This is my first Avatar The Last Airbender fanfiction thank you to LunaStar07 for helping out with my writing and beta reading my work hope you enjoy the next chapter

I also just wanted to thank you all those that are following and favoriting my fic I really appreciate you all and that are enjoying my work and continue to do so now please enjoy and if you are reading this when I posted it Merry Christmas and this is my gift to you

Disclaimer I don't own anything related to ATLA

Suki and Zuko remained in each other's arms, neither of them ready to pull away. They let the moment linger and the rest of the world melt away. If they could remain there for the rest of their lives, they would, but both of them knew that it wouldn't last.

Suki sighed softly as she pulled away, slipping out from their embrace. "Blue, there is something I've been meaning to give you," she said, cautiously drawing the two swords off her back. "I hope they meet your standards," she said as she presented him with the two katanas.

Zuko tentatively reached out, taking the swords from her, feeling the weight of them in his hands. The scabbard was smooth as he ran his fingers along, the black lacquered wood. He soon reached up and took hold of the hilt, slowly drawing out the curved blade. "These are Kyoshi Katanas. They may not be like your broadswords, but they may be one of the sharpest and strongest you'll ever wield," Suki explained proudly as she watched Zuko eye the blade.

Zuko tested the sword. Weighing it on his finger, testing its balance, before twirling it around in his grasp. With each quick swing or slice, the blade whistled through the air. With one wide slash, he was able to slice the wicks off a row of candles. Each cut clean as the blade continued to sing. "They are beautiful," Zuko whispered, admiring the blade.

"Glad you like them," Suki smiled as he sheathed the sword. "Blue, there is... something else I would like to give you, but it's not something I can hand to you," she said earning her a perplexed look from the banished prince.

"What do you mean?" Zuko questioned.

"Well, it's a chance... an opportunity that I wouldn't suggest lightly," Suki said, getting a little nervous as she looked up to him. "The girls and I discussed making you one of us... to make you a Kyoshi."

"Make me a Kyoshi?" Zuko said to himself as he was genuinely confused. He had no idea how to respond. "I mean, if you haven't noticed I'm not a girl. I don't think I could fit into an all-female group," Zuko earning him a soft giggle from the painted warrior.

"Haha, oh I definitely noticed," Suki chuckled, but then her face went bright red at what she just implied. Zuko, too, blushing deeply at her words. "Nevermind," she groaned, trying to ignore her prior statement. "Look, you wouldn't be the first male to become a Kyoshi warrior. There have been a few in the past, but you would be the first outsider to do so," she answered, trying to get back on track.

Zuko nodded as he started to think carefully about her offer. It was a big decision something that could be life-changing. He knew he wanted to be with Suki, but even this was a little overwhelming. "If I were to join, what would happen? What would it mean?" he questioned.

"Well, it would mean you would be a Kyoshi, a warrior of the islands," Suki said her beaming with her warrior pride. "Those islands would be your home, and when we return after finishing up here, you'll come with us," Suki explained hopefully. "You'll have a home and we would be your sisters, your family."

Zuko was silent as he listened to her. His gaze turning away from her's, looking down at the shrine. His eyes meeting his mask at which he was praying, to his mother... to his family. The family he had lost and here Suki was now offering him a chance to have a family, to have a home. Something he has yearned for... for so long. He had no idea what to say and Suki knew how much this offer weighed on him.

Suki then reached out, taking hold of his free hand and interlocking their fingers together. "You don't have to make a decision now... just think about it tonight, okay," she whispered calmly to him easily calming his nerves as he squeezed her hand.

Zuko nodded silently as he bowed his head before turning to Suki. "There someone I would like you to meet," he said softly.

"Who?" Suki asked as he turned his gaze from her and down towards the shrine. "My mother... Ursa," he answered and she sighed in understanding, nodding solemnly to him. "I'd love to meet her," she whispered and smiled as they both knelt in front of the shrine.

Zuko was still holding her hand as they bowed to the shrine. "Hello Mom, there is someone I'd like you to meet," he said. His heart swelled in his chest as he glanced over from Suki to the mask. "This is Suki, she is the girl I was telling you about," he said as his fingers grew tighter around Suki's, but she didn't mind, knowing how much this must mean to him.

"It's an honour to meet you, Lady Ursa," Suki said, bowing. "Your son has told me a lot about you... I wish I could tell you, in person the kind of man he is," she said smiling warmly at Zuko as she faced the shrine once again, looking up to the demon mask. "He is very honourable, courageous, a true warrior, someone who has fought and protected me and my sisters. I know you must be very proud of him, just like I am." Zuko usually hated hearing praise about himself. But hearing how Suki saw him, especially what she said to his mother; it made him smile and made his heart lighter.

"Why did you tell her all that?" he asked her softly.

"Well, if you get to tell her all about me, it's only fair I get to return the favour," Suki smiled. "You did tell her nice things about me right?" she asked, teasingly nudging his side.

Zuko nodded as he rolled his eyes. "Of course."

"Good," she smiled, leaning into him as they both looked up at the mask that was smiling back.

"That mask is the last thing I have of her," he confessed as Suki listened intently. "She gave it to me on my tenth birthday... the last birthday I shared with her. It was one of her old opera masks," Zuko explained.

"She was an actress?" Suki questioned as she listened.

"Yeah, before she married my father..." Zuko sighed as his gaze fell. "I wish I could have seen her on stage though," he said disheartened.

"Me too," Suki whispered as they soon fell into a comfortable silence. They sat there for awhile, watching as the incense burned away. They noticed how late it had gotten and decided to head back, both of them feeling their hunger calling. Zuko picked up his mask, but instead of putting it on, he slipped it into his tunic, deciding against it for now.

Suki smiled up at him as she took his hand and they left the temple. But not before giving their thanks to the monk for his patience and their privacy. He smiled at them and was simply glad they both got what they sought. They then headed down the hill and through town. The once busy streets now vacant as they walked alone. And soon, even the sun too began to retreat over the horizon as dusk began to settle in.

It didn't take long for them to reach the barracks which was also quiet. "So are you ready, to show them your face... and tell them your name?" Suki asked as they headed towards the mess hall, mentally preparing herself.

Zuko sighed and nodded. "They will find out eventually, might as well get it over with," he said not exactly willing, but it was good enough for both of them.

Suki sighed and nodded too. She took a breath as she opened the door and headed in. But to their surprise, the mess hall was almost completely empty. "You sure we are in the right place?" Zuko asked, scratching his head, bewildered.

"Yeah, this should be it," Suki said, confused, wondering where everyone else was. It took them both a moment before they heard soft snoring coming from one of the far off tables. They both approached curiously only to find Kikki passed out, her head laying on her arms. Suki simply chuckled and rolled her eyes at her sleeping friend. "Kikki, Kikki wake up," she said, poking her side.

With a loud groan, Kikki lifted her head off her arms, yawning loudly. "Ughhh what happened," she mumbled as she rubbed her eyes groggily.

"Hey Kikki, where is everyone? Why are you sleeping in the mess hall?" Suki asked as she arched her brow.

"Huh, oh hey Cap, hey Blue," Kikki said still rubbing her eyes, not paying much attention or noticing Blue not wearing his mask. "You guys were taking so long, so the others went to bed. Can't blame them," Kikki yawned. "I volunteered to wait for you guys, I even saved you some food," she said reaching out to grab the two bowls in front of her, pulling them closer but groaned as she looked down at them. "Oops haha, sorry... it's cold."

Suki snickered and rolled her eyes at Kikki. "Always napping," she thought to herself. Zuko, too, couldn't help the small smile gracing his lips. He found her antics endearing. In fact, thinking about it, he actually has grown accustomed to all of them. Even Aikio's indifference and hostility, which was nothing compared to Azula. He was used to them. "Come on, Kikki, time for bed," Suki said as she tried to help Kikki to stand.

Kikki nodded with a wide grin. "Good idea, Cap," she said as she tried to get out of her chair, but her legs were asleep. She stumbled and tripped out of her chair, but Zuko easily caught her before she could hit the wood floor.

"I got you," he said, gripping her arm and pulling her to her feet.

"Thanks, Blue, what would I do without you," she giggled.

"I guess fall," Zuko said dryly, which made Kikki snort. "Good one."

Suki sighed shaking her head. "We better get her back to her room before she falls over herself again," Suki said as she grabbed up the two cold bowls of food. "Do you mind carrying her?" she asked.

Zuko shook his head. "No, I don't mind," he said, putting Kikki's arm around his shoulder as he gripped her waist.

"You guys are the best," Kikki said as they both rolled their eyes, chuckling to themselves as they lead Kikki to her quarters, making sure she got to her room safely. Zuko easily plopped her down on her bed. She was already in a deep sleep as she hit the sheets.

"Awww, they look so cute when they are sleeping," Suki teased as they left Kikki's room, letting her sleep. "So, Blue, wanna join me for some cold stew," she asked, holding up the two bowls.

"Love too," he smiled and nodded in agreement. He then took the two bowls from her, carrying them as she leads them to her room, right next to his own. Meanwhile, he started to warm the stew in his hands. They were simmering as they headed inside.

"You know, I could get used to having a walking stove following me around," Suki giggled, taking one of the bowls, the stew now nice and warm.

"So is that all I am to you, a stove?" Zuko questioned, raising his brow.

"Yup," she said with a wink as she went to sit on her bed to eat.

Zuko rolled his eyes but followed suit. He took a seat with Suki on the bed as they started to eat. And since neither of them had a spoon, they simply drank up the stew, slurping it down. "Not bad, could use a little more salt though," Suki said, gulping the stew down.

"Yeah," Zuko agreed, but as he drank up his stew he became quiet, now deep in thought.

"Something wrong?" Suki asked as she watched as he seemed to stare off into space.

"Hmmm oh, it's nothing," he said unconvincingly.

"Come on, you can tell me if something's wrong. Was it that stove comment? Because that was a joke, I don't see you as just a stove," she said hoping to lighten the mood.

"No, no of course not," he tried to reassure her.

"Then what is it?"

"Well... okay, I wanted to ask you a question," he said, turning to face her after putting his bowl down.

"Okay, shoot, what is it?" she asked.

"If I do decide to join the Kyoshi what would happen? What would I have to do?" he asked curiously.

Suki thought careful about his question. "Well, usually, you would have to go through rigorous training to prove yourself a capable warrior. But since you've already proven yourself in that regard, we will simply skip to the final exam," Suki explained.

"What's the final exam?"

"A duel, you verse one of our senior members. They will fight you, test you, and see if you are worthy to become one of us," Suki said with a slight shrug. "And guess who volunteered to be your exam partner," she said with a mischievous grin.

"Aikio?" Zuko said without missing a beat.

Suki nodded, snickering. "Yeah, you can imagine how excited she is."

"Yeah I can already hear her sharpening her sword for my neck," Zuko said sarcastically.

Suki groaned and punched his arm playfully. "Don't be like that. She is not going to kill you," she said, but Zuko simply raised his brow eyeing her questioningly. "Okay you aren't her favourite person in the world, but she is not gonna kill you... she may rough you up a bit," she sheepishly admits.

Zuko just rolled his eyes. "Right, hmmm question; what if I lose the duel to her?"

"Well, whoever wins the duel decides your fate. So if you win, you can choose to become one of us and if she wins...," hearing Suki trail off, he had a good idea what would happen and what Aikio would choose. "Don't worry, win or lose tomorrow, you'll be our brother," Suki said confidently making Zuko's lips curl in a small smile at her optimism.

"Thanks," he whispered and she smiled, nudging his side. "You're welcome," She sighed and rested against him, letting themselves fall into a comfortable silence. But soon Zuko could see the dusk being overtaken by night and sighed as he turned to Suki. "I better get going," Zuko whispered as he began to slip away from Suki's grasp.

"Okay," Suki sighed heavily, already missing his warmth as he stood up from the bed. She then followed him as he headed to the door.

"Tonight, it was nice," he said, turning to face her as he stood in the doorway.

"Yeah, it was." she agreed as she looked up at him and couldn't help but stare as the moonlight poured down around him. "He was beautiful." She admitted to herself as she got a good look at him. Even the scar didn't detract from his beauty, it made him who he was.

Zuko didn't pay attention to her stares as his mind was elsewhere. His fingers reached down into his tunic, fishing out his gift for his painted warrior. "Before I go, I have something for you," he said, his voice a little unsteady as he pulled out the scroll.

Suki shook herself out of her daze as he handed her the parchment. "A gift, you shouldn't have," she said smiling warmly as she took the scroll from him. Eyeing it curiously, she started to unroll it. Her eyes shot open as she looked down at the detailed map. "Zuko, this is...this is perfect."

Zuko was taken aback hearing her call him by his name. It had been so long since he heard anyone else say it, it took him a moment before he could find his words. "I'm glad you like it."

"I love it." Suki reached out and wrapped her arms around him. Pulling him close as she kissed his cheek and hugged him tightly. "This must have cost a fortune," she said, her face buried in his neck.

"Nah, I got it for a steal," he said, inwardly smirking at his inside joke as he hugged her back.

"It's still very sweet," she said as she pulled back from the hug slightly so she could look up at his face once more to gaze into his eyes. "I love you Zuko."

"Love you too, Suki," he said as he leaned in, kissing her lips. Even though it was brief, Suki sighed against his lips. Enjoying the warmth and love she felt in each second they were together before pulling away.

"You know that was the second time you've said my name since you've learned it," Zuko commented. Suki then smirked, giving him a little wink. "I know, it's gonna take a while to get used to it," she chuckled teasingly.

"Yeah," Zuko said, feeling his face heat up.

"So, have you thought on my offer... about joining?" she asked now a little more hopeful.

"I have."

"And?" Suki asked a little anxious now.

Zuko smiled slightly at her and nodded. "I'll let you know when the sun rises," he said as Suki smile grew wider remembering the night when he said those same words, well wrote those same words. "Well, in that case, goodnight brother."

"Goodnight, Suki," Zuko said quietly as Suki closed the door behind him. He sighed, breathing in the fresh air as he walked out heading towards his room. He remembered when he first joined their group. He wasn't sure back then if joining them was the right thing to do. But he knows now he made the right choice then, maybe now choosing them again was also the right choice.

Once he reached his room, he slipped inside and made his way over to the bed. He set his mask aside as he crawled under the sheets. Curling himself up, shutting his eyes tight. He prayed tonight of all nights no nightmares would haunt him. To get one day to be at peace. And for once, he finally got his wish.

When the sun began to rise the next morning, Zuko woke from his first restful sleep in a long time. His body strong and his mind calm for the first in what felt like forever. Once he got himself out of bed, he found a water basin at the side of the room. He dipped his hands in the cool water, making him shiver as he started to clean himself off.

When he was finally clean, he began his morning routine. Doing several sets of his firebending forms to keep his skills sharp. He thrusted his fist, small flames leaping off his knuckles. With each punch and jab, he blocked out the world around him. He was at peace dancing with his fire. Then, suddenly, he heard his door creak as it began to open. Quickly, he smothered his flames before the intruder could see.

"Blue, you awake?" Tam called out, peeking her head through the door. She glanced around till she spotted a shirtless Zuko standing in the middle of the room. "Oh hey Blue, sorry I didn't mean to disturb you," she said, her face on fire as she turned to retreat.

"Morning Tam, it's okay you can come in," Zuko said as he grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat off his brow. He was expecting one of them to show up and mentally prepared for what was to come when they did.

Tam nodded, gulping as she stepped into the room. She suddenly felt nervous approaching the Fire Prince. Even though Suki had talked to them earlier that morning about who the Blue Spirit was, she felt intimidated and small in his presence. She was a simple warrior from an island and now she was in front of royalty. Regardless of the circumstances. "Hello Blue, or is it Prince Blue?" she said nervously.

"It's Zuko," he sighed, turning to face her, already hating this new demeanour. He preferred oblivious and upfront Tam than the nervous one in front of him.

"Oh ah, sorry, Prince Zuko," she apologized, clutching a large package in her hands.

Zuko sighed shaking his head. "Tam, I'm the same person... nothing has changed," he said, trying to put her mind at ease.

"Yes it has..." she said and paused as Zuko became disheartened by her words. "I'm gonna have a brother who's a prince... now the question is, does that make me a... princess?" Tam asked and Zuko looked at her, dumbfounded, before letting out a snort.

"Yeah... you are a princess now," he answered sarcastically, rolling his eyes but smiled nonetheless.

Tam laughed and nodded. "Hahaha good, that makes me feel loads better. Oh, before I forget, I brought something for you," she said smiling up at Zuko, taking the package bringing it over to the bed.

"What's this?" he asked as he followed her and watched her layout and undo the package. Zuko's eyes went wide in shock seeing the blue silk robes and blackened steel armour. He couldn't help but reach out, taking the robes in his grasp, admiring the soft fabric as it slid along his fingers. He then slowly traced along the dark blue trim, following the dark path to the golden insignia woven in the sleeves.

"That means brave blood that flows through our veins," Tam explained, gesturing to the trim and the symbol. She then picked up the vambraces, showing him the golden insignia inlaid in the blackened steel. "And this means honour of a warrior's heart."

He then laid the robes down as he took the armour from her, examining them. The layered plates were flexible and strong allowing mobility while not compromising protection. And the black steel melded with the dark robes were excellent for more stealthier activities. "They're perfect," he said, smiling to her.

"I'm glad you like it... we were gonna give you green robes, but Aikio said the seamstress ran out of green. Blue was all they had left," she said as she held up the robes, eyeing them and then Zuko. "Personally, blue looks better on you, Blue," she said cheekily.

"Thanks," he said rolling his eyes. "Where is everyone else," he asked, setting everything down.

"Oh, they are getting things ready for today," Tam answered. "Down in the courtyard they have this big circle drawn out for your duel," she said, gesturing with her arms and drawing a circle in the air.

"What's the rules for the duel?" Zuko asked wanting to plan how to deal with Aikio.

"Well, the rules are simple, first to yield or to be kicked from the ring loses. No killing and you can only use one weapon for the duel," she explained.

"Do I get to choose the weapon or does she?"

"Not sure, I guess that's up to her I suppose," Tam said, not entirely sure herself.

Zuko then nodded as he stroked his chin thinking deeply on his strategy. He knew no matter what, Aikio was not going to make this easy. And from their previous interactions, he knew she always favoured her sword over other weapons. He knew he would be playing to her strengths if he chose swords too, but he had no idea how proficient she was with other weapons. "Tam, could you give me a minute to get changed. You can tell the others I'll be down shortly," he said, eyeing his new gear.

Tam smiled and nodded her head. "Of course, Zuko, see you," she said as she turned to leave the room.

Once she was gone, Zuko began to undress, donning on his new robes and armour. It almost reminded him of his time on his ship. Each morning he would slip on his armour and headed out to train on the deck. This time, he would not have his uncle or his fire at his side, only steel. Then, with a heavy breath, he donned his mask and picked up the two katanas, strapping them to his side. He was now ready, he was not just a prince, a thief, or even the Blue Spirit. Today, he was a Kyoshi and he was gonna prove it.

Zuko finally left his room, trodding down to the courtyard. The sun just barely over the wall as dawn came. As he made his way down, there was barely anyone in sight. Only a few guards patrolling the walls, the rest still nestled in their barracks. It was shameful that the Earth Kingdom soldiers were not keeping their outpost properly secure. If he was in command, his men would have been up even before he rose from his sleep. "But that's in the past now," he told himself as he looked up and spotted the Kyoshi warriors waiting for him.

When he arrived the Kyoshi warriors were all standing in a circle. They stood stoic and proud, their fans are drawn at their sides, ready and waiting. He took a few slow breaths as he approached them and made his way to the centre of the ring. As he did, Suki then broke off from the group and approached him. As they met in the centre, she bowed to him and he bowed back, following her lead. "Today, you are tested. Today you are challenged. Will you be unmovable as a mountain, as swift as a coursing river, will you have the force of a great typhoon, and the strength of a raging fire?" Suki recited.

"Yes, I will," Zuko answered.

Suki nodded in approval, and just out of the corner of her eye, she watched as Aikio stepped forward, standing by her side. "Aikio is your test, your challenge," she said as Aikio bowed to him. "She has chosen a single katana to be used for your test. Please relinquish your other sword, no other weapon shall be used in the melee," she said and Zuko nodded, pulling one of the katana's from his sash handing it over to Suki. She bowed once more before retreating from the ring, joining her sisters in the circle around them.

"You ready for this?" Aikio asked as she clasped the sword at her side.

"Are you?" Zuko replied, eyeing her through the slits in his mask. He needed to win and he knew it, there was no other option. If he failed, if he lost, he'd lose any chance he had of being with Suki, of having a family, a home. This was his only chance and he was not going to fail, not again.

"Oh definitely. I've been waiting a long time for this," Aikio grinned as she pulled a protective mask over her face. The wooden surface perfectly matching her own warrior paint. "I hope you are prepared to lose scarface," she mocked as she stepped away, getting herself in position.

Zuko growled under his breath but decided to not say a word as he followed her lead. He backed away and got into position. They both grasping the swords at their sides. Their fingers curled tightly around their hilts.

Once they were in position, Suki drew up her fan raising it high in the sky. The rising sun reflecting off the golden steel. "Let the test... begin!" she roared and with one swift motion, she slammed the fan to the ground.

Without warning, Aikio pushed off her feet and dashed straight at him. With blinding speed, she drew her blade aiming straight for his neck. With a sudden flash, their blades clashed together. It took Zuko a moment to realize what was going on, as his body moved almost on its own. Drawing his sword to block the oncoming attack, he quickly shook himself out of his daze as he pushed Aikio back, Creating some distance before beginning his attack.

Aikio fought harshly, trying to goad him to make a mistake, but each strike dealt was met with either steel or air. He easily weaving through her attacks, parrying what he couldn't dodge.

Zuko, on the other hand, tried his best to gain the offence, but Aikio wouldn't relent. He slashed and twirled the curved blade in his grasp, bringing it down on her trying his best to drive her out of the ring. But anytime he felt he was getting the upper hand, Aikio would deflect and bring herself back to the middle of the ring. This only frustrated him more as he gripped his sword till his knuckles turned white.

Their blades clashed together again and again. Steel meeting steel, their weapons singing with each power strike; it was almost like listening to thunder raging on a stormy night. Their flashing steel like lightning strikes. As the Kyoshi warriors watched in awe at the battle that turned into a war.

Zuko tried once again to get the upper hand lunging at her with his blade, but Aikio simply leapt over him, nearly missing his sword as she landed at his back. She smirked as she tried to deliver another slash down at him, believing he was exposed, but he quickly turned and swung his sword up to meet her strike. As their blades clashed once more, the steel vibrating loose in their grip before flying through the air. Their weapons landed out of reach.

When he saw the blades resting in the sand out of the ring he half expected the match to be over, but Aikio had other plans. He instinctively bobbed his head as Aikio launched a fist towards his face. Zuko then grabbed her fist as she tried to punch him again. "Not this time," he said under his breath as he delivered a kick to her stomach. She easily groaned from the hit as she slid back from the blow.

Aikio narrowed her eyes as she launched herself at him. Zuko was prepared, ready to block her fists, but just as she thrusted her fist up to his jaw. Her free hand reached to her back, grabbing the fan that was hidden in her sash. With a quick twirl, she flashed the bladed fan open and spun it up to slash at him.

Everyone's eyes shot open at the dirty trick. Suki was outraged as she saw Aikio brandishing her fan. She stood up and yelled for them to stop the fight but her orders fell on deaf ears as Aikio and Zuko continued to battle.

Aikio slashed and swiped at him as he did his best to keep on his toes, dancing around her. But even he couldn't avoid her fans forever. He felt tempted to reach for his dagger, feeling the sheathed weapon at his side. His fingers curling around the hilt, but just as soon as he did, he pulled his hand away. He wouldn't go back on his word, he couldn't do it.

Aikio saw this and was surprised. She then tried her best to antagonize him, further slashing wildly at him. Her fans scratching along his bracers as he shielded himself from her assault. But he still wouldn't budge, he refused to draw his weapon. Aikio was confused that he didn't give in.

Without even thinking Aikio brought the fan down upon him. The golden fan inching towards his mask. Then suddenly before her steel could meet its mark, she felt a hand wrap around her wrist. She groaned as her hand was twisted, and her fan was slapped away from her grip. And soon she found her whole world spinning as she was thrown back, falling face-first into the dirt.

"I said that's enough!" Suki's voice was heard now, loud and clear as she stood over Aikio. Everyone including Aikio was stunned silent. None of them knew what to say nor were they brave enough to utter a word if they did.

"What is wrong with you!" Suki yelled once more. "This was supposed to be a test, but you were trying to kill him!" she roared. This was the first time Zuko had ever seen Suki yell. And he quickly made a mental note to never piss her off, ever.

"I wasn't trying to kill," Aikio sighed as she looked up to Suki, as she calmly got to her feet.

"Well you really fooled us then," Suki said in disbelief not buying. "Aikio you should have known better... you were supposed to test his skill and that's it." she scolded her.

"This test wasn't about testing his skill... it never was," Aikio argued.

"Then what was it?" Suki asked crossing her arms disapprovingly.

"To test him," Aikio admitted. "Look you all thought I was going to kill him didn't you?" She asked as everyone seemed to silently agree. She then turned to Zuko. "And even you thought I was going to kill you?" she asked.

"Yes, I did," he replied still believing even now she was planning too.

"Then why, why didn't you draw your dagger, or even use your fire... you had every chance to but you didn't. Why?" Aikio asked, approaching the masked warrior.

"Because I don't break my word... or at least I try not too," he said as his gaze met hers.

"Why?" she asked again, not satisfied with his answer.

"Because last time I broke my word, it didn't end well for me," Zuko said feeling his scar heating as though it was freshly burned.

"I can imagine," she said knowingly, easily looking past his mask and seeing his scar beneath it. Aikio then tore her gaze away from Zuko's meeting Suki's glare. "That's what this was about, testing his will," Aikio answered. "If he is willing to keep his word, to hold to it even in the face of death then that's enough."

"So this test you came up with... are you satisfied with its results?" Suki questioned.

"Yeah, I'm satisfied," Aikio answered. Though in truth she wasn't, seeing the way Suki jumped in to save the fire prince stunned her. And now looking into her eyes, she knew that the feelings she has for Zuko are real. She had hoped that her confession was just some childish crush, but she knew now it was something more.

Suki's face then softened seeing the pained look on Aikio's face, her arms falling to her side. "Look, you are right. I probably took things too far, but that was the point of this test. I needed to see what he would do," Aikio spoke, defeated.

Suki sighed as she got closer to Aikio. "There are better ways to go about this," she retorted.

"There probably was, but this is my way of doing things," Aikio said shaking her head.

"So wait, you want him to become our brother?" Kikki said, genuinely confused as the rest of the sisters rose from their spots.

Aikio sighed and shook her head. "If Suki wants him to become one of us, I'm not gonna get in the way of that," Aikio said begrudgingly.

They became quiet for a moment as Suki looked to Aikio then to Zuko. Then with a deep and heavy breath, she wrapped her arms around her friend hugging her tightly. "Thank you," she whispered wanting to let go of her anger.

Aikio was taken aback by the gesture but simply hugged her back silently agreeing with her. But once Suki pulled away she punched Aikio hard in the arm. "Owww what was that?"

"For being an idiot," Suki said cutting her off. She then let out another long sigh to compose herself. "Now... Aikio, warrior of the serpent, do you yield," Suki asked formally, wanting nothing more than to brush this whole thing off.

"I do," Aikio bowed her head to Suki then turned to face the banished prince. "I yield to you, Zuko of the Fire Nation," Aikio proclaimed as she bowed to him in respect.

Zuko then bowed to her. "Thank you warrior of the... serpent," he said solemnly wanting to mimic the respectful gesture.

Suki was now beaming with pride, smiling seeing that she has gotten Aikio's approval. "Now Ami, the scroll," she ordered as Ami sprung up to her side unravelling it laying it across her arms to present it. "Zuko, this scroll inscribes the values of a Kyoshi... it tells of our vows, our ways, and when you carry it, you carry us with you."

Zuko stepped forth looking over the parchment in front of him. He felt his heart swell at her words and as his eyes looked over the writings. He then spotted their signatures. Their names scrawled in ink with bloody thumbprints next to each of their names. "You... all?"

"Yes, we signed it as we bear witness to your joining," Suki said pulling out her own scroll. "Each time a member joins, the sisters that witness their trial sign," Suki explained. "And now if you are ready... you must sign too," she said as Tan brought over an ink well and a knife.

Zuko tentatively took hold of the brush and the knife. He felt a shiver running up his spine, as he turned to the scroll, as Ami held it for him. His eyes traced each of their names and the blood they had spilt. He had never expected any of this to take place. Even as the brush touched the page he still could not believe it. And even as the knife cut along his thumb he still could not believe it. And even as he read his own name, and staring at his own bloody print he still could not believe it.

Suki smiled as he marked the parchment and Ami rolled it back up to give to Suki. "You will keep this close wherever you go, you will carry this with you," she commanded.

Zuko nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Suki," he smiled beneath his mask.

Suki smiled back even as she couldn't see his curled lips. "For now on you will be known by a new title fitting for your joining," she said as she handed him the scroll. "I, Suki, warrior of the serpent, Kyoshi of the Kyoshi Isles. I name you Zuko, warrior of the rising sun, Kyoshi of the Fire nation."

For the Kyoshi warriors since there are different groups for each of the Islands I decided to name the specific group for Suki's Island the Warriors of the Serpent fitting for the Unagi that lives there and for Zuko since he is of the Fire nation I thought it was fitting since that in a way to show Suki accepts him completely that he is named as Kyoshi of the Fire nation and he named warrior of the sun since that is the symbol of the fire nation since there are no more dragons that they know of but you can tell me what you think hope you all enjoy favorite review follow but most importantly

Hope you all have a Happy Hanukkah a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

PS. This is the end of the beginning as we will begin to head into the main series as I begin to retell the show episodes and it may take a while but I plan to retell everything up to the end of the series