-Yawn- I'm tired...stupid algebra homework. Anyway, here's the next chapter! -falls asleep and snores-

Ages have changed. And they skipped a few years; Zuko- 12, Mai/Azula/Ty Lee- 11

Chapter 17: A Place to Stay

Today was that day. Exactly three years ago Ursa had somehow disappeared. Every since then the only people Zuko could rely on were his uncle, Iroh and Mai. However, Iroh would only visit at least once or twice -three times at the most- every month. As for Mai, her visits were not as frequent as when they were younger. Now, she'd be at the palace maybe once a week- maybe even once every other week.

But there was a reason for that. Her father, much like Iroh, was caught up in military work. Very stressing military work. In fact, he and Azula have heard rumors they'd be moving. Zuko though, wouldn't belive it so easily.

Now Azula always seemed to make things worse- whatever the matter was- and Ty Lee was like her little minion. Considering the fact that -unlike Mai- she doesn't have an easily-manipulated crush on him. Of course, Ozai was no question. Azula was (and still is) his "favorite" which made him one of her 'minions' as well.

Now, the somewhat depressed 12 year old stood on the balcony just outside his room in deep thought as flashbacks kept coming to mind of his mother. Of all those times when he was little, good or bad. All those times when she'd be comforting to him. Strangely, that's one reason Mai reminded him so much of Ursa. Always on his side when Azula wasn't.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard light taps on his door.

"Go away," he simply said. Either he had a feeling it was Azula, or he really had no intentions of talking to anybody right now. Maybe both.

"Okay," the voice replied. "Sorry to bug you...I'll just be leaving," the girl had a hint of teasing in her voice as she started walking away with her footsteps clearly heard. And it only took Zuko about thirty seconds to realize it was Mai, and not his devious little sister. Sure he didn't want to talk to anyone right now, but he hadn't seen the girl in almost a month.

"Wait," he ran for his door. One of the large double doors opened, but she was already half-way down the hallway. "Mai!" he called from the other end.

"Yes?" she continued walking. Zuko laughed slightly at her actions and without hesitating, ran after her. Eventually, he caught up with her- considering the fact he was running and she was walking.

Once he reached her, he grabbed her by the arm.

"Just walk away from me like that?" he asked, smiling.

"You did tell me to 'go away'."

"Yeah, well I thought you were Azula..." he explained, rubbing the back of his neck. His hair had been let down from his usual hairstyle, having his dark brown hair nearly covering his eyes. She always thought he looked cute like that. "Now you were going to say something?"

"Yeah, but I forgot..." she smiled weakly. Zuko had smiled back, but it faded as he looked away. She noticed this. "Thinking about your mom again?" she asked softly. Her words were always comforting. As compared to Azula- whenever she'd ask, her voice/tone was cold and heartless. But what did he expect? She was evil...

"No way," he sarcastically replied. Mai stood there listening. "It's been three years..." She gently put a hand on his shoulder and got his attention.

"Well you-" but before she could finish, they both looked over to Azula who stood there with a stack of papers. She raised an eyebrow and for a moment just stared at them like that. Slowly, they separated as Azula rolled her eyes and proceeded down the stairs. Once she was completely out of sight, they had fled to Zuko's room.

"So..."

"Oh right- I remember what I was going to say," She brought up the subject again.

"Yeah?"

"You know my dad's the governor, right?" she started. "Well he's also part of the military and stuff, so he got a mission to the southern parts of the fire nation- and as you know, we're in the farther north."

"For how long?"

"At least a month- could be more," she shrugged. Honestly, she got this all from overhearing and a very short explanation from her mother. Like she knew any better. "And my whole family has to go..."

"Oh," Then he remembered something. "Well, do you necessarily have to go?"

"What do you mean?"

"If you weren't required to go, maybe you could stay here." he suggested. "I mean, Azula is your friend and all- so you wouldn't get too bored. And with Ty Lee, almost always here..."

"Yup, I suppose I could ask my mom." she replied after thinking for a while. "She normally thinks I'm not really that important. Especially when it comes to trips like that."

"She really thinks that?" the girl nodded her head. "Well, I think you're important. If you weren't here, my life here would be pretty boring." He noticed that her cheeks had turned a bright crimson. At that, a female servant walked into the room- of course after knocking.

"Ms. Mai- your mother is here to pick you up." she quietly told them.

"Okay, thank you." she replied as the servant walked out. "I'll see you tomorrow if my mother says yes." she quickly gave him a hug, just in case she'd have to leave for a month, and ran out the door.

Yeah, I'm so predictable...but it'll be different! Because since I skipped a few years, they'll be at this age for a while. It shouldn't be too boring ;). And Zuko was 14 when he was banished. Right? I need to take note of that in advanced...

I want a carefully stated debate argument following that. Just kidding...we already do that crap at school :P. But I do want reviews! Any kind; good or bad. Thanks!!

-Black5Belt