The next morning, Zuko got up early and snuck out of the palace. He went to the place where he had seen the beggar girl the night before. She was still there. Zuko crouched down next to her.
"I can tell you have been through a lot," Zuko started as the girl looked up. They're where those eyes again. "I can tell that you also still have hope." Zuko sighed. He was talking to a beggar on the street. Not that this was shallow it was just different to talk to someone Zuko didn't know. "I know I can't help all of the beggars, all the people that have lost their homes because of the war. But I want to at least help one."
The girl straightens up then said, "Fire lord, sir. You barely know me."
"I know," Zuko said as he stood up. "But I want to. I don't know how to help you yet, but as soon as I do, I'll let you know."
The girl smiled at him. "Thank you."
Xxx
Zuko snuck back into the palace. Zuko turned down a hallway to see that Aang was walking his way.
"Hey Aang." Zuko said as he grabbed his friend's arm.
"Yes Zuko?" Aang said in his cheery voice.
"I want to help someone that has less than I."
"Oh." Aang was impressed. "Well, why not give them a job here. That's a start."
Zuko's eyes got wide. "Yes! Why didn't I think of it before?" Zuko said as he quickly hugged his friend then dashed down the hallway.
"Your welcome!" Aang shouted.
Zuko turned the corner and almost bummed into Mai.
"Oh, uhh Hi." Zuko said.
Mai smiled. "Hello Fire lord." She knew that his friends calling him that bugged him.
Zuko glared at her. "Haha, very funny Mai."
"What are you in such a rush for?" Mai asked.
"Oh nothing. How have you been? Ever since the war ended I feel like I haven't seen you."
"I've been ok," she smirked. "I've been bugging Azula since she's in prison. It's been fun."
Zuko laughed. "I bet." There was a moment of awkward silence between them. Zuko didn't want Mai to know of his plans for the beggar girl. Mai was not all that great at showing her feelings, so having this random girl in the palace was going to make her furious. Zuko started to walk past her. "Well, I'll see you later." He said then started to run. Mai sighed and continued to walk down the hall.
XXX
Zuko snuck out again later that day and went into town to find the girl. He found her once again, in the same place; she looked as though she had not moved since Zuko last saw her.
"Miss," Zuko said. The girl looked up and smiled. "I have a plan."
