Author's Note: Hi, plz post remarks or comments if u have any. I would really appreciate it. Well here is the next chapter; I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter Eleven: Too Many Emotions

Night came swiftly and suddenly. Chloe had convinced Zuko to come down and enjoy the festival with her. They both sat in a large, beautiful theatre, while countless musicians and travelers entertained the stage. The prince at first found it dull; Chloe on the other hand had a love for the harmonious art of music.

An older man, with wispy white hair and icy blue eyes walked onto the long stage, carrying some sort of flute. The instrument was carved from a light, elusive wood, and had a unique design. As the man rested upon a stool, he lifted the flute and took a deep breath.

Suddenly an essence of music filled the air. The beautiful song flowed with ease, and illustrated a true feeling of peace. It touched the hearts of every spectator who filled the area. The soothing melody enchanted the air, and expressed a magical feeling, that most had never experienced. An airy, smooth rhythm echoed through the wooden flute, embracing the happiness and tranquility that seemed so unattainable; it performed an image of a quiet, soft morning sitting upon a grassy field gazing out into the warm sunlight as butterflies glided freely. It reminded everyone of the innocent bliss they felt when they let go of all worries and troubles.

Chloe and Zuko watched silently, entranced by the calming piece. It seemed as though the song went on forever, expressing a memory of lives that they had forgotten. Yet soon it was over, and an amazed silence followed. Then an applause no other could fulfill praised the dear old man. His eyes glittered in the lights as every single viewer stood up kindheartedly and cheered with ecstatic disbelief.

As the young boy and girl paced back to the small house, they were wordless. Did that really just happen? How could someone create such an inspired and gleaming feeling? Both friends rested in their small rooms and took on everything they were feeling then. Chloe was reminded of the old days on their farm. She missed being at home. Zuko didn't know how to react. He was speechless. His mind seemed to trail back to the days he spent playing cheerfully with his uncle when he was just a kid, free of responsibility and stress. It seemed like a lifetime ago to him. Were those memories even real anymore?

It was now nearing midnight when Chloe quietly stood in his doorway. Zuko had fallen asleep while reading some sort of book. As she quietly paced up to him, she smiled admiringly. He seemed so peaceful when he was asleep. Chloe gently took the book from his hands and rested the warm blanket over him. The small manuscript had a leather covering and golden letters with the inscription Torn.

As the young girl read the description she saw that it told the story of a boy torn between what's right and what is expected by his loved ones. It wrote of a young man traveling endlessly, trying to find his place in the world and dealing with the controversy of being born into the Fire Nation. This man was certainly no prince, but in a way Zuko was reflected in him.

Chloe grinned even more peacefully and rested it upon the table. Gazing back at him she felt something inside her. It was like the tear in her heart was gone. Zuko gave Chloe hope.

Just as the young girl drifted into sleep a heartrending cry filled the air. Both Chloe and Zuko immediately woke up, minds racing for an answer to what was going on. Chloe swiftly rushed out the door to look down on the town from the hillside of their house. Zuko soon followed.

There were at least ten houses set ablaze as the young girl gazed down upon the town. She knew that that dream earlier was no mistake. Zuko walked up behind her and looked in amazement. At the edge of the city they could see an entire horde of Fire Nation soldiers. Chloe knew what she had to do.

"Zuko, I have to go down there. You should go, now. We can't let them capture you," the brave young woman let out gazing back at him; worry painted her eyes.

"Chloe," Zuko let out trying to persuade her. "You can't-," he was about to add in, but his courageous friend stopped his demand.

"I have to do this. Get your things together and go. I'll hold them off and try to stop them; you just get out of here." She gave him a look that showed she would not do otherwise. He sighed regretfully and nodded, then returned to the house quickly.

Chloe immediately ran down to the city where the soldiers invaded. Luckily, a chosen few visiting waterbenders were already at work putting out the flames. The earthbenders attacked the Fire Nation men and eluded their home being burned down.

The girl swiftly took her stance and faced the enemy. She knocked out nearly a dozen soldiers with her well practiced skills and then took on the leading man, Admiral Xuan (Chwon). He was an irritable young man who had gained the favor of Fire Lord Ozai. Xuan was a muscular man with long black hair, partially pulled into a traditional tie knot. His eyes were a deep brown.

Admiral Xuan threw a series of fireballs at the young opponent; then unleashed a whirl of fire while she dodged the others. The last attack through her off guard but she quickly evaded it. Now she ran to him rapidly, and leaped to enforce a fierce sidekick into his face. The man fell back roughly, and became outraged. He instantly rose up and struck ruthlessly. Finishing with a swift kick that flung her feet up from under her, the admiral brought her onto the dirt. Bringing his fists out, ready to strike, the man gruffly commented.

"You didn't think I was going to let some girl defeat me did you?" Just as his fists were releasing flames a tall figure swooped down from a rooftop, in front of the girl, and knocked the man down. This figure was the Blue Spirit.

The masked hero looked back at the girl he just saved. Chloe smiled thankfully up at her fearless friend. Resuming the fight the boy looked back at Admiral Xuan who was now on his feet once more. Fire poured from his wrists as he fumed with anger. Immediately the Fire Nation admiral threw balls of flames at the new rival. The Blue Spirit immediately whipped out his broadswords and extinguished the attack. Soon Xuan was on the run from this mysterious man.

Chloe now stood up, amazed by the boy's talent. The girl and he now fought the remaining soldiers and drove them out. But one vision suddenly stopped Chloe's heart. Just as she gazed out into the retreating men, she saw in iron cuffs, her dearly missed brother, Karon.

The girl immediately let out a gasp and started off for the men, when Zuko's arm jerked her back. She looked back at him with desperation, seeing him silently shake his head. Chloe couldn't go after him. It was just too dangerous.

"Zuko, please. I need to save him!" she let out begging him to let her go. He again shook his head even stronger. Her eyes softened into the most sorrowed she had ever felt. Chloe had to get him back. How would she get by now knowing exactly where he was?

Chloe and Zuko soon returned to the small house. All the homes had been successfully put out, but there was enormous damage. The air was warm, but light. The scent of fire still singed the air. Chloe sat against the porch and peered into the forest. She was silent and blank, avoiding what just happened.

Zuko walked outside after taking off the mask, and rested next to her. Gazing over at her, the boy tried to find something to say, something that would comfort her.

"Hey," the man whispered softly. Chloe didn't react; she only resumed gazing off into the deep allure of the woods. "Are you okay?" Still she didn't say anything, but now peered into the dirt. Zuko turned her towards him and made her look into his golden eyes, "Chloe."

"I'm fine," the young girl let out. He knew she was lying; her eyes were so heartbroken and upset. They were a deep, lush green now. Chloe hastily changed the subject. "Thank you for saving me earlier."

"It was nothing," he commented. "You know I had to stop you; you couldn't go out there. It's too dangerous." His voice was serious but caring.

"I know," Chloe remarked softly. "But I have to get him back soon. Now that I know where he is I could track them down," she remarked trying to be optimistic. But thinking about what had happened, pain grew inside her again. Chloe looked down, away from him as she added in, her voice cracking. "I have to find him." She bit back the hurt, but the girl couldn't fight the tears that streamed down her face. Chloe gazed back at him and commented dully, "I'm sorry. I'm always whining about him; you're probably sick of listening to me."

Zuko brushed the soft hair from her face and stared affectionately, "I would never feel that way. You're going through a lot of pain. Your brother seems to be the person most important to you." He stopped to express an even more sincere and caring voice."You don't need to apologize." Chloe smiled still aching with regret; she thankfully wrapped her arms around his neck and silently rested her head on him. She felt relieved that Zuko had walked into her life.