At first Zuko heard only the laughter, high pitched and girly, a little like Thy Lees. Oh Spirits, not again!, he thought. One time was enough Thy Lee dancing on his nerves for a day.

As he saw his mother approaching with a girl at her side he thought, She wants me to play with them, again,...100% chance, she wants me to play with them.

But to his surprise the girl was fully unknown to him, she did not even wear Fire Nation-clothing.

"Zuko", his mother said as they came in his direction, "this is Mulan. She is the only daughter of a childhood friend of mine and came here to spend her holiday with you and your sister. When you're nice to her she might is allowed to join you next year again. Mulan, this is my son Zuko. I let you alone now, See you two at dinner.", and with that she left, happily smiling, the children standing one in front of each other looking both down awkwardly.

After what seemed like an eternity Zuko decided to make the first step. Or a step at least. "Hi", he said, and with a small bow "It's an honor to meet you.".

Mulan, for her part, seemed to feel even more awkward after this polite introduction. She managed an even smaller bow and a "T-t-the honor I-is on m-my s-s-s-side.".

Zuko did not know what to make out of this situation. Should he do Small Talk ? Or was he supposed to just start playing something like tag right away?

He decided to do Small Talk. "Uhm, where do you come from? I don't recognize this style of clothing."

The answer was one word. Looking down she said "China".

Okay, she might need a little help with the talking part. "I didn't ever heard from this country. Where is it? Could you show it to me on a map?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"It isn't on any of your m-m-m-maps."

"Oh. Why is that?"

"I don't know."

Just then Azula took notice from the two small-talkers. She ran up to them, followed by Mai and Thy Lee. She shoved Zuko to the side and positioned herself at his place. Looking down on the girl she said "Who are you?".

"M-M-Mulan", came the stuttered answer.

"What are you doing here? Don't you have manners or at least a brain? Peasants like you don't belong here. " attacked Azula. Not even once looked the girl up.

"At least you could have dressed properly." Mai added, Thy Lee giggled.

Now tears were streaming down the girls face. Zuko watched in shock. How could his sister just insult a girl she barely knew about so, and Mai, what happened to her quiet attitude?

Suddenly he stood up and went in between the three girls and the crying Mulan. With all the authority he could create he stood tall before her. Laying all the might he had in his little body he hissed at Azula. "Let her in peace. She is here to play with us not to get insulted.", to his surprise the words seemed to impress Azula. Raising his voice a little he said "And don't you ever mess with her again!"

For a moment it seemed as if Azula would turn back to him and retort, but then she and her companions left without another word.

He turned to the crying girl. She tried to stop the tears, to wipe them away with her sleeve, but failed. The tears would not stop, what made Zuko extremely unsure of what to do. So he hugged her. Like his mother hugged him when he cried. As he let go of her the tears kept flowing, but slower, and she managed a small smile and a stutter-free "Thank you."