Chapter 45: Proof

The sun was rising over Lake Laogai. The group had gotten some rest on our small island, a few of us taking turns to keep watch in case the Dai Li came to find us. We knew we would need our strength for the new day. Once the sun rose, we started to discuss our next move. We'd mentioned possibly breaking into the palace, but we weren't sure it was the best option.

Sokka brought it up again though. "Look, we escaped from the Dai Li. We got Appa back. I'm telling you, we should go to the Earth King now and tell him our plan. We're on a roll."

Katara argued. "One good hour after weeks of trouble isn't much of a roll."

Sokka urged, "We can build on it. If we want to invade the Fire Nation when the eclipse happens, we'll need the Earth King's support."

Toph scoffed. "What makes you think we'll get it? I don't know if you've noticed, but things don't usually go that smoothly for our little gang."

Zuko sighed. "At this point we can't go back into the city without the king on our side. The Dai Li will have us arrested if we try to go to the house now. But... It's worth a shot to try and speak to the king. We have an advantage now with Appa. A straight shot to the palace."

Sokka held his hands out towards Zuko. "See! Zuko's with me!" He dropped his hands as Aang joined us. "I know things haven't been on our side, but I've got a good feeling about this. This time will be different."

Katara frowned. "Sokka, Long Feng is in control of the city. His conspiracy with the Dai Li is too powerful. I think we should just keep flying and leave this horrible place behind us."

Toph nodded. "I'm with Sweetness. I've seen enough of Ba Sing Se." She raised her arms and opened her glazed eyes wide. "And I can't even see!"

Aang took Sokka's side. "But now that we have Appa back, there's nothing stopping us from telling the Earth King the truth. About the conspiracy and the War."

Sokka grinned. "See? Zuko and Aang are with me." He draped an arm over Zuko's shoulders and another over Aang's. Zuko rolled his eyes and slipped out from under his arm. Sokka shrugged, still keeping an arm around Aang as he said, "It's the whole reason we came here in the first place. We have to try."

I spoke up. "I am a bit tired of the Dai Li controlling so many people. The Earth King is one thing... but the brainwashing has to be stopped. Joo Dee... if that really is her name... her and those other women need help... "

Katara thought about it for a moment. "Well, I guess if the Earth King knew the truth, things could change."

Toph pointed at Sokka. "I don't trust the new positive Sokka. Long Feng brainwashed you, didn't he?!"

I smiled and tried not to laugh as Sokka's face turned confused.

"Uh..." Aang started. "We better go now if we're doing this." He pointed out at the water before us and we saw a few ships in the distance.

Sokka narrowed his eyes. "That's probably the Dai Li searching for us..." He looked back at Katara for her final decision. "So?"

Katara thought about it for a moment before looking at Sokka. She let out a sigh, and then gave a determined nod. "Let's fly!"

We mounted Appa and grabbed his fur to prepare to take off. Aang took the front, while the rest of us were riding bareback. Toph held a grip beside me and looked super nervous. "Don't let me fall."

Katara reassured her as she held on the other side of her. "We've got you, Toph. Promise."

"Alright! Hang on everyone! Appa, Yip Yip!"

Appa let out a groan of delight as he once again took off into the air. Yuna and Momo flew beside him as we traveled back across the lake, over the Lower and Middle Rings, and finally past the Upper Ring gate. As the wind hit us, I tried to take a peek and see where we were. Looking below without a saddle was terrifying though, so I decided to just keep my eyes shut until we got to our destination.

Toph said what I was thinking. "Can we please buy a new saddle? Riding bareback is terrifying!"

Zuko, who was managing to sit on his knees beside me while still gripping Appa's fur, shouted at her over the wind, "We're almost there! The palace is right up ahead!"

Sokka cried, "Zuko's right! There it is! That whole thing is the palace! The Earth King's chamber should be in the center! Get ready everyone!"

Katara responded, "We have to be careful. Long Feng's probably warned the king that we're coming!"

Sokka, who was managing to sit on his knees while holding on to Appa, snapped at her, "Why would you assume that? If you ask me, I think we're just gonna sail right in and-"

Something flew past us making Appa jerk to the side. We all screamed as we were forced to hold on tighter so we didn't fall off.

Toph cried out, "What was that?!"

Appa dodged another one as Sokka explained, "Surface-to-air rocks! More incoming!"

Appa groaned, and I managed to open my eyes to see what they were talking about. Giant boulders were shooting past us as we flew towards the palace. I watched as Yuna and Momo flew out of the danger zone and headed to safety. As Appa continued to dodge, I cried, "We need to land!"

Aang, who was now sitting on top of Appa's head, managed to slice through a boulder with his hand in a single movement, using the earthbending that Toph had taught him. He then launched himself off Appa, grabbing his staff from the holder on his back. As Aang disappeared, Sokka took over guiding Appa.

"Appa! Let's land," Sokka cried.

As we started to lower, I saw from the corner of my eyes that Aang smashed his staff on the ground and created a massive earth wave that knocked back a line of palace guards. Once we landed, we slid off Appa and quickly made our way to Aang to assist him. Appa roared at an ostrich-horse, scaring it away. Yuna attacked a guard in the face, making him scream and run. Momo jumped on a few helmets of the other guards, turning the material to blind them. As the animals helped, the rest of us used our bending and weapons to fight off the other guards.

Zuko stuck to his swords, deciding not to break out just yet that he was a firebender. I took his advice and stuck to waterbending, using the water from the long in-ground fountains of the palace courtyard that stretched around us. As I flung a stream at a guard and knocked him off his feet, another guard shot a boulder at me from the side. Zuko jumped in it's path, knocking the boulder out of the way with his sword.

He stayed by me, saying, "I've got your back, Amara!"

I smiled. "Thanks." I turned with more water from the fountain and knocked back another guard who was running towards us. "I've got yours too."

He smiled and nodded. The two of us turned and fought another set of guards who tried to approach us.

"Everyone! Follow us!" Aang cried just as I knocked back my opponent, and Zuko threw his over his shoulder making the guard fall on the ground hard.

We took off to follow the group. The others had started to run across the palace courtyard towards the stairs that stretched to the main palace looming high above. As more guards rushed towards us in an attempt to stop us from moving any closer, Toph used her earthbending to flip the tiles of the walkway before us and trap the guards between the earth.

Katara cried as we passed the trapped guards, "Sorry! We just need to get through to see the Earth King!"

As we reached a bridge, more guards arrived on the arched surface. I thought quickly and grabbed water from the moat below, sending a wave over the bridge and knocking them off into the pool of water.

Katara smiled over at me. "Great job, Amara! You've gotten so much better!"

I responded, "It helps when you have adrenaline pumping through you."

Aang shouted, "Keep that adrenaline pumping then! We're not there yet!"

We managed to get over the bridge only to be met by more guards on the stone stairs that we needed to climb. They shot more surface-to-air rocks at us, and Toph used a wall to block the attack. Once the boulders were stopped, she dropped her wall and ordered, "Everyone! Get close!"

We did as she said, and the next thing we knew we were escalating up the stairs on a platform while guards were sliding past us with shouts. Toph had flattened the stairs, making a slope that caused the guards to lose their footing. The scene was astonishing as we went up and they slid down.

As Toph and Aang used their earthbending to escalate us up towards the palace entrance, Zuko shouted, "Do all your allies attack you?"

"Not usually," Sokka answered. He shouted at the guards sliding past us, "Seriously, we're actually on your guys' side!" He paused for a moment, and then shouted again, "Sorry!"

We reached the top, and started to run towards the entrance. More guards ran out of the entrance to try and stop us. Aang and Toph used their earthbending again to make two walls that parted the guards to the side.

Once our path was clear, Sokka pointed at the stone hallway before us."In there!"

Yuna returned to my shoulder at this point, and Aang had reunited with Momo. As we raced through the stone palace hallway, we arrived at an open area with three doors. More guards appeared in the hall behind us as we came to a halt. Toph used her earthbending again to knock them all back.

Sokka asked, "Toph, which way to the Earth King?"

Toph snapped, "How should I know? I'm still voting we leave Ba Sing Se!" She threw another wall of earth at another round of guards. "Ask Sparky! He's lived in a palace!"

Zuko was stunned by her statement. As he went to answer, Sokka jumped ahead and opened one of the doors near us. We heard a woman scream from the inside, "Burglar!"

Sokka slammed the door shut, saying as he did, "Sorry! Wrong door!"

Zuko pointed at a wall in front of us. "Aang! Toph! One of you lower that wall. I have a good feeling there's a hall behind it. The Earth King is most likely at the northern side of the palace. That way he is at the head of the city."

Toph was stunned as she saw with her feet what Zuko predicted. "Wow! You're right Sparky!" She slammed her foot down, and the wall crumbled to reveal the hall that Zuko had assumed was hidden from us.

Aang grinned. "See! Told you Zuko would be a great addition to the team! Come on!"

We clambered over the pile of rubble and started to run down a larger hallway. This hallway had fine banners hanging on both sides, paintings of earth kings from the past, and beautiful porcelain decor. As we arrived at the end of the hallway, we saw a beautiful green and gold painted door. The patterns that the gold made were in the shape of the Earth Kingdom insignia.

Sokka held his hands out towards the door. "Now that's an impressive door. It's gotta go somewhere." He ran at the door then and started to try and push it open. "Yahh!"

Zuko rolled his eyes and walked over to try and help. "Move over, Sokka!" He tried to push at the surface too. There was no movement.

As the two male teenagers attempted to push the door open together, Toph let out a heavy sigh beside me. "This is going to take forever... Aang... a little help."

Aang nodded. He and Toph stepped closer to the door as Sokka and Zuko continued to push at it. Toph and Aang swung their hands forward in synchronization, and the sides of the wall holding the door in place crumbled. The door immediately dropped, and Sokka and Zuko yelped as they fell with it.

Sokka rubbed his head since he had fallen on his back, and snapped up at Toph and Aang, "A little warning next time?"

I walked over and helped Zuko up from where he was on his knees, while Katara helped Sokka back to his feet. We turned then and made our way into the palace chamber. Green crystals surrounded us, lighting up the room. Two giant hearths on both sides of the throne were lit, adding more light to the area. The Earth King was on his throne, and a line of Dai Li agents along with Long Feng were standing in front of him. The Earth King's bear was seated beside the man, looking at what was occurring with a mix of curiosity and confusion.

Aang stepped in front of us, wielding his staff. The rest of us prepared to fight as well. Zuko wielded his swords while I held a stream of water from my pouch in front of me. Toph had a boulder hovering in front of her. Sokka had his boomerang ready. Katara had pulled water out like me.

Aang cried, "We need to talk to you!"

Long Feng stepped beside the King and stated, "They're here to overthrow you."

The King narrowed his eyes. He had some spectacles on the bridge of his nose. He looked young... maybe in his early thirties. He wore a fine yellow robe with a green cape, and a green jade beaded necklace. On his head was a large green hat I assumed was his crown, brandishing the Earth Kingdom insignia in the center.

Sokka quickly defended us from Long Feng's false claim, "No, we're on your side. We're here to help!"

Katara cried, "You have to trust us!"

The King stood with fury. "You invade my palace, lay waste to all my guards, break down my fancy door, and you expect me to trust you?!"

We were stunned by his words. Toph muttered, "He has a good point."

The king named Kuei continued. "If you are on my side, then drop your weapons and stand down!"

We all looked at one another with uncertainty. Aang gave a nod though, and we all yielded. I returned my water to my pouch while the others put their weapons and elements away.

Aang smiled and held his hands up in surrender. "See? We're friends, Your Earthiness."

King Kuei narrowed his eyes. He looked over at Long Feng, who smirked and nodded. Long Feng signaled for his men to restrain us. He ordered, "Detain the assailants!"

Dai Li started to rush behind us upon Long Feng's order.

Zuko shouted to the king as they approached, "Wait! Give us a chance to speak!"

The King scowled. "How can I trust what you say?!"

Sokka tried. "But we dropped our weapons. We're your allies!"

A Dai Li grabbed my arms suddenly. I gasped, while Yuna hissed and tried to swipe her talon at him. They cuffed our hands together in front of us with stone.

"Please! Listen to us," Katara begged.

I was frozen as my hands were cuffed together. My heart pounded. I tried to stay focused though. No Amara... Focus... Don't panic. This isn't Zhao... nor Xi... just Long Feng... we'll get out of this...

Somehow, I managed to press back the panic from being made a captive again. I noticed the King returned to his seat, not showing he was going to listen to us.

Katara caught my panic from the corner of her eyes. She spoke softly to me to try and calm me. "Amara... it's okay. We're going to be fine."

I shivered. I kept myself together though. I wanted to be strong. "I know," I whispered. I found my courage, and I gave her a small smile. "I'm fine."

After I spoke, Long Feng shouted, "Make sure the Avatar and his friends never see daylight again!" I felt someone start to tug me. I tried to hold my feet firm so I didn't move. I didn't want to be a prisoner. Not again... never again...

Thankfully, the King's interest piqued upon Long Feng's reveal of Aang. "Wait! Stop! The Avatar!" The Dai Li stopped trying to pull us out of the room. The King stood from his throne again and pointed at Zuko. "You're the Avatar?"

Zuko was stunned. He blinked and shook his head. "Uh. No, sir... He is." He gestured over to Aang with his cuffed hands. "The kid with the arrows."

Aang managed to earthbend his cuffs off long enough to raise his arms and wave. "Over here!" He then lowered his arms again, reattaching the cuffs. Thankfully, his action was the distraction I needed from almost falling back to my past. I was shocked by his actions. I didn't understand why he wouldn't just leave the cuffs off. Then another thought hit me: He could free himself?! Why didn't he just free all of us?!

I shook the thought though. I knew if he did, it would look like an act of defiance. We needed the Earth King to trust us...

Long Feng quickly tried to intervene upon the Earth King's interest towards Aang. "What does it matter, Your Highness? They're enemies of the state."

King Kuei tapped his chin. "Perhaps you're right."

The bear named Bosco suddenly walked past me over to Aang. Bosco licked Aang on the cheek, and Aang laughed.

King Kuei smiled at the interaction. "Though Bosco seems to like him." He looked around at each of us. "I'll hear what he has to say."

Long Feng scowled. His men released us though, although our hands were still cuffed.

Aang walked forward. "Well, sir, there's a war going on right now. For the past one hundred years in fact. The Dai Li's kept it secret from you. It's a conspiracy to control the city, and to control you."

Kuei was astonished. "A secret war?! That's crazy!"

Long Feng agreed. "Completely!"

Aang continued. "Long Feng didn't want us to tell you, so he stole our sky bison to blackmail us. And blackmail is the least of his crimes; he is brainwashing people! And he tried to kill my friend Amara!"

Long Feng looked nervous, but tried to sound confident. "All lies. I've never even seen a sky bison, Your Majesty. Frankly, I thought they were extinct."

King Kuei put his elbows on the armrests of his throne, moved his hands together to intertwine his fingers, and rested his mouth against his thumbs. He spoke with suspicion. "Your claim is difficult to believe. Even from an Avatar."

Long Feng whispered something in King Kuei's ear that I couldn't make out. As the King listened, he looked at each of us with uncertainty. When Long Feng was finished, the King thought for a moment.

After a pause, King Kuei spoke again. "I have to trust my advisor."

We were stunned. The Dai Li grabbed us again and started to try and take us away. Sokka planted his feet though and turned enough to look back at King Kuei. "Wait!"

The agents stopped again as the King showed interest in what my cousin had to say. They turned us back towards the King once more. Sokka spoke as he faced King Kuei, a smile on his expression. "I can prove he's lying. Long Feng said he's never seen a sky bison. Ask him to lift his robe!"

Long Feng was stunned. "What? I am not disrobing!"

However, to our relief King Kuei looked thoughtful about what Sokka had said. He looked over at Long Feng with curiosity. He gave a nod.

From the corner of my eyes I saw Aang and Sokka smile slyly at one another. Then Aang suddenly blew a gust of air at Long Feng with his mouth. The air hit Long Feng, and his robe flew up enough to reveal the large bite mark on his left leg.

Aang shouted as the last of the air blew, "Right there! Appa bit him!"

Sokka smirked. "Never met a sky bison, huh?"

Long Feng argued, lowering his robe and straightening it back, "That happens to be a large birthmark." He scowled. "Thanks for showing everyone."

King Kuei sighed. "Well I suppose there's no way to prove where those marks came from."

Zuko groaned. "Yes there is! The bison that bit him is right outside the palace!"

The King was amazed. Then he grinned. The thought of meeting another animal must've excited him. "WHAT? REALLY?!"

Aang nodded. "Yeah! I'll go get him!"

Long Feng was horrified. "No! I forbid allowing another animal in here!"

King Kuei narrowed his eyes. "I am King, and I will allow it. Release them."

We were all uncuffed, and Aang left to go get Appa. After a few minutes of waiting in the throne room, Appa was brought through the large opening that we had made when we broke in.

Aang guided Appa over to Long Feng, who looked outraged by all that was occuring. The king ordered Long Feng to reveal his mark, and Long Feng did so begrudgingly. Aang then made Appa open his mouth to show that the shape of the top of Appa's teeth matched the mark on Long Feng's skin perfectly.

King Kuei nodded. "Yup. That pretty much proves it."

I sighed with relief while I heard Katara and Sokka cheer.

The King shook his head. "But it doesn't prove this crazy conspiracy theory."

Our excitement quickly simmered.

The King spoke again. "Though, I suppose this matter's worth looking into."

We smiled, glad that the king was finally listening to us. Long Feng scowled and left the room, furious that we had won the king over at last. The agents that still stood behind us had turned to leave as well. I felt so much relief not having them around us anymore. Guards- who had been standing in the corner of the room- stepped forward to take over the Dai Li's place since they had abandoned protecting the king.

King Kuei stood from his throne and walked over to us. His guards followed on both sides of him. "I am interested to know your names before we go look into the matters you speak of."

Aang grinned. "Of course, your kingliness!" He gestured to each of us. "My name is Aang. This is Toph, Katara, Sokka, Amara, and Zuko!"

The guard to the right of the king suddenly gasped. His eyes were wide as he stared at Zuko. He jumped in front of King Kuei, saying, "Sir! They've brought an enemy in our midst!"

We were all stunned. King Kuei looked at the man with bewilderment. "What are you talking about?"

The guard suddenly looked nervous, realizing his slip up. He had been told by the Dai Li never to mention the war, and he was about to make the mistake of spilling who Zuko was.

"I... uh... Never mind..." The guard was sweating as he realized his mistake.

King Kuei was already invested though. "Speak! What of this enemy?!"

Zuko answered. "He means me, your highness."

The king looked over at him with surprise. "You?"

Zuko nodded. "My name is Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. I am Fire Lord Ozai's son. My father is leading the Fire Nation to attack the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes as we speak... I turned against him and my nation to help the Avatar stop the violence and restore peace. I'm no enemy. I'm on your side now."

King Kuei was stunned. "Fire Lord Ozai... I've never been told about this ruler."

I asked, finally finding my voice, "Do you know anything about the Fire Nation?"

He was surprised by my question. He shook his head. "No... I've always been told by the people around me to keep focused on the Earth Kingdom."

I frowned. "The Earth Kingdom stretches past these walls, King Kuei... Your people are being imprisoned or killed outside of Ba Sing Se. They need your help. We all do."

He stared at me with shock. "Killed... Imprisoned... My people? This Fire Lord Ozai... he's the cause?"

Zuko answered. "For the last hundred years, my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father have led an invasion over the other nations. My great-grandfather Sozin wiped out the Air Nation right after Avatar Aang was trapped in an iceberg. My grandfather Azulon laid waste to the Southern Water Tribe, and spread his forces across the Earth Kingdom. Now my father is continuing to do all he can to take over the world... We need your help to stop it all... to save everyone."

King Kuei had listened to every word Zuko spoke. His eyes were wide with terror at the young prince's reveal.

Toph smirked and nudged me with her elbow, whispering, "I see why you like him, Kitten. He's got a good head on his shoulders."

I smiled slightly. "Yeah... He does."

The King looked around at us all. Then he gave a nod. "Show me this proof you speak of. Then we can discuss things further." He glanced over at the guard again who appeared ashamed. Whether it was for lying to the king, or not keeping his mouth shut, I could not tell. "I see that I am surrounded by deceit. It's time I know the truth."

About an hour later we were headed out of the Lower Ring to go to the Agrarian Zone to get to Lake Laogai. As Katara, Sokka, and Toph went with the King and his guards to ride on the monorail, Zuko, Aang, and I decided to go on Appa. I liked the open space a lot more than the cramped transportation. As we flew in line with the monorail that the others were on, Zuko asked from where he held on beside me, "You doing okay? I know being cuffed was hard for you."

I looked over at him, and then shut my eyes with a sigh. "I almost lost myself... But I managed to hold it together. I was able to focus on what was important. That helped."

Zuko managed to keep a grip with one hand and place his other on my back. "I'm proud of you. You've gotten so strong."

I smiled. "So have you. You were brave speaking to the King and confessing all that today."

He smiled back. "Better to be honest. We need to gain his trust. And I don't want to be ashamed of being who I am. I'm not my forefathers. I'm writing my own destiny."

Aang, who could hear us, said back at us, "Aw! You two are going to make me cry!"

Zuko argued. "Don't cry! You have to pay attention!"

Yuna, who flew beside us, let out a "Mew-Hoo" in agreement. Momo chattered on Aang's shoulder to agree as well.

Eventually we reached the Agrarian Zone. Once the King, his men, and our group got out of the monorail station, we started to lead King Kuei to Lake Laogai. When we arrived at the large body of water after a mile of walking across the fields, Toph stepped up to the spot where the stone pier used to be. As she stomped her foot and rose the pier out of the water, we all gasped. The hatch to the entrance was gone.

Toph shouted what we all knew. "It's gone!"

Sokka groaned. "Oh don't tell me- !" He shook his head quickly though. "That's okay. Still got my positive attitude."

Katara was horrified. "The Dai Li must've known we were coming and destroyed the evidence!"

King Kuei, who stood back with his guards, spoke with suspicion. "Hm ... That seems awfully convenient."

Sokka shrugged. "Hey, if anything, this proves the conspiracy exists even more."

King Kuei wasn't convinced. "Long Feng was right. This was a waste of time." He turned to leave. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going back to the palace."

Katara quickly thought of an idea. "The wall. They'll never be able to cover that up in time!"

Aang nodded. "Oh, yeah!" He hopped in the air, did a flip, and then landed in the King's path. "If you come with us to the Outer Wall, we can prove to you that the secret war is real."

King Kuei was horrified. "No Earth King has ever been to the Outer Wall." He walked past Aang and his guards followed. "I don't have any more time for this nonsense. You have no proof."

My eyes widened. His words frustrated me. No proof... I was living proof!

I knew I had to do my part too. I needed to help convince the King that there were enemies beyond the walls he hid himself behind. He needed to see first hand the damage that was being done to others.

"Wait!" I begged.

I moved forward. His guards turned and brandished their spears to stop me. King Kuei had turned upon my call, noticed his guards actions, and ordered them to stand down.

"King Kuei... please... if you listen, I can give you some proof."

He was astonished. "What could you possibly show me to convince me?"

I swallowed. "I... I can tell you my story... show you the scars..."

He was confused.

"Will you hear my tale?"

King Kuei thought about it for a moment. Then he nodded to let me know he would listen.

I took in a heavy breath. I knew there was no turning back. I found the strength to speak.

"My name is Amara... I'm the daughter of a waterbender and a firebender. You may not believe there's a war, but there is... If there wasn't then I would've never been born..." I shivered, but continued. "My mother... She was a waterbender from the Southern Water Tribe. Her name was Kala... the Fire Nation came to the Southern Water Tribe over twenty years ago and captured every waterbender there. My mom was the only female waterbender, and the admiral of the fleet desired her. He made her his personal slave... he locked her up at his estate, abused her, raped her... she eventually became pregnant with me. My mother was killed when her captor died, never seeing her family again... I was tortured by my birth father's family... separated from my Water Tribe family for sixteen years... this war made me an orphan and a prisoner... I lost sixteen years of my life due to the very thing you don't believe in. I suffered at the hands of some evil Fire Nation men... all because I was half Water Tribe."

I turned my back to him and pulled my shirt off. My underwrappings were on underneath so everything was covered that needed to be. But the scars on my back from burns and whippings showed in every direction. I heard Earth King Kuei gasp in horror at my marred flesh. I shut my eyes as a cool breeze brushed against my scars. Memories flooded through me. I blurred them though, keeping focused.

I spoke again, finding my voice once more. "I'm only a small example of the damage that the Fire Lord and his men have done to this world." I put my shirt back on, and then turned back to King Kuei. He was staring at me with great sympathy. "There are people being tortured like I was... people are being tortured and killed because they are Earth Nation or Water Nation... you have to help us stop it... help us free the world."

King Kuei was silent for a long time. Yuna, who had hopped off my shoulder when I revealed my back, had returned and rubbed her head against me to calm my shaking. Zuko had stepped over as well and placed a hand around my waist to offer me comfort.

The king finally found his voice. "The Fire Nation... did that to you?"

I nodded. "Not everyone in the Fire Nation is bad... but the ones who are loyal to Fire Lord Ozai need to be stopped... This war needs to end."

King Kuei let out a heavy sigh. "I can see you have suffered... And I believe what you say is true. Seeing what has happened to you... hearing what happened to your mother... I worry for my people even more now... I will give you all my ears again. What is at this wall that you speak of?"

Aang answered. "Something terrible... something we defeated to keep your people safe."

Sokka smiled. "Come with us, and this time you can ride on Appa."

The Earth King grinned with delight. "Really! I would love that!"

His guards didn't seem to like the idea, but they knew they could not argue. Since Appa couldn't carry everyone, the King sent his guards off to meet us at the outerwall where the drill was. As Aang helped King Kuei up on Appa, my cousins walked over to me.

Sokka placed a hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "Thanks, Amara... I know that wasn't easy."

Katara added, "We owe you one."

I shook my head. "I was just doing my part... I wanted to convince him to listen. I'm glad it worked."

A few moments later, we flew over the city again to head to the other side of Ba Sing Se. The King shrieked with thrill, exhilarated by the new experience. We all held on and watched him with amusement. He was like a giant kid, seeing the world for the first time. In a way, his excitement reminded me of my own when I first started journeying with Zuko and Iroh.

As we leveled out and things were easier to hold on to, the King spoke to Aang. "I have to be honest with you: part of me really hoped that what you're telling me about this war wasn't true... But seeing the scars on Amara's back... It's hard for me to not believe."

Aang hung his head, saying, "I know... I wish it wasn't too."

A few moments later, we arrived outside the wall of Ba Sing Se. I was horrified when I saw the drill that my family had told me about once long ago. The metal machine was extended out like a giant worm, stretching a good hundred meters, and part of it was jammed inside the outer wall of Ba Sing Se. On top of the machine was the insignia of the Fire Nation.

Aang shouted with relief, "It's still there!"

King Kuei was horrified as he stared at the giant machine. "What is that?"

Sokka answered, "It's a drill. A giant drill made by the Fire Nation to break through your walls."

We landed Appa at the top of the wall where the barracks were and the Earth Kingdom guards did their patrolling. We all got off Appa and walked over to the ledge of the wall, looking down at the drill.

King Kuei stood beside us, looking down at the sight before him with horror. "I can't believe I never knew."

Zuko was astounded by the sight as well. "My sister was in that thing?"

Katara nodded. "Yeah... We had to fight her, Mai, and Ty Lee to destroy it."

He frowned. "Thank goodness you all stopped it... Wish you could've stopped them too, though... I worry because they're still on the loose."

I shivered at the thought of Azula. The few times I had met her, she did not seem like a pleasant person. I hoped we didn't run into her any time soon.

A rumble suddenly sounded beside us. We glanced to the right and saw the stone floor open in a square shape. Long Feng was elevated up from below the stone floor right after. He appeared before us with two of his Dai Li agents. He remained composed as he spoke to King Kuei.

"I can explain this, Your Majesty." He walked towards the King. His Dai Li agents remained where they were. The king's guards arrived in the background, looking nervous when they saw Long Feng's presence. Long Feng continued, "This is nothing more than ... a construction project." He gestured towards the drill as he spoke.

Katara asked with heavy sarcasm while pointing at the symbol painted on top of the machine, "Really? Then perhaps you could explain why there's a Fire Nation insignia on your 'construction project'."

King Kuei narrowed his eyes at Long Feng, wanting an explanation as well.

Long Feng started to look nervous as he answered, "Well it's imported of course. You know you can't trust domestic machinery. Surely you don't believe these children instead of your most loyal attendant?"

King Kuei looked back at us. His eyes landed on me as I stared at him with a nervous gaze. I feared he would change his mind. Thankfully, he did not. He looked back at Long Feng. "One of these children has suffered greatly because of the war you have not spoken of. Her mother was killed by the Fire Nation, and she was made a prisoner. She has scars on her back to prove it. Are you telling me that is all a lie? The scars are fake?"

Long Feng argued. "That dualbender is working for the enemy! You can't believe what she says!"

King Kuei looked over at me puzzled. "Dualbender?"

I flinched. "Yeah... I can waterbend and firebend."

He was astonished. "Fascinating!"

"No!" Long Feng argued. "You cannot trust her! You cannot trust any of them! They are your enemies!"

King Kuei scowled and snapped at the man he once trusted. "My enemies? What enemies? You never informed me I even had enemies! You've been lying to me this whole time, haven't you?!"

Long Feng argued, "The war is not something you should concern yourself with, your highness! My men and I are handling it!"

"I am the king! It is my job to handle it!" King Kuei cried. "As my advisor, you should tell me everything! This is treachery!" King Kuei then pointed a finger at Long Feng. "Dai Li! Arrest Long Feng! I want him to stand trial for crimes against the Earth Kingdom."

Long Feng was shocked by King Kuei's decision. The two agents behind Long Feng shared uncertain glances, but knew they could not betray their king. They quickly launched shackles onto Long Feng's arms and pulled him back to them. They each took an arm to seize him.

Long Feng struggled in their holds. "You can't arrest me! You all need me more than you know!"

As he was forced away to the barracks to be dragged to the palace prison, Sokka shouted with excitement, "Looks like Long Feng is long gone!" He turned back to us, seeming satisfied with himself. "Ha! Ah, yeah, I've been waiting to use that one."

I giggled at his joke. Zuko covered his face in disbelief. Toph walked over and smacked Sokka on the back, saying, "Congrats, Sokka. You actually were funny for a change."

Aang laughed. Katara shook her head in disbelief.

The King had turned back to us, and he frowned deeply. "I want you to tell me everything about this war. Please come back to the palace with me. There's much I need to hear."

The King ended up taking a carriage back to the palace so he could see his city with his own eyes. While he went with Sokka, Katara, and Toph in the carriage, the rest of us flew back on Appa. When we got to the Upper Ring, we decided we had time before the king arrived back at the palace, so we rushed inside Iroh's tea shop to catch him up on everything. Iroh was so relieved to find out that we had rescued Appa, and convinced King Kuei to help us. He even came out to officially meet Appa, who seemed to like Iroh in return.

After speaking with Iroh a little more about the past twenty-four hours, Zuko, Aang, and I started to make our way to the palace again. We landed Appa in the courtyard, and we waited for King Kuei, my cousins, and Toph to return. As we waited, Aang spoke to me.

"That was really brave what you did today, Amara... showing the king your scars... I know that wasn't easy. But you helped us a lot by doing that. We almost lost him."

I let out a heavy breath, glancing over at Appa. Yuna and Momo were on his back napping and looking content. Appa was asleep too. I smiled at the peaceful scene before me. I finally responded, "I had to do something... he wanted proof, so I gave it to him. I'm so tired of this war... I just want peace..."

Zuko walked over and pulled me into his arms. He kissed me on the forehead, and whispered, "I promise... soon this war will be over. We're going to restore peace."

Aang spoke with agreement. "Things are finally taking a turn. Fate seems to be on our side at last."

Later that night we were in the palace throne room, waiting for King Kuei to return. The King had his servants bring us a meal while he spoke privately with his council: he wanted to hear from them about all the lies he had been told over the years. While he was busy with his council, we took the time to freshen up as well in some private rooms a servant led us to. When we were fed and cleaned up, we returned to the throne room to continue our conversation with King Kuei. Eventually, King Kuei returned to his throne and looked utterly dismayed.

He spoke to us with gratitude. "I want to thank you, young heroes, for opening my eyes. All this time, what I thought was a great metropolis was merely a city of fools. And that makes me the king fool." He frowned and buried his face in his hands. "We're at war. With the Fire Nation."

Sokka stepped forward. "That's why we came to Ba Sing Se, Your Highness: because we think you can help us end the war."

Momo hopped onto King Kuei's arm to offer him comfort. King Kuei smiled and stroked his fur.

Aang spoke as the King was reassured by Momo's comfort. "We don't have much time. There's a comet coming this summer. Its energy will give the firebenders unbelievable strength. They'll be unstoppable."

Sokka continued. "But there is hope. Before the comet comes, we have a window of opportunity: A solar eclipse is coming. The sun will be completely blocked out by the moon, and the firebenders will be helpless."

King Kuei stopped petting Momo, who returned to Aang's shoulder. The king asked, "What are you suggesting, Sokka?"

Sokka answered with relief. He was so glad to finally get everything off his chest. "That's the day we need to invade the Fire Nation. The Day of Black Sun."

Zuko nodded. "My father's forces will be powerless. We can break into the capital and make it to the palace without losing men. It's our best bet."

King Kuei seemed hesitant. "I don't know. That would require moving troops out of Ba Sing Se. We'd be completely vulnerable."

Sokka argued. "You're already vulnerable. The Fire Nation won't stop until Ba Sing Se falls. You can either sit back and wait for that to happen, or take the offensive and give yourself a fighting chance."

Zuko added, "As the Earth King, your duty is to the Earth Kingdom as a whole. If you stay inside these walls, only protecting the people of Ba Sing Se, others outside will be left defenseless. Your duty is to your whole nation. Not just this city."

King Kuei thought about it for a moment. He still seemed unsure.

I found my voice again. I stepped forward, meeting the king's gaze. "Please, King Kuei... Help us... people are suffering so much..."

He sighed. He met my gaze, and gave a nod. Then he smiled at all of us. "Very well. You have my support."

Toph, Sokka, and Katara cheered. Aang smiled widely. I felt my pounding heart calm at last. Zuko let out a heavy breath with his own relief. We had done it... we had finally gotten word of the eclipse to the Earth King. We had a chance of defeating the Fire Lord on the day of the eclipse. Things were looking up, like Aang had said.

Earth King Kuei looked over at Zuko. "Prince Zuko... Will you provide us with the information we need to break into the capital?"

Zuko nodded. "Yes. Whatever you need. I'm here to stop this war and restore peace."

He nodded. "Good. I will set up a war meeting tomorrow. We will begin plans for the invasion after everyone has had rest."

Footsteps suddenly entered from a side door. A man in a dark green cape with some lighter green armor stepped in front of the King and lowered to his knees.

King Kuei nodded at the man to let him know he could speak.

The man did so. "Your Majesty. I apologize for the interruption."

King Kuei introduced him to the rest of us. "This is General How. He's the leader of the Council of Five, my highest ranking generals."

General How stood and looked over at us to nod in acknowledgement of our presence. Then he spoke. "We searched Long Feng's office. I think we found something that will interest everybody."

We followed the man out of the throne room, through a hallway, and into another room. This room was dimly lit with green crystals. A large desk was in the center of the room, and wooden shelves surrounded it on the walls of the room. Another soldier stood in the room, holding a wooden box in his hand. Papers were inside, and he moved over to place the box on the desk.

We crowded around the desk as General How stepped up to the box. The other soldier had left the room at this point. "There are secret files on everyone in Ba Sing Se. Including you kids."

Aang's eyes widened. "Secret files?"

King Kuei stepped over to the box and picked up a scroll from inside. He read the side of it. "Toph Beifong."

He handed it over to General How, who then passed it to Toph, who quickly passed it over to Katara. Katara opened the scroll and read the contents. Her eyes went wide. "It's a letter from your mom. Your mom's here in the city. And she wants to see you."

Toph's glazed eyes widened with shock. "Long Feng intercepted our letters from home?!" She shook her head. "That's just sad."

"Aang," King Kuei continued, handing over a scroll to Aang.

General How spoke as Aang took the scroll. "This scroll was attached to the horn of your bison when the Dai Li captured it."

Aang opened the scroll and read it in the dim light. "It's from the Eastern Air Temple."

Katara asked with hope, "Is there a letter for me and Sokka by any chance?"

King Kuei looked in the box, and then frowned. "I'm afraid not."

Sokka hung his head, while Katara shut her eyes in dismay. Sokka said softly with disappointment, "Oh."

I frowned when I saw their gloomy expressions. I knew they missed their dad and our grandma. I was certain they were homesick from being away from the South Pole.

General How quickly added, "But there is an intelligence report that might interest you." He grabbed another scroll from the box and handed it over to Katara.

Katara opened the scroll quickly. "A small fleet of Water Tribe ships."

Sokka moved closer to Katara to read over her shoulder. "What? That could be Dad!"

Katara continued to read the report with excitement. "Protecting the mouth of Chameleon Bay. Led by Hakoda. It is Dad!"

I was surprised. Chief Hakoda... my uncle... he was nearby. Another member of my family... a man who was once good friends with my mom from what my cousins had told me...

"Finally, Amara," General How spoke again.

I was surprised when he did. I looked at him with confusion. There was no one I could think of that would send me anything... The rest of the room was surprised as well.

"A letter for you, all the way from the Fire Nation Capital," General How said, extending a scroll towards me. "It was brought by a Messenger Hawk."

I took the scroll with bewilderment. Zuko stepped over so he could help me read it. I handed it to him, and he opened it. He smiled when he browsed over the words. "It's from Tu Lan."

My eyes widened. My heart started to pound wildly. Tu Lan... Of course... Tears burned. "What does it say?"

He read it for me. "Dear Amara... I received a message from Iroh that you are in the city of Ba Sing Se. I wanted to write to you, and I hope this message does reach you. First, I want to let you know that I have fully recovered from my injury, and am walking just as I was before. So stop worrying about me if you have been. Because I know you have been. Second, I am so proud of everything you have accomplished since the day I last saw you. I know of how strong and beautiful you have become, just from the writings Iroh has sent me. I pray one day I can see everything with my own eyes. I can only imagine how truly amazing my favorite dualbender has become. Finally, I am so elated to know you are with your cousins. You found them... I can die a happy man knowing that your mother's wishes were finally fulfilled... Kala's daughter is free and with her family at last... Take care of yourself, Amara. Until we meet again... Tu Lan."

My eyes were blind with tears as Zuko finished reading the note. My heart felt so light and free from the words of the man that had cared for me for sixteen years. "Tu Lan... He's okay... He's proud..."

Yuna hopped off my shoulder onto the table as Zuko hugged me. I pressed my face into his shirt to hide my tears. Zuko spoke softly, "Of course he's proud... You've come so far... you've become so strong and brave. We all are proud of you, Amara."

As Zuko continued to hug me, I felt a burden I had not noticed was weighing on me had been lifted. Knowing Tu Lan was back to full health... Hearing his words... I felt utter relief.

"Your highness," General How spoke from nearby. "May I have a word in private."

King Kuei answered. "Of course." He said to the rest of us. "I will return shortly."

After a few more moments of enjoying Zuko's comfort, I finally pulled away. He handed me the letter so I could look at it myself. As we all looked at what we had been given, I could tell everyone was in a very joyful mood.

Aang spoke, analyzing his letter still. "I can't believe it. There's a man living at the Eastern Air Temple. He says he's a guru."

Sokka was confused. "What's a guru? Some kind of poisonous blowfish?"

Zuko coughed to cover a laugh. Toph shook her head with disbelief. Katara seemed curious to know. I had no clue myself.

Aang answered Sokka. "No, a spiritual expert. He wants to help me take the next step in the Avatar journey. He says he can teach me to control the Avatar State."

Katara spoke, still staring at the report in her hands. "And I can't believe we know where our dad is now."

Toph sighed. "I know what you mean. My mom's in the city. And from her letter it sounds like she finally understands me."

Sokka held his hands up with excitement. "This is all such big news! Where do we even start?"

Katara frowned. "I hate to say it, but we have to split up."

I was stunned. Zuko was too.

Aang looked worried. "Split up? We just found Appa and got the family back together! Now you want us to separate?"

Katara explained. "You have to meet this guru, Aang. If we're going to invade the Fire Nation, you need to be ready."

Aang sighed. "Well, if I'm going to the Eastern Air Temple, Appa and I can drop you off at Chameleon Bay to see your dad."

Sokka argued. "Someone has to stay here with the Earth King and help him plan for the invasion." He let out a deep breath. "I guess that's me."

Zuko argued. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll help plan so you all can see your dad."

Katara shook her head. "No. It's not right to leave that all to you." She looked over at Sokka. "You and Amara should go. Amara should meet more of our people. I can help Zuko."

I argued. "No... Katara. Please go. Zuko and I can handle the invasion plan. You both have been away from your father too long. You should go see him."

Zuko was surprised. "Amara... Don't you want to meet your uncle? Don't stay because of me."

I frowned. I crossed my arms, feeling suddenly insecure. "I... I'm scared... of how they'll react to me... I'm just... not ready."

Sokka argued. "Amara! They'll love you! Your Aunt Kala's daughter. Everyone will accept you for that purpose alone."

I rubbed my arms, still not sure if I was ready. And... I didn't want to be the reason one of my cousins didn't see their dad. I finally said, "I know everything about the eclipse from what you told me, so I can help with the invasion plan tomorrow. You and Katara need to see your dad. Please... don't make me freeze you on Appa's back to force you to go."

My cousins looked like they wanted to argue. However, they both gave in. Katara stepped over and hugged me. "Okay... but you can't avoid them forever. One day, the Southern Water Tribe will meet you. And they will love you, Amara. I promise."

I nodded. "One day... just not yet."

We broke apart. I glanced over at Toph, and said, "Besides... Toph needs someone to help her get to her mom tomorrow. We'll escort her before the war meeting."

Sokka sighed. "If you're sure..."

I nodded. "I am."

The next morning after some breakfast, we stood in the palace courtyard to wish everyone safe travels. King Kuei was giving Zuko, Toph, and I a room to stay in while everyone was gone since our house was still destroyed from Toph's rule breaking the other day. We had spent the night at the palace already, and I had to admit the royal treatment was not bad.

We said our goodbyes, my cousins hugging me and letting me know they would only be gone for a few days. Sokka handed a scroll with written out information about the eclipse to Zuko, saying, "Take care of her while we're gone." He glanced over at me to indicate who he spoke of.

Zuko smiled. "You know I will, Sokka. I'll protect her with my life. You and Katara enjoy being with your dad. We'll take care of things here."

Toph walked over, punching Zuko in the arm. "Yeah. I'll keep an eye on Sparky and Kitten before I go see my mom. No worries, Sokka."

Sokka nodded, while Zuko rubbed his arm. Yuna gave a "Mew-Hoo," reminding everyone that she would take care of us too. Momo chattered, hopping on Zuko's shoulder. He was staying with us, and quickly agreed with Yuna.

King Kuei walked over as Katara, Sokka, and Aang were preparing to get on Appa's back. "Aang, Katara, and Sokka," he began. "I wish you a good journey. Ba Sing Se owes you its thanks. We look forward to your safe return."

They bowed to King Kuei in gratitude.

Sokka was starting to climb on Appa just as a soldier approached us and spoke to the king. The man said, "Your Majesty. There are three female warriors to see you. They're from the island of Kyoshi."

Sokka was shocked. "That's Suki!" He fell off Appa with a yelp. Then he quickly stood with excitement.

King Kuei was surprised. "You know these warriors?"

Sokka nodded. "Oh yeah. The Kyoshi Warriors are a skilled group of fighters. Trustworthy too. They're good friends of ours."

King Kuei nodded. "Then we shall welcome them as honored guests."

Toph spoke with sudden sadness. "I'm really gonna miss you guys."

Katara hugged Toph. "Me too."

Aang stepped over, and Sokka did as well. They joined the group hug as Aang said, "Yeah."

I joined in, pulling Zuko with me. Yuna and Momo hopped off so they weren't squished. Zuko didn't hug anyone, standing by with a small smile. Katara grabbed his arm though to pull him in, saying, "You're part of the group now, Zuko! Get in!"

I smiled, so glad to hear those words.

Once we hugged each other goodbye, Katara, Aang, and Sokka climbed onto Appa.

Zuko turned to look over at me with worry. "You sure you don't want to go?"

I took his hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'm more comfortable here."

He gave a small smile and nodded. "Well... I would've definitely missed you. So I am relieved in a selfish way that you're staying."

Toph sighed. "Maybe I should've gone too. Now I'm stuck with the lovebirds..." She made a gag sound.

Yuna and Momo were sitting beside her and looked up at her with confusion. Zuko shook his head with disbelief. I laughed though, saying, "But you still love us anyway, Toph."

She shrugged and smiled. "Yeah. I guess, Kitten."

Aang suddenly shouted, "YIP YIP!"

Appa took off then. The rest of us watched them go. As they flew away and got smaller with each second, I leaned against Zuko who put an arm around me. There was still so much we needed to do to stop the war, but in that moment I did feel at peace.

We'd saved Appa... We'd gotten the Earth King's support... Long Feng was in prison... Tu Lan was okay...

I prayed things would keep looking up for us in the days to come.