Aiori was on the ship again, lying in a bed, crying her eyes out. The ship was now headed for the Fire Nation, where Zuko would end this vicious plan of Zhao's. Aiori stayed in that room for days, not eating or coming out at all. She was a wreck, but it was understandable, everything she loved dearly was gone. Zuko hated seeing her like that and couldn't wait to get his hands on Zhao. Iroh was ready to put in his two cents as well.

One evening, after the ship had taken a pit stop, Aiori was still in the room, but no longer crying. Her eyes were red and puffy, and there was no tears left to spill. She heard a knock on the door and looked as it opened. Zuko walked in and closed the door behind him. "Hey," he said to her. She sniffed and turned away. "I'm deeply sorry about what you saw. I can't believe Zhao would sink so low." And he walked over to her and took a seat on the bed next to her.

"Zuko," she finally spoke, still stuffed up, "A couple weeks ago, when you still hated me, would you have done the same?" he thought for a moment and sighed.

"Maybe." And she turned away. "But you changed me, and even the thought of doing something so evil is appalling. I know you feel terrible, but try to understand, Irashimu and all the people on that island are in a better place now. They are all out of the war and safe. They live in you. One of your abilities is to contact the spirit world. You will always be able to communicate with them when you need to."

"You're right."

"Your birthday is coming up, and I don't want to see you like this on your birthday."

"Really?" and he nodded.

"I know you're low right now, but you're the Princess of Irashimu…a living legend. If there is anybody who can set things right, it's you."

"I will avenge their deaths." She said in almost a whisper. "I will restore Irashimu."

"And I will be by your side to help you." She looked up at him with twinkling eyes. "I got you something." He said and out of his pocket he pulled a rose. But it wasn't just any rose; it had a deep blue color that changed in the petals, getting lighter until it was pink at the tips. It was the Ignus Rose! She gasped and took it from Zuko who was smiling at her. She held it close and smelled it…it really was the most fragrant and beautiful rose in the world! She touched the petals that were as smooth as silk.

"Where did you get this?" she asked Zuko astonished.

"I had to search high and low…but I wanted to make you happy." He confessed. She felt tears welling in her eyes and she hugged him. He hugged her back and let her cry on his shoulder. "Don't worry; Zhao will pay. When we get back to the Fire Nation, I'll see to it myself."

"What am I going to do now?" Aiori asked still hugging him.

"Well, I guess you'll just have to come back with me."

"Live in the Fire Nation? Under the control of your father?" she asked as she backed away and looked up into his amber eyes, still gripping his shoulders, "I can't…I won't fit in. I'm a water bender."

"True, but you're also a fire bender." He reminded her.

"After seeing my village like that, I don't want to be anymore. It's tearing me apart. I'm a part of what I hate. Fire bender blood runs through my veins. I am part of my enemy."

"Well then, we'll just be the good guys. Not all fire benders are like that. Look at your blood father, and Uncle Iroh."

"And you."

"I'm not sure if you can count me." He said and she giggled. He smiled and stroked her cheek. "I was hoping to make you laugh." He finished. "Don't worry; I won't let anything happen to you."

"Okay." She said after a minute.

"Say, can you fire bend?" he asked. She shook her head. "I bet you can. Tomorrow, I'll train you, and we'll see what you can do."

"I guess now I have to accept that I'm a fire bender completely, huh?"

"No, you accept the fact that you are a princess and you are who you want to be. No matter what others think or who hates you…like you once told me." She looked into his eyes again.

"Zuko?"

"Yeah?" he answered. She didn't want to say it, but she did.

"Kiss me." She told him. At first they just looked at each other. Then he leaned in to place his lips on hers when all of a sudden Uncle Iroh burst into the room.

"Prince Zuko…!" then he saw what was happening. "Oh," and he began to chuckle, "Forgive me Prince Zuko and Princess Aiori. But the ship is under attack by Commander Zhao." Zuko and Aiori jolted up.

"That will have to wait…but don't forget." She said with a wink to Zuko and they all rushed out to the deck.