has since the beginning of time."

I nodded. "I know… but it's still sad."

Zuko frowned. He looked around at the people who passed by. "Yeah… It is." He brushed a thumb gently on my cheek. "But we'll make it better… I promise I'll do everything I can to fix what my family has broken. I'll make sure you, your mother's people, and the rest of this world are safe again."

I met his golden orbs and smiled. "I know you will… thanks…"

He nodded. "Come on. Let's catch up to Uncle.

We boarded the ship then. The deck was full of men, women, and children who were seeking refuge from the war. Iroh had gone to stand over by the rail of the ship. We managed to maneuver our way over to him.

He asked, concerned by our momentary disappearance, "Everything alright?"

I nodded. "Yes… Sorry… Everything has just been overwhelming."

He placed a hand on the shoulder that Yuna was not on. "You will be reunited with your family very soon. Things are sure to change from this day forward. Change for the better."

I nodded again. "I know… It already is… The day you saved me from Zhao was the day I knew better days were ahead."

Zuko, who still held my hand, tightened his hold. "You're right… I'll make sure you never have to fear being a prisoner again…"

Yuna mewed in agreement. I stroked her feathers in appreciation.

About half an hour passed, and finally the ferry started to move. At this point, Iroh had bought Zuko and I a straw hat to wear so that we didn't get sunburn. He wore his own as well. Around dinner time, a crewmember from the ship went around and handed us each a bowl of what I couldn't really identify. Was it watered rice? I could not really figure out what was inside, and I was scared to try it. Iroh ate it, but he seemed disgusted as well.

"This looks like food I was served back at my father's estate," I muttered. "I guess freedom has made me greedy."

Zuko stared at the bowl with disbelief. "No. The only greedy person is the captain of this ship. He could be giving people something so much better than this."

"You're right about that," a male voice spoke from behind us.

We turned to look across the deck at a thin young man with red and blue clothing, a sword sheathed on each side of his waist, messy brown hair, and a piece of straw in his mouth. Another guy around the same age stood on one side of him, wearing mostly blue with a red cape, and having a bow and arrow slung over his shoulder. The third was a girl probably a few years younger, with short brown hair, red drawn stripes on her cheeks, and a leather chest plate. She had a knife on her side.

The first guy, who was clearly the leader, walked towards us with a smirk. "My name's Jet and these are my Freedom Fighters, Smellerbee and Longshot." He gestured to the girl first and then the boy.

Smellerbee said a soft hey, and Longshot nodded.

Zuko seemed hesitant, but he spoke finally. "Hello."

As Jet started to speak to Zuko, I stared at him with utter shock. I had heard the story of my family's encounter with Jet and his Freedom Fighters. I was aware that their last encounter was not a good one. My heart pounded heavily as I thought back to the story of how Jet tried to destroy a whole Fire Nation colony, had fought Aang who tried to stop him, and then got frozen to a tree by my cousin Katara. I knew by the way he was dressed and their description that he was indeed the same Jet.

Jet broke through my thoughts again, saying, "Here's the deal. I hear the captain's eating like a king while the refugees have to feed off his scraps. Doesn't seem fair, does it?"

Iroh's ears perked up. "What sort of king is he eating like?"

Jet answered him. "The fat, happy kind." He then looked over at Zuko, and his eyes glanced at the broadswords on Zuko's back with interest. He could tell Zuko was a fighter, and he liked fighters. "You want to help us 'liberate' some food?"

My heart pounded painfully. Was Jet planning on hurting someone again? Was he going to take over the ship? How was he getting this food? I had a feeling his intentions weren't honorable.

Zuko raised his brow. "What do you have in mind?"

He smirked. "Say you're in, and we'll discuss the plan in an hour."

Zuko stared at the bowl in his hand, glanced at me, and then glanced at Iroh. He sighed, putting the bowl on the rail and turning to Jet with a nod. "I'm in."

I finally found my voice. I used his cover name, remembering that we had to stay in stealth until we found my family. "Lee… I… I don't think this is a good idea. We'll be in the city by tomorrow… I just… I don't want you to get in trouble."

Jet darted his eyes to me. "Don't worry. We won't get caught."

I argued again. "You don't know that."

Zuko used my cover name. "Mina… It will be okay. We haven't eaten a decent meal in days. The captain won't miss it."

I looked at Jet with uncertainty. "You… won't hurt anyone… right?"

Jet was surprised by my question. He stared at me with a pondering gaze. "No… Just sneaking in and out. Promise." He then stared deeper into my eyes. "Have we met before?"

I felt my heart jump. I tried to keep composed and not reveal I knew who he was. "No… Why?"

He continued to look at me with curiosity. "You just… Look like someone I used to know…" He shrugged. "Guess I was mistaken." He met Zuko's gaze again. "Meet us back here in an hour. We'll go over the plan with you."

Zuko nodded.

"If it won't be missed, I will agree to this plan," Iroh stated. "A good meal would do us all good."

Jet nodded. "Our bellies will definitely be full tonight with your help, Lee." He turned on his heel and left. The Freedom Fighters followed. I still felt greatly uncertain. I also had a thousand questions running through my head. Why was Jet here? Where were the rest of the Freedom Fighters? Was he on the run from the Fire Nation after trying to kill a ton of people from blowing up a dam?

"Amara…" Zuko turned me so I was facing him. He was concerned when he felt my body shake a bit. "What's wrong? Do you know him?"

I swallowed. "I… I don't… but my family does. He… did something bad a while ago and almost hurt a lot of people… I just… I don't know if he can be trusted."

Yuna whined, sensing my concern.

Zuko glanced at the group of teenagers who were already on the other end of the ship. "Don't worry… If things start to look out of control I'll back out. But… if this is one way to help people… Well… I'm willing to try."

I crossed my arms. "I'm hungry too… But… I just don't know if stealing is really the best solution."

"The captain is the only one stealing. He should be sharing food with everyone… Not hoarding it for himself."

I sighed. "Just… I don't want you to get hurt."

He kissed me on the forehead. "I'll be careful. I promise."

An hour later, Zuko disappeared to go help Jet acquire food. The sun was setting, and darkness was starting to fall over the sky. I sat with Iroh feeling anxious as I thought about everything that could go wrong.

Iroh asked, "So I take it your family did not have a good encounter with these Freedom Fighters?"

I shook my head. "Jet tricked my cousin Katara and Aang into helping him fill a reservoir with water so that he could blow up a dam and drown people in the Fire Nation town nearby. When my cousin Sokka tried to stop him, he had two of his Freedom Fighters restrain him and try to drag him away. Sokka managed to escape and ran to the village to warn everyone about the dam. He was able to save the townspeople, but the dam still blew up and a whole town was destroyed. Jet ruined many lives that day… He claims to be honorable, but when I think about that story I just see someone full of anger and hate… He hates the Fire Nation… and that's why I'm worried. If he finds out Zuko is Fire Nation… or you… or even me… well… he might do something stupid."

Yuna, who had curled up in my lap, whined again as she sensed the anxiety in my voice.

Iroh let out a heavy breath. "Let's not worry about what could happen. All we can do is wait and see what will happen. Zuko knows what he's doing though, dear. Don't worry."

I sighed, petting Yuna softly. "I know… I just worry about him. I care about him."

Iroh took my hand in his to reassure me. "And he worries about you. He's doing this because he wants to take care of you. I've never seen Zuko care about anything other than his father's favor before. He is a changed man. What he is doing right now is something he believes to be good. Sometimes, what may seem like the wrong thing to do could be the right thing to do."

I nodded to let him know I was taking in what he said. I tried to tell myself that as long as Jet never learned who Zuko really was then we would be okay.

The moon was high in the sky by the time Zuko and the Freedom Fighters appeared again on deck. They were passing out food from cloth bags to different refugees. Children shrieked in excitement, while men and women smiled with thrill. I calmed down when I started to see the elation that was spreading across the deck. I decided Iroh was right.

Zuko came back over after helping to distribute the food and took a spot beside me. As he handed me over a bowl of food that smelled so much better than what we were given before, I said softly, "Sorry for freaking out earlier."

He was surprised by my apology. He argued. "You were worried. I understand, Amara. I was cautious though. No one was hurt. We got in and out."

I nodded.

Iroh was handed his food then by Zuko, and the three of us started to eat. I had to admit I was very hungry and relieved by the food. Zuko had even slipped some fish for Yuna, who ate her meal with delight.

Steps came over to us then. Jet and the other two carried their own food. "Mind if we join you?"

Iroh gestured to the area that was empty. "Of course!"

They sat across from us and started to eat. I tried to stay calm this time and tell myself that people change. I tried to imagine Jet was not the same person that my family had met months ago. Maybe after his encounter with Aang, Jet had changed his heart.

"What's its name?"

Smellerbee, who sat closest to me, was staring down at Yuna with curiosity. I pet Yuna on the top of the head. "Her name's Yuna."

She nodded. "Can I pet her?"

I nodded. She held her hand out to Yuna, who sniffed her knuckles with uncertainty. However, deciding Smellerbee wasn't a threat, Yuna pressed her head to the girl's hand. Smellerbee smiled. "Cute."

Longshot was watching our interaction with a small smile too. I could tell he wasn't one for many words.

"So Smellerbee. That's an unusual name for a young man," Iroh suddenly commented.

I looked at Iroh with shock. I went to correct him, but the girl did so with sudden frustration. "Maybe it's because I'm not a man ... I'm a girl!"

I flinched. Iroh did too. Zuko shook his head in disbelief.

Smellerbee left the circle in frustration. Longshot got up to follow her.

Iroh shouted after her, "Oh, now I see. It's a beautiful name for a lovely girl!"

Jet sighed as his friends walked off. "Don't mind her. We've all faced our challenges over the years. Smellerbee's town was taken over by the Fire Nation and she felt defenseless in protecting everyone. She decided to leave her home and dress like a boy so that people would respect her as a fighter."

I was confused by his words. "She wouldn't be respected as a fighter looking like a girl?"

Jet met my gaze again. "Trust me… I think she's a great fighter no matter how she looks. But some people don't take female fighters seriously. I hear that's actually a big issue at the North Pole. Women aren't allowed to fight."

I smiled slightly. "Well… I actually heard that changed after the Avatar and his friends went there. The Waterbender girl he travels with ended up showing the North Pole that women can fight."

Jet was stunned when I brought up the Avatar and my cousins. Then he looked me over again. "Do you know them?"

I hesitated. I wasn't sure if I should tell him I was related. That would definitely make things awkward with me explaining what I was doing with Iroh and Zuko and not them. "Well… I met them briefly in passing after the battle at the North Pole… They told me stories…"

Not a total lie…

Jet nodded. "Oh… For a second, I almost thought you were related to them or something. You look like the Avatar's friend named Katara a little."

I shrugged. "Maybe… I wouldn't be able to tell you."

Iroh added, "Mina's always been told she looks Water Tribe."

Jet inquired more. "How are you all related?"

Iroh gave our cover story. "My nephew Lee and I are from an Earth Kingdom village taken over by the Fire Nation. We found Mina a few weeks later and offered to let her join us. Her village was taken over as well."

Jet looked sincerely sorry. "That's terrible." He looked at me again. "No other family? Parents?"

I flinched. Thinking about my mom hurt my heart. I glanced at my bag of belongings that was placed beside me, wishing I was wearing the necklace that was inside with my Water Tribe clothing. I missed my mom so much…

I could care less about my father.

"My parents were killed… I'm an orphan."

He sighed. "Sorry to hear that… Seems that's a lot of us these days." He smiled at me with kindness. "At least you have Lee and Mushi to watch over you."

I was a bit surprised by the kindness I was receiving from Jet. From what my family had told me, I had pictured a heartless guy with only anger and spite. Jet seemed to care for others…

"Yeah," I said softly. I looked at the food again. "Thanks… for helping everyone tonight."

He nodded. "From what I heard, people eat like this every night in Ba Sing Se. I can't wait to set my eyes on that giant wall."

Iroh spoke up. "It is a magnificent sight."

Jet was curious. "So you've been there before?"

Iroh nodded. "Once. When I was a ... different man."

Jet frowned. He hung his head a bit. "I've done some things in my past that I'm not proud of, but that's why I'm going to Ba Sing Se: for a new beginning. A second chance."

His words surprised me. I wondered if he was referring to the time he was with my family. I had a feeling he was. If so… did that mean Jet had really changed? Had my cousins and Aang gotten through to him?

Iroh responded. "That's very noble of you. I believe people can change their lives if they want to. I believe in second chances."

I glanced over at Zuko who had met Iroh's gaze when he said this. I saw the two smile at one another. I smiled too. Change was already happening. Soon, I would see my family again, and Zuko and Iroh would help us save the world.

"Hey…" Jet spoke again, and I turned to see his friends had returned. "All good?"

Smellerbee nodded as she took her place again. Longshot sat beside her once more. She answered, "Yes… sorry." She said the other part to Iroh. "I may be a little sensitive when people call me a boy."

Iroh apologized. "You have every right to. I should not have assumed that based on your appearance. My apologies, miss."

Smellerbee nodded. She then spoke to me again. "I've been curious… where'd you get that water pouch on your waist? It looks like something a waterbender would carry around."

Her perception amazed me. I quickly tried to come up with a cover story. We were supposed to be Earth Kingdom citizens so I could not be a waterbender. "It was a gift from a friend I met a while ago. I use it to carry drinking water."

Kind of true…

"Oh." Smellerbee said. "Sorry for being nosey. I just was wondering if you were a waterbender. You kind of look like one we met a while ago. My mistake."

I stared at the bowl in my hands again. I hated lying, but I knew we had to keep our cover. "I must have a twin from another nation then," I joked.

As the group continued to chat, I decided I wanted to be alone for a little bit. I let Zuko and Iroh know I wouldn't go far, and stood to walk over to the rail. Smellerbee offered to chill with Yuna which was okay with me. Yuna was enjoying the extra attention.

Standing at the rail, I stared at the water below, and as I did I yearned to bend the element. It had been a while since I'd been able to train in waterbending. The last time I trained in firebending was back at the abandoned town. Being unable to use both of my elements was definitely frustrating. I could not imagine how frustrating it was for Aang to hide his airbending all the time.

Aang… I really hoped he was headed to Ba Sing Se. And Appa… I hoped wherever the big guy was that he was okay. Maybe my family had already found him… that would be great if it were true. I just wasn't sure if it was.

Someone stepped beside me to the rail.

"Amara…" Zuko spoke softly so only we would hear. "You okay? You sounded upset?"

I felt embarrassed. "Yeah… I just… seeing Jet today made me think about my family again. I think I just miss them. And I'm worried about Appa…"

He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "We'll see them soon. And we'll find Appa. I promised I'd help in any way I can. It's all going to work out."

I nodded and leaned against him. He put an arm around me to pull me to his side. I looked out at the moon. "I will say one thing… I've missed this… being on a ship with you… and being able to see the moon in all its beauty. It's still hard to believe a girl my cousin fell in love with became the moon spirit."

Zuko sighed. "Part of me feels responsible for what happened to the moon spirit at the North Pole that day… if I hadn't taken the Avatar while he was in the spirit world he could've stopped Zhao. Then the Northern Water Tribe Princess would still be alive. There's so much I have to make up for."

"Yue's death isn't on your hands," I argued. "She sacrificed herself to save the moon. She became the moon spirit to save everyone. The only person to blame for anything that happened that day was Zhao…"

Zuko held me closer. "One good thing came out of that day. You were finally freed from that monster and got to meet your Water Tribe family."

"Yeah… but I did miss you in the days after though," I promised.

He rested his head against my own. "Me too."

We stayed like that for a moment, just enjoying each other's company. However, a throat cleared to break up our time. We turned to see Jet coming over again.

"My friends and I are going to get some sleep. I just wanted to say thanks again for tonight." Jet held his hand out to Zuko. He took it to return the gesture. When they let go, Jet glanced over at me again. "It was nice meeting you, Mina. I would say you could join me and my Freedom Fighters, but you look to be in good hands."

I nodded. "I am."

He then glanced over to Zuko. "Can't convince you?"

Zuko gave a small smile. He put an arm around me again. "No. I've got all I need. But thanks."

Jet nodded, waved, and walked away. I felt my heart flutter as I replayed Zuko's words in my head.

That night, as we slept on deck under the stars, I thought about a future of possibilities with Zuko. Once we found my family, saved Appa, and then got Aang trained up, we would be able to stop the Fire Lord. We would finally stop this war and there would be peace.

However, I realized with this peace, I would have to make a choice… Zuko would be going to the Fire Nation to take his place as Fire Lord. My family would probably go home to grandma. I was torn… I couldn't imagine not being with Zuko, but I also would miss my family.

But then again… would the Southern Water Tribe accept a part Fire Nation girl like me? What if I was too much of a reminder of the past… Of my mom?

Yuna slept beside me, and I pet her gently to try and calm my restless mind. The future was so uncertain…

But it always had been in a way… I never imagined a year ago today that I would be free from my brother and in love with the Fire Nation prince. I always assumed I'd die under Zhao's control.

Yet here I was… free… no more pain… no more cage… I had Iroh and Zuko… I'd met my Water Tribe family… after sixteen years of darkness things were starting to look up.

I prayed everything I had experienced in the last few months was the start to a wonderful future.

That next morning, after barely getting any sleep, the ship horn went off to let us know that we were approaching the harbor of Ba Sing Se. From the distance, I saw a giant stone wall that seemed to take over the horizon. I was amazed at the length and height of the wall of Ba Sing Se. It definitely was bigger than I imagined.

The ship stopped at a stone dock right outside the giant wall. Some Earth Kingdom soldiers stood where the dock led to a large stone door. We departed the ship once it docked, and then we headed through the large stone door with the crowd of people. We went down some steps, and arrived at what appeared to be a man-made tunnel with a platform.

There were people on both sides of a cut out track in the middle of the room. The track went through two openings in the room, and both openings were in an arch shape, decorated with pretty carved floral symbols. A strange stone machine suddenly came through one of the openings, creating a loud screeching noise, and I saw that it was powered by two earthbenders on the back. They brought the machine, which looked like three stone boxes attached together, to a stop in the center of the room. People departed and boarded it. I was amazed by everything I was seeing.

Zuko suddenly took my hand, noticing I was getting distracted. "Come on. You'll have time to take it all in after we get our tickets."

I asked as I followed him again, "What is it called?"

He answered, knowing everything was new to me. "A monorail. It was invented many years ago by Earth King Yi Ming. It will take us into the city."

"We're not in the city yet?"

Zuko shook his head. "We're inside the outer wall right now. We have to get past the Agrarian Zone first before we arrive at the Lower Ring."

I took in his explanation with honest interest. Yuna was tense though, not liking the sound of the monorail as it took off through the other side of the tunnel once again and disappeared. I pet her with my free hand to calm her.

We arrived at the ticketbooth and stood in line for a moment. As we did, I stared at some glowing crystals on some pillars nearby. The glowing crystals were what was giving the room light. Zuko had let go of my hand at this point, and I grabbed his shirt sleeve to get his attention. He looked at me to show he was listening.

"How do they have light like that?"

He followed my finger as I pointed at the crystals. He shook his head with a smile. "You're going to ask about everything, aren't you?"

I blushed. "Probably."

He answered, meeting my gaze with amusement. "I read about them when I was younger. It has something to do with the chemicals inside it. They create a glow just enough to emit light. You'll see them everywhere around here."

I nodded. "I like them. They're pretty."

Zuko shrugged. "I guess. For a rock..."

Iroh smiled as he listened to our conversation. He said to Zuko, "Anything else you find pretty, Nephew?"

Zuko's cheeks went a little red. However, he glanced over at me with a small smile, and then back at Iroh with a serious expression. "Do I really have to answer that? You already know."

Iroh nodded. "Humor us."

Zuko smirked playfully. "Fine. Then definitely Yuna."

I couldn't help but giggle. I knew he was messing with Iroh. Yuna looked at him with wide eyes when she heard her name. I pet her again with my free hand. I agreed. "She is pretty."

Iroh chuckled.

Eventually we arrived at the ticket booth. A lady in a green robe with a green long hair piece, who was probably around Iroh's age, sat in the stone booth. Iroh handed up the paperwork he had used to get us on the ferry. The woman looked over our papers, and then stared at the three of us with skepticism.

"So, Mr. Lee, Ms. Mina, and Mr... umm Mushy is it?"

Iroh corrected her. "It's pronounced Moo-shee."

The lady scowled. "You telling me how to do my job?"

Iroh quickly waved his hands in defense. "Uh, no no no." He moved forward then and spoke in a pleasant tone to charm her. "But may I just say that you're like a flower in bloom, your beauty intoxicating."

The lady seemed to be charmed, her cheeks red. "You're pretty easy on the eyes yourself handsome." She did a strange gesture with her hand and made a raorr sound. I blinked in total bewilderment. Yuna's ears perked at the sound. The lady spoke again, stamping our papers. "Welcome to Ba Sing se."

She handed the papers back to Iroh. As we walked off, Zuko grabbed his and my paper with disbelief. "I'm gonna forget I saw that."

Iroh smiled. "You could learn some tips, nephew."

Zuko argued. "I don't need to learn tips from you."

I agreed, mumbling with burning cheeks, "Zuko is already charming."

Zuko heard and took my hand again to let me know he appreciated it. Iroh chuckled as he fell behind us.

A few moments later, we sat against a pillar waiting for the monorail to arrive so we could board and head into the city. As we did, Iroh went to go buy us some tea again. When he got back, he whined about the tea being cold. I glanced around to make sure no one was watching, and then I held my hand out slightly and heated his liquid for him. He smiled with appreciation. I did the same for Zuko and I, and we sipped our tea with much more enjoyment.

I lowered my cup and asked, "So… Where are we going in the city exactly?"

Iroh answered. "My connections have purchased me a tea shop in the Upper Ring. We will be going there first, and then once your family arrives in the city then we will get their location and go meet them."

I nodded. I stared down at my cup again. I suddenly felt nervous. "I… really hope we can convince them to listen… I know they have a lot of spite towards Zuko…"

Zuko sighed heavily. "Don't worry about that… That's my burden to bear, Amara. I know it won't be easy, but I'll do what I can to show them I'm sincere. When I tell Avatar Aang about Avatar Roku too, I'm hoping he'll listen to me. But… I know I have a lot of making up to do for what I put him and your family through. I have so many regrets."

Iroh spoke up. "What's important now is that you have finally broken past your father's control and found another path. We can't dwell on the past. We must look to the future."

I nodded. Yuna, who was sitting on my lap, gave a mew in agreement. Sometimes I really wondered if she understood what we were saying.

Footsteps echoed towards us, and we looked over to see Jet and his Freedom Fighters again. They had their own tickets in their hands, ready to go into Ba Sing Se.

Jet smiled. "So, we meet again. You all got plans once we reach the city? You're welcome to tag along with us."

Iroh answered. "We actually have a friend we'll be staying with for a while. But we appreciate the offer."

Jet nodded. He looked at Zuko again. "Still can't convince you to be a Freedom Fighter?"

Zuko shook his head. "No. I'm content where I am. But thanks."

He shrugged. "Worth another shot." He looked over at me, and then back to Zuko. "You're a lucky man by the way. She's a beauty." He winked at me.

I felt my cheeks go red. Did he just-

Zuko spoke with a tight tone. His fist tightened a little. "Yeah… but only I can say that."

Jet stepped back, seeming oblivious to Zuko's frustration. "Well, maybe we'll see you all in the city some time. Thanks again for your help last night, Lee. Take care."

As Jet walked off, and his Freedom Fighters followed behind, I felt a bit irritated. Was that how he got my cousin Katara to fall for him? By calling her a beauty? Was looks the only thing that mattered to him?

I was starting to see more of the reasons why my cousin Sokka was not a fan of Jet. And I could not believe Katara had actually had a crush on the guy...

"He's lucky I've learned to control my temper a little better," Zuko spoke with frustration.

Iroh sighed. "Let's all keep a calm head. No need to get jealous. We will most likely never see him again anyway. However, I must admit that he is a bit too bold for his own good."

Zuko scowled. "I'm not frustrated because I'm jealous. I didn't like the way he talked about her like she's a doll. Or a possession."

"That's because you know how to be respectful towards women," Iroh commented.

Zuko's words made me think back to my mom. I thought about how my father only wanted her for her beauty. He had only seen her as a possession. I was relieved Zuko wasn't like him at all. Zuko was a good man.

"What… else do you like about me?"

My question made Zuko look at me with surprise. However, he gave a small smile and answered, "A lot, Amara… You're strong. Funny. Determined. I could go on and on…" He leaned over so he could whisper, "And you're cute."

I blushed. "You can't trust everything that's cute. You said that to me once."

He laughed. "True. I guess I should be more cautious."

Iroh chuckled. "Hearing you too makes this old man feel young again."

Eventually the monorail returned and we boarded. There were stone benches that went around the enclosed area, and a few in the center. We took a seat by one of the many windows, beside a couple with a baby. The baby looked so little in the woman's arms. This one was definitely younger than the child we'd encountered at Omashu.

As the monorail started to move, I was curious about the infant. I spoke to the woman beside me on the stone bench. "Can I ask… How old?"

The woman who held the baby glanced over at me. She looked tired, but smiled kindly. "A day actually… I delivered her on my way to the city. We had just gotten through the Serpent's Pass."

Zuko was shocked. He asked from where he sat on the other side of me, "You crossed that by yourself? I heard it's not a safe route to take."

The man who sat beside the woman answered, "Not by ourselves. We had the Avatar. He and his friends helped us across the pass on foot. The Avatar's waterbending friend even helped us deliver Hope."

My eyes widened as his words echoed in my mind. My heart pounded. So my family was close? Of course, that would mean they were still on foot… this was sad news about Appa… I knew we'd help them find him once we were reunited though…

Reunited… was my family here? I looked around for the group. I didn't see them on the monorail and asked the couple, "Are they here? Is the Avatar really at Ba Sing Se?"

The lady nodded. "Yes. However, they are not yet in the city from what I understand. They—"

The man cut her off. "Ying… remember what the guard said to us. No talk of the war."

Iroh spoke from the other side of Zuko. "It's alright. You can tell us. We won't spread anything."

The man hesitated. However, he sighed and nodded. He leaned forward and said softly, "When we got to the city there was this giant machine trying to break a hole through the outer wall… the Avatar and his friends went to stop it… That was the last we saw of them. We were gestured away to go into the city."

Iroh sighed heavily. "Then we must pray that the Avatar and his team do. We cannot have the Fire Nation take this city."

Zuko sighed beside me. I glanced over to see his eyes shut in regret. He was blaming himself for this due to his family. I placed my hand in his and gave it a squeeze. He squeezed my hand back.

After a moment, he opened his eyes and said to the couple, "Don't worry… I have a feeling things are about to change for the better."

Ying nodded. "Yes… The Avatar and his friends will surely save us all."

"They definitely can," I spoke softly.

Yuna, who was in my lap, gave a small mew as if to agree. I pet her with my free hand while I still held on to Zuko's.

Yes… We could save the world… I was still not the best bender, but I wanted to do my part to help end the fighting. I wanted to do everything in my power to free those enslaved by the war. I wanted the suffering to stop.

Staring at Zuko's hand entwined with my own, I felt my confidence grow. Very soon I would see my family. Very soon Zuko would help Aang and the rest of us end this war…

It's going to be okay mom… our family will be safe again very soon… the Avatar has returned and a new Fire Lord will take the throne.

Just as you said once to me when I was old enough to understand… There is still hope…

We just had to get over one big obstacle in the near future… That obstacle was making sure Zuko wasn't frozen to a wall, whacked by a club, crushed by a rock, or blown away by a tornado.

The reunion to come with my family, Aang, and Toph would be stressful… but I was confident Zuko would be accepted after some convincing. Once they saw who Zuko truly was, they would listen to him… I really hoped they would...

Zuko squeezed my hand again. He could sense I was nervous. I could sense he was nervous too.

"It's going to be fine," he promised. He was trying to reassure the both of us.

I nodded. "Once they don't kill you they are going to love you," I spoke softly so only he would hear. "I know they will."

He let out a heavy breath. "This will definitely be one of the hardest challenges I have ever faced."

"But we face it together," I reminded him.

He smiled over at me. "Yeah… Together."

Iroh nodded from where he sat. "The tides are turning indeed."

A/N: Thanks for reading. As you can see from this chapter things are not exactly going to follow the show from this point on. There will be some scenes from the show which you will see once I get the next few chapters out, but I am changing quite a bit due to my OC and Zuko. I hope you all don't hate the changes, and I'm sorry for how long these chapters are taking me. School and work take up a lot of my time. But I hope you are enjoying the journey so far. I will start on the next chapter as soon as possible. And to answer one of my readers, I will try to incorporate more firebending training between Zuko and Amara soon. Thanks!