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Chapter Two: Roku

Having arrived at the Fire Nation Capital harbor, Alexandria took in a deep breath. Living on an island she forgot how a large city felt like. The fast pace, exotic smells, diverse people, it was everything she could ever dream of. Walking towards the Palace she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her. She turned around but saw no one. She shrugged it off and headed on her way.

At the Palace it wasn't long before she was admitted inside. Walking the long halls, she glanced at the pictures of past Firelords. Each one seemed more egotistical than the last until she found Zuko's. Unlike the others, his picture held more in it of his friends, companions, and most importantly his scar. From the blazing colors used in it Alexandria could tell he had no intention of hiding his past actions. Standing outside the throne room, she composed herself before stepping in. However, she was surprised by the welcome.

"Welcome Alexandria! My, I haven't seen you since you a small child," Zuko said, giving her a big hug.

"Hello Uncle Zuzu. It's good to see you too. Tell me how Mai sensei is doing."

"Oh, you know her. She's actually outside training. I'm sure she'll be pleasantly surprised by your visit."

"Thank you. I'll go and see you right away."

"Should I have him meet you later?" Zuko asked.

"Uh, no, I'll talk to him later," Alexandria said hesitantly.

As she rushed out to the training area, Zuko smiled to himself. She hadn't change at all. Outside, Mai was deep in concentration as she threw daggers, knives, and arrows at the moving targets. The servants seemed to be in the same state of concentration as they tried to avoid being hit while moving the targets. At the last target, Mai threw her last dagger but was surprised when a second knocked from the air. Frustrated, she turned to see who had thrown it but found her anger turn to joy at seeing Alexandria.

"Well, well, well. It seems you've improved. I guess I can't call you student anymore, no can I?" she said jokingly.

Walking up to her, Mai gave her a big hug before they sat on a nearby bench.

"So, tell me, how are things on Kioshi island."

"Oh, you know, the usual. Nothing really changes."

"How's your father?"

"Sigh. His condition's worsening. I'm afraid he'll lose us of his legs next. I just don't know what to do," she said sadly.

"Well, what advice has he given you?"

"He said not to worry about him. Said it was a parents job to worry about their kids and not the other way around."

"And you shouldn't. Alister is a wise man. If he tells you not to worry then don't. Live your life and enjoy what it brings. Now, why don't you take your things to your room and meet us for dinner. We'll have a special dinner in your honor."

Alexandria forced a smile before picking up her things. She followed the halls until she found her room and shut the door. Dropping her bag on the bed she say the curtains move slightly out of the corner of her eye. Turning around swiftly she threw a dagger at the door. Roku caught it just before it hit his chest.

"You've improved. I should expect so since we're no longer children."

"Roku," Alexandria said, her face beginning to burn.

"How have you been? It's been a long time since your last visit. I can see how much more beautiful you've grown."

Alexandria blushed harder. She felt her heart racing even as he approached her.

"Absence does the heart good, Roku."

"True. I believe the old saying was 'it makes the heart grow fonder."

Inches from each other, stared into the other's eyes. Leaning towards her, he placed a small kiss on her lips. She responded with a much longer one and soon they had embraced each other in a longing passion. Time would have stopped for them had a servant not knocked to tell them dinner was ready. Laughing at their own embracement, they walked hand in hand to the dinning hall.

Back on Kioshi Island, just as the sun began to set, Alister stood on his porch. A solemn frown on his face, he could feel his time coming to an end. Soon footsteps were heard before they stopped from behind.

"After 20 years you return. It seems your powers were more than I had previously predicted, Alexander."

"Very true, Alister. Having grown a second time I've gained even more power. And now, I will take my revenge."

"Very well, but know this; before you arrival I sent the one person who can defeat you away to friends. By killing me you will seal your fate."

It's said that for a moment the house was silent until the birds flew from the trees. Then, the silence returned and was undisturbed till morning.

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