My first Maiko story has been written! Only a one shot, though. :( This is a one-shot about Zuko's banishment from the Fir Nation and how Mai reacts. This is actually inspired and and dedicated to another terrific author of Maiko fics. If you're reading this, you know who you are!

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar. That makes me Emo.

The Banishing

Mai had been too far back in the crowd to actually witness the catastrophe with her own hands. Thank the spirits for that. Unfortunately, she was still able to hear Zuko's agonizing cry all too well.

"AAAHHHHHHH!"

Mai's head drooped, and she felt the tears start to flow down her cheeks at the sound of Zuko's painful scream.

"You are a coward!" Mai could hear the fire lord yell at his son. "You are weak, worthless, and an embarrassment to your nation! There is no place in the royal ranks for someone who won't even fight to keep his honor."

As the crowd began to disperse, Mai stayed where she was, unable to move. After everyone except Iroh had left, she walked up to him…

She saw the burn.

To her own surprise, she was actually crying. She never cried. She'd been raised to keep her emotions hidden and properly represent her family's political status. Right now, though, she couldn't help it. The one person that she truly cared about in this world was literally scarred for life now, just for refusing to fight his own father. She kneeled beside him, and saw his tears of sadness and pain. He couldn't open his left eye at the moment. He could be blind in that eye for all anybody knew.

Iroh had rushed out to get some nurses, and when he came back, he saw Mai hugging Zuko, both still weeping. He walked up and sadly separated them.

"I am sorry Mai, but the nurses need to tend to Zuko now. You should head home. Your parents are probably worried about you."

"Yeah, I'm sure they are." Mai's voice was emotionless yet sarcastic. She slowly got up and left the Agni Kai arena, stopping to briefly glance back at Zuko when she reached the door. The nurses surrounded him as they try to do whatever they could. She sighed, and walked home.

For the next week, Mai was forbidden to see Zuko by her parents. After all, the daughter of a political family hanging out with a disgraced prince was bad publicity. That's all Mai's parents really cared about; their public image. It didn't matter Mai didn't agree with their political views or beliefs. She was expected to resemble her family in whatever way game them the best status among the people. Mai was always bribed to do as she was told. If she obeyed, she was spoiled. If she disobeyed, she was disciplined. There was no in between. It was all in the name of publicity.

Mai was sitting in her bed, still thinking about Zuko even though the incident happened six days ago. Suddenly she could hear her parents talking. After hearing Zuko's name, Mai scooted closer and leaned in to eavesdrop.

"Thank the fire lord. That embarrassment of a prince deserves it."

"I know."

"When does he leave?"

"Tomorrow. Also, he won't be allowed back in the Fire Nation unless he…"

"Unless he what?"

"Unless he captures the Avatar and brings him back."

"Then that seals it then. Prince Zuko is banished forever."

BANISHED?

Mai could not believe what she just heard. It couldn't be possible. Zuko was banished by his father? Why? Why must the one person Mai cares about be banished? Does destiny just hate her?

Mai shut her bedroom door, picked up several knives, and threw them against the wall.

"I hate this world." She said coldly.

"What was that, Mai?" She suddenly heard her father's voice through her door.

"Nothing, father. I just tripped and hit the wall." She replied, lacking any emotion.

She pulled the knives out of her bedroom wall, and then looked out the window. She quietly opened the window and snuck out, careful not to be seen. She had to see Zuko. She had to know if this was true.

Mai knew where she would find Zuko; at his uncle's house. His uncle was the only one who would show him hospitality at the moment. It was dark out when she finally reached it. She knocked on the door and Iroh answered.

"Hello, Iroh."

"He's in the guest room, Mai." Iroh gladly let her in. He already knew why she was here.

Mai walked into the room to find Zuko, staring out the window into the sea, still as a statue.

"Zuko?"

He didn't move.

"Zuko… is it true?"

"Yes," Zuko said a bit angrily.

"How can this be allowed?" Mai asked as she stepped closer to Zuko. She walked up until she was right next to him. His stare was still out into the vast sea, the place that was apparently destined to steal him forever.

"This isn't fair," Mai said.

"Gee, you think?" Zuko snorted sarcastically with a tad bit of anger.

Mai sighed. "I hate this world. I hate this world and everything in it."

After a few seconds, Mai embraced him in a gentle hug.

"Everything… except you."

It took a few moments, but Zuko finally returned the embrace.

"This won't be the last you see of me, Mai. I will find the Avatar and father will then reinstate my place on the throne. I don't care if I have to search all four corners of the earth. I don't care if I have to search the skies or underwater. I will succeed. I will earn my father's respect, and I will regain my honor."

They separated, and looked each others eyes. It was then that Mai first got to see the scar. A week ago she only saw the burned skin. Now she saw the permanent scar, or what she could make out it through the bandages that he still wore.

"Don't look at me, Mai." Zuko turned away in disgust and embarrassment.

Mai turned his head to make him look at her. She put her hand up to the scar, only for him to stop her.

"You're still handsome, Zuko." Mai blushed upon her admittance.

Zuko wouldn't smile, but he let her brush the small bit if the scar that was uncovered. Her light contact with the charred skin lasted a couple of seconds before she pulled her hand back. Reluctantly, she turned to head back out. At the door, she turned back to face him. Zuko was looking out into the water again.

"I'll miss you." Mai's voice was cold, but had a hint of sadness deep down. With that, she left to head back home.

Zuko continued to stare out into the endless horizon that he would soon be traveling. "I'll miss you too," he whispered.

Reviews and feedback appreciated. Please be gentle; this is my first Maiko fic.