He'd pulled the hood of his cloak down and was taking the baggy thing off. He put it on the floor and stretched. I prayed I wasn't drooling, but seriously, he was a very attractive guy. His dark brown hair hung in his face, and a little past his ears, but I could still make out his fiery bronze eyes. The scar I'd heard described as gruesome and sickening wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined, and didn't harm his looks at all. He was slightly tan, and lean muscled. I didn't think it was possible for me to develop a crush on anyone but this guy was definitely putting that to the test. When he arched and eyebrow I blushed and looked away. Way to be obvious Kyla, you idiot! I looked back up, avoiding glancing at Zuko and grinned at everyone. "Okay, so how does this work? We just storm into the Fire Nation castle and kick some Ozai booty?" they all stared at me as if I was on the cactus juice. "Okay, so that's not how it works," I sunk into a chair, glancing at Zuko out of the corner of my eye.

"Not exactly, but we'll explain our game plan once we are back at the hideout. Zuko can help you pack your things and we'll be back at nightfall," Aang said, winking knowingly at me and I looked down, positive my face was the color of the fire nation flag. I gave an almost imperceptible nod and didn't look up until the door closed. Zuko and I were left in my small living room and I suddenly felt self-conscious. I jumped to my feet and headed to the closet. My robe hung by itself in the musty space and I pulled it on. There, much more my style.

"Don't like fire nation clothes do you?" Zuko asked and I shrugged.

"It's just too hot here to wear much. That's why I look forward to leaving. Where exactly are we going?" I asked, finding my old water tribe satchel.

"Ember Island," he said quietly and I spun around quickly.

"That's where the Fire Lord's beach house is!" I hadn't meant to say Fire Lord with such anger and hate but it had come our almost as a curse word. I feared I'd hurt Zuko by talking about his dad in such a manner but he didn't even flinch.

"Don't worry, he doesn't go there anymore. You know how it is; being too busy for a vacation when you're trying you hardest to destroy the last remnants of world piece," Zuko's fists clenched and he glared at the grimy floorboards. I felt my eyes go wide and looked anywhere but at him. Suddenly heat prickled my skin in that someone-is-staring-at-you way it does and I looked over at him. "Sorry for going all freak show on you. It's just something I do…" he cleared his throat awkwardly and blushed, "So…yeah…um sorry." I smiled, amused.

"It's okay," I sighed and collapsed into a chair. Suddenly a bang sounded on the door and I shot up. "Get under the bed and stay quiet," I hissed, feeling a slight power at bossing around the hot prince, and stormed to the door. I flung my robe under the cupboard and swung the door open. "Can I help you?" I asked haughtily. Two fire nation soldiers stood in front of me glaring. One glared at my bed and sent a fire ball at it. Zuko scrambled out and the soldier turned back to me.

"You are a traitor to the entire fire nation for harboring the banished prince," and he drew back a flaming fist. I threw my fisted hands over my face in a cross, expecting to feel my skin on fire. When nothing happened I looked up to see a giant rock wall in front of me. I jerked my arms down in surprise, sending the rock into the soldiers, across the street, and into the bank's walls. Zuko's jaw hung open but seeing as I didn't have time to have a mental breakdown, I stuffed a handful of clothes into my sack and dragged him out of the house. Seeing as I'd been discovered I ran next door to my best friend Terra's house. Terra is an earthbender who I discovered, shortly after meeting her, was also in hiding. I told her a very shortened version of the story and she, instead of spaztically running for her life, leaned over and pointed at Zuko.

"Is that the Prince?" she whispered and I glanced at him. His cheeks went pink and he stared at his shoe. I smirked. So he was the shy type; that was fine with me.

"Yep. Hot isn't he?" I laughed at the choking noise he made and then went serious, "Now Terra, we have to get out of here," she nodded and we made our way stealthily through the town and into the woods that lined it. I found the tree I had built a house in over the years and lead the two of them up into it. Once we were all situated Zuko turned to me.

"You earthbended," he stated bluntly and Terra whirled on me.

"You what," she demanded and I felt my cheeks go hot.

"I didn't mean to…it's impossible to bend any element other than your own unless you are the Avatar," I argued and Zuko crossed his legs.

"Maybe you are the Avatar," he offered and I gave him a sour frown. "No, I'm serious. My sister killed Aang and Katara brought him back to life. Maybe the Avatar…split. It would make sense. You come from the next nation in the cycle and you seem to be a very skilled waterbender." I stared from him to Terra and felt the blood rush from my face. Before I could reply there was a growl from outside and I saw a bison hovering outside our window. Aang looked in and waved us over.

Once on the flying bison, now known as Appa, Zuko explained who Terra was, what happened, and his theory on my Avatar-ness. With every word I sank farther down into the saddle. Katara looked expectantly at me but I had no idea what she expected me to say. There really wasn't anything for me to say to anyone the entire ride to Ember Island.

"Zuko, can you show Kyla to her room?" Aang asked and Zuko nodded. I followed him down a long corridor and into the room on the right.

"My room's right next door." He motioned to my right wall and I wondered why he felt the need to tell me that. "Something wrong," he asked and I gave him a quizzical look. He brushed his finger under my eye and it came back wet. I was crying, seriously? I looked down and shook my head. I don't know what I expected him to do but the hug he pulled me into wasn't it. I hugged him back, for once just needing someone there.