The coronation went great. Zuko thought, but the robe was not comfortable at all. He thought this could be a mark on history. For once, there were people all over the nation came to this event, and they were all cheering. Fire Nation changed its meaning in people's heart. It's not the cruel, ruthless kingdom everyone feared of any more. People were a little awkward, most people outside of Fire Nation wasn't used to Fire Nation people standing next to them.

Although it's the first time he spoke in front of his people, he came over the nervousness really fast. Mostly, he felt hope in those people. Three years of banishment let him know common people more than nobles. He watched people looking at him with fear and respect, sighed to himself. So many people longed for this position, but most of them didn't realize the great responsibilities come with great power. It's a nature for people to lust for power, but they had to pay a great price for it. Ruko died for it, Ozai lost his bending, and Azula went insane… He started to realize power is a kind of drug, attractive and imaginary but dangerous and addictive at the same time.

He walked back to his room and reviewed his speech in his mind. A smile slowly crawled on his lip. It's a huge step for him to decide to rule in peace. Yes, it's a step none f his predecessor had ever done, but he did it. There was loud murmur among people after he announced it as his coronation speech. Most Fire Nation people still believed war is the only solution, since the thought of war was planted deep in their minds for nearly a century. But the good thing was they felt overwhelmed when they heard he decided to cut the taxes. He believed people would realize a stable peaceful nation could be much stronger than a chaotic nation soon. Of course, those military men were outraged at his act on cutting military founds. But he still believed he could make a difference, and most importantly, he's starting on it already.


"You were great out there, my Lord." Mai stood next to his bed and helped him with his clothes.

"Thank you. You really helped me a lot with that speech. What can I do without you?"" Zuko knew it sounded kind of cheesy, but that's how he felt.

"Fall apart, I guess." Mai couldn't help rolling her eyes, but the curve on her lip reveled she was actually happy.

Zuko pulled her in for a kiss. The way she carries herself made him fallen. After a few minutes, they broke apart. Both of them had smiles on their lips. They were both lost in the world, so isolated and so lonely, but they found a place where they belong after all… Each other's heart. Both of them knew they were not perfect, but they can perfect each other. Because...

They are madly in love.

That's it.


"I am going to practice with Toph. Have fun with your Fire Lord work." Mai sounded sarcastic as usual. She talked out of the room and decided to give Zuko sometime alone to overcome emotions for being Fire Lord. Plus, she bonded with the gang pretty good and she really enjoys spending time with them.

"Mai…"Zuko walked up to her and locked her into his arm.

"What?" Mai felt a little irritation rising in her chest.

"Did… Azula hurt you?" Zuko blurted out the question and tightened his arm.

Mai tried to struggle her way out of it, but Zuko's arms were too strong for her. "I knew I shouldn't trust Ty Lee."

"She didn't tell me anything. It's your smell, like medicine."

Mai sighed and nodded. "Punishment from a firebender for betraying her." There's no way she could hide it from him now.

"Where?" Zuko reached out his hand and untied her robe. He sounded really worried.

Mai blushed a little and turned around to show her back.

Zuko gasped at the sight of the wounds and hugged her tightly but softly from back. "I am sorry…"

Mai turn back and tugged her head in his chest and tried so hard not to let tear fall, but failed.

Zuko touched her hair softly. "I love you, Mai."

Mai felt her heart stopped at once. "I love you, too." She thought it's hard to say, but it's not.