I wait, eyes shut tightly, as the boulder barrels towards me.

         But all I feel is a smattering of rocks and dust as they hit my face and arms, and the shocked silence of the crowd.

         Barely daring to hope, I lift my head, opening my eyes.

         Lee stands in front of me, a pair of broadswords held easily in his hands. Shards of rock are embedded in the ground on either side of us--he must have deflected it with his swords.

         He seems relaxed, but somehow I know that he is angry--furious.

         His voice rings out over the square, brittle and hard, confirming my deduction. “Let her go.”

         Jon laughs, and Hon joins him. Their soldier friends snicker at each other, but Lee just lowers himself into a stance. I can't breathe as I watch them--what is he thinking? They'll kill him for sure!

         “Lee! Don't! They'll kill you!” My voice is a whisper, but from the way his shoulders tighten I know he's heard me. He ignores me, and I choke back a sob.

         Why is he doing this? Why is he risking his life for me? I don't even know him!

         So why do I feel like he is the only person here who knows me?

         I shake my head, watching in horror as the soldiers attack him. He deflects them easily--he's very good with those swords of his.

         Several of the soldiers run, though three stay, hanging back in doorways, watching as Hon runs at Lee.

         Hon leaps into the air and comes down hard, skidding and sending a pillar of rock at Lee. Lee rolls out of the way, but Jon comes in from the other side, hurling rocks at my dancer. I feel tears streaming down my face, but I ignore them, unable to look away as the two earthbenders expertly trap Lee between them, and hurl him halfway across the square.

         He skids when he hits the ground, and I can practically feel his head strike the earth. I scream his name, struggling against the ropes that bind me. But I can't get away, and I can only stare as Jon and Hon laugh and slap each other on the back, and the remaining soldiers step out of hiding, tugging at their clothes sheepishly.

         I sob Lee’s name into the near-silence, begging him to get up, get up!

         But he doesn't.

**__**

         “Mom?”

Zuko stared into his mother's frightened eyes, confused and sleepy. What was going on?

         “Zuko. Please, my love, listen to me. Everything I’ve done, I’ve done to protect you.” She pulled Zuko close, and he hugged her back sleepily.

         “Remember this, Zuko. No matter how things may seem to change, never forget who you are.”

         And then she was gone, the hood of her traveling cloak pulled up over her dark hair, hiding her from his sight for the last time.

         Never forget who you are... never forget...

         Zuko opened his eyes, staring at the bright blue sky of the northern Earth Kingdom. His fingers latched onto his swords, and he leapt to his feet, rage pouring through him, calling to his inner fire.

         With a single sweep of his dual swords, the banished prince wreathed himself in fire.