A/N:

Hi there, Annie here. I just wanted to give a shout out to my three faithful reviewers! LunaAngelWarrior, Cjayne, and Ruth Luchner... you guys make my day! I'm glad you like it so far.

I really do hope more of you readers start to review, negative or positive.

On a cute note, my husband and I have been rewatching the series and our one year old started to pretend he was bending. It was too cute! I'd post the video here if I new how.


"Keep your arms closer together," Zuko ordered. "Protect your middle."

Yumi tried the set again, determined to get it right. They had been practicing for over two hours now and she had learned some wonderful skills, but she just couldn't get this one form. Zuko watched her as she moved with the blades; she was picking this up rather quickly. The young woman had a certain grace about her that made these swords her perfect weapon.

Finishing the set, Yumi turned to him, a hand on her hip. Zuko smirked at her expression; she was clearly trying to act like she wasn't exhausted despite the sweat on her brow and the way her chest rose up and down rapidly.

"Better," he said. "But I have to train now."

"I was just getting started," Yumi retorted, raising an eyebrow.

Her prince looked at her skeptically. "I'm sure," he said.

She smiled a little, knowing he could see right through her. "Can I use your shower? I'll meet you on deck when I'm done," she said as he walked past her. He raised a hand to indicate it was ok then left the room.

Yumi stood still for a moment, looking at the place where he had just been. They never talked about that night a week ago, but ever since they had been on that little boat in the Fire Nation, snuggled up together all night, the dynamic had changed. She would often catch him sneaking glances at her and blushing whenever their skin touched. He had even come to music night to hear her sing.

The young woman sighed and gathered her things to take a shower. Once she was clean and dressed, she made her way onto deck where Zuko was sparing with another firebender. Yumi sat on a barrel so she could watch him. She noticed the way he grunted every time he shot a blast and smirked, enjoying the sound.

Without warning, the ship suddenly turned sharply. The Yumi was sitting on began to slide so she gracefully hopped off. Zuko and the other firebender slammed into the rail of the ship.

"Someone's changed our course," Zuko grumbled, regaining his balance. "Come on," he said to Yumi in a slightly softer tone.

They hurried to the control room. Zuko barged in like a pack of rhinos, Yumi walking slightly behind him. "What's the meaning of this mutiny?" the young prince demanded. "No one told you to change course!"

"Actually someone did," a familiar voice said. Yumi smiled at Iroh. The old general sat at his usual place at the Pai Sho board and stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I assure you, it is of the upmost importance," he told his nephew.

"Is it about the Avatar?" Zuko asked hopefully.

"Even more important," Iroh answered. "It seems I have misplaced my lotus tile."

"Lotus tile?" Zuko asked, sounding confused. Yumi bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing.

"Yes," Iroh explained, completely serious. "You see, most people think the lotus tile is a throw-away piece, but it is essential for the unusual strategy I use."

Yumi felt her prince's body temperature rise with his temper. "You changed our course for a stupid lotus tile!" he demanded, steam coming out his ears. Yumi smirked at the sight.

"See, you're like most people and under-estimate its value," Iroh insisted.

Zuko lost it at this point. He blew fire straight at the ceiling from his mouth, causing the entire control room to fill with smoke. "I'm lucky to have such an understanding nephew," Iroh said.

Yumi began to cough. She moved to push open the heavy metal door to let out the result of Zuko's rage. The young prince pushed past her and stormed off. She smirked and watched him, her eyes lingering.

Iroh smiled when he saw her. "You and my nephew seem to be getting close," he commented. Yumi quickly looked to her feet and blushed. "I supposed so, yes," she answered quietly before sitting down at the Pai Sho table. "It's been awhile since my last lesson," she said, grinning at the old man.

He grinned back at her. "You are right," Iron said, beginning the lesson.


They came to the new port and Yumi noticed that it wasn't as crowded as the previous two. She stood at the edge of the ship with Iroh, waiting for the gate to lower. Her prince came to her side, placing a hand on the small of her back.

"This is a waste of time," Zuko complained. Yumi glanced up at him, smiling a little. The young prince glanced down at her. He quickly snatched his hand off her back and walked off the ship into the port. Yumi followed him silently.

The young prince found a place along the dock to stand with his usual scowl. Yumi raised her eyebrows at him. "Let's go for a walk," she suggested.

Zuko raised a skeptical eyebrow and smirked. He gave a short nod and followed her into the port. They chatted about firebending and how Yumi was doing with the swords. He teased her gently about how much she slept and she brushed him off with a smile.

They passed a flower cart and Yumi stopped to pick up a rose. She brought it to her nose and inhaled its fragrance. Zuko watched her, feeling his heart hitch in his chest. He had grown accustomed to seeing her with her swords and her bow; it was so different to see her with a delicate flower.

He felt a nudge on his arm and glanced down to see an old woman. "Your girlfriend seems to really fancy the rose. They're two for a copper piece."

Zuko was startled by the woman's words. Girlfriend? Is that what they looked like? Yumi went to put the rose away when Zuko laid a hand on her arm to stop her. He pulled a copper piece out of his pocket and dropped it in the old woman's hand. Yumi grinned so wide that she glowed. Zuko couldn't help but smile back at her. He picked up another rose and gently tucked it in her hair.

Yumi blushed crimson and looked down to her shoes. "We should see if your Uncle is done shopping," she suggested.

Zuko's smile vanished and he rolled his eyes. "He'd better be."

Yumi gently touched his arm and began to lead him back to the ship. "Thank you for the roses, Prince Zuko," she said softly.

He glanced down at her wordlessly. All he could think of was someone had called her his girlfriend. The young prince wondered what it would be like if she was his girlfriend… what it would be like to give her a kiss after he gave her the rose.

Yumi saw Iroh by the ship and released Zuko's arm to hurry over to the old general. The prince walked up slower and stood next to Yumi, his arms folded and his signature scowl returning to his face. "Can you believe it?" Iroh began. "Not a single lotus tile in the whole harbor!"

"Well I'm glad to know this trip was a complete waste of time for everyone!" Zuko snapped.

"On the contrary, I've always said the only thing better than finding something you were looking for is finding something you weren't looking for a great bargain!" the old man said enthusiastically. A parade of Zuko's crew walked by carrying armfuls of goods. Yumi's jaw dropped while Zuko just looked frustrated.

"You brought a tsungi horn?" Zuko demanded.

"For music night on the ship," Iroh explained. His nephew groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I still have to check the merchant ships," Iroh continued. "Come with me."

Yumi and Zuko followed him along the water. There were various merchants, most selling seafood. Iroh pointed to a wooden one with red sails. "This place looks promising." Yumi glanced back at Zuko and raised her eyebrows. He returned her skeptical look.

The three walked onto the stuffy ship. It was a lot smaller than Zuko's. Yumi noticed that the men on this ship were gruffer and more sinister than Zuko's crew members. She stepped closer to her prince, arms folded across her chest. Zuko noticed her discomfort and stepped forward so her back was pressed against his chest.

"Oh this is handsome," Iroh said, admiring a creepy monkey sculpture. Yumi raised her eyebrows again and glanced up at Zuko. He was staring at some of the pirates as they interacted.

"We lost the girl and the bald monk she was traveling with," one said in a gruff voice.

Zuko pushed Yumi to the side and stormed over to the pirates. "This monk, did he have an arrow on his head?" he demanded.

The pirate scowled. "What's it to you?"

Zuko angled his head forward, smirking. "I have a team of firebenders. I can help you find what you're looking for… if you help me," the young prince offered. Yumi noticed how persuasive he sounded.

The pirate's scowl deepened. "They stole a scroll," he growled. "A very valuable waterbending scroll."

Zuko's smirked disappeared. He turned abruptly. "I have a small boat that we can use to navigate the river," he said. "I'll bring it over here and then we'll set out."

The pirate growled but nodded. Zuko began to make his way to the exit, Yumi moving slowly behind him. She eyed the pirates warily through the corners of her eyes, a sinking feeling of dread and uneasiness settled in the pit of her stomach; she did not trust the deal they just made.

Once they were out of the wooden ship, Yumi picked up her pace until she was right next to her prince. "I don't think this is a good idea," she said softly. He glanced at her but didn't say anything. Yumi felt his body temperature rise and she knew she had upset him. She stepped away from him slightly and decided it would be best to keep her mouth shut.

They made their way back to Zuko's ship, everyone walking at a faster pace than usual. Yumi continued to monitor the movement of the pirates. The piled into Zuko's tiny boat. The prince and the a few of the pirates who were not on the wooden ship stayed outside while they moved through the river. Yumi stayed inside the control room with the crew members they brought with them. She kept her arms folded and leaned against the wall staring forward, not saying anything.

One of the masked firebenders came to stand next to her. "Hi m'lady," he said. Yumi recognized his voice to be Chen's.

She smiled politely at him. "Hi Chen."

"So ready for another attempt?" the young man asked, annoyance hanging on his voice.

Yumi raised her eyebrows at him. "I guess so," she answered.

Zuko's head popped into the room. "Let's go," he ordered. Yumi was the last person to leave. The party stepped off the ship, everyone trying to move with stealth. The pirates went around one way and the firebenders went another. Yumi chose her own direction, moving between the two groups.

She heard the pirates attack and smirked when Katara started to shout, "No, let me go!"

Yumi peered in the direction of waterbender's voice. Katara was being restrained by the pirate with a green headband. She bended water into his face from the river and took off running… straight into Zuko. "I'll save you from the pirates," he hissed. Yumi felt her breath hitch. Zuko held her by the wrists to keep her from bending. He twisted her around easily and pinned her arms behind her back. "Let's have a talk," he growled. Yumi felt a shudder roll down her spine from his tone. Zuko threw Katara at a crew member. "Tie her to the tree."

Yumi moved out of the brush to stand next to her prince. Chen held Katara firmly as another crew member tied her to a tree. Zuko wasn't smiling, but Yumi could tell he was pleased with himself. He glanced at her and the corner of mouth twitched up in a tiny grin. He smirked back at her, knowing how the young woman felt about Katara.

"Tell me where he is and I won't hurt you or your brother," Zuko demanded.

"Go jump in the river," the waterbender retorted.

Zuko bit the inside of his cheek, deciding to take a different approach. Sliding his hand into his pocket, he found a cool, carved stone attached to a navy ribbon. Zuko pulled it out as he spoke. "Try to understand, I'm trying to replace something I've lost: my honor. Perhaps in return, I can restore something you've lost." He stood behind her and held the necklace to her throat.

Yumi bit her lip to keep from gasping. "My mother's necklace!" Katara shouted, trying to lurch forward. "How did you get that?"

"I didn't steal it, if that's what you're asking," Zuko answered, tilting his head forward.

"Enough of this necklace garbage," a rough voice growled. "You promised the scroll."

Yumi flicked her eyes to the pirate captain, narrowing them. Zuko slid the scroll out of Katara's belt purse. "I wonder how much this is worth," he said tauntingly, lighting his hand and holding it beneath the scroll. The pirates all gasped and some lunged forward. "A lot apparently," the prince sneered. "Help me find what I want… you'll get this back and we'll all go home happy."

The pirate captain growled and turned to his men. "Search the woods," he ordered.

Yumi smirked at the influence her prince had over them. She moved slowly until she was next to him. Katara seemed to notice her there for the first time. "You traitorous bastard," the waterbender hissed.

Yumi raised her eyebrows and opened her mouth to retort but she didn't get a chance to. Zuko intervened, moving quickly and grabbing onto Katara's face. "Leave her alone," he spat. Katara looked at the Fire Nation Prince with wide eyes. He released her but continued to glare.

Yumi also stared at him with wide eyes. Did he really just do that? Did he really just shut Katara down? Yumi realized his attention had turned to her, an unreadable emotion in his eyes.

"Prince Zuko," one of his benders called. Zuko snapped his head in the direction of a swarm of pirates holding Aang and Sokka who were bound by their wrists. Yumi felt a pang in her chest at seeing Aang like that, but she quickly pushed it down; this was for her prince.

"I'm sorry Aang," Katara's voice muttered softly behind Yumi. She quickly turned around to look at the waterbender. "This is all my fault."

"No Katara, it's not," Aang said comfortingly.

"Actually, it kind of is," Iroh interjected. Yumi snorted and Katara glared at her.

"Hand over the boy," Zuko growled.

"Hand over the scroll," the pirate captain retorted. Zuko took a step forward but stopped when Sokka spoke.

"You're giving the Avatar up for a stupid scroll?" the Water Tribe boy said coyly. The pirates gathered around him with interest.

"Don't listen to him!" Zuko yelled. "He's trying to turn us against each other." Yumi felt the heat coming off her prince.

Your friend is the Avatar?" the pirate captain leaned in.

"Oh yeah," Sokka continued. "I bet the Fire Lord would pay a hefty price for him. You would be set for life."

"Shut your mouth, peasant," Zuko growled, taking a step forward. Yumi's grip on her bow tightened.

"Keep the scroll," the pirate sneered. "We can buy a hundred of them with the reward we'll get for the kid."

Zuko jerked Yumi back so she was behind the firebenders. "You'll regret breaking a deal with me," he hissed. Yumi instantly loaded her bow. The firebenders attacked precisely and the archer followed the flames with her arrow. One of the pirates cart wheeled forward, throwing smoke bombs. The air around them became a thick cloud.

Yumi blinked rapidly in reflex, trying to clear her vision. She gracefully replaced her bow in its place and pulled out her words. The young woman stepped forward, determined to find her prince.

A throwing star flew in front of her face, causing her to jump back right into the side of another pirate. He was large, twice Yumi's size, and he had a jagged sword. He swung it down at the young woman. She gasped and brought her blades up in a cross to block his blow. His blade stopped but the weight of his force knocked her down. She let out a gasp and rolled out of the way as his blade came down again. Then she kipped up and sliced her blades all in one movement, just as Zuko had taught her. The steel tore through skin and muscles in his arm. The pirate cried out in pain and reached to punch Yumi. She easily dodged and moved in front of him, kicking him in the crotch to immobilize him.

Yumi smirked as he fell to his knees. She turned to continue to wander through the thick mass of smoke; her prince was still yet to be found.

Meanwhile, Zuko inched his way out of the cloud, tucking the scroll in his belt. He was beginning to feel panic; Yumi had disappeared. The prince knew he had to find her. From the corner of his eye, he saw a blade swipe at her head. Zuko dodged it at the last moment, whirling around to face the pirate captain. He glared and got into a fighting stance.

The pirate captain pulled his sword back and thrust it forward again. Zuko easily dodged it and blasted fire at him. The prince continued to fight the pirate, determined to bring him down and find his friend. Zuko lunged forward again, but felt a hand firmly grip his ponytail from behind.

"Are you so busy fighting you cannot see your own ship has set sail?" Iroh demanded. Zuko noticed that his uncle had also grabbed the pirate.

"We have to time for your proverbs Uncle," Zuko yelled angrily.

The old general pointed to the river. "It's no proverb. Look!"

Both men followed his finger to see the pirate ship sailing down the river with the Avatar and Water Tribe kids.

"Bleeding hog monkeys!" the pirate captain gasped, running forward.

Zuko laughed out loud, pointing at them. But following the pirate ship was the prince's own. "Hey, that's my boat!" Zuko shouted, taking off in a run.

"Maybe it should be a proverb," Iroh said thoughtfully to himself, stroking his beard.

"Come on Uncle," Zuko called over his shoulder.

Iroh hurried after his nephew, both of them trying to keep up with Zuko's boat.

Yumi punched the pirate she was fighting in the face, thoroughly knocking him out. He fell onto his back while the young woman shook her hand; who knew punching someone out could hurt your knuckles so much?

Out of the corner of her eye, she was her prince and Iroh running along the bank. "He's safe," she breathed out, straightening. Yumi followed them, walking at a much slower pace. She was tired from having taken out a half dozen pirates.

Zuko pushed himself to run faster as he saw his boat go over the edge of a waterfall. "My boat!" he cried, stopping at the edge of the cliff. The young prince began to huff in fury, exhaustion, and frustration.

Iroh stood behind his nephew, out of breath. He felt a small, cool tile run down his arm and drop into his hand. The general looked down and grinned. "Prince Zuko, you're really going to get a kick out of this. The lotus tile was in my sleeve the whole time!" He presented the tiny game piece. Zuko had enough. He whirled around and grabbed the tile, throwing it over the edge of the cliff in fury.

Yumi slowly came up behind them, her breath back to normal and her swords put away. "Are you two alright?" she asked.

Zuko spun around at the sound of her voice. "Yumi!" he gasped. The young prince had almost forgotten about his friend. She had a tiny cut on her cheek but other than that looked pretty much unharmed.

The young woman offered him a tiny grin, her golden eyes sparkling. "Looks like your lessons are paying off, Sensei," she told him confidently. Zuko watched her wordlessly, a mix of guilt, pride and relief brewing in his stomach. The guilt was from not listening to her warning and putting her in harm's way. The pride was from her confidence; she fought well. The relief was from her standing in front of him, safe and sound.

The small group of his men gathered around them, awaiting orders. "We have to walk back," Zuko said solemnly. The party began the lengthy trek back to the ship.

After much convincing Iroh and very much resistance from Zuko, the group stopped when the sun went down to rest. They gathered some fire wood and started a decent sized bonfire, all gathering around it and eating rations of dried meat and fruit.

Yumi enjoyed this. The fire was warm and the crew inviting. She sat next to Chen and noticed he had a nice singing voice when the group sang together. The young archer sang with him; she always had a lovely singing voice.

Now, they were all telling stories. Yumi made a mental note that these people of the "enemy" made her feel more at home then anyone else. They were interested in what she had to say, complimented her when she sang, and every single one of them offered to share food with her when they realized she didn't have any.

Someone began another song when she noticed something; her prince was not in the circle. Yumi slowly inched back. Chen raised his eyebrows at her and she offered him a small smile before going to find Zuko.

The young prince was sitting on the bank, resting his arms and head on his knees. He didn't move as Yumi came up to him. She gracefully sat beside him, folding her legs underneath her.

"What are you doing?" he demanded.

Yumi was slightly hurt by his tone. "I just… wanted to find you," she said softly.

The pair sat in silence for a few moments. Yumi could tell something was bothering her prince. She bit the inside of her cheek.

"You like him don't you?" Zuko asked at last.

"What?" Yumi replied, startled. Zuko continued to look straight ahead, refusing to meet her eyes.

"The crew member. Chen," the prince continued.

Yumi frowned. "I guess… he's nice enough. I'd rather spend time with you though. That's why I'm here."

Zuko whipped his head around, clearly surprised by her answer. Yumi noticed an odd look in his eyes. It was very soft and sweet-looking. She opened her mouth to continue, but was cut off by a pair of lips over her own. Yumi's eyes opened wide and she froze.

Zuko didn't know what he was doing. All he knew was that this woman beside him made him feel special… cared for. He gently moved his lips against hers, but after a few second he pulled back abruptly, realizing what he had just done. The young prince hoped the darkness covered his flushed face.

Yumi sat completely still, her eyes locked on his. Her lips sill tingled from the feeling of his own. The kiss had been so gentle. Her prince's lips were slightly chapped and salty, but so tender against her own. "Prince Zuko," was all she managed to whisper.

Without warning, he growled in frustration, bringing a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "That was so stupid," he said.

Yumi bit her lip, feeling nervous. Then, moving gracefully, she brought her lips up to his cheek. He turned his face to look at her, his ponytail brushing against her cheek. She grinned at him sheepishly. Zuko felt as though his heart had erupted in his chest. The corners of his lips turned up in a tiny smirk.

He brought one of his hands to the back of her neck leaned down to kiss her again. This time, her lips moved with his. He noticed how soft and cold hers felt. Her hands moved up to rest on his chest and he felt them to cling to his shirt.

Zuko pulled away so he could look into her eyes. They were wide and pleading. He changed his position so he could pull her to him. "Are you cold?" he asked.

Yumi didn't resist at all as he guided her body to his, resting her head on his shoulder. The truth was, she felt warmed to the core. "Not anymore, Prince Zuko," she answered truthfully.