A/N: Hi there! My name's Lena, and I love maiko. After hanging around on this site for a while, I decided to actually write a fanfiction! Go me! Anyway, this maiko story is set back in season two, after Zuko Alone; however, the story will not follow the plotline of season two. I just think it would've been interesting if this had happened. Anyway, please R&R, and try not to be too harsh!

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Mai rolled over onto her side for about the fiftieth time in the last ten minutes.

It was the middle of the night. The sky was clear and lit with the pale tendrils of light the moon gave off, making the stars seem dull in comparison. The dark foliage of the forest was slightly illuminated, casting long shadows across the earthy ground. Mai flipped onto her back, gazing nonchalantly up at the ceiling of the cave she was sleeping in. The cave was dry and dark, the ground beneath her hard and bumpy. Mai glanced over at Ty Lee, who was mumbling about rainbows in her sleep, and then over at Azula, who was wearing a sadistic smile as she dreamed. Mai sighed. She knew that it was important to maintain stealth while hunting people, but Agni, did they really have to sleep in caves? She shuddered as she saw a cave hopper bounce past her head.

That was it. She got up, brushing the dirt and rubble off of her clothes. She was going to try and find a less insect-infested place to sleep. Mai made sure she had her weapons with her before stalking out into the woods.

Moss, trees, rabbiroos, more trees, a small stream, and—wait for it—more trees. Mai groaned as she trudged through the dense undergrowth, critically shaking her head at everything she saw. Compared to this, the cave was like a five-star hotel, Mai deducted dryly. This entire place was so completely wretched and bo—

Mai's thoughts were cut short as her foot caught onto something on the ground. With a yelp, she plummeted face first into the dirt.

"Ughhh!!" She made a thoroughly disgusted expression as she pushed herself up, wiping as much mud as possible off of her face. What had she tripped on? She never tripped. Usually she was graceful and poised. Falling into a grimy mud puddle wasn't generally something that was expected of someone of her nature.

She got to her knees and twisted around, annoyed. Her pale gold eyes widened.

There was boy behind her. A boy was collapsed on the ground, unmoving, three arrows protruding from his back. Blood was pouring out of him, soaking the grass and mud with the red liquid.

Mai narrowed her eyes and leaned closer, curious and even slightly concerned. The boy was dressed in torn, scorched green Earth Kingdom garments, a sheath with two swords hanging from his belt. Short, raven black hair covered his head; his face was hidden in the dirt. He seemed to be around Mai's age, possibly a little older. He was very well-muscled, Mai noticed, observing the way his muscles pushed against his clothing.

Mai found herself staring at the back of the boy's head. That hair…She gaped at it, entranced. It was the exact same color as…

Mai shook her head vigorously. No. His hair had been long. This couldn't be him.

Still, she had to be sure. Hesitantly she reached out, gripping her hand firmly on his shoulder. She took a deep breath, then slowly turned him over. She gasped in horror. Even through the thick mud and grime that coated his face, the large, blood-red scar was clearly visible.

"Zuko!"

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A/N: Yeah, that was kind of predictable…Anyway, please review!!!