-Returning to Ashes-

Chapter 1: The One He Doesn't Hate

The Fire Nation had been restored and replaced with a new reputation, ever since the Avatar had saved the world from the powerful self-declared "Phoenix King", Lord Ozai.

His son, Prince Zuko had then been declared Fire Lord, promising to lead the nation in a peaceful world, where the four elements could live in harmony, the war now ceased. It was a happy life, now that the fear of being seized or the constant tension of global war was now a thing of yesterday. The greatest enemy was now a quarter of the tranquil land, and all the people within it were pleased, living in harmony.

The Prince had left behind all his emotions of irritation, impatience and persistence for what now was realized to be a pointless goal; that having been to capture the Avatar to restore his honor. But now, it was completely refurbished, and had been granted to him without the help of his father, now powerless and rotting in a prison cell. He was a new teen, a young man who was respected by all the land.

But the appeasing recognition wasn't what was really heightening Zuko's mood, but rather the fact that he was able to spend more time with his girlfriend, Mai, the governor's daughter. She was a fair young lady, long black hair that vertically complimented her whole figure, two buns on either side of her head. She was his first, and he felt very strongly for her. At first, their relationship was very dry, and secretive, neither one of them revealing how they truly felt. It was irking, and how emotionless their romance seemed had gotten to be too much. Zuko had left her for another cause, leaving Mai heartbroken. But despite the fact that he had departed so suddenly with a measly note, she had betrayed her close ally and friend Azula, fighting for him in realization that her love for the Prince was much greater than her fear of his sister. Since the end of the war, they have kindled a wholesome relationship.

Zuko sat on a stone bench in the royal gardens at the Fire Palace. He was dressed in deep crimson and maroon robes, his hair pinned up to signify his royal status. Flowers that shimmered red and orange bloomed around the water that reflected the blue sky, small turtle-ducks paddling clumsily in the water. One of their webbed feet splashed gently, sending a small ripple to the end of the pond. Zuko's eyes followed it, to see them reach the mirror of someone's shoes. He looked up to see Mai, standing across from him in a scarlet robe with a gold sash. He smiled, and stood up, walking around the pond to greet her.

"Hey, Zuko." She said, her eyes that were once so dull and clandestine now sparking with life and feeling.

"Mai," he said, reaching for a flower and offering it to her. "It's nice to see you."

"Oh, orange. It's such a nasty color. I hate orange." She shot one of her knives out of her sleeve and severed the bloom off, her lips curving into dissatisfaction.

"I, uh… I'm sorry…" Zuko bashfully looked to the side, scratching his head nervously.

"Oh shut up," Mai smiled, draping his arms around Zuko's shoulders, capturing his attention, amber eyes lighting up as he looked down to her. "It's nice to see you too." They kissed sweetly, and Zuko took a red flower that was lying on the ground.

"Do you like the color red?" he joked, Mai taking the flower and throwing it playfully at him, running around the gardens.

They laughed together, chasing each other and rolling around in the grass. At one moment, Mai fell to the ground, chuckling, Zuko on top of her, breathing heavily trying to process his laughing and breathing patterns at the same time.

"It must be nice, to be Fire Lord and all." Mai said.

"It's kind of nice, once you get used to all the attention. I haven't really had much time to myself lately."

"Hm. But I thought the Fire Lord was always happy and satisfied, always getting what he wants." She teased.

"Not really. I don't get to spend as much time with you as much as I like. I'm always busy. Today is the only day I've really gotten to have time to relax."

"So you seem really swamped. Maybe you should just take a break."

"I can't."

"You need a vacation, Zuko."

"That may be so, but I can't just abandon my duties now that I have to take my father's place. You must hate me for being so busy."

"I don't hate you." Mai looked up at him, black hair laying over her shoulders and chest, imperfectly covering the grass around her head.

"I don't hate you too." Zuko smiled, leaning in for another kiss.

"Fire Lord Zuko." A voice called from the walls.

Zuko shot his head up, and hurriedly got off of Mai, looking to the guard with concern.

"I-is there something wrong?" he awkwardly asked, brushing off grass, Mai following him.

"There's a letter that came from Ba Sing Se, from your uncle." The guard handed a scroll to him.

Zuko hurriedly opened to scroll, reading it quickly. He sighed with relief.

"Uncle wants us to visit him in his tea shop." He turned to Mai. "We can leave tomorrow."

"Us?" she questioned.

"Yeah," he showed her the scroll. "He said I could bring a special guest."

"Great. I'll go pack my things. See you tomorrow, Zuko." She waved, and walked to the entrance of the palace.

"Bye," he trailed off. Turning to the guard, he smiled.

"See that we have transportation to Ba Sing Se soon. If you can, get the boat to the Earth Kingdom so our travel time can be limited."

The Guard nodded, and headed towards the palace.