Waves of the Water Chapter 9: A Bridge Crossed, an avatar: last airbender fanfic

Author's Note: I do not own "Avatar: The Last Airbender" or anything related to it. I do, however, own my characters. If you steal them or borrow them without my "Yes." I will hunt you down. Thank you for your time. And if you do not like this, you don't have to read it! I will not force you or beg you.

Dedication: This story is dedicated to Winter Rose Alchemist. She is my buddy, a sister-figure, and a great person to talk to. This story is for you, WRA (a.k.a. Winter Rose Alchemist)! And to my: readers, reviewers, and friends.

-A Bridge Crossed-

"Katara?" Sokka looked to his sister, who sat still and stared out into the distance. He frowned slightly and turned to Artymis. "Art?" She didn't respond either. Sokka frowned and shouted, "You're gonna make me go crazy!"

"What?" Katara turned to her bother, her eyes a bit distant. "Oh, sorry."

"You were saying?" Artymis asked, looking to Sokka from her side of their campsite

"I was saying - " Sokka stopped and sighed. "Never mind."
What he means to say, Artymis, Anduril explained quietly. Is that both you and Katara are acting strange. It worries all of us.

Everything is fine, Artymis replied. It's Katara you should be worried about - she lost the only thing that was left of her mother.

We all are, Anduril said.

"Katara?" Artymis softly spoke her friend's name.

"Yeah?" Katara turned to her.

Artymis stood up, walked over to Katara, and hugged her tightly. "We'll get your mother's necklace back. I promise." Artymis whispered.

Katara smiled faintly and hugged her back, "Thanks."

"Group hug!" Sokka said and spread his arm out and was close to hugging the girls. But they pulled apart and back away from Sokka. "What?" He asked. The girls laughed softly for the first time in two days. Sokka smiled at their laughs, they were turning back to normal.

"We hit the road!" Artymis said, standing up and clapping her hands. Like her usual-self.

"Finally!" Sokka said, "Ow!" He turned around to see Katara. "What was that for?"

"Why do you always do that?" Katara asked.

"Do what?" Sokka asked back.

"That!" Katara pointed a finger at him.

And I'm the oldest out of Katara and me! Sokka thought.

"Come on, you two!" Artymis said, hopping onto Appa's back.

"Right!" Katara said brightly.

The group saddled up and sat in Appa's saddle. They took off with fast speed, Anduril following them - just to make sure there was no one following them. The group talked more and joked and teased. Artymis and Sokka especially teased Katara about Haru.

"Stop it!" Katara demanded for the fourth time.

"I'm still gonna see if he's suitable enough for you." Sokka muttered and lowered his eyes.

"How can we not make fun of you?" Artymis asked Katara, an innocent look in her eyes. "If you blushed, my friend."

Katara glared at her, then smirked. So that's how she wants to play it, huh? "I wouldn't be talking." Katara warned.

"Why not?" Artymis asked, feeling a bit uneasy. Had Katara found out about Zhao? I hope not!

"Well," Katara smirked. Artymis didn't like that smirk. "In case no one noticed..."

She knows! Panic rose in Artymis. She listened to Katara closely and carefully.

"... You and Prince Zuko hit it off that one time when we were in the South Pole." Katara held back a laughter. But Sokka and Artymis couldn't. It was quite obvious Katara was referring to when Artymis made a magnificent waterbending trick, and Zuko catching her when she fainted.

"Oh yes!" Artymis joked along, her face was lightly pink from her laughter. "Prince Zuko and I were close!" Artymis pressed a hand to her chest and said dramatically, "You're just jealous, Katara! I'll give him a kiss for you!" Artymis fell on her back, laughing, obviously forgetting how close she and Zuko were to having a kiss.

"You do that!" Katara joked, still smiling.

"Give a hug to my brother-in-law!" Sokka joked. There was silence. "What?" He asked, looking at the non-smiling girls.

"You killed it, Sokka!" Artymis yelled. "You killed the joke!"

"How?" Sokka asked.

"I don't know. But you did." Artymis said, she looked to Katara. "Katara, I will give Zuko that kiss!" Katara laughed.

"Quiet." Sokka said sternly, looking up ahead.

"Come on, Sokka!" Katara said.

"I know, Sokka." Artymis said, looking at him. "I mean - "

"I mean it." Sokka said sternly again, Artymis sat up straight and looked into the direction he was looking at, Katara joined her.

Katara gasped. "The - the trees!"

"How?" Artymis whispered.

"Fire Nation - no doubt." Sokka answered.

"We have to land!" Artymis said, "Appa!" Appa flew down, followed by Anduril. The landed in the maze of the burnt down trees that formed like a scar upon the other living trees.

"How can they do this?" Katara whispered, walked carefully on burned wood.

"They have no respect for the earth." Sokka hiss angrily. "I'm tired of them burning things down that are part of the way we live."

Artymis bent down and held the ashes of trees in both of her hands. She stared at it and her eyes winced as images of trees burning flashed her mind. Artymis stood up and let the ashes fall like heavy rain to the ground. She looked around and closed her eyes briefly.

"You ok?" Katara laid a hand on her friend's shoulder.

Artymis shook her head. "It hurts."

"I know." Katara walked a little ahead and lightly touched a very thing piece of burned wood that was still standing. Even at her soft touch, the burnt wood fell and became ashes. "The Fire Nation has to be stopped."

"I know that, but..." Artymis thoughts drifted back to Zhao. He had been so kind and good that he didn't seem to fit in this doing. How can he? He even said so: Prince Zuko was the one who started the war... Her mind suddenly drifted to when Zuko was so very close to kissing her.

"But what?" Sokka asked, coming up to her.

"Nothing." Artymis lied. They won't understand, at least not yet.

Prince Zuko looked around. "Uncle - it's time to go!" Silence. "Uncle Iroh!" He stormed through a cluster of bamboo sticks and found his uncle in a hot spring that looked really, really hot. "Uncle, it's time to go."

"Why now, Prince Zuko?" Iroh asked, he was whining obviously.

"I'm close to the Avatar." Zuko answered, "And it's time to go." He turned his back on his uncle.

"Prince Zuko?" Iroh said in a matter-of-fact voice.

"What?" Zuko snapped over his shoulder.

Iroh looked at his nephew for a moment, then shook his head. "Nothing."

"What?" Zuko turned around and waited.

"I've been meaning to ask you something." His uncle began.

"Ask me?" Zuko said, "Ask me of what?"

"Why, when I came in your room two nights ago, were you hurting the Avatar?" Iroh asked.

"I wasn't - " Zuko began to protest.

"Zuko, when she left the room and I stopped her for three seconds - she had bruises where you had grip her." Iroh said, then sighed. "That is no way to treat a lady."

"What!" Zuko yelled. "I shouldn't even be treating Artymis like a lady!"

"First name bases?" Iroh asked.

Zuko lost his temper. "No! I just don't think she should be treated like anything but dirt! The Avatar is nothing but a selfish girl who does nothing but listen to Zhao's lies!" Zuko was breathing hard now, his hands into fists.

"So," Iroh said, as if nothing had happened. "You don't like her, then?"

Zuko blinked. I've tried to kiss her, does that count? He shook the thought from his head. "NO!"

"Ok then, ok!" Iroh said and sighed. "What you need is a bath from the hot spring."

"No, I don't! Zuko yelled. "It's time to go - NOW!"

"Just a few more minutes?" Iroh asked.

Zuko grunted, "Fine. Just be back at the in less than half an hour. Got it?"

"Yes." Iroh said.

Zuko marched away and into the cluster of bamboo sticks. If I have any feelings for the Avatar - yeah right!

Anduril was watching as Artymis, Katara, and Sokka were about to aboard Appa when a rough and deep voice asked:

"Are you the Avatar?" The friends turned around and saw an elderly man standing on broken twigs. He had a worn out face and his tired eyes stared at the friends.

"Um, yeah." Artymis said, stepping forth.

"Oh thank goodness!" The man said, his face brightening. He was about to walk towards Artymis, but Anduril's face shot in front of him and growled. The man backed away in fear.

"Anduril!" Artymis hissed, the dragon stepped back. The Avatar turned to the man with a soft face. "What's wrong?"

"Please, come to my village." The old man pleaded. "My village is in need of you!"

"Why?" Katara said, strolling to Artymis' side.

"An evil spirit is attacking my village." The man explained quickly. He gave Artymis pleading eyes. "Please, help us!"

Artymis hesitated, she knew going to the North Pole was important for both her and Katara. I need we can't make every little stop, but they do need help...

"Hey!" Sokka whispered to Artymis, "If we can help the village, we can get more food!"

Artymis nodded, "Take me to your village." She said to the old man who smiled.

"Oh thank you, milady." He said, he turned around and started heading into the forest.

Katara rose an eyebrow at both Sokka and Artymis.

"What?" They asked at the same time.

"Nothing." Katara muttered, they followed the old man with Appa and Anduril close by.

"We help them, they help us." Artymis explained to Katara, "It's a fair exchange."

"Yeah!" Sokka agreed.

"Whatever." Katara muttered.

"We're here." The old man pointed to an entrance to a village.

The group entered and were wide-eyed at what was left of the village. Almost everything near the entrance, the houses were ruined or torn down. There were scattered belongings everywhere. Artymis picked up a ragged doll and examined it. Sokka stopped and looked around, Katara stopped and observed also.

"What happened here?" Katara asked.

"You'll see, but for now, come in here." The old man pointed to a large building which had sealed windows and doors.

The old man went in front of the door and knocked on it three times. The door opened after five seconds and a man with dark hair and dark robes came out. He looked at the old man then looked at the group. His eyes widen and he gasped. "The Avatar!" He pointed at Artymis, who rose an eyebrow at him.

Why does everyone do that now in days! Artymis thought. "Um, yeah." She said.

The man rushed towards them. "I am so glad you're here!" He took Artymis' hands and shook them.

"Um, ok." Artymis took her hands back. "Why is the village half-destroyed?"

"Come inside, milady." The man showed them in the building which he had emerged from, the old man followed while Anduril and Appa stayed outside. Inside the building, there were people in. Villagers, the group assumed. But the villagers seemed to be low in spirits. "The people of this village are frightened." The man said, he stopped in his tracks and turned to the group.

Artymis stopped walking, "Yeah, but why?" She asked, getting a bit irritated.

"Because," The man began. "Because every day, at sunset, a creature comes."

"A creature?" Katara repeated.

"Yes." The man answered.

"Ok!" Sokka said, he grabbed the girls' arms and began to walk out. "We're outta here!" He yelled over his shoulder. Katara and Artymis looked at one another, they sighed and hit Sokka on the head. He let go of their arms and fell. "Ow!"

"Please!" The man came back. "Don't leave!"

"We won't!" Artymis said quickly. She went back to the man. "Tell me what happened." She said.

"A monstrous creature had been terrorizing our village for the past three days - since the trees in the forest were burned down. It comes at sunset and attacks our village for no real reason. He has even taken some of the villagers!" The man opened a window and looked out in the broad daylight.

"What can I do, though?" Artymis asked him, standing by him.

The old man then said behind them, "The Avatar is a bridge between our world and the spirit world, milady."

"Wait a second." Katara said, "So Artymis is a bridge?"

"If I am a bridge, I can help your village stop this creature?" Artymis said.

"Yes," The man looked to her from the daylight. "Please, milady?" He asked her.

Artymis blinked and thought it over quickly. If I do it, It'll delay our journey, Artymis looked to the despaired and worried villagers. Then again, it's my fault that I allowed it to happened. So I suppose... "I guess I could give it a try." Artymis said weakly.

The man's face instantly brighten. "Oh thank you so much! Thank you!" He said happily.

"Yeah..." Artymis said in a weak voice.

"Artymis, come over here." Katara pulled her friend away and whispered, "You don't sound as positive, Artymis. Do you honestly think you can save these people?" Katara asked.

"I think I can." Artymis' voice dropped. "It's still daytime."

"Yeah." Katara said.

"So, basically: we're all gonna die?" Sokka asked, joining them.

Katara hit Sokka, "Sokka!"

"What?" He asked.

"I think I can do it." Artymis said, "Just let me have some fresh air, ok?"

Katara nodded, "Right then. But we should be careful, I mean if the Fire Nation really did burn the trees down, what makes you think they won't hesitate to kill the Avatar?"

"Stop scaring me!" Artymis whispered, "I'm scared as it is already!" And they don't kill! she thought silently with anger, but no trace of it was on her face.

"Alright then, split up and have some fresh air." Sokka said.

Katara and Sokka still wandered in the building, comforting villagers as they passed. Artymis started heading for the door, but turned to the man and said, "I need fresh air before sunset. Do you mind?"

"No, but please come back." He said.

"I will." Artymis promised and walked out. She stopped at the porch of the building and looked down. She heard the door of the building close behind her. Get enough air as possible, she thought as she walked over to Appa and Anduril. Anduril lifted his silver head when she approached them. Hello, Anduril, Appa, Artymis greeted.

Artymis, what has happened? Anduril asked.

We have to help these people, Anduril. Artymis explained as she leaned against a half-torn house. They need my help.

How?

They say the Avatar is a bridge between our world and the spirit world. Artymis began to tell him, A creature had been attacking this village and taken hostages. They say I can help.

And you agreed? Anduril asked, even though he knew the answer.

Of course I did! Artymis replied. She let her eyes wander off to the forest. I wonder why it's been attacking though?

Sometimes we need to look closer, Anduril said.

I suppose so, Artymis said. After a couple of minutes, her eyes widened. Oh! You mean that - oh!

Yes, Artymis. Anduril groaned. That's what I mean, I know your little mind would get it SOME DAY.

Ha ha ha, very funny! Artymis said, she then noticed that the sun began setting down. Already? She got up, Keep your guard up, Anduril. You too Appa.

And you most of all, 'bridge person'. Anduril said back.

Artymis gave him a look over her shoulder, then walked back to the building and saw Katara and Sokka looking through an opened window. Artymis gave them a weak smile. She felt the ground shake beneath her feet. Artymis stood still as she felt a presence come close behind her, and the expression on Katara and Sokka's face weren't helping at all. She then heard a loud roar. Artymis felt herself shake from the noise. It's right behind me, isn't it Anduril?

Yes, it is.

That's encouraging. Artymis slowly turned around and she gasped. A large creature, as tall as the building behind her, stood before her. It had four arms, instead of two, and it was on all fours. The other two arms were dangling from his shoulders. The creature was a mix of black and white. It's eyes stared straight at Artymis. This is gonna take a while. She thought with a gulp.

Prince Zuko and his Uncle Iroh started to head back to the ship. They went through thick trees and Zuko would try to burn them down, but Iroh would stop him. Zuko would groaned as he walked around the trees.

"I'm sorry sir, but - " The engineer started, but was cut off.

"What?" Zuko snapped.

"Um, the ship needs to be fixed, so it won't be ready." The engineer said.

"For how long?" Zuko asked, while gritting his teeth.

"For three days."

"A three days?" Zuko yelled.

"I'm sorry sir!" The man said. "That's the fastest we can fix it."

"Then fix it faster!" Zuko demanded, his hands in fists now.

"We can't." The engineer explained.

"What!" Zuko yelled, "Why not? Or are you just lazy?"

"Prince Zuko, calm down." Iroh said.

"Fine then!" Zuko had had enough. He turned around and began to storm off.

"Where are you going?" Iroh called out to him.

"If the ship isn't fixed in three days, then you won't see me in three days!" Zuko shouted over his shoulder.

"Zuko, wait!" Iroh saw his nephew walk out of sight into the trees. He sighed.

Artymis stared at the black and white creature. Her jaw dropped. She could feel herself shaking. The creature gave her one look and gave out a another roar. Artymis clasped her hands over her ears and bent to her knees. She stood up and looked up.

"Are you the creature that is attacking this village?" Artymis asked stupidly.

The creature gave out another roar.

"Um, can you stop please?" Artymis asked. "I mean, I can understand what you're going through, but - " She was cut off. The creature shoved her away like a doll with it's large white hand. Artymis fell on the ground. She slowly got up and rubbed her arms, where the gloves covered her bruises. Damn! I forgot to put those herbs on! She thought and saw the creature heading towards the building. "Wait!" Artymis ran to the creature, "Stop! Please!"

Nice way to stop it, Anduril said to her.

Shut up! Artymis demanded. She threw a wave of air towards the creature, when it was hit on the head, it turned it's spotted head to her. "Stop hurting these people!" Artymis pleaded. The creature once again threw her, this time she hit a wall of a building. Artymis fell to the ground and remained there. She passed out.

Katara gasped and covered her mouth. "Artymis - wake up!" She yelled.

"We gotta help!" Sokka said.

"No, only the Avatar can!" The man said.

"But she needs help!" Katara said, looking over to her friend.

"Come on!" Sokka said to his sister, the siblings ran out of the building. Sokka threw his boomerang at the creature's head. "Yoo-hoo! Over here!" Sokka called out.

Katara ran over to Artymis' side and softly shook her shoulder. "Artymis? Artymis?" Katara whispered, "Come on, we need to get away. Artymis?" Katara heard heavy footsteps behind her, she turned around and gasped. The creature raised his white hand and was about to crush the Waterbender when a sliver blur passed by. Katara had shut her eyes, but when she felt no fist crushing upon her and Artymis, she opened them and looked up. Anduril had come between her and the creature. He had his sharp teeth deep into the creature's rose fist. "Anduril!" Katara cried out, but she knew it was her chance to get her friend away. Katara dragged Artymis away, but very slowly since she had no energy left.

"Come on!" Sokka said, helping her. Together they pulled Artymis to the stairs of the building where the people were watching. Appa stood in front of them as their guard.

Katara looked up just in time to see the creature's hand zooming towards them. Out of the blue, Artymis jumped to her feet and set a protective air bubble around the three of them. "Artymis, you ok?" Katara asked.

"Kinda!" Artymis answered through gritted teeth. The air bubble began to shrink, until Artymis couldn't hold it anymore. She bent down and straighten herself up. "Get inside!" She said to her friends, she watched as Appa and Anduril fought the creature.

"No!" Katara said.

"We can't leave you!" Sokka threw his boomerang again, and it seemed the creature had had enough. It swooped Sokka up with one large hand and it began to ran away into the trees.

"Sokka!" Katara cried out.

"I'm on it!" Artymis jumped on Anduril and he set off to chase after the creature. "Anduril - faster!" She said, the wind hitting hard against her face. They were just a few yards behind the creature, who had quicken it's pace. Artymis didn't try to send air attacks, since the air pressing against her was too strong. The creature had now entered the field of the burnt trees, then right before Artymis' eyes, it disappeared. Anduril immediately stopped. "What?" She muttered, looking wildly around. "Sokka?" Artymis called out, "Sokka!" There was no answer. Anduril?

I don't know, he replied.

Artymis jumped off of Anduril and walked carefully around. She looked everywhere, but all she saw was the trees - both living and dead - and the night sky. "They're gone." She muttered. Anduril nuzzled his head next to Artymis'. She sighed. "Let's go back, brother." She said, she got back on Anduril. He turned around slowly and slowly headed back to the village.

Zuko was storming through he trees when he reached a field of burnt trees. He observed it without sorrow or pity. Suddenly, a black and white creature was running and it seemed to be holding someone, thought the prince couldn't make out who it was. In a blink of an eye, the creature had disappeared. Zuko blinked in confusion. He suddenly scanned his eyes to the right and saw a silver dragon, a very familiar silver dragon. Zuko also noticed there was a white figure nearby the dragon. He immediately knew who it was.

The Avatar, he narrowed his eyes. Zuko watched as the Avatar rode on her dragon again and flew off into a direction, where he assumed would be a village. Zuko looked at the burnt trees and knew he would not be welcomed one bit. He noticed the sun was rising. Zuko felt his firebending strengthen. A group of people, he noticed, came from the same direction that the Avatar had gone and were heading to a direction that Zuko knew would be the hot springs that his uncle were in the other day. A plan began to form in Zuko's mind. He followed the group secretly until the group had arrived at a hot spring. They left their clothes and dived into the hot springs, while they were there, a blushing Zuko (A/N: You should all know why. Remember what happened in this episode? When Zuko was telling his uncle "It's time to go!" while Iroh was in the hot springs. Then Iroh got up and Zuko said "On second thought..." Yeah, that's why! lol I thought it was funny!) stole one of the men's clothes and hid back into the trees.

He dressed into the man's clothes and hid his Fire Nation armor and clothing away. To hide his flame scar, Zuko used a piece of fabric from the sleeve of his shirt, and wrapped it around the top part of his face, but only the left side where his scar was. He had punched a hole just big enough to see from his left eye. The cloth was excellent to hide his scar, Zuko wore (A/N: You know that hat Zuko wore in season 2, episode 2 "The Cave of the Two Lovers"? Yeah...that hat.) a hat he had also stolen to hide his pony tail and most of the top part of his head. In a dark gray shirt and black pants with boots, Zuko traveled to the direction that Artymis had gone.

The sun was not completely up in the sky, so it was still early morning. Zuko arrived a village's entrance in ten minutes. He stopped and noticed a figure at the left side of the entrance. He walked over to the figure and kneeled down. The Avatar was wrapped in a thin blue blanket. She seemed to be asleep.

Now's my chance to capture the Avatar, Zuko thought, he looked around to see if her dragon was close by. He wasn't. But Zuko stopped when he noticed the Avatar shivering in her thin blanket. He lightly touched her cheek, he took his hand back. Her skin was nearly as cold as ice. Zuko sighed, he rubbed his hands together and his hands got quite warm. He pulled the Avatar close to him, he wrapped his arms around her, Zuko raised her temperature. He buried his face into her brown hair, and he was surprised when he smelled a sweet scent.

She smells sweet, Zuko thought. He held her tighter. He blinked in confusion while thinking, Why am I thinking about the Avatar this way? Where are these feelings and thoughts coming from? Zuko felt the Avatar stir in his arms, but he didn't let her go.

Artymis' eyes fluttered open. She felt strangely warm. Her vision was blurred at first, but in came into focus. She saw the trees and she came to realize that a pair of arms were holding her. Artymis turned her head around to see a man with a hat on. She jumped to her feet and stepped away. She crossed her arms over her chest and backed a step away.

"What were you doing?" Artymis asked defiantly, "Who are you?" The man stood up and stared at her with golden eyes. Artymis studied his eyes, Those look strangely familiar. She also noticed that there was a strip of fabric covering the top left of his face. "And what's up with your half-mask?" She asked.

"Do you always ask these kinda questions when you first meet someone?" He asked her.

"Yes!" Artymis answered.

"Fine, I'll answer your questions." He said, "I was warming you up because you looked like you were cold and I thought you would've died. My name is 'Shang', and... " He hesitated for a second, "It's none of your business about my half-mask." After he said that, he smirked at her and Artymis scoffed at him. "Now, who are you? What were you doing outside?" He dropped his voice, "And what's that sweet smell?"

"Excuse me?" Artymis asked.

"Nothing." ''Shang'' said, Zuko then thought, She sure is noisy for a girl.

"My name is..." Artymis hesitated, she didn't trust him with her name just yet. "Arivana. And it was none of your business of me being outside." She reworded his answer.

Liar, Zuko thought. You honestly don't think that I don't know who you are?

A lemur suddenly perched on Artymis' shoulder, it unexpectedly took her necklace and ran down the road. "Momo - I'm in no mood to play!" Artymis called out, she grunted, and chased him.

I can lure her to my ship now... Zuko smirked, he chased after 'Arivana'.

Momo led Artymis to the dead trees, since he was fast, Momo was nowhere in sight. Artymis sighed and folded the blankets in held them. She sighed at the sight of burnt trees. Artymis stared out into the distance. She watched the sun rise a little higher. Artymis heard footsteps approach behind her. They were fast at first, but they slowed down. She whirled around to see 'Shang' standing there, she gave him a glare and looked away.

"Why give me that look?" 'Shang' asked.

"I don't give kind looks to perverts like you." Artymis snapped. Not even to that spoiled prince! She silently said.

"Perverts?" 'Shang' walked to her, Artymis noticed his voice was sounding a little angry now, it strangely was familiar to her. "What makes you think I am one?"

"Holding me while I was asleep!" Artymis said.

"I wasn't even trying to - " 'Shang' was yelling at the top of his lungs now.

"Didn't your parents ever tell you not to raise your voice at a girl?" Artymis asked him, giving him a glare.

Zuko was hit hard by this. He lowered his head and his hands balled into shaking fists. My father... "My father doesn't care about me. Never has, never will." He said in a low voice.

Artymis blinked and realized she had hit 'Shang' hard. She turned to him and tried to apologize, "I'm sorry! I didn't know - I swear!" Artymis dropped her blanket and stood before 'Shang' with a pleading look in her eyes, "I'm so sorry! I had no idea!" She had never meant to hurt him that hard, and she regretted what she said.

Zuko heard the truthfulness and sincerity in her voice as she apologized over and over to him. She meant it. She means it, doesn't she? he thought and lifted his face to Artymis. Artymis had a pleading look in her green eyes. Zuko stared at them and shook his head, "It's alright."

What happened to his father? Artymis thought while looking at 'Shang' in sympathy. Why doesn't his father care? Wouldn't all fathers care for their children? She had not realized that the last thought she had, she spoke it, but in a low voice.

Zuko gritted his teeth and looked at 'Arivana' with hard eyes. "Is that any of your business?" He hissed.

Artymis realized she spoke out her last thought and shook her head. She apologized again, "I'm sorry!"

Zuko sighed and closed his eyes briefly. He opened them and looked at 'Arivana'. "My father and I... have our differences."

"I didn't know." Artymis said, she was hoping that 'Shang' would forgive her for her outburst. She lowered her eyes to the ground and whispered, "I also lost my father." Gyatso, she thought sadly.

Zuko gave her a wondering look, "Really?" He asked. Airbenders don't live with their parents though, don't they?

Artymis slowly turned from him and walked a bit ahead. "I lost my father," She said. "Like creatures have lost their home." Artymis gazed at the burnt trees. She knew their loss was just as worst as her own.

"The trees?" Artymis heard 'Shang' approach her side. Zuko looked at Artymis and looked to the burnt trees. "What do you mean?"

Artymis blinked slowly. "What I mean is, creatures once lived in these trees. Now that they're burned down, there's no home for them." She sat down and touched the ashes with one hand, with her free hand gripping a lock of her hair. "I wish the trees would grow back." She whispered.

Zuko stared at her. She does really care for these trees and the creatures, he thought and knelt down next to her. He softly touched the ash-littered ground and he felt something bump beneath his fingers. He slowly dogged it out with his fingers and found an acorn. He blinked and his eyes swam back to Artymis, who gazed towards her right, away from him. Zuko made a very small, but true smile. "Arivana," He said. 'Arivana' turned her face towards him. Zuko softly took her hand, the one that was twirling a lock of her hair, and placed the acorn in her palm. He wrapped her fingers over the acorn and looked at her with a smile. "An acorn can grow and become a tree. The trees will grow back, Arivana." She gave him wondering eyes, Zuko didn't realize his smile got a bit wider. "If you give it a kiss." He said.

Artymis listened to him and smiled. She had a feeling her cheeks were a light pink color. She lowered her eyes and lifted them up to 'Shang'. She lifted opened her hand and gave the acorn a soft touch of her lips. She cupped the acorn and softly and carefully buried the acorn where there would be no ashes on top. Artymis jumped to her feet, smiled and stared at the place where she buried the acorn.

She really wants these trees to grow, doesn't she? Zuko stood up and kept his eyes on Artymis. She turned her face towards him and smiled at him, Zuko knew that she wouldn't give him that smile if she knew who he really was.

"Thank you," Artymis said.

"My pleasure," Zuko whispered back. He didn't realized his face was nearing her face. Artymis didn't somehow see they were getting close. She blushed and leaned her head against his chest. Zuko blinked in confusion. One moment, she called him a "Pervert!" and loathed him, the next: she's leaning her head against his chest in an affectionate way. The Avatar is a.. strange girl. Zuko placed his arms around her shoulders and held her close. He closed his eyes and felt the same emotion he felt when he was so close to kissing the Avatar. Why do I feel that feeling again? Why do I feel it over and over?

Artymis didn't know why she leaned her head against 'Shang's' chest. She closed her eyes briefly and opened them very slowly, like she was in a dream. She snuggled closer to 'Shang'. Wait, she thought as she felt a strange emotion, These feelings... haven't I felt them before? For someone else? Artymis closed her eyes.

Out of nowhere, Momo jumped on Artymis' shoulder. Artymis was startled by this. She had had her arms against her own chest and she accidentally pushed 'Shang' on his chest. Zuko, still having his arms around her, let go of her. He stumbled back and fell on his back. Artymis tripped on a rock and felt she was onto the ground. Zuko got up and helped Artymis up.

"Thanks," Artymis muttered.

Zuko's eyes landed on the necklace that he knew was the Avatar's. Apparently, the lemur called Momo had dropped it. Zuko picked it up and looked up at Artymis, who had her back to him now. He quickly walked behind her.

He's leaving? Artymis thought, and she felt a little sad at the thought of him leaving. Nice work, Momo! When her eyes fell to where Momo was, she found him gone. Ditcher! She felt a coldness touch the skin around her neck. She gasped at the cold touch. But she then felt a warm touch. Artymis had a feeling it was 'Shang'. She relaxed. "What are you doing?" She asked him.

"Giving your necklace back." 'Shang' answered her.

"Your hands are warm." Artymis said absentmindedly.

Zuko smirked at her comment, "I know." He replied, finishing tying her necklace.

"How though?" Artymis asked him, turning to face him after he finished. "I mean, it's cold out here." She rubbed her arms, even her gloves didn't keep her warm.

Zuko noticed this. He spotted the blanket she had dropped earlier. He walked over to the spot and picked it up. He opened it and placed it around Artymis' shoulders. She was startled at first, but gave him a small smile. Artymis held the blanket close to her. She turned her face away and looked at the sun.

"Is something wrong?" Zuko asked, he didn't see or hear the concern in his voice.

"No, it's just I never had a chance to see the sun rise like this." Artymis said, "It's been so long. I mean, when the sun rises like this - " She paused for a second and gazed at the sunrise " - it's like heaven's gate or something. I'm not sure how to describe it, but it just gives you a good feeling, doesn't it?" She continued to star at the sun for a few seconds, when she lowered her head sheepishly and gave a little chuckle. "You must think I'm weird, huh?" Artymis asked, looking up to 'Shang'.

Zuko smiled at her and shook his head, "No, not at all." He said. Zuko stared at Artymis, and she stared back at him. He blinked and broke eye contact with her.

"Um, I think I should head back to the village." Artymis said, "Or the people will think I ditched them."

Zuko offered her his arm. Artymis stared at him and tilted her head a bit in confusion. "Would you allow me to escort you?" He asked her, half hoping she would. Zuko had forgotten all about his goal of capturing the Avatar.

Artymis smirked and placed her hand on his arm, "Yes, but..." She began to say.

"But what?" Zuko asked her.

"I won't really forget how you woke me or forgive you, even though you said you were trying to keep me alive. Artymis finished, though there was a smirk on her face. It lighten her spirit when she heard 'Shang' laugh.

"Then I have to be more careful in the future." Zuko said. He and Artymis walked back on the road to the village.

"I haven't seen you in this village," Artymis said. "Are you new?"

Zuko felt stiff now. How would he answer that? "Um, no." He lied, "I've been here, it's just I left for a while and came back last night." It's at least a quarter of the truth, he thought.

"Oh, then I didn't get to see you really." Artymis said, her expression said she was worried about something.

"Why? When did you come?" Zuko asked her.

"I came yesterday, around noon or somewhere in the afternoon." Artymis answered.

"Oh." Zuko said, then he asked her, "Did you come alone?"

Artymis hesitated, then shook her head. "No," She said, "I came with two friends, or now one." She said sadly.

"What's wrong?" Zuko asked her.

"One of my friends was kidnapped." Artymis explained to 'Shang', "He was taken by a creature."

"A creature?" Zuko repeated. Was it that black and white creature? he asked himself silently.

"Apparently, there's been a creature terrorizing the village and kidnapping the villagers. When it came last night, it took my friend." Artymis explained, sadness in her voice. They reached the village entrance. Artymis let 'Shang' escort her inside, she was kinda glad not a lot of people were out. Otherwise, they call her 'Lady Avatar' and she didn't want 'Shang' to know who she really was and that she lied to him. I need to know more about him, she thought. He's seems to be the type that Anduril would warn me about. And besides, the people out weren't any of the people who had seen her and heard people calling her 'Avatar'. So, it was good for Artymis.

"I suppose, we separate here?" Zuko felt a little sad by this. He was getting to know Artymis, and they would have to go in different directions. I may never see her again - without her attacking me and thinking me only as her enemy, he thought.

"Maybe we can have breakfast together?" Artymis asked 'Shang' hopefully. He looked at her and she saw him smile.

"I guess, if you want." 'Shang's' answer brighten Artymis, she felt a bit more happier.

Artymis? Anduril called out to her.

Artymis, behind her smiling face, swore in her mind silently. Fortunately, Anduril didn't hear. Yes? she asked sweetly in her mind.

Where are you? He asked her, getting into over-protective-brother mode.

I'm in the village! Artymis responded.

Where, though? If you have forgotten, Appa and I are hunting and trying to find clues to the creature that took Sokka. Katara also would want to talk to you, he informed.

Artymis sighed, giving 'Shang' a confused look. Alright, I'll go talk to her. Where is she?

Where else? In the shelter building. Anduril said his farewell and broke contact with her.

"Arivana?" 'Shang' had been calling her for that last minute and Artymis hadn't realized it.

"Hm, yes?" Artymis responded.

"Is everything alright, Arivana?" He asked.

"Yes, why wouldn't it be?" Artymis asked 'Shang'.

"You had a worried expression on your face." He answered.

"Oh!" Come on, Art, think of something! "I was just worried about my friend. I hope he will come back, he's like a brother to me." Artymis said.

Zuko lifted her face with his finger, so she could have eye contact with him. "He will, your faith and prayers will come true if you believe." Artymis smiled and closed her eyes and muttered a "Thank you" to him. Zuko was shocked at his own words. Did I honestly mean that?

"So," Artymis said, looking up at 'Shang'. "Where'd you like breakfast?"

'Shang' looked up thoughtfully and turned his face towards her, "I think you should pick - ladies first." He said, and luckily she fell for it because: (1) he had no clue where everything was in this village, (2) he just felt like doing a gentleman act.

Artymis remembered the village leader saying there was a small little market here that sold excellent food. She smiled and looked to 'Shang', "I think I know the place." She took his arm and began to lead him towards one part of the village. Artymis and 'Shang' walked and a couple of kids stopped in their tracks and would hugged Artymis around her knees or waist. She laugh and they would ask "Would you play with me later?" and she always nod and say "I love to."

Zuko knew that when all the children turned their faces from the sweet Avatar to him - a man with a hat and a half-mask on - they would draw back in fear. They would stare at him for a few moments, then scurry along home. But every time they stared at him, Zuko wanted to yell at them "Go away!" but he resisted when he looked at Artymis. She's so nice to these kids, he thought as he followed her, I expected the Avatar to be a bit more aggressive - since she is towards me. But she would actually play with these kids.

"Well, here we are." Artymis said, turning back to 'Shang'. They were diagonally across from a small market store. "I don't really like fancy things, I like simple and little things. Is this ok?" She asked him.

Zuko blinked. Another surprise: the Avatar doesn't like fancy - like my sister - but simple, little things. He couldn't resist smiling at her, "Sure."

Artymis smiled at him.

"Would you like me to get it?" 'Shang' asked her.

"No." Artymis shook her head. "I'll get it."

She noticed 'Shang' frowned, "No, I'll get it."

Artymis shook her head again, "Shang, no. I will get it."

Zuko looked at her with the same frown, "Arivana, I'll get it."

"Shang, no." Artymis said sternly.

She sure is stubborn, Zuko thought as a smirk began to form on his lips. More stubborn than I imagined. He failed to realize or even see that Artymis was walking towards the little market store. Damn! he thought as he ran after her.

Artymis felt a hand on her elbow, she felt herself being held back. She didn't really need to turn around to guess who is was, but she did anyways. "Shang!" She muttered angrily, as she tried to squirm out of his reach. This is like when I was young all over again! Artymis couldn't hold back a laughter. She laughed softly.

Zuko smiled when he heard her laugh. Even as she tried to run from him and buy the food, he still smiled. Zuko let go of her and he tried to reach the market store first. He felt a tug from the back of his shirt and he was pulled back, he saw Artymis trying to run ahead of him. "No, you don't!" He muttered and grabbed her arms, but not too hard.

Artymis laughed again when 'Shang' held her back. "Shang, I'm buying them!" She said, still laughing softly.

"No, I told you: I'm buying them!" 'Shang' argued, pulling her back.

"Don't you give up?" Artymis asked him.

Zuko accidentally let his grip on her go, and the Avatar was about to sprint forward, but he flung his arms around her waist and pulled her back. "Gottcha!" He said.

"Ok, now seriously! Let me go!" At first, Zuko thought she was serious. Then he smiled again when he heard her laugh, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone who was not so happy. It was the Water Tribe peasant girl. I would put her on fire right now if I wasn't pretending to be a friend! Zuko thought angrily.

"Hey!" Artymis' laughter died when she heard the angry voice. I'm in big trouble. she thought and looked up to see an angry Katara glaring at her. Katara had her hands in fists and they were shaking uncontrollably.

"Katara...?" Artymis asked her, she felt 'Shang' let go of her. Artymis stood up straight and faced her friend. "Um," Artymis turned her face towards 'Shang'. "This is Shang and - "

"I know!" Katara yelled.

"What?" Artymis asked her, she had never seen Katara this angry. "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" Katara repeated angrily, "What's wrong! I can't believe you!" How can she ditched my brother - my brother who tried to save her - and go with some other guy? Like they're all her life savers? Katara thought angrily, and felt a bit of hatred towards Artymis. She doesn't know that Sokka and Gran-Gran are all I have! If I loose one now, she knows I can't live with myself!

"What? What I do now?" Artymis asked her, almost yelling.

"It's more what you're not doing!" Katara answered, her glare even more scarier. "You're not even trying to find my brother! But here you are, with a guy named Shang that you found! You found someone else, not my brother!"

"Hey!" Artymis yelled, "I don't even know where he is! I've been trying to figure out where he could be! It's just so happens, I met Shang!" It is true! she thought while gritting her teeth. I was trying to find out where Sokka could be and how I can get to him!

"No, you weren't!" Katara yelled, "I know you!"

Artymis suddenly felt insulted, "What do you mean 'I know you'? What are you trying to say?"

Before Katara answer her, 'Shang' held up a hand and said, "That's enough."

Katara blinked in confusion. Where have I heard that voice before? She looked up at 'Shang' and saw his golden eyes and half-mask. Why does he wear a half-mask?

"Not in front of them." 'Shang' said to Artymis, who realized some people stopped and stared at them.

She turned her face away from them slightly, and covered her face with her hands. Great, nice work, Art! She mentally kicked herself.

Katara noticed the spectators, she shot Artymis another glare and hissed, "We're talk about this later!"

"Like there's gonna be a later!" Artymis hissed back, giving Katara a cold stare.

"Fine!" Katara said a little louder than a whisper and turned on her heel, and left.

"Fine!" Artymis nearly yelled after her, she turned away and headed for the village's exit.

"Women," Zuko muttered under his breath, he turned and followed Artymis through the small group of spectators. He caught up with Artymis.

Artymis muttered angrily to herself, she was so into talking to herself that she didn't notice 'Shang' walking beside her. She stopped at the entrance gate and sighed. "I guess I was a bit selfish. I forgot all about the search for her brother." Artymis muttered and turned around to face 'Shang'. She lowered her head and sighed again. "I - "

"Miss?" Artymis turned her face towards her left, and lowered her eyes. There was a small brown-haired child. He looked cold, and hungry. "Can you give me money?" He asked, his voice small and shaking from the cold. Although it was morning, it was still the season winter.

Zuko moved his eyes from the cold and hungry child to Artymis. He had always wondered what her reaction would be in a situation like this. He had been told Avatars were selfish and murderers.

Artymis smiled at the child sweetly. She reached into her pocket and found six golden coins. She bent down and placed them in the child's outstretched hand. Artymis noticed he was very, very cold. She took the blanket off of her and placed it around the boy's shaking figure. She made sure he was wrapped up tightly and was warm. She cupped the child's cheek in a motherly or sisterly way. "There you are," Artymis said softly. :Now, go buy yourself a soup or something. And if anyone tries to steal your money, just say you big sister will come after them."

"Thank you!" The little boy said, a smile broke out from his face. His eyes showing happiness.

"Anytime," Artymis said, then kissed his forehead. The little boy smiled and ran away to buy some soup. Artymis straighten up and noticed 'Shang' was looking at her oddly. "What? Is something wrong?" She asked, looking to him questioningly.

Zuko shook her head, "No," he answered. "I just never seen anyone as kind as you were to that child. I mean, giving him some of your money and blanket."

Artymis smiled, "Well, he needs my blanket more than me. And to tell the truth, that was all the money I had left." She confessed.

"And you gave it all?" 'Shang' asked her, shocked.

"Of coarse I did!" Artymis replied, "I mean, he's just a child. Why should they suffer and not eat anything or at least get one blanket?" She asked 'Shang'. But, she thought while she lowered her face, why should Sokka suffer then? He didn't do anything! Artymis lost it. She ran out of the village, off the road, and into the trees.

"Arty - Arivana!" Zuko yelled out her name, he ran after her. He nearly blew his cover, but he didn't care. He could see Artymis, because she her outfit was quite bright in the trees. "Arivana!" He yelled again, struggling through the branches that kept hitting him and threaten to take his hat off and blow his cover again.

Artymis could hear 'Shang' calling out the name she had given him. Even if he did knew her real name, Artymis wouldn't stop. She kept running, until her pace slowed down and her heart was thumping hard and heavy. She stopped and leaned against a tree. She tried to catch her breath. Artymis looked up when she heard footsteps approaching. She lowered her eyes when 'Shang' tried to make her eyes lock on his golden ones. Artymis felt strange when she saw or felt his golden eyes on her. The eyes seem a bit too familiar, she pushed the thoughts of his eyes away and focused on breathing.

Zuko frowned when Artymis didn't make eye contact with him. He panted for a few seconds then broke the silence between them, "Why'd do you runaway like that?" He asked her.

Artymis slowed her breathing down and looked up at 'Shang'. She slid down against a tree and sat on the ground, hugging her knees. She sighed and answered, looking at the trees not him, "I do indeed feel like I betrayed my friend. I was thinking where her brother was, but I got distracted. And I forgot all about him, until she came back."

"And you both had that little explosion." 'Shang' concluded for her.

Artymis looked up at him, "Yeah, pretty much." There was silence between them. "I feel alone sometimes." She blurted out, burying her head in her hands.

Zuko sat down next to her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Sometimes, or all the time?" He asked her.

Artymis lifted her head up, but only enough to see her green eyes. "At first, sometimes. Now, it's all the time." She said.

"Why?" Zuko asked her.

"I don't know..." Artymis lied.

"Yes, you do." She heard 'Shang' say, "Now, tell me, please." Artymis only buried her head and shook her head, but she badly wanted to tell him. She felt she could trust him, even though they just met that day. "I want to be a friend to you." Artymis blinked and felt a smile trying to form on her lips, she half resisted. Yet, she kept her mouth shut. She heard 'Shang' sigh, and she heard him stand up and slowly walk away.

Good, he can shut up now!

"Come with me." Artymis' head shot up to 'Shang' at his words. He was looking at her seriously with an offered hand.

"What?" Artymis asked him.

Zuko knew he really didn't make any sense, but he knew one thing: now, this was his one chance to get the Avatar - here, where she was vulnerable and alone. Despite a small voice saying to him not to trick Artymis, Zuko began to proceed with his chance. 'Come with me." He repeated to her.

Artymis looked at 'Shang' with wondering eyes, "Why?" She asked him.

"I think I know the place where it will cheer you up." 'Shang' answered, his hand still out towards her.

Artymis hesitated. Should I? she asked quietly to herself, I mean, I known this guy for not even half a day, and already I feel like I should trust him.

You snuggled up against him, a voice pointed out in her mind. And not to mention, let him follow you out here. He hasn't hurt you in any way, shape, or form. So what can he do, now?

Yeah, a third voice protested. But he was holding you while you were asleep - remember?

He was just trying to raise your temperature so you wouldn't freeze to death! the second voice argued.

Remember what Anduril said? the third voice asked, He said 'Be careful', are you following that rule?

Artymis began to ignore the arguing voices in her mind, she nervously placed her hand in 'Shang's'. He helped her get up slowly and gave her a sweet smile. 'Shang' began to lead her deeper into the trees. 'Shang' and Artymis were now walking by a stream. Artymis let go of his hand, but still followed him. He occasionally kept looking back at her, to see if she still followed.

Zuko knew that if he followed the stream, it would lead him to his ship. I'd have to leave fast though, he thought, if I want to get my honor back more quickly. He, during their walk, felt uneasy about tricking Artymis. She's actually trusting me, can I trick her?

"I feel alone," Artymis began to explain in a low voice, but loud enough for 'Shang' to hear, "Because I don't have any family left."

Zuko stopped in his tracks and turned around. He looked at her with pity in his eyes. "No one?"

Artymis stopped walking and stared at her reflection, "I have a brother figure. But he's so worry about my safety, that I sometimes wonder if he really wants to have a normal life." Which we can't because I'm the Avatar and everyone thinks the Fire Nation is doing evil stuff, when they're not! But she kept that thought to herself.

Sounds like Uncle Iroh sometimes, Zuko thought and kept it to himself. He walked a bit closer to Artymis. "And you haven't told him any of this?" He asked.

Artymis shook her head, "No."

"Why not?" Zuko was shocked at this as well, he had thought the Avatar and her animal guide told everything to each other. Apparently, I was wrong. "He has the right to know!"

"I don't know." Artymis muttered, still staring at the water. "I really do want to tell him, but it's not the right time."

"Is that all he doesn't know?"

Artymis shook her head at 'Shang's' question, "No."

"There's more?" Zuko was getting a bit more surprised than he already was.

"Well, what do you expect from me?" Artymis asked him, "I'm a girl!" She laughed a bit, 'Shang' laughed, but very little. "I feel... like an outcast at times."

"Why is that?" Zuko looked to her.

"I've been gone for a while from somewhere special, and when I returned," Artymis felt tears burning her eyes, "Everyone was dead!" Artymis fell on her knees and buried her face in her hands, crying.

Zuko immediately fell down next to her and placed a comforting arm around her shoulders, and pulled her close to him. He heard her gasp and cry. Zuko felt sorry for the Avatar. Her 'hometown' is the Southern Air Temple, he thought, and her people are dead. How would I react? he asked himself, Without Uncle Iroh? Zuko realized Uncle Iroh was probably worried about him, the way he left and said 'good-bye'. "I'm so sorry," He whispered in Artymis' ear.

Artymis heard the sincerity in his voice and words. She cried on his shoulder and flung her arms around his neck, and held him tightly. As if she was holding on for dear life. She moved her head slightly to whisper in his ear, "Thank you... Shang."

I can't do it! Zuko shut his eyes while he thought, I can't do it! I can't! Why can Zhao trick the Avatar? How can he? A thousand questions poured in his mind. How can he take her - someone who nearly lost everyone she loved - and take her chance to live again after being imprisoned? Why? Artymis isn't the type of girl who is snobby and rude! She's nice, caring, loving, and - and -

"Shang?" Artymis whispered his name. "You were gonna show me a place?" She asked, pulling away. Wiping tears away from her green eyes.

Zuko still had his hands on her shoulders as she gave him a sweet smile. Why can't I do this now? he asked himself silently. He returned her a smile, sweet but fake, and stood up. He helped Artymis to her feet. "Yeah, that place." Zuko said nervously, he took the Avatar's hand and led her into a different direction - one that didn't lead her to his ship. I can't take her now - I can't take her chance to live.

He seems nervous, Artymis thought. She gave 'Shang' a worried look behind his back. Is he alright? Did I remind him of his father?

Artymis? Anduril's voice came to Artymis unexpectedly. She nearly jumped.

Um, yes? She asked.

Come back to the village, Anduril said.

Why? Artymis asked, confused.

If you haven't noticed, it nearly sunset. Anduril explained.

Artymis looked to the sun, to find it already starting to set on the horizon. Already? Geez! Time goes by fast!

Yes, it does. Anduril agreed, I'll meet you and Katara at the village.

Artymis was alarmed, Wait! Katara and I had a - she lost contact with him. Great, just great. "Um, Shang?" Artymis said nervously. The shadows were already coming, she looked back at the setting sun. "Had you noticed that our walk took from the morning to sunset?"

'Shang' gave her a peculiar look, "Yeah, why?" He asked. "Do you have a specific time to be at your house or something?" He smirked, "Or are you afraid of the dark?"

Artymis' jaw fell down and she tried to speak, but no sound came from her moving lips. "I am not!" She managed to say.

"Oh, really?" Zuko couldn't hold back a laugh. Apparently, the Avatar had her fears - but who would've thought that she had a child's fear? He laughed.

"Come on!" Artymis said, not finding this funny. "I am not a child anymore!"

"Sure, right!" Zuko bent over laughing.

Artymis frowned and threw her arms down like an angry child would, "It's the truth!" She yelled.

Zuko was still laughing hard. He hadn't laughed this way since before his banishment. "I - I believe you!" He lied.

"No, you don't!" Artymis threw her arms down again, "You're lying!"

Zuko stood up straight and no longer laughed, "Alright, Arty - Arivana!" He said, Artymis looked away, satisfied. But Zuko couldn't hold it back any longer, he laughed again. This time, a bit more harder than last time.

"Shang!" Artymis whined, turning back to him. She playfully hit him on his arm, and he fell on the ground, still laughing. "Stop it!"

"I'm sorry!" He said, "It's just no one - not even a 14-year-old - is afraid of the dark!"

"I AM NOT!" Artymis shouted. She placed her hands on her hips, and frowned. "Shang, please? It's not so funny - " Time suddenly went slow, really slow. Even the sound of the stream, or the laugh from 'Shang' had suddenly gone mute. The only thing Artymis heard was the sound of her heart beating, fast and hard. She felt herself, very slowly, being pushed back by an invisible force. Artymis felt something very light, but valuable, leave her body.

What's happening?

Zuko felt strange all of a sudden. One moment, he was laughing at Artymis' 'fear', then he felt cold. Zuko looked up to Artymis, to see if she was alright, but only found her falling to the ground. Zuko immediately jumped to his feet and ran to the Avatar, before she collapsed onto the ground. He placed a hand on her cheek, and moved her face towards his. Her eyes were closed peacefully, and she seemed to be sleeping. Except there was a Water Tribe symbol - the crescent moon and the waves of waters - glowing brightly on her forehead, and there was something glowing from her arms. Zuko had a feeling it was the drawing of water on her arms from the little episode in the South Pole that was glowing.

"Artymis?" Zuko called out her real name. He softly shook her, she didn't wake. "Artymis?" Zuko began to panic, "Artymis!"

Artymis felt the hard wind blowing against her face and hair. She felt something scaly under her sweaty palms. Anduril? She opened her eyes, at first all she saw was a bright light. Then her eyesight came into focus. She knew she was flying, and no doubt on Anduril. Anduril? Artymis called out to him, there wasn't a response or the slightest hint of his presence. Only another's. Artymis looked down at her hand. Sure enough, there was something scaly under hand, but it wasn't Anduril's scales. These scales were a ruby red, not silver. Artymis came to realize that she was on a dragon, but her own.

"Oh my - " Artymis sat up straight. She looked all around her, she was in the sky - she pretty much knew that, though - and the trees, both living and burnt, were below her, moving fast. Artymis looked up when she heard a deep humming sound. She gasped. A pair of golden eyes stared at her. Artymis ignored the flapping sound of his wings and concentrated on the dragon. "Who are you?" She asked him. The dragon turned it's head away from her and hasten it's flying speed. "Please don't go too - FAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSTTTT!" Her voice was soft at first, but the last word came out as a scream when the dragon went at an immense speed.

I'm gonna die! Artymis thought with a fright. She shut her eyes and prayed: Oh please, please, please, please, please, please! I wanna live to see another day - oh please! I swear I will serve the world first - I just wanna live!

When Artymis did open her eyes, she saw that the dragon was flying a bit slower and that they were flying over an ocean. She saw that up ahead, there were two rows of metal ships that have created like a border. Wait, Artymis thought, Isn't that the Fire Nation's border? She and the dragon flew right past them and the people on board didn't even notice. Artymis saw Zhao on one of the ships, he was talking to a soldier. Zhao! Artymis smiled and paid attention up ahead again.

"What's that place?" She asked out loud, as the dragon headed towards a crescent moon-shaped island, made of rock. There was a volcano too, and lava, not too much, was pouring out. There was also a tall tower-like building with five floors - it looked like a birthday, the bottom layer bigger than the others, and as it goes up, the layers become smaller. The main colors of the building was red and black, and gold. It looked a bit creepy though, seeing it lonely on a rock hill with a volcano on the same island. Then at the same time, the building look beautiful in it's own special way.

Artymis stared at it and raised a hand to shield the sun's light, when she rose her hand though, Artymis noticed something. Her hand was see-through! She gasped and waved her hand from side-to-side. Her eyes widen in shock and she gave out a fearful cry. "Why am I...?" She looked to the dragon, then followed his gaze. "Wait! We're going in there? Is Sokka in there?" Artymis asked, she received no response. She frowned, "Come on! Even Anduril isn't like this!"

Artymis held onto the dragon tightly as he entered through the entrance of the building, the doorway she noticed was like a huge golden flame. The dragon slithered it's way inside and made a sharp turn up. "What are you doing?" She asked him, when he was heading straight for the ceiling. "You're gonna get us killed!" She yelled. Wait, aren't I already dead? Artymis didn't get to think it thoroughly because she and the dragon already "hit" the ceiling, she shut her eyes. Strangely though, Artymis didn't fall flat on her back from a hundred-feet fall, or felt the smack of marble against her face. She opened her eyes to find herself in a different room.

The room she and the dragon were in now, was quite grand. Everything was red or a darker shade of it. Artymis jumped off the dragon and looked down. There was a large circle drawn on the floor and there was writing on the edges of the circles. Artymis' eye moved from the floor to what really caught the eye. There was three or four stairs to a statue. Behind the statue were three golden flame plates. Each got bigger as they spread out. The statue, though, was carved wonderfully. Artymis walked up closer to it, and studied it hard. She gaped when she realized it was the same statue that was in the Southern Air Temple, the one before her statue was supposed to be.

"The Avatar before me," Artymis whispered. She spun around to the ruby dragon, "Um, who is this again?" She asked, letting out a nervous laugh.

The dragon lifted it's tail and lightly pressed the tip of it's tail against her forehead. Artymis closed her eye and saw an image: a man with white hair, golden eyes, and in Fire Nation clothes that was worn long ago - was riding on the same ruby dragon that Artymis just rode. A word whispered in her mind: Roku.

Artymis opened her eyes and the dragon drew back it's tail. She blinked and looked back at the statue, "Avatar Roku?" She asked, looking back at the dragon, who nodded. "Ok, then." She placed her hands on her hips and sighed. "Ok, I remembered the name of the Avatar before. And you're his animal guide, I take it?" She said looking to the dragon, who gave her a thoughtful look in his eyes. "Like Anduril is to mine." She gave the dragon a suspicious look, "Let me guess: you were overprotective of Avatar Roku, just as Anduril is to me, huh?" The dragon seemed amused by this. "I take that as a 'yes'." Artymis said, then noticed a shine coming from the see-through dragon. She could make-out a red jewel. Artymis looked at the ray of light, it was close to Avatar Roku's statue. Her eyes looked down to the writing on the floor, on the edges of the circle, and noticed what their meaning was.

Wait! What was it that Gyatso said? Something about meeting Avatar Roku and on a certain date or time or season? Artymis slapped her hand over her forehead and closed her eyes, trying to remember. Why didn't I pay attention instead of writing songs? Why?

Having trouble to remember? A calm and amused voice asked inside her mind. Artymis jumped about two feet off the ground. She spun around, trying to find whose voice it belonged to. Artymis' eyes landed on Avatar Roku.

"This is creepy! A statue is talking to me, now!" Artymis bent down on her knees and covered her head with her hands and shut her eyes. "This Avatar stuff is getting creepier and creepier by the minute! First: I'm a bridge! Then: I'm thinking I'm dead! And the worst part is-" She put her hands in front of her and tried to do a simple airbending trick. "Oh great! I can't even airbend!"

You indeed are a peculiar girl, Artymis' eyes widen as she realized who it was. She jumped to her feet and spun around to the ruby dragon, who looked quite amused now.

"You?" Artymis asked, shocked. "You can talk to me, telepath? Like Anduril?"

Yes, he answered. And I must say, you are quite surprising. Not paying attention in class, I see?

Artymis frowned, "Hey! That's rude! Even Anduril wouldn't do that!"

No, he might. The dragon seemed smiling, Yet, I must say, you are indeed what Roku would say. Strong, smart, and different.

"He knows who I am?" Artymis asked. I feel liked I've been stalked! She made sure the ruby dragon didn't hear her thought, fortunately, he didn't.

Yes, but I wasn't sent to you for that.

"Then what?" Artymis asked, the dragon's tail tip softly touched her forehead again and another image conjured up in Artymis' mind. An image of a large, burning comet. It was flying at immense speed. Then, there was a bright light. "A comet?" She asked, looking to the statue, "That's what Avatar Roku wants to talk to me about?" She looked back at the ruby dragon. "When, though?" Artymis answered her own questions as she gazed at the writing and remembered what Gyatso had told her. "Oh! I know now!" She looked to the dragon with a happy face, "Thanks for the help."

It was my pleasure. The dragon said.

Artymis climbed on his back and gave the statue of Avatar Roku one last look. "On Winter Solstice, in three days." She whispered. The dragon took off and exited out of the building by going right through the wall. Artymis then asked him, We're in spirit world, right?

Yes, he answered.

And Roku couldn't talk to me while we're still in the spirit world? Artymis asked.

The dragon sighed, There is much you need to learn about becoming an Avatar.

I've noticed. Artymis sighed and looked at the Fire Nation border, guarded by ships. She tried to look for Zhao.

And, the first thing you need to know is: the Fire Nation has started a war - whatever it is that one of their kind has told you, is nothing but lies, he revealed.

What? Artymis asked, completely shocked. But - but - I met someone from the Fire Nation a few days ago! He was nice! He said -

Zhao? the dragon asked, Was that his name?

Artymis hesitated, Yes, why?

Avatar Roku has told me to lend you some advice: don't trust him.

Why not? Artymis felt like she was having an argument with Anduril.

They were passing the ocean now. Zhao is one not to trust or think of as a friend. Please, listen to my words, as well as Roku's. The Fire Lord Sozan has started the war. Zhao falls in as a supporter, as well as Fire Lord Ozai.

So, Prince Zuko has nothing to do with the war? Artymis asked, she slowly began to understand. He didn't start it?

Prince Zuko never really wanted this war. He felt pity for soldiers whose lives would be thrown away as a diversion, he told her.

I've been tricked! Artymis' hands balled into fists and she shut her eyes, I was so stupid!

It wasn't your fault, you have barely woken up from your trance, he comforted her with his words. Anyone, who had been sealed up in an iceberg, would've believed anyone.

Now, Artymis glared over shoulder, a glare for Zhao. I know who to take my anger out.

Save it for the Fire Lord, Artymis. The dragon was over the trees now.

Artymis could see herself - well, her body - and 'Shang'. He was holding her, trying to wake her up. Artymis saw that the Water Tribe symbol was glowing on her forehead. He'll know! She panicked, thinking of excuses to say when she would awake.

This is where we separate. The ruby dragon slowed down.

It was nice meeting you, I feel like you're my brother now. Artymis said to him, a soft smile on her face.

Yes, I feel like you're a younger sibling of mine - Roku was like my brother, just as Anduril is to you. He slowed down and let Artymis disembarked, she knew 'Shang; wouldn't see her - not in the spirit world. He was still trying to wake her. Artymis turned around to face the ruby dragon, she placed a hand over his face.

I hope we'll meet again - maybe when I go see Avatar Roku on the Solstice? she asked, hope in her eyes.

The ruby dragon hummed softly, Maybe.

Artymis bowed her head in respect and started to walk towards her body. Oh, and Artymis? She turned around to see laughter in the dragon's eyes. I was overprotective of Roku.

Artymis smiled, Girls trying to flirt with him? She asked, even though she knew the answer.

Yes, he said.

Artymis laughed. Good-bye! She made a run towards her body, and she felt that strange feeling again. Like when her spirit separated from the body, only this time, she was reuniting them.

There was a blinding light to Artymis' eyes, and she opened her eyes when she was back in her body again. First thing she saw, was 'Shang's' golden eyes - full of worry. She slightly moved her head and stared up at 'Shang'. "Hello," She said, a bit cheerful. She knew that the glows from her body had already faded.

"Arty - Arivana!" 'Shang' yelled from happiness, he hugged her tightly.

"Um, Shang!" Artymis said, a bit confused. Does he like me or something?

Zuko held onto Artymis very tightly. He had his arms wrapped around her and held her close to him. His face half-buried in her brown hair, he smelled the sweet scent again. Zuko didn't know when he had ever felt worried about someone in his life. He didn't realize he was fingering her hair thoroughly with his fingers.

Artymis hugged 'Shang' back, softly though. She closed her eyes and remembered what the ruby dragon had told her, about Zhao and the war, and Prince Zuko. Maybe, she thought, I should be careful with Shang.

"I thought you died back there!" Zuko whispered in her ear.

"Me?" Artymis pulled away and gave him a questioningly look, "Die? Pu-lease! I am a lot stronger than that!" She noticed 'Shang' smiled, and couldn't resist to smile back.

"It's nighttime." 'Shang' said.

Artymis noticed this, she looked back at 'Shang'. "I need to go back to the village - immediately!" She yelled, getting to her feet. "I know how to get my friend back!" Wait - I do?

Zuko got to his feet and saw the anxiously in her green eyes. He knew how much it was to her to get her friend back, and restore her friendship with the Water Tribe girl. He nodded his head. "Come on!" He took her hand and began to run into the trees. He led Artymis out of the trees and into the field of the burnt trees. He stopped for a second, then began again to run. But he didn't feel Artymis' hand in his, Zuko turned around to see her standing there. A sad look in her eyes as she gazed at the burnt trees.

"Arivana?" Zuko called out to her. When she didn't responded, he walked up to her.

"I'm sorry," Artymis said, not looking at 'Shang' though. "I was just wondering..."

"About what?" 'Shang' asked her.

"If someone's home dies, can they become a spirit and haunt other living beings?" Artymis asked, she turned her face away from the dead trees and faced 'Shang'. She noticed something in 'Shang's' eyes, something that she was sure she had seen before. She squinted a bit and focused on 'Shang's' eyes. The moonlight didn't really help, since 'Shang' was wearing a hat and there was a shadow covering half of his face.

"What is it?" Zuko asked the Avatar, he was starting to fear that Artymis was figuring out who he really was. He hoped she didn't.

Artymis blinked and shook her head, "Nothing, but do you believe in what I said?" She asked again.

Zuko thought carefully for a moment, did he? I suppose if a spirit has unfinished business or had a strong reason to stay... He nodded. "I do believe." He then asked her, "Why do you ask?" Artymis looked past his shoulder, Zuko turned around and saw a statue of a panda in the midst of dead trees. He slowly began to understand. "And what's your plan?" He asked.

"Actually," Artymis confessed, "It was what you told me, Shang."

Zuko gave the Avatar a confusing look. "What I told you?"

"Yes," Artymis answered, she lifted her hands. Her hands were cradling something and her fingers were tightly closed around it. "I gave it a kiss." She teased softly, she opened both of her hands, and in the middle, was an acorn.

Zuko stared at it in confusion, and his lips slowly formed a smile. He looked up to Artymis and gave a small chuckle. "So, that's your plan?" He asked.

"Yeah," Artymis said, closing her hands again and holding the acorn close to her. "Only way to get my friend back and put a spirit at rest." At least, she thought with hope and doubt, I hope! And if this doesn't work - I don't know what will!

Zuko smiled at her again. The Avatar, he thought, is very -

"But we have to hurry!" Artymis pleaded 'Shang', "It's already past sunset. The spirit has already begun to terrorize the village!" She and 'Shang' ran past the panda statue and onto the road to the village, where terrified screams came from. "Oh no!" Artymis and 'Shang' arrived at the village's entrance, where a black and white monster began to tear houses and buildings. The creature looked more powerful than before. As the Winter Solstice draw near, Artymis thought, the creature becomes stronger?

"Arivana!" 'Shang' yelled, Artymis looked up and saw the one of the creature's hands about to smash her. She stood there, legs frozen. Move, Art, come on! she thought urgently, but she couldn't. A silver blur passed right be her. Anduril! Anduril was backing the creature's hand off, but he failed and was thrown aside like a ragged doll. Anduril, no! Next thing Artymis knew, arms wrapped around her waist and she found herself pressed against 'Shang' as he moved her out of harm's way. She and 'Shang' was thrown aside, Artymis had her eyes shut and when she opened them, she saw 'Shang's' face in a mask of pain. She gasped when she looked down to see why. On his left arm, there was blood. "Shang?" She whispered, she sat up and laid him on his back. "Shang?"

"Artymis!" Artymis' hair whipped around as she turned her head to see a worried Katara, running towards her.

"Katara?" Artymis said, she didn't hesitate. She jumped to her feet and ran to embrace Katara, who surprisingly embraced her back. "I'm so sorry, Katara! Really, I am!" Artymis apologize at fast speed.

"No, no!" Katara said, "I should be sorry! I should've known that you never would forget about me or Sokka!" The girls pulled apart and smiled at one another, glad that their friendship was repaired. "Now, what do you say we fight this spirit monster?" Katara smiled as she let a ball of water float in her palm, the water came from a shattered vase.

Artymis laughed, but shook her head. "No," She said, "I think I know how to calm him down."

Katara gave Artymis a worried look "You sure?"

"I'm sure, and I'm sure we'll have Sokka back." Artymis said, this made Katara smiled hopefully. Artymis turned around to cast the unconscious 'Shang' a sad smile. Please, get better, Shang. She spotted the fallen acorn nearby 'Shang', she turned to face Katara. "I'll be back. Just make sure no one gets hurt, okay?"

"No problem," Katara replied, "Just be careful, will you?"

"How long have you known me?" Artymis joked.

Katara laughed and ran in the opposite direction, "Good luck!" She shouted over her shoulder.

"You too!" Artymis called out, she turned on her heel and bent down by 'Shang' to carefully pick the acorn up. A hand softly gripped her arm, Artymis looked to 'Shang'. "You need to rest." She said, placing a hand on his sweaty forehead. "You're bleeding."

Zuko stared at Artymis and listened to her words. He felt her hand on his forehead, which was covered in sweat. He eased the soft grip on her arm, and his hand fell by his side. He felt a sharp pain on his left arm. He shut his eyes and hissed, and he felt Artymis' hand pull away. He opened his eyes and saw the Avatar standing before the black and white creature that just stood in front of her, breathing hard. Zuko watched her perform her plan in the most strangest way.

Artymis stood before the spirit. She looked up at it with no fear in her eyes, only confident. She tighten her fingers around the acorn. The spirit gave out a roar.

"I know why you're angry!" Artymis shouted to him, the creature stopped and looked down at her. "I know who you are. You're the spirit of the trees that burnt down, the forest. It was your home, right?" The creature answered by giving out another roar. "You need to calm down!" She shouted, "I know how it feels, to be all alone, no one else there for you." She confessed softly and lowered her eyes, the creature lowered it's head as to listen closely to see if there was the truth in her words. "I felt angry when I learned my home was half destroyed and there was no one there. I thought to myself: Where can I go now? Where could someone like me go? Then I saw the trees, all dead. I felt very sad because I wasn't there to save it. Like you. I thought the trees never grow again, and all the animals would never live there again." Artymis slowly lifted her eyes to the creature, "Then, someone told me that there was hope. The trees would grow back. I didn't understand. He told me that everything begins with a seed." Artymis raised her hands towards the creature. "An acorn can grow and become a tree. All you have to do is give it a kiss and take care of it." She opened her hands and offered the acorn to the creature. The creature hummed softly and it seemed to have grown smaller, into a full-grown panda. "You think, maybe you can stop hurting people and take care of the forest again?" Artymis asked softly. The panda gently took the acorn between it's teeth and walked out of the village.

At the village's entrance, bamboo sticks grew really fast and tall. All the people that the spirit had taken hostage, emerged and reunited with their loved ones.

"Sokka!" Katara flung her arms around Sokka and embraced him tightly.

"Whoa!" Sokka was stumbling backwards from the embrace, but he stood his ground. "What's up with you?" He asked his sister.

Katara pulled away and explained, "You've been gone - I think to the spirit world - for 24 hours! How are you feeling?" She asked, concern in her blue eyes.

"I need to use the bathroom!" Sokka ran for it, leaving Katara sighing.

Artymis returned to where 'Shang' should've been, but wasn't. She didn't need to find him really, only needed to follow the small trail of fresh blood. Artymis followed it and found 'Shang' hiding behind a torn down wall of a building. She observed 'Shang' tearing the shirt sleeve of his right arm. He picked at his wound, which looked infected. Artymis shook her head and sat by him on his left side.

"Shang," She said softly, he seemed startled by her presence. "Let me look at your arm."

He lifted his uninjured left arm so she could clearly see, "There." He said stubbornly, "You saw my arm, now leave me alone." He turned his face and picked at his wound, trying to tend to it.

"Don't do that." Artymis said, "And show me your arm - the right." He didn't. "Shang!" Artymis said, "Your wound looks infected, let me see."

Zuko couldn't believe Artymis didn't get the hint: 'Hello, I can take care of myself'. He grunted and turned his back on her, "I'm fine." He muttered.

Artymis gaped at him and nearly yelled, "No, you're not! Now, let me see!" She stood up and try to look over his shoulder, but 'Shang' seemed a lot smarter than that. He hid his left arm by covering it up with his right. "Shang," She hissed angrily, "Don't make me hurt you, you're hurt as it is already."

"You're a stubborn one, aren't you?" Zuko asked her over his shoulder.

"Shang!" Artymis caught him off-guard. She moved his right arm and took a look at his left one.

Damn! he thought angrily, She sure is stubborn!

He's too stubborn! Artymis thought, I wish men would just admit they're hurt! But no, they just have to say "I'm fine." Of coarse you're not! She sighed when the large wound on 'Shang's' arm bled again. Artymis reached at the side of her belt, where there was a flasket of water. She opened it.

"What are you doing?" 'Shang' asked, he seemed frighten for a second there.

"Trying to help you." Artymis answered, pouring water in her hand.

"I don't need any help." 'Shang' argued.

"Yeah right." Artymis replied. She placed the flasket down and reached over to the wound with the hand that had water. "This'll sting, so don't scream like a girl." She warned, she heard 'Shang' grunt. She softly, but kinda hard, placed the water in her hand over the wound. 'Shang' gritted his teeth. Artymis ignored him and rub the water on his wound, her hand covered in a mixture of blood and water.

"That hurt!" Zuko gritted through his teeth, his eyes shutting from the stinging pain.

"Well," Artymis said in a matter-of-fact tone of voice, "It wouldn't hurt as much if you didn't poke at it."

"It wouldn't have hurt if you hadn't moved out of the way when that creature tried to smash you!" Zuko pointed out.

"Maybe you need to learn to control your temper!" Artymis hissed back, her green eyes flashing with anger.

She got you there, a voice said in Zuko's mind.

Before any of them said anything else, a glow came from the water on 'Shang's' arm and from Artymis' hand. They stared in wonder and amazement as the water stitched the wound back together. The glows faded and the skin on 'Shang's' left once-wounded arm looked as good as new, as if the wound was never there.

What in the world...? Artymis stared at her hand and questioned silently on how she healed 'Shang's' wound.

"How'd you do that?" Zuko asked her, observing his healed arm. Only Waterbenders could do this kind of healing.

"I'm not sure..." Artymis muttered, she blinked and glared at 'Shang'. "Shang, please don't take the healing lightly. It may not be fully-healed, it may need more time. Maybe three days?"

Zuko suddenly remembered something. His ship would be ready the day after tomorrow. He looked to Artymis, who was still glaring at him, but there was a concern in her eyes. "Three days, but - "He closed his mouth. "Alright." He sighed.

Artymis smiled and she hugged 'Shang'. "Promise?" She asked, her eyes closed.

"Yeah, I promise." Zuko promised and wrap his arms gently around her, and closed his eyes. He buried his face in her hair. He looked up after about thirty seconds, "What happened to your friend?" He asked.

Artymis opened her eyes and pulled away. "He's alright, last I saw."

"I saw you up against that creature," Zuko said. "I didn't think you survive."

"I told you: I'm a lot stronger than I appear!" Artymis said.

"Yeah," Zuko said absent minded. "And a lot beautiful in appearances and soul." He blinked and realized what he said. Artymis gave him a confusing look. Great job! he thought while watching her giving him a questioningly look, She's gonna think you're a pervert now!

Artymis stared at 'Shang' in wonder. Does he really mean it? she thought, a hope rose in her. Wait! she remembered what Roku's dragon had told her, Don't let it happen again! He'll probably do what Zhao did - break my heart! She turned her face away, looking almost angry. "I need to go." She said, she got up and began to walk away. That's it! Just walk away, Art, walk away!

Don't just sit there. Go after her! Zuko stood on his feet and placed a hand on Artymis' shoulder, he turned her around to face him. 'I swear I didn't mean it!" He lied, then shook his head. "Wait! I do think you're beautiful, but in the inside as well! Wait, what I'm trying to say is - " Zuko lowered his head and sighed.

Wow, Artymis thought, watching him. Boys really do get nervous, and when they do get nervous, they have nothing to say. Girls like me? Whoo! We never stop talking! Artymis felt herself smile and tried to hold back a laugh. Unfortunately, 'Shang' heard this. He looked up at her smiling face.

"What?" He asked angrily. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing!" Artymis lied and bent her head down and stopped laughing. "I really need to go though, Shang." She said sadly, she looked up at him with a hope in her green eyes. "You think, I'll see you around?" She asked.

"Meet again?" Zuko asked, she nodded. "Um," Zuko hesitated. "I think we will." He answered.

Artymis smiled and pulled away from his reach, "I have to leave tonight, so that's why I asked." She confessed.

"You're leaving? Tonight?" Zuko was shocked. "Why?"

Artymis quickly thought of a white lie, "I have a friend that is sick, and, um, he wants me to return and spend his last days with me. He's a very close friend of mine."

Zhao? Zuko clenched his fist, Artymis luckily didn't notice. "Tell your friend I feel sorry for him." Yeah, because I'll make sure he'll pay for lying to you! But Zuko kept that thought silent.

"I will." Artymis said, she turned around and started to leave, but hesitated. She turned back to 'Shang' and her cheeks grew a light pink. She ran quickly back to 'Shang' and gave him a quick kiss on his right cheek - where his half-mask wasn't there - and pulled away and her cheeks was almost the color of a red rose. She lowered her eyes and lifted them up, "Bye." With that, Artymis spun around and ran out of sight. Artymis felt her heart stop beating for a second, then it began to race at incredible speed. She felt like she couldn't breathe. She was out of breath. She felt unusually happy now.

What did I just do? she asked herself quietly, but smiled brightly.

Zuko lifted a finger where Artymis had kissed him. It was a quick one, a peck on his cheek. But Zuko felt unusually happy, very happy. He jumped over the wall of the village and walked into the dark trees. All he could think of was the kiss that Artymis left him. Zuko wished she hadn't given it to 'Shang' though. He wished she would've given it to him, to know who he really was. His heart didn't stop beating, it was going very fast now.

"She's very..." Zuko muttered when he walked across to the hiding place where his Fire nation armor was. "Beautiful."

Artymis reached Katara, Sokka, Appa, and Anduril. She didn't walk up to him as her usual-self. Instead, she was skipping. Katara and Sokka gaped at her. Appa groaned, and Anduril surveyed Artymis very closely.

"Hello!" Artymis greeted happily.

Sokka hid behind Katara. "Katara," He whispered, "Who is this girl?"

"Artymis?" Katara called out, an uncertainty in her voice and eyes. "Are you ok?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Artymis asked, grinning.

"She's scaring me!" Sokka whispered.

"Oh and I have to tell you something." Artymis' face fell and her voice did as well.

Sokka blinked and stepped away from Katara, "Yeah!" He said coolly, "She's our Artymis!"

Katara ignored him and looked to Artymis. "Was is it?" She asked.

"I need to talk to Avatar Roku." Artymis explained, "I was in the spirit world for a little while and I know where and when and how to talk to him. Go me!" Artymis clapped her hands in triumph, "But I did have some help..." She looked to Anduril.

Anduril? she called out to him telepathy.

Artymis? he responded.

Avatar Roku - the Avatar before me, Artymis telepath.

What about him? Anduril asked, curiously.

His dragon was overprotective of him too. Artymis said, Don't feel so sad.

What is that suppose to mean? Anduril gave her a wondering look.

Nothing! Artymis said quickly.

I will find out why you were so cheerful! Anduril said.

Uh-huh? Artymis broke contact with him. She looked to Katara and Sokka.

"What about this way to talk to Avatar Roku?" Katara asked.

"He died before Artymis was even born - over a hundred years ago!" Sokka lifted his arms.

"Yeah, so?" Artymis and Katara asked.

Sokka looked at the both of them, and sighed. He dropped his arms. "Continue, please."

"Ok!" Artymis said, "I can talk to Avatar Roku in his temple on the Winter Solstice."

"It's the day after tomorrow!" Katara said, her eyes widening a bit.

"Geez, if we found out earlier," Sokka whined. "We probably could've been there already!"

"Yeah," Artymis' voice drifted off. Now to tell them the hard part. At that moment, Momo jumped on Artymis' shoulder.

"Momo!" Sokka said, "Where have you been?"

Artymis petted Momo and gave her friends a worried look.

"What is it?" Katara asked.

"I know where his temple is, but..." Artymis stopped.

"What?" Katara asked.

"Where is it, Art?" Sokka asked.

"I'm not so sure if you want to go." Artymis said quickly, trying to avoid it. "Maybe Anduril can go with me, and you guys can meet me in the North Pole while riding Appa."

"Art!" Sokka and Katara warned with stern looks.

"Ok, ok, ok!" Artymis gave in, she sighed.

Zuko was dressed quickly in his Fire Nation black clothing and armor. He threw the clothes he stole away. They would be of no use now. He slowly marched his way back to his ship. His half-mask was gone, and his hat was gone as well. Now, he was 'Prince Zuko', not 'Shang'.

I don't even know why I decided to become 'Shang'! he thought, It was all a waste of time! Zuko was in front of his ship now. His Uncle Iroh standing on the deck. Iroh came running to Zuko when he spotted him.

"Prince Zuko!" Iroh said, a smile on his face. "I see you have returned."

"So it has." Zuko muttered.

Iroh noticed his nephew's cheeks were a light red color, a blushing color. Iroh muffled a laugh.

"What?" Zuko asked, already loosing his temper.

"My, Prince Zuko," Iroh teased. "You're blushing."

"What?" Zuko touched his cheek, where Artymis had kissed him, he blushed even deeper.

"Now, your cheeks are in a deeper shade." Iroh teased, "What made you blush?"

"None of your business!" Zuko yelled.

Iroh lifted his hands, "Calm down, Prince Zuko. It's probably a trick of the moonlight." Iroh looked up to the full moon.

Zuko looked up at it, he remembered when he and Artymis met. In the South pole, on a night like this, while the moon was up. Would she have kissed me back then? he wondered, If we talked like her and 'Shang'?

"A beautiful moon, isn't it, Prince Zuko?" Iroh asked him.

Zuko didn't respond at first, then he yelled, "Who cares about the moon, uncle? I need to capture the Avatar!" With that, Zuko marched onto the ship's deck and into his room. He slammed the door and locked it. This time, I don't care who's role I'm playing: 'Shang's' or mine. I will capture the Avatar, from now on, I won't let these weird emotions or thoughts interfere with me getting my honor back. He then thought something that was risky and very important: I've crossed a bridge, for Artymis' friendship.

"Well?" Katara asked eagerly. "Art, say something!"

"The temple where I need to see Avatar Roku," Artymis began. "Is on a crescent moon shaped island."

"That's it?" Sokka asked.

"No, there's more." Artymis said, "The island is in the Fire nation." She said the last two words as if they were very difficult to say, she looked to Sokka and Katara. Katara's and Sokka's eyes widen in fear and shock.

"F-Fire Nation!" Sokka repeated.

"Are you sure?" Katara asked Artymis, "Positive?"

Artymis nodded her head. I'm gonna have to take a risk and go, if I want to know what that comet means and learn more about the war that the Fire Nation started.

Author's Note: Ok! Chapter eight is up! I managed to finish it up, I think there are mistakes - I thought I checked - so, please tell me, k? And this cahpter was -counts- 16,642 words - not including the end-of-the-chapter author's note. This is a world record for me! The highest words for a chapter was "An Old Friend" - a little over 9,000 words. Uncle Iroh did not get kidnapped, I'm sorry to say. I decided to maybe use that for later. Hope you won't mind! Now, I might be a little busy from now, so not within a week or so updates, but I'm sure it won't take two months. A month at the most, but I highly doubt it. Anyways, I hope you like this chapter and give me your opinions, and ideas are always welcome. Thanks to my reviewers for last chapter:

Firework: Hey! Thanks for pointing out my spelling errors, I thought Haru was spelled 'Harur', guess I was wrong. I hope you like this chapter as much as the others ones.

TribalfusionN: Hello! Thanks for reviewing, you could review on my last chapter, and I wouldn't care if you're late. And Winter Rose Alchemist or Winter Moon Alchemist has great stories. Her "I Hate Her, But I Love Her" Fullmetal Alchemist story is awesome. I think she's gonna start an Avatar story, not sure. But I reccommend you read her Fullmetal Alchemist stories and the other ones.