Yumi awoke hearing some commotion around her. She blinked her eyes rapidly, trying to figure out where she was and what was going on. The bed was soft, not an animal pelt. The air smelled of salt water. The room she was in was made of metal. Then the memory of the previous day came back to her; she was now the student of the prince of the Fire Nation.

Groaning as she sat up, Yumi realized she had been sleeping on her side where she kept her notebook and pen. Placing a hand against her lower back, she began to rub out the painful knot.

A knock on the door startled her. The young woman hurriedly jumped out of bed and scampered to the door.

Iroh stood there with a cheerful smile. "Good morning, Yumi!" his voice seemed to fill the room. "I thought you might want some breakfast before the cooks clean it up."

"Master Iroh, good morning," Yumi began in a groggy voice and managed to form a sleepy bow. "Please, come in. Let me take the tray."

Yumi placed it on the small table in her room. There were two bowls of porridge as well as tea and plums. "This looks delicious, Master Iroh, but you shouldn't have waited on me."

The old general pulled out a seat at the table and sat down. "Nonsense, Yumi. I'm sure you would enjoy some company while you eat."

"I would," she answered, sitting across from him. "Do we have an agenda for today?" she asked him as she reached for a bowl of porridge.

"We are to land at a Fire Nation port today. We need to repair the damage your friend did to the ship," he answered, not looking up from his bowl.

"A Fire Nation Port... what's that like?" her gold eyes glowed as her curiosity perked.

Iroh stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I wouldn't imagine it's different than other ports," he said.

"I've never been to any sort of harbor or city," Yumi said softly. "I lived on Kyoshi Island till I was 8 years old. Then I lived in the South Pole. Both are so small." She paused thoughtfully. "What's it like living in the Fire Nation?"

"The palace is very beautiful. Everything is res, orange, and yellow, and bright. During Spring, the cherry blossoms start to bloom and you can see them reflect in the coy fish ponds." Iroh said, his eyes twinkling.

"That sounds beautiful," Yumi whispered, her imagination taking her away.

"Indeed it is," he replied, finishing his tea. Then he stood up and smiled at her. "What do you say to more tea?"

The young woman smiled and nodded, gathering their dishes onto the tray and following him out the metal door of her bedroom.

He led her through the hallway to the cafeteria. She tried to memorize the way so she could find it later on. The large room was already fairly empty when they got there. No one was serving tea. Yumi left her tray in the window of the kitchen.

"Tea?" she inquired.

"I have a little stove in the control room. Do you prefer jasmine or ginseng?" he asked her.

"Ginseng," Yumi answered with a smile.

She followed Iroh out of the mess hall and to the control room. It looked the same as the previous day, Prince Zuko included. Yumi blushed at the memory of him carrying her to her room. He was so strong and sweet to her. She felt like he really understood her.

The young woman scolded herself for having such thoughts. He was a prince. Not just a prince, but the Prince of the Fire Nation. She could not become emotionally attached to him.

The prince looked up as Iroh started the tea and spotted Yumi standing quietly by the door. He walked up to her and handed her a cloth bag that looked full, but was not heavy.

"I need you to put these on. The port we're going to in Fire Nation and you need to blend in," he said.

"Prince Zuko, would it be alright if I showered?" Yumi asked him, blinking her hazel eyes.

He looked as if he had been caught off guard. "Uh… of course… I guess… I'll show you where the showers are."

The young woman's face twisted in a displeased expression.

Iroh handed her a cup of tea as he added to the conversation. "Prince Zuko, a young lady does to want to use the public showers in a ship full of men. You must let Yumi use your personal shower."

She flashed him a grateful smile and bowed in thanks for her tea.

Zuko, however, was displeased. "Uncle, I don't want her using my shower!" he yelled.

The crew member manning the controls snickered. Yumi's ears turned pink and she quickly looked down. Zuko noticed and immediately felt bad. The truth was that he was embarrassed at the thought of a pretty girl using his shower. What if she found something that made her think he was odd?

"Never mind," he said in a softer voice. "Come on, Yumi."

The young woman didn't look up as she sipped her tea and followed her prince out of the control room.

Once Zuko was sure they were out of earshot, he began to apologize to Yumi. "Listen, I'm sorry I yelled at you back there."

"It's fine, Prince Zuko, I understand," she answered.

He stopped abruptly and spun around. "You do?"

"I'm a peasant. You're a prince. It really isn't proper. Maybe I should use the pub…"

"No!" he shouted, stopping her. He hadn't thought about it before, but now that it had been pointed out to him, he hated the thought of the crew eyeing her while she showered.

She stared at him with her wide eyes. "Ok," she whispered. "Thank you."

He continued to stare at her for a moment before turning back around and leading her to his room. Yumi pondered his reaction as they entered the large bedroom.

"This is the shower," Zuko pointed to the metal door in the corner of the room. "Put on the Fire Nation clothes when you're done and then come back to the control room. We're almost at the port."

Yumi dipped a bow. "Yes, Prince Zuko."

With that, he left.

The young woman sighed heavily, realizing she hadn't been taking full breaths around him. Walking into the shower room, she gasped at how huge it was. She began to peel off the layers of blue, purple, and white Water Tribe clothes and looked around for a place to set them.

Finally, she found a basket of clothes she assumed belonged to Prince Zuko. She threw them in then turned her attention to the faucets. They were complicated compared to the Water Tribe tubs. In the South Pole, all they used were large clay pots over fire. Once she was able to figure out how to get the water running, she stepped in and let her body relax in the steady stream of hot water. It melted away all the dirt and sweat off her skin.

Yumi picked up the bar of soap on the ledge of the tub and lathered some in her hands. It smelled of cinnamon. She ran the lather through her hair and over her skin, letting the suds do their magic.

After she was rinsed, she stepped outside and dried herself with a fluffy, red towel. The young woman pulled her new attire out of the sack. The top was bright red and very tight. The collar came all the way up her neck and there were no sleeves. She put it on and frowned at the way it outlined her figure; she was rather large compared to most girls her age. The pants were a darker ruby red with wide legs and a gold string to hold them in place. The shoes were simple cold slippers.

Yumi examined herself in the mirror. Her hair was still very wet. She ran a towel through it one more time before parting it and combing out the knots.

She placed the towel on a rack to dry and hurried out the room to find her prince.

After getting lost numerous times she was able to find her way on deck and into the control room. Zuko was arguing with Iroh about something or another, but he stopped when she entered the room, staring at her with a stunned look on his face.

"You look bea…" he stopped and shook his head. "Fine. You look fine." Yumi raised her eyebrows. "Can you help me with something, Prince Zuko? My hair is rather wet. Is there any way you can use your bending to dry it?"

"You want me to dry your hair?" asked the young prince, looking confused.

"If you can without setting it on fire, yes please," she answered in a sing song voice.

"I guess I can. Sit down," he said still sounding a bit confused. Iroh watched their interaction curiously, a grin spread across his face.

Yumi sat on a chair against the Pai Sho table. Zuko stood behind her and brought flames to his hands to heat them before running them through her long, black hair.

The young woman saw Iroh whisper something to the crew member controlling the ship who smiled and looked at them. She blushed and averted her eyes to her lap. Zuko didn't seem to notice. He very gently continued to dry her hair with his heated hands. She enjoyed the way it felt against her head and neck.

All too soon, he was done and stepped away from her. She sighed quietly, missing his warmth.

"We're at the harbor, Prince Zuko," said the crew member who was controlling the ship.

"Good," he answered. "We need to get back on the hunt as soon as possible."

Yumi stood up out of her chair excitedly. "I can't wait to go into the port. I've never been to anything like that." Iroh laughed cheerfully while Zuko looked at her oddly. She flashed him a grin.

The ship jolted into the harbor causing the young to start to fall. She caught herself on a chair and felt her prince fall against her back.

"Watch it!" he yelled at the controller, steadying himself against Yumi's waste. She felt her face get red with his hands against her. She mentally scolded herself. Why did he make her feel this way… gitty and jumpy, live a shy child.

Zuko felt Yumi lay a hand on his arm and bring her lips to his ear. She had to stand on her toes to accomplish this. "Will I get my swords?" she whispered. He gave her a quick nod, and her grin widened.

"What are you two whispering about?" Iroh asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's a secret!" Yumi shipped in happily.

The old general let out a hardy laugh. "Well enough. Come on, I am quite ready to stand on dry land."

"I agree," Yumi replied, following him as he walked out of the room. Zuko stared at her as she left with his uncle. Her enthusiasm sparked his own fire. Sighing heavily, he followed her out of the ship.

Yumi was startled by how insanely busy the harbor was. People were walking in every direction in nice clothes. They walked quickly as if they had to be somewhere else immediately. Some were carrying huge bags, some had exotic pets, and all seemed so foreign to the young woman from the South Pole.

Zuko saw that she looked overwhelmed and nervous. He stepped closer to her protectively. She turned her head up to him. "It's so busy here," she said in a soft voice.

"Are you alright?" he asked gently.

She flashed him a smile. "I'm getting my own swords today. How could I not be?"

He felt the corners of his mouth curl up in a smile. "Let's go, Yumi," he answered.

Iroh piped up. "Where are you two off to?"

"Uncle, it's private," Zuko snapped angrily.

Sorry, I won't intrude on your date," the old general said with a grin.

"It's not a date!" his nephew yelled reflexively.

Yumi turned to him. "Prince Zuko is just going to show me some of Fire Nation culture. He is my teacher, after all."

"Well you two kids have fun," Iroh called after them as Zuko pulled Yumi into the crowd.

The people pushed around her and almost knocked her to her feet, but her Prince's steady hand kept her upright. He held onto her wrist, guiding her through the streets of the busy harbor.

Yumi grinned as they entered the weapon shop. The walls were adorned with swords, knives, and bows. She was instantly drawn to a beautiful, cherry bow hanging on the wall. Her fingers traced over the unique, floral engraving.

Zuko watched her as she did this, surprised by how mesmerized she seemed. Her eyes glowed like gold coins and her fingers moved so gently. The young prince fought the urge to take her hand in his own. He became frustrated with his emotions. She was a lowly peasant of the enemy. His feelings toward her were ridiculous.

Then, Yumi turned and flashed him a grin. "Let's look at the swords," she said. Her grin faded when she was his expression. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he snapped.

The young woman was hurt by his tone but didn't say anything, just looked down to the ground.

Zuko sighed and made his way over to the sword display. There were many styles of blades. From short swords to hooked duel blades, they had it all.

Yumi's eyes sparkled as she stared at the beautiful steel. Zuko picked up a broadsword set. He stepped back and held them in a fighting stance. The young woman's jaw began to drop as she watched his fluid movements. They were swift and precise. The cool steel glinted against the sunlight.

"You're amazing…" Yumi whispered.

Zuko glanced at her with a soft expression before turning to the clerk. "These are well balanced. We'll take these."

He placed them on the counter. The clerk looked from the prince to Yumi with raised eyebrows as if trying to determine their relationship. He put the swords in a leather sheath and handed them to Zuko who in turn gave them to Yumi. A huge smile spread across her face as her prince paid the clerk. She strapped the sheath to her belt purse and put her hands on her hips, grinning like a child.

Zuko smirked at her. She looked so confident with her new swords. It reminded him of when his uncle has given him a dagger from Ba Sing Se. The same excitement and pride had pulsed through him.

He laid a gentle hand upon her shoulder. "Come on, Yumi," he said softly. "Let's go see how the ship is doing."

She turned around to walk out and blushed when she felt Zuko's hand on the small of her back to lead her out.

Once out of the shop, Yumi turned around and jumped up, throwing her arms around his neck. "Thank you, Prince Zuko," she whispered, kissing his cheek.

The young woman released him and stepped into the street. Zuko touched a hand to his cheek where her soft lips had pressed against him, frozen for a few second.

He stepped into the crowd and almost tripped. Looking down, he saw Yumi curled into a ball on the busy, dirt road. He immediately knelled down and grabbed her arms, pulling her up. She clung to him as he led her to a less crowded lane.

Once in an alley, Zuko released her. "What happened?" he demanded.

Yumi looked to the ground in shame. "My feet got tangled with someone else's. I tripped and fell down. Everyone else just kept walking. And I'm an idiot I just laid there like a weak idiot."

Zuko placed his hand under chin and tilted her face up. "You're not weak or an idiot, Yumi."

She pulled away from his touch. "I am," she snapped. "I'm a coward. I'm sick and tired of not being strong."

"I told you. I will make you strong," her prince insisted.

She stared at him, her eyes wide. "Why do you want to teach me, Prince Zuko?" she asked, her voice barely over a whisper.

He didn't more as he answered her. "Because, I know what it's like to feel as you do."

Staring at her intently, his eyes narrowed. "You need to get out of this mindset. You should meditate every day so you can learn to control your emotions."

Yumi sighed heavily before smiling at him ruefully. "I guess it's just odd for me. I never really had anyone… care. My mother regretted me. Both villages I lived in hated me. I never had a real friend."

Zuko looked down at his feet and rubbed the back of his neck. "Neither have I," he admitted.

Yumi wondered how that could be, considering he was a prince, but she flashed him a sincere grin. "I will be your friend, Prince Zuko. You have been so kind to me."

The young prince opened his mouth to reply, but words escaped him. He quickly shut it again and gave a quick nod.

They began to walk back to busy street. "Is the Fire Nation capitol this busy?" she asked.

"I never walked in the Fire Nation capitol," he said shortly, holding out a hand. "Come on, I won't let you fall again."

Yumi took it and let him lead her back to the ship, feeling the happiest she's been in a long, long while.

Iroh meant them at the dock. "That was a short date," he said, arching an eyebrow.

"I told you, Uncle, it wasn't a date!" Zuko snapped.

Iroh looked at their held hands and grinned wildly. The prince snatched his hand away as if Yumi's suddenly caught fire.

"I want these repairs finished quickly, Uncle," he said, changing the subject. "I don't want to lose his trail."

"The Avatar's?"

"Don't mention this name on these docks?" Zuko yelled.

"Mention who?" a rough voice asked, seemingly coming out of nowhere.

"Captain Zhou," Zuko said, his eyes narrowing.

"Actually, it's Commander now," Zhou said, smirking. "And who is this lovely lady?" he asked, turning his attention to Yumi.

Feeling his eyes on her, Yumi wished Zuko was still holding her hand. She glanced up at him, hoping he would step closer to her.

"This is Lady Yumi," Iroh answered the commander cheerfully. "She's our newest recruit."

"It's lovely to meet you, Lady Yumi," Zhou said, He picked up her hand and kissed it with rough lips. Zuko scowled.

The young woman began to search through her mind of the appropriate response. She settled for bowing with her hands folded. "The pleasure is mine, Commander," she spoke tartly.

Zhou smirked and Zuko's scowl deepened. He finally took a step closer to Yumi, much to her relief.

"That's quite a lot of damage," the commander commented, his eyes flicking to the ship.

"Yes, you wouldn't believe what happened," Zuko stuttered. "Uncle, tell him what happened," he finished, elbowing Iroh,

"Uhm… we ran into an Earth Kingdom ship!" the old general exclaimed throwing his arms in the air. Yumi bit her lip to keep from laughing.

The commander wasn't buying it. "Why don't you tell me the details over some tea?" he asked cheerfully.

"Sorry, but we have to go," Zuko answered, already walking away.

"Prince Zuko, show the commander your respect," Iroh scolded calmly. Then he dipped a bow in Zhou's direction. "We would love to join you."

Yumi fought back a frown as she turned to follow Iroh and Zhou. Glancing back at Zuko, she could see he was staring at his feet. Gently, she touched his arm so he would look at her and flashed him a sympathetic smile. He fought the urge to smile back but then gave in. It wasn't a smirk, but a real smile.

They went to another boat along the water. Yumi felt the eye's of Zhou's solders on her and looked back at Zuko with worried eyes.

Zhou brought them to a war room similar to the one that Zuko had her in when she was first on his ship. Yumi sat next to Zuko at the table. Zhou began to talk, and talk, and talk. The young woman began to zone out. She thought of her pretty, new blades and the man who was going to teach her.

Glancing up at him, she saw Zuko was staring straight forward. He didn't have any emotion written on his face, but Yumi could tell he was irritated.

Gently, she reached over and squeezed his hand reassuringly. He turned to look at her softly before turning back to Zhou. Yumi continued to watch him oblivious to what the commander was saying.

Then Zuko spoke. "If my father thinks the world will follow him willingly, than he is a fool," he told Zhou plainly.

"I see two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue," Zhou told him.

Zuko glared at him. Yumi held back her surprise; he had been at sea for two years?

Zhou began to speak again. "So how is your hunt for the avatar going?" he inquired.

The young prince glanced at his hands. A loud crash caused Yumi to jump in the air. Zuko's eyes flicked to her. "My fault entirely," Iroh said, fumbling with a weapon display that had been the cause of the sound.

"We haven't found him yet," Zuko answered Zhou's question.

The commander laughed an evil laugh. "Did you really expect to?" he sneered.

Yumi felt her face get hot with anger. How dare he speak to her prince in such a manner? She shifted in her seat and watched Zhou carefully.

Zhou put a hand on the table and leaned forward. "Unless, of course, you found evidence that he is alive."

"No, nothing," Zuko answered firmly, looking Zhou in the eye. "We need to go. Uncle, Yumi, come on."

Yumi stood to follow him out of the room and the awful ship, but two of Zhou's men came in.

"Commander Zhou," one of them said, "We interrogated the crew like you asked. Prince Zuko did have the avatar in his custody and let him escape. The woman was one of the Avatar's companions."

Yumi felt her face lose all trace of color.

Zhou stepped forward so he was right behind her. "Tell me again, Prince Zuko, how was your ship damaged?" he sneered. The young prince remained silent. Zhou bent down so his mouth was next to Yumi's ear. "I'm not sure the prince interrogated you thoroughly enough. Maybe I should give it a try."

Yumi whirled around and stepped away from him, giving him an icy glare.

Zuko quickly stepped in front of her protectively. "Leave her alone, Zhou. She is not a prisoner. She is helping me capture the Avatar."

"IS she now?" the commander said in a fowl voice. "And why would she stay with a banished prince? Your own father doesn't want you."

"Once I capture the Avatar, my father will welcome me home with open arms," Zuko yelled defensively. Yumi stood silently, shocked that Zhou had said such a cruel thing.

"If your father wanted you back, he would've sent for you by now," Zhou spat. "You're a miserable failure, and you have the scar to prove it."

Zuko stepped forward. "Perhaps you'd like one to match," he yelled.

"Is that a challenge?" the commander asked.

"Agni Kai," Zuko hissed, "at sunset."

Zhou smirked at him. "Very well," he said and left the room.

"Prince Zuko, do you remember the last time you challenged a master?" Iroh commented.

The young prince looked down to his feet. "I will never forget."

Yumi stepped next to him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. His eyes turned to lock on hers. "I won't let him take you, Yumi," he said firmly. "I'll protect you."

Her expression still held worry. "Thank you, Prince Zuko," she whispered. Her eyes flicked to his scar. She wondered what Zhou was talking about when he referenced it.

Zuko noticed and turned away abruptly, feeling uncomfortable under her gaze. She felt terrible and quickly averted her eyes.

The young prince sat down on a chair and put his face in his hands. This day was supposed to be better. Now he was going to fight a master and Yumi had been repulsed by his scar, or so he thought.

But that thought had not crossed his friend's mind. All she could think of was how much she wanted to know what happened and comfort him.

Sitting down next to him, she looked worriedly at Iroh as if asking what she could do to help.

The old general laid a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "Prince Zuko, I believe that you can do this."

Yumi smiled. "So do I," she told him.

That's not going to help me," Zuko snapped angrily. Iroh and Yumi looked at each other and sighed at his reaction.

The old general went to pour himself more tea while Yumi pulled out her notebook and began to write.

Metal wall and closing halls

cannot keep me in

this prison cell. I cannot tell

you of the magic to break free.

I will, however, break the lever

to all my fantasies.

And you will watch me. Do you feel envy

pulsing through your veins

as you watch me break free?

You are stuck with the Jester's luck

of serving another man

till you are old. In my hand I hold

the key to set you free,

but you cannot pay my price.

Watching me sore across the sea,

I know this

is your fantasy, but it cannot be.

Cry. Watch me.

Cry.

She read over her poem and made corrections until she had it exactly as she wanted.

Iroh watched her curiously. "What are you so focused on, Yumi?" he asked.

"Writing a poem," she replied absently.

The old general perked up, seemingly delighted. "May I read it?" he asked.

Yumi blushed and hurriedly closed her notebook. "I really don't like people reading my writing," she mumbled softly, her ears turning pink.

Zuko watched her closely as she placed the notebook and pen back in her belt purse. As she straightened, her gold eyes caught his own. The both froze for a moment.

"It's almost sunset," Iroh commented slowly.

The young prince stood up abruptly and walked into the back of the room to peel off his armor. He had a solemn, faraway look on his face.

Yumi watched him as he stretched, readying himself for the upcoming battle. Suddenly, he shot a blast of fire at the wall and screamed in frustration.

One of Zhou's men came under the deck. "Commander Zhou wants me to escort you," he said through his mask. His voice was raspy.

"We can walk ourselves," Zuko snapped at him, but the soldier did not move. Finally, Zuko huffed and followed him. Iroh held out his hand indicating for Yumi to go first which she gladly accepted; she didn't want to turn her unprotected back to any of Zhou's men.

They made their way to the deck where Zhou was standing across from them with three of his men. Iroh looked at them briefly before turning his full attention to Zuko. "Remember your basics, Nephew," he told him firmly.

Yumi stepped up to him and lifted herself onto her toes. Gently, she pecked his cheek. "Good luck, Prince Zuko," she whispered.

The sky began to turn a dark pink as the sun gradually disappeared behind the ocean. A cold breeze began to run across the deck, chilling Yumi. She wished she was still in her Water Tribe clothes.

Zuko and Zhou each took a fighting stance. Iroh pulled Yumi farther back away from the Agni Kai.

The gong rang.

Zuko attacked first. He gathered fire by swirling his arms in a large circle and shot it directly at Zhou who disappeared behind the flames. Yumi smiled satisfactorily. But her smile quickly faded when she saw the commander easily cut through the fire with his hands.

"My turn," he growled. Yumi held her breath as she saw flames flick to her prince. He stepped back, stumbling slightly. Zhou now had the upper hand.

Zhou continued to shoot relentless blasts at Zuko. They were powerful flames, but the young prince was able to deflect them. Then, Zhou put all his force into one blast, knocking Zuko to the ground.

Yumi's jaw dropped. "No," she whispered. Zhou jumped into the air, gathering fire around his fist. Yumi shut her eyes and turned her head, not wanting to see her friend hurt.

But no cry of pain escaped Zuko's lips. Instead, she heard a cry of power. Zuko had regained his composure and was now attacking Zhou who stumbled back. The prince began to take side steps, shooting fire out his feet. Each step caused Zhou to stumble back. He began to flail his arms up in the air, trying to regain his composure. Zuko shot a powerful blast of lames, finally causing Zhou to land roughly on the metal deck.

Zuko sprinted forward. He hovered over Zhou and pulled one of his fists back, aimed at Zhou's face.

"Do it," Zhou growled.

Zuko let out a cry as he blasted the fire on the floor next to Zhou's head.

"That's it," the commander demanded. "Your father raised a coward."

"Next time I won't hold back," Zuko said calmly.

The commander saw Yumi begin to make her way to the banished prince. He smirked, knowing another way to hurt Zuko. Kipping to a stand, he kicked a blast of fire in Yumi's direction.

Iroh began to rush forward, but it was too late. The flames reached Yumi's arm and burned through her sleeves, scorching her pale skin. She let out a cry as her body was flung to the ground from the force of the blast.

Zuko's eyes widened as he saw her go down. "Yumi!" the strangled cry escaped his lips.

Iroh grabbed onto Zhou's foot to stop the blast and threw him to the ground.

Zuko ran forward, about to attack Zhou again, but Iroh stopped him. "No, Prince Zuko. Do not taint your victory. You need to get Yumi back to our ship."

The young prince turned and his eyes softened. He gave a quick nod and left his uncle to deal with the commander while he helped his friend.

Iroh continued to hold a fighting stance with his aim on Zhou. "Is this how the great Commander Zhou conducts himself these days? Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you," he spat, disgusted.