A Puncher's Chance

by RDF

Zuko understands what true fighting spirit is all about.

3. Chapter 3

(That night after Zuko had gone back home he was congratulated on a job well done by his Uncle.)

Iroh-"That was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen in my life Zuko! You should have seen yourself! You were amazing tonight!"

Zuko-"Thanks Uncle. I appreciate that. How's the cut on my face look?"

Iroh-"Not bad at all. I'm surprised your face didn't swell up like I thought it would. You're a very lucky prince, or should I say Lee "The Warrior"?"

Zuko-"Nephew is just fine Uncle."

(Uncle put his hand on Zuko's shoulder.)

Iroh-"I'm so proud of you nephew. You've done an amazing thing; something no one thought possible. I'm so lucky to have you as my nephew."

(He hugged him and patted him on the back.)

Zuko-"Thanks Uncle. Thanks a lot."

Iroh-"So, would you like me to make some Jasmine tea? It's your favorite."

Zuko-"No thanks Uncle. I'd really like to get some rest if that's okay. I'm still hurting from earlier."

Iroh-"Of course. Just know I'm proud of what you've done."

(Zuko was in his bed sleeping soon after. At first it was peaceful. He and Jin were lying together in the grass holding each other close. It was such a romantic scene. But that image soon faded, and instead it was filled with a nightmare. He saw a figure and he was sure he recognized the person, but couldn't put a finger on it. She was a woman, dark, tall, and very muscular. He saw the figure continually pound away at Jin in a boxing match without mercy. Jin took a right hook to the head and then a left to the body! Jin got a chinful of an uppercut and was reeling. Then a left hook to the face! Then came a right! Jin was being pulverized! Then a tremendous uppercut to the chin of the badly hurt Jin. She remained motionless for a second, and then she fell to the canvas. She was dead.)

Zuko-"No!"

(Zuko woke up from his nightmare. He put his hand to face and tried to block out the memory of what he had just dreamed.)

Zuko's thoughts-"Jin. What was that I was dreaming? More importantly, who was that other person?"

(Zuko got up out of bed and looked out the window. He looked up at the stars and decided to push that memory from his mind.)

Zuko's thoughts-"It was just a nightmare. It was just a bad dream. God wouldn't let that happen."

(Zuko slipped back into the covers and put his head down to sleep.)

Zuko's thoughts-"It was only a dream."

(Or was it?)

(In a fancy gymnasium filled with all the latest equipment and gear, June and her trainer were discussing about the deal. June wasn't in the mood for talk though. She had just had too deal with the Ba Sing Se people booing her even after she had won the fight. She was originally from Omashu, and anyone from that city was not welcome in Ba Sing Se. Both cities still held this prejudice against each other that began on the idea on whose city was impenetrable. Although refugees from the city came here, they weren't by any means welcomed with open arms. She knocked out another fighter in 5 rounds. The man had beaten completely. She had pulverized him, and she had barely gotten a punch. Still, despite this victory she wasn't in the mood for talking or making deals, especially when the deal involved fighting a 16 year old girl.)

June-"Look, I told you, I'm not fighting this girl."

Bodygaurd2-"My boss needs you take this fight. As I said, before he'll pay you handsomely to take this fight."

Tye-"Look, my fighter doesn't need to waste her time fighting a 16 year old girl. She's a professional fighter and won't be lowering her standards to fighting someone who shouldn't even be wearing boxing gloves."

(June held up her hand to silence her trainer.)

June-"It's not the money isn't good, but I'm not going to fight a 16 year old kid. Give me one good reason why I should fight this girl. One good reason."

(Just then the crime boss stepped into the light.)

Crime Boss-"What's the problem June? I'm offering you money and a little extra fame. What's the problem with that?"

June-"The problem is when it involves fighting a teenager. It's nothing more than a joke. I'm not going to waste my time fighting someone I could beat with one hand tied behind my back."

Crime Boss-"Exactly. That's the whole point."

(June was confused.)

June-"Why exactly do you want me to fight this girl?"

Crime Boss-"I believe you're familiar with the banished Prince Zuko. You were a client of his once on a mission to help him capture the Avatar. Am I right about that?"

June-"How do you know about that?"

(June remembered. Her first unfinished hunt. Not only that but she had lost her beast and had been the laughing stock of the bounty hunting realm. She had failed to catch the Avatar, but what made it stupid was that the Avatar was nothing but a twelve year old kid. She had failed to capture a kid. That ended her bounty hunting career then and there. After that fiasco she went back to her place of birth Omashu. That's were she found her trainer Tye. After beating the living daylights out several guys who couldn't learn to accept their place. Tye offered her a deal she couldn't really refuse.)

Just two weeks after her failed capture of the Avatar.

(June was drinking her drink in the bar, while she was arm wrestling another muscular guy. With ease she pushed his arm down; winning her fifth consecutive arm wrestling match. She grabbed her money and walked away. However, the men she had beaten weren't happy one bit at losing.)

Man1-"I want a rematch! There's no way you should've beaten me after arm wrestling 4 guys before me!"

June-"Forget it. You're not worth my time."

(June left the table and sat on a stool at the bar counter.)

June-"Another round."

(The bartender handed her another drink and she handed him two coins. The guy she just beat, with the other 4 losers, came and smacked the drink out of her hand.)

Man1-"I said I want a rematch! There's no way you could've beaten me!"

(June wasn't in the mood to play games.)

June-"It's in your best interests not to make me angry."

Man1-"Listen here missy! I don't care who you are! Just because you're the #1 bounty hunter doesn't mean you can do that!"

Man2-"Number one? She couldn't even capture some kid!"

(June was a volcano waiting to blow. She clenched her fist and was getting ready for the moment.)

June-"Walk away, and I won't break any bones in your body."

Man2-"What did you just say?"

Man1-"It's time someone kicked the,"

(June didn't give the man time to finish. She grabbed his head, slammed it against the wooden table, and then threw him into the wall of drinks lined up. One guy came with a vase meant to smash June's head, but she got out of the way and landed a solid body shot. She pounded away at the midsection a bit and then threw him into a table. Man2 came from behind her and tried to grab her, but she just quickly side stepped him and got behind him. She grabbed his head and quickly threw him into a wall. One man came trying to whack Jin with a long stick, but June just grabbed it and pulled the man in. She landed an uppercut to the chin and then pulled the stick out of the man's grasp. She took it and broke it in half with her bare fists. Man1, who'd been thrown over the bar table, tried to hit June, but June used his unbalance to get out the way and throw him into the other man. Another guy bear hugged her and man1 charged at her front. She sent a front kick to the groin of her front attacker, and then backward head butted the one holding her. Then stomped on his foot hard to secure her escape. Then came a right roundhouse kick to the thigh of her aggressor in her front and quickly moved behind him. She grabbed him and threw him into the other attacker. They both crashed into the wall hitting their heads hard against the wall. A man then grabbed her by the neck and had a choke hold on her. She immediately dropped her chin to keep herself from getting choked to death. She had her right hand grab his choking arm to pull some pressure. She stomped her foot on top of his and threw a shot to the gut with her elbow and then to the groin. As she pulled free, she kicked his thigh to send him to the ground. She quickly grabbed a beer glass and slammed it against his head and he went out cold. Man2 came at Jin swinging away. He tried to hit Jin with a bunch of throws but June was simply dodging them all. Then a jab stopped man2's movement and June quickly twisted his fist to where she could break it at will. With her free hand she pounded away at the man's face that was completely helpless to her onslaught. After beating him hard a bit she let go of her grip and pushed the man to the ground.

(June was standing over the three men who should've learned their manners. She went down and grabbed the collar of one of the guys and brought his face to hers.)

June-"Touch me ever again and I'll make sure to break every bone but your neck!"

(She threw the man down, grabbed her money, and walked outside. Of course, her little show didn't go unnoticed. Tye had been in the bar watching the whole thing unfold. He followed the girl outside and began clapping.)

Tye-"Bravo. Bravo. An extraordinary performance."

June-"Can I help you?"

Tye-"My name is Tye."

(He outstretched his hand but she didn't take it.)

Tye-"I'm a trainer, and from that beating you gave those men back in there I say you have some real potential. Are you interested?"

June-"No."

(She began to walk away but Tye wasn't about to let her go just yet.)

Tye-"Listen. I saw you knock the living daylights out of 5 strong men. You don't think I see potential for a fighter when I see one? How would you like to become a professional boxer?"

(June stopped in her tracks.)

June-"Me? A professional boxer? Why are you asking me this?"

Tye-"Didn't you see what you did to all those guys? You beat them with ease. Imagine if you took those fighting skills to the ring; you could go very far. In fact, I think you could do a lot."

(June was getting interested.)

June-"I'm listening."

Tye-"Here's the deal. You come with me, I'll have you spar a few people and you can show me what you can do. If you meet my expectations, then I'll train you to be a professional boxer. I'll get you the license, the fights, and the money. All you need to do is say yes."

June-"Those are some nice things, but what's the catch?"

Tye-"I'm a businessman mam, and when a businessman sees potential he grabs it. I get fifty percent of the cut and the recognition of having trained a superior fighter. Now what more could someone who's down on their feet ask for. Seeing what you're capable of, I'd say you could be winning fights in no time. All you have to say is yes, so do we have a deal?"

(June agreed that day. Ever since then she was 55-0, all of them knockouts. She had become the world's number one contender and had become the Omashu Boxing Champion in less than a month since then. She had been nicknamed June "The Death Angel", and her record stood for the title.)

Back to the present.

Crime Boss-"Let's just say I have very good sources of information. You're familiar with the Prince Zuko though correct?"

June-"Yes, what of it?"

Crime Boss-"You'd like the chance to make him pay for giving you the assignment that ruined your bounty hunting career?"

(June would've loved to pound that kid who gave her the assignment that finished her old Career. One of the best hunters in the entire world had failed to catch a kid. June was interested, but still wondering where this was going.)

June-"Yes, so what?"

Crime Boss-"Well what if I told you he's here in the city right now?"

(June immediately thought she was hearing things.)

June-"Your joking? Why would the prince of the Fire Nation come here to Ba Sing Se? Anyone recognizes him and he'll be executed?"

Crime Boss-"Ba Sing Se has refugees from all around the Earth Kingdom; no one's going to notice one more. Besides, his look is different from his time as a prince."

June-"Are you sure it's him?"

Crime Boss-"I've had my sources checked again and again, and the same answer still comes. He's none other than the same boy who cost you your career."

(June couldn't believe it.)

June's thoughts-"He's here? This is perfect. But how does the girl tie into all of this?"

June-"How does this girl you want me to fight tie into all of this?"

Crime Boss-"He and the girl are very close. Say she were beaten so badly that in fit of anger the boy would challenge the one who did such a thing to a fight. Now don't worry, he has a professional boxing license and I'm going to "persuade" the Boxing Commission to give the girl a license. I'll take of everything; you just need to agree to fight the girl. After her, then take care of the boy. I assure you that it will be an easy win, and from those wins you'll have plenty of money and more fame to add to your name. I have a plan and I'm going to need you to help accomplish it. Now, do we have a deal?"

(June didn't need a minute to think about it.)

June-"So when do I fight this girl?"

(Zuko was at the teashop with Jin, Uncle, and Tycho, but they weren't the only ones there. The teashop was filled with people from all over the city trying to just get a glimpse of Zuko, while Iroh served free samples of tea that everyone was falling in love with. People were ordering tea left and right and were begging for a signature from Zuko in every direction. Jin and Tycho had to keep people from tackling Zuko from every direction who were desperately trying to get his autograph.)

Man-"You were amazing last night kid!"

Man-"I've never seen something like that in my life!

Woman-"You were incredible!"

Zuko-"Thank you very much."

Man-"May I have your autograph?"

Zuko-"Sure."

(Zuko continued to sign his autograph and thank people for their compliments to him. It seemed like the crowds would never end. As Zuko kept signing autographs and talking to fans, Reick, Mical, Cain and the rest of the crew stepped into the tea shop. The place went from noisy and chaotic, to complete dead silence. Reick and Zuko looked at each other for a good minute as Jin, Tycho, and Iroh got a little edgy. Reick and his group walked toward Zuko and everyone got out of their way. Reick stopped in front of Zuko with an expressionless face.)

Reick-"Kid..."

(His face then showed a smile and he put out his broken hand to Zuko.)

Reick-"You did real good last night."

Zuko-"You too."

(He was about to shake the hand but Reick quickly cut off that idea.)

Reick-"Its broken remember? You hip did the damage."

Zuko-"Oh yeah, sorry."

(Zuko shook his arm.)

Reick-"I need to apologize for what I've done to you and your friend. I'm sorry. No hard feelings right?"

(Zuko chuckled.)

Zuko-"You're forgiven friend. No hard feelings about your hands and nose right?"

(Reick chuckled a bit.)

Reick-"No hard feelings."

(Reick turned to Jin and offered his arm.)

Reick-"Sorry about pointing a...well you know. Forgiven?"

Cain-"Yeah, I'm very sorry about what we did and nearly did to too you."

Thief2-"Same here girl. We realize what we did was wrong."

Theif3-"We're really sorry for what we did that night."

Theif4-"Me too. You forgive us all?"

(Jin didn't need a moment to think about it as she hugged every one of them.)

Jin-"Of course I forgive you guys! Why wouldn't I?"

(Reick, Cain, and the other ex thieves-"Thank you."

(They all looked at each other strangely at each of them having said it at the exact same time. Mical went over to Zuko and shook his hand.)

Mical-"I got to tell you kid, you showed a ton of gut out there. You did a phenomenal job and no one should tell you otherwise."

Zuko-"I appreciate that very much."

Mical-"Ever thought of keeping this as your future career? You already have the license, not to mention all these fans, you should stick with it. My son-in-law is living proof of what you're capable of."

Reick-"Thanks dad."

Mical-"Anytime."

(Zuko had thought about that question already. He knew the answer to the question, but the problem was saying it to all these people. Just then, Klay stepped in.)

Zuko's thoughts-"Great. Might as well say it here though."

Zuko-"Actually, I thought I should officially retire from professional fighting."

(That came as a surprise to everyone in the place. The fans were especially disappointed. They cried out "No's" and "What" to Zuko.)

Man-"You can't quit kid!"

Woman-"Why quit now?"

Man-"Yeah, you're great!"

(Zuko tried to explain to people but the voices just wouldn't let him speak. Klay stepped forward and got the people's attention.)

Klay-"Hey listen! Listen! My fighter, just as he said, is retired now. He has nothing more to prove to you. He just showed you all last night what heart and hard work get you. What more do you want from him?"

(Reick stepped forward.)

Reick-"That's right. If he wants to quit, then he quits."

(Reick turned to Zuko.)

Reick-"Kid, thanks. Thanks for showing me what the true heart of a champion is again. See you some other time?"

Zuko-"Hopefully."

Reick-"Maybe one day you'll change your mind. Who knows? If you do, know I'll be cheering for you."

(Reick and his group left to leave.)

Mical-"It was a thrill training the man who fought you."

(Zuko smiled and shook his hand.)

Zuko-"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Cain-"See you kid."

Thief2-"Great job by the way."

Theif3-"Yeah, I tip my hat to you."

Theif4-"You're great kid."

(Reick's group left the tea shop and the people got back to asking for autographs. Zuko decided to make an exit out the back and grabbed Tycho, Jin, and Klay. They exited out the back.)

Zuko-"Klay, I'm sorry I disappointed you with deciding to quit. I just want get back to being with my Uncle again."

Klay-"You didn't disappoint me kid. If you really want to stop fighting, then you go right ahead. I'm glad for the opportunity to train you. Besides, if you let God lead your steps you might just end up fighting again. Now let's all celebrate by getting something to eat."

Tycho-"Sorry, no can do. I've got school remember?"

Jin-"Okay. See you Tycho!"

Tycho-"See you guys."

(Tycho left.)

Klay-"Well I say we celebrate your match with some lunch. It's all on me."

(But as they were about to leave, someone came from the alley.)

Messenger-"Excuse me, but which one of you here is Jin?"

Jin-"That'd be me. Why?"

Messenger-"It's a special delivery. I was told to deliver this to you personally."

(He handed the package to her and left. Jin opened it and her eyes lit up after reading the letter inside.)

Jin-"I don't believe it!"

Zuko-"What is it?"

Jin-"You guys aren't going to believe this! I'm a professional boxer now, and my first fight is tomorrow!"

(Klay and Zuko were completely surprised.)

Klay and Zuko-"What!?"

Jin-"I'm a boxer now! That's awesome!"

(Klay couldn't believe this was happening and it wasn't a good thing.)

Klay-"Jin, don't think I'm not happy you got a license, but why didn't you tell me sent in application to get a professional boxing license? Before you answer though think, why would your application to be a professional boxer get passed so quickly? Second, why would someone set you up to fight someone the exact time you got your license?"

Zuko-"Yeah Jin, something isn't right here."

Jin-"I was going to tell you guys eventually what I did. To your other questions, I don't know. Maybe they saw what Lee was capable of doing and decided to give me a shot."

Klay-"Jin, think about it. Lee already KO'd Reick in a street fight and therefore they could've had something to gain if they set him up to fight. But Jin, you haven't done anything big worth recognition. It makes no sense."

Jin-"Well look it doesn't matter. I'm a professional boxer now, like Lee is...I mean was until today. I even get to fight tomorrow! That's my dream! Ever since I saw you Lee in that bout with Reick, I wanted to do the same thing you did, and now I get my chance. I can't believe this!"

(Although Zuko was happy for Jin, Klay wasn't excited.)

Klay-"Jin, I'm happy for you. I really am, but I have to advice you not to fight yet."

(Jin was surprised that Klay was saying this.)

Jin-"What? Why?"

Klay-"Jin, I'm not saying you're not in good shape or anything, but you're just not ready. You got in decent shape but you're nowhere near to the shape necessary to fight a professional boxing match."

Jin-"Are you saying I can't go and fight this because I'm a girl?"

Klay-"Jin, I'm not a sexist and I know you're not physically inferior just because you're a girl because you're not inferior. No one is inferior in any way because we're all made equal. However, look at Lee. Now when we started Lee was in excellent shape for someone his age and therefore with some hard training had a fighting chance. You on the other hand weren't in shape at all when you started. To fully train you so you can fight in the shape you'd need to be in I'd still need at least three more weeks of hard training. Jin, you're just not ready to fight."

(Jin was angry.)

Jin-"What are you talking about? I thought you said everyone had a puncher's chance? Don't I?"

Klay-"Everyone has a puncher's chance Jin, but you need to go in prepared and not like normal. Otherwise, you won't have much of a chance. You need to be wise about something like this and go in prepared, and then you have a puncher's chance. You need to be thinking about this Jin."

Jin-"I don't need to think about anything! Look I trained just as hard as Lee did! I know I'm ready and can stomp whoever I'm going to fight!"

Klay-"Don't call something over till it's over. Pride comes before the fall Jin."

(Jin wasn't listening though. Pride had taken over.)

Jin-"No Klay! I'm ready! I know I can do this! I'm going to fight whoever I need to fight tomorrow and that's not going to change!"

(That night Zuko was in his bed, but he wasn't sleeping or lying down. He was thinking.)

Zuko's thoughts-"That nightmare. It was just a nightmare, but what if it was more than that? What if..."

(Zuko didn't even want to think about it. To lose the girl he loved, he couldn't even imagine the pain he'd feel if he lost Jin.)

Zuko's thoughts-"I got to talk to Jin about this. I won't take the chance of losing her. Still, who was that girl in that nightmare? Who...who could do that to Jin?"

(Zuko didn't sleep well that night.)

(The next day, just a half an hour before the fight, we find Jin, Zuko, Klay, and Tycho were in the dressing room preparing for the fight. Klay was placing the tape on Jin's hands as Tycho massaged her shoulder's, but Zuko was standing silently against the wall.)

Klay-"There's nothing I can say to convince you to call this off?"

Jin-"Not a chance."

Klay-"Alright (In a depressed tone.). Then listen to what I'm going to say. I want you fighting like an out-fighter, okay (An "out fighter" is a boxer who distances himself/herself form his/her opponent, fighting with faster, longer range punches like the jab.)? I want you continually keep your distance and stick to your jab; you're going to win it in the points. You're not ready to fight a real fight yet so just stick and move when you get out there, alright?"

(Jin wasn't listening though.)

Jin's thoughts-"That's what you think."

(Klay finished putting on the tape.)

Jin-"Feels great Klay."

(Jin goes up.)

Jin-"I'm all hyped up for this. Thanks for coming to help Tycho!"

Tycho-"You'd think I'd miss my best friend's boxing debut? Not a chance."

Jin-"Thanks a lot Tycho!"

(Jin went up to the mirror and started checking out her jabs in front of the mirror. Zuko leaned off the wall and walked over to Klay.)

Zuko-"Klay, could you give me and Jin a minute?"

Klay-"Sure Lee. Come on Tycho."

(The two walked out leaving Jin and Lee together. Zuko was staring into the wall while Jin was still checking out her jabs. Zuko finally opened his mouth.)

Zuko-"So, ready for tonight?"

(Jin stopped throwing jabs and looked at Zuko.)

Jin-"I was wondering when you were finally going to speak. You've been quite this whole time. What's wrong? So excited for me that you can't speak?"

Zuko-"Well I just want you to be careful out there tonight you know. I mean, I took a real beating from Reick. So just don't wear yourself out there."

Jin-"Wear myself out?"

Zuko-"Well Jin, you're not in the shape you need to be in."

Jin-"What? Not in the right shape? What are you talking about; I'm stronger and quicker than I've ever been."

Zuko-"I'm not saying Jin that you haven't gotten stronger but...you're just not ready. Like Klay said, you need at least 3 more weeks of hard training before you can even think of fighting professionally. Plus, you don't even know who you're fighting. For all you know, it could be a seasoned veteran of the game."

Jin-"I'm ready Lee! Now I don't understand why you think I can't win but I'm going to fight whoever I'm fighting, and I'm going to beat them! Ever since I started seeing the heart you had I wanted to do this, and tonight is my night! Lee...maybe you didn't feel the way I do right now when you got to fight Reick, so I can't ask you to understand what I'm feeling."

(Jin grabbed her gloves and walked over to Zuko.)

Jin-"You will though when it's over. You'll understand when it's over."

(In June's dressing room, June was checking her gloves while Tye stood in front of her.)

Tye-"This bum is yours. Play around with her a bit. For the first half of the first round let this girl get in some punches. Let her get overconfident, and when she makes a mistake exploit it. When you get the opening throw everything you have into her. Show the crowd, especially that so called prince, what you're made of. Take the girl's heart."

(The door opened and stepped in the crime boss with his two bodyguards.)

C. B.-"Ready for tonight June?"

June-"How much of beating do you want me to give the girl?"

C. .B.-"Three words; make it brutal."

June-"What makes you think her crew will just let me beat her to a pulp without throwing in the towel?"

C. B.-"I'll take care of that small problem. You just come through end of the deal by punching the girl."

June-"One more thing. What happens when I beat the girl and the "prince"? What then? I want something else besides just the cash."

(C. B. saw there was something to gain than just some revenge. There was power to be gained. A world champion under his control, now that was better than just a city champion. He had been waiting for the right opportunity, and now it had presented itself.)

C. B.-"Alright. When you win, I'll make you my personal fighter. I'll be your fight promoter after this, and I'll give you a shot at the title for this city. You already know the huge rivalry between your city Omashu and Ba Sing Se. I'll set you up to fight the Ba Sing Se Boxing Champion Reick, and once you beat him I'll pull some strings and get you to fight the Boxing Champion of the World. Is that good enough?"

(June looked at Tye with a smile and he nodded a yes. She turned her head back to the crime boss.)

June-"I say we have a deal."

(Reick, Mical, Cain, and the other ex-thieves took their seats in the fifth row.)

Ex-thief2-"Think the girl can do it?"

Reick-"Look, if that girl is in the shape she needs to be in and has the same heart her friend did than I'd say this is going to be one good fight."

Cain-"That's if she's in the right shape."

Mical-"Heart is nothing unless you're going in prepared."

Ex-thief3-"I don't think the girl would be that stupid to fight without the proper training."

Ex-theif4-"Yeah. I agree with you. I wouldn't be that stupid to step in the ring with the world's #1 contender without that."

Ex-theif2-"I'm sure she's prepared."

(People recognized Reick and Mical and started asking for autographs from them both. Little did the group know what awaited Jin.)

(Jin, Zuko, Klay, and Tycho all climbed into the ring. Jin danced around a bit with her hands up and got a few whistles and cheers. She came back to the crew in her corner.)

Jin-"Thanks for getting me here Klay, couldn't have done it without you."

Klay-"You're welcome."

(But he didn't say it in an excited tone.)

Tycho-"I'm real happy for you Jin!"

Jin-"Hey thanks Tycho!"

(Boos were coming into a section of the arena and the crew looked where the boos from the crowd were directed.)

Jin-"I wonder who it is I'm going to beat."

Tycho-"I think I can see her now with three guys. Must be her crew."

(Zuko turned his head toward the person but still couldn't see the person. A man held up the ropes and stepped in the most shocking thing Zuko could've imagined. It was the bounty hunter June, the same bounty hunter he'd hired to help him capture the Avatar. He had held a fake smile earlier but that was now all gone; he was shocked to the core. He immediately knew it was her, and she immediately knew it was him.)

Zuko's thoughts-"I don't' believe it. She's the one. She was the one in the dream. This is not good at all."

June's thoughts-"It's him alright. He's got more hair now and that ponytail is gone, but I could spot him a mile away."

(Jin noticed Zuko's face change as he and June eyed each other from opposite ends of the ring.)

Jin-"Lee? Something wrong?"

Zuko-"Yes, there is. I know your opponent."

Jin-"You do?"

(Jin looked at June and raised her eyebrow as she looked back at Zuko.)

Jin-"You didn't ever date her did you?"

(Zuko was about to say no when he was cut off by the ring announcer.)

R. Ann.-"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Our first fight of the night features a special bout. A newcomer versus a veteran. In the corner on my right, a newcomer to the game, trained by the World Amateur Champion himself (Cheers went up for Klay and he waved a bit.), Jinnnnnn "The Dancing Destroyer"!"

(Jin raised her hands and cheers came from the crowd with some whistles. They were behind the fighter from their city. Then the gong rang and the ring announcer continued.)

R. Ann.-"In the corner to my left, a professional to the game with an amazing record of 55 wins, all of them knockouts. The Omashu Boxing Champion and the World's #1 Contender, Junnnnnnne "The Death Angel"."

(Boos came from all over. June ignored it.)

June's thoughts-"Ba Sing Se trash. Their day is coming."

R. Ann.-"Referee Kaj Migra."

(Both teams stepped up to the center of the ring and the ref gave the instructions.)

Ref-"You both know the rules. I'm just going to go over a few of them. Watch your low blows, kidney punches, and rabbit punches. In case of a knockdown you go to the corner I tell you to and stay there until I tell you to come out. Obey my commands and the rules at all times and there'll be no point deductions. Any questions? Okay touch em up and come out fighting at the gong."

(Jin was cocky.)

Jin-"Time to show you what I'm made of."

(June still had her hands down and simply stared at Jin.)

Jin-"Well get your hands up! Come on! What are you, deaf? I said it's time to show you what I'm (She took her hands in the air and sent them down to knock down June's hands.) made of!"

(But when they landed, they didn't budge an inch. Jin's face immediately went from excitement to surprise and June just leaned in.)

June-"You will lose."

(Withought another word she walked back to her corner. Jin regained her composure and her face was once again filled with excitement at what was about to occur.)

Jin-"Can't wait to knock her down."

(Zuko knew he had to try.)

Zuko-"Jin, call it off. Please."

Jin-"Not on your life."

(June was given her mouth guard.)

Tye-"Remember the plan. Let her make the first mistake."

(Klay fed Jin her mouthed.)

Klay-"Remember what I said. Stay away from her and stick to your jab. You've got longer arms so you keep yourself at a safe distance."

(Each of the crews left the ring, leaving only Jin, June, and the referee inside the ring.)

Zuko-"Jin."

(She turned to him.)

Zuko-"Please be careful."

Jin-"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

(The gong sounded. Jin danced around the ring, continually looking for a good opening to throw a jab. Why do I think I called her the Dancing Destroyer? Jin continued to dance around June still looking for an opening.)

Klay-"Keep your hands up Jin."

(Just as those words came out so did right jab from Jin to the face of June came out followed by another. Two quicker, right jabs followed. After some more movement Jin threw a right jab and a left hook then quickly moved away to avoid a counter.)

Tycho-"Beautiful Jin."

(Another right jab and left hook hit their mark and she safely got away from June. June wasn't fazed at all however.)

Zuko-"Alright Jin stick her!"

(Another right jab and another! As Jin danced around the ring, the crime boss motioned to his bodyguards. They nodded and moved into position. Bodyguard2 moved threw a door while bodyguard1 walked over to Klay and tapped him on the shoulder.)

Bodyguard1-"Excuse me sir, but I need to speak to about something."

Klay-"I'm a little busy here sir if you haven't noticed."

Bodyguard1-"It's about your children."

(Klay immediately turned his attention to the man.)

Klay-"Did something happen to them?"

Bodyguard1-"Come with me please and I'll tell you."

(Klay turned to Zuko.)

Klay-"Take over for me Lee."

(Klay followed the man. Little did he know who was leading him. He followed him through the arena through a door leading into a dark hallway. As Klay entered inside the door closed and he was hit upside the head with a metal pole. Klay fell to the ground unconscious. Bodyguard1 knelt down and felt Klay's pulse.)

Bodyguard1-"He'll be out for a while."

Bodyguard2-"Perfect."

(Jin threw another successful right jab into June and another!)

Jin-"Come on."

(Jin threw another jab and it landed on the mark. June prepared her left for the big one.)

Tye-"Now!"

(June came in and threw a monstrous left into Jin's face. June trapped Jin along the ropes and attacked her face with tremendous punches.)

Zuko-"Get out of there!"

(Jin moved off the ropes and threw two jabs into June's face. She tried to hit June with a right hook but June dodged it immediately attacked Jin with crushing punches to the face. A right to the head! Then a left to body with a crushing uppercut to the chin! Jin was reeling from the barrage she was taking and June wasn't letting up.)

Zuko-"Clinch her Jin!

Tycho-"Clinch her!"

(Jin desperately tried to tie June up, but June threw Jin across the ring against the ropes. When Jin turned around she was immediately met with a right hook to the face.)

Tye-"Unload it!"

(A right and left to the head by June! Another of the same combination, and then another! Another to the face of Jin! The gong sounded but June continued punching away at Jin. She threw 3 crushing hooks into Jin's face before the ref could stop her.)

Zuko-"Jin!"

(Zuko immediately was with Jin who was barely able to stand. While Zuko helped Jin over to her corner Tycho went over to June.)

Tycho-"What's the matter with you!? The gong rang! Why didn't you stop!?"

(Tye pulled out the mouth guard out of June's mouth.)

June-"You want to know why?"

(She pointed to the ref.)

June-"He didn't tell me to stop!"

Ref-"You know the rules! You stop fighting at the sound of the gong. That will cost you a point."

(June just walked back to her corner. She could care less if she lost a single point.)

(Reick and his whole gang were worried now.)

Ex-thief2-"That girl took a beating."

Ex-thief3-"A beating? That was a massacre."

Ex-thief4-"That girl was hit so hard I could feel it."

(Reick turned to Mical.)

Reick-"They should stop the fight."

Mical-"Yeah, they should. Another beating like that and that girl could get in serious trouble."

(In Jin's corner Zuko was talking to Jin while Tycho wiped the sponge across her face.)

Zuko-"Jin, this fight is over. I'm calling this off."

Jin-"No!"

Zuko-"Jin she's killing you out there! Don't you understand that!?"

Jin-"I came here to fight Lee."

Zuko-"I'm sorry Jin, but I'm stopping this fight."

(Jin immediately pulled his face in just as he was about to turn around.)

Jin-"No, I came here to fight. Now you promise me, no matter what happens out there you won't stop this fight."

(Jin's nose and mouth both had blood coming out and her eyes could barely see clearly or straight.)

Zuko-"Jin, I'm not going to let you get killed out there!"

Jin-"Promise me, if you truly love me, you won't stop this fight."

(Zuko looked at Jin with completely worried eyes as she got up and Tycho fed her mouth guard.)

Jin-"No matter what."

(June was fed her mouth guard.)

Tye-"Finish this pretender. Explode over her."

(The gong sounded and Jin started dancing around the ring circling June.)

June-"Come on chump. Show me what you've got. Hit me."

(Jin obliged her with a right hook to the cheek but June immediately came back throwing crushing punches into Jin's face. Jin tried to counter but June just dodged it and immediately started throwing incredible shots into Jin's face. A right to the head! She pushed Jin into the corner and started unloading on her. She threw a right hook to the face, and then a left and right to the nose. Jin was being pounded without mercy. Reick immediately stood up and yelled.)

Reick-"Ref, stop the fight!"

(The ref didn't hear anything though and instead of stopping June was allowing her to completely pound away at Jin. Tycho couldn't stand anymore of this.)

Tycho-"Throw the towel Lee! Throw it!"

(Zuko immediately grabbed the towel and was preparing to throw it, but Jin saw and clinched June and yelled "Don't!" to him. Zuko held the towel in the air.)

June-"Get back in there!"

(June threw Jin back in the corner and started unloading once again at her.)

Tycho-"Lee, throw the towel!"

(Zuko tried to throw it again but Jin yelled "No!" to him. He didn't throw it. Jin took a right hook to the head and left to the body! Jin got a chinful of a crushing uppercut and was reeling. Then a left hook to the face! Then a right! Jin was being pulverized! Then June pulled her left back and threw everything she had into a left uppercut to Jin's chin. June stopped punching as Jin stood straight and motionless. She was motionless, but then fell flat to the canvas. She was dead.)

Zuko-"No!"

(June walked away to her corner and crowds of reporters crawled into the boxing arena to ask June questions while Zuko and Tycho were over with Jin.)

Tycho-"Jin! Talk to us, come on!"

Zuko-"Jin please say something!"

(June spoke loudly to all the reporters around her.)

June-"Get this in your stories. I won't and cannot be beaten. Soon I'll fight to the so called champion of this city. After I crush him, I'll destroy the so called champion of the world."

(Zuko was holding Jin trying to get a pulse.)

Zuko-"Where' the dang doctor!? Jin please, don't do this! You can make it!"

(Back with June.)

Reporter-"Your opponent seems to be in very serious condition."

June-"She messed with a bull. I simply gave her the horns."

Reporter-"What if the damages are more serious though?"

June-"If she dies,"

(She looked at Zuko, and Zuko looked right back at her.)

June-"what do I care."

(Zuko looked at Jin's face. Still no breathing. Tears came down his face, as they did on Tycho's. Zuko looked back at June and their eyes met. Zuko's eyes were filled with tragedy and anger. He wanted only one thing. Revenge.)

(Zuko was still holding Jin close with tears in his eyes. For only the second time in his life his face was filled with tears and he didn't care. Jin was...WAIT! Jin was breathing again; she was alive! Jin opened her eyes a bit.)

Jin (In a low voice.)-"Guys?"

Tycho-"Jin! You're alive!"

Zuko-"Oh Jin, I'd though I lost you."

(He held her close and she held him back. The doctor came by with her two assistants and had a quick look at Jin.)

Doctor-"We need to get her to the hospital now sirs."

Zuko-"Alright."

(As the assistants put Jin on the stretcher he told her she'd be alright. Tycho immediately followed them, but Zuko wasn't done with June yet. He turned in June's direction as she was speaking to the reporters.)

Zuko-"Hey you."

(She stopped talking and turned her direction to Zuko.)

Zuko-"I'll see you in the ring. Anytime; anywhere!"

(The reporters were intently listening in on the conversation.)

June-"Alright. One week from today, you're going down. We can discuss the details of my future victory at the press building tomorrow at midday. Hope you're girlfriend can make it."

(June walked out of the ring with her crew smiling.)

Tye-"This chump is yours."

(The crime boss was smiling too as he sipped his glass of wine. His two bodyguards came up beside him.)

C. B.-"Well done gentlemen. Where'd you put the man?"

Bodyguard1-"He's still alive if that's what you mean."

Bodyguard2-"How did the match go?"

(He was still smiling.)

C. B.-"Oh I'd say it went, rather well."

(At the hospital, Jin was lying in a bed with Tycho and Zuko, holding Jin's hand, sitting down next to her bed. Jin was bandaged up a bit, her nose had two cotton balls, and the cut on her cheek had been stitched up.)

Jin-"So how do I look?"

Zuko-"I give you a ten out of an eleven."

Jin-"Thanks Lee. How bad was I hit out there?"

Tycho-"Don't ask us. We weren't the ones getting our faces pounded in."

Jin-"Trust me, it was brutal."

(Klay then popped through the open door and into the room. He walked over to Jin on the opposite side where Tycho and Zuko were standing.)

Klay-"Feeling well Jin?"

Jin-"What do you think?"

Klay-"I'd want to say yes, but the answer would have to be no."

Jin-"You got it. It's good to see you Klay, but where were you? Why'd you disappear to?"

Klay-"Someone told me my daughters were in trouble. I followed them to find out what was wrong. I walked through a door and next thing I know I'm out cold. I woke up in a room tied up. Luckily someone found me and got me out."

Tycho-"Why would someone do that?"

Iroh-"Because they had something to gain if he was gone."

(Everyone turned to the source of the voice, Iroh, who just walked into the room.)

Jin-"What would someone have to gain by me being beat like I was? The only thing someone had to gain was a win, and that was June."

Klay-"No. There's something else. I can't exactly see it, but someone wanted you to get hurt the way you were. It wasn't just about winning; it was about devastating you."

Tycho-"But why would someone just want to see Jin get hurt like that?"

Iroh-"I don't know. I still haven't figured that out yet."

Klay-"But we will."

(Jin looked at Klay.)

Jin-"Klay, I'm sorry. I should've listened to you. I shouldn't have gone out there like that when I wasn't ready. I could have gotten hurt even worse out there. What was I thinking?"

Klay-"It's alright Jin. Apology accepted. I understand you're heart for the sport Jin, but now you know not to go into a situation when you know you're not ready."

Jin-"You could say that again."

Reick-"You showed a lot of heart out there."

(Reick and his posse entered the room.)

Mical-"You were beaten badly. That much is true. But you showed a lot of heart. You wouldn't stop fighting till you fell."

Cain-"Be proud of yourself for that. You threw what you had and kept going."

Ex-Theif2-"Just don't make a mistake like that again."

Ex-Theif3-"Wouldn't want to get hurt like that again now would you?"

Ex-Theif4-"Yeah. Next time you fight her, knock her out big time."

Jin-"Thank you all and I'll keep that tip in mind."

(A nurse stepped in.)

Nurse-"Excuse me everyone, visiting hours are over however."

Reick-"See you kid."

Mical-"Get better kid."

Cain-"So long."

(Reick's group left the room.)

Klay-"You get better okay? I'll come and see tomorrow, and I'll bring my kids too."

Jin-"That'd be wonderful."

(Klay headed out of the room.)

Tycho-"Don't scare me like that again. Get well fast. Bye Jin."

Jin-"See you Tycho."

(Tycho left the room leaving the nurse, Iroh, and Zuko with Jin.)

Nurse-"Sir?"

(Zuko caressed Jin's hand.)

Zuko-"You want me to stay with you?"

Jin-"No it's alright Lee. You can go."

Zuko-"You'll be okay?"

Jin-"I'll be fine. The worst is past me."

Iroh-"Come on nephew. The lady is waiting."

(Zuko leaned in and gave Jin a kiss.)

Zuko-"I love you."

(Jin kissed him.)

Jin-"I love you too."

Nurse-"Sir?"

(Zuko got up and walked out with his uncle. Klay and Tycho were waiting outside.)

Klay-"She'll be alright Lee. There's no need to worry."

(Two people came up to Zuko and Klay, and they weren't happy at all.)

Jin's mother-"Are you Lee and are you Klay?"

Klay-"We are."

(The minute he said that he got a slap to the face, and then Zuko got one too.)

Jin's mother-"How could you just stand there and let my daughter let my daughter get beaten like the way she was?"

(Zuko was silent.)

Jin's father-"And you! How could you think my daughter could go fight like that? My daughter tells me she's going out with friends, and the next thing I hear from my friends is that my daughter is in the hospital after fighting!

Jin's mother-"My daughter isn't going to be fighting anyone anymore! And you Lee won't ever be around her ever again to let her get hurt like I heard. You stay away from my daughter."

Jin's father-"Both of you stay away from her. I don't ever want to see you within 10 yards of my daughter ever."

(They both walked away and into the room where Jin was. They got the visiting hours were over from the nurse, but they wouldn't have any of it. Zuko turned his head to Klay.)

Zuko-"Klay?"

Klay-"Yes Lee?"

Zuko-"You think I could beat that fighter June?"

Klay-"I think you should do nothing but knock her block off."

Zuko-"You with me Tycho?"

Tycho-"I'll do anything to help you make that psycho pays."

Zuko-"Uncle, what do you think I should do?"

Iroh-"I think you already know the answer to that."

Zuko-"Yes."

(He turned his head away.)

Zuko-"I do."

(At the same building where Reick and Zuko's fight was announced, June and Zuko's crew were announcing a fight of their own.)

Reporter-"Mr. Klay, knowing June's punching power and strength, do you think your kid has a chance?"

Klay-"As I said last time, everyone has a puncher's chance. All you have to do is just go for it with all you have and nothing is impossible."

Tye-"I have to disagree completely."

(He turns his face away from Klay to the reporters.)

Tye-"June is the best fighter in the world. There is no one who anywhere who can match her strength, speed, or endurance."

Reporter-"Sounds like you think she's invincible."

Tye-"Yes, she is unbeatable. After crushing this boy she will dominate this city's champion and then destroy the champion of the world."

Reporter-"June, are you expecting a challenge from Lee who, might I add, is the only person to have gone the distance with the Ba Sing Se Boxing Champion Reick?"

June-"No, not in the least. This so-called fighter is nothing. The only reason he even went the distance with the last champion was because the whole fight was a fluke. It's simply impossible for any newcomer, especially some kid, to go 15 rounds with a professional. Let alone a city champion."

Reporter-"What do you have to say to that kid? Was the fight fixed?"

Zuko-"No, that was not a fixed fight and I will prove to you that it wasn't fake once I face June in the ring next week."

June-"Please. Do you really think you can beat me? I'm 56-0, all of them knockouts and I recall that your girlfriend is included in that number."

Zuko-"Don't you dare bring her into this!"

Klay-"You could have killed her last night!"

June-"It was her fault for fighting me. I do what I need to do to win. And I don't care if some chump like that girl has to go to the hospital afterwards."

Zuko-"You're heartless."

June-"I take that as a compliment."

Tye-"I want to say to the press very clearly, my fighter shouldn't have had fight her last opponent. The last thing she needs is to fight another pretender. I assure you that this fight won't go even past the third round. That is how confident I am."

Klay-"Well I can tell you that Lee will not only go past the third round but win! And he'll win by a knockout!"

Tye-"Your fighter is nothing but a pretender while mine is a professional fighter! You stand no chance kid."

Zuko-"I stand more than just a chance against your fighter."

June-"You have no chance you Fire Nation scum."

(Everyone was now in shock, especially Zuko.)

June-"Did Lee forget to mention that? Well I'll say it for him. He's a fire bender!"

Reporter-"A fire bender?"

Reporter-"Where's your proof?"

June-"Everyone should be familiar with my past reputation as a top notch bounty hunter. This kid a while back hired me for a job in a fire nation uniform. I recognized him the minute I saw him. He's nothing other than a Fire bender."

Crime Boss-"I can back up that statement."

(Everyone was now looking at the crime boss, flanked by his two bodyguards, who had just popped in on the scene. He spoke as he headed to June's side of the table.)

C. B.-"Before I say anything relating to that though, I'd like to get down to other business. Starting today, I'm going to be June's fight promoter. I will, after this of course, get my fighter to face the Ba Sing Se Boxing Champion, and after that the Boxing Champion of the World."

(He sat down on a chair on June's left, flanked by his two standing bodyguards.)

C. B.-"Now, about the accusations against the boy. I had several of my employees search into the background of this child, and they found a few things very interesting about him. This boy is nothing other than a fire nation criminal who fled to this city to escape authorities."

Reporter-"What was his crime?"

(It took a second because the crime boss didn't want him dead, at least not yet. He had to suffer more first.)

C. B.-"He's a thief. Robbed a lot of important members of society. The point is, this boy is nothing more than fire nation trash."

(Klay looked at Zuko.)

Klay-"Lee is this true?"

(Everyone was now giving their undivided attention to Lee, Zuko, waiting for an answer.)

Zuko's thoughts-"I can't just deny the claims, there's no use. But if I don't, then they're going to know I'm of the Fire Nation."

(The reporters were still waiting.)

C. B.-"I think they'd like an answer today child."

(Zuko wasn't afraid to answer them. He was no coward.)

Zuko-"Yes. ("What"t's came from the reporters.) I'm from the Fire Nation, and I'm proud of my heritage."

(The reporters were immediately swayed to Jin's side. No way would they ever stand behind a fire bender. They were lower than garbage in their eyes.)

Reporter-"How actually did you go the distance with our city champion?"

Reporter-"Yeah. Don't you think it was a little too much of coincidence that your opponent broke his nose in the first, his left hand in the fifth, and then his right in the final round?"

Reporter-"Exactly! It's simply impossible for someone of your age to accomplish something like that. Are you sure that match was nothing but a fluke?"

Zuko-"That match was not a fluke! Both of us gave our hearts out there."

C. B.-"Please. My ex-fighter Reick would've destroyed you at his full strength; you just got lucky. You were no match for Reick and you're certainly no match for the World's #1 Contender. You and your nation are made of nothing but weaklings. A people of scoundrels and murderers."

(The crime boss was all of the above, but who in the audience besides his associates knew. He was playing to the crowd.)

Zuko-"Don't you dare insult my country! My nation has brought more things to world than you know! We are a nation of greatness and honor."

Klay-"At least they let people speak out. They actually have the right to voice their opinions. While everyone in the Earth Kingdom who speaks out is silenced."

Tye-"Those are all lies and false propaganda, to support a violent nation like the Fire Nation!"

Zuko-"Violent, maybe. But my nation is not an evil beast just because it's at war with yours, and as I recall your nation isn't perfect either. (Zuko faced the reporters who were very uptight with Zuko.) You all have this belief that just because someone is Fire Nation they're a monster! You have this belief that you're so much better than my country! Well let me say what I think. I'm glad my nation has liberated your territories from the Earth Kingdom. I've seen in my past your soldiers who dare to call themselves protectors of the people, pushing them down and taking what they have! I've seen how you all have this prejudice against my people, just because we're Fire Nation. I'm sick of it. The Fire Nation has done wrong in the past, but it has also brought much good. You think that the crimes of a few of our generals are a right to call of our people murderers? No! In fact, where you failed to bring prosperity and help to the people we succeeded in many places. Yes, we're not perfect, but neither are you! I can list plenty of documented occasions where the Earth Kingdom has committed atrocities against Fire Nation Soldiers who, even after they surrendered, were butchered without mercy. Do you think that's right? Do you!"

Tye-"You're nothing but a piece of Fire Nation trash. That's what you are, and what you and your nation will always remain!"

(He turns to the reporters.)

Tye-"However, perhaps the simple defeat, of this so-called fighter, will be a perfect example to this city and the rest of the world, especially the Fire Nation, of how pathetically weak and inferior their society and country has become! June starts her training today!"

(June's group all got up and applause came for the words spoken by Tye. The Fire Nation was nothing but weak in their eyes. June eyed Zuko as she stood up.)

June-"Come fight night, your mine."

(Back at June's personal gym, Tye and June where answering questions about her training methods. Tye's methods of training where different than any other fighter in the world. With all the latest equipment, gear, and the newest training styles June was considered the most advanced fighter in the world. With her record of 56 wins, all by knockout, and with 0 losses she was considered by the world the best fighter ever, second to the present world champion of course. However, with her amazing record and extremely muscular body she was no doubt in line for a championship fight with the champion. Tye and his two lackeys stood next to June, who was in a tight shirt meant to show her muscular physique, and he answered the questions of the reporters with the Crime Boss and his two bodyguards beside him. June was very muscular and strong; she looked like a weight lifter.)

Tye-"I assure you that my fighter is in one of the best shapes of her career. There is no one in the world that can take the kind of training she has. She is the best boxer of all time."

Reporter1-"A little early to make assumptions like that don't you think?"

Tye-"Not at all. Has any fighter in the history of boxing ever had an undefeated record past 55 with no losses at all? The facts already speak for themselves."

Reporter3-"June how does this new style of training and all this advanced equipment enhance a fighter's performance?"

June-"Well it,"

(Tye cut her off.)

Tye-"I'll answer this June."

(He turned to the reporters.)

Tye-"It makes a fighter, a super fighter. An athlete, a superior athlete. While the world has been ignorant in the advances in science and technology for the fighting field we have uncovered the veil and have seen the advances through June that can be made. We want to educate the world of our superior training methods and show how our methods create the ultimate fighter."

Reporter2-"Recently there have been varied reports of fighters all around the world who have been found using a new invention of natural and unnatural elements that enhance performance called steroids. These have been banned world wide but still people have been found taking these performance enhancers, has June ever taken these before?"

(As the man had been talking June had gotten nervous at what the reporter had been saying, but Tye had kept most of his cool. June and Tye both knew that their training method wasn't just extreme workouts, but also times where she took steroids to enhance her muscular strength. The crime boss looked with a curious eye at Tye to see what he would say.)

Tye-"No no, my fighter is naturally trained."

Reporter2-"Well then how do you explain her, freakish strength?"

(June was nervous, but Tye knew how to answer reporters.)

Tye-"Did I not just go over June's training? Her training method is the most superior training method in the world. June is the most perfectly trained athlete in the entire world and looking at her I don't need to tell you how the results of her extreme training brings. How about a demonstration of what June's training has brought her?"

(He motioned everyone over to see 12 stone bricks pile one on top of the other over a plank of wood lifted by a strong wooden table. June walked behind it. While Tye and the others stood on his right while the reporters had a clear view of June and Tye.)

Tye-"Most fighters in the world can split four or five stone bricks with their elbow. June, show them what you can do."

(June got in a stance. Then she jumped, sent her elbow into the stone bricks, and split not only the bricks but the table, and sent the reporters in shock and the crime boss in surprise.)

Tye-"As you can see, June can not only break her opposition, but its support. June is undefeatable, and over the course of this following week she will become even stronger and more powerful than before."

(June walked over to the reporters.)

June-"I'm the greatest fighter in the world, and no one is ever going to beat me. I won't and cannot be beaten, ever."

Reporter4-"What's your prediction for your upcoming fight June?"

June-"Didn't I just say it? It's going to be nothing but a slaughter."

Reporter-"Yes, but who's? Lee's or yours?"

June-"You think I'm not serious!"

(She got up in his face.)

June-"When I'm done with this kid, the spirits themselves won't recognize him."

(As Zuko and Klay walked the streets, Zuko was met with faces of hate and prejudice. People glared, spoke under their breath, knocked into him on purpose, and called him names as he passed by. By now, everyone knew who he was. The crime boss made sure the rumors had spread quickly, and not only had they spread quickly but everyone who knew about him was accepting it. Soon enough though the entire city would know that the rumors were not just rumors but fact.

(Back at Klay's gym, Zuko and Klay were talking things over. Klay was leaning his side against the boxing ring while Zuko was leaning his back against it.)

Zuko-"You need understand why I couldn't tell you, even Jin, who I really was."

Klay-"I understand kid. You don't need to explain. I know where you're coming from."

Zuko-"How? You're the World Amateur Boxing Champion. Everyone in this city is so into the sport you're involved in that people like you are treated like Gods."

(Klay outstretched his hand. Flames arose from his hand as he bended the element in a beautiful swirl and then let it dissipate.)

Klay-"If this city saw what I just showed you, I'd be in a world of hurt right now."

Zuko-"You're a fire bender."

Klay-"Yes, I am. I used to be Fire Nation Soldier for a time before I got here."

Zuko-"How'd you end up here then?"

Klay-"It's a long story. It started out with me joining the army,"

Eight Years earlier

(Soldiers all stood to attention inside the massive courtyard. They all stood straight and tall in the full Fire Nation uniform, all facing forward to the Fire Lord Ozai who stood in front on top of the area overlooking the courtyard. He began the speech.)

Eight years earlier.

(In a large procession area, the glory of the Fire Nation stood all around in perfect formation. All these young men and women, soldiers of the Fire Nation, stood straight and tall facing the fire lord. He stood in an area over viewing the entire area, letting him see the every last soldier in the area.)

Ozai-"Soldiers!"

(The soldiers immediately saluted the Fire Lord and then stood motionless in their positions.)

Ozai-"Today is your graduation day. Today you go out to your stations, wherever they may be. Today you will be worthy of marching with the Fire Nation Flag in battle. In company with brothers and sisters in arms, you will bring about the destruction of the Water Tribes, the elimination of the Earth Kingdom, and create the very future of the Fire Nation. Your task will neither be easy nor quick. Your enemies are well equipped and trained, and they all will fight savagely. I have full confidence however in your capabilities. Go! And let the world see the glory of the Fire Nation!"

(The soldiers cheered, all except for Klay that is. Later that night, the soldiers where celebrating their graduation into the Fire Nation's Armed Forces. His friends and fellow soldiers where both drinking and enjoying a good time. Klay wasn't doing much of anything though except standing in a corner and enjoying some wine. It was the first bit of wine he'd had in a very long time. Months of intensive training had prepared him for his future moment. He was the top student in the graduating class. He was well respected for that, but it didn't mean he was open to the people who congratulated him. He barely talked to anyone he didn't know, and even his friends barely got a word from him. Just then General Iroh popped into the area.)

Soldier-"Commander on deck!"

(Klay immediately stood to attention and saluted Iroh.)

Iroh-"At ease soldier. I hear you made the top of your class this year."

Klay-"Yes sir, I did."

(Iroh lent out his hand, and Klay shook it.)

Iroh-"Well done."

Klay-"Thank you sir."

Iroh-"By the way, do you see that girl over there?"

Klay-"Yes, why?"

Iroh-"You think she's beautiful?"

Klay-"Why?"

Iroh-"Because she's been staring at you for some time. Just wondering if you were curious at all."

(Iroh saluted Klay and Klay returned the salute. Iroh walked off, leaving Klay alone. Klay looked at the girl who had been staring at him for some time. She blushed a bit and turned her head away from facing Klay. Klay simply sipped his wine and walked off. He walked into the garden and took a look around. As rounded a corner he me the girl who had been staring at him earlier.)

Soldier-"Hi."

Klay-"Hello.

Soldier-"I heard you got the top of the class, congratulations."

Klay-"Yes, thanks you."

Soldier-"So, what's your name?"

Klay-"Klay."

Soldier-"Klay. That's a...unique name."

Klay-"Thank you."

Soldier-"I also hear you're the best boxer in the whole school."

(This was all boring Klay.)

Klay-"Yes. Look I know you find me attractive, but I'm not exactly looking right now."

(She couldn't believe he had been that disrespectful to her right now, but she kept her cool.)

Soldier-"Is that so? Well I bet you couldn't beat me in a fight any day."

(Klay couldn't believe he'd just heard those words.)

Klay-"What did you just say?"

Soldier-"I said I could beat you in a boxing match. Not only that, but with less than 5 punches I could knock you out."

Klay-"Alright. You want to prove it?"

Soldier-"Gladly. How does tonight sound?"

Klay-"Sounds fine with me."

(Ten minutes later, Klay and this soldier had gloves on with a crowd of onlookers in makeshift ring quickly made for the two. Klay and the girl stepped to the center of the makeshift ring. He was taller than her and had longer arms. They looked evenly matched in muscular strength, but Klay concurred that just by looking at her he could beat her.)

Soldier-"How about a little bit of a wager?"

(Although Klay's personality was completely soldier like, he did like the sound of a wager.)

Klay-"Name it."

Soldier-"You win, I leave you alone and give you say...50 silver pieces."

Klay-"Sounds good."

Soldier-"But, if I win...you have to go on a date with me."

Klay-"What?!"

Soldier-"Scared you'll lose?"

(Klay usually didn't show his emotions, but now she was pushing it.)

Klay-"Fine. I'm going to put you in your place."

(They touched gloves and went back in their corners. Klay had an acquaintance of his in his corner.)

Acq.-"You have this in the bag man. Just hit her hard, she'll crumble. She's a girl for crying out loud."

Klay-"Right."

(Klay was fed his mouthgaurd. He looked in the other corner, and to his surprise he saw the girl had Iroh in her corner. His general was helping her. He couldn't understand why, but no matter.)

Iroh-"Nervous?"

Soldier-"Not at all."

Iroh-"Listen; take a minute to read his movements. When he slips up, get close and hit his chin. He's overconfident, so use that to your advantage."

(He fed her her mouthgaurd. Klay and the girl came at each other. Klay stuck a right jab in her face. He circled around the girl, and threw another. Another! Sticking jabs into the girl and slowly wearing her down was Klay's strategy right now. He hit her with another, and then threw a left hook into her face followed by a right uppercut to the chin. He quickly moved to safety and successfully slipped a jab from the girl. This seemed too easy, although less than 15 seconds had passed. He threw another successful jab into the girl's face and then another! He pushed past her jab and clinched her.)

Klay-"Is that all you've got? C'mon give these people something to see."

(He pushed her away and immediately threw a jab, and then another. He circled around, threw a jab from the right and left. The girl simply shook it off and motioned to him for more. She was in the corner. Klay saw a perfect opportunity. He threw a jab that pushed her deeper in the corner. He tried to throw a right jab, she slipped it, and he tried to follow it up with a right hook, but she dodged that. She saw her chance. She threw a right jab and then followed it up with a crushing uppercut that sent Klay to the ground. Everyone was surprised that Klay was on the ground so quickly, especially Klay. The count was at five and Klay desperately tried to get up.)

Acq.-"Klay get up!"

(Klay felt like half his body had been stunned from that punch. He tried to get up, and he was up at 9. But then the worst thing for any fighter after getting up after the count. His body was still reeling from that amazing punch she gave him. His legs gave way and he fell to the ground. At that the fight was stopped and the soldier who had just given him his first loss by technical knock out was cheered by the crowd. She lifted her left, the hand that knocked Klay out, triumphantly in the air with Iroh holding her other hand in the air. She then walked over to Klay who was still shaken from the punch, and still on the ground.)

Soldier-"Tomorrow I'll meet you at your place, and bring money for dinner. See you then handsome."

(She walked away, but not before winking at him. Iroh leaned over to Klay.)

Iroh-"Think of it this way soldier, you may have lost your top position as a boxer here, but now you have a date with a beautiful girl. That's not so bad right?"

Klay-"That makes me feel so much better sir."

(Klay couldn't believe this had just happened. Could things get any worse?)

(Klay was dressed in the full Fire Nation Uniform. His hair was in his preferred style; it looked like an arrowhead pointing forward. He stood outside his barracks waiting for the girl who had humiliated him in front of the entire graduating class of students. The whole night and day he had to deal with their insults and jokes at his upset. He'd been technically knocked out by a nobody with only two punches. Now he was forced to go on a date with the same person who humiliated him. As if things could get any worse. He stood by the entrance to the barracks and waited for his date.)

Klay's thoughts-"I can't believe this is happening. That General Iroh got me in this whole mess. If I ever see him again I'm going to."

(Just then his date popped up, and she was in the Fire Nation Uniform as well.)

Soldier-"Hey handsome."

Klay's thoughts-"Great (In a sarcastic tone.)."

(He saw her. She looked great; in fact if he wasn't the soldier like person he'd tell her she was pretty. What! What was he saying?)

Soldier-"You brought money for dinner?"

Klay-"Yes. Shall we go?"

(She smiled and nodded her head, and they started off. She held his hand, but Klay quickly took his hand away. As they walked, Klay spoke his mind.)

Klay-"Let's get one thing clear now. The deal was I go on a date with you. That means I take you to dinner and maybe something afterwards and then it's done. Is that understood?"

Soldier-"You seem not to like going out."

Klay-"Like I said last night, I'm not looking at the moment."

(They dined at a restaurant that was big for its ramen. As always Klay dined in a formal manner, but she just ate her ramen like there was no tomorrow. Klay looked at her with surprise as she finished her 3rd bowl of the night. Then with even more surprise as she called the waiter over and asked for some vegetables.)

Klay's thoughts-"By the time she's done she's going to bleed my money dry."

Klay-"I see you can really eat."

(She sipped her glass of water.)

Soldier-"I've always had a pretty big appetite."

(She was given her vegetables and continued to eat very fast. Klay looked at her face. She was very different for a girl. Her hair was short and strangely she had it spiked forward. She wore no makeup, her eyes were blue, and her cheeks were a little puffy. Her face was as clear as day. If you asked someone she didn't seem like a girl at all, but more of a tomboy.)

Klay-"By the way, you haven't told me your name yet."

Jade-"It's Jade."

Klay-"So Jade, how'd you like your food?"

Jade-"I thought it was delicious. You haven't even finished yours though."

(Klay looked at his bowl and saw that the whole time he had looked at her eating he'd barely touched his meal. He wasn't hungry anyway.)

Klay-"I'm not very hungry really."

Jade-"So you're not going to eat it?"

(Klay looked down at his meal and then back at her.)

Klay-"Not really."

Jade-"May I eat it?"

Klay's thoughts-"She can really eat."

Klay-"Sure go ahead."

(She grabbed up the bowl and started chowing away. Klay had never seen a person who could eat so much, and still keep eating.)

Klay-"If I may say, I've never seen someone with your kind of appetite."

Jade-"Thanks."

(She continued to eat, and stuffed it up pretty quick.)

Jade-"That wasn't bad at all."

(She burped suddenly, which made Klay chuckle. He was staring at her, and she was staring at him.)

Jade-"You have such beautiful eyes."

(Klay for some reason found himself staring into her blue eyes. He snapped out of it though and looked to the right.)

Klay-"Thanks. Look, it's getting late. Is there anything else you'd like to do before the night ends?"

(She was disappointed on how he just killed a romantic moment. She'd liked him ever since she first saw him at the academy. She was finally on a date with him, but it wasn't romantic like she'd hoped it would be. But still, he'd still laughed at her little moment. She wondered. Then it hit her.)

Jade-"I want to take you somewhere."

Klay-"Where?"

Jade-"You'll see."

(She grabbed his arm and led him out of the restaurant into the place she knew he would enjoy.)

(Jade led Klay to an amazing garden. It was filled with all sorts of beautiful flowers ranging from all different colors and all sorts of unique varieties. It was absolutely beautiful everywhere. Although it may have been night, everything was visible since the fireflies illuminated the area with their large numbers. Klay had to admit that this truly was a beautiful place.)

Klay-"This place is wonderful."

Jade-"I know. I used to come here when I was a young girl to find myself, and I still never get tired of this place."

(Klay walked around and was in awe of this places beauty. Jade caught a butterfly in her hand and opened it just enough to see it closely. Klay came by and looked at the insect, and then watched it fly off as Jade let it go. This was truly amazing.)

Klay-"I've never seen anything more beautiful in the world before."

Jade-"I know what you mean. This place, if there was ever a heaven on Earth, I'd say it was here."

(They walked together over to the fountain and saw the lush green grass surrounding the entire area. To Klay, this was paradise. The fountain was large and had a statue of a woman pouring water from a bowl into the lower layers. Jade took out a piece of money and tossed it into the fountain.)

Klay-"What did you wish for?"

Jade-"I'll tell you later."

(Jade looked at Klay and he looked back at her.)

Jade-"Do I get to do something else before our date is over?"

(Klay's head said not, but he didn't want to say that. Tonight, he didn't want to end it yet.)

Klay-"Yes. Whatever you want."

Jade-"Let's just look at the stars."

(She sat down and Klay sat down right beside her. Their gazes were up in the sky, just admiring the beauty of God's handiwork. The stars shined brightly and they just lit up the whole sky. Klay and Jin where both taken in by this. Jade glanced at Klay and slowly put her hand on his. Klay looked at her hand, and then at her. She was looking right back at him. She leaned in, but Klay turned away. He'd never been shown this before by anyone, and he didn't know how to react.)

Klay-"Look uh, it's getting late. We should probably go."

(He stood up quickly. Jade got up but waited a minute.)

Jade-"Would you close your eyes for a minute?"

Klay-"Why?"

Jade-"Please."

(He looked into her eyes, and all he could see was innocence. He closed his eyes. Then it came. What came next shocked Klay? She ever so lightly kissed him. It lasted for a second, and then she pulled her head back. Klay so wanted to kiss her back, but he didn't.)

(Klay and Jade hadn't spoken the entire time walking back to the academy. They walked a bit of distance apart and had barely looked at each other the entire time. They both stopped at the guy's barracks. They both looked away for a minute, and then Jade looked at Klay.)

Jade-"I had a really wonderful night. Thanks very much."

(Klay looked back at Jade.)

Klay-"You're welcome."

(He was silent for a minute.)

Klay-"So I guess this is goodbye."

Jade-"Yeah, I guess."

(Klay looked in her eyes.)

Klay-"So I'll see you tomorrow?"

Jade-"Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow."

(She kissed him on the cheek and headed off to her barracks. Klay watched her for a minute and then walked inside his barracks. He walked off and took off his uniform and dressed for sleep, and for every minute after Jade had left he was only thinking of her. He washed his face and walked off to his bunk, Jade still on his mind. As he slipped into bed, his acquaintance friend saw him slip in.)

Acq.-"Hey Klay, how'd your date go?"

(Klay smiled.)

Klay-"It was swell."

Six months later...

(What Klay had never imagined in a thousand years was happening, and this time it was something he was not only looking forward to but cherishing. He and his love Jade, both in the uniform of the Fire Nation Army, stood holding hands preparing for the moment they would kiss and forever symbolize their love for each other.)

"Do you Klay; take Jade to be your wife? Who you will love and cherish till death do you part?"

Klay-"Yes, I do."

(Jade shed a tear of joy.)

"And do you Jade, take Klay to be your husband? Who you will love and cherish till death do you part?"

Jade-"I do"

(Klay shed a tear of joy now."

"I now pronounce you both man and wife. You may kiss."

(Klay and Jade embraced their kiss in a moment that seemed like fever. From that fateful evening, a marriage between two people in love had transpired. Their fellow Friends cheered and Jade's family clapped and her parents cried. Iroh was there too and he clapped too.)

Iroh's thoughts-"I always knew he'd find someone. I always had faith in that one."

(Klay and Jade both let go of their kiss and turned to the crowd. They walked down the aisle hand in hand, husband and wife. Klay stopped at where Iroh was in the first row.)

Iroh-"Sill regret getting knocked out?"

(Jade smiled at Klay and he looked at her, then at Iroh.)

Klay-"No, not at all."

(That night, Klay was carrying Jade to their room. They'd been given a week special leave, with Iroh's help, to enjoy their marriage. They were still kissing by the time they reached the room. He gently laid her on the bed, and they just looked into each other's eyes for a minute.)

Jade-"I love you."

Klay-"I love you too."

(Jade kissed her husband and he kissed her back.)

Klay-"By the way dear, you owe me a favor."

(Jade's face was perplexed.)

Jade-"Favor? What favor?"

Klay-"I'll tell you tomorrow, okay?"

Jade-"Alright."

(They were immediately lost in the moment of each other's stare. They didn't need words to say they loved each other. They said it without a sound. They kissed each other passionately, and were lost in each other's love.)

The next day...

Jade-"This is crazy dear!"

Klay-"Yeah, I know it's crazy but you owe me a favor."

Jade-"I'm just wondering, when did you think of this?"

Klay-"About six months ago."

(Jade laughed a bit.)

Klay-"Now look Jade, when you beat me last time you knocked me out with one punch and that's very hard of someone of my caliber to handle!"

Jade-"Didn't you tell me you got over it though?"

Klay-"Yeah, about that...I lied."

(Jade laughed even more.)

Jade-"Oh so you lied okay! So you just want to prove it to yourself?"

Klay-"That's right, nobody but you and me."

Jade-"Okay, beauty before age?"

Klay-"Whatever you say Jade."

(He stepped first and opened up the ropes so she could step in. They where both wearing gloves and gear to fight, tonight was the rematch between Klay and Jade.)

Jade-"You better be careful though handsome. You're remembering the time I knocked you out in one punch?"

Klay-"Yeah, but don't think I'll be going down so easily honey."

Jade-"You just keep punching okay?"

(She stuffed the mouthgaurd in her mouth as did Klay.)

Klay-"You want to ring the bell?"

Jade-"Whatever you say. Ding!"

(They touched gloves and slowly started to circle each other.)

Klay-"Come on Jade show me your stuff."

Jade-"You sure I didn't get in here with the wrong person? You sure do know how to move."

Klay-"Careful now. Sure you want some of this?"

(The began to edge forward towards each other.)

Jade-"You ready for this?"

Klay-"Let's go."

(They both swung a hook at each other and it began.)

Back to the present...

Zuko-"So that's how you and your wife met?"

Klay-"Yes. We came; actually, we got stuck here. See, we were at the battle that happened here that your uncle led. We got past the wall but our division was wiped out when we got cut off. We fought like lions but in the end there were just too many in the end. It took ten divisions to finish us off after we'd broken through so far."

(Zuko was surprised.)

Klay-"Yeah I know. I know who he is. He was my commander at the battle that occurred right at this city's outer walls."

Zuko-"I heard it was a massacre."

Klay-"It was. At first we were winning, but then the battle turned around completely."

Zuko-"Why?"

Klay-"It was because General Iroh halted the entire attack at the moment where we needed to push the attack. It gave the enemy the time to stage a massive counter-attack that took the troops completely by surprise. I saw the others on the walls try to make a stand but the enemy was too numerous. They were just cut to pieces. Even after some surrendered or tried to surrender they were murdered; slain even as they laid down their arms. It was horrible. My wife and I barely survived that massacre. We snuck inside the city and prepared to sneak out, but we discovered that she was pregnant. So, we decided to stay until she had the kids."

(It was hard for Klay to utter these words.)

Klay-"She died while delivering my twins."

Zuko-"I'm sorry."

Klay-"Don't be. It's not your fault."

(Pause.)

Klay-"Anyway, I decided to stay. I wasn't about to leave the city with two newborn infants. Also, although I wanted to go back home, I didn't want my children to lose me. See, my time in the army wasn't done. I still had another year of service to finish before I could leave. I couldn't do that."

Zuko-"But it was your duty?"

Klay-"Which duty? Family or country? I chose family. Government is instituted by people. We give it power. It doesn't give us any rights. We give it its rights. Government isn't sovereign. It's not God. My allegiance is first to God, and then to my family. I believed in this war. I did. I see fear and pain everyday in this city and I see what the Earth Kingdom has created. It's acting as if it were God. When government does that the people need to rise up, fight back. The Dai Li oppresses the people of this city and no one fights back. Sorry, I'm ranting. Look, I believe that the Fire Nation needs to free the people from the Dai Li, but I have a duty to my family."

(Zuko thought about that.)

Zuko's thoughts-"Never thought about it like that. However, I never really had a great family relationship except with mother and uncle."

Klay-"Look, I'm here. I would go back but I can't. Maybe later I'll go back home, but for now I'm stuck here."

(Klay walked over to the wall that displayed the picture of his wife.)

Klay-"Kid, I need to tell you something else. I need you to keep your friend away from me."

(Zuko was confused.)

Klay-"Kid, I can't stand his presence. When I'm around him, anger seeds inside of me; anger at his decision that cost the lives of so many of my friends."

Zuko-"Why can't you reconcile with him?"

Klay-"Because I saw so many of my friends and troops die in front of my eyes."

(Zuko could relate.)

Zuko's thoughts-"I've never liked my sister, but still."

Zuko-"What about forgiving others?"

(That stopped Klay in his tracks.)

Klay's thoughts-"Nothing I can say to that."

(Klay looked down with his eyes.)

Zuko-"Klay, if God can forgive me and you for what we did, shouldn't you also forgive him too?"

(Now, Klay felt bad.)

Zuko-"Klay, listen, I'm going to go see Jin. I'll be back soon."

(Zuko walked to the door, but stopped just before he walked out.)

Zuko-"Just, think about what I said."

(Zuko walked out, and left Klay to think about that.)

Later...

(Iroh was working in the shop making the tea just right while Tycho served it to the customers and the boss took the orders of the customers that had formed a line out the door and beyond. Iroh, after making another batch of tea, saw he needed more jasper. He handed the tea to Tycho.)

Iroh-"Table 3 Tycho."

Tycho-"Thank you sir."

(Iroh walked to the storage room and started searching for the jasper. He saw it on the top shelf and tried to reach it, but he wasn't too tall. As he stretched again to reach it, he saw a hand take it off the shelf and offer it too him. He saw that it was Klay. He took the jasper from his hand. They stood there in silence for a minute. Klay then got up the courage to say what he needed to.)

Klay-"I know you remember me. You're secret is safe with me. Now, I was there. I was there the day you cost us the entire invasion of this city. I saw friends die all around me; slaughtered."

(Iroh was silent. It was the truth.)

Klay-"I lost a lot of friends. You lost your son."

(Pause.)

Klay-"You made a mistake. A grave mistake that cost the lives of your son and many other soldiers, but I need to tell you that I forgive you."

(Klay and Iroh looked at each other, not letting anything distract their attention. Klay saluted Iroh and Iroh saluted him back.)

Klay-"I forgive you."

(Klay put down his hand, as did Iroh, and turned to leave. Iroh put his hand on his shoulder before he left.)

Iroh-"I'm sorry."

(Pause.)

Iroh-"Truly, I am sorry."

Klay-"I know."

(Klay walked out.)

Meanwhile...

(Zuko walked into Jin's hospital bed with flowers. Odd, isn't it?)

Zuko-"Hey Jin."

(Jin woke up, and at seeing Zuko, Lee to her, she smiled.)

Jin-"Hey Lee! How are you?"

Zuko-"I'm okay."

(He walked over to her side.)

Zuko-"I brought you these."

(He laid the flowers by her. The flowers were ornamented in red roses, white lilies, and yellow daisies.)

Jin-"They look beautiful."

Zuko-"Thanks. I hoped you'd like them."

Jin-"I love them."

(She landed him a kiss. He didn't want to tell her this.)

Zuko-"Jin, I need to tell you something. I'm going to fight June."

Jin-"What?"

Zuko-"Yes. I'm going to fight her for what she did to you because she can't get away for doing something like that. She could've killed you."

Jin-"She could also kill you too!"

Zuko-"Jin,"

Jin-"No Lee. With Klay I can understand but this I don't. Even if you win what do you win? You saw how strong she is! You know what she can do!"

(Zuko looked away.)

Jin-"Lee, you can't win! You can't"

(He now looked at her. Her face had fear on it, but he could see she it was all what she believed.)

Zuko-"Jin, I love you."

(He put his hand on her cheek.)

Zuko-"Maybe I can't win. Maybe I can't. But I'm not going to call this off. I'm going to give all I am to fight her. For you, I'm giving 100. Maybe I can take away all that she is. I won't leave that ring unless I'm in a body bag. I won't leave unless I'm dead, and she's got to willing to die herself. I won't leave until I've taken everything away from her."

(He got up to leave and took his hand off Jin.)

Zuko-"Everything."

(He walked out of the room and headed to Klay's gym. He had some training to do.)

(Zuko trained hard at what he had to do. He swam laps back and forth in a pool the was 30 yards long.)

Klay-"You're doing great kid. Just 5 more laps."

(Zuko continued swimming, training hard for the fight he would have with June. Jin entered the building. Klay heard the sound and saw Jin was there but Zuko, swimming hard, didn't notice. Jin walked up to Klay and hugged him.)

Klay-"Jin, what are you doing here?"

Jin-"I needed to be with Lee."

(Klay folded his arms.)

Jin-"I need him to know that I'm behind him completely."

(Klay's face turned to Zuko, Lee to him, who was still swimming.)

Klay's thoughts-"She's right. He needs her."

(Klay looked back at Jin, who was still bandaged and bruised a bit but healing, and nodded in agreement.)

Jin-"May I have some time alone with him?"

Klay-"Sure Jin. Just remember, he needs all the time he can get to train."

Jin-"I know."

(Klay headed to the door to give them some time alone together. Still walking, he turned his face to Jin.)

Klay-"Good to see you better."

(Klay reached the door, and walked outside. Jin stood where she was, watching Zuko. She could see he was tired, by the pace he was swimming at, but he still kept pushing himself by not stopping.)

Jin's thoughts-"He has the heart of a champion."

(As Zuko kept swimming, he noticed Jin as he prepared to finish his final lap when he turned around. There was a silent pause between them. Jin then started walking over by Zuko.)

Jin-"I got myself released from the hospital."

(They stared into each others eyes.)

Jin-"I wanted to tell you, that I'm with you no matter what."

(Pause.)

Zuko-"No matter what?"

Jin-"No matter what."

(Zuko climbed out of the pool dripping and they looked into each other's eyes for a beautiful moment. Jin lunged at Zuko and held him like there was no tomorrow and Zuko held her the same way. She leaned up and kissed him, and then continued to hold him while Zuko leaned his head on hers.)

Zuko-"Thank you Jin. I can't do it without you."