Knocked out another chapter for you all before I get back into schoolwork. Enjoy!

Chapter 47: Last Chance

(Third Person POV)

Aang sat on Appa's head, gripping the rope he was using to steer the flying sky-bison. Sokka and Katara were on Appa's back, looking terribly concerned about Amara and Zuko. They were flying over the fields headed back towards Ba Sing Se.

An hour before, Aang had arrived at the Southern Water Tribe camp at Chameleon Bay. Katara and Sokka were about to go on a mission with their father and the other warriors. However, when they saw Appa arrive, they stopped their departure with concern. Aang explained to them that he had been working with Guru Pathik on mastering the Avatar state, when during their final session he had a vision of Amara. He heard Amara scream, and Zuko shouted her name. He saw her being dragged away by Dai Li agents, and Zuko being forced to follow. He was so worried for his friends, that he had abandoned entering the seventh chakra which caused him to lose his ability to enter the Avatar state (he didn't tell Sokka and Katara that though). He knew this was not a good thing, especially for when he needed it in the future, but his friends mattered more.

Sokka managed to crawl closer to where Aang sat. "So, what kind of trouble are Amara and Zuko in?"

Aang frowned and furrowed his brows. "I don't know. In my vision, I just knew they needed help. The Dai Li… they were dragging them somewhere."

Sokka sighed. "It would be nice if your Avatar powers could be just a little more specific from time to time."

Katara scowled and smacked Sokka on the side from where she was holding on to Appa. He flinched at her attack. However, when he went to snap at her, his eyes caught something in the distance. There was a lot of dust flying up, and something moving towards the city. "Hey!" Sokka shouted. "What is that?"

Aang steered Appa over to the mound of moving earth. The three of them were shocked when they saw Toph riding on the pile of earth.

"Toph!" Katara shouted.

Sokka asked as they flew up beside her, "Need a ride?!"

She was startled by the shouts though, and fell backward off of the mound. The trio cringed as their friend landed back in the dirt. They landed Appa and rushed over to check on her. As Sokka helped her up, Katara asked, "Toph! What are you doing out of the city? I thought you went to see your mom?"

Toph scowled as she brushed off her hands. "Turns out that was all a lie. Master Yu and Xin Fu used that letter as a trap to lure me. They knocked me out when I stepped inside the place, and when I woke up I was in this metal box being carted home. Of course, I used my amazing new metalbending to break out of the box and then I shoved those two oafs inside. I'm sure someone will find them eventually." She then asked, "But what are you all doing back here so soon?"

Aang explained his vision again to Toph, who was horrified. She snapped, "Well what are we waiting for?! Let's get moving!"

They got back on Appa and flew back into the city. As they were flying over the Upper Ring to head to the palace, a familiar cat-owl shouted a "Mew-Hoo!" and flew in their sight. Appa groaned and followed Yuna down into the city, where they landed in front of Iroh's tea shop. Iroh stood at the main entrance with Momo on his shoulder. He rushed over when they arrived, and everyone but Toph could see the distress on his expression.

"Iroh!" Katara said, as they all got off Appa. "What's going on?"

Momo jumped off of Iroh's shoulder to go land on Aang's. Yuna flew over to Katara's shoulder, just needing a replacement for her friend who was missing.

"We have a problem," Iroh spoke. "I'm relieved you all came here before I had to seek you out with a message."

Aang explained. "I had a vision that Amara and Zuko were in trouble. I guess that is true then."

Iroh nodded with great worry for his nephew and the child he had come to see as a daughter. "Yes… They have been captured by Azula and the Dai Li. I do not know where they are being held, but I intend to find out as soon as I get word from Kyro."

Sokka was horrified. "Azula?! She's in Ba Sing Se?!"

Iroh hung his head and shut his eyes. "She and her friends disguised themselves as Kyoshi Warriors and broke into the city. They infiltrated the palace and locked the Earth King up. Azula tricked me into going to the palace so I could serve the Earth King tea. Amara and Zuko went with me to give the plans for the invasion to the Earth King. When we realized that the palace was infiltrated, Amara quickly destroyed the plans. I managed to escape with Yuna and Momo, but Zuko and Amara were captured."

Katara covered her mouth in horror. Toph and Aang held great concern for their friends. Sokka felt worried for his cousin and Zuko, but also for Suki. "The Kyoshi warriors? What happened to them?"

Iroh answered, "I do not know, Sokka. Azula told me that they were carted off to a prison, but I am not sure which one."

Toph scowled. "I say we find one of these Dai Li and get them to tell us where they're keeping Kitten and Sparky!"

Aang hesitated. He knew without being able to control the Avatar state they would need more help in fighting off the Dai Li to get to their friends. "Wait… I think we should find Jet and his friends. See if they will help us. Iroh said Kyro was trying to find info. Let's get help first, and then hopefully we'll know where they're being held."

Katara was shocked. "What? Why do we need Jet?"

Aang flinched. He didn't want to tell them that he had failed in mastering the Avatar state. "Because we'll need to split up. Some of us will need to go save Zuko and Amara, while the rest will need to go save King Kuei."

Sokka sighed heavily. "I guess so." He looked over at Iroh. "We'll be back as soon as we find Jet and the others."

Iroh nodded. "I will hopefully know where they are being held by the time you return."

The group got back on Appa to fly to the lower ring. As they did, Toph spoke softly. "I hope Kitten's okay… Being locked up… that can't be easy for her."

Katara shut her eyes with worry as well. "Zuko's with her… I hope… he can keep her calm…"

Sokka frowned. "We shouldn't have left them here alone."

Aang tried to reassure them. "There's no way we could've known Azula would infiltrate the city. None of this is anyone's fault. We'll find Amara and Zuko… I know we will."

Toph frowned. "The city is so big though… they could be held anywhere…"

"We will find them," Aang said. "I promise… I won't rest until we do."

(Amara POV)

From the moment the Dai Li had handcuffed us, to the moment they opened the earth in the palace courtyard and forced us into a dark tunnel below, I had frozen up in fear. Zuko and I were shoved through a long tunnel, and finally the third Dai Li agent with us had opened the dead end before us. Green light could be seen through the opening as they forced us forward.

They undid our cuffs and then shoved us into the cavern. Both of us lost our footing as we were forced down the slope and we fell on our knees. The wall shut behind us as the Dai Li agents left us to rot. Zuko managed to pull himself together and move over to me. He helped me up to my feet, but I almost lost my footing and fell back down. He pulled me into a warm embrace to calm my trembling.

Images were swirling through me. Images of being a prisoner. Chained up in a room. Left in the dark. Beaten and burned. A prisoner again… I couldn't believe this was happening. I felt like I couldn't breathe. There was a ringing in my ear that deafened me. As cold as my body felt, the only thing keeping me grounded at the moment was Zuko's warmth. I couldn't see anything though except the images of my past.

"Amara! Please! Calm down!"

Zuko's voice, which felt miles away, managed to break through the images. As the memories of Zhao's laughter faded, I blinked a few times to let my tears fall. I felt my breathing come back as my racing heart started to calm. I moved my hands to Zuko's shirt and gripped the fabric to let my sense of touch return.

Even though I was a prisoner, my situation was not like before. Zuko was with me. I was not alone. I would be okay. Finally, I let myself lower to my knees. Zuko knelt beside me, his hand cupping my cheek with concern. "Amara… I'm right here," he promised.

I moved my head to meet his golden gaze. Even in the green light from the cavern crystals around us, his eyes were still warm and comforting. I managed to let out a heavy and shaky breath. Finally, I found my voice. "Zuko… I… I'm sorry…"

He shook his head. "No… You have nothing to be sorry for. But it's going to be okay. We're going to get out of this. I promise."

I gave a small nod. "Aang… the others… they'll find out from Iroh…" I was trying to reassure myself. "They'll come save us."

He nodded. "They will…"

He looked around us then. I followed his gaze. I saw the cavern we were in seemed to actually stretch a long way. We could not really see where it ended from where we were. There were pools of water around us, with green glowing crystals jutting out of the ground and the ceiling above.

Zuko had looked back at me again. "Just focus on me, Amara…remember you're not alone this time. I'm right here."

I breathed in again, and gave a small nod as I met his gaze once more. "I… know… I'm okay... I have you. I'm okay."

He sighed with relief when he saw I was finally calming down. "Thought I was going to lose you for a second." He kissed me on the forehead, and his tender touch calmed me more. "We're going to be okay. Let's see if we can find our own way out of here."

Zuko helped me up, and the two of us started to walk through our cavern prison. As we went, I was finally calm enough to think sensibly again. I whispered, "Azula clearly didn't care about Avatar Roku being your great-grandfather."

Zuko sighed. "I had a feeling she wouldn't… but it was worth a try."

I gave a small nod. "I don't like your sister."

He grimaced. "I'm not a huge fan myself." He squeezed my hand which he was holding to keep me grounded. "But I hated your brother. So I guess that's one thing we have in common."

I sighed. "Yeah… Looks like we both come from some pretty screwed up families."

He let my hand go, but only so he could wrap an arm around me and pull me to his side. I put an arm behind him to share his affectionate touch. He spoke as we continued to walk. "I like your other family though. Your cousins are great kids."

I smiled slightly. "Yeah… You have a pretty amazing uncle too."

He smiled back. "I guess it's not all bad then."

I nodded. "I guess so."

We walked the area for a little while longer, only to find a pool of water coming from a crevice at the bottom of the cavern wall. We had reached a dead end.

Zuko let out a heavy breath. "Just as I feared… we need an earthbender to get out of here."

I shut my eyes, my heart pounding again. He felt me go tense and rubbed his hand on my arm to calm me down. "Aang and the others will come… I know they will… You know Uncle, Yuna, and Momo will get us reinforcements."

I took in another breath to calm myself again. "I know… You're right… They'll come…"

We decided to go back to the spot we had originally been. As we walked back, Zuko commented, "That was some great thinking though, burning the plans. Good job, Amara."

I sighed. "I was just worried Azula would learn about the eclipse… even if we can't get the Earth King's help, we'd still have an advantage on that day."

He nodded. "Yeah… We definitely can't let the Fire Nation find out about that."

We sat cross-legged on the cavern floor then, knowing there wasn't much else we could do. As we sat, Zuko decided to tell me stories about his mom. He was trying to keep my mind off of being imprisoned. As his voice sounded in my ears, I did feel much more relaxed. I loved Zuko so much. He was my sanity…

(Third Person POV)

The group arrived back at Iroh's tea shop with their additional passengers. They had managed to locate Jet, Longshot, and Smellerbee in the Lower Ring near the market area. When they told the trio about what happened to the King, and to Zuko and Amara, the Freedom Fighters were more than happy to help. They wanted to do what they could to free the Earth King, and to help the Avatar's friends.

When they got back to Iroh's shop, Iroh came outside with Kyro. The two men quickly gestured for the group to follow them inside the shop. They did so, walking through the main sitting area into the kitchen at the back. When they got into the kitchen, they were shocked to find that a Dai Li agent was tied up to a chair, his mouth gagged as well.

Sokka was bewildered. "How did you…?"

Kyro cut him off with a smile. "I have my ways."

Katara immediately moved forward and jerked the gag off the man's mouth. "Where are they?!"

The man shook in fear as he saw he was greatly outnumbered. He answered with a shaking voice, "I… I don't know…"

Toph scowled. "He's lying."

Jet ripped his sword out and moved behind the man. He held the blade to the man's throat. They didn't actually plan on hurting him, but they did need him to talk. "Try that again," Jet said.

The man gulped. He finally answered though. "I… I only know this… Azula and Long Feng are working together… They've overthrown the Earth King. They have him locked up in the palace dungeon as we speak."

Sokka grew impatient. "My cousin! Where are they keeping Amara and Zuko?

The captured agent answered, "In the Crystal Catacombs of Old Ba Sing Se, deep beneath the palace. You won't be able to get in without an earthbender."

Toph smirked. "We got that covered. Right, Twinkletoes?"

Aang nodded. He took authority as he looked around the room. "Here's the plan. Katara and I will go save Zuko and Amara. The rest of you break into the palace and save King Kuei. Once you do, meet us in the palace courtyard so we can get out of Ba Sing Se for good."

Jet lowered his sword. "That's not an even split. You sure you don't want more to go with you to find the others?"

Iroh spoke up. "I will go with Aang and Katara. The rest of you focus on the king. You'll need the extra hands if you run into Azula. She is not one to be taken lightly."

Sokka sighed. "Yeah. We know…" He looked over at Aang. "Get Amara out of there."

Aang nodded. "I will Sokka. Everything is going to be okay."

Kyro spoke up, stepping over to the agent. "I'll handle this while you all go. I have a feeling the Fire Nation will be entering this city soon, so when you get the king and your friends I would leave immediately. Ba Sing Se is no longer safe."

Toph frowned. "What about you and your family?"

He frowned. "I will not abandon our home. We will do what we can inside the walls. Help as many refugees as we can once the Fire Nation arrives. You all focus on ending this war. We will do what we can to protect our people."

Katara gave a sad smile. "Thank you… for everything."

Kyro nodded. "We're putting a lot of faith in you kids. Make us proud."

The group departed the shop then to go save the king and their friends. As they did, Kyro watched them go with a sad gaze. He always felt sorry that the weight of the world was placed on such young shoulders. However, he knew if anyone could end this war, it was the Avatar and his friends.

(Amara POV)

We had been in our cavern prison for a few hours. Based on the weakening of our connection to fire, we could tell the sun had set and it was definitely night. I let out a heavy breath as I leaned against Zuko. We were sitting against one of the stalagmites, waiting and praying that someone would come. Zuko hugged me closer as he heard my dismay.

"Do you think Iroh got the message to them?"

Zuko nodded. "I really believe he did. And even if he didn't, my uncle is probably finding every way he can right now to get us out of here."

I smiled slightly. "I know… Iroh is amazing."

Zuko sighed. "Yeah… I don't know where I would be today if he hadn't taken me under his wing three years ago. I owe him so much."

"You are helping the Avatar. He is proud of you. I don't think you owe him more than that."

He hugged me closer. "It feels good knowing I made my uncle proud."

The earth beneath us suddenly started to shake. We gasped and jumped up to our feet, concerned there was about to be a cave in or the Dai Li were coming back. We got into stances ready to fight when we saw a section of the wall break and crumble. However, we lowered our hands when we saw three familiar people step out into the cavern.

"Uncle!" Zuko exclaimed.

I also shouted with relief, "Katara! Aang!"

We rushed over to give them hugs in relief. Katara met me halfway and pulled me into an embrace, tears falling down her cheeks. "Amara! I was so worried! When Aang said you were in trouble, I didn't know what to think!"

Zuko pulled from his embrace with Iroh, and asked with surprise. "Aang said?"

We looked over at Aang who explained. He rubbed the back of his neck as he said, "Yeah… I had a vision that you both were in trouble. I rushed back to Sokka and Katara as soon as I did. Then we found Toph, and headed to the city. Yuna led us to Iroh, who explained what was going on."

I looked around, noticing Yuna wasn't in the area. "Is Momo and her with the others?"

Katara nodded. "Yes. They went into the palace to go find the Earth King. We decided they probably wouldn't like going underground. We'll find them once we get out of here." She looked at me then with concern, asking, "Are you okay? Aang said you looked really scared in his vision."

I flinched. "I… was. It took Zuko a little bit to calm me down. He was able to though. I'm okay now. Especially since you all are here."

Iroh urged us, "We should probably get out of here before the Dai Li and Azula show up. We don't want them to try and stop us. I suggest we find another way out. They may have already found the tunnel we created."

Zuko nodded in agreement. He took my hand and said, "Let's go. The faster we're out of this city and away from Azula, the better I'll feel."

Aang frowned. "I just can't believe this is happening… I can't believe the Fire Nation is taking over Ba Sing Se. I… I feel like I should do something."

Iroh encouraged him. "There's a time to fight and a time to survive. Right now, you all need to survive and fight another day. The eclipse is your focus. Taking out the Fire Lord is what is most important right now. Kyro has many connections in the city. He will be able to warn people and prepare everyone for the invasion. You're all too important to be captured right now. The people of Ba Sing Se will have hope as long as the Avatar is free."

Aang sighed. Katara placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, saying, "Iroh's right… We'll save Ba Sing Se by taking out the Fire Lord."

"Stopping my father is the answer right now, Aang," Zuko agreed.

I wasn't sure what I could add to make the situation better, so instead I offered the knowledge Zuko and I had gained from being in the cavern. "There's a stream of water coming from a crevice beneath the wall that way. I think if we go through that area, we can follow the stream back out into the palace courtyard. I'm thinking the water is coming from a fountain."

"Good idea," Katara said. "Aang can earthbend us through."

We made our way to the back of the cavern, and arrived at the small stream that was flowing through the crevice. Aang shot his hands forward, breaking a hole into the wall before us. As we all stepped through, we were shocked to see the ruins of an underground city were carved in the walls above. There was a long stream before us that headed towards what was a waterfall in the distance. Green crystals surrounded us, giving us light.

Iroh spoke. "Ah… so this is old Ba Sing Se. Amazing how they built a city over top of the original structure. Quite a sight to see."

I looked around in amazement. "I would've never guessed all of this was below the palace."

"Well… As much as I want to stay and enjoy the scenery," Katara began. "I really think we should get out of here. I can lift us up through the waterfall ahead, and we can get back outside."

We moved forward upon her suggestion. However, we only made it a few steps. A blast of blue fire shot onto the spot in front of us, sending rocks flying in all directions as the earth was broken from the force. We had all come to a stop and stared at the steam from the blast with shock.

"You all aren't going anywhere," a familiar voice spoke, sending chills down my spine.

We turned around in terror to see Azula step through the hole we had formed. Her fingers were steaming from the blast she had shot our way. As she stepped further into the area, and we backed away preparing to fight, Dai Li agents suddenly dropped from the ceiling around us. We were completely surrounded.

"No," Katara whispered. "This is not good."

Zuko tried to reassure us. "Calm down… We can take them. Just stick together."

Azula shook her head in disbelief. "Zuko… I expected this kind of treachery from Uncle… But Zuko… Prince Zuko… you're a lot of things, but you're not a traitor, are you?"

Zuko scowled. "You know nothing about me!"

She tried again. "It's not too late for you, Zuko. You can still redeem yourself."

My heart twisted at the thought of Zuko doing so. I tried to gauge his expression to see what he was thinking, but I couldn't read him. His eyes were narrowed, and his fists were tightened.

Iroh spoke, "The kind of redemption she offers is not for you."

Azula scowled, glaring at Iroh. "Why don't you let him decide, Uncle?!" She looked back at Zuko. "I need you, Zuko. I've plotted every move of this day." She tightened her fist with a grin. "This glorious day in Fire Nation history! And the only way we win is together! At the end of this day, you will have your honor back! You will have Father's love! You will have everything you want! Don't throw that all away for these peasants and that dualbender! You're so much better than that!"

Zuko looked over at me for a moment, and then back at Azula. My body trembled. Katara and Aang looked uncertain about what Zuko would do. Even Iroh seemed nervous. I wanted to believe Zuko had truly changed his heart though. I wanted to believe he wouldn't fall for his sister's tricks again.

"I'm surprised you're giving me a choice right now," Zuko spoke with a guarded tone. "Especially after everything you've put me through."

She frowned. "Yes… I owe you my sincerest apology brother. That's why I'm giving you this last chance. Return to the proper side of this war. Listen to what you truly want. Home… family… you know you won't get that with them." She sighed. "You're free to choose."

There was a tense air between us all as we waited to hear Zuko's response. I kept shouting in my head he wouldn't do it. However, there was still a small essence of uncertainty in me. Would Zuko take this chance to go home? Would he decide to return to his father?

No… he wouldn't… not after all that Ozai's done to him… right?

"Well brother… what will it be?" Azula asked. "Last chance to return home. It's what you've wanted for three years… don't waste it on this freak."

Zuko looked over at me, at Aang, at Azula, and back at me. His expression was guarded, so I couldn't tell what he was thinking. My heart pounded loudly. I wanted to believe he would not betray me, but the very thing he wanted before he met me was being offered. Would he choose to go home over being with me? I was so scared to know his answer.

He took in a heavy breath. "You're right, Azula… I want to go home."

My breathing hitched.

Aang gasped.

Katara sucked in a breath too.

Iroh sighed with dismay.

Azula smirked.

Zuko tightened his fists and his eyes narrowed. "And I will one day. Just… not. with. you!"

He shot a blast of fire at Azula with both hands. She gasped and quickly threw her hands forward to try and deflect the attack. She was too late. The blast sent her flying back and crashing into the water behind her. My tense body relaxed and I felt relief. He had not betrayed me. He really did love me.

Zuko spoke again. "I may want to go home, but I want to be with Amara more. I would never betray her or the others for such a selfish act. I'm only going home when this war is won and the Fire Lord is defeated!"

Aang, Katara, and Iroh were smiling with their own relief. A tear escaped me as I heard the love Zuko had for me. I shut my eyes with elation.

Zuko had stepped back at this point and took my hand. He gave it a squeeze, saying to Azula, "I have all I need right here."

Azula pulled herself out of the water, snapping, "You traitor!" She then ordered, "Dai Li! Kill them all!"

The Dai Li moved forward to do just that. Azula started targeting Zuko, shooting intense fire blasts at him. Aang helped Zuko block the blasts with air. Azula's eyes widened when she realized she was outnumbered, and she tried to run. Aang shut the wall behind her though, and she was forced to stay and fight.

As Aang and Zuko continued to fight Azula, the rest of us were busy fighting the Dai Li. I shot fire at one agent that attempted to run at me. He used a wall to shield my attack, but made the mistake of stepping in a puddle behind him. I froze his foot to the ground quickly, and then shot more fire at him. He was knocked back and fell unconscious.

Katara had knocked her own Dai Li agent back with a stream of water, while Iroh blasted another back with his fire. More dropped from above. I was shocked when I realized there were at least 50 agents using earthbending to hang to the ceiling above.

As I shot another stream of hot water at an agent who was about to attack Katara from the side, and he screamed in pain, I shouted at everyone, "There's too many! We need to get out of here."

Azula had jumped on a stalagmite, and jumped off as Zuko blasted fire at her and Aang shot a large boulder. The stalagmite broke into pieces from their attacks. Azula shot fire down at them, and they both jumped out of the way to dodge.

Azula landed and snapped, "None of you are going anywhere!"

The rest of the Dai Li suddenly dropped. We were completely surrounded. I gasped and backed up so I was near Iroh and Katara. Zuko had come back to be with us too. We stayed in our stances, ready to fight, but we knew our odds were not in our favor. Aang knew this as well.

"I'm going into the Avatar state," he said to us. He suddenly dropped down into a meditation pose in front of us and slammed his fists together. A dome of earth surrounded him, hiding him inside.

"Dai Li! Get him out!" Azula ordered.

An agent attempted to do so, but his bending was ineffective. "I can't. He's blocking me somehow!"

Azula growled. She went to shoot fire at the dome of earth, but I rushed forward and jumped in front of her blast. I managed to use everything I had learned from Zuko and Iroh. I blocked the stream of fire with what strength I had left in me. As the heat raced around me, I heard Zuko shout, "Stop, Azula!"

Zuko's own blast raced past me and hit Azula again. She was knocked back once more, crying out in pain. Her attack stopped, and I gasped to catch my breath. My muscles ached, but I tried to push the pain aside.

Azula landed in the water again, and for a moment she didn't move. I wasn't sure if Zuko had knocked her unconscious, but I was glad she was down at the moment.

The Dai Li started to inch towards us. We all moved in front of Aang's dome, ready to protect him until he was able to succeed in whatever he was trying to do. We didn't have to protect him long though. The sound of stone breaking behind us made us all alert. We moved away as Aang started to rise into the air, his tattoos glowing and the wind swirling around him.

"Everyone! Move!" Katara grabbed my arm and pulled me away from Aang. Iroh and Zuko followed us so we could get some distance. The Dai Li were shooting boulders up at the Avatar, but the element seemed to turn to dust as it got within feet of him.

Water rose and started to swirl around Aang as he hovered above. Then pieces of rock swirled around him. He was about to bend all four elements at once. We watched in silent amazement.

However, a flash of lightning shot across the air and struck Aang in the back. I gasped and looked over to see Azula had managed to sneak around us and take Aang by surprise. As Aang convulsed, and electric shocks coursed through him, my heart stopped for a second.

"NO!" Katara cried out. She took a body of water from behind her and created a massive wave. She avoided us easily, and surfed on the wave, moving herself to Aang who was falling to the earth. As she caught Aang and lowered them both into the pool of water, Iroh rushed towards Azula and shot an intense blast her way. This time she was hit and knocked back against a stalagmite. She dropped to the ground, gasping in pain.

"Aang! Please! Don't leave me!" Katara cried, holding Aang up in her arms. She was sobbing as she hugged him. My eyes stared at the unconscious boy in my cousin's arms with terror. Aang… no…

As my cousin cried, I was overcome by fury. Aang was my friend. He was a brother to me. And Azula had just struck him with lightning. Azula and the Dai Li started to get back to their feet (some of the agents having been knocked over by Katara's wave).

Zuko rushed over to Katara as I knocked back some advancing Dai Li with another wave of water. They shouted as they were knocked back, my force stronger than ever as rage flooded through me.

"Katara! We need to go!" Zuko said. He tried to pull Aang from her, but she held him tight. "You can heal him as soon as we're out of here! But we have to go now!"

Katara finally came to her senses. As Zuko and her managed to carry Aang's unconscious body over to the waterfall a few meters away, Iroh and I kept shooting water and fire to try and push back the advancing Dai Li and crazy Fire Nation Princess.

Iroh looked over at me as I blocked another boulder with some fire. I was exhausted, but I had to keep going to keep everyone safe.

"Amara! Go help Zuko and Katara. I'll be there in a moment," Iroh ordered.

I didn't want to leave him fighting everyone alone. "I'm with you Iroh. I can help!"

He shot another wave of fire at more agents running towards us. Then he snapped, "That's an order, Amara!"

I was stunned by his tone. I looked into his golden eyes to see he was very serious. I gave a small nod, and then turned running over to where Zuko and Katara were by the waterfall.

We all stood in the pool of water and looked back to see Iroh was shooting many blasts in all directions.

"Uncle! Come on!" Zuko shouted. "Let's go!"

Azula shouted behind the swarm of Dai Li, "Stop them, you fools!"

Iroh shot a wall of fire between him and the agents. As his fire raged, he looked back at us with tears in his eyes. "I'll hold them off. You kids get to safety."

I finally understood. He was sacrificing himself for us. "Iroh! No!"

Zuko was shocked. "Uncle! What are you saying?!"

He smiled back at us, his fire still raging as he held the wall up with his hands.

"Zuko… Amara… my children…" he said to us. "I know you will continue to make me proud. I love you."

Zuko and I were stunned by his words and actions. We left the pool to run back to him.

I cried as I ran. "Iroh… Don't!"

The wall of fire dropped. Azula stood on the other side with fury. She prepared to attack.

Iroh created another wall of fire, only this time the flames were separating us from him and the enemy. Once he separated us from the Dai Li by the raging flames, he started to fire at the Dai Li with all he had in him.

"GO!" He shouted behind the flames, shooting an intense blast at a trio of agents. "Get the Avatar out of here!"

"Iroh! No!" I had stopped at the wall of flames, and shouted after the man I had come to love as a father. I moved towards the flames.

"ZUKO! GET AMARA! GO!" Iroh ordered, his back to us still.

Zuko knew he had to listen to his uncle. He grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the raging wall of fire. I was forced to follow him, although every part of me wanted to go back and save Iroh. I knew what Iroh was saying though… Aang was more important… We had to get the Avatar out of Ba Sing Se, and pray Katara would be able to heal him.

Aang…

Tears blinded me. Zuko kept us moving over to Katara again who was still at the waterfall waiting for us. We arrived in the small pool, and Zuko released me so he could take Aang and put him on his back. Once Katara was no longer holding Aang up, she used her hands to bend the water beneath us into a platform of ice. We shot up from the caverns, rising by Katara's bending. I watched with agony as Iroh continued to fight the agents down below. My heart was in agony as the man who had taken me in as a daughter turned himself over so we could escape.

Soon we rose from below and arrived outside in the palace courtyard. The waterfall was from one of the many fountains of the palace. Once we got outside, we were relieved to see Appa and the others land only a brief moment after. We saw on Appa's back a full house. There was Jet, Smellerbee, and Longshot. Toph, and Sokka of course. Plus the Earth King and his bear. Momo and Yuna were perched on Appa's horns.

"Let's go!" Zuko shouted, stepping out of the fountain's water and onto land.

I followed him, although every part of me wanted to go back down into the caverns. Katara stepped out last, melting her platform. She stepped over to me and put an arm around me as I cried. She was crying too.

Sokka slid off Appa, seeing the situation. He rushed over to Zuko and helped him take one of Aang's arms. The two managed to carry Aang over to Appa. Toph had jumped down, and when they reached her she bent a platform that raised them up onto Appa's back. Katara managed to steer us both over to Appa, and we climbed on a moment later. Once we were all mounted on Appa, weighing him down I was sure, Sokka shouted at Appa's front, "Yip yip!"

We took off, and Appa groaned as we flew into the air, over the palace gates, past the walls of Ba Sing Se, and out of the city. As we flew away from Ba Sing Se, I felt my senses fade as all I could think of was Aang and Iroh. I couldn't lose them. I couldn't lose either of them.

"Amara! I need you to help me!" Katara cried.

I quickly came to my senses. Jet and Zuko were holding Aang up while Katara was pulling the water from the spirit oasis out from the string on her neck. I managed to pull myself together and crawl over to her with exhaustion. Aang's shirt was off, and I could see in the moonlight where the lightning had hit him in the back. His flesh was torn, bloody, and burned.

"Amara. Hold the vial for me so I can get the water out." Katara said. I knew the only reason she wanted my help was because she wanted to distract me. I took the vial from her though, not wanting to argue. I undid the top of the prism shaped container, and Katara took the liquid out. She let the water spin around her hand and start to glow. Then she pressed it to Aang's back. Tears covered her face as she said, "Please… Work…"

The glow only occurred for about five seconds. Then Aang's tattoos lit with blue light and he groaned. His breathing, which had been labored, was steady again. Then he fell back unconscious.

Zuko continued to hold on to him as Jet scooted away. Katara managed to move over to Zuko, and she took Aang from his arms. She then pressed her mouth to his forehead and kissed him tenderly. "Aang… thank you for coming back…"

I was relieved Aang was alive. I was glad Katara's water had worked. However, I was still in so much pain over the loss of Iroh.

Toph finally asked after a long silence. "So… what happened?"

King Kuei was the one to answer. "The worst thing of all… The Earth Kingdom ... has fallen."

I grit my teeth. More tears fell. "We shouldn't have left him," I cried. I dropped my head, still gripping Appa's fur to hold steady.

Zuko spoke, although he sounded as pained as me. "Amara… Uncle… He's going to be okay. I don't think Azula or my father will hurt him. We have to have faith that he will be okay."

I sniffled. I gave only a small nod to let him know I was listening. I wasn't sure if he saw it in the moonlight.

Katara finally answered Toph. "We'll explain tomorrow… Let's just get to Chameleon Bay. I don't think Appa will be able to carry us for long, so we need to make haste."

We flew for about an hour. We lost some weight along the way. The Earth King made us drop him and his bear Basco off on the ground. He wanted to travel around and see what had become of his kingdom. We honestly didn't mind losing the weight, and none of us stopped him. Once we got rid of King Kuei, we flew a little further. Appa was in a little better spirits not having the bear and king on his back. Yuna and Momo flew beside us so they didn't add to Appa's weight.

Finally, we arrived at the waters of Chameleon Bay. We landed right outside an area with a bunch of tents set up on the sand. The camp was set so that ten tents lined each side and a giant one stood at the end. I could only assume the larger one belonged to Sokka and Katara's dad.

Appa groaned, glad to be on the ground again. We all managed to slide off Appa. Zuko and Jet helped carry Aang off. Once they were down Appa's tail and on land, Katara rushed over. "We need to get him somewhere comfortable… he needs to lay down," she spoke with a broken voice. "He needs to heal."

Sokka walked over. "I'll take him from you, Zuko… I need you to take care of you know who… Jet and I will get him to the tent."

Zuko let Aang go once Sokka had a hold of his arms. As soon as Zuko was freed from carrying Aang, Katara threw her arms around Zuko. Zuko was surprised, but he hugged her back. She said with sincerity, "Thank you, Zuko. I still didn't believe you were on our side… I had my doubts… but you finally proved it to me today. Your heart is as good as Amara says."

He spoke back to her, "Thanks, Katara… Sorry I had you all worried earlier… And great job saving Aang…"

As Sokka, Jet, and Katara walked into camp with Aang, Zuko walked back over to me. He placed his hand against my cheek and brushed a stream of tears. "We're going to get through this… together… okay?"

"You really think Iroh will be okay?"

He nodded. "That man has been to the spirit world and back… he can handle a Fire Nation prison no problem. We'll see him again. I just know it."

I nodded against his hand. "Okay…" Then I moved my hand over his and grasped it for comfort. "I love you, Zuko… thank you… for choosing me…"

He pulled me into his warm embrace and pressed his face into my hair. "Always… I didn't save you all those months ago just to lose you… I love you so much." His breath staggered. "We'll save Uncle… We have to…"

I pressed my face into his shirt and cried. I felt my hair dampen from his own tears.

Our hearts were broken at the moment. But at least we were together…