The day had finally come; the ship approached the fire nation. Aiori was watching from the front of the ship, planning her first move to avenge the death of her people. Her initial preparation was to find Zhao and challenge him. But there was an opposing issue; she didn't know how to fire bend. An Agni Kai was a one on one duel between two fire benders, so Zuko agreed to challenge him for her. However she wanted more than anything to beat him herself.
"I promise I won't let him win. He won't get away with destroying Irashimu." Zuko assured her with an arm around her waist.
"I wanted to do it myself."
"I know, and I'm sorry. But Zhao is also extremely powerful and experienced. I wouldn't want you to get hurt." He admitted.
"Well, just know that I'll be there to back you up 100 of the way."
"To cheer me on?"
"Of course." She replied, "Will he be at the harbor?"
"Most likely."
"Good." And she leaned against him. "I won't be able to live knowing he got away with this."
"Aiori…I have something to ask you."
"What is it Zuko?" and she turned to look up at him. He just smiled.
"I'll tell you later." And they turned back to the harbor that was coming up fast.
Zhao was in the headquarters with his troops. He was instructed them on their attack on Ba Sing Sei with a smile of malevolence. He gave an inspiring speech. "Men, the only thing standing in our way of ruling the earth lies behind the rock walls of Ba Sing Sei! Then the fire nation, the home of the better element, will rule! And there is nothing to stop us!"
"Except for me!" Aiori burst through the doors and stepped in! Zhao jumped up at her challenge! Aiori just balled her hands into fists as he ran towards her!
"I might have under estimated you before, but it will not happen again! How dare you challenge the great Admiral Zhao!" and he went to punch her with a fiery fist! She moved to the side and he missed! "You obliterated more than half of my men out at sea with your fancy water bending!" and he went to swing again and she ducked. "Hold still!" But he was sent flying back onto the table by a flame! He looked up and saw Zuko and General Iroh walk in and stand next to Aiori.
"Don't even touch her!" Zuko barked and he stood in front of her.
"Prince Zuko, I should have known you would betray the fire nation again!" Zhao yelled from the table he was on.
"If you harm Aiori again, I'll make sure it's the end of you." Zuko retorted.
"Zhao, you wiped out all of the people in Irashimu!" Aiori started, "Who will pay!"
"How?"
"An Agni Kai today at sunset!" Zuko told him, "You and me."
"Are you really going to humiliate yourself for this misfit water bending girl?"
"She's not just any girl, Admiral," Iroh spoke up, "She is the Princess of Irashimu."
"The Princess? You've fallen in love with a water tribe princess?" Zhao laughed at Zuko, "How sweet is this? This will keep you off your throne for sure." And Zuko, Aiori and Iroh left the tent.
"It is only a few hours until sunset. What should we do?" Iroh asked.
"I know," Aiori answered and she turned towards the fire palace. "It's time I pay The Fire Lord a visit." And she began to walk in that direction.
"Wait, Aiori!" Zuko grabbed her arm. "My father doesn't welcome outsiders with open arms."
"Don't worry, he can't hurt me." And she began to walk again. Zuko and Iroh followed her.
Upon arrival Aiori walked in between Iroh and Zuko. The guard eyed her as she approached, but with Iroh they had no choice but to let her in. Aiori looked on as people gave Zuko unwanted glares. Aiori wanted to speak out against their hateful actions but it would only dishonor him more, and she knew how much he valued honor. Iroh stated that he needed to speak to his brother and they were all allowed to enter the room of the Fire Lord. The three of them stepped right up and bowed.
"Brother, I have returned with…uh…a new constituent of the fire nation. She had lost her home, and we wish for her to live and prosper here." Iroh stated.
"She is a water bender." The Fire Lord's voice growled. "She is not welcome." And then he looked at his son. "Zuko…"
"Father," Zuko replied, "I was just seeing off the girl."
"Get him out of my sight!" he commanded and some soldiers grabbed Zuko and began to drag him away!
"No, please! Father!" he called out. Aiori grew upset and spoke out of place!
"STOP!" and everything went silent!
"Aiori no!" Zuko yelled out to her! If she upset his father she's end up like him, but worse! Soldiers ran towards her with their spears! "Father please, let her go!" he begged for her! But Aiori used her water bending and picked up water from a nearby fountain and used it as a whip! She fought off the soldiers until they were on the floor, and then she held the water as a ball in her hand! Iroh was on his knees, beseeching for Aiori to stop. She stepped forward and the Fire Lord stood up from his throne…it was all over for Aiori.