Authors note: Alright, kind of a cliffhanger but not really on the last chapter. Some reviewers wanted some explanations for the girl so now we'll get some answers on how she is doing. And…maybe… some maiko…

Chapter Seven

The Truth

"How does she look?" an anxious Ty Lee asked.

Uncle Iroh just shook his head, "She's still unconscious."

"I'm surprised. She's been unconscious for two days…but soon we'll be to Fay Wa. The healer will be there and hopefully we'll be back on our way," Zuko declared.

Uncle Iroh nodded and Ty Lee smiled in agreement. Mai just gave Zuko a gaze that with any luck was a yes.

"I'll go check on her, nephew," his uncle said, giving him a look, "Care to join me? I want to see if her arm is healing up."

"Yes uncle."

Uncle Iroh and Zuko entered the make shift tent just as Ty Lee made a sly smile.

"I saw you…" she muttered happily.

"What?" Mai asked in irritated voice, trying to sharpen one of her daggers.

"I saw you looking at Zuko."

"And?" she replied.

"You still like him, don't you?"

Mai flung the sharpened dagger at Ty Lee's face. The acrobat caught it just before it hit her head, grinning.

"You're still a good shot," she said, flinging the dagger back.

"Thanks," Mai said, catching it, "You're still annoying."

"I might be annoying but I'm not at idiot. You have a thing for him even after all these years."

"You're crazy."

"And you're a bad liar."

Mai sighed under her breath as she went back to sharpening the knife like object. She couldn't expose the truth. For the truth showed weakness, something she had always wanted to overcome.

"Mai," Ty Lee said, actually sounding serious, "Why would it be so bad to like Zuko? I mean…it's not just you. I can see it…he still has a thing for you after all these years too."

Mai gave a nod and then whispered, "Hmm…"

And just as the two finished their conversation Zuko stepped out, "She conscious."

Ty Lee gasped but Mai remained composed.

"She doesn't understand anything that is going on but she is awake."

Ty Lee quickly skipped over to the tent, beaming largely as she entered, while Zuko walked over and sat down near to Mai.

"So is she-"

"Ok? Yeah, we're hoping."

"What's her name?"

"She's too unaware to tell us. The only thing she said was "help", over an over, help."

"Huh…we should get to Fay Wa immediately, before we lose her."

"I know, but it's too dangerous to move her until she is more alert. One simple move and she could…"

They both looked down in despair but Zuko found something to change the subject.

"I heard you and Ty Lee…"

Mai catch your breath, "You…did?"

"Yeah…she is strange, isn't she?"

Mai smirked, "Yeah, she is. But Ty Lee's sweet in her own way."

"Do you think she was telling the truth?"

Mai eyes went wide as she quickly got back to her dagger. It gave her time to recompose herself.

"It depends…" she murmured, "Do you think so?"

Zuko eyebrow rose just as Ty Lee burst out of the tent.

"She is barely awake now," Ty Lee said, sounding quite sad, "She's looking a little worse. I feel horrible that I did this to her…"

"You did what you had too…" Zuko mumbled.

All three looked down in depression.

"I'm worried about her going into unconsciousness again."

Mai shook her head in disappointment and Zuko did the same.

"Was she able to say her name?" Mai asked.

"Its like she can't tell us…her mouth just won't say anything else but help."

Mai sighed heavily, in obvious dismay. Zuko stood up abruptly though and held her hand.

"We'll get to Fay Wa on time, I know it. It's just a short way from here and then we'll be able to get her a healer. Everything is going to be alright."

Mai sighed, looking at the tent still, but Ty Lee had her usual devious grin on. Mai gave her a look but Ty Lee gave her one back and then she glanced at Zuko's hand. Meanwhile Zuko, noticed the whole scene in silence, and quickly removed his grasp from Mai.

"You two are adorable," Ty Lee remarked.

Suddenly, Uncle Iroh entered the entire picture with worry in his face.

"She's dying," he said sadly, "We have to pack up now or…"

And with no other words the Fire Nation recipients gathered up their things in a race against time and death.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Oh…life is so droll, is it not?"

"It brings amusement, here and there."

"Of that, you are correct. So right now, I need to amuse you."

"With what do you request?"

"My turn...he escaped."

"I read your message."

"And the messenger?"

"He did send him."

"We need to kill him before he ruins…my plans."

"Fine, we try it your way. But if you fail me…"

"Yes…I know."

"Good, I'm glad we all know the truth."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Authors note: I like the way this is going. So, there was some maiko. Ty Lee…you got to love her. And what was with the ending...it will be explained in due time. I'll try to update as soon as possible. Please review.