Here's the next chapter, which takes place during the Southern Air Temple, which means it's Zhao's first appearance in the story. This is going to be interesting and I hope you guys enjoy it. Also, I'm thinking about doing a Q&A since it's almost my one-year anniversary on fanfiction, so just let me know your thoughts on that in the reviews and I'll think about it.

Ulterior Motives

Since the Avatar had all but destroyed Zuko's ship, they had set a course for the nearest harbour to get the repairs done as soon as possible. They had just docked at an Earth Kingdom harbor in the hopes of getting the ship fixed. Zuko had went to get Akane so that she could go with him and his Uncle, since they weren't allowed to be on the ship during the repairs.

"Akane," Zuko said as he knocked on her door, only to get no response. "Akane. Are you awake? It's time to go."

There was a slight shuffling noise before the door opened, revealing a dishevelled looking Akane. Zuko was quick to notice how tired she looked, with the bags under her eyes being a dead giveaway. She then let out a loud cough, followed by a few sniffles from her nose.

"What?" Akane murmured.

"Are you feeling alright?" Zuko asked, concerned.

"Just a bit under the weather. It's nothing to worry about," Akane reassured him followed by another sneeze.

"Are you sure? We could get you checked out while we're here," Zuko suggested.

Akane shook her head, "It's fine. I'm sure I'll get better in time. Can't I just stay in my room? It's not like my room got any damage."

"I don't want you to be by yourself while the ship is getting repaired. You're coming with us," Zuko stated.

Akane groaned, "But I really don't want to. Have some sympathy for your sick friend, Zuko."

"Didn't you say you were fine?" Zuko snapped.

Akane sighed, "Fine. I'll get ready now."

"Uncle and I will be waiting for you on the deck," Zuko said.

"What's got you so up-tight," Akane muttered.

"What was that?" Zuko asked.

"Nothing," Akane replied. "Now, would you just let me get changed then?"

"Right, of course," Zuko conceded, blushing slightly as he shut Akane's door.

Akane grimaced once she was left to herself, feeling bad for riling Zuko up when she should've known better after they just lost the Avatar. She also felt bad since it was partially her fault that he got away, since she was the one who told him where to go and indirectly helped him escape. Akane reminded herself that he had already escaped and probably would've made it out even if she didn't interfere. Deep down, Akane couldn't help but wonder if she hadn't let the Avatar go. Maybe then their ship wouldn't need repairs and they'd be well on their way to the Fire Nation.

Ignoring her thoughts, Akane finished putting on her regular clothes as well as her armour before heading out of her room and onto the deck where Iroh and Zuko would be waiting for her. When Akane caught up with them, they started to make their way down the ship which was noticeably smaller than the other ships around them. It felt somewhat strange being in this area, since they were pretty much outcasts because of Zuko's banishment and Akane's position as his friend.

"Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail," Zuko ordered.

"You mean the Avatar," Iroh commented disinterestedly.

Zuko stopped in his tracks as he turned around to face his uncle, "Don't mention his name on these docks! Once word gets out that he's alive, every firebender will be out looking for him, and I don't want anyone getting in the way!"

As Akane trailed behind Iroh and Zuko, she suddenly stopped in her tracks when she saw a familiar figure heading towards them. Once their face became recognisable, Akane's spine shivered and she instantly tensed up, not liking their sudden presence at all and knowing what this could potentially mean for them.

"Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?" the person asked.

It was none other than Commander Zhao who stood before them. His sudden presence caused Iroh and Zuko to turn towards him in shock as they widened their eyes. Akane couldn't help but stifle back a laugh at his comically big sideburns that were signature to his appearance. Zuko crossed his arms with contempt while Iroh just stared at him.

Zuko was the first to address him, with the dislike evident in his voice, "Captain Zhao."

"It's commander now," Zhao smirked as he bowed at Iroh. "And General Iroh. Great hero of our nation."

Iroh returned the bow, "Retired general."

Zhao glanced towards Akane, "Well, well, well. If it isn't the Fire Lord's esteemed protégé."

"I'm not Ozai's protégé," Akane snapped.

Zhao ignored her comment, "The Fire Lord's brother, son and protégé are welcome guests anytime. What brings you three to my harbor?"

"Our ship is being repaired," Iroh replied as he gestured towards their ship, which was noticeably smaller than the other ones around it.

"That's quite a bit of damage," Zhao noted.

"Yes. You wouldn't believe what happened," Zuko added as he thought of a way to derive the attention from the ship, only to fall silent. In the end, Zuko decided to pass the talking onto his uncle. "Uncle! Tell Commander Zhao what happened!"

Iroh's eyes widened in surprise as he was addressed by Zuko, "Yes. I will do that. It was incredible!" Iroh related enthusiastically before he murmured to Zuko from the corner of his mouth in a confused tone, "What? Did we crash or something?"

"Yes! Right into… an Earth Kingdom ship!" Zuko exclaimed in an attempt to make their story more convincing. Although Zhao seemed to be getting more suspicious with each word. Since Akane was yet to say anything, Zuko thought it would be a good idea for her to add more to their story. "Isn't that right, Akane?"

Akane's eyes widened as she glanced at Zuko, not really sure what to say in this situation. However, Zhao ended up saving Akane from any trouble as he butted into their conversation.

"Really? You must regale me with all of the thrilling details. Join me for a drink?" Zhao challenged as he leaned into Zuko's face.

Zuko averted his gaze and started to walk away, "Sorry, but we have to go."

Zhao smiled evilly at him as he started to walk away, his advance halted by Iroh as he placed his hand on his nephew's shoulder to hold him back, "Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect. We would be honoured to join you. Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favourite."

As Iroh and Zhao walked away, Zuko grunted in anger upon hearing Iroh's tea comment and growled angrily as he firebended a small arc out of annoyance.

"I'm sure we've got nothing to worry about. He might just be up for a drink," Akane reassured him.

Zuko sighed, "Somehow I doubt that. Let's just get this over with."

"Don't do anything to make Zhao question us. We're already in enough trouble as it is," Akane reminded him as they headed after Iroh and Zhao. She tried not to show it, but Akane was feeling really unsure about this whole situation but she knew she'd have to appear otherwise for Zuko's sake.

~*•°•*~

It wasn't long before Akane found herself sitting in a tent with Commander Zhao along with Iroh and Zuko. The whole time Zhao was droning on and on about the Fire Nations future plans with the occasional comment from Iroh and Zuko while Akane just sat there quietly, not really interested in their conversation. Even Iroh appeared to be disinterested as he went off to examine something in the corner.

"…And by years end, the Earth Kingdom capital will be under our rule. The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war," Zhao declared.

"If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool!" Zuko snapped bitterly.

"Easy, Zuko. Don't talk like that," Akane said.

"You should listen to your friend's advice," Zhao commented as he pulled up alongside Zuko and smirked. "I see that two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue. So, how is your search for the Avatar going?"

Iroh knocked over a weapon display behind them causing them to crash down with a lot of noise. The general cowered at the noise and the damage he wrecked as Zhao turned around looking annoyed.

"Eh… My fault, entirely," Iroh murmured as he placed his hands in his sleeved and walked away backward with a faint smile on his face.

"We haven't found him yet," Zuko snapped aggressively, causing Akane to raise her eyebrows.

"Did you really expect to? The Avatar died a hundred years ago. Along with the rest of the airbenders. Unless you have found some evidence that the Avatar is alive?" Zhao smirked once again with a look that made Akane want to slap him in his face.

"No. Nothing," Zuko responded clearly.

Zhao's expression changed to one of disbelief as he rose from his chair, "Prince Zuko, the Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Nation from winning this war. If you have an ounce of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you found."

"I haven't found anything," Zuko said softly before continuing in a softer tone, slightly mockingly, "It's like you said. The Avatar probably died a long time ago. Come on, Akane, Uncle, we're going."

Zuko grabbed Akane by the arm and lead her to the door. But before Zuko could leave, the guards stopped him from leaving by crossing their spears while a third soldier entered the room.

"Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape," a soldier declared.

Zhao smiled evilly, "Now remind me, how, exactly, was your ship damaged?"

"You better come clean, Zuko," Akane whispered.

"The Avatar caused an avalanche which damaged the ship," Zuko answered reluctantly.

"Tell me, Prince Zuko… What was the Avatar like?" Zhao questioned.

Zuko sighed, "He's an airbender. A 112-year-old in the body of a child. He's hardly aged at all somehow."

"So, a twelve-year-old boy bested you and your firebenders. You're more pathetic than I thought," Zhao mocked.

"I underestimated him once, but it will not happen again!" Zuko snapped angrily.

"No, it will not. Because you won't have a second chance," Zhao responded aggressively.

Zuko stood up, alarmed, "Commander Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar for two years and I- "

Zhao angrily turned around as he spread flames in an arc, "And you failed! Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now."

Zuko's face contorted in anger and he jumped at Zhao. Before Zuko could reach the commander, he was held back by the two guards.

"Keep them here," Zhao ordered as he walked away, leaving an angrily panting Zuko.

Enraged, Zuko kicked the table in front of Iroh, breaking it clean in two, sending the objects that were on it flying through the room. Akane glanced at Zuko worriedly while Iroh remained in the corner.

"More tea please," Iroh requested with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Now is not the time for tea, Iroh," Akane commented.

Iroh gasped, "There is always a time for tea!"

Suddenly, a guard entered the room and glanced in Akane's direction, "Commander Zhao has requested Miss Akane's presence outside."

"What? Why?" Zuko asked angrily.

"That is for Miss Akane to know and for her only. If you would please," the guard replied as he gestured for Akane to follow him.

"Don't worry, Zuko. I'll be fine," Akane reassured him as she followed the guard out.

Akane felt an uneasy feeling build up inside of her as she followed the guard outside. She had no idea what it was that Zhao would want to talk to her about, but just the thought of speaking to that man sent shivers down her spine. There was just something about him that Akane didn't like, and it was probably the way that he spoke to Zuko. Anyone who spoke to Zuko like the way Zhao did earned Akane's distaste.

Eventually, the guard lead Akane to a private place outside where she saw Zhao standing. Once the guard made their presence known, he turned to face her with that same smirk that riled Akane up.

"Ah, you're here now. Come stand with me. I have something important to discuss with you," Zhao stated.

"And what would that be?" Akane asked.

Zhao chuckled, "Ozai told me that you were highly-strung. That is actually what I wanted to talk to you about."

"Me being highly-strung?" Akane questioned.

"No, your abandonment of the Fire Nation after Prince Zuko was banished. You had no right to just leave like you did," Zhao answered.

"I left because I wanted to. I refused to stay anywhere near Ozai after what he did to Zuko," Akane spat.

Zhao growled at her, "You've done yourself no favours by going with that bratty prince. You would be far more useful back in the Fire Nation. If you weren't stuck with him then you would have plenty of time to perfect your studies and reach your true potential."

"So, you're saying that Ozai would just welcome me back with open arms if I took the chance?" Akane queried, not understanding what Zhao was saying.

"That is exactly what I'm saying. You have so much potential that is being wasted on that pathetic excuse of a prince. You could join me as we aid our nation in its quest to supremacy. Then you could finally return home and be treated like you deserve," Zhao offered.

"You want me to join you?" Akane clarified.

"Yes, I do. You might not see the raw power that you possess but I do. Do not waste your potential," Zhao said.

"No. I want nothing to do with you, or that monster you call a Fire Lord. So, you can forget about me helping you because it's not going to happen. My loyalty lies with Zuko and with Zuko only," Akane proclaimed.

"Very well. I can see that you've made your choice. But I should say that Ozai will not give up on you. He wants nothing but the best for you," Zhao stated.

Akane scoffed, "If Ozai wanted the best for me then he would leave me alone and stay out of my way, just like you should if you would excuse me."

With that, Akane stalked off and headed towards the tent where she had came from, not wanting anything to do with Zhao anymore. Akane couldn't believe that Zhao had the audacity to offer her something like that, when it should've been obvious that she would stand by Zuko no matter what after she left to go with him. When Akane walked inside the tent, it was just Iroh and Zuko inside while the guards stood by the entrance.

"What did Zhao want?" Zuko asked once he saw her enter.

"Nothing, really," Akane murmured.

Zuko raised his eyes, "Really? Zhao pulled you outside to talk about nothing?"

Akane sighed, "He wanted me to go with him and his crew."

"He what?" Zuko roared.

"But don't worry, I said no and left before he could even offer me anything else," Akane reassured him.

"I knew that you wouldn't say yes but I can't believe that Zhao would offer you something like that. Why would he even offer you something like that? You're banished just like I am," Zuko said.

Akane shrugged, "I don't know. But I knew that he had to have something in mind that wouldn't be good for you or me, so I refused. Zhao's always up to no good when it comes to us anyways."

Just then, Zhao chose that moment to walk into the tent, shooting a disdainful glare in Akane and Zuko's direction.

"My search party is ready. Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship and you'll be free to go," Zhao stated.

"Why? Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?" Zuko questioned angrily.

Zhao laughed out loud, clearly amused, "You? Stop me? Impossible?"

Zuko angrily stood up, his anger showing, "Don't underestimate me Zhao! I will capture the Avatar before you!"

"Prince Zuko, that's enough," Iroh said sternly.

"You can't compete with me. I have hundreds of war ships under my command and you? You're just a banished prince. No home, no allies. Your own father doesn't even want you," Zhao boasted.

"You're wrong! Once I deliver the Avatar to my father he will welcome me and Akane home with honour and restore my rightful place on the throne!" Zuko exclaimed angrily.

"If your father really wanted you home, he would have let you return by now, Avatar or no Avatar. But in his eyes, you are a failure and a disgrace to the Fire Nation," Zhao taunted.

As much as Akane hated to admit it, she knew that Zhao was right. It was obvious to everyone except Zuko that his father wanted nothing to do with him. In fact, Akane would even go as far to say that Ozai had been waiting for the right opportunity to get rid of him.

"That's not true," Zuko insisted.

"You have the scar to prove it," Zhao pointed out.

With a cry of frustration, Zuko jolted up out of his chair and into Zhao's face as the two stared at each other in anger.

"Maybe you'd like one to match!" Zuko yelled furiously.

"Is that a challenge?" Zhao asked mockingly.

"An Agni Kai. At sunset," Zuko stated, much to Akane's horror.

"Very well," Zhao responded as he erected himself. "It's a shame your father won't be there to watch me humiliate you. I guess your uncle and friend will do."

"Zuko! Are you crazy?" Akane exclaimed once Zhao left the room.

"Prince Zuko, have you forgotten what happened las time you duelled a master?" Iroh asked worriedly.

"I will never forget," Zuko muttered darkly.

"Are you really going to go through with this?" Akane asked.

"Yes, I can't back down after I challenged him. That will make me look even more pathetic than he already thinks I am," Zuko declared.

"But you're not pathetic. You don't have anything to prove to Zhao. You're ten times the person he is, and you know that," Akane said.

"Why are you so against this?" Zuko asked.

"You're seriously asking me that after what happened last time? I don't want you getting another scar, Zuko," Akane replied.

"I know what this is really about. You don't have faith in me," Zuko accused.

"What? Zuko, you know I believe in you. Can you blame me for being worried like this after what happened the last time?" Akane argued.

"You're my friend, you're supposed to believe in me. Yet you don't. Some friend you are," Zuko scoffed.

"Prince Zuko, do not speak to Akane like that. She's just concerned for your safety as am I," Iroh scolded his nephew.

"I am your friend! That's why I'm worried about you!" Akane exclaimed.

"Are you going to support me in this or not?" Zuko questioned.

Akane paused for a moment before giving her response, "No. I'm not going to watch you put yourself through that again. I'm not coming to watch."

"Suit yourself," Zuko muttered.

After that, Akane stormed out of the tent with no intention of going back which left Iroh and Zuko alone. Once Akane had left, it didn't take Zuko long to realise why Akane had been so upset. Guilt swept through him as he realised what affect him challenging Zhao to a duel would have on Akane. He should've known better than to act like that to his friend.

"Are you going to go after her, Prince Zuko?" Iroh asked.

Zuko sighed, "I can't let her distract me from my duel. I'll talk to her later."

As much as Zuko wanted to go after Akane, he knew that now wasn't the right time to do so. He knew that she would just try to convince him not to go through with this, and Zuko wasn't in any position to back down. How could he, after he was the one who challenged Zhao in the first place? It looked like Zuko was going to have to go through this duel, whether Akane wanted him to or not.

~*•°•*~

Sunset had arrived and Akane was left sitting in her room on the ship while Zuko had gone off to face against Zhao in his Agni Kai. Part of Akane felt bad that she hadn't gone to watch, let alone wish him good luck but she just didn't want to have to watch Zuko go through that again. Deep down, Akane believed that Zuko could beat Zhao but that didn't mean she thought he would get out of it unscathed.

A knock on the door snapped Akane out of her thoughts about Zuko so Akane hesitantly got up to open it since she was half-expecting to see Zuko there, only to find Kyou standing on the other side.

"Oh, Kyou. It's just you," Akane sighed.

"Expecting someone else?" Kyou asked.

"No, it's just… Never mind," Akane murmured.

"So, I heard that Prince Zuko challenged Commander Zhao to an Agni Kai," Kyou said.

"Yeah. It should be happening right about now," Akane replied.

"Shouldn't you be there with him then?" Kyou questioned.

"I didn't want to watch Zuko go through that again, so I stayed here," Akane answered.

"Oh, I understand. Why are you still here?" Kyou asked.

Akane raised her eyebrows, "What do you mean?"

"Why are still here, with Zuko? You could return home whenever you want. I'd do that if I had the option, but I'm kind of stuck working here," Kyou explained.

"Zuko's my friend, Kyou. He has been for practically my entire life. I'd do anything to support him. Though, I guess I draw the line at watching him do something as stupid as this," Akane said.

"I'm just surprised that Zuko made you come with him. He didn't strike me as the kind of person to drag his friend on an impossible quest for the rest of her life," Kyou admitted.

Akane tensed up at that, "Yeah, well, Zuko didn't really ask me to come. I left to go with him. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

"Fire Lord Ozai actually let you leave on your own accord?" Kyou asked, somewhat shocked.

"Not really. I did kind of run away after he refused to let me go with Zuko," Akane revealed.

"Does Prince Zuko know this?" Kyou questioned.

Akane sighed, "No. As far as he's aware, I'm here because Ozai banished me with no intention of letting me return. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell Zuko that. Can you do that for me, Kyou?"

"Of course, I can. Especially after all the times you bailed me out of dealing with Prince Pouty Pants," Kyou replied.

Akane laughed, "Just don't let Zuko hear you saying that. Is there a reason why you came to see me, anyways?"

"Uh, no. Not really. I was just looking to see if anyone else was on board," Kyou stammered.

"Okay, well, I'll see you later then," Akane said as she shut the door.

For the past three years, the only person who had known Akane's true reasons for going with Zuko was herself. The rest of the crew just thought she was with him as his friend, while Iroh and Zuko thought that she had been banished. Akane felt like she could trust Kyou, since she had known him for over two years and he had done nothing to convince her otherwise. Besides, like he said he owed her for all the times she bailed him out of trouble.

Now with Kyou gone, Akane was left by herself once again to worry about Zuko's fate. Part of her wished that she had gone to watch the Agni Kai, since then she wouldn't have had to put up with this much anxiety, but she couldn't bare to watch Zuko go through something like that again especially after what happened the last time.

"Please, Zuko. Just be alright," Akane whispered.

As time ticked by, Akane was getting more and more nervous as she awaited for the result of Zuko's Agni Kai with Zhao. Akane hoped more than anything that he would at least make it out with a small amount of harm done, but she just wasn't sure if that was the case. In the meantime, Akane just stared up at the ceiling, hoping to distract herself from the anxiety that was building up in her chest. This wasn't as bad as how she felt when it was Zuko's first Agni Kai, but it was still pretty close.

Suddenly, Akane heard her door thrown open and she jerked up to see Zuko standing there. Her eyes widened as she jumped off her bed, quickly examining him to make sure that he was alright. Akane breathed a sigh of relief when she realised that there was no new scar or anything remotely close to an injury on Zuko. But then she started to wonder how that had even happened, since she at least expected him to get hurt in some way. Nevertheless, Akane threw herself into Zuko's arms as she smiled into his chest.

"I'm so glad you're okay," Akane murmured.

"Me too," Zuko said as he gently pried her off him.

"How did it go? Did you win?" Akane questioned.

"It went fine and yes, I won," Zuko stated proudly.

Akane smiled, "I knew you could do it, Zuko. I was just worried about you. Especially after…"

"Akane, you don't have to say anything. I'm sorry for snapping at you like I did. You were just being a concerned friend and you didn't deserve that," Zuko apologised.

"It's okay. I'm just glad you're okay. So, was Zhao pissed that you beat him?" Akane asked eagerly.

"Of course, he was. For a moment I really did think he was going to beat me, but I just remembered my basics and that was the key. Even Uncle gave it to him after he snapped at me," Zuko recalled.

"Now that, I wish I could've seen," Akane admitted.

"It was definitely a proud moment for me," Zuko said.

"I'm glad. So, where to next?" Akane asked.

"Well, the repairs are almost finished so we should be ready to leave in a few hours. We'll be racing against Zhao now, so we'll have to track down the Avatar fast. I'm just going to get some rest now so I'm ready for then," Zuko replied.

Akane nodded, "You do that. I'll be here."

When Zuko shut the door to her room, Akane let out another sigh of relief at the fact that he was okay. It was still a surprise to Akane that Zuko had managed to get out of his duel without even a single scratch but even Akane didn't give Zuko enough credit. She just hoped that Zuko wouldn't do anything stupid like that again, but knowing Zuko's knack for getting himself into trouble, Akane wasn't so sure. She'd just have to wait and see how it all turned out.

So, another tense chapter for Akane and Zuko. I debated on if whether or not Akane should've gone to watch the Agni Kai, but I felt like it would add more to their friendship if they had that little argument. I'm not really set on the title for this chapter, so if you guys have any other ideas leave them in the reviews. Up next, we have the Warriors of Kyoshi which will most likely come next Friday unless you guys give me a little more reviews.

SPECIAL MENTIONS

Znkp: Thanks for the review and I'm glad that you like the story so far and I hope that you continue to do so since it will only get better from here on out with the stuff I have planned.

GumptiousGriffin: Honestly, it didn't really feel like I was giving Akane any of Iroh's lines since I was just writing them as they came to me. Akane definitely shares some similarities with Iroh though, since they both just want the best for Zuko and have their moments every now and then.

uNICOrnDIANGELO: Things are only going to get more difficult for Akane and she'll really start to have a tug of war with herself in later chapters. Her inner dilemma will prove to be crucial for her own personal development, as well as her own development with Zuko when it eventually comes to surface.

Mogor: As you've read Zhao did not forcibly take Akane back to the Fire Nation, which should've been an obvious outcome since the story is about Akane and Zuko's development together, which they can't really progress if they're on other sides of the world. I'm glad that you like the story so far.