Since Zuko had been a little child and seen it for the first time. He had always been in awe over the work of a black smith.

Even now, he was still filled with the same sense of wonder as a hot inferno of flames heated up metal till it was glowing orange from the heat.

A strong arm hammering down on the blade with a hammer, releasing sparks with each loud bang. And yet out from this process something so beautiful and so elegant would be produced.

From the flames of fire and from the power of incredible strength. Something so beautiful was born.

Zuko had always found it fascinating how fire could be used to create blades. Now he started to realize flames were actually helping creating a lot of things. Like the pottery at the other street that Ming would be burning.

And then there were the glass artisans from the fire nation capitol. That took even more control and delicacy to master.

Next to Zuko, Sokka seemed to be just as awestruck as he was by the sight.

"Man. We never had anything like this at the water tribe." Sokka had to admit.

Zuko tilted his head at Sokka. "How then did you get your boomerang?" he asked.

"It's not actually metal." Sokka admitted pulling out his boomerang. "It's the bone from a tiger-whale. Grinded into shape using stones and salt water. It took me three months to make it."

"You made it yourself?" Zuko asked. "That's really impressive."

"Thanks." Sokka smirked. "My first five attempts were all so bad. All crooked and you couldn't aim with them at all. Had to keep trying."

"You know they say true sword masters will only use the swords they made themselves." Zuko commented as he looked at the blacksmith with his hands behind his back.

"Seriously?" Sokka asked.

"Yeah… Swords are actually pretty personal." Zuko said. "When you use them right. They are not just a tool in your hand. They are an extension of you. So honestly when you look for a sword." he shrugged. "You should go for what feels right. Each sword will have its own set of advantages and disadvantages."

Sokka nodded wide-eyed as he turned to the racks of swords.

"Remember though we can't even afford any of these. We're only looking." Zuko sighed deeply.

"I know. But still." Sokka stepped forward to examine some blades while being in deep awe of them.

Zuko shook his head, then had to swipe his forehead as the intense heat from the blacksmith furnace made him sweat. Finally Zuko just gave in and slipped down his hood for a bit of fresh air while he took a few more moments to look at the black smith working.

Longing shortly for his dual blades which had been left behind ones Azula had started to chase him and there was no time to return for them after Iroh had gotten hurt.

…. Iroh. He still hadn't caught up. Then again, how would Iroh even know where Zuko was?

Zuko knew that Iroh was more than capable of taking care of himself. Then again he could also act so stupid sometimes.

Then again… Sometimes Irohs stupid actions seemed kind of on purpose. That entire ordeal with his white lotus tile seemed highly suspect now that Zuko thought about it.

That coupled with this new knowledge that Iroh had never actually wanted Zuko to capture the Avatar…

Zukos eyes narrowed as he turned around while he slowly started to realize Irohs often quite questionable actions.

On the other hand though. Zuko wasn't for a moment in doubt that Iroh had always done his very best to protect him. No matter what… Even if he didn't like Zukos choices he would still.

And Zuko swallowed as he had to step outside of the shop, get a bit of fresh air. Allow the sun to fall on his face and warm it. Zuko closed his eyes as he allowed the sun rays to hit him and he inhaled deeply, then exhaled.

Just as a voice cut through. "HEY! Hey you!"

Zukos eyes widened and he turned to see three fire nation soldiers standing right there. The one on the front being large, burly and towering over Zuko.

"Erhm." Zuko blinked.

The soldier narrowed his eyes. "That scar." he commented making Zuko stiffen. "Seems awfully unique."

"No it's not." Zuko stammered. "Lots of people have scars like that."

"Why so nervous?" The soldier asked. "You maybe heard of a treasonous Prince? He has a scar a lot like yours."

"Re… Really?" Zuko asked.

The soldier grinned. "And the bounty! Is this finally my lucky day?"

Zuko was shaking, his entire body sweating. He knew this had been a bad idea! What was he going to do? He had to run for it! If he blasted them with fire he could run!

"Tue and Lai this again!" Sokkas voice suddenly cut through as he walked right between them. "Lee has had that scar since he was five years old and now it suddenly becomes a big issue! Do you know how annoying this is?" he asked.

Zuko blinked astounded as he looked down at Sokka and the guards as well blinked.

"So you're saying…" one of the other guards commented. "That's not Prince Zuko."

"Well obviously." Sokka stated. "This is Lee. And like I told you he had the scar since he was five. It's only in the last few weeks it suddenly became such a big deal to you guys and you wont stop bothering him about it. That's rude!"

The two guards behind started to nod and agree. The front one though narrowed his eyes.

"You seemed awfully nervous though." The commented looking at Zuko. "For someone with nothing to hide."

"Of course he's nervous! You guys are scary!" Sokka stepped in again. "But I assure you. This is not Zuko I mean look!" he pulled out a wanted poster. "His hair is completely different!"

The front guard narrowed his eyes. "Hair can be changed."

"Also he is supposed to be together with General Iroh! Do you see an old guy looking like that around here? I sure don't." Sokka stepped.

"They could have split up." The front guard huffed.

"Okay fine, but take a good look at this poster! A really good look." Sokka asked and the guards all squinted their eyes as the poster as Zuko barely dared to look down. Should he run? Sokka though didn't indicate that he should be running so he stood.

"What am I supposed to see?" The front guard finally asked.

"The scar!" Sokka exclaimed. "Here on this poster! Prince Zuko has his scar on the right side of his face! Lee how-ever! Has his scar on the left side! Look!"

Zukos eyes widened and finally he looked at the poster to see a badly drawn version of himself with the phoenix tale and true enough… The scar was on the wrong side.

….. Zuko knew he should be counting his lucky stars. But it was a bit of a gut punch.

Sokka how-ever threw the wanted posters at the guards. "So could you please stop harassing my friend?" he asked. "It's a waste of everyone's time! Just imagine if you actually brought Lee to the fire palace and you wasted the fire lords time on this nonsense. You think he wouldn't punish you for wasting his time?" he asked.

That seemed to finally hit the guards and they nodded as they backed off.

"And tell the same to all your guard and soldier friends!" Sokka shouted after them. "Lee is not your guy!"

The guards all nodded as they mumbled among themselves and finally turned around and walked off.

Zuko though was looking at the poster on the ground. Then walked over and picked it up. Looking at the image again. "It's… On the wrong side." he spoke numbly.

Sokka glanced at Zuko. "Probably just a really lazy poster artist whom didn't even bother to check facts." he commented.

"Yeah…. Sure. Erhm." Zuko commented, then he couldn't help it as a snort escaped his mouth and he clasped a hand over his mouth. But couldn't stop.

"Wait… Are you laughing?" Sokka asked.

"I.. I'm sorry." Zuko tried to apologize between the laughs. "I was just… Really scared and." he bit his lip. "This is ridiculous."

"You're laughing." Sokka gasped. "You're actually laughing!" he grinned. "Wait till I tell Aang! He is going to be so jealous he wasn't here!"

Finally Zuko shook his head as he sucked in a deep breath. "We probably shouldn't test our luck though." he commented. "We should go."

"Or…" Sokka held up a finger. "Now that our friendly guards are spreading the word that you are definitely not the Prince. You can relax a bit." he said. "Tell me more about the swords. Please!" he asked.

Zuko looked at Sokka then sighed. "All right." after all… Sokka kind of deserved it for saving his skin and they walked back in. "That was… Really incredible Sokka." Zuko finally had to admit.

"You think so?" Sokka looked up at Zuko.

"I could never do anything like that." Zuko admitted. "I didn't even know what to say."

Sokka smiled. "Well. If you're in a tight spot you can come to me. That's what Team Avatar is all about!"

"Sssh!" Zuko hushed him.

"Sorry." Sokka blushed. "But you get what I mean." he winked. "We got each others back. Uuuh! What kind of sword is that?" he asked pointing at a long sabre and Zuko shook his head as he stepped forward to start and explain the blade and what uses it had.