Konnichiwa, minna-san! Glad you all liked Chapter 12! This chapter will be second to last. I was hoping to end it on an odd number, but that didn't work out. Oh well! Well, I hope you all enjoy Chapter 13! Though, I don't know why it's this long. I think I got carried away, sorry!

Brokn Innocence- You are forgiven Sensei. You have raised a very good pupil (if I may say so myself) your review has meant a lot. THANK YOU!

Ally- For the last time, I NOW ACCEPT ANONYMOUS REVIEWS! You can review on the website, damn you! Do you not know how to read? Just click the little periwinkle colored rectangle at the bottom of the page, and REVIEW! It's not that hard! You don't have to send me emails. But anyways, THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING!

Flames 220- Hiya! Thank you for your review! Dude, a room smelling like overused batteries is not a pleasant thing to inhale. I'm saying this from experience, cause I have a typewriter, (holy shit, who uses those anymore?) and if you leave it on for even a few minutes, the whole room will start wreaking of overused batteries, it's just…blagh. It's gross. Unfortunately, I'm sorry if I disappoint you, but you might not be laughing at what Zuko wears to the ball. However you might be laughing at what he tries on to figure out what he's going to wear to the ball. And yes, making fun of Zhao is always a heart-filling moment. For when you make fun of Zhao, you are at peace.

Lavanderrose- Me too, I hope Zhao burns in Hell! I totally agree with you on that, yeah! Thank you, my sista, for letting me see the light. Oh, and thanks for your review.

Hiko-Chan- Hi, Hiko-Chan! I've missed you! Where have you been? Thanks for your review; it's so good to hear from you again! When I got your review, I was so excited! I was like, OH MY GOD IT'S HIKO-CHAN! WOOO! Thanks for reviewing!

Enjoy Chapter 13 everybody!

Chapter 13: Duel

Zuko went into every store that he and his Uncle could find, but so far he couldn't find the perfect costume to wear to the ball. "It has to be the perfect costume…sophisticated but child-like, flashy but mysterious, crazy but subtle," he had said when he and his Uncle left the Palace. He kept repeating that sentence over and over again when he didn't find The Costume. He was now repeating it to his Uncle for the umpteenth time in a row. "Now remember Uncle, it has to be-" But Iroh cut his nephew off and said, "Yes, yes, I know Prince Zuko, it has to be perfect," he waved his arms around, "sophisticated but child-like, flashy but mysterious, crazy but subtle, I know! You think I would have forgotten after the 18th time you told me? Hmph, I think not," the general said to his nephew. Zuko sighed. "I know Uncle," he said, "and I'm sorry. It's just that I'm really nervous and I want this costume to be the best. I want it to be so good, that Ayaka and I will have to spend some time together." "And just exactly what do you plan to do with your time alone?" asked Iroh, suspicious of his nephews plans for that night. "Nothing…" Zuko said a little too innocently "…that two teenagers don't normally do," said he added in a hushed voice. His Uncle heard him though. "Prince Zuko, I heard you," said Iroh warningly. Shit, thought Zuko. He groaned. "What? You asked me and I told you! What more do you want me to say?" he asked defensively. "Prince Zuko, keep your hormones under control tonight, you understand?" said the General. Zuko groaned and said, "Yes, Uncle, I understand." Although, I'm not so sure how I can do that, he thought. "Good," said Iroh, pleased with himself. But Zuko started again. "Well, how bout-" But his Uncle cut him off with a strict "No." "But if-" began Zuko, but again he was cut off. "No," said Iroh. "What if she-" "No," said his Uncle and this time Zuko knew that he meant it. "Now if you are done arguing with me about how you and Ayaka are to spend your free time together, I suggest that we hurry and find you a costume," said Iroh settling the matter. "Let's go check that store," he said, pointing to one that was not that far from them.

When they entered the shop, there was a tiny jingle sound from the bell that was hung above the door. The owner looked up from his desk, wondering who this costumer was. "Ah, General Iroh, and Prince Zuko! What an honor it is to have you in my shop," said the owner, a wild haired man with disheveled clothes on. Holy shit, this guy must be crazy! Thought Zuko with a disgusted look on his face, but…his shop does seem clean…although I can't say the same about his clothing. "Hello, Oli. Zuko and I are here looking for a costume," said Iroh. "Well, you've come to the right place, sirs. I have lots of costumes. May I ask the occasion?" said Oli. "No," said Zuko, placing his hand on the desk with such force that he was sure he heard the wood crack. Behind him Iroh raised an eyebrow. Zuko looked at Oli straight in the eyes, without blinking once. He looked intimidated. Zuko grinned, I love it when I win, he thought. Oli gulped, cold fear spreading through his body. "A-alright," he said, "P-please f-f-f-follow me, and I will give you some costumes to try on." Zuko brought back his hand. "Thank you," he said. He and Iroh followed Oli to the middle of the shop. "As you can see there are many costumes to chose from in my shop," he said turning his attention to them. "Now Prince Zuko if you will go to the dressing room in the back of the shop, I will hand you some costumes to try on," he said to Zuko who had his arms folded. Zuko raised his eyebrows. "Please don't hurt me I'm just doing my job," said Oli as he bowed with his hands in prayer position in front of his head. Zuko tried his best to stifle his laughter. He walked passed Oli and went to the dressing rooms. Oli came out of his bow and looked at the General.

"Is he always like that, sir?" he asked him. "No, just when he's nervous," said Iroh. "Oh," said Oli. There was a pause. "Why is he nervous?" asked Oli. "DO YOU WANT ME TO COME BACK OUT THERE AND HURT YOU?" yelled Zuko from the dressing rooms. Oli looked nervously at the area where Zuko's yell originated. He whimpered. " I think I'd better keep my thoughts to myself," he said to Iroh. "I think you are making a wise choice," said Iroh in return stroking his beard and grinning. Oli picked out some random costumes from the rack, and handed them over to Zuko by placing them on the top part of the door of the dressing room. "You might like these Prince Zuko," he said. Zuko just stared at them, for they were a variety of colors, ranging from pink so bright it practically blinded him, to a red so deep it looked like blood. I am not wearing these, he thought. "Come on Prince Zuko, I want to see," said Iroh. "Uncle, you are not helping this situation, I am not wearing these ridiculous costumes," said Zuko picturing himself in a pink tutu with his Uncle and the shop owner laughing their asses off at him. He shuddered at that thought. "The only way that I'm going to wear these things is when all hell freezes over and pigs fly," he said in an undertone. Iroh sighed. "Uh, sir," said Oli in a whisper. He had a big smile on his face. "I have this costume for him to try on, you know, as a joke, since he's so nervous," he added as he held up a Tarzan costume. Iroh smiled, although he never really likes playing jokes on people, he figured that since his nephew was so nervous about tonight, he might as well do something to cheer him up (just so long as he doesn't start blasting fire everywhere). "Give me the costume, I'll give it to him," he said. Oli handed the General the costume and watched as he gave it to the Prince. "Here Prince Zuko, I want you to try this," he said as he handed him the costume. "ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE!" he yelled, "I'M NOT WEARING THAT!" "Watch your mouth Prince Zuko, and I deserve respect from you, you understand?" said Iroh. Zuko sighed, "Yes Uncle, but I'm not wearing that…thing," he said with disgust in his voice. "Oh, come now, Prince Zuko. We could all use a little laugh, even you being so nervous," said Iroh.

Zuko groaned as he snatched the costume a tried it on. To his complete surprise (and anger) it fit. "I'm coming out now. Ready?" he asked them. "Oh, we are dying to see you," said Iroh, trying to contain his laughter at the thought of his nephew wearing a ridiculous costume, but failing miserably. "Oh, yes, we can't wait," said Oli and he too was laughing uncontrollably. Zuko sighed. I'M NOT EVEN OUT YET AND THEY'RE LAUGHING! DAMN THEM! He thought. Nonetheless, he came out of the dressing room…not happy at all. The moment Iroh and Oli saw him they burst out laughing. Zuko felt like disappearing forever. "No amount of therapy will ever make this moment okay," he said to himself. (A/N: I got that from "The Fairly Odd Parents". I just thought it would be funny to add that in somewhere.) Iroh laughed harder than ever at the sight if his nephew. "Okay, P-Prince Zuko, you m-may change now," he said as he continued to laugh. "Thank you!" said Zuko relieved to get out of this stupid costume. "Wait," said Oli, "I have one more costume for you to try on." "What, a BALLERINA COSTUME!" yelled Zuko. He didn't want to try on anything else. Right now, if he had his way, he'd go naked to the ball. Oli had to cram his fist in his mouth to keep from laughing at the poor Prince. "No," he said when his laughter subsided, "This." He held up a "Phantom of the Opera" costume. Zuko's eyes widened. He had found the costume he was looking for.

At King Kokuyo's Palace

Ayaka hummed, as she got ready for the ball. The only thing she had done was her hair, which was put in an elegant bun. She had mixed feelings about tonight. The first thing she was worried about was Zuko: if he's going to show up, and if he does, what will they do? The second problem was, Zhao. He already found out her secret just hours before, and now she was worried at what he will do to Zuko. If he finds him, she thought with a smirk on her face. "Zhao thinks that finding Zuko is going to be a piece of cake for him? Ha! Think again, you fucking bastard," she said quietly to herself. There was a knock at her door. "Who is it?" she asked. "It's me, Ryu, may I come in?" said her brother. "How do I know it really is you? I mean, you could just be Zhao pretending to be Ryu," she told him smiling mischievously. Ryu sighed and said glumly, "Because when I was five years old, and stupid, I did something that I shouldn't have done and ended up pissing my pants." Ayaka laughed. "All right it's you come in," she said. "What the hell? Ayaka, it's seven thirty and you only have your hair done?" Ryu exclaimed. He was already in his Dracula costume and holding a white mask. He really did look handsome. "Chill, Ryu. I have everything under control don't worry about it," said Ayaka. Ryu snorted. "Yeah, right, the day you have everything under control is the day I Earthbend," he said. Ayaka stuck out her tongue at him. "Shut up," she said. Ryu smirked. "I thought you weren't wearing a mask Ryu," said Ayaka. "Are you kidding?" the elder boy said. "With Zhao's big-ass nose sniffing out Zuko, he has to get a little confused so…I'm helping with the frustration and agony," he said as he put on the mask and smiled. "Okay, whatever you say, Ryu," said his sister. Her brother noticed her sad tone, and he knew that she was worried about Zuko. "Hey, don't worry about it, everything's gonna fine, okay?" he said soothingly as he gave her a hug. "Okay," she said smiling, "Now get out, I'm going to put on my dress," and she shoved him out the door and closed it in his face.

Just as she was putting the sleeves on, her door burst open to reveal the smirking face of Captain Zhao. She turned, quickly putting the sleeve on and trying to zip it, but it was no use, she couldn't reach the zipper. Dammit! Of all the dresses, Mom just had to pick this particular one… And why the hell does he have to pop up everywhere, at exactly the right moment for him, but the wrong moment for me! Damn him! She thought. "Well, well, well, Princess, don't you look beautiful," he said to her. Ayaka glared at him. "Do you need help?" he asked her. Shit, she thought as her eyes widened. She cleared her throat nervously. "Uh…no I don't actually. So if you can just leave-" But Zhao cut her off saying, "No I don't think I will, actually. I like it here in your room, it's very…cozy." And he walked in, his smirk widening into an evil smile. Ayaka backed away from him, fear spreading throughout her entire body. "Get out," she said. Her right sleeve fell off her shoulder and she quickly pulled it back up. Zhao chuckled and in one swift movement, Ayaka felt his lips against hers. Holy shit, this is not happening to me! She thought as she tried to fight her way out of Zhao's grasp, but only ended up in a corner. Sensing her struggle, Zhao put his arms around her waist, pulling her close and deepening the kiss. No, no, no, no, no! This is so wrong! Get off me you asshole! Ayaka thought as she desperately tried to break free. Just then, a burst of fire was shot into the room missing them by inches. Zhao released his grasp upon the struggling teenage girl and turned to face his attacker. Ryu was standing in the doorway, mask off and looking as mad as hell. "Get…away…from her," he said menacingly. Zhao grinned. "Protecting her are you?" he said to the eighteen-year-old. "You bet," said Ryu, "And if you come anywhere near her tonight, you'll have to deal with me. Got it?" Zhao frowned as he walked towards the boy, whose brown eyes were glaring at him with the utmost loathing. "You wouldn't last five minutes in a duel with me," he said. "Is that a challenge?" Ryu asked. Zhao smirked. My God you smirk too much, thought Ryu. "No," said Zhao, "it's the truth."

"Go to hell," said Ryu. Ayaka put her hands to her mouth as she saw Zhao strike her brother across the face. Ryu turned his head, his face stinging. He grinned. "It's gonna take a lot more than that to phase me," he said. It was Zhao's turn to grin. "We shall see," he said as he walked out of the room. Ryu looked at his sister, her blue eyes filled with shock and fear. "Are you all right Ayaka?" he asked her. She shook her head. "No," she whispered as she slid to the floor. Ryu rushed over to her and cradled her in his arms. "It's all right, everything's going to be okay," he whispered. Ayaka relaxed in his arms and listened to the beating of his heart. Then her calmness turned into anger. She broke free of her brother's protective grasp. "What wrong?" he asked her. "Everything," she said and stood up. Ryu saw that her head was bowed and her hands were bawled into fists with smoke billowing out of them. "Ayaka," said her brother carefully. "This…fucking…SUCKS!" she yelled, the smoke in her fists growing darker. "HERE I AM FEELING SORRY FOR MYSELF, WHEN THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE, SULKING IN MY ROOM AND BEING ROCKED TO SLEEP BY MY BROTHER LIKE A LITTLE KID!" The smoke grew darker with every word she said until it was black. "I'M NOT GOING TO PUT UP WITH THIS ANYMORE! FROM NOW ON I'M GOING TO START STICKING UP FOR MYSELF, AND IF ANYBODY SAYS OTHERWISE, THEY'RE GONNA GET FUCKING PUNCHED!" Ryu just looked at his sister, awestruck at her words. Wow, she's pissed, he thought. He stood up just as Ayaka turned to him, eyes blazing with anger. "Ryu," she said. "Yes," he said cautiously. " Can you help me zipper my dress?" she asked. "Okay," said Ryu, "just promise me you bite my head off." Ayaka laughed bitterly. "I promise," she said.

Once she and Ryu were outside, they went straight to the ballroom, which was already packed with people. "Whoa! Who's that gorgeous piece of work?" said Ryu looking up at the table and seeing a woman in a black bunny tailed leotard, black fishnet stockings, bunny ears, and black shoes talking to someone. Ayaka looked as well and saw whom it was her brother was talking about. "That's Mom," she said. He turned to her looking shocked. "That's Mom!" he exclaimed. His sister nodded, amazed at his stupid boy-ish ways. Ryu looked at his Mother again. "She looks hot," he said grinning. "Oh my God, Ryu! That's…disturbing beyond all reason!" said Ayaka. "What? It's the truth, she looks damn hot!" Ryu argued. Ayaka groaned. "You're impossible," she said and walked away from him. "Ayaka wait!" said Ryu running after her. "Ayaka!" said a familiar voice of people. She turned and saw her friends, Tangi, Ryoko, and Suki with their masks off and waving to her to come and greet them. "Tangi, Ryoko, Suki! It's so good to see you all," she said as she walked towards them. "Hey, it's nice to see you too," said Tangi giving her a hug. He was wearing a Clifford costume (A/N: I seriously doubt if they had "Clifford" back in that time period, but I'm running out of good mature costume ideas, so you guys are going to have to bear with me. The rest of her friends have stupid costumes so stay with me here. Please don't beat me up) and holding a red mask. "Nice costume, Tangi," said Ayaka sarcastically. Her friend smiled broadly. "Thanks," he said, "I got it on sale," Ayaka laughed and looked at what her other friends were wearing. Suki was wearing a "Corpse Bride" costume with a white mask, and Ryoko was wearing a butterfly costume with a pale yellow mask, and they both looked pretty darn stupid. Suki looked at her with hurt in her eyes. "What's wrong, Suki?" asked Ayaka. She sighed. "I still can't believe you're getting married to a pig like Zhao," she said. "Don't remind me," said Ayaka shaking the horrible moment of earlier out of her mind. "Hey, enough with all this, 'oh my God, you're getting married to Zhao' crap," said Ryoko, as a fast paced song was playing, "and let's go dance! I'm in a dancing mood!"

The circle of friends laughed. Suddenly, Ayaka felt a pair of hands cover her eyes, and a familiar voice whisper to her, "Guess who, Princess." Seeing as it was not Zhao's voice she heard, she turned around and saw a pair of golden eyes staring right back at her through a white mask. "Hey," whispered Tangi to Ryoko, "who's that?" "The hell I know," she responded. Ayaka smiled at Zuko. "How'd you know it was me?" she asked in a whisper. Zuko chuckled. "Well, you do kind of stick out, with your sexy red dress and all," he said. She smiled and blushed. "That, and Ryu told me you were here," he continued. She laughed. "Ayaka," said Suki tapping her on the shoulder, "aren't you going to introduce us to your…friend?" she asked uncertain whether Zuko was really a friend. Ayaka and Zuko's eyes widened; none of her friends knew about him. "Friend," said Ayaka almost robotically, turning to them, "yes, I will introduce you to my friend." She pointed to Zuko who waved at them. They waved back. "What's his name?" asked Ryoko, eyeing him with interest. Ayaka saw this. Oh hell no. You best back off bitch, he's my man, she thought. "His name?" she asked. "Yeah, I mean, people do kind of have names," said Tangi. "I am deeply sorry, Tangi, but this young man's name cannot be revealed," said Ryu who popped out of nowhere. "What are you doing?" whispered Ayaka. "Just play along," he said to both her and Zuko. "Why?" asked Ryoko. "Because he has no name," said Ayaka. Zuko looked at her, she returned his look with a sorrowful look of her own. "Well, that's too bad," said Zhao, who also popped out of nowhere. Oh shit, thought Ayaka. Oh shit! Thought Ryu. Ooh shit, thought Zuko. "Well, if he has no name, surely he must be an orphan? Which means that he also doesn't know that you my darling Ayaka, are my wife," said Zhao. She cringed when he called her "darling." Then without warning, he placed his hand around her waist and pulled her close to him. Ryu saw this and was immediately consumed with rage. "Alright, that is it," he said, more to himself rather than anyone else. "Zhao!" he shouted so that everyone could hear. The Captain turned his head to face his eighteen-year-old opponent with an evil grin on his face. "Yes, young Prince?" he said. "Cut the bullshit!" said Ryu, totally ignoring the fact that his parents were there. "I challenge you to an Agnikai! Right here, right now!" Zhao smiled evilly. "Very well," he said. "ALL RIGHT, EVERYBODY CLEAR A SPACE! THERE'S GONNA BE A DUEL UP IN HERE!" said someone in the crowd. Everyone moved out of the way, ready for a fight.