Chapter Two: The New Fire Lord

Kirana sat alone on her bed, braiding black ribbons into her hair. She had tied black ribbons onto her armor, and wore a black cloak. Finished with her hair Kirana sat quietly for a moment. But when the insistent knocking began she had to get up. She moved slowly, the weight of her father's death hanging around her shoulders, and answered the door. It was the funeral man. Kirana let him in. Fifteen minuets latter he left with the plans for her father's cremation.

Shaking her head sadly Kirana walked back through her room and stood on her balcony, arms crossed and resting on the railing. She watched the sun rise, and let her mind wander. When the funeral was over Kirana would be leaving. Aira and her flying bison Bre would be waiting to take her to the Eastern Air Temple. The sound of footsteps pulled her out of her daydream of the Air Temple and what it would be and look like.

Turning her head slightly, Kirana saw that it was Prince Zuko. "Your Highness," she said bowing.

"Master Kasha has arrived, he would like to see you on the training grounds latter today." Zuko moved closer to the Avatar and mimicked her position, arms crossed and resting on the railing. "He wants to test you one more time. And my father says you are to be in the throne before lunch."

Kirana started. "Why?" she asked suspiciously.

Zuko smiled. "It has nothing to do with the fact that I'm still a bachelor, Avatar, but something entirely different." As he said that last bit the Prince's mood become serious and brooding. Kirana cocked her head to one side, thinking. What could the Firelord want then? She was confused because the last time she was here he had tried to get her to marry Zuko.

"Of course I'll be there. I'll meet my old master afterward."

Zuko gave Kirana a small bow of respect. "I shall inform them, and please call me Zuko when you get the chance."

Kirana bowed her head. "As you wish, Zuko." He smiled and left.

The last time Kirana had been in the throne room a raging fire had burned on the dais, but now it was empty. She frowned, hadn't Zuko told her to come here. "Kirana, I'm so glad you made it." It was the Firelords voice. She started to bow. "No, don't. I'm not the Firelord anymore, I've stepped down." Kirana looked up at the Firelord in surprise, eyes round.

The flames suddenly leapt up on the dais. "Welcome Avatar." Zuko's voice came from behind the fire. She quickly recovered.

"It's an honor to be here, majesty," she said with a bow. "I forgot to tell you when I reported earlier that the Southern Water Tribe is sending an ambassador to make an alliance."

The room was silent except for the crackling of the fire. Finally the new Firelord said, "I will gladly meet with the ambassador when he or she arrives. When do you plan to leave for the Air Temple?"

"Right after the funeral; the sooner I master the elements the better."

"You are dismissed. Master Kasha is waiting in the training area for you." Kirana rose and bowed. She now understood why Zuko had asked her to call him by his first name.

The training area was a huge courtyard with a stadium. Kirana stood in the center, Master Kasha said her opponent and final test would be there in about five minuets. She took off her cloak and placed on a seat before going back to the middle. After what felt like an hour footsteps could be heard coming from the west entrance. Finally, Kirana thought. She hated waiting. When her opponent finally came out she gasped. She would be fighting Zuko?!

"Don't look so shocked Kirana," he said joining, her in the middle. They bowed and backed up several steps, and bean to circle. Kirana waited for him to strike first, he did. She bent over backwards and brought her hands swinging down, a flame whip erupting from them. The Firelord grabbed the flame whip and Kirana let go the moment he yanked, putting him off balance. Kirana took the chance and kicked him in the side.

Zuko staggered to the side from the force of her blow, and then redoubled his attacks. Kirana couldn't plan ahead much, the Firelords speed was great. All she could do was parry, dodge and attack when she got the chance. They began to tire faster than they normally did because of the ferocity of their attacks; Kirana pulled her sword from its sheath and let fire run up it. The Firelord took a step to the side and drew his own sword.

The clash of metal on metal rang in the courtyard, echoing. Kirana panted and leapt back for a breather. The Firelords sword lay behind her; she'd knocked it out a minuet ago. Breathing hard himself, Zuko drew himself up to his full height and sent a bolt of lightning at her. Without thinking Kirana dropped her sword and let the lightning hit two of her fingers. It was like fire was burning through her arm and stomach as led the lightning through and out of her, without any damage.

"Enough!" Master Kasha's voice rang across the courtyard. "Kirana I now see that the only thing left to teach you is lightning, but that can wait until you are ready. Firelord Zuko you shall be her teacher. Good day to you both." The Unzarin Master left them.

"He's never acted like that before," Kirana said, mystified. Zuko shrugged.