Summary: Amara is the daughter of two nations. Her father: A Fire Nation Admiral. Her mother: an imprisoned waterbender from the Southern Water Tribe. Her half-brother Zhao sees Amara as nothing but a mistake that he has been burdened with after his father's death. Abused both physically and mentally for sixteen years by her Fire Nation family, Amara begins to lose hope that she will ever know what it means to be happy and free. However, that all changes when she is saved by a strange man with a great love for tea.
Rating: T (Caution: This is teen rated so there will not be any sexual scenes, but there are mentions of rape and some detailed scenes of abuse)
Word Count: 354,580
Status: Ongoing
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13801553/1/The-Tale-of-Amara
Chapter 1: Caged
"Let go! Please!" I dug my heels into the dirt, but the force on my arms caused me to continue to stumble forward. "Just let me go!"
"Stop!" One of the soldiers that worked for my brother kicked me in the heel hard to silence me. I gasped from the pain and almost fell. The two men holding me up kept me from falling. "Commander Zhao has ordered we bring you to him immediately. You resisting will only make your punishment worse!"
I struggled harder; my eyes were blind with the salty liquid that continued to fill them. "Please! Don't do this! Please!"
The rough hands only continued to jerk me across the Fire Nation harbor camp towards the large square tent. I struggled and fought my brother's men more, wishing they wouldn't be so cold hearted and loyal to their commanding officer. As I tried to dig my bare feet into the cold hard earth again, I hissed as stones dug into my skin. Before I could escape my captors, I was shoved through the tent flap entrance which had been pulled apart by two soldiers standing at the opening.
Being shoved into the large open area, I was forced onto my knees immediately and held down by the two soldiers who had dragged me across camp. I had been so close to escape… I had made it two miles from camp. However, my brother realized I was gone and sent his fleet out to find me. Too weak to run, I was caught and dragged back.
This was my tenth escape attempt since being brought to the Earth Kingdom. This was my tenth failure.
Commander Zhao stood in front of me, his back turned as he gazed at the map on the maroon tent wall. His hands were behind him in tight fists, and he stood straight with authority. His red armor was polished, and his black hair was in a tight topknot. I could see even with his back turned his stupid sideburns.
"Leave us," Zhao ordered. "Guard outside and make sure no one enters."
The two soldiers finally released me, and they left the tent. Once they were gone, the flaps falling behind them, silence fell over the area as Zhao continued to examine the map. I kept on my knees, knowing that any other attempt of escape was pointless. The soldiers were outside, and my heartless half-brother was in front of me. I was trapped and done for.
"Amara," his cold voice spoke, sending shivers down my spine. "You understand why I am not pleased, correct?"
I felt my body shake involuntarily in terror. I hung my head letting my long black hair fall on both sides of my face. The pain would be coming soon. I breathed to try and calm myself though. I did not want Zhao to sense my fear.
"Where were you planning on going this time?" He turned to face me and stepped over to me. I saw his boots in my vision. "Trying to run east to get to Ba Sing Se? Or south to your mother's people? You are such a foolish child. Do you honestly think anyone would want a half-breed like you? You don't belong anywhere." He crouched to get a little closer to me. "You are a mistake that is lucky to still breathe."
I grit my teeth. I would not show my fear. I wanted to be strong and brave. "I'm willing to try and go anywhere that you are not…" I shut my eyes. "I don't understand why you won't let me go? Don't you have more important things to do than chase after a bastard child… Why won't you leave me alone and let me die in the wilderness?!"
Zhao chuckled. He grabbed my hair to jerk my head back and force me to meet his burning gold eyes. The strain sent sharp shocks through my scalp. I grit my teeth to keep from crying harder from the pain.
"My dear little sister," Zhao whispered with amusement. "I promised my father and your sweet mommy before she was executed that I would care for you. I would be breaking that if I let you run off alone. You don't want me to be irresponsible, do you?" He released me and stood straight again. His tone turned dark. "Stand up!"
His order did not scare me. I stayed down.
"Now!"
I still made no move. I would not give in to his wishes.
He growled. He grabbed the back of my shirt collar and jerked me up. I was forced to my feet. I refused to let him see me afraid. "You are as stubborn as your worthless mother. And my father was a fool for getting that waterbender pregnant and not having the heart to kill her while she was with child. His weakness left me stuck with a stupid mistake!"
I grit my teeth. "Then kill me already! Kill me like you did to my mother! You know I'll just keep trying to run away from you! You should've left me chained up back at the Fire Nation under Uncle Xi's control! Anything is better than being dragged around by an insufferable cow-pig like you!"
He slapped me, his hand causing my vision to blur and me to stumble.
"You clearly need to be reminded of your position, Amara! You will not speak to me with disrespect! I am your brother!"
I choked out from my pain, "You will never be my brother you heartless monster!"
"If that's how you truly feel, then let me show you just how heartless I can be!" He grabbed me by the arm and jerked me forward. I gasped as he shoved me down onto my knees and forced my stomach on the low table that was in the center of the room. He called for backup, and the two soldiers who had caught me earlier came back in. "Hold her down." The two men did as they were told and grabbed my arms as I struggled. I gasped, knowing what was about to come. Zhao left me for a moment, walking over to the weapon stand near the wall of the tent. I heard him grab something from the collection and then he stepped behind me. I struggled harder, moving my legs to try and escape my captors holds. They did not release.
He sighed. "Amara… My sweet Amara… I really wish you would just learn to behave. As much as I find pleasure in beating you, if this becomes a daily thing then you may be in too much pain for me to enjoy it."
Tears blinded me, but they were more from spite. I yelled with hate, "I hope you rot in the deepest pit when you die, Zhao!"
He chuckled. "As you've told me before… But until that day, I will enjoy your screams, my dear sister."
The whip crashed against my back. My flesh burned. I cried out in pain. The leather hit me again, and I cried out once more, my body lurching from the force. I was not certain how many times he hit me with the whip. By the thirteenth one, I let the pain knock me out.
As I fell away from the pain, I dreamed of the past…
Sitting on my mom's lap, I sat back against her as she hummed a Water Tribe tune to me. Her sound was so soft and comforting. I wished I could hear it forever. We were in the dusty attic room that was our life long prison. The room had no window. The roof was slanted above, and one door was to the left of us. Our cot, which was stained with blood, was the only furniture. There was a chamber pot, and a small pile of wooden turtle-duck toys my dad had given me, but other than that an emptiness was around us. My mother had a chain on her ankle, and I had a smaller chain on my own. We both had darker skin than my father, but I knew we were pale compared to my mother's people. We both rarely saw sunlight…
As my mom hummed along, I asked softly, "Where did you learn that song, mommy?"
I was five. My voice was so soft though. So broken. I was always scared if I spoke too loud I would anger my Uncle or brother.
My mother hugged me closer to her. "Your grandma used to sing it to me. And I would sing it to my little sister."
I fiddled with the straw Fire Nation doll my father had given me. While my brother was a monster, my father was nice to me. He was at war though, so we were stuck at home with my mean brother and Uncle. We were hoping no one would come upstairs and beat us, so we were doing our best to be quiet.
"Tell me more about them," I whispered.
She sighed and hugged me closer as she thought about her family. "Your grandma is so sweet… beautiful… She was born at the North Pole… betrothed to be married. She decided to find her own path though. She ran away to the South Pole where she met your grandpa and fell in love. They had me shortly after their marriage. Then five years later they had my sister."
"Aunt Kya," I whispered.
My mother let out a shaky breath. "Yes… Aunt Kya… she was always so excited to watch me waterbend. I always wondered if she would be a waterbender as well. I wish I could see them all again… I miss them so much." My mother pressed her face into my hair and gave a gasp as a cry escaped her. "Oh sweetie… I wish so much you were with them… I hate that you've spent your whole life trapped in this prison. I'm so sorry… If I could get you away from this nightmare, I would."
I looked at the chain on my small ankle. They started to lock me up like my mother when I was old enough to walk. They didn't want the world to learn about me. I was a secret that would bring dishonor to my father's family. I was a mistake.
"I have mommy though," I spoke. "That's all that matters."
She sobbed again. "Oh, Amara… you are the only good thing that came out of this… I love you so much."
My eyes watered as I heard the sorrow in my mom's voice. I turned in her lap and hugged her tight, pressing my face into her faded brown shirt. "I love you mommy."
When I came to consciousness sometime later, I felt a cool sensation on my back. I whimpered as a sharp pain shot over my skin. "Miss Amara…" Tu Lan whispered. "Are you awake?"
Slowly, I opened my eyes and tried to focus. I was back in my cell, which was an iron cage inside a small tent. My personal cell guard- and only friend- Tu Lan was beside me. He had a bowl next to him with red stained water from what I assumed was my blood. My bloody shirt was beside him as he knelt next to me. Tu Lan was about my brother's age, early-forties, with hair he kept shaved short. He was muscular from his training as a soldier, but had a lean body as well. He had soft brown eyes. He had been in my life for as long as I could remember, having once worked for my father.
"Tu Lan… how… how long was I out?"
He frowned. "Only an hour. They dragged you back to the cell. I came as soon as I heard you were returned." He sighed with frustration. "Why won't you listen to me? I told you not to run this morning… I hate seeing you hurt like this." He dabbed the bloodied cloth on my torn flesh again. I gasped and pressed my face into my moldy cot. "Your wounds from last week were finally healed too…"
"I… I'm sorry… but I have to get out of here… One day he's going to kill me," I whispered. "Soon he'll become bored of me… He'll dispose of me just like he and Uncle did to my mother." I shivered at the memory that wanted to return.
Tu Lan sighed. "I fear that as well… I wish I knew how to help you, but I cannot betray my commanding officer…"
I rested my cheek on the mattress, and my deep blue eyes met his with agony. "Tu Lan… If I don't get out of here soon, I fear I may not be able to handle anymore… I may just end it all myself… I… I don't want to keep living like this."
He was horrified when I spoke this. He shook his head. "No… Just a little longer, Amara… I'll try and figure out something. Don't give up yet…" He brushed his hand gently through my hair. "I promised your mother I would look out for you the day they executed her. I will not break that promise," he whispered. "I swear I will get you out of this. Just give me a little more time."
I shut my eyes, drifting away again as his hand stroking through my hair soothed me back to sleep.
Chapter 2: The Retired General
(Third Person POV)
Tu Lan carefully placed the thin gray blanket over the unconscious young woman before him. His hand brushed a strand of black hair from her tearstained cheek. "Rest, Amara… I'll get you out of this. I promise I'll find a way."
Standing, he walked out of the cage and locked the door behind. Then he headed out of the small tent letting the flap drop behind him. As he returned to his other duties, Tu Lan was distracted as he thought back to his years of service under Commander Zhao's family.
Tu Lan had once been a personal guard for Admiral Gru back at the man's private estate in the Fire Nation. He was hired at eighteen after his father managed to convince Admiral Gru to give him the job. When Admiral Gru brought the waterbender to the estate after she was captured at the Southern Water Tribe, Tu Lan was put in charge of making sure the young woman named Kala did not escape.
The young Water Tribe woman was kept a secret from everyone but Admiral Gru's family and staff. If word got out that Kala was being kept as a personal slave, then Admiral Gru would've been arrested for deceit. All captured waterbenders were to be reported to the Fire Lord and taken to the Capitol Prison. Admiral Gru wanted Kala for himself though. She was beautiful compared to the three other male waterbenders, and he desired to keep her. So while the other captured waterbenders were taken to the prison, Kala was taken to Admiral Gru's home on Shuhon Island.
During Kala's enslavement, Admiral Gru was not too harsh when it came to punishing the waterbender. However, he did rape his prisoner numerous times in the first few years she was his captive. Tu Lan was always sickened when he was told to guard the door of Kala's room in the attic during these vile acts. When Kala finally became pregnant with Amara four years after her imprisonment, Admiral Gru left the woman alone to raise their daughter in the lonely attic prison.
Over the first five years of Amara's life, Tu Lan was surprised that Admiral Gru had some care for the child. The man would sneak small gifts to the little girl, and would also bring her downstairs sometimes to let her walk around in his study. However, on most days Amara was forced to remain in the dusty room with her mother.
While Admiral Gru was kind to Amara and Kala, others of his household were not. Admiral Gru's son Zhao, who was mid-twenties when the child was born, saw the girl and her mother as filth. He constantly told his father to dispose of them both. Admiral Gru's younger brother Xi agreed with Zhao that the waterbender and child were a waste. Admiral Gru disagreed though. He felt the child was his responsibility since she was his daughter, and he ordered that no one harm them without his consent. This order was to remain in effect while he was away at war as well.
However, Admiral Gru's absence allowed both Zhao and his uncle Xi to be cruel to the waterbender prisoner and her child. Amara was beaten by Zhao, while her mother was forced to watch and held back by Xi. Tu Lan had no authority to interfere at these times, and instead came to the mother and child after the beatings to offer comfort and aid. Tu Lan was their only friend during those dark days of imprisonment.
When Admiral Gru died at war a little over five years after Amara's birth, Zhao and his uncle decided to finally dispose of the waterbender. However, as they prepared to kill Kala, she pleaded for her daughter's life. She begged them to spare the child. While Zhao despised his half-sister, he knew the child had meant something to his father. He agreed to let the child live, and Tu Lan had been ordered to take Amara out of the attic so they could continue with the execution. Tu Lan carried the young girl away quickly, who cried the whole time for her mother. As he got Amara down to his own private room, he could do nothing but cover Amara's ears to block the screams from above.
Tu Lan hated Zhao and Xi with every fiber in his being, but he kept under their command for Amara's sake. When he was informed that Zhao had been promoted and was taking Amara to the Earth Kingdom, he quickly asked to go with Zhao and serve at his harbor. Zhao was not a huge fan of Tu Lan, but he agreed to let the man come. Zhao decided he needed to keep an eye on the guard. He feared Tu Lan may decide to open his mouth about Amara and her mother, and he wanted that to remain a secret from the Fire Lord. He also hoped having Tu Lan at the camp would keep his sister in line. Zhao threatened Amara numerous times to kill the man if she didn't behave, and the threat seemed to work on some days.
"Tu Lan!" A soldier- one who had helped apprehend Amara earlier that day- suddenly approached as Tu Lan was headed to sharpen weapons like he did every day. The soldier who came over was early thirties, and his black hair was in a tight topknot. His gold eyes met Tu Lan's light brown with honest concern. "How is she?"
Tu Lan stopped in his step. He grit his teeth though as he felt spite towards the man named Hun. "How do you think she is? You all couldn't have just let her go? Pretended you lost her in the forest? Turned a blind eye?"
The man cringed. "It was Zhao's orders… We had no choice but to pursue her. You know what happens to men who defy the orders of their commanding officer."
Tu Lan scowled. "There's always a choice, Hun."
The man narrowed his eyes. "You're judging me? You're the one who's had sixteen years to help that poor child escape. What's your excuse?!"
Tu Lan was brought to silence. His comrade was right… he had failed Amara, just like he had failed her mother… He could've helped them both escape a long time ago. He was a coward… not anymore though. He was going to find a way to save Amara once and for all…
"I have no excuse," Tu Lan whispered. He finally let out a heavy breath and answered him. "She's not good… The wounds are deep. I'm going to go find her some medicine after my final shift. They need to be mended before they become infected." He started to walk away.
"Wait…" The younger soldier grabbed his arm to stop him. He stepped closer to whisper so only the two of them would hear. "I have to tell you something… there might be a way to help the girl."
Tu Lan stopped and looked back at the man with surprise. "What do you mean?"
Hun released him. "A ship just arrived at the docks. A Fire Navy vessel being commanded by retired General Iroh. He and his nephew Prince Zuko are on a quest to find the Avatar. My father knew General Iroh personally. From what I've heard of the man, he is kind and compassionate. If you tell him about her, he may be willing to help."
Tu Lan was surprised. "The Fire Lord's brother… you believe he won't just have Amara killed?"
Hun shook his head. "I believe he will help the child. However, the choice to seek help is yours. I've already risked enough giving you this information."
Hun turned and left. Tu Lan watched him go with uncertainty. However, he knew Hun was right. Tu Lan needed to get over his cowardice ways and finally do something for a change.
After Tu Lan heard from Hun about Prince Zuko and the retired General Iroh's ship arriving on the harbor, he knew he had to try. The man feared that Amara's time was nearing its end: Not by Zhao's hand but by her own. He could see the child was losing her will. She had tried numerous times in the last two months to escape, and every time she did so, she was apprehended and brought right back to her prison.
Tu Lan knew he could not stand back anymore. He had come to care for Amara and could not bear to see her die.
Later that afternoon, after applying some medicine to Amara's wounds, Tu Lan rushed across the Fire Nation yard towards the harbor. He was told that the retired General Iroh had gone to the ship while his nephew Prince Zuko prepared for an Agni Kai that he would be having with Zhao at sunset. It appeared that Commander Zhao had angered the prince and they were going to settle their differences. Iroh had gone back to the ship to inform the crew what was occurring and speed up repairs. He wanted to leave the harbor as soon as the Agni Kai was over.
As Iroh headed back towards the tent where Zuko was still waiting for sunset and preparing for his fight, Tu Lan caught sight of the older man and rushed towards him. "Sir!"
Iroh stopped in his step, surprised by the desperate call behind him. Tu Lan dropped to his knees in humility, his eyes watering as he prayed he was doing the right thing. He did not know if he was saving Amara, or sentencing her to death. A girl of two nations was unheard of. Not to mention, if knowledge came out that she was a waterbender and firebender then she would surely be seen as a threat… But he had to try.
"General Iroh…" The soldier spoke softly. The man turned to look behind him at the soldier who was on his knees with his head bowed low. "My name is Tu Lan. I know I have no right to speak to a man of such status in such a forthright manner, but I am desperate."
Iroh was amazed. He stepped over to the man, and quickly urged him to stand. "On your feet, soldier. I am but a humble retired General. There is no need for such humility. What can I do for you?"
Tu Lan was on his feet, and met the man's golden eyes with desperation. "Sir… I… I know that I will anger the Commander for this, but I can keep silent no more. There's a girl here under captivity… her name is Amara, and she is the half-sister of Commander Zhao."
Iroh's eyes widened. He knew of Zhao's family, having known Admiral Gru back in his days as a General. However, he had heard no word of the man having a daughter. "Half-sister? I have heard no such news of Admiral Gru having remarried after his first wife died."
Tu Lan took in a heavy breath. "He did not remarry, sir. Amara's mother was a Southern Water Tribe prisoner, taken during one of the southern raids twenty years ago. Admiral Gru was part of the raid party… He kept the woman as his personal slave once he got back to the Fire Nation. I was a guard at Admiral Gru's estate and placed in charge of her confinement."
He let out another heavy breath as the heavy weight on his heart lifted with every word he spoke.
"Kala was the waterbender's name… she became pregnant four years after her captivity and gave birth to Amara. Like her mother, the child was kept secret by Admiral Gru's command. After Admiral Gru died, Kala was killed and her child was severely beaten daily. When Zhao was promoted and told he would be stationed in the Earth Kingdom, he took Amara with him upon his uncle's request. He has kept her as his own prisoner here, and ordered his men to keep silent about her existence from others. She has attempted to escape numerous times since being brought here, but she is weak physically from her life of captivity… She was caught during her escape attempt this morning and brought to Zhao… He beat her severely, and she is greatly injured. I fear if she stays here any longer then she will die. I ask that you take her with you upon your departure. I can help sneak her onto your ship and-"
"There's no need," Iroh spoke, cutting him off and stroking his beard in thought. The man was replaying every detail Tu Lan had spoken to him in his head.
Tu Lan's face fell with dismay. His hopes faded. He had heard General Iroh was a kind man in the years of his retirement, and had hoped he would assist Amara just as Hun had said. Tu Lan had risked his own life for this moment, and it appeared his last hope would not help him.
Iroh continued, not noticing the soldier's disappointment. "My nephew has challenged Zhao to an Agni Kai tonight. I will discuss terms with him before the fight. If Zuko wins, the girl will be placed under my care. We must do this in a formal way… otherwise this child… Amara you said… She will only be in danger and we will be pursued."
Tu Lan was surprised. Then his hope returned and relief filled inside him by the man's willingness to assist. "So… You will save her then?"
Iroh nodded. His face fell with sorrow. "Tell me… How old is this child?"
He answered. "Sixteen, sir."
Iroh shut his eyes. "And she's been abused her whole childhood?"
Tu Lan shook his head. "When her father was alive for the first five years of her life, she was taken care of when he was at the estate. However, when Admiral Gru died eleven years ago the child was left in the care of Admiral Gru's brother and Zhao. The two men killed the child's mother immediately and began to abuse the girl severely… When Zhao was promoted to Commander and told he would be stationed in the Earth Kingdom, he took the girl with him to keep control of her. I followed him to try my best to protect her. She's been here for two months…"
Iroh sighed. "I see… well… this definitely will no longer do." He then smiled at the man. "You have a good heart, soldier. I will not tell Zhao you are the one who informed me of Amara's existence, but I fear he may discover it was you due to your closeness with the child."
Tu Lan gave a sad smile. "I know… I do not care what happens to me anymore. I realized today that I have been a coward allowing this to happen to the child for so long… Knowing Amara is safe… that is all I desire…"
Iroh nodded. "She will be. My nephew will win. Stay close to my ship this evening. Once Zuko wins his battle I will find you and follow you with some of my men to the girl."
Tu Lan sighed with relief. "Thank you…"
"Also," Iroh spoke again. "Pack your bags. You'll be joining us. If you stay here you will most certainly be killed." He met the man's gaze. "And I'm certain Amara will be hesitant to trust my nephew and I. It will help if a familiar face is near her."
Tu Lan was bewildered, but also relieved. He had not been certain what he would do after he told Iroh of Amara's existence. He had planned to flee into the Earth Kingdom. However, Iroh was looking out for him as well. He bowed quickly. "It would be an honor to serve you sir. I will be at your ship."
As the two men departed from one another, Iroh headed towards the tent where Zuko sat in wait for the Agni Kai that would occur in a few hours. As he headed to his nephew to offer moral support, he frowned deeply as he pictured the horrible acts committed on the child Amara and her mother. If his father, Fire Lord Azulon, had learned about Admiral Gru keeping the waterbender for himself then the prior ruler would not have been pleased.
Admiral Gru had deceived them all. They had been informed that only three waterbenders were captured during the time of the raid on the South Pole twenty years ago. However, it appeared there had been a fourth.
Iroh knew the evils of war, but picturing such cruelty being inflicted on not just the imprisoned waterbender but her child made him fill with rage. He would not allow Zhao to torture the girl any longer.
When he arrived back at the tent where he had left his nephew, Prince Zuko was pacing back and forth with frustration. Iroh's eyes glanced at the scar on his nephew's left eye, and his fists tightened. Two children that had suffered by the hands of their own families… He hoped he could find a way to help them both heal.
"Prince Zuko," Iroh spoke.
The young man stopped pacing and looked at his uncle with question.
Iroh smiled with encouragement. "You will win. Just remember your basics."
Zuko nodded. "I will, Uncle."
Two hours later, Iroh stood beside Zuko at the sparring ring where the fight would begin briefly. Zhao arrived a few moments later with two guards at his flank.
"As promised," Zhao began, stepping over to his opponent and Iroh. "If you win, Prince Zuko, you and your crew will be free to go."
"Actually," Iroh spoke up, which surprised both Zuko and Zhao. "I have one more condition to add if my nephew does defeat you, commander Zhao."
Zhao stared at the man with a raised brow. "What would that be?"
Iroh looked into the eyes of the horrible man before him. "I'm aware of your half-sister, Amara." Zhao's eyes widened. "If Zuko wins, she will be taken under my care from this day forward and departing with us. The man who guards her, Tu Lan, will be taken on as my crew member as well to help care for her."
Zhao was horrified. He had done his best to keep knowledge of his sister to only himself and his men. He scowled and his fists tightened. "Tu Lan! That traitor! He told you about her didn't he?! I'll kill him!"
Iroh did not answer. Instead, he asked, "You will not agree to these terms?"
Zhao grit his teeth. His fists clenched. "What if I refuse?"
Iroh kept composed. "Then I will inform Fire Lord Ozai of your father's decision to keep the waterbender at his estate twenty years ago rather than send the woman to the prison like she was supposed to be. I am assuming my father was never informed of Admiral Gru's slave… this secret would not be favored in the current Fire Lord's eyes either."
Zhao huffed. However, after a moment of thought, he let out a heavy sigh. Iroh was right. His family would be disgraced if news got out about his father's bastard child. He knew he had to play along to Iroh's terms. He was hopefully going to receive the rank of Admiral soon. He knew he had to stay calm if he was going to keep his honor and title.
After taking another breath, Zhao looked at Iroh and smirked. He was confident he would win anyway. He met the man's eyes with spite. "Very well. I accept your terms, Retired General Iroh. However… if Prince Zuko does not win, then I will give her another beating and let her know that she has you to thank for it. And I will arrest Tu Lan for treason!"
Zuko was confused. He was only gathering small pieces of the conversation. Zhao had a sister that clearly was not supposed to be news to others. The girl was Zhao's half-sister, the daughter of a waterbender, and clearly she was in need of help. Zuko wanted a further explanation. "Uncle… What are you both talking about?"
Iroh still narrowed his eyes at Zhao, but answered his nephew. "Don't worry about that right now, Prince Zuko. Focus on your battle."
Zuko was still greatly curious to what Iroh and Zhao were discussing, but he could tell from Iroh's expression that it was best not to press on the matter further. Zuko looked at Zhao with determination instead. This was no longer just a fight for him to keep the task of pursuing the Avatar from Zhao; this was now a fight to help his uncle.
The young Prince spoke with confidence. "Well then, what are we waiting for?"
As Zuko and Zhao started their fight, Iroh thought back to the young woman he would be taking under his wing shortly. She would most definitely need medical attention. She would also need some new clothes once they reached their next port.
He hoped she liked tea.
(Amara POV)
" Mom! Look!" I pointed at the long creature that slid across the attic floor.
My mom gasped and pulled me back on the cot. I froze, not sure why my mom was suddenly so scared. "Tu Lan!"
The guard who I had known my whole short life quickly unlocked our door and stepped in. "Kala? What's wrong?"
My mother hugged me closely. "Rat-snake!"
Tu Lan stared over at the creature and gasped. He grabbed the sword at his side. "Stay as far back as possible. He's already irritated." Tu Lan walked past us, while my mom pulled my five year old frame further from the hissing creature.
"Mommy? Is it bad?"
Tu Lan slowly inched forward.
"It's bite can hurt you, sweetie. They come up here sometimes. Tu Lan will get it."
I felt my eyes water. I didn't like rat-snakes if mommy was so scared of them.
Tu Lan stepped towards it slowly. It hissed louder, it's pink thin tail shaking. It's round ears spiked up sensing it was in danger. Tu Lan raised his sword ready to strike. The rat-snake dodged the steel blade and slivered around him to go after its original targets. My mother screamed and pulled me further back.
The rat-snake hissed and lunged, coming straight towards us. I shrieked and shot my hand forward. A flame burst through the air and hit the creature. The rat-snake landed a few feet away, stunned. Tu Lan's sword hit it right below the head and decapitated it. As the rat-snake moved for a few moments longer, silence fell over the adults in the room. Finally, after a moment, the creature stopped moving. It was dead.
"Did she just… firebend?" Tu Lan finally spoke after a long silence. He was astounded.
My mother's voice sounded, also amazed. "I… I think she did."
Tu Lan moved in front of us. He had sheathed his sword. "Amara… throw your hand out again, sweetie."
His statement confused me. I did as he said though. Another burst of fire shot from my small palm. I gasped and brought my hand back in fear.
Tu Lan and my mother were bewildered. But they were also worried. Tu Lan crouched in front of me then, his eyes staring into my gaze firmly. "Listen to me, Amara… you can never let anyone but me or your mom see this. They will hurt you if they learn you can firebend. Do you understand?"
I felt tears run down my cheeks. I sniffled. "I… I won't… I'll hide it."
He realized then I was upset and tried to smile kindly. "Good… your mom and I just want you to be safe." He looked past me at my mother. "I'm going to get the carcass out. Are you okay, Kala?"
She answered, "We are… thank you, Tu Lan… I don't know what we'd do without you."
He sighed. He then brushed a kind thumb on my cheek to wipe a tear. "Don't be sad, Amara. I'm sorry if I upset you. There isn't shame in being a firebender… we just don't want the news to anger your brother and uncle. You can't let them know. But when your mommy and I are here, it's okay to talk about it."
I nodded. "Okay… I won't tell…"
He smiled. "You were very brave though. Good job." He grabbed the head and lower body of the creature and left the room. Once he was gone, locking the door behind, my mother let out a heavy sigh.
"Mommy… rat-snakes are scary," I whispered.
She moved beside me and hugged me close to her. "It's okay, baby. Tu Lan and I will do all we can to protect you. I promise."
I nodded. "Tu Lan saved us."
"Yes… he always does," she whispered.
My body was still killing me when I woke up again. I liked sleep, because I could sink away to happier times. Waking up would always hurt.
As I regained my senses, and slowly opened my eyes, I could tell from the slit of my tent that the sun was setting. I tried to move to sit up, but the action hurt too much and I whimpered staying flat on my cot. As I rested on my stomach for a few minutes, my back searing and pulsing every time I tried to move, I heard a mass of footsteps headed my way.
"She's in here," Tu Lan spoke. The tent flap opened, and I grimaced as the setting sun's rays blinded me. I heard the sound of keys, and my cell door was unlocked.
Steps came closer, and I saw after a moment of getting my sight adjusted that a fifty-some-year-old man was kneeling beside me. His gold eyes held kindness as he took in my terrible state. "So, you are Amara… I can see from your eyes and complexion you truly are part Water Tribe…"
The man knew my name, and my origin. I did not know him. He was not one of Zhao's men. I looked at him with confusion, and I tried to move my body up again. Pain shot through my back, and I gasped dropping to the cot again.
Tu Lan spoke again. "I can help her to her feet. One of your men will need to help me support her. She's lost a lot of blood."
The new man pressed a gentle hand to my arm. "I know you are weak, Amara. I need you to try and be strong just for a few minutes. Our ship physician is ready to mend you once we have you onboard."
Ship physician? I was going on a ship? Did Zhao know?
I was even more confused. "I…" I tried to speak. "I don't understand… I'm… leaving?"
He gave a sad smile. "My name is Iroh, retired General of the Fire Nation… you are under my guardianship from this day forward. Tu Lan asked that I take you with me, and I have agreed. Your brother has released you into my care upon my request."
His words confused me even more. Iroh stood and turned to the other men I had heard enter. "Let's get her to the ship. Slowly," he said. "Tu Lan… Stand her up and then my men will assist."
Tu Lan stepped over to me. He knelt beside me and placed a kind hand on the top of my head. "Amara… I need you to stand," he said. "This will hurt, but things are going to get so much better from here on out. Your time of suffering is over."
"You… you're going to get in trouble for this," I whispered. Tears filled my eyes. "He'll know that this was your doing."
He smiled, brushing a tear from my cheek. "Don't worry about me," he whispered. "I'm coming with you anyway. I'll be okay. Focus on yourself right now… you're my only concern. I have been by your side since you were a baby and watched you suffer for sixteen years… all I have ever wanted is to see you safe. I finally can…"
I shut my eyes. I whimpered. Every part of me hurt. I didn't know if I could actually do what Tu Lan needed me to do.
He brushed his hand through my hair gently. "Come on, Amara. I know you're strong enough to stand."
Not wanting to disappoint my savior, I finally managed to move to my knees. I was only in my chest bindings and my black pants. As I sat up, the man named Iroh stepped over and took one of my arms. Tu Lan took my other, and the two helped me to my feet. Immediately I stumbled, the pain in my back searing.
"Good thing I brought the cloak… It's too cold for her without something more," Iroh spoke. He released me and I stumbled more. Tu Lan caught me, and I tried to steady myself. I was so tired, but I knew I had to pull myself together. I couldn't be weak right now… I was possibly getting out of this nightmare…
A fabric draped around me. My back seared, and I whimpered slightly. I tried to stop the sounds of pain to the best of my ability. Iroh tied the string of the cloak just enough so the fabric stayed around me to give me some warmth. Once he was done, one of his men stepped forward to grab my lower arm. Tu Lan kept on my other side.
"Let's go," Iroh said. "The ship is ready to depart."
The walk to Iroh's ship was a blur. I don't remember much about walking through the sunset lit camp, because every step I took was pain. When we got to the steel ramp about five minutes later, I heard Iroh say as we headed up the slope, "Take her straight to Ju. I fear the wounds are infected. They need to be cleaned immediately." As we got onto the dimly lit ship, the ramp closed behind us. "I will show you to your room, Tu Lan. My men will take her the rest of the way."
Tu Lan nodded. He moved from my side, and another one of Iroh's men took his place to hold me up. Tu Lan moved into my view, sensing my sudden fear at him not being with me. He placed a caring hand on the side of my head. "I'll come check on you once I'm done with General Iroh. Do what the physician tells you, okay?"
I gave a small nod. Tears filled my eyes. "Don't… leave…"
He brushed my cheek with his thumb. "I'm part of this crew now, Amara. I'm not going anywhere. Get some rest." He moved away from me then and followed his new boss away from us. I wanted to go with him, scared to be in an unfamiliar place alone, but the men holding me up started to move me forward.
The ship was quiet except for the occasional groan and creak of the steel around us. The ship did sway, even as it was docked, and I stumbled more severely. The men were able to hold me up well though. We went down one long hall, up one flight of stairs, and then down only half of another hall. A steel door was open, and I saw the light from torches inside.
"Ju." The soldier to my right spoke. "We're here with the girl."
An older lanky man in a red Fire Nation robe, with a balding gray head of hair, and a gray beard, quickly came into view. He nodded and gestured for us to come in. As we stepped into the room, I saw a torch on each of the four walls, a raised cot bolted to the floor, and a wooden table with medical supplies and herbs. The men got me over to the cot, and I sat down. The soldiers then left the room to let the physician do his work.
"I need to see the damage, child." He spoke.
I knew what he was asking me to do, and I managed to untie the loose knot. The cloak fell behind me, hitting my wounds and making me gasp from the pain.
He grabbed the cloak, wadding it up and placing it at the head of the clean cot. "Lay flat and rest your head."
I did as he said, laying on my stomach again like I had been doing in my prison. The man named Ju gasped when he saw the marred flesh on my back from Zhao's beating. He was silent for a moment as he took in the view.
"Never in my life have I seen this many scars…" he spoke softly to himself. He let out a heavy breath. "You poor child…"
He moved over to the table and out of my view. I shut my eyes relieved to be laying down again. The walk to and through the ship had been exhausting.
"I'm going to give you an herb, miss. This will make you sleep. You don't want to be awake for this. The pain will be far too great." His hand came into my view, holding a thin wooden spoon with a green paste on the end. "Eat this, dear. You'll be asleep in a few minutes."
I was hesitant. I stared at the mashed-up herb with fear. If I went to sleep, would Zhao come for me in my unconscious state?
"I… I don't want to go back," I whispered. "Please… don't let him take me back…"
Ju spoke with reassurance. "We are already departing from the harbor, miss. No one is taking you from this ship while General Iroh is here."
His reassurance was enough for me to trust him. I opened my mouth and took in the strange green bitter substance. It was moist enough that I didn't choke on it when I swallowed. He pulled the spoon away once I took the herb. As I felt his hand press on the undamaged part of my back to get a closer look at the actual damage, I felt my breathing calm and my heart slow.
A few minutes later, as Ju started to dab at my flesh with a cloth, the herb finally kicked in numbing the pain and unconsciousness took me away.
( Third Person POV)
Prince Zuko stood at the entrance to the doorway, watching as his Uncle placed the red blanket over the girl's bandaged body. When his uncle had informed him that they were taking on a guest and a new crew member, Zuko was terribly confused about what the purpose of these people were. When he was informed about who the girl was though, and the horrible life she had endured, especially from the explanation of the soldier named Tu Lan, he immediately understood why his uncle was eager to save her. His uncle had a good heart, and clearly the child was in need of a rescue.
The ship physician Ju had just finished cleaning the girl's wounds and stitching up the deepest cuts. Her whole torso was wrapped in bandages. She was carried by four of the crewmen on a makeshift hammock from a sheet, and set down carefully on the cot in her room which was next to his and across from his uncle's.
Zuko was surprised when he saw the girl's tan skin and long black hair. She was indeed a mix of Water Tribe and Fire Nation. She was beautiful though. Zuko couldn't help but think she was pretty. She had a nice physique, although she was definitely too thin. From what he could see of her face, she had some freckles on her cheeks that complimented her well. She looked fragile though… she looked so damaged…
Zuko knew Zhao was a terrible man… but seeing Zhao's victim before him, Zuko decided he was not just a terrible man but a monster.
Iroh let out a heavy breath, brushed a hand over the teenage girl's hair, and then stood. He walked over to the door and Zuko moved aside to let his uncle through. Iroh shut the door behind him, and then looked at his nephew.
"Zuko… I am not certain what condition this girl will be in tomorrow. I ask that if you are around her, you keep calm and speak softly. She has been severely treated for years. We need to be as gentle as possible."
Zuko nodded. "I'll be careful…" He met his uncle's gaze. "How could Zhao do that to her though… his own sister?"
His uncle frowned. He placed a reassuring hand on Zuko's shoulder. "The same way a father can burn his own son… It's called evil, Prince Zuko… Some people are sadistic and find pleasure in the pain of others. This is the way of Zhao. He found pleasure in hurting her… He did not see her as his sister either… to him, Amara was a mistake. Most children born of similar circumstances are killed… Amara was spared of that fate, but only so she could be tortured her whole life…"
Zuko frowned. His heart ached as he thought about such an innocent child being treated so cruelly. He let out a heavy breath. "You did the right thing, Uncle." He turned and headed to his room. As he went, his eyes glanced at the door again where a damaged soul was healing behind.
He wasn't sure why, but he really wanted to help her heal too.