Author's Notes: As much as I dont want to post this, I just want to get this story over and done with. I am very...alarmed that CGOF has been the only one who has reviewed in the last, eh, two weeks? I hope you havent died from the awfulness of my story or some other reason, but I miss you guys!!

Deds: MY FRIEND LYDIA BECAUSE SHE DESERVES IT!!

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Not even any reviewers anymore!!

I walked straight into the woods. As it was already sunset, night was quick to descend. I took a quick bite out of a roll and continued forward.

I couldn't stop thinking about what Zuko might be thinking.

I continued on, the silence of night ringing in my ears. I looked back, but saw nothing but trees.

I didn't bother to take out a map. My heart pounded. It seemed to me I was alone before, but I was wrong. This- was how it felt to be truly alone.

I lit a small fire in my hand. It made things lighter, but just barely. The fire seemed like the only life in this dark, dead forest.

Silence. It haunted me; mocked me in fact. Just giving me time to think about when I left.

Time to regret leaving.

I sat down on the nearest rock, the fire still lit in my palm. The lack of any life at all was genuinely scaring me. Eyes wide, I looked in every direction, every tree, everywhere in sight.

No life at all.

I needed something to stop my imagination. Whenever it was quiet, and I was alone, my mind drifted off to places, horrible places, with horrible thoughts. I could die here; I only wonder how...

This wasn't new to me. I guess since I had seen Death so much, that it was only a matter of time before it would be me...

My thoughts were cut off by a sound.

No, not a sound.

A voice.

A voice that froze everything around it.

"Expecting someone else?"

"Who's there?" I yelled. I turned franticly, searching the voice that had stopped my heart.

"Why, don't you recognize a princess when you hear one?" That same voice came, still dripping with evil. This time a speaker accompanied it. A girl, about 14, dressed in Fire Nation clothes. Royalty. Out of instinct, I went into a fighting stance. I shivered. Terror filled my entire being, paralyzing every limb.

She stepped lightly out of the brush, dusting herself off as she approached me. Nervous sweat beaded my face.

"Let's just get this over with; it's cold out here," the girl said, her voice completely calm; even bored. There wasn't the slightest hint of fear hidden in her voice. She was amazing. But before I could think anything else, a wave of blue fire was thrown at me.

I jumped out of the way, scarcely dodging it. I returned the strike with my own slash of red fire. She simply blocked it with her forearm.

She showed no sign of tire, while I panted and sweat.

The girl sent another sleek line of fire at me, but this time I wasn't fast enough. It licked my sleeve, nearly burning my shirt. I brushed it off, and gathered myself enough to send three fireballs directly at her face. She stepped to the side, dodging each one, and attacked me all at once. This girl was good.

I blocked her fire, and opened my mouth to talk to her. Call me stupid, but I just had to know one thing.

"What's your name?"

She was only taken aback in the slightest way, and looked direct in my face while we fought. I sent more flames at her, while she turned them around and brought them at me.

"Azula. Princess Azula."

I pushed the fire away with my palms, and hunched over. I was so tired, I felt like I was in a dream.

I could feel something strange, like static. I turned my head: and I could see it too.

Lightning had formed on Azula's fingertips.

I reacted right away. I separated the energy in my body, and hurriedly spun my arms in the correct motions. I pointed my fingers at Azula.

And she pointed hers at me.

Before I could say "Holy shit," I was blown aback in an immense explosion of white-blue light.

And so was Azula.

Zuko sat erect, startled by a sound. And a rumbling in the earth. He stood up immediately and looked in every place.

Two things crossed his mind:

What was the 20 foot tall explosion in the forest?

And where was Mika?

Zuko ran straight toward the explosion, and hoped that whatever it was wouldn't kill him.

He turns in a different direction. And by a different direction, I mean toward the gigantic explosion. He reaches over his shoulder, and readies his broadswords. He pushes his way through the trees and brush. He has found what he has been looking for: excitement.

(Mika's POV)

I opened my eyes, dizzy and somewhat delirious. My head was spinning. Where was I? I leaned onto a low-hanging branch; my vision somewhat clearing. Azula was still out cold.

Yes.

This was my chance. I could get away without her trying to kill me. I pulled myself up, but I couldn't stand.

My leg felt like it was, well, sprained.

I collapsed back onto my boulder, and just put my head in my hands. It was only time before Azula would wake up, and then I would be completely powerless.

I was done.

I sat and cried silent tears. No more trying for me. I didn't care. I don't matter to the world, so the world doesn't matter to me.

So I sat. And cried. And thought. And hoped for a savior.

He steps lightly through the brush, careful not to make noise. Scorch marks streak the nearest trees. He is close.

Through two branches, he sees a clearing. But not just a clearing. Two girls: one sitting up, the other out cold. He isn't quite sure if this is a good thing.

But he has to find out.

He exits the brush, and is face to face with the conscious girl. She reaches over her shoulder, and, somewhat pained, readies her bow. Before he knows it, he is pinned to a tree.

"Who are you?" the girl demands.

"H... Haka-Sai."

(Mika's POV)

I gasped. It- It wasn't true, it couldn't be... I breathed deeply, trying to come to my senses. This wasn't the bright, playful Haka I knew... my brother was now seemed faithless.

And so did I.

But I didn't want to think anymore.

I limped as fast as I could into Haka's arms, and cried tears of joy on his shoulder. I hadn't hugged him in almost a decade... I missed him so much... and now he was here with me. Now.

I grasped him so tightly, I wasn't even sure he could breathe. I didn't care.

"Your little sister misses you," I said, looking into his grey eyes.

I could see the joy in them.

"I don't know if I told you this," I wiped away a tear. "But I love you... so much."

Tears were swelling in his eyes.

"I love you too," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around me.

I stood back and laughed slightly- one of those playful, airy laughs. "What have you gotten yourself into?" I asked lightly, seeing his cuts and bandages.

"It's a long story; let's get you out of here," Haka said.

"I- um, can't walk." Hey, I couldn't hike through the forest like this!

"Then here," he said, "Take my shoulder." I leaned on his shoulder, and limped for a few paces.

Then stopped.

I may regret this in the future, but I gathered a big old rain cloud and put it right over our parade.

"Dad died."

Haka looked at me, utterly confused. I had gone almost ten years without my brother here, and I didn't have to ruin the day when we met again. But I did.

I closed my eyes. "W- When you left, we had no sign of your return. We thought you had died out there. So I ran away. And when I came back... Dad..." Silent tears slid down my cheeks, making more streaks on my already tearstained face.

Haka-Sai tried to look strong, but I could tell he was breaking inside.

I was still clinging to his shoulder, so when a blue flame hit him square in the back, we both collapsed.

I moaned. "Azula." I turned my head, and saw her simply striding toward us, blowing the smoke off her fingers.

"Aw, that was so cute! Oh, and sorry to interrupt your little... 'family reunion.'"

"Get away from us," I growled through clenched teeth. How dare she?

"No thanks. Actually, I'm waiting for someone."

"What do you mean?! We're in the middle of a forest; nobody's coming!" I cried.

I looked over at Haka. He was the only one who could save us, but he was hurt. Azula had burned through his shirt, slicing his back. Blood trickled down his back in a crimson line. I wanted to help him, but I could barely help myself. All I could do was lie here, helpless.

"Really? I'm sure Zuzu saw that explosion. He should be coming any minute now." Azula said, examining her fingernails. "I want to show him something."

"Who-?"

"My brother, the prince. You know him." How did she know I knew Zuko? Was she going to do something horrible to him? Me? Us? "Oh, and I brought a friend along. He says he knows you." She snapped her fingers, and a young man ran up from behind her. His hair was messy and his skin was coated in dirt.

"Rontu..." I shook my head and narrowed my eyes. He had just kissed me! And now... "You!" I bawled. "I thought you liked me!" My fists shook. "You- you betrayed me."

Rontu lashed a sleek whip of red flame at my leg, one that I couldn't dodge. I in took a sharp breath, and fell to my knees.

"First off, you have a pretty big mouth for a little girl." He approached me, and looked down at my kneeling figure. "And I had no choice. The princess offered me a job, and I took it. Get over it," he hissed.

I looked behind me where Haka lay, unable to move.

Azula approached me, and Rontu stepped back. "You're sick!" I yelled past the princess at Rontu. "And I hate you," I growled. I spat on the princess's foot.

Her face filled with fury. She dragged me up by my collar, and put my face close to hers.

"How... dare... you... I would kill you right now, but I want Zuzu to be here to watch," she hissed.

No.

"Rontu, you may leave. I don't need your help anymore." Rontu bowed slightly and scurried off into the woods.

At that moment, a scarred figure came rushing through the bushes.

"Zuko!" I cried. Azula covered my mouth.

"It's not nice to keep people waiting, Zuzu."

"Azula..."

"Yes, I'm here. Zuzu, you go over there, I want you to have a good view when I torture your little girlfriend here."

"She's not my-!"

"Whatever. Don't fight back either; you know you can't win." Venom dripped from her every word.

Azula turned me to face Zuko and Haka-Sai. She brought two fingers up to my neck, ready to strike. I did not resist.

"Now before I destroy you, you're going to destroy yourself from the inside out. Watch."

"You know, after you ambushed Zuzu over here, wanted posters went up all over the place. And not just for you or your leader; for the whole village. I thought it would please Daddy if I helped eliminate a few traitors for him.

"So I stopped by your little village the other day. Really terrible offense they have. They're a disgrace to their element."

"No they're not," I screamed, rage embedded in my words. I would not move, and was forced to watch my brother take all this in. Hatred boiled inside of me.

And this was just the beginning.

"They were so easy to destroy; it probably only took me ten minutes or so. I went by every home, and burned each one to the ground personally. I think I went by your house, too.

"Your mother gave me a letter. Really long one too. She said that all she wanted to do was to give this to you, and let you know that she 'loves you.' Your mother has no imagination."

"What did she send me?!" I bellowed.

"You haven't seen it yet? I sent it straight to you, actually."

That letter...

"In case you haven't guessed, I read it before I sent it off. The entire reason I'm about to kill you is in that one scroll. If Zuzu knew, he would probably kill you too," she whispered.

"What did she say?"

"What, you haven't seen it yet? Apparently you're not nearly as smart as I thought you would be."

"WHAT DID SHE SAY?!"

"Don't loose your temper now, Princess."

Azula moved her hand back, and started it back toward my neck.

But at that same moment, she was stopped. A whirl of blue, red and silver erupted around me.

I had a chance to escape.

And I threw away that chance. I threw a wave of fire at the princess. I was stopped by a hand before I could throw a single strike more.

"Get out of here! We can take her; just get out!" I couldn't tell who said it, but I obeyed.

I grabbed my pack and ran.

I limped through the forest, as fast as one good leg could carry me. I held the low-hanging tree branches for some added stability.
His voice played through my mind over and over again.

Get out of here! We can take her; just get out!

And so I did.

I kept running, pushing tree limbs out of my face, but they had already scratched my pale skin. My lungs set on fire. I limped over to a boulder, sat, and removed the letter from my pack.

Whatever was written in there could- would- change my life forever. If it had almost gotten me killed, it must be important.

Slowly, carefully, I broke the seal.

My Dearest children,

I have written this as of the time when Mika is seven, and Haka-Sai is sixteen, but I am not sure when I will give you this letter. I will never be sure if you are ready, but when you do receive this, I think you will be.

We have traditions of peace passed through many generations. You should know that even though we live in a nation of hatred, we do not have to live like our nation.

You may think that you are simple people, free of pressure and care. You think that you are no different as the person next to you.

But you are wrong, very wrong.

Your great grandfather, Sacchi, was the first of many children. The son below him was Sozin. Sozin would be a great leader, bold and ambitious; that was clear even from childhood. Sacchi, however, was timid and kind.

His parents, the Fire Lord and Lady in his time, had always wanted your great grandfather on the throne after them. But Sacchi had never wanted to rule an entire nation, much unlike Sozin.

Sozin would not let his parents put his timid, unworthy brother on the throne. He pleaded his parents to let him be next in line, but they would not cooperate.

Sozin did not sit around. He forged a will, containing the child who would succeed his parents on the throne. He copied his father's signature onto the bottom, sealed it with his father's seal, and killed his parents. All he had to worry about was not getting blood on the paper.

Sacchi ran away, long aware of his brother's plan, not only to take the throne, but to start a war. He himself had a plot to stop him, but years passed, and he never took action against his brother.

Instead, he formed a village where Firebenders could flee from their nation's customs. He named it Katokai.

Your great grandfather was, and has always been the rightful Fire Lord. His bloodline is the true Fire Nation royalty.

His royalty has been passed down through generations, straight down to my son and daughter.

Princess Mika and Prince Haka- Sai, it is in your hands to dethrone Ozai and bring peace to the world. You are strong, and it is possible, no matter how impossible this may seem. Believe in yourself, and stay true to what is right.

With All Love Due,

Mom.

The letter floated lightly out of my palms as I stared in front of me. Princess Mika... It wasn't right!

Of course not; it's Fire Lady Mika...

And Fire Lord Haka-Sai...

Great. Azula knew that Haka was my brother and the real Fire Lord. But why didn't she kill him by now?

I had to go back, that I knew. But what would I possibly find there?

You are strong, and it is possible, no matter how impossible this may seem...

I limped back the way I came, and tried not to fall before I got there.

I stopped at the battle sight. So did my heart.

There were two people there: Zuko and my brother.

I could sense no life at all.

I gasped. My heart pounded.

Gone...

He wouldn't make it.

I ran over to the Fire Lord. Haka's arms were stuck awkwardly in a tree; his head hung limp. His shirt was scorched in the center of his chest. As I came, he lifted his head to see me better. "Mika," he said. His voice was hoarse.

"Haka!" I cried. "Are- are you Ok?"

"I don't–ah- think so. I-ur- think my leg is broken, or something. My arms-ah-too." He gasped in between words.

"You knew you couldn't fight! Why did you even try?"

"I would do anything to save you." His eyes smiled, but we both knew they couldn't smile much longer. "I'll be fine." He gave me his famous smile. It was weak, but I knew that smile.

That smile always followed a lie.

He wasn't fine.

"I love you, Mika," Haka tenderly whispered. As his eyes fluttered closed, a single tear escaped down his cheek.

All I wanted was just a little bit longer.

Tears flooded in my eyes. I took one last look at my brother, and moved on. It was the hardest thing I had ever done, but I had to do it.

There was another man that I was about to lose.