Six months later, Zuko stood at his father's right hand while the various generals greeted the Fire Lord and his family. Fire Lord Ozai had decided to host a large party in honor of the conquering of yet another Earth Kingdom city. The victory happened to be lead by General Keigo… his first attack after recovering for a couple months. Akira had been depressed for a couple days when he had returned to the earth kingdom, but she had brightened up slightly when Firelord Ozai had invited Akira, her mother, and Ryu to stay even though General Keigo had returned to war. As he thought about this, Zuko stood on his tiptoes and looked over the crowd before him. He searched for the dark brown hair with red highlights that belonged to his best friend. When he craned his neck to see around a particularly large general and Ozai slapped a hand on his son's shoulder. Zuko jumped and looked back in front of him.

"…and this is my son, Prince Zuko." Ozai introduced and the general nodded to the young prince. Zuko bowed and nodded a short greeting in return. Ozai dismissed his children with a glare.

"Azula, Zuko… you may go find the rest of the children." He muttered as he put on a smile and greeted another general. Azula and Zuko quickly bowed and ran off. They pushed through the crowd and looked for their friends. Zuko looked around for Akira, but couldn't find her anywhere. Suddenly he was pulled backwards and Zuko whipped around to find Azula with a firm grip on his sleeve.

"Come here brother. You're going the wrong way." She commanded. Zuko rolled his eyes but followed his younger sister. They reached the hall and pushed through the guards at the door. The siblings sprinted down the hall and stopped in front of a large, elegant door. The guard recognized them and slid open the door. He bowed deeply as they passed, but neither child acknowledged him. They stepped into a large room that was alive with children of all ages. The kids ran around and were so loud Zuko could barely hear himself think. A young captain that Zuko recognized attempted to control the madhouse, but was failing horribly. A group of boys came up behind him and followed him throughout the room. The captain was oblivious to his stalkers and then, without warning, one of the boys ran up and tugged on the man's belt. It came loose and his pants started to drop. Zuko suppressed a snort of laughter as the furious captain hopped after the fleeing band of troublemakers. Zhao deserves every bit of it. Zuko thought to himself. He and the man had a record of not getting along well in the past and Zuko didn't think it was about to improve anytime soon. Zuko looked around and found Mai standing alone at a table looking somewhat depressed. He sighed and wove his way through the crowd toward her. She may not like Akira, but I'm still her friend… Zuko decided.

"Hey…" He greeted the girl as he sat next to her.

"Hey." Mai responded with a look of surprise. Zuko smiled and raised his eyebrows.

"So whatcha doing?" He asked. Mai laughed and stood up.

"Not sitting here. Let's go grab something to eat." She replied. Mai grabbed his hands and pulled him to his feet. To Zuko's surprise she didn't let go of one of his hands and the pair ended up walking hand in hand over to the long table of fine food. They quickly gobbled up some turkeyduck and then started to talk. Zuko apologized for hanging out with Akira so much even though he didn't mean it. What Mai doesn't know won't hurt her. He reasoned with himself. Mai forgave him and smiled. Zuko grinned back and caught a glimpse of pink over her shoulder. Ty Lee ducked behind a boy when she realized that Zuko had seen her and he narrowed his eyes.

"Why is Ty Lee watching us?" Zuko demanded, feeling eyes on his back as well. He turned around and saw Azula casually talking to one of the older guys, but Zuko had a suspicion that she had just been watching them as well. "What's going on?" He demanded again. Mai looked at him confused before taking the side of his face in her hand and smiling.

"Why does it matter Zuko?" She asked him. Zuko was still too stunned to speak and he just stared into her gray eyes. Mai gave him a small smile and suddenly Zuko felt her lips pressed against his own. Just as he finally registered what was happening, Mai pulled away and smiled. Zuko's lips parted slightly as he stared at her in shock. Suddenly his face broke into a smile and he kissed her again. A high pitched squeal broke the moment and Zuko pulled back. He looked up to find Ty Lee jumping up and down, and Azula wearing an amused smirk. A girl in a deep crimson outfit caught his eye as well, but she was in the shadows and Zuko couldn't see her face behind the curtain of dark hair. He could feel her dark gaze on him and his blood chilled. As if she knew that Zuko had spotted her, the girl turned and disappeared into the crowd. Mai cupped his face in her hands once again and Zuko returned his attention to her. He smiled and kissed her cheek, desperately wishing for the prickling sensation of being watched to disappear. Mai gave him a hug, but he ended it quickly and Zuko stood up and walked away, muttering a quick goodbye to Mai. He could sense Mai's shock, but it didn't matter, all he cared about was finding the girl that had caused the chill to run down his spine.

Zuko pushed through the crowd of kids and searched the crowd for the girl in the crimson dress. He finally spotted her talking to the school troublemaker, Tomoya, in the corner. Her back was to him and Zuko snuck up behind her. He put a hand on her shoulder and roughly spun her around. The girl had a shocked expression and she let out a small squeak of surprise when Zuko grabbed both her shoulders to stop her momentum. He glared at her for a second before suddenly recognizing her.

"Akira!" He exclaimed surprised. He had barely recognized her. Akira wore her hair in a messy bun with some hair in front loose and parted to the side, hiding part of her face. She had a beautiful silk dress that fit her perfectly, but her make- up was dark and she looked much older. Her eyebrows were raised and her eyes were wide. Before Zuko could continue, Tomoya stepped between them.

"Um… sorry, but I was talking to her first." He growled. Zuko was about to snap back an insult but Akira cut him off.

"It's okay. We can finish our conversation later Tomo." She interrupted the potential fight. Tomoya gave Zuko one last glare, but nodded to Akira and disappeared in the crowd.

"Why were you hanging out with him?" Zuko demanded. Akira and Tomoya had been slowly becoming friends over the past month or so and Zuko hated it.

"Well I went to find you, but you were a little busy." Akira retorted, referring to his kiss with Mai.

"I didn't kiss her! She kissed me first!" Zuko protested. Mai and Akira weren't exactly friends at the moment, due to a fight earlier in the week and it made the situation that Zuko was in even more awkward. Zuko still hadn't decided on his feelings for either girl and it was starting to cause problems.

"Zuko… I don't really care." Akira began again a little more gently. "Honestly, if you like Mai that's perfectly fine with me." She smiled and blushed a little. "Besides, I've got a little crush on a guy already." Zuko looked at her sparkling eyes and realized with a sinking dread that she meant Tomoya. It was times like these that he wished they didn't tell everything to each other. I'm pretty sure I could have done without knowing that Akira likes Tomoya. Zuko thought rolling his eyes. Akira noticed him roll his eyes and she punched him in the shoulder.

"Zuko! If you can kiss Mai, I can have a little crush on someone." She scolded and Zuko glared at her while rubbing the pain away from his shoulder.

"Um… OW!" Zuko complained. Akira laughed and raised an eyebrow. Zuko couldn't keep his hurt act up and his face broke into a grin. "Just kidding…" He mumbled, trying to ignore the throbbing in his bicep. "But seriously… Tomoya?" He asked. Zuko earned himself another punch. He groaned in pain and aimed a swat at Akira's head. She easily dodged him and ran off laughing. Zuko grinned despite his pain and watched her weave between the kids, before disappearing all together. Akira was his best friend and they spent almost every day together. They even had a double birthday party because they had both turned thirteen in the same week. The young prince loved every minute they spent together and believed that she was the only thing keeping him from going insane. Azula was becoming more perfect and even more evil every day now, and Ozai, his own father seemed to blow up at him for the littlest things. Zuko's only escape so far had been Akira and his Uncle Iroh. The now retired general returned home a few weeks ago and the uncle and nephew soon grew to love each other's company. Now you have Mai too… A little voice in Zuko's mind whispered. Zuko dismissed it knowing that more Mai meant more Azula and Ty Lee as well. He didn't know if he could handle that. But Akira seems to be liking her time with Tomoya…. the voice reminded. Zuko willed his conscience to shut up and he looked around the party. Azula, Ty Lee and Mai were in an intense conversation and Zuko sighed, knowing it was about him. He wandered over in that direction, hoping to hear what they were saying. It turned out to be a bad choice because Ty Lee immediately popped up next to him and dragged him back over to Mai. Azula smiled and pushed her brother into a seat next to Mai and exchanged a glance with Ty Lee.

"I guess we'll leave you two alone now." She shrugged as Mai shot her a worried look. The two girls 'left', leaving Zuko and Mai alone once again.

"So…." Zuko started, refusing to look at Mai.

"Why did you run off?" Mai demanded. Agni, this girl sure gets to the point. Zuko thought, kind of wishing for the awkwardness to be two-sided.

"Well… you see…" Zuko said as he desperately racked his mind for an excuse, rather than telling Mai that he had followed a mysterious girl who turned out to be Akira. "Um…"

"You were with Akira weren't you?" Mai guessed.

"Okay… so I ran into Akira and we talked for a second, but that's not why I went over there." Zuko admitted. Mai cocked an eyebrow and waited for him to continue.

"I left because… because I just wasn't sure about this." Zuko decided. "I didn't know how I felt about kissing you. I mean you are one of my best friends and it almost seemed… weird." As the words tumbled out of his mouth, Zuko realized that what he said was true. He also felt a little weird because Mai had just taken his first kiss… but he wasn't about to let her know that.

"Oh… well what do you think now?" Mai asked.

"I… I think…" Zuko paused. What did he think? "I think we should just stay friends for now… but I wouldn't be opposed to trying us when we're older." Zuko finally decided. The pained look on Mai's face was almost too much for him to bear and just as he thought she was going to start to cry, she collected herself and gave him a small smile.

"Okay Zuko…" She agreed softly. "I'll wait for you." She leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss before standing up and walking over to Azula and Ty Lee. Zuko narrowed his eyes and stared at the floor. Did I make the right choice? He asked himself. Yeah… I think so. Zuko sighed and put his head in his hands. What's stopping me? Zuko knew the answer but he couldn't bring himself to admit it. Akira… A voice whispered in his head.

"Oh Agni…" Zuko whispered to himself. "I'm in love with my best friend…" Suddenly all the torches blew out and the room was pitched into darkness. The room was silent for a few seconds before several war whoops erupted from the center of the room. Zuko could hear Captain Zhao yelling some inappropriate words and the shouts of the boys turned to laughter. Zhao's voice was starting to get desperate and Zuko almost felt bad for the man. Almost. The shouts ceased and Zuko heard the boys run to a different part of the room laughing like mad men. Zuko sighed and lit the torch near him. A faint glow spread throughout the room. Zhao was tied up in the middle of the room with his own clothes and when he met Zuko's eyes, Zuko swore the man was going to burst from anger. The Prince sighed and with a few fire blasts the room was lit once again. He poked his head out of the door and told the guard outside to send a servant to help Captain Zhao. Zuko returned to the party and most of the kids had retreated to small groups spread around the room. Mai, Azula and Ty Lee stood in the middle of several older boys and Zuko felt no desire to see what they were talking about. As he turned to leave, Zuko felt a small hand on his shoulder.

"Where you goin?" Akira asked as he turned around. Her make-up was dark and it gave her appearance an edge but her eyes sparkled and Akira wore a smile that made Zuko want to admit everything to.

"Eh… I've had enough tonight." Zuko shrugged, not sure what to tell his friend. Akira's smile disappeared and a concerned expression replaced it.

"Zuko… is something wrong?" She asked.

"No. I'm fine." Zuko lied, putting on a fake smile. "Just a little tired, that's all." Akira narrowed her eyes and waited for the truth. That's what he hated, Akira could always tell when he was lying. "Okay! You caught me! There is something wrong. Happy?" Zuko growled, suddenly angry. Akira dropped her gaze and a pained look passed her face.

"Akira…" Zuko began again gently. "I'm not mad at you…" Akira looked back up at her friend and Zuko saw hope in her large brown eyes.

"Okay. Wait here." She commanded before running off. Akira returned a minute later and grabbed Zuko's hand. She pulled him out the door and started to run down the hall. Zuko kept up her fast pace and almost fell when she ducked into a courtyard, dragging him with her. She let go of his hand and closed the door behind them. Zuko looked around in awe and realized that they were in his mother's garden, the same place he had first met Akira. The stars sparkled above, but tiny little lanterns floated in the clear pond as well and cast a glow on all the flowers and trees.

"Wow…" Zuko whispered as he walked around the paths and looked around. "How'd you do this?"

"I didn't." Akira admitted. "Uncle Iroh did." Zuko looked at her in surprise and then suddenly remembered what today was, Lou Ten's birthday. "I saw him out here earlier and I asked what he was doing…" Akira continued. "He told me about Lou Ten." Zuko shut his eyes, remembering his cousin. "I'm sorry Zuko." Akira whispered as she stepped close to him. Zuko turned and wrapped his arms around his best friend. Akira held him close and Zuko felt a tear slip down his cheek.

"I miss him so much." Zuko whispered.

"It's okay…" Akira soothed, she squeezed him close once more before letting go. "I know if he could see you now, he'd be proud to have you as a cousin." Zuko smiled and nodded. He wiped the tear away and looked at the lanterns. They floated in the pond and occasionally collided, bouncing off into another direction.

"Thanks." He whispered. Akira smiled and sat at the edge of the pond under a cherry blossom. Zuko kneeled next to her and he remembered sitting in this exact spot with both his mom and Lou Ten when he was younger. Zuko sighed and sat down, leaning against the tree.

"So what's up with you and Mai?" Akira asked suddenly, breaking the silence. Zuko sighed and looked at Akira. Pure curiosity filled her expression and she looked at him expectantly.

"Nothing." He replied. Akira laughed a little and waited for the truth.

"Come on Zuko… I saw you guys kissing so obviously it's not nothing." She rolled her eyes.

"Well, there might have been something for a little bit." Zuko admitted. "But there's nothing now."

"Why? Did you guys fight or something?" Akira asked, concerned.

"No…" Zuko mumbled, not really wanting to share the details.

"Well then what happened?" Akira demanded.

"I told her that it wasn't going to work right now, okay?" Zuko shot, angry at Akira for asking, at himself for liking her and not Mai. Angry that he was so confused about everything. Zuko noticed that Akira had backed off when he yelled at her and he immediately felt bad. "I told her that we should wait till we are older… cause I wasn't sure right now." Zuko clarified in an easier voice. Akira relaxed again and looked at him with large eyes.

"Why?" She asked softly. "I thought you liked Mai."

"I do." Zuko confessed. "But I like someone else more…" He looked up and met Akira's eyes. They reflected the little lanterns and Zuko was lost in the brown eyes. He realized that they had shots of gold that broke through the deep mahogany and he saw the curiosity flicker in them as Akira waited to hear who the other girl was. Her make-up was a deep brown that covered her eye lid and black rimmed her eyes at the base of the eyelashes. Her skin was smooth and her cheeks and nose were a little sunburned. Her bangs were cut on an angle, and most of her hair was parted to one side. Her dark hair hung loose in front and hid part of her face while the rest of her hair was gathered up at the back of her head in a messy bun. Her dress was s deep crimson and looked beautiful on her. Zuko took a sharp breath and looked away. He couldn't tell her that he loved her. Akira was his best friend, not his girlfriend. Mai liked you when you were best friends with her… A small voice whispered in his mind and Zuko squeezed his eyes tight to try and silence his annoying conscience.

"Who is it Zuko?" Akira asked finally.

"I can't tell you." He mumbled, avoiding her eyes.

"Can't tell me!? Why?" She exclaimed.

"I just can't." Zuko muttered. He felt weird keeping something from Akira, but he couldn't tell her. Not yet.

"Fine." Akira grumbled. She turned away from him so her back was facing the prince. Zuko looked up, scared that she was actually mad at him until he caught a glimpse of her playful smile.

"Come on. You wouldn't want to know anyways." He joked, standing up. Zuko stretched and flicked a flame at one of the lanterns that had gone out. It lit again and Akira looked up in surprise.

"Hey Zuko, will you firebend? I love watching it." She asked suddenly. Zuko thought about it for a second before bringing a palmful of fire between them.

"Like this?" He asked.

"Yeah…" Akira replied, hypnotized by the fire that danced in Zuko's hand. He closed his hand and the little flame went out. He heard someone call his name from down the hall and he pulled Akira to her feet.

"Come on. It's time to go." Akira nodded and followed her friend across the garden and down the hall to the party. When they reached the crowd, they wished each other a good night and went their separate ways. Zuko heard his name again and he followed the voice through the thick of the crowd. When he popped out on the other side of the mob, Zuko came face to face with Uncle Iroh.

"Ah! There you are my nephew!" The old man exclaimed, wrapping the prince in a tight hug. Zuko grinned and wriggled his way free.

"Hey Uncle Iroh…" He smiled.

"I just wanted to wish my favorite nephew a good night." Iroh laughed, patting Zuko on the shoulder.

"Good night Uncle Iroh." Zuko laughed before he quickly turned around and hastily made his way to his room.

The next day, Akira and Zuko were in the training courtyard and Zuko practiced his firebending in the clearing while Akira sat on top of one of the walls and watched. Several targets and dummies were set up, along with various obstacles and haystacks around the yard and many bore scars and were burned. A couple of Mai's knives were still stuck in many of the dummies and spots had been burned around them. Zuko kicked an arc of fire in the air and spun. He pretended to block an attack before he punched a ball of fire in the air. Akira watched closely and Zuko could feel her eyes tracing every movement he made and every muscle that flexed throughout his body. Zuko finished the set and paused for a moment to catch his breath. Akira had asked to come work out with him this morning and they had finished stretching over an hour ago. Zuko felt the sweat run down his bare back and a couple loose hairs tickled his forehead. He snuck a glance at Akira before concentrating on regulating his breathing. She wore a pair of his workout pants and her white under clothes stood out against her nicely tanned stomach and arms. All of her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and even her bangs were pinned back. Zuko laughed to himself as he realized that they matched outfits. After he regulated his heart and breath Zuko tried the set that he and Azula had been taught last week. He had worked on it for hours yesterday and felt like it was almost perfect. He ran a hand in an arc towards to the ground and a small tail of fire followed it. When his fingers almost touched the ground Zuko shot his hand forward and a powerful jet of fire erupted from his pointed fingers, he quickly recoiled his arm and shot a punch of fire with his other fist. He twisted and felt his foot almost slip, but Zuko regained ground so fast that the mistake was almost invisible and he followed through with the intended kick. A perfect arc of orange fire lit up the courtyard and Zuko landed solidly on two feet. A smirk formed his lips but quickly disappeared when Akira spoke.

"You should widen your stance." She commented casually. Zuko spun around and glared at her.

"What are you talking about?" He growled. What does she know about firebending? Compared to her I'm a master! Zuko thought annoyed.

"I'm just saying that you should start out with a wider stance…" Akira shot back defensively. Seeing Zuko's disbelieving expression she continued. "I saw your right foot slip a little when you went in for that last kick and if you started out with a more solid stance that wouldn't have happened." She explained. Zuko studied her for a moment more before her words started to make sense. He tried the set again, following Akira's suggestion and taking a more solid stand when he started. This time, the moves were graceful and flawless. Zuko smiled and his eyes lit up. Akira laughed and walked over to her friend.

"Told you." She said with a smug smile. For once, Zuko wasn't bothered by being shown up, rather, he was intrigued.

"How'd you know?" He asked in amazement.

"I don't know." Akira admitted with a shrug. "Instinct I guess." Zuko studied her for a moment more before an idea started to form in his mind.

"Your dad is a firebender… right?" He asked.

"Yeah." Akira shrugged.

"Is you mom?" He continued.

"No…" Akira replied, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"That's what I thought." Zuko dismissed the matter with a wave of his hand. "So, do you want to try some basic moves?" He asked with a smile. Akira's eyes sparkled with delight and she nodded enthusiastically. They stood side by side and Zuko moved slowly through some of the basic punches and kicks. Akira followed easily and they moved quickly through the basic sets. After about three or four different sets, Zuko started to repeat them at a little faster pace. Akira kept up easily and soon they moved in synch, each punching and kicking bursts of invisible fire. Zuko stopped and they turned to one another and bowed deeply. Akira giggled and Zuko looked up with a grin. He met her sparkling eyes and saw the pure joy in her expression.

"How did that feel?" Zuko asked his friend.

"Amazing!" Akira responded enthusiastically. Zuko saw the gold in Akira's eyes again and his mind started to work. It's rare for girls to inherit the ability to bend, especially if they don't have gold eyes… He thought silently. But there are traces of gold in Akira's eyes, and she moved through those sets easily. Zuko studied Akira as she practiced the basic punches and kicks, executing them perfectly. Her eyes blazed with concentration and when she finished all four sets flawlessly, she bowed with a smirk.

"Hey Akira, you want to try some more?" Zuko asked. Akira nodded and Zuko put her through some more sets. The pair worked on sets together almost every day for almost a month and Akira learned quickly. She even mastered some combinations that Zuko hadn't learned for several years after he began training and Akira enjoyed every minute of it. School had started again and they had to cut back on their practices due to the amount of homework. Today however, neither Zuko nor Akira had homework and they had taken the afternoon to climb up the side of the crater. The pair sat on the cliff edge and looked out over the fields and houses outside the capital city.

"So do you ever wish that you could actually firebend?" Zuko asked suddenly breaking the silence that had fallen over them earlier. He sat cross-legged, facing the sun and Akira was on her back, throwing her bracelet into the air and catching it again. She tipped her head backwards and looked at him in surprise.

"What do you mean?" She shot back, her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"I just wanted to know if you ever wished that you were a firebender." Zuko shrugged, ignoring her harsh tone. "I mean you love to practice with me…" Akira sighed and sat up.

"Yes. I do wish I could firebend, but my dad has forbidden me to even try. I think it's because he doesn't want me to become a soldier." She admitted softly. Zuko remembered the law that was passed under Firelord Azulon that forced every firebender, man or woman, to join the army or navy at age sixteen. Zuko looked back at Akira and his blood chilled at the thought of her going to war. "I wish that I could firebend though." She continued. "I feel like it's in me and it's dying to come out, but I'm afraid of what my dad would say. After all, Ryu can fire bend a little and he's joining the army next month already, but I don't think my parents would be able to give me up as well." Akira explained. Zuko felt sorry for her because the energy inside her must be begging to be released, but she can't firebend and set it free because of the stupid law.

"What about if you learn how, but keep it a secret?" Zuko suddenly blurted. Akira looked at him in surprise and their eyes met. An idea began to form between them and finally Akira was the one to give it a voice.

"Would you teach me to firebend?" She asked softly. Zuko nodded slowly, realizing that what they were about to do had serious consequences if they were caught. If they were caught, Akira would be forced to join the army or she would be killed. Keeping your bending a secret was a serious felony in the eyes of Firelord Ozai and he took the punishments seriously. Suddenly the danger made their idea even more exciting and the two thirteen year olds exchanged a grin.

"Yes Akira… I do believe that it's time for you to learn firebending." Zuko agreed. The sun was still well above the horizon and the pair stood up. Zuko lit a flame in his hands and held it out to Akira. She slipped her hands under the flame and matched Zuko's form. They stood for a heartbeat with Akira's hands resting on Zuko's and the flame held by both of them. Slowly Zuko took a breath and retracted his grip. Akira stood with the flame cupped in her open palms and a smile formed her lips. She stared at it for a moment before excitedly looking up at Zuko. Her eyes shined in delight and she put more energy into the flame. It grew and licked at the sky hungrily, consuming the oxygen. She moved her hand in a small circle and the flame followed, swirling around her fingers. Akira played with it, growing it and shrinking it, shaping the fire into a long line and forming a small ball. Slowly she let it die and then she looked up at Zuko excitedly.

"I did it!" She exclaimed. Zuko nodded approvingly and smiled.

"Try to make it on your own now." He encouraged. Akira looked back at her open palm and he saw the tendons in her hand and arm flex, pushing the energy into her palm. A little flame appeared and it grew quickly. Akira stared at it in delight and put it out slowly by closing her hand into a fist.

"I'm a firebender!" She squeaked. Zuko laughed as she jumped into his arms and gave him a tight hug. He lifted her up and spun her around. Akira laughed and when Zuko finally put her down she gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you Zuko." She whispered. He smiled and leaned close to her. His forehead pressed against hers and Zuko could taste Akira's hot breath on his lips. He longed to close the gap between them, but Zuko couldn't move. He felt Akira's hands slide around his neck and pull him down. Their lips met for a second before Akira quickly pulled away. She stepped back and looked away, her cheeks tinted with a deep blush. Zuko stepped closer to her and reached out to touch her shoulder but Akira quickly brushed past him and climbed over the wall behind him. Zuko spun around and jumped up to the ledge, but saw that Akira had already swung across the first gap in the path. Zuko quickly jumped down to the ledge and was about to yell at his friend to swing the rope back over. To his surprise Akira had waited for him and swung the rope back over. Zuko caught it and swung across, but Akira had already moved on. They continued like that until the trail didn't have any more gaps, then Akira started down the rocky climb without waiting. Zuko followed in silence, not sure what to think. She just kissed me… so why is she running away? Finally they reached the trail and Zuko ran to catch up with his friend. Akira kept walking, ignoring his presence. An unusual silence hung over the pair as they walked towards the palace and Zuko was beginning to feel frustrated. What's wrong with her? He wondered as he searched her face for emotion. Akira's face didn't even show a flicker of acknowledgement and Zuko was about to burst. He wanted to yell at her, kiss her again, make her laugh… anything. Anything would be better than the awkward silence that hung over them. They reached the palace gates and Akira continued her rapid pace through the front gates. Finally Zuko grabbed her shoulder and spun her around. He looked at her for a moment, losing himself in her deep amber eyes. They stared at each other for a few more heartbeats before Akira broke the stare and dropped her gaze to the ground.

"What's wrong?" Zuko asked softly, leaning a little closer to her. Akira shut her eyes and turned away.

"I'm sorry." She whispered in a hoarse voice. Zuko retreated a little, taken by surprise.

"What for?!" He demanded suddenly. Akira flinched and Zuko immediately regretted his harsh tone.

"For kissing you." Akira explained softly, still refusing to meet the prince's gold eyes. "I shouldn't have… I don't know what I was thinking…" Zuko stared at her with a confused expression.

"Why not?" He asked. Akira finally met his eyes with her own eyes clouded with sadness.

"Because you're supposed to be with Mai." She snarled, a flash of anger finally igniting the fire in her eyes and clearing away the haze of sadness.

"What are you talking about?" Zuko demanded, stepping closer to her.

"I'm talking about how you and Mai are destined to be together." Akira replied, her voice deep with frustration. "It doesn't matter what either of us wants…. Your dad will want you with Mai, Mai's parents want you together, Mai wants you, everybody at school want you two together; they even had bets to see how long it would take you guys to kiss! Face it Zuko, the Fire Prince can't be with a girl that grew up in the colonies." Zuko snarled and looked away, cursing the world. He felt Akira's hand on his shoulder and he looked up. Her face was calm once again and sadness once again clouded her eyes. She nodded a farewell before turning away. Zuko watched her walk away for a moment before running after her. When he reached her, Zuko spun her around and pressed his lips to her. He held her tight against his chest and tasted her sweet lips. After a few more heartbeats, he pulled his head back but still held her close. Akira's lips were still parted and her eyes were wide with shock. Zuko grinned gave her another quick kiss.

"I don't care what anyone thinks. I love you." He whispered as he pulled back. Akira smiled and gave him a hug.

"I love you too Zuko." She whispered into his neck. "You know I always will." Zuko breathed a sigh of relief and held her tight to his chest.

"Zuko!" A shout startled both of them. Zuko whipped around to find Azula, Ty lee, and Mai walking towards them. He growled in frustration, but slowly released Akira and pushed her a little behind him. Akira shot him a glare, but Zuko didn't notice. He had locked eyes with Mai and the two studied the other's expression, searching for their emotions. Suddenly Zuko realized that Mai at the head of the group and she was flanked by Azula and Ty Lee. This wasn't normal… He recognized quickly.

"What are you doing?" Mai snarled. Zuko narrowed his eyes for a moment before he felt Akira move away from him and walk up to Mai. He grabbed for her hand but Akira shook him off and continued walking toward Mai. She stopped a couple feet in front of the other girl and glared at the young knife thrower. Zuko could feel the intensity in the air between the two and he was afraid a fight would break out any second. He saw Akira glance back at him with large eyes that sparkled with regret and apology. He took a step forward, but Akira had already turned back to Mai.

"What do you want?" Akira snapped. Surprise flashed in Mai's eyes but she kept up her calm composure.

"I want you to stay away from Zuko." She requested coolly as she inspected her black fingernails.

"And what if I don't?" Akira growled. Mai looked up and her eyes narrowed.

"You'll regret it." Mai replied darkly. Akira opened her mouth to give a sharp retort, but thought better of it and closed her lips. Zuko silently thanked her before stepping in between the two girls.

"Mai…" He began gently, feeling Akira's glare chill his back. Zuko ignored it and continued his quest for peace. "Mai. I love…" Zuko started to admit, but was cut off by Akira.

"He loves you Mai." The statement echoed around the clearing and everybody stared at Akira. She nodded to Mai and brushed past Zuko without even a glance. The young prince was still too stunned to speak when Mai turned to him. She wore a bright smile and showed no signs of the dark and dangerous girl that stood in front of him moments before. Mai threw her arms around him a in a tight hug and kissed his cheek.

"I knew it!" She exclaimed. Zuko stared over Mai's shoulder at his sister. She was still looking in the direction that Akira had disappeared and she wore a suspicious expression. When she looked back at Zuko and met his eyes, Zuko could feel his sister reading him like a scroll. She knows Akira lied. Zuko thought silently as he slowly returned Mai's tight hug.

It had been over two weeks and Akira and Zuko had barely exchanged more than a few words. Mai on the other hand had spent almost every waking moment with him. Zuko was even beginning to realize that he liked Mai a little. Zuko and Mai were pretty much considered a couple now and they had even shared several kisses already. Except for none of them felt as perfect as the ones I've had with Akira… Zuko thought silently. He was still waiting for Akira to show him what she was planning to do, but so far she hadn't made any contact with him other than asking to borrow a pen in class. Zuko believed Akira when she told him that she loved him. He always would, but the fact that Akira hadn't even made an attempt to talk to him so far was starting to concern him. Zuko thought that she would have fun with it and make a game of sneaking off to see him behind Mai's back or something, but Akira had kept up on Mai's request to stay away from him. These thoughts ran through Zuko's head as he walked down the street on the way back from school alone. Mai had stayed after and by the time Zuko was ready to leave, all of his friends were gone. Zuko saw a girl father up the street and he realized that it was Akira. An idea slowly formed in his mind as he quickened his pace and kept her in sight. Suddenly Akira veered off to the right, away from the palace and Zuko watched her in confusion. Where is she going? Akira walked quickly through the streets and Zuko realized that they were headed for the main gates. Akira snuck around the corner of a store and Zuko ran to catch up with her. He spotted her jump onto the back of a cart and sit behind one of the large pots. He followed her example and hid among the baskets on the second cart. They rode through the gates and Zuko saw Akira slip off the cart when they reached a grove of trees. He jumped down and slipped after his friend into the trees. Zuko stopped and hid behind a tree when he heard Akira's footsteps come to a halt. After a few more heartbeats, he peered around the tree to try and spot his friend. All he found was a line of bushes and saplings and Zuko's heart started to race. Where is she? He finally found a small break in the dense plants and he looked through. Akira stood in a clearing beside a large clear pool of water that was shaded by a large willow. Her bag was cast to the side and her school shirt had been thrown on top of it. Akira now wore a short shirt that looked like it had been cut off around the stomach and sleeves. She stood straight and tall before taking a quick bow. Suddenly, her body started to move through the sets that Zuko had remembered teaching her and her eyes were narrowed and deep with concentration. Arcs and balls of fire burst from her hands, twirling around her and playfully licking the leaves of the trees and bushes. She finished the last kick with a satisfied smirk and immediately moved into the second set flawlessly. Zuko had to admit that he was impressed by how easy Akira made it look and the power that she used to control the size and shape of her flame. Soon a sly grin shaped the prince's lips and he shot a stream of fire next to Akira. She jumped back startled, but when she saw Zuko her eyes narrowed in concentration and Akira quickly retaliated with a powerful kick of heat. Zuko smirked and effortlessly kicked up a shield, protecting him from the oncoming storm. He shaped a fireball and carelessly tossed it at Akira and to his surprise she caught it and added a little bit of her own fire to it expanding it to nearly twice its original size. She threw it at Zuko and this time he punched it and the fireball exploded in their faces, showering both of them with sparks. The specks of fire tickled Zuko's skin and he watched Akira's face break into a smile.

"Hey Zuko." She greeted him softly. Zuko returned her smile and stepped closer.

"Hey…" He whispered. Zuko opened his arms and tried to give her a hug, but Akira ducked under his arm and pushed him aside. He whipped around, confused. Akira crossed her arms, cocked an eyebrow and looked at him playfully.

"Hey! No hugs if you're dating another girl Zuko." She scolded. Zuko studied her eyes for the joking sparkle that lit up when she was kidding around, but he saw the serious gleam instead. His smile faded and he dropped his arms and shoulders, obviously disappointed.

"But… I thought…" He started but Akira dropped her playful stance and looked away before he could finish his sentence.

"I know Zuko…" She explained softly. "I told you that I love you. And it's true… but you belong with Mai, so I decided that it's better if we are just friends."

"Oh okay… Thanks for telling me you decided that." Zuko shot back darkly. Akira looked up at him with large eyes, but Zuko didn't care. "You just thought that ignoring the fact that I like you more than Mai will just make it go away?! Well it doesn't work! Trust me…" He shouted. Akira's expression darkened and she started to walk past him, but Zuko grabbed her arm and pulled her back in front of him.

"Let go!" Akira commanded, trying to shake her arm free of Zuko's strong grip.

"Not until you promise to stay here." He growled. Akira shot him a glare and ripped her arm from his grasp, but she stayed where she was.

"What is there to talk about Zuko!? I thought we already went over this… Even if we are together for now in the end you'll be with Mai. I think it would be much easier if we just accepted that fact and moved on with our lives!" Akira explained hotly. Zuko looked away, realizing she was right. When he looked up again and met Akira's eyes, her icy glare had softened into an understanding gaze.

"I don't think I can lose you though…" Zuko whispered. Akira smiled sadly and gave him a quick hug.

"You don't have to…" She comforted. "I'll still be your friend no matter what." Akira stepped back and gave him a playful smile. "Just not when Mai's around." Zuko returned her grin and crossed his arms.

"Deal… Now let's see some more of your firebending."

A couple days later, Zuko shot one last grin at Akira before feeling Mai tug on his arm in the other direction. Mai had caught him talking to Akira and she hadn't exactly been thrilled, but Zuko didn't care. Testing Mai's patience had become a game over the past week and at times he felt guilty about it, but the prince's new form of entertainment was almost addicting. Zuko had always loved the thrill of doing things he wasn't supposed to and hanging out with Akira had become one of those things.

"Come on Zuko. This is the third time today I've caught you breaking your promise to stay away from Akira." Mai's harsh scolding voice brought Zuko back to reality.

"I'm sorry Mai. I'll try harder from now on; it's just that talking to her is kind of a habit." Zuko apologized to his girlfriend. He snuck a glance at her to see if she had believed him and Mai's content smirk lead him to believe that his lie had been successful. Zuko soon wore a smirk of his own and realized that even though he was starting to push Mai a little too far with his new game, he was just getting good at it.

"So Zuko…" Mai started as she grabbed his hand. "What were you and Akira talking about anyways?" She asked him sweetly. Zuko looked at her in surprise. For a heartbeat his mind froze for she had taken him completely off guard.

"What we were talking about?" He repeated the question to try and buy himself some time to think. Mai frowned and her high pitched sweet voice disappeared.

"Yes Zuko… What were you talking about?" She repeated. He quickly racked his brain for an answer, but all he could think about was talking to Akira earlier about firebending.

"School?" He quickly blurted. Zuko mentally smacked himself, but he didn't let his expression break. Mai raised an eyebrow but she didn't press further. They walked in silence the rest of the way to the palace and when they passed Mai's house, her goodbye kiss was short and unfeeling. When she was gone, Zuko felt an empty feeling in his core and he felt the guilt start to creep up his throat and leave it dry and tight. He stopped in the kitchen for a glass of water before he went to his room and the truth of his 'game' had started to sink in. I'm probably hurting Mai by hanging out with Akira behind her back so much. He thought regretfully. I mean… it's not that I don't like Mai… She's great. But I just love spending time with Akira so much it's pretty much impossible to keep me from going behind her back… He tried to reason with himself. Zuko had reached his room and he flopped down on his bed with a sigh. Oh Lou Ten… Now I understand your lecture you gave me about girls… He thought sadly as memories of the conversation between the cousins ran through his head again. A soft knock on his door woke Zuko from his thoughts and he sighed. Now what?

"Come in…" He called irritably. The door slowly opened and Akira slipped though. She quickly closed the door behind her and then turned to face Zuko. Her face was drained of color and she looked like she had just seen a ghost. Her hair was down and tangled and her arms hung limply at her sides. Zuko quickly sat up and when their eyes met, he saw that Akira's were wide with fear and sorrow. The deep amber swirled with pain and dismay and they were shiny with tears. Akira looked like she was refusing to let the tears fall and she leaned back against the door. She shut her eyes tight and clenched her fists tight. Zuko quickly got up and walked over to her.

"Akira?" He asked gently. She didn't move at first, but when Zuko reached out to touch her shoulder she flinched and her nose scrunched up in the beginning of a snarl. Zuko drew back his hand slightly but didn't break his concerned gaze. Suddenly, Akira's expression died and her eyes opened. This time they were hollow and emotionless and Zuko watched as she slowly moved her gave from the floor to his face. They stood for a few heartbeats in silence before Akira's lips parted a small slit.

"He's dead." She whispered softly. The emotion came back in an instant and Akira stepped into Zuko's arms. He felt her body shake against his own as sobs escaped her lips and tears fell down her cheeks. He held her smaller frame tight to his chest and buried his face deep into her soft hair.

"It's okay…" He whispered into her ear as he rubbed his thumb in small circles on her shoulder blade. "It's okay… I'm here for you... It's gonna be okay…" Slowly Akira's body started to stop shaking and Zuko felt his neck and shoulder soaked with her tears. With a deep shuddering breath, Akira stepped back and looked up at him.

"I'm sorry…" She whispered softly. A tear rolled down her already wet cheeks and fell to the floor.

"Shhh… it's okay." He soothed as Zuko ran his hands down her arms. He took her hands and led her over to his bed. They sat next to one another and Akira buried her head in his shoulder once again.

"Oh Zuko… He's gone…" She cried softly.

"Who?" Zuko asked as he ran his fingers through her hair, working through the knots and tangles.

"Dad…" She whispered. Zuko's heart skipped a beat and he pulled her close to him.

"Oh Akira…" He murmured deeply. "How?" He asked suddenly.

"The war. He was killed by a group of earthbenders who attacked his camp Zuko!" Akira replied through her tears. "And as if that's not bad enough… Ryu ran away to join the army to avenge dad's death! He's going to be killed as well…" Zuko's blood chilled as he imagined the sixteen year old trying to fight in the war. "My mom is so upset she refuses to do anything but sit in her bedroom and cry…" Akira continued sadly. Her own tears had finally stopped and she looked up at Zuko. "I needed someone…" She admitted softly. Zuko ran his hand up her neck and cupped the side of her face in his palm.

"I'll be there for you." Zuko whispered. "I'll always be there for you Akira." Akira gave him a smile and she pulled him into a hug.

"Thank you Zuko." She whispered in his ear. Zuko kissed the top of her head before releasing her. A loud knock on the door startled them both and caused them to jump away from each other. They waited for a moment in silence before the knock came again, this time more powerful and impatient.

"Zuko! Open the door. I know you're in there!" Mai's muffled voice called from the other side of the door. Zuko shot a worried look at Akira who seemed to understand his panic and jerked her head towards the door as if to say, Do something! Zuko quickly called out,

"Uh, hang on a minute Mai!" He looked around desperately and Akira gave him a devilish grin. She stood in front of him and grabbed the bottom edge of his shirt. She pulled it over his head and watched in amusement as Zuko's expression turned from confusion to shock.

"What the hell?" He mouthed silently.

"Pretend you just got out of the shower or something…" Akira whispered in his ear. Zuko almost laughed out loud at her brilliant mind.

"Zuko!" Another call came from the door. Akira pushed the half naked Zuko towards the door and he shot her a glare. He quickly opened the door a slit, just enough for Mai to be able to see his head and bare shoulder.

"What?! I was just about to take a shower!" He snapped harshly. Mai's face turned bright red and she backed off.

"Oh… sorry. It's just Azula and Ty Lee wanted you to come down to the… actually. Never mind. Go take your shower and when you're done meet me in the training courtyard." She stammered, obviously still embarrassed by the thought of Zuko taking a shower. He rolled his eyes and almost laughed at his girlfriend's bright red cheeks.

"Sure. See ya later." He quickly closed the door and listened for Mai's footsteps to fade away before bursting out laughing. Suddenly his shirt hit him in the face and Zuko stopped laughing. He pulled his shirt back over his head and he looked at Akira. She sat on his bed with her knees pulled up close to her chest. A single tear slid down the side of her face and she rested her chin on her knees and Akira closed her eyes as if trying to cut herself off from the world around her. Zuko walked over and put his arm around her.

"I'm sorry." He whispered into her hair. She didn't make any acknowledgement of his presence and Zuko looked away sadly. He stood up and walked over to the window. He looked out and watched the puffinparrots chase each other around the garden below his window.

"Hey Zuko?" Akira's voice broke the silence. Zuko turned and looked at her over his shoulder. "What would happen to me if I was caught firebending?" She asked. Zuko narrowed his eyes and turned the rest of his body around. He leaned against the window sill and studied Akira a moment before answering.

"Well… I guess that would depend on what mood my father is in." He answered. Akira gave him a confused look and Zuko sighed before pushing himself up and walking over to her. "The normal punishment for keeping firebending a secret is a longer time of service in the military because if you just come clean with your firebending, you only have to serve a year in the military. If you're caught though… you have to serve longer. Now if you commit some crime with your bending, for example hurting someone… then you face time in jail. Or if the Firelord feels creative, you will receive some other sort of punishment." Zuko explained as he sat next to Akira on the bed. "In our case… I would get in serious trouble, but you would probably be required to serve a year or two in the military…." Zuko continued as his blood started to run cold. The thought of Akira being forced into the military was almost too much for him to bear… Akira looked down and Zuko could see a flash of fear light up her eyes. The pair sat in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts until Akira's voice broke the silence.

"Can we go train?" She asked. Zuko looked up and saw the determination in her eyes. "I need to blow of some of my anger…" He studied her for a moment more before nodding and standing up.