The days were dawn to dusk bending for Travis and Grace. The Invasion was only a few days away. The two knew they would be barely any good in battle, but they wanted to do as much as they could. Travis knew he would have to be prepared, breaking out of prison with Iroh. The wise old man assured him he would be safe from harm, but the boy knew and wanted to be prepared for anything. And personally wanted to learn anyway. Who wouldn't? He thought to himself. Grace on the other hand had not been informed whether or not Kitare was going to let her be anywhere near the battle, not that she was confident of it. But what if someone came on the ship? This and many other things crossed their minds as they learned the arts of water and fire bending. Grace's technique though was fire nation based and guessed to water ways. They also wondered about home and family, whether they would see them again. Emotions of excitement and fear rolled in them. Then the day came, and they didn't know which was more powerful.

"You have came a long way in only a few weeks. You learn fast." Iroh smiled as he sipped his tea. "Are you ready for today?" He asked looking over at Travis.

"Yeah, I mean, I can't get much readier than this since it's only in a couple of hours."

The two were ready to escape the prison.

Just then Ming came with the afternoon lunch. "Iroh, I brought extra rice for the both of you." She whispered with a small smile.

"Thank you Ming, you have done so much for me since I have been in prison here. I think you should take the day off."

She looked at him in confusion. "What?"

"You look like you need rest, take the day off." She tried to argue but he looked her in the eye. "Believe me, you do not want to be here for the next few hours."

She didn't look to be totally understanding of what he was getting at, but nodded, "Alright, whatever you say." She stood and left, looking back once before locking the door behind her. Iroh wanted to leave her least to suspicion from their getting out as possible. They sat and waited.

The time came and Iroh took the stance. Travis took a deep breath, ready for whatever they faced. He hoped at least. The wall gave with two powerful punches, a kick, and light shone through as the rubble and dusty pieces cleared their way. It was time to escape.

A few days earlier.

"Grace!" Kitare's voice called from across the hall. Grace shifted from her sleep, and only caught a bit of his voice. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and got up, hurrying down the hall.

When she found the deck, she also saw that they were on land. A harbor was to both sides, the open ocean to the back. Kitare was throwing a large rope over, where someone caught it.

"Grace, we're here. Before we go to the Palace, we have to go to get you clothes."

Grace thought for a moment, still sleepy. Then fear and excitement filled her. They were here; in the capital.

"Why?"

Kitare smirked, and gave her a look up and down. "I don't mind you wearing men's clothes, but other people might find it strange."

Grace looked at her baggy shirt and pants, and felt the shoes that were a few inches bigger than her feet. "I don't have to wear a dress do I?"

"No. Trust me."

Kitare led Grace past the harbor to the gates leading to the main city. The guard looked at Kitare, then to Grace in wonder, but he told the guard his name and let them by.

"That's it? Tell him your name and you're in?"

He shook his head, "I showed him some papers, discreetly."

They walked the light tan stone streets, people in long red robes and intricate dresses walking by. In the distance there was a tall volcano, and below it the grand Fire Nation Palace. Grace didn't know for sure, but it could be nothing else, it was the biggest building in the whole city. Around it, following the volcano, was the ridges circling the city, keeping it in its protected walls. The houses looked similar to the other houses she had seen, the light tan walls and red bricked roofs, grander though.

"This place is amazing."

Kitare looked over at her, smiling. "Yeah. I grew up in the country though. My father was second in command to the Great Dragon of the West." His smile faded.

Grace thought about Iroh, Kitare didn't think she knew what he was talking about. Iroh was in prison! But she thought about how the wise man had been through so much, but she knew he must be able to take care of himself and get through the trouble, wouldn't be surprised if he could break free.

He continued, "We didn't want to live in the city, father thought it was better to raise children away from the politics and pressure of nobility."

Grace looked at his face and saw his sadness at his words. Before she said something, she stopped.

He looked over, "It's okay. My father died a long time ago. A year after I was old enough to join the Royal Academy."

She asked, "So what happened to your mom and sister?"

Kitare didn't answer. "Here, this is where we have to look." He turned in to a two story shop, golden rims around the window and door.

Stepping inside there were ladies in red and gold dresses, one or two were talking to customers in more expensive dresses, looking at the fabrics. The room lit with candles on the walls, mirrors and pieces of art around the large room.

"This is one of the best places in the city." Grace looked worried. "Just relax and let me do all the talking."

A woman with long brown hair and a thin figure, with a face of self superiority, came up to them, "May I help you?" She asked, looking Grace over.

Kitare showed his blank Fire Nation pose, "Yes. Lady Grace is in need of a new set of clothes."
The woman eyed her in disgust it seemed. "So I see."

"If you must know madam, her clothes were lost while coming off at a port, clumsy servants. So she is in need of new ones. Fit for a Noble." He said with a touch of matching her tone of snide dislike.

The woman nodded, "Of course, and what might Lady Grace be looking for?"

Kitare looked at her expectantly.

"Oh, something I can move easily in." She said unsurely, the woman nodded.

Two more women came to help the snide woman. Grace stood on a platform as they measured her and brought fabrics for her to try. She was so uncomfortable, agreeing to almost every fabric they brought first, not wanting to make a big deal about it. There were a few patterns that caught her eye however, intricate embroidered red with gold thread of a kind of lily flower and fire. She ran her hand over the silk for a moment. Glancing over at Kitare, observing the whole thing he seemed to be enjoying himself. She blushed and nodded at the woman for the pattern. How he found this enjoyable, she didn't know. Was this so funny? Grace didn't think so. He saw her looking, and smiled at her. Her stomach turned, and she smiled back.

After the fitting and dressing, two hours later, Grace walked out of the shop in a simple red and gold top and skirt, her new clothes would be done in a day. The lady had looked slightly surprised at this. Grace wondered how much extra he was paying to get her these clothes. She had asked if it was necessary to get more than one, but apparently it was for the Palace, and honestly she didn't want to be here that long. The idea that Azula could be here made her on edge.

A deep red shirt that hugged her curves, the top an oval shape from shoulder to shoulder only low enough to show her collar bone, the skirt was above her knees, rimmed with an intricate golden design, a tight pair of black leggings covering her legs. Her feet tapped on the stone with her new shoes that didn't make her have to walk so they didn't fall off her feet. At Kitare's request, one of the ladies fixed Grace's hair as well, pulled back out of her face with braids, and the rest about her shoulders.

"When we reach the Palace, I will announce you as an old friend of mine from the country. I happened to meet you on your way to an outer city when your group was attacked by rebels. You were the only one that got out."

Grace was about to retort when he stopped her.

"It's the only way Princess Azula will believe who you are. If I say you traveled alone, she will know I lie, and if I say you have a group, she will check on them, knowing it too. I will do as much as I can to keep her from asking any questions."

She didn't think it would work. Azula was smart and not easily lied to. That she knew. The thought of meeting her was frightening.

"My home town is Dragon Crest on the outer coast. Do not look Azula in the eye, but don't look down either, or she will see what we are doing." It was only a few yards to the gate. "Bow when you see her." He showed her the right way to do it, "And don't fidget." He said as Grace gripped her skirt in her hands, wringing her hands, and dropped it.

The guards let the two through, and the gold double doors opened to the Palace entry. There was another pair of double doors across from them, stairs on either side to more doors on the second floor. Another pair matching ones was to both of the sides of the stairs on the first level. Kitare led Grace up the stairs and led her through a hallway to the left.

Stopping in front of a door, Kitare knocked and the Fire Nation Princess' voice answered for him to come in. He put his hand up to show Grace to wait for him.

"Kitare. Returning so soon?" Azula asked walking toward him from a table full of maps, Grace staying outside the doorway.

He bowed. "Yes Princess Azula. I bring news. But first I would like to introduce an old friend of mine from my old home. This is Lady Grace."

Grace looked at Azula, sick. The golden eyes filled with anger, power, and deception were evident, looking at her. Before Azula looked into her eyes Grace took a bow. "Your highness, it is a great honor to be here in the Palace."

She looked at her in disapproval. "Yes well," she looked over at Kitare; looking for answers, "it would be since you weren't invited."

Grace took a deep breath, looking at Kitare for comfort; but was given none. "My apologies your highness." She added, trying to word it so it sounded right.

"I thought I could introduce her to Mai. Then we could get to business." He said with a forced lightness.

Azula smirked. "Yes well, she's so busy with Zuko now. But you might find her at home. I would like to hear more about Grace." She turned to her and Grace almost flinched. "Tell me, how was your trip all the way from—where is it that you and Kitare are from again? I can't quite remember, my memory is a bit fuzzy with all this work I'm doing."

Grace thought for a moment, too anxious with wanting to be out of Azula's presence to think of the place, "Dragon Crest." She finally said. "My trip was very unfortunate; Kitare can tell you the story."

Azula in disappointment let her slide, "Hmm, what a shame. Come, Kitare can take you to Mai's while I take care of something."

Grace followed the two, keeping pace with Kitare. Wanting him to at least look at her with reassurance.

Once Azula left, a weight seemed to lift off of Grace. Kitare looked at her finally; letting her know that it went well, but he would have to smooth it over when she was with Mai.

"You did great." He said smiling at her.

She grinned, "But Azula couldn't possibly fall for it though. I mean she is really—"

Kitare stopped as they were out in open just outside of the Palace. He turned Grace toward him, "Don't worry. I will take care of everything. I have to talk to Mai and see what I can find."

She looked at him. "But Mai is friend's with Azula, she'll do whatever she says. What if Mai finds who I am or—"

Kitare growled, "Since we are low on time I won't ask how you know these things—listen, Mai owes me a favor, and she's a good friend of mine too. Don't worry and let me handle this."

He took her arm in his as he led her back out the gates, only a house over from the Palace. Walking up the stairs he introduced himself to the guard and they let them in.

Kitare instead of being led to where Mai was, told the messenger to tell them where she was, and went there himself making across the entry and to the living room, knowing exactly where he was heading.

"Mai." Kitare said with slight tease at being polite said, bowing as they entered the room.

Mai looked over from the couch and her brow lifted. Standing up and striding across the room.

"Kitare? I haven't seen you in a year. Where have you been?"

"Running errands," he said lightly.

She nodded as if she knew. "Who's your friend?"

"Lady Grace. She is here visiting from Dragon Crest."

Mai didn't look enthused, "What did you do this time? You never bring friends."

Kitare glanced at the figure that emerged from the couch. "Oh Zuko, didn't see you there." He said nonchalantly.

Zuko didn't make a move, only looked over to Mai, then Grace, and then met his eyes. "Kitare."

Grace tried to keep a straight face. She was looking at the actual Zuko. He was one of her favorite characters on the show. The misunderstood angst guy who was after the avatar; yet she never gave up on him. And he was right in front of her!

"Hi." She said trying to hide a smile, and she felt her face getting hot. She was so embarrassed and fan girling at the same time.

She felt everyone looking at her. "Sorry." Grace said looking down.

"Mai, I'll see you at dinner." He said, giving Kitare a glare full of dislike. But Grace noticed something else there, she just didn't know what it was.

She watched him go, and then turned to Mai. But saw Kitare's features stiff, but didn't ask him why.

"So, are you going to stand there or are you going to sit?" She said in her calm almost bored tone.

Kitare motioned for Grace to sit, she glanced at Mai, who had already sat back on the red velvet looking couch. Once she went and sat on the other side, he followed.

"So, you and Zuko huh? Finally."

Mai blushed, "Kitare!" She spat.

"Its fine Mai, Grace is a friend she won't make fun."

Grace couldn't figure which was weirder, the fact that she was sitting by Mai, the one she usually wasn't rooting for, for being with Zuko; don't get the wrong idea, she liked Mai. Or the fact that Kitare was acting like a normal person, teasing and all.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, looking at Grace. Who froze when she glanced over.

"I'm on a little errand, I told you. And the mail's going to be here in a couple days."

Mai raised her eyes, "You know. How? Did Azula say something?"

He smirked. "Azula hasn't said anything yet, she probably won't since I brought a friend. You know how she gets suspicious. I have my sources."

Grace looked around the room, dark red curtains on the tall windows, detailed vases with beautiful red and white flowers, antique looking carpets.

"It was you wasn't it?" She asked Grace. But when she didn't answer and looked at Kitare, Mai didn't press the answer from her, "Well, what are you going to do?"

He smirked, "Help out of course. But my friend here needs to stay here until it happens, I don't know what to do after that."

"You have two days. They're evacuating the city."

Grace looked at Mai, "I'm not leaving!" She said quickly, and then realized there wasn't a reason to freak out. She glanced away.

"So. You going to tell me the whole story?" Asked Mai.

Kitare shook his head. "No. But thanks for understanding." He smirked, then stood, "I'll be back, you and Grace can get to know each other a bit," He walked across the room and turned, "Oh, and Mai, it is nice to see you happy." Then left.

With a mixed look on her face, Mai looked over at Grace. "Don't look at me; I'm a bit surprised myself."

Mai told a servant to get them tea and what looked like fancy sugar pastry. Like a sugared croissant.

"So you're just a friend of Kitare's from Dragon Crest?" She said it like it wasn't true, which she had down. Because she was sucking at lying.

"Yeah."

She took a sip of her tea. "You know Azula will be watching you if you stay behind. She'll know you're up to something."

"What makes you think I'm up to something?"

She grunted, "Yeah, I'm not stupid. But I am surprised Kitare even brought you here. He hasn't ever showed interest in anyone. He has trust issues. Like everyone it seems. Don't screw it up."

Grace gave her own grunt. "Great."

"What?"

"Kitare is hard to understand, one minute he is acting like a real person, the next he goes all official business and drops whatever we are talking about."

She looked over to her. "He cares about you. When you find someone you care about, it's hard to keep them close because they're afraid they'll lose them."

Grace took a shot, "Is that how it was with Zuko?"

She didn't answer; then said, "Yes."

"Wait, are you saying I like Kitare?"

"What else would I be saying?"

Grace half smiled, "True…"

"He's a great guy."

Grace thought through the last week, her smile widening. "Yeah, he is."