CHAPTER 3

"Prince Zuko," General Iroh said. "Have you forgotten what happened last time you dueled a master?"

I didn't think he had. I know I didn't. Zuko and I both had scars from that day.

"I will never forget," Zuko replied. He looked over at me, his face changing to one of... I don't know. He's never looked at me that way before. "What is it, Kiara?"

"Did you hear what he said?" I asked him. "If he wins, he's going to take me with him."

"No, he's not. Because he's not going to win."

A few hours later, the Agni Kai was about to start. As much as I didn't want to go and watch, Zuko ordered me to do it. I could tell Zuko was angry as he kneeled on the ground. He glanced at me, a promising look in his eyes.

I sat over to the side, waiting anxiously as General Iroh spoke to Zuko before the match. After his uncle spoke, Zuko looked at me. "I refuse to let him win," the prince said.

Both the Commander and Zuko stood, facing each other as the covers on their backs fell to the ground. Zuko was pale and extremely fit. I knew this since I met him. But now, he was sixteen, and I couldn't help but look away, my face flushed, whenever I saw him shirtless, like now.

The gong sounded, and the Agni Kai began. Zuko attacked first, but Commander Zhao dodged the flames. They kept shooting and dodging until Commander Zhao broke through the fire and Zuko stood there, his fist outward, breathless. Then he attacked again, kicking fire at the man. Commander Zhao only broke through the flames each time. Zuko was breathing hard, glaring at the older man.

"Basics, Zuko," his uncle called to him. "Break his root!"

It was the Commander's turn to attack now. Each time he did, Zuko was pushed back, until he was knocked onto his back while blocking the flames from his face. Commander Zhao jumped and landed in front of Zuko, pure hatred on his face. He shot straight as the prince's already scarred face, but Zuko regained himself and got back up, knocking the Commander down in the process.

Zuko smirked. He started shooting flames again, from his feet this time, pushing Commander Zhao back every time. Eventually, the Commander fell and rolled onto his back. I watched as Zuko stood above him, like he was going to scar the older man.

"Do it!" Commander Zhao shouted.

Zuko shot fire through his fist, but not at the Commander. The flames hit the ground by his head, leaving a scorch mark.

"That's it? Your father raised a coward," Commander Zhao spat.

Zuko glared at him. "Next time you get in my way, I won't hold back."

As Zuko was walking away, Commander Zhao attempted to attack him again, but General Iroh caught the man's foot and pushed him back. Zuko turned around and nearly ran at him, but his uncle stopped him.

"No, Prince Zuko. Do not taint your victory," the wise man said. General Iroh turned to face Commander Zhao. "So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat. Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you," he said simply. "Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious." He turned and walked away. Zuko followed, grabbing my wrist as he passed me to pull me up.

"Did you really mean that, Uncle?" Zuko asked when we were out of hearing distance of Commander Zhao.

"General Iroh smiled. "Of course," he answered. "I told you: Ginseng tea is my favorite."

We headed back to the ship and a smile spread across my face. "Thank you, Prince Zuko," I said. He looked over his shoulder at me.

"Why are you thanking me, Kiara? I've done nothing to deserve it," he said. He slowed so he was walking beside me, and he placed a hand on the middle of my back. I kept walking with him, my hands clasped together in front of me.

"Well... You could've gotten rid of me back there."

"I'd never do that. Who would I have to argue with? Besides, we grew up together. How could I just throw you away?"

"Azula would do it."

"I'm not Azula." I saw him smile from the corner of my eye, and I smiled too.