Heart of Fire

Book One: Chapter Eight

~ 2 years ago ~

"Misaki, are you ready for your wedding?" my mother asked, sliding my door open.

"Yes mama, I've never been more excited," I said.

I was in my wedding gown and my mother had given me her hair piece that was her mother's. I was finally going to meet Zhao, the one my mother and father had been talking about for so long. My soon-to-be husband. My heart fluttered at the thought.

I stood up, making sure my clothes weren't wrinkled.

"I'm ready mama," I said, and she took my arm and led me down the hallway to the courtyard.

My father was standing at the doorway to wait for me. He smiled and I placed my arm in his. Slowly, he led me outside.

My entire family was here, as well as Zhao's. I had never met any of them before but they knew my parents. They must be good people if my mother approves.

At the end of the long aisle, I saw who I could only assume to be Zhao. He was handsome, tall, and strong looking. He smiled widely when he saw me and I immediately smiled back. 

How lucky am I? I thought.

It felt like walking to him took forever. I couldn't wait to be next to him and to become his wife. I would finally be able to start my own family.

My father dropped my arm and held my hands.

"I'm so proud of you," he said, his eyes tearing up. I began to tear up as well, and I hugged him.

"I love you, Dad," I said softly. He pulled away and nodded, stepping to the side so that I would be face to face with Zhao. I smiled widely as he took my hand.

"You look beautiful," he said.

"Thank you," I said, blushing.

"We've all gathered here today for the union of this man and woman, to be united as one..." I stopped listening. I was too excited. I was just waiting for the "I do."

"Zhao, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" He asked.

"I do," Zhao replied.

"And do you, Misaki, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do," I breathed.

"You may now kiss the bride," the man said.

Zhao wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in for the kiss. Our lips collided and I felt such a spark, my entire body was tingling. Is this what love feels like?

...

I opened my eyes and turned to see Zuko lying next to me in bed. Why did I just dream of my wedding day?

I slowly got up, careful not to wake Zuko. Aang was still here and still in trouble. But since it's night time it should be easy to help him escape, and no one will know. Zuko wouldn't suspect that I was behind it, being as I'm still recovering from my injury.

The guards on duty were asleep at the door, so I let myself in. Aang sat in the corner, meditating.

"Aang?" I whispered.

"You actually came back for me?" He asked, his eyes shooting open.

"Yes, of course, I wasn't going to let you be stuck here," I said.

"I thought you weren't going to come back and - aren't you Zuko's girlfriend? Why are you doing this?"

I blushed. "I'm not his girlfriend, he just rescued me from a very bad man. And Zuko isn't such a bad guy Aang, but he isn't doing the right thing. I know I have to help you out of here, or no one else will."

He looked confused but nodded.

"Let's go before someone catches us, we need to do this quickly," I instructed, grabbing his hand and pulling him through the door.

We snuck around the corner and I checked to make sure that there were no guards, and once we were in the clear we ran up the stairs to the deck. It was pitch-black, except for the captain's cabin. 

"How am I supposed to escape? I don't have my staff," Aang said.

Remembering seeing a staff in Zuko's room, I motioned for Aang to stay where he was at.

"I'll be right back," I said, and went back down the stairs. 

I quietly opened the door to Zuko's room, where he was still sound asleep. In the corner was Aang's staff, and I quietly made my way across the room. Unfortunately, I didn't see his armor sitting on the floor and I tripped over it. It made a loud crashing sound, and I hissed in pain. I could feel my heart almost jump out of my throat. Zuko stirred a bit, then opened his eyes. 

Please don't wake up, I thought. Not now. 

He'd never forgive me if he found out what I was doing. I began to panic as he sat up. He looked over at me still sprawled on the floor.

"Misaki?"

"I- I'm sorry, I couldn't see where I was going. I was trying to use the bathroom," I felt my face go red because I was lying and I was afraid he would become suspicious.

He looked confused, but he didn't seem like he thought something else was going on. "You should be more careful," he said, sounding very irritated. He sighed and laid back down. I stayed in the same spot, motionless until I could hear faint snoring again. I sighed in relief, and quickly grabbed the staff and exited the room as quietly as I could. 

Aang was still waiting for me on the deck, and to my relief, no one had been doing rounds so they didn't see him. 

"I'm sorry I took so long, here's your staff," I said, and smiled faintly. I could get into so much trouble if anyone caught us. I didn't want to think about it, because just the thought made me uneasy. 

"Thank you," he said, taking it from my hand and smiling appreciatively. I was relieved that he was going to be safe, and not handed over to the Fire Nation. I couldn't bear to think what Fire Lord Ozai would do to him if he got a hold of him... even if I was caught, it would be worth it because I could save the rest of the world from their destruction by assuring the Avatar's safety. I was sure he was the only one who could defeat them and bring peace to the four nations. 

My thinking was abruptly interrupted as I heard a loud roar come from the sky. I had never heard anything like that, and I looked around to see what was going on.

"Appa! You came back for me," Aang yelled. I followed to where he was looking and I saw what I never expected to see in my entire lifetime. It was a huge bison, flying above the ship. I thought that flying bison were extinct, but then again I thought that the avatar was gone for good as well. 

"Aang, go! Before Zuko wakes up, please!" I said, becoming extremely concerned as the bison had caught some of the guard's attention. 

Shit, I hope they don't see me with Aang...

"Thank you," was all he said before opening his staff, revealing wings and taking off in a burst of air. I watched as he landed atop the bison and waved. 

Apparently, he wasn't fast enough. I watched as a flame burst into the air, hitting Appa's saddle, and I could hear him roar loudly. I turned to see Zuko standing behind me, and his eyes were filled with fury.