I was sitting in my prison cell, meditating. It's almost been three hours since Aang and the Water Tribe siblings escaped. After Zuko ordered his soldiers to locked me up, I waited for about 30 minutes for him to come and question me. When he didn't come, I decided to start meditating, not having anything else to do.

"I was wondering where you're airbending tattoos were."

I took a deep breath when I heard the Fire Nation Prince, staying in meditating position and kept my eyes closed. Usually when I meditate, I like to take off my shoes, sleeves and wrap, showing my tattoos clearly. When I decided to meditate, I sat down with my back turned to the door. So when Zuko walked in, my back tattoo was the first thing he saw.

"I always wondered if female airbenders tattoos where different. Seems like my question is answered." I sighed slightly through my nose, smiling a small smile to myself, before answering the prince, with my eyes still closed. "No, their tattoos are the same as male airbender tattoos. They just don't cut off all their hair. Only a bit on the forehead, to show the tattoo clearly." I didn't have to turn around to know he was looking at me confused, I could feel his frown on my back.

"Then how come yours are different? And why don't you have an arrow tattoo on your forehead?" I sighed sadly as I opened my eyes, looking down at my arm tattoos. "It's complicated." I simply answered the prince the same answer I gave Sokka. Zuko took in a deep breath from behind me, but I kept sitting down with my back turned to him. He waited for a moment before asking me the question I was waiting for.

"Where is the Avatar?"

I smirked to myself, staying in meditating position, but my eyes open. "I don't know." I simply said without turning around to face Zuko. Zuko growled in annoyance, which made me smirk more, but I refused to turn around. "You are the Protector and his sister! If anybody can tell me where he is, it's you!" He exclaimed in anger, but I just kept my back to him. Zuko growled again, in frustration, slamming his hand against my cell, but I didn't flinch like most people would.

"Tell me where he is!" He screamed at me, making me glare at the wall in front of me. "No." I answered, making the Fire Nation Prince more angry. "Tell me where he is, now!" He screamed, out raged, before I heard what sounded like an awaken flame. "Or you will regret it!" But I just ignored him and waited for him to throw the flame, preparing myself for the burning pain. But it never came.

"Prince Zuko!" I slightly looked over my shoulder and saw the uncle holding Zuko's hand, stopping him from burning me. "This is not the way to get answers!" He exclaimed at his nephew in anger, disappointed for what he was about to do. I looked back in front of me as Zuko growled at his uncle in anger, before pulling his arm away. "I need to find the Avatar! And she knows where he is!" Zuko screamed at his uncle, getting more and more angry.

"Burning her will not help you, Prince Zuko!" His uncle exclaimed in anger, before he continued talking with stern voice. "And screaming at her won't make her answer you either! Avatar's Protector or not, she is a woman! You need to treat her with respect! And I have already told you, Prince Zuko, that she will not answer your questions! No matter what you do!"

Zuko breathed deeply in anger before exploding at his uncle. "Then how am I suppose to find him?!? If I ever want to restore my honor, I need to capture the Avatar!" I gasped in shocked at the Fire Nation Prince's comment, looking over my shoulder. Hearing my gasp, the uncle looked at me with a worried frown while the Prince looked at me with a glare. But I stared at Zuko with a sad frown.

"You've been dishonored?" I asked softly over my shoulder. The Fire Nation Prince's glare deepened, his anger showing clearly on his face, but his confusion showed clear in his eyes. He touched the scar on his left eye, frowning softly, before scowling and crossing his arms. Zuko looked back at me with a glare before answering. "Yes, I lost my honor. And if I ever want to regain it, and return home, I need to capture the Avatar."

I turned slightly to face him better before looking down at my left arm. I stared at my fire arrow in sadness as I traced the lines with my finger. In a way, I knew how the Prince felt. Getting dishonored is one of the worst feelings in the world. Yes, there was a way to get the honor back, but it didn't mean it is that simple. Especially for him, he needed my brother, and I can't help him, even if I know how much it felt like having no honor.

I sighed sadly before looking at him in sadness. The uncle frowned slightly in confusion as he stared at me, while his nephew continued glaring, but you could see the confusion showing as well in his golden eyes. I looked down at my arm tattoos again, only this time, I stared at my air arrow on my right hand. If I told Zuko where my brother is heading, I'll be dishonoring myself, and be putting my brother and friends in danger. But if I helped him regain his honor in an other way, he might leave Aang alone and set me free...

"Where would you be heading if you still had my brother?" I asked slowly, silently hoping that I won't regret this and that it won't blow up in my face. Zuko frowned slightly at me before answering. "Home..." He said slowly, before his face lit up in realization. "Home!" He exclaimed, looking at his uncle with wide eyes. The uncle looked down in wisdom as he played with his beard. "So the young airbender is heading to his home. He's probable searching for other airbenders." He said wisely, before slowly looking down in sadness.

I frowned at the uncle's expression, but before I could question him, Zuko spoke to his uncle as he stood deep in thought. "If he's searching for airbenders, his search won't last long when he arrives to the air temple." My frown deepens in confusion at the Prince's response. Why will his search end? What has happened to my and Aang's people? Why has nobody else seen an airbender? Have the airbenders gone that deep into hiding? What is going on?

"What are you talking about?" I asked the two firebenders in front of me. Zuko and his uncle looked at each other, before looking at me. The uncle looked at me in sadness, while Zuko, for the first time without a glare, looked at me in sadness and ashamed. The prince took a deep breath while his uncle looked down in sadness, before answering all my questions.

"The Air Nomads have been wiped out. For the last 100 years, airbenders have been extinct, until you and your brother showed up." I gasped in shocked, looking down as the tears slowly started to form in my eyes. I looked back at them, my tearful eyes meeting their sad eyes. "H-how... How are my people extinct?" I asked slowly, trying to hold back my tears. The uncle looked down again, ashamed while Zuko crossed his arms, looking down expressionless. He continued looking down, before answering me, without looking up.

"My great-grandfather, Fire Lord Sozin, used the Great Comet, later renamed Sozin's Comet, to wipe them out. He soon later started the war."

My eyes widen in shock before I started shaking my head as the tears started rolling down. "No... no. No!" I repeated as the sadness took over. The uncle walked away, ashamed, while Zuko stayed and watched me with a frown. I soon started screaming my despair, letting the tears roll down my cheeks, as I wrapped my arms around me. Zuko took a step forward, and slowly open is mouth, but I shot him a death glare before he could say anything.

"Get away!" I screamed at him as I tighten my arms around me. "I'm..." He stared slowly, but not wanting to hear what he has to say, I shot a blast of air at him. The air shot him right into the wall behind him. Zuko screamed in surprise as he flew, before grunting in pain when he hit the wall. He slowly got back on his feet, before looking at me, expressionless. But I just ignored him, holding myself again as I continued crying, broken hearted. Zuko sighed slightly to himself, before leaving me alone in my prison cell.

***

Two hours past, and nightfall was approaching. I stopped crying a while ago, and was sitting crossed legged, staring at my lap in sadness. A 100 years ago, today, might have been my wedding day. I would have been married to Zian and we would be on our way to Ember Island for our honeymoon. We would be talking about our future and be giving name ideas for our future children. We would have probable waited a few years before having a little airbender or firebender. We would have had a family, and been happy.

Aang would have been happy to be an uncle. He would play and do pranks with the children. He will teach them the art of having fun. He will also teach them a little wisdom here and there. Aang would have been the best uncle in the world. Aang had actually already suggested some names to Zian and I after we got engaged. He knew it was to early to talk about kids, but he thought it would save us the trouble when the kids started to come.

Monk Gyatso, would have been the best grandpa ever. He would teach the children how to make fruit cakes. And then he would teach them how to practice their aim with those cakes. He will teach them how to play Pai Sho, and he will cheat in the game just to kick their butts. And they wouldn't care, because they're spending time with their favorite grandpa.

Now... in one day, my whole life gets shattered. A 100 years have past, and there is a world war going on. I missed my own wedding, and Zian is probable dead after all these years. Aang and I are the last airbenders, because our people have been wiped out. And the freedom I've been fighting for since I was six years old, have been taken away, by putting me in a prison cell.

At least Aang is free and save. And he's not alone! He has Appa, Katara, Sokka and Kai! With them by his side, he will be able to do anything! I just hope he will head straight to the North Pole when he leaves the Southern Air Temple, and not make any pit stops. He needs to start his training as Avatar, and that means by starting to master water.

"Who took my fire flakes?"

I looked up in shocked, before slowly smirking to myself. Without looking up, I opened my hand and closed it after a pair of keys fell into my hand. "Thank you Kai." I said with a smirk, standing up. I looked above my head, and smiled brightly when I saw my favorite fire ferret. Kai chirped at me, before jumping threw the bars and landing on my shoulder. I petted him softly before taking the key and unlocking my door.

"Freedom..." I said with a smirk, before running down the hall. I would have run to Zuko's room to get my staff back, but after last time, I don't think it is a good idea. So flying off wasn't an option, and neither was swimming. My only way of getting off this ship, was by boat. Zian's uncle was a sailor, and he told us everything about ships. Like exactly where the boats on the ship where stored. And I can tell you now, I am forever grateful for him, and me being able to remember.

*Zuko's P.O.V.*

It was close to nightfall, and Uncle Iroh was able to talk me in to have a cup of tea with him before I headed of to bed. We both sat in silence as we drank our tea. But the silence soon broke when the cook screamed in anger. "Who took my fire flakes?" Uncle Iroh and I frowned to each other, wondering to ourselves who was brave enough to take the cook's fire flakes. The cook is a nice guy, for a servant, but when you take his fire flakes without asking, you will get a flying knife towards your head.

But before anyone could find out who the culprit is, a soldier called in alarm. "The Protector has escaped!" In a split second, I flew up to my feet and run to my room. If she was going to escape, she won't be leaving without her staff. I quickly arrived at my room, and waited for the Protector. But after 10 minutes, I frowned to myself and started thinking of reasons why she hasn't come yet.

She needs her staff if she wants to fly away, and she would be crazy to try and swim away. So, what other way is there for her to escape from. I slowly started to think, going deeper and deeper in thought. Realization soon hit me when I remembered that the prison hold was below deck, as well as our boats. If she stayed below deck, she could have found them. She could be already be sailing of on one of them!

I stormed out of my room and went straight below deck. I run towards where we kept the boats, and mentally prayed to myself and hoped that she hasn't found the boats. But before I got to the boats, I saw Uncle Iroh standing in front the enclosure, where we held the komodo rhinos. I stopped next to him, and was about to question him, but he just silently shushed me, without turning to me. He caught me by surprise for a moment, and when I turned my head to where he was staring, I realized why.

The Avatar's Protector was in enclosure. Not only was she in there, but she was petting one of the komodo rhinos. My eyes widen in shock, while Uncle Iroh watched her with a smiled. He slowly started walking towards her, holding his hand up to me, silently telling me to stay back. Not knowing what else to do, I stayed back and watched my uncle walked towards the female airbender. Uncle Iroh smiled softly at her as he walked over and stopped close to her.

"He seems to like you." Uncle Iroh said as he smiled kindly to her. She looked up in shock and quickly got in battle stance. But Uncle Iroh just ignored her and petted the komodo rhino that stood in front of her. The airbender frowned in confusion at my uncle, but stayed in battle stance. "His name is Nico." Uncle Iroh said with a friendly smile.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a fire ferret jumped on my uncle. I stepped slightly forward to help, but stopped when I heard my uncle laugh full heartedly. The fire ferret was sitting on my uncle's shoulder and was licking his face. The Protector watched my uncle and fire ferret in surprise, before slowly getting out of battle stance. "Now who's this friendly little fellow?" Uncle asked brightly as he petted the fire ferret behind the ear.

"His name is Kai." She answered slowly, frowning slightly at my uncle, but he didn't break his smile. "Well, it is very nice to meet you Kai! My name is Iroh!" Uncle said brightly to the fire ferret, who chirped in happiness and licked uncle again. Uncle laughed again before slowly taking the fire ferret in his arms and handed him over to the female airbender. "I'm guessing he's the one who ate the fire flakes."

She frowned slightly at my uncle, probable wondering why he was so friendly to her, before slowly nodding. Uncle Iroh chuckled softly before smiling down at the fire ferret in her arms. "Don't worry! I won't tell the cook!" He said while scratching behind the creature's ear. The Protector frowned expression slowly turned into a small smile as she watched my uncle play with, what I believe, was her pet. "We'll just have to buy some more!" Uncle said brightly before looking up at her with a matching, bright smile.

She giggled softly at my uncle, before letting her pet walk up her arm and lay down on her shoulder. "May I ask what is your name?" Uncle asked, and come to think about it, I was also wondering what was her name. She looked down for a moment, in thought, probable wondering if she should, before looking back at my uncle. "Asami." She answered softly.

Asami, it fits her... No! Don't start thinking things like that Zuko! She's the Avatar's Protector! Your enemy! She is the only thing that stands in your way from capturing the Avatar! I don't know why Uncle Iroh is so friendly to her, but you can't be friendly to her! Your honor come first! Why am I talking to myself in third person? I mentally thought to myself, before rolling my eyes at myself.

"It is a pleasure meeting you Asami!" Uncle Iroh said calmly, bowing down in a greeting, which she nodded to slightly. Uncle Iroh then turned back to the rhino next to him and started petting it again. Asami watched him, trying to figure out his motive is, before she slowly started petting the rhino as well. After a long moment, she finally spoked to my uncle, without stopping to pet the komodo rhino. "You're probable wondering why I'm in here and not escaping."

We're all wondering it actually. I thought to myself, while my uncle looked up from the rhino, to her. "It did come to mind." Uncle said calmly, smiling kindly at her. Asami smiled softly, before sighing to herself. "I was going to steal and escape on one of the boats. But the door was locked." Asami started explaining, petting the komodo rhino on its neck. "I was on my way to search for the key, but I found them instead." She continued, smiling brightly at the beast in front of her. "When I saw them, wanting to escape completely left my mind."

Okay, she's crazy! Who starts escaping and just forgets about it just from seeing an animal? I shook my head at the female airbender as I continued watching her and Uncle Iroh. "These animals must have had a big impact in your life." Uncle Iroh said to her, knowingly. Asami looked down lovingly to her left hand as a blush formed on her cheeks. "You could say that." She said, smiling, but her smile slowly turned into a frown, before looking completely down in sadness.

Seeing her sadden look, Uncle Iroh frowned slightly before questioning his worry. "Is everything alright Asami?" She quickly shook her head, before looking up at my uncle with a fake smile. "I'm fine!" She said, but the retired General could see clearly through the fake smile. Her pet must have, as well, because he chirped softly before rubbing his furry cheek against hers. Asami smiled thankfully at the fire ferret before scratching his head softly.

Uncle Iroh watch them with a small smile, before walking over to Asami, putting his hand gently on her back. "Come along. It's getting late, and a young woman needs her rest." He said to her kindly, pulling her softly with as he walked. Asami looked up at him in fear, but Uncle Iroh smiled calmly down at her. "Don't worry, I'm not taking back to the prison hold. We have a spare room for you to sleep in."

I don't know who's eyes was more wider in shock. Mine or hers. All what I do know, is that we were both sharing the same expression and staring at the same person with it. But my uncle just simply smiled calmly as he pulled her along with him. She must have trusted him, or something, because instead of pulling away from him, she walked along with him. I frowned in confusion at my uncle, wondering why he was doing this.

But my expression soon changed to worry when I saw them walked closer to me. I didn't want to get caught, so run behind the wall and hid. I waited until they walked past and watched as they continued walking down the hall. I stood there for a while before walking down the hall and got back on top deck. Having had a long day, and to tired to go question my uncle's reasons, I walked back to my room and got in bed. I laid in thought for a while, thinking of the brown hair girl with bright grey eyes, before falling asleep.

***

*Asami's P.O.V.*

I slowly opened my eyes, waking up from my sleep when Kai repeatedly chirped at me. I yawned tiredly as I slowly sat up and looked down at the fire ferret. Before I could ask him what he wanted, I heard a knock on my door. "Come in." I called out, stretching slowly with a yawn. The door open slowly before Iroh looked inside, smiling bright when he spotted me. "Good morning Asami!" He said in cheerful mood as he walked into the room.

"Did you sleep well?" Iroh asked kindly. I smiled kindly back to him before sitting up straighter. "I did, thank you." I answered before another yawn escaped from my mouth. Iroh chuckled softly at me, before smiling brightly when Kai started jumping up and down in front of him. Kai was chirping excitedly when he saw the old man. I giggled as I watched my fire ferret pet jump around in joy, but I was wondering to myself why he was acting this way.

"Well good morning to you too, Kai!" Iroh said cheerfully, picking Kai up and started scratching his belly. Kai moaned in pleasure as Iroh scratched his furry stomach, closing his eyes. I laughed softly along with Iroh at the fire ferret's enjoyment. While I watched the two bond, I noticed Kai's nose was twitching, singling that he's smelling. I frowned softly before taking a deep breath, and that's when it hit my nose.

"Do I smell lychee?" I asked after the sent of lychee hit my nose. Iroh smiled brightly at my comment, nodding to me yes, while he continued petting Kai. "I just made a pot of lychee tea!" Of coarse! I thought myself, finally realizing Kai's behavior. I giggled softly as I started getting out of bed and putting on my shoes. "Okay, now it makes sense!" I said as I put on my last shoes. Iroh looked at me confused, silently asking what I meant.

"Kai's favorite fruit are lychees." I answered as I put on my sleeves. Iroh's mouth made an 'oh' as his expression formed to realize. He shortly after shrugged with a big grin and continued scratching Kai's belly. I laughed softly at the old man, while putting on my orange wrap and tying my red belt around my waist. Iroh frowned when saw my sleeves, which made me frown at him in confusion. Seeing my confused expression, he voiced his thoughts to me.

"You're hiding your tattoos." He stated obviously. I looked down at my now covered arms, sighing in sadness, before answering the answer I always answer. "It's complicated." He must have noticed that it was a touchy subject for me, because he soon smiled at me. "Well, I actually came here to ask you if you would like to have some tea with me?" Iroh asked, which made me smile at the old man's kindness. "I would like that very much, thank you!" I said as I followed him out of my room.

We walked down the hall, heading towards the kitchen or dining room probable. As we walked, Kai jumped on my shoulder, chirping silently to me before sitting down and watched around him. I smiled softly up at my little furry friend, petting him before looking back in front of me. But my happy expression soon turned into worry when I saw soldiers coming towards us. The soldiers looked at me in confusion, but when Iroh put his hand on my free shoulder and smiled at them, they simply shrugged and walked away.

I sighed in relief to myself and continued walking with the old, yet kind man. We soon entered the dining room and sat down at a table that a teapot and some cups on it. Iroh took one of the cups and poured some tea into it before handing it over to me. I thanked him softly as I took the cup from him and took a small sip as he poured a cup for himself. My face lit up after I took a sip, my taste buds dancing at the delicious flavor. Not a second later, I took a bigger sip, moaning softly as I tasted the delicious teas.

Iroh smiled brightly when he saw that I liked the tea, and took a sip from his own cup. "Ah! There is no better way to start the morning! A hot cup of tea always does the trick!" Iroh said happily after swallowing his tea and took another sip. I nodded in agreement before taking a sip. "What type of tea is this?" I asked before taking another sip. I drank a lot of teas when I visited Zian in the Fire Nation, but none of them tasted as good as this one!

"Lychee." I looked up from my cup with wide eyes, before laughing in surprise. "No way! Really?" I asked with a smile. Iroh just smiled warmly and nodded, before taking another sip. "It tastes like happiness and heaven!" I stated to him, making him laugh softly. "The secret ingredient, is love!" Iroh said proudly to me. I laughed softly at the old man's response and continued drinking my tea.

Kai suddenly chirped on my shoulder, and tried to put his face into my cup. "Oh no you don't!" I said as I pulled my cup away from him. "This is my tea!" I exclaimed at him, but he continued trying to steal my tea. Iroh laughed as he watched Kai and I, before asking me if Kai was allowed to do drink tea. I answered yes, and Iroh soon poured some lychee into a cup before calling Kai. Kai chirped excitedly when he saw his own cup. He quickly jumped off my shoulder, onto the table and started drinking the tea.

"He must really like lychee!" Iroh laughed before taking his last sip of tea. I nodded before finishing my cup as well. Noticing my empty cup, Iroh picked up the teapot before asking me with a warm smile. "More tea?" I nodded quickly, holding my cup to him so that he could pour in the tea. Iroh smiled brightly as he poured the tea, nodding to me as I thanked him, and filled up is own cup again. He picked up his cup and went to take a sip, but stopped and smiled at something behind me.

"Prince Zuko! Why don't you join us?" Iroh asked kindly as he watched his nephew walked into the dinning room. I turned slightly when I heard his name, and watched him with an expressionless face. Zuko frowned for a moment at us before glaring at us with his usual glare. "Why is the Protector not in her prison cell?" Zuko asked annoyed. Not fazed by his nephew's behavior, Iroh picked up his cup again before smiling brightly at me.

"Asami and Kai are having tea with me!" He said happily, which made me smile brightly at the kind, old man, before taking a sip of my tea. "She needs to be in her cell!" Zuko exclaimed as he pointed at me, but I simply just ignored him like his uncle did. "And that rodent needs to get off my ship!" Okay, now that is over the line! Kai looked up from his cup and chirp in sadness when Zuko called him the 'r' word. Iroh frowned at Kai, petting him as I death glared at the Prince of Rudeness.

"Touch my ferret, and you will regret it!" I warned him with a glare, which he returned. "You don't scare me!" He exclaimed as he walked over to me. "Prince Zuko!" Iroh snapped, looking at his nephew in disappointment. "Asami and Kai are our guests! You will treat them with respect!" He said sternly. Zuko's eyes widen at his uncle, while I smiled behind my cup, but was secretly just as surprised when he called us, their guests.

"Guests!?! Uncle! She's the Protector! She's our prisoner, not our guest!" Zuko exclaimed in frustration, but his uncle simply continued drinking tea. "She became our guest when she decided to stay with us instead of stealing and leaving with one of our boats." Iroh said as he drank his tea. Zuko growled in frustration before turning to me with his usual glare. "How did you escape anyway?!?" He asked me with an annoyed voice.

"My secret only." I said with a smirk before taking a sip of my lychee tea. Iroh smiled brightly in excitement when a thought came to him. "We need to go shopping when we make it to a harbor!" Zuko and I both frown at the old man, before we both voiced our confusion. "Shopping?" We looked at each other in shocked before glaring at each other again. But Iroh just ignore our behavior as he continued to smile.

"We need to buy you some clothes! You can't wear the same clothes everyday!" Iroh stated in a matter of fact. Zuko growled in annoyance again while I started thinking about the special treatment I'm getting. The room and tea was fine, but buying me clothes? I think this is going a bit to far. "The second she gets off this boat, she's gonna run away!" Zuko exclaimed. Iroh scoffed softly as he shook his head. "No she won't!" He said knowingly, which made the prince and I frown again.

"Just because she didn't escape last night and is enjoying your tea, doesn't mean she will leave the first chance she gets!" Zuko exclaimed as he quickly snapped out of his frown. "No, she'll stay until we reach the Avatar." Iroh said as he filled his empty cup with tea again. "Asami knows that we are the only ones following the Avatar. She knows that, the only way to get to her brother, is by staying with us." He added before taking a sip of his tea.

Okay, what Zuko said was true. I would have run away the second I got the chance. But what Iroh said made more sense. I wanted to get to Aang, and if I run away now, I don't have a way to travel to him. But if I stayed with them, they can take me right to him. The way I see it, it is a double win for me. I get to Aang quickly, and I get to travel free!

Zuko growled in anger before storming out of the dining room. I waited until he left completely, before talking to his uncle. "You really don't need to buy me clothes! I'm fine with what I am wearing!" I said to him, trying to talking him out of it. "What you are wearing now, won't last long if you are wearing it everyday. I do not mind buying you some new clothes." Iroh said kindly before he drank his tea. I groaned silently, giving up for now, and continued drinking my tea.

"Besides," The kind, old man started talking again with a cheeky smile. "We need to go to the shops to buy fire flakes!" He said with a chuckle, looking down at Kai with a knowing look. "For both the cook and for Kai!" He added before petting Kai on the head. Kai chirped at him, before he started drinking the tea again. "Maybe even get some lychees while we're at it!" Iroh said in excitement. Kai quickly looked up when he heard the name of his favorite fruit and started chirping in excitement. Iroh and I laughed at the fire ferret before we continued drinking our own tea.

***

We finally got to a harbor and anchored. While the crew stayed and did repairs, Zuko, Iroh, Kai and I left the ship. "Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible!" Zuko said as we all exited the ship and got on land. "I don't want to stay to long and risk losing his trail!" He added. I rolled my eyes at the prince, as I following him and his uncle from behind. "You mean the Avatar?" Iroh simply asked, which made me snap my head towards him in shock.

"Don't mention his name on these docks!" Zuko snapped after he turned and faced his uncle. "Once word gets out that he is alive, every firebender will be out looking for him! And I won't anybody to get in the way!" For once, Zuko and I agreed to something! Only, he didn't want anybody to know, because he wants to capture Aang first. I didn't anyone to know for Aang's safety. If word gets out, I won't be able to protect him, until I get to him.

"Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?" A man asked as he walked towards us. Zuko and Iroh looked at him in surprise and worry. Zuko quickly snapped out of it as his usual glare returned. "Captain Zhao." Zuko said with a sneer, with his arms crossed but the man just smirked evilly at him. "It's Commander now." Zhao stated to Zuko before bowing to Iroh in respect. "And General Iroh!" Wait, did he just say general? I didn't know that he is a general.

"The great hero of our nation!" Zhao finished with a proud and respected voice. But I could see the evil in his eyes as clear as day. "Retired general." Iroh said as he smiled slightly and bowed back. Kai squeaked suddenly in fear when the commander looked over and saw us. I shushed him silently and tried to calm him down, put it was to late. Commander Zhao already noticed us, and was smirking an evil smirk.

"Now who is this beautiful young lady?" He asked as he looked at me with his evil eyes. Zuko stepped slightly in front of me and glared warningly at Zhao. Normally, I would have frowned at Zuko's sudden protectiveness. But I felt so uncomfortable at how Zhao was staring at me, that I was glad that Zuko tried to hide me from the commander's view.

Unfortunately, Zuko's warning glare only made Zhao smirk in amusement. "This is Asami." Iroh answered him, but was sending the commander a warning with his eyes as well. Zhao smirked as he walked past Zuko and stopped in front of me. "A beautiful name for a beautiful woman." He said to me as he took my left hand and kissed it. I shivered in disgust while Zuko stared at Zhao with a killer, death glare. "Thank you." I said with a fake smile, while I tried to pull my hand back from him, but he kept a tight grip on it.

Zhao looked back at me with a smirked before his eyes fell on Kai. "What a cute little ferret." He said, sarcasm clear in his voice as his free hand went and tried to pet Kai. But Kai chirped in fear and over to Zuko. The Fire Nation was caught by surprise at first, but quickly recovered as Kai climbed up and sat on Zuko's shoulder. Zhao glared at Kai in annoyance, before looking back at me with a fake smile. "He must be shy?" He asked before something on my left hand caught his attention.

"You're engaged."

He stated, glaring slightly before letting go of my hand. "Now I understand Prince Zuko's protectiveness." He said as he stepped back. We all where caught by surprise by his comment, but Iroh responded before Zuko or I could. "Yes! These two are to be married!" Zuko and I glared Iroh in disbelief, but he just smiled at Zhao, acting like a proud parent. Knowing we had no other choice, I walked over to Zuko and wrapped my arm around his. Zuko groaned silently in annoyance, before pulling me slightly closer to him.

"The Fire Lord's brother and son, and his future daughter-in-law are welcomed guests anytime." Zhao said with an expressionless face. Iroh is the Fire Lord's brother? I thought he was Zuko's mother's brother, not his father's. "What brings you to my harbor?" Zhao asked soon later. "Our ship is being repaired." Iroh answered as he pointed to their ship. And now that I look at it, I'm surprised that we were able to arrive here safely.

"That's quite a bit of damage." Zhao said after a moment, looking at us with a look that said what happened. "Yes," Zuko started as he started thinking up the perfect lie. "You wouldn't believe what happened!" He said, thinking for while, before deciding to do a little pay back. "Uncle! Tell Commander Zhao what happened!" He said plainly, putting his uncle on the spot.

Iroh's eyes widen in shock before looking at his nephew in disbelief. I slightly bit my lip as I tried not to smile or laugh. "Yes! I will do that!" Iroh said, before looking down, deep in thought. "It was incredible!" Iroh started talking in a voice that made you believe that you're about to hear the most amazing story ever. But it soon got spoiled when Iroh didn't get any ideas to continue his story.

"What? Did we crash or something?" He whispered to his nephew, but not soft enough. "Yes! Right into an Earth Kingdom Ship!" Zuko said quickly, clearly showing his distress on his face. It was very hard for me not to laugh at the two royal members next to me. So to cover my smile and not give away their lie, I took Kai off Zuko's shoulder and cuddled with him. Zhao frowned slightly at me, before looking at Zuko and Iroh in disbelief.

"Really? You must regale me with the thrilling details!" Zhao said with a smirk, before bowing down slightly, looking Zuko right in the face. "Join me for a drink?" He asked with a smirk, which was starting to annoy me more than Zuko's glare. "Sorry, but we have to go!" Zuko said before grabbing one of my hands and walked around Zhao, pulling me along. I was caught by surprised when he grabbed my hand, but I quickly recovered when I remembered that we needed to play like a couple.

"Prince Zuko!" Iroh said as he grabbed Zuko by the shoulder and stopped him. "Show Commander Zhao your respect." He said to his nephew before turning to face Zhao. "We will be honored to join you." He said to the Commander before started walking away. "Do you have any ginseng tea? It is my favorite." Iroh asked as they walked away. Zuko growled in anger as he pulled his hand out of mine. He then shot a ball of fire out of both fists before following his uncle and the commander.

Having no other choice, I run after them and soon walked next to him. "Remind me to kill your uncle when I get the chance." I said to Zuko quietly, putting Kai back on my shoulder as we walked behind them, glaring annoyed. "Get in line. I'm going to strangle him for telling Zhao that we're engaged! Then I'm going to poison his tea for making us stay longer in Zhao's presence!" Zuko said to me, quietly, but you could hear the annoyance clearly. I smirked softly at the prince response, before chuckling softly.

But before we got to the Commander's tent, an idea came to me. "I got an idea!" I whispered to him before grabbing his arm. "Follow my lead!" I added before pulling him the two adults in front of us. "Uncle Iroh!" I called out innocently, catching the two grown men's attention as they turned around to face us. "In chase you have forgotten, but Zuko and I need to go shopping for my wedding dress!" I said with an innocent smile, holding Zuko's arm as a lover.

Iroh's eyes widen at my comment, while Zuko secretly smirked at me, seeing my plan. "I've completely forgot!" Iroh exclaimed in surprise, acting like he really did forgot. "We were suppose to go shopping!" He added, his face brightening up as he remembered our previous plan, before turning to Zhao with a guilty smile. "Terrible sorry, Commander Zhao! But we're going to have to join you after our shopping!" Iroh said with a bow. Zhao bowed slightly back, before talking with a fake understanding voice.

"It's quite alright, General Iroh! A bride needs her dress. You can join me for a drink after your shopping. I'm sure your crew will still be busy repairing your ship. You can have some tea while you wait and rest." Zhao said with a fake smile before walking away from us. As Zhao walked away, Iroh grabbed my arm and pulled me away from Zuko as he walked towards the shops. "Come along now! We don't have all day!" He exclaimed excitedly as he pulled me.

We soon entered a store and Iroh started gathering clothes. "Let's hope that the ship is repaired when we're done here." Zuko said to me as we watched his uncle grab clothes, saying how beautiful I'm going to look in this and that. "I'm sure it will be fixed by the time we're done here." I said as we both watched Iroh run around the shop. Kai chirped in amusement as he watched Iroh before climbing down my arm and then asked for belly scratches.

I giggled at the attention seeker in my arms and stated scratching his belly, getting a happy moan from Kai. Zuko watched me pet Kai for a moment in silence, before asking the question that was probable on his mind for a while. "So, you're getting married?" I sighed softly before answering without looking at him. "I was going to, but not anymore." Zuko frowned slightly in confusion at me, before asking again. "What happened? Did your fiancé cancel the wedding or something?"

"Nope!" I said as I continued scratching Kai's belly, making Zuko more confused. "Look," I started saying, before he could continue asking more questions. "I really don't want to talk about. Not now." I said to him before Iroh run over to me, handing all the clothes he gathered over to me. Before I could say anything, Iroh grabbed Kai and put him on Zuko's shoulder and started pushing me towards the dressing room.

"You need to try them all on!" Iroh said as he pushed me. "All of them?" I asked in shock as looked down at all the clothes Iroh gave me. "Yes! All of them!" He stated clearly before pushing me in the dressing room and closed the door. "Oh! And you need to show us as well!" He exclaimed through the door. I groaned slightly in frustration before I started taking my clothes off and put on one of the dress Iroh picked. It was a long, red dress with silver patterns on it, with short sleeves and open back.

After I put on the dress, I inspected myself in the mirror and saw how perfectly it sat on me. I turned around, trying to see from all angles and noticed that the dress was showing off my tattoos proudly. On any other day, I would love to wear this dress that helped me show my tattoos proudly. But now, I can't wear it and show off my tattoos. Nobody else can know I'm an airbender. So I need to continue hiding my tattoos.

I went to take of the beautiful dress, but was stopped when Iroh called out. "We want to see you in every clothing in there Asami! I will now if you skip one!" I sighed softly, looking at myself in the mirror. I quickly scanned the other clothing, and noticed that almost all of them were short sleeved and open back. "Iroh, I can't wear these clothes! They show my tattoos clearly!" I exclaimed through the door.

"Of coarse they do! An airbender needs to wear their tattoos proudly!" Iroh said proudly, making me frown at him through the door. "Uncle, I don't think it is such a good idea for her to walk around and show off her tattoos." Zuko quietly said to his uncle, thinking that I didn't hear him, but I did. "Especially not here! Her tattoos are going to tell every firebender here that she's an airbender! They will try and capture her when they find out!" He said knowingly. "He's got a point Iroh!" I said through the door.

"Well, nobody else is in this shop but us! You can come out and show us how you look like! Nobody will see your tattoos!" Iroh said, hardheaded and knowingly. I huffed softly before slowly opening the door and stepped out. I nervously looked at the two men in front of me and waited for their opinion. "Whoa..." Zuko said quietly as he stared at me in shock, while Iroh smiled happily when he saw me get out. Kai, who was still sitting on Zuko's shoulder, chirped in agreement when he saw me come out.

"You look beautiful Asami!" Iroh said, smiling at me like a proud father. I blushed at the retired general's compliment and smiled shyly at him. "Thank you..." I said shyly as I rub my arm, looking nervously around. "Nobody is here Asami." Iroh said when he saw my nervousness. "Trust me, I understand why you can't show your tattoos. But I also know how important it is for an airbender to wear their arrows proudly." He said as he picked up a red and gold shoulder scarf.

"When you are on the ship and/or not surrounded by other people, you can where your tattoos proudly." He continued saying as he then picked up a pair of silver, long sleeved, fingerless gloves. "But when you are surrounded by people, you simply cover up with a scarf!" He said as he put the scarf on shoulders, covering my back. "And some gloves!" He added with a big smile as he handed over the gloves to me. I smiled happily at Iroh as I took the gloves and put them on.

"So..." I started as I turned around slowly, smiling at the men in front of me. "How do I look?" Iroh smiled brightly with chuckled, while Zuko stared at me awed struck. Seeing that he's frozen, Kai slapped him softly on the head with his front paw, before jumping off his shoulder. Zuko snapped out of his gaze and glared down at the fire ferret, but Kai just chirped happily and walked over to me. I giggled softly at the little moment between the fire ferret and the prince, before kneeling down and picking up Kai.

"I got scarves and gloves for all your clothes." Iroh said as he laid his hand on my shoulder. "All we need to do now, is see which one fits which outfit!" He said happily, before taking Kai from me and pushed me back into the dressing room. "Now go change into a different dress! I want to see you in the pink dress with the cherry blossoms!" I laughed softly at the old mans eagerness and changed into the dress he requested.

***

After trying on all the outfits Iroh picked out for me, Iroh took them all and bought them for me. I, of coarse, told him that he didn't need to buy me so much clothes and that I only needed a few. He obviously argued back and said that he wanted to buy the clothes for me. We left the shop, and soon after, Iroh started pulling me to each and every clothes store there is. One after the another, he picked out some outfits and made me try them on. And every outfit he liked, he bought. And he like ALL of them! At the end of the day, I almost had enough clothes for everyday of the year.

Before we left, we quickly went to the food shops and got Kai some fire flakes, and for the cook of coarse! But knowing how much Kai loved fire flakes, we bought some extra so that he wouldn't steal from the cook again. While we were add it, I got him some lychees and other food that is his favorite and good for him. Along with some small toys for him to play with.

We soon left the shops and headed straight to the ship. Unfortunately, the ship was still repairing. And to double our luck, Commander Zhao showed up and reminded Iroh that we, and by we, I mean Iroh, agreed to join him for a drink. Of coarse the commander also added that he made ginseng tea, the retired general's favorite tea. Having no other choice, we went to Zhao's tent, and joined him for a drink.

Luckily, while we were shopping, we all came up with the perfect story how the ship got damaged, and told it to Zhao. It must have sounded realistic enough, because Zhao kind of seemed convinced after we told him. Fortunately, the subject changed over the damaged ship. Unfortunately, the topic became about the war. Zhao started talking about strategies and plans of defeating Earth Kingdom soldiers, how he would lead his army to victory for the Fire Nation, for his Fire Lord.

As he spoke, more like brag, I drank my tea and bit my tongue to stop myself from snapping at the commander and tell him exactly what I think about the war. It took everything in me not to tackle him and beat him up. Through his whole bloody speech, I tried to zone him out and not listen to him, but his voice was so annoying, it was hard not to hear it. Luckily, for me and unfortunately Zhao, Kai was able to keep me busy. Every time my fist clenched in anger, Kai would grab my hand and demand belly scratches. It helped me control my anger, and it helped Zhao from me not killing him.

"And by years end, the Earth Kingdom Capital will be under our rule! The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war!" Zhao finally finished proudly, making me more angry as ever. The Earth Kingdom are strong and proud! They will never let the Fire Nation rule over them! The Fire Lord is a bloody fool of he thinks he can rule the world! He better hope we never meet!

"If my father thinks that the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool!" Zuko exclaimed annoyed. He caught me by surprise, but I couldn't agree with him more. His father is defiantly a fool. "Two years at sea has done little to temper your tongue!" Zhao said with his annoying smirk. He's just telling the truth, Commander Sideburns! I mentally rolled my eyes at him as I silently played with Kai. "It must be hard for you, dear Asami." Zhao suddenly said to me with a smirk.

"To marry and live with someone with such a temper." He continued, smirking at Zuko, like an annoying kid pushing his parents buttons on purpose. Zuko and I both glared at him annoyed. The growled silently while I hugged Kai closer to me before fake smiling at Zhao. "Well, Commander Zhao, Zuko has to live with a free spirit like me!" I said cheerfully, mentally strangling the commander as I fake smiled at him. "So I'm not complaining!" I added as I took Zuko's hand in mine, and wrapped my fingers with his.

Zuko frowned slightly at our joined hands, before remembering our role we needed to play in front of Zhao. He smiled down at me before lifting up our joined hands and kissed my hand. I blushed softly before giggling softly, acting like a loving fiancé Zhao thought I was. "Neither am I." Zuko said, before kissing my hand again. I blushed even more, before reminding myself that this isn't real, we're only pretending. The second we get back on that ship, we'll be hating each others guts again.

"How sweet!" Zhao said with a fake smile. "You two must happy to get married!" He said with his fake smile showing clear. "Oh yes! Definitely! It feels like we only met yesterday!" I said, fake smiling lovingly, and smiling for real for the last sentence. He only did meet each other yesterday. "It does, doesn't it?" Zuko said with a knowing smirk, getting a wink from me. "Yes! And now we're getting married!" I said before kissing Zuko's cheek.

Zuko blushed slightly, while Zhao glared in annoyance at our little moment. "How cute." Zhao muttered, not even trying to hide his annoyance. Zuko snapped out of his blush before smirking to himself at the commander's annoyance. I was smirking as well, winking one last time at Zuko before pulling my hand out of his and started petting Kai again. Zhao glared at us for a moment, before smirking knowingly at us.

"So, how is your search for the Avatar going?" He asked Zuko, making both him and I freeze in nervousness. Iroh must also have gotten surprised at the question, because not a moment later, he accidently knocked all the spears off their stand. Kai squeaked in surprise and jumped in fright when he heard the weapons crush, but I quickly grabbed a hold of him and calmed him down. Iroh flinched as he watched and heard them crash, before nervously smiling at Zhao.

"My fault entirely!" Iroh admitted as he walked away from the weapons. He came over to me and softly petted Kai on head. "Sorry that I scared you, my little friend." He whispered apologetic to Kai. Kai chirped softly as he climbed out of my arms and jumped into Iroh's. I smiled softly at him as I watched Kai tell Iroh his way, 'it's okay'. Iroh smiled happily when Kai got in his arms and hugged him gently.

"We haven't found him yet." Zuko answered to Zhao with an expressionless face, not showing a hint that he's lying. "Did you really expect to?" Zhao asked the prince with a look of disbelief. "The Avatar died a 100 years ago! Along with the rest of the airbenders!" He said as if it was a knowing fact. I clenched my fist tightly in both anger and sadness. Getting reminded every time that Aang and I are the last of our people hurt like getting punched in the face. And believe, that was exactly what I wanted to do to the commander.

Zuko looked down at Zhao's response, secretly look at me from the side of his eye, as he tried to avoid eye contact with the commander. Seeing the prince's sudden eye avoidance, Zhao smirked as if the got the reaction he wanted. "Unless you have found some evidence that the Avatar's alive." Zhao said, showing clearly that he's fishing information. I silently glared at the commander from the corner of my eye as my knuckles slowly turn white from the tight clenching.

Zuko turned his face to the commander and glared in anger at him. "No!" He said clearly as he clenched his own fists. "Nothing." He added as he turned and looked at me. Our eyes connected for a split second before we both looked away, not wanting Zhao to realize that we are lying to him. Reality, I knew the real reason why Zuko didn't tell Zhao. He didn't want anyone else hunting down his target. But for some reason, it almost felt like to me that he was trying to protect me from the commander from finding out who I really am. Almost.

"Prince Zuko," Zhao started saying as he stood up from his chair. "The Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Nation from winning this war! Especially with the Protector! If the legends are true!" Zhao continued as he raised his voice. Legends huh, interesting. I wonder how many people knowing actual about me. And which of the stories are true.

"If you have an ounce of loyalty left..." Zhao said to Zuko warningly as he stepped closer to the prince with a glare. "You'll tell me what you found!" I looked up and glared at the commander in anger. I could see right through him. He if he found out about Aang, he will hunt him down for his own credit, not for his country. Zhao's own selfishness showed more clearly than his stupid sideburns.

"I haven't found anything!" Zuko said as his face turned and looked Zhao right in the eye. "It's like you said. The Avatar probable died a long time ago. And the legends of the Protector is just that. Legends." He said with a glare towards the commander. Zuko then stood and took my hand in his. "Come on Uncle, we're going!" He said after he pulled me up from my chair and head straight to the exit, keeping my hand in his.

I blushed slightly as he grabbed and held my hand in his, but I didn't pull away, knowing we had to keep up the act in front of Zhao. But before could exit the tent, the soldiers at the entrance crossed their spears and blocked us from leaving. Zuko stopped and looked up in shock while I gasped. "Commander Zhao!" A soldier called out as he walked around his buddies and us, walking towards Zhao. "We interrogated the crew like you instructed! They confirmed that Prince Zuko had the Avatar in his custody, but let him escaped!"

Zuko's grip around my hand tighten in anger, disappointment, worry and fear as he listened to the soldier. My hand tightened around his as well, worried for not just my brother and my safety, but what might happen to Zuko and Iroh for lying to the commander. But thankfully to my relief, the soldier didn't mention that I'm the Protector or an airbender. The crew mustn't have told them. Both Zuko and Iroh looked at each, relief showing slightly in their eyes, but the worry was clear on their faces.

Zhao turned around and looked at us with a winning, evil smirk. I glared at the commander in anger, but the evil in his eyes made me uncomfortable and nervous. "Now remind me, how exactly was your ship damaged?" Zhao asked as he walked over to us. Zuko looked silently down in defeat as I grabbed a hold of his arm with my free hand in nervousness. I wasn't scare of Zhao, I could defeat him easily. But the way he looked at us, especially me, made me so nervous and more uncomfortable than I've ever been in my life.

***

After Zhao confronted us, we told him the truth. Well, sort off. We couldn't tell him the whole truth, like me being the protector. "So a 12 year old boy bested you and your firebenders?" Zhao asked with a knowing and frustrated voice. Well, technically I bested Zuko and his firebenders. Not brag or anything. I mentally thought to myself as I rolled my eyes behind Zhao's back.

"You're more pathetic than I thought!" Zhao sneered at Zuko. "I underestimated him once! And I will not let that happen again!" Zuko exclaimed, looking at me with a pointed look, sending me a secret message. I smirked slightly at him before looking expressionless to Zhao. You can dream on Zuko! Yes, you will get to Aang one day, but I sure as hell will kick your royal butt before you lay a hand on him.

"No it will not! Because you won't have a second chance!" Zhao said which made both Zuko and I look at him in shock. "Commander Zhao! I've been hunting the Avatar for two years and I-" Zuko started talking, annoyed and worried, but was interrupted when Zhao turned in anger. "And you failed!" He exclaimed as he shot flame out of his hand in anger.

Kai squeaked in fear when he saw the fire and jumped off Iroh's lap and run straight to me. I quickly picked him up and hugged him close to my chest as I tried comfort and calm him down. But Kai kept on shaking in fear. As he shook in fear, I looked up at Zhao with a death glare, but he ignored me as he walked over to Zuko.

"Capturing the Avatar is to important to leave in a teenager's hands!" He said as he walked over and stopped in front of the prince. "He's mine now!" Oh, I don't think so Commander Sideburns! I glared at him as Zuko cried in anger as he jumped up and went to hit the commander. But the soldiers standing behind him, grabbed him before he could hit their commander. "Keep them here!" Zhao ordered as he left his tent.

Zuko growled in anger until he kicked the table that held the teapot and was in front of Iroh. Luckily Iroh kept his cup in his hand. The retired general just looked at the now broken table expressionless before he looked at the soldiers holding Zuko. "More tea, please?" Iroh asked them as he held his cup up. "And some fire flakes too please?" I added with a fake smile as I continued trying to calm Kai down. He was still shaking, but luckily not that much like before.

***

A hour or so later, Zhao entered his tent and spoke to us. "My search party is ready. Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship, and you'll be free to go." I looked up at the commander and glared in anger. It took me almost an hour to calm Kai down! And it's all his fault. Zuko also looked up at Zhao with a glare, but it wasn't for the same reason as mine.

"Why? Are you worried that I'm going to try and stop you?" Zuko asked with a glare. But instead of getting a glare back, Zhao laughed at him. "You? Stop me? Impossible!" Zhao said to him knowingly. Which made both Zuko and I annoyed and frustrated. "Don't underestimate me Zhao!" Zuko exclaimed as he flew up from his chair. "I will capture the Avatar before you!" He said.

"Prince Zuko! That's enough!" Iroh said warningly as he stood up himself. But the prince and commander ignored the retired general. "You can't compete with me! I have hundreds of war ships under my command!" Zhao said, which sounded more like a brag to me. "And you! You are just a banished prince! No home! No allies! Your own father doesn't even want you!" Zhao continued, insulting Zuko more and more. I gasped silently in shock at Zhao's insults, especially the last one.

"You're wrong!" Zuko said in anger, making me look at him slightly in sadness. "Once I deliver the Avatar to my father, he will welcome me home with honor! And restore my rightful place on the throne!" Zuko continued knowingly, but you could hear in his voice that he was hoping that what he said was true. I frowned slightly at the prince as I wondered to myself. Did Zuko's father dishonor him? Did he banish him from his own home? Why was he banished and dishonored? What did he possible do to get such a punishment?

"If your father really wanted you home, he would have let you return by now. Avatar or no Avatar. But in his eyes, you are a failure! And a disgrace to the Fire Nation!" Zhao said, not showing any ounce of regret to what he's saying. "That's not true!" Zuko exclaimed in frustration. "You have the scar to proof it!" Zhao just simply said. I gasped louder this time in shock as I looked at Zuko in wide eyes. But he just ignored me as he cried out in anger.

"Maybe you'll like one to match!" Zuko shouted in rage. "Is that a challenge?" Zhao asked in a mock of disbelief. My eyes widen wider, only in fear when I realized what challenge they were talking about. I prayed to the universe that my fear doesn't come true. But unfortunately, my prays wasn't answered. "An Agni Kai! At sunset!" Zuko exclaimed, challenging the commander. I sighed in sadness as I hugged Kai closer to my chest, seeking comfort.

I've seen an Agni Kai before, and it was not pleasant sight. It was between Zian's cousin and another firebender. They were both in love with the General's daughter and wanted her hand in marriage. The general said if they wanted his daughter, they will have to fight in an Agni Kai for her hand and honor. His cousin luckily won, but not after getting burned as well.

When he burned the other bender, the firebender shot a huge ball of fire at him in anger, and burned his chest. It was against rules, and because Zian's cousin gave the first burn, the other firebender lost and got dishonored for breaking the rules. Luckily the General's daughter was also in love with him and was happy that he won. She nursed him back to health and married him. The story had an happy ending, but the hero still got hurt, badly.

"Very well!" Zhao said as he stood up straight. "It's a shame that your father won't be here to watch me humiliated you!" He said in fake disappointment. "I guess your uncle and fiancé would do." He finished as he turned around and started walking towards the exit. But before Zhao left the tent, he suddenly stopped and looked over his shoulder with a smirk. "Although, I do believe when Asami sees how I defeat you, she will leave you!" He said and started walking again. "And will go for a real man!"

"Like me." He said before exiting, looking at me with a smirk. I glared at him and shivered in disgust before he left. I held Kai closer to him and tried to get his disgusting, uncomfortable smirk and the way he looked at me, out of my head. "Prince Zuko! Have you forgotten what happened last time you dual a master!" Iroh asked his nephew in shock. I gasped softly in shock, realizing that his scar is most probable from an Agni Kai.

"I will never forget!"

***

Sunset came soon later, to soon really. We all exited the tent and went to the dual area. Zuko walked away to change into the attire. I sighed sadly as I saw the fighting ring and hugged Kai. Iroh noticed my discomfort and gently put his hand on my shoulder. "Everything alright Asami?" He asked me gently. "No not really." I said as I held onto Kai. "The last Agni Kai I witnessed wasn't so great. They both got burned very badly."

Iroh looked at me with a sad, knowing look as he wrapped his arm around me and brought me into a hug. "I understand what you feel." He said gently as he patted my back. Not long after, Zuko showed up, shirtless. Sweet fruitcakes! My eyes widen slightly, blushing as I stared at the prince. I quickly snapped out of it before anyone could notice, and looked down at Kai in my arms. Zhao came soon after, and the commander and the prince both walked to the dual area.

Zhao and his soldiers walked to the one end, while Zuko, Iroh and I walked to the other. Zuko and Zhao each got a shoulder wrap and put it on, before both of them got down on one knee. "Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons." Iroh said as he stood in front of Zuko. "I refuse to let him win." Zuko said with a glare and stood up. The wrap fell off him as he turned around and faced Zhao. "Be careful Zuko, and good luck." I said as I hugged Kai closer to me. But Zuko must have ignored me, because he didn't response to me.

"This will be over quickly." Zhao said as he stood up and turned around, his wrap falling off. The dong went off, and Zuko and Zhao got in fighting stance. They stood still for a long moment before Zuko strike first and shot fire at Zhao. Zhao moved out of the way, dodging the fireball. Zuko started shooting fire repeatedly at Zhao, but the commander kept moving away from them with ease. Zhao crossed his arms in a 'X' form and blocked Zuko's fireball, before moving one arm up and the other down, dissolving the fire.

Zhao smirked evilly at Zuko after he dissipated the fire. Zuko on the other hand, was staring with wide eyes as he breathed deeply. He cried out and roundhouse kicked a fire blast at Zhao, but the commander just reflected it away with his own fire. Zuko punched another fire blast, but it was only reflected away again. He growled in frustration before jumping up and kicked fire at Zhao in mid air. But Zhao just smirked as he stood firmly, putting his hands together and swung it towards the incoming fire. He shot his own fire out, making Zuko's fire split and go around him.

Zhao stood up after he split the fire away and stared emotionless at the panting prince. "Basics Zuko! Break his root!" Iroh called out as he waved his fist in the air. "Come on Zuko! You can do it!" I called out while Kai chirped in agreement. Zhao then took a firm step forward and shot a blast of fire at Zuko, who luckily quickly blocked and reflected it away. Zhao step forward again, slamming his foot hard to the ground and shot fire again. Zuko blocked it, but stumbled slightly back, because the fire blast was a bit stronger as the last.

Zhao continued stepping forward with a strong step, while Zuko continued blocking it, but stumbling back from the strong blast. Every step Zhao take, I more and more realized he's fighting in earthbending style. His standing firm and strong, like a rock, and is punching his fire out in a strong force, like an earthbender shooting a rock. Zhao is using earthbending forms in firebending. It's both an advantage and a weakness. Advantage, his fire blasts go out in a strong force. Weakness, he needs to stand firm to firebend.

My eyes widen in realization, and turned to Iroh to tell him, Kai suddenly squeaked in fright. I looked back at the fight and gasped when Zhao shot a strong fire blast at Zuko, and send him flying to the ground. Zuko groaned in pain as he flitted himself up with his arms. But he gasped in fright when Zhao jumped up in the air. Zhao war cried as he came down and landed at Zuko's feet. "Go for his feet!" I yelled out quickly to the prince, but I was to late. Zhao stood up and punched his final blow towards Zuko, who was staring at the incoming fire in fear.

Zuko suddenly cried out in anger and rolled out of the way. With a blazing speed, he lifted himself on his hands, spinning his body and he tripped Zhao's foot, making the commander fall. Zuko landed back on his feet and smirked down at Zhao. I laughed in relief and started to cheering. "Yeah! Go Zuko!" Kai yipped in excitement, jumping up on my shoulder and started chirping, cheering for Zuko in a fire ferret way. Zuko's smirked brighten as he looked over his shoulder and saw us cheering for him.

Zhao got back on his feet and glared at Zuko. But Zuko just smirked and stepped forward, sliding his foot as he shot fire towards Zhao's feet. The commander cried in surprise and stumbled backwards as he avoided the fire from burning his feet. Zuko repeated his previous moves and continued shooting fire at Zhao's feet, making Zhao lose more of his balance from stumbling back. Iroh smiles proudly at his nephew, nodding in approval as he watched the fight. Kai continued cheer chirping from my shoulder while I watched in both excitement and anxiety.

Zuko then raised his leg up and shot a big fire blast at Zhao. The commander quickly avoids it, but was having trouble staying on his feet. Zuko repeated his move again, only shooting a stronger force out this time, and sending Zhao to the ground. Zhao falls down and rolled down on the ground, while groaning in pain. He finally stopped rolling and looked up to see Zuko standing over him with his fists ready. I took Kai off my shoulder and held him close to me as I prepared myself for what's to come next.

"Do it!" Zhao snapped at Zuko in anger. Zuko cried out and shot his final blow. I quickly closed my eyes and berried my face into Kai's fur, not wanting to see someone burn again, bad guy or not. I tighten my eyes closed and held Kai closer to me when I heard fire connect and waited for the painful screams. But it never came. "That's it?" I heard Zhao snap in annoyance. I frowned in confusion and slowly looked up from Kai's fur. When I looked up, I saw an unburned Zhao glaring at Zuko. My confusion deepened, before my eyes widen in shock and realize when I saw the burn spot on the ground next to Zhao's head.

Zuko's final blow missed him. I thought to myself in shock. "Your father raised a coward!" Zhao snapped. He missed on purpose. I can't believe it... "Next time you get in my way, I promise... I won't hold back!" Zuko said with a threaten voice. He send one last death glare at Zhao before turning around and headed towards us. I smiled in both proud and happiness as I watched him walk towards us. Zuko looked to me and smiled a very, almost none seeable, small smile at me. For some reason, his small smile made me blush and smile shyly for moment.

But my smile soon disappeared when Zhao stood up behind Zuko, and kicked a blast of fire towards him. "Zuko!" I screamed in fear and warning, and run towards him. I was about to bend the air away from the fire to kill it, knowing that I will break my cover, but didn't want Zuko to get hurt. Luckily, Iroh jumped in and grabbed Zhao's foot, dissolving the fire before it could burn him or Zuko. Iroh glared in disappointment at Zhao, before pushing him away, sending him back to the ground. Zuko turned around in surprise before growling and glaring in anger.

I sighed in relief, for Iroh saving Zuko in time, Zuko not getting burn, and for me not breaking my cover. Zuko cried out in anger and went to charge at Zhao, but Iroh stepped in front of him and held him back. "No Zuko!" I said as I wrapped my arms around his waist to help Iroh hold him back. "Don't go down his level!" I said as I glared over my shoulder at the commander. "She's right Prince Zuko!" Iroh said as he laid his hand on Zuko's shoulder. "Do not taint your victory." He said, calming Zuko down before turning to face Zhao.

I went to unwrap my arms around him, but Zuko's arm suddenly wrapped around my shoulder and held me against him. I frowned slightly up at him in confusion, but he was looking at his uncle. Not wanting to draw unwanted attention, I let it go for now, and kept my arms wrapped around him. When I looked back at Iroh, I saw him glaring down at Zhao, with Kai on his shoulder. When did he get on Iroh's shoulder?

"So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat?" Iroh asked him in disappointment. "Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you!" Iroh said, getting a shock look from Zuko, and a smile from me, agreeing with him. "Thanks again for the tea! It was delicious!" He said with a smile. I laughed softly at the retired general, unwrapping one arm around Zuko as we turned around and headed towards the ship. "Did you really mean that Uncle?" Zuko asked his uncle after a short distance away from Zhao.

"Of coarse! I told you ginseng tea is my favorite!" Iroh said with playful smile, getting a smile from Zuko and a laugh from me. Kai chirped and rubbed his cheek against Iroh's, making the retired general laugh joyfully. "But I do believe Kai like the fire flakes more!" Iroh joked as he scratched the ferret behind the ear. I laughed at Iroh's joke as I watched him pet Kai. As we got closer to the ship, I looked up at Zuko with a raised eyebrow.

"You mind letting me go now?"

Zuko's eyes widen and quickly moved his arm off me. Iroh laughed at the prince's behavior while I smiled softly. "I was only holding you because we were pretending to be together to Zhao!" Zuko exclaimed quickly. I nodded slowly as I remembered about our fake engagement. "It's okay. You were just holding me and pretending until we were out of Zhao's sight." I said, seeing his reason. "Yeah, that's what I was doing!" Zuko said, very quickly.

I frowned slightly at his behavior while Iroh continued laughing full heartedly. I shook my head and started walking towards the ship again. Iroh and Zuko soon followed after me, and we all entered the ship. Luckily, the ship was repaired and ready to set sail, so we didn't have to stay here any longer. As we walked through the ship, Zuko immediately started ordering the crew, and ordered to set sail. Not a moment later, we left the harbor at sailed of out on the sea.

"Thanks for the tip." Zuko said after a moment, avoiding eye contact, as we continued walking down the hall. My eyes widen slightly in surprise before Zuko sighed deeply and looked at me. "You know, back at the arena, thank you for that. It helped a lot." He added, looking at me at the side of his eyes. I smiled softly, before nodding to him. "You're welcome." I said and took Kai from Iroh before leaving to my room.