Tazin's eyes shot open. The cool mountain air blew through the cave, and the chill of it sent goosebumps across his bare chest and arms. He gasped, sucking in a breath quickly. It was nighttime now, so it took a minute for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. He touched his stomach, willing it to receive more oxygen. Why did he feel out of breath?

Then he stood slowly, his legs aching from sitting in the same attitude for so long.

"Are you alright?"

The voice was deep and genuine, filled with real concern for the twenty-two year old boy. Tazin looked down to where the man was still sitting criss-cross. Avatar Aang's gray eyes were locked onto him, worry etched on his usually kind and happy features. When Tazin didn't respond, the avatar stood too, placing a hand on the prince's bare shoulder. "What's happened?"

The wind picked up, and howled loudly outside the mouth of the cave. Perhaps a storm was coming. "Nothing..I…"

Aang's kind eyes never left him, but Tazin avoided meeting his gaze. "Something is wrong," the man wisely observed.

Tazin took a deep breath. "I just…feel…"

Two years. Two years he'd been coming to this cave to meditate with Aang. Except of course, the days when the avatar had to travel to Republic City or other places. But for what? Tazin had yet to make any progress.

He tried to push those thoughts away. Focusing on what he hadn't yet accomplished would not get him to where he wanted–needed–to be.

"Think how to explain what you're feeling. Put it in words."

Tazin took another deep breath, then spoke. "I think it's Kai. He's done something stupid."

Aang sighed and closed his eyes, and Tazin felt his hand slip off his shoulder. "Tazin, you must stop focusing on the past."

"No," said Tazin strongly. "This isn't about what's happened in the past. This is…new. He's done something else. Something…stupid."

The wind continued to howl. Aang narrowed his eyes, searching Tazin for something. He often did that, and everytime Tazin wondered what he was looking for. "You are sure?"

Tazin gave a firm nod. "Yes. I think he's in trouble again."

After another moment of uncomfortably staring at him, the avatar looked away and closed his eyes. He sighed deeply, but quietly. "You must stop feeling responsible for the actions of your brother. I wish you would let it go."

"I've been trying to let it go, Master! For so long! But it hasn't worked." A beat passed. "I still can't bend. Not even a little."

"Do not focus–"

"On what I can't do. I know, I know." Tazin walked closer to the mouth of the cave and stared out at the beautiful vista. It wasn't completely visible at night, as the moon wasn't very bright and the clouds hung low, covering the peaks of the great Northern Mountains where the Northern Air Temple resided, but Tazin still knew exactly what it looked like. He had it perfectly memorized. "But don't you see how impossible it is for me to let it go? To let him go?"

"If the guilt you feel is ever to be healed, you must." Tazin said nothing so Aang asked, "Why do you feel it is impossible?"

He'd asked it kindly, as always, but Tazin still felt on edge. "He's my brother," he said simply. Tazin sensed Aang approach and stand next to him. But instead of looking out, the avatar studied the side of Tazin's face.

"I know how hard it is to let someone go for the sake of progress," said Aang. He said it in a way that left little doubt of its truthfulness in Tazin's mind. The avatar was speaking candidly. "I understand, perhaps better than anyone, the mental strength, and emotional resolve this requires." Another beat passed. He spoke his next words earnestly "And I can tell you that if I can do it, you can do it too."

Tazin's mind suddenly drifted miles away from this cave, and years into the past. He reflected on the long days, weeks and months he had spent glued to his father's side. It was hard. Meetings, trainings, social events. All of it he'd done with his father from nearly the day he turned eighteen. And why? Why endure all of that?

He closed his eyes. Tazin knew deep down it was because he liked the way his father smiled at him for his successes. The way his father praised him to outsiders. Ever the people pleaser. No. Ever the father-pleaser. That was Tazin.

All of it felt so distant now. He could hardly remember the palace, which was the only home he'd ever known before he'd come to live with Aang and his family. The red walls, the heat, the clothes…his family. All of it felt so distant. A part of him wondered if he'd ever be worthy to return to it. This cave, Paloma's cooking, Aang's kind and reassuring words and direction. That was all Tazin knew now. What he'd give to hug his mother again, and bury his face into her. Breathe her in. He'd even take a good fight with Yue right now.

He willed the ache he felt to go away. He still couldn't even bend a candle flame, but Tazin had learned a thing or two about controlling emotions these last two years. Perhaps it hadn't been a complete waste.

Aang continued to examine the young boy. Well, he was twenty-two...but still. He was young. And he was the near spitting image of his father, minus the scar. The black hair, sharp features, and golden eyes. Even his build. Aang often felt transported back twenty some years into the past, as though he was standing with the Zuko he remembered from their time camping together during the war. That's how similar Tazin looked to his father.

And yet, there was a strength there, a gentleness almost, that reminded Aang so much of Katara. That loyalty to his family. His unending love…that was all his mother.

Aang felt himself smile. He turned from the boy and looked out into the night. The stars were brilliant this time of year. A dotted blanket behind the mountains. "Come. I think we've done enough for the day."

Tazin turned his gaze from the mountains. "Yes, Master."

"Besides, I think Paloma made soup for dinner!"

Tazin smiled. It always astounded him how excited Aang got about the little things, especially after everything Tazin knew the avatar had suffered.

With a pat on the back, Aang led them both down the path back to the house, where sure enough, a wonderful smell was wafting through the windows.

. . .

The Fire Lord paced around his office calmly, staring at his two youngest children, who were sitting in the armchairs by the fireplace. "What, in the hell were you thinking?"

Kai wished his father would throw something. Or scream. Or shout. Something. He hated the Fire Lord's characteristic controlled anger. It was aggravating.

"Have you learned nothing from your past mistakes, Kai?"

"Dad, I–"

"You have never understood the honor and responsibility of your position. Never like your brother did."

Kai clenched his jaw. Then he mumbled, "He's not dead."

Zuko paused to face him. "Speak up when you talk."

"I said he's not dead."

He watched his father's nostrils flare, his eyes becoming slits as he stared into the face of his second son. "No thanks to you."

"Zuko." The Fire Lady's voice was firm and commanding, and nearly the only thing that ever saved Kai from suffering too terribly at his father's hand.

The Fire Lord seemed to snap out of his anger and quickly returned to his calm demeanor. "Explain again what happened."

Kai opened his mouth to speak but his father stopped him before he could utter a word. "Not you." At this Zuko looked to his daughter.

Kai sighed and fell back into his chair. He could tell his mother was trying to catch his gaze, but he didn't let her, instead focusing on the red carpet.

Yue, surprisingly, didn't sound smug. "At the party–"

"Which party?"

"I'm not sure who was hosting. A friend of Ryken I believe." Zuko nodded, so the princess continued. "There was a boy. A bully really. And he said some things–"

"What exactly did he say?"

"He called Yue a freak," said Kai. Zuko froze. "And mom too." Kai heard his mother release a breath. Something flashed in his father's eyes. Something…menacing.

"What was his name?"

Yue took the chance to answer. "Moaz. I don't know his family name. But his name was Moaz." A beat passed. "He insulted Tazin too, saying it was weak of him to abandon his country."

Katara gasped and Zuko whirled at this. "He knew Tazin was gone?" the Fire Lord said quickly.

"Not exactly," responded Yue with admirable calmness. "All he'd heard was rumors. He didn't know anything definitive."

"But he announced it to the room?"

Yue glanced at Kai before answering. "Sort of."

Zuko looked at Katara and their eyes met. Kai sensed they were exchanging some silent conversation, as they so often did. After another second, Zuko turned back to the kids. He yelled so loudly they both jumped in their seats. "Do you have any idea what you might have done?"

Kai finally glanced back to his sister and his heart broke to see her resolve fading. There was a little fear in her eyes, something which was completely foreign on her face. He'd of course had experience with this side of their father. She never had.

"None of it was Yue's fault. She defended us honorably. It was me that presented the Agni Kai."

"Of which you won't be going."

"But Dad!"

"Do you think I'm stupid, Kai? Or have you so quickly forgotten the last Agni Kai you were involved in?"

TWO YEARS EARLIER

"Naya, please. Just take it. I got it for you."

The young girl's black waves blew in the wind. This tree was quickly becoming Kai's favorite spot. It was on her parents' small lawn, directly adjacent to her bedroom window. They sat high in its branches, her small frame tucked safely in his.

Kai leaned his head down to her shoulder and kissed her soft ivory skin. She shifted, a small sigh escaping her lips. Naya lifted his head so she could look him in the eyes. So firm, so strong. Every emotion he was feeling was all in his eyes. She smiled before placing a soft kiss on his lips.

He relaxed when she did so, his eyes slipping closed to fully enjoy the moment. If only he could spend forever up here. Tucked away in the branches and leaves where no one could find them. Free of training and homework and…emptiness. This tree was his paradise now.

She pulled away just as he slipped a hand into her hair. "You mean you stole it for me."

Kai smiled, his eyes still closed. "I see no difference."

Naya laughed. "There's a huge difference," she urged.

"No, there's not. I love you," he said. Kai lifted a hand to her cheek, his calloused thumb brushing the soft skin of her face. "There is nothing I would not do for you."

"Then perhaps next time, you buy it," she suggested.

Kai looked up as if considering. Then he looked back into her beautiful eyes. "Deal."

Naya smiled and covered the hand he had on her cheek with her own. "Thank you."

Kai returned the smile before saying. "Turn around then."

She rolled her eyes playfully before obeying. Carefully, Kai gathered sections of her silky curls and pinned them up with the hairpin he'd stolen. The green flower of the pin shone brilliantly against the black color of her locks. Naya turned around again and Kai smiled. "Beautiful."

Naya's expression, which had been happy a moment ago, started to fall. She looked away before Kai could see the tears well in her eyes.

"Hey, hey, hey," he said, holding her tighter. "What's wrong?"

Naya only turned further away from him. She reached a hand up to the hairpin, pulling it out and placing it back in Kai's hand. "I don't want it."

"I'll go back and pay for it," said Kai quickly. "I'll even pay interest."

Naya shook her head. "It's not that."

A beat passed, and Kai took the chance to brush her hair behind her ear, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. What had changed so quickly? "Tell me."

Naya finally looked up at him. "You shouldn't be here, Kai." A tear finally fell down her cheek. She grabbed his arms and moved them away from her waist. "You shouldn't be giving me these nice things."

When Kai spoke again, he spoke strongly. He grabbed her fragile hand. "Do not say that. How many times must I tell you that none of it matters. I love you," he emphasized, as though those words fixed everything.

"You can't." Another beat. "You shouldn't." Kai only stared at her, wishing she would explain more. More tears fell down her cheek, her voice breaking as she spoke. "I am a servant. A maid, nothing more. You are the prince."

Kai stared deeper into her eyes, willing her to understand. "Not when I am with you." His words hung in the air, and were enough to make Naya pause. She pushed his hand away again, not wanting him to give her the hairpin again. So instead Kai took another piece of her hair in the front and pinned it back again. "None of that matters," he repeated. "You deserve all the most beautiful things money can buy, Naya. And I'll get them for you."

She stared into his golden eyes, every emotion still splayed for her to see. Like a painting. Devotion. That's all she saw. He meant his words. She smiled, but it was small and did not reach her eyes. Kai pulled her closer, hoping it would help her understand the truth of his words. With her in his arms, he felt complete, whole. Like the one thing he'd been missing his whole life was her, and now that he'd found her he could go on living again.

. . .

The darkness was falling quickly now. Sunset had been about an hour ago, while he'd still been up in the tree with Naya, and Kai knew soon he would have no light at all. But it was still early enough that he could walk through the palace gates in a normal fashion. He didn't miss the days when he used to sneak out with Ryken.

As he walked through the streets of the capital city, Kai saw vendors were closing up shop, kids were running home for dinner, and people were yelling goodbyes to their coworkers as they began walking home for the evening.

He wrapped his cloak around him tighter, praying no one recognized him before he made it up the path to the palace gates. Kai walked faster, the wind nearly throwing his hood back a couple times.

Suddenly, Kai felt a tight hand on his shoulder. He whirled around and found himself facing a tall man with a scar down his left eyebrow and cheek, but not from a burn. It looked as though someone, or something, had clawed him.

His voice was gravelly, like he'd swallowed a bunch of rocks and was still trying to clear his throat. Kai jerked his shoulder away from the man, and turned to run quickly towards the palace. But the man was strong, and had Kai firmly trapped in his arms within a few moments. He yelled, but another man approached with a gag, tying his mouth closed quickly. Then the first man clung Kai over his shoulder. Kai continued to struggle, praying a bystander was still struggling in the city streets to witness what was happening.

Finally, Kai got out of the man's tight grip, landing on the packed ground of the street hard on his back. He grunted but stood quickly. Without planning, he sent quick bursts of fire towards the two men.

One appeared to be a bender, but the other looked panicked. The panicked one cursed.

The non-bender lunged for Kai but hit the ground when Kai dodged easily. The man yelled out loudly. The street was deserted except for the three of them now, and darkness had fallen completely. The only light was the silver light of the moon.

The bender was skilled. As they fought, Kai found himself jumping out of the way often because he wasn't quick enough to deflect the shot or send another one back. Not for the first time, he wished he'd worked as hard in training as Tazin did.

After a while, Kai felt an opportunity to run again and took it. He sprinted back towards the palace. If his mother knew he was still out in the city she'd drown him, which right now seemed worse than whatever these two men were trying to do.

He made good distance in a short time, but it wasn't long before a whoosh filled his ears. The prince cried out when a fire whip laced around both of his ankles and yanked him roughly back to the ground. This time when he hit the hard ground, his vision went completely dark.

. . .

Kai awoke in a dank, crowded attic. Men and women, all dressed similarly to the two men from the street, milled around in the small room. His head ached and his ankles still burned.

He tried to stand quickly, ready to fight the crowd off, but he was dizzy and stumbled. This only elicited a laugh from the small crowd. Someone shoved him down again and he yelled out. "Stay down, Your Highness. I wouldn't try to run again." It was a woman's voice.

Damn. This was not good. Not good at all. He stood again, ignoring the woman's command. This time he did it with a little more dignity. "Where am I?" he demanded, trying to use the voice he'd heard his father use so often with him. "Who are you?"

A few people chuckled at this. Kai hated the feeling of being watched, and nearly everyone in that room was watching him, as though they couldn't believe the prince was really standing in their weird, disgusting attic.

"Do you really want to know, boy?" The voice came from the back of the room. It was the man with the scar. He seemed to have just entered the room. As he walked through the crowd to Kai, he shoved a small man out of his way, who yelped like a puppy. But still the man kept his eyes trained on Kai.

Kai's whole body was tense, and he crouched, ready to bend again. "I wouldn't, little prince." He smirked. "We know how that ended last time."

Kai's jaw clenched. Man, he hated being called little. "My father will find me."

This only made the man smile, his hairline drawing back as he did. The crowd was watching intently. Then he shook his head and waved his hand, as though brushing away the comment. "As much as I'd love to meet your father, you'll be free to go in a minute."

Wait, what? Kai's arm's were still drawn and ready to bend. He couldn't be serious. The man took a few more steps and Kai took a few steps opposite him. They circled each other.

"I don't understand," was all Kai said.

"Those can't be the first time those words have come out of your mouth." The crowd wheezed laughter at the man's joke. Kai decided he must be the leader of this weird little gang. His face flamed but he kept composure. Circling had allowed him to see the door at the far back wall of the room. He guessed that the stairs going down to the main level were on the other side of it. If he got a clear shot, he could make a breakaway again. "I'm Juno," the man said.

Kai looked at him again. The scar going down his face was unnerving. "Pleasure," replied Kai. His response made the man smile again.

After a moment, he stopped walking. Kai stopped too and turned to face him completely. "I need to know where the pin is."

The words surprised Kai and his hands lowered a fraction of an inch. "What?"

"The hair pin. You don't have it anymore, so I need to know where it is."

"I can't tell you that."

"Then I'm afraid you won't be leaving."

Suddenly, a few things started to click. Right that moment, Kai heard the faint sound of a bell, which seemed to be coming from below him. Then, as he scanned the crowd he saw the stout women he'd seen at the shop that day he stole the pin. "We're above the store aren't we," asked Kai. No one responded.

"Observant. I'll give you that," said Juno.

"Except, I'm guessing it's not really a store at all." Kai thought of the green flower of the pin. How he hadn't realized before he didn't know, but it was perfectly plain to him now that the pin was from the Earth Kingdom. "It's just a front." Juno's jaw clenched. "For your smuggling business." Juno didn't respond, which was all the response Kai needed. He folded his arms and stood straight. "Interesting. How much is it worth?"

"That's besides the point. You stole it."

"I stole something that was already stolen. I think you and I are equal."

Fire flared in Juno's eyes and everyone in the room shifted uncomfortably. "Yes, but you see. I'm not a prince of the Fire Nation. It's you who has brought dishonor upon yourself and your family." A beat passed. "Me? I was born to steal. You, little prince, were not."

Damn. What was his dad going to say?

"But," said Juno again. He looked as though he'd decided something. "I'll give you a chance to restore your honor in a duel."

"A duel?"

"An Agni Kai. Tomorrow at noon. At the arena on the east side of town." Kai weighed his options. He knew exactly what his father would, ironically, tell him to do. "I win and you tell me where the pin is. No burn. You win, your honor is restored and I'll leave you alone. No one need know the…shameful thing you've done."

"And if I say no? You still don't know where the pin is."

The man scoffed. "Any worthy man would accept." He took a step. "But I suppose if you refuse we'll just have to deal with you here." He smiled, his arms still folded across his chest. He said it casually, as if they tortured people for information regularly.

Kai knew there was no way he could take all the people in this room and escape successfully. He hated the words before he'd even spoken them. His voice was almost a whisper. "I accept."

"Wonderful." The tall bearded man crossed the room and opened the door. The crowd parted to give him room. "I'll see you tomorrow."

. . .

The next morning came too quickly, and Kai felt more fear fall upon him than he'd ever felt before. A foreboding weaved through the air as though even the wind knew what was coming that day. Kai lifted himself out of bed, realizing it was later than he usually woke. He'd have missed training again.

He shook a hand through his hair and dressed quickly. Instinctually, he knew who he needed to find.

It didn't take long to find him. Wherever the Fire Lord was, Tazin was strapped to his hip. Kai's father, one of the councilmen, and Tazin were walking down a long hallway towards the offices. Kai slinked along the wall, hiding behind columns when he could. He finally caught up to them and stared at Tazin, praying to the spirits his brother would notice him. Zuko, luckily, was in deep conversation with the councilman. Tazin's eyes wandered freely until finally Kai caught his gaze.

When Tazin saw his brother, he immediately knew something was wrong. The worry was painted so deeply on Kai's face. He gave a quick nod and Kai nodded to acknowledge he'd noticed.

The three-pair continued on to Fire Lord's office, filing into the room one-by-one. The door shut behind them and Kai snuck close enough to hear what they were saying. He heard the distinct sound of his father moving and sitting in his large oak chair, followed by, "Sit, Tazin. We have much to discuss."

No noise of movement. Kai imagined his brother's tall figure standing and facing their father. "I wondered if I might be excused, my Lord."

Another pause. Then, "What?"

"I had something I wanted to attend to."

This response clearly flustered the Fire Lord. "I mean…well…I don't think—"

Surprisingly, Counselor Wu interrupted. "Or perhaps someone you want to meet up with?"

"What?" asked Zuko again.

Kai again imagined his brother standing tall, his hands clasped behind his back as they so often characteristically were. He surely would've been surprised at the counselor's keen observation as well.

There was a laugh. Counselor Wu must have stood, because Kai heard a chair screech. Then the man spoke again. "Trust me, boy. I can tell when someone is in love. Tell me, what's her name?"

"I—"

"Wait, this is about a girl?" The Fire Lord sounded as though the thought of his son and a girl had never crossed his mind, even though the boy had just turned twenty years of age. Kai hadn't even told anyone in his family about Naya. He knew what most of them would say.

The councilman laughed again. "Never mind, it's of little consequence to me." He paused, then said, "But I dare say I hope she knows how lucky she is to have won the affections of such a stately warrior and leader, Your Highness." Then he spoke to Zuko. "My Lord, I am prepared to move on in the discussion without the prince. But I leave it up to you on how to proceed forward."

"Well…I mean..if it's…why…yes…I suppose that might be alright…"

Tazin jumped on the opportunity. "Thank you, my Lord."

In a moment, Kai heard the door click open and watched from his hiding place as Tazin slipped out into the hallway. The older prince noticed Kai almost immediately and walked over as quickly as he could in his long royal robes. The firecrown had been placed gently in his top knot.

"Who's the girl?" Joked Kai.

Tazin rolled his eyes. "You know as well as anyone that there has never been a girl."

Kai smiled but Tazin could still sense his brother's sadness. He asked what was wrong and Kai quickly explained his situation, including the part about Naya. Kai watched his brother's face the entire time. Tazin never interrupted, but listened intently. When he'd finished explaining, Kai paused. Surely his brother would have a solution to this.

"Kai…I don't…" Tazin shook his head.

For the first time, the fear from this morning seared in his eyes and he felt as though he might lose some semblance of control any second. No. He would not cry about this. "I can't beat him, Taz."

"You can," reassured Tazin. A silence fell.

"What if you—"

"No, it's not possible," Tazin responded, knowing what his brother was going to ask. "The rules of the Agni Kai are ancient. No one can stand in your place."

Kai's chin quivered. His voice was a forced whisper, and broke when he spoke. "Maybe if I ask Dad—"

"No," said Tazin harshly. Then, feeling bad, he added, "I don't think that would be a good idea."

Kai shook his head and looked down. "You're right. That's a bad idea." He pressed his face to his palms and slid down the wall until he was sitting on the ground. Tazin sat down next to him.

Kai suddenly wished Tazin wasn't here anymore. He pressed his eyes tighter, angry that tears were falling freely now. He felt Tazin's hand on his back and inched away from him.

"But I'll come," said Tazin. "I'll stand with you."

Kai took a deep breath, wiped his eyes and ran a hand through his dark shaggy hair. "I never think things through. I never…do what I should." He looked off, the thought taking hold in his mind. His own imperfections played in front of him like a show on a stage.

Tazin's eyes closed and Kai wondered what he was thinking. Then he opened them and looked directly at Kai, his tone strong and forceful. "Don't ever believe what that man said, Kai." The younger prince met his brother's firm gaze. "You have more honor than he has ever had. And you have not brought shame to your family."

. . .

As expected, the sun was bright, and bore down on the arena. Beads of sweat were already forming all along Kai's bare chest, and the hot pavement hurt the bottom of his feet. He'd always kept his hair kind of long, and right now it was down and sticking to his temples.

He was focused on the man on the other end of the long arena, who was in the process of dressing for the duel.

"Remember," whispered Tazin, even though the man was far enough away already, "you know things he doesn't. And that will help you against his superior strength."

Kai swallowed, trying to internalize his brother's encouragement. Tazin continued. "Just try and use some of the things Mom has taught. Some of the waterbending moves. He won't know how to block or counter attack against those and you can gain an advantage."

"I definitely don't remember anything," responded Kai, which was true. "Especially anything Mom ever taught." He'd never put much effort into training. And it'd been years now since mom had ever done anything with them.

Another moment passed before Tazin spoke again. "Just…be relaxed. It'll come back. I promise."

Easy for him to say, thought Kai. Tazin was naturally gifted at firebending. Their father had praised him on numerous occasions, calling him "gifted," or a "prodigy." Kai would've been bothered if he'd hadn't already been putting in so little effort to training. Here was his payback, it would seem.

"Are you ready, little prince?" called the man from down the way. He stepped up to the fighting area, rubbing his hands together excitedly, as though he was about to devour a delicious meal. Kai tried not to feel intimidated by the man's overbearing height, wide chest and rippling arms. He felt like a peanut in comparison.

The prince steadied his breathing and looked at Tazin, who gave him a firm nod. "Only if you are," Kai yelled back. He stepped onto the platform as well. Luckily, there was hardly a crowd besides Tazin and a few cronies Kai recognized from the attic. His heart thumped hard and loud inside his chest, and panic and fear from earlier in the day threatened to crush him under its weight.

No. He could do this. Just….breath, he thought. He let the sun sink into his skin, stoking his inner fire. He felt his breath calm. He just had to stay in control. Like his Dad always said, there's more power in control than in rage. More strength in restraint than in anger.

"Perfect." The man sauntered closer. Kai realized he didn't even know his name. And yet, this wasn't ending until one of them burned the other. Either way this ended, Kai would surely remember this man forever. "Then let us begin."

Surprisingly, the man was the first to bow, but his eyes never left Kai's face. Kai followed suit and bowed back. Though the air was silent, Kai could've sworn drums were beating somewhere in the distance, matching the rhythm of his heart, anticipating the coming battle.

When he stood straight again they each took a couple steps back from each other, positioning themselves in a fighting stance. Kai moved to make the first move, feeling confident with Tazin standing only a few feet away.

Before he could bring his arm all the way around, a sound pierced the air. A scream, high and frightened. It was a girl.

The sound made Kai freeze. He knew that. From behind the adjacent building, two more men came forward, holding a young, dark-haired girl between them. Despite her restrained hands, she struggled endlessly to rid herself of their firm grip. Kai felt as though ice settled over every inch of him. He gasped softly, his face falling. No. No no no no no.

"Kai," she yelled, her face drawn in fear. The men forced her down to her knees, still holding her upper arms tightly.

"Naya," he whispered. He took a step to run to her.

"Ah!" said the man. "I wouldn't do that." Kai turned to look at him, anger settling over him entirely. "You step off this ring, Your Highness, and you lose this duel. I'll have the girl killed before you can reach her."

Tears were falling fast down Naya's face.

"See here's the story," he said again. Kai's mind was everywhere except this duel. How could he get her out of here safely? "I found the pin despite your lack of help. And I discovered this girl with it. She's beautiful, really she is, Your Highness. But a servant? A maid? Really, I would've expected better of you." Kai ran towards him and lunged. The man grabbed him and pushed him to the ground. He grunted when his body shook with the impact. "Oh, are we starting then?" Kai whipped around to see the man staring down at him in pity. "Tell me," he whispered. "Does your father know you're seeing this piece of trash?"

Kai stood, yelled out and lunged at him again. No. "Hm," the man said again as he side-stepped Kai. He folded his large arms across his chest. "I'll take that as a no."

The prince shook with anger such as he'd never felt before in his life. "You have no idea what you speak of." He hated that his voice shook.

"And what is it then? Love?" The man moved quickly. In a second, he'd kicked Kai's legs out from under him. Kai fell to the ground and the man put a foot on Kai, pinning him to the ground. Kai struggled, but it was no use. Then the man crouched as if to speak directly to him. "Listen carefully, Your Highness. Love is a facade. You think she loves you? You think she really sees you? No. She sees your inheritance. Your prestige and money. That is all. Who could love someone as pathetic as you."

Kai finally stopped struggling, his head falling back onto the pavement. He looked up into the sky, letting his own tears fall freely now.

"Do not listen to him," said a sweet voice. "It's not true!"

The distinct sound of a slap followed these words. Naya yelped. Anger seared every inch inside of Kai.

Then another voice hit the air, belonging to someone Kai, in his fury, had forgotten was there. It was genuine, and filled with an unfamiliar worry.

"Let me stand in my brother's place."

Everyone turned to the crown prince. Even Naya stopped her struggle to look over in his direction.

Tazin spoke again. "You've broken the honor of the Agni Kai. You've broken the rules. And to make up for it, you will now let me stand in his place."

Kai could have mistaken the command in Tazin's voice as their father's. It was uncannily similar. He continued to breathe under the weight of the man's foot. The sun beat down harder than ever. Sensing an opportunity as the man was still looking at Tazin, Kai blasted out from under him, spinning out and onto his feet again. The man was surprised at the outburst of fire, but still seemed distracted by what Tazin had said.

When the man spoke, it was directly to the crown prince. "If you stand in his place, the standards stay as they are."

"Of course," said Tazin, already undoing his robe.

"The girl stays with me if you lose."

"And goes free if I win."

"Precisely."

"Then you agree to it? To let me fight?"

The man paused, likely considering the pros and cons of this situation, searching for anyway he was being fooled. Kai watched from a few feet away as Tazin, his hair perfectly placed, the gold crown glinting nobly, stared the man down. Kai guessed the chance to dishonor the heir to the Fire Nation throne would be too good to pass up.

"It's a deal."

Tazin wasted no time in stepping up. He looked at Kai and nodded back in the direction of the benches. Kai followed the silent command and quickly stepped off.

"And don't you even move in her direction, Little Prince," said the scar-faced man to Kai. "Or she dies."

Kai gave no response or any indication he'd heard the command. Though he knew better than to risk anything like what the man suggested. He looked to Naya, who, in the middle of such a surprise, had calmed down considerably. Her resolve seemed strengthened. Kai caught her gaze and smiled. It's going to be okay.

She nodded back and Kai's heart panged. He fought back his tears, his fear and his anger. He needed to look calm for her sake. For her. Because she was everything. Never had Kai felt as in rhythm with anyone as he did with Naya.

The sound of fire broke his gaze and Kai turned to see Tazin and the scarred man already in the heat of their battle. It raged for a while.

The man fought with passion and emotion, screaming and yelling out with every blast he sent the prince's way. He would react with nearly every move Tazin made against him, returning the hit with ten times the power and rage.

Tazin fought quietly. Each attack was planned and calculated. His face was blank and emotionless. He fought just as their father had taught them to, with power and strength. Each kick, each flurry of footwork, and each flip was meaningful. He wasted no energy, displayed no purposeless movement. Kai could only watch in awe. It seemed as though Tazin even knew the correct moments to take a breath.

The man quickly seemed to realize his mistake. Tazin was a master. A talented and powerful firebending master. His youth even gave him a speed that the man simply did not possess.

Smoke hung in the air. In a moment of panic, the man sent a flurry of fireball blasts at Tazin. Tazin weaved through them, his body following a flow as he anticipated and dodged each blast. The corner of Kai's mouth turned up in a smile. That evasiveness was very similar to the way their mother fought.

The crown prince was an artist with his flame, bending and forming it into offensive attacks. He returned the fireball attack with a smooth and full wall of fire, which he conjured skillfully within seconds.

The man's eyes widened and he quickly rolled away, clumsily avoiding the fire. His tactless maneuver cost him the second he could've used to fire another attack. Tazin quickly formed and wielded two fire whips, one wrapped around each arm. He jumped into the air and brought them both down and around the man, binding him tightly in fiery restraints.

The scar-faced man screamed out as the fire ropes tightened. Tazin jumped again, this time onto the man until his foot was on his chest, much in the way the man had pinned Kai only minutes ago. The whips disappeared. Each party breathed heavily, the man perhaps a little more.

"I've beaten you. Release the girl." Naya struggled again, eagerly anticipating her release. Kai smiled. He'd done it.

"Finish it boy. Be a man."

"I will not burn you. Release the girl," he repeated.

"FINISH IT!"

Tazin didn't move. His eyebrows furrowed. In an instant, the man leaped from below Tazin's foot, spun around and jumped on him.

Tazin let out a sound of surprise, and then of pain as he hit the ground squarely on his back.

"Then you are weak," spat the man.

Tazin's eyes looked panicked. Kai's own eyes widened and he reached out to his brother just as the man placed his hand in the middle of Tazin's chest. Smoked lifted from the spot where their skin connected.

The scream that Tazin released as the man burned him would be seared in Kai's mind forever.

Kai's own scream joined his brother's, but he hardly registered it, now hearing nothing but his own heart pounding in his ears. His blood rushed and pulsed, adrenaline coursing through his veins.

The man stood, but Tazin, though still conscious, laid motionless on the pavement of the arena. A dark, red, burn was imprinted on his chest. Kai ran to his side.

"Tazin…it's okay." Panic still pulsed through him. He placed a hand on his brother's damp shoulder. Nothing but shock showed on the boy's face, as though he still hadn't processed what had just happened to him.

"We don't need her," he said, speaking to the men holding Naya. "Dispose."

One of the men revealed a knife. Kai's own brain now seemed to no longer process the things happening around him. His breath increased, each breath shallow and quick. Panic. No. No. No. No. Blackness creeped along the edges of his vision. He fell forward, too weak now to lift himself up. But still he tried. No. No. No. NO!

His vision went completely dark. He fell forward again.

A scream pierced the air once again, interrupted only with the sound of a stab.

And then there was nothing.