Chapter 4: The Warriors of Kyoshi
Zuko's sitting in his room on his ship, staring lost in thought at the candles that are flickering quietly.
He has to find her.
The airbender.
The Avatar.
Amaya...
For years, he hasn't been able to think of anything else.
Now, he finally has a face and a name to the person only few believe to be still alive.
Until recently, for him too, she was just a phantom, a story that he chases after.
But she's real.
And now, she's haunting him.
Almost every night he meets her in his dreams.
They fight.
She mocks him.
He insults her.
Sometimes, he gets a hold of her and they stare at each other.
Her gray-blue eyes study him curiously.
Then she slips away…
"Prince Zuko."
The young man is slightly startled. He hasn't noticed his uncle's entrance, yet he doesn't show his surprise.
"What is it, uncle? You know I don't want to be bothered unless there's news about the Avatar."
"Well, there's new information but you won't like it."
"Spill it, uncle!"
"All right. But remember: strength lies in calmness." Iroh says with a smile, his nephew merely looks at him grimly. "Right now, we have no clue of the whereabouts of the Avatar."
"That's nothing new!" Zuko jumps up angrily and the flames of the candles grow larger for a brief moment.
His uncle remains calm and opens the map he has brought with him.
"The Avatar has been spotted in many places but it's impossible to track her down. She could be anywhere."
Zuko takes the map and studies it intently.
"We have to find her, uncle! Whatever the cost."
"Are you sure we're flying in the right direction?" Sokka asks skeptically as they have had nothing but water under them for hours.
"I think so." Amaya, who's sitting on Appa's head, answers not really convincingly.
Katara passes the time by patching up Sokka's pants.
"Women and their sense of direction. It literally leads to nowhere. Maybe I should take the reins for a change." The young man replies slightly annoyed.
Even though he now appreciates flying, he would prefer being on firm ground again to stretch his legs.
The airbender simply looks at him a little offended.
"You are more than welcome to stitch your trousers up yourself. Maybe then you'll stop blathering bullshit." His sister replies disgruntled.
"No, thanks. Women can do that much better."
"Only because men are too busy hunting and fighting."
"We're just better at it. Women are too soft and sensitive for that."
"And what about Amaya? She fought the Fire Navy and won."
"Amaya is the Avatar. That doesn't count."
"You're impossible." Katara says angrily and throws the pants at Sokka.
The airbender remains calm. By now, she's used to these quarrels and she knows that Sokka doesn't mean any harm.
Sometime later, Amaya finally discovers land. It's an island that immediately looks familiar to her.
"We're here!" She yells in a good mood and gives Appa the signal to land.
"Where exactly are we?" Sokka wants to know as they're standing in the bay of the island.
"Look!" The airbender screams enthusiastically, pointing to the water from which an elephant koi is just emerging.
The siblings are impressed by the large animal.
Momo, who's sitting on Amaya's right shoulder, jumps to the ground and also looks excitedly at the water.
Since it's still too cold to surf, Amaya gets her glider and without further hesitation flies in the direction of the koi.
If she has to fight in a war, she can at least have a little fun beforehand.
She was gone for a hundred years and has never really been able to do what she wanted. Others always tell her what she should and shouldn't do.
"Amaya, what are you doing?" Katara calls after her but her friend is already gone.
She soon arrives at the koi and starts flying next to it. Shortly afterwards, two more fish appear.
"If we go on like this we won't be at the North Pole by summer." Katara says slightly frustrated, watching the airbender.
"What are we supposed to do? Amaya's doing what she wants, anyway." Sokka replies annoyed, arms crossed before his chest.
They continue observing her until they notice that a koi is getting pulled under water, not surfacing again.
"There's something in the water." Sokka states alarmed.
"Amaya!" Katara shouts, waving at her friend.
"Amaya, watch out!" Her brother warns, gesturing wildly with his arms.
The airbender waves back with a smile, she hasn't noticed what happened behind her.
Not until the second and finally the third koi are pulled under water as well, causing her to waver seriously with her glider, she realizes the danger.
Unexpectedly, a huge fin that doesn't belong to one of the koi looms from the water directly in front of her.
Amaya quickly makes a turn and rushes back towards the island. She manages to avoid another close encounter and lands relieved on shore.
Therefore, the mysterious animal stops and dives back into the ocean.
"What was that?" Katara asks nervously.
"I have no clue." Amaya is just as agitated.
"Whatever it was, I don't wanna find out. Let's go." Sokka declares firmly.
However, before they can do anything, they're suddenly ambushed.
They aren't even able to defend themselves against their attackers because they're immediately blindfolded and their hands as well as feet get tied up.
Afterwards, they're taken some unknown place and eventually, they're standing tied to a post.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" A man questions seriously.
"Why don't you show yourselves, you cowards?" Sokka asks sternly.
"Answer him or we'll feed you to the unagi." A female voice replies, freeing the three friends from their blindfolds.
They're facing the people in front of them surprised.
The man with gray hair and a long beard is wearing blue clothes with a white fur collar.
The five young women on the other hand are wearing armored green kimonos, metal headdresses and white-faced makeup.
"Where are we? And where are the men who ambushed us?" Sokka wants to know irately.
"We ambushed you." One of the women clarifies and steps up to him.
"That can't be. You're just a bunch of girls."
"Just a bunch of girls? The unagi is getting a feast today." She grabs the young man by the collar of his coat, giving him a challenging look.
"Please don't listen to my brother. He's an idiot." Katara says reassuringly.
"I'm sorry, we didn't mean to bother you. We just wanted to take a break." Amaya apologizes.
"How do we know that you aren't spies sent by the Fire Nation?" The older man speaks angrily. "Kyoshi is a war-free area."
In the meantime, other residents of the village have joined them and are following the events with great interest.
"This is Kyoshi Island?" The airbender is astonished.
"Yes, named after Avatar Kyoshi. She was born here over four hundred years ago."
The man looks up and the three friends follow his gaze.
They now realize that there's the statue of a woman set on the pole. Her clothes and make-up resemble those of the young women in front of them.
"I know Kyoshi." Amaya smiles friendly.
"That's impossible. She died long before you were born." The older man doesn't believe her.
"I know her because..." The airbender hesitates for a moment before she comes clean. "Because I'm the Avatar."
The young woman from earlier turns to Amaya.
"You're lying. The last Avatar was an airbender and was killed a hundred years ago."
Unexpectedly, the five women pull out their fans and get into a fighting position.
"Liars are fed to the unagi."
"Amaya, show them. Use airbending." Katara suggests.
Her friend nods agreeingly.
Then she bends the air to loosen her shackles and rises up into the air. She's hovering there for a few seconds until she lands gently on her feet.
"It's true. You are the Avatar." The man confirms perplexed.
The villagers on the other hand are rejoicing cheerfully. None of them have expected to ever meet the Avatar so now they're all the happier about it.
The news of the Avatar's whereabouts is spreading like wildfire.
Consequently, it also reaches a certain prince who's currently having dinner with his uncle.
"The Avatar is on Kyoshi Island?" Zuko inquires excitedly.
The man, who's placing the plate with fish on the table in front of him, nods affirmatively and leaves the room.
"Uncle, we need to head there immediately." The prince jumps up from his chair. "Get the rhinos ready."
"Prince Zuko, we should eat first." Iroh, who remains seated, states calmly and grabs his nephew's left arm.
"We can't lose any more time. We have to go there. Now." Zuko wants to take his leave but the hand gripping his arm holds him back firmly.
"You're gonna need your strength for fighting the Avatar and her companions. You don't want the same thing happening like last time, do you?"
The younger man eyes him slightly offended yet pensively.
His uncle knows him well enough to refer to his wounded pride by reminding him of his previous defeat.
Eventually, Zuko sits back down on his chair and starts eating hurriedly.
"Uncle, what are you waiting for? The sooner we finish eating the sooner we'll catch the Avatar."
Iroh merely smiles satisfied and joins his nephew in dining.
In the morning, the three friends and Momo are sitting at a table having breakfast.
Except Sokka's not eating because he's sulking yet again.
"Come on, Sokka. You have to eat something. It's really delicious." Amaya says smiling, presenting him with a pastry.
"I'm not hungry." The young man replies grumpily, his arms crossed before his chest.
"Since when?" His sister asks laughing.
"Since I got my ass kicked by a bunch of girls."
"Geez! When are you going to grow up?"
"I'm a man, alright? So, I'll show them!" He suddenly jumps up, grabs a few pastries and rushes out of the room.
"Show them what?" Katara screams but he's already gone.
She sighs, shaking her head.
"What is it with men saying that woman can't fight and should stick to 'girls' stuff'?" Amaya speaks frowning. "I've experienced this with the monks and the men nowadays seem to be the same way."
Sokka's her friend so she doesn't feel as insulted by his remarks.
However, the Fire Nation's prince, Zuko, obviously wasn't too pleased with her being a girl either.
Just like the monks (except Gyatso of course) who never really believed that she's suited for being the Avatar, even if there have been female Avatars in the past. But they all have been older than her and had a lot of time to master all elements.
On top of that, Air Nomads are pacifists so fighting against anyone wasn't encouraged. She never really learned it and is only able to defend herself.
Although the monks have told her again and again that someday, she has to fight in a war, they never prepared her for it.
Until it was too late.
How is she supposed to fight without fighting? Not that she wants to, anyway. She doesn't wanna hurt anybody.
Those are probably the reasons why Amaya has always opposed being the Avatar.
"If I find out, I'll let you know." Katara answers smirking and turns around to look out the window. "At least here, they're treating you like a heroine. They're even restoring the statue of Kyoshi in your honor."
Amaya follows her friend's gaze. They're watching as two people are putting fresh paint on Kyoshi's face.
"I'm no hero. I'm just a girl." The airbender mumbles dissatisfied.
"Amaya, I've seen what you can do. Even if you weren't completely yourself in those moments, you possess great power and you should use that power to help people." Katara tries to cheer up her friend. "Sokka would never say it but he and I, we have faith in you. And we're not the only ones. But you also gotta have faith in yourself."
Amaya merely sighs unhappily. Have faith in yourself. How do you do that again?
Sokka's currently standing in front of the small house where a few of the young women, called the Kyoshi Warriors, are training with their war fans.
He eventually walks in and they instantly stop their movements.
"Sorry to interrupt your dance lesson." He says smirking. "I'm just looking for a place to exercise."
Suki, the young woman from yesterday and their leader, faces him attentively.
"Well, you found it."
"Great! You know, I need to keep up with my work-out. Having to protect my village and the Avatar and all." He speaks while lifting an arm and showing his biceps.
"Yes, of course." Suki replies raising an eyebrow. "I'm sorry we ambushed you yesterday. We didn't know you were friends with the Avatar."
"It's okay. You couldn't know Amaya's the Avatar since she's a girl. And you're girls, too, so I don't bear any grudges."
"I'm glad. A strong man like you should focus on his training."
"Yes, definitely."
"Maybe you could show us some moves of yours?"
Sokka's caught off guard.
"Uh… yeah. Well… If you insist." He answers shrugging. "Alright, you stand over there." He grabs Suki's shoulders, shoving her back a bit.
She just lets him, waiting for his next move. He takes a few steps back and goes into a fighting position.
"Now, try to block me."
The young man wants to throw a punch at her but she easily fends it off by hitting him against his shoulder with her war fan. She doesn't even budge from her spot.
Sokka's holding his shoulder because it hurts; yet, he tries to not show it.
"Good. Of course, I let you do that."
"Sure." Suki only smiles a bit mischievously.
"Let's see if you can fight this!" A kick follows.
However, the young woman sees it coming beforehand, immediately ducks and pushes him away, sending him flying. He lands on his back but gets up again fast.
"Okay, that's it!" Sokka screams angrily and runs towards her, stretching out his right arm.
Suki grips his arm and takes advantage of his inrun to spin him around a few times. Finally, she takes the ribbon that's tied around his waist and uses it to tie one of his hands as well as one of his feet together.
He stumbles forward and eventually meets the ground yet again.
"Not bad for a girl, huh?" She reckons confidently.
Sokka doesn't answer or look at her, he's too offended.
After that, she frees him from his shackles and he stands up.
"If there isn't anything else you'd like to teach us then we'll continue our 'dance lesson'." Suki speaks a bit mockingly while getting back in formation with the other girls.
The young man merely shakes his head and leaves embarrassed.
"Good morning, Amaya!"
The villagers are greeting the Avatar joyfully. Amaya greets back smiling, waving at some of them.
"See how happy they are about you being here?" Katara says cheerily as they're strolling down the road.
"I guess they really are." The airbender smiles slightly.
"Good morning, Amaya. Katara." The man from yesterday and the village's chief greets them friendly.
"Good morning, Oyaji." Amaya replies politely.
"I hope you had a good night's sleep and the breakfast was to your liking."
"It was great, thank you."
"Can I help you with something?"
Katara joins the conversation as well.
"Actually, we need some vegetables. But I'll get them myself."
"Alright. If you need anything else, please let me know."
"We will, thank you." Amaya smiles at him and he takes his leave afterwards.
Consequently, the two women are standing in front of a booth that sells fruits and vegetables.
"Hello, Amaya!" The airbender is greeted once again.
She looks to her left and at the little girl who's standing there smiling brightly.
"Hello!" She returns the smile.
"Will you play with us?" The girl points to a group of kids behind her.
Amaya briefly glances at them; all are waving at her laughing.
"Well, I…" She looks at Katara and then back at the girl. "I'm sorry, I'm a bit busy at the moment."
"Oh please?" The little girl begs, giving her the puppy-dog eyes. "Pretty please?"
"Go. I can handle this." Katara assures her friend.
The airbender hesitates for another instant but eventually agrees.
"Okay."
"Yay!" The little girl exclaims excitedly, immediately grabs her hand and drags her to the other kids.
A few minutes later, they arrive at the statue of Kyoshi. Appa and Momo are also there, so the kids run up to them to play with them.
"Amaya, do some airbending!" A little boy requests eagerly.
"Alright!"
She creates air balls as well as little air twisters and lets objects levitate. She flies with her glider and lets herself hover in the air by standing on an air whirl.
After a while, she takes a break and sends all of the kids to play with Appa and Momo once more.
"We're really glad you've returned." Oyaji speaks unexpectedly and she turns around.
He's looking a bit pensively at Kyoshi's statue and she follows his gaze.
"It's been too long since we've had hope. But now, you're back to end this meaningless war and bring peace to the world." He faces her smiling.
"I'm not Kyoshi. I don't know if I'm able to do what you expect me to do." Amaya explains somewhat seriously.
"That's true. However, you're on Kyoshi Island. The warriors here are strong and determined, they're protecting the village and its people."
"But they're all women."
"Yes. So?"
"I don't know. Can they do it all by themselves?"
"They certainly can. We admire and need them as the warriors they are. Just as Kyoshi wanted."
Before Amaya can ask another question, Oyaji simply smiles and walks away.
She stands there for a few more minutes watching the kids playing until she decides to go back into the village.
Sokka's pacing in the back of the small house, angry and embarrassed at the same time. However, he's more ashamed about himself by now.
Consequently, he's returning to the building's entrance.
The women warriors are still carrying out their training and he hesitates briefly before entering again.
"Hey, Suki." He greets almost shyly.
"Sokka. Are you back to teach us some more?" The young woman is not really thrilled.
"No, I… uhm…"
"Spill it! What do you want?"
The young man glances at her briefly. Then, he lowers his head and gets on his knees.
"I'm really sorry if I offended you earlier. I was hoping you could teach me."
"Even if I'm just a girl?"
"I was wrong. You're warriors and I'd be honored to learn from you."
"Alright." Suki finally approves. "Normally, we don't teach outsiders let alone men. But I'm making an exception. If you follow all of our traditions."
Therefore, a few minutes later, Sokka's wearing the outfit and makeup of the Kyoshi Warriors.
"Do I really have to wear this? It's a bit… girlie." The young man complains unhappily.
"It's a warrior's uniform. The silk threads symbolize the brave blood that flows through our veins. The gold insignia represents the honor of the warrior's heart." Suki clarifies proudly.
Sokka grins convinced and briefly puffs his chest.
"Well then, let's start!"
Amaya's walking by the small house where the Kyoshi Warriors are training and eventually stops to observe them.
"Amaya, come join us!" Suki yells smiling because she notices that.
The airbender enters the room uncertainly.
"Hi, everyone!"
The other women greet back friendly.
"Sokka, is that you?" Amaya asks surprised as she recognizes the man amongst them.
"He's here to study the Kyoshi Warrior's techniques. Perhaps you'd like to learn as well?"
Since Amaya's the Avatar and a woman, they should include her in their training, Suki figures. Besides, women need to stick together and help each other.
The airbender ponders for a moment.
"I'd like that very much, thank you."
So, she receives two war fans and gets into formation with the others.
Since Sokka has already learned the basics a bit, Suki's going with him into another room to continue his training there.
Touko, one of the women, takes over leadership. She's showing the warriors the movements and they're mimicking her.
"Our technique isn't about strength but about using your opponents' force against them." She explains. "It's not about hurting your opponent as best as you can but to defeat them without spending too much of your energy."
That is advise she can actually comprehend, Amaya thinks.
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"I think I'm getting a hang of this!" Sokka reckons while making the movements he's learned earlier and then throwing the fan in his hand against a tree outside.
"Remember what I told you. It's not about strength." Suki clarifies, stepping in front of the young man and going into a fighting position. "Think of the fan as an extension of your arm. Wait for an opening and-" She wants to hit him with her fan but he dodges it, grabs her arm and throws her to the ground.
Suki is perplexed, so is Sokka.
But then, he crosses his arms and smiles triumphantly.
She's back on her feet quickly.
"I let you do that!" She claims upset.
"Just admit it! I got you!" Sokka gloats, pointing at her with his right hand.
Suki grips his hand grinning, bending his fingers.
His facial expression changes into a pained one.
"Alright, you were lucky." She lets go of his hand. "Let's see if you can do it again."
"Katara, I know now what I need to do." Amaya says excitedly as she's back in the small house they're staying at.
Katara's currently sitting at a table and practicing waterbending by letting water raise from a bowl. She stops to look at her friend.
"That's great! What is it?"
"I need to chase away the unagi."
"You… what?"
"The giant, dangerous eel that's living off the coast of Kyoshi Island. I need to free the isle from its threat."
"Did Suki or someone else tell you that?" Katara stands up worried.
"No. But today at practice, Touko told me that even the Kyoshi Warriors are afraid of the unagi and don't go swimming in the ocean where it lives. And she told me to be strong and brave like a Kyoshi Warrior. So, I'm going to chase away the unagi."
"I don't think that's what she meant when she said to be brave."
"You said I should use my powers to help people and that's what I want to do. So why is that a problem now?" Amaya is suddenly angry.
"Yes, but not like this! You could die." The waterbender replies irately.
Then, they're both shouting.
"I have to proof somehow that I'm worthy to be the Avatar!"
"There are other ways to do that!"
"Not right now!"
"Alright! If you wanna get yourself killed, then go!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
Amaya storms out of the room and immediately feels remorse for yelling at her friend.
Nevertheless, she's heading down to the coast even though she has no idea what she's going to do.
As she's standing at the shore, she takes off her Air Nomad's clothes, leaving her dressed in only a tank top, her bra underneath and short underpants.
After that, she runs into the water, swims out to sea until she thinks it's far enough and waits.
She doesn't know how long she's already floating in the water, just that she's getting really cold and frustrated.
She turns around and faces the coast, surprisingly watching Katara arriving there right at this moment.
"Katara! What are you doing here?" Amaya screams happy to see her.
"I was worried about you. And I'm sorry for yelling at you and being so unsupportive." The waterbender apologizes loudly so that the other woman can hear her.
"No, I'm sorry! You were right. This is a bad idea." The airbender replies remorsefully.
"Then come out before you catch a cold!"
"Okay!"
Amaya's finally swimming back to the shore when suddenly, she feels strong waves forming behind her.
She pauses, turns her head and first, she only sees a big fin but merely a few seconds later, the unagi appears from the water, staring at her threateningly.
"Oh damn." She speaks fearfully and quickly starts swimming again.
Amaya doesn't get very far though. The eel's long body emerges and since it's directly underneath her, she gets lifted out of the water, laying on its midsection.
"Amaya, watch out!" Katara screams terrified.
The airbender gets up fast and turns around.
The unagi now opens his big mouth, showing its long sharp teeth ready to bite through anything or anyone and attacks by dashing forward.
Amaya can evade by jumping up and floating in the air.
Yet, the eel raises his head swiftly. Due to this, she then finds herself standing on its head and getting elevated even higher.
The creature apparently doesn't like having her there and begins shaking his head vigorously. Amaya's stumbling around and ultimately, she falls down.
Luckily, she's able to grab hold of one of the eel's barbels, swinging back and forth in front of its head.
Then, instead of biting, the unagi sends a powerful blast of water from its mouth.
The airbender can dodge the first two blasts but the third one hits her hard, so she gets hurled away several meters and falls into the water after all.
"Amaya, no!" Katara yells horrified.
It takes a few moments until Amaya comes up to the surface, floating unconscious.
Her friend's already on her way, eventually reaching her and pulling her into her arms.
The unagi on the other hand is preparing another attack.
Katara's reacting instantly. She stretches out her right arm and bends the water, creating a big wave that collides with the eel's water blast.
This is giving the two women a strong push, so that they're dashing through the water backwards and finally land on shore.
Realizing his prey has escaped, the sea creature fires a few more water blasts from its mouth until it dives into the ocean once again.
The two young women are now lying next to each other on the ground between some rocks. Katara sits up and through a gap in the rocks, she unexpectedly sees a Fire Navy warship heading for the coast.
"Dammit!" She exclaims and quickly tends to her friend.
She turns her around onto her back and shakes her gently.
"Amaya, wake up!"
There's no reaction.
"Amaya, please!"
Still nothing.
This is why she's trying something. She lets her hand glide over her friend's neck and mouth, pulling out some water in the process.
Amaya suddenly wakes up, coughing heavily.
"Oh, thank you…" Katara says relieved and hugs her friend tightly.
"Katara, I'm so sorry! I was stupid and reckless and-" The airbender apologizes hoarsely but gets cut off.
"It's okay! We have other things to worry about. Zuko's here."
"Show yourself, Avatar! You can't hide from me forever!" The prince yells harshly, looking around the village to spot the wanted person.
He and a few of his soldiers are sitting on big rhinos and standing at the entrance.
"Find her!" He now commands and they all start moving. "Burn this place down if necessary."
However, they unexpectedly get ambushed by the Kyoshi Warriors.
The soldiers are thrown off their rhinos and have to fight against the women who are anything but defenseless.
Still, the firebenders manage to send flames at some houses.
Zuko on the other hand jumps from his rhino beforehand and immediately shoots fire at the attackers as well as the buildings.
Soon, the wooden houses are in flames.
Sokka and Suki are also amongst the Kyoshi Warriors, fighting the intruders with their special techniques.
When Suki gets thrown to the ground by a soldier and is about to be attacked, Sokka swiftly jumps in front of her.
He defends her by using the war fans to avert the flames, hit the enemy on the left side of his neck and dodge the fist that comes flying at his face.
Lastly, with a firm kick to his stomach, the soldier meets the hard ground.
Sokka turns around grinning and Suki smiles up at him, proud that he used the learned techniques so successfully.
He helps her up and they continue with their task.
Meanwhile, Katara is back in the village and helping the residents to get to a safe place in a house that is not yet in flames.
Zuko is currently fighting four Kyoshi Warriors at the entrance of one of the houses, Suki is amongst them.
Unfortunately, the prince is stronger than his soldiers. Even though the women are able to throw him to the ground, he's spinning around fast, shooting flames out of his feet at the warriors.
Therefore, the women are hit by the fire and briefly knocked out.
Zuko runs back to the road, he has to find her and capture her.
"Hey!"
He suddenly hears a familiar voice behind him and turns around.
There she is.
Standing several meters away from him, a serious look on her face. She's wearing her Air Nomad clothes and holding her staff in her right hand.
He doesn't waste any more time and instantly shoots flames at her.
Amaya deflects them with her staff and sends a few gusts of wind in his direction. She dodges the next fire blast by taking a run-up and jumping over it.
She's now closer to Zuko and their fight doesn't stop.
That sounds familiar, doesn't it?
The prince is relentless as always, he just keeps going, not giving her any chance for a break.
The airbender can only deflect again and again. But then, her staff flies out of her hands and lands somewhere on the ground.
This is too familiar.
Zuko looks at her triumphantly and flames are coming at her once more.
Amaya quickly ducks and turns a bit. That's when she notices two war fans lying on the ground.
She uses airbending to pull them to her and as she's holding them in her hands, she spins.
Thanks to the combination of airbending and the techniques she has learned from the Kyoshi Warriors, she averts the fire easily. Eventually, she creates such a strong gust of wind that sends Zuko flying into one of the houses.
Amaya watches sadly. Despite everything, she doesn't want to hurt him.
Nevertheless, she retrieves her staff, unfolds it and flies to the other end of the village. While gliding in the air, she sees the burning houses and her stomach clenches.
This is all because of her? Why? The villagers didn't do anything wrong.
She lands in front of the house where Katara's waiting.
"Look what I've done. We never should've come here." The airbender says dejectedly.
"It's not your fault. But yes, we should go. Zuko will follow us and leave the village alone." Katara is certain about that.
The children, who are standing at the door of the house, are eyeing the Avatar sadly.
Then, they unexpectedly hear Touko's voice.
"Katara's right. In every way." The Kyoshi Warrior smiles at Amaya who faces her surprised. "This is not your fault. It's the Fire Nation who are responsible. You will bring peace to the world, we all believe that. But you have to believe it, too. You're a brave and strong warrior."
The airbender returns the smile and hugs the other woman.
"Thank you, Touko. For everything."
They end the embrace and the Kyoshi warrior takes a few steps away from the others.
"We'll see each other again. But now, you have to go."
"We have to get Sokka." Katara reckons a bit worried.
"I'll go find him." Touko speaks determined and starts running, briefly turning around to wave goodbye at them.
"I'll call Appa." Amaya takes out the bison whistle, a gift from monk Gyatso and blows into it.
Touko finds Sokka and Suki hiding behind one of the houses. She updates them about the current situation and leaves again to help the other warriors.
"Time to say goodbye." Sokka says somewhat disappointed. "And sorry."
"Sorry for what?" The young woman asks a little puzzled.
"I've treated you like a girl when I should've treated you like a warrior."
"I am a warrior, but I'm also a girl." Suki states softly, leaning forward and planting a kiss on his right cheek.
He blushes, thanks to the warrior makeup it goes unnoticed though.
Afterwards, she quickly gets up.
"Go! We'll hold them off."
The young man nods, gets up as well and they look at each other one last time before going their separate ways.
Finally, Sokka reunites with his team and climbs onto Appa.
"Appa, Yip-Yip!" Amaya, who sits on his head, orders and shortly after, the bison is in the air.
"I know you don't want to run. But we didn't have a choice." Katara talks to her friend as they're flying over the ocean.
"I know." The airbender turns around, staring dejectedly at the burning village underneath them.
Suddenly, she has an idea and gets up. Then, she jumps.
"Amaya!" Katara screams alarmed.
She and her brother can merely watch as Amaya dives into the water.
A few moments later she comes back to the surface, sitting on the unagi's head and holding his barbels. She's guiding him towards the village and eventually pulls at the barbels.
Due to this, the eel shoots a strong blast of water out of its mouth, consequently extinguishing the fire.
Once she's sure all of the flames are out, she lets go of the barbels and jumps up into the air, getting caught by two of Appa's feet.
Ultimately, the unagi dives back into the ocean.
"Thank you, Avatar Amaya!"
Oyaji mumbles gratefully as he's standing in front of the house the villagers use as a refuge, observing the dying fire.
Not only the flames but also Zuko and his soldiers are getting hit by the water.
Of course, the prince is anything but pleased about the fact that he's now drenched. On top of that, the Avatar has escaped again.
"Follow them!" He commands angrily while getting back onto one of the rhinos.
The soldiers obey and they all depart, quickly heading for their ship to not lose track of the Avatar.
Luckily, Amaya reaches Appa's saddle unharmed.
"See? That was brave!" Katara hugs her friend happily.
The airbender smiles gladly.
"Amaya, I'm sorry." Sokka apologizes remorsefully.
She faces him confused.
"For what?"
"For belittling you because you're a girl. That was wrong. Girls can be as strong as boys. I know that now."
"Apology accepted." The airbender smiles cheerily and he grins relieved.
"So, where to now?" Katara enquires a bit uncertainly.
"I don't know." Amaya replies pensively. "I guess we just keep going and find out."
She's watching as the Fire Navy warship in the distance starts moving, not willing to give up the chase anytime soon.
Well, she was never good at quitting either.