First, it's my birthday! I'm twenty! All may rejoice with me!

Okay, finally we get to Music Night! I have to say, I don't write very happy stories so this chapter is not going to be entirely cheery. Sorry for the delay but I made the Honors college and that means I actually need to do some work in order to keep my place. I will update at the latest, every second week. For the songs on Music Night, I wrote Jee's ballad, I wrote the clapping song, I rewrote an Irish Ballad called "Star of the County Down" for Iroh's song and I translated and rewrote the song played on the Koto. Special thanks to Sarah, my beautiful beta reader and fellow author. Read her story "Spring Rain" if you want an amazing story.

Also, look into Kishi's "Kara No". Not only is it original and brilliant, a well researched and well plotted story with amazing characters and plot twists, but it's written by a male! There are males in our fandom! Which means a lot less romance and lot more action. Him and OnePen are a rare breed, take advantage of reading the Mars perspective!

Special thanks also to Firebend, my (almost) sister and mini-mil, Khazia, a writing angel and Dragonfaiex, my brilliant artist friend and to everyone else who reviewed. Okay, I decided to make Aiiro a water bender. I figure Katara could not be the only one. He was too young to fully show his gifts but under stress, he proved to be a good one. This chapter was the calm before the storm. Read, review and enjoy!

One of Us

Hotaru sighed and stretched out. She had to say that she was happy here with her little brother and uncle. She loved them dearly and it was wonderful seeing them again. Yet, if Zuko and Uncle did not stop fussing over her, she was going to have them both keelhauled! From the moment of her discovery, Hotaru had been treated like a delicate piece of silk. Zuko slept across the doorway of their bedroom and would not allow her outside alone. He or Uncle had to chaperone her at all times. Hotaru had to eat her meals with her family and was not allowed to talk to the crew.

At this point, Hotaru was bored beyond belief. All she wanted was a little fun. She had sailed pirate ships since she was a child, looting and pillaging came as easily as breathing. She had men at her fingertips; she had never gone so long without some romantic flirtation.

It was hard to return to the constraints of her life at the palace. Was this the way life would be like when Zuko regained his place? Hotaru had been banished forever but Zuko had spoke of asking Ozai for clemency. Hotaru knew Komodo Rhinos would fly before that miserable dictator would even grant mercy. Even if he did, did she even want to return to that life of being a doll, someone to look pretty and wait to be married off? To never tells stories by the light of burning villages, to never drive into battle with her Katanas flying and blood everywhere? To leave the sea forever?

Hotaru was not going to solve any of these problems by being bored. She was worried about Zuko. His crew had tied him up, thinking he had gone mad. How angry was Zuko usually, that his crew felt that his happiness stemmed from insanity? The little boy she remembered had been happy and giggly. What had Ozai done to him to make him so angry?

She decided to see what her brother was up to. True, he was in a bad mood but she had managed to calm him down yesterday. Surely she could do the same now. "My lady? Do require something?" a voice asked.

Hotaru turned around and noticed a handsome man standing by her door, guarding her. She smiled, feeling a bit happier. Perhaps she could have a little fun. "And you are?" she inquired.

"Lt. Jee, at my lady's service. Your Uncle has requested that you remain here for the time being. Prince Zuko is not in a good mood and it's best to stay out of his way," he explained, bowing deeply.

"Thank you for the warning. And you can call me Hotaru, since it's just the two of us," Hotaru flirted. This Jee would do for the time being. He was bit older then she liked but she would take what she could get. She was tired of playing the haughty lady like yesterday. She wanted to be a pirate again.

"With all due respect, my lady, I can't. Prince Zuko is not in a good mood and if he found out I treated you with anything less then perfect respect, he would have my head. Literally," Lt. Jee said nervously. "He just dragged the Water Tribe girl to his room; he is really in a bad mood now."

Hotaru was pleased to see that Zuko was letting off some steam. She often dragged prisoners to her room when she was feeling frustrated. "Zuko would never know what you called me," Hotaru said, batting her eyelashes a bit. That always worked on men!

"You'd be surprised. Your brother has a way of finding things out. Now, my lady, where do you wish to go?" Lt. Jee asked, his cheeks red. Hotaru grinned and patted his arm. She had managed to set him off ease; she would get him later.

"My brother mentioned early this morning that one of us should check on the prisoners. I suppose while Zuko calms down, I'll take care of this little chore for him," she said authoritatively. That Water Tribe boy that she had met yesterday had been interesting looking and Hotaru was sure Zuko would not mind her playing with the prisoners. "I'll take full responsibility, don't worry."

"Well…I suppose that wouldn't be much of a problem. I can't take you to the Avatar but I suppose you can check on the other one, the obnoxious older Water boy, for a few minutes," Jee said, looking a bit wary. "Just be careful."

Hotaru smiled and walked along side the handsome soldier. "He's chained up, what is the worst that could happen?" she asked, tossing her hair.

"If something happens to you, things will go really bad for all of us," Jee warned as he escorted her below to the prison hold. Hotaru felt good, she was finally making herself useful. Torturing prisoners was good for the entire mission. "After all, you are our future Lord's sister."

"I'm not a little girl, I can take of myself," Hotaru purred, fixing her golden eyes on her escort. She wondered if she could fight and defeat him. It would show him not to underestimate her! "Give me a sword and I'll prove myself the equal of any man in many different fields," she insinuated, giving him a seductive smile that had been well-practiced.

"Of course, my lady. That won't be needed," Jee blushed again and lowered his eyes. He was definitely handsome; Hotaru could see some definite possibilities for him in the future. "This is the prisoner's cell. Do you need me to come in with you?" he mumbled, clearly trying to keep a hold of himself.

"I prefer you didn't. My brother requires some information that is…classified in nature," Hotaru commanded sweetly. The last thing she needed was to scare off Jee. "Keep watch for my brother in case he wants to find me. I'd hate for the poor dear to worry," she said with a grin.

Jee nodded. He did not look convinced but he obeyed her. Hotaru was very good about getting men to do what she wanted. "Here are the keys, my lady Hotaru. I'll be outside if you require my presence," he said, averting her eyes again. Hotaru was pleased. She had won her first victory! Jee would crumble soon enough. She had more fish to sizzle until then.

She opened the cell door and found that handsome prisoner curled in a corner. He had been chained hand and foot, so helpless and vulnerable. Yet, as he raised his blue eyes to look up at her, Hotaru noticed how broken he was. The fire in his eyes that she had seen last night had completely faded away. It appears that he had completely given up. His dish of food had not even been touched. "Coming to kill me?" he asked in a weary tone. He sounded almost eager.

"No, just came to check up on you," she simpered, bending down to speak to him. She loved the way he shivered when she approached. Fear was such a delicious emotion. "Don't worry, I won't hurt you. I just want to talk," she purred softly.

"You held a knife to my throat. You want me dead. You don't have to lie to me," the brat reminded her, still staring at her with hateful blue eyes. He scuttled back into the wall.

"You should have thanked me. I thought Prince Zuko was going to make your death hard and slow. I was trying to give you the mercy of a quick death," she explained, brushing back the hair from his face.

"You would not know the meaning of mercy, you lying Firebender," he muttered numbly. His tone was so defeated. It was nauseating. "I'll thank you when I get my revenge."

"Hey, don't blame me for your predicament. Your sister betrayed you all. She is the one who decided she no longer wanted to be around you. I have to say, I am a bit more loyal and good to my dear brother then that," Hotaru teased, knowing she was pouring salt into his wounds. He was no fun as some depressed piece of meat.

"You're the sister of that monster Zuko, you both are the same demons who killed my mother and bewitched my sister! You're a pirate scum who lives on the pain and misery of others. You would not know loyalty and kindness if it attacked you with a spear," Water-Boy snapped, some of his spirit returning as he struggled against his chains. He looked like he wanted to kill her.

Hotaru grinned; this was getting more fun. She ignored the insults and proceeded to caress Sokka's cheek. "Well, it appears you have some life left in you. Your fate is sealed. You are a prisoner. The question is, will it be painful…or pleasant? After all, I can make you forget your pain for a bit. I'm bored and frankly you are as good as it gets on this little craft," she whispered in his ear.

The peasant jerked back at that. "Just…leave me alone," he hissed, his eyes filled with loathing for her. Hotaru smiled predatorily. She would have him, one way or another!

"Aren't I pretty? It isn't like you have anything better to do with your time and believe me, I can make the time go a lot quicker," Hotaru whispered, with a roguish wink. Any man would want her; she was beautiful and elegant. This boy would crumble eventually, she was sure of it.

"I'm taken," Water-boy said, inching back towards the wall. He glared at her with icy blue eyes. He was staring at her as if she was nothing more then an insect! She, Pirate of the Seas and the daughter of kings! Hotaru was starting to get angry. She liked a challenge but she did not like disrespect. This boy was beneath her in so many ways, he should be awed that she was even talking to him. He should be grateful.

"Considering how loyal your own family is, I wouldn't count on your little peasant missy to be faithful," Hotaru countered, creeping up closer to him.

"My sister is only insane but she is loyal to me," the Water-Boy hissed angrily, tensing like a cat on the attack. Hotaru was enjoying his anger, the way his hands shook with rage. Yes, she would enjoy taming him.

"Do you miss your sister? I bet she's cozying up to my brother right now," Hotaru mocked. "I'll bet they are having a really good time." She was enjoying watching the peasant's face turn red with anger. "She mentioned you once, you know," she lied.

"She did?" the peasant's anger faded to longing and pain. Hotaru could manipulate him like a puppet.

"Oh yes. She's quite a gal, you know. We are good friends." Hotaru felt her own heart racing in anticipation. Teasing him was thrilling.

"Will you let me see her? If you do…I'll do whatever you want," the Water-Boy said, his eyes going to the floor. "Anything in the world. Just let me see Katara for one minute," he pleaded, his spirit starting to break.

Hotaru laughed harshly as she shook her head. He was starting to weaken. That would make this boring. "I'm not some strumpet to be paid for my pleasures. You'll do what I say because I said it!" she commanded haughtily. "I'm willing to give you some choice but don't push my good humor."

"In that case, I would not kiss you if you were the last girl in the world, you…floozy!" the peasant spat at her feet, sealing his doom. "You're the ugliest hag I have ever seen! You are a whore and a disgusting diseased-"

He had crossed the line from amusing to annoying. "I'll teach you to behave," Hotaru hissed, going for her knife that she kept in her boots. No one insulted her and remained unscathed! Water-Boy closed his eyes and waited to die.

"My lady! The prince is looking for you, he wishes to dock by Khazia and purchase some supplies," called a voice, sparing that brute from losing his vocal cords.

Hotaru scowled. "I'll see you tomorrow and you have best changed your tune, or I will make you suffer," she threatened as she rose to her feet. Perhaps shopping with Zuko would improve the day.

Lt. Jee silently led her to Zuko's room, looking concerned. "The prince forced himself on the Water Tribe girl," he informed her in a quiet voice. "Now he has not stopped praying for forgiveness. Maybe you can cheer him up again. He is a wonderful master and we really care about him," he confided.

Hotaru was touched by his loyalty. She definitely was finding herself attracted to him. "I am not sure shopping will improve his spirits but I am sure it will mine," she answered. She always liked getting new things.


Hotaru looked at the growing pile of clothing piled into her arms. She was wrong. Shopping had not improved her spirits. She and her brother had paid a visit to a store for high-ranking ladies, owned by the overbearing Madam Tadanori and her daughter. Madam Tadanori had been horrified by Hotaru's appearance and had insisted on a full wardrobe purchase.

Although he maintained that he hated shopping, Zuko had dutifully followed the woman's orders. He had insisted on buying Hotaru lovely kimonos in all the proper shades befitting a lady of the Fire Nation. He was adamant on getting her jewelry as well as cosmetics. He had insisted that she also spend as much money as she needed. Hotaru was fine about spending money but she preferred spending the money on weapons and scrolls.

Hotaru was now the possessor of attractive combs and perfumes, all of them expensive and well crafted. Of course, every time she had tried to steer her brother in the direction of a weaponry store, Zuko would placidly squeeze her hand. "Why do you need that? I will protect you now, my dear sister. I swear it."

Hotaru wanted to argue but there was a dark shadow in Zuko's eyes that scared her. Something was bothering him and she supposed she had best leave him alone. Therefore, she concentrated on Madam Tadanori's prattle about proper colors and materials for a noblewoman.

"Is there a place my sister can try on her new clothing?" Zuko asked the storekeeper, smiling at his sister with pride. "I want to see her fully dressed up in proper attire."

"Of course sir. My daughter Matsuko will help the lady into her clothing. You will require a slave to help her into her clothing on other days, of course. Do you have one? I can recommend an excellent slave market," Madam Tadanori said, bustling over to calculate the bill.

"Now that I think of it, I have a slave girl. She does not know proper protocol for dress but I am sure she will do until my sister returns home. Do you have any servants' clothing by chance?" Zuko asked.

"Of course, we always order some for the convenience of the customer. Finding clothing for slaves should not be a burden. We will just add it to your bill. This brown under-tunic should suffice, no?" Madam Tadanori answered, holding up a rough brown shift. It was the only thing without flounces and frankly, Hotaru longed for it. At least she would be able to move in it.

"That will be perfect. Wrap up the rest of my purchases and I'll pay for them. When can my sister be ready?" Zuko asked.

"This will take some time, you can return in a half hour to see her," the storekeeper replied, waving Hotaru into a backroom with the freckled teenage daughter of hers.

"I'll go see if Uncle's done and then we'll both come back to check on you," Zuko waved as he left the shop.

Hotaru reluctantly followed the girl to a room in the back of the store. Her cheeks reddened as she changed from her tunic and trousers. She tried to remember that she had spent a portion of her life being dressed by servants. She had nothing to be ashamed of for being dressed like this. "You will look beautiful in proper clothing, Mistress," Matsuko said, bowing her silly head.

Hotaru sighed resignedly as she waved for the process to begin. Matsuko began to truss her into the seventeen pieces of her kimono. First came the slips and the under slips, which seemed endless. Then came the belts, under-sashes and the sashes, which restricted Hotaru's breathing. Then over that came the collars and the color linings. Already, Hotaru was feeling overheated. The feeling of overheating only increased with the sashes for the bustle, the undershirt and the under kimono. By now, Hotaru felt like a stuffed duck. Finally over all of that, went her new burgundy silk kimono. Hotaru's feet ached from being on them so long.

Over that came the various pieces of the Obi, all of which seemed to take forever. Her boots had been replaced by delicate little slippers, which pinched her toes. She had completely forgotten how to get into these cumbersome costumes and the joy of dressing like a princess again had faded once Hotaru realized she had no capability to walk properly in the attire.

"Shall I fix your hair, Mistress?" Matsuko asked. Hotaru shrugged. She liked her odangos, they kept her hair out of her face and it was a noble style. Yet, she might as well complete the style. She supposed she would have to look her best for the party in her honor.

Matsuko twisted and curled Hotaru's hair into an elaborate knot at the top of her head, putting in some of the expensive combs into her hair. Hotaru bore the horrible pain of having her hair teased and pulled; reminding herself she was a warrior. Matsuko had an irritating habit of humming as she worked and Hotaru was sure that she would strangle the girl before long.

Finally, the process was over and Hotaru was allowed to look in a mirror. She was startled at the girl staring back at her. The girl in the mirror was a high-class wealthy girl who was a stranger to battle, who was soft and pliable, obedient and elegant. This girl was sheltered from the world, living in palaces. This girl was not Hotaru.

Yes, she was a prince's sister and she was proud of that. Yet, she was also a pirate who wielded a sword in battle. She was a woman who belonged to no man and knew no constraints. "You look gorgeous, Mistress," Matsuko gushed, leading her outside.

"Am I supposed to be able to breathe?" Hotaru gasped, feeling herself quite constrained by the silk.

Matsuko giggled and waved for Hotaru to come along. The noble-born pirate limped outside, feeling like a doll. She hated this outfit; she hated feeling so confined. She was defenseless against anything bigger then a fly!

Yet, the look on Zuko's face was worth it. He had a smile on his face that reminded Hotaru of the happier days. His eyes were shining with joy as he handed the payment to Madam Tadanori. "You look wonderful, Sister," he whispered as if beholding a dream.

Uncle Iroh looked just as happy. "I am going to have to chase the suitors away from you, niece. You are as enchanting as your mother," he said, looking at her with approval. Hotaru supposed there were worse things then looking beautiful. She could stand it for a few days. There was a heavy emphasis on the word few.

"There will be no suitors. My sister is above rubbish like that. When I am Fire-Lord, I will arrange the finest marriage for you," Zuko informed her. "You will be married to the most powerful man I can find and live a life of leisure, bearing me beautiful nieces and nephews."

Hotaru smiled weakly. "Oh…joy," she muttered as Zuko took her arm to take her back to the ship. Oh, joy indeed.


Music night on the ship was always a night that Iroh enjoyed. He had learned to play various musical instruments in his youth and, frankly he enjoyed relieving some of the tension that was always in the air. Usually, Iroh's beloved ward would barricade himself in his room and sulk during music night. That is, unless he was banging on the floor, shouting at them to shut up. Last music night had ended when Zuko had stormed downstairs and insisted the ship be cleaned till spotless, spoiling everyone's fun and nearly causing a mutiny.

This time however, Zuko was hosting the event and good cheer was in the air by all. Zuko had the galley decorated with fresh flowers and silk hangings in honor of Hotaru's visit. He had purchased cakes and sake for everyone on the ship and had even managed to calm down from this morning's escapade and now seemed eager to please his sister.

The three royals were sitting on a dais, watching the performers. Hotaru did look beautiful in her new robes, the image of her mother. Even Zuko had managed to make an effort to dress up, wearing his formal silk robes instead of armor.

Zuko still was eerily quiet after what happened with the Water Tribe girl. He seemed meeker then usual, eager to please. Iroh worried about his student. He knew that great sorrow lay ahead of him. Soon Hotaru would have to leave, if Zuko wanted to return to the Fire Nation. Ozai would kill her on sight. In fact, even with the capture of the Avatar, Iroh was not completely assured that Ozai would allow Zuko to live. His brother demanded absolute and perfect obedience, something Zuko could never give him.

Iroh's melancholy thoughts were interrupted by the beginning of the performances. "With compliments to their highnesses, might I request the honor of offering a song?" Lt. Jee asked, bowing deeply. Iroh noticed him blushing when he noticed Hotaru. She was a gorgeous woman; Iroh could not blame him for his feelings.

Zuko obviously noticed the look as well, because he shot Jee a poisonous look. Protection of his sister had stirred him out of his quiet mood. "Granted," he said tersely, glaring at him.

Jee took the hint and kept his eyes on the tapestry above their heads. "May it please your highnesses to hear the love ballad written by the Fire Poetess Eri," he explained and motioned for the musicians to begin. Iroh smiled at the change in the music selections. Usually the songs were boisterous drinking songs and bawdy ballads, but Zuko had insisted on a refined program for his sister.

"Across an ocean, across a sea, so wide, so deep, so blue," he began as the instruments began playing. Iroh had to admit that Jee had a fantastic voice. When they got home, Jee had to try out for the royal opera company. "I can look down from my window and can see the ocean in you."

"What a beautiful song," Iroh heard Hotaru whisper to Zuko. She was clearly enjoying the attention.

"Indeed," Zuko scowled. He was clearly not enjoying the attention paid to his sister and his hand was on the tanto kept in his sash. Iroh hoped he would not have to hold him back from striking down anyone.

"Your depth, your shade of moods," he said, extending his hand eloquently and holding out the note for maximum effect. "Your noble qualities so fine, Oh when I'll cross the ocean, in that instant," Jee said, falling to his knees and offering a paper flower to Iroh's niece, "You shall then be mine."

Zuko growled angrily and gave Jee a glower that would make a dragon shiver. "Mind your place or you'll find yourself flogged at the mast!" he muttered furiously, rising to his feet.

Jee blanched. "Apologies, sir. No offense was meant!" he said, sweating a bit. Iroh knew that as much as the crew liked Zuko, they were aware that they had pushed him too far today and were walking on dragon eggshells.

Happily, Hotaru was instantly at her brother's side. "Oh, he is just having a bit of fun, paying tribute to the future Fire-Lord's sister. He'll behave himself," she soothed. "Please don't get angry."

"He is being disrespectful to you," Zuko protested angrily, still frowning at his lieutenant.

"Lt. Jee is a loyal servant to us both and would not dare do anything that was to your detriment, Brother. You know that," Hotaru pacified him, touching his shoulder comfortingly. Iroh was always impressed by the power of females.

Zuko turned to her and nodded stiffly. "Continue then." His withering glare boded ill for anyone who irritated him.

Jee rose to his feet. "Till that day I'll yearn and yearn/ and pray for a favorable tide/ to await the day that I arrive/And you, I'll sit beside," he finished, in a far more quiet voice. Clearly, he was not risking Zuko's temper any further.

Everyone applauded politely. The night continued with a few more lively songs, mostly folk songs of home. The night livened up when Ryota started a stirring chant-song, which had everyone clapping happily along. Each four lyrics had to rhyme and then a new person began the stanza.

"Mighty leader, raise your sword, " Ryota began joyfully, clapping out the beat. Obviously, kissing up to Zuko was on the agenda.

"You are our prince, who is adored" Hotaru continued sweetly. Zuko faintly smiled and bowed his head. Perhaps with Hotaru around, kissing up would actually work. She did seem to do wonders for his temper.

"Your victory is assured," Daisuke, warbled, badly off key. Iroh had a feeling he had broken the no alcohol rule.

"One day you'll be Fire Lord," took up Jee, eager to please his master again.

"Our prince of great esteem and flame," continued Saiga, who actually managed to carry the tune.

"Our noble heir to the flame," Iroh continued, unable to resist cheering up Zuko a little bit. Zuko blushed and looked very pleased at that.

"History shall know his name," another soldier broke in.

"Praises to the land where we all came" Zuko finished, to the wild applause of all.

Iroh decided to spice up the night by singing a love ballad. He made sure it was not naughty, but he had to have some fun torturing Zuko tonight. He couldn't let that compliment go to his head.

"In a Fire town, wearing a floral crown
A Maiden did I spy

Eyes of gold with a smile bold
I watched as she passed me by

She looked so sweet, she was quite a treat
From her toes to her midnight hair
Such a coaxing miss, I craved a kiss
And for us to be a pair

Her smile was the day, what can I say?

All the soldiers in the town

Were smitten with the girl, just like a pearl

In the Fire Nation Crown "

Zuko had scowled at the words but Iroh choose to ignore that. The soldiers and Hotaru again applauded vigorously. "Bravo, Uncle!" she said, kissing his cheek. "May I perform a fan dance?" she asked.

"No!" Zuko said shortly. "There will be no dancing!" Zuko seemed adamant to protect his sister's virtue. Iroh wished him luck, Hotaru was a feisty young lady.

The evening went on, with many old folk songs being sung for the royal family. Songs like Dragon of the West, Woman of Valor, and Sozen's Comet were warbled with varying levels of skill. Iroh could see Hotaru wanted to perform as well but he feared Zuko's reaction.

"Perhaps you and Hotaru could play a duet?" he finally asked, noticing his niece squirming. "You have good skill on the koto and the songi horn, as I remember." Zuko had been a fantastic musician, playing the instrument to relieve stress. Iroh had taught him himself and had been amazed by how the normally reticent child opened up so much while playing music. Iroh had often heard music coming from Zuko's room during the banishment, thought he knew better then to mention it.

Before Zuko was able to glare at his uncle, Hotaru had pulled him over to the Koto. "Come on, one song. If I can't dance, I can sing." she pleaded, shoving him playfully in front of the instrument.

"One song, and a dignified one," Zuko muttered, his unscarred ear red with embarrassment. He played a few notes to indicate the song. Iroh recognized it well. It was the story of the love for one's leader, a song of sacrifice.

"In my heart I have built for you a consecrated place," Hotaru began to sing as Zuko continued to accompany her on the koto. Iroh felt tears sting his eyes as he remembered the shows the two children had put on for him. The song was very appropriate, a song about giving up what you loved for duty. How much had these poor children given up. "A flame temple, I sanctified an alter for your grace."

"For a sacred fire, I shall ask for a martyr's fire and coal," Hotaru continued singing, her voice trembling a little at the stark and sad final lyrics. "And for my sacrifice, I shall give you my mortal soul," she let the final notes trail off. Iroh had heard that song sung so many times, but it saddened him each time. There was always a price to pay, he had seen too much sadness to forget that. There was a cold chill to the air. These happy times would not last.


After the song, Zuko excused himself to get the present he had purchased for Hotaru. He knew she would adore the beautiful Jade dragon he had found, Hotaru loved Dragons. Tonight had been almost perfect.

Zuko passed the kitchen on his way to his room, planning to sneak a bit of sake. He noticed the little Water-child was sitting in the corner, looking so lonely. Zuko's heart went out to him. He remembered long hours of kneeling in a corner by his father's side, alone and ignored. If he even dared breathe wrong, Father would get furious and beat decorum into him.

Zuko winced; his body still ached when he remembered those hard slaps, burns and whippings. He supposed it would not do any harm to have the little boy come in and join music night. He remembered the boy bending water during that unpleasant incident; therefore, Zuko had decided to keep him as a slave.

Uncle had reminded him that his father would most likely kill the Water Tribe out anyway. Zuko felt horrible for what he had done, but it would happen anyway. At least he could spare this one. After all, he could say that a water bender slave would be useful. He might as well give the boy a fun night before he was told he would never see his homeland again. He remembered Katara calling him Aiiro, a variation of the name Yamaiiro. That had been the name of the last Avatar of the Water nation, quite appropriate. "Aiiro, you can come in if you want to," he said softly, deciding to use the boy's name.

Aiiro stared up at him with horrified eyes and huddled into a ball of fright. "Please don't be angry," he whispered. "I'm being good."

Zuko rolled his eyes. "I thought I told you not to worry. I would never hurt you, you are too small to be worth my time," he assured him. He remembered that the little boy had witnessed Zuko's outburst of fury and he was instantly shamed. "You sure you don't want to come in? We have sweets," he coaxed, trying to alleviate his remorse.

"All right, thank you," Aiiro whispered, following him, staring up at him with blue eyes that reminded him too much of what he had nearly done. He seemed to be on the verge of speaking, but was too nervous. He kept opening his mouth to speak before closing it.

"Just spit it out and say what you mean. I won't throw you overboard," Zuko prompted impatiently, guiding him back along the deck and the moonlight sea.

"Is…Katara all right?" Aiiro answered, giving him a look of utter sadness. "If you don't want to talk about it, it's fine," he added quickly.

"She is fine. She angered me. I lost my temper. It was nothing," Zuko answered shortly. This boy was getting close to overstepping the boundaries of Zuko's patience. That topic was not something he wanted to discuss.

"She should not have made you angry. One should think three times before speaking," Aiiro replied, speaking with far too much wisdom for someone of his few years. He seemed very eager to please Zuko.

"And who told you that?" Zuko asked, almost amused at speaking to someone small enough to require his food cut up for him. He really never knew anyone younger them himself. Was he so interesting at that age?

"My father," the child replied sadly.

"Was he captured too?" Zuko asked, wondering if he would have to keep the child's entire family. That would make things much harder to explain.

"He was killed in a raid along with the rest of my family," Aiiro replied quietly, giving Zuko another surge of pity-laced anger. "Is the old man your father?" he asked.

"No, he is my uncle. My father is the Fire-Lord, he is back on the mainland of my home country. That is where we are going," Zuko replied. "But you've met my sister and mother."

"Your family is scary," Aiiro said softly, looking up at him. Zuko commiserated, his family scared him too. Uncle had once wanted to take him bathing, nothing was scarier then that. "I'm glad the guards didn't hurt you though. The guards aren't nice. You make things all right though," he said. Aiiro suddenly paused and looked up at him. "You won't leave me, will you?" he asked, looking terrified.

"What do you mean?" Zuko asked, completely confused. It was hard to leave him anywhere on a tiny little ship.

"Please, don't leave me. I need to stay with you, because you keep me safe," the boy begged, speaking very quickly. He was on the verge of tears.

"You want to stay with me?" Zuko was confused. He was sure the little boy would be dying to leave him.

"Because of the pirates, the village is gone.Ihave no where to go.You are nice to me. You make sure no one hurts me. You made the pirates and the guards be nice to me. If you leave, I'll be all alone.No one will save me from them," the child babbled, nearly hysterically. "If you keep me, I'll do anything you say…"

Zuko sighed and realized what horrors the child had seen. Aiiro was afraid to go because he must have figured that the Fire Nation or the pirates would get him, no matter what. The safety and the security he had taken from the village had been completely shattered. He was so abused that he longed for any protection, even from the man keeping him captive.

That worked out better then he thought. The boy wanted to stay with him. That would spare the need to force him. "Calm down. Of course I will treat you well, I have no reason not to," Zuko answered, happy to oblige. Was it safe keeping a Water tribe boy in the Fire Nation? Well, he was doing this for the boy's own good. It was best he not know what would really happen to the others. "I won't make you leave me. You willstay with me."

"Thank you…Master. I'll be a good servant to you, you'll see. You won't be sorry," the little boy said softly, looking up at him worshipfully.

Zuko was oddly touched as he lead the boy into the galley. "All right. You go inside and sit with my uncle. I shall return in a moment," he commanded The boy nodded and instantly obeyed.

Zuko took some food and walked back to his room. He could not undo any of the other bad things he had done, but he was helping Aiiro and he could do one thing to slightly mitigate his guilt. He had stripped the girl naked; he could at least give her some clothing.

He took the slave tunic he had purchased and shoved the Water Tribe necklace inside the pocket of the shift. Padding his way over to the closet where the girl was being kept, he placed the bundle of clothing and food on the floor, before he unlocked the door of the closet. Turning his back half out of modesty and half out of shame, he kicked the bundle inside so that she could get them and then slammed the door. What had he become?

He was returning to the throne, to a place where each day he would have to play God and allow some to live and others to die. He would have to make terrible choices. Each day his hands would grow more stained with blood, each day he would become more like his father.

One day he would have children. Would they fear him as much as he feared his father? Would he become cruel and sadistic, making them quake in their slippers? He hoped not.

It was almost ironic. He had been banished for being weak, he had spent two years hated and scorned. Now he returned a cruel murderer and attempted rapist. That scar marked him as a freak of nature, following his father's example. He did not deserve his loving uncle and sister. He was unfit to guard an innocent child. He looked at himself in the reflection of the metal and sighed.

He was a monster.

"Deception, disgrace, evil as plain as the scar on his face

Deception, Disgrace, he asked for trouble the moment he came

Born in grief…Raised in hate…Helpless to defy his fate

Let him run….Let him live…But do not forget what we cannot forgive"

---Lion King Two

AN/ Next chapter up Sunday! I changed the scene with Aiiro because I realized his mindset. Everyone he loves is being shoved around and he feels that they can't protect him. Hehas been badly abusedby the pirates and seperatedfrom nearly everyone.As an orphan, he feels like he is especially helpless. Katara can't help him, she's being shoved around herself.

Zuko seems to be the only person on the enemy side who cares about him and Aiiro associates Zuko with strength. Zuko cankeep thingsgood ifpleased. Aiiro wants to please Zuko.He has gotten it into his head that everything not Fire Nation is doomed and Zuko is his only hope. Poor dear, it's lucky Zuko likes the little Stockholm Syndrome child.