Zuko.

"So… the avatar is alive." I said to myself as I looked out across the ocean. "We may have underestimated him, but not next time." I said as I saw him fly off on his bison. I took in the state of my ship, it was covered in snow. I felt myself grow hot in anger. "Bring the ship to port." I ordered as I rubbed my forehead exhaustion. "I will be in my room."

I made my way down to my room; I stopped in the doorway when I saw my mask lying down on the floor. Must have fallen… I thought as I bent down to pick it up. I looked into its eyes… It seemed to be looking into me. I quickly set it back down. I must be tired. It's a lot to take in, seeing the avatar is still alive. With that I lay down and closed my eyes. I was at peace until another memory washed over me.

"Zuko?" I heard the sound of my mother's voice calling to me down the hall. "Zuko come here! I would like you to meet someone!" I groaned and dropped my toy swords as I walked out to meet my mother. "Zuko, I would like you to meet Ria, she is going to be living with us for a while." She said with a smile plastered to her face. I glanced at the dirty looking girl standing shyly behind mother. "She is just about your age! So I want you to be kind and welcoming to her, alright?" in response I tossed the tiny stray strand of my hair aside. "Go out back and play, and remember, diner is at six o'clock sharp." She said and waved goodbye

I looked at the new girl and rolled my eyes and began walking out to the garden. "Hey!" she called. "Where are you going?" I stopped for a second. "Come find me when you don't look like such a dirty peasant." I said as I gave her several sized to big fire nation robe a glance. She looked angry with that and stormed off. I laughed to myself and went to go play with my wooden toy swords.

It had been a while since I had seen Ria, she probably went to go cry to my mother or something. I kicked one of the dummies and clumsily stabbed at it. I jumped when I heard a high pitched voice say: "You'll never be able to get him like that." I whirled around to see the little dark haired girl staring at me, still in her big robe. "How long have you been watching me?!" I demanded. "For a little while, and I have to admit, your aim sucks." She stated as if it were the most obvious thing on the face of the planet. "Oh yeah?!" like you can do any better!" I shot back at her.

With that she pulled something off her back and showed it to me. "See this?" she said as she thrust it in my face. "This is a yuyan bow. They are the best shooters ever." Her voice was dripping with pride. "And my grandfather was the one who formed the yuyan, so of course, it's kind of family tradition to know how to use a bow." I rolled my eyes. "That doesn't prove anything." I told her. She started heading off towards the weapons rack. "Uhh… We aren't supposed to go there." She didn't pay any attention to me and picked up a feathered arrow. She put it in her bow and pulled the string back. I barely had time to process what was about to happen, the next thing I know I'm dodging a flying arrow headed right towards the dummy behind me. I heard is wiz past my ear and then lodge itself into the dummy's head.

"Are you crazy?!" I screamed. "You almost shot me!"

"But I didn't."

"Well still…!"

"Look, you can either accept my advice, or you don't, but all I know is, I'm more skilled with weapons then you are. And I obviously just proved that." she stated pointing at the dummy with an arrow sticking out of its forehead.

"Well I have to admit...I'm pretty impressed, peasant." I said as I stood up and dusted myself off.

"It's Ria…" she mumbled.

"Ok, ree ahh." I said over pronouncing her name on purpose. "If you teach me how to properly use my swords, then I'll be nice to you." I said.

I suddenly felt my feet fly out from under me and I was lying on my back, my head spinning. Before I could even try to get up I felt a foot get placed firmly on my chest and when I looked up, I saw Ria standing over me pointing one of my swords at my neck. "I could so easily kill you right now if we were really fighting." She said. "But that wouldn't be fair, right? First lesson, Zuko, every life is of value, from the smallest ant to the fire nation's biggest enemy. Just be sure you know that." she told me as she let me up.

"Come on," I mumbled in anger. "Dinner is almost ready."

"How did you two do playing outside?" Ursa said when we walked into the room. I didn't say anything as I plopped down next to Azula who sneered at me. I noticed Ria standing there, her loose black curls running down her back, she looked as if she felt out of place. "Ria, why don't you come sit next to Zuko and I?" Ursa said. She walked over and sat down. I hoped my gaze burned her. I saw my father walk into the dining room. He sat down and the servants placed our food in front of us. We all began eating. I looked over at Ria and passed her some hot sauce. "Here, put this on your food. It will make it taste better." I told her. I laughed to myself. This would so get her back for today. She popped the lid off and literally drenched her food in hot sauce. She took one small bite and her eyes got round.

Here is comes… I thought as I pictured her screaming and freaking out about how hot the sauce was. To everyone's surprise she took the case of hot sauce and drank it. All of it! Straight from the bottle! Ursa and Iroh starred at her is horror as Ozai looked at her. To everyone's surprise he tilted his head back and let out a roar of laughter. Everyone else joined in until everyone was crying of laughter.

"My, Ria, I think you will fit in just fine here." Ozai said.

As a response she burped out some smoke.

I stared down at Zhao. He had challenged me to an Agni Ki. I had him pinned the same way Ria pinned me. I stared down at him. How easy it would be to end him now, but I heard a voice in my head.

First lesson, Zuko, every life is of value, from the smallest ant to the fire nation's biggest enemy. Just be sure you know that.

I felt tears form in my eyes as I let Zhao up. He tried to attack me again from behind, but Uncle stepped in. I didn't even hear what he told him, I just went back to the ship. I slammed my door and didn't come out again until we left the port.

Oh gosh guys, I feel like I'm doing a bad job for some odd reason! Please, please, please let me know if I'm doing a bad job! I will explain a lot of things in upcoming chapters. SO READ ON! AND REVIEW! THANKS!

I DO NOT OWN ATLA.

-Allie