The dragons soared in the sky alongside Aang and Zuko. Lillian watched as the boys began to do a routine of fire bending stances. When Aang and Zuko finished their sequence the dragons paused and hovered at each end staring at Zuko and Aang. "Judgement Time" the chief said silencing the chanters.

Suddenly the dragons perched on the stoney stair case and released the most amazing display of fire. Lillian's eyes widened at the site before her, "I've managed to get my fire to look like that once or twice." Lillian mumbled.

Zuko and Aang return to the bottom and were excited to tell everyone about their discovery, "it was amazing Lilly!" Aang said as he shot a ball of fire. Lillian looked over at Zuko who smiled, "Its like sun that's inside of us..." Zuko said taking a step forward and bending a powerful arc of fire. Zuko smirked as he clenched his fists. Lillian looked over at the chief who nodded, "my turn..." Lillian shrugged. Aang ran up to Lillian, "you have nothing to worry about Lillian!" Zuko nodded in agreement, "Just a arranged marriage of centuries ago." Lillian shrugged leaving the two boys baffled, "Chief Sun man will explain everything." Lillian said over her shoulder as she made her way up the stairs.

The Chief explained to Aang and Zuko about the marriage that should have happened centuries ago and might be rearranged. Aang's eyes widened, "So Lillian is the reincarnation of Lucy almost? And She is gonna marry a dragon?" Aang gasped.

"She's marrying a DRAGON!?!?" Zuko yelled and turning his gaze up at Lillian. "No, she's just meeting him first, He will tell her what to do." the chief said looking up. Zuko had a worried expression as he looked at Lillian's figure, 'She can't marry someone else..'

Lillian looked between the two caves before the red dragon slithered out. Lillian bowed and raised her head so that her crimson eyes met his yellow slitted eyes.

"You are of Lucy's blood"
Lillian heard the dragons deep cracky voice.
"Just as Tall. Just as slim. Just as Beautiful."
The dragon wrapped his neck around Lillian.
"The Dragons times has gone but will come again soon."
Lillian sat before the dragon, "What is your name Dragon." Lillian asked as the dragons eyes inspected her.
"I have no name as I am only a spirit. This Dragons form name is Igneel. But you know me very well Princess. I have been with you for years." Igneel said raising his head and raising his claw, "Rest your hand by my talon and you shall see that I am more a friend than a stranger."
Lillian raised her brow and then slowly placed her hand by the large Talon.

The moment her hand made contact with the scales Lillian found her self on the Beach not older than 4 years old.
Lillian watched as her brothers played ball and she wondered near the rocks, "Shin! Shane! Look, it's a baby!" Lillian watched as the found the lionshark cub. Kasai was a meer bundle of wet fur and bones when the found him. Lillian and her Grandfather took great care of the lionshark but when the time came for Lillian to return home she was heartbroken. She refused to leave Kasai's side and slept beside him the night before she left.
There was a flash of light and Lillian was once again gazing into the eyes of the dragon, "Kasai?" Lillian questioned. The dragon nodded his head, "I was sent by the spirits to protect you. I am your animal spirit guide. When you leave her today my spirit will return to the Lionshark and our bond will be strong enough for you to hear my thoughts." Igneel said. "Regarding the ceremony, the time will come when you will have to choose between the duty to your people, or the duty to your heart. Your love for the Fire Nation Prince is strong but so is the love for your people. Remember that a unhappy queen rules with heartache and anger but a queen who is full of love and happiness leads her people to a great future. " Igneel said. Lillian looked down at Zuko and Aang," When will I have to make my decision? " Lillian questioned. The dragon followed her gaze," once the war is over you will experience your own cross road and then you will decide." Igneel finished raising his head, "And my bending? What happened to my bending." Lillian asked extending her hand only having a puff of smoke escape her palm. Igneel's eyes stared into Lillians crimson eyes, "You have always been a great fire bender and a powerful fire tenshi always pushing the limits, on the day of the eclipse you pushed past the limits of any firebender. Your inner fire died out when you chose to save the Prince knowing what he had done to you. But you saved him anyway displaying great courage and doubt." Lillian watched the dragon take a few steps back," I will help you reignite your inner fire but there will be pain as you will feel as if transforming for the first time. " Igneel said sternly. Lillian shut her eyes thinking about her first time transforming. The pain was almost unbearable but she pushed through like she always does. Lillian nodded as she agreed and took a few steps back.

The dragon looked down at the chief for a long moment. The chief nodded, "secure the Prince and the Avatar!" The chief ordered, "What!?" Aang and Zuko cried at once. The guards pulled their arms back and placed spears under their throats, "What's going on!" Zuko asked as Aang looked up at Lillian and the Dragon. The chief walked towards Aang and Zuko, "Your friend is about to go through change and we can not allow you to interfere." The chief said bowing to the dragon.

Lillian closed her eyes and took deep breaths. Suddenly Igneel lifted his head and breathed out a long stream of fire right at Lillian. Zuko and Aang's eyes widened at the heat of the flames that rushed towards Lillian's form. Lillian placed her hands together and took a firm stance. As the fire made contact with her hands she began separating the flames around her body. The heat was overwhelming but Lillian kept her stance. The dragons flames turned from orange to blue in an instant causing Lillian to stumble back, "Don't fight it! Let my flames consume you!" Igneel roared. Lillian shut her eyes and bought her arms to her sides allowing the fire to burn her skin. Lillian's piercing scream filled the air around the temples. Her screams was filled with so much pain and fear that Zuko couldn't take it anymore," Lillian!" Zuko flipped forward tossing the guards that held him over his shoulders. Aang followed Zuko's actions and helped his friend disarm the guards, "Aang, hold them off! I'm going to help Lillian!" Zuko yelled to Aang as he made his way to the stairs, "Foolish Boy!" The chief growled trying to capture Zuko. Lillian's screaming became dry as her voice drained and the flames turned white. Zuko ran up the stairs, "Lillian!" Zuko cried with tears in his eyes reaching the outside of the fire.

Lillian knelt on the floor as the fire licked and scratched her body. The burning on her skin healing as her body absorbed the heat and flames. Lillian gathered the strength to stand but stumbled at her first try, "Lillian!" Zuko's voice cried from outside the fire dome, "Zuko...." Lillian felt herself whisper. Suddenly Igneel flapped his large wings and Zuko lost his feeting and fell off the staircase, "Time to Fly Princess... We will meet again soon." Igneel said taking off into the sky and then returning to his cave. Lillian's eyes fluttered open and she started at her hands, "I feel...."

"aaaahhhh!"
"Zuko!!" Aang cried.

Lillian snapped her head to the side and saw Zuko's falling form, without hesitation, Lillian leapt off the bridge and shot towards Zuko's form allowing the white flames to encircle her body. The flesh on Lillian's shoulder tore open as she released her large white wings. Just before Zuko's body hit the ground, Lillian swooped down and caught him. Dust and smoke covered the area, Aang searched nervously for his friends before finding Lillian standing tall with her large wings and a terrified Zuko in her arms. Zuko's golden eyes looked up at Lillian's crimson eyes, "Scardey cat." Lillian grinned at Zuko who rolled his eyes and then blushed realising that Lillian held his entire body in her arms proudly.

Lillian placed Zuko down, "Wow! That was amazing!" Aang said as he bounced around Lillian like an annoying little brother. Zuko smiled at Lillian, "How do you feel?" Zuko asked Lillian, "I feel great. So great that...." Lillian smirked taking her stance and striking forward causing a ball of white fire to fly forward into the temple wall, "I can take on anything!" Lillian grinned slyly. The chief looked between the wall and Lillian, "specially our historic carvings." The chief growled. Lillian smiled sheepishly and placed her hand behind her neck, "Hehe oops....".

Lillian, Aang and Zuko bowed to the sun warriors and made their way back to Aappa. Lillian walked slowly in thought about what Igneel said. Lillian raised her head and watched Aang and Zuko laugh as Aang tried to make small fire marbles in his hands. Lillian smiled as Zuko slung his arm around Aang's shoulder and do his own fire marbles. Zuko looked over his shoulder and saw Lillian smiling at him. Zuko smiled a goofy smile and felt his blush return.

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When they arrived at the temple, Aang flew off the saddle and called everyone together. Unexpectedly Shin and Shane appeared along Sokka, "Your here!" Lillian cheered tackling her brothers, "Hey, don't hand out all the hugs, we need some too!" Crest Said as himself, Ling and Mac stepped forward. Lillian took a defensive stance and surprisingly so did Zuko, "What are you doing here?" Lillian growled at Mac followed by Zuko's nod. Ling stepped forward with her hands raised, "Easy there my gorgeous, he's a good guy now." Zuko stood beside Lillian protectively, "Greeaaaat! Two bad guys turning good in one month, next thing you know, Kasai can talk!" Sokka groaned sarcastically. Kasai ran forward and tackled Lillian to the floor, she met a pair of yellow eyes, 'What the water tribe man doesn't know, is that he is actually right.'. Kasai spoke in a whisper beside Lillian's ear. Zuko raised his brow at the sight of Lillian's grin. Lillian smiled at Zuko before hugging Kasai tighter.

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Aang started the fire as Lillian, Katara and Ling finished up the food. Zuko stood by Lillian as he prepared the bowls when suddenly Shin and Shane stood on either side of him, "Hey, Princey boy, taken her on that date yet?" Shin teased. Zuko felt a blush creep on his face, "Or is there something we should mention to our dad?" Shane asked with raised brows. Lillian rolled her eyes, "Back off boys, or else." Lillian winked at her brothers who suddenly backed away from the Prince. Crest and Mac snickered and then silenced themselves when Ling glared at them.

Lillian giggled, "Its good to spend time with you again, so what brings you guys here?" Lillian asked taking a seat beside Zuko. Ling stared at The boys the back at Lillian, "We were sent by Scarlet, she gave us a mission to fill out, I am afraid this is only a pit stop on our way back home." Ling said sadly. Lillian's smile faded, "oh, so your leaving tomorrow?" Lillian asked receiving a nod from the others.
Sokka decided to break the awkward moment by being his annoying self, "So... Is it true that you guys sing, like so beautifully it could make a man cry?" Sokka asked. Katara and Lillian both facepalmed, "uh, the ladies have more the voices we do the instructing,." Crest shrugged. Ling marched over to Crest and tapped her foot, "Excuse me? Who do you-"

"Yeah, the girls have amazing voices and we just stare and admire." Mac said looking at his sister.

Sokka clapped his hands excitedly, "Then, let's put on a Show!"

Lillian sighed. She placed her bowl down and was about to walk to her room, "Lil, one song?" Ling asked. Lillian shook her head, "you guys go ahead, I'll be in my room."

"what's with her?" Sokka asked as he watched Lillian leave. Zuko stood and followed Lillian, "What's with him?" Aang added pointing at Zuko. "Don't worry guys, take a seat and prepare for amazing and wonderful yodelling!" Crest announced. Ling smacked Crest over the head, "I'll take it from here..."

Everyone sat as the waited for the singing to start. Ling started singing...

I'm not a stranger to the dark
Hide away, they say
'Cause we don't want your broken parts
I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars
Run away, they say
No one will love you as you are

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Another round of bullets hits my skin
Well, fire away 'cause today, I won't let the shame sink in
We are bursting through the barricades
And reach above the sun (we are warriors)
Yeah, that's what we'll become

Won't let them break me down to dust
I know that there's a place for us
For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
Gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

...This is me

And I know that I deserve your love
There's nothing I'm not worthy of
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
This is brave, this is proof
This is who I'm meant to be, this is me

Look out 'cause here I come (look out 'cause here I come)
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum (marching on, marching, marching on)
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

I'm gonna send a flood
Gonna drown them out
(...this is me)

Lillian walked up the stairs towards her room when she heard familiar foot steps behind her, "Why are you following me?" Lillian asked over her shoulder when Zuko turned the corner. Zuko froze, "I wanted to make sure you were okay, after today I just wanted to make sure you were okay." Zuko said. Lillian looked up at the full moon, "I'll be fine. I always am aren't I?" Lillian whispered. Zuko took hold of Lillian, "Don't you dare do that!" Zuko growled. Lillian widened her eyes at his sudden outburst, "Do what?" Lillian questioned. Zuko sighed, "You don't always have to be the brave one. You don't always have to prove that your the strongest. You forget that your Human Lillian and you have feelings too. I saw the way your face fell when Ling told you their leaving tomorrow." Zuko raised his hand and cupped Lillian's cheek," Cry, scream even hit me if it helps! But don't hide your feelings from us, from me... I want you to understand that I am here for you." Zuko wiped a small tear that slipped from Lillian's eye," Z-zuko... I-" Lillian choked as her tears fell and her shoulders shook. Zuko pulled Lillian into his arms and She rested her head on his shoulder, she cried and soon she felt his grip tighten at each sob. Zuko lifted Lillian and carried her to her room where he sat beside her on her bed.

Hours had passed and Lillian had eventually calmed down. Zuko smiled at her puffy eyes, "Feeling better?" Lillian nodded, "Yes, thank you, I uh um..." Lillian blushed at the thought of the dragons words, "you want to be alone?" Zuko asked but Lillian shook her head, "No, thank you. For everything you've done, good and bad. It's bought us to where we are now, and I wouldn't have it any other way." Lillian whispered. Zuko nodded and pulled away a strand of Lillian's hair and placed it behind her ear. Their faces were inches apart. Lillian's eyes slipped from Zuko's golden ones to his lips and then back. Zuko noticed her breath sharpen and her gaze slip from his. Zuko felt himself lean in and Lillian followed his action. Before they knew it their lips grazed each other so lightly sending tiny sparks of electricity through them. The kiss was sweet and full. Zuko pulled away slowly with pink cheeks, "Goodnight Lilly... I'll see you in the morning." Zuko whispered as he placed another soft kiss on Lillian's cheek. Zuko stood but before he could walk away Lillian pulled him back and wrapped her arms around his neck embracing him in a tight warm hug, "Goodnight Zuko." Lillian whispered before kissing his scar and pulling away. The Prince smiled at Lillian and she returned it.

Zuko and Lillian each laid awake in their beds in thought of the other. They knew what they wanted and each had their own ideas of getting things back to the way they were.

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Hello Zuko Love rival's

Happy New Year! I know it's late but hey, better late than never!

I hope you liked this chapter.

The song is this is me from the greatest showman movie.

Please vote and comment.

I do apologise for any mistakes as I am still using my phone and won't have a laptop until middle of this month.

Until next time!