Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender or its characters

Pointers: 'italics' means that the character is thinking

Summary: Lien never felt at home in the Fire Nation. She was always alone and continued to live her life that way, but that was all until a certain Princess had taken her as a friend and a Prince mended her lonely heart. Zuko x OC

Author's Note: So DreamsInMyHeart16 asked me could I do a new rendition of Winter's Flame. I loved the idea and I hope this story goes well!

Book 0:

Moving

Five years later…

"Zuko!" A voice called out to him and he had turned to see it was Lien, smiling away at him. Lien had grown these past couple of years, she was taller now. Up to Zuko's shoulder, her hair grew down ther mid-upper thighs. She was slim, her curves yet to take form but were become more and more apparent by the days. Her eyes still the bright azure blue that everyone had known, her skin flawlessly pale like a sheet of snow. She continued to have her usual pink lips painted red and now adorned red eye shadow. She wore her usual clothes, a red choli top that left her stomach show and sleeves that cut of at the elbows. Also she wore her usual baggy, scarlet pants with darker red boots. He did a half smile as she caught up with him; she began panting with her hands her hips. "Wow, I don't know why I ran so hard." She laughed nervously as he shook his head. "But aren't you excited?!"

"Excited for what?" He asked as Lien blinked a couple of times.

"Did you forget?" She slowly frowned, "You know today is your birthday."

He was actually more surprised that she remembered. He only acted like he didn't know, just to see if she had remembered herself. "So you did remember."

"How could I forget my own best friend's birthday?" She grinned and then wrapped her arms around his torso. "Happy Birthday, Zuko!" He was surprised by her gesture, but he had returned her hug.

She soon let go of him and then clasped her hands together, "I have a big surprise for you!"

"What is it?" Zuko had asked her as she grinned from ear.

"I can't tell you, it's a surprise." She nodded her head, standing firm with what she said. "Just know that you'll like it a lot!"

Zuko folded his arms, "Whatever." He really struggled to not smile because he was curious. Iroh had then walked over to them, "Uncle!"

"Ah, Prince Zuko and young Lien." Iroh smiled at them both, "You came to wish him a happy birthday?" He asked as Lien nodded her head. "Its funny how I remember the day you were born and now that's been thirteen years ago starting today. You're growing into a fine young man." He gave the boy a comforting pat on the shoulder.

Zuko smiled at his uncle, Lien noticed the adoration Iroh had for him. In a way, she always wondered if the man saw Zuko as his own son since he had lost Lu Ten. It was sometimes hard for her to remember that Lu Ten had passed away all those years ago. "Oh, well, I'm going to get going. Could you come to my house around sunset, Zuko?

Zuko nodded his head as Iroh grinned mischievously, the girl soon turned and ran off. "So, you're going over her house?"

His nephew looked at him curiously, "So what?"

"I do believe her mother and father took a trip to the Northern Watertribe." Iroh continued on as he saw the cheeks of his nephew redden, "So you and young Lien will be alone together? How-"

"Don't!" He made his uncle stop, "Stop thinking like that." He then stormed off, leaving his Uncle chuckling behind him. As soon as he was far away enough, Zuko placed his hand on his head. "Why do I feel nervous?

Lien was now back at home and she had seen Jiang, "Jiang! I am inviting Prince Zuko over, so you don't have to stay at home."

The man paused at her words, his eyes wide. "You want to be in here by yourself with him?"

"Yeah, what of it?" She asked as he continued to look at her as if she was crazy, "I want to celebrate his birthday with him, is it really that bad?"

Jiang grew more and more uncomfortable with Lien's strong explanations, "But you are a girl, Lien. You shouldn't be left alone in the house with a boy."

That's when she finally understood what he was saying. Her pale cheeks immediately went red, "That's not what's going on here, Jiang. Zuko is my best friend and I want to make his birthday memorable. Its another birthday that his mother won't be a part of." She placed her hand over heart as she thought about it. "I just want him to be happy, okay?"

The guard finally gave in, understanding the girl's intention were pure even though he wasn't too sure of Prince Zuko but he seemed to be a decent fellow. "All right."

Lien smiled at him and ran over, giving him the tightest of hugs. "Thank you, Jiang."

"Don't thank me just yet. You have to promise to behave yourself," He bent down on one knee and pinched her cheek, causing the girl to laugh. Jiang had never changed; he was more of an older brother than he was a guard. "

"Can you help me make the cake?" She then asked him, "I don't want it to turn out bad and also, you know I have a very bad sweet tooth." She laughed nervously.

"Tell me about it. Every five minutes I catch you eating fire gummies around here." Jiang laughed as Lien rubbed the back of her head in a nervous fashion.

"So are you going to help me or what?" She asked as he gave her a nod.

"Yeah, I'll help you." He said as he walked over as she began putting everything together.

When it was sunset, Zuko gotten out of his palanquin and walked towards her door. He gave it two knocks before the opened the door to see a disoriented Lien. Her hair, which was usually down in neat, was in a messy ponytail with cake batter line across her cheek, vanilla frosting on her noise. The only thing unstained and pristine was her red cheongsam. "Z-Zuko! You're here…"

"On time? So, you made cake?" He then asked as she stood there, dumbfounded. "Lien? Hello, Lien."

Her mouth hung open but she then blinked and shook her head, "Uh, yeah! Come in." She then opened the door all the way for him and he had walked inside. She closed the door and then walked in front of him, "N-No! You have to close your eyes, Zuko."

"Close my eyes? For what?" He asked as she now stood in front of him.

"It's a surprise, okay?" She said as he let out an agitated sigh.

"Fine." He closed his eyes as she scattered around the place, she first went upstairs to get a long box. She came flying down the steps with it and brought it to the large dining room. She placed it on the table next to the strawberry shortcake that had fourteen candles on it. She then walked over to him and grabbed his hand, and led him to the dining room.

"Ta dah!" She threw her arms in the air and he opened his eyes. He smiled at the little decorations which were chibi pictures of him and her and letters spelled out happy birthday. He looked at the cake which looked perfect, but his eyes immediately went to the long box.

He walked over and looked at her to see if it was okay for him to open the box. Lien smiled and gave him a nod, he soon opened it and his eyes widened. It was two dao, broadswords. He picked them up and analyzed them both, "Wow. These must've been expensive."

Lien tucked a lock of hair behind her ears, "They were but they are worth it." She smiled as she then cut a piece of cake and placed it on a plate and handed it to him. "Come on, let's dig in!" She said as he placed the swords back in the box and then took the plate.

They both sat down at the low table and began to eat, Lien feeling proud of the cake she made. She was glad it came out the way it did and she was happy that Zuko seemed to like it as well. "Thank you for all this, I didn't expect for you to do all this for me."

Lien smiled at him and shrugged her shoulders, "It's nothing really. I haven't been able to spend time with you lately and I thought I would make it up to you on your birthday. Besides, you got me that pretty snowflake necklace for my birthday." She said as she reached into her shirt and pulled it out, "I've never taken it off."

"You've never taken it off?" He repeated, surprised by her words.

"Hm?" She looked up and then nodded, "Yeah, it's one of my prized possession. Why would I ever take it off? I love it." She smiled as she brushed her fingers against it, "Why?"

He shook his head, "It's nothing. Are you alright staying here by yourself? You sure you don't want to come to the Palace? It's safer."

"I'm fine, Zuko." Lien said confidently, "Jiang is here and I can take care of myself."

"Take care of yourself?" Zuko folded his arms, "How?"

The girl looked around, trying to figure out how she could counter. "Well, I… I, uh."

"Exactly. Which reminds me, why don't you learn a means of defense? Azula has her firebending, Ty Lee has her chi-blocking, and Mai has her knives. Why don't you pick up on something that can protect you? Jiang won't be there forever, Lien."

The girl looked down, feeling a bit useless. It was true; everyone had a means to defend themselves but her. "Well, I'll guess I'll try to learn something."

"You were really good with the sword; we can practice with that again." Lien's eyes lit up as she recalled much of their toy fights, earlier. It was true that she could pick up on that it since she was natural at it.

"You're right; I should pick up on that again." She smiled and gave a nod.

The Prince smiled in return, "If you want, I'll be your teacher."

"No, I need to learn it on my own. It's something I need to perfect with my own hardwork and dedication."

Zuko rolled his eyes and then continued to eat his slice and Lien continued on with mindless chatter. He continued to observe her as she was talking about something silly about what happened way back when in school. She had just graduated a year ago, Ty Lee had left and joined the circus, Mai and her family left to the Earth Kingdom colony New Ozai, and Azula had been doing her usual 'princess duties' which were training, being in the war room, and whatever she wanted. Everyone seemed busy with their lives except Lien. "Hey Zuko, did you know my family plans to move to the North Pole?" The boy stopped eating, surprised by her words. He looked up to see the small smile on her face, "My mother said that I need to stay in touch with my roots and my father wants to retire from the Fire Nation army. He figured that living in the North Pole would benefit me as well."

"But this is your home." Lien nodded at his words, "How can you just move away like that? You were born and raised here; you know nothing of the North Pole. How can you adapt?" It was like he was trying to fine reasons to convince her to stay.

"But that's the point, Zuko." Lien sighed, "I know nothing of the other side of my family and it's not right. Besides, I always felt like an outsider here anyway and maybe I'll fit in there." She smiled sadly as she then fiddled with the strawberry on her plate with her chopsticks.

She much rather didn't discuss this on his birthday, but it had to come up sooner than later. Zuko placed his chopsticks down, "How can you feel like an outsider when I am always here." He muttered but she didn't hear his words. All she knew was that he suddenly lost appetite which meant he was upset.

The blue-eyed girl looked up at him, "I'm sorry, I hurt your feelings." She placed her chopsticks down and placed her hands on her lap, looking down.

She never found a backbone, a means to defend using words or not feeling the need to apologize. She was too nice for her own good and Zuko admired it and hated it. "You shouldn't be sorry." He said guilty, feeling wrong that he tried to convince her she shouldn't go. She had every right to, besides she wasn't happy here.

"Oh… Well, I shouldn't have told you this on your birthday. I made everything sad when my intention was to make you happy the whole day." She bit down on her lip, her eyes staring at the lone strawberry.

"I'm glad you told me ahead of time. That means we'll have to spend some time together before you leave." Lien smiled and nodded her head, "We can still write to each other too."

"I would love that!" The girl beamed, "It's getting pretty late. I'm sure your father will want you home by now since they probably have something to celebrate your birthday." Lien stood up and Zuko did as well.

"You're right." He picked up the box of swords and walked towards the door, her following behind him.

Even though the thought of her moving was lingering in their thoughts, they had tried their best to look happy in front of one another. Lien then stopped Zuko at the door, "Zuko."

The Prince turned to look at her, "Hm?"

"… You'll always be my friend, right? You sure you won't forget me?" She asked, smiling as tear slid down her eye. She didn't want to cry, she tried to force herself not to but the thought of never seeing Zuko again had upsetted her.

"We'll always be friends, Lien. How can I forget you after all you've done for me?" His words made her heart flutter. She felt happy that she was unforgettable to Zuko, but she just hoped that he would always feel that way and not just now. But since he had the swords, it would be like she would always be there with him in that way too.

Lien then scratched her cheek, "I'm glad…" She tried to fight her blush, "Well, I'll see you tomorrow at sunrise."

"Train hard." He said before walking out of her home and she had waved to him all the way. Instead of letting him ride a palanquin like they did earlier, they had a carriage for him.

Lien then went to the kitchen and began cleaning up and it was then that Jiang, her father, and mother walked through the door. "Mom? Dad? You guys are home early."

"We couldn't stay there long. I wanted to make sure that Ozai didn't know I was planning to retire." Nianzu explained to his daughter, "Not just that, I wanted to high-tail it out of there."

"My brother still is wary of you, but you can imagine why." Doli said to her husband, a nervous smile on her face as she recalled both her brother and husband giving each other a stare off.

Lien smiled and then continued to wash the dishes, "I told Zuko that I would be moving."

"Oh? Did you tell Azula yet?" Her mother asked, "I'm pretty sure she won't be too pleased if Zuko knew before her."

Her daughter chuckled, amazed how much her mother knew Azula. "Yeah, I told her two weeks ago when dad sat down and told me. She wasn't too happy about it."

"You're the only friend that's stayed in the capital, I'm sure that she wouldn't be too happy about it." Her mother explained in which Lien nodded, agreeing it was true. She was the only closest friend.

Even though Ty Lee was still in the Fire Nation, she was constantly travelling. "So, are we still going even though uncle doesn't really like dad?"

"Yes, we are still going but it might be a little sooner than we had planned." Lien paused, turning the faucet off and then looking at her mother.

"What do you mean sooner than we planned?" She asked as both her parents looked at her.

"We're planning to leave next week." Nianzu came around and explained as his daughter's eyes widened before slowly looking down. "I'm so sorry, Lien."

"No, it's okay." She smiled at them, tears slipping from the corner of her eyes. "It's for the best anyway. I'm going to start packing." She then sped out of the room, running upstairs.

Doli and Nianzu looked at one another, Jiang letting out a sigh. "We knew she would take this hard." He finally said as he folded his arms, "But it would be better if she goes there anyway."

"You'll be coming with us, won't you Jiang?" Doli asked, now wondering if he would continue his duties with them in the North Pole. "I know asking you this might be too much, but…"

"I wouldn't leave Lien alone like that. So of course I'll be coming." The man said with a smile, both Nianzu and Doli felt relieved.

Six days later…

"So you'll be leaving tomorrow?" The Princess repeated as she and Lien walked the hall of the Fire Nation palace.

Lien nodded her head, "Yeah. I wanted to inform your brother and your uncle. I wish I could stay really, you're my best friend and I'm going to miss you."

Azula looked at Lien with what appeared to be a surprised expression. Even though Lien, like Ty Lee, had expressed their emotions freely, she still wasn't used to the words. And so when Lien hugged Azula, she hesitantly hugged her back. "I supposed I'll miss seeing you around."

Lien couldn't help but smile as the Princess trying to act tough, like she didn't care but what surprised her was that she returned her since Lien didn't expect it. The pale-skinned girl had let Azula go and tried to fight back tears. The firebender sighed, "I'm sorry. I'm just going to miss the Fire Nation so much."

"If you're that upset about then stay." Azula suggested, "Its not going to kill you to say no once in a while."

"I guess it wouldn't…" Lien thought about it. She did have a real issue of saying no, if she had said it once in a while then maybe some things wouldn't happen.

As the two continued on talking, they both had looked to see one lone guard running towards them. "Princess Azula, you are requested to attend the Agni Kai."

Lien and Azula both looked surprise, but unlike Lien, Azula's surprise immediately turned to interest. A smirk then formed on her face, "Who is going to be in the Angi Kai? It better be interesting."

"It will be because it is your Father and brother." Lien's eyes widened as her friend seemed completely amused.

"What has my brother done to make things go this far? He's such an idiot." The Princess looked at her manicured nails, paying no heed that her brother was facing a fight he could not win.

The guard then continued on, "He insulted your father and the Fire Nation army."

"Really?" Azula grew more and more excited while Lien's fear was growing intensely. "He has been a little over his head lately, but this just takes the cake. Come Lien, let's watch my brother get defeated by my father." The Princess then began walking, Lien dragging her feet along. She didn't want to watch this, this was going to be brutal. "Stop your dragging and let's go."

The pale-girl had then straightened up and followed behind as they headed towards the ceremonial arena. Why would she want to watch her closest friend fight his own father? Would Zuko even be able to do it? He held his father so high on a pedestal that it was hard to imagine him taking this fight seriously. "Azula, this is terrible."

"Terrible?" The girl scoffed, "My brother brought it upon himself." Lien wondered how Azula could be so cold-hearted. It was true that she and Zuko couldn't stand to be alone with one another for too long, but her to gain pleasure out of this? It was sickening. "Let's make sure we are in the front."

The Princess grabbed the other girl's wrist leading her to the front rows of the place. It was filling up fast, everyone wanting to know how this was going to turn out. Lien had hoped that Zuko fought strong, it would've been great if he had won or was even close to it.

Little did she know how things were going to turn out. She stood next to Azula, who kept her eyes on the arena while Lien was trying to find something else to give her attention to. It hadn't got started yet, but she had watched as the music players were still setting up.

Then that's when the drums began. Lien bit down on her lip, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear as she when the music of the Taiko(drums) died down, Zuko had came out and knelt before them. Many people screamed, specifically girls at the sight of the prince. Zuko kept his eyes closed, not looking at anyone as she could tell he was preparing himself for this.

The crowd screamed louder at the sight of their Fire Lord in which Zuko stood and then turned to face him. Lien then pressed her eyebrows together once she noticed how hesitant Zuko was. Wait, what was going on? Why did Zuko act as if he was surprised? Didn't he know that he was going to be in Agni Kai with his father? It was almost as if immediately, Zuko bowed down. "Please, father, I only had the fire nation's best interest at heart! I'm sorry I spoke out of turn!"

Lien gasped, horrified of what was going on. So it was true, Zuko didn't know he would be fighting his father but why not? And not only that, the words that the Prince had spoke had gone in one ear and out of the other to his father who walked towards his son. "You will fight for your honor." His words and his voice had made Lien's own heart drop.

She couldn't even imagine the fear that Zuko was feeling as he abased him on the floor. "I meant you no disrespect. I am your loyal son."

The blue-eyes of the half watertribe girl looked away and then at Azula, who seemed entertained by it all. "Rise and fight, Prince Zuko!" Ozai yelled, Lien jumping even though he wasn't even speaking to her.

"I won't fight you." Her eye filled with tears as she could hear the hurt in his voice, in a way she wanted to save him but what could she do? Wouldn't she make things worse by interfering as well?

"You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher." Lien's eyes widened as exactly when Zuko had looked up at his parent, the Fire Lord bended a short stream of fire towards his son.

Lien almost cried out but Iroh had gripped onto her shoulder, she turned to look at him with tears falling from her eyes as he shook his head and then looked away. She buried her face into the man's shoulder as she then heard Zuko scream since he was struck.

After the Agni Kai, Zuko was given immediate medical attention. Lien had went to see him, running as if her legs would leave her. She had to see him, she had to see that he was alright for herself. Just when she had reached his room, she had seen a doctor come out of his room. They looked at her and she had looked at them, they gave her a nod and she returned it with her own.

She let out a sigh and walked in and saw Zuko sitting up on his bed, looking at the window not too far. They had to shave his head save for the lone ponytail and his whole left side of his head was bandaged. He turned to look at her her, but his eyes immediately look away as if he was shamed. "You shouldn't be here."

"I shouldn't be here?" Lien repeated, surprise by his words. "You're my best friend, why wouldn't I be here?"

He looked to see as she closed the door and then took a seat, moving it towards the left side of the bed where he was sitting. She sat down and slowly reached her hand, placing it atop of his. He slid his hand from under, obviously not wanting to be touch. She took note of that and placed her hand on her lap.

"Sorry, I must be invading your space." Lien apologized, "I know that me visiting you right now might be too soon right now. But I wanted to see you before I depart tomorrow."

He slowly turned to look at her, confusion written across his face. "Leaving to wear?"

"To the North Pole."My parents decided to leave early." She explained as Zuko didn't seem all too enthused.

He turned to look at her and she looked at his single amber eye. "Then I guess this is goodbye then."

Lien felt her eyes become glassy as she bit her bottom lip, trying to fight the urge to cry. "Yeah, I guess it is." She sniffled and she then stood. "Take good care of yourself, Zuko."

"Yeah…" Zuko said as he looked away as she walked towards the door.

"You can always write to me like we talked about before. You don't have to if you don't want to, but…" She turned to look at him and smiled, tears staining her face. "I really hope you will."

And with that said, Lien opened his room door and had left. That was the last Zuko had seen Lien.

It took about a week before Lien and her family had finally made it to the North Pole. When the metal ship had reached the protective wall, they sent a messenger hawk to tell Arnook that it was them and they had come alone. The wall was raised and they were allowed in as cargo was unloaded. People all around had watched as things were being taken off the boat and Lien could feel everyone's eyes on her.

"Doesn't she look like…" Lien could barely hear what was being said about her, but they weren't insults. More like people were surprised and curious.

The voices stopped however when Arnook was in sight. He had walked over, his daughter beside him, and they had stopped as Doli smiled at him. "This is my daughter, brother. Lien."

Lien had looked at her mother and then at her uncle, she bowed as she then smiled at the white-haired girl who gave her a smile in return. "Welcome to the Northern watertribe, my niece." Arnook said as Lien smiled at him. "You are where you belong, this is your roots." The man began to say as she nodded her head, "Is she a bender?" He asked Doli.

"Actually, we don't know." Nianzu spoke up as he stood next to his family.

Arnook nodded his head, "Tomorrow morning I want Lien to attend the waterbending classes for girls."

"For girls?" She repeated incredulously.

Yue decided to speak, "It is because women do not fight here." She explained as Lien now understood. How old fashioned and lame, she began to think. "Women benders only heal."

"I see." Lien nodded her head, "I never actually tried bending water, I just know I'm not a firebender. Shouldn't it just come naturally anyway?"

"For some it does, but for others it takes proper training in which you will receive." Arnook said as Lien nodded her head, "Now come along, everyone would like to meet you."

Lien: The Chinese name meaning "Lotus"

Doli: The Native American name meaning "bluebird"

Nianzu: The Chinese name meaning "thinking of ancestors"

Xiaofan: The Chinese name meaning "little ordinary"

Yuki-onna: Yuki-onna appears on snowy nights as a tall, beautiful woman with long black hair and blue lips. Her inhumanly pale or even transparent skin makes her blend into the snowy Despite her inhuman beauty, her eyes can strike terror into mortals. She floats across the snow, leaving no footprints and she can transform into a cloud of mist or snow if threatened.

I hope the chappie was good! R & R

Oh and if you are confused about ages:

Azula is 12

Ty Lee is 12

Lien is 12

Mai is 13

Zuko is 14