As master of all the four element and the living gateway between the physical and spirit world, Aang knew a spirit when he saw one. Right now, he was looking at one. He didn't know how he got here. He didn't understand how he ventured into the spirit world while he was awake. Well, that's at least what he thought had occurred for his surroundings cannot possible be of the physical realm. There were trees that had a faint blue glow to them. The air was cold like the ice burg he was in for a hundred year, but hot like Sozen's comet. Here and there, he could spot lights in the distance, each one filled with a deep sadness tot hem. They moved like fish in a sea, graceful and elegant, leaving behind a faint glow in their wake. Yet among the lights and trees, there was a girl by what appeared to be a wooden well. She had long, floor length, wavy blue-black hair. Her skin was pale with a rosy tin t to it. She wore strange clothing. Her torso was covered in a shapeless shirt with long wide sleeves while her bottom was covered with long, red, wide pants. As he drew closer to her, he noticed small details about her. He noticed that her eyes are the color of sapphires, that her lips are a soft pink, and tears running down her cheeks as she clutched something in her right hand.

He felt compelled to the spirit. A gloomy air surrounded her as she stroked the mouth of the well with one hand. Her eyes, now that he was close, were filled with an obvious sadness and deep longing, but for what he did not know. Maybe it had to do with his sudden interest in her?

"What brings you to Inuyasha's forest, young Avatar" said the spirit, her voice like wind chimes. It too called out to him.

"My name is Aang, no need to call me Avatar" the boy said. He shuffled his feet nervously as the spirit turned towards him, a thin brow raised.

"Hm, I suppose you are correct. I can relate to what you say. We all have names so we should be called as such. So Aang, you have not answered my question, what brings you here."

"Well, don't you think I should know your names first? It's only fair after all."

"Fine…I had many names and titles, but my birth names is…Kagome" the beautiful spirit said.

'Kagome' Aang thought, 'such a pretty names for a pretty girl.' Clearing his throat and attempting to stand taller, Kagome looked at him with confusion. "Kagome, since I'm here and you said so yourself, I am the Avatar. But it's just I was wide awake in the physical world when I wandered here. I don't know what is happening. How do I get back…" Aang began to ramble.

A small smile appeared on Kagome's features, but the young master did not notice as he was already in his own world. He moved with exaggerated movement and his actions were filled with life.

"Aang, you can return the same way you came here. Simply by wandering. You will realize when you return" said the spirit as she once again turned away form him and to the well. Aang smiled, glad to know how to return home to his friends, but before he could leave a thought occurred to him.

"Kagome, why do you look so sad" he questioned. His brown brows were knitted in what seemed to be worry. Her blue eyes widen just a fraction but never turned towards him. By reflex, her hand gripped the well and whatever was in her hand. She trembled a bit and bit her lip, as memories she wished to forget came over her.

"Aang…you should go. You do no wish to spend the night here" she stated, firmly ignoring his question. He was going to protest but instead thought it futile. So he simply sat down by her, leaning against the well for support. Kagome then truly looked shocked. She turned towards him, her strange outfit sweeping the ground.

"Aang" she began, but was cut off by said person. "Kagome, I may be only 15 and still goofy, but I know when someone is miserable. I seen enough of it to recognize it" he said dejectedly. Kagome looked at the young bender and nodded. Elegantly, she sat down beside him and told him her story.

She told him of her fifteenth birthday and how she fell down the well of her family shrine. She told him of the Shikon Jewel and of Inuyasha and her friends. She told him of her journey and of Naraku. She told him of how they completed the jewel and how she died so that her predecessor Kikyo could live. Lastly, she told him of how her soul was sent here from another world to guard the jewel forever by the bone eater's well.

The whole time she told him her tale, Aang not once interrupted her. He listened to her with the upmost attention. When the story got sad, he gripped her in a reassuring way. She told him of the bloodshed, he sighed and frowned. When she told him of her heartache, he wiped her tears, treating her like a porcelain doll. When she was crying, he pulled her into his arms.

Although they were strangers, he allowed her to lean on him. They may have just met, but a connection was formed. A tiny red thread of fate now tied them. It was thin and may appear to be fragile, but it was strong. The thread was only the beginning however. It will become thicker and shorter until they cannot separate themselves from one another, that is if they wish to.

So they spent the night in each other's arms, not expecting any thing from one another except comfort from the world. Just as Kagome told Aang her story, he told her his own. He told her of the Eastern Air Temple and it cruel fate. He told her of his discovery that he was the Avatar. He told her of his long sleep and his meeting of his friends. He told her of his journey and its conclusion. He told her of Katara and how they weren't meant to be. The same way he comforted him, she did the same.

So when the sun rose in the Spirit World, Aang asked with his hand reaching for hers "come with me." Kagome looked at his hand only for a moment before securing it with her own.

"Will I be able to leave this place" she asked sadly. "I been here for who knows how long. Never sleeping, never dreaming, always awake."

"I'm the Avatar, I think I can take you out. Anyways I know a pair spirits who left this place for good and are still living in the physical world."

"The moon and ocean spirit?"

"Yeah! They are still good, I checked up on them about a week ago. Anyway, if they can leave so can you" he said, completely sure that this will work. However, Kagome was still doubtful.

"Surely, there must be a price though."

"Yeah, you immortality, but I think you would be willing to give that up" he joked.

She smiled and nodded "of course. I would pay any price to leave this place, to be able to move on with my life. Still, I think I will have to take the jewel with me. Only I can protect it."

"No problem," Aang stated, beginning to wander around aimlessly in order to go back home. "You can protect the jewel and I'll protect you, I promise."

Kagome blushed furiously at his words, but nodded with a smile on her face. For once in a long time, she felt optimistic and it was all due to the Avatar at her side.

So hand in hand, the pair walked, slowly transitioning to the physical world where a new start awaited them both.