Sigh… Life… All I can say… Enjoy.

Chapter 51: Tu Lan

I wasn't sure what to do or say. I just stood a few feet away from the man I hadn't seen in what felt like a year with wide eyes. I knew it had only been a few months, but so much had happened…

Tu Lan was silent as well as he tried to wrack his brain to understand what I was doing in such a place. I couldn't blame him. I still wasn't sure myself why I was so calm standing outside a Fire Nation school...

Finally, he spoke. "I don't believe it… I'm losing my mind… seeing things…"

I took a step closer, still stunned that the man who I was forced to separate from so long ago was only a few feet away. I saw he was standing fine and looked to have recovered completely from the attack a few months before. My heart pounded as I felt relief. I had been so worried about Tu Lan, and he was okay. He was safe.

Unable to resist, I rushed forward and threw my arms around him to give him a hug. He was stunned as he felt my arms wrap around his waist. However, he slowly moved his arms around me to return my embrace. "Amara… It really is you."

I smiled as I took in his familiar embrace. "Tu Lan… It's so good to see you again."

We hugged for a moment, both of us still in disbelief. I never would've imagined, out of all the places in the Fire Nation, Tu Lan would be on the outer islands.

I pulled away finally and stepped back. I had to know. "What are you doing here? I thought you were in the Fire Nation Capital… Are you really back to health? I was so worried about you!"

He didn't answer. He hadn't spoken since we had hugged. He just stared at me, probably trying to find the words to say. After a long pause of silence, he finally spoke. "Me? What am I doing here? The question is what are you doing here?! Dressed as a student?!"

His change in mood surprised me. He sounded… frustrated…

He held his hands up in exasperation. "Why did you come back to the Fire Nation? I thought you were with your family? That's what the letter from Iroh said. I thought after the Avatar died…" He dropped his hands, realizing what he was about to say might upset me. He didn't know Aang was alive. "I mean… I heard about the Avatar and what happened in Ba Sing Se… word's spread across the nation… I expected with your friend passing away you would have gone back to the Southern Water Tribe with your family..." He spoke the last part softly. "Is it true… The Avatar really died?"

I wasn't sure what to say. I was a little taken back by his reaction.

I finally found my voice and answered, "It's… a long story…"

He calmed when he heard my wavering tone. He moved forward and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Amara… I'm sorry… I didn't mean to sound like I'm not happy to see you. I just… I don't like you being in the Fire Nation. Your mother tried so hard to get you out of this place, and you're right back where you started…"

I met his brown eyes and gave a small smile. "No… You're wrong… this time, I'm here by choice."

He dropped his hand, still confused. "But why? I… heard the Avatar was dead and Iroh's been imprisoned." His eyes widened. "You're not trying to rescue Iroh, are you? He's at the Fire Nation Capital prison, Amara. That would be a suicide mission!"

I flinched when he mentioned Iroh. "No… I mean… I hope we can rescue him soon. But that's not why we're here."

He was more confused. He went to speak again.

"Hey! See! Told you my cousin was coming!"

The kid named Shoji shouted suddenly from up the hill, breaking into our conversation. Tu Lan and I glanced over to see Aang's newest friend walking out of the gates of the school with Aang following behind. I finally understood why Tu Lan was here. He was the cousin that Shoji had been talking about. This bewildered me. Tu Lan had never really spoken much about his family to me. He never told me he had a cousin named Shoji. I suppose I never asked though.

"I want to talk to you again," Tu Lan suddenly said to me. "Tonight. After I can get away from my family. Where can I meet you?"

I hesitated. I knew my family would not be thrilled if Tu Lan showed up at our cave, but I hoped maybe I could convince them he wasn't a threat by then. "There's a path that leads through the woods to the White Cliffs. If you get down to the beach below and follow the shore south, there's an entrance to the cave we're staying in…"

He nodded. "Okay… I'll be there. There's so much I want to ask you."

Shoji and Aang had gotten closer as we finished our conversation. Shoji exclaimed, "Tu Lan! You did come!"

As Shoji ran over and hugged Tu Lan around the waist to greet him, I glanced over at Aang who was stunned by what Shoji had spoken. Aang knew about Tu Lan from what I had told him in the past. He looked at the man with bewilderment.

I stepped over to Aang, while Tu Lan greeted his cousin. "Hey Shoji. It's been a long time."

Aang's eyes were wide as he stared at the man. He looked over at me for confirmation. I gave a small nod. Aang glanced back at Tu Lan.

"We should go…" I whispered. "The others are probably worried."

Shoji had stopped embracing Tu Lan and looked back over at us. "Liva! Kuzon! You two have got to meet my cousin!" He grabbed Tu Lan by the arm and dragged him over. "Tu Lan! This is Liva and Kuzon! They're from the Fire Nation colonies in the Earth Kingdom!"

Tu Lan was amused by my fake name. He then looked over at Aang with curiosity. As he looked over at the teenager beside me, realization crossed his expression. His mouth opened a little in shock. He had seen brief glimpses of the Avatar during our time with Iroh and Zuko. He mouthed to me, The Avatar?

I gave a small nod.

He looked like he wasn't sure what to say at first. Then he recovered and bowed to each of us respectfully. He played along. "It's nice to meet you both. Any friend of Shoji's is a friend of my own."

Shoji grinned. "Maybe tomorrow after school we can all play Hide and Explode!"

Tu Lan sighed. "Shoji… I haven't played that game since I was a kid. I'm too old for that. Also, I will be heading back to the capital tomorrow… I'm only here for the night and leaving tomorrow morning. I'll walk you to school though."

Shoji pouted and crossed his arms. "It sucks having an older cousin. If you hadn't worked for that Admiral and his family so long you could've been around more when I was growing up." He started to walk away. He stopped though and waved back at us. "I'll see you guys tomorrow!" He then gestured for Tu Lan to follow with his hand. "Come on! Mom's waiting!" Shoji turned and started to walk again.

Tu Lan glanced back at me. "Tonight… I'll meet you after I get away from my family."

I nodded.

He turned and followed his much younger cousin. As he walked away, I watched as he placed a hand on Shoji's shoulder. My heart warmed as I realized something: He had chosen to miss out on being with his family to protect me all those years… Tu Lan really was a good man…

"Amara," Aang grabbed my arm suddenly. I jumped a bit from his touch. "What did he mean by that? You're meeting him? Tonight?"

I looked at Aang, seeing the uncertainty in his expression. "Aang… it's okay. It's Tu Lan. He's not going to tell anyone about us. He just wants to talk…"

Aang looked like he wanted to argue. However, he let out a heavy breath. At this point Momo had managed to wiggle out of Aang's shirt and climb onto his shoulder. "Okay… But you know your family isn't going to like this right?"

His words made me frown. "I know they don't like Tu Lan… but maybe once they meet him they'll see he really isn't a bad guy."

Aang ran a hand through his hair. "I guess…"

We headed back down the path, through the woods, towards the cliffs. As we reached the stone path that led towards the cave, I felt my heart lighten as I thought back to Tu Lan's condition. He was really healed from being injured by Zhao's bounty hunter so long ago. I was so glad to see his scars had even faded from being burned. He looked so much better than the last time I saw him. Stronger and no longer in pain…

As we reached the cave, the four teenagers inside jumped up with relief.

Katara cried out, "AMARA! AANG!"

She raced over to us and threw her arms around Aang with relief. Momo had jumped off Aang at this point to go chat with Appa who was chilling near the back of the cave.

"Thank goodness!" Katara cried. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

Aang was puzzled. "Were you worried we weren't?"

"Duh!" Toph stepped over and smacked Aang's arm with a frown as he was still being hugged by Katara. "You disappeared! Why wouldn't we be worried?!"

Zuko stepped over to me and pulled me into his arms, letting out a breath of relief. "We searched everywhere for you two… We were worried you'd been captured. Where were you?"

Sokka added with frustration, gesturing towards the both of us with his hands, "We leave you both alone for five seconds! I knew it was a bad idea!"

I pulled away from Zuko, feeling immediate guilt for worrying everyone. "Sorry… We can explain…" Yuna landed on my shoulder and licked my cheek to let me know she was happy I was back. I stroked her feathers to apologize for worrying her too.

Aang quickly tried to calm the group down. "Sorry we're so late everyone. I got invited to play with some kids after school. Amara wanted to come back, so you can blame me for the reason we took so long."

Sokka was horrified. "Wait! Back up! After what?"

Aang grinned. "Amara and I enrolled in a Fire Nation school, and we're going back tomorrow!"

I was stunned. "Wait… Back? I don't–"

Sokka cut me off. "Enrolled in what?!"

Zuko was horrified as well. "You went to a Fire Nation school today?! What made you think that was a good idea?!"

Aang explained. "We didn't have much of a choice. These guards grabbed us in town and dragged us there. But it was so much fun! We got to see other Fire Nation kids. Learn about the Fire Nation! I mean, it was a great opportunity for the both of us!"

I crossed my arms. "Aang… I don't think I had the experience you did… I mean, it was fun to get to be with Fire Nation kids… but I couldn't read half of what the teacher was, and I didn't even try to write what she wanted us to."

Aang argued. "But it's school, Amara! It will help you learn how to. That's why you should go!"

"Aang!" Katara argued. "We don't have time for school! You need to start learning how to firebend! And what if you get caught? We're trying to stay inconspicuous!"

"We won't get caught! Our names are working great too. My name is Kuzon, and this is Liva!" He gestured over to me.

Sokka tried to calm down. "Aang, I'm trying to be mature and not immediately shoot down your idea, but it sounds ... really terrible."

Toph agreed. "Yeah, we got our outfits. What do you need to go to school for?"

"Every minute I'm in that classroom, I'm learning new things about the Fire Nation. I already have a picture of Fire Lord Ozai." He pulled something out of his pants pocket. I was bewildered when I saw he brought the craft with him that we made in class. "And here's one that I made out of noodles!" He held up the noodle project that outlined Fire Lord Ozai. I'd just made flowers with my noodles.

Sokka was stunned. He tapped his chin though. "Impressive, I admit, but I still think it's too dangerous."

Aang shrugged. "I guess we'll never find out about the secret river then. It goes right to the Fire Lord's palace. We were supposed to learn about it in class tomorrow."

I was confused by his words. Secret river? I thought back to everything the instructor had said. She never mentioned a secret river… Finally, I realized Aang was bluffing.

Zuko was puzzled as well. "Secret river? Aang… There's no–"

Toph cut him off. She decided she was tired of the debate I suppose. "Let them go… It may be good for them to have some fun. I missed out on school as a kid. It's only right that they get to have the experience."

Sokka sighed. "Fine, let's stay a few more days."

Zuko looked over at me with concern. "I don't know if I like the idea of you being out in the open like that. What if someone figures out you're not who you say you are…? Word has already spread about you being a dualbender… I just don't want anyone to figure out who you are and try to capture you… My sister has wanted posters up. I saw some in town earlier… I worry someone will recognize you..."

Aang shrugged. "A little late for that. Amara's already met a friend from the past. But don't worry. I don't think he'll say anything."

The group was stunned. Katara asked with uncertainty, "A friend from the past? Who could that be?" She looked over at me for clarification.

I crossed my arms. "Um… I ran into Tu Lan. He has family on this island."

Zuko was astonished. "Tu Lan?! He's here?"

I nodded.

Sokka was not happy. "Great! Someone who knows your identity! This is bad! We need to go!"

I argued. "No… We don't have to. Tu Lan won't tell anyone we're here. I actually… I was hoping you'd all meet him tonight. He's coming here after sunset. He wants to talk to me… catch up on things."

Katara finally realized who I was talking about. "Oh… Tu Lan… He's the one who worked for your Fire Nation family, right? The one that told Iroh about you to help you escape…"

I gave a nod.

Sokka was stunned. This hadn't passed his mind. Then his eyes narrowed. "You mean the man that kept you and Aunt Kala prisoner for so many years?"

I was thrown off by his spite. I argued, "He… he wasn't the one keeping me prisoner, Sokka. He was trying to protect me."

Sokka went to disagree, but he knew whatever he was about to say would upset me. Instead, he said, "You know what… It's good he's coming. I have some things I want to say to him."

Zuko caught Sokka's intention. "Sokka… Calm down. I know Tu Lan. He's a good man. He's only ever been concerned for Amara. He regrets not helping them escape sooner."

Sokka scowled and snapped, "You think that matters! He was their prison warden! He could've helped them escape! He could've saved Aunt Kala from being killed! Why would I ever be happy to meet the one who just stood back while Amara and Aunt Kala suffered?!"

His hate towards Tu Lan was more than I expected. "Sokka… Please… He's like a father to me."

Sokka went to argue again. However, he knew yelling at me would only make things worse. He finally let out a heavy breath and crossed his arms. "We'll meet him… But I can't promise I won't have some words."

Katara stepped over to me. "Amara… You have to understand how Sokka and I see this. To you, Tu Lan was someone who protected you and gave you company… But… to us, he's one of the men that kept you and Aunt Kala from us… You have to understand why we aren't huge fans of him…"

I hung my head slightly and shut my eyes. "I know you feel that way… There are moments I do think Tu Lan could've done more for us… He… He saved me in the end though. He's the reason I finally got out. If it wasn't for him I would've never been saved by Iroh… I wouldn't have met you. He may have things he did wrong in the past, but he's changed. He's a good man. He really cared about me and my mother. He was just conflicted…"

Toph sighed. "Well… What's done is done everyone. He's coming tonight clearly. We'll keep on guard just in case. I trust Kitten though. I don't think she'd bring him here if he didn't have a good heart."

I smiled over at Toph with gratitude.

Aang nodded. "Just from briefly meeting him, I don't think he's going to do anything to hurt us. I think he just wants to see Amara… we'll just be ready if something happens."

The rest of the evening was pretty quiet. I was anxious as I sat by the fire in the cave. I had eaten my fried fish dinner, and was waiting for Tu Lan to arrive. Toph was keeping a lookout, her feet planted to the stone ground as she tried to feel if someone was approaching. Yuna and Momo were chasing bugs at the back of the cave.

Sokka let out a heavy breath, pacing the cave. "I still don't like this… He could be turning us in for all we know."

Katara tried to calm him. "I don't think someone who tried so hard to free Amara will have her imprisoned again."

Aang agreed. "He really didn't seem like a bad guy, Sokka. But if he tries something I think the six of us can take him."

Sokka went to speak again, but Toph stood and cut him off. "Shh! I feel someone coming."

The rest of us stood as well. There was a long silence as we waited for our late night guest. Then steps could finally be heard by the rest of us.

From the fire of the cave, I saw Tu Lan appear at the opening. He was surprised when he arrived and saw the group I was with. He looked around at my family, Toph, and Aang with caution. However, when he saw Zuko, he immediately relaxed at the familiar face.

"Prince Zuko. I barely recognized you with your hair so long." Tu Lan stepped forward and gave Zuko a small bow. "It's been a while. I am glad to see you're well."

Zuko rubbed the back of his neck, a bit embarrassed by Tu Lan's formality. "There's no need to bow, Tu Lan… I'm not much of a prince right now… But I'm glad to see you're back on two feet. It was good we sent you back to the Capital for treatment."

Tu Lan stood straight and gave a nod. "Yes… If it wasn't for Iroh, I wouldn't have had such amazing treatment. I was overseen by the best physician at the clinic thanks to his recommendation." He then glanced back at the rest of the group. "I see you are with a very different company since the last time we were together." He moved to the center and gave a small bow to the rest of the group. "My name is Tu Lan. I'm certain Amara has told you about me." He stood straight again. "I heard Amara found her family… A boy and girl named Sokka and Katara."

Katara let out a heavy breath. She was trying to be nice because she knew how much Tu Lan meant to me. She stepped over to me and put an arm behind my back to hug me to her side. "Yes. I'm Katara. Amara's cousin." She pointed over to Sokka who had not moved since Tu Lan entered. "That's Sokka."

He gave a small smile. "It's nice to meet you both… When I heard Amara found you… I was so full of relief."

Katara hugged me closer. "We were happy to have found her too."

Once Katara released me, I introduced Toph. "Tu Lan… This is my friend Toph. We picked her up in the Earth Kingdom. She's Aang's earthbending teacher."

Toph nodded. "What's up?"

Tu Lan looked at her with surprise. He could tell from the glaze over her eyes in the firelight that she was blind. "Earthbending teacher… fascinating? Can I ask how you–"

Toph cut him off, knowing what he was asking. "Vibrations in the earth. I could feel you coming from a mile away."

Aang stepped over then. He gave a smile to the man and bowed slightly. "Tu Lan. Welcome. Amara's told us so much about you. I'm Aang."

Tu Lan stared at Aang with bewilderment. "You're him then? The Avatar… I thought you were dead?"

Aang stood straight and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well… I was down for a few weeks. But I came back. Katara healed me with some special water from the North Pole. We just haven't told the world yet. Trying to keep it a secret so we can travel in stealth. We have some ground to cover and don't need the Fire Nation on our tail."

"Where are you going?"

Aang went to answer.

Sokka, who had been keeping quiet in the background, finally lost his patience. "Stop!" His voice echoed around us. "Don't tell him anything!" He stomped over and stood in front of Tu Lan. He was a little shorter than the man, so I wasn't sure if he was being as intimidating as he intended. "I've got some things I want to say to this guy!"

My heart started to pound. I went to grab Sokka's arm. "Sokka… Please. Just calm down. This is Tu Lan… He isn't what you think."

Sokka jerked from my arm. "I know exactly who he is!" He pointed a finger at Tu Lan with narrowed eyes. "You might have Amara on your side, but what you did is something I can't forgive!"

Tu Lan was stunned. "Wha–"

Sokka cut him off. I saw his eyes burn with tears. "Don't play dumb! You're no better than her Fire Nation family! You kept them both locked up! You were a coward! You could've saved them, but you just let them rot in that attic! You let my Aunt Kala die! You allowed those two bastards to abuse my cousin for sixteen years! Give me one good reason why I should like you! You did nothing! You sat back while they both suffered!"

Tu Lan had stepped back upon Sokka's attack. However, his face filled with guilt as he took in the words my cousin spoke. "I know…"

Sokka tightened his fists. "You know? If you know then why would you think wanting to talk to my cousin after everything you did to her is okay?! You're lucky you're still standing in this cave!"

"Sokka… please…" I begged. I grabbed his arm to try and calm him down. "I know you're mad at him. But he saved me in the end… He helped me escape."

Sokka turned towards me and grabbed both of my arms. "He may have saved you, Amara… But he also failed you. If he had helped you and Aunt Kala escape then you wouldn't be without a mother right now! He allowed them to take her away from all of us! He didn't fight for you when you needed him the most! If he is such a great man, the scars on your skin would be on his instead!"

"You're right," Tu Lan spoke with great regret.

Sokka let me go and gestured over to him. "See."

I went to argue.

Tu Lan cut me off. "Your cousin is right, Amara… I failed you." I met his gaze which was full of despair. "I will always regret not being brave enough to save you and your mother. I was a coward… I will take that to my grave."

I shook my head. "Tu Lan… It's okay…" I stepped over and placed my hand on his arm. "You still protected me… you were my friend… and you did help me in the–"

Tu Lan shook his head, grabbing my hand to give it a squeeze. "You don't have to defend me, Amara…" He looked over at Sokka again. "You're right… You have every right to be angry with me… I will never be able to forgive myself for not saving them, Sokka… I will never be able to ask for your forgiveness." He released my hand and stepped closer to my cousin. He moved to his knees and hung his head. "All I can say is that I'm sorry for not being strong enough to save your aunt and Amara… Truly sorry."

Sokka was stunned as the man lowered himself before him.

Aang let out a deep breath. "Look… One thing I've learned is that we can't change the past. We can only move forward." Aang stepped over to Sokka and placed a hand on his shoulder. "This man may have done things in the past he isn't proud of, but if it wasn't for him you would've never met Amara, Sokka… He also protected her from Zhao's bounty hunter the first day I met her… People change. I mean… look at Zuko…"

Sokka glanced over at Zuko, and then let out a heavy breath. He crossed his arms, but I could see his anger simmered. "I still don't like you," Sokka spoke to Tu Lan. "But you mean a lot to Amara… So, I'll try to be as accepting as I can be…"

Aang let out a breath of relief, glad to see Sokka was calmed. He then looked over at Tu Lan who was still on his knees. "Why don't we all have a seat by the fire? Let's stop this tension… there's already too much anger in the world. It's time for peace."

A few moments later we sat around the campfire. Tu Lan sat on a stone seat Toph had made for him. Toph and Aang sat on their own stone bench, while Sokka and Katara sat on another. Zuko and I were sitting on a stone bench ourselves. The group seemed to lighten up as the night moved on. Sokka was still in a bitter state, but he listened as we explained to Tu Lan everything that had happened since I last saw him.

I told him about battling my brother before the Siege of the North Pole. I described to him the events leading up to meeting my family. I told him about journeying through the Earth Kingdom, seeking out an earthbending teacher, meeting Yuna, meeting Toph, and finding Zuko and Iroh again in the desert a little while later. Tu Lan listened with bewilderment and admiration.

I continued to tell him about Ba Sing Se, and that we spent our time there searching for Appa. I explained to him how we freed the animals from the zoo, which got a laugh from him. I told him about finding the secret headquarters of the Dai Li, and saving Appa. He was horrified when he found out we had been in such a dangerous place.

Zuko shrugged and joked, "We had Toph. We were never in danger. She can handle anything."

Toph smirked and nodded. "No Dai Li can handle this earthbender."

Continuing my tale, I told him about being captured and battling Azula in the Crystal Catacombs. My story turned sad as I told him how that was the moment Aang was struck by lightning and Iroh sacrificed himself for us. He was dismayed when I spoke about Iroh's capture. I finally concluded my long tale by telling him about meeting the Southern Water Tribe warriors, Aang waking up, and how we were heading into the Fire Nation to prepare for battle.

When I finished my story, Tu Lan was in awe. He stared at me as if he were looking into the eyes of a stranger. "Amara… wow… you have been through so much." He smiled. "You are so different from when I last saw you." His eyes watered. "I am so proud of you… for everything… you have grown so much."

I gave him a small smile, petting Yuna who was resting in my lap. Tu Lan had met her when we sat down and she had taken a liking to him quickly. I was relieved by her acceptance.

I spoke to him sincerely. "I'm just so glad to see you're okay… The last time I saw you…" I frowned at the memory. "You were in so much pain."

He shrugged. "Can't be a soldier without some battle scars." He glanced over at Aang. "I'm just relieved to hear the Avatar is okay. You may not believe this, but there are many people in the Fire Nation who want this war to end too… So many of our men and women have been lost to this hundred year fight. We want peace. We're rooting for you."

Toph spoke. "Yeah… You don't mind keeping that a secret, right… 'bout Aang being alive?"

He held his hands up in defense. "I would never tell a soul. I want you all to succeed. I'll definitely keep it a secret."

Aang sighed. "Thanks… We're going to make this world a better place soon. For all nations… I won't rest until the Fire Lord is stopped."

Tu Lan nodded. "Yes… that day will be one for the history books." He glanced over at Zuko. "Although calling you Fire Lord Zuko will take some getting used to."

Zuko gave him a small smile from where he sat beside me. "Yeah… It will take some getting used to for myself. But… I'm ready to help fix the world. I want to make Avatar Roku proud."

"You already have," Tu Lan promised.

The rest of the night was spent introducing Tu Lan to Appa and Momo, showing him my improved dualbending, and hearing him talk about his recovery. He still had moments where his balance was not the greatest, but overall, he had recovered from the main damage. We had been chatting for so long that we didn't realize it was already past midnight.

"I should be heading out," Tu Lan said, noticing the position of the moon outside the cave. "I'm leaving to go back to the Capital tomorrow, so I need to get some sleep. You all should get some rest too." He stood from where he was still seated by the fire. I went to follow him out to say my goodbyes. Sokka stood too, not wanting me to be alone with him. Zuko offered to go in his place. My cousin seemed a little more at ease with that idea, and he sat back down.

We walked out of the cave after Tu Lan waved goodbye to the rest of the group. Once we got out of the cave and a little ways from the others, I spoke. "I'm sorry about Sokka… He is having a hard time seeing you as anything but someone who used to work for my Fire Nation family."

Tu Lan stopped walking, and Zuko and I stopped with him. Yuna was perched on my shoulder, offering her company to us as well.

"Your cousin Sokka is right to feel that way, Amara… I could've freed your mother and helped you both get to the South Pole. However, I was foolish and too afraid to disobey your father and family." He turned towards the water where waves were crashing against the rocks below. "Since the time I've been separated from you, I have held that guilt on my shoulders… Kala… I could've saved her at the beginning of all of this. She had begged me to… especially when she was pregnant with you. But… I was selfish. I was only thinking of myself at that time. Of my honor. I did not want to betray my own father by helping a waterbender escape. I was such a weak coward..." He looked back over at me. "I will never be able to tell you how sorry I am for not saving you both… your mom would still be alive if I had helped her escape so long ago."

My hand moved to the charm on my neck. My heart pounded painfully. I thought about my mother… I pictured her beside me still. Yuna noticed my solemn expression and rubbed her cheek against my own. Zuko noticed as well and placed a gentle hand on my other shoulder.

I spoke after a moment. "I don't blame you, Tu Lan… I can't. You protected me when no one else would. Even if you didn't help me escape, you were my only friend for eleven years… and you helped free me and find my family… you did save me in the end." I dropped my hand. "But… If you're really sorry, then answer one thing for me…"

He met my gaze in the moonlight to let me know I had his attention.

"My mother… Do you know where she's buried?"

Tu Lan was surprised by my question. Then he frowned and shut his eyes. He hung his head as well. "She wasn't buried, Amara… She was cremated… It was her wish. I took her ashes away from the estate. I spread them out at sea… She did not want to be left to rot in the Fire Nation… She wanted to be able to flow back to her people and be free…"

I felt my heart twist and I shut my eyes as I thought of my mother.

Tu Lan continued. "But… I also planted a hydrangea bush south of the estate… There's an area about a mile out that overlooks the sea. The flowers are as blue as your mother's eyes… It was all I could do to honor her, other than care for you."

His words surprised me. I felt comforted knowing something had been done in my mother's memory. "Thank you," I whispered. "Maybe… one day I can see it…"

Tu Lan nodded. "Yes… Once this war is over, I'm sure you can." His lips turned down and his eyes narrowed. "For now, I don't want you going anywhere near that place… Your uncle is still at the estate. He still has control over your father's assets and men. I don't want you near that place."

My hand dropped to my side. I tightened my fist. I knew if I got the chance, I would definitely be seeing that man again.

Zuko responded for me, putting an arm around my waist. "Don't worry. I'll make sure that man never comes anywhere near her again. The day I become Fire Lord, that monster's being stripped of everything and being thrown in the darkest cell for the terrible things he's done."

Tu Lan smiled, satisfied to hear that Zuko felt the same way he did about Xi. "Thanks. It really does make me feel better knowing you are with her, Prince Zuko." He moved over to me and brushed his thumb tenderly to my cheek. "Take care of yourself, Amara… Your mother would be so proud to know everything you have accomplished. I know I am."

My eyes burned with tears as I said good-bye to my friend again. I nodded against his hand. "Thanks, Tu Lan… For everything… I owe you so much. If it wasn't for you, I would've never found my family."

He sighed, brushing a strand of my hair back. "I only wish I had done something sooner… but I can die a happy man knowing you are finally in good hands. Good-bye, Amara… I will hopefully see you again… Once this war is finally over."

Tu Lan left us then, heading back up the stone path he had originally taken. As he left, I leaned against Zuko feeling relief. Tu Lan had not been maimed by Sokka. Tu Lan was healed from so long ago. I was so glad that the universe had let me see him again.

"He's right, you know…" Zuko spoke to me. "About your mom being proud. You've come a long way, Amara."

Yuna had perched on a rock and was staring at the water below. I watched her, but said to Zuko, "I'm not the one who changed sides of the war."

He shrugged. "Wasn't a hard decision in the end…" He moved in front of me and cupped my cheek. "And it's one I'll never regret."

My heart fluttered from his touch.

"Come on," he said. "You should get some sleep… if you're going back to school tomorrow…"

That night, I slept with peace in my heart. I was so glad to have gotten the opportunity to see Tu Lan again. Sokka was still on alert, unsure if Tu Lan would keep his promise and not turn us in. Toph calmed him though by promising that Tu Lan was telling the truth.

The next day, Aang and I did end up going back to school. Shoji was already there when we arrived, and he was upset because his cousin was leaving while he was in class. Aang and I didn't tell him that we had spoken to Tu Lan, and instead reassured him that he would most likely see his cousin again soon.

Shoji pouted. "Yeah… I know… He just wasn't around when I was younger. Always had to do stuff for Admiral Gru's family. So I just never got to see him much. And now he lives in the Capital, which is even further… It just sucks having a cousin old enough to be your dad's age."

Aang shrugged. "At least he's got cool stories to tell though."

Shoji smiled. "I guess. He did tell me about the day he battled a sea serpent at Kyoshi Island when he was traveling with Prince Zuko. That was pretty cool."

Classes seemed to go by uneventfully. We had different classes than the ones we were in the prior day. One of the classes was a music class. I thankfully remembered a few things about playing the pipa that Lieutenant Jee had taught me. I was able to strum enough keys to satisfy the short male instructor. Aang on the other hand started to do a strange dance with his feet while playing the Tsungi horn, and the instructor was not impressed. He ordered him not to do it again.

After classes were finally over, I was relieved. We started to make our way out of the school and across the school yard.

The girl named On Ji suddenly appeared. She moved in step on Aang's other side as we walked across the dirt of the schoolyard. "Uh, hi, Kuzon. I really liked that crazy dance you were doing."

Aang smiled over at her. "Thanks, On Ji. I could show it to you again if you like."

A blast of fire suddenly shot our way. I gasped and jumped in the path of the other two, deflecting the flames. As the fire extinguished, I saw Hide standing a few feet away with a steaming fist.

I was not amused. "Hey! Why are you attacking us?"

Hide scowled. "Wasn't aiming for you! Was aiming for your little bro!" He stomped over towards Aang, snapping, "What'd you say, colony trash? You're gonna show her something?"

Aang backed up a little, and I could tell he was nervous. "Just some dance movements."

Hide tightened his fists. "Nobody shows my On Ji anything, especially movements!"

I was not amused. "Your On Ji?"

"Yeah! She's my girlfriend!" He snapped.

I crossed my arms. "Is that her choice?"

He scoffed. "She doesn't need to choose!" He directed his next comment to Aang. "And she definitely isn't choosing you!"

I looked over at the girl. "You let him treat you like that?"

She covered her face in embarrassment. She did not say anything to defend herself though.

"I don't want trouble," Aang said.

"Well you got it, punk!"

Hide suddenly attempted to strike Aang with his fist, but Aang easily stepped out of the way. The other students gathered around us in a circle to watch. Hide growled and continued to punch at Aang. I went to step forward to help, but Aang shook his head over at me as he evaded the continuous fists of Hide. He evaded each punch with ease, and Hide let out a growl in frustration. At some point Aang managed to get behind Hide's back and move to the side to match Hide's movements. Aang knocked back Hide by butting him. Hide stumbled forward, catching himself with shock. He growled again, turned, and he tried to strike Aang two more times with his fists. Aang slid behind Hide through the teens legs. Hide tried to punch Aang two more times, but on the second time he lost his balance and fell down as Aang side stepped and tripped him.

Someone suddenly shoved through the students. The man was clearly the Headmaster of the school. Hide sniffled as he got up to his knees. I was amazed when I saw tears in his eyes.

The Headmaster stomped over to Aang and snapped, "Picking fights on your second day? We need to have a conference to discuss your punishment. Bring your parents to my office after school! I will be waiting!"

Aang was shocked. "Parents? But-"

The Headmaster stomped off. "Don't be late!"

As the Headmaster walked off, Hide smirked over at Aang and I. I narrowed my eyes at him, and then said to On Ji, "Your boyfriend's really someone to look up to."

On Ji crossed her arms and snapped at him, "You're so embarrassing Hide!" She turned on her heel and stomped off.

Hide was stunned. "Wait! On Ji! Come back!"

As Hide chased after her, I looked over at Aang with concern. He dusted himself off as he stepped over to me. "You okay?"

He sighed. "Yeah… But now I have to figure out this parents thing…"

Shoji suddenly popped out from the crowd that was still gathered. "Kuzon! That was amazing! You have got to teach me that!"

Aang was surprised by his words. Then he smiled. "Really. You want to learn?"

He nodded.

An idea popped into Aang's mind. "Well… There is a way without the Headmaster finding out." He leaned over to Shoji and whispered something in his ear. Shoji's eyes widened, and he grinned. "Yeah! Let's do it! I'll round up the Flamey-O's!"

I was puzzled. "Huh?"

Aang waved me off. "I'll explain later, Liva." He then said to Shoji. "Spread the word. Ten O'Clock sharp." Aang then grabbed my hand and started to guide me away from the school grounds. "Come on. I guess I have to go tell our parents the headmaster wants to speak with them."

Half an hour later we were back at the cave. Katara and Toph were sitting by the fire, and Zuko and Sokka were practicing sword fighting. Yuna let out a "Mew-hoo" when she saw me and flew over. I caught her in my arms and kissed her on the head. Momo chirped from where he was sitting beside Katara, and ran over to Aang. He hadn't been allowed to come to school with us this time.

"So… How'd it go today?" Katara asked as we stepped further into the cave to join them at the fire. Zuko and Sokka stopped sword fighting and came over to the group to see what we had to say.

"Well…" Aang began. "I actually need someone to pose as my parents… I got in trouble. The Headmaster said if I want to keep going to school he wants to talk to them."

Toph burst out laughing. "Oh my gosh! Day two and you already were sent to the Headmaster's office! Way to go, Twinkle-toes!"

Sokka was horrified. "What?!"

Zuko sighed. "Well… I guess we'll forget it and just leave tomorrow then."

Aang pouted. "But I want to go back!" His eyes widened. "Wait! Sokka! Katara! You two could totally pose as my parents!"

I looked at him with confusion. My cousins were bewildered. Katara exclaimed, "What?! No we can't! We're only a few years older than you!"

He argued. "Remember that disguise I wore when we were sneaking into Omashu so long ago? All Sokka needs is a beard and we can make you look more motherly Katara! No one will be able to tell you aren't my parents!"

Toph chuckled. "Katara's already motherly enough. She suffocates me."

Katara glared over at her while Toph smirked.

Zuko covered his face in disbelief. "This is the worst idea you have ever come up with, Aang! Everyone will be able to tell that a couple of disguised teenagers aren't your parents!"

Toph spoke up. "I guess we could send Zuko and Katara. They make a better couple in my opinion."

Zuko and Katara shot each other horrified expressions. Then they snapped at Toph in unison, "No!"

Aang grinned. "Then it's settled. Sokka and Katara will go!"

Eventually, Sokka managed to get enough of Appa's fur to make a beard, and Katara pulled a dress over her and shoved some cloth in the belly area to make herself look pregnant. Toph didn't have a clue what they looked like, but she was enjoying Zuko's pacing as he constantly said that the disguises wouldn't work and we'd be caught. I finally grabbed his arm and pulled him to sit with me so he would calm down.

Aang, Sokka, and Katara headed out then back to the school. While they were gone, Zuko had calmed enough from his worry to ask what exactly Aang was in trouble for. I explained to him how some guy named Hide was mad Aang was talking to a girl named On Ji and started to try and attack Aang. He was impressed when I told him I blocked the flame, and amused when I told him Hide was knocked off his feet by Aang's dance-like moves.

"Dancy-pants strikes again," Toph commented, lying back on the cave floor.

The sun was starting to set by the time the others got back to the cave. We were relieved that they hadn't been found out, and amazed their disguises actually worked. Katara stripped her disguise as soon as she got back in the cave. Sokka was still wearing his beard and acting fatherly.

Sokka stroked his beard as he spoke to Aang. "That settles it! No more school for you, young man!"

Aang argued. "I'm not ready to leave yet. I'm having fun for once just being a normal kid. You don't know what it's like, Sokka. You get to be normal all the time."

Toph laughed. "Ha ha!"

Sokka glared over at her.

Aang spoke again. "Listen guys, those kids at school are the future of the Fire Nation. If we want to change this place for the better, we need to show them a little taste of freedom."

Sokka shrugged. "What could you possibly do for a country of depraved little fire monsters?"

"Hey!" Zuko and I snapped at the same time.

He held his hands up, looking ashamed. "Sorry. Bad choice of words!"

Aang drew attention back to himself. "I'm gonna throw them…" He started to tap his feet and jump around. "A secret dance party!"

Zuko's jaw dropped. Katara and Toph looked stunned. I stared at him with disbelief.

Sokka snapped, "Go to your room!"

I glanced over at my cousin, stating softly, "Um… he doesn't have a room… we're in a cave."

Sokka sighed. "I know, Amara… playing the dad role still."

Zuko groaned. "Well stop! This is serious!" He stepped over to Aang. "This is a terrible idea, Aang! How do we explain a giant flying-sky bison? Or the fact there's a whole group of teens and they don't go to school?! Don't you think we'll raise some questions?!"

Toph stood and snapped, "Yeah! We don't have time to have dance parties!"

Aang flinched. "Well… it's actually a little late. I already gave Shoji directions. He's bringing a band too." He then held his hands together. "Please! This is what they need! Help me out guys!"

Katara sighed. "Well, I guess it can't hurt… but… what if someone recognizes Zuko?"

Zuko shrugged. "Don't worry, Katara… I'm not much for dance parties so I'll hang out wherever we're hiding the big guy." He pointed his thumb back to Appa.

I liked his idea. "I'll hang with Zuko… just in case someone figures out who I am too. There are posters starting to spread of me… so it's best I be careful from now on."

Toph scowled. "You two are just trying to get out of the party!"

Aang pouted. "Don't you want to have a dance with Amara, Zuko?"

Zuko's cheeks went red. He looked at a random spot on the cave wall. "We can dance just fine without a whole room of people watching us. Plus… you know Amara isn't huge on crowds."

I didn't deny it. "You all have fun… I've been to music nights… I had them back on the ship with Iroh. I'm okay hanging with Zuko and Appa for this one. Plus, Yuna doesn't do great with loud noise."

Yuna landed on my shoulder suddenly, hearing me say her name. She looked around the group with wide eyes, not sure what we were discussing.

Katara sighed. "Okay… but if things go south we are leaving this town and that's final."

We spent the next hour helping the others decorate. Then once we were done lighting candles and setting out some filtered water with stone cups, Zuko and I guided the animals away to the back of the cave. Thankfully, Toph helped us find a spot where we could hide and be comfortable by using earthbending to make a separate tunnel that came out onto a flat area that overlooked the sea. The water spread out before us and the moon shone on the surface. Appa plopped down and seemed content listening to the sound of the waves.

Soon it was just me, Zuko, and our furry-feathered friends. Zuko and I sat against Appa, just enjoying the peace and quiet before the music started.

"You sure you don't want to be at the party?" Zuko asked as I rested my head against his shoulder. "You're going to miss out on seeing Aang do some goofy moves."

I shook my head. "It's not a fun party for me knowing you're out here alone."

Yuna curled up in my lap, and Momo found a spot in Zuko's. I pet Yuna, while Zuko stroked Momo's head. Both were very content.

"I will tell you… once we win this war… if you do live at the palace with me… I'll show you a real dance party."

I smiled. "Have you been to a lot?"

Zuko thought for a moment. "Not a ton… but enough to not make a fool of myself. I'm not as bad a dancer as I used to be."

I giggled. "Iroh always told me you weren't the best dancer growing up."

Zuko huffed. "He is one to talk…"

"Next dance then…" I spoke softly. "Promise me you're next one will be with me."

He was quiet for a moment. He then rested his cheek on my head. "I want all my future dances to be with you…"

I felt my heart flutter. "Kind of makes me think of those stories Tu Lan used to tell me when I was little… a princess falling in love with a prince… dancing the night away. I never thought those stories were true. I never actually thought a prince would be the one to sweep me off my feet… to rescue me."

Zuko fell into thought again. Then he said softly, "I'm one lucky prince."

Music started to fill the air. It was dim, but we could hear it in the distance.

"Sounds like the parties started. There's still time to go back," Zuko spoke.

I shut my eyes as I continued to rest against him. "I'm content. I don't want to leave my buddies alone out here." Yuna purred in agreement.

The music seemed to play for a good hour. We heard chatter and laughter as well. However, there was sudden silence. The music abruptly cut off. We jolted up, surprised by the gasps that echoed through the cave. Yuna and Momo hopped on the ground in surprise and on alert.

"What's going on?" I asked with worry. "Do you think something happened?"

Zuko stepped a little into the cave to try and listen. "I'm not sure."

We didn't have to wait long for an answer. Sokka, Katara, Toph, and Aang suddenly ran around the corner of the cave wall looking in a panic. Sokka ran by us, saying, "Time to go!"

The others started to climb on Appa. Zuko asked as we rushed over to follow, "What happened?"

Aang snapped from where he was grabbing Appa's reins. "Jerk Hide ratted us out! The Headmaster and two soldiers showed up to find me and stop the party. Time to go!"

We boarded Appa and Aang snapped the reins, shouting, "Yip, Yip!"

As we flew away from the cave, Aang looked a bit dismayed. He had slid back into the saddle now that we were in the air and flying away from the island. Once things were calmed, the tension seemed to finally break. Everyone let out a breath of relief when we were safe again.

Zuko suddenly broke the silence between us by snapping, "Sokka! I told you not to wear that mustache anymore."

Sokka stroked his fake mustache and shrugged. "It makes me feel older."

Katara sighed, "Zuko's right. We're safe Sokka. You can take off the mustache now."

Sokka continued to stroke his mustache. "Oh, no, I can't. It's permanently glued to my skin."

Zuko rolled his eyes. However, a thought struck him and he smirked. "I can burn it off. That might help."

Sokka was horrified and ripped it off quickly. "Nope! All good! My sweat must've helped!"

Toph spoke to Aang as Sokka pouted about his lost mustache. "Way to go, dancy-pants. I think you really did help those kids… you taught them to be free."

Aang argued. "I don't know… it was just a dance party, that's all."

Katara crawled over and kissed him on the cheek. "Well, that was some dance party Aang."

His cheeks burned red from Katara's affection.

Sokka clapped slowly. "Flamey-O, sir ... Flamey-O."

Katara glanced over at me then. "What did you and Zuko do?"

I smiled and leaned against Zuko again. He put an arm around me. Yuna curled up in my lap once more. "Just listened to waves… hung out with our furry friends… told a story about a prince and princess. The usual."

Toph gagged. "Ugh. Too lovey-dovey. I like stories about warriors fighting monsters."

"Tu Lan told me some of those too. I'll relay them to you one day," I promised her.

She nodded. "I'd like that, Kitten."

Sokka spoke again, bringing attention back to him. "Now what did we learn from this experience everyone?"

Katara was confused by his question. "Um… Aang and Amara shouldn't be left alone?"

Sokka shook his head.

"You're a terrible dancer," Toph offered.

Sokka glared at her. "I'm a great dancer! Wrong!"

Aang offered, "Not everyone in the Fire Nation is bad?"

Zuko added, "You make a terrible father?"

Sokka huffed. "No and no!"

"Um… I think we're stumped, Sokka," I said.

Sokka sighed. "Really! It's easy! We learned that I look amazing with a mustache!"

We all rolled our eyes. All of us but Toph. She smirked and said, "Yeah. When you actually grow one in ten years I'll be able to confirm that."

Zuko laughed. Katara giggled. Aang covered his mouth to try and contain his own laugh. Sokka looked offended.

I tried to reassure him. "May not be that long. Another three years, perhaps?"

Sokka groaned. The group laughed again. The moon shined brighter as we soared across the night sky.