Okay, chapter 18 is here! One scene took me a really long time to write and it was midterm season, sorry for the delay. Okay, good news, Sokka and Katara are in this chapter, so you get to meet them. Second, we have some interesting interactions between people, old and new.

Okay, special thanks goes to Kawwii Lyn, who is my new friend. Okay, I'm about to break the natural laws of Hotspur-land and pimp fics.

One is an amazing piece called "Providence" by Superlazygirl who is by far one of the best writers on the fandom.

Another is "Playing With Fire" by Me-Obviously. Well-written, funny, original and worth your time. So march right over to her!

Anything by Cala Anna Morishku, she's talented, independent thinking and her ideas are quite well thought of.

The other is Spleef's "Hot Water" at fichaven. Org although you can also find her here. Why am I, the champion of the anti-Zutara front pimping it? Because it's a mature and well written fic, so just pretend it's an AU and everyone goes home happy. Her art is even better, definitely worth checking out. Her research helped this logic come to being.
Huge shout-out to ME and Lunny, two of my favorite reviewers who I shamefully neglect and CelticGoddess who is my new center of sanity. Also thanks to my editor SarahNev who rocks immensely. Now, off to reading.

Heaven on their Minds

I am frightened by the crowd.
For we are getting much too loud.
And they'll crush us if we go too far.
If they go too far...
--Jesus Christ Superstar (no offense to Christian meant)

Devdan stretched leisurely at the ambassador's quarters he had been granted. The Fire Nation may be bloodthirsty bastards but they definitely knew how to treat a man. The crimson rooms were elegant and tasteful, the food provided was delicious and the view from his apartments was breathtaking. Had it not been for Kalyan's nagging and the looks of worry on the faces of the other ambassadors, Devdan would have thought this was a vacation.

Of course, just earlier that day a number of Earth Kingdom prisoners had been dragged through the streets in chains and nearly lynched by an angry mob. Devdan had seen the same thing happen to Fire Nation prisoners ever since he was a small child. He remembered being eight and watching a young fire nation soldier get buried alive. He had seen that happen a lot more as he got older. War was hell. Kalyan had sent messages to see when they would be received. He had been told the Fire Lord had an emergency and would not be seeing anyone today. Devdan wondered what sort of emergency had gone on, but everyone remained tight-lipped on the subject, besides one hint that a member of the royal family had taken ill. All questions would be referred to sister or uncle of the Fire Lord.

"I'll take care of the Viceroy; you can deal with the Princess. I suppose you might as well tell me what my future bride is like. One bowl of rice is as good as another," Kalyan muttered irritably.

"Worried that this bowl of rice will be burnt?" Devdan mocked, as he lolled out on a pile of cushions. He was quite enjoying the time away from his family's palace. He preferred to forget certain matters at home while he could.

"She will be, if she makes trouble. Considering how these bloodthirsty savages are in allowing women to fight, I would be not surprised if she has dirty fingernails and belched," Kalyan said, as he supervised a servant cleaning his boots. "The things I do for my people!"

"Perish the thought that she might track mud over your clean floors. Whatever would you do?" Devdan retorted, rolling his eyes at his brother's antics.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Kalyan snapped, his eyes glinting dangerously. "And clean harder, you dolt! Not a speck of sand is to be present on my shoes. We need to impress the vice-ridden Viceroy if everything is to go as planned."

" We are earth-benders, big brother. We are supposed to like the dirt," Devdan muttered, thinking of what a clod of dirt his brother was. He had no care for the wants and needs of servants either, but his brother's nose never seemed to leave the air. It disgusted him to no end.

"Just because we bend it doesn't mean we have to be covered in it. Of course, those of us who come from the dirt must miss it. It is in your nature to be brutish and filthy," Kalyan sneered, before kicking the servant away. Devdan reddened with anger but said nothing. "Good, you show your respect to your betters. Now, act like you are worthy of your royal blood and do your duty. You of all people need to prove it," he said as he stalked out of the room.

Devdan stared after his brother for a few moments. Although the room had been cleared of nearly all rock and stone, every speck of dust flew into the air and swirled around angrily. Memories swirled around his head, making him choke with rage. After a few seconds, he forced himself to smile. "Can you take me to see the Princess, our most royal hostess?" he asked another one of the Fire Nation servants, who giggled at his smile.

Devdan had to admit, he had the easier mission. Women were such foolish and easily manipulated creatures. He could wrap them around his little finger and squeeze them into doing his will. They only wanted a powerful patron with a large purse; they never thought of the pain they could cause. As he walked through the ornate halls, he found himself quite enchanted by the beauty of the place. Such a pity it would all have to be destroyed soon enough.

Apparently, the Fire Princess was in the garden. How very boring and expected of her, he thought, envisioning some delicate little royal bloom amidst the other blooms. He mused over Princess Hotaru. Her name meant firefly. An apt name for a slight and dainty young lady of thin blue blood. The little china doll would be picking flowers and arranging them in some feminine waste of time. Devdan was bored already.

As he entered the garden, he noticed walking a beautiful young noblewoman in the garden, plucking peaches into a basket. She did not seem as fragile as Devdan expected a pampered princess to be. The girl walked with a firm gait that indicated a strong spirit and great dignity. He wondered if that would be a problem. He had never broken a girl who walked so confidently. On the other hand, he had never tried.

Although her dark hair had been elegantly coifed, a stray flower had been tucked on a whim over one ear. That meant she did have a mind of her own. This game would actually be more interesting then he thought.

He studied his prey further for a moment. In her satchel were scrolls, indicating she was most likely well educated. That might be a problem, but well-educated did not necessarily mean worldly.

Finally, her clothes indicated she was of high station. She wore no crown but she did wear enough jewelry to indicate wealth. This must be Hotaru. Well, at least she seemed exquisite enough to make his test more palatable. In fact, Devdan find himself almost eager for this challenge.

"Your royal highness, it is my esteemed pleasure to introduce myself. I am Prince Devdan of Ba Xing Xe," Devdan said, walking over to the girl and kneeling before her. She smelled wonderfully, he would definitely enjoy playing with her. I am astounded that the reports of your beauty fall short of the true measure, lovely princess."

The girl turned around, her golden eyes serious. "Please do not kneel to me, your highness. I'm merely Hyun of the house of Yhi," she said, offering a slim hand to help him up.

"I do apologize, lovely Lady Hyun. Your beauty and elegance made me believe I was looking at a princess. Are you of one of the princess's handmaidens?" Devdan asked, rising. He, a prince of Ba Xing Xe had kneeled to some common little noblewoman! He was glad Kalyan wasn't here to have a good laugh at him. Well, perhaps he could charm the girl into becoming of use to him. A handmaiden always knew a lot more then was safe for her mistresses.

"No, she's a tutor," said a soft voice from behind, tinged with amusement. Devdan noticed with pleasure that Hyun bowed deeply to the person. Now he had found the fragile little doll he was looking for.

Devdan was therefore astonished by the sweaty girl standing before him, her simple white clothing creased from physical exertion. Instead of an elegant obi, she wore a rope belt with a dagger stuck in. Her hair had been arranged by in two simple buns on either side of her head, but was now completely mussed up, slicked back with sweat. She wore no face-paint or jewelry, not even a crown to indicate her royal station. "You are Princess Hotaru, heiress to the Fire Nation crown?" he asked, taken completely aback.

The girl smiled, a hunger in her golden eyes that made Devdan quite nervous. Females weren't supposed to be that confident. "You don't need to repeat the introduction; I heard it the first time. Welcome to Azar," she said with a smile and an elegant bow. Her hand gripped the knife at belt with an easy grace that indicated she knew how to use it. "Are you the one who is supposed to be courting me?"

"Thank you, your highness. I must say that the Fire Nation is truly blessed with the most beautiful of women," Devdan managed to stammer out. He had no idea why he was suddenly so nervous. It was Kalyan who had the distinct honor of trying to win her lovely little hand. Devdan's role was far smaller.

"Fire Nation women are like the flames themselves, attracting moths," the princess smirked. Devdan knew the end of that proverb, how love burns the moths to bits. He quickly saw she was baiting him.

"What moth can resist such lovely candles? I'll allow you to return to your practice. I am sure you are enjoying your lessons immensely," Devdan said with a raised eyebrow. This was the girl who Kalyan was supposed to court? Kalyan would have a fit if he saw the stains on the princess's clothing. He recalled now that rumor had it the princess had served as a pirate for a few years of her life. Obviously there was still some transitioning to royal life.

"Lessons? My dear Prince Devdan, I can teach combat. Perhaps it's you who requires a lesson in manners. Frankly, I'm bored and could use a distraction. You seem more entertaining then anyone else here. Would you care for match to decide who needs the instructor?" the princess smiled, her eyes flashing with passion. Devdan felt his breath catch in his throat. He had never met a girl with such spunk.

"I'm not sure that would be much of a challenge, Princess. If your most lordly brother heard I laid a hand on his sister and humiliated her, he'd have my head on a pike. I'd rather not risk hurting you," Devdan said, with a bow. He could bait her right back; he had to regain control of the situation.

"Oh, he'd do far worse to you. A man on my ship got flogged for even mouthing off to me. His skin got peeled off, inch by inch. Such a horrible fate and diplomatic immunity in a time of war is such a tenuous thing, Prince Devdan," Princess Hotaru smirked as she folded her arms.

"Is that a threat, your highness?" Devdan enquired, wondering if he and the other ambassadors had been summoned here just to have their heads returned to Grandfather.

"Far from it, just some information for your edification. I have no intention of letting you humiliate me," the princess said sweetly, stretching out a long limb.

"I am glad to hear it, your highness," Devdan said, wondering how the in the name of the Stone gods was he supposed to charm this hoyden. Kalyan would never be able to handle such a feisty firefly. He did not deserve her.

"Now, are you accepting my challenge for a little match or do I have to tell my brother you insulted me? He has a nasty temper, you know. Very protective of his only sister," the princess said with a cruel smile.

Devdan squirmed under the girl's sneer. He found himself sure that this girl didn't give empty threats. "It appears you are a very persuasive diplomat in the debating traditions of the Fire Nation. You made me an offer I just could not refuse, my lady," he parried, bowing deeply. This was far more interesting then he had ever expected.

"Excellent, I thought so. Fetch the practice equipment. Prince Devdan, choose your weapon," Princess Hotaru said to a nearby servant.

"Staffs," Devdan decided quickly. He figured that would leave the last damage if an accident should happen. He could not risk hurting her just yet. He had to admit, each moment with the Princess of Fire was definitely interesting.

"An excellent choice, I always find it interesting to see what weapon a man selects. Always wonder if he is compensating for something…or rather the lack of something," the princess enquired, raising an eyebrow. Devdan felt heat flush further into his cheeks as he felt aroused.

Devdan raised an eyebrow. "You are impertinent, Princess. I doubt many men would be happy to have such a wife," he said with a smile. He was pleased to note her hands were covered in dirt. Devdan could not wait to watch the fireworks, literally. Kalyan would be seething.

"Other men's happiness isn't my concern. That's the privilege of royalty, we decide what can be called happiness," Hotaru said with a smirk as she stretched her long limbs. Devdan could feel his body responding against his will to the sight of the princess. He wanted to conquer this girl, he wanted to pin her down and ravish her. She had no right to make him feel this way. He wanted to make her call out his name in ecstasy and be completely under his power.

The handmaiden returned with two staffs. "Guests may choose first. I would hate to allow a suspicion of cheating," Hotaru said, giving him a polite bow.

Devdan reached out and noticed the bamboo staffs were of different lengths. He moved to take the longer of the two, but then he realized she would make a remark about compensating. His hand then moved to the smaller one and saw the princess begin to smirk, obviously another cutting remark in her arsenal. He could not allow her to take the upper hand.

Devdan's tanto had been taken from him but the princess had a dagger at her hip. Devdan's hands had always been quick and clever, adroit at liberating articles from their current owners. He walked over and kissed the princess's hand. "It shall be an honor to fight you," Devdan said reverently, removing the knife with his free hand. "But I prefer things to be equal between us. I'd hate to think you were insulted by the lack of something," he said, returning the smirk as he cut the longer staff to make them equal before tossing her weapon back.

The princess's eyes widened a bit before letting out a soft laugh. "Very clever, Prince Devdan. You have the hands of a pirate," she said, clearly amused as she returned her knife to her sheath. He liked her laugh. Her lips looked as soft and as tempting as the peaches on the tree nearby, Devdan found himself fancying a taste. When he had managed to pin her down, he would feast upon those cherry lips.

Devdan removed his cloak and outer robe, leaving him bare-chested. A blushing servant girl took his excess garments from him, giving Devdan a foretaste of what the princess would be thinking. He now had freedom of movement besides the advantage of distraction. He had always been beautiful, he thought bitterly. He was here because of beauty. It was good to use it to an advantage.

He turned and found the princess smiling at him. Strangely, she was not blushing, or looking at him as if he was a piece of meat. She was looking approvingly at him as if he was worthy of her respect. "I see that despite your pampered prince-hood, you have managed to find time for martial arts. Perhaps it will take me longer to defeat you." She said, admiring Devdan's rippling muscles. "So, are you merely showing off or do you think this is an Agni Kai?" she said, bowing slightly as she picked up her staff. As she bowed, a generous view of the rise of her bosom was given. Devdan's body tightened as he felt himself grow momentarily distracted. Obviously, Princess Hotaru knew how to use her body to advantage just as well as he did.

"I can fight without staffs, if you wish. I am an Earth bending master and need no weapon to defend myself," Devdan said, with a great deal of pride. He had just passed the trials of Geb, seven months ago upon his twenty-second birthday.

"I warn you, there will be no bending in this fight. It might be construed as an attack on my life," she said with a smile.

Devdan had no intention of killing her just yet; it was far too early in the game. There were too many witnesses here anyway. "Then staffs it is. Shall we begin?" he said, as he allowed her to attack. Hotaru gripped the staff at the center and whirled. Her staff cracked against Devdan's as he caught it in the middle. "Is that all you've got?" he asked. He stepped forward, sweeping the staff along the top of Princess Hotaru's.

"No, this is," Hotaru said, landing a neat blow to his side where he had left himself open. She obviously had been feeling him out, to see his weakness. Devdan quickly blocked the second strike with a hard smack, unwilling to make the same mistake twice. "You fight well, Princess."

"What did you expect? Some weak little princess who only waits for her King to come and rule her?" Princess Hotaru demanded, a rise coming to her cheeks. Devdan smiled, knowing her weak point already. She wanted power and respect. As the female heir to the throne, men would see her as a broodmare. She would see the rest of her life as some trophy to an ally to her brother. She would be eager to prove herself as more then just an accessory to the crown. She would want recognition.

"You'd make a wonderful queen, Princess. You are so strong," Devdan said, figuring the proper flattery to use on her. "Though perhaps it's better that you are a Princess. My home would have no chance against you," he said, jumping over a slashing blow to the feet.

"You give me proper credit. Do I really make you nervous, Prince Devdan?" Princess Hotaru smirked, as she parried a blow from him and neatly returned the strike. Her skill was unmistakable, she had been well trained.

"You would make most men nervous, my lovely Princess. Though it would take a little more than excellent fighting skills, a beautiful smile and the ability to have me executed to make me nervous, Princess," he retorted, striking out at her side.

"Only a little? I'm disappointed," the princess said. "I prefer to make men cower," she said, dodging a rapid succession of blows. She was small and lithe, hard to catch. Devdan usually combined his weaponry skills with earth bending, so this made the fight doubly hard. He wondered if the rumors of piracy really were true. He ducked and swerved to avoid the petite princess, but found himself caught off guard. With lightning speed, she knocked the staff from Devdan's hands. "So start cowering."

Devdan's eyes widened as the staff was pointed at him like a sword. "I suppose I should not expect mercy, should I?" he said, holding his hands up in surrender. His pride stung at being bested by a female, regardless of her comeliness.

Princess Hotaru smirked and shook her head. "Mercy comes from my brother, not me. I don't believe in letting my opponent best me," she sneered, her head held proudly as her attention was shifted.

"Then I suppose I better defend myself," Devdan said, making a quick movement with his hands. The earth beneath the fair royal began to tremble, knocking her off her feet. It was subtle, not enough for anyone else to detect but sufficient for his goals. The staff fell from her hands, which Devdan kicked away. "I wonder how that happened," he said, giving her one of his most charming smiles.

Princess Hotaru looked up at him furiously. "You cheated, you have no honor in a fight!" she spat, her eyes glinting with anger. Devdan prepped himself in case she threw a ball of fire.

"I find the honor is found in victory. History is made up of those who won, not those who showed honor," Devdan said airily, amused at his victory. "Did you expect me to go easy on you because you are a princess? This is war, my lady. Winner takes all."

With a burst of speed, Princess Hotaru tackled him around the middle to the floor. Devdan was shocked to find the tables turned and the princess climbing on top of him with a hungry glint for victory in her eyes. "Then I suppose I have taken you," she derided as she sat on his chest.

"I admit this position is unusual to me," Devdan finally said, surprised at just how rough and tumble this princess was. He could feel more stirrings in his body at the mere touch of her skin. "I can't say I'm complaining though," Devdan continued.

"I like being on top," the princess crowed, her voice saturated with victory. She was beautiful in the sunlight, her golden eyes filled with fire. He could see her eyes studying his muscles approvingly; a lusty look in her eyes that indicated that she was quite aroused herself. Devdan found himself wishing he could take her right here and now. He definitely wanted her now, he would claim this girl in bed soon enough. This little doll would be his before long.

"Just remember I'm letting you win, Princess. I can have the Earth swallow us both in the blink of an eye," Devdan reminded her and watched those perfect lips become a pout of anger. How delicious they looked.

"And these are the gardens, where the royal family entertains important visitors, Prince Kalyan. And…here is my niece entertaining what appears to be your brother," a voice said, interrupting the mood. Devdan turned his head to see an elderly Fire Nation man was walking with Kalyan, both looking rather confused.

"Greetings Uncle Iroh. So, this is the poor fool sent to try and court me?" Princess Hotaru said, giving her uncle a radiant smile as she gestured to Devdan.

"No, this is. Prince Kalyan, meet Princess Hotaru, heiress to the Fire throne and sister of the Fire Lord. She's the one torturing your poor brother," Iroh said, with amusement in his voice. Princess Hotaru and Kalyan stared at each other with horror, obviously seeing their worst nightmares before them. Kalyan, with his fastidiously neat robes, nutritiously clean hands and his perfectly coifed hair meeting Princess Hotaru of the dirty fingers, the messy hair and the crumpled training uniform. It was a match made in the Absurd. Uncle Iroh continued, obviously trying to smooth the situation. "Why don't we all go in for a nice glass of tea and get to know each other a little better?"

Zuko sat in his bedroom, his head in his hands. He was the most powerful man in the world and he was completely helpless. Aiiro was ill and nothing seemed to help. He had ordered everyone out of the room, wanting to be alone. He could not be the almighty Fire Lord at this moment. Zuko had always grown up with the idea that a part of him belonged to his people, but he found it exhausting now. He just could not do everything for everyone. Soldiers, peasants, nobles, his family all looked to him to lead. Zuko felt like he was holding rice in his hands, more kept slipping out of his grip. "I'm sorry, I just can't be Agni," he whispered, as he watched his little ward lie there. He had failed to protect Aiiro.

He did not know how much time passed before he was visited by Uncle, to be briefed on affairs of state. The Dragon of the West had assured the young Fire Lord that nothing of importance had been missed and that everything was fine. "How is your pet doing?" he asked, putting a firm hand on Zuko's shoulder.

The exhausted young monarch slumped in a chair, feeling helpless. He had been barely listening to his own guardian. "Sometimes, it's hard to protect the ones you care about," he mumbled, caressing Aiiro's woebegone face.

Uncle nodded. "It hurts, more than anyone can say," he agreed, making Zuko even more uncomfortable. He had a feeling Uncle was not talking about Zuko's foster child, but someone else. "Sitting at a wounded child's bed and feeling helpless is torture itself. You blame yourself, knowing you could have…should have done something. You wonder if you were too lenient, you wonder how you will be able to cope with the harsh mistake your future has brought. It is a pain beyond describing." Yes, he was definitely talking about someone else.

Zuko shifted awkwardly. He still was unsure how to react to his biological and emotional father. He feared fathers far too much to want to use the word and yet, he had to acknowledge him as something!

"I…just wanted to say that you were a wonderful teacher. I thank you for that," Zuko muttered, averting his eyes. Somehow he wished he had Aiiro's candor to use the words he wished to say.

"Well, it was a pleasure. You are a wonderful student. Don't put me off to retirement too quickly. You still do have much to learn and there will be plenty of lessons in the future," Uncle replied with a twinkle in his eye. He understood as always just what Zuko meant. "Now I am going to go back and take a nap. You should rest too. You may be Agni's chosen one but you aren't Agni himself. You should follow the sun's example and relax at intervals."

"Maybe later. You go rest. I need to see how Aiiro is doing. I won't be able to relax unless I know he is all right," Zuko said softly, tucking the blanket further around Aiiro.

"Of course. I shall return after my nap to have a meal with you," Uncle called over his shoulder, as he left. Zuko was grateful that Uncle understood he wished to be alone. The man always comprehended him.

Even with Uncle's comforting words, Zuko still felt sick. The little boy looked so pale against the red sheets. With his eyes closed, he looked nearly dead. Healer Niu had said that nothing was physically wrong with Aiiro besides exhaustion. The child had finally lost control of the battle he was fighting against the demons in his past. He thought about all Aiiro had gone through and felt nauseous inside. Aiiro had been kidnapped, captured and set through a bloodthirsty mob. How could Zuko have not noticed that Aiiro had needed help? He should know better then anyone about the pain of losing loved ones.

Zuko had remembered losing control after his mother and sister had left. He had become an insomniac because of the nightmares. He would walk the palace halls, unable to relax. Uncle had finally resorted to giving Zuko teas to sedate him.

After a while, Zuko had learned to hide the panic but it had always been there, bubbling under the surface. Each year, as fresh scars were added to his collection, Zuko had felt like he was gradually losing control. Even though Aang had taken away all that pain, some scars would never be healed. Yet, Aiiro was too young to suffer.

Zuko tried to look over the work brought to him, but he found his mind wandering to other subjects. When Aiiro woke up, he would have a lot of tough questions for Zuko to answer. The monarch had already decided that all the prisoners would be sent to the mines, far away where the sight of them would not traumatize the young ward. Zuko had spared them from execution for Aiiro's sake, but he could do no more. He could not look soft and risk a revolution. Everywhere Zuko looked, he could see Ozai had left a mark that would be hard to erase.

"Master!" a voice whispered. Zuko looked up to see his little ward staring up at him, with tired blue eyes. "I know you'd be here."

"Of course, I said we'd have to be pulled apart." he assured his little pet as he moved his chair closer.

"I'm so tired. Am I dying?" Aiiro whispered, his eyes glazed over with exhaustion. He did sound very weak, but at least he was awake.

Zuko patted Aiiro's cheek. "You just fatigued yourself. You'll be fine after some rest. Don't talk like that. No one is dying for now, least of all you. Don't you ever worry me like that again, do you hear me?" he commanded, taking Aiiro's cold little hand in his own hand.

"I'm so sorry, Master," Aiiro whispered, trying to sit up. A firm hand on the smaller boy's forehead pinned him back down.

"Don't you dare move! The healer said that you require rest, so you will not be moving from this bed till you are better," Zuko ordered, his voice growing colder. He had failed to protect Aiiro before, it would not happen again.

"All right. I'll be good. I didn't mean to cause trouble. Are you angry with me for worrying you?" Aiiro asked softly, his blue eyes piercing into Zuko's own. "I didn't mean to get so upset."

"What happened?" Zuko asked gently, trying to imitate the way Uncle would speak to him.

"I was so scared," Aiiro whispered. "That mob, all those people wanting to kill me. Those cages, those angry people. I thought they would hurt me." His usually tan skin was now pale and chalky.

"How much you've been through in your little life," Zuko murmured, patting Aiiro's head. The child was so helpless and fragile. He should be spared from such ugly things. "I told you, no one will ever hurt you again. That mob wouldn't dare touch you now. You are the Prince of the Water Tribe and you are also my ward. Those people are good now. I am not going to let you have another moment of fear," he assured the younger boy.

"Please stay here with me. I'm only safe with you," Aiiro begged, holding out his hands to him.

"Of course. You need plenty of rest though. I'll sit here and work, while you just lie here and listen. You must not exert yourself. Would you like me to have the servants bring you something to eat?" Zuko asked, eager to do something to improve his ward's condition. He tucked the blanket around Aiiro's small body, eager for him to stay warm.

"I just want you to sit with me," Aiiro asked. "I like knowing you are with me. You are important to me too, Master. I would do anything for you. I would die for you. I wish you were my real family. Do you know how much I love you?" he asked worshipfully.

Zuko winced, hating all this adulation and the L word. It had been never used around him as a child and he was very uncomfortable with it. "How much?" he muttered. He supposed he could indulge the child for a bit.

"As much as you love the General," Aiiro said with a weak smile, knowing he had said something clever.

Zuko was taken aback for a moment. "That's quite a lot," he managed to say. "You had best rest. I shall read to you some reports and you can listen." That would put Aiiro to sleep better then any sedative. He picked up a report on the granary reports and began reading, as he watched Aiiro's eyelids begin to droop.

Hyun walked in a few moments later, bowing deeply and disrupting Zuko's plot to bore Aiiro to sleep. "Would it be all right, your majesty, if I give his highness some peaches I picked?" the tutor whispered, looking just as pale as her pupil. Her cheeks were strangely flushed. "Is he feeling better?"

Zuko looked up. "Aiiro need a lot of rest though. Not too long of a visit," he said hesitantly, unsure how to react to the person who had caused this situation. She should have been more careful around Aiiro! He should be debating between having her carted off to prison and just banishing her from the library, but he found himself feeling less than hatred for her.

"Miss Hyun, I'm sorry for disobeying you. I hope you aren't in trouble," Aiiro whispered, holding out a small hand to her. His small face seemed so sorrowful. Well, if Aiiro liked her, then Zuko had to say she must be a good person. Aiiro only took a shine to people with the highest character. "I should have listened to you."

"Yes, you should have listened, but it's my fault for not adequately guarding you. I hope His majesty and your highness can forgive my incompetence," she whispered, her voice still shaking.

Zuko nodded, unwilling to yell in front of Aiiro. He was too exhausted to yell anyway. She did look very sorry and Zuko had the nagging feeling he was trying to scapegoat someone. "It's over. We won't speak of it again," he said, just too exhausted to make more of the issue.

"Thank you, your majesty. I shall never disappoint you again," Hyun whispered, bowing deeply. She looked very grateful for the second chance. Zuko nodded benevolently and took a peach for himself. He had to admit that the sweet nectar was delicious. "That reminds me. Aiiro, time for some medicine."

"I hate the way medicine tastes. I don't want it," Aiiro whispered weakly as he tried to turn his head away.

Zuko cleared his throat. "That was not a request," he said sternly. Healer Niu had advised sedating the boy for a few days so that his body had a chance to rest. "Now, let me help you sit up and you will drink. It keeps the nightmares away." Aiiro had to be protected from all harm. Aiiro obeyed reluctantly, most likely too tired to protest too much. For that, Zuko was grateful.

"What a good boy you are, Prince Aiiro. Your Master and I are very proud of you. Is there anything else I can do to serve your highness?" Hyun asked, her voice gentle and soothing. Zuko supposed that she was a good person for Aiiro to have around, warm and motherly. He liked the sound of her voice, she sounded so comforting and gentle. Zuko studied her out of the corner of his eyes and found himself approving of her. She was definitely beautiful.

Of course, he could not say that. He was still unsure how to react to this female visitor. He was not used to having females around, besides his sister and mother. He reminded himself that he was not Ozai and he had no right to ogle maidens when he had more important duties.

"Can you read me a story? Master needs to work and when he is working, his stories are very boring," Aiiro said softly, his large eyes serious.

Zuko gave Aiiro an exasperated look as he motioned for Hyun to take a seat by the bedside. "A short one," he muttered, giving Aiiro an affectionate prod with his elbow. He did not mind the boy's disrespect very much, even if he knew he should.

"Your highness, it's customary not to say the word boring in reference to the Fire Lord," Hyun said in a shocked tone, giving Aiiro a reproachful look. "What kind of manners did you get in your previous royal lessons when you were in your native land?"

Zuko immediately cut off that vein of conversation. No need for anyone to know that Aiiro was a peasant. "Well, Aiiro has a lot to learn but that can wait till tomorrow. Right now, he requires rest and a lot of it."

"Do you know any stories about the Water Tribe?" Aiiro asked sleepily. The quick acting medicine must have gone to Aiiro's head; he almost never brought up the Water tribe in front of Zuko.

"Indeed I do, my young prince. A story of Shaanar and the magical fire that was said to burn underwater. Shaanar traveled to the South Pole many times to test his theories," Hyun began, her melodious voice beginning to weave the story. "One of those trips happened to be his last."

Zuko waved his hand. "I know of that story and it's much too dark for him. Maybe you can hear him tomorrow. I actually have a story for you, Aiiro. It's the story of a boy named Jyou and the wild adventure life took him on," Zuko said with a small smile. "You know that story?"

"Of course, your Majesty. Way, way back, many centuries ago, not long after the reign of Fire Lord Eiblin began…" Hyun began, as she began to weave the story.

Zuko decided when Aiiro was older; he'd give him Uncle's box. Till then, the first story intrigued him. He pulled a bell cord for a servant. "I want the papers of Shaanar brought to me; I'm interested in seeing them," he commanded, as he returned to his work, the sound of Hyun's voice making pleasant background music.

After a half hour, Aiiro returned to a sedated sleep. Hyun had agreed to sit with him for an hour so Zuko could finally leave his bedroom and return to work. After a few messages sent out to various members of the Royal Household, Zuko had finally tracked down what happened to each member of the captured Southern Water Tribe. The majority of the prisoners were being in various seedy places, as per his orders. The two siblings were being held in his dungeons, on Princess Hotaru's command. He had no idea why his sister had felt the need to imprison the two but he had refrained from commenting on the matter. He was dealing with the matter and that was all that was important.

He had already decided the perfect plan for them, one that was both just and merciful. As he waited for the prisoners to be brought in, his thoughts turned to the fallen Avatar. Zuko was aware that Aang would not approve of all the actions the new Fire Lord was taking. Yet, what could a twelve year old monk, asleep for a century, know of politics and battle? Zuko was doing his best, given the circumstances. He could still hear the Avatar's words in his head. "First-have fun. Be a kid, allow yourself to smile and enjoy life. Let go of the pain in the past and embrace a happy life. You are a good person, act like it."

Zuko was still overworking himself but at least he was happier and smiling more. He was getting daily massages from the slaves and he promised himself that he would take his family to the Mountain Palace for a much needed rest as soon as he could spare the time. He had to overwork himself for now if he wanted to fulfill request number two. "Then use this second chance at life wisely. You are going to be Fire Lord. End the war and do what is best for your people." Zuko was trying his best, but that request would take time. A hundred years of war did not end overnight.

He looked up when he saw the two shackled prisoners brought into his study. The boy had recovered from Hotaru's wrath and seemed to be able to walk upright, while the girl seemed as defiant as ever. "You are alive," she said angrily, as if expecting differently.

"Of course I am alive. I am the Fire Lord after all. Now, your case has finally come to my attention. It was…regrettable that you were imprisoned. Have you been informed of the events of the previous Fire Lord's death?" Zuko asked, trying to be as formal as possible. This was incredibly awkward. He was not good at apologizing, but he had to do this for Aiiro. He owed it to the little boy.

"How your father killed our friend and you got to be Fire Lord?" the boy snapped furiously. "Yes, we heard about it."

"Aang gave up his life to give me the power to stop Fire Lord Ozai. His sacrifice was noble and I would expect you of all people would appreciate it," Zuko snapped angrily.

"You don't know anything about nobility. You are a murderer, a kidnapper and a tyrant!" the boy spat. "You kidnapped my village just to get yourself a fancy hat!"

Zuko debated having the guards punch him, but he decided against it. He supposed the yokel had a right to be angry. "Quiet, peasant," he finally decided to growl.

"Where is Aiiro? What did you do with him?" Katara demanded, her voice growing cold as she struggled against her guards.

Zuko swallowed nervously. That was not a topic he wished to discuss. Aiiro belonged to him and no one would take the little boy away. "He is safe and well. Moreover, he is none of your concern," he snapped back, getting irritable. The topic was straying away from Zuko's original intent.

"You can't just keep him, he belongs with us!" the yokel demanded protectively, so much like the older warriors of his village. Zuko was in a merciful mood; but he would never give up on his little friend.

"He's our fellow water tribesman, I want to see him and talk to him, make sure you are treating him well," Katara continued, as if she had the right to command him.

"Your wants are not my concern. Aiiro is under my care and protection. I am his guardian now and I decide when and if he sees anybody," Zuko said angrily, refusing to allow his little pet to be taken from him. "Worry more about yourselves! As I was saying, I was with the Avatar when he passed on. He wished for you to know the following information. He said he loves you, Katara and forgives you for what you did." The quicker he got this interview over, the happier he would be.

"What you blackmailed and forced me to do! Aiiro, Aang, we aren't game pieces to be arranged to suit your needs! You may be Fire Lord now, but you still haven't become human!" Katara reminded her voice tinged with anger.

"He also wished you to have the lemur as well as the bison once it is found," Zuko continued, ignoring the girl's ranting. That remark hit a bit too close. "Troops will be sent out to scout the area as soon as possible. We are confident it can be found."

"We appreciate it. After all the misery you have put us through, we get a lemur and bison as a consolation. Thank you so very much. Now take the chains off and let us go," the boy commanded, still too defiant and angry for Zuko's tastes. "We can find Appa ourselves."

"Your homes were completely destroyed; you have nowhere to go back to. There is an island fifty miles from here called Sohar. It's a small fishing islet, far away from all other islands and a perfect home for the new Water Tribe sanctuary."

"Thanks but no thanks. We'd don't need any more of your help. We want to go to our homes, not live in your blood-soaked prison of a land in some sanctuary like an animal in a game reserve," the boy sneered contemptuously.

"I am afraid I can't allow you to return to such a remote location and plot revenge. You will be protected from harm and I can be sure you don't cause trouble. Supplies will be provided for your little hamlet so you can rebuild. I think I am being more than generous."

The yokel's eyes widened suddenly as he noticed the scrolls of Shaanar. "What is that?" he asked. "That's Water tribe scrolls that you stole!" he whispered, his voice growing softer with shock. He tried to move towards them, but guards held him back. "They don't belong to you!"

Zuko shrugged. "My country, my palace, my army, my scrolls," he said, still wanting to get this event over with. He could not believe how ungrateful these people were being.

"You better burn them because if you don't, I will get them back!" the bumpkin threatened ineffectually. Zuko wanted to laugh. He had conquered Ozai the Inferno, he had the most powerful nation in the world behind him and from what he could remember, and the rustic was a mediocre warrior without bending abilities. He wanted Zuko to destroy them; they obviously contained some sort of important information.

"The island of Sohar is quite secure. I have no doubt you and the rest of your village, as well as all the captured Northern Prisoners will not be leaving without my permission," he said with a shrug.

"Captured Northern Prisoners? You are continuing the war?" the girl asked incredulously.

"Correction. The war is continuing because no other nation wants to make peace. That isn't my fault. The fighting hasn't stopped yet, so I must keep defending my people even as I try to negotiate for harmony," Zuko said wearily. This interview was taking far too much time.

"How could you do this? Aang died for peace and you are becoming just like your father! I believed you could change, I believed you had a heart! How could you do this to us!" the girl shouted, her eyes blazing with fury. Zuko was grateful he had all water removed from the room before having her. The girl had some talent in Water-bending and he did not want to risk anything.

"The Northern tribe attacked our merchant ships. Twenty five brave men lost their lives for delivering food and spices to the outer Islands. Their families are begging for justice. That can't go unpunished," Zuko said through gritted teeth.

"Spare us your lies, you soulless tyrant!" the boy retorted, reminding Zuko of the Water tribe warriors. They were so eager to die and Zuko so unwilling to order the deed done.

"My brother was right, you are evil to the core," the girl shrieked, her eyes growing even stormier. Zuko knew he could defeat her in combat but he was still pleased to have her restrained. No need for more blood.

"I don't have to explain myself to you. You are dismissed. Take them to the boats." Zuko could have punished her but he had no wish to see the girl hurt anymore. She would see his wisdom once she calmed down.

"You killed Aang! You betrayed him, you monster! The Avatar will return to take vengeance on you!" the girl screamed hysterically as she was yanked out of the room. Her screams echoed through the metal halls and through Zuko's mind. Was he doing the right thing? Had he betrayed the Avatar? He was just so confused. He debated ordering the girl returned but he decided against this. What did two tribe peasants know about governing compared to the Fire Lord?

A cold thought trickled down his spine. Ozai too had been the Fire Lord and Zuko's step-father had been the cruelest person in the world. Zuko was just trying to do the right thing for everyone. He was just so tired of making decisions that determined the lives of those around him. It was just so hard to know what the right thing to do anymore.

"A Fire Lord does not hesitate. Why are you such a fool? Can't you do anything right? Must everything be beaten into you? An unworthy and weak mistake! You are a disgrace!" He could hear Ozai's voice still in his ear, even in the silence of his mind. He should not be thinking about this anymore. Ozai was dead; he could not hurt him anymore. "Worthless failure!"

Then he saw the face of Aang, glaring at him. Zuko was not being cruel, he wanted to bring peace. He truly did. Surely the Avatar would understand! "You betrayed me, Zuko. I gave you life and you misused it. I don't care what the price; you should have ended the war. So now I am going to take it away. Now everyone you love is going to suffer. It's all your fault! You are just like Ozai!" No! Then Uncle, Mother, Hotaru and Aiiro would be hurt. Let the Avatar punish him but spare them! He could not bear to lose his loved ones again.

"Brother, are you all right?" a voice said, breaking through the madness. Zuko looked up and saw his sister standing in her training clothing. Her eyes studied him, as she knelt down next to him.

"I don't know. Are you?" Zuko asked back, wondering how he had collapsed on the floor. He felt so weak, so tired. He just wanted everything to be simple again.

"I'm…fine. Nothing to worry about," Zuko said, trying to be as stoic as possible. He could not show weakness and worry his beloved sister.

"Are you sure?" Hotaru asked. "Is royal life too much pressure?" she asked, her voice soft and lilting. Was it him or did Hotaru seem different now? No, he was just tired. Hotaru was his loyal sister.

"I was born to rule, Sister. It's nothing I can't handle," he assured her, as he squeezed her hand. He had to look strong for his sister, she needed his protection.

"I think you should take a firmer hand with people. You insist on overseeing so many cases, granting clemency. You are the Fire Lord. There are a lot of people who deserve to die. Including the person who now does military advising for you," Hotaru said in a firmer voice.

Zuko shrugged. "I know what I am doing, Hotaru. You don't have to worry about me. I'm fine. While I'm Fire Lord, I'll do things my way," he said, too tired to explain himself much more.

Hotaru nodded. "Of course, Brother. Your rule, your rules."

Spoof written by Saphire Warg with some help from me. She's a genius, you know. Read her work!

Everyone wonders: What's going to happen to Sokka and Katara?
Aang: puts sticky note on Zuko's forehead Please free my friends. Darn it! Zuko's not getting the message!

Roku: Have you considered a song and dance routine?
Aang to the tune of O Christmas tree: Oh free my friends, oh free my friends, please Zuko let them go!
Zuko: Zzzzzzz...

The next day...
Hotaru: Where's Zuko?
Iroh: At the doctor's. Somebody stapled a note that says, "What part of 'end the war, and find my lemur and bison and give them to my friends' don't you understand!" to his forehead.
Aang: You think he got the message?
Roku: shrugs
Zuko-What a strange note. Well, back to conquering the world
Aang: ARRRRGHHHH!
Hotaru: No, I'M the pirate.
Aang: Roku, I think we need to hire Jessica Simpson to sing a song. "My friends were made for freeing"
Roku: Uh-oh...
Aang: What's wrong?
Roku: I just sent an e-mail to Billie Joe Armstrong to see if he'd play "American Idiot" at the palace... and I asked him to change it to "Fire Nation Idiot"...
Aang: So... send them another, and--
Roku: They've already said they'd do it.
Aang: Thanks a lot.
Zuko: Wow, a song about Ozai! Nice! Hotaru is a big Greenday fan! She'll love it. What a wonderful present. Wow, Aang must really approve of me
Aang: starts banging head against desk Oh... I give up! goes to play video games with Ye-Lin
Ye-Lin: Ever consider trapping Zuko in an air sphere?

Aang: He's too big for that. But….hmmmm
Later...
Zuko: Why am I suddenly in the Spirit World? Am I dead?
Aang: Not yet! grabs Zuko by the front of his shirt, and starts shaking him, and yelling...
Later...
Zuko: Who knew Avatar Aang had such a colorful vocabulary? shudders
Aang: sigh
Roku: You can take that soap out of your mouth in... Fifteen minutes.

Next Chapter: A dangerous secret is unearthed, Zuko finds himself drowning even more under the weight of the crown and Hotaru and Devdan get to know each other better. Tell me what you want to see or think you'll see, it might be interesting to see how right you are.