When Zuko released Chiara from his embrace, all the fire nation prisoners around them knelt down.
"Hail, Prince Zuko."
"They are not many, Prince Zuko," said Sozoh, "but they are the start of an army willing to fight for you."
"I am honored," said Zuko. "For years the Fire Lords have led a war against the other Nations destroying innocent lives, including those of the Fire Nation. It's the job of the Avatar to face the Fire Lord and restore balance to our Nations, but Ozai has an army behind him and it will be our job to neutralize it and help restore peace to the world."
All the Fire Nation prisoners let out a cheer.
"Hey, Z," said Sokka, "I don't mean to break up your inspirational speech, but we're having a meeting that we can't start without you. And by the way, this is Suki, leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, my girlfriend."
"Actually, we met a long time ago," said Suki stiffly.
"We did?" asked Zuko.
"Yeah, you kind of burned down my village."
"Oh," said Zuko sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry about that. Nice to see you again."
Chiara bowed to her. "I had no idea I had been in the presence of a Kyoshi Warrior," she said. "It's been a long time, Suki."
Suki was surprised by her humble greeting. "I'm sorry. Have we met before?"
"Many years ago on Kyoshi Island. I visited there as Lin."
Suki's eyes lit up as she remembered. "Lin? I didn't know you were in the prison." Suki hugged her. "I never saw you."
"I was in the labor sector. I didn't recognize you without your makeup."
Suki laughed as she released her.
"And I had no idea you were a waterbender," she said to Chiara.
"Until recently, very few people did," she said.
"So you two know each other?" asked Sokka.
"The General and I visited Kyoshi Island many years ago."
"Huh...it's a small world," he said.
"I've always wanted to train with the Kyoshi Warriors," she said.
"She really did," smiled Zuko.
"If we can get through this war, then you can join us," said Suki.
"I don't know about that," said Zuko taking her hand and gripping it tightly.
"So you're married to him?" Suki asked her. "You're who they broke in to rescue?"
"Yes and yes," Chiara smiled. "My obstinate, yet incredible husband should've been training the Avatar."
Zuko looked a little embarrassed. "But...but if I hadn't broken in, then I wouldn't have had a chance to...uh...pardon all these prisoners," he said trying to justify his actions.
That made her laugh. "You really are incredible."
"Why would they put you in Sector 2?" asked Suki.
"Idem and I have a history."
"It must be some history for him to put you in the labor sector."
Chiara shrugged. "It was still a vacation compared to the last time I was in prison."
"We'll have to catch up later," said Sokka. "Right now, we should get to that meeting."
Zuko had hold of Chiara's hand and pulled her along with him into a room where Hakoda, Sozoh, Zaro, and a few others were discussing their plans. Izin, always staying somewhere near Chiara, also followed them into the room as did the Imperial Firebenders.
During the meeting they decided to land near one of the outer Fire Nation colonies where some of the Fire Nation prisoners would begin recruiting while others would find passage to their home islands and do the same. The Earth Kingdom prisoners would take transport to Kyoshi Island until they could learn the status of their own military. The warden's safe contained enough gold to help them start their journeys. Since Zuko would be continuing his job of training the Avatar, Sozoh and Zaro took charge of recruitment of militia to help stop Ozai's army. Having deserted the military disgusted by the despicable actions they were ordered to carry out, they were both pleased to be able to serve the Fire Nation again for a more admirable cause. Zuko suggested during the meeting that they might benefit from contacting Iroh, though his location was still unknown.
When they finished their discussions, Zuko turned to Chiara and hugged her again. She gazed into his golden eyes when he released her.
"That was the most amazing firebending I've ever seen," she said. "I can't imagine what you'll accomplish during Sozin's Comet."
He felt heartened by her compliment and he grinned.
"That was incredible, Prince Zuko," said Sozoh. "I've never seen anything like it—and after spending a night in the cooler."
"You melted the shackles from your wrists, and you don't have a burn on you," said Zaro.
"What'd I miss?" asked Sokka.
"Prince Zuko created a ring of fire that melted his bindings and threw back everyone around him," said Sozoh.
"It was you," said Zuko to Chiara. "I never could've done that without you. I refused to let him harm you."
She suspected a couple of dragon masters had something more to do with it.
"I guess it's good that you're on our side now," said Sokka.
Zuko felt elated. He entered Boiling Rock Prison with Sokka on a small war balloon and managed to free Chiara and get out of the prison with a much larger airship full of allies willing to help gain more.
"Speaking of firebending," said Chiara, "is there anyone on board who got injured?"
"There are a few," said Sozoh. "Nothing too bad, but most likely they're in the infirmary."
"I guess that's where we'll be," said Zuko.
-------------------
After healing everyone who had been injured, Zuko and Chiara returned to the bridge where she and Suki stepped outside on the deck. Chiara explained the reason for her alias years earlier, and the two girls conversed about their adventures since they had last seen each other. While Zuko continued talking with Zaro and Sozoh, Izin walked up to him and knelt down.
"Prince Zuko, I would be honored to remain in your company at your service and at the service of the Fire Princess."
"We may be heading into the heart of the Fire Nation sooner than the others," said Zuko.
"I'm not afraid."
"If that's what you choose, then I would be honored to have you join us." He motioned him to stand. "I appreciate what you did for my wife in the prison."
"There was no honor in allowing her to suffer in my place," said Izin still feeling ashamed for not defending Chiara earlier.
"Chiara doesn't see it that way."
"To regain my honor I will dedicate my life to her protection."
Zuko was amazed by the man's loyalty. "Consider it regained."
Izin bowed to him before leaving the bridge as Zuko watched him go.
"He's really protective of the princess," said Zaro.
"I saw him defend her in the prison," he said.
"He's a good man. He doesn't say much though," Zaro added.
"He doesn't like to speak of his past," said Sozoh. "Like most of us, he was imprisoned for desertion after seeing the harsh realities of this war."
"He was an officer then?" asked Zuko.
"First lieutenant in the army...," he said.
"Same rank as Lu Ten," said Zuko softly. "But he seems much older."
"When his captain and half his unit died in a bloody battle with earthbenders, Izin took charge in the fight and led the men to victory over the enemy soldiers. They promoted him to first lieutenant before sending him with the rest of the unit to burn down the village and murder the soldiers' families in retaliation."
Zuko's mouth dropped open in shock and disgust at the order.
"Izin immediately defected," said Sozoh.
"Of course, he was caught and imprisoned," said Zaro sadly.
"There definitely needs to be a change in leadership," said Zuko.
--------------------
Hours later they landed near a Fire Nation colony. Zuko and Chiara thanked everyone who was disembarking, and those of the Fire Nation pledged their allegiance to the prince and General Iroh. Once they were gone, Zuko, Chiara, Sokka, Hakoda, Suki, Izin, and the three Imperial Firebenders were the only ones on board. They headed towards the Western Air Temple. The firebenders stayed in the engine room to keep the airship moving while Hakoda and Sokka were at the helm. Suki, of course, remained by Sokka's side. When Zuko saw Chiara standing outside on the deck, he stepped out and walked up to her sliding his arm around her waist.
"So...go down fighting, eh?" he said.
"Never give up without a fight." He softly laughed at her words. "I really thought we were dead already," she said sadly.
"For a second there, I did too."
She looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you, my amazing firebender," she said making his heart skip.
He took her in his arms and held her. "You bring that out in me."
She rested against him. "I think it had something to do with the masterful training you received on a certain island."
She felt him laughing. "That too," he conceded. "But you made me tap into it."
"More like Idem forced you to tap into it."
Now she felt a low growl.
"When I saw your shackles hit the ground, I was reminded of what you said about seeing Avatar Roku at the Fire Temple," she said.
He nodded. "That's almost what it was like, but this was my own fire."
He quietly held her as they thought about the events of the morning.
"You said something about Idem slaughtering a Water Tribe," he said. "What did you mean by that?"
"He led the attack against my village."
Zuko released her to look in her eyes. "Wait...what?"
"My family was killed on his orders."
He was disgusted. "I had no idea. Why didn't you let me execute him?"
"I don't believe in vendetta. It won't bring my family back."
Zuko looked down. "You know, if he hadn't committed that atrocity, I never would've known you," he said sadly, feeling guilty for thinking it.
"And if your uncle hadn't brought me back to the Fire Nation, I never would've known you."
A small smile lit up his face. The thought of Iroh's decision made him appreciate his uncle all the more. "He definitely made the right decision."
"Destiny is a funny thing," she said making him chuckle at her imitation of Iroh.
--------------------
That evening they arrived at the air temple. Seeing the large airship descending, the others at the temple had been ready to escape until they saw Sokka waving and calling from the deck. Aang, Katara, Toph, Haru, Teo, and The Duke came running out and gathered around as it landed on the balcony where Aang and Zuko would train. Sokka was the first to disembark, and Katara ran up to him and hugged him, happy to see her brother return safely.
"You guys were gone for so long," she said. "We were really worried." Before she could even ask if they were successful in their mission, she saw Chiara. "You did it!"
The girls embraced.
"I'm so glad you're okay," said Katara.
"We brought lots of gifts," said Chiara.
Katara released her. "Suki!"
As Katara and Suki were hugging, Aang hugged Chiara.
"It's good to have you back, Chiara," he said.
"It's good to be back."
"We missed you. And Zuko was really sad when you were gone." When Aang spotted the prince, he quickly released her from his hug and started shaking her hand instead. "I knew you could do it, Hotman," he said to Zuko.
"Dad?!" cried Katara excitedly. She ran to him and threw her arms around him.
"Hi, Katara," he said.
"Were all you guys in the same prison?" asked Aang.
"Yes," said Hakoda.
"Well, that was convenient," said Toph who was hugging Chiara. "I knew you could do it, Sparky." She moved towards him and punched him in the arm.
"Hey," said Zuko rubbing his arm. "You hug Chiara, but you punch me?"
"Yeah. I know you don't like us being in your personal space, so I figure that's less personal."
"Ha! She's right about that," said Sokka as he put his arm around Zuko's shoulders. "You're all personal about your personal space."
"I think I liked it better in the prison," Zuko said dryly. "You're lucky Nai isn't here."
"Hey, she warmed up to me," said Sokka as he walked off.
"So who are the strays?" asked Toph sensing the new people.
"That's Izin," Zuko introduced him.
"Oh, is it? He looks very interesting," she said sarcastically.
"Uh...yeah...," he said embarrassed by his mistake. "The one behind you and Chiara," he said. "And on my right is Shin, and Kaito and Ezo are behind me and Chiara. These three are Imperial Firebenders."
"Wow," said Aang. "You have your own royal bodyguards."
Zuko turned towards the men. "This is Aang, the Avatar. Toph," he said pointing to her, "is his earthbending teacher."
"Also known as the greatest earthbender ever and champion of Earth Rumble VI," she added proudly.
They stared skeptically at her, but they did not question it, and though curious, they did not remark on her blindness.
Zuko pointed at Katara who was with Hakoda, Sokka, and Suki. "Standing next to the Water Tribe simpleton you already met is his sister Katara, Aang's waterbending teacher. And Haru, Teo, and The Duke are friends from the Earth Kingdom," he said pointing them out.
"It's getting late," said Chiara. "Everyone must be hungry..."
"No," said Zuko sternly as he took her hand. "You just got out of a labor camp. You're not doing anything."
"But these guys did too, and..."
"No." He pulled her over to the other group. "Excuse me, Katara," he said interrupting her conversation with Hakoda. "I don't mean to pull you away from your family reunion with your father...well...I do, but only temporarily," he added as he noticed Katara's glare. "She needs you to heal her." He put Chiara between them.
Katara's eyes softened. "Of course."
She looked at Hakoda who knew she was about to apologize. "It's okay. The princess took care of a lot of people in the prison; it only seems right that she gets cared for now." He smiled at his daughter. "And I'll be here when you're done."
She turned to Chiara. "Come on," she said as she led her inside the temple.
"Wait," said Sokka. "That's both of our cooks. Who's going to make dinner?"
"Go make it yourself," snapped Katara.
"There's still food in the galley on the airship," called Zuko as he walked towards the temple. "Make enough for everyone."
"But that's not my job," moaned Sokka.
Katara and Chiara disappeared inside the temple as did Zuko with Kaito and Ezo following them. Ezo was about to follow the girls into Katara's room until she noticed him, stopping him at the door.
"Um, this is private," she said.
"Princess?" said Ezo looking around her at Chiara.
Zuko turned back to them. "You can wait outside the door," he said.
"Yes, your Highness."
"Thank you, Ezo," said Chiara.
She and Katara disappeared inside while Zuko continued on to another room followed by Kaito. After gathering a few items he returned to the courtyard where Izin, Kaito, and Shin sat with him.
"You guys should eat something," he said as he held a flame under a teapot. "There was plenty of food left on board."
"Thank you, your Highness," said Kaito. He looked at Shin. "We'll eat in shifts; you can go first."
"What about the princess?" Izin asked Zuko as Shin stood up to leave the group. "Shouldn't she eat something?"
Zuko smiled to himself feeling appreciative of Izin's concern for Chiara. "She will."
"I could get a bowl of food ready for her."
Zuko looked at him and nodded. "Yes. Thank you, Izin."
Izin stood up. "Would you like a bowl as well, your Highness?"
"That sounds good. Thanks." As Izin walked off, Zuko looked at Kaito. "Technically I'm no longer the prince, and I know you offered your allegiance, but you don't have to be so formal or follow us everywhere."
"Your Highness, there is no greater honor than to do our duty to the Fire Nation by serving the royal family, the rightful heirs to the throne."
"It's just that it's pretty informal here. No one's really used to having guards around, and to be honest, I'm not so used to it anymore either."
"Then it's good that we're here to get you used to it again before you're back in the palace."
Zuko was about to argue with that, but the water began boiling in the teapot, so he removed the flame and added chamomile and mint.
"Is that Fire Lilies in the Golden Sunlight, your Highness?" Kaito asked him.
Zuko looked up at him not even aware he had been humming. "Oh...um...yes?"
He continued the song in his head, but now that he lost his place, he wondered if the tea he was making would not turn out as good. He considered starting over. He decided it could not be that bad if he let it stew a few extra seconds, but since Chiara had been in prison for a month, he at least wanted to make her a perfect cup of tea.
"Do you want tea?" he asked.
The guard had never expected to see any of the royal family making tea, much less offering it to him.
"Y-yes, your Highness," said Kaito out of respect, though unsure of how it would taste.
Zuko poured him a cup, and then he poured three more for Ezo, Shin, and Izin before proceeding to make a new pot for Chiara determined not to lose focus this time.
It did not take long for Katara to heal what she could of Chiara's back injuries. When Chiara returned to the courtyard, she sat next to Zuko and handed him a rolled up canvas tied with a golden ribbon that he recognized as their wedding portrait. He smiled at her and tucked it away before handing her a freshly made cup of tea.
"Oh, thank you," she said. "I haven't had any tea in a month."
He held a cup out to Ezo. "Tea, Ezo?"
He was clearly surprised. "Oh...yes, thank you, your Highness."
"Aw, it's chamomile and mint," smiled Chiara. "You're so precious."
"This is really good, your Highness," said Ezo who was just as astonished as Kaito that the prince could make such delicious tea.
Zuko grinned. "I hope so. I did work in two tea shops in Ba Sing Se after all."
Soon there was a fire blazing in the fire pit in the courtyard, and everyone settled around it with their food while Zuko brewed more tea for the others and Sokka animatedly recounted the story of the breakout.